Kent, Ohio
Upcoming
General
This is a special meeting of the City of Kent Sustainability Commission. The agenda includes only general discussion of sustainability topics and projects, with no specific proposals or decisions listed. The meeting is essentially procedural and does not contain any concrete items for action.
- General discussion of sustainability topics and projects
Planning Commission
General
The Fair Housing Board will elect a chair and vice-chair, approve prior meeting minutes, and review the Fair Housing Contact Services Contract with reporting data from August 2025 to February 2026. Members will discuss HB 135 and receive updates on the Comprehensive Community Housing Study and Needs Analysis and the new Housing Acquisition Assistance Program.
- Election of chair and vice-chair
- Approval of December 8, 2025 meeting minutes
- Review of Fair Housing Contact Services Contract (Aug 2025-Feb 2026 data)
- Update to Comprehensive Community Housing Study and Needs Analysis
- New Housing Acquisition Assistance Program
Standing Rock Cemetery
Board of Health
City Council
Parks and Recreation Board
Board of Zoning Appeals
Planning Commission
Planning Commission
City Council
Board of Health
Standing Rock Cemetery
Board of Zoning Appeals
Planning Commission
City Council
Parks and Recreation Board
Planning Commission
City Council
Board of Health
Standing Rock Cemetery
Planning Commission
City Council
Parks and Recreation Board
Board of Zoning Appeals
Planning Commission
City Council
Standing Rock Cemetery
Board of Health
Parks and Recreation Board
Board of Zoning Appeals
Planning Commission
City Council
Planning Commission
City Council
Board of Health
Standing Rock Cemetery
Planning Commission
City Council
Parks and Recreation Board
Planning Commission
City Council
Board of Health
Standing Rock Cemetery
Planning Commission
City Council
Parks and Recreation Board
Planning Commission
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
City Council
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
City Council
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
City Council
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Board of Health
Recent meetings
City Council
The meeting begins with a Board of Control session, followed by a public hearing on the proposed 2027 County Tax Budget. The Council Committee Meeting then considers a 2026 budget appropriations amendment, discusses downtown noise impacts on residential neighborhoods, and reviews FEMA grant applications for the fire department. Other items include a solar array project update and infrastructure grant/loan requests from OPWC. An executive session is scheduled for personnel matters.
- Public hearing on the proposed 2027 County Tax Budget
- Consideration of 2026 budget appropriations amendment
- Discussion of downtown noise impact on residential neighborhoods
- Fire Department FEMA grant applications (AFG, FP&S, SAFER)
- OPWC grant and no-interest loan requests for infrastructure
Parks and Recreation Board
City Council
Kent City Council will consider a resolution to place a question on the November ballot asking voters to extend and expand the city's income tax beginning January 1, 2027, to fund police, fire, service department staffing, quality-of-life projects, and debt service. The consent agenda includes several routine items and ordinances, including updates to zoning code definitions and driveway regulations, a special event street closure on East Erie Street, and amendments to the city's appropriation ordinance. The council will also enter executive session to discuss employee matters and legal consultation.
- Resolution (DRAFT 2026-53) to declare an election on extending and expanding income tax for municipal operations, quality of life projects, and debt service
- Ordinance (DRAFT 2026-59) amending zoning code to modify definitions, add new definitions, and specify driveway regulations
- Ordinance (DRAFT 2026-55) approving updates to employee relocation plans with Pingree 2000 Real Estate Holdings, LLC and Clerac, LLC (aka Enterprise Holdings, LLC)
- Ordinance (DRAFT 2026-57) authorizing a third amendment to a lease with College Town Kent, LLC changing the annual parking lot maintenance fee calculation
- Special event application (DRAFT 2026-60) for full closure of East Erie Street from Haymaker Parkway to South Water Street on August 21, 2026
Planning Commission
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Kent Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing and regular business meeting. The main item is a request from Melissa Clemens for two variances to allow an outdoor swimming pool to be located 11 feet 8 inches from each side property line, instead of the required 15-foot minimum. The board will also consider approval of meeting minutes from November 17, 2025, and February 16, 2026.
- Variance from Section 1106.11(B) for a 4-foot-4-inch setback reduction on the west property line at 1300 Windward Lane
- Variance from Section 1106.11(B) for a 4-foot-4-inch setback reduction on the east property line at the same address
Civil Service Commission
The Commission is reviewing several new hires across city departments including police, water treatment, and GIS. Additionally, Chief Shearer is requesting authorization for an entry level police officer test.
- New hire: David Krise, Geographic Information Systems Technician
- New hire: Alexa Shumaker, Clerk/Dispatcher
- New hire: Karissa Brady, Program and Behavior Support Coordinator
- New hires: Taylor Lambert and Kyle Fitzpatrick, Police Officers
- New hire: Titus Kerr, Water Treatment Plant Operator
Standing Rock Cemetery
The Standing Rock Cemetery board will hold a regular meeting covering routine approvals of minutes, financial statements, and vouchers. Under other business, the board will review quotes for a Cremation Garden and River Columbarium benches, as well as quotes for two new River Columbariums. The board will also address seasonal employee changes, including one resignation and one new hire.
- Quote for Cremation Garden & River Columbarium benches
- Quote for two new River Columbariums
- Seasonal employee changes: one quit, one new hire
- Fuel report discussion
- Voucher approvals
Board of Health
The Kent Board of Health will consider authorizing the Interim Health Commissioner to sign a renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with Axcess Pointe for the Harm Reduction Program. The board will also review the May statistical and health commissioner reports and discuss Epi Services.
- Authorize Interim Health Commissioner to sign renewal of MOU with Axcess Pointe for Harm Reduction Program
- May Statistical Report and Health Commissioner Report for review
- Discussion item on Epi Services
- Open comments by Angela DeJulius
- Executive session scheduled
City Council
The Kent City Council Committee will hold committee meetings on June 3, 2026, to discuss and potentially advance several items. Notable discussions include proposed zoning text updates, a 2026 budget appropriation amendment, and amendments to the Enterprise Rental Car CRA agreement and College Town Kent land lease. The committee will also interview a candidate for the Sustainability Committee and discuss staffing funding options.
- Proposed Zoning Text Updates
- 2026 Budget Appropriations Amendment
- Amendment to Enterprise Rental Car CRA Agreement
- Amendment to College Town Kent Land Lease
- Request to Modify Street Closure for KSU Flashes First Event
Council approved retiring the .25 police station bond and replacing it with a .25 services bond for the November ballot (6-1). Also approved an amendment to the Enterprise Rental Car CRA agreement, changes to Sustainability Commission bylaws, a maintenance fee amendment for College Town Kent, 2026 budget appropriations, and several zoning code amendments. Authorized a road closure for the KSU Flashes First event.
- Approved amendment to Enterprise Rental Car CRA agreement (unanimous voice vote)
- Approved changes to Sustainability Commission bylaws with addition of Community Development Director title for approvals (unanimous)
- Approved maintenance fee amendment for College Town Kent land lease (unanimous)
- Retired .25 police station bond and replaced with .25 services bond for fall ballot (6-1, Wallach dissenting)
- Approved 2026 budget appropriations amendment (unanimous)
- Approved zoning code amendments to Section 1102:03 (definitions) and Section 1107:15 (driveways) (unanimous)
- Approved zoning code amendments to Section 1102:03, Chapter 1103, and Section 1110:07, pending Ohio Supreme Court decision (unanimous)
- Authorized road closure change for KSU Flashes First event on August 21 (unanimous)
Planning Commission
General
The Kent Sustainability Commission is holding a special meeting on June 1, 2026, to discuss general sustainability topics and projects. The agenda lists only a call to order, discussion of sustainability topics, and adjournment, with no specific proposals, votes, or financial items identified.
- General discussion of sustainability topics and projects (no specifics provided)
General
The Kent Fair Housing Board will elect officers, approve minutes, and review protected classes and the Fair Housing Ordinance. They will examine the Fair Housing Contact Services Contract with reporting data from August 2025 to February 2026, discuss HB 135, and receive updates on the Comprehensive Community Housing Study and Needs Analysis and a new Housing Acquisition Assistance Program. Future meeting dates will also be set.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Review of Fair Housing Contact Services Contract with reporting data (August 2025–February 2026)
- Discussion of HB 135
- Update to the Comprehensive Community Housing Study and Needs Analysis
- New Housing Acquisition Assistance Program
Parks and Recreation Board
City Council
The meeting includes a public hearing on the PY 2026 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan, followed by a consent agenda with routine ordinances. Key consent items include tax incentive agreements with Davey Tree Expert Co., Mazda, and K Laben Property Management, sale of surplus property at 500 Middlebury Road, a $10,000 FDA grant for the Health Department, and a loan agreement with Ohio EPA for the Water Reclamation Facility Influent Headworks Building project. Council committees report no business.
- Public hearing on Community Development Block Grant PY 2026 Action Plan
- Ordinance to continue Enterprise Zone Agreement with Davey Tree Expert Co. and Community Reinvestment Area agreements with Mazda and K Laben Property Management (tax exemptions)
- Ordinance authorizing sale of surplus property at 500 Middlebury Road via online auction
- Ordinance accepting $10,000 FDA grant for the City of Kent Health Department
- Ordinance authorizing loan agreement with Ohio EPA for Water Reclamation Facility Influent Headworks Building project
Kent City Council approved the April regular council meeting minutes by a 6-0-1 vote, with Ms. Wallach abstaining. No other substantive decisions were made; draft ordinances on CDBG housing assistance, a water reclamation facility loan, and an ODOT project partnership were listed under new business but not voted on. Committee reports showed no actions. Council also heard a constituent concern about housing conditions.
- Approved April regular council meeting minutes (6-0-1, Wallach abstaining)
General
This special City Council committee meeting will discuss a loan request from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Influent Headworks Building. The meeting follows a public hearing and includes only this substantive item before adjournment.
- Discussion of OEPA loan request for WRF Influent Headworks Building (Jim Bowling, Rhonda Hall)
City Council
At a special joint meeting, Kent City Council and Franklin Township Trustees will consider three joint resolutions: fixing a 0.60-mill cemetery tax levy for 2026, appointing a township trustee to the Standing Rock Cemetery Board for 2027-2029, and granting salary raises to Standing Rock Cemetery personnel. All three resolutions are declared emergencies.
- DRAFT 2026-39: Joint resolution fixing a 0.60-mill tax levy for cemetery purposes for both Kent and Franklin Township for tax year 2026.
- DRAFT 2026-40: Joint resolution appointing a Franklin Township trustee to the Standing Rock Cemetery Board of Trustees (term Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2029).
- DRAFT 2026-41: Joint resolution granting salary and hourly pay raises to Standing Rock Cemetery personnel.
The City Council approved a .60-mill tax rate for Standing Rock Cemetery and cost-of-living increases for cemetery staff. The body also appointed a Franklin Township trustee to the cemetery board.
- Set cemetery tax rate at .60 mills (unanimous)
- Appointed Glenn Russell to Standing Rock Cemetery Board (unanimous)
- Approved cost-of-living increases for cemetery salaries (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Kent Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: proposed text amendments to the Zoning Code covering definitions, zoning districts, parking, and nonconformities; and an amendment to a previously approved Comprehensive Sign Plan for The Davey Tree Expert Company at 6700 State Route 43. The Commission is expected to take action on both items.
- PC26-004: Davey Tree Expert Company – Amendment to Comprehensive Sign Plan for property at 6700 State Route 43
- PC26-005: City of Kent – Text amendments to Zoning Code Chapters 1102 (Definitions), 1103 (Zoning Districts), 1107 (Parking, Loading, Access Management), and 1110 (Nonconformities)
- Public testimony will be heard on both items before Commission action
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing and regular business meeting to consider four variance applications. Items include requests to reduce front and side setbacks for a dwelling and a subordinate structure at 120 Portage Street, reduce a side setback for a structure at 1477 Mogadore, exceed maximum fence height at 1313 Windward Lane, and reduce pool setbacks at 1300 Windward Lane. The board may vote on each request after staff and applicant presentations and public comment.
- BZ26-002: Variance to build dwelling 7 ft 6 in from front property line (requires 35 ft) and subordinate structure 1 ft from east line (requires 10 ft) at 120 Portage Street
- BZ26-003: Variance to allow a subordinate structure 6 ft 8 in from south property line (requires 10 ft) at 1477 Mogadore
- BZ26-004: Variance to construct a 4 ft 6 in tall fence where 4 ft is maximum at 1313 Windward Lane
- BZ26-005: Two variances to place an outdoor swimming pool 5 ft from east and rear property lines (requires 15 ft) at 1300 Windward Lane
Civil Service Commission
Standing Rock Cemetery
The board will open the meeting, approve the previous meeting minutes, accept the financial statement, and vote on vouchers. A fuel usage report will be presented. The agenda also includes an item labeled “Molai Maint. Bldg. quote” under Other.
- Approve meeting minutes
- Accept financial statement
- Approve vouchers
- Fuel report presentation
- Other: Molai Maintenance Building quote
Trustees approved quotes for building repairs and a family monument replacement. The board was notified that the cemetery is liable for a $100,000 judgment following a rejected court appeal.
- Approved April 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved April 2026 financial statement (3-0)
- Approved vouchers for payment (3-0)
- Approved $26,000 Deckmaster quote for maintenance building repairs (3-0)
- Approved $2,092 Portage Marble & Granite quote for Mosher family monument replacement (3-0)
Board of Health
The Kent City Health Board will consider appointments, including voting on Jalessa Caples as Interim Health Commissioner, and vote on revised bylaws. The board will also discuss a pop-up pantry, proposed dues increase for AOHC, and a mosquito grant. Expenditures for February through April 2026 will be approved.
- Vote on Jalessa Caples as Interim Health Commissioner and related compensation memo
- Vote on revised Board of Health Bylaws
- Vote for Board of Health President and Vice-President
- Approval of expenditures and encumbrances for February, March, and April 2026
- Discussion of mosquito grant and how to proceed
General
The Kent Sustainability Commission will meet on May 11, 2026 at City Hall. The agenda includes electing a Chair and Vice Chair and reviewing drafted bylaws for possible approval. The meeting also provides time for public comments before adjournment.
- Election of Commission Officers (Chair and Vice Chair)
- Review and possible approval of drafted bylaws
- Good of the Order/Open Comments for public input
- Call to Order and Roll Call
- Adjournment
City Council
The Kent City Council Committee Meeting on May 6 follows a special joint meeting with Franklin Township and a Board of Control session. The committee will discuss staff updates, a tax incentive review, a downtown business poll on Franklin Ave. closure, 2026 social service funding awards, staffing funding, sale of surplus property, FDA grant renewal, a parking ordinance change on Needham Ave, NPDES ordinance changes, and an amendment to the SR 59 transportation design agreement.
- Tax Incentive Review Update
- Main Street Kent Downtown Business Poll on Franklin Ave. Closure
- 2026 Social Service Funding Awards
- Consideration of Proposed Parking Ordinance Change of Needham Ave
- SR 59 Alternative Transportation Improvements – Amendment to Interagency Design Agreement
The Kent City Council approved multiple proposals, including a $10,000 FDA grant, a surplus property sale at 500 Middlebury Rd., and amendments to parking and stormwater ordinances. The committee also discussed a proposal to sunset a 0.25% income tax to fund police and fire staffing.
- Approved $10,000 FDA grant with emergency clause (unanimous)
- Authorized sale of surplus property at 500 Middlebury Rd. via absolute auction (unanimous)
- Amended parking regulations on Needham Avenue (unanimous)
- Authorized modification to stormwater ordinances (unanimous)
- Authorized amendments to SR59 project agreement (unanimous)
- Accepted TIRC recommendations for Enterprise Zone agreements (unanimous)
- Approved $100,000 for 2026 Social Service Funding Awards
- Discussed proposal to sunset 0.25% income tax for police/fire staffing
City Council
The City Council approved a draft resolution to set the Standing Rock Cemetery tax rate at .60 mills for 2026 and appointed Franklin Township Trustee Glenn Russell to the cemetery board. The council also approved a draft resolution granting cost-of-living increases to cemetery personnel.
- Set Standing Rock Cemetery tax rate at .60 mills (unanimous)
- Appointed Glenn Russell to Standing Rock Cemetery Board (unanimous)
- Approved cost-of-living increases to cemetery salaries (unanimous)
- Passed first reading for all three resolutions
Planning Commission
General
The Kent Sustainability Commission meets for an organizational session to elect a chair and vice chair and to review and approve drafted bylaws. No policy decisions or public hearings are scheduled.
- Election of commission officers (chair and vice chair)
- Review and potential approval of drafted bylaws
Planning Commission
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing and decide on two variance requests: one at 120 Portage Street to allow a dwelling 7.5 feet from the front property line and a subordinate structure 1 foot from the east line, and another at 1477 Mogadore to allow a subordinate structure 6 feet 8 inches from the south property line. The board will also consider approving meeting minutes from November 2025 and February 2026.
- Variance request by Rick Hawksley & Joan Inderhees at 120 Portage Street to reduce front setback from 35 ft to 7 ft 6 in for a dwelling unit
- Same property requests a 9-ft variance to place a subordinate structure 1 ft from the east property line (minimum 10 ft required)
- Variance request by Michael Dialsandro at 1477 Mogadore to reduce subordinate structure setback from 10 ft to 6 ft 8 in from the south property line (3 ft 4 in variance)
- Approval of meeting minutes from November 17, 2025 and February 16, 2026
Civil Service Commission
The Kent Civil Service Commission will meet to elect a chair and vice-chair, approve February minutes, and review personnel updates including new hires, transfers, resignations, and retirements. The commission will also consider requests to bypass standard competitive hiring rules for several specialized positions under Rule 7.04(b). Other standing committees report no business for this session.
- Election of Civil Service Commission Chair and Vice-Chair
- Personnel updates: new hire Alex Labajetta, three transfers, two resignations, and one retirement
- Health Department requests to approve job descriptions for Chief Sanitarian and Accreditation Coordinator
- Requests to suspend competitive hiring for Program and Behavior Support Coordinator, two Water Plant Operator roles, and GIS Technician under Rule 7.04(b)
The commission approved updated job descriptions for Chief Sanitarian and Accreditation Coordinator, authorized an exam for a health sanitarian position, and authorized exceptional appointments for a Program and Behavior Support Coordinator, water plant operators, and a GIS Technician. All votes were unanimous. The commission also elected Tony Mosca as chair and Mariah Taylor as vice-chair.
- Approved updated Chief Sanitarian job description (unanimous)
- Approved updated Accreditation Coordinator job description (unanimous)
- Authorized exam for Registered Environmental Health Sanitarian/Public Health Sanitarian (unanimous)
- Authorized exceptional appointment for Program and Behavior Support Coordinator (unanimous)
- Authorized exceptional appointments for Water Treatment Plant Operator and Water Plant Operator (unanimous)
- Authorized exceptional appointment for GIS Technician (unanimous)
- Elected Tony Mosca as chair (unanimous)
- Elected Mariah Taylor as vice-chair (unanimous)
Parks and Recreation Board
General
City Council
Kent City Council will consider a consent agenda including a one-year moratorium on permits for AI data centers, a new housing acquisition assistance program to convert rentals to owner-occupied, and applications for grants including $500,000 for the North Mantua Street project and $25,000 for firefighter bailout equipment. The meeting also includes appointment of Julie Kenworthy to the Committee on Design and Preservation and acceptance of the Portage County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Draft ordinance imposing a one-year moratorium on permits for AI data centers within city limits
- Draft ordinance authorizing a Housing Acquisition Assistance Program to promote homeownership and convert single-family rentals to owner-occupied
- Draft ordinance authorizing application for a $500,000 ODOT Transportation Improvement District grant for the North Mantua Street project
- Draft ordinance authorizing application for a $25,000 Joey D. Foundation grant to purchase personal bailout equipment for the fire department
- Motion to appoint Julie Kenworthy to the Committee on Design and Preservation
The council approved the City Manager’s Report and moved the meeting into executive session. It suspended three readings and approved the consent agenda, which adopted several draft ordinances and resolutions covering grants, housing assistance, and other emergency measures. The council also appointed Julie Kenworthy to the Committee on Design and Preservation and approved related draft ordinance actions.
- Excused Mr. Turner and Ms. Wallach – unanimous voice vote
- Approved City Manager’s Report – unanimous voice vote
- Suspended three readings of Drafts 2026-29 through 2026-37 – 7-0-0 roll call vote
- Approved consent agenda (including multiple emergency ordinances) – 7-0-0 roll call vote
- Appointed Julie Kenworthy to Committee on Design and Preservation – unanimous voice vote
- Authorized insertion of name into Draft 2026-38 – unanimous voice vote
- Suspended three readings of Draft 2026-38 – unanimous roll call vote
- Authorized Draft 2026-38 ordinance appointing Julie Kenworthy – unanimous voice vote
Board of Health
Board of Health
Standing Rock Cemetery
The Standing Rock Cemetery Board will meet on April 9, 2026, for a routine procedural meeting. Actions include approving minutes, financial statements, vouchers, and a fuel report, as well as hiring seasonal employees and making maintenance building repairs. No major policy changes or public hearings are scheduled.
- Approve seasonal employees
- Maintenance building repairs
- Approve Joint Agenda
- Accept Financial Statement
- Approve Vouchers
The Standing Rock Cemetery Trustees unanimously approved the purchase of an EZGo gas golf cart for $6,950 from PR Sales to increase seasonal employee efficiency. They also approved four seasonal employees for 2026: Robert Browne, Dwayne Rhinehart, Devon Connerly, and David Swales. Routine approvals included the March 2026 minutes, financial statement, and vouchers.
- Approved March 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved March 2026 financial statement (3-0)
- Approved vouchers for payment (3-0)
- Approved seasonal employees Robert Browne, Dwayne Rhinehart, Devon Connerly, and David Swales for 2026 (3-0)
- Approved 2026 Joint Agenda for May 6 (3-0)
- Approved purchase of EZGo gas golf cart from PR Sales for $6,950 (3-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a conditional zoning use certificate for a mixed-use development in an existing building at 247 N. Water Street, located in the Commercial Downtown and Overlay districts. The meeting includes a public hearing, staff reports, applicant presentation, and commission deliberation and action.
- Conditional Zoning Use Certificate for mixed use at 247 N. Water Street (PC26-003)
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a Conditional Zoning Certificate and Site Plan for a mixed-use at 247 N. Water Street, allowing an accounting business on floors 1-2 and a t-shirt printing service in the basement. No public comments were heard. The February 3, 2026 meeting minutes were also approved.
- Approved Conditional Zoning Certificate and Site Plan for mixed-use at 247 N. Water Street (5-0)
- Approved February 3, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)