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KENT, Ohio – At the Jan. 21, 2026, Kent City Council meeting, council members voted to fill a vacant Ward 2 seat, approved several items on the consent agenda — including updated cybersecurity policies — and agreed to begin committee discussion on whether the city’s zoning code should be updated to address the possibility of an AI data center locating in Kent.
Ward 2 Vacancy Filled With Appointment and Oath
Council voted to appoint Eric D. Dreger to the vacant Ward 2 council seat, effective Jan. 21. The appointment term runs through Dec. 31, 2027, and council later approved the emergency ordinance (Draft 2026-08) to formally finalize the appointment before administering the oath of office.
During discussion, council members described Dreger as thoughtful in his responses and said his background — including service in law enforcement — could be helpful as the city navigates staffing and public-safety-related challenges.
Kent City Council Meeting Includes Consent Agenda Items
Council also passed a consent agenda that included:
- Draft 2026-01, approving Kent’s cybersecurity policies as required by Ohio law.
- Draft 2026-03, authorizing continued work with Portage County on the Stow/Summit Street bridge and pedestrian improvement project agreement for design services.
- Draft 2026-04, authorizing a memorandum of understanding between the city and the Kent City School District for a joint study of pedestrian and bike connectivity through the high school campus, including the Lake Rockwell Trail extension project.
- Draft 2026-05, updating permissible parking conditions on East Grant Street.
- Draft 2026-09, allowing payment of certain purchase orders over $3,000 once a certificate of available funds is issued.
The clerk’s communications portion of the meeting also included updates about upcoming boards and commissions schedules, and council received a written message complimenting the city’s Health Department for a rental inspection at Kentwood Square Apartments.
Loan Review Board Appointment
Under Committee of the Whole, council appointed David Kovacs to the city’s Loan Review Board and approved the related emergency resolution (Draft 2026-07).
New Business: Zoning Discussion on AI Data Centers
In new business, council members supported beginning committee-level discussion about whether Kent’s zoning code should be updated to address potential AI data centers — with members raising concerns about possible impacts on utilities and environmental resources, even as they noted a large facility may not be immediately likely in the city.
Mayor’s Report and Community Notes
During the mayor’s report, the city highlighted upcoming community events, including Main Street Kent’s winter programming, and shared additional announcements intended to encourage residents to stay engaged with local government and city activities.