The Twinsburg City Council convened its regular meeting at 7:30 PM at the Twinsburg Government Center with all seven council members present. The meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of minutes from the March 25th meeting, which passed 5-0 with two abstentions (Chuck Bonacci and Scott Barr).
Detailed Public Comments
A resident from Heritage Drive provided Environmental Commission updates, including leadership changes with a new vice chairperson elected. He mentioned the Good Neighbor Award submission deadline of April 10, which has already received numerous nominations. The Environmental Commission members received shirts to increase visibility in the community.
A resident from Lumen Lane shared her appreciation for Twinsburg, explaining that she and her husband chose the community 25 years ago after researching surrounding areas. She highlighted unique amenities including pools, sports activities, and park systems that other communities lack, specifically mentioning the Summit County metro parks and city-built parks. She praised the strong relationship between schools and city government and noted her daughter previously served on a student committee. She briefly mentioned traffic congestion near Wilcox and Dodge, suggesting there might be solutions.
A resident from Stone Creek Lane expressed concerns about Resolution 40-2025 regarding the land swap. He questioned why woodlands serving a densely populated area are declared “no longer beneficial” and noted a financial discrepancy: woodlands valued at $493,380 versus Dodge property at $837,570, creating a $344,190 difference. He expressed concern that the school district would incur all costs of environmental cleanup and building removal, and cited homeowner concerns about removing native trees and plants increasing runoff. He suggested alternative sites including 91 in Glenwood, behind the high school (32 acres), or in front of the middle school, requesting council either revise the resolution or vote it down until after the May 6th election.
Another resident from Lumen Lane spoke in support of the land swap, sharing his connection to the area having grown up nearby on Petty Bone Road. With past experience serving on a school board for 10 years, he stated the land swap would benefit both the city and district and mentioned the land was originally owned by the school district before the city acquired it.
A resident from Shell Drive highlighted the partnership between the city and school district, praising school resource officers who provide security and ALICE training to students. She mentioned collaborative events like the Wilcox All Kids Bike family event at Tiger Stadium and noted schools open their doors to community organizations. She detailed youth sports leagues including Twinsburg Recreation Basketball, baseball, football, cheerleading, and soccer, sharing that her own children developed not only athletic skills but lifetime friendships through these programs.
Committee Reports in Detail
Scott Barr reported that Planning Commission and Public Safety have not met, with the next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for April 21 at 6:30 PM.
Karen Labbe attended the Twins Days meeting where they’re planning their 50th anniversary “Cheers to 50 Years” with 652 twins registered so far and parade participation requests due by July 15. She noted renovation of the square will create logistical challenges and announced upcoming committee meetings.
David Post attended Environmental Commission and Public Works meetings.
Greg Bellan shared that the Public Works Committee discussed a potential new service garage and received construction updates from Amy Moore. He noted the city communicates construction impacts to affected residents in advance and announced upcoming committee meetings.
Chuck Bonacci mentioned the significant rainfall on April 2 that required coordinated response from police, fire, public works, wastewater, and engineering. He commended the response as water receded in Ward One neighborhoods and announced the next Parks and Recreation meeting.
Bill Furey attended the Architectural Review Board where a sign for Kitty Academy on Creekside Drive was unanimously approved. He detailed a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting involving an appeal regarding a resident with 10 signs in her yard and Sean Martyr’s appeal for a variance to add a second story to a non-conforming garage structure, which was approved. Furey explained that orange pipes being placed on main roads are for a county-funded fiber backup communication system for emergency services and clarified the city’s sidewalk repair program.
Police Department Report
Chief Tom Mason provided detailed statistics for March 2025, including 3,190 calls for service (up 426 from March 2024) though year-to-date calls remain approximately equal to last year. Notable incidents included 4 drug possession cases, 6 disorderly conduct incidents, 4 domestic violence cases, 19 driving under suspension incidents, 3 OVI arrests, 1 strangulation case, 10 warrant arrests, and 3 obstructing official business incidents. Traffic stops totaled 514 (up from 322 last year), with the Chief noting this increase was officer-initiated rather than from directives. The department recorded 18 traffic accidents, down slightly from last year. Mason commended all city departments for their response during the recent rain event.
Finance Director Update
Christina Conway reminded residents about the April 15 tax filing deadline for RITA and federal taxes. She requested the next Finance Committee meeting start at 6:00 PM instead of 6:30 PM to accommodate a sewer rate study presentation by herself and Nate Zeg, noting they need to move forward due to project timeline constraints.
Legislation Details
Resolution 40-2025 authorizing the mayor to enter into a real estate exchange agreement with the Twinsburg City School District stood on its second reading without a vote.
Ordinance 42-2025 authorizing the purchase of two vehicles and equipment for the Service Department passed 7-0 as an emergency. Council voted unanimously to suspend the three-reading rule to expedite the purchase, citing the need to lock in costs, avoid potential tariffs, and receive vehicles as soon as possible.
Miscellaneous Updates
Chuck Bonacci shared that he met with Cub Scouts to discuss being an elected official, highlighting one Scout’s suggestion for accessible trails. He also offered condolences to the family of a longtime Ward One resident and city employee who recently passed away.
Greg Bellan mentioned a house fire in Corbett’s Farm caused by a lightning strike during the recent rain event, sharing information about a GoFundMe campaign to help the affected family.
David Post reminded residents about the Twinsburg flags program organized by Rotary, which displays flags five times yearly for holidays as a fundraiser for both Rotary and local scouts. Orders can be placed at twinsburgflags.org for $45.
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM.
Upcoming Events
- April 10: Good Neighbor Award submission deadline
- April 12: Easter events including Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunts, and Easter egg swims
- April 14: JEDI meeting at 6:00 PM
- April 17: Architectural Review Board meeting
- April 21: Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 PM
- April 22: Finance Committee meeting at 6:00 PM
- April 23: Board of Zoning Appeals meeting at 5:30 PM
- April 24: Parks and Recreation meeting at 6:30 PM
- April 26: E-waste recycling event at the library (9am-1pm)
- April 26: Earth Day/Arbor Day event at the Community Center (9am-11am)
- April 26: Finance Committee meeting at 6:30 PM
- May 13: Safety Committee meeting at 6:00 PM
- June 10: Public Works Committee meeting at 6:00 PM
- June 14: Annual shred day at the public works department (9am-noon)
- August 1-3: Twins Days 50th anniversary celebration “Cheers to 50 Years”
