[{"_1":2,"_107":-5,"_108":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6329144,"mediaKeyId","2316448-54b5ed6d4143e55c4efc31bb24c75f96","parentId",2316448,"title","Tallmadge swears in Jack Bennett as full-time firefighter paramedic, to start Feb. 16","audioSeconds",154,"startMs",785000,"endMs",939000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316448-54b5ed6d4143e55c4efc31bb24c75f96&start=785&end=939","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316448-54b5ed6d4143e55c4efc31bb24c75f96/thumbnail_785000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329144/Ohio/Tallmadge-swears-in-Jack-Bennett-as-full-time-firefighter-paramedic-to-start-Feb-16","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329144-c246855c2211d719788ad3e0747800b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1777188351&Signature=GUFfYNNYsKB1-UygIFzYcE3~j~905WlwtGvDjYh1bNNwFdoPJC9PKQOPRYBQL37PwfbCMHorxcJ2Ejx44agz8nMISehygibEYbVaOKko53ip7JHCoyyQLrhxdovUAmdXKEfPv~py8F3zJJMYKzSp-OXum~w8poLqxF0-OAGMGBmt~ozWyYIG-GHXqtJOQOlD-dZFhRy9HZatdushQ9lm0m2ZsKz5pktth04Pam85zf8Sl5YD5zN1ijFVJi8tLK96lC1QcITl3amfatTvryKT03WAobPK6Urdn7mNPRJxCiNG2KISr3RZNRcbV0n1soo~DDXTq4SZJb~FYmPzjjYJAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Tallmadge OH","date","2025-02-14T07:36:13Z","article","Jack Bennett was sworn in as a full-time firefighter paramedic for the City of Tallmadge during the council meeting on Feb. 13.

Ceremony and start date

Mayor Mary Kilway administered the oath. The oath recited by Bennett and the mayor includes upholding the U.S. and Ohio constitutions and city ordinances. Mayor Kilway announced Bennett’s official start date as Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.

Department context

Presenters at the meeting said Bennett joined the department in November and has been performing well during training shifts. City presenters said he is among the city’s 25 active full-time firefighters — the largest active headcount the department has had — and that two more hires are expected this year as part of staffing changes begun about six years ago.

Remarks

A representative of the fire department noted Chief Underwood sends regrets for being unable to attend and conveyed his gratitude to council for continued support of the fire department. The administration and council signed the swearing-in paperwork and took photographs.

Ending

Bennett’s hire was presented as a routine personnel action and celebrated with a ceremonial oath during the Feb. 13 council meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting - February 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the Feb. 13 meeting Mayor Mary Kilway and department leaders ceremonially sworn in Jack Bennett as a full-time firefighter paramedic. Bennett is scheduled to begin the position Sunday, Feb. 16; presenters said the hire is part of an ongoing multi-year staffing plan.","taxTitle","Tallmadge City Council Meeting, Tallmadge, Summit County, Ohio","taxId",71341,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329149,"Council authorizes one-year electric aggregation agreement as transmission costs push rates higher",2504,1492000,3996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316448-54b5ed6d4143e55c4efc31bb24c75f96&start=1492&end=3996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316448-54b5ed6d4143e55c4efc31bb24c75f96/thumbnail_1492000.jpg","/articles/6329149/Ohio/Council-authorizes-one-year-electric-aggregation-agreement-as-transmission-costs-push-rates-higher","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329149-53c36a59bf44ede054d883b1a7179263/orig.mp4?Expires=1777188351&Signature=nSyzLCR7QZYHPn~Myfn1k4lbG6~o916bkg53Kdg9BSEU3zs7MbEW2YOOeobDzS35rb-KVkSwaKFsGs-PqwmoLtOzaIxdbBYOOEi~~4o-QKUr5m1aue9E9P7FzVqTt30jeKFrYpWNvjD-WidVA1CJdWOhG118XZlzpWdbvREFNm3JS2Q6gWcffqYytYPlWnQr~am5TuFB3day6B3jMb7jb~GHfHR7nwvloZ9ZXoA3u6VKVoP1WgllrVTVuFjjJAwzbmbLbz0i0LFHBqSIKiasWAH07cwLTPJbBEel30gGrxCXpNLZJlRncq8n0NTenYhxkAvqLlCxC7rbs5BkYVkgPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tallmadge City Council on Feb. 13 authorized a master service agreement for electric aggregation with Dinergy Energy Services East LLC after hearing an explanation from the director of public service that energy transmission and capacity charges rather than generation are the primary drivers of an expected rate increase.

What council heard

Director of Public Service Mike Rohrer described the aggregation deal as “not good” but the best available option at present. He said the city’s current blended rate is 4.96¢ per kilowatt-hour through May; for a one-year term beginning in June the best available rate presented was 8.63¢ per kilowatt-hour. He noted that regional utility transmission charges are rising (citing Ohio Edison moving to 10.4¢) and that waiting longer could increase the rate further. Rohrer said residents remain free to opt out and find individual suppliers.

Council action and implications

Council voted 6-0 to approve the master service agreement authorization. The ordinance authorizes the mayor and director of public service to enter into the aggregation agreement; it was described as a one-year arrangement intended to avoid a potentially higher price if the city delayed.

Why it matters

Electric aggregation affects residential and municipal electricity costs. The director’s presentation emphasized that capacity and transmission charges were the main contributors to the price increase rather than generation costs, and that market volatility means the longer the city waits the greater the risk of higher prices.

Ending

The ordinance passed with a recorded 6-0 vote; staff said the arrangement is intended to be temporary while the market stabilizes.","Mayor and Director of Public Service said transmission and capacity costs are driving electricity rates up; council approved a one-year aggregation agreement that keeps the current 4.96¢ rate through May and moves to an 8.63¢ rate beginning in June if implemented.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329154,"Tallmadge committee sets public hearing on six-month moratorium for vape and smoke shop zoning applications",85,2245000,2330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316448-54b5ed6d4143e55c4efc31bb24c75f96&start=2245&end=2330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316448-54b5ed6d4143e55c4efc31bb24c75f96/thumbnail_2245000.jpg","/articles/6329154/Ohio/Tallmadge-committee-sets-public-hearing-on-six-month-moratorium-for-vape-and-smoke-shop-zoning-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329154-4bbb617d2921abc0fcc6c8e610412e56/orig.mp4?Expires=1777188351&Signature=Jjp3YeJFh-fXmBZaA-YlWrLepNu-Ti4IIj2aEFOc0Wv8tP8guaf6Kgke-YZnY5g42lwz82TMPd2mhrBqkf5C3BZKN47hmHfitOGnoE8ZzTLzEtsgjILL4h8a14hCwnf9a7hXLRwKkj1pV9D8E12uaszDW~~7B5G1kc3swmE7vEK-EnqDlL1aZ3UZZwGnaYOtipMVpHJIO2tcy9981UeHUQG~zWpPZdIeIC9gIwY~Lie~0gIHu-UdOJpeYkI9STfECbudPeIvdm0J0JN57~FgCOodBFGePg~wRj3JSc9v-EzMejhNpL6WR6MsiA9QoOPBExH2mI6YwsohPIsH3-BZYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tallmadge Planning & Zoning Committee on Feb. 13 gave a first reading to an ordinance that would impose a six-month moratorium on accepting zoning applications for vape and smoke establishments and set a public hearing for March 13 at 7:01 p.m.

Sponsor and purpose

Mayor Mary Kilway sponsored the ordinance. Councilwoman Jessica Epstein, chairing Planning & Zoning, said the moratorium would allow the city to review rules, locations and zoning requirements for vape and smoke retail uses and to “dot the i’s and cross the t’s” on appropriate locations in commercial zoning districts.

What happens next

The committee set a public hearing for March 13 at 7:01 p.m. to accept public input before additional consideration. The ordinance is at first reading; no final action was taken on Feb. 13.

Why it matters

Council members said they want to examine where vape or smoke specialty shops should be allowed and whether local zoning and locational standards need updating. The moratorium would pause new applications for six months so planning staff and council can complete a review and propose any zoning changes.

Ending

The ordinance remains in first reading. The public hearing and further deliberations are scheduled for the March 13 Tallmadge Planning & Zoning meeting.","The council’s Planning & Zoning committee gave ordinance 2025-32 a first reading and set a March 13 public hearing to consider a six-month moratorium on acceptance of zoning applications for vape and smoke establishments within city limits.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":103,"_53":104,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":105,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":106,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329159,"Tallmadge council approves package of routine contracts, service agreements and facility work; switches trash provider","/articles/6329159/Ohio/Tallmadge-council-approves-package-of-routine-contracts-service-agreements-and-facility-work-switches-trash-provider","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329159-6d7c0d3941fc54d289e6bb29bd3e1cfd/orig.mp4?Expires=1777188351&Signature=CAFwVZ6mv~Pl0dMjFzWe5L9ISkevCYh9REOzvnGvRPymKmDYzvC0YidZJPntkeeyTJLd5hYLV5uGdzFXPD52~Vjt6DJupksZ1FxFHTy0X2py7VdvQ4OsiatixieJK1Ed~iJQmLYfDKUaq2taPKW1vYO~FB62Hn~xUvXEk8-ZSMG5Ag4e8js4I-mn0BRWH0iplB73F6fiBMB4dfH1cSeh3X5BkTdXGzvQyzqmfw3dLERuOtsFsXZpDB7X93NWqqz-FOB5Hr0oyBThm76KKSegnB8OeZ9cY4WNGHwpKt-xqIDdoAUvwBgBTgORHM1oyAq3UU3-0dERtIhdaT2NTR9MkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tallmadge City Council on Feb. 13 approved a set of routine ordinances that authorize city contracts, accept donations and set procurement actions for facility work, including awarding a trash contract to Rumpke and authorizing advertising to repair the Macko Aquatic Center slide.

The package included purchase and service agreements for software and equipment (Microsoft, ESRI, Johnson Controls, Motorola), telecommunication purchasing through NASPO for Verizon services, several engineering and consulting agreements, sale or disposal of surplus property, and a change in trash service provider. Council voted 6-0 on each item that was brought to a roll-call vote.

Why it matters: The votes authorize planned purchases already budgeted in the 2025 appropriation, change the city’s trash contractor and make small capital moves that affect city operations and maintenance schedules over the coming year.

Key outcomes and details

Votes at a glance (ordinance / short description / outcome)
- 2025-21-21 — Authorize purchase of online subscription services with Microsoft (no competitive bid needed): approved 6-0.
- 2025-22 — Authorize contract with Johnson Controls Inc. for integrated security software licenses and related equipment: approved 6-0.
- 2025-23 — Authorize participation in NASPO ValuePoint to contract with Verizon Wireless for telephone and internet services: approved 6-0.
- 2025-24 — Authorize purchase of radios, video equipment and software from Motorola Solutions: approved 6-0.
- 2025-25 — Accept donations to the city for 2024 (various donors, listed in ordinance): approved 6-0.
- 2025-27 — Authorize contract with Kastner, Westman & Wilkins LLC for legal/labor services: approved 6-0.
- 2025-29 — Declare specified city property excess/obsolete and authorize donation of equipment (tasers) to the village of Apple Creek under conditions: approved 6-0.
- 2025-31 — Authorize Director of Public Service to advertise and solicit bids for restoration work on the Macko Aquatic Center slide structure: approved 6-0.
- 2025-14, -15, -28 — Authorize engineering and consulting services agreements (water, parks, sanitary): approved 6-0.
- 2025-16 — Authorize sale of unneeded/obsolete city personal property by online or auto auction in 2025: approved 6-0.
- 2025-17 — Authorize advertisement for bids and award of contract for trucking and hauling: approved 6-0.
- 2025-18 — Authorize Ohio Department of Transportation to complete mowing of I-76 inside city limits: approved 6-0.
- 2025-19 — Authorize CCTV inspection, cleaning and consulting services for sanitary sewers: approved 6-0.
- 2025-20 — Authorize purchase of online subscription services with Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. (ESRI) for GIS licenses across departments: approved 6-0.
- 2025-30 — Master service agreement for electric aggregation services with Dinergy Energy Services East LLC: approved 6-0.

Trash contract and cans

Council accepted bids for citywide trash service. The city’s current quarterly cost was listed as $55.95. Bids received were: Rumpke $62.40 per quarter; Kimball $65.91; Ohio Valley $76.50; Republic $81.57. Council awarded the contract to Rumpke (lowest and best). The new trash cans will be distributed June 24–27; under the new contract the cans will become the resident’s property (marked with the City of Tallmadge emblem) rather than property that must be swapped when vendors change.

Richardson Trust Fund

Following adjournment of the council meeting, the Richardson Trust Fund trustees appropriated $5,000 for fiscal year 2025; the motion passed by a vote of 6-0. The agenda included a back-up list showing 2024 expenditures totaling $4,993.10.

Meeting context and process

Most of the ordinances were presented as “housekeeping” measures tied to the 2025 budget appropriations; presenters said the purchases and contracts are needed to proceed with routine operations, allow bids or replace aging equipment. Roll-call votes were recorded and were unanimous (6-0) for the contested ordinances. Several items were explicitly described as budgeted in the 2025 appropriation.

Ending

Council did not adopt any of the labor agreements that remained in third reading; personnel-related ordinances for firefighter and police unions were held in third reading pending ongoing negotiations.

Votes and motions in this package were recorded on the council minutes and roll calls at the Feb. 13, 2025 Tallmadge City Council meeting.","At its Feb. 13 meeting the Tallmadge City Council voted 6-0 on a package of ordinances to authorize vendor contracts, accept donations, change the trash hauler and advertise for facility repairs. The council also approved a $5,000 appropriation to the Richardson Trust Fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tallmadge swears in Jack Bennett as full-time firefighter paramedic, to start Feb. 16

Council authorizes one-year electric aggregation agreement as transmission costs push rates higher

Tallmadge committee sets public hearing on six-month moratorium for vape and smoke shop zoning applications

Tallmadge council approves package of routine contracts, service agreements and facility work; switches trash provider