Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Development News
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City Council - Meeting Minutes - 2026-07-20
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Finance Committee Approves Multiple Ordinances for Budget Amendments, Capital Projects, and Property Purchases
The Finance and Appropriations Committee reviewed several temporary ordinances. Temporary Ordinance A45 proposes supplemental and amended appropriations for operating expenses and capital expenditures, including $75,000 for a sanitary sewer line participation in Boston Township, $40,000 for environmental assessments of former school buildings, adjustments to the VetSAS TIE fund for Portage Crossing, and a $17,000 reduction and increase for vehicle purchases in the sanitation fund. Temporary Ordinance A46 amends a previous ordinance to increase expenditure totals and include more vehicles for purchase rather than lease, notably eight police vehicles (six SUVs, one mid-size pickup) and a sanitation truck, funded by multiple city funds totaling $7.7 million. Temporary Ordinance A47 authorizes the issuance and sale of $4,530,000 in bonds to convert existing notes into TIF funds for public infrastructure projects like Princeton Place and the Triangle Project. Temporary Ordinance A48 authorizes $8.4 million in bonds for a new fire station and training center on Dath Road, partially offset by a $3 million state grant. Temporary Ordinance A49 approves a contract modification with Premium Utility Contractor for the Valley Substation duct bank project at an additional cost of $134,784.26. Temporary Ordinance A50 authorizes the mayor to enter into a contract for the purchase of property at 2222 Issaquah Street. Temporary Ordinance A51 authorizes a contract with Surveillant Technology Corporation for a SCADA system upgrade for the water utilities department at a cost of $161,560. Temporary Ordinance A52 addresses revisions to tax exemption agreements due to legislative changes prohibiting public discussion of economic development incentives.
Downtown Parking Transitions to App-Based System with New Meter Regulations
The Public and Industrial Improvements Committee discussed Temporary Ordinance A57, which proposes amendments to Chapter 353 of the Cuyahoga Falls Codified Ordinances regarding parking meters. The changes aim to transition downtown parking to an app-based payment system, moving away from traditional coin-operated meters due to industry phasing out and maintenance difficulties. The ordinance will recognize mobile payment apps, define meters as devices or signs indicating payment methods, and remove specific time limitations for payment, allowing the Safety Director to designate free parking on holidays or events. Enforcement will be handled by community service officers using tablets that access payment data. The change is intended to promote vehicle turnover, benefit local businesses, and improve enforcement consistency. The ordinance also revises operating hours for paid parking to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, with hourly rates of $1 for one hour and $2 for two hours. Enforcement will involve physical tickets for non-payment, and the app provider (ParkMobile) will charge a transaction fee. Additional parking options include free parking decks and lots.
Committee Advances Projects for Front Street Enhancements, Water Main Replacements, and State Road Improvements
The Public and Industrial Improvements Committee discussed Temporary Ordinance A53 regarding landscaping and a new staircase at 2223 Front Street. The project aims to improve safety and aesthetics by installing graduated steps, an ADA seating area at the top, and connecting to a new deck. The estimated cost is $186,344.34. The committee also reviewed Temporary Ordinance A54, authorizing the mayor to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding for water main replacements on Marcia Boulevard, High Point Road, 26th Street, 27th Street, and Broad Boulevard, estimated at $1.2 million, with a request for $600,000 in funding. Finally, Temporary Ordinance A55 seeks OPWC funding for improvements to State Road from Quick Road to Boulder Boulevard, an $8.7 million project that includes a turning lane, new traffic signal, and sidewalk extension, with a target of $750,000 in grant funding. The committee also discussed Temporary Ordinance A56, approving updates to the city's codified ordinances, and Temporary Ordinance A57, which transitions downtown parking meters to an app-based system.
AMP Presentation Details Cuyahoga Falls' Electric Power Portfolio, Costs, and Future Strategy
The Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Committee received a presentation from Craig Kleinhens of American Municipal Power (AMP) regarding Cuyahoga Falls' electric power portfolio, costs, and future outlook. The presentation covered energy, transmission, and installed capacity charges, detailing the sources of power including coal (Prairie State), hydropower (Belleville and AMP Hydro), natural gas (AFEC), and market purchases. The portfolio is diversified to stabilize prices, with a focus on long-term assets like coal and hydro that have lower operating costs once debt is paid off. Future projections indicate sufficient power supply through the 2030s, with potential adjustments for a small open position in 2029, possibly filled by a solar project. The presentation also touched on the rising costs of transmission infrastructure modernization and capacity charges, offset by the city's own power generation units (diesel, natural gas, hydro, coal) and peak shaving efforts. Retail rates for residents were presented as being below those of investor-owned utilities in Ohio, attributed to strategic decisions and participation in AMP projects. Discussions also included the 'EcoSmart Choice' program for renewable energy credits and the financial benefits of owning power generation assets after debt retirement.
Community Development Committee Approves Annual Action Plan and Addresses Governance Changes for Tax Incentives
The Community Development Committee discussed two ordinances. Temporary Ordinance A58 involves amending a community reinvestment area tax exemption agreement to reflect a land transfer and name change, with discussions on economic development incentives being prohibited in public meetings due to changes in Ohio Revised Code 9.66. Temporary Ordinance A59 approves the annual action plan for program year 2026, allocating $698,388 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The allocation prioritizes housing rehabilitation ($484,875 for economic development grants and loans) and public services (capped at 15%), with a new short-term emergency rent assistance program funded by the Salvation Army. Programmatic compliance (wages, benefits, etc.) is capped at 20% ($139,513). The increase in funding compared to the previous year is attributed to federal appropriations and the city's efficient spending and reporting of previous funds. Year three of a four-year plan, the allocation focuses on housing and economic development.
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The Cuyahoga Falls News archive
City Council - Meeting Minutes - 2026-07-13
Cuyahoga Falls City Schools BOE Regular Meeting 7/08/2026
Cuyahoga Falls City Schools BOE Regular Meeting 6/30/2026
City Council - Meeting Minutes - 2026-06-22
City Council - Meeting Minutes - 2026-06-15
Cuyahoga Falls City Schools BOE Regular Meeting 6/10/2026
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