City Council - Regular Meeting

following the Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, council meeting to order. Would the clerk please read roll?

Ms. Chilko? Absent. Mr. Clapper?

Here.

Mr. Draeger? Here. Mr. Hook? Here. Schaefer-Bish? Here. Mr. Tipton?

Here. Mr. Turner?

Absent. Ms. Wallach? Here. Ms. Wesley?

Here.

Do I have a motion to excuse Ms. Chilko? So moved. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed?

Okay.

Before we begin this evening, I would like to recognize the passing of Charlie Thomas, the longtime owner of Ray's Place. For nearly five decades, Charlie was a familiar and beloved presence in downtown Kent. And under his leadership, Ray's became much more than just a restaurant. It became a community gathering place where generations of residents, Kent State students, alumni and visitors came together. Charlie understood the special relationship between the city of Kent and State University. And Ray's place helped strengthen that connection. His warmth, his humility and his dedication to our community will be deeply missed. On behalf of the Kent City Council and the entire city of Kent, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Charlie's family, friends, employees and everyone whose life he touched. Please join me now in a moment of silence as we remember Charlie Thomas and honor his many years of service to our community.

Thank you.

Well, tonight we have the honor and privilege of honoring a man whose name and whose legacy will forever be connected to this chamber, our former mayor, Jerry Fiala. I'd like to recognize Jerry's wife, Sue, his daughter, Valerie, son, Tommy, and the rest of his extended family. Thank you very much for being here this evening. Jerry dedicated more than three decades of his life to public service. He represented Ward 1. He served as a councilman at large, and he became Kent's 46th and 48th mayor. Altogether, he served 16 years as mayor and president of council. The dates and titles alone cannot adequately describe Jerry's contribution to the city of Kent. Jerry was a lifelong resident who genuinely loved this city. He was proud of Kent's neighborhoods, businesses, schools, the university, civic organizations, and most importantly, its people. Whether he was presiding over council meetings, attending a ribbon cutting, supporting a community organization, or simply talking with residents, Jerry was always there. I had the privilege of serving alongside Jerry for many years. We sat next to one another at the firehouse and here and we shared a lot of stories about our families and we became friends and colleagues and we shared lots of pictures of our grandchildren. He was very proud of his grandchildren and would always comment about my granddaughter and we enjoyed sitting next to each other. Terry brought humility, warmth, humor, and an unmistakable hometown pride to everything he did. He never sought recognition for himself. He believed public service was a team effort and that when people work together for the good of the community, everyone won. That spirit is why naming this council chamber earlier in the last year in Jerry's honor was so appropriate. This chamber represents public service, civic responsibility, respectful discussion, and a commitment to the future of Kent. Those are the same values Jerry demonstrated throughout his life. We had one more important reminder of his service. photograph that we are dedicating that hangs above Jerry's name at the entrance of the council chamber. Everyone who enters will see the face of the man whose name this room proudly carries. Future council members, city employees, residents, and visitors may not all have had the opportunity to know Jerry personally. They will know that he mattered to the city. They will know that he served Kent faithfully. and that his community was grateful. It's my honor as the mayor of City of Kent on behalf of the Kent City Council and our entire community to dedicate this photograph in loving memory of Mayor Jerry Fiala. May it serve as a lasting tribute to his leadership, his friendship, and his remarkable lifetime service. Jerry's photograph will welcome everyone who comes through these doors and his spirit will always remain within these chambers and throughout the city of Kent. Thank you. I was talking with his wife, Sue, and we will be adding a plaque showing Jerry's service because he was the longest serving mayor in the history of Kent, 16 years he was mayor. So as you're leaving today, Please take a look at Jerry's picture. It was a picture he wanted to be known for with his loving dog, Jewel. The smile we are all very well aware of and we're used to seeing at council meetings. And thank you, the family, for being here for this special occasion. You guys are more than welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting. Dominique's going to take a photograph if Sue and the family could be there.

Or you can stay for the rest of the meeting. as soon as we get there.

Okay, and the third piece of business I have is introducing Kent's new health commissioner, Andy Bull. Andy brings considerable public health experience to our community. He previously served as health commissioner from, I don't quite know, I've heard it pronounced Picowa as well as Pickaway, Pickaway. County Public Health and worked with the Portage County Health District, giving him valuable knowledge of both public health administration and the needs of our region. He holds a master's degree in public health and business administration and is a registered environmental health specialist. Andy's combination of leadership, professional training and experience in environmental and community health will be a tremendous asset to Kent. And on behalf of the city council and the entire community, I am pleased to welcome Andy Bull to the city of Kent and wish him every success as our new health commissioner.

Thank you very much.

Kind of took everything I was going to say and said it, so that's all right. I'm very happy to be here. I've always loved Northeast Ohio, grew up in Youngstown and worked in Portage, loved the area. So as soon as I saw this opportunity, I knew it was the right fit. Looking forward to getting to know everyone. I want to make you aware that I'm always available. It's only my third day, so give me a couple days. But any public health concerns, anything that we can help with, my door is always open and I'm just a phone call away. So thank you for having me here and thank you for the kind words.

Thank you, Andy. Welcome. Hey, Mr. Tipton, opening remarks and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the Republic from which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay. Communications.

We do have one member of the public, and that would be Shauna Roach.

Okay, I have something to, I have to read if I can find it. I hope I have.

Is it my long proposal?

Here it is. Although public comment is not required by law, the Council has long upheld the practice of inviting citizens to share their remarks. We value and appreciate the contribution of all residents who wish to address matters of public concern. Please be advised that Council will not engage in dialogue or debate during this portion of the meeting. As President of the Council, I reserve authority to suspend any comment that is disruptive, inappropriate, or otherwise inconsistent with the decorum of these proceedings. When approaching the podium, please clearly state your name and address for the record. Each speaker is allotted three minutes to present their remarks.

Thank you. Good evening. My name is Shawna Roach. My address is 223 Harris Street. I'm a resident here in Kent. You have already had my proposal for a volunteer program at the KPD Kennel. So tonight, I'm not going to repeat what you've already read. Instead, I want to tell you why I wrote it. I spent time sitting outside the gate of the KPD kennel, looking into the faces of dogs that were waiting and knowing there's so much more we could be doing for them. I said it was not going to get emotional. When a dog arrives there, everything familiar is suddenly gone. Their home, their people, the voices and smells they recognize. Now they are behind a gate waiting for someone they know to come back. They just wait. And sometimes no one comes. Nikki and Jacob, two huskies who brought it to my attention, showed us how long that waiting can become. They remained at the kennel while legal and ownership matters were being resolved. That wasn't a situation KBD created. Sometimes things simply take time. But while everyone else was working through what came next, Nikki and Jacob were still waiting. Another morning, another night, another set of footsteps that didn't take them home. The compliance officers come twice a day and care for these dogs. What I'm proposing doesn't replace that care. It adds to it. Someone to spend time with them, to walk them, play with them, exercise them, give them affection and human interaction. And I know how much they want that because I go there. I talk to them. I bring them treats. Sometimes I read to them. They don't like novels that are drama. They like kids' books. When I come down, they cry. They press against the gate. They try to push through it. They even try to get underneath it to reach me. And I sit on the other side. Sometimes all I can give them is my fingertips against their noses. I'm right there. They're right there. But there's a gate between us. And sometimes I simply want to be there with them. So tonight I'm asking you to start with me. Let me be the pilot volunteer. Screen me, train me, give me rules and scheduled hours, require a waiver, hold me accountable, but then please open that gate. Let me help make their day something that's something more than waiting. This isn't about blaming our police officers. This is about giving our community an opportunity to help them. There will be another Nikki. There will be another Jacob. And there will be another dog behind that gate. wondering if someone is coming. I'm already willing to sit outside that gate for them. My goodness, tonight I'm simply asking you to let me step through it. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay, written communication. Kathy?

On August 25th, 2026, Donna Roach emailed the clerk's office with suggestions regarding the Kent Police Department kennel. He subsequently provided a proposal for a structured volunteer enrichment and rescue partnership program. These emails were shared with Council, the Mayor, the City Manager, and the Police Department. On August 27, 2026, the Clerk's Office received notice that the September 1, 2026 Planning Commission meeting was canceled due to a lack of agenda items. On September 1, 2026, the Clerk's Office, as well as the Mayor, City Manager, and Council members, received an email from Ken Claypool, suggesting an ordinance against feeding wildlife in the city. He indicated that he would like to speak at a council meeting regarding the subject and has also had discussions with Law Director Hope Jones. He also included in the email an ODNR flyer advising against feeding geese. On September 8, 2026, the Clerk's Office received the agenda for the September 15, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. The agenda was posted online and in the foyer of City Hall. and received after agenda publication. On September 11th, 2026, the clerk's office received the agenda for the September 17th, 2026 Parks and Recreation Board meeting, which was posted online and in the foyer city hall. On 9-14, the clerk's office received the agenda for the September 21st, 2026 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, which was posted online and in the foyer city hall. On 9-15, the clerk's office received an email from resident Mary Bass, expressing concerns about feeding of wildlife in the city. The email was shared with council. On 9-15-26, the clerk's office received an email from resident Patricia Koch expressing concerns about the overpopulation of deer in the city. The email was shared with council and Ms. Koch requested that it be read at this meeting. She wrote, I would like to add my voice to the group of Norwood Beach neighbors who are looking for assistance in managing the deer population in our neighborhood. I've written to my council representative, Melissa Selco, and explained the situation. I've also heard a summary of the report that a DNR representative gave to residents of Cleveland Heights on this issue. The gist of his report is that the longer a municipality waits to cull, the more expensive it'll be. Not rocket science, but an important consideration for planning. Our deer population is growing rapidly, and we literally can't be in our yards without the company of a group of deer. In the last two weeks, there was an unusually late birth and the doe was very aggressive with me and my dog. I am in favor of culling at least half the population. I know that the deer will always be here, but we are being overrun. According to the DNR representative, once the population is under control, it can be managed. We have three or four neighbors who feed the deer. I'm in favor of an ordinance prohibiting this practice. However, it won't be enough at this point to control the population. Please give this matter your attention. Thank you.

Thank you, Kathy.

City Manager's report, Jeff.

I'll move items one through nine on the City Manager's report.

All those in favor? Second. All those in favor? Opposed? Okay. Okay, the approval of minutes.

Can you pull out 5.1, please?

What's that?

Separate 5.1.

Separate 5.1 and 5.2. So separating them, approval of July special meeting minutes.

I'll move to approve this.

Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed?

Abstain.

One abstention. 5.2 approval of the August regular meeting minutes. Move to approve.

Second.

Second. All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Abstain. This abstains. And 5.3 approval of September committee meeting minutes. I'll move to approve.

Second.

Second.

Eric. All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Passes.

Senate agenda, Kathy. 202681 an ordinance authorizing the finance director upon the issuance of a certificate of availability of funds to pay certain purchase orders made that exceed $3000 and declaring an emergency. 202682 an ordinance authorizing the city manager or his designee to reappoint Eric Helmstetter to serve as the city's representative on the Destination Kent Convention and Visitors Bureau and declaring an emergency. Draft 202683, a resolution authorizing the month of October be permanently designated as sustainability month in the City of Kent, Ohio, and declaring an emergency. Draft 202684, an ordinance amending ordinance number 2025111, the current appropriation ordinance, passed December 17, 2025, so as to adjust appropriations, transfers, and advances from the various funds of the City of Kent individual accounts for the current expenses of the city for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026 and declaring an emergency. 202685, a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor. 202686, an ordinance authorizing the city manager or his designee to enter into a license agreement between the city of Kent and Claiborne Property Management LLC to occupy a small portion of city-owned property adjacent to 1238 West Main Street and declaring an emergency. Draft 202687, an ordinance authorizing the city manager or his designee to accept the donation of temporary easements, permanent right-of-way, and shared-use path easements from the Kent City School District Board of Education to complete the North Vannaway Improvement Project and declaring an emergency. draft 202688, an ordinance authorizing the city manager or his designee to allow the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, NOPAC, to include the city of Kent in a new municipal power purchase collective for power needs at the city government buildings and declaring an emergency. Suspension. Second.

Hold, please.

Mr. Clapper? Yes. Mr. Drager? Yes. Mr. Hook? Yes. Ms. Schaefer-Bisch? Yes. Mr. Tipton? Yes. Yes. Ms. Wallach? Yes. Ms. Wesley? Yes.

Group adoption?

Second.

Mr. Draeger? Yes. Mr. Hook? Yes.

Ms. Schaefer-Bish?

Yes.

Mr. Tipton? Yes. Ms. Wallach?

Yes.

Ms. Wesley? Yes. Mr. Clapper? Yes. The consent agenda passes.

any committees and legislation. There's no business from the Committee of the Whole, no business for Community Development, no business for Finance Committee, no business for Health and Safety, no business for Land Use Committee, no business for Street, Sidewalk, and Utilities Committee.

Is there any unfinished business?

Is there any new business? Tracy?

Yeah, I would like to direct staff to

look into the volunteer program that Ms. Roach has suggested.

I'll second that.

Yeah, I think dogs are pretty sad that are in the cage. I've seen them like that, and I would be willing to volunteer personally to help them have a better life there.

Heidi, any comments?

Well, yeah. Having become a recent dog mom myself, dogs need stimulation. not just so-called care. They really do need that stimulation and that connection with people. And I find that it sounds really heartbreaking that some of the dogs are there so long and don't get their needs met. So I really value Ms. Roach's proposal and the fact that she stepped up and taken this on. I think it could be a really wonderful thing for the volunteers themselves. As long as this doesn't become an overwhelming burden to the police department, I think it can benefit both volunteers and of course the recipients of the volunteer activities for them.

Okay, so we have a second to the motion that Tracy made. All those in favor?

Opposed? Okay. Any other new business, Chris? Yeah.

I think it's worth having a discussion at committee level about the deer overpopulation issue. We talked about, we've been exchanging emails about this in a previous council, but it does seem more significant than ever. I know I can't drive into my street Without encountering a deer, I was telling Jeff, it is rarer to not see a deer than to see them. I often see them limping. We know they carry, unfortunately, they carry ticks. We know that they are a hazard for drivers. We know that they're a hazard for dogs who run out the door and you don't see them back for a while. So I think it's worth having the discussion both on the feeding issue, which I agree with the resident is an issue, but it feels like part of a larger issue, which is deer in our yards, our gardens, our roads. And so I'd like to motion to refer to committee the issue of feeding and of deer population. I'll second.

Seconded by Jeff. Any further discussion? I've already made my comment. Jeff, all those in favor?

Aye. Opposed? Okay. Any council member comments? Okay.

Mayor's report. First of all, I was telling Bridget when I came in, I had the opportunity to tour Shepherd's House, which is a homeless shelter and warming center and a cooling center in Portage County. And Dan Morganti from Community Development and I attended. And I have to tell you, it is probably one of the most interesting, one of the most amazing to me establishments I've seen. The organization, the cleanliness, it is a If you have an opportunity, please take a tour. Ann Marie Noble. Oh, great. It was an hour tour, and then they provided lunch for us. But I have to tell you, it is absolutely something that they should be proud of. It's really a great, great opportunity.

And the second thing I have on my agenda here, let me find it here.

When I was first asked to proclaim September 25th, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day in the City of Kent, I gave the request a careful consideration. Proclamations should recognize more than fame and popularity. They should reflect values worthy of celebrating in our community. After learning that communities across the country would be participating in this recognition, I decided that Dolly Parton's extraordinary life and example deserve to be honored here in Kent as well. There are hundreds of communities across the country that will be recognizing Dolly Parton through their proclamations, and as I researched this, I became even more convinced I was doing the right thing. This proclamation is about much more than her entertainment career. Dolly Parton has used her success to improve the lives of others through her imagination library. By the way, my daughter, my granddaughter adores that. And I'm sure, Chris, your son as well. It's an amazing, amazing resource for kids. Really, really a great thing for them. She looks forward every month to getting this book from Dolly Parton. But the imagination library, she's helped provide millions of free books to young children, encouraging literacy and giving them an opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading. She has supported education. She's supported health care, disaster relief, scientific research and families facing difficult circumstances. She has also remained deeply connected to her humble beginnings. Her life reminds us that success does not require forgetting where we came from and that achievement carries with it an opportunity to serve others. Despite her international fame, she is widely admired for her humility, generosity, warmth, humor, authenticity, and kindness. Perhaps more importantly, Dolly Parton has demonstrated a rare ability to bring people together. He treated individuals with dignity, avoided bitterness and division, and reminds us that compassion can cross political, cultural, geographic, and generational boundaries in a time when our country too often focuses on disagreement. He represents something nearly everyone can appreciate, kindness towards others. These are qualities that reflect the spirit of Kent, a community that values education, creativity, inclusion, generosity, perseverance, and service. For all these reasons, I am proud as Mayor of City of Kent to proclaim September 25th, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day. May this celebration remind us not only for her tremendous accomplishments, but also of the example she has set. Work hard, remain true to yourself, treat others with respect and use whatever success you achieve to make life better for someone else.

So here's the official proclamation for Dolly Parton.

Whereas Dolly Parton is an internationally celebrated singer, songwriter, musician, actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist, whose extraordinary career has brought joy and its inspiration to generations of people. And whereas through her remarkable talent, distinctive voice, warm humor, and deeply personal storytelling, Dolly Parton has become one of America's most beloved and enduring cultural icons. And whereas Dolly Parton's timeless music celebrates love, perseverance, family, faith, working people, and the courage to remain true to oneself. And whereas her legacy extends far beyond the stage through her generous commitments to education, healthcare, disaster relief, and assistance for individuals and families in need. And whereas through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, books have been provided to millions of young children, encouraging a lifelong love of reading and strengthening families and communities throughout Ohio, across the United States and around the world. And whereas Dolly Parton has demonstrated that kindness, humility, compassion, and respect for others can unite people from every background and walk of life. And whereas the city of Kent proudly recognizes Dolly Parton for her extraordinary artistic achievement, her generous spirit, and her lifelong dedication to making the world a more hopeful and caring place. Now, therefore, I, Jack Amrine, Mayor of the City of Kent, do hereby proclaim September 25th, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day in the City of Kent and encourage all residents to celebrate her music, humanitarian service, commitment to literacy, and enduring message of kindness and acceptance.

And I have an envelope that will be mailed to her organization

that will hold this proclamation.

OK, so I think we need everything for the marriage report executive session. Yeah, I'll move the executive session to consider the purchase of property for public purposes. The sale of property or competitive bidding or the sale of sale or other disposition of unneeded, obsolete or unfit for use property in accordance with Section 505.103 buys code.

Okay, roll Kathy. Yes.

Mr. Drager? Yes. Mr. Hood?

Yes.

Ms. Schaefer-Bish? Yes. Mr. Tipton? Yes. Mr. Turner?

Mr. Turner? Raman? Yes.

Ms. Wallach?

Yes. Ms. Wesley? Yes. They'll meet in about five minutes. We'll let the council chamber people in the council leave and we'll meet in the meeting room. Thank you.