North Canton council removes extra council voice vote for big contracts, advances real‑property ordinance

The North Canton City Council on Monday amended purchasing rules to remove a required council voice vote for contracts and purchases that have already been approved by the board of control, and it advanced an ordinance establishing rules for disposition of city-owned real property.

Clerk Gerard read the title of Ordinance 18-20-26, described as "an ordinance establishing chapter 165, real property transactions," which sets procedures for how the city disposes of property it owns. Council approved the second reading by voice vote. "An ordinance establishing chapter 165 real property transactions of the codified ordinances of the city of North Canton," Gerard read aloud. The council voted in favor and the motion carried.

Council then considered Ordinance 19-20-26, amending Chapter 163 (contracts and purchasing). A presenter explained the amendments are intended "to remove the requirement of a voice vote of council for approval of contracts and purchases following board of control approval" and to add a requirement that city administration report contracts awarded by the board of control at a subsequent regular council meeting. The change is intended to align ordinance language with charter authority and to ensure timely approvals.

After questions about timing for the required administrative report — the presenter said the report would appear at the subsequent regular council meeting (either the immediately following meeting or the next meeting, depending on scheduling) — a motion to amend the ordinance as presented was made and seconded. Council approved the amendment and then moved to adopt the first reading of Ordinance 19-20-26 as amended; the motion carried by voice vote.

Council President (presiding) thanked the member who proposed the clarifying language for making the process more transparent and timely.

What happens next: Ordinance 19-20-26 was adopted on first reading as amended and will return for the required subsequent readings and votes. Ordinance 18-20-26 completed its second reading during this meeting and was approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 18-20-26 (establishing chapter 165, real property transactions): second reading approved by voice vote. - Ordinance 19-20-26 (amending Chapter 163, contracts and purchasing): amendment approved; first reading adopted as amended by voice vote.

(All votes were taken by voice; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript.)