Green council approves agricultural renewals, declines liquor‑license hearing and adopts multiple ordinances

At its Feb. 25 meeting, the Green City Council took a series of administrative and legislative actions including approval of agricultural permit renewals, a decision not to request a state hearing on a liquor‑license stock transfer, and the adoption of several ordinances on third reading.

Agricultural permits: After a staff explanation of the agricultural permit renewal process (5‑year terms and county notification after municipal hearings), the council moved and seconded to approve two five‑year agricultural permit renewals for properties identified in the record as belonging to Gary and Linda Hetzen (9918 Herring Road; parcels listed) and Ronald J. Cooner (Apple Ridge/5424 Arlington Road; parcels listed). The clerk conducted a roll‑call vote and all members present voted "Yes," and the motion carried.

Liquor license stock transfer: The Public Safety Committee reviewed TMP 4874, a stock transfer of a liquor license for 1840 Towne Park Boulevard LLC d/b/a Legends Sports Pub and Patios. Committee members reported 12 alcohol‑related calls to the Summit County Sheriff's Office since the manager/part owner Donnie Boyer assumed management, but Detective Cadwell's report said the number of calls was not unusual for such an establishment. After meeting with Mr. Boyer and reviewing plans and his cooperation, the committee moved that the council not request a state hearing on the transfer; the council voted unanimously to not request a hearing.

Ordinances adopted: The Planning Committee reported on three items on third reading. Ordinance 2025‑01, a prohibition on establishing and operating adult‑use cannabis businesses within city limits (citing Ohio Revised Code section as recorded in the minutes), was adopted by roll call. Ordinance 2025‑02, repealing section 138.06 (illegal cultivation of marijuana) to align local code with Ohio law, was adopted by a 4‑to‑1 vote; one councilmember expressed concern about pending state legislative changes and voted no. Ordinance 2025‑03, adopting the 2024 update to the City of Green Long Range Comprehensive Land Use Plan, was adopted on third reading; the committee noted the plan is a community vision document and does not in itself change land‑use regulations.

Committee and contract notes: The finance committee discussed resolution 2025‑R05, authorizing an agreement with Vasco Sports Contractors to reconstruct the Bettler Park basketball court and install an ADA pathway. The transcript lists component amounts ($73,296 for resurfacing; $26,704 for an ADA path; $10,000 contingency) but also contains inconsistent total figures in the clerk's readout. The item was presented for committee consideration and time was requested for council action.

Mayor's announcements: Mayor Mary Yergan reported city job openings (full‑time finance director, assistant planning director, account clerk; application deadline March 7), seasonal hiring events (March 6) and community events (mental wellness art event March 14; Women's History Month celebration March 15). She also announced a $1,000 Green Drug Task Force scholarship.

Next steps and procedural notes: Multiple items were referred to committees and time was requested on several second‑reading items; several matters will return to council for further consideration. No litigation or large budget appropriation was adopted during this meeting.