Kent City Council’s continuing struggle with its political ward boundaries took another turn March 20, when Mayor Jerry Fiala cast the deciding vote to accept a set of maps Community Development Director Bridget Susel had created.
Local government
Aurora City Council gave final approval March 25 to a conditional zoning certificate for a 10-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail to be sited along the former Norfolk Southern Railroad property.
Kent City Council recently amended its noise ordinance to allow radios, stereos and musical instruments to be played outdoors in the city’s designated outdoor refreshment area.
Atwater Township’s Clean-up Days will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 3 and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4 at Town Hall at 1219 state Route 183.
Vice Chair Sue Fields called a near-capacity room to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Tensions were elevated due to recent social media content regarding Joe’s Barbecue.
Dennis Cardello, a 40-year resident of Mumford Road, spoke for several minutes regarding traffic patterns on Mumford, citing county traffic statistics as listed in The Portager.
Countywide turnout in the May 19 primary election tallied at 25.24% of registered voters, a bit lower than usual for a presidential primary election, county Board of Elections Director Faith Lyon said.
Incumbent county commissioner Tony Badalamenti will not serve another term after this fall’s election, having lost his primary campaign to his Republican challenger, Jill L. Crawford, in a very close race.
City council is looking into the bright LED lighting that some of Ravenna’s businesses use that is causing complaints from residents, especially in the commercial areas.
Portage County Commissioner Tony Badalamenti arrived at the Ravenna Moose Lodge in September for an event to fund Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski’s re-election campaign. He thought he would take the opportunity to explain his recent budget decisions to the sheriff’s supporters.
Chris Knop was officially recognized by Mayor Patrick for his long service to the Village of Garrettsville. Knop has held numerous positions in government, serving as council member, on the board of public affairs and the zoning commission, as well as many unofficial roles within the community.
Prior to the council meeting, new fire department hire Carl Bartlett was sworn in by Mayor Anne Haynum. Several of Bartlett’s family members were in attendance for the brief ceremony, and Bartlett received rousing applause from the crowd.