Barberton City Council adopts truck-brake ban, police contract and purchase of paver; several honors passed

Barberton City Council on April 28 adopted a group of ordinances and resolutions that the council’s committees had moved forward earlier in the evening.

The council voted to adopt an ordinance banning compression‑release engine brakes (commonly called "Jake brakes") within city limits and establishing penalties for violators. The council also adopted an ordinance ratifying a new collective bargaining agreement between the city and the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (OPBA) covering January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. Council approved an ordinance appropriating $15,000 within the streets department budget and another ordinance approving final legislation tied to the Truce & Farm development. Separately, council approved an emergency purchase authorization for a paver not to exceed $160,000 from McLean Equipment of Hudson, Ohio.

In addition to the foregoing, the council adopted two ceremonial resolutions honoring Lieutenant David Semivan for 33 years of service and Chief Steven Iona for 36 years of service in the Barberton Fire Department.

Most of these measures were advanced through committee earlier in the evening, and council invoked its suspension rule (Section 5.1 of the Barberton City Charter) to shorten notice and permit immediate consideration. Council roll calls on each adoption were taken and the measures were carried as recorded on the official roll calls.

Why it matters: The engine‑brake ordinance regulates heavy‑vehicle noise and related public safety enforcement within city limits; the OPBA agreement sets pay and working conditions for patrol officers for the next three years; the paver purchase is intended to expand street‑repair capacity and to provide city crews equipment for road cut repairs; and the appropriations and development approvals move local capital and development projects forward.

Council did not receive or take formal public testimony on the ordinances listed above during the regular legislative meeting; all votes followed committee discussion and formal motions recorded in the minutes.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 44‑2025 (ban on compression‑release engine brakes): adopted after suspension of rules; outcome recorded as adopted by roll call. - Resolution 45‑2025 (commendation, Lt. David Semivan): adopted after suspension; outcome recorded as adopted by roll call. - Resolution 46‑2025 (commendation, Chief Steven Iona): adopted after suspension; outcome recorded as adopted by roll call. - Ordinance 48‑2025 (approval, Truce & Farm final legislation): adopted after suspension; outcome recorded as adopted by roll call. - Ordinance 49‑2025 (appropriation, Streets Department $15,000): adopted after suspension; outcome recorded as adopted by roll call. - Ordinance 50‑2025 (adopt OPBA collective bargaining agreement, 2025–2027): adopted after suspension; outcome recorded as adopted by roll call. - Ordinance 51‑2025 (authorize mayor to purchase paver, not to exceed $160,000): adopted after committee suspension motions and roll‑call adoption; outcome recorded as adopted by roll call.

What comes next: The city will move to implement the OPBA contract terms (effective Jan. 1, 2025) as described in the ordinance and to finalize procurement paperwork for the paver purchase per the emergency authorization. For the engine‑brake ordinance and the Truce & Farm approvals, city departments will follow the ordinances’ compliance steps and any required administrative implementation procedures.

Ending: Council concluded its April 28 legislative session after the recorded votes; committee minutes reflect the committee‑level discussions that led to each adopted measure.