Documenters: Kent City Council committee meeting for Dec. 3, 2025

Kent City Council committee meeting
Dec. 3, 2025 
7 p.m.
319 S. Water St.
Kent, OH 44240 

Attendance 
In attendance were Mayor and President of Council Jack Amrhein, Ward 1 Council Member Melissa Celko, Ward 4 Council Member Chris Hook, Ward 5 Council Member Heidi Shaffer Bish, Ward 6 Council Member Jeff Clapper, Council Member At-Large Michael DeLeone and Council Member At-Large Roger Sidoti. Also in attendance were Clerk of Council Kathy Coleman and City Manager Dave Ruller.

Meeting
Before the meeting began, interviews were conducted for several different boards. Amrhein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., and no public comments were made during the public comment period. 

Committees and Legislation 
A motion was made to modify the agenda so the Rotary Club of Kent could give its presentation earlier. 

Streets, Sidewalks and Utilities Committee
City Engineer Jim Bowling proposed a revision to Ordinance 901.03, which would modify old code in order to let streets use different piping. The revision passed.

The Rotary Club of Kent then presented a fundraising campaign that would provide American flags for subscribers on national holidays, including Labor Day and Veterans Day. After answering a few questions from the council, the fundraiser was approved.

Committee of the Whole
Finance Director Rhonda Hall gave staff updates. There was also an overview on Kent’s technology and security policies to comply with updated Ohio law.

Community Development Committee
Community Development Director Bridget Susel proposed an update to the Sustainability Commission Ordinance. The update was approved with emergency.

Finance Committee 
Hall presented the 2026 operating budget, which was approved by the council. Kent is not in a deficit and has been able to put several million dollars into a rainy day fund for emergencies. The 2026 operating budget was approved by council.

Hall then proposed a change to the 2025 budget appropriation amendment, which would allow the transfer of additional funds where they may be needed. The proposed change passed.

Law Director Hope Jones requested that council renew the contract for Kent’s public defenders; it was approved.

Health & Public Safety Committee-Chair Amrhein/Vice-Chair Sidoti
No business.

Land Use Committee – Chair Shaffer Bish/Vice-Chair Hook
No business.

Executive Session
Council went into executive session at 8:03 p.m. to review the proposed changes to the city’s 2026 position allocation ordinance and general compensation plan.