Roads, levies, and a new safety center dominated a busy June meeting
Boston Heights Village Council met June 9, 2026, taking action on a dozen resolutions that will shape the village’s roads, finances, and public safety infrastructure for years to come.
Two Tax Levies Headed Toward the Ballot
Council passed resolutions declaring it necessary to place two renewal levies before Summit County voters. Resolution 2026-6-20 would renew the village’s existing 2.75-mill levy dedicated to the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges. Resolution 2026-6-29 would renew a separate 0.75-mill levy supporting fire operations.
Both measures are renewals of existing levies, meaning they would not increase taxes if approved. Council directed the Summit County Fiscal Officer to certify the current tax valuation of the village and calculate the dollar amount each levy would generate.
Road Projects Move Ahead With OHM Advisors
Council authorized two agreements with OHM Advisors, the Akron-based engineering and planning firm, for professional services on upcoming road improvement projects. One agreement covers work related to the Akron Peninsula Road Improvements Project. The second covers the West Hines Hill Road Resurfacing Project.
OHM Advisors serves as the village engineer through Jason Popiel, who is based in Boston Heights. Both resolutions were declared emergencies and passed on first reading with the three-reading rule suspended.
OPWC Fund Transfers Finalized
Council approved a series of resolutions converting previously advanced money from the General Fund into permanent transfers for several capital project funds tied to the Ohio Public Works Commission. The projects covered include the Chittenden Road OPWC project, the Wolcott Drive capital project, and two phases of the Brandywine Road reconstruction. All of these projects have appeared in prior OPWC District 8 grant allocations for Boston Heights, with funding having been advanced from the General Fund pending final project accounting. The resolutions return any unused portion of each advance to the General Fund.
A similar resolution addressed the Matthews-Thomas Park Phase I capital project fund. The park pavilion and kitchen serve as a community rental space for residents and non-residents alike.
Safety Center Reserve Gets a Boost
Council passed Resolution 2026-6-27, authorizing the fiscal officer to transfer money from the General Fund into the Safety Center Reserve Fund. The village has been working toward a combined police and fire safety center for several years. The project received an $850,000 federal investment secured by U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, with the goal of designing, renovating, and expanding the existing fire station into a combined police and fire safety center that would improve coordination and modernize facilities. The Boston Heights Police Department currently operates out of the basement of a more than 100-year-old town hall.
A public meeting on the safety center was announced for June 16 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.
Appropriations Amended, Surplus Property to Be Auctioned
Council amended its 2026 annual appropriations through Resolution 2026-6-28 to reflect updated expenditures for the current year.
Through Resolution 2026-6-30, council also authorized the village to sell unneeded, obsolete, or unfit personal property via internet auction. The mayor and fiscal officer were authorized to execute a contract for calendar year 2026 to carry out those sales.
Cemetery Leadership Changes
During the Mayor’s Report, council approved removing Bill Gerlak as cemetery sexton and appointing Curt Lewis to the role.
Canalway Coalition Leader Addresses Council
Daniel M. Rice, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition, addressed council during the first open forum. The coalition is the regional nonprofit organization working for the conservation, development, and interpretation of natural, historical, and recreational resources along the Ohio and Erie National Heritage Canalway from Cleveland to New Philadelphia. Rice announced in September 2025 that he would retire in spring 2026 after 32 years with the organization. The agenda did not specify the subject of his remarks to council.
