Michael Elkins

The Committee Meetings covered numerous resolutions, primarily focused on budgetary and contractual matters for the upcoming year and specific projects. Key discussions included the proposed 2026 Annual Capital Appropriations, totaling approximately $24,177,440.00, and the 2026 Annual Operating Appropriation for the General Fund and all other funds. The committee addressed modifications to appropriations, including funding for emergency repairs to the post office. Contract approvals involved securing professional services for planning, architecture, historic preservation, and surveying for a three-year term starting January 1, 2026, as well as an agreement for municipal engineering services for 2026-2028. Financing agreements were reviewed for three Kenworth 5-Ton vehicles. Significant focus was placed on the Arlington Road Corridor Improvements Project, involving appropriations for fee simple interests and temporary/permanent easements, and authorizing specialized legal services for right-of-way acquisition. Additionally, a contract was approved for installing a prefabricated restroom building at Kreighbaum Park. The Public Safety Committee received a presentation from the Summit County Sheriff's Office regarding their new administrative office location at the CAB and reviewed a liquor license ownership change. The Planning Committee supported the withdrawal of a rezoning proposal for Greensburg Meadow and reviewed legislation to impose a 12-month moratorium on zoning certificates for new vape shops. The Rules and Personnel Committee discussed authorizing legal services for labor and employment contract negotiations and reviewed proposed amendments to the Civil Service Commission rules to allow hiring flexibility. The Transportation, Connectivity and Storm Water Committee advanced resolutions to apply for federal grant funds for the Steese Road Sidewalk Extension Project, and resurfacing projects on Arlington Road and Greensburg Road. The Intergovernmental & Utilities Committee advanced the renewal of the animal control contract with the County of Summit and addressed requirements for implementing cybersecurity standards mandated by the State of Ohio.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor calling the session to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. Key actions included the swearing in of new Council Members for Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Council then proceeded to elect the Council President, resulting in Councilman Speight assuming the position, and subsequently elected Councilman Neugebauer as the Council Vice President. Finally, the Council adopted the Rules of Procedure for 2026 before adjourning.

This 2026 State of the City Address reviews the City of Green's progress and outlines its forward-looking priorities. Key themes include strengthening community identity, driving economic development through new businesses and tourism, and improving connectivity with infrastructure projects and enhanced walkability. The address also emphasizes robust public safety and mental health initiatives, expansion of park and recreation facilities, sustained educational excellence, and prudent financial management to ensure the city's continued growth and well-being.

The City Council meeting addressed several legislative items. Key actions included adopting the 2026 Annual Capital Appropriations and modifying appropriations within certain funds. The Council authorized contracts for municipal engineering services, specialized legal services regarding the Arlington Road Corridor Improvements Project, and contracts for various planning and architectural services for 2026 through 2028. The body also adopted the 2026 Annual Operating Appropriation for general and other funds. Further actions involved authorizing financing for three 2025 Kenworth vehicles, approving an emergency resolution for the Arlington Road Corridor Improvements Project, and resolving matters related to the Steese Road Sidewalk Extension Project and the Arlington Road Resurfacing Project by applying for federal transportation funds. Legislation regarding a moratorium on vape shops was adopted. The Council confirmed mayoral and council-appointed members to various Boards and Commissions, including the Design Review Board, Veterans Advisory Commission, and Audit Committee. Additionally, the City authorized an agreement for Animal Control Services with Summit County and adopted a resolution to set cybersecurity standards.

The committee meetings covered several items, including the approval of the August and September 2016 minutes. The Finance Committee reviewed third readings for resolutions concerning accepting tax rates and amounts, and advancing funds from Summit County. They also discussed a resolution authorizing the acceptance of an $11,000.00 donation for the First Responders Memorial and another resolution regarding transferring cash between the Self Insurance Fund and the General Fund to avoid budgetary issues. The committee also reviewed the September 2016 Financial Statement, which indicated a 6.98% increase over the previous year, and discussed a resolution to purchase three new riding lawn mowers with a trade-in offset. Other discussions included a report from the Environmental and Parks Committee on the successful Trick or Treat Trail event, September reports from the Fire Department and Summit County Sheriff's Office, a resolution accepting the final plat for Lakes of Green Phase 3 subdivision, and discussion on amending the ordinance regarding contracts for professional services, specifically debating the dollar threshold for council review. A resolution setting future City Council salaries was tabled.