Staci Gurney

The City Council meeting agenda included the review of minutes from previous meetings in December 2025. Communications involved memoranda from the Mayor regarding receipts collected for October and November 2025, an Income Tax Recap for December 2025, and a summary for 2025, along with street and alley minutes and notice of online Sunshine Laws training. Administrative reports were given by the Mayor, Safety Service Director, Law Director, and Auditor. Reports were also heard from standing committees. Key legislative actions included the third reading of an ordinance accepting and approving a replat of lots on West Harrison Street, and second readings for ordinances authorizing contracts for the 2026 Comprehensive Road Resurfacing and Overlay Program (not to exceed $1,400,000) and the South Liberty Avenue Street Resurfacing Project (not to exceed $220,000). New business focused on three ordinances, including authorizing a contract with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for dam inspections at Walborn Reservoir ($250,000), entering a two-year contract for legal counsel for indigent persons in municipal court, and making necessary appropriations and transfers for 2026.

The City Council meeting addressed several legislative actions, including the authorization of a contract for professional engineering services for dam inspections and analysis at Walborn Reservoir ($250,000). Other ordinances authorized the procurement of legal counsel for indigent defense, made appropriations and fund transfers for 2026 expenses, approved a resolution for the internet auction sale of obsolete city property, and appropriated funds for construction of an addition to the Maple Beach Park building (up to $100,000). The Council also addressed the transfer of several parcels of land to the Greater Alliance Development Corporation, and ordinances related to waiving city fees for water/sewer taps and providing funding assistance to Build Ohio Acquisition & Holding Company, LLC for single-family residential construction in the Liberty Heights area. Furthermore, actions were taken regarding the installation of a "Children at Play" sign, the establishment of a Host Community Fund, acceptance of NOPEC grant funds, and application for a Chloride Reduction Grant for road salt storage. Old Business included the approval of a replat of land on Hedgewood Avenue.

The meeting included approval of Mayor Grove's commission appointments and discussions on ongoing municipal projects. The Safety Service Director provided updates on utility pole relocation, upcoming street paving for West State, and the leaf pickup schedule. Council members inquired about protocols for reporting and fixing streetlights, and enforcement status regarding housing inspections and citations, with the Director noting upcoming January reports on inspections. The Auditor presented positive news regarding an upgrade in Moody's ratings to A1 and sought approval for several appropriation ordinances and fund adjustments, including restoring funds for police vehicle repair due to accidents, allocating donated funds for the Senior Center Director's supplemental pay, purchasing early Fire Department turnout gear, and establishing a Community Improvement Fund for community donations. Discussions also covered outstanding debt, the EMT services study status, and a public hearing scheduled for an alley vacation. A key discussion point in the Round Table section involved creating a policy regarding City-paid employees posting negative content on social media.

The meeting included discussions about receipts collected in the Mayor's Office, a proclamation for the Stark County Firefighter Prevention Week poster contest winner, and a decision to change the date of Trick-or-Treat due to the OHSAA High School State Football Playoffs. There were questions regarding discrepancies in HOB numbers, updates on property development, and the start of leaf collection. The council discussed roads for the 2026 paving schedule, land on the north side of the alley where the barbershop is, and First Energy's infrastructure improvements. Commendations were given for the baby box dedication, and a Finance Committee meeting was scheduled to review the 2025 budget. A public hearing was scheduled for Ordinance 057-25. The Roaring Kings chapter introduced themselves, and concerns were raised about an ad for the upcoming election and the changes to Halloween.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including a discussion about adherence to Robert's Rules of Order during a previous meeting, updates on Mayor's Commissions, and the fire at the former Hillgreen, Lane & Company building. The council also discussed a Safe Haven box dedication, a contract with an engineering firm for Walborn Reservoir, and a mutual aid agreement with the City of Akron. Additionally, ODOT representatives discussed maintenance responsibilities for a section of US 62. The council also addressed the foreclosure of a property on McCaskey, and approved measures related to unclaimed funds, engineering studies for Walborn Reservoir, and housing rehabilitation technical assistance services.