Tallmadge City Council Addresses Community Concerns, Approves Financial Reports, and Discusses Key Initiatives

TALLMADGE, OH – September 11, 2025 – The Tallmadge City Council convened for its regular meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 46 North Avenue. The meeting, presided over by Council President and Ward 3 representative Jonathan Bollas, began with a silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Six council members were present for roll call, with Council At-Large Christine Cipa excused this evening. Present council members included Jonathan Bollas, Council At-Large Jessica Epstein, Ward 2 and Vice President of Council Donald Pavlik, Ward 4 representative Tracy Pletcher, Ward 1 representative Ted Roy, and Council At-Large Nick Rubino.

Financial Reports Approved Amidst Budget Preparations

The Council reviewed and approved several financial reports for the period ending August 31, 2025, which were provided to council on September 5, 2025. These included the appropriation, fund, and revenue reports, the August financial report, the Tallmadge Recreation Center profit and loss report, income tax comparisons, income tax by source report, revenue comparisons for major funds, and the consolidated investment portfolio. A motion to approve the reports was seconded and passed by a unanimous vote of six to zero.

Finance Director Gilbride reported that revenues are running as expected, with income tax approximately 3% ahead of last year and within budget expectations. She also informed council about upcoming reappropriation ordinances to reconcile projects that were foregone or shifted, and to account for higher income tax refunds and salaries in the 2025 budget.

Community Input Highlights Ongoing Group Home Issues

During the community input segment, Anthony Gwinta of Blossom Circle addressed the council regarding a group home operation in his neighborhood. He thanked the council, specifically mentioning Megan Raber and her team, for looking into their issues and for reaching out to Hadtie Larle’s leadership. While acknowledging assurances from the CEO regarding resident and employee numbers, parking, and ordinance compliance, Gwinta stated that these were “voluntary promises” that do not align with the reality residents continue to experience. He presented evidence of multiple vehicles tied to one home, often parked improperly, and argued that the operation resembles a business rather than a family residence, leading to “institutional behavior”. Gwinta questioned why the city would not enforce deed restrictions against business operations in an R1 residential district, comparing it to a restaurant operating illegally.

Law Director Megan Raber responded, explaining that the city addressed what it could, noting extensive case law that classifies such group homes as a single-family use, which meets zoning code definitions and protects individuals with disabilities. She clarified that the city does not enforce deed restrictions, as these are a civil matter for property owners to pursue. Councilman Ted Roy inquired about the possibility of adding “no parking” signs to cul-de-sacs in the affected area, to which Raber suggested this would be a service director matter requiring an engineer’s assessment. She also advised contacting the police for ongoing parking violations, noting that warnings had been issued. Raber confirmed that the city had not contacted Summit Housing Development Corporation or its board chair, Susan Klene, or Heather Rice, as parking violations are charged to the individual drivers. Council President Jonathan Bollas assured Gwinta that the matter is not closed and will continue to be followed up.

Mayor Reports on Local Events and Economic Development

Mayor Carol Siciliano-Kilway provided a brief but comprehensive report on various city activities. She highlighted the successful ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the new Sheets store on September 4, attended by Joe Sheets, the company’s chairman of the board. The Mayor praised Sheets as a good corporate citizen, supporting organizations like the Special Olympics and the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank.

She also mentioned that budget work is “very much in the trenches”. A 9/11 candle lighting memorial ceremony was ongoing that morning, marking 24 years since the event, with volunteers requested for cleanup. The Mayor announced Tallmadge High School football’s military appreciation night on September 19, recognizing the work of Councilwoman Jessica Epstein and her husband. She noted the upcoming 200th anniversary of the historic church on the circle on September 29, which was recently featured on the front page of the Ohio History Connection magazine. Other community events included the ongoing Farmers Market, an electronics recycling event on October 11, and the Fall Street Festival on October 18, both at the Rec Center parking lot. The Mayor also noted a resident’s concern about outdated Beggars’ Night information on the city’s website, which would be corrected.

Administrative Updates on Economic Development and Budgeting

Ignazito, Director of Administration, reported on economic development efforts, stating that 41 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visits have been completed to date, with a target of over 50 by year-end. He emphasized the remarkable diversity of Tallmadge businesses, from multi-generational manufacturers like Herman Machines to adult day support programs like Individual Outcomes. Budget work is progressing, with the budget ordinance expected to be presented on October 23 and a council budget work session scheduled for November 5.

Councilman Nick Rubino raised concerns about speeding on residential side streets like Nottingham, Milton, and Washburn, urging the budget committee to find solutions to slow traffic. Ignazito also addressed a rumor regarding the purchase of the former Rite Aid building, stating that neither he nor Pool (Economic Developer) or the mayor were aware of any such transaction, and they remain in contact with the building’s owners.

Law Director Reports on Codification

Law Director Megan Raber informed the council that the codifier anticipates a delivery date of late November for the city’s recodification, with the review process planned to begin in January to avoid overlapping with budget work.

Standing Committees Address Ordinances and City Operations

• The Planning and Zoning Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Tracy Pletcher, reported no items on its agenda.
• The Finance Committee, chaired by Councilman Donald Pavlik, discussed Ordinance 2025-72, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Summit County and other subdivisions for job creation, retention, and tax revenue sharing. Gilbride explained that the ordinance modifies an existing agreement, increasing the payroll limit for tax sharing from $3.5 million to $4.5 million, and including an annual inflationary adjustment. She noted that while Tallmadge has not directly benefited from the tax-sharing aspect, membership in the agreement earns points for grant applications, such as the recent OPWC funding application for How Road. The ordinance was moved to a third reading.
• The Personnel Committee, also chaired by Councilman Donald Pavlik, addressed two ordinances. ◦ Ordinance 2024-75, authorizing the Mayor to agree with the International Association of Firefighters Local 2764, remained at its third reading. Mayor Carol Siciliano-Kilway provided an update, stating that the redline version of the contract was sent to the IFFF’s council for review and an anticipated vote. She added that other contracts have been signed, making this the last one awaiting finalization. ◦ Ordinance 2025-69, amending Tallmadge Codified Ordinance Section 111.01 Rules of Council, was discussed and amended. Councilman Jonathan Bollas noted an amendment regarding a temporary clerk role when the primary clerk is absent, and Raber clarified changes to rules 7 and 22. The amendment passed 6-0. Subsequently, the ordinance with the amendment passed by a vote of six to zero. Councilman Donald Pavlik thanked Councilwoman Jessica Epstein, Councilman Jonathan Bollas, and Raber for their work on the council rules.
• The Safety Committee, chaired by Councilman Nick Rubino, had no legislation before it.
• The Community Issues Committee, chaired by Councilman Ted Roy, also reported no items.
• The Public Service Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Jessica Epstein, had no legislation, but Councilwoman Epstein requested assistance locating the city’s parks master plan, which she planned to review before following up with questions.

Other Business and Adjournment

The Council Operations Committee had no additional items. Council President Jonathan Bollas offered congratulations to Gina Ki on her retirement and thanked her for her years of service.

With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, passing unanimously by a roll call vote. The meeting concluded at 7:40 p.m.