City Council

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING MASSILLON CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025 COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Good evening. Welcome to the Massillon City Council meeting for Monday, July 21, 2025. We have in attendance the following City officials: Mayor, Jamie Slutz, Safety Service Director, Renee Baker, Chief Counsel, Earle Wise Jr., City Engineer, Alex Pitts, Director of Development, Ted Herncane and Police Chief, Jason Saintenoy. Under #5 on the agenda is where the public can speak on any topic that appears on tonight’s agenda and under #17 is where the public can speak on any topic that does NOT appear on tonight’s agenda. I’d like to remind you that if you have a cell phone, please set it to mute, vibrate or turn it off. Thank you. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Roll call, please. 1. ROLL CALL Roll call for the evening found the following Council Members present: Holly Bryan-Huth, Jill Creamer, Sarita Cunningham, Julie Harwig Smith, Ed Lewis, Seth Marcum, and Eric Ray Roll call of 7 present COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes, I’d like to make a motion that we excuse Councilman Gregg and Councilman Paquelet. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilwoman Creamer. Roll call. 7 yes to excuse Councilman Gregg and Councilman Paquelet COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. 2. INVOCATION COUNCILWOMAN SARITA CUNNINGHAM 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY COUNCILWOMAN CUNNINGHAM COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Councilwoman Cunningham. 4. READING OF THE JOURNAL COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Madam Clerk, are the minutes of the previous meeting transcribed and open for public viewing? COUNCIL CLERK ROLLAND – Yes, they are. 1  COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Are there any additions or corrections to be made? COUNCIL CLERK ROLLAND – No, there are not. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – If not, then the minutes stand approved as written. Thank you, Madam Clerk. COUNCIL CLERK ROLLAND – You are welcome. 5. REMARKS OF DELEGATIONS AND CITIZENS TO MATTERS ON THE AGENDA 6. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This evening, I would like to ask the Council to go into Executive Session. For that reason, I would make a motion and in accordance with Division (G)(1) of Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code, I move that we enter into Executive Session, to include all Members of Council, the President of Council, the Safety Service Director and the Mayor as well as our legal counsel who I believe is represented by Mr. E.J. Wise this evening and this is for the purpose of considering the compensation of a public employee or official. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilwoman Creamer. Roll call. 7 yes to enter into Executive Session – 6:35 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – I’d like to make a motion to exit Executive Session. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilwoman Creamer. Roll call. 7 yes to exit Executive Session – 7:30 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. We are now back in Regular Session. 7. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Ord. No 55 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 55 – 2025 BY: POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Director of Public Service and Safety of the City of Massillon, Ohio, to accept a donation from Greif Brothers Packaging, on behalf of the Massillon Police Department. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Marcum. 2 COUNCILMAN MARCUM – I believe we have enough people here to waive three readings. So, at the appropriate time, I would just move to waive the three readings rule and bring Ord. No. 55 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Ray. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 55 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 56 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 56 – 2025 BY: POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Chief of Police, on behalf of the Massillon Police Department to accept a donation from Huntington National Bank for the Annual National Night Out, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Marcum. COUNCILMAN MARCUM – I would do the same; move to waive the three readings rule on this and bring Ord. No. 56 – 2025 forward for passage as long as nobody has anything to add. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Ray. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 56 – 2025 has passes. Ord. No. 57 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 57 – 2025 BY: PUBLIC UTILITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Director of Public Service and Safety of the City of Massillon, Ohio, to advertise for and receive sealed bids and to enter into a contract with the lowest and best bidder, upon the approval of the Board of Control, for the construction and inspection of the Millennium Boulevard Lighting Project, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilwoman Bryan-Huth. COUNCILWOMAN BRYAN-HUTH – Thank you, Mr. President. We did discuss this at last Work Session and were told by the City Engineer about the safety concerns the businesses have in the area. I would like to bring this forward tonight unless anyone had any questions 3 this evening? Seeing none, I would like to waive the rules requiring three readings and bring Ord. No. 57 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Ray. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 57 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 58 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 58 – 2025 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE making certain appropriations from the unappropriated balance of the 3112 Donations Fund, for the year ending December 31, 2025, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This is $500 appropriation for National Night Out. Are there any questions or discussion this evening? Seeing none, I make a motion we suspend the rules requiring three readings, bringing Ord. No. 58 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 58 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 59 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 59 – 2025 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE making certain appropriations from the unappropriated balance of the 1100 General Fund, for the purpose of the Massillon Police Department, for the year ending December 31, 2025. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. 4 COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This is an appropriation of $3,000 in the Police Dept. for supplies, materials and postage that they have within their department’s needs. Are there any questions or discussion? Seeing none, I make a motion that we suspend the rules requiring three readings, bringing Ord. No. 59 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 59 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 60 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 60 – 2025 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE making certain appropriations from the unappropriated balance of the 1100 General Fund, for the purpose of the Civil Service Commission, for the year ending December 31, 2025, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This is a $6,000 appropriation so that we can administer examinations. Are there any questions or discussion? Seeing none, I make a motion that we suspend the rules requiring three readings, bringing Ord. No. 60 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 60 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 61 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 61 – 2025 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE making certain appropriations from the unappropriated balance of the 1227 Forfeited Fund, for the year ending December 31, 2025, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. 5 COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This is for our Law Dept. It’s an appropriation of $3,150 in order for us to pay our professional dues related to the lawyers or attorneys that work in that office. Are there any questions or discussion? Seeing none, I make a motion to suspend the rules requiring three readings, bringing Ord. No. 61 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 61 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 62 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 62 – 2025 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE making certain appropriations from the unappropriated balance of the 1213 Lincoln Way Street Scape Fund, for the year ending December 31, 2025, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This fund is dedicated. It can only be used for the Lincoln Way Streetscape and we are looking to appropriate $10,432.12 and this is for additional maintenance that is need to keep it up. Are there any questions or discussion this evening? Seeing none, I make a motion to suspend the rules requiring three readings, bringing Ord. No. 62 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 62 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 63 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 63 – 2025 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE making certain appropriations from the unappropriated balance of the 1401 Capital Improvement Fund, for the year ending December 31, 2025, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. 6  COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This is for the lease/purchase of police cruisers. It’s $10,916.16. Any questions or discussion? Seeing none, I make a motion that we suspend the rules requiring three readings, bringing Ord. No. 63 – 2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 63 – 2025 has passed. Ord. No. 64 – 2025. ORDINANCE NO. 64 – 2025 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE AN ORDINANCE making certain appropriations from the unappropriated balance of the 1100 General Fund, for the year ending December 31, 2025, and declaring an emergency. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. This is a $20,000 appropriation for arbitrator services that the City had to use in instances where the Law Dept. was unable to represent us. Are there any questions or discussion? Seeing none, I make a motion that we suspend the rules requiring three readings, bringing Ord. No. 64 -2025 forward for a vote. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call for suspension. 7 yes for suspension COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – And for passage. 7 yes for passage COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. Ord. No. 64 – 2025 has passed. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9. PETITIONS AND GENERAL COMMINCATIONS A Request for the transfer of a Liquor License from Westside Lounge, Inc., located at 936 – 6th St. S.W., Massillon, Ohio 44647 to J. Harter Enterprises, LLC, DBA 936 – 6th St. S.W., located at 936 – 6th St. S.W., Massillon, Ohio 44647. Permit Classes are D1, D2 and D3 and is located in Ward 5. 7  COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilwoman Harwig Smith did you receive information on this? COUNCILWOMAN HARWIG SMITH – Yes, I did. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you. 10. BILLS, ACCOUNTS AND CLAIMS LocaliQ Gannett Ohio - $ 965.61 Publication of Apr. & May Ordinances Office Depot - 268.65 Office Supplies & New Shredder Total - $1,234.26 COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilman Lewis. COUNCILMAN LEWIS – Yes. I make a motion to pay the bills. COUNCILMAN MARCUM – I just have a quick question? COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – What’s that? COUNCILMAN MARCUM – I have a quick question? So, when we publish our May and April ordinances, is that just to provide public notice under the statute? COUNCIL CLERK ROLLAND – Correct. COUNCILMAN MARCUM – Have we explored passing an ordinance or just following the Ohio Revised Code in a manner that allows us to post it online, on social media and here in City Hall to avoid that expense moving forward? COUNCILMAN LEWIS – We have not. COUNCILMAN MARCUM – Anybody interested in exploring that further? COUNCILWOMAN HARWIG SMITH – I am. COUNCILMAN MARCUM – Okay. So maybe we can talk about that at a Work Session in the future. But, I’ll second. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Sounds good. Seconded by Councilman Marcum. Roll call. 7 yes to pay the bills COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Thank you, Madam Clerk. The Clerk will pay the bills and charge them to their proper accounts. 11. REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS Treasurer’s Report - June 2025 8 12. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Our next Work Session will be Monday, July 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. 13. RESOLUTIONS AND REQUESTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilwoman Cunningham. COUNCILWOMAN CUNNINGHAM – Thank you, Mr. President. I’m going to stand up so that I can show this to everybody. I’m very humbled and very proud; some of you know that I’ve worked with the Compassionate Friends which is a self-help support group for grieved families. I’m in my 44th year and I was gone because I was at the National Conference and I received, drum roll, okay, thanks guys. I did not expect that. The Chapter Leadership Award for 2025 presented to Sarita Cunningham and this is a National award guys, so. COUNCIL MEMBERS - Congratulations! Good girl. COUNCILWOMAN CUNNINGHAM – Thank you, Mr. President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – You’re welcome. 14. CALL OF THE CALENDAR 15. THIRD READING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 16. SECOND READING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 17. REMARKS OF DELEGATIONS AND CITIZENS TO MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA 18. ADJOURNMENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Councilwoman Cunningham COUNCILWOMAN CUNNINGHAM – I make a motion that we adjourn. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Seconded by Councilman Ray. Roll call. 7 yes to adjourn COUNCIL PRESIDENT SLATER – Meeting adjourned. ______________________________ ______________________________ DIANE ROLLAND, COUNCIL CLERK MIKE SLATER, PRESIDENT 9