TWINSBURG, Ohio – The Twinsburg council meeting on the evening of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, covered a wide range of topics, from emotional farewells to key legislative approvals for the city’s future. The session included the official retirement of a veteran police K-9, the awarding of a major contract for the 2026 road improvement project, and the approval of funds for a new police canine.
A Hero’s Farewell: K-9 Caesar Retires
The meeting began on a heartfelt note with a ceremony honoring the retirement of Police K-9 Caesar. After more than eight years of dedicated service to the department, Caesar is stepping down from duty. His handler, Officer Yamil Encarnacion, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding work and commitment to the K-9 program. Officer Encarnacion has been a handler since 2014, first with K-9 Yaso and then with Caesar since 2017. Together, they completed over 130 deployments, assisting not only Twinsburg but also surrounding communities.
The Police Chief noted during the ceremony that the K-9 program is expanding with the addition of Beny, a new canine who is already part of the department. Officer Encarnacion has been instrumental in training the new handlers and supporting the program’s growth. In related legislation, council passed a resolution authorizing an agreement with Excel K-9 Services for the purchase and training of an additional new canine, which will be funded through the OneOhio opioid settlement funds. Another resolution was passed to purchase a canine vehicle insert from Hall Public Safety, also using the opioid settlement funds. The Chief emphasized that Officer Encarnacion’s contributions to the new handlers have been invaluable as the program continues to expand.
Infrastructure and City Services
Legislation for the Twinsburg council meeting included several key infrastructure projects. Council awarded the contract for the 2026 Road Improvement Project to Perrin Asphalt Company. Additionally, a license agreement was approved with the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway for underground sewer pipe crossings. Council also passed resolutions related to the Liberty Multipurpose Trail, including a cost-reimbursement agreement with Twinsburg Township for new crosswalks and a maintenance agreement with Summit County.
Council also established the fees and rates for the upcoming season at Gleneagles Golf Course and approved a transfer from the general revenue fund to the golf course fund.
Awards and Community Recognition
The city’s finance department received high praise, as Finance Director Christina Conway accepted an Award with Distinction from Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber for excellence in financial reporting for the 2024 fiscal year. The Twinsburg Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), led by Executive Director Rebecca Ziegler, also received the same prestigious award.
Mayor Sam Scaffide highlighted the recent ribbon-cutting for Rapha Endodontics, a new specialty dental practice owned by Dr. Rachel James. The practice has opened in the long-vacant building that formerly housed Donato’s Pizza on Wilcox Drive.
Committee Reports and Community Updates
The Environmental Commission reported on several upcoming events, including an Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration on April 25 and the Good Neighbor Award nominations, which are open until the end of February. The commission is also planning a community tour of the wastewater treatment plant.
Finance Director Christina Conway informed council that approximately 2,900 non-filer mailings were sent out by the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA). She also noted that the Twinsburg City School District is considering a 1.25% earned income tax levy, which would be separate from city income tax and require voter approval.
In Memoriam
The council took time to remember two community members who recently passed away. A tribute was given to Stanley Stine, the city’s beloved former naturalist who retired in 2020 after more than two decades of service. Mr. Stine passed away on January 26, 2026. Council also recognized Thomas Davis Sr., who coached Little League baseball in the community for over 20 years and passed away on January 30, 2026.
At the conclusion of the public session, council voted to enter into an executive session to discuss employee negotiations and security protocols.
