Ryan Cannon

The town council meeting covered several key agenda items. A proclamation was issued to recognize the Avon marching band, the Marching Black and Gold, for winning their third consecutive national championship. Department updates were provided by various staff members. Key resolutions involved the approval of the fiscal plan for the annexation of The Reserve at Shiloh Creek Section 2. The council also approved the final reading for additional appropriations, which accounted for grant-funded expenditures, and adopted the 2026 holiday schedule. Furthermore, the council introduced and waived the two-reading process to adopt the 2026 salary ordinance, which incorporates adjustments toward a performance-based system. Finally, there was an introduction of an ordinance for the 2025 end-of-year reappropriation and an introduction for amending and re-adopting the investment policy.

The meeting included the presentation and recognition of the 2025 Avon Youth Sports Coach of the Year, Tiffany Green, who was acknowledged for her dedication and impact on young athletes. A public comment session featured a representative from the Henry County Council discussing the successful, multi-entity Youth Assistance Program, which has reportedly reduced juvenile court referrals by nearly 30%. The Council also approved the consent agenda, which included the check register and minutes from the November 6th work session. New business involved the adoption of the 2026 insurance renewal, which showed a substantial increase, primarily in property and casualty coverage, although workers' compensation costs decreased. Additionally, the Council adopted Ordinance 2025-28, amending street stop sign designations and reducing speed limits in several areas based on traffic studies, and approved the final reading for a written commitment modification related to the development known as The Reserve at Shiloh Creek Section Two. Finally, Resolution 2025-32, establishing the 2026 meeting schedule, was adopted, setting regular meetings for the second and fourth Thursdays of most months.

The session included an introduction and discussion with Tim Mcomes from Joink LLC regarding their plan to extend fiber optic service to the town, primarily focusing on fiber-to-the-home in subdivision areas. Key discussion points included the all-underground nature of their fiber build, their symmetrical service offerings (300x300, 500x500, and gigabit service), and challenges related to competing with established providers offering lower initial prices. The conversation also covered the project timeline (estimated six months dependent on locates), the commitment to adhere to city bonds for digging, and negotiations regarding substantial permitting costs, potentially offsetting fees by providing service to town buildings like the new Riverwalk district and the civic center. The details of utility marking colors (e.g., yellow for gas, red for power) were also clarified for construction coordination.

The meeting included public comment time, review of new business documents, and discussions regarding storm water expense accounts. Specific items reviewed included an invoice from Mink Excavating for an inlet repair at 190 Springwood Dr., a Boot Barn receipt for work boots, a GRW invoice, and a stormwater refund request for an overpayment on sold property for account number 23102. The agenda also designated sections for other business and old business, with no further details provided for those sections.

The meeting commenced with the Town Council calling the December 18th meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the retirement of John Taylor, the Economic Development Director, who served for approximately seven and a half years starting in June 2018. Council members highly praised Mr. Taylor's impact on increasing the town's assessed industrial value, achieving over $300 million in construction value from new industrial development, and fostering essential business relationships. Following the recognition, the council moved to approve the consent agenda, which included the check register for December 18th, memoranda from the December 4th work session, approval of the December 4th minutes, and annual reports for risk management, internal controls, and ADA and Title 6 compliance. During the public comment section, a resident spoke to thank Mr. Taylor and to vouch for a neighbor, Cole Ritter, who submitted an application to serve on a board.