Tallmadge Council Meeting: Virtual Assistant Implementation, JEDD Amendment Approval, and Historic Public Servant Recognition

Tallmadge City Council convened for its regular meeting on May 28, 2026, to address critical technological upgrades, regional funding partnerships, and to honor a legendary local public servant. The primary focus of the session centered on evaluating the ongoing virtual assistant implementation designed to optimize local non-emergency dispatch operations. Council members reviewed data metrics from recent severe weather events and infrastructure strain to gauge how the automated system has performed. New Virtual Assistant Implementation Optimizes Non-Emergency Dispatch The Summit Emergency Communications Center, located on Howe Road in Tallmadge, presented a comprehensive update on Aurelion, the center’s automated non-emergency virtual assistant, affectionately known as “Ava.” Deputy Director Samantha Fickes and Training Coordinator Monica Green detailed how Ava has transitioned into a full-time, 24/7 component of local dispatch since July 2025. Ava is explicitly designed to handle routine inquiries such as vehicle lockouts and barking dogs. The technological infrastructure proved its resilience during a massive storm on Friday, March 13, when Ava successfully processed over 400 non-emergency calls within a single two-and-a-half-hour window, filtering out minor issues like trees down in yards from active hazards like sparking wires. Furthermore, during a recent multi-county AT&T service outage affecting Summit, Stark, and Portage counties, Ava remained fully active and cached incoming non-emergency details. Council Approves JEDD Amendment Funding for Safety Force Vehicles In a major legislative action, City Council passed Ordinance 2026-49 on its third reading, amending the Tallmadge-Brimfield Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) agreement by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Jonathan Bollas casting the dissenting vote. The amendment expands the permitted use of the JEDD Maintenance and Improvement Fund, making it retroactive to January 2024. This adjustment allows JEDD revenues to be utilized for purchasing safety force vehicles. Brimfield Township Trustee Nic Coia stepped forward to address council questions regarding fiscal oversight and fund depletion risks. Coia explained that infrastructure developments like water lines and electrical expansions are heavily funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), leaving a healthy surplus in the JEDD maintenance fund. Coia detailed the township’s standard operating procedure, noting that 30% of incoming JEDD funds are systematically diverted directly to the road fund. Former Fire Chief Mike Passarelli Receives Certificate of Appreciation The meeting featured a highly emotional highlight when Councilman Ted Roy presented a special Certificate of Appreciation to long-time resident Mike Passarelli for a lifetime of exemplary public service. Passarelli dedicated 47 years to the Tallmadge Fire Department, which included a distinguished seven-year tenure as Fire Chief from 2015 until his retirement in 2022. Having earned his paramedic license in 1978, Passarelli has maintained his active certification to the present day. Beyond his fire service, Passarelli’s profound impact on the local community spans multiple decades: He helped establish the annual Tallmadge 911 Remembrance Ceremony 25 years ago and remains deeply involved in its coordination. He has served on the Tallmadge Board of Education for the past three years and currently holds the title of Board President. He is an eight-year member of the Our Lady of Victory Knights of Columbus. He was honored with the Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award in 2022 and named Tallmadge Citizen of the Year in 2007. Passarelli, a resident of the city for over 62 years, briefly spoke to thank the administration, joking that his post-retirement schedule remains fully booked between his grandchildren, tracking regional wildfires as a medical unit leader for the eastern area hazard team, and running the youth beekeeping club he founded at the elementary school. Administrative Updates and Committee Reports During her administrative report, Mayor Kilway issued a formal commendation to resident Corey Mesa, whose quick actions entering a neighbor’s home to let a dog out prevented a major disaster. Mesa recognized a heavy smoke haze from a misplaced stove setting, safely evacuated the pet, and dialed emergency services, saving the structure from burning down. Additionally, the Mayor highlighted an aggressive multi-agency response to a massive two-alarm commercial fire last Saturday on Crystal Parkway. Economic Development also highlighted a major regional milestone, announcing that local manufacturing fixture Masters Precision Machining, located at 4465 Crystal Parkway, won the prestigious “Grow Award” at the Portage Development Board Locate, Stay, and Grow annual event. A collaborative financial package backed by Cascade Capital Corporation has allowed the company to succ