Green City Council Meeting - January 13, 2026

The Green City Council met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Council President Justin Speight called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Six of seven council members were present (Ward 1 Councilman Chris Humphrey was absent). The meeting covered approval of prior minutes and financial reports, introduction of new legislation, committee reports, confirmation of appointments, and the mayor's report. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Unanimously approved (6-0) the minutes of the November 25, 2025 Council Meeting (TMP-5194), the December 9, 2025 Council Meeting (TMP-5195), and the January 5, 2026 Council Organizational Meeting (TMP-5210).
• Financial Reports: Unanimously approved (6-0) the October 2025 and November 2025 Electronic Financial Reports, subject to audit (TMP-5217 and TMP-5218).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak; no public hearings were scheduled.

Discussion Items

• New Legislation – Introduced:
  • 2026-R01: A resolution approving Change Order #2 and #3 for the Graybill Road Turn Lane Project at Green Elementary School (Barbicas Construction Co. Inc contract increase), making an appropriation and declaring an emergency. Referred to the Finance Committee.
  • 2026-R02: A resolution authorizing a utility easement to Ohio Edison Company (10-foot easement on city-owned property at 4820 Thursby Road and 1844 Greensburg Road). Councilman Brandenburg summarized the easement, noting it is needed for an underground wiring duct bank to supply electricity to Cleckner Park, the city equipment storage facility, and the Green Local Schools bus garage. The administration requested first reading passage to avoid construction delays. Council voted unanimously (6-0) to bypass committee deliberation, bypass the three-reading rule, and adopt the resolution.
  • 2026-01: An ordinance approving the editing and inclusion of ordinances and resolutions into the Codified Ordinances, adoption and publication of new matter, and repeal of conflicting ordinances. Councilman Speight summarized that this routine update is done semi-annually. The administration requested first reading passage. Council voted unanimously (6-0) to bypass committee deliberation, bypass the three-reading rule, and adopt the ordinance.
  • 2026-02: An ordinance amending Chapter 30 to authorize recovery of credit and debit card processing costs and bank fees on certain payments. Referred to the Finance Committee. (Note: The minutes later refer to this as 2026-02A, but at this meeting it was only introduced on first reading.)
• Committee Reports:
  • Public Safety Committee (Councilman DeVitis reporting): Met to receive two presentations. First, from Dr. Layla Halay (community outreach associate) on the mental health follow-up program, funded by a three-year $455,000 grant. In its first year, the program responded to 121 calls, assisting individuals in mental health or substance abuse crises and reducing strain on EMS/fire resources. Second, from Communications Manager Valerie Wolford on the new emergency alert system (Regroup), replacing the old system. Residents can sign up at cityofgreen.org/greenalert or by texting "joingreenoh" to 58339. A mailer and phone option are also available.
  • Intergovernmental & Utilities Committee (Councilman Brandenburg reporting): Discussed 2026-R02 and heard from Service Director Carr that bidding for 2026 electric rates has begun.
  • Rules and Personnel Committee (Councilman Speight reporting): Moved to confirm Mayor Yeargin's appointments to the 2026 Charter Review Commission (see Key Outcomes).
• Mayor’s Report:
  • Summit Connects Public Safety Fiber Network construction began January 12, 2026, at Cottage Grove and Jarvis Road, proceeding south; the network will connect all 31 Summit County communities.
  • Over $29,000 in sponsorships secured for 2026 events (e.g., Sarah Auto Park presenting Summer Celebration concert series, Twisted Olive for Twisted Wilderfest, Consumers Bank for Freedom Fest children's stage, and others).
  • Renew Mission Thrift Store opened at 4875 South Main Street (ribbon cutting January 10).
  • City tax returns will no longer be mailed in hard copy; forms available online, at city office, or at Green Branch Library; postcards will inform residents.
  • State of the City address: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7 PM at Green High School Auditorium (doors open at 6 PM for coffee/dessert); live-streamed; registration appreciated.
  • City offices closed Monday, January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
  • Save the date for February 28, 2026: “Battle of the Slice,” a new fundraiser for Green Schools Foundation (replacing Celebration of Education), featuring pizza tasting from community pizzerias, kids’ activities, and live music; tickets required.

Key Outcomes

• Adoption of 2026-R02 (Ohio Edison Easement): Passed 6-0 with emergency clause, bypassing committee and three readings.
• Adoption of 2026-01 (Codified Ordinance Update): Passed 6-0, bypassing committee and three readings.
• Confirmation of 2026 Charter Review Commission: Council unanimously (6-0) confirmed Mayor Yeargin’s appointments: Kristin Yanko, Deborah Koral, Betty Konen, Robert Duffrin, and Bob Knapp.
• Introduction of 2026-R01 and 2026-02: Referred to committees for further deliberation.
• Meeting Adjourned at 7:23 PM by unanimous vote.