Twinsburg Engineering Dept.

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.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the approval of previous meeting minutes. Key discussions included the compilation of a list of organizations and committees the committee can collaborate with, where volunteers stepped forward to gather information on city, school, and county committees, and existing partnerships. The committee also began preliminary discussions regarding the 2026 Diversity Day event, focusing on the optimal timing (summer versus fall) and exploring the concept of either hosting a separate event or integrating diversity highlights into existing city events like Parks and Recreation activities or 'Stuff the Bus.' For Black History Month (February), the committee planned to promote existing events, such as the Historical Society's Unity Celebration and the High School's Black History Club presentation, and discussed reinstating the recognition of an excelling Black student via a mayoral proclamation. For Women's History Month (March), the committee decided to research local events, potentially focusing on International Women's Day. Under unfinished business, the committee acknowledged a request for a speaker to address the committee at the next session and briefly touched upon the potential for restructuring.