Jon Hoover

The discussion primarily focused on Ordinance 85, concerning dogs and cats, which is undergoing a rewrite by the law department. Significant deliberation occurred regarding Ordinance 86, pertaining to short-term rentals, including a review of a detailed ordinance from Hudson, Ohio, which features annual licensing, inspection requirements, occupancy limits, and contact rules. While some council members expressed reservations about banning rentals due to low local complaint rates, others highlighted a past serious incident involving a large gathering, suggesting the need for regulatory tools. The council ultimately opted to defer a vote on the short-term rental ordinance to allow further consideration of permitting options. Additionally, the council addressed Ordinance 86 (short-term rentals) and Ordinance 85 (cats and dogs). Major agenda items included the plans and bids for drainage and safety improvements at Ledge Road, which will be funded by RSD community cost-share money and will not increase water runoff. The council also approved an amendment and authorized the County Public Defenders Commission to provide legal services for indigent individuals, increasing the per-case fee from $230 to $250.

The meeting focused on matters related to eligibility lists and recruitment strategies. Specifically, several candidates were removed from the August 19, 2025, Patrol Officer eligibility list and the October 27, 2025, consolidated Police & Fire Dispatcher eligibility list. Following the list updates, the Commission decided to re-open the application acceptance windows for both Patrol Officer and full-time Police & Fire Dispatcher positions. Discussions also covered augmenting recruitment efforts, including the potential use of part-time officers and ongoing contract negotiations regarding compensation for patrol officers and dispatchers. The Commission tentatively decided on scheduling the annual organizational meeting during the first week of February.

The agenda for the Work Session and Regular Meeting included several legislative items requiring readings and potential adoption. Discussions focused on amending ordinances related to the maximum number of cats and dogs, creating new legislation concerning short-term rentals, and authorizing the preparation of bids for the Ledge Road Storm Sewer Project. Further legislative actions included an ordinance amending current city expenses for 2026 and an ordinance authorizing an agreement with the Summit County Public Defender's Commission for indigent representation for 2026. Committee reports covered the Parks & Recreation Commission's discussions on e-bikes/motorized scooters on trails, and department reports provided updates on road conditions due to weather, the service building progress, and IT help desk tickets closed. The meeting concluded with council members moving to enter and then exit an executive session to discuss the purchase of public property, followed by adjournment.

The Parks & Recreation Commission meeting focused heavily on the P&R Master Plan considerations. Key relevant items from the futures growth committee plan included prioritizing universally usable trails, public art installation opportunities, the immediate need for gymnasium courts (a minimum of 4), and investment in Sugarbush trails and fields. Further consideration involved the need for 6 gymnasium courts, an indoor track, and 2-4 meeting rooms, with decisions on lights and security dependent on internet access. Current needs highlighted a multipurpose turf field, security cameras at Sugarbush, and evaluating an amphitheater ROI. Maintenance activities included routine upkeep and project updates, such as the completion of Longwood North soccer fields and dead tree removal at Longwood Manor House and Sugarbush. Programming is in full swing for the fall season, and operations are proceeding with selecting an architect for the family changing room remodel. Event recaps included 'Touch -- A -- Truck,' and planning was underway for 'FallFest,' 'Haunted Hallows,' and 'WinterFest.' New business included a decision to keep the monthly meeting day as is, though open to moves as needed.

The meeting addressed the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, focusing on relevant items from the futures growth committee plan. Key discussion points included prioritizing trails accessible to everyone, integrating public art and beautification projects, the immediate need for gymnasium courts (minimum of four), and investment in Sugarbush trails and fields. Future potential needs such as outdoor workout stations, a dog park, and a skatepark were noted but deemed not immediately warranted. In maintenance updates, work on the new fields, the Sugarbush east side tree wall, and Longwood north field redevelopment was reported. Programming success with the Manta Rays USA swimming team was highlighted. Operational items included scheduling pool deck repairs, ongoing HVAC troubleshooting, and upcoming park road paving. Event recaps covered a successful Car Cruise and a postponed Touch-A-Truck event. New business included scheduling the Trail Expansion Project for 2025 and discussing the possibility of moving future meetings to Mondays.