Twinsburg City Council conducted its regular meeting November 12, moving forward with several significant pieces of legislation including amendments to the city’s planning and zoning code and authorization to pursue a major wastewater treatment plant expansion.
Zoning code amendment passes after modification
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 84-2025, but only after amending it to remove most proposed changes to the city’s planning and zoning code. The amended version retained only changes to Section 1118.10, which are required for compliance with the city’s stormwater permit before year’s end.
Law Director Matthew Vazzana clarified that the adopted changes do not require voter approval because they don’t fall under charter restrictions. According to Section 7A1 of the city charter, only changes to zoning district boundaries, permitted uses, or specific dimensional requirements like height, density and setbacks require electorate approval.
Major wastewater expansion authorized
Council approved Resolution 108-2025 as an emergency measure, authorizing Mayor Sam Scaffide to apply for a $17 million loan through the Ohio EPA’s Water Pollution Control Construction Loan Fund. The low-interest loan will finance planning, design and construction for a significant expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Council President Greg Bellan clarified the funding comes from the sewer enterprise fund and associated capital fund, not general city revenues. The December 1 application deadline prompted the emergency passage.
School relations committee established
Ordinance 105-2025 passed unanimously, establishing a new School District Relations Committee in the city’s codified ordinances. The measure creates a formal structure for ongoing communication between city government and the school district.
Budget transfers approved
Council approved three emergency appropriation ordinances. Ordinance 110-2025 transfers $328,000 for an HVAC project and $50,000 for Microsoft 365 licensing, while depositing $59,400 to the general fund from an ARPA grant.
Ordinance 111-2025 addressed additional budget adjustments, while Ordinance 112-2025 required an amendment to correct the title. The ordinance transfers $625,000 from the general fund to the bond retirement fund and $1.395 million to the capital improvement fund for projects in the upcoming budget.
Government center improvements move forward
Resolution 114-2025 passed as an emergency measure, authorizing a $328,000 contract with Construction Resources Inc. for design services related to the Twinsburg Government Center roof and HVAC project. Officials hope to bid the project in early 2026.
Property acquisition advances
Resolution 109-2025, authorizing purchase of property at 2597 East Aurora Road from Peter W. Burnett and Laurie A. Burnett, now stands on its second reading.
Committee and community updates
Council member Daisy Walker reported on the November 10 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee meeting, noting strong community interest. Tanya Lardell from Twinsburg Township expressed interest in participating. The committee discussed diversity day held in July and plans for future events including a December 16 lighting event at city hall.
Council member Chuck Bonacci reported on the October 29 public meeting about the drainage study conducted by Environmental Design Group and provided a safety committee update. Since January 2023, the city’s roundabouts have experienced only 16 accidents with no fatalities. The traffic signal replacement in the square is complete, with the pedestrian crossing signal now operational.
Bonacci also highlighted upcoming recreation events including the Turkey Trot on November 15 and FrostBright Twinsburg Parade of Lights and Festival on November 22. The new holiday celebration will feature a parade beginning at 5:45 p.m. from Twinsburg Waterpark, traveling down Tiger Trail to city hall where Santa will illuminate the building at 6 p.m. Activities include a life-size Candyland game, letters to Santa, crafts, face painting, caricatures and food trucks. The evening concludes with a holiday drone light show at 7:30 p.m. Ravenna Road will be closed between Darrow Road and Twin Hills Drive from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m. for the event.
Council member Bill Furey reported the Architecture Review Board approved three items on November 6, including a kitchen structure at 2799 Max Court, exterior signage for the former Nano’s building becoming an endodontics office, and signage for Express Employment at a recently repainted building on Route 82.
Furey also recognized the “Create with Kindness” event sponsored by TikTok, noting PTA member Cindy Kurt secured a $20,000 grant for the event. He praised the high school students who participated on a discussion panel.
Ribbon cutting and retirements
Mayor Scaffide attended the ribbon cutting for Bright Hat Daycare Center on Route 82, which opened 15 months after groundbreaking.
The city recognized Donnie Schultz, who retired after 30 years with the service department. Ronnie Powers will assume his position.
Veterans recognition
Multiple council members recognized Veterans Day and thanked local veterans for their service. The fire department will collect food donations at Giant Eagle Plaza on November 15 to support local food pantries.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for November 25 at 6 p.m., which will include the finance committee’s comprehensive review of the 2026 budget.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
