Green City Council: Dunkin Donuts TIF, $13.5M Road Contract and a Packed Summer Ahead

GREEN, Ohio — Green City Council approved a major road construction contract, moved forward on two tax incentive agreements and previewed an event-packed summer during its May 12, 2026 meeting. Council Honors Fifth Leadership Class Green City Council opened its May 12 meeting by recognizing the fifth graduating class of the Green Community Leadership Initiative, a program designed to connect residents and local professionals with the people, services and decisions that shape the community. With the fifth class completing the program, 75 residents and business leaders have now gone through the initiative since it launched roughly nine years ago. Approximately 30% of graduates go on to serve the city in some capacity through task forces, boards, commissions or volunteer roles. Kyle Moore, a 12-year Green resident, father of four children in Green Local Schools, general manager and director of operations for Aspire Energy of Ohio, and a lieutenant colonel in the Ohio Army National Guard, was elected class president. He will serve as the liaison to the city for the class project. Moore told council the cohort is still in a discovery phase on their class project but has landed on three nonprofit partners: Green Good Neighbors, Lydia’s House and Blessings in a Backpack. The group plans to provide hands-on volunteer support rather than fundraising, with a priority focus on helping Blessings in a Backpack move into its new permanent home. The mayor noted the city also runs a student municipal representative program pairing high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with boards and commissions, calling increased civic participation the defining measure of a strong community. Finance Committee City Switches Investment Advisor to US Bank. Council voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution 2026-R21, authorizing an investment advisory agreement with US Bank for the investment of public funds. The Finance Committee, chaired by council member Chris Humphrey, reported that the city’s former investment advisor at UBS has moved to US Bank. Finance Director Goodrich indicated she has been satisfied with his services and noted he specializes in schools and government clients. The move also allowed the city to negotiate a reduction in fees from 20 basis points to 18 basis points. All assets previously held at UBS will transfer to US Bank. Non-Bargaining Employee Pay Adjustment Advances. A resolution authorizing salary adjustments for non-bargaining city employees, Resolution 2026-R23, remained on second reading without a passage request from the administration. Council granted additional time on the item. The total cost-of-living adjustment is $113,100, an amount already budgeted to match what was previously granted under the city’s AFSCME contract. Public Safety Committee Dockside Grille Liquor License Transfer Clears Council. Council voted 7-0 not to request a state hearing on TMP-5344, a D-5 liquor license transfer for The Bickleigh Group LLC, doing business as Dockside Grille at 3717 S. Main St. The location is the former Ramp restaurant on Main Street, just south of the bridge at Portage Lakes. The committee noted no concerns were raised by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office or any council member. The business has been closed for several years, and council members expressed enthusiasm about a new restaurant opening on the lakes. Planning, Community and Economic Development Southwood Drive Plat Approved. Council approved Resolution 2026-R16 on a 7-0 vote, formally approving the dedication plat for Southwood Drive Phase 2. The right-of-way plat covers the extension of Southwood Drive on the northern limits of Jacobs Ridge, which will complete a connection road from Southwood over to Tabs Drive. Akron’s Finest Mulch Receives 30-Year Tax Exemption. Ordinance 2026-07 was adopted 7-0, granting a 30-year Tax Increment Financing agreement to Halasa Properties LLC, doing business as Akron’s Finest Mulch. The property is located on the western side of Massillon Road between Steese and Greensburg roads. The TIF exempts 100% of the value of improvements to the parcel from real property taxation for 30 years. Dunkin Donuts TIF on First Reading. A new ordinance, 2026-09, was introduced on first reading and referred to the Planning and Economic Development Committee. The legislation would grant a 30-year, 100% property tax exemption on improvements to a parcel owned by SLW Development LLC, doing business as Dunkin Donuts. Greensburg Meadow Rezoning Heads to Public Hearing. Ordinance 2026-08, which would rezone approximately 31 acres at the northeast corner of Greensburg Road and Winning Way from R-1 single family residential to Planned Development, remains on second reading pending a public hearing. The property is known locally as the horse farm on the east side of I-77 near the airport. The developer is proposing approximately 101 lots under a Planned Development designation. A public hearing is scheduled