Tallmadge City Council unanimously approved police union contracts Thursday evening while also considering significant changes to when and how it conducts business.
The council voted 7-0 to approve separate contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police covering patrol officers and another for sergeants and lieutenants. Mayor Carol Siciliano-Kilway said the agreements reflect recommendations from a fact-finding process that council did not object to earlier this year.
“Everything in there should be what you guys have the information on,” Siciliano-Kilway told council members. “The quicker we can get these adopted the better.”
Both ordinances received immediate enactment, allowing the agreements to take effect without the typical waiting period.
New Judge Introduces Herself
During the community input portion of the meeting, Stow Municipal Court Judge Cynthia Curtin introduced herself, who was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine following Memorial Day and has been serving since mid-June.
Curtin brings 35 years of litigation experience including jury trials, appellate arguments and arbitration hearings. She has already handled several high-profile cases, including arraignments related to a murder that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend.
“I listen to both sides and then I make a decision,” Curtin said, comparing her arbitration experience to her current judicial role. She is running for election in November to serve a full term.
Meeting Time Changes Under Review
During discussion of proposed council rules revisions, five of seven council members expressed preference for moving regular meetings from Thursday evenings to Mondays at 6 p.m.
“A lot of times we miss the concerts at the circle. We miss some of the school events too,” Siciliano-Kilway noted about current Thursday meetings.
The proposed changes would take effect January 1, 2026, if adopted. Council members also reached consensus on restricting individual member communications funded by city money, requiring such mailings to be approved by the full council.
Infrastructure Funding Pursued
Council approved applications for multiple grants totaling more than $1.3 million for city improvements.
The city is seeking a $115,000 Community Champions Playground Grant from GameTime to help replace aging equipment at Howe Road Park. The total playground project costs $382,000, with the grant reducing the city’s burden to $267,000.
Additionally, Tallmadge is pursuing Ohio Public Works Commission funding for Howe Road improvements, potentially securing $1.25 million through a combination of grants and low-interest financing.
“Looking for alternate funds other than the city,” explained Director of Public Service Mike Rorar about the funding strategy.
Community Events Praised
Siciliano-Kilway highlighted CircleFest’s success, praising collaboration between city departments and the Chamber of Commerce. The service department beautified the circle area while police implemented an extensive safety plan.
“I’m still getting people throughout the community saying what a wonderful event it was and how safe they felt,” Siciliano-Kilway reported.
The mayor also noted other summer programming successes, including the ongoing farmers market at the Recreation Center through October 9.
Council went into executive session after the meeting to discuss hiring a new clerk and pending court action. Firefighter contract negotiations remain tabled until August 28.
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