Twinsburg Council Hears Data Center Moratorium Request, 2027 Budget and Jail Deal With Solon

Twinsburg City Council met Nov. 10 at the Twinsburg Government Center. The meeting covered a request for an update on the city’s data center moratorium and first readings of the 2027 budget. Contracts with Solon, Stow and Twinsburg Township were also introduced. Council excused Councilman Bill Furey, who was absent, by a 6 to 0 vote. Members also approved the Oct. 27 minutes 6 to 0. Data Center Moratorium Update Requested Council President Greg Bellan pointed to results from the Nov. 3 election. He said about 41 national and statewide votes dealt with data centers, and he said 40 of them failed by wide margins. He reminded residents that Twinsburg is under a moratorium on data centers. In his view, the results back up the action council took. Bellan asked for an update on where the city stands before the end of the year. Mayor Sam Scaffide agreed to provide one. Resident Asks Council for More Ways to Engage A resident spoke during audience participation and thanked the mayor for a meeting in September. She then urged council to create ways for residents to engage outside the podium. Residents get only five minutes at caucus and five at council, she said. She also said questions often go unanswered by the next meeting. She suggested town halls or other open meetings with council members. Neighborhoods with ongoing concerns, including Old Mill, want that kind of contact, she said. She offered to help shape the idea. 2027 Budget and Pay Legislation Introduced Several pieces of legislation had first readings: Ordinance 2026-120, the permanent appropriation ordinance for 2027 Ordinance 2026-121, the annual wage increase for full time and permanent part time non bargaining unit employees, effective Jan. 1, 2027 Ordinance 2026-122, the salary ordinance setting salaries, wages and job descriptions Ordinance 2026-123, extending the fire protection and EMS contract with Twinsburg Township Resolution 2026-124, a contract with the City of Solon for jail services for Twinsburg prisoners Resolution 2026-125, a two year agreement for the Stow Law Department to handle Twinsburg prosecutions at Stow Municipal Court Resolution 2026-126, a Summit County memorandum of understanding for the direct indictment program Council passed over Resolution 2026-127, an Architectural Review Board appointment. One more candidate still needs an interview. Four items had second readings. Ordinance 2026-116 covers a Motorola contract to maintain dispatch communication equipment. Ordinance 2026-117 creates Chapter 924, an indigent decedent policy. Ordinance 2026-118 updates Chapter 551 on trimming trees and shrubs along sidewalks and streets. Resolution 2026-119 would adopt the 2026 Streetscape Design Guidelines. Bellan said the Finance Committee reviewed the 2027 revenue estimate from Finance Director Christina Conway. The next Finance Committee meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m. in council chambers. Architectural Review Board Approvals Councilman Chuck Bonacci said the Architectural Review Board approved four cases unanimously: A detached garage on Chamberlain Road A carport on Palmetto A sunroom on Davis A facade update for a downtown redevelopment He said existing tenants will stay in the downtown space. Signage in the drawings was a mock up and not part of the approved plan. The board’s next meeting is Dec. 3. Bonacci also visited Hangry Joe’s, which has another location in Westlake. He said the owners found Twinsburg easier to navigate than Westlake. They still hit problems with the order of required meetings. He said the city could communicate the steps more clearly for new businesses. Food Drives and Free Thanksgiving Meal Bonacci said local food pantries are bare. The fire department will hold a “Fill the Ambulance” food drive at grocery stores. He is also hosting a drive for the Twinsburg Charitable Fund. Canned food and household items are needed. Scaffide said the city will host its free community Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 24. He said he believed there would be seatings at 4 and 6 p.m. Reservations are required, and all are welcome. Veterans Honored and Hangry Joe’s Opens On Nov. 6, the city held a Veterans Day program at City Hall for employees who served in the military. Members of Twinsburg VFW Post 4929 presented the flags. The VFW is lending flags to council chambers through the end of the month. Scaffide also cut the ribbon at Hangry Joe’s on Nov. 10. He thanked the owners for investing in Twinsburg. Clerk of Council Shannon Collins noted the Marine Corps’ 251st birthday. Upcoming Dates Planning Commission: Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Frostbite event: Saturday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall Community Thanksgiving meal and next council meeting: Nov. 24 Public Works Committee: Feb. 9, 2027 The Safety Committee meeting was canceled for lack of agenda items. Council expects to hold the next one in March 2027. FAQs What did Twinsburg City Council discuss about data centers? Council President Greg Bellan asked for an upd