Green City Council Meeting - August 25, 2026

The Green City Council met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of the consent calendar, public comments regarding the flock camera rejection and the financial sustainability of The Core recreation center, adoption of tax increment financing (TIF) agreements for Chick-fil-A and the Brenneman Group, renewal of liquor licenses, and approval of a five-year water rate agreement with Aqua Ohio. All votes were unanimous (7-0) on matters requiring a vote.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the August 11, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes: Approved 7-0.
• Approval of the July 2026 Electronic Financial Report, Subject to Audit: Approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daniel Deckler (4210 Cottage Grove Rd) thanked council for rejecting the flock camera contract but expressed concern that the rejection was not based on sufficient consideration of civil liberties. He argued that voluntary acceptance of surveillance (e.g., cell phones, airport security) differs from mandatory surveillance by government cameras. He urged council to thoroughly analyze any technology that monitors citizens and asked, "How much government surveillance is too much?" He distributed a Wired magazine article about AI in flock cameras.
• Wafan Risk (Green, OH) spoke in strong support of The Core, calling it "the most valuable asset we have to promote health" — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. He opposed any talk of shutting down or reducing the facility and suggested it could operate 24 hours.
• Pam Kinepp (1620 King Drive) defended The Core, stating it is an asset the community can be proud of. She noted that visitors come from New Franklin, Jackson, and Akron, and praised the staff, instructors, and Silver Sneakers program. She urged council to support the facility's growth.
• Victor Pinhero (1525 Grayfox Green) supported The Core and offered suggestions to improve operations without straining the budget, such as better compensating staff and motivating instructors. He encouraged council to think creatively about revenue.

Discussion Items

• The Core Recreation Center Financial Discussion: After public comments, council members and staff addressed the facility's finances.
  • Councilman Neugebauer clarified that the vote against a new full-time position was about timing and economic efficiency, not about the facility's value. He noted the $14 million investment and compared it to Central Park, which cost $6.5 million and generates no revenue. He stressed the importance of running the Core efficiently, citing the Rain Tree Golf Course model, which generated $350,000 in operating profit last year.
  • Councilman Humphrey reiterated he never suggested shutting down The Core. He stated that The Core has approximately $1.7 million in annual expenses with only $80,000–$100,000 projected revenue, leaving a $1.6 million deficit. He emphasized that the city must be fiscally responsible, especially as income tax revenue is flat while expenses rise. He noted the city pays $1 million annually in debt service for 30 years on The Core and warned that tough choices lie ahead without raising taxes. He invited residents to share revenue-generating ideas.
  • Service Director Carr thanked the public for their support and noted that the discussion affects staff morale. She explained that The Core was designed not to compete with neighboring facilities, gives priority to schools and youth sports (which pay little or nothing), and is in its first year. She emphasized it is a community center fulfilling its mission.
• Liquor License Items (Public Safety Committee):
  • TMP-5458: Renewal of all Class C & D retail liquor licenses effective October 1, 2026. The Summit County Sheriff's Office found no alcohol-related issues. Council voted 7-0 to not request a hearing.
  • TMP-5459: New C-1 & C-2 licenses for CVS Pharmacy at 3761 Massillon Road. No issues found. Council voted 7-0 to not request a hearing.
• Third Reading Legislation (Planning Committee):
  • 2026-20 (Chick-fil-A TIF): Ordinance declaring improvements to property owned by Arlington Ridge Market Place, LLC (Chick-fil-A) a public purpose, exempting 100% of the value of improvements (approximately $3 million) from real property taxation for 30 years. The business still pays full property tax, but taxes are rerouted to the city for public improvements. Schools receive compensation. Adopted 7-0.
  • 2026-21 (Brenneman Group TIF): Similar TIF for Bull Run Ventures, LLC (Brenneman Group) on Town Crossing Boulevard, total value $1 million over 30 years. Adopted 7-0.
• Third Reading Legislation (Intergovernmental Committee):
  • 2026-19 (Aqua Ohio Water Rate Agreement): Ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a five-year agreement with Aqua Ohio (2027–2031). Rates increase 5.5% for 2026, then 5.75% annually — slightly higher than the previous five years (3.25%) but lower than the last major system upgrade period. Aqua Ohio will spend a minimum of $1.5 million on new water access assets. A public hearing was held August 11, 2026. Adopted 7-0.
• Transportation Committee Report: Councilman Meager reported that the city engineer provided an update on the Butler Road lane closure starting August 31 for approximately one month. Residents were advised to follow detour signs.
• Finance Committee Report: Councilman Humphrey reported that he attended the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) meeting on August 24. Projects are being scored, with submissions due September 2. The full list and meeting replay are available on the city website.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved: Minutes and financial report (both 7-0).
• Adopted 2026-20 (Chick-fil-A TIF): 7-0.
• Adopted 2026-21 (Brenneman Group TIF): 7-0.
• Adopted 2026-19 (Aqua Ohio water rate agreement): 7-0.
• Voted to not request hearings on liquor license renewals (TMP-5458) and new CVS license (TMP-5459): Both 7-0.
• New legislation introduced and referred: 2026-R43 (ODOT resurfacing of SR-619 and SR-241) to Transportation Committee; 2026-R44 (Summit County property tax advance), 2026-R45 (tax levies), and 2026-R46 (appropriation modifications) to Finance Committee.
• Mayor's Report: Voter registration deadline for November election is October 5, 2026. The Core membership renewal began August 12; charter members receive a $25 discount through November 30. September focus on Silver Sneakers and Renew Active members. Upcoming events: Mayor's Morning Meetup at Cleckner Park on August 28 (9-10 AM), community tailgate before Green Bulldogs football game on August 28, Senior Expo at Rain Tree on September 3, Akron Zoo community days September 1-30, and Parker's Trail Challenge September 1-October 31.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.