City Council

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 470 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 PRESIDENT SHERER: I’d like to thank everybody com… for coming tonight. Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Canton City Council. If everyone could please turn your cell phones to vibrate. With a quorum being present, the Chair calls this meeting of Canton City Council to order. Roll call please, Madam Clerk. 11 COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: (WILLIAM SMUCKLER, JAMES BABCOCK, LOUIS GIAVASIS, GREG HAWK, BRENDA KIMBROUGH, JASON SCAGLIONE, CHRIS SMITH, ROBERT FISHER, KEVIN HALL, JOHN MARIOL & PETER FERGUSON) ELEVEN COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT (MEMBER MORRIS ABSENT) CLERK WOOD: Eleven present, one absent, Mr. President. EXCUSING MEMBERS PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, I move we excuse Member Morris from tonight’s meeting. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to excuse Member Morris from this evening’s meeting. Are there any remarks? ...Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 11 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Eleven yeas, Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: The motion carries and Member Morris is excused from this evening’s meeting. Tonight’s invocation will be given by Council-at-Large Member, the one and only Jimmy Babcock. If you would all please stand and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, please. The regular meeting of Canton City Council was held on December 18, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. in the Canton City Council Chamber. The roll call was taken (see above) by Clerk of Council, Jill M. Wood. The invocation was given by Council Member-at-Large, James Babcock. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Sherer. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you, Member Babcock. AGENDA CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Agenda Corrections and Changes. Leader Smuckler. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, I move Rule 22A be suspended to add second readings of Ordinances 15 and 16 added to this evenings agenda. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to add second readings of Ordinances 15 and 16 to this evening’s agenda. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, roll call vote, please. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 471 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 11 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Eleven yeas, Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: The motion carries and Ordinances 15 and 16 are a legal part of your agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Public Hearings, and we have none for this evening. OLD BUSINESS PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Old Business, and we have no Old Business for this evening. PUBLIC SPEAKS PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Public Speaks and we have one speaker for this evening. And it is Miss Kimberly Bell. Now, I know I got to tell you, you gotta state your name and residential address, but we’re still testing the mic out, so don’t be afraid to speak clearly into the mic, or even if you want to take it out of there. So… KIMBERLY BELL: Okay. PRESIDENT SHERER: That way everybody can hear you, Miss Bell. KIMBERLY BELL: Well, it’s been a crazy year this year, and… and my name is Kimberly Bell, 1733 Morris Avenue. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you. KIMBERLY BELL: Uh… it’s been a crazy year. Huh? Um… but I want to… um, thank everyone who signed my petition when I ran in the primary for Mayor. I want to thank you all and once again, I’m running for office. I’m running for Stark County Common Pleas Court. Mr. Giavasis was… used to have that position, and so I’m gonna try it. I threw my hat in the ring… ring Friday, so we’ll see. Um… I’m not… I… well, I don’t want to speak on the… uh, the last shoo… this last shooting because BCI hasn’t completed their investigation. But, you know, we talk about gun control all the time, and it’s like… you know, when you teach a kid something, it starts at home. Don’t you think gun control would start at home at the police department? This young generation, they… I told you guys they will… they have no problem challenging the police and daring the police. They have no problem with that because they don’t respect the police because of these killings. If the police feel they can kill us, why do they think… and… and not be charged criminally for it. These young kids, they’re mentality is they can do what they want to do anyway. So, let’s leave by… so let’s ask the police when you get… when you take the Mayor’s seat, Bill Sherer, ask the police to start leading by example because these young cats, what they… they will double what the police will put out, and I mean… we gotta… we gotta do something different in these police departments because, homey, it’s gonna get worse. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you, Miss Bell. INFORMAL RESOLUTIONS PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Informal Resolutions and we have four for this evening. Madam Clerk, would you please read Informal Resolution #1, by title. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 472 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 1. COUNCIL-AS-A-WHOLE: COMMENDING DR. PETER FERGUSON FOR HIS SINCERE DEVOTION TO THE CITY OF CANTON COMMUNITY AND HIS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD. - ADOPTED PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, I move we adopt Informal Resolution #1. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to adopt Informal Resolution #1. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, by voice vote, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed no. NO REMARKS RESOLUTION #1 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE PRESIDENT SHERER: The ayes have it, the motion carries and Informal Resolution #1 is adopted. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Um… I think tonight would be more appropriate instead of wandering over to the microphone, since these microphones work a little bit better, to say to Dr. Ferguson, it’s been more than a pleasure. You are a kind, gentle man and you did a wonderful job as Stark County Commissioner. You did a wonderful job as Ward 8 Councilman. And my wife said on the way down here, and I contributed all the credit for you for pursuing this, of coming out the back of our allotment, and having that light up there… uh, makes a difference of getting people in and out. Uh… again, what you’ve done for this community over the years, what you’ve given of yourself, this is why we honor you here tonight. Um… I can’t tell you… and… and Dr. Ferguson’s my neighbor, you’d never know it, we barely see each other. He lives thre… four houses down, but… um… Doc, it’s been a pleasure. I hope you well in retirement, and I hope that… uh, things go well for you on a day to day basis with Aultman and with your practice. (Applause) PRESIDENT SHERER: Majority Leader, I’d just like to add that, Doc, I… I consider you… I mean, you’ve been a friend of my family’s for a long, long time. And I… you know, I appreciate your friendship. I appreciate the advice you’ve given me over the years. But… uh, most of all I just… I guess I want to thank you for your service, you know. And I look forward to keeping in touch with you, that’s for sure. But I wish you the best, Doc. I do, yeah. MAYOR BERNABEI: Mr. Pres... (clears his throat)… Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Mayor. MAYOR BERNABEI: And I would just like to also thank Dr. Pete. Uh… we worked together as Stark County Commissioners. You have been my Ward 8 Councilman. I thank you for that. Thank you so very much for COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 473 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 your community service. Thank you for your friendship, and I will bring you black and white cookies from New York City forever. Thank you. PRESIDENT SHERER: (Chuckles) Very good. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Law Director. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Dr. Pete, you truly are a gentleman and a scholar, and thank you for your leadership on Council and thank you for being my friend. Good luck to you, Dr. Pete. MEMBER GIAVASIS: Doc, I’m gonna violate a HIPAA here. You’ve been my doctor and my chiropractor. You truly are a classy individual. I served with you at the County level at… when you were a Commissioner, when I was in the Clerk’s Office. Um… it’s been an honor to serve with you on Council for the last two years. You’ve been a friend over the years and you’ve always been a supporter of mine. And I thank you for all the years of public service. Um… the city of Canton and Stark County as a whole should be grateful for the years that you gave. MEMBER HAWK: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hawk. MEMBER HAWK: Thank you. Doctor, thank you for being a friend and thank you for… for all your service and what you’ve done and dedication that you’ve put forth to help our community. Um…I have two words for you, thank you, sir, very much. Thank you. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Kimbrough. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Also would like to thank you. You are awesome, and you are such a civic person. Thank you for all that you’re doing with Aultman Hospital and the blessings. When I was in the hospital, you came to see me. I appreciate all that you do and what you’re doing. And thank you for your service. MEMBER SCAGLIONE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Scaglione. MEMBER SCAGLIONE: Doc Pete, thanks for all you’ve… all you’ve done and all you do. I… I know that your… you’ll still be around doing things through Aultman and… and taking care of folks that need chiropractic care, but I just want to thank you for your friendship as well. MEMBER SMITH: Mr. President. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 474 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Smith. MEMBER SMITH: I’d also like to thank you for all your support. Um… whenever there’s something needed in the 4th Ward, you don’t hesitate to support. I appreciate you, and I’m still waiting for that report that said you can check on my back and my… uh… (chuckles)… so I’ve been calling you now that you retired. You got some free time. Thank you. (Laughter) MEMBER FISHER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Fisher. MEMBER FISHER: Doc, you’ve been a good friend, and you were a really good councilman for Ward 8. And it’s… it’s gonna be a shame you won’t be down here anymore, but thank you for all you’ve done. MEMBER HALL: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hall. MEMBER HALL: Uh… Doc, I’d like to thank you for… and I won’t speak too much on it, but for this path that you have gotten me on and gonna continue to support me on. That’s all I want to say. Thank you now and I’ll do it again later. MEMBER MARIOL: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: I have enjoyed your friendship, and I have also greatly enjoyed being able to sit next to you and have some sidebar conversations and… um, it’s gonna be… Council’s not gonna be nearly as much fund without you down here. So, I… I appreciate your friendship and… uh, look forward to having some more breakfasts moving forward. MEMBER BABCOCK: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Babcock. MEMBER BABCOCK: Pete, we go back a long way. I think in 1974 when you ran for Mayor, you came to the house. Is that what year it was? MEMBER FERGUSON: Yeah. MEMBER BABCOCK: Well, good. I’ve known you that long and you’ve always been a gentleman. MEMBER FERGUSON: I didn’t know where City Hall was at that time. (Laughter) COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 475 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER BABCOCK: Well, you just came from New York, didn’t you? Crossing on the boat. (Laughs) But anyhow, Pete, you’ve always been a gentleman and it’s been an honor to know you, and I want to wish you and Debbie the best of luck. MEMBER FERGUSON: I want to thank everybody for your support and friendship. I’ve made so many good friends… uh, the last five or six years I’ve been here (inaudible)… just… I appreciate everything. This was… been a great experience. Uh… met a lot of great people in my ward. Uh… I think we accomplished quite a bit, and still more to accomplish. I’m sure Rick will carry on and do that. But thank you for your friendship. Thank you for all your leadership… uh, especially all the years we worked together. I truly appreciate your… your leadership and support, mostly your friendship. Uh… I’ll wait for those black and whites. (Laughter) Thank you. PRESIDENT SHERER: Madam Clerk, Informal Resolution #2, please. 2. COUNCIL-AS-A-WHOLE: COMMENDING WILLIAM “BILLY” SHERER II FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT AS WELL AS PRESIDENT OF THE OHIO IRONWORKERS ASSOCIATION. – ADOPTED PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, I move we adopt Resolution #2. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to adopt Informal Res… Resolution #2. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, by voice vote, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed no. Come on, we got to get one nay out of it. MEMBER SMITH: No. (Laughter) PRESIDENT SHERER: Right. There, duly noted. That’s duly noted. Okay. NO REMARKS RESOLUTION #2 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE PRESIDENT SHERER: The ayes have it, the motion carries and Informal Resolution Nu… Informal Resolution #2 is adopted. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader Smuckler. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Um… this is more than a pleasure also… uh, because most of us knew Billy when he was not a part of the elected body, but he helped us all, each and every last person, no matter who you were, what you were running for, and we probably just violated some rules, but he’s even still circulating petitions. Um… Billy, you were wonderful to work with these last years… uh, for Council Office, and it was a pleasure to COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 476 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 be able to call you and to bounce things off of you and to work things out with you then… in order to make meetings run smoother. And especially when we got into some situations down here with protesting… uh, it made it a lot simpler. You worked us through COVID. You worked us through a brand new facility, cause that’s what this looks like, brand new facility. And I personally wish you the best in the Mayor’s Office and I can tell you from me personally, if there’s anything I can do to help you over your first term, and I’m sure there’ll be more after that… uh, it would be nothing but my pleasure, and I think that we all are very proud and hopeful of the job that the next Mayor of Canton is going to do. (Applause) PRESIDENT SHERER: You know, Majority Leader, it’s truly an honor for me cause Allen Schulman was one of my… one of all of our dear friends. And I… I even said this day one when I got in here that I got some big shoes to fill and I… I even do right now, moving into the position that I’m gonna be going into. There’s no doubt about that. But, I mean, it’s truly been an honor, and I can say this, if we’re gonna, you know… I look at everything that we’ve been able to accomplish at the time that… thank you, thank you, Bill. I look at everything that we’ve been able to accomplish, you know, whi… the time while I’ve been here, but it… but it takes everybody and I… I mean, Bill, I look at your leadership… and I’m gonna kinda give you the speech before the speech, okay? But I look at what you’ve been able to keep… and it’s not so much keeping the peace down here, but I mean… but you… you… it… it takes all of us. It does. This city’s not gonna move forward with just myself or… you know, the Cabinet or all the Directors and stuff like that, but it… it does take all of us. I mean, with the leadership of… you know, Tom, with your leadership over the last few years. I mean, every… everybody including you and the majority leadership be commended. There’s no doubt about that. But, uh… you know, it’s truly been an honor to follow… you know, I… I wouldn’t call… I wouldn’t say that Allen was one of my idols, but I mean, Allen was a dear friend and it was truly, truly an honor to follow in his footsteps. And… uh, I just can’t thank you enough. So, thank you. MEMBER GIAVASIS: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Giavasis. MEMBER GIAVASIS: (Inaudible)… Allen would be (inaudible)… (laughter). PRESIDENT SHERER: I’ll second that motion. It’s… uh… MEMBER GIAVASIS: But in all sincerity, thank you. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you, Lou. Thank you, Member… MEMBER BABCOCK: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Babcock. MEMBER BABCOCK: I do want to thank you, and you’ve done a great job as President of Council, and I believe that you’re gonna do a good job as Mayor and we… together we can continue to move our city forward. PRESIDENT SHERER: I appreciate that, Babby. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 477 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER SCAGLIONE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Scaglione. MEMBER SCAGLIONE: I just… I… you know, I want to thank you for all you do for everyone, cause you truly do help everyone. And I’m looking forward to your first term, and you’re absolutely right, it does take everybody and I will be here to help you any way I can. Just let me know. PRESIDENT SHERER: I’d ask Mister… how do you sign no to stuff, Tom? I haven’t learned how to do that yet. (Laughter) MEMBER SMUCKLER: We’ll start right with that person to your right. He’ll show you. (Laughter) PRESIDENT SHERER: There you go. PRESIDENT SHERER: Doc. MEMBER FERGUSON: Uh… Bill, it was just a pleasure working with you. Knowing you for many, many years, your family. Uh… you’ve done so much for so many people. (Inaudible)… run your office… (inaudible)… You’ve always… uh, been (inaudible) supporting them. We truly appreciate your… your help and your leadership and we look forward to you serving your first term as… uh, Mayor of the City. Best of luck to you. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you, Doc. Thank you, Doc. MEMBER FISHER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Fisher. MEMBER FISHER: I just want to say thank you for your leadership these last five years. Um… I think you’ve done a great job and I look forward to working with you in January. Good luck. PRESIDENT SHERER: I appreciate that, Rob. MEMBER MARIOL: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Thank you for supporting me before you were Council President and I was a candidate, and thank you for working with me when you were Council President, and I am real excited and… and look forward to working for… uh, with you when you take over for Mayor next year. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you, John. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 478 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER HALL: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hall. MEMBER HALL: I’m gonna just say no comment cause we’re not done yet. PRESIDENT SHERER: (Chuckles) MEMBER HALL: I’m gonna need you more than you’ll need me, but we’re not done yet. PRESIDENT SHERER: No, we’re not. We’re just getting starting, that’s for sure. So… MEMBER SMITH: Did everybody else speak, before I go into mine? No, go ahead, Brenda. Cause mine’s gonna be… mine’s gonna be kinda deep, so… (Chuckles) MEMBER HAWK: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hawk. MEMBER HAWK: It’s been an honor, always has been. And I look to see what you’ve done near your Hall down there and all the work you put into the community and all your work… so hard you worked in that neighborhood to make it a better place for people to live in. I know you’ll carry that forward as Mayor, and I’m really… I’m excited about you taking over and being our Mayor. Thank you, sir. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you, Greg. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Mr. President. MEMBER BABCOCK: Mr. President. Oh… MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Okay. I was just gonna say thank you for all that you’ve done. We came on Council together. This is just an honor and a privilege to come on Council with someone who moves up to Mayor. What a… what a step up, holy cow. This is wonderful. Thank you for all that you did, all that you’re doing and all that you’re gonna do, that’s what I’m excited about, the new adventure we take. And I told them today when I sat down in here, I felt like I was on the deck of the Star Trek Enterprise. We’re about to go out and do great things. (Laughter) LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Law Director. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Thank you for your service, Billy, and we look forward to working with you in the future. I’m sure you’re gonna do a wonderful job and we’ll be here to support you. Thank you. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 479 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 PRESIDENT SHERER: Just keep me out of jail. (Laughter) Take that… scratch that from the minutes. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: That’ll be easy. PRESIDENT SHERER: (Chuckles) So… MAYOR BERNABEI: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Mayor. (Sounds hoarse) MAYOR BERNABEI: As usual, I have no voice. Uh… again, thank you for your service as our President of Council. That was a… it has been a good ride with a lot of challenges, but I wish you most of all… you know, my best wishes as Mayor-Elect of the City, success for you, success for the City and I am confident that you will do a great job. Thank you, absolutely. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank… thank you, Mayor. Thank you. (Inaudible voice) The… the one and… MEMBER BABCOCK: The gentleman’s… PRESIDENT SHERER: …the one and only Ward 4 Councilwoman, Chris Smith. MEMBER SMITH: Thank you, Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Chris Smith. MEMBER SMITH: See, they think I’m gonna say something all out of the pocket and all that, you know. But you tried to crack about the… uh, Mayor position, but he gonna have to leave the door open just like Mayor Bernabei did because he already know if I come up there, I hope it’ll already be open and I ain’t got to buzz in. (Laughter) Cause… but I… I do, I really appreciate you. The only part I hate right now is the fact that I get the opportunity to sit beside you and you getting ready to leave me. PRESIDENT SHERER: We just talked about that. MEMBER SMITH: But that’s okay. Just keep the door open. PRESIDENT SHERER: I will. MEMBER SMITH: You know how they say, keep the light on? PRESIDENT SHERER: Oh, yeah. MEMBER SMITH: Just keep the door open. PRESIDENT SHERER: Oh, yeah. I’ll keep… COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 480 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER SMITH: And I look forward to working with you and I really appreciate you these last few months and so forth and… you know, how you be out in the community, and especially Ward 4. I thank you and I look forward to working with you so that we can continue to move the City forward. PRESIDENT SHERER: Absolutely. Thank you, Chris. Thank you, Chris. MEMBER BABCOCK: Billy, one thing. Keep your pockets open when Chris comes around. (Laughter) PRESIDENT SHERER: I got plenty of gift cards, Babby. Alright, Resolution #3, please. 3. COUNCIL-AS-A-WHOLE: COMMENDING WILLIAM “BILL” SMUCKLER FOR HIS COMMITMENT AND DEVOTION TO THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF CANTON AND FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY. – ADOPTED PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: (Inaudible) (Laughter) CLERK WOOD: You gotta vote. MEMBER BABCOCK: I… I move to adopt Ordinance Number… or excuse me, Resolution #3. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to adopt Informal Resolution #3. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, by voice vote, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed no. NO REMARKS RESOLUTION #3 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE PRESIDENT SHERER: The ayes have it, the motion carries and Informal Resolution #3 is adopted. MEMBER BABCOCK: Mr. Smuckler, I want to thank your wife for being here. At least you’re dressed tonight. You know, every week he comes in, his tie’s all messed up. He says, my wife wasn’t home. (Laughter) My shirt collar’s up. That’s alright, my wife wasn’t home. Well, she’s here tonight and she was home. Look how nice he looks. (Laughter) But anyhow, I want to thank Bill. For the last twelve years it’s been an honor to serve on City Council with you. Your leadership and your… um, I’m trying to think… anyhow, has been very much appreciated. There hasn’t been… there hasn’t been one Council Member that’s ever called Bill and asked him to help them with an ordinance or a problem in their ward that he didn’t respond to, and that’s what you call leadership. So, I want to thank you and I want to present this Resolution to you, and at the bottom it says it all. “For his commitment and devotion to the citizens of the city of Canton and for your outstanding con… contributions to… to our community.” And that says it all about Bill Smuckler. We will miss you, Bill, your intelligence. Meanwhile, you’ve been on Council, what, thirty some years? MEMBER SMUCKLER: Thirty-four years spanning five decades. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 481 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER BABCOCK: We have a new councilmember coming in, wasn’t even born then. (Laughter) But anyhow, I don’t want to wish you happy retirement, just good luck cause I know you’re coming back. (Applause) MEMBER GIAVASIS: Mr. President. Bill, I don’t know where to start with you. I think you’re one of the few people other than Mayor Bernabei that’s been doing this as long as I have… um, we span back to the early nineties. Um… we’ve done battle over the years when it came to annexation when I was in my (inaudible). Um… MEMBER SMUCKLER: Now how do you feel about it? MEMBER BABCOCK: You’re on… you’re on the record. MEMBER SMUCKLER: And we never lost. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Never lost. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Never lost. MEMBER GIAVASIS: That’s not true. (Laughter) But anyways, I was there… was there when you ran for Commissioner. Um… I was there when… (inaudible)… um, all the times that you ran for City Council. I truly can attest to the amount of time… um, that you invested into the community… um, from my own experience, the amount of time that you spent away from home, the countless hours working for the community. Um… always with, what I believe the community’s best interests at heart. Um… over the last two years, I truly learned firsthand the type of leader you really are. Um… I’ve been truly impressed… um, in our conversations. Um… uh, your ability to herd the cats per se. (Inaudible voice) (Laughter) Um… that by itself, is… is amazing. Uh… to our in-coming assumed Majority Leader… um, I hope you’re ready. You got big shoes to fill. Um… I wish you wet… best over the next two years in whatever else you decide to do. I want to thank your wife for allowing you to spend all the time over the years away… um, to do everything that you’ve done. She may have been happy about that at times. Um… but, the community can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done. Um… thirty-four years is a long time, and… uh, the community’s deeply indebted to you. MEMBER FISHER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Fisher. MEMBER FISHER: Mr. Majority Leader, Bill, you were the first person to call me when my name was brought up when my predecessor, Kevin Fisher, asked me to fill out his term. Um… and you told me, you said, you know, anything you need. And you kinda took me under your wing, showed me what it is to be a city councilman. I appreciate that and I appreciate everything you’ve done. And… uh, good luck to you in the future. MEMBER HAWK: Mr. President. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 482 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hawk. MEMBER HAWK: Thank you. Bill, twenty-three years you’ve helped me through a lot. You brought me to this Council, and much to Randi’s dismay, she’s heard some great arguments you and I have, and she sometimes gets nervous when we start yelling at each other and we slam down telephones. (Chuckles) But nothing has ever changed because we’re back on the phone two minutes later figuring it out because it was just a momentary glitch we had and we… it was fun, wasn’t it, Randi? Listening. (Chuckles) Bill, thank you for everything you’ve done. MEMBER FERGUSON: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Ferguson. MEMBER FERGUSON: (Inaudible)… I… I… there’s not enough words to say how much I appreciate your leadership and also your friendship. I remember going to the hospital and seeing you and your wife two or three times when you were there, very concerned about your helping with that, and you proved that you were a great leader. And you have been all these years. Uh… I truly appreciate what you… I… (inaudible) do for me over the years ever since I was on… uh, at the Board of Health, the Board of Recreation. You supported me at the Civil Service Commission. You supported me. I really appreciate it. I’m truly gonna miss you and… but I know you’ll be around and you’ll be involved somewhere (inaudible). Thank you. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Kimbrough. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Oh, I would just like to say thank you so much, Majority Leader, for all that you’ve done for us. And being one of the new kids on the block, it’s been a blessing to work with you. It’s been an honor, and I always tease him about… I say he’s the only other guy I fell for other than my husband. But he’s the guy that’s there for you in a time of need, and he’ll be there in a… in a storm. So that’s what’s been a blessing to us, and… um, we thank you for your service. MEMBER SCAGLIONE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Scaglione. MEMBER SCAGLIONE: Member Smuckler, it’s been a pleasure working with you. I… I… I can’t attest to some of Babby’s statements, he has been down here for awhile. I remember putting wood stakes and stapling paper signs to them when you were running elections, so that kinda tells everybody how long you’ve been at this. But I do appreciate your… your wisdom and… and all that you’ve shared with everybody that has ran for City Council or been here, and… and what you’ve done for the City. Thank you for everything. MEMBER SMITH: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Smith. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 483 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER SMITH: Thank you so very much for all that you’ve ever done. Randi, I would just like to apologize to you, cause I know I would send him home many nights with headaches (laughter)… and he… he would even come and tell me the next day, I’m so sorry for putting you through that. But I… I do, I want to thank you for all that you’ve ever done for the City, and I have always enjoyed working with you, and I’m gonna keep your number on speed dial because I know I’m gonna be calling you for something. (Chuckles) Thank you for all you’ve done. (Chuckles) MEMBER MARIOL: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: So everyone’s talked about how long you’ve been down here, but I… I’ve got a… kind of a different perspective. So, you have been making an impact in this community for so long that I… when I was a kid, I… I spent a lot of time at the Jewish Center. So as a kid I remember knowing Bill Smuckler was a pretty big deal in Canton. Uh… never in a million years would I have thought that the person that I heard about when I was learning how to play basketball, that I would work with when I am on City Council. Um… from the rules down here to ordinances that we talk about, you have touched so many things and impacted so many things in the City, and made such a difference in… in Canton. Um… personally, you have been a great mentor. You have… you have taught a lot of things that might, for me… you might not have thought that I always listened, and I didn’t, but I remembered those (laughter)… and sometimes it takes maturity with… uh, with age to start to see where there was wisdom in those suggestions. Um… but even beyond that, I think one of the greatest things with working with you is you’ve been a wonderful Council Member, but you are an even better man. And you’ve been a great friend, and I… I just can’t tell you how much I… I’ve appreciated this time that I’ve got to work with you. So thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for the City, for this body and for… uh, for me. Thank you. MEMBER HALL: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hall. MEMBER HALL: Like others, Bill… Mr. Smuckler, was one of the first persons that when I started this journey came to me and said, anything you need… uh, just give me a call and I’ll be there to help you. But the most important thing that I respect the most is when we have disagreements, which I think is part of the… the Democracy of this whole body, that when we walked out that door, it didn’t matter. It was done and over with. And I… I respect that the most, appreciate that the most because that tells the character of the person, when you walk out the door side by side and we’ll say, we all know what that was about, but we’re… we’re walking out how we walked in just… as friends, and I appreciate that. Thank you. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Law Director. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Bill, you have led this City through good times and bad times. And sir, it has been my honor to be your Law Director. I wish you and your wife, Randi, the best. Thank you. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 484 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MAYOR BERNABEI: And… (clears his throat)… and Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Mayor. MAYOR BERNABEI: And Mr. Majority Leader, I thank you for your thirty-four years of service, that’s just a beginning. I thank you for caring for the City at all times, both ward and city wide. I thank you specifically for your leadership the… as Majority Leader. Uh… and so that you can understand that relationship, he and I probably speak three to four to five times a week, every Monday, and I had that pleasure of calling him today, this Monday, and said this is the last Monday I’m calling you on… (chuckles)… but we truly appreciate everything you have done. I certainly do. Of course, consider you a friend. I think that everyone does, and you have all of our respect and the respect of all of the citizens of the city of Canton. Thank you. PRESIDENT SHERER: Well, Billy, I know I already gave you the majority of the speech, but most of all, I just want to thank you for being a friend of mine. You know, no matter how bad it was down here or some of the tough issues now, obviously you’ve been down here a lot longer than I have, but I appreciate everything that you have done to help me and personally, even before… even before I decided to come down here and be Council President, I appreciated your friendship. And I… I look forward to… this… I look at this… this is just the beginning though, but I look forward to working with you in the future and this… most of all, I just… Randi, thank you for allowing him to come down here all these years, yeah. Of course, my wife’s getting a good taste of that right now, but… but Billy, I just… I just thank you for being my friend. Thank you. Alright, Madam Clerk… MEMBER SMUCKLER: If I could, um… PRESIDENT SHERER: Yep. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Just respond for one minute. Um… when I came here, and yes, John Mariol, I do have jeans older than you. (Laughter) Um… I had hair. (Laughter) Um… I wasn’t married yet. And we celebrated our 40th anniversary this year, and um… she has been wonderful to encourage me, to continue every time, Chris Smith, I came home and started screaming. And John Mariol, I’ve said to him this is like herding cats, but it gets in the right direction many times. But, there’s some other things that haven’t been said. Um… I’ve worked with a lot of council staff over the years. I really mean this, Jill, you are wonderful. Um… even though we yelled at each other and we fought… um, it’s been a pleasure. I was here for a lot of times when I needed help and help always came. I want to reiterate what I said about you making the wisest decision before you took over as Mayor, and that’s keeping this staff here. I can think of no better people sitting as Service Director, Safety Director, Finance Director, Economic Development Director, than the people who are sitting here on the Mayor’s staff. Um… I’ve served with very wonderful Law Directors, Kris, and I know if you’re gonna spend a couple of years up here, Jason… um… Tom Bernabei, even won a major lawsuit for all of us that was in the paper and we joked about it, that… uh, took us down to the Ethics Commission and said we could give raises after an election and before the next term. And… uh, we did it. And… uh, it’s hard to go face the Ethics Commission when you’re an elected official. I always sent in Return Receipt Requested after that. Um… but I went through three daughters and three grandchildren right now, but I have two loves in my life. One’s sitting out there, my wife, who has stood by me every step of the way on some major elections, and didn’t see me for dinner for months on end. And my second love is the city of Canton and it will always be. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 485 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 Um, we’ll always live here. Um… now some people have said to me, what are you going to do? What are you going to run for? The first forty years was my decision. If it happens again, it’s someone else’s decision in the audience. And I want to thank you all for being a part of my life. Mayor Bernabei, I’m saving my remarks to you to the next Resolution. But I want to thank you all on City Council for being a part of my life. It’s been a very, very important part of everything that has shaped me as a man in this community. Thank you. (Applause) PRESIDENT SHERER: Madam Clerk. 4. COUNCIL-AS-A-WHOLE: COMMENDING THOMAS “TOM” BERNABEI FOR HIS DEVOTED SERVICE, CONTRIBUTIONS AND PASSION TO THE CITY OF CANTON AND ITS RESIDENTS. – ADOPTED MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: I move that we adopt Resolution #4. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to adopt Informal Resolution #4. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, by voice vote, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed no. UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: No. (Laughter) PRESIDENT SHERER: (Chuckles) Duly noted. NO REMARKS RESOLUTION #4 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE PRESIDENT SHERER: The aye… the ayes have it, the motion carries and Informal Resolution #4 is adopted. Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, now I’m not gonna bore anybody with what… with what’s written down here. I’m going to give you your last historical lesson before I walk out of here tonight. So, years ago there was a Councilman named Mel Gravely and Edward “Peel” Coleman and myself and a number of other people who served on Council. And we got a Law Director that came down here every night by the name of Harry Klide. And with a lot of love and affection, because the first election, Sophie Klide sat in my apartment and called everybody she knew to vote for me, and that was Harry’s wife. But with a lot of love and affection, we told Harry you can’t come to Council meeting anymore, we can’t deal with it. We need our own attorney. And lo and behold, this is what he gave us for an attorney. And Tom and I have served together as… when he was Law Director and he’d yell at me then. He doesn’t yell, does he, Chris? No. MEMBER SMITH: Not at me. But I’ve heard he yells. (Laughs) COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 486 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER SMUCKLER: (Laughs) And I served over five decades with… um, four different mayors with him and some… I worked with him when he was County Commissioner, when he was a Councilman again, and I jumped at the chance to help him in his dev… endeavor as an independent candidate for Mayor in this City. And I still remember Louie and I lining up in the line at his fundraiser. Louie got yelled at. I just kept going. (Laughter) Um… I did talk to Tom three, four, five times a week, and I know in some instances that may have turned some people off. But I can tell you that the reason that we are now not, when he took over, four and a half million dollars in the hole, cause that’s where we were. And I can tell you that we have a lot to be thankful for in Centennial Park, the development of the Hall of Fame, and I want to repeat this. There’s jobs up there in the Hall of Fame! I was showed the income tax receipts. We all got a lot to be proud of, and it’s funding far more than what we’ve spent up there. Amazon… I mean, the list grows and grows as what downtown… oh my God, the… um, Bliss Tower, the… you know, the list keeps going on and on and on for Tom. And I was here in the eighties when you could roll a bowling ball through this place and not hit anything. So, I want to say thank you, but I want to say thank you for two things. Number one, and this is funny, Council did an excursion to Cleveland one year, and Tom’s major accomplishment on that excursion was he grabbed Dick Watkins’ tie, cut if off and threw it in the Cuyahoga River. That’s why I’m careful… let my wife pick out the ties down here. But the major thing was, Tom told me day in and day out even when I got frustrated, do the right thing, Bill, and you never have to look back. So Tom told me and impressed upon me to do the right thing and never have to look back. And I thank you and I look forward to your retirement and still getting together like we have in the past. MEMBER BABCOCK: Mayor, I’ve known you for quite awhile. Your friendship has meant more to me than anything else. My mother always told me she had two favorite Toms, Tom Bernabei and Tom Ascani. That’s when she worked with you on Council. But I’ve learned one thing from you, when you ask for something, you wanted it the day before you asked for it. (Chuckles) But anyhow, Tom, I want to wish you and Bebe the best. And it’s been a pleasure serving with you these last eight years. Thank you for your friendship. MEMBER GIAVASIS: Tom, I want to thank you also. Um… the thing I’ll be most proud about… um, and to this day the people in the Greek community in Canton, Ohio don’t look at Tom the same because I taught Tom his first three Greek words, Echo thria Aggethia. Now I’ll let the Mayor explain to you what those three words are. But the Greek community look at him to this day and they laugh when they see Tom. But Tom, you’ve been a great Mayor. You’ve… um, we worked together when I was… first became the Clerk of Courts... um… uh… over the years on SCOG in various capacities… um, when I was a Township Trustee. Um… I truly believe over the last several years I’ve witnessed change in the City starting, like what Bill said, the Centennial Plaza, the Hall of Fame Village. I know there’s a lot of people… um, that don’t believe in the community yet about the Hall of Fame Village. Um… like Bill said, there’s real jobs up there. I think that’s only the beginning of what’s going to happen there and around it for the city of Canton. You planted that seed. Um… let me… let me rephrase that. You didn’t plant the seed, you nourished that seed, then let it grow to where it’s at. Um… I hope our next Mayor will help do the same. I know we got to focus on some other things in the neighborhoods. Um… but Tom, you’ve done a fantastic job. And I’m also honored to be one that Harry Klide got started also, by the way. MEMBER HAWK: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hawk. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 487 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER HAWK: Tom, it’s been an honor. You were on Council for a term and I sat beside you. And in those two years you taught me more in tho… in that time than I learned previous or since then. I thank you for that education. I also want everybody to know that the years I spent downtown, I would come in here on Saturdays and Sundays mornings and look up and see that light on on the eighth floor in that corner office. That’s a true dedicated man, he worked his weekends. And what I did is… yet I used to get nervous and have to call him. (Chuckles) But he certainly made a difference in our City. He took it from a deficit to a surplus, and hooray for you, and thank you, Mr. Mayor, for what you’ve done for us. Thank you. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Mr. President. I just want to thank you, Mayor… um, this is my first opportunity to be up close with a real mayor. And one thing I can say about you, you are personable. I mean, we’ve had fun together. We’ve walked in parades together. We picked up trash together. We have cleaned up the City, and I don’t think I know too many people that are that involved and love the City like you do and I appreciate all that you’ve done. And… well all the programs that you’ve done for everything and the City and how you’ve put your heart and soul into Centennial Plaza, which is in Ward 2! Um… and I’m very excited about that, just saying, but… and you love the rest of the City as well, and I really appreciate all that you’ve done and I wish you the best of retirement so you and your wife can enjoy each other and… and for everybody who got their plaques today, just keep in mind you’ll be on speed dial, we have questions. (Chuckles) MEMBER SCAGLIONE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Scaglione. MEMBER SCAGLIONE: Mayor Bernabei, thank you for all you’ve done here, and all you’ve done for everybody here in the city of Canton. You will be missed, but I know you’ll still be around and we… we’ll all know how to find you. Just tell Bebe to send you down when she’s tired of dealing with you and we’ll find you something to do. MEMBER SMITH: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Smith. MEMBER SMITH: You know what, Mayor Bernabei, they laying me out all on keep saying… don’t laugh yet, Jason. That all them keep using these words past tense. What you’ve done. You ain’t stop doing cause you know I’m gonna still be calling you (laughter). So I’m not using those past tense… those past tense words. It don’t matter, Babby, what it is, you still contributed too (laughter). But anyhow… but thank you so much, Mayor, just for being the Mayor and being a friend and for always keeping your word. And one day I’m gonna tell you… I’m not gonna tell it here, but I’m gonna tell you what you told me the first day I came in to Council, and I have remembered that word for word. But I’m gonna tell you about it one day when we socialize. Okay, alright. Thank you for all that you do and that you… I know you’ll continue to do. Thanks for being my friend. MEMBER FISHER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Fisher. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 488 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER FISHER: Mr. Mayor… um, I know this horse has been pretty much beat to death at this point, but the City was looking at a pretty bleak future when you came on board. Um… I… I was not yet on Council when you came on board, but you did have a vision, and the City’s looking a whole lot better and it’s got a much brighter future now due to you. Um… all I can say is thank you for your service and, you know, I look forward to seeing what you’re gonna do in the future here. MEMBER HALL: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Hall. MEMBER HALL: Mr. Mayor, I appreciated it the most when I didn’t understand an ordinance or anything, or just you explaining it, I truly appreciated that. And I just hope the next Mayor will give hugs like you do. (Laughter) PRESIDENT SHERER: Moving on. (Laughter) MEMBER HALL: The Mayor gonna give you a hug? UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: (Inaudible)… something to say about that. MEMBER HALL: Hey, I’m glad it’s me and you, Mayor. Forget the rest of them. (Laughter) MEMBER MARIOL: I… I feel like I’ve missed out on… (chuckles). Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Mariol. (Chuckles) MEMBER MARIOL: Uh… Mayor, it has been an absolute joy to work with you and… um, when you became Mayor, we were in the financial difficulties. I served as Finance Chair and I got to work very closely with you, and… um, you taught me a lot, and I have remembered different lessons from those experiences. So I appreciate that. Um… I never would have thought that a two million dollar Market Square idea would turn into what we have now, which is Centennial Plaza, but… um, it’s an amazing accomplishment. The… uh, funding for Issue 13, where we now have a dedicated revenue stream that we can use for economic development, we can use for improving the City and investing in comprehensive plans, this one and more in the future… um, that is something that is going to have decades and decades of impact. And the final thing I’d… obviously there’s Amazon and there’s Hall of Fame, but one thing I personally think could be something that people in the future look back on as a pivotal moment is your foresight to advocate for running the fiber lines for the high speed broadband. Um… that is the future, and for you to have recognized that and made those investments, that is going to be one of those watershed moments that people look back on and say wow, somebody… somebody had some foresight to do that. So Mayor, thank you for everything you’ve done for the City. Um… it’s been a joy to work with you. Thank you. PRESIDENT SHERER: Doc. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 489 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER FERGUSON: Uh… I want to go back to 2009 at the County Commissioners. It turned out that there were millions of dollars that were taken from our Treasury. Uh… the County was in bad shape. We didn’t have any money and now we’re in the hole for millions of dollars. Tom put together a power point program and every week over a year went to different townships, went to different clubs and organizations and put a program together that we passed and assessed the tax the following year. Uh… without this leadership, it would have never happened. As we follow him to the… uh, the Mayor’s Office, he’s continued with that great leadership. He’s an outstanding… uh, he’s just an outstanding individual… uh, a great leader but one (inaudible) person. Uh… he and his family are wonderful people. I’m proud to be associated with him and (inaudible). I thank you for all you’ve done. FINANCE DIRECTOR CROUSE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Law… FINANCE DIRECTOR CROUSE: Mayor… PRESIDENT SHERER: Ah, Finance Director. FINANCE DIRECTOR CROUSE: I’ve been kinda quiet tonight, so… um, if you don’t mind. PRESIDENT SHERER: Yeah, absolutely. FINANCE DIRECTOR CROUSE: About eight years ago, I didn’t even apply to be an employee… I applied to be an employee of the City and I… I didn’t even apply for this job. (Laughter) He somehow got ahold of my resume (inaudible voice in the background), and he… he took a chance on a guy that’s twenty years of experience in… uh… uh, public… uh, or not public, but… yeah, public accounting, and… uh, he brought me in, interviewed me and it was the weirdest interview I’ve ever had. He… he put me in front of a couple of guys that I had known for years in the coun… that had worked for the County, and he… he asked me a few questions, then he left the room. And I’m like, wha… what’s going on here? I came in to interview for this finance position I don’t know anything about and he… he just leaves. And so after I interviewed for a little bit, I went over to his office and I said okay, what’s the next step. He goes come in Saturday. And I’m like, Saturday? He goes yeah, we’re working Saturday. You come in on Saturday and you… you learn with Joe when… when you’re here. So I came in Saturday and I worked for like four hours, and I wasn’t even an employee and I was working, and… (laughter). And then at the end of the day, I… you know, he… I… I went to his office and I said okay, what’s the next step? He goes well, do you want to be the Finance Director? And I’m like… uh, oh, yeah, I guess, yeah… yeah, it sounds like a good deal. He goes, a lot of work involved. He said we got a lot of problems in the City and we want to resolve them. And you know, that’s one thing that I found that the Mayor has… he really cares about the City. Now when people ask me, how’s it work… how is it to work for the Mayor. I’ll say this… I tell them, sometimes it’s a tough way to go. It’s not the… the most easiest way to go in this City, but I will say this… I tell these people every time, he cares about the citizens. He doesn’t care about Ward 8 citizens, he doesn’t care about Ward 2, he cares about every one of them. And that’s what makes him a good person. He always asks you questions, and he always knows the answer before you answer it, so I learned right away, you always tell the truth and you don’t make stuff up. And I think that’s what he respects out of people, when they… when they don’t… when they don’t make up a story and try to bull COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 490 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 crap you. So… I mean, he’s very solid. Um, tough way to go at times, but… uh, he really cares and he’s moved the City forward very well. So, I appreciate it, Mayor. Thank you for bringing me on. And I look forward to… uh, you know, working for Mr. Sherer and… uh, I’m sure we’re gonna have some good times as well. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thanks, Mark. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Law Director. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Mayor Bernabei, I have had the pleasure and sometimes displeasure of working for you and with you for twenty-eight years. I worked with you when I was a prosecutor and you were Law Director. Uh… I worked for you when I did that and I worked with you when you were Service Director, Council Member, Commissioner and Mayor. You truly have been a mentor, a friend and sometimes even an adversary. But you have been the gold standard of what an elected official should be. In my life, you’ve taught me the two most important lessons, and that was to make the legally right choice regardless of the consequences, and the second lesson you taught me was the day you’re more worried about keeping your job than doing the right thing is the day you should not be an elected official. Thank you, Tom, for being my mentor and being my friend. I wish you the best. SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Service Director. SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN: So I wasn’t planning to speak cause I was intending to be differential to all of these elected officials tonight, but since Mark spoke, I can’t be one-upped by him. As you all know, he’s already the favorite employee of the Mayor’s Office, so… (laughter). As… as Mayor Bernabei leaves, I will point that out to those of you who did not know. It goes without saying, obviously, to thank Leader Smuckler who has always been there for us, just a rock to lean on and… and always being there. Obviously, Member Ferguson, my Ward 8 Councilman as well. You… much thanks. We’ve I think gotten a lot done for the City. And Mr. Sherer, you’re the incoming Mayor. Uh… the… we… we’re just getting started, so a lot to go, but, about Mayor Bernabei… uh, it… it’s interesting to hear Mark talk. I don’t know how many know this, I too did not apply for my job, so I think there’s… uh, a theme (laughter) … a theme there. Uh… he decided that I would become the Director of Public Service. And… and I don’t think people… you know, not many people know this. I… I really did not want to be, and it was a multi day back and forth where I told him how… no, I’m perfectly happy being the Director of Purchasing, why do I want to, you know, change it up. I’m really happy. I could probably retire from this job. Best job in the City, you get to be involved in everything, but nobody knows who you are. (Laughter) So I would recommend it to anybody. Uh… but much like Mark said, much like others have said… um, you know, May… Mayor Bernabei requires and forces you to be better. He requires and forces you to think differently. Um… and it’s always… it’s always interesting. On a personal note, I’ve always been highly critical of myself and the perfectionist and… and always expected to be the best. And you always say, I’m my own worst critic. Well, I would challenge you… I know a guy… uh, who… (laughter). If you think that you are, I would encourage you to… uh, work for Mayor Bernabei, you know, for COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 491 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 the better part of six years. I think… I think he can one-up you. (Laughter) But he does it from the perspective of, if he knows you can be better and he knows that… that you will be better. And… and… and he’s required us to think differently. Um… it’s… it’s a blessing and a curse. It… it goes without saying that now when you drive the street, or I drive down the street, whether it’s with my, you know, wife or my kids or anyone, you know, if I don’t keep, you know, tunnel vision, you… you start to have heart palpitations when you see the pothole here, the piece of litter here. It’s… it’s just a totally different, you know, paradigm of… of what you think. And it’s… it’s funny because I know that’s come from Mayor Bernabei, I know that’s from the lessons, you know, that he’s… that he’s taught, and you start to… you start to see it rub off on your family. You know, my… my kids brought home their, you know, assignment of what are you biggest pet peeves, and my son put litter. You know… (laughter)… that is absolutely a direct result of me working with Mayor Bernabei. And it’s right, it’s just one of those things. Like, it’s just, you know, infuriating. But I… I just wanted to say, you know, those little life lessons, those little items, and… and forcing us to be better… um… I thank you and I know that will continue on in each and every one of us moving forward. So you have my utmost thanks. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR HARDESTY: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Chris. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR HARDESTY: Some of you might know that this is my second stint with the Mayor here and might question my sanity in coming back. But… (laughter)… um, I can say that maybe I’m the only one on the staff now that was actually interviewed for my job. The rest of you were seemingly back-doored into it. (Laughter) In any case… um, working with the Mayor has been a roller coaster. He’ll yell at you one second, but then he’ll tell you he loves you the second, but none the less, it’s been… he’s been a great friend… uh, a great mentor, taught a lot about the City and… uh, most importantly he’s been the office grandpa for me, so… you know, moving forward, I’m probably gonna harass him about some projects here and there and get his expertise and input, but thank you. Uh… thank you for the opportunity to come back and thank you to the next Mayor for having me stay on, and looking forward to working with everyone and moving the City forward. SAFETY DIRECTOR PERRY: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Safety Director. SAFETY DIRECTOR PERRY: Unlike my colleagues, I don’t talk a lot. But I just want to say, Mayor, thank you for all that you’ve done. Thank you for… um, coming in at a time when we were nee… when we needed you. Uh… we needed you more than we knew we did. And the City needed you. And I just want to say thank you and wish you the best of luck. And to all of the other ones leaving, it’s been my pleasure to work with all of you and I look forward to working with Mayor-Elect Sherer. Thank you. PRESIDENT SHERER: And Tom, let me finish it up. One of the toughest things that I ever had to do was when I was on the Board of Elections when you’re gon… they were questioning your residency, and… you know, and that was very awk… it was very awkward for me because I’ve always… you’ve known my father for a long, long time, and I think the best compliment that my dad every gave about you is, he goes nobody campaigns like Tom Bernabei. And, you know, I… I’ve always appreciated your friendship and… and to be COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 492 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 honest with you, I’ll be indebted for you forever because you’re the one that encouraged me to make a difference in our… in my com… in our community. Because if you never would have approached me that night, I probably wouldn’t have ran for Council President. Just went out to support Kathy in Massillon, you know, six years ago. But Tom, you are… the City… you came… when you became Mayor, you became Mayor at the right time when the City really, really needed you. And I mean, it’s truly an honor for me… and I got some big shoes to fill, I know that I do. You know, the thing that… you know, and this is the thing that I probably respect about you the most. I have… this is just where I work. I’ll pull up to the gate at seven o’clock in the morning, there’ll be trash on High Avenue, so I’ll get out of my car, I’ll unlock the gate and go pick it up. But I got people that are on the payroll for me that’ll walk right by it. And the expectations that you expected of everybody, of how they can step up their game, but also do their job with integrity and… I mean, you should be commended for that. I mean, the City’s in the best shape it’s ever been, there’s no doubt about that. And I couldn’t be more honored than to follow in your footsteps, and I… I’ll be indebted for you for that, Tom. Thank you. MAYOR BERNABEI: Uh… (clears his throat), Mr. President and Members of Council. You’ve said too many kind things and too many things for me to respond to. I just want to express my appreciation, of course to Bebe and the kids and grandkids for always being at my side. I want to thank the incredible Cabinet that we have put together with the Department Heads, we have a great group of Department Heads, the employees… uh, and most of all I want to thank the public for having always supported me in whatever I pursued. But we have accomplished a lot, but there are always… there is always more to be done. And that’s always on the… we’re always climbing up the hill, we’re never climbing down that hill. Um… I was asked by The Repository…they’ll be writing an article on what’s new or anticipated in 2024, and we all got together several times on that, and there is a long list of very opportune and optimistic things that hopefully will come to fruition. These are things we hope and anticipate will come to fruition in 2024. So we have good things ahead of us, but it is always a challenge, but I thank City Council still very, very much. Uh… in eight years I don’t think there’s ever been even a close vote on any ordinance that we have ever sent down to you. There has been… they were debated at times and that is actually what I prefer and encourage our worst enemy… and our worst enemy, you know, of all is apathy. So I encourage that. I’m looking at Jill. Thank you so very, very much for your work. Um… I came in the other night at six-thirty and Jill had a paint can in her hand and she was painting trim in the new Council Chambers. And so, all of you, thank you. Thank you to the Cabinet. Thank you to the leadership. Thank you, Mr. Mayor-Elect. Uh… congratulations again. My very best wishes to you and to Canton’s success, and thank you for keeping the Cabinet and the Department Heads because I think that they form a great basis for moving forward. And Mr. Majority Leader, again thank you for your leadership and for the Resolution. (Applause) COMMUNICATIONS PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Communications. Let the journal show that all Communications are received as read. NOTE: ALL COMMUNICATIONS, WHICH FOLLOW, LISTED BY AGENDA TITLE, ARE ON FILE IN THEIR ENTIRETY, IN THE COUNCIL OFFICE WITH THE AGENDA ITEMS FILE DATED DECEMBER 18, 2023. 5. END OF TERM PENDING LEG PER COUNCIL RULE #29; EMERGENCY. – CLERK WOOD COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 493 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 6. REQ LEG FOR REPUBLIC STEEL AIR POLLUTION PROG; EMERGENCY (SUPP APPROP FR 2333 REPUBLIC CANTON COMMUNITY FUND TO HEALTH ADMIN – OTHER). – FINANCE DIRECTOR CROUSE 7. REQ DELINQUENT BOARD UP/CLEAN UP/DEMOLITION CHARGES; EMERGENCY. – SAFETY DIRECTOR PERRY 8. REQ 50/50 DEMO SPLIT PRG WITH STARK COUNTY LAND REUTILIZATION CORP. – UPDATE; EMERGENCY. – SAFETY DIRECTOR PERRY AND SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN 9. REQ LEG FOR ODOT PID 109473 D04 SIGN FY 2025 (SYSTEMATIC), GP 1452; EMERGENCY. – SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN 10. REQ YWCA CDBG CONTRACT AGRMT; EMERGENCY. – SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN 11. REQ LEG FOR 2024 AUTH TO APPLY FOR VARIOUS PRJ FUNDS; EMERGENCY. – SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN AND SAFETY DIRECTOR PERRY 12. REQ LEG FOR 2024 SUPPLY LIST; EMERGENCY. – SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN AND SAFETY DIRECTOR PERRY 13. REQ LEG FOR 2024 REAUTHORIZATION ORDINANCE; EMERGENCY. – SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN 14. COMPARATIVE RPT OF CASH RECEIPTS AS OF 11/30/23. – TREASURER PEREZ ORDINANCES AND FORMAL RESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Ordinances and Formal Resolutions for their First Reading, and we have no First Readings for this evening. ORDINANCES & FORMAL RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Ordinances and Formal Resolutions for their Second Reading. Madam Clerk, would you please begin with Ordinance #15, please. NOTE: PRESIDENT SHERER CALLED UPON CLERK WOOD TO READ ORDINANCES #15 AND #16 FOR THEIR SECOND READING BY TITLE AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, AS FOLLOWS: O#15. (2nd RDG) ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 231/2023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER A FIRST AMENDMENT TO TRUST INDENTURE AND A FIRST AMENDMENT TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE CITY, THE STARK COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY, HOF VILLAGE NEWCO, LLC, AND THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, AS TRUSTEE, TO ASSIGN AND PROVIDE NET SERVICE PAYMENT REVENUES IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE PORT AUTHORITY’S ISSUANCE AND SALE OF PORT AUTHORITY REVENUE BONDS TO FUND OR PAY, OR TO REIMBURSE PERSONS FOR FUNDING OR PAYMENT OF, COSTS OF TOURISM FACILITIES LOCATED OR TO BE LOCATED IN THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ESTABLISHED BY THE CITY PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 260/2016; APPROVING AND COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 494 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, I move we suspend the Statutory Rules on Ordinance 15. (Inaudible voices) MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: Majority… we’re doing both, correct? Majority… we’re gonna do one? CLERK WOOD: You didn’t let me read 16. MEMBER SMUCKLER: One of the two. PRESIDENT SHERER: Okay, that’s fine. That’s fine. It’s been moved and seconded to suspend the Statutory Rules on Ordinance #15. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 11 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Eleven yeas, Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: The motion carries. You’ve heard the three readings, Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, I move we adopt Ordinance #15. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded that you adopt Ordinance #15. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 11 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Eleven yeas, Mr. President. #15 ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 231/2023 PRESIDENT SHERER: The motion carries and Ordinance #15 has been adopted. Leader. CLERK WOOD: Suspend Statutory Rules on 16. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, I move we suspend Statutory Rules of Ordinance #16. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to suspend the Statutory Rules on Ordinance #16. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, roll call vote, please. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 495 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 11 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Eleven yeas, Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: The motion carries. You’ve heard the three readings, Leader. LAW DIRECTOR REESE: Mr. President, would you please read the… thank you. PRESIDENT SHERER: Yeah. O#16. (3RD RDG) ADOPTED AS AMENDED AS ORDINANCE NO. 232/2023 APPROVING A PETITION FOR SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR SPECIAL ENERGY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND A SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN FOR THE CANTON REGIONAL ENERGY SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT UNDER CHAPTER 1710 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ENTER INTO ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY IN CONNECTION WITH THE PETITION AND SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN; TO AUTHORIZE AND LEVY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING, AND IMPROVING CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF CANTON IN COOPERATION WITH THE CANTON REGIONAL ENERGY SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT; AND TO APPROVE AN ENERGY PROJECT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH IMPROVEMENTS AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Let’s try this again. Mr. President, I move we adopt Ordinance #16. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded that you adopt Ordinance #16. Are there any remarks? MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: I move we amend Ordinance #16 per the copy of the book sitting in front of all of you. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to amend Ordinance #16 per the copy before each of you. Are there any remarks? ...Hearing none, roll call vote please. (Brief pause)… All those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed no. NO REMARKS AMENDMENT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 496 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 PRESIDENT SHERER: The ayes have it. The motion carries. Leader. Sorry about that. MEMBER SMUCKLER: That’s alright. Mr. President, I move we adopt Ordinance #16, as amended. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. AMENDMENT Pursuant to Rule 36, I move to amend Agenda Item No. 16 by the substitution of the attached amended ordinance and exhibits for the original pending ordinance and exhibits. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #16 as amended. Are there any remarks under this Ordinance as amended? …Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 11 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Eleven yeas, Mr. President. #16 ADOPTED AS AMENDED AS ORDINANCE NO. 232/2023 PRESIDENT SHERER: The motion carries and Ordinance #16, as amended, has been adopted. So we’ll get through this one way or another. ORDINANCES & FORMAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD AND FINAL READING PRESIDENT SHERER: Alright. We are now under Ordinances and Formal Resolutions for their Third, Final Reading and Vote, and we have no Third Readings for this evening. ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Announcement of Committee Meetings, and there are… there is no Committee Meetings next week. Our next meeting date will be Monday, January 8th and Committee starts at 6:45 PM. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS PRESIDENT SHERER: We are now under Miscellaneous Business. Is there any Miscellaneous Business for this evening? MEMBER SMITH: Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Smith. MEMBER SMITH: I would like to thank all of those that came out on Saturday to help with the Unforgettable Christmas. I’d personally like to thank Member Babcock and Mayor-Elect. Uh… they really got into it and they were very helpful. And I really want to thank the Mayor because, listen, I went to the Mayor and when I went to him, I told him, I said I need you to do this last thing for me, and he did. And he did it so well, and that… uh, we really appreciate it because without your help, it wouldn’t have took place. And that’s for real. Thank you so very much. PRESIDENT SHERER: Thank you, Member Smith. Is there any other Miscellaneous Business for this evening? COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 111 JOURNAL PAGE 497 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2023 MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Um… this is the last meeting of the year? PRESIDENT SHERER: Member Kimbrough. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: Yes, I would say Merry Christmas. (Chuckles) That’s a wonderful thing to do. PRESIDENT SHERER: On behalf of everybody, I would like to wish everybody Happy Holidays to you and your family. That’s the most important thing right there. So… Leader. MEMBER SMUCKLER: Mr. President, Happy New Year to everybody, and I move we adjourn. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT SHERER: It’s been moved and seconded to adjourn. Madam Clerk, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 11 YEAS, 0 NAYS PRESIDENT SHERER: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Everybody’s gotta remain in their seats. I don’t want the Rule… the Rules Committee… MEMBER SMITH: And he gotta do… he’s gotta do his last duty. Go ahead. CLERK WOOD: Eleven yeas, Mr. President. PRESIDENT SHERER: (Chuckles) Alright. This meeting is adjourned. (Gavel falls) Thank you for coming this evening. ADJOURNMENT TIME: 8:25 PM ATTEST: December 21, 2023 APPROVED: JILL M. WOOD WILLIAM SHERER CLERK OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT