Kent, OH

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

City Council

Kent City Council holds a committee meeting on October 7, 2026, following a Democracy Day public hearing and a Board of Control session. Committees will discuss an economic development strategy update, deer overpopulation and wildlife feeding, a noise ordinance review, a rural EMS dispatch grant, and rescinding two Community Reinvestment Area agreements with Klaben at 1238 and 1250 West Main St. The Finance Committee takes up a resolution on public funds depositories that declares an emergency. Other items include a new 2026 Squirrel City Half Marathon event and a State Route 629 grant agreement for North Mantua Street.

• Rescind CRA agreement with Klaben for the "New Dealership" at 1238 West Main St. (ref. Ord. 2024-106)
• Rescind CRA agreement with Klaben for the "Service Center" renovation at 1250 West Main St. (ref. Ord. 2024-107)
• Public Funds Depositories resolution estimating deposit amounts, award date, and designation period, declaring an emergency
• North Mantua Street - State 629 Grant Agreement
• New event: 2026 Squirrel City Half Marathon

General

Standing Rock Cemetery

Board of Health

Parks and Recreation Board

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Planning Commission

City Council

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

City Council

Board of Health

Standing Rock Cemetery

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Planning Commission

City Council

Parks and Recreation Board

Planning Commission

City Council

Shade Tree Commission

Board of Health

Standing Rock Cemetery

Planning Commission

City Council

Parks and Recreation Board

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

City Council

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Civil Service Commission

City Council

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Civil Service Commission

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

City Council

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Civil Service Commission

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Planning Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Civil Service Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Civil Service Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Planning Commission

Civil Service Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Civil Service Commission

The Kent Civil Service Commission will review personnel updates, including new hires and a resignation, and consider a request to exempt Melanie Baker from testing for Chief Operator at the Water Reclamation Plant. Most agenda sections have no business, making this the only substantive item.

• New hires: Cameron Baker (Police Officer, Aug 10) and Andrew Bull (Health Commissioner, Sep 14)
• Resignation: Steven Kern (Police Officer, effective Sep 27)
• Testing exemption request for Chief Operator at Water Reclamation Plant
• Approval of July 2026 minutes

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Kent Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing and business meeting to consider two variance requests. One seeks to expand an approved bump-out at 323 N. Lincoln Street beyond the standard size limits, and the other requests a reduced setback for a subordinate structure at 251 Dodge Street. The board will also review meeting minutes from August 17, 2026.

• BZ26-007: Variance to expand bump-out to 18x18 feet at 323 N. Lincoln Street (limit: 12 ft wide, 20 ft long)
• BZ26-009: Variance for 5-foot setback (10 ft required) for subordinate structure at 251 Dodge Street
• Public hearing and business meeting at Council Chambers, 319 S. Water Street, 7:00 PM
• Accommodation requests due 48 hours prior via Community Development at (330)678-8108

Parks and Recreation Board

The Kent Parks and Recreation Board is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes approval of minutes, staff reports on August revenue and expenditures, and updates on parks and recreation programs. An executive session is scheduled to discuss personnel matters.

• Approval of minutes from the August 20, 2026 meeting
• Monthly revenue and expenditure reports for August
• Park and recreation program reports
• Executive session on personnel matters (ORC §121.22)

City Council

The Kent City Council will hold its regular meeting, beginning with a Board of Control session. The agenda includes a consent agenda with several routine ordinances and resolutions, covering budget adjustments, tax levies, a license agreement, and easement donations. There are no items listed for committee discussions, unfinished, or new business.

• Ordinance to pay purchase orders exceeding $3,000 (2026-81)
• Resolution designating October as 'Sustainability Month' (2026-83)
• Ordinance adjusting appropriations for fiscal year 2026 (2026-84)
• Resolution accepting tax levy amounts and certifying to county auditor (2026-85)
• License agreement with Klaben Property Management for property near 1238 West Main Street (2026-86)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider an application for a Conditional Zoning Use Certificate and Site Plan Approval. The proposal involves allowing multifamily dwellings on parcel 45-004-00-00-053-000.

• Conditional Zoning Use Certificate and Site Plan Approval for Currie Hall Parkway (PC26-002)

Standing Rock Cemetery

Board of Health

The Kent City Board of Health is meeting to approve routine reports and expenditures, and to take action on a tobacco retail license denial for Kent Mart Inc. The agenda includes a statistical and health department report for August 2026, plus discussion and action items.

• Approval of August 2026 expenditures and encumbrances
• Action on Kent Mart Inc. tobacco retail license denial
• Statistical report for August 2026
• Health Department report for August 2026

General

The Kent Sustainability Commission will hold a special meeting to review sustainability topics and projects. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

City Council

The Kent City Council committee meeting will discuss creating a new Sustainability Council Committee, proposed topics for new charter amendments, and permanently designating October as Sustainability Month. It will also consider a license agreement for 1238 W. Main St., a right-of-way donation for the N. Mantua St. improvement project, and a budget appropriations amendment.

• Discussion of proposal to create a new 'Sustainability' Council Committee
• Permanent designation of October as Sustainability Month
• Certification of tax rates and amounts to Portage County
• 2026 Budget Appropriations Amendment
• 1238 W. Main St. License Agreement

Kent City Council met on September 2, 2026, and approved placing a charter amendment on the ballot to lower the threshold for suspending rules and passing emergency measures from a three-fourths to a two-thirds majority. A motion to establish a standing Sustainability Committee on Council failed for lack of a second. Council also approved several routine items, including a permanent designation of October as Sustainability Month, a re-appointment to the Convention and Visitors' Bureau, certification of tax rates to Portage County, a 2026 budget appropriations amendment, a license agreement with Klaben, acceptance of easements from Kent City Schools for the North Mantua Street project, and a letter of exclusivity for a NOPEC municipal power purchasing collective. All approved motions carried by unanimous voice vote with emergency clauses.

• Approved placing charter amendment on ballot to change emergency vote threshold from three-fourths to two-thirds (unanimous voice vote)
• Motion to establish a standing Sustainability Committee on Council failed for lack of a second
• Approved permanent designation of October as Sustainability Month with emergency clause (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved re-appointment of Eric Helmstedter to Kent Convention and Visitors' Bureau with emergency clause (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved certification of tax rates and amounts to Portage County with emergency clause (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved 2026 budget appropriations amendment with emergency clause (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved license agreement with Klaben for storm water overflow at 1238 W. Main St. with emergency clause (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved acceptance of four easements and right of way donations from Kent City Schools for North Mantua Street improvement project with emergency clause (unanimous voice vote)

Planning Commission

Parks and Recreation Board

City Council

The Kent City Council will hold a regular meeting on August 19, 2026, beginning with a Board of Control session. The agenda includes the swearing-in of Police Chief Gary Stone, a proclamation for Aaron Ruggles, and public comment. The main business is a consent agenda of eight ordinances, including authorizing payment of purchase orders over $3,000, amending the fair housing quorum, certifying unpaid bills for sidewalk repairs and utility charges to the county auditor, extending the school resource officer agreement, accepting easements for the North Mantua Street project, and approving a water tap-in for a property on State Route 43. All committee reports indicate no business.

• Swearing-in of Police Chief Gary Stone
• Ordinance 2026-73: authorize payment of purchase orders exceeding $3,000
• Ordinance 2026-74: amend fair housing quorum (Section 557.05(e))
• Ordinance 2026-75/76/77: certify unpaid sidewalk, utility, and code enforcement bills to county auditor for tax lien
• Ordinance 2026-78: extend school resource officer MOU with Kent City Board of Education to June 1, 2027

The City Council approved a consent agenda containing eight ordinances, including a school resource officer agreement and property tax certifications for unpaid municipal bills. Council also voted to move three proposed charter and ordinance issues to committee for review, while rejecting a proposal to move nonpartisan election considerations to committee. Additionally, the council authorized a charter amendment proposal regarding term limits for the Charter Review Commission.

• Approved liquor license application for CVS Pharmacy at 500 S. Water Street
• Approved consent agenda including eight ordinances (7-0-1)
• Moved three proposed ballot issues to committee (unanimous)
• Denied moving nonpartisan election issue to committee (3-5)
• Approved proposal for charter amendment on Charter Review Commission term limits

Planning Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Kent Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing and business meeting on August 17, 2026, to consider a single new business item: four variance requests from Benjamin Tipton for property at 128 N. Prospect Street. The requests seek to reduce required setbacks for a wood storage unit and a shed, and to allow three subordinate structures where only two are permitted. The board will also review meeting minutes from July 27, 2026.

• Variance to allow wood storage unit 1 foot from rear property line (9-foot variance from 10-foot requirement)
• Variance to allow wood storage unit 2 feet from south property line (8-foot variance)
• Variance to allow shed 2 feet from south property line (8-foot variance)
• Variance to allow three subordinate structures on parcel (limit is two)

Board of Zoning Appeals

Civil Service Commission

Standing Rock Cemetery

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider denying a tobacco retail license for Kent Mart Inc. and review expenditures for June and July 2026. Reports on statistics and health department activities for those months will be presented, along with a discussion of Epi Services comparison data. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Action item: Kent Mart Inc. Tobacco Retail License Denial
• Expenditures for June and July 2026
• Statistical Report for June and July 2026
• Health Department Report for June and July 2026
• Discussion: Epi Services comparison table

City Council

The Kent City Council Committee Meeting will review updates from staff and committees, including a proposal to create a new "Sustainability" Council Committee. Other items include economic development strategy updates, unpaid city bills, and a right-of-way donation for the N. Mantua St. Improvement Project.

• Proposal to create a new "Sustainability" Council Committee
• Economic Development Strategy Update
• Consideration of certifying unpaid city bills to the county for lien placement
• N. Mantua St. Improvement Project – Right of Way Donation
• Annual renewal of School Resource Officer Agreement with Kent City Schools

The Kent City Council approved several items, including certifying unpaid bills for property tax liens, renewing the School Resource Officer agreement with Kent City Schools, accepting easements for the North Mantua St. project, and extending city water service to 5085 SR 43. The council also authorized an amendment to the Fair Housing Board's quorum definition and updated its pending list by removing several items.

• Approved certifying unpaid concrete/sidewalk repair bills for property tax liens (unanimous)
• Approved certifying unpaid utility bills for property tax liens (unanimous)
• Approved certifying unpaid non-utility bills for property tax liens (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of School Resource Officer Agreement with Kent City Schools (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of easements for North Mantua St. improvement project (unanimous)
• Approved extension of city water service to 5085 SR 43 in Brimfield (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Fair Housing Board quorum definition (unanimous)
• Removed Senior Advisory Committee, Downtown Historic District, and other items from Council Pending List

Planning Commission

Shade Tree Commission

General

The Sustainability Commission elected Lynn Gregor as Vice Chair, with Julie Grant making the nomination and the motion passing unanimously. The Commission discussed gas-powered leaf blowers referred by Council, reviewed the draft Sustainable Kent Award Program, and talked through October Sustainability Month activities. No ordinances, contracts, or funding measures were decided; most items were discussion and staff follow-up, with further talks set for a September 8 special meeting.

• Elected Lynn Gregor as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Agreed Commission leaf blower recommendations will go to the Community Development Department, then to Council for its decision
• Agreed to hold the Lights Out! At Plum Creek event again; staff to check speaker and Parks & Rec availability
• Agreed to discuss the Sustainable Kent Award Program further at the September 8 special meeting
• Adjourned at 7:03 PM (unanimous)

General

The Kent City Health Board will convene a special meeting to discuss employment matters in an executive session before adjourning.

• Executive session to discuss employment matters
• Meeting at Kent City Hall, 319 South Water Street

General

The Kent City Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on two variance applications submitted by Halle Troutman for the property at 636 Emich Drive. The first request seeks a 7‑foot setback variance where a 10‑foot minimum is required for a subordinate structure located 3 feet from the east property line. The second request seeks a 6‑foot setback variance where a 15‑foot minimum is required for a subordinate structure located 9 feet from the principal structure. The meeting will also include review of prior minutes and other business.

• Variance request: 7‑foot setback (minimum 10 ft) for subordinate structure 3 ft from east property line, 636 Emich Drive
• Variance request: 6‑foot setback (minimum 15 ft) for subordinate structure 9 ft from principal structure, 636 Emich Drive
• Public hearing on the above variance applications
• Review of meeting minutes from May 18 2026 and June 15 2026
• Other business items

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for Halle Troutman at 636 Emich Drive to build a detached garage 3 feet from the east property line (7-foot variance from the 10-foot requirement), but denied a second variance to place the garage 9 feet from the principal structure (6-foot variance from the 15-foot requirement). The board found no hardship for the house setback since the garage could be moved to meet it. Minutes from May 18 and June 15, 2026, were approved.

• Approved variance for 3-foot side yard setback at 636 Emich Dr. (4-0)
• Denied variance for 9-foot distance from principal structure at 636 Emich Dr. (4-0)
• Approved May 18, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0-1, Szygenda abstained)
• Approved June 15, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council

City Council will consider several ordinances regarding city finances, including the 2027 tax budget and purchase orders exceeding $3,000. The body is also reviewing grant applications for fire department staffing and equipment, as well as a noise ordinance amendment.

• Draft 2026-63: Resolution adopting the tax budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2027
• Draft 2026-61: Authorization to pay purchase orders exceeding $3,000.00
• Draft 2026-65: Application for SAFER grant for three firefighter/paramedic positions
• Draft 2026-71: Amendment to the "Unlawful Noise" section of codified ordinances
• Draft 2026-72: Appointment of Ash D’Angelo to the Sustainability Commission

The Kent City Council held a special meeting where they excused two absent members and approved a large consent agenda containing multiple ordinances and resolutions, including purchase order authorizations, a city manager contract addendum, a 2027 tax budget, and various fire department grant applications. Additionally, the council appointed Ash D'Angelo to the Sustainability Commission before adjourning.

• Excused Mr. Turner and Ms. Wallach (6-1-0)
• Suspended three readings for the consent agenda (7-0-0)
• Approved consent agenda including drafts 2026-61 through 2026-71 (7-0-0)
• Suspended three readings for Draft 2026-72 regarding Sustainability Commission appointment (7-0-0)
• Approved Draft 2026-72 appointing Ash D'Angelo to the Sustainability Commission (7-0-0)

Planning Commission