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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 during the June 10 council meeting. The event is coordinated with Parks and Recreation.
Committee Chair Daniel Morton of Heritage Drive updated council on the planning efforts. The committee has faced attendance challenges recently, with Monday meetings lacking quorum twice.
Liberty Park Nature Center Celebrates 10 Years
Metro Parks Facility Hosts Anniversary Event
Liberty Park Nature Center marked its 10th anniversary June 7 with about 500 visitors attending the celebration. The facility resulted from collaboration between former Mayor Kathy Procop and Keith Shy from Metro Parks.
Mayor Scaffide encouraged residents to visit the nature center, noting the trails, educational programs, and family-friendly activities available. The facility is located off Liberty Road before the main park area.
Parks Commission Adopts New Mission Statement
Advisory Board Focuses on Community Enhancement
The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a new mission statement emphasizing community enhancement and quality of life improvements. The commission serves as an advisory board with members from each ward.
The mission focuses on preserving natural spaces, promoting active lifestyles, recommending new programs, and supporting special events. The commission is working on a community survey and will meet June 26.
Business/Development
New Dental Practice Opens on Ravenna Road
Better Together Dentistry Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
A husband-and-wife dental team opened Better Together Dentistry & Orthodontics at 9700 Ravenna Road in the building behind Walgreens. The practice features both general dentistry and orthodontic services.
Mayor Scaffide praised the extensive renovations to the former donut shop, highlighting the improved landscaping and interior upgrades. The ribbon cutting was held June 9. The practice also operates a second location in Stow.
Government Operations
Comprehensive Personnel Changes Take Effect
Council Approves Salary Ordinance Updates
Council passed salary ordinance updates affecting various city positions during its June 10 meeting following a comprehensive review by Finance Director Christina Khalil. The changes include:
New Positions Created:
- Aquatics manager position for Parks and Recreation Department
Administrative Updates:
- Adjusted director-level pay ranges for consistency across departments
- Updated executive assistant parallegal range for the law department to match other executive assistant positions
- Changed director of golf maintenance job title to golf course superintendent to align with charter requirements
- Renamed public works department to service department and wastewater treatment department per 2023 charter changes
Personnel Adjustments:
- Removed police lieutenants from salary ordinance (now covered by union collective bargaining agreement)
- Adjusted pay ranges for fire officer cadet and police officer OPOTA candidate positions to stay competitive
- Updated council compensation for terms beginning in 2027 and 2029
Organizational Improvements:
- Alphabetized departments and boards/commissions for easier reference
- Clarified that salary ranges represent minimum and maximum pay, not starting salaries
- Retitled seasonal and part-time positions with job title first, followed by employment status
- Added seasonal intern position alongside existing part-time intern role
Khalil noted the updates allow room for cost-of-living adjustments for employees near the top of their pay ranges. She credited collaboration with the mayor, law director, finance director and other department heads in developing the comprehensive changes.
Tax Budget Approved for 2026
Annual Financial Planning Document Submitted
Council unanimously approved the 2026 tax budget and authorized its submission to Summit County during its June 10 meeting. The emergency passage ensures the deadline is met for county review.
The tax budget serves as the foundation for the city’s annual appropriations and financial planning process.
Architectural Review Board – June 5
Construction Sign Delayed Over Color Concerns
Carroll Construction Supply Application Tabled for Bright Yellow Issue
The Architectural Review Board tabled Carroll Construction Supply’s sign application for 2300 East Aurora Road during its June 5 meeting due to concerns about the proposed bright yellow color scheme. Board members questioned whether the fluorescent-style yellow was appropriate for the high-traffic corridor.
Representatives from Fast Signs of Twinsburg were asked to return with color samples and address required elements including address numbers and potential lighting modifications.
New Storage Facility Approved for Dutton Drive
Let’s Get Storage Construction Underway
A new self-storage facility called Let’s Get Storage is under construction at 9330 Dutton Drive. The Architectural Review Board unanimously approved signage for the new business during its June 5 meeting.
The facility features a series of white buildings with black trim and black roofs. The approved signage package includes a 24-square-foot monument sign, office lettering, and building identification signs. Representatives noted construction was actively underway with concrete pads already in place.
Porch Addition Gets Quick Approval
Glenwood Drive Homeowners Add Front Porch Roof
Margaret Morelli received approval for a front porch roof addition at 1672 Glenwood Drive during the June 5 Architectural Review Board meeting. The straightforward project will add weather protection over the existing cement slab entrance.
All materials including shingles, trim, and siding will match the existing house. The gabled roof will be fully enclosed underneath to prevent animals from nesting.
Board Appointments/Personnel
Thomas Allen Appointed to Building Appeals Board
New Member Fills Vacancy on BZA
Council appointed Thomas Allen to the Board of Building and Zoning Code Appeals to fill a vacancy during its June 10 meeting. Allen was interviewed during the work session and received unanimous approval.
The board still has one opening on the Architectural Review Board, with applications being accepted until June 30. The JEDI Committee position remains unfilled and will reopen for applications.
Board Member Remembered
Valerie Wales Passes Away After ARB Service
Architectural Review Board member Valerie Wales passed away the week following the May 15 meeting. The board extended condolences to her family and thanked her for her service to the city.
A celebration of life is being planned, though arrangements have not been finalized.
