Chardon public meetings in 2025

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider three cases: final development plan approval for a Sheetz convenience store with drive-thru and gas station at 501 Water Street, along with three variances; variances for Phase II of the Willow Tree Planned Residential Development on Water Street; and a variance to allow two-family dwelling use at 107 Center Street. Public hearings will be held for each item.

• Sheetz Inc. requests final development plan approval and variances for a convenience store, drive-thru, and gas station at 501 Water Street, including two 42.5-foot-wide driveways, a 21'7.25"-tall accessory structure, and wall signs on non-primary frontages.
• Willow Tree Development Inc. seeks variances for Phase II of the Willow Tree PRD on Water Street: a 26-foot setback from the public right-of-way for Sublot #114 and a 20-foot setback from the PRD boundary for Sublot #109.
• Abruzzo Investments, LLC requests a variance to allow two-family dwelling use at 107 Center Street in the C-2 Chardon Square Mixed Use district, where such use is not permitted.

City Council

The Chardon City Council will consider several ordinances and resolutions, including appointing Benjamin Grant Chojnacki as law director and entering into a legal services contract. Other items include a cable television access agreement and temporary appropriations for 2026. The council will also accept a monetary donation for the police department and hear public comments.

• Consider monetary donation for Police Department
• Ordinance authorizing agreement with Geauga Local Access Cable Corp. for cable TV local access programming
• Resolution advancing funds in city treasury for 2025
• Ordinance for temporary appropriations for fiscal year ending 2026
• Resolution appointing Benjamin Grant Chojnacki as law director and authorizing contract with Roetzel & Andress LPA for legal services 2026-2028

City Council

The City of Chardon Council will hold a special session on December 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The agenda consists solely of routine procedural items such as Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, an Executive Session, Any Other Business, and Adjournment. No specific policy decisions, contracts, or public hearings are listed for discussion.

The Chardon City Council met in a special session on December 2, 2025. A motion to adjourn to Executive Session to consider personnel matters was passed unanimously, and the council reconvened later that evening. Mayor Grau reported on the successful "Shop With a Cop" event held on November 30, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous voice vote. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Moved to Executive Session – passed unanimously
• Adjourned meeting – passed unanimously

Planning Commission

The commission will approve the minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting. It will then consider PC Case #25-328, a variance request from Abruzzo Investments, LLC to allow a two‑family dwelling on the property at 107 Center Street (parcel ID 10-066900) in the C‑2 Chardon Square Mixed‑Use district, which is not permitted under Section 1139.03. The body will discuss and decide whether to grant the variance.

• Approval of Planning Commission meeting minutes from October 28, 2025
• PC Case #25-328: variance request by Abruzzo Investments, LLC for two‑family dwelling at 107 Center Street, parcel ID 10-066900, C‑2 Chardon Square Mixed‑Use district
• Call to order and pledge of allegiance
• Swearing in of City Staff

The Commission voted to table the use variance request for 107 Center Street, postponing a decision to the next meeting; the motion passed 4‑0 with one abstention. Earlier, the Commission approved the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Tabled use variance request for 107 Center Street (4‑0, 1 abstention)
• Scheduled next Planning Commission meeting for December 16, 2025
• Announced two Planning Commission vacancies for 2026
• Noted tennis court construction is underway

City Council

The Chardon City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to the Planning & Zoning Code regarding definitions of 'Livestock' and accessory uses. Following the hearing, the regular session will consider ordinances authorizing group medical and dental insurance contracts for 2026, establishing maximum insurance amounts, and amending the code to regulate animals and fowl. Additional items include adopting a cyber security policy, a natural hazards mitigation plan, and fund transfers.

• Public hearing and ordinance to amend Sections 505.08, 1103.03, and 1133.11 of the Codified Ordinances to regulate animals and fowl
• Ordinance authorizing agreement with Cigna Healthcare for group medical insurance beginning January 1, 2026
• Ordinance authorizing contract with Guardian for group dental, vision, and life insurance beginning January 1, 2026
• Ordinance amending contract with C.W. Courtney Company as municipal engineer
• Resolution adopting the 2025 Geauga County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan

The council approved the minutes from the October 9 meeting. It authorized a letter to the County accepting the projected $19,000‑year loss from HB 96 tax credits. The council adopted three ordinances establishing Cigna medical insurance and Guardian dental, vision and life insurance for 2026. An announcement of a zoning text amendment was also approved unanimously.

• Approved October 9 minutes (6‑yes, 1‑abstain)
• Approved sending letter to County accepting tax‑credit loss (unanimous)
• Approved announcement of zoning text amendment (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 3329 authorizing Cigna group medical insurance (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 3330 authorizing Guardian group dental, vision and life insurance (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 3331 setting maximum employee insurance payments (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Chardon Planning Commission will consider final development plan approval for a new auto dealership at 400 Water Street. They will also vote on a final plan for six tennis courts and a parking lot at Chardon Middle School, including a fence height variance. A text amendment to the zoning code regarding accessory structures and livestock definitions is on the agenda, along with an informal discussion of a potential mixed-use development at 191 Meadowlands Drive.

• Final Development Plan for auto dealership at 400 Water Street (0.44 acres)
• Final Development Plan for six tennis courts and 31-space parking lot at Chardon Middle School, 424 North Street
• Variance request to increase fence height to 10 feet at the middle school site
• Text amendment to Section 1133.11 (Accessory Uses) and definition of "Livestock" in Section 1103.03
• Informal discussion of mixed-use development at 191 Meadowlands Drive

The commission voted 7-0 to approve the Announcement of Decision for an auto dealership at 400 Water Street, adding six conditions: move the east edge of the parking lot 5 feet, provide a city‑paid easement for utilities, submit a photometric plan, submit a final landscape plan, remove benches from the site plan, and provide the required handicapped parking spaces. The same meeting also approved the tennis‑court project with a fence replacing the landscape buffer, and adopted a draft ordinance recommendation on accessory structures and livestock definitions.

• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved correction of agenda item 2A (7-0)
• Approved tennis‑court development with condition to replace landscaping with a fence (7-0)
• Approved draft ordinance recommendation on accessory structures and livestock definition (7-0)
• Approved auto dealership plan at 400 Water Street with six conditions (7-0)

City Council

The Chardon City Council will discuss several emergency ordinances. Items include authorizing a ladder truck purchase with the fire department, leasing properties at 106 Water Street and 103 South Street, and recording a subdivision plat for Maple Trace Phase III. The council will also consider amending the 2025 treasury appropriations.

• Ordinance to authorize purchase and repayment of a ladder truck with Chardon Fire Department, Inc.
• Ordinance to lease 106 Water Street for creative and performing arts use.
• Ordinance to lease 103 South Street, Suite 3 for unspecified use.
• Ordinance to record and dedicate the subdivision plat for Maple Trace PRD Phase III.
• Ordinance to amend appropriations in the City of Chardon treasury for 2025.

The council unanimously approved the hiring of Justin Czekaj as Public Service Director and appointed him and others to the OPWC District 7 Integrating Committee. It also adopted several ordinances, including a $785,000 ladder truck purchase, theater and arts center leases, and an amendment to the 2025 appropriations. All motions passed by roll‑call vote.

• Approved hiring of Justin Czekaj as Public Service Director (unanimous)
• Appointed Justin Czekaj and Kyle Martin to OPWC District 7 primary seats; Benjamin Young and David Lelko as alternates (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3323 dedicating public improvements for Maple Trace Phase III (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 3324 to purchase a ladder truck, allocating $785,000 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3325 authorizing a 2026 theater use agreement for Geauga Theater (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3326 leasing 106 Water Street to Fairmount Center for arts (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3327 leasing 103 South Street, Suite 3 to Company 119 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3328 amending 2025 appropriations (unanimous)

City Council

The City of Chardon Legislative Committee will meet to discuss and consider an amendment to city-wide animal regulations. The committee will also approve minutes from January 2025 and may enter executive session. No other substantive actions are scheduled.

• Consider amendment to City-wide Animal Regulations

The Legislative Committee approved the minutes from the January 9, 2025 meeting by unanimous voice vote. It also unanimously approved a recommendation that the City Council refer the draft ordinance amendments on city‑wide animal regulations to the Planning Commission for review and approval. No other actions were taken.

• Approved Jan 9 2025 minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Recommended Council refer animal‑regulation amendments to Planning Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Chardon Planning Commission will consider three new development applications: a record document request for the 40.11‑acre Maple Trace Planned Residential Development Phase 3 on South Street; a final development plan for a vertical lot split at 135 Main Street; and a final development plan with architectural review for a 5,000‑sq‑ft industrial addition at 345 Industrial Parkway. The commission will also act on an amendment to the landscape plan for the Cider Mill Townhomes development on Park Avenue. Decisions on these items will be recorded at the September 23, 2025 meeting.

• Record Document approval for Maple Trace Planned Residential Development Phase 3 (40.11 acres) on the east side of South St., Parcel ID 10‑009111
• Final Development Plan approval for a vertical lot split of a 0.05‑acre parcel at 135 Main St., Parcel ID 10‑028400
• Final Development Plan and Architectural Review for a 5,000‑sq‑ft industrial addition at 345 Industrial Parkway, Parcel ID 10‑164541
• Amendment to the approved landscape plan for Cider Mill Townhomes (3.54 acres) at 329 Park Ave., Parcel ID 10‑127800

The commission approved the Record Document for the Maple Trace Residential Development Phase 3. It also approved a vertical lot split for a .05‑acre parcel and the final development plan and architectural review for a new 5,000‑sq‑ft industrial addition at the NOF Metal Coatings complex. Additionally, the landscape plan for Cider Mill Townhomes (buildings 1 and 2) was approved, and the August 26, 2025 meeting minutes were adopted.

• Approved Record Document for Maple Trace Residential Development Phase 3 (vote 7‑0)
• Approved Final Development Plan for vertical lot split (vote 7‑0)
• Approved Final Development Plan for 5,000‑sq‑ft industrial addition at NOF Metal Coatings (vote 6‑0)
• Approved Architectural Review for the same industrial addition (vote 6‑0)
• Approved landscape plan for Cider Mill Townhomes buildings 1 & 2 (vote 7‑0)
• Adopted amended August 26, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 5‑0)

City Council

The Chardon City Council will consider adopting a five-year capital improvement plan and authorizing new tax levies. The meeting also includes ordinances to designate financial depositories and authorize a license agreement with Willows Tree Development.

• Adoption of 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan
• Ordinance designating financial depositories for city funds
• Ordinance authorizing license agreement with Willows Tree Development
• Ordinance amending 2025 appropriations
• Resolution requiring sidewalk construction by landowners

City Council

The Economic Development Committee of Chardon City Council will meet to discuss Retail Strategies' quarterly update on local economic conditions. The committee will also consider approval of minutes from its June 12, 2025 meeting and may enter executive session. No votes or binding actions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily informational.

• Discuss Retail Strategies’ Quarterly Update (no details provided in agenda)
• Approval of June 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Possible executive session (purpose not specified)
• Meeting held in Conference Room A of Municipal Center

The committee approved the minutes from its June 12, 2025 meeting by unanimous voice vote. No other actions or approvals were taken. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

• Approved June 12, 2025 Economic Development Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will hold a regular session to approve previous meeting minutes and discuss old and new business. The agenda consists of standard procedural items.

• Approval of July 7, 2025 minutes

Park & Recreation Board

The Chardon Park and Recreation Board will meet on August 26, 2025. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of June 24 minutes and public participation. The only substantive item is a discussion of concerns related to Chardon Living Memorial Park. The meeting will conclude with an executive session and any other business.

• Discuss Chardon Living Memorial Park concerns

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a request to extend approvals for a Meijer grocery store and gas station. The body will also review a variance for a detached garage and architectural changes for a Dunkin'.

• PC Case #25-199: Request to extend variances, conditional use, and sign deviations for Meijer at 649 Water Street to April 30, 2027
• PC Case #25-222: Variance request for a 28’ x 32’ detached garage at 125 South Street
• PC Case #25-198: Architectural review for exterior renovations at Dunkin' at 370 Center Street
• PC Case #25-245: Amendment to the approved landscape plan for Cider Mill Townhomes at 329 Park Ave.

The commission unanimously approved the September 23 meeting minutes. It also approved Announcement of Decision motions for a Maple Trace residential development, a vertical lot split, a 5,000‑sq‑ft industrial addition at NOF Metal Coatings, and a landscape plan for Cider Mill Townhomes. All votes were 7‑0.

• Approved September 23 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved Announcement of Decision for Maple Trace Residential Development Phase 3 record documents (7-0)
• Approved Announcement of Decision for vertical lot split of a .05‑acre parcel (7-0)
• Approved Announcement of Decision for Final Development Plan and Architectural Review of a 5,000‑sq‑ft industrial addition at NOF Metal Coatings (7-0)
• Approved Announcement of Decision for landscape plan for Cider Mill Townhomes (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and regular session to discuss a zoning map amendment for 464 Center Street. The body will also consider resolutions regarding shade tree maintenance, street lighting, and sidewalk assessments.

• Proposed rezoning of 464 Center Street from I-WTTO Industrial to C-4 General Commercial
• Resolution for control of blight and disease of shade trees in public rights of way
• Resolution of necessity for the assessment of street lighting
• Resolution of necessity for the assessment of sidewalks
• Ordinance to clarify and reinstate the prohibition on the discharge of fireworks

The council approved the July 10 meeting minutes and adopted a resolution honoring former City Manager Randal B. Sharpe. It authorized the Law Director to require the installation of missing sidewalks at 319 Hidden Glen Trail, Block C Hidden Glen Trail, and 102 Fern Way. The council also approved a Lunch Lifeline event on August 24, 2025, assigned Councilman David Lelko as chair of the Economic Development Committee and a member of the Service Committee, and recorded no objections to expiring Class C and D liquor permits.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 15‑25 honoring Randal B. Sharpe (unanimous)
• Authorized Law Director to install missing sidewalks at 319 Hidden Glen Trail, Block C Hidden Glen Trail and 102 Fern Way (unanimous)
• Authorized Lunch Lifeline event on August 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Assigned Councilman David Lelko as Chair of Economic Development Committee and Member of Service Committee (unanimous)
• Recorded no objections to all Class C and D retail liquor permits expiring October 1, 2025 (unanimous)

City Council

The Service Committee will meet to discuss potential increases to sidewalk assessments. The body will also review drainage issues and missing sidewalks in specific residential areas.

• Discussion of sidewalk assessment increase
• Drainage issue at 116 Cedar Glen
• Installation of missing sidewalks in Hidden Glen

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a development plan for a new commercial building and a request to change the zoning of a 12.56-acre property. Both items involve properties located on Center Street.

• PC Case # 25-170/171/172: Final Development Plan and Architectural Review for a 9,000 sq. ft. building at 223 Center Street
• PC Case #25-173: Zoning Map Amendment for 464 Center Street from Industrial – Wireless Telecommunications Overlay District to General Commercial District

The commission voted 7‑0 to approve the Announcement of Decision for the re‑zoning of 464 Center Street from I‑WTTO (industrial) to C‑4 (commercial) and to recommend the change to City Council. It also voted 7‑0 to approve the Announcement of Decision for the Final Development Plan and Architectural Review of the new Chardon Family Eyecare building. Both actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved Announcement of Decision for Final Development Plan & Architectural Review of Chardon Family Eyecare (7‑0)
• Approved Announcement of Decision for re‑zoning 464 Center St from I‑WTTO to C‑4, recommending to City Council (7‑0)
• Approved July 1, 2025 meeting minutes (7‑0)

City Council

The Chardon City Council will hold public hearings on the proposed 2026 tax budget and a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area before meeting in regular session. In the regular session, council members will consider adopting the 2026 tax budget, amending the City Manager's contract term, and several ordinances and a resolution concerning public improvements, appropriations, and the outdoor refreshment area. The meeting follows approval of minutes from prior sessions and includes reports from the manager, planning commission, and park and recreation board.

• Consider adoption of the 2026 Tax Budget
• Consider amendment to term of contract for City Manager Benjamin Young
• Consider ordinance accepting public improvements dedicated by CIDER MILL TOWNHOMES, LLC and recording an easement dedication plat
• Consider ordinance amending appropriations in the City of Chardon treasury for 2025 and declaring an emergency
• Consider resolution creating a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, enacting regulations, and declaring an emergency

The council unanimously adopted the 2026 tax budget. It also approved an amendment to the City Manager contract to set the start date as August 11, 2025. The Pocket Park Project received authorization for Phase I with OHM Advisors and a $34,300 budget amendment for Phase II. Ordinances 3315 and 3316 and Resolution 14-25 establishing a designated outdoor refreshment area were all adopted unanimously.

• Adopted 2026 tax budget (unanimous)
• Amended City Manager contract start date to Aug 11 2025 (unanimous)
• Authorized agreement with OHM Advisors for Phase I Pocket Park (unanimous)
• Approved $34,300 budget amendment for Phase II Pocket Park (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3315 for Cider Mill public improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3316 amending 2025 appropriations (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 14-25 creating a designated outdoor refreshment area (unanimous)
• Granted use variance for auto sales business at 408 Water Street (unanimous)

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will meet on July 7, 2025 for its regular session. The agenda includes approval of the May 5, 2025 minutes, a public participation segment, and discussion of old and new business. No specific projects, contracts, or ordinance items are listed.

• Approval of May 5, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public participation period
• Discussion of old business
• Discussion of new business
• Any other business

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a request from Cider Mill Townhomes LLC for record document approval for a major development. The proposed subdivision is located on 3.54 acres at 329 Park Ave.

• PC Case # 25-165: Record document approval for Cider Mill Townhomes subdivision at 329 Park Ave.

The commission approved the June 24, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6‑0 vote (one member abstained). It then approved the Record Document for the Cider Mill Townhomes project, requiring completion of punch‑list items by July 31 and a signed maintenance guarantee, with a 7‑0 vote. No other business was acted upon.

• Approved June 24, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Record Document for Cider Mill Townhomes with conditions (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (procedural)

City Council

The Chardon City Council is meeting in special session to consider an ordinance approving a contract with Benjamin Young to serve as City Manager and Director of Public Safety, authorizing the mayor to execute the employment agreement, and declaring an emergency. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Ordinance to approve employment contract with Benjamin Young for City Manager and Director of Public Safety

The council adopted Ordinance No. 3314, approving a contract with Benjamin Young to serve as City Manager and Director of Public Safety and declaring a municipal emergency. The motion to adopt the ordinance passed unanimously after a prior unanimous vote to suspend rules and read the ordinance. No other business was taken.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 3314 hiring Benjamin Young (unanimous)
• Suspended rules and read Ordinance No. 3314 by title only (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is considering a use variance to allow an automobile sales business in a C-3 Traditional Commercial District at 400 Water Street, the former Cooke's Gas Station property. The applicant, Anne Dunning, requests the variance under Section 1139.03. The commission will also approve minutes from the May 27, 2025 regular meeting.

• PC Case #25-115: Use variance to Section 1139.03 for auto sales at 400 Water Street (former Cooke's Gas Station), owned by 408 Water Street Company
• Approval of minutes from May 27, 2025 regular meeting

The commission voted 6-0 to grant a use variance to applicant Anne Dunning for an automobile sales business on the former Cooke’s Gas Station site in the C‑3 district. The approval includes five staff‑listed conditions regarding storage, removal of underground tanks, driveway and landscaping work, and required documentation. The meeting also approved the May 27, 2025 meeting minutes by a 6‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Granted use variance for automobile sales business with conditions (6-0)

City Council

The Chardon City Council will meet in special session to consider a resolution opposing House Bill 335, which would eliminate inside millage and transfer local budgetary authority to county budget commissions. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. in Council Chambers.

• Consider Resolution Opposing House Bill 335
• Executive Session
• Any Other Business

The Chardon City Council adopted Resolution No. 13-25 opposing House Bill 335 and urging the Ohio General Assembly to reject it. The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously on roll call. The Council also moved to an executive session to consider personnel and property matters, and later adjourned the meeting.

• Adopted Resolution No. 13-25 opposing HB 335 (unanimous)
• Suspended rules to allow reading of Resolution No. 13-25 (unanimous)
• Moved to Executive Session for personnel and property matters (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will meet for a special session. The agenda consists of procedural items and an executive session.

The council unanimously approved a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to consider personnel and property matters. The session reconvened later that evening. The council then unanimously approved adjournment of the meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adjourn to Executive Session (6:31 p.m.) – passed unanimously
• Adjourn meeting (9:12 p.m.) – passed unanimously

City Council

Chardon City Council will meet to set a public hearing date for the 2026 tax budget and consider several ordinances, including a contract for street maintenance with Geauga Highway Company, a lease for property at 105-B South Street, and a traffic control device cost-sharing agreement with local schools. The council will also hear a police chief request regarding ladder truck financing and a request for an additional court employee.

• Set public hearing for 2026 tax budget (July 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM)
• Consider ordinance for 2025 street maintenance contract with Geauga Highway Company
• Consider ordinance for lease with Hilltop Retro LLC at 105-B South Street
• Consider resolution for traffic control device installation cost-sharing with Chardon Local Schools
• Discuss ladder truck financing and additional court employee request

The council approved Ordinance No. 3312 authorizing a street maintenance contract with Geauga Highway Co. and adopted Ordinance No. 3313 for a lease with Hilltop Retro, LLC. It also adopted Resolution No. 12-25 to share costs for a traffic control device at North Street and Fifth Avenue. Additionally, the minutes of the May 8, 2025 session were approved and a use variance for a Sheetz gas station at 501 Water Street was granted.

• Approved minutes of May 8, 2025 session (6 Yes, 1 Abstain, 1 Absent)
• Granted use variance for new Sheetz gas station at 501 Water Street
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3312 authorizing contract with Geauga Highway Co. for street maintenance (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3313 authorizing lease with Hilltop Retro, LLC for 105‑B South Street (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 12-25 cost‑share for traffic control device at North St & Fifth Ave ($150,000 each, total $200,000) (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing on July 10, 2025 for comments on the 2026 tax budget

City Council

The Economic Development Committee will meet to discuss Retail Strategies’ Quarterly Update, approve prior minutes, and possibly enter executive session. No legislation or votes on ordinances are scheduled.

• Discuss Retail Strategies’ Quarterly Update

The committee approved the Economic Development Committee minutes from March 13, 2025 by unanimous voice vote. No other actions were taken; the members discussed retail recruitment updates but made no decisions. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

• Approved March 13, 2025 committee minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a hearing on a use variance request from Sheetz Inc. to permit a gas station in the C-3 Traditional Commercial District at 501 Water Street, the former Rite Aid property. A decision on whether to allow the variance is expected.

• PC Case #25-096: Use variance to allow a gas station in C-3 District at 501 Water Street (former Rite Aid), owned by LUV 501 Water LLC

The commission approved a use variance allowing an automobile sales business at the former Cooke’s Gas Station property, subject to five staff‑listed conditions. The motion passed unanimously, 6‑0. The commission also approved the May 27, 2025 meeting minutes, also by a 6‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (6‑0)
• Granted use variance for automobile sales at former Cooke’s Gas Station property with conditions (6‑0)

City Council

The Chardon City Council will meet to discuss committee reports on Flock cameras and the Emergency Operations Plan, and hear from the Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Under new business, the Council will consider accepting an application for a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and setting a public hearing for July 10, 2025. Several ordinances are on the agenda, including a temporary sidewalk waiver along Fifth Avenue and Washington Street, approval of the solid waste management plan, a lease with Hand in Hand Music Therapy Services, and an award for the 2024 Sidewalk Infill and Maintenance Project. The Council will also consider appropriation amendments and fund advances.

• Consider adoption of a resolution temporarily waiving sidewalk obligations along Fifth Avenue and Washington Street.
• Consider an ordinance approving the solid waste management plan of the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management District.
• Consider an ordinance authorizing a lease with Hand in Hand Music Therapy Services, LLC.
• Consider an ordinance awarding the 2024 Sidewalk Infill and Maintenance Project to the lowest and best bidder.
• Consider acceptance of application for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and set a public hearing for July 10, 2025 at 6:20 PM.

The council unanimously accepted the application for a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA). It also adopted several emergency ordinances, including the solid waste management plan, a lease with Hand in Hand Music Therapy, and the award of the 2025 sidewalk infill contract to Lake County Landscape & Supply. Additional actions included a temporary sidewalk waiver, amendments to appropriations, advancing funds for the sidewalk project, and a one‑year amendment to the City Manager’s agreement.

• Accepted DORA application (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 10-25 waiving sidewalk obligations on Fifth Ave and Washington St (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 3308 solid waste management plan (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 3309 lease with Hand in Hand Music Therapy Services (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 3310 awarding 2025 sidewalk infill contract to Lake County Landscape & Supply (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 3311 amending 2025 appropriations (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 11-25 advancing funds for 2025 sidewalk maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved 1‑year amendment to City Manager agreement up to $35,000 (unanimous)

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission meets in regular session. The agenda includes only procedural items: call to order, approval of March 3, 2025 minutes, public participation, old business, new business, and adjournment. No specific projects, ordinances, or contracts are listed for discussion.

• Approval of minutes from March 3, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

The Chardon Park and Recreation Board will meet on April 29, 2025. The agenda includes electing a President, Vice President, and Secretary, approving the September 24, 2024 minutes, and hearing the Recreation Director’s report. The board will also discuss old and new business items before adjourning.

• Election of Officers – President, Vice President, Secretary
• Approval of Minutes – September 24, 2024
• Recreation Director’s Report
• Discussion of Old Business
• Discussion of New Business

City Council

The Chardon City Council will meet in a special session to discuss several agenda items. Council members will consider reassigning committee memberships and discuss a proposed designated outdoor refreshment area. They will also consider a resolution that expresses support for the City Public Service Department’s grant request for fiscal year 2026 to the EPA’s State and Tribal Assistance Grants program and declares an emergency. The meeting will include an executive session and any other business.

• Reassignment of council committees
• Discussion of a designated outdoor refreshment area
• Resolution supporting the Public Service Department’s FY 2026 grant request to the EPA STAG program
• Executive session
• Any other business

The council accepted the proposed committee assignments for each member by unanimous vote. It adopted Resolution No. 9‑25, formally supporting the Public Service Department’s grant request to fund a second clear well at the city’s water‑treatment plant, also unanimously. The council set aside four parking stalls on Main Street for Geauga County court personnel, again by unanimous vote, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted council committee assignments as presented (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 9‑25 supporting grant for second clear well (unanimous)
• Set aside four parking stalls on Main Street for Geauga County court personnel (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission will consider PC Case #25-077, an extension request by Hidden Glen Associates to extend the Preliminary Plan for the Hidden Glen Subdivision on Wilson Mills Road, moving the expiration from August 17, 2025 to 2029. The commission will also review PC Case #24-261/262, a final development plan and architectural review for a commercial remodel of Crepes in the Country at 546 Water Street. An informal discussion will be held about a potential use variance for a property at 501 Water Street with Kevin Drozin of MS Consultants.

• PC Case #25-077: Extension of Preliminary Plan for Hidden Glen Subdivision (Wilson Mills Rd. & Hidden Glen Trail) to 2029
• PC Case #24-261/262: Final Development Plan and Architectural Review for Crepes in the Country remodel at 546 Water Street
• Informal discussion of potential Use Variance at 501 Water Street with MS Consultants

The commission approved the Final Development Plan and Architectural Review for Michael Tomsik's Crepes in the Country restaurant remodel, with a 7‑0 vote. It also extended the Preliminary Plan for Hidden Glen Associates' housing project to 2029, also 7‑0. Earlier motions to approve amended minutes and to remove a case from the table were each adopted unanimously.

• Approved amendment to April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (7‑0)
• Extended Preliminary Plan for Hidden Glen Associates to 2029 (7‑0)
• Removed case #24-261/262 from being tabled (7‑0)
• Approved Announcement of Decision for Final Development Plan and Architectural Review for Crepes in the Country restaurant, correcting item #10 (7‑0)

City Council

The Safety Committee will meet to discuss the use of Flock cameras and a Fire Department ladder truck. Members will also consider changes to the Emergency Operations Plan.

• Discussion of Flock cameras
• Proposed changes to the Emergency Operations Plan
• Discussion of Fire Department ladder truck

City Council

The Chardon City Council will meet to discuss local legislation, including sidewalk requirements and treasury appropriations. The session includes reports from the City Manager and Planning Commission, as well as a request for an Eagle Scout project.

• Consideration of a C-1 Liquor Permit for Ohio Spring Inc. (DBA Sheetz) at Water & Wilson Mills
• Resolution to temporarily waive sidewalk installation for certain properties on Fifth Avenue and Washington Street
• Resolution to transfer funds in the City of Chardon Treasury for 2025
• Ordinance amending appropriations in the City of Chardon Treasury for fiscal year ending 2025
• Ordinance authorizing participation in the ODOT Cooperative Purchasing Program

The council authorized a $75,000 General Fund loan to the sidewalk levy fund with a five‑year payback. It approved the purchase of a $1,950 flashing traffic sign for the Irma Drive intersection. The Heritage House reservation and rental rates were revised. A temporary waiver was granted for sidewalk installation on Fifth Avenue and Washington Street for Chardon Custom Polymers, and emergency fund transfers and appropriations were adopted.

• Approved $75,000 General Fund loan to sidewalk levy fund (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of $1,950 flashing traffic sign for Irma Drive (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to Heritage House reservation and rental rates (unanimous)
• Granted temporary waiver of sidewalk installation on Fifth Avenue and Washington Street for Chardon Custom Polymers (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 8‑25 transferring city treasury funds (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3306 amending appropriations for FY 2025 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 3307 authorizing participation in ODOT cooperative purchasing (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the March 6 and March 13, 2025 sessions (unanimous)

City Council

The Service Committee is meeting to review maintenance plans and budgets for city infrastructure. Members will discuss the 2025 scope of work for street maintenance and the 2025 sidewalk maintenance budget.

• 2025 Street Maintenance scope of work
• Street Maintenance budget for future years
• 2025 Sidewalk Maintenance budget
• Intersection of Irma Drive and S. Hambden Street
• Removal of shepherds staff from the cemetery

Planning Commission

The Chardon Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three items: a 12,380 sq. ft. industrial expansion at Chardon Custom Polymers (373 Washington Street), a lot consolidation of 12 parcels into one 9.766-acre parcel at the same location, and a commercial remodel for Crepes in the Country restaurant (546 Water Street). The commission will also approve previous meeting minutes and discuss the 2025 schedule.

• PC Case #25-038/039: Final Development Plan and Architectural Review for a 12,380 sq. ft. industrial expansion at Chardon Custom Polymers, 373 Washington Street.
• PC Case #25-067: Final Development Plan for lot consolidation of 12 parcels into one 9.766-acre parcel at 373 Washington Street.
• PC Case #24-261/262: Final Development Plan and Architectural Review for a commercial remodel at 546 Water Street for Crepes in the Country restaurant.
• Approval of minutes from the January 28, 2025 regular meeting.

The commission approved the revised Announcement of Decision for the Chardon Custom Polymers industrial expansion, recommending that City Council not waive the Fifth Avenue sidewalk requirement and that the applicant work with the City Engineer to consolidate two truck driveways. It also approved the Announcement of Decision to consolidate twelve parcels into a single 9.766‑acre lot. Additionally, the commission approved the amended minutes from the January 28, 2025 meeting.

• Approved revised Announcement of Decision for Chardon Custom Polymers expansion (7‑0)
• Approved Announcement of Decision for lot consolidation (12 parcels to 9.766 acre) (7‑0)
• Approved amended Jan 28 2025 meeting minutes (7‑0)

City Council

The City Council will meet for a regular session including routine reports and approvals. Notable items are a public hearing for Jessy Harper's request to use the square for the CryptidCon & Curios event on October 11, 2025, and a discussion with Sylvia McGee and David Johnson about donations for Chardon Square. The Council will also consider an ordinance to accept NOPEC 2025 Energized Community Grant Funds and declare an emergency.

• Public hearing: Jessy Harper requests permission to use the square for CryptidCon & Curios event on October 11, 2025.
• Discussion: Sylvia McGee (Chardon Square Association) and David Johnson (Chardon Rotary) to discuss donations for Chardon Square.
• Ordinance to authorize acceptance of NOPEC 2025 Energized Community Grant Funds and declare an emergency.
• Approval of minutes from February 13 regular session and March 4 special session.
• Committee reports and manager's report.

City Council

The Economic Development Committee of the City of Chardon will meet on March 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM in Conference Room A of the Municipal Center. The agenda includes approval of the March 7, 2024 minutes and a discussion of a contract with Retail Strategies. An executive session and any other business will also be addressed.

• Approve minutes from March 7, 2024 meeting
• Discuss contract with Retail Strategies
• Executive session (closed discussion)
• Any other business

City Council

The Chardon City Council will discuss the FY 2025 Annual Budget. It will consider an ordinance to approve annual appropriations for current expenses and to declare an emergency. The council will also review an amendment to the classification and pay plan. The meeting includes an executive session and any other business.

• Discuss FY 2025 Annual Budget
• Consider ordinance to make annual appropriations and declare an emergency
• Consider amendment to classification and pay plan
• Executive session
• Any other business

City Council

The City Council will meet in a special session to consider an amended final resolution regarding a contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation. The contract concerns road resurfacing projects.

• Contract with Ohio Department of Transportation for resurfacing Water Street (US 6), Main Street (US 6DA), and South Street/Center Street (SR 44) (PID NO. 110950)

City Council

The Chardon City Council will meet to discuss the 2025 budget, approve a contract for resurfacing Water, Main, and South/Center Streets, and consider an ordinance regulating camping on city property.

• Set date for 2025 Budget Meeting (March 6, 2025)
• Approve contract with Ohio Department of Transportation for street resurfacing
• Consider ordinance regulating camping on city property
• Consider ordinance accepting public improvements dedicated by FLG-CHARDON, LLC
• Advance funds in the City of Chardon Treasury for 2025

City Council

The Finance Committee of Chardon City Council will meet to review the 2025 draft budget. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from September 2024 and a possible executive session.

• Review of 2025 draft budget

Other Boards and Commissions

The Chardon Records Commission is meeting to handle routine business including approving previous meeting minutes and discussing email archive and retention policies. The commission will also consider revisions to the Police Department's records retention schedule.

• Discuss email archives and retention
• Consider revisions to Police Department records retention schedule

Planning Commission

The Chardon Planning Commission will review three applications. Case #25-005 seeks record document approval for the Maple Trace Planned Residential Development Phase 2B, a 40.11‑acre subdivision on South Street. Case #25-006 proposes an amendment to replace the planned playground with a 20’ × 20’ pavilion in the same development. Case #25-007 requests a variance to install an overhead electric service line for the Cider Mill Townhomes at 329 Park Ave. The meeting will also approve the November 26, 2024 minutes and adopt the 2025 commission schedule.

• PC Case #25-005: Record Document approval for Maple Trace PRD Phase 2B (40.11 acres) on South St.
• PC Case #25-006: Amendment to replace playground with 20’ × 20’ pavilion in Maple Trace PRD.
• PC Case #25-007: Variance to install overhead electric service line for Cider Mill Townhomes at 329 Park Ave.
• Approval of Planning Commission minutes from November 26, 2024.
• Adoption of the 2025 Planning Commission schedule.

City Council

The Safety Committee of Chardon City Council will meet to discuss crosswalk safety, approve minutes from December 3, 2024, and hold an executive session. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Discuss crosswalk safety

City Council

The Legislative Committee of Chardon City Council will meet to discuss proposed camping regulations and receive an update on city-wide animal regulations. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a possible executive session.

• Discussion of camping regulations
• Update on status of city-wide animal regulations
• Approval of minutes from October 8, 2024
• Executive session (possible)

City Council

The Chardon City Council will hold a third reading and vote on an ordinance increasing charges for grave sites, mausoleums, and columbarium services. The council will also consider resolutions opposing The Illuminating Company's electric distribution rate increase and supporting the U.S. Semiquincentennial. New business includes a proposal for a Safe Haven Baby Box, a transportation agreement with NOACA, and an objection to a new liquor permit for a Dollar General at 550 Fifth Ave.

• Third reading of ordinance amending cemetery service fees (grave sites, mausoleums, columbarium)
• Resolution opposing The Illuminating Company's electric distribution rate increase request to PUCO
• Ordinances authorizing insurance contracts with SeibertKeck for liability and cyber/privacy coverage
• Consideration of Safe Haven Baby Box proposal
• Consideration of objections to new C2 liquor permit for Dolgen Midwest LLC dba Popshelf Dollar General at 550 Fifth Ave.

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will hold a regular session on January 6, 2025. The agenda includes approval of minutes from November 4, 2024, and setting dates for 2025 meetings. No other substantive business is listed; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Approval of November 4, 2024 minutes
• Set dates for 2025 meetings
• Public participation period