Green City Council Hears Road Complaints, Awards Paving Contracts at April 14 Meeting

Golf profits, a national tree award, and road contracts highlight an active April 14 meeting — but frustrated residents stole the show.

Green Earns Tree City Honor; Raintree Golf Posts Strong Year

The City of Green opened its April 14 council meeting on a high note. The Arbor Day Foundation named Green a 2025 Tree City USA in recognition of its commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees throughout the community. The city also received a growth award for demonstrated improvement in tree care and community engagement.

The Environment and Parks Committee also reported that Raintree Golf had a strong 2025, posting net operating profits of $335,422 on 42,390 rounds. Troon Golf's Nick Bednar, who presented the report, noted that golf is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with new women golfers outpacing new men golfers six to one. Profits are reinvested into course improvements, with funds now also being set aside for future capital needs.

Residents Call Out Deteriorating Roads on Waterville, Watervale, and Serenity

The most pointed moments of the evening came before any legislation was introduced. Five residents from Waterville Drive, Watervale Drive, and Serenity Lane took the podium during public comment to demand action on roads they say have been crumbling for decades.

Residents described cracks up to two and a half inches wide, patches that wash out after each repair, multiplying potholes despite repeated calls to the engineering department, and conditions so uneven that one speaker said her handicapped husband cannot safely walk to the mailbox. Several said they had been told for years that their streets were "on the list" — only to be passed over again.

One resident noted that six to eight school bus trips now pass through the area daily, up significantly from years prior, reflecting neighborhood growth. Another pointed out that nearby roads — including Schweitzer, Myersville, Eldon, and Prairie View — have already been repaved, leaving their block behind.

"I think our neighborhood specifically gets somewhat ignored because we're on the extreme border of the city," one speaker said.

Council Member Responds

Councilman Chris Humphrey acknowledged having visited the neighborhood in person and consulting with a member of the engineering staff. He confirmed that the problem runs deeper than surface patching — the base itself is compromised, which is why repeated repairs have failed.

Humphrey stopped short of making promises, noting the 2026 road program is largely already set. He framed the public comment as a necessary first step. "We need to hear you and understand what you're dealing with so that on our side we can assess where we go from here," he told those in attendance.

The engineering department is expected to provide additional data on street conditions citywide before council's next meeting.

Road Contracts Awarded

Council advanced two road improvement contracts during the Transportation, Connectivity, and Stormwater Committee report, chaired by Christopher Meager.

The city awarded the 2026 pavement markings contract to the Aero-Mark Company LLC at $210,606.73 — roughly $57,000 below the engineer's estimate of $267,000. An alternate bid of $13,592.30 was also included.

A resurfacing contract was awarded to Barbicas Construction Co., Inc. at $686,754.75, well under the engineer's estimate of $841,000. The work is focused near Hyde Park, Spade Road, Cungel Heights, and Hoover Lake. Total project authorization including alternates is $1,035,057.75.

Engineer Paul Pickett also briefed council on the upcoming Arlington Road Corridor project. Utility relocation work is expected to begin within weeks, ahead of planned street widening and other infrastructure improvements. A separate resolution awarding that contract to Xtreme Elements LLC was referred to committee on first reading.

Other Council Action

PNC bank accounts closed. Council voted 7-0 to close the city's depository accounts with PNC Bank. Finance Committee Chair Chris Humphrey explained that the city earns 3.79% on deposits through STAR Ohio — a state investment pool — compared to 1.36% at PNC. Minimal account activity made retaining the accounts administratively inefficient.

Opioid settlement funds. Council approved participation in a new direct settlement with six pharmaceutical distributors involved in the national opioid litigation. The city is expected to receive approximately $10,000, directed to its opioid settlement fund for training, scholarships, and drug awareness programs. A May 4 deadline prompted council to bypass the standard three-reading process.

Fee schedule updated. An updated planning, zoning, and right-of-way fee schedule was adopted 7-0 after council amended one item: the temporary uses permit fee — covering items such as tents and construction dumpsters — was retained at $50 rather than the proposed increase to $100.

Community corrections agreement. A resolution authorizing an agreement with Oriana House Inc. for community correctional services was referred to the Public Safety Committee on first reading.

Tax incentive for local business. An ordinance granting a 30-year, 100% real property tax exemption on improvements to property owned by Halasa Properties LLC, doing business as Akron's Finest Mulch, was referred to the Planning and Economic Development Committee.

Safety grant approved. Council approved a $2,475 Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation safety grant to purchase and install dump truck vibrators on two city vehicles — a safety improvement prompted by a prior employee injury. The city is matching $825.

Mayor's Report Highlights

Mayor Rocco Yeargin shared several upcoming community items. The city is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Month photo opportunity May 1 at Central Park, where participants will form a human green ribbon for a drone photo. Green's annual kids fishing derby is set for May 9 — free to participate with registration required at cityofgreen.org/register.

South Summit Dispatch Supervisor Carrie Klein was recognized as Dispatcher of the Year at the Summit County Telecommunications annual event, held in honor of National Public Safety Communications Week.

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