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Tallmadge City Council approved significant financial measures at its June 12 meeting, including authorization for a full-time assistant law director position and water rate increases, while announcing the upcoming retirements of two longtime city employees.
PERSONNEL AND BUDGET
Council voted 4-0 to approve Ordinance 2025-58, which appropriates $40,000 for the remainder of 2025 to convert a part-time assistant law director position to full-time. The move comes after the current part-time assistant announced plans to leave in July.
Director of Law Megan Raber explained the city’s legal office has become increasingly busy with expanded video equipment, additional police officers, and more complex records requests. She said the part-time position has proven difficult to fill and maintain.
“The demands on my office are constant and heavy,” Raber told council members. “We have far more options when advertising for a full-time position.”
The position will be funded at a Band 8 level with family insurance benefits included. Raber said she plans to restructure the titles during the budget process to create an assistant law director at Band 8 and a deputy law director at Band 9.
WATER RATE INCREASE
Council also passed Ordinance 2025-53 authorizing uniform water rate increases across the city. The increase is designed to ensure sustainability of the water fund and proper maintenance of the water system.
Finance Director Gilbride said the increases are coming in within budget expectations despite some monthly fluctuations. Council discussed expanding the current homestead exemption, which provides a 25% credit on the sewer portion of bills for eligible senior residents, to include the water portion.
The city will communicate the changes through bill notices, website updates, and social media to help residents understand the reasoning behind the increase.
DEMOLITION FUNDING
Council approved Ordinance 2025-56, which authorizes Mayor Carol Siciliano-Kilway to receive $19,570 in matching grant funding from the Summit County Land Reutilization Corporation for demolition of a blighted structure at 12 Southwest Avenue.
NALOXONE PROGRAM
In the safety committee, council passed Ordinance 2025-57 appropriating OneOhio Opioid Settlement funds for naloxone availability in city parks. Director of Law Raber addressed previous concerns about temperature control, confirming that temporary power outages would not render the medication ineffective if proper temperature is restored.
The city has contracted with the same company that services first aid supplies to maintain both AED units and naloxone in the parks.
LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
Three ordinances related to collective bargaining agreements with firefighters and police unions remained in third reading, with Mayor Siciliano-Kilway indicating negotiations are ongoing.
RETIREMENTS ANNOUNCED
Council President Donald Pavlik announced two significant departures from city staff. Assistant Law Clerk Regina Ki will retire in August after 13 years of service, and Clerk of Council Susan Burton will retire in September or October after 30 years with the city.
“We thank you for your service,” Pavlik said, noting the city will plan special recognition events for both employees.
INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES
Director of Public Service Mike Rorar reported on ongoing circle improvements, including installation of wooden guard rails at five of the eight spokes of Tallmadge Circle following several vehicle accidents. The guard rails will be set 7-10 feet from the curb and are designed to be aesthetically pleasing while preventing vehicles from driving through the circle.
Rorar displayed photos of the upcoming guard rail project to address multiple accidents where vehicles have breached the historic traffic circle. The wooden guard rails represent a return to the circle’s original design – a 1933 photograph shows white bollards that once protected the spokes of the historic traffic circle. The five spokes receiving guard rails are those most frequently breached by vehicles.
The water tower rehabilitation has been completed on the exterior as part of an EPA audit requirement. The interior will be addressed in three years.
FARMERS MARKET AND RECREATION
The farmers market opened for the season with 54 vendors, matching last year’s record. The market will take a break for Juneteenth and resume June 26.
The recreation center is averaging 600 visitors daily, returning to pre-COVID numbers. Music on the Circle featuring Beatles tribute band Revolutionary Pie is set for June 26.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The planning and zoning commission will hold a public meeting July 1 regarding the neighborhood center overlay mapping on Northeast Avenue. If approved, the council public hearing is scheduled for approximately July 24, with the amendment becoming effective in August.
Council members present included Pavlik, Christine Cipa, Jessica Epstein, and Tracy Pletcher. Jonathan Bollas and Nick Rubino were excused. Ted Roy left during the executive session and was absent for the remainder of the meeting.
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