Christopher Barnes

The meeting's consent agenda included notifications regarding the administrative establishment of open eligibility lists for several positions across various departments, such as Engineering Technician I, Tax Auditor/Collector II, Treatment Operator 3, Engineer II, Heavy Duty Automotive Mechanic 3, and Utility Operator 3. New business focused on the recognition of revised job descriptions for the Boiler Operator and Millwright positions within the Building Maintenance Department, with revisions explained as being primarily grammatical and aimed at clarifying educational expectations versus work experience. The Commission also approved the 2025 Annual Report for the State Personnel Board of Review, noting an increase in applications despite minimal change in job postings compared to the previous year. An update on current marketing and recruitment initiatives was provided, including statistics on social media and job postings, and discussions on future utilization of platforms like YouTube and TikTok for recruitment.

The Board of Control reviewed and approved two ordinances requiring the execution of one-year contracts with Hylant Administrative Services, LLC. The first contract, effective from March 1, 2026, to March 1, 2027, is for the City's Liability and Auto Physical Damage Insurance Coverage, totaling $475,519.00. The second contract, also effective from March 1, 2026, to March 1, 2027, covers the City's Cyber Insurance Coverage, amounting to $74,545.00. The meeting was adjourned shortly after these approvals.

The proceedings included public comments concerning Information Resolution #1, which raised concerns about the lack of community input, and another regarding the Jedd Ordinance. Speakers also addressed Rule 15 (Public Speaks), an ordinance concerning Canton City waterlines and sewers, and the potential acquisition of drones by the Police Department. Formal actions included the adoption of two Informal Resolutions authorizing purchase orders for two 2025 Ford Escape vehicles for the Building Code Department and the rental of barriers and gates for the 2026 HOF parade route. During ordinance readings, Ordinance No. 23/2026, which requires annexation for properties outside city limits seeking municipal water and sewer services, was adopted on its first reading and subsequently adopted as an emergency ordinance. Ordinance No. 24/2026, authorizing legal representation contracts for criminal cases, and Ordinance No. 25/2026, authorizing contracts for the preliminary design of the US 62 & Harmont Intersection Improvements Project, were adopted as amended or as is, respectively. Announcements included upcoming committee meetings for Finance, Personnel, and Public Property Capital Improvement.

The Special Board of Control meeting addressed several key items requiring approval. These included entering into Change Order No. 8 with S.E.T., Inc. for a cost reduction of $1,476.56 related to the 11th St. SE Improvements Project, resulting in a new contract total. The Board also awarded and entered into a one-year service contract with Jan-Pro of Greater Cleveland, Akron and Toledo for Custodial Cleaning Services of Various City Buildings for $278,268.00 for the first year, noting that Jan-Pro was the lowest proposer and committed to potentially retaining current JSI employees. Finally, an agreement was approved with Glaus, Pyle, Schomer, Burns and Dehaven, Inc. dba GPD Group for $196,032.00 for the design and preliminary plan preparation for the US 62 & Harmont Ave. NE Intersection Improvements Project.

The council proceedings involved several key actions and discussions. Agenda items included suspending Rule 22A to add and adopt Ordinance O#21 on its second reading. Public input was provided regarding concerns about city water service conditions requiring annexation, and water transfer services between Perry Township and Canton City. Ordinances O#7 through O#18 underwent their first reading. Ordinances O#19 through O#21 passed their second reading, with O#21 adopted. Several ordinances were adopted on their third and final reading, including authorizing a contract with BRINC Drones for a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, authorizing a contract with the Stark County Public Defender Commission for indigent legal services, amending the classification plan for management and non-bargaining unit personnel, authorizing a roadway maintenance agreement with Canton Township, approving a professional services contract with Burgess & Niple Ltd. for sewer cleaning and inspection, authorizing acceptance of easements for a sanitary sewer realignment at the Lincoln Elementary School site, and authorizing a contract change order amendment with RMI Cement, LLC for sidewalk replacement. Committee meetings were announced for February 23, 2026. A utility rate presentation was also announced. Member Mariol addressed the ongoing annexation/water situation between Perry Township and the City of Canton.