City Council - Regular Meeting

I'd like to call the August 19th City Council meeting to order. Would the clerk please read roll?

Ms. Helka? Mr. Clapper?

Here.

Mr. Draeger?

Here.

Mr. Hook, absent. Ms. Schaefer-Bish? Here. Mr. Tipton?

Here.

Mr. Turner, absent. Ms. Wallach? Here. Ms. Wesley?

Here.

Mr. Turner and Mr. Hook have asked to be excused.

I'll move to excuse them.

I have a second. Second. All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Aye. Okay. Schaefer-Bish, opening remarks and Pledge of Allegiance.

All right. Well, I do want to say it's lovely to see the Council Chambers packed and to see such a good crowd here. I know we have some special ceremonies this evening. It's also, I need to remark that the town itself is growing more lively with the return of students and classes just around the corner. It's a great time for a new police chief to come on board. With that, I'd like to welcome you to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The first order of business today is I'm delighted to swear in our new police chief. Dave, could you give us a few words about this?

Yeah, the mayor said, you know him better than the rest of us. You've been working with him. Say some good stuff. So... I have no good – no, I'm kidding. He's terrific. We're delighted to have him. I feel like I already kind of used my best lines in the family. I'll take full credit if he works out to be the best chief we ever had, and I have nothing to do with it if he fails. We're certainly expecting him to have great success. He's coming into a great department. He knows that. I think he brings some skills that the department will value. They'll help keep pushing them forward and be the kind of department that Kent is proud of and we're safe. I know it's great to see so many uniforms in the room and they're not specifically looking for me or anything like that. They're here to show their support. Gary comes to us from Lakewood, for those that haven't heard or know anything about Gary, Chief Gary Stone, or soon to be the official Chief Gary Stone. And I got to be a part of one of the interviews that he had. So in truth, it is a process for those that aren't familiar. Chief jobs don't just get handed out like a lot of jobs. He had to go through a pretty detailed assessment, the The state chiefs kind of grill him and grill all the candidates and see who survives. It's sort of like the gladiator games, you know? And he came out on top. Not only did he come out on top, he creamed everybody. Legitimately, that's what people said. They said, David, sweet that you want to interview him, but you don't even have enough points. He's so far ahead of the second place candidate that it doesn't really matter. And we were still delighted, so it worked out great. And I can tell you, I don't know, you know, I don't want to, he's a somewhat private person, so I don't want to reveal too much, but I can't not say that how, I think Hope and I, when we heard this story, we got a little teary. He talked about how meaningful this position is to him. He's at an age where he was thinking, he's put in his years and he's thinking about maybe it's time to retire. And along came Kent and his life dream to be a chief. And it was, I'm going to get emotional saying it again. I mean, it was just a really heartwarming kind of story to hear. And I know he's got family that flew in for this. So it means a lot to them. We thank you for coming. We promise we'll treat him well. We're doing our best to help him. We had what should have been a 20 minute meeting today, but I turned it into an hour orientation. Every topic I said, Gary, you need to know this history to Gary. You need to know this history, so he's going to get a lot of history lessons for awhile, but he's a quick study. He's open and he's he's excited to be here so I won't. I won't steal his thunder, but with that I welcome you all. I hope you like our new City Hall and. I hope you like our new chief too, so thank you.

Chief, would you join me up front here, please? Please repeat after me. I Gary Stone.

I Gary Stone. Being first duly sworn. Being first duly sworn. Do hereby swear and affirm.

Do hereby swear and affirm. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. Constitution of the state of Ohio. The Constitution of the state of Ohio. And the charter of the city of Kent, Ohio. And the charter of the city of Kent, Ohio. And that I will faithfully. And then I will faithfully, honestly, and impartially discharge the duties of the Office of Police Chief for the City of Kent, Ohio. I pledge to carry out the duties of Police Chief to the best of my ability. I will honor and respect the mission and will honor and respect the mission, goals, purpose, and uniform of the Kent Police Department.

So help me God. Thank you very much, everyone. Thank you, Brian, for swearing me in.

Mayor, thank you so much for swearing me in to members of city council, to our city manager, to family, friends, coworkers, including my sister that came all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah, to be here. Thank you so much. Years and years and years ago, when I started at Kent State University, if you would have told me when I started to study criminal justice, that someday I would be sworn in as the Kent Police Department, that day would have seemed so far away. But here it is, and I've just taken an oath to be the chief of this fine police department. Outside of the day that I got married, Susan, the day my children were born, Popper right there, and Matthew, and the day that my daughter got married to wonderful Michael, and the day that my grandson here was born. This is the most, honestly, proud day of my life. I am completely taken back and astounded by this opportunity to serve the public. As my career in Lakewood wound down, I just felt that I still had something to give. I still had something left in me, and when I received a telephone call in February that the city of Kent was looking to hire a chief and I searched through things and sent the application in. It started yet another journey in my life, which I was so proud to take. I want to thank Sue for sticking by me while I was preparing. I don't know while I was studying and rehearsing and practicing. Maybe you were happy that I was out of the house. I don't know about that, but I can assure you that This department is a fine police department. I have felt nothing but welcoming from people that I work with. My three captains have been wonderful. I'm trying to meet all of you on a one on one basis. I'm so proud that members of the Lakewood Police Department could be here and the Brooklyn Chief that could be here to welcome me. Members of the Fire Department, my coworkers from my former department came and it means so much to me. to the assistants that have been nothing but wonderful to help me. I can assure you I will give this my all. And I remember all those years ago when I was studying public administration at Cleveland State, I was told that public administration, which all of us are in in this room up front here, is about human dignity. And that's what police work is all about, especially in 2026, trying to make life better for people. of all walks of life. And I can assure you that that's what I will instill. It's already here in Kent, but I will continue to instill those things in members of this police department. And I will not let you down. I can assure you of that. So a profound thank you from all of you members of government that had faith in me. I am extremely proud. And once again, thank you very much for everything. I do have the opportunity that city manager said I could sort of leave after this to kind of go celebrate with my family. Mayor, I have a piece of paper for you to sign.

It's fine.

Thank you, Chief.

Congratulations. Well,

Our next topic on the agenda is a proclamation to be given to the family of Aaron Ruggles. It is a privilege to recognize and remember Aaron, a man whose presence left a lasting mark on downtown Kent and on the many people fortunate enough to know him. Aaron was far more than a successful businessman. He and his family believed in the city of Kent at a time when the future of our downtown was still taking shape. Through his commitment to our community, including his work with the Bistro, Aaron was among those early business owners who helped build momentum for the revitalization of Kent. Although the Bistro was located on Kent's west side, its success helped spark greater interest and confidence in what Kent, and particularly our downtown, could become. Aaron's vision, hard work, and willingness to invest in our community helped inspire others to see the possibilities. He demonstrated that Kent could grow, change, and become something even greater. That spirit of investment and optimism helped contribute to the vibrant downtown we are so proud of today. Aaron's passing is also deeply personal to me because many years ago, I was his history teacher at Davie Junior High School. He was a phenomenal young man, full of laughing and sometimes a little mischief. And I really, in my first year of teaching, I think it was second maybe, my second year of teaching, and it was really, I grew very fond of Aaron. So Aaron's legacy will live on through his family and his friends, through the many lives he touched, and through the community he helped strengthen. His contributions are woven into the story of Kent and into the remarkable transformation our community has experienced. I prepared a proclamation honoring Aaron's life, his service, and his many contributions to the city of Kent. It's my privilege and honor to present this proclamation to his family today.

the passing of Aaron DuBois, the beloved member of our community, accomplished chef, business owner, veteran, father, family member, and friend, who passed away on July 17, 2026. Whereas Aaron proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Ranger during Operation Desert Storm, and carrying throughout his life the values, service, dedication, and commitment to others. And whereas in May of 2003, Aaron and Barb become the fourth chef in Kent's culinary and business community with the opening of the Bistro on Main, a family home and chef-driven restaurant that would become a treasure gathering place in our community for more than two decades. And whereas chef and owner of Bistro on Main, Aaron created far more than a successful restaurant. it in a place of hospitality, friendship, and community where residents and visitors gather to share meals, celebrate milestones, and enjoy the warmth and creativity that Aaron brought to his profession. And we're asked, Aaron believed deeply that successful local businesses should also serve his community and through Beeson on Main, he generously contributed his time, energy, resources, and support to charitable organizations and for vital causes throughout Canada and Northeast Ohio. And whereas, Sharon's culinary talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to local-owned business helped strengthen Canada's restaurant community and contributed greatly to the character and vitality make our city such a special place to live, work, and visit. And whereas beyond his accomplishments as a chef and businessman, Aaron will be remembered for his generous spirit, kind heart, and fresh smile and laugh, and his ability to make those around him feel welcome and better. And whereas the loss of Aaron Ruggles is felt deeply throughout the Kent community, and his legacy will endure if friendships can form, the people he helped, and the meals and memories he created the spirit of generosity he demonstrated throughout his life. Vow therefore I, Jack, meet Amrine, Mayor of the City of Kent, Ohio, on behalf of the Kent City Council and the citizens of our community to hereby recognize and honor the life and legacy of the early Ruttles and extend our sympathy to some agents of this family, the Beechwater Bay family, and all those who knew and loved him. The affordable claim is a city of Kent expressing its proud gratitude for Garrett's service to his country, his dedication to our community, and the lasting contribution he made to the life and the spirit of Kent. And his memory continues to remind us of the importance of hospitality, generosity, service,

And he was a great bike racing teammate too. Okay. Okay, that was difficult.

Unfortunately, the city has also lost one of our board members from the Civil Service Commission, Tony Mosca, passed away last week suddenly. Tony faithfully served the City of Kent as a member of the Civil Service Commission. He was a dedicated public servant who generously gave his time and talents to our city, and his sudden passing is a tremendous loss to this community. On behalf of the City of Kent, Kent City Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Tony's family, friends, and all those who knew him. We're grateful for his service and will keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I also had Tony as a student as well, and it's very difficult when you start to see people younger than you leaving, and I just don't have any more words for that. I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY TO TRACY WALLACH ON THE LOSS OF HER MOTHER.

MR. MAYOR, I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GIVE OUR SINCERE SYMPATHIES Roosevelt, as they went back to school today, a senior died two days ago. And I actually, I didn't even know her personally. I just got the message. And as a mom, it's horrible. So I want to, how her family were thinking of them. We're so sorry. She had medical issues and she passed away two days ago. Thank you, Sarah. Her name was Ava Berkey. this. So please keep them, keep their whole family, all of you. We're sorry.

Okay. Communications, public comment. We have one.

Mr. John Barg.

Good evening. I've never been accused of being too quiet, so I don't know if that matters.

I got my copy of the city's newsletter today. And on a whim, I came down. I've talked to council people over the years many times about Beggar's Night. I think it's too early. I never trick-or-treated in the light. My children, now in their 30s, never got the opportunity to trick-or-treat in the dark. Most communities around us do it in the dark. Sounds dirty, but it isn't. And then to turn a page and see you're having a downtown family festival that's starting an hour later and going on an hour longer for the same thing, only it's not the beggars' nights in the neighborhoods, to me seems like two ends aren't connecting in our town. And I think you need to rethink the whole thing for next year. But for years I've said, you've got to move it into the dark. The little kids need the light to see. But 630, when I come in now, it's still light up. So the kids will see, and they're only out there for an hour. They get tired from walking. They're just little tots. They go home and go to bed. The older kids, a little dark, a little scary, makes it more fun for them. That's all. That's all my comment is, other than The one other thing in the paper is, and you keep saying it, if I go out and shovel along my curb, that I'm never going to get snow in my driveway. I did that before you guys ever put it in the paper years ago. Doesn't work with how you guys plow the streets. You can print it in there forever. And now I don't shovel it anymore. I have a great big giant snowblower and it still doesn't work. It's just easier for me to do.

Thank you.

Thank you, John. Any more? Okay. Written communications.

On July 20th, 2026, the agenda for the July 27th, 2026 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was received and posted. On July 30th, 2026, a letter was received in the clerk's office registering a complaint about the restrictions that the city's noise ordinance places on residents. The letter was shared with council.

Kathy, we can't hear you.

Okay.

Thank you.

Any better?

Yes.

Okay. On August 6th, 2026, the agenda and packet for the August 11th, 2026 Board of Health meeting was received and posted. On August 10th, 2026, the agenda for the August 17th, 2026 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was received and posted. On August 10th, the clerk's office was notified that there would be no planning commission meeting on September 1st due to a lack of agenda items. On August 10th, the clerk's office received notice from the Ohio Liquor Control Division that a request for a new liquor license was received from CVS Pharmacy located at 500 South Water Street. Chief Stone has no objections.

Any motion for the liquor license? I'll move to return it with no objection.

I have a second. Tracy?

To return the liquor license with no objection.

Second. She second. All those in any discussion? All those in favor?

Aye. Opposed? It passes. I'll move items one through 11 on the City Manager's report. All those in favor?

Second. Approval of the minutes. Do not vote.

I'll move to approve the July and August Committee meeting for July Council meeting minutes and August Committee meeting minutes.

Second, all those in favor.

Aye.

Opposed. Abstain. Abstain. One abstention. Kathy, the consent agenda.

Draft 202673, an ordinance authorizing the finance director upon the issuance of a certificate of availability of funds to pay certain purchase orders made that exceed $3,000 and declaring an emergency. Draft 202674, an ordinance amending chapter 557, fair housing practice section 557.05E of the codified ordinances of the city of Kent to amend the quorum and declaring an emergency. 202675 an ordinance authorizing the certification of nonpayment of bills for residents resulting from the 2025 annual concrete repair programs of unpaid concrete sidewalk repair accounts to the county auditor in order to allow for the placement of the certified amount on the real property tax list and duplicate against the property for the nonpayment of sidewalk repairs and declaring an emergency. 202676 An ordinance authorizing the certification of nonpayment of water use charges, wastewater use charges, stormwater utility charges, and recycling and solid waste collection charges to the county auditor in order to allow for the placement of the certified amount on the real property tax list and duplicate against the property for the nonpayment of said charges and declaring an emergency. draft 202677 and ordinance authorizing the certification of delinquent mowing bills, property maintenance violations and citations, zoning violations and citations, other code enforcement violations and health department violations citations to the county auditor in order to allow for the placement of the certified amount on the real property tax list and duplicate against the property served by the mowing services, property maintenance violations citations, zoning violations citations, Health Department violation citations and declaring an emergency. Draft 2026-78, an ordinance authorizing the city manager or his designee to approve and execute an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Kent, Ohio and the Kent City Board of Education regarding the School Resource Officer Program, extending this agreement until June 1, 2027 and declaring an emergency. Draft 2026-79, an ordinance authorizing the city manager or his designee to accept a donation of temporary easements, permanent right-of-way, and shared-use path easements from the Davie Tree Expert Company to complete the North Manoway Street Improvement Project and declaring an emergency. Draft 2026-80, an ordinance authorizing the water tap-in for Pavlik and Rufus Oral and Max Lowe Facial surgery for the property located at 5085 State Route 43 outside the City of Kent and declaring an emergency.

New suspension. Second.

Mr. Clapper. Yes. Mr. Drager. Yes. Ms. Schaefer-Bish. Yes. Mr. Tipton. Yes. Mr. Turner. Ms. Wallach. Yes. Ms. Wesley.

Yes.

Ms. Selko.

Yes.

Move adoption. Second. Mr. Draeger?

Yes.

Mr. Hook? Ms. Schaefer-Bish? Yes. Mr. Tipton? Yes. Mr. Turner? Abstain. Ms. Wallach? Yes. Ms. Wesley? Yes. Ms. Elko?

Yes.

Mr. Clapper? Yes. Agenda passes.

Okay. There's nothing under standing committees, nothing on committee as a whole, nothing on community development, nothing under finance. health and safety, land use, or streets and sidewalk. Is there any unfinished business? Is there any new business?

Melissa?

I have four items that I'd like to move into committee. The first three are charter amendment related. So I just ask that we look at the timeline so that they might possibly be on the May ballot if they pass council. The first is the movement of parks and recreation under the city administration. The second is nonpartisan elections for the city of Kent. And the third, I might need a little coaching on this one, is to move to a two thirds vote for suspension and passing of an emergency versus the current standard, which is three quarters. The fourth item does not apply to the charter. but I'd like some recommendations from our team to look at an ordinance that would limit feeding wild animals in Kent. We have a really large problem with deer and also with skunks. And I'm not saying that I have the answer to that, but I would like to get some recommendations from committee. It is probably the number one complaint that I get from my ward in particular, also Benjamin's ward, And so I'd love to get some feedback from our team to see what we might be able to do about that.

I'll second it. This is coming to committee.

It's not just a motion to put on committee. Was that your motion to ask for committee time?

I'm making a motion to make committee. Thank you.

I would like to separate the items, please. I would like to separate out the nonpartisan elections.

Do I have a second to that?

Instead of having a vote for all four at once.

Do I have a second for separating out Sarah?

I was going to say I was going to, but.

Comments?

Yes, I would. I will not vote for that to be even in committee. We talked and talked and talked that to death. It just. It's a lot of people. upset. We had a lot of discussion on that already. We can certainly bring it up in the future, try to review, but this, in my opinion, is settled for this for now. So I would like to exempt the nonpartisan elections from movement into committee.

Any other comments on that?

Can I just make a comment? Sure. that this is just to move it into committee for discussion. And this is a very different makeup of council. And I would like to hear what this council has to say. That's my only recommendation.

I don't have objection so much as moving it to committee, but I do have a little bit of trepidation about, it was a year ago that we did this and went through charter review and voted on it. And I know it is a new council, but it seems a little bit Even though the word I'm looking for is, but once, if it was 10 years down the road, maybe it was something that needed to be revisited, but on the heels of coming out of charter review before the next one, I find it a little bit reckless of it to where to pass that immediately, but I have no problem with it going to committee.

Okay. So we have a motion to separate. Any other comments on that? All those in favor of separating, say aye. Aye. Aye. All those in favor of not. Right, so that one does not pass. Do we have a motion for the other?

It did pass, I'm sorry. I'll still stand by my motion to move the other three to committee.

I'll second that. I mean, yes, you just voted on separating. You didn't vote on discussing it or not.

Oh, that's true. Yeah, we didn't. So we need to vote on this to whether we're going to do that or not, right?

So let's. What about the original motion on the floor? What should the order be there? I don't know.

You want to just see if she'll make that motion that all of them will be voted on separately rather than debating.

That would be easier, right?

And I'm not trying to get in the middle of this, but you might save yourself some extra.

It makes more sense.

Yeah, just vote on each of those topics.

I'd like to move the parks and rec issue, the two third suspension issue, and I'm sorry, repeat the fourth one for me. Oh, and looking into feeding wild animals to committee.

Second. Second. Discussion? All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Okay, passes. Now we have to deal with the nonpartisan election.

I would like to make a motion to not move the nonpartisan elections into committee.

She made the motion. You have to vote on that motion.

Okay, so we have a motion to put nonpartisan elections on the ballot. Send it to committee. I'm sorry. Do I have a motion? You made the motion, so I need a second. I'll still second it. Okay, any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed?

Aye.

We have a show of hands, please. 4-3 fails. We have eight people. Oh, I'm sorry. And you voted against as well? So it's 5-3. Thank you.

I'm sorry. 5-3 against, correct? 5-3 against. Okay, thank you.

So it would be three to five. Okay.

Okay. Any other new business, Jeff? I'll add a motion for committee to look at the charter to not allow members of the community to sit on consecutive charter review commissions now that they're in a five-year gap instead of a 10-year. Okay.

I'll second.

Discussion? Any discussion on that?

When we went through the charter review process, I had motioned. I won't make the motion again because I didn't pass, whereas a little bit concerned about. My feeling is the Charter Review Commission is appointed by Council to work separately to review our charter and bring us their findings. I didn't feel good about participating in that process because we appointed them. I thought the influence could be a little convoluted there and I wanted to stay very separate from that process, so I'm just repeating those thoughts. But I think now that this is occurring twice as frequently as it was before, having some separation between people serving over and over and over again that could potentially have some sort of agenda. It just takes some more of that worry out of there.

Any other comments?

I don't think I'm not sure that that needs to be in the charter. I mean, couldn't you just put that in your standing rules that that. Heck, that that. Charter Commission that there will not be consecutive members placed.

Is it is the charter review process in the charter, though? It is. So shouldn't that just be part of the review process? Because it says that we should be appointing these people. So I thought that could be an addendum to appoint these people that have not served on the previous charter review.

OK, I was just suggesting that you didn't need to put it in the Charter.

OK, and I guess if it goes to committee at that point, it does pass to go to committee. We can discuss just putting the standard rules.

Yeah, yeah, OK. OK, any questions? Any comments? All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed?

Any other new business? Council member comments?

I just wanted to thank Council for the beautiful flowers that I received. I thought that was a very kind and thoughtful gesture.

Jack. Yes, just a little bit more comment. A few of us were at an event held by the Chamber this morning where we met a lot of constituents and businesses hosted by the Chamber, and that was an excellent event where we were able to communicate a lot of the things that we have been accomplishing over the last, for us, seven months. And I wanted to welcome students back to the community. I was just doing four hours of moving them into their dorms and quickly changed to be here. So our town is now at full capacity again. And so I wanted to welcome them back to the community. Thanks, Ben. Heather?

One more. I wanted to bring up to be mindful with the university students coming back into our community. speeding on the roads, they're darting across the road, especially under the construction, you know, drive slow. But most importantly, I already saw it this morning, the buses are back in full session. We need to be mindful of children getting on and off the buses. And if you need a refresher course on when your car has to stop when the stop sign is out, I will be happy to do that for you. Please email me. because it is so dangerous, especially right now on Route 59 where it's all tore up. I think that as a community, we need to make sure we're keeping our students safe and the bus is always a scary thing with traffic. And now with the road tore up, it's a thousand times worse. And with all of our Kent State students, it makes everything feel a little bit more pushed together and we need to make sure we're being so super safe on the roads for our students and our community members.

Yeah, I'll piggyback on that a little bit. I want to remind everyone that this city is an education community and that we have people that are just leaving home for the first time or moving into our residential neighborhoods for the first time, being on their own. And I think it's It's important to recognize that it's really incumbent upon all of us to extend the welcome as well as to help to educate in a kind way and help people get socialized into Kent. And it's just a real reminder that they are, the students are a part of our community. They are members, community members, and we represent them.

Thank you get Fridays flashes first Friday.

Put that down. Mayor's report. Since my last report, I have had the opportunity to represent the city of Kent at a number of meetings, celebrations, ribbon cuttings, community events, So some of the things I've been doing, I attended the new council breakfast this morning. It was wonderful. You guys should be impressed by these three and all of us, but these three individuals particularly did a phenomenal job. I was very proud of you. Attended the Main Street Kent's 20th anniversary celebration along with council members Heidi Schaefer-Bish and Benjamin Tipton. JOINED SERVICE DIRECTOR MELANIE BAKER FOR A MEETING WITH CHUCK KIPER AND THE NOPEC STAFF. RECEIVE UPDATES AND DISCUSS MATTERS AFFECTING THE COMMUNITY. Held an introductory meeting with the new police chief, Gary Stone. Attended most recent town gown meeting. Continuing the important partnership between the City of Kent and Kent State University. Joined Councilmember Benjamin Tipton for a ribbon cutting at the Kent State University Kame Esker Bog. attended an Edward Jones ribbon cutting at Franklin Township in the Jed, attended a ribbon cutting celebration for the new inclusive playground at Davie Elementary School, presented a proclamation to Chaz Medanio and the Medanio Animal Trust recognizing dog days of summer. As part of the proclamation, we also honored Mayor Jerry Fiala and his beloved dog Jewel when they named the parade the Mayor Jerry Fiala and Jewel Memorial Paw Parade. I have some upcoming events. This Friday, I will welcome Kent State University students. I will be attending the convocation. I will also be downtown welcoming students from 2.30 to 5.30. And if you guys would like to join, I'll have a table down there. And please join me. Next Sunday, I will attend an ice cream social at the Thomas Anderson Memorial Gardens for the South Side. Next Wednesday, I will attend the Western Reserve Land Conservancy dinner and presentation. I will also participate in the upcoming safety meeting involving Kent State University, the City of Kent, and our community partners. And it continues to be a privilege to represent the City of Kent at these events and support the organizations, residents, businesses, and community partners that make Kent such a special place. And I would be remiss if I did not recognize and welcome Councilman Robin Turner. It's good to see you.

Okay, anything else? Robin, would you like to say something? Yes.

I want to take time to thank the body council for their support during difficult periods for me and the staff.

I am so honored to be a part of it. And I appreciate what you've done and the support you've given me.

It's awesome. And thank you, citizens of Kent, for your well wishes. I've got a way to go. But I'm moving back. Thank my cousin, Brenda, Dr. Perryman. She's overseeing my health care at this moment and time. And I appreciate that. And Ben, I want to thank you for your assistance in helping my constituents during this period. And Mayor, thank you for your wisdom in appointing him. I look forward to getting back on the dais with you. But you guys do such a terrific job. And the citizens can't have to be honored to have your service.

And so I just wanted to express tonight my fear about what you meant and done for me. I so appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, Robin.

We wish you a quick recovery, and we can't wait to have you back. So thank you. Thank you.

Any other business for the good of the order?

This was emotional.