MASSILLON — The Massillon City Council approved multiple pieces of legislation during its June 16 meeting, including funding for the University Drive Southeast improvement project and an economic development grant, while also addressing citizen concerns about recently installed speed tables.
Economic Development and Infrastructure
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 46-2025, authorizing an economic development grant agreement with William Ullom of PolyKinetix Inc. to assist with equipment and relocation expenses for the business moving to 240 6th Street Northwest.
The council also approved the University Drive Southeast improvement project after extensive discussion about funding sources. The project, running from Nave Road to just south of Malone Avenue, will mill existing concrete and replace it with asphalt.
City Engineer Alex Pittz confirmed that two Tax Increment Financing districts – the StarGlas TIF and the In at University TIF – could not be used for the project due to specific restrictions in their ordinances. The StarGlas TIF is limited to Nova property improvements, while the In at University TIF is restricted to Richville Road and Nave Road intersection improvements.
After debate, council approved using funds from the 1201 Street Construction M&R Fund rather than exploring the Marketplace TIF option. Several council members expressed concerns about depleting the Marketplace TIF, which is nearing the end of its 30-year cycle with approximately $800,000-$900,000 remaining.
Development Director Ted Hearn advised caution on using Marketplace TIF funds, noting the development will need infrastructure repairs in coming years and the TIF will only produce funds for a couple more years. Income Tax Budget Director Lori Kadagi reported the fund has received $126,000 year-to-date.
Technology and Administrative Matters
Council approved authorizing Director of Public Service and Safety Renee Baker to seek qualifications for information technology support managed services through a qualification-based selection process.
Additional approved appropriations included $20,000 for the foreclosure property administration fund for dumpsters, property cleanup and postage, and adjustments to the waste management grant fund due to reduced grant funding related to new recycling parameters.
Speed Tables Generate Mixed Response
During council member reports, Ward 6 Councilman John Paquelet raised concerns about complaints he has received regarding recently installed speed tables on Lake and Bird streets. However, other council members reported mostly positive feedback.
At-Large Councilman Ed Lewis said he has received both positive and negative comments but defended the speed tables as “a reasonable measure to help do passive control of traffic” in response to years of speeding complaints on Lake Avenue and West Main Street.
Ward 3 Councilman Michael Gregg noted most negative comments came from people who had not actually driven over the speed tables, while Ward 2 Councilman Eric Ray said he had received no complaints from his constituents.
Mayor Jamie Slutz defended the speed tables, stating they were strategically placed to avoid driveways and intersections. He said residents on Second Street and Cooper Street have called his office saying it is now easier to get onto Lake Avenue with the traffic calming measures in place.
“People don’t like change, and when you slow people down on their daily commute when it’s going to take them an extra two minutes to get to work because they have to slow down to go over these speed tables, people are going to be upset,” Slutz said. “But like I said, I’m happy with them. I’m excited that the residents on Lake Avenue can feel safer.”
Council members noted the speed tables were installed in response to years of speeding complaints on Lake Avenue, after previous measures including digital speed signs and target area signs proved ineffective. The mayor said his office has received numerous requests for speed tables on other streets.
Legal and Administrative Updates
Council approved a one-year agreement with Canal Fulton to provide prosecutorial services, with Law Director Justin Richard handling the contract. The agreement takes effect retroactively to January 1.
Other officials present included Assistant Law Director Edmund Mack and Council Clerk Diane Rolland, who managed the meeting proceedings.
Upcoming Alley Project
During public comment, a representative of the Massillon Chamber of Commerce and Massillon Main Street presented plans for transforming an alley into a transportation-themed attraction similar to Lewisville’s Umbrella Alley. The project, led by volunteers including representatives from the Massillon Museum and downtown association, would focus on the city’s transportation history including the Russell steam engine, aviation and canal heritage.
The group includes Alex from the museum, Amelia Pennel, Margie Vote from the museum, At-Large Councilwoman Holly Bryan-Huth from the downtown Massillon Association, and designer John Peard. The project aims to create a pocket park at the postal place location.
Absences and Procedures
Ward 5 Councilwoman Julie Harwig-Smith was excused from the meeting. Council President Mike Slater presided over the session, with all other council members present.
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