Documenters: Twinsburg caucus and regular council meeting for Sept. 22, 2026
By Julie Erickson
Attending council members:
Chuck Bonacci, Ward 1
Daisy Walker, Ward 2
Karen Labbe, Ward 3
David Post, Ward 4
Greg Bellan, Ward 5
Bill Furey, At-Large
Shaun Castillo, At-Large
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. with all council members in attendance. There were no presentations, items for discussion or any audience participation, so the caucus moved onto review of pending legislation.
Pending Legislation:
2026-095 Ordinance
This would update part 11 of the comprehensive zoning sign code. The key change is that signs larger than 32 square feet in commercial areas would require an online permit application, available at no cost. If adopted, the updated code would take effect during the second week of October. Declare an emergency. Third reading.
This would update part 11 of the comprehensive zoning sign code. The key change is that signs larger than 32 square feet in commercial areas would require an online permit application, available at no cost. If adopted, the updated code would take effect during the second week of October. Declare an emergency. Third reading.
2026-101 and 2026-102 Ordinances
These tax-related measures would accept the amount and rate of tax levies certified by the Summit County Fiscal Office for tax year 2026, to be collected in 2027. The total millage is 3.0 mills. Third and final reading under the emergency clause.
These tax-related measures would accept the amount and rate of tax levies certified by the Summit County Fiscal Office for tax year 2026, to be collected in 2027. The total millage is 3.0 mills. Third and final reading under the emergency clause.
2026-108 Resolution
This would award the bid for phase two of the 2027 Waterford pond dredging project to AMS Landscaping LLC, including related pipe and concrete modifications. Third reading with an emergency clause, allowing the resolution to take effect immediately if adopted. It was asked why the contract was awarded to AMS Landscaping, even though it was not the lowest bid. It was clarified that the standard is the “lowest and best” bid. AMS submitted the second-lowest bid and was considered the best option, in part because the contractor completed phase one without issue.
This would award the bid for phase two of the 2027 Waterford pond dredging project to AMS Landscaping LLC, including related pipe and concrete modifications. Third reading with an emergency clause, allowing the resolution to take effect immediately if adopted. It was asked why the contract was awarded to AMS Landscaping, even though it was not the lowest bid. It was clarified that the standard is the “lowest and best” bid. AMS submitted the second-lowest bid and was considered the best option, in part because the contractor completed phase one without issue.
2026-111 Resolution
This affirms the city’s action to enter into an agreement with Flock Safety. The city entered into a five-year agreement with Flock in 2025 at an annual cost of $30,000. Post said he was surprised that more residents did not attend the meeting, given that the issue has been contentious. He stated that he would vote in favor of the resolution because he believes it supports city safety and that Flock has strengthened its requirements for checking license plates and protecting user privacy. Bonacci thanked the mayor and police chief for creating transparency around the city’s use of Flock, including a public portal connected to the city website. He said the portal will show how Flock is used and will reflect the limited nature of the data collected. Bonacci noted that Flock has data-protection certifications it seeks to maintain and that local safeguards will be in place. The data collected and retained will be limited to the license plate number, vehicle color and the location where the vehicle was last seen. Labbe said the mayor and police department also explained to her that Flock collects limited data. She said the system generates a notification only when a license plate number is entered and produces a “hit.” A question was raised about the city’s potential financial liability under the five-year contract if the state or federal government were to place a moratorium on Flock. Two years of the contract have already been fulfilled. This will be referred to the city attorney.
This affirms the city’s action to enter into an agreement with Flock Safety. The city entered into a five-year agreement with Flock in 2025 at an annual cost of $30,000. Post said he was surprised that more residents did not attend the meeting, given that the issue has been contentious. He stated that he would vote in favor of the resolution because he believes it supports city safety and that Flock has strengthened its requirements for checking license plates and protecting user privacy. Bonacci thanked the mayor and police chief for creating transparency around the city’s use of Flock, including a public portal connected to the city website. He said the portal will show how Flock is used and will reflect the limited nature of the data collected. Bonacci noted that Flock has data-protection certifications it seeks to maintain and that local safeguards will be in place. The data collected and retained will be limited to the license plate number, vehicle color and the location where the vehicle was last seen. Labbe said the mayor and police department also explained to her that Flock collects limited data. She said the system generates a notification only when a license plate number is entered and produces a “hit.” A question was raised about the city’s potential financial liability under the five-year contract if the state or federal government were to place a moratorium on Flock. Two years of the contract have already been fulfilled. This will be referred to the city attorney.
2026-112 Resolution
A resolution to award bid for 2027 parks and recreation for wastewater chemical contract for a two-year period. Declaring an emergency first reading.
2026-113 Ordinance
This would authorize the city to enter a collective bargaining agreement with Twinsburg Fire Fighters Local 3630 of the International Association of Fire Fighters on behalf of the fire captains. Three-year contract with third and final reading and declaring an emergency.
This would authorize the city to enter a collective bargaining agreement with Twinsburg Fire Fighters Local 3630 of the International Association of Fire Fighters on behalf of the fire captains. Three-year contract with third and final reading and declaring an emergency.
2026-114 Resolution
This is to enter into an agreement with Zupka & Associates for audits for next five years of the city’s financial statements. Asked to suspend rules to allow and place on third and final reading, declaring an emergency so as to meet Sept. 29 deadline to return to the auditor of state.
There was no unfinished business, new business or miscellaneous business. The caucus meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
The regular council meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m., with all members present. The meeting opened with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the Sept. 8, 2026, meeting were not available for approval.
There was no audience participation, awards or presentations, so council members then provided their committee reports and communication. Castillo provided updates from the Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Works and Capital Improvements. Walker reported on JEDI, Public Safety and Fitness Advisory matters. Labbe provided updates on Planning, Finance and the volunteer firemen. Post reported on Environmental, Parks and Recreation and School Board Relations matters. Bellan provided updates on Finance, Public Works, Public Safety and School Board Relations. Bonacci reported on the Architectural Review Board, Public Safety and Fitness and Awareness. Furey provided updates on Finance, Public Works and Tax Incentives.
The meeting introduced members to the new school superintendent and helped establish strong connections among attendees. As a follow-up, the mayor will work to move control of the shared utilities to the city.
The first Brats and Brews event was successful with 500 attendees; there are hopes of continuing it as an annual event.
The next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was scheduled for Sept. 28, and the next Public Works meeting is scheduled for Oct. 13. October 25 will be the next finance meeting. A petting zoo will be held at the library on Oct. 25. Sept. 25 was Dolly Parton Day statewide, recognizing her contributions to childhood literacy through the Imagination Library program. The Rotary Clam Bake will be held on Oct. 10, with a full buffet, beer and wine for $50.
The mayor attended the grand opening of Primrose School on Sept. 12 and the Jungle Driving School opening. On Sept. 16, he attended the State of the Economy address to help raise Twinsburg’s visibility at the county level.
The mayor presented a proclamation to the Maplewood community in recognition of its 10-year anniversary and noted that the community continues to be well maintained.
Legislation:
All were passed/adopted on a 7 to 0 vote, except for 2026-111 and 2026-95, which both passed on a vote of 6 to 1. Bellan voted no on Flock cameras, citing concerns of individual privacy and data retention, and Costello voted no on 2026-95.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
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