Jeremy Paul Flaker

The Barberton Active Transportation Plan establishes a city-wide vision and provides projects, strategies, and recommendations for enhancing active transportation for all ages and abilities. It outlines improvements to infrastructure, including over 10 miles of sidewalks, 0.5 miles of bicycle boulevards, 5.7 miles of separated bike lanes, 13.5 miles of shared-use paths, and 16 intersection/trailhead upgrades. The plan also proposes 18 supportive programs focusing on education, encouragement, and policy, with key goals to ensure safe school travel, improve Towpath Trail connectivity, reduce crash incidents, and increase overall accessibility to destinations, thereby fostering a comprehensive, integrated multimodal network that supports community health, safety, and economic vitality.

The Barberton Master Plan outlines a strategic approach for the City of Barberton, Ohio's re-growth and defines clear redevelopment opportunities. It focuses on creating sustainable land use patterns for industrial, commercial, and residential areas, with a particular emphasis on reinventing the downtown core by leveraging historical assets such as Lake Anna Park and the historic business district. The plan addresses challenges from industrial decline by proposing target area plans for specific locations like the downtown, South Quarry Lake area, and Robinson Avenue commercial corridor, aiming to reestablish a strong identity that blends industrial heritage with vibrant neighborhoods and historical character.

The Street Sidewalk and Lighting Committee meeting addressed the status of street lights on Second Street, noting that all but one strand was reportedly working following replacements. The committee had no requests or pending legislation. Later discussions among various subcommittees covered several topics. The Environmental Health and Social Services report included a cautionary note regarding measles outbreaks in Canada and the United States. The Planning Annexation and Codes meeting reviewed health reports and adjourned. The City Utilities Committee addressed legislation concerning the City of Barberton's potential membership in the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPAC) as an electrical aggregator, requesting emergency wording for the agreement. The Special Rules Marketing Development and Information Technology Committee convened to discuss a resolution requesting censure against Councilman Brian Corman for alleged interruptions during resident participation, referencing council rules on conduct. The committee discussed the expectation for public apology, Corman's subsequent refusal, and the meaning of censure as a formal public reprimand rather than removal from office. Multiple council members emphasized accountability, adherence to decorum, and the importance of adhering to council rules.

The meeting focused on legislative and administrative matters. Key actions included suspending the required rule for immediate adoption of several ordinances. Consent agenda ordinances adopted involved approving the submission of a $75,000.00 grant application to the Barberton Community Foundation for the City-Wide Master Plan, and authorizing payment of $24,260.00 to Summit County Fiscal Office for the first half of 2026 radio access fees. Ordinances adopted on first reading included authorizing a Barberton Works Business Incentive Grant Agreement with The Strait & Lamp Lumber Company, Incorporated, and authorizing a Community Reinvestment Area real property tax exemption for 250 South Van Buren Avenue related to development by the same company. The second reading of an ordinance adopting the new City of Barberton Development Code was held, with the third reading scheduled for a later date. A new member, Maci Devenport, was appointed to the Barberton Planning Commission. Business matters included the certification of a liquor license transfer for 618 Wooster Road W and updates from the Mayor regarding a $5,000.00 placemaking project grant from the Akron Cleveland Board of Realtors for the City's Block 7 Purple Lot, monitoring potential flooding risks due to weather conditions, commencing monthly updates on the Justice Center Project in March 2026, congratulating the grand opening of Clem's Bites, and addressing ongoing concerns regarding proposed statewide property tax elimination measures and the status of an overflowing dumpster.

The agenda for this session included the acceptance of the Finance Department Report for January 2026. Several ordinances were presented for action, including authorizing payments to Minutemen HR Management Services for the Worker's Compensation Group Retro Program and to Everbridge Inc. for the annual Nixle contract. Other ordinances involved entering into a contract with the Legal Defender's Office of Summit County for legal representation for indigent persons, establishing the position of Part Time Director of Public Safety, and authorizing agreements with HGAC and Savvik Buying Group purchasing groups. A resolution was presented to apply for a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Agreement (WPCLF) for wastewater facilities. First readings included note ordinances related to the Meter Reading System Replacement Project, Street Improvement Project, Water Main Replacement Project, and Storm Water Management System Project, as well as an ordinance adopting the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget. The third reading covered an ordinance for the adoption of the new City of Barberton Development Code. Appointments were made to the Barberton Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) and the Barberton Housing Council.