Council adopts land-swap ordinance with school district; transfer delayed to 2030 amid access questions

The North Canton City Council on July 13 adopted Ordinance 25-2026 authorizing a land-swap and exchange of real estate with the school district while preserving the city's ownership of a pool property until November 2030.

Council members questioned whether the school district could walk away after execution and what would happen if the pool required major repairs before the planned transfer. Legal counsel and administration said the current draft keeps the property with the city until 2030 and that any "massive material changes" to the deal would require council approval.

Administration described the change as the final adjustment in the land-swap language: instead of leasing the property back through 2030, the city would retain the parcel and not transfer it until the agreed date. Counsel said the final language would include access terms so both parties could use the parking area and other shared infrastructure.

Councilmember questions focused on contingencies: if the pool failed prior to transfer, would the school assume responsibility? Administration said ownership and liability would remain with the city until transfer and that any amendment would come back to council. Council also discussed summer recess timing and agreed that if material edits were needed over the break, the administration would work with council leadership on a special meeting if necessary.

The ordinance passed on third reading by voice vote.

Provenance: Land-swap discussion and adoption occur in the transcript during the old-business section (topic intro SEG 366; topic finish SEG 520).