Kent City Council Approves Emergency Funding for Fire Department and Special Events

The Kent City Council convened on July 16, 2025, to address several key issues, including the approval of meeting minutes and various ordinances aimed at enhancing city services and community events.

The council approved the minutes from the June regular meeting, the July council meeting, and a special meeting held in July. Among the significant discussions was an ordinance authorizing the Kent Fire Department to apply for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. This grant, if awarded, would fund three firefighter-paramedic positions and was declared an emergency measure.

Another important item was a resolution for a five-year review of the designated outdoor refreshment area in Downtown Kent, which also received emergency status for continued operation in specified public areas. Additionally, the council discussed an ordinance to submit a $1 million funding application to the Ohio Public Works Commission, with the potential for corresponding appropriations if the grant is awarded.

The council also approved two special event applications: one for Access Point Community Services' "Grill for Good" event on September 13, which will require a temporary closure of North Water Street, and another for Main Street Kent's "Longest Table" event on August 3, necessitating the temporary closure of West Main Street.

Further, an ordinance was passed to amend the outdoor seating program guidelines to align with current noise regulations and to lift the prohibition on serving alcohol at outdoor tables. Lastly, the council authorized the finance director to pay certain purchase orders exceeding $3,000 upon the issuance of a certificate of availability of funds.

In personnel matters, Christopher Siebert was appointed to the Board of Building Appeals, with the council expressing unanimous support for his nomination.

The meeting concluded with all agenda items passing smoothly, reflecting the council's commitment to enhancing community services and events in Kent.