Kent · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kent public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027-31 Capital Improvement Plan
Council's Finance Committee will review the proposed five-year capital plan, which sets priorities and funding for infrastructure and city projects from 2027 through 2031.
JEDD Board Appointments and Contract Review
The Franklin-Kent JEDD brings in income tax revenue shared with Franklin Township, and its board terms are expiring. Council will consider re-appointing two members and discuss why expanding the JEDD's business participation has been difficult.
Utility Rates for the 2031 Sewer Relocation Project
The city is planning a major sewer relocation project in 2031 and is weighing utility rate options to pay for it. Residents and businesses could see changes in their water and sewer bills depending on the option chosen.
Feeding Wild Animals and Fowl Ordinance Amendment
The city is proposing to amend its rules on feeding wild animals and fowl. Depending on the final language, this could affect residents who feed birds or other wildlife in their yards. The emergency clause means any change would take effect immediately upon adoption.
Deer Management in Kent
Kent's deer are basically city slickers now — no fear of humans, adapted to backyard living. The city is collecting crash and removal data and will report back on management options.
Feral Cat Feeding Ordinance
Kent's ordinance bans feeding wild animals, and feral cats are currently included. The Law Director wants feral cats removed from the ban so council can consider alternatives like TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs, following resident emails on both sides.
FirstEnergy Easement at Columbus Street Parking Lot
The city is considering granting a new utility easement to FirstEnergy at the Columbus Street parking lot, which would allow utility facilities on public parking property.
Gas-powered leaf blowers
City Council has asked the Sustainability Commission to weigh in on gas-powered leaf blowers, which raise concerns about noise and emissions. Any eventual rules could affect landscaping companies and homeowners alike.
Sustainable Kent Award Program
The commission is developing a Sustainable Kent Awards program to recognize and encourage local sustainability efforts, distinct from the Portage Park District Awards. It's still in early planning, with an informal pitch for Kent Environmental Council co-sponsorship.
Rural EMS and dispatch modernization grant
A proposed ordinance lets the Kent Fire Department apply for a state grant to buy dispatch software and equipment for its paramedicine program — a boost for emergency response if awarded.
Towing and storage fee review request
City Service and Bakers Service Center asked the city to raise the city's towing and storage fees. The city manager issued a temporary rate increase on October 5 while council works toward a final decision.
Rescission of Klaben CRA tax-incentive agreements
Two tax-incentive deals with Klaben Auto Group were scrapped because the dealerships' national corporate parents wouldn't release construction payroll data. Oddly, this is good news for schools: they now collect full property taxes instead of a quarter of them.
Cemetery worker pay raises
Standing Rock Cemetery staff will see cost-of-living raises effective June 1, 2026, with hourly rates between $14 and $22.50 depending on classification.
2025 Charter Review Commission Council action
Voters will be asked to lower the vote needed to suspend the rules and pass emergency measures from three-fourths to two-thirds, matching Robert's Rules — something council says would make special meetings easier.
Corporate money in politics and Citizens United
The annual charter-required hearing lets residents weigh in on whether corporate campaign spending is drowning out ordinary voters. Speakers pushed for a 28th Amendment overturning Citizens United.
Shed setback variance on a substandard corner lot
Homeowners on a narrow corner lot at 251 Dodge Street needed to cut the required 10-foot spacing between house and accessory structure down to 5 feet to fit a storage shed. The house has no garage, basement, or attic, so storage is a real need.
Exemption from testing for Chief Operator position
The city wants to fill the top operator job at the water reclamation plant without the usual competitive civil service exam. State rules allow this when a candidate's specialized qualifications make testing impractical, and the commission found that standard applied here.
KPD kennel volunteer program
Resident Shauna Roach asked the city to allow screened, trained volunteers to walk, play with, and comfort dogs held at the Kent Police Department kennel, inspired by two huskies, Nikki and Jacob, who waited there for weeks. Council directed staff to look into the proposal.
Community food waste and recycling bin
A food waste/recycling bin is now open to everyone at the United Methodist Church, courtesy of the Kent Environmental Council. It has a latch to keep critters out.
Lights Out! bat event at Plum Creek
The commission is hosting a Lights Out! bat event on Friday, Oct. 9 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Plum Creek, with a rain date of Oct. 10. Flyers will be printed and shared with the Kent Environmental Council and around town, with possible tabling at the Haymaker Farm Market on Oct. 3.
North Mantua Street improvement project
The city is applying for $500,000 in ODOT funds for the North Mantua Street corridor — money that could ease future street improvements without hitting local taxpayers as hard.
Sidewalk Snow Removal Enforcement Expansion
Two council members called out neighbors who don't shovel, noting icy sidewalks endanger students, older residents, and dog walkers — especially on Kent's east side. They floated a community campaign and honoring good snow-clearers.
Parks and Recreation Restructuring Under the City Manager
Council discussed a possible charter amendment folding Parks and Recreation under city management, citing depleted levy funds and coordination benefits. No vote was taken; staff fears about job changes were addressed, and members agreed to seek input from the parks board and community before moving forward.
KSU Town-Gown Relations and Enrollment
Kent State reports enrollment pressure from demographics and international visa issues, but touts a 51% graduation rate and strong downtown student engagement, including a successful Flash's First Friday drawing thousands of students downtown.
Housing Strategy Update and Rental Market Trends
A new program aims to turn single-family rentals into owner-occupied homes, supporting homeownership in Kent neighborhoods.
Standing Sustainability Committee Proposal
Council weighed creating a dedicated sustainability committee to improve information flow between council and the Sustainability Commission. The motion failed without a second, and members instead asked for quarterly commission updates and better visibility on climate action plan work.
NOPEC Municipal Electricity Purchasing Program
Kent accepted $2,000 for the Heritage Festival plus $49,965 to hold in escrow for future energy-efficiency projects — the old DePeyster building is a candidate.
Noise ordinance amendment
Residents, including Kevin Koogle, say live music from downtown venues like the Zephyr carries loudly into nearby neighborhoods. Council plans a public comment session for residents and venue owners, and the new police chief will weigh in on enforcement.
Trick-or-treating timing
Resident John Bard asked council to move Beggars Night to evening hours, noting surrounding communities trick-or-treat after dark and downtown's festival runs later than neighborhood trick-or-treating.
School Resource Officer in Kent City Schools
The agreement between the city and Kent schools for school resource officers was extended to June 1, 2027, keeping police in school buildings another year.
Student and pedestrian safety as school year begins
With KSU students back and Route 59 torn up, council members urged drivers to slow down, watch for students crossing, and obey school bus stop laws.
Horning Road water connection crisis
A Kent family went 23 days without running water after their well failed, and the normal application process wouldn't reach their request until mid-March. Council fast-tracked the tie-in by adding it to the City Manager's Report as an emergency item.
Economic development strategy for Kent
The city hired consultant Randall Gross to build a Kent-specific economic development strategy. Council pushed on downtown vibrancy, parking, river access after a downstream dam comes out, and a housing shortage that keeps young families from settling here.
Certifying unpaid city bills as property tax liens
Residents and property owners with unpaid utility, sidewalk repair, or code violation bills will see those debts added to their county property tax bills, with a county fee on top. Multiple notices go out first, and paying by August 31 keeps you off the list.
Public Health
West Nile virus has officially popped up in three local samples, meaning it's time to bust out the bug spray and ditch any standing water around your yard. Stay smart outdoors so you don't end up sick.
Unlawful noise ordinance amendment
Council amended Section 509.12 of the city codified ordinances, the 'Unlawful Noise' provision. The text of the changes wasn't discussed in detail at the meeting.
2027 Tax Budget and 2026 Appropriations Adjustments
Council advanced the year's second budget amendment — roughly $850,000 in increased appropriations — for approval.
John Davey Arboretum joint use agreement
A ten-year joint use agreement lets visitors park at the SEED campus and walk a new North Mantua Street sidewalk between the arboretum cabin, restrooms, and campus.
Fire department grant applications (SAFER, FP&S, AFG)
The Kent Fire Department is chasing three FEMA grants — one that could pay for three firefighter/paramedic positions for three years, one for a kitchen fire safety training prop, and one for ten sets of turnout gear. If awarded, federal money would cover staffing and gear the city would otherwise fund itself.
Sustainability Commission appointment of Ash D'Angelo
Ash D'Angelo was unanimously appointed to the Sustainability Commission, filling a seat on the volunteer board that guides the city's environmental initiatives.
Ohio Public Works grant applications (WRF SCADA and SR 59)
ODOT joined the SR 59 walkability/bike/transit project as a sponsor, replacing three old traffic signals and adding $2 million — at no extra cost to Kent.
Davey Arboretum joint use agreement
The city, Davey Tree, and Kent City Schools will share use of the John Davey Arboretum alongside the new Davey Seed Campus.
Firefighter safety equipment grant
The fire department can now apply for a $25,000 Joey D. Foundation grant to buy "personal bailout" gear that helps firefighters escape dangerous situations.
2027 Tax Budget Adoption
Council adopted the city's tax budget for fiscal year 2027 and sent it to the county auditor — the annual paperwork that underpins city revenue.
Sustainability Commission appointment — Ash D'Angelo
Ash D'Angelo was appointed to the Sustainability Commission by unanimous vote, with the enabling resolution passing on first reading.
City Staffing and Funding Gap
The city says it can't afford its current service levels without new money — police, fire, and paving all need more staff. The proposed fix: retire the 0.25% police-station tax and ask voters to reinstate it for operations, keeping resident tax bills flat. Council members also floated a non-resident income tax and questioned contract fees for fire service to neighboring townships.
Fiber optic construction oversight and safety
After a fatal gas-line strike in nearby Twinsburg, officials explained Kent's permitting process for fiber installers, the temporary right-of-way suspension, and the roughly 30 utility strikes across 175 miles of work — urging residents to call 811 and the Community Development Department, not police, with issues.
Solar array at 800 Mogadore Road brownfield
A consultant showed the 17.7-acre ABB-owned brownfield could host a 3.5-megawatt solar array, but current law limits sales to the wastewater plant next door — and getting power there means negotiating with CSX. Council voted to back state community-solar bills that could unlock the project.
Kent Designated a Purple Heart City
Portage County Auditor Matt Kelly presented Kent with a Purple Heart City plaque and signage is planned, honoring combat-wounded veterans in the community.
Income Tax Extension Election
Kent voters will decide whether to extend and expand a portion of the city income tax starting January 1, 2027, to pay for police, fire and service department staffing plus quality-of-life projects and debt service. Council set up the election but held off on the implementing ordinance until voters speak.