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Tallmadge Council Adopts New City Code and Discusses JED Funds

City Council · Tallmadge · April 28, 2026 · By Julie D'Aloiso

Tallmadge Council Adopts New City Code and Discusses JED Funds

Council enacts new city code and reviews JED funding.

Comprehensive Recodification of Tallmadge City Ordinances

The Tallmadge City Council reached a major milestone during the April 27, 2026, meeting by officially adopting Ordinance 2026-36, which enacts a new, comprehensive code for the city. Law Director Megan Rabber noted that the project was a massive undertaking, involving a two-year review of every codified ordinance to improve searchability and user-friendliness for the public.

The new code, which also properly defines the Tallmadge Circle as a single-lane highway, will go into effect at the end of May 2026. Councilman Ted Roy thanked the law department for their intensive labor on the project. A companion piece, Ordinance 2026-37, was also passed to consolidate and set rates, charges, and fees across the new code into a more accessible format.

Residents Protest Termination of Recreation Center Instructor

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to community input regarding the termination of Patty Collins, a long-time aerobics instructor at the Tallmadge Recreation Center. Multiple residents spoke in support of Collins, describing her as a person of high integrity and a "vibrant" part of the community. Residents highlighted her reliability and her recent leave of absence to support her son, a military member who was suddenly deployed.

Mayor Carol Kilway clarified that Collins was a contractor rather than a city employee, which changes the legal dynamics of her engagement. Kilway explained that during Collins' absence, the recreation department decided to move in a different direction with programming. However, the Mayor admitted there were "missteps" in how the situation was handled at the facility and stated that the administration would be addressing those internal procedural issues.

Brimfield-Tallmadge Joint Economic District Fund Flexibility

Nick Coia, a Brimfield Township Trustee, presented a request to amend the Brimfield-Tallmadge Joint Economic District (JED) agreement via Ordinance 2026-42. The amendment seeks to clarify that Maintenance and Improvement (M&I) funds can be used for the purchase of fleet vehicles, such as police cruisers, fire apparatuses, and snowplows.

Coia explained that an Ohio Auditor of State finding in 2024 determined the current language was too vague to support vehicle purchases, leading to financial strain. With 60% to 65% of Brimfield's police calls originating within the JED area, the township argues that these funds are critical to maintaining the service levels required by the district's growth. The council moved the ordinance to a second reading to allow for further review of the financial parameters.

Public Safety and Infrastructure Updates

Mayor Kilway provided several administrative updates, including:

  • Fire Training: Twelve members of the Tallmadge Fire Department completed intensive hands-on training at the Cuyahoga Falls facility, focusing on search and rescue and door breaching.
  • Memorial Day: The city is preparing for its 158th consecutive Memorial Day ceremony and parade on May 25, 2026. Council approved $500 to assist the American Legion with expenses.
  • Electronic Recycling: A recycling event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Recreation Center.
  • Road Resurfacing: Council approved Ordinance 2026-47, allowing the city to accept ODOT funding for resurfacing Eastwood, Monroe, and South Monroe Roads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Council adopted Ordinance 2026-36 enacting a new comprehensive city code (effective end of May 2026), passed companion Ordinance 2026-37 consolidating fees, heard residents protest the termination of recreation center aerobics instructor Patty Collins, advanced an amendment to the Brimfield-Tallmadge JED to allow M&I funds for fleet vehicles, approved $500 for the American Legion's Memorial Day expenses, and accepted ODOT funding to resurface Eastwood, Monroe, and South Monroe Roads.
Ordinance 2026-36 enacts a new comprehensive code following a two-year review of every codified ordinance, designed to be more searchable and user-friendly. It also properly defines the Tallmadge Circle as a single-lane highway. The new code takes effect at the end of May 2026.
Multiple residents told council that Collins, a long-time Tallmadge Recreation Center aerobics instructor, is a person of high integrity and a vibrant part of the community, noting she had taken a leave of absence to support her suddenly-deployed military son. Mayor Carol Kilway said Collins was a contractor rather than a city employee and that the rec department chose to move in a different direction during her absence, but admitted there were 'missteps' in how the situation was handled.
Ordinance 2026-42 would clarify that Joint Economic District Maintenance and Improvement funds can be used to buy fleet vehicles such as police cruisers, fire apparatus, and snowplows. A 2024 Ohio Auditor of State finding said the current language was too vague to cover vehicles. With 60-65% of Brimfield's police calls originating in the JED area, the township says the flexibility is critical. Council moved the ordinance to a second reading.
Tallmadge will hold its 158th consecutive Memorial Day ceremony and parade on May 25, 2026. Council approved $500 to help the American Legion with expenses. An electronic recycling event is also planned for Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Recreation Center.
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