Twinsburg City Council, Caucus, and Architectural Review Board Updates

Listen to our one-minute audio summary here. Council Passes Major Sewer Rate Increase Twinsburg Implements 4% Annual Sewer Rate Hike Through 2029 Twinsburg City Council approved a 4% annual sewer rate increase that will take effect July 1 and continue through 2029 during its June 10 meeting. The ordinance passed 7-0 as an emergency measure. The rate adjustment affects quarterly charges for the city's sanitary sewer system. Council members discussed ensuring residents are properly notified about the increases, with information already posted on the city website and included in recent newsletters. Mayor Sam Scaffide said the increases are necessary to maintain and improve the aging sewer infrastructure. City Eliminates CIC Funding Through Bed Tax Community Improvement Corporation Loses Transient Guest Tax Revenue Council voted 7-0 during its June 10 meeting to eliminate the Twinsburg Community Improvement Corporation's funding through transient guest taxes. Previously, 50% of bed tax revenue went to the CIC. The CIC will retain existing account funds for future grant programs, and the city could restore funding in the future if needed. The corporation will also no longer process applications or monitor the city's community reinvestment area and occupancy programs. New Parking Restrictions Take Effect Overnight Street Parking Banned in Residential Areas A comprehensive parking ordinance passed 7-0 during the June 10 council meeting, implementing several new restrictions: Overnight on-street parking banned in residential districts No parking on fire hydrant side of residential streets On-street parking prohibited during snow emergencies No parking in cul-de-sacs The city will post additional no parking signs and provide warnings before issuing tickets as residents adjust to the new rules. Motel Property Rezoned for Industrial Use Blue Top Motel Site Changes from Commercial to Light Industrial Council unanimously approved rezoning the Blue Top Motel property at 9392 Ravenna Road from C-2 commercial to I-1 intensive commercial and light industrial use during its June 10 meeting. The change will go before voters in November 2025. The property is owned by Jitendra Kapasi and is the site of the Blue Top Motel. County records show the 1-acre commercial property was built in 1963 and has a total assessed value of $316,210. A public hearing drew no opposition to the rezoning request. The property owner requested the change to accommodate planned improvements that would better suit light industrial uses. City Hires Architect for Service Garage Study $34,600 Contract Awarded for Facility Planning Council approved hiring R.E. Warner for a programming study to determine space requirements for a new service garage complex during its June 10 meeting. The $32,000 study plus $2,600 for cost analysis will help determine the facility's future location and potential expenses. The study will include space planning for support offices, vehicle storage, maintenance areas, equipment storage, paint shop, and other departmental needs. The city has not yet secured property for the new garage. $2.55 Million Trail Grant Approved Liberty Road Multi-Purpose Path Gets Federal Funding The city accepted a $2.55 million federal transportation alternatives grant for a multi-purpose trail on Liberty Road from Post Road to Liberty Park during the June 10 council meeting. The city's portion is $555,000. The project will use recycled materials for the path to address environmental concerns and include storm sewers and curbing for safety. City Engineer Amy Mohr and Patrick Jeffers secured the funding, which was larger than typical transportation enhancement grants. Public Safety Firefighter Honored for Life-Saving Actions Izzy Abdallah Receives Red Cross Hero Award Twinsburg Firefighter-medic Izzy Abdallah received a Red Cross Hero Award June 5 for saving a crash victim outside his Parma home. Abdallah was awakened early when a vehicle struck his car and found the driver in distress. His quick actions and coordination with Parma emergency services saved the victim's life. Mayor Scaffide and Fire Chief attended the awards ceremony at the Marriott Key Tower downtown. Officers Participate in Special Olympics Torch Run Police Support Athletes Through Community Event Sergeant Mahoric and Officer Weslowski represented Twinsburg Police in the law enforcement torch run supporting Special Olympics. The event included buddies from Strong Buddy Academy, a local 501c3 organization. The torch relay ran from the McTerian Memorial to Hudson, with officers and participants covering the route through the city. Department heads and staff gathered outside city hall to cheer on the runners. Community/Recreation Family Diversity Day Planned for July JEDI Committee Organizes Summer Event at Glen Chamberlain Park The JEDI Committee is planning Family Diversity Day for Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Glen Chamberlain Park, Committee Chair Daniel Morton announced