[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6160182,"mediaKeyId","5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf","parentId",5450975,"title","Resident raises Lake Anna safety concerns; mayor and staff describe ongoing maintenance, geese mitigation efforts","audioSeconds",390,"startMs",1806000,"endMs",2196000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf&start=1806&end=2196","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf/thumbnail_1806000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6160182/Ohio/Resident-raises-Lake-Anna-safety-concerns-mayor-and-staff-describe-ongoing-maintenance-geese-mitigation-efforts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160182-60dcf63df5f1e02cbc07ec9d4e98fcbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294128&Signature=X~r8knwPBZXhiSJM7eLoWY~gVaEyL4-WwgREvsRpFCghnkvdI3J~d1gB92YwxQ7cxCvoqDmUp2lbbBwYw6QDCzrmbDOhCPJ0LeH53qu7MQimQZ9q9BxMS8pXTwgJ7-7AqDx-9jdiA2gRnvtXY4ucK1H0~vKVZnIN0fysYRxy1~XBZpIs46oe~N34KDZYUokyblD7FK5jvbcm41SavZ-Riq~iuxzRCa7sbDfSApeoDzAjHKXWgatHZKiDkTplUw~DhgqytoJv8-gAEOSKe2G5pi085EPz58HslsqMO8I8X4h1h1H7I5fZAdUYC3Pu6ygHsPrg6Dlh5ddHqHoN2UZywA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Baberton, OH","date","2025-07-22T11:12:50Z","article","A Barberton resident on Monday told council that goose droppings, uneven sidewalks and missing handrails at Lake Anna created a safety hazard for park users, including elderly residents. The mayor and staff outlined steps already taken and explained long‑standing constraints on geese control.

Richard (last name recorded as Spiegel in the meeting sign‑in) described geese “up to the main sidewalk” and told council he counted roughly 25–31 geese near the lake. He also said an elderly woman struggled on a slope near the gazebo and suggested additional handrails would help.

The mayor responded that city crews have performed sidewalk shaving at high spots and that work on handrails at the gazebo is underway with volunteers and partners. He said porta‑potties at the park have been vandalized repeatedly; staff have relocated some portable toilets and perform regular checks before events.

On geese, the mayor said the animals are federally protected and that the city has used multiple non‑lethal deterrents—loud noises, dogs, decoy silhouettes and a remote‑controlled boat—and has spoken with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and other municipalities. He said physical removal through ODNR’s permit process has been used elsewhere but is limited in timing and does not prevent future birds from returning.

No council action or ordinance was taken at the meeting on the Lake Anna requests; the mayor invited the resident to meet with staff and reported ongoing maintenance and planned improvements.

What’s next: The mayor and public‑works staff said they will continue work on handrails and sidewalks at Lake Anna, monitor portable‑toilet placement and coordinate further with volunteers and outside agencies on geese management.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Barberton City Council, 7-21-2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A resident told council that goose droppings and missing handrails at Lake Anna created safety hazards; the mayor said staff are addressing handrails, sidewalk repairs, and long‑standing challenges with federally protected geese and vandalized port‑a‑potties.","taxTitle","Baberton City Council, Barberton City, Summit County, Ohio","taxId",70383,"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},6160186,"Finance committee calls appropriations for ambulance billing and police MDT grant",110,604000,714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf&start=604&end=714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf/thumbnail_604000.jpg","/articles/6160186/Ohio/Finance-committee-calls-appropriations-for-ambulance-billing-and-police-MDT-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160186-1a0c2c67c32bac57b0d25b40ebe86ab2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294128&Signature=YJKBhIKgkX7UCOSwtygyqcc4DBBqa-ctgPU3omwyPmom4n~H2xuuwISE6p-c94B8MEkyWnqDiSywU5HDSdN6UYFaJ14h2L6iZr1Ex12tC7W~2HxRQliVI6a-QiVk5o6xYIWONgomuZhxrtKSPZ6GOJbqwhnty5Ku4xx8uVf3Ztx-ZLLkKA3OQFUaP8OQIhXnjmo3AxhfwZAJParizMpRBaBOxBrXZfa71g8xvHaTtbmWLvBobVaBW6~ShObVF38fBxgmcYzPKIyEDdQi9E0stp-p5dr7WZbZI0tPKc6I1BTGZT6Fp5~wgEuVSWn46RAxZ-CO2-heAJsHM1jM3s~cnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council’s Finance and Personnel Committee moved Monday to call appropriations ordinances for two operating items: payment of an ambulance‑billing invoice and acceptance of a police equipment grant.

The committee reported a request from city staff to appropriate $24,363.02 from the unappropriated line item of the general fund to the fire department’s operations and maintenance budget to pay an invoice to Life Force Management for ambulance billing. The Finance report identified the item and members voted to call the legislation for consideration.

Separately, the Police Department requested appropriation of $10,000 to the police operating budget from a received MDT/keyboard grant awarded by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services. The committee noted that the grant funds “must be spent by the end of the year,” and members voted to call the ordinance for consideration.

Both items were presented to the Finance committee for one reading with emergency wording requested. Committee members did not adopt the final appropriation ordinances on the floor at the meeting; they were called for legislative consideration and referred to the appropriate readings.

What’s next: The ordinances will return to council for formal readings and votes; Finance noted the police grant’s spending deadline within the fiscal year.","Council’s Finance and Personnel Committee reported motions to appropriate funds for an ambulance‑billing invoice and a police MDT/keyboard grant; the police grant requires year‑end spending, while the ambulance payment will cover a vendor invoice.",{"_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},6160191,"Mosquito abatement reports 12 West Nile‑positive samples; officials urge precautions",121,321000,442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf&start=321&end=442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf/thumbnail_321000.jpg","/articles/6160191/Ohio/Mosquito-abatement-reports-12-West-Nilepositive-samples-officials-urge-precautions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160191-1134225b669f5d48150eb72b1894a531/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294128&Signature=PEOWwCgiNETxniV30on040y5~2FT-oDZZaRpU7Gu9ShvtHUdVWFxNrP~N7y-5hCBH13dglhCiRjwpyM8We5JRQLzVKcXIReq1oIGIQj1ujC71w3CCKsntG82w18Vz-CX-ijoFvUcjJmcipORbzLdUfKFz8Qz6Jwxmm-w05KC1cJ6vwWBIOQ40Oul~-FckdYZp55wvVkXpvJozB5Yx~JoiXi-eIcuX3sZMc96ecJVyOPDI7hjpqTcvQ8cKdpf~QYJLrFP6sjCWsMEEVCXmG5wREUDSVgr0N257a5~8YbHIkRTlpuGlNtyIwihjFR7GmOXuSltPjaga0tly4Ivxu0pXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barberton officials and the Mosquito Abatement District reported Monday that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito samples collected at multiple city locations this summer, and they urged residents to take standard precautions.

Council members said Andy Dobbins of the Mosquito Abatement District told them the district has confirmed 12 mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus at Barberton locations, including Oakwood Street (July 11), East Tuscawaras (noted as \"East Tustee Extension,\" July 3 and July 11), South Van Buren (June 20 and June 27), Morgan Street (June 12 and June 27), and Hillsdale Avenue (July 11). Dobbins said when the district finds the virus they spray the area as a control measure.

At the Environmental Health and Social Services committee, members and staff emphasized common preventive steps: remove standing water (bird baths, containers), wear protective clothing outdoors at dawn and dusk, and consider using fans on patios as a practical deterrent to mosquitoes. The committee noted that Barberton had submitted a high number of samples for testing; staff said Barberton had turned in the highest number of mosquitoes for testing in the state so far this year.

No new municipal ordinance or appropriation was adopted at the meeting; the discussion was advisory and informational. Officials pointed residents to the Mosquito Abatement District’s website and social‑media pages for updates and to Stark County Public Health for confirmed findings.

What’s next: Mosquito Abatement District crews will continue surveillance and localized spraying where positive mosquito pools are detected; residents are asked to remove standing water and follow District guidance.","The Mosquito Abatement District reported a series of West Nile virus detections in Barberton; officials said crews have sprayed affected areas and urged residents to remove standing water and take precautions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6160196,"Tree-care companies, arborist urge council to adopt nuisance‑tree ordinance",898,2432000,3330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf&start=2432&end=3330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf/thumbnail_2432000.jpg","/articles/6160196/Ohio/Tree-care-companies-arborist-urge-council-to-adopt-nuisancetree-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160196-4226278878d4acba8aaf0e6f6f1fe123/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294128&Signature=i7oCV0s5kLYxUDRpqj0rU~nUSuwoYRfJGnhBnvV3syhptDtO4ir3mNR0b64ClNsWoI3uAo-~bd0B6De5sW-MDEqsaGC-VkTP33EUvcWqwwDjWbuBadPQwa2Gswyk0tVGVaIUekj9dfq6ptm5fww3m9WcKnE~Z8--74F1Csm3A-pSB0JfORrC52JZ2ehxp4ZpeudW64LhuW6G-qXmbzKDO21VZXE~yHtS7zIwVSOQXKqe6x8MUy8Fin2fHZWUB1wj3Yzmae9qRjFTaF3VyuO9mK2kw5B9MH3u4MGrihqVeiYd9FzIVgYcOAKIAXkUuZtPlWoADORdWRpgubYtIqJhRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barberton tree-care professionals and an ISA‑certified arborist spoke at Monday’s council meeting urging adoption of a nuisance‑tree ordinance and a municipal program to assess and remove hazardous trees.

Lisa Davenport, identified in testimony as president of Barberton Tree Service, told council the city lacks a formal ordinance addressing nuisance trees and asked officials to adopt a program that would let qualified contractors evaluate and remove hazardous or dead trees. “These heartbreaking situations should not be reoccurring,” Davenport said, referring to a recent fatality involving a fallen tree.

Adrienne, introduced by Davenport as an ISA‑certified arborist and utility arborist who performs tree‑risk assessments for nearby municipalities, described how other cities run programs. She said most municipalities contract for public‑right‑of‑way and park trees and, when a hazardous private‑property tree is identified, cities typically notify the owner, require removal within a set period (often 10–15 days in the examples cited), and if the homeowner does not comply, the city contracts the work and assesses the cost to the property owner’s taxes.

Committee materials recorded a request from Lisa Miller, the city law director, seeking legislation to amend Barberton Codified Ordinances Chapter 670 (trees, weeds and grass) by adding three sections dealing with hazardous trees and enforcement. The Public Welfare and Safety Committee reported that the ordinance language left committee with a recommendation to proceed; council did not adopt final legislation on the floor Monday.

Arborists recommended the city use standardized tree‑risk assessments and a contracted vendor model to ensure consistent, qualified evaluations and to keep costs predictable. Adrienne said a multi‑year contract for municipal tree work reduces the need to solicit ad‑hoc bids and helps the city respond promptly.

What’s next: The law director’s proposed amendments to Chapter 670 passed out of committee for further action. Council and staff will need to resolve any drafting inconsistencies with the tall‑grass ordinance and finalize enforcement timelines and cost‑assessment procedures before the ordinance reaches a final vote.","Barberton business and arborists told council that a formal nuisance‑tree program and contract model would reduce risk from dead or diseased trees; the public‑safety committee advanced proposed amendments to the city’s tree code to committee action.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6160202,"Council approves expedited joint OPWC application; concrete road funding discussed",127,832000,959000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf&start=832&end=959","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450975-036e96d4bca2edd34f368b523ab7a3cf/thumbnail_832000.jpg","/articles/6160202/Ohio/Council-approves-expedited-joint-OPWC-application-concrete-road-funding-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160202-4194f97ebc7d5ab2c4bd6964b989164d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294128&Signature=kGrD5RecUktx4b9jneJNs9DYbvZdx0iPZKCOfIRUCFtwWsJw5qGL00IHqoc6HA62QOblBc0JMGaK6p3K5ghxkU0kCCUNTMfnn24Cchskq7bm7BuKOn596rWJ7tBaSQRO6WePFTEQKfbnn4D6JmSloxyL2hxLSWtJoayT~MxTEfkhiZ4kDd2gzRuh1ecqpPlt-8gv2~o~i9ODoFGRd-7x-acNBTmTI1nUCiqcww0VDKVi8dLqXgbhQt7otc5Yo~GeCHeihTxMXknGKYJbJyHy-sf0~X8nPOhM9giwd2OAjn5Ru16GCLz-U~H3WBRflDqu6bZlAahzMQwWf819UFzPxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members voted Monday to move ahead immediately with a joint application to the Ohio Public Works Commission so the city can seek state capital improvement funding for local infrastructure projects. The vote to suspend normal notice rules came after committee members said the OPWC application deadline is Sept. 5.

The move matters because the OPWC program provides matching capital assistance—grants, loans or local debt support—that the city plans to use for street and infrastructure projects. Councilors said time limits required suspending council Rule 3.02 (the 10-day rule) and invoking Rule 7.02 (emergency procedure) so the mayor can sign a joint application with the city of Norton.

At a special utilities meeting, officials introduced a letter from Todd Shreve, identified in committee materials as the city’s director of public service, requesting legislation “authorizing the mayor to enter into a joint application between the city of Norton and the city of Barberton to apply for the Ohio Public Works Commission, OPWC, State Capital Improvement Program.” Committee members then moved to suspend the procedural rules and to call the ordinance for consideration.

The concrete road program was discussed across committee meetings as a project that would use OPWC matching funds. The Street, Sidewalk and Lighting Committee reported a request from Todd Shreve to appropriate funds from the street capital fund to the capital budget for the concrete road program. Committee members and Finance described the program as a 50–50 match with OPWC.

Transcript references to the appropriation differ: in the Street, Sidewalk and Lighting Committee report the request appears as $2,230,000; the Finance Committee report lists $230,000 and describes it as a 50–50 OPWC match. Council materials on the floor identify the funding as an OPWC-eligible project but do not resolve the differing amounts. Councilors voted to call the legislation for consideration; the motion to suspend rules and to call the ordinance passed by voice vote.

Council did not adopt the ordinance on the spot; the immediate action was procedural—suspending notice rules and authorizing the mayor to submit the joint application. Further legislative steps, including the exact appropriation amount and formal adoption of any appropriation ordinance, were left to upcoming agenda items and to the Finance Committee for final review.

Officials and staff did not provide a clarified appropriation figure during the meeting. Council members asked staff to proceed with the OPWC application because of the September deadline.

What’s next: The mayor’s office will be authorized to sign the joint OPWC application; staff and Finance will need to return to council with the final appropriation ordinance that specifies the concrete program funding and whether it is covered by a 50–50 OPWC match.","Council members voted to suspend normal notice rules and authorize a joint Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) application with the city of Norton, while council committees discussed a matching grant for the city's concrete road program; the exact appropriation amount for the program differed across committee reports and requires clarification.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident raises Lake Anna safety concerns; mayor and staff describe ongoing maintenance, geese mitigation efforts

Finance committee calls appropriations for ambulance billing and police MDT grant

Mosquito abatement reports 12 West Nile‑positive samples; officials urge precautions

Tree-care companies, arborist urge council to adopt nuisance‑tree ordinance

Council approves expedited joint OPWC application; concrete road funding discussed