TWINSBURG, Ohio – During the March 10, 2026, meeting of the Twinsburg City Council, officials highlighted a significant $850,000 federal grant aimed at completing major enhancements to Glen Chamberlain Park. The meeting also focused on a substantial increase in fire department staffing and a new initiative for the Twinsburg Police Department to seek state-level accreditation to advance professional standards.
Federal Funding for Glen Chamberlain Park
The City of Twinsburg is set to transform Glen Chamberlain Park following the announcement of an $850,000 grant secured through the office of Congresswoman Emilia Sykes. Mayor Sam Scaffidi and Councilman Greg Castillo detailed how the funds will be utilized to finish the park’s master plan, focusing on inclusivity and infrastructure.
The grant will fund three primary projects:
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Sensory Playground: A specialized play area designed for children with diverse developmental needs.
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Infrastructure Upgrades: The installation of two new picnic shelters to accommodate community gatherings.
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Trail Restoration: The replacement of a bridge along the park’s trail system to ensure safe pedestrian access.
Advancing Public Safety and Staffing
Councilman Bill Bonacci reported on recent developments within the safety committee, noting that the Twinsburg Police Department is transitioning from the Ohio Collaborative certification to pursuing a formal State of Ohio accreditation. This move represents a “second wave” of advanced standards for law enforcement in the state. Additionally, the department has expanded its reach within the Valley Enforcement Group, with two officers joining the SWAT team and one joining a regional drone team.
In the fire department, Councilman Scott Fury highlighted a milestone in emergency response capacity. The city is adding three additional firefighters, bringing the total to 12 personnel on duty per shift. This is a significant increase from previous years when shift minimums occasionally dropped as low as six. Fire Chief Tim Boso also confirmed that all tornado warning sirens in the community are currently fully functional.
Council Civility and Local Ordinances
Council President David Bellan opened the session with a stern reminder regarding Chapter 1113 of the Codified Ordinances, which governs public participation. While no residents spoke during the “Audience Participation” portion of the March 10 meeting, Bellan proactively restated the rules to ensure future meetings remain professional.
Under the local ordinance, speakers are required to address the Council President directly and are prohibited from engaging in debate with city officials. The code strictly forbids “profane, derogatory, mean-spirited, or harassing” remarks. Each speaker is allotted five minutes, and the President emphasized his intent to strictly enforce these guidelines to maintain a respectful environment for all attendees in Nordonia Hills.
Legislative Actions and Community Updates
The council passed several resolutions and ordinances under emergency suspension to ensure timely operations:
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Road Projects: Council accepted a bid from Perrin Asphalt Company for the Glenwood Drive resurfacing project and entered an agreement with ODOT for Liberty Road work, which includes a 10% cost-saving incentive.
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Animal Control: A resolution was passed to continue the intergovernmental agreement for animal control services with Summit County.
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Energy Grants: The city will apply for the $28,590 Energized Community Program Grant through NOPEC.
Councilwoman Karen Labby reminded residents that registration for summer camp begins Monday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m. for residents.