Shannon Collins

The meeting commenced with a caucus session featuring a presentation on the Streetscape Project, which included details about an upcoming resident survey and draft design guidelines related to a Transformative Mixed-Use Development grant application. Discussions during the caucus focused on a draft revision of the Standards of Council document, with a work session scheduled for further review. The regular session addressed pending legislation, including the final readings for agreements concerning inspection services with QCI and a sewer line issue with Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. New resolutions introduced covered cost reimbursement and maintenance agreements with Twinsburg Township and Summit County for the Liberty Multipurpose Trail, authorization for internet auctions, an MOU with Tinker's Creek Watershed, the 2026 Legal Defenders contract, the transfer of K-9 Caesar upon retirement, and purchases for new K-9 equipment using Opioid Funds. Legislation also included awarding the 2026 Road Program bid to Perrin Asphalt, establishing 2026 Gleneagles Golf Course rates, funding for new golf carts via a transfer ordinance, updating EMS billing and collection fees, and repealing an outdated Ambulance Subsidization chapter. Furthermore, the Council reviewed updates on RITA tax filings and a potential school district earned income tax levy. Council members provided various committee reports and shared personal notes of remembrance.

The Finance Committee meeting involved the election of a new chairperson and vice chairperson for the year 2026. Key discussion points included the presentation of year-end 2025 expenses and revenue, detailing fund balances, transfers between funds (such as to the fitness center and capital improvement funds), and variances from revenue estimates, particularly concerning income tax due to state-mandated changes in penalty and interest provisions. Discussions also covered the status of federal and state grants, performance of the Glenn Eagles Golf Course and Fitness Center revenues, and capital improvement expenditures. Future goals for 2026 include integrating credit card processing to accept contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) across departments and updating financial policies, including establishing a general fund reserve policy and revising the investment policy.

Key discussions during the caucus meeting included an update on the streetscape project, noting that resident surveys would be distributed soon and draft design guidelines were expected by the end of March. The council also reviewed the necessary process for obtaining a letter of support for the downtown redevelopment project's Transformative Mixed-Use Development (T-MD) grant. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and discussing the "Standards of Counsel," with a consensus to schedule a work session to formally review the 2008 and 2018 versions, incorporating feedback, and potentially updating current rules regarding council proceedings and member removal. Several resolutions were discussed, including entering into agreements for construction inspection services with QCI, finalizing paperwork with Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway regarding an improperly installed sewer line, executing a cost reimbursement agreement with the township for Liberty Municipal Trail crosswalks and beacons, approving annual maintenance agreements with Summit County for the Liberty multi-purpose trail, authorizing online auctions for city property, approving the annual agreement with Tinkers Creek Watershed, discussing the 2026 legal defenders contract (noting an increased fee per case), approving the transfer of ownership for retiring K9 Caesar, authorizing the purchase of a new K9 vehicle insert, and approving the 2026 Glenn Eagle golf rates after a small necessary increase.

The meeting opened with a roll call followed by a discussion on items for consideration. A significant portion of the discussion centered on planning for events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, with one member proposing a community picnic near City Hall featuring food trucks and family-friendly activities, while another member noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission already has programming planned around the Cleveland Pops concert on June 26th, which incorporates the 250th anniversary theme. The agenda then moved to pending legislation, including approving the bid award to APora for the wastewater treatment plant improvement project ($11,150,000), awarding engineering services during construction to Burgess and Knifle ($1,59,900, contingent upon loan authorization), establishing repayment contingencies with Summit County for the wastewater project (11.2% cost sharing), entering a one-year renewable general engineering services contract with Burgess and Niple for the wastewater department, entering an agreement with QCI for inspection services for the construction season (not to exceed $70,000), entering an agreement with Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway to formalize paperwork regarding an existing unapproved sanitary sewer installation in railroad right-of-way, and executing a cost reimbursement agreement with the township for the Liberty multi-purpose trail crosswalks and beacons.

The meeting began with roll call, noting the absence of one member due to a family passing, to whom condolences were extended. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Key discussion focused on identifying organizations the committee can work with, including follow-up actions regarding the Superintendent's involvement and outreach to the Chamber of Commerce. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around Black History Month activities for 2026, noting a lack of centrally planned events, and motions were passed to support attending the 2026 Unity Celebration hosted by the Historical Society and a Women in History program at the library. One member proposed bringing a collection of Black dolls for display. Finally, the committee debated whether to host an independent 2026 Diversity Day, with concerns raised about insufficient membership and community understanding, leading to a motion against hosting their own event while prioritizing participation in existing events.