Valerie Wolford

The committee meetings addressed several legislative items, many of which were held for discussion until the subsequent regular meeting. Key topics included third readings for adopting the 2026 Annual Capital Appropriations and 2026 Annual Operating Appropriation for the General Fund, though Finance Director Goodrich's absence deferred discussion. Several multi-year professional services contracts were reviewed, including one with Environmental Design Group, LLC for municipal engineering services (2026-2028) and another for various planning, architecture, and surveying firms (commencing January 1, 2026). Second readings included resolutions for financing agreements for three 2025 Kenworth vehicles and an appropriation for street purposes related to the Arlington Road Corridor Improvements Project. The Planning, Community and Economic Development Committee discussed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Toth Realty of Akron, LLC (Toth Buick GMC) and Serra Works of Akron, LLC (Serra Subaru). A public hearing was scheduled for a rezoning ordinance (Greensburg Meadow Planned Development). First readings included establishing a 12-month moratorium on zoning certificates for vape shops, authorizing an agreement with Brennan, Manna, and Diamond, LLC for specialized legal services related to the Arlington Rd Corridor, authorizing utility installation contracts for a restroom at Kreighbaum Park, and contracting Environmental Design Group (EDG) for Kleckner Park site improvement plans. The Rules and Personnel Committee discussed labor contract negotiations with Zashin & Rich Co., L.P.A., and amendments to the Civil Service Commission Rules. The Transportation, Connectivity and Storm Water Committee reviewed applications for Federal Transportation Alternatives Program funds for the Steese Road Sidewalk Extension Project and Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds for Arlington Road and Greensburg Road resurfacing projects. They also discussed legislation dedicating real property as a public right of way for the Arlington Rd Corridor roundabout acquisition. The Intergovernmental & Utilities Committee discussed renewal of the Animal Control Contract with Summit County and first reading consideration for implementing cybersecurity standards following State of Ohio HB 96 requirements.

The meeting commenced with the swearing in of new board members, followed by the election of the 2026 Chair and Vice Chair. Discussions under old business centered on adjusting the regular meeting time, with an agreement to trial 5:00 p.m. for subsequent meetings. New business involved planning initiatives to connect with local veteran-friendly businesses through the Green Chamber and beginning early planning for Memorial Day observances, specifically regarding the placement of artificial wreaths at the Veterans Memorial. Reminders were issued regarding the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame nominations deadline and the upcoming State of the City event.

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the City of Green outlines a five-year roadmap (2026-2030) for identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing capital needs to align with community goals and available resources. It addresses deficiencies in existing public facilities, services, and infrastructure, and anticipates future demands. Serving as a financial and management tool, the plan details proposed projects and funding for general government, historic preservation, parks and recreation, public safety, stormwater systems, and surface transportation systems, aiming to guide investment decisions, inform stakeholders, and ensure efficient use of resources to enhance service levels and community growth.

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.