Green City Council Meeting – July 28, 2026

The Green City Council met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM (meeting called to order at 8:46 PM) in Council Chambers. The agenda included public hearings on a drive-through bypass lane ordinance and seven charter amendment resolutions, a contentious vote on outsourcing income tax to RITA (Regional Income Tax Agency), and approval of lease agreements with the school district. Council also passed a modified appropriations resolution and a municipal economic development grant.

Consent Calendar

• TMP-5422: Approval of the June 23, 2026 Council meeting minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
• TMP-5434: Approval of the June 2026 Electronic Financial Report, subject to audit. Motion carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Three emails were read into the record: two opposing the transition to RITA (from Dave Plum and Chris West) and one expressing concern (from Jan Jacobson). No members of the public spoke during the Public Report portion of the meeting.

Public Hearings

• 2026-10A – Drive-Through Bypass Lanes ("Megan’s Way Out"): A public hearing was held. Planning Director Wayne Wiethe explained the ordinance would require a 10-foot paved, clearly delineated bypass lane for all new drive-throughs or major renovations, allowing vehicles to exit the queue without reversing. The change was prompted by the fatal 2022 incident in Stow where Megan Keleman was trapped in a Taco Bell drive-through. Councilman Noble noted a similar carjacking at Green’s Taco Bell in 2023. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 5-0. Council discussed concerns about impact on business, loss of green space, and two-lane drive-through restrictions. The hearing was closed at 9:15 PM. The title will be amended to include "Megan’s Way Out." No vote was taken.
• Charter Amendment Resolutions (2026-R31 through R37): A combined public hearing was held from 9:16 PM to 9:58 PM. Charter Review Commission Chair Bob Knapp presented seven amendments: adding "strong" to form of government (R31), email with read receipt for special meeting notification (R32), electronic publication of ordinances (R33), clarifying Parks and Recreation Board powers (R34), modifying the 7% income tax allocation for parks (R35), electronic publication of Charter Review Commission recommendations (R36), and requiring charter review every five years (R37). Council debated whether the "strong mayor" change could be classified as non-substantive; Clerk Messner noted it could not be moved to the non-substantive package. Ballot language inconsistencies were noted and will be corrected by the Law Director. No votes were taken; all are on second reading.

Discussion Items & Committee Reports

• Finance Committee (Humphrey): Reported second quarter income tax collections are flat year-over-year. Committee advanced third-reading item 2026-15 (RITA contract).
• Public Safety Committee (DeVitis): Discussed 2026-R26AA, a second amendment to the policing contract to include Flock safety cameras (license plate readers) at a cost of $84,000 over two years. Council requested additional contract stipulations (e.g., exit clause if Flock is sold), but the county declined. A final amended draft will be presented at the next meeting.
• Planning, Community & Economic Development (Noble): Reported on the public hearing for 2026-10A. Also moved third-reading item 2026-R24 (Hoover Kacyon MEDG) to a vote.
• Rules & Personnel (Speight): Second reading of 2026-16 (Veterans Advisory Commission), 2026-17 (Accounts Payable Clerk), and 2026-18 (Member Services Clerk) – all held for further discussion.
• Transportation, Connectivity & Storm Water (Meager): Second reading of 2026-R38 (Kunkle & Sons contract for concrete repairs, base bid $126,716). Meager expressed concerns about past performance and will verify with the city engineer. Time granted.
• Committee of the Whole (Neugebauer): Summarized the charter amendment public hearing and noted that the non-substantive changes (2026-R30) would be revised by the Law Director.

Key Outcomes

• 2026-15 (RITA Contract) – ADOPTED 6-1: Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to contract with RITA for income tax administration, collection, and enforcement. Councilman Brandenburg voted no, citing poor customer service experiences and concerns about employee displacement. Supporters (Speight, Meager, Neugebauer) cited potential savings and need for modernization.
• 2026-R40 (Modified Appropriations – $200,000 for inspection services on fiber project) – ADOPTED 6-1: Passed on first reading with an emergency clause. Councilman Neugebauer voted no, objecting to the means and mode of the project and potential liability.
• 2026-R41 (Building Lease Agreement with Green Local Schools) – ADOPTED 7-0: Authorized a $1 lease for a portion of the bus garage and storage facility.
• 2026-R42 (Ground Lease Agreement with Green Local Schools) – ADOPTED 7-0: Companion ground lease for the same parcel.
• 2026-R24 (MEDG with Hoover Kacyon LLC) – ADOPTED 7-0: Three-year economic development grant totaling approximately $12,000 (50% of income tax) for a business bringing 7 jobs and $400,000 in payroll.
• Mayor’s Report: Mayor Yeargin noted that Senator Marino has co-sponsored the zip code legislation; Summit County property tax reappraisal notices were mailed; upcoming events include the final movie in the park (Aug. 1), summer celebration concert (Aug. 7), Night at the Carnival (Aug. 12), and Artapalooza (Aug. 15).

Next Steps

• Drive-Through Bypass Ordinance: Amended language will be presented at the August 11, 2026 council meeting.
• Charter Amendments: Ballot language will be corrected; final votes expected August 11.
• Flock Camera Contract: Final amended version to be presented for a vote at the next meeting.
• Second Reading Items: Veterans Advisory Commission, new clerk positions, and concrete repairs contract will return for third reading.
• Public Hearings: August 11, 2026 public hearing scheduled for 2026-19 (Aqua Ohio agreement).