City Council

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 517 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Canton City Council. If every one would please turn your cell phones to vibrate, we would appreciate it. With a quorum being present, the Chair calls this meeting of Canton City Council to order. Roll call, please, Madam Clerk. ROLL CALL TAKEN BY CLERK WOOD: 10 COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: (JOHN MARIOL, JAMES BABCOCK, LOUIS GIAVASIS, CRYSTAL SMITH, BRENDA KIMBROUGH, JASON SCAGLIONE, CHRIS SMITH, ROBERT FISHER, JONATHAN COOKS & RICHARD SACCO) TEN COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT (MEMBER HAWK AND MEMBER MORRIS ABSENT) CLERK WOOD: Ten present, two absent, Madam President. EXCUSING MEMBERS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you, Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we excuse Member Hawk and Member Morris from this evening’s meeting. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s been moved and seconded to excuse Member Hawk and Member Morris from this evenings meeting. Are there any remarks?…Hearing none, roll call vote please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten present….ten yeas, Madam President. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. The motion carries and Member Hawk and Member Morris are excused from this evening’s meeting. Tonight’s invocation will be given by Ward 2 Councilwoman, Brenda Kimbrough. And if you’ll please stand and remain standing for our Pledge of Allegience. The regular meeting of Canton City Council was held on December 9, 2024 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 Ward 2 Council Member, Brenda Kimbrough. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Bates Aylward. AGENDA CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you, Member Kimbrough, appreciate it. We are now under Agenda Corrections and Changes. Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we suspend Rule 22A to add Ordinances #12 through #18 to this evening’s agenda. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s been moved and seconded to add…re…Ordinance…I can’t even talk…12 through 18 to this evening’s agenda. Are there any remarks?...Hearing none, roll call vote, please. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 518 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. The motion carries and Ordinances 12 through 18 are a legal part of your agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are now under Public Hearings and we have none for this evening. OLD BUSINESS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are now under Old Business and we have no Old Business for this evening. PUBLIC SPEAKS PRESIDENT BATES ALYWARD: We are now under Public Speaks and we will move Public Speaks, pursuant to Rule 12(b) to right before Miscellaneous Business. INFORMAL RESOLUTIONS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are now under Informal Resolutions and we have three for this evening. Madam Clerk, will you please begin with Informal Resolution #1, by title. 1. MAJORITY LEADER MARIOL: AUTH MAYOR OR SERV DIR. TO OPEN PURCH ORDER IN AMT NOT TO EXCEED AMT OF $52,380.00 FOR REPAIR/RECONDITIONING OF CENTRIFUGE FOR WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY. – ADOPTED PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Informal Resolution #1. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s been moved and seconded that we adopt Informal Resolution #1. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, all those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed, no. NO REMARKS RESOLUTION #1 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: The ayes have it, the motion carries and Informal Resolution #1 has been adopted. Informal Resolution #2, please. 2. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: CONFIRM APPT OF MS. LISA LUCAS TO FAIR HOUSING COMMISSION COMMENCING 1/1/25 TO 12/31/25. – ADOPTED PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you, Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Informal Resolution #2. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 519 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s been moved and seconded to adopt Informal Resolution #2. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, by voice vote, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. NO REMARKS RESOLUTION #2 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: The ayes have it, and the motion carries and Informal Resolution #2 has been adopted. Informal Resolution #3, please. 3. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: CONFIRM RE-APPT OF MR. DAVID PATTERSON TO BOARD OF BUILDING APPEALS RETROACTIVE 1/1/25 TO 12/31/27. – ADOPTED PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you, Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Informal Resolution #3. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: 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 BATES AYLWARD: The ayes have it, the motion carries and Informal Resolution #3 is adopted. COMMUNICATIONS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are now under Communications. Let the journal know 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 9, 2024. 4. STATEMENT OF CASH POSITION DATED 10/27/24. – AUDITOR MALLONN 5. LTR ADVISING COUNCIL OF RE-APPT OF MS. LAURA MILLS AND MR. CHRIS MACK TO MAYOR'S COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION COMMENCING 1/1/25 THRU 12/31/26. - MAYOR SHERER 6. REQ AUTH OF APPT OF MR. PATRICK WYATT TO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COMMENCING 1/1/25 THRU 12/31/27. - MAYOR SHERER 7. REQ INFORMAL RES. FOR WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY CENTRIFUGE RECONDITIONING. - SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 520 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 8. REQ LEG FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPT AND PLANNING DEPT BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATION PLANS UPDATES; EMERGENCY. - SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN, SAFETY DIRECTOR PERRY ORDINANCES AND FORMAL RESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are now under Ordinances and Formal Resolutions for their First Reading. Madam Clerk, would you please beging with Ordinance #9. NOTE: PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD CALLED UPON CLERK WOOD TO READ ORDINANCES #9 THROUGH #10 FOR THEIR FIRST READING BY TITLE AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, AS FOLLOWS: O#9. (1ST RDG) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO. 61/2024; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY Referred to Finance Committee O#10. (1ST RDG) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO: ADVERTISE, RECEIVE BIDS, AWARD, AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS FOR THE CANTON MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTER RESTROOM AND NORTH PARKING LOT EXPANSION PROJECT; ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THIS PROJECT UTILIZING ANY PROCUREMENT PROCESS AUTHORIZED BY LAW; AND ENTER INTO A DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT CONTRACT WITH SOL HARRIS/DAY ARCHITECTURE, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $77,152; AUTHORIZES THE AUDITOR TO PAY ALL MORAL OBLIGATIONS FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS THAT ARE OTHERWISE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF CONTROL; AMENDS THE 2025 TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY Referred to Finance Committee O#11. (1ST RDG) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATE APPOINTING AUTHORITY, DURING CALANDER YEAR 2025, TO SELL CITY OWNED PERSONAL PROPERTY WHICH IS NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE, OR IS OBSOLETE OR UNFIT FOR THE USE FOR WHICH IT WAS ACQUIRED, BY INTERNET AUCTION PURSUANT TO O.R.C. 721.15(D); AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY Referred to Finance Committee CLERK WOOD: Madam President ORDINANCES & FORMAL RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. We are now under Ordinances and Formal Resolutions for their Second Reading. Madam Clerk, would you please begin with Ordinance #12. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 521 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 NOTE: PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD CALLED UPON CLERK WOOD TO READ ORDINANCES #12 THROUGH #18 FOR THEIR SECOND READING BY TITLE AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, AS FOLLOWS (O#17 AND O#18 ADOPTED): O#12. (2ND RDG) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A THREE YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MR. CHARLES CORCORAN, ARCHITECT DBA OAK GROUP, LLC TO SERVE AS THE CITY OF CANTON CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $83,200 PER YEAR WITH A 5% INCREASE ANNUALLY IN YEARS TWO AND THREE; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY O#13. (2ND RDG) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ADVERTISE, RECEIVE BIDS, AWARD, AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CLEVELAND AVE. NW RESURFACING PROJECT - GP 1283 AND TO ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THIS PROJECT UTILIZING ANY PROCUREMENT PROCESS AUTHORIZED BY LAW; AUTHORIZING THE AUDITOR TO PAY ALL MORAL OBLIGATIONS FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS THAT ARE OTHERWISE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF CONTROL; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY O#14. (2ND RDG) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 68/2019, 100/2011 AND ANY OTHER ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH THE UPDATED POLICES BY ESTALISHING THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT AS THE PERSONNEL GUIDELINES FOR RECRUITING, HIRING, AND RETAINING NON-BARGAINING PERSONNEL WITHIN THE CITY OF CANTON; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY O#15. (2ND RDG) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE OR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO APPLY FOR, ENTER INTO AGREEMENT FOR, AND RECEIVE FUNDS FROM ANY AND ALL POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES FOR VARIOUS CITY PROJECTS; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY O#16. (2ND RDG) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR DIRECTORS OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SAFETY TO: ADVERTISE, RECEIVE BIDS, AWARD AND ENTER INTO VARIOUS CONTRACTS FOR SUPPLY EQUIPMENT, ITEMS, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND SERVICES PURSUANT TO CODIFIED ORDINANCE SECTION 105.09; ENTER INTO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS PURSUANT TO CODIFIED ORDINANCE SECTION 105.10; ENTER INTO CONTRACTS PURSUANT TO O.R.C. SECTION 735.05 WITH QUALIFIED NONPROFIT AGENCIES; ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPLY EQUIPMENT, ITEMS, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND SERVICES COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 522 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 UTILIZING ANY PURCHASING PROCESS AUTHORIZED BY EITHER THE O.R.C. OR CANTON CODIFIED ORDINANCES; ENTER INTO CHANGE ORDERS AND/OR CONTRACT AMENDMENTS FOR SAID PURCHASES DURING THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR; WAIVING THE INFORMAL RESOLUTION REQUIREMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE AUDITOR TO PAY ALL MORAL OBLIGATIONS FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS THAT ARE OTHERWISE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF CONTROL PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE 105.14; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY O#17. (2ND RDG) ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 246/2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ENTER INTO A JOB CREATION, RETENTION AND NET PROFITS TAX INCENTIVE AGREEMENT WITH SCHULMAN, ROTH & ASSOCIATES CO., LPA PURSUANT TO THE CITY'S INCENTIVE PROGRAMS; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY O#18. (2ND RDG) ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 247/2024 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF CANTON, OHIO, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY CLERK WOOD: Madam President. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we suspend Statutory Rules on Ordinances 17 and 18. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s moved and seconded to suspend the Statutory Rules on Ordinances 17 and 18. Are there any remarks? …Roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. The motion carries. You’ve heard the three readings. Leader. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Ordinance #17. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s been moved and seconded that you adopt Ordinance #17. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, roll call vote please. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 523 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. #17 ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 246/2024 PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The motion carries and Ordinance #17 has been adopted. Leader. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Ordinance #18. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s been moved and seconded that you adopt Ordinance #18. Are there any remarks? …Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. #18 ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 247/2024 PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: The motion carries and Ordinance #18 has been adopted. Thank you. ORDINANCES & FORMAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD AND FINAL READING PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are now under Ordinances and Formal Resolutions for their Third, Final Reading and Vote. Madam Clerk, please begin with Ordinance #19. NOTE: PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD CALLED UPON CLERK WOOD TO READ THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE #19 THROUGH #22 FOR THEIR THIRD READING BY TITLE AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, AS FOLLOWS: O#19. (3RD RDG) ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 248/2024 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LAW DIRECTOR TO DISTRUBUTE FREE OF CHARGE TO PUBLIC OFFICALS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS COPIES OF THE OCTOBER 2024 SUPPLEMENT TO THE CANTON CODIFIED ORDINANCES; TO AFFIX PRICE FOR THE SALE OF SAME; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Ordinance #19. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #19. Are there any remarks?...Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 524 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. #19 ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 248/2024 PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. The motion carries and Ordinance #19 is adopted. Ordinance #20, please. O#20. (3RD RDG) ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 249/2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EDITING AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF CANTON, OHIO; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Ordinance #20. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #20. Are there any remarks?...Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. #20 ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 249/2024 PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. The motion carries and Ordinance #20 is adopted. Ordinance #21, please. O#21. (3RD RDG) ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 250/2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A WAGE INCREASE OF 4% FOR MANAGEMENT AND NON-BARGAINING UNIT PERSONNEL EMPLOYED BY THE CITY AS OF JANUARY 1, 2025; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Ordinance #21. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #21. Are there any remarks?...Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. #21 ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 250/2024 COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 525 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. The motion carries and Ordinance #21 has been adopted. Ordinance #22, please. O#22. (3RD RDG) ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 251/2024 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10/2024, AS AMENDED TO ESTABLISH THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT AS THE CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT’S MANAGEMENT AND NON-BARGAINING PERSONNEL EMPLOYED BY THE CITY OF CANTON; AND DECLARING THE SAME TO BE AN EMERGENCY PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adopt Ordinance #22. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s moved and seconded to adopt Ordinance #22. Are there any remarks?...Hearing none, roll call vote, please. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. #22 ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE NO. 251/2024 PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. The motion carries and Ordinance #22 has been adopted. ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are under Announcement of Committee Meetings. Our next meeting date is December 16, 2024. Committee Meetings will start at 6:15 PM. We will also have an SMHA/Choice Neighborhood Presentation by Sherice Freeman. Uh…Finance. MEMBER GIAVASIS: Madam President, Finance will meet at that time. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. PUBLIC SPEAKS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: We are now under Public Speaks, and we have one speaker this evening. Um…he’s been with us before so he knows, please approach the podium when I call your name and give your name and residential address. And…Mr. Daniel Gates, would you please approach. Thank you. DANIEL GATES: My name is Daniel Gates. (Audience member coughs). My name is Daniel Gates and I live in the United States Constitutional Republic. Ms. Madam President, last time I was here I recall you yelling at a victim that was out here, that was giving information to one of the city employees. You never apologized. This is the problem that “We the People” are having with you guys. That’s why some, not me, some people may consider you a psychopath, okay. Mr. Mariol, back to the Probate bit. You saying that they’re not involved…they’ve been involved from the start of it all, okay. It was your Canton City Police that I called to come out there to stop an eviction. A self-help eviction that they helped with that. They facilitated this self- COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 526 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 help eviction. My great-grandmother died and my uncle who lives next door, who is also dodging you guys, by the way, on the rental…the rental property bit, you know…registering it and you know, accounting himself for having a rental property at uh…511 Smith Ave, you know. For ten years he charged cash to my great- grandmother and my grandmother to live there. Never once reported any of that. But they came to the house, they trespassed me from that house and for me trying to secure assets that are protected under a trust, inside that house. Well, those assets will never be recouped and the Probate Court can never see ‘em because they got thrown away with everything else in the house. Thousands of dollars gone, of my grandmothers, that the Canton City Police Department…that...may I note that the assets were protected under a trust that your police department came and trespassed me while I was trying to secure that. Just because death happens doesn’t mean that an eviction…doesn’t mean that they can kick you out. You still have thirty days, you still have a reasonable amount of time to get the belongings out of the house. Mr. Jason Reese, you still have yet to see any kind of repercussions for you spending money that you had no business to spend on your own, without, you know, City Council’s approval. That definitely needs to be looked at. Um…the other thing I want to make sure that you guys know…I am still sadly disappointed in you guys for not wanting to hear the “Public Speaks” before you vote on things. That goes to show how little you really care about your constituents voice. Sometimes we can’t even get you on the phone so we come here. How do I pronounce your last name Miss? Kim…Kimbrough? PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Please, please don’t address those people, just address me. That’s fine. DANIEL GATES: I want to thank you for properly praying for us, the Lord’s Prayer. I appreciate that very much and God bless you and (Inaudible), and We the People. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you. DANIEL GATES: F*** you. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Awww man. Okay. I just want to say I hope everyone can have a little bit of dignity and class. I just babysat my little toddler grandchildren and they have a little more dignity and class than that. Okay. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Leader Mariol, we are now under Miscellaneous Business. Is there any Miscellaneous Business you would like to bring forth? MEMBER MARIOL: I do not have any, no. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Does anybody have any Miscellaneous Business? Yes, Member Sacco. MEMBER SACCO: Thank you. Um…I just have a questions for the Mayor. Tomorrow they’re having a meeting about the Civic Center. Who’s presenting that and who’s going to be there to represent? MAYOR SHERER: Uh…That panel will be put on by the Chamber tomorrow. So, they…the Chamber had asked to do a forum about what’s going on at the Civic Center and so it’s going to be…it’s going to be myself and Blake Schilling that runs the Civic Center. And you’ve got Mo from Arts in Starks…Arts in Stark, and you have Chris Goff, which is still the Chairman of Arts in Stark. Because we’re kind of like conjoined twins. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 527 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 (Laughter). So…but that forum will be at 8:00 in the morning. Now…when I signed up for this, I wasn’t aware that they’re charging everybody $45.00 to get in this forum. PRESIDENT BAYES AYLWARD: Uh oh. MAYOR SHERER: So…having said that, I still committed to it, I’m still going to be there. This is the Chamber, this is not the City. So…but I wasn’t aware of that when I first agreed to doing the forum. Because I…I disagree with that Rick, about…the bottom line, it’s our building. We own the building. I don’t have a problem having a conversation about it, but I… MEMBER SACCO: Well, uh, who authorized the $45.00 charge to come in? MAYOR SHERER: Well, the Chamber is…we’re doing this in the McKinley Room. The Chamber is charging, no the City, anybody that wants to attend the Forum, $45.00 to attend this. MEMBER SACCO: That kind of excludes the Public. MAYOR SHERER: I’m not going to disagree with that, Councilman. MEMBER SACCO: Well, I mean…how do they authorize charging for something like…are we charging them for the room? MAYOR SHERER: We are…we will…I believe we are, right? Okay…well, I’ll refer that to Black Schilling. So… MEMBER SACCO: Where are those funds going? MAYOR SHERER: To the Chamber. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Go…go ahead Member Smith. MEMBER SMITH: I’m just a little confused. Are you saying that we, Councilmembers, have to pay $45.00 or is somebody else…or did you say that we gone take it out the money that we give them every year? (Laughter). MAYOR SHERER: No. Councilmember Smith, I would…Councilmember Smith, I would encourage you, if you want to show up, I’d just walk right in that door. No. 1. MEMBER SMITH: If I want to show up, what? MAYOR SHERER: If you wanted..if you wanted to attend that tomorrow, I would pro…I would encourage you to walk right in the door because that is our Civic Center. MEMBER SMITH: Right. MAYOR SHERER: But the problem that I have is that when I signed up for this, and I was asked to do this, I didn’t have a problem with that because we’re making improvements with the Civic Center right now. We’re talking about having some long-term goals with the Civic Center. I wasn’t aware of this until just recently and this thing is at 8:00 tomorrow morning, that they are charging anybody that wants to attend $45.00 to get in. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 528 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 So, I committed to this and I know this is last minute and I’m going to be there tomorrow morning, but I can assure you this will be the last event, and this is where I disagree that when we had the Candidate’s night and the debate for the candidates that were running for mayor… MEMBER SMITH: Right. MAYOR SHERER: …they charged everybody, the Chamber did… MEMBER SMITH: Sure did. MAYOR SHERER: …we live in a poor city. We do. And there’s a lot of people who can’t afford to obviously pay that. And this will be, I can assure you, that this will be the last time that I will participate in something…I know I committed to it, I wasn’t aware at the beginning, but I can assure you that as far as my standpoint, this will be the last time that I attend something that you have to… MEMBER SMITH: Right. Well, I’m glad you’re saying that Mayor because see…we’re going to have to bring that to their attention when they come and ask for that money that they get a year. So, I’m glad that that came about, asking, because… MAYOR SHERER: Well, you’re gonna…you’re gonna get your opportunity, I can assure you. (Laughter). MEMBER SMITH: Wow! PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Agreed Member Smith. MAYOR SHERER: Councilman… PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Member Sacco. MEMBER SACCO: So, they’re charging $45.00 but we’re not charging them to use it? So, where’s this money going to? PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: To them. MAYOR SHERER: This money…I’m assuming, Councilman, this money would be going to the Chamber. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Yes. MEMBER MARIOL: I think the money might be going to offset the genius amendment that uh…Councilwoman Smith just mentioned. (Laughter). MEMBER SMITH: I vote…everybody that agree…aye! (Laughter)… MAYOR SHERER: You’ll…I’m sure you’ll get your opportunity! PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Yeah. It, it’s. it’s concerning. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 529 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 MEMBER SMITH: It is. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s concerning, Mr. Sacco, It’s concerning. SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN: Madam President. PRESIDENT BATES AYWARD: And there were some free forums for the race for Mayor, which we all appreciated and free forums for all of us, and that’s my opinion of how it should be; however, continue. Member Sacco, did you have more? Nope. Oh, Service Director. SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN: In no way, shape, or form, am I saying this to justify it, I am…I, I am sticking up for Blake, so just so everybody knows… PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Blake Schilling. SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN: Blake Schilling, Civic Center…Civic Center General Manager, he, at the initial time this was discussed obviously, was unaware of that as well. That… PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Of that charging? SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN: Yes. That transpired afterwards. It is my understanding, in the unsolicited literature that I have received about the Forum, that I, evidently as the Building Manager, you know I have the same concerns that you guys do, and Christian and I, funny enough, joked at length about this, but I believe it is going to offset some of their cost for like the breakfast and stuff. Obviously, your counter will be, well that’d better be one heck of a breakfast! (Laughter). But I’m uh…just telling what their rationale is and funny enough, yes, Blake and I, today, talked about this and it’s one of those things where it’s advertised, it’s set, we…we…tomorrow, so what do we do now. But I did just want everyone to know that this was not, you know, Blake’s intent to have this transpire like this. This is not… MEMBER SMITH: But it was the Chamber… SERVICE DIRECTOR HIGHMAN: Yes, this is the Chamber. But Blake of course, in a show of good will and wanting to have good…with the Civic Center, he is allowing it there because the Mayor is going to be there and all that type of stuff so, I do want to absolve Blake from blame in this little conundrum we find ourselves in. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Alright, thank you very much, Service Director. Yes, Member Scaglione. MEMBER SCAGLIONE: I…I think hearing some of this…maybe that $45.00 should be directed to the Civic Center and pay for the lights that will be on during that event. MEMBER SMITH: I don’t think none of it should be coming from…(Inaudible). PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Alright. Are there any further…very good comments, by the way, everyone. Are there any further comments under Miscellaneous Business? Oh, Member Kimbrough. MEMBER KIMBROUGH: I was just gonna say that it was really a wonderful event that we had for Light Up Downtown. That was wonderful, it was brutually cold, but it was a wonderful day and I thought it was well COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JOURNAL 112 JOURNAL PAGE 530 MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2024 attended. Our Mayor did his first lighting of the tree. I’m excited that that tree came from Ward 2! I just want to add that. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Are there any other points of Miscellaneous Business? MAYOR SHERER: Madam President, just to add to Member Kimbrough’s remarks…that um, I think Light Up Downtown was great. It was brutually cold out. I think next year, we’re think…we’re going to be looking to get that to grow so we’re thinking about maybe doing a Christmas Parade, leading down to Centennial Plaza. Not as big as the Hall of Fame Parade and stuff like that, but uh, I think it would be really cool to do something like that, plus, the dropping of the (Inaudible) plus the lighting of the tree, when you get the families down there. I…I was actually shocked at the amount of people that was down there with their kids because it was cold out. There was no doubt about that, but I just want to thank everybody that came down, so… PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you, Mayor. Are there any other Miscellaneous comments? MEMBER COOKS: Yes, right… PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Yes, I’m sorry. Member Cooks. MEMBER COOKS: On the same night as the Light Up…uh…Councilwoman Smith and I were able to go up and support the Fornash family at the vigil. Very cold, but it went off… MEMBE SMITH: Very. MEMBER COOKS:…real well. It went off real well. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: Thank you very much, Member Cooks and thank you, Member Smith. Are there any further Miscellaneous Business? No. …Hearing none, Leader Mariol. MEMBER MARIOL: Madam President, I move we adjourn. MEMBER BABCOCK: Second. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: It’s been moved and adjourned to second (President Bates Aylward should have said “It’s been moved and seconded to adjourn.”) Roll call vote, please, Madam Clerk. NO REMARKS ROLL CALL 10 YEAS, 0 NAYS CLERK WOOD: Ten yeas, Madam President. PRESIDENT BATES AYLWARD: This meeting is adjourned. Thank you, very much. (Gavel falls) ADJOURNMENT TIME: 7:36 PM ATTEST: DECEMBER 10, 2024 APPROVED: JILL M. WOOD KRISTEN BATES ALYWARD CLERK OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT