Written by the reviewer from the ASR + docket; [verbatim-ASR] = quoted machine transcript; [paraphrase] = reviewer's wording, not a quote.
0:00 All right, we'll call the November 3rd meeting of council to order.
0:06 If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
0:26 We'll now pause for a moment of silence.
0:34 Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
0:36 Vice President Baker.
0:38 Council Member Bullock.
0:39 Council Member Evans.
0:43 Council Member Marks.
0:45 Council Member Hamilton-Steiner.
0:47 Council Member Striebig.
0:49 Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held October
0:55 Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.
1:00 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:06 And that motion passes.
1:07 Item one, report from Finance Committee held October 27, 2025.
1:14 Since the chair is not here, let's, we'll defer this and come back to it in a moment
1:21 Item two, report from Housing Planning and Development Committee held October 27, 2025.
1:26 Vice President Baker.
1:28 Thank you, Madam President.
1:30 So on October 27, 2025, the Housing Planning and Development Committee met, had a couple
1:39 One was communication from Assistant Director Boss regarding the Lakewood zoning refresh.
1:46 So to remind our colleagues, Lakewood has engaged with an outside consultant to evaluate
1:51 our current zoning code and recommend ultimately a complete zoning refresh.
1:57 So it is an iterative process and part of these updates to council is to keep council
2:04 Now two members of council are on the Zoning Planning Advisory Council, President
2:09 Keppel and myself, but we want to make sure all of council and the public is aware
2:12 of kind of the iterative steps that we're taking because ultimately what it will become
2:16 is a tranche of legislation to update and modernize our zoning code.
2:22 So it just provides for a better process to update the public and our colleagues
2:26 at the same time so that when we finally do get those updated series of ordinances
2:32 that there are no surprises.
2:35 The second thing we discussed was communication from Planning Director Buyington regarding
2:39 the authorization to sell property located at 1472 Bell Avenue.
2:46 This is an ordinance that the city has been working, I believe with some federal funds
2:52 to rehabilitate this house and then there are some restrictions on who the buyer can
2:56 be related to income.
2:59 So it's a low and an affordable housing unit.
3:04 Planning Committee or the Housing Planning Development Committee discussed it.
3:08 Planning Director gave us an outline of it and ultimately we recommended some small
3:12 substitutes to the ordinance related to the notice would come within 45 days of the closing
3:20 So council would then have a report back knowing who it was sold to, what it was
3:23 sold for so that we could be kept in loop and then it was favorably recommended
3:28 out of committee to full council so it is later in the docket and then the council
3:35 president can decide whether or not we want to suspend the rules to pass it because
3:38 technically it had two readings but it's had enough time to have three so we can have
3:41 that discussion later.
3:43 And then lastly there was a brief update on Ordinance 18-2025 which is to amend the
3:50 weeds section of the codified ordinances related to front yard planting.
3:54 So we did substitute the ordinance and committee but we also referred it out to
3:58 Keep Lakewood Beautiful to get their input and we are waiting for their input as
4:01 well as some other folks and we coordinated with the Housing and Building Department
4:06 to make sure that we've committed by the end of the year to have that ordinance ready
4:10 so that the Housing and Building Department can properly plan and educate the public
4:15 going into next growing season.
4:17 We also may ask Keep Lakewood Beautiful to help us kind of educate folks on what
4:21 the new rules are to incentivize and kind of help people understand what they can
4:26 and can't do in their front yards.
4:28 So that's Dayton committee.
4:30 That's the oral report.
4:31 I'll make a motion to receive and file.
4:34 Motion's been made and seconded.
4:38 Say thank you for the report and I certainly like the idea of engaging with
4:43 Keep Lakewood Beautiful to help advise the public and expand on our ecological
4:49 So Councilman Evans.
4:52 Yeah I just want to say that I'm really encouraged by the direction of the
4:57 I think it's going to be a really great thing for the city moving forward and
5:02 I applaud the effort of everybody who's put in so much time to that.
5:06 Yeah the zoning is actually much more interesting and impactful than I think
5:12 I ever realized before getting into the weeds of it.
5:14 So I appreciate that as well.
5:17 We have a motion to second to receive the oral report.
5:20 Any further discussion?
5:24 And that motion passes.
5:26 Item three substitute ordinance 28 2025 an ordinance to take effect
5:31 immediately authorizing and directing the director of planning and development
5:34 or mayor to enter into an agreement with a licensed real estate broker to
5:38 market for sale the real property located at 1472 Belle Avenue for a
5:44 period of 180 days pursuant to section 155 0 7 of codified ordinances.
5:53 And this is the one that it's been on long enough that it could have had
5:57 three readings but it just didn't get documented for one of those but it has
6:02 So it's been read it's been publicly for three times.
6:05 So and the version that we have is as amended substituted.
6:12 Then I will move to suspend the rules in order to adopt.
6:19 Second motion's been made and seconded roll call.
6:23 Vice President Baker.
6:26 Council member Evans.
6:28 That's member Marks.
6:30 Council member Hamilton Steiner.
6:32 Council member Stubate.
6:34 And I'll move to adopt.
6:36 Second motion's been made and seconded discussion.
6:40 I'll just add part of the goal of getting this passed tonight is so
6:44 that we can get a family into a house sooner rather than later.
6:48 Any further discussion on the motion to adopt hearing none.
6:54 We need to roll call again or no.
6:59 And that motion passes.
7:02 Can we well we'll give Councilmember Bullock a moment to get settled and
7:05 then we'll jump back.
7:07 Item four report from rules and ordinances committee regarding meeting
7:11 held today November 3rd, 2025.
7:14 Council member Hamilton Steiner.
7:17 So we met earlier this evening with the youth council to go over their
7:24 updated rules that they've they've come up with and and we have moved
7:34 to favorably based on verbally substituted language.
7:40 We have moved to favorably adopt the it has been favorably for back
7:54 And I'll move to receive and file that oral report.
7:58 Motion's been made and seconded it.
8:00 So just to clarify, we referred it back.
8:04 It was referred back favorably out of committee to full council.
8:07 And then once we get that those substituted amendments in writing,
8:12 we'll put it back on the docket for an upcoming meeting.
8:17 Any further discussion on the motion to receive and file the report?
8:25 And that motion passes.
8:27 Item five resolution 2025 60 a resolution to take effect immediately
8:32 approving the amended bylaws of the Lakewood youth council.
8:39 Motion's been made and seconded discussion hearing none.
8:45 And that motion passes.
8:47 Item six resolution 2025 41 a resolution to take effect immediately
8:52 appointing one member to the tree advisory and education board for the
8:55 three year term beginning January 1st, 2026 and ending December 31st, 2028.
9:01 I'm going to move to defer.
9:04 Motion's been made and seconded.
9:05 I know council member Evans, you've been working on interviewing these folks.
9:08 I'm thinking we can take some time in our next full council meeting for you
9:13 to give us some information on that.
9:14 Does that work for you?
9:17 Any further discussion?
9:21 And that motion passes.
9:23 Without objection, I'd like to jump back to item one, the
9:27 report from finance committee.
9:29 Item one report from finance committee held October 27th, 2025.
9:33 Thank you, madam president.
9:37 Apologies for being a little bit late tonight.
9:41 The finance committee met on October 27th.
9:44 We began the discussion of the council budget priorities process, or I
9:50 should say we took an additional step in what has been a year long
9:55 discussion amongst council members over several retreats where we've
9:59 identified a number of consensus items.
10:02 We began the discussion with the administration director Mahoney was
10:05 there leading the way and as well as such director Vargo about a process
10:11 for beginning to identify what the budget may already include, what it
10:19 may not include, and then therefore how city council might work through
10:22 those differences, identify what it wants to propose, and then at a
10:26 future step we'll sort out how we decide on what gets included.
10:31 And if there needs to be adjustments to the administration's
10:36 proposed budget, how we fund those things.
10:39 So we had some consensus around that.
10:41 We agreed to council members agreed to a November 17, if my math is
10:47 correct, two weeks from today is November 17 deadline for submitting
10:52 our proposals using a form in similar form to a council budget priorities
10:57 form that we previously used in the past years, a two or three page
11:02 write up with the details, the justification of the cost estimates
11:06 and use that as a stage and I as the finance chair committed to
11:12 clerking that for lack of a better term.
11:15 The administration, as a side, I would like to say the
11:18 administration is requesting that we get that earlier if possible, as
11:21 early as next Monday, the 10th.
11:24 And I think that is a constructive deadline if we can all at all
11:29 possibly meet that just earlier is better than that way as much as
11:34 possible the ordinances introduced on the 17th would then incorporate
11:39 whatever they can incorporate.
11:41 So, so that was step one.
11:45 I thought it was a helpful conversation.
11:46 We also heard from the administration.
11:48 We received a chart that's in the minute meeting minutes about what
11:51 is in there, or in some cases, a description of past spending or
11:56 past funding commitments from 2024, for example, as responsive to some
12:04 of the items that we had identified.
12:06 So more work remains council members amongst ourselves and then a
12:09 dialogue in partnership with the administration.
12:13 The second item we talked about was the beginning, but not a
12:17 complete discussion of the question of property taxes, how those work.
12:24 There's an ongoing state government evaluation of property taxes.
12:30 They're already part ways through potentially implementing a couple of
12:35 different changes that may or may not help or affect Lakewood.
12:40 The spirit of the conversation is for us to get informed, to
12:43 understand how that works, how the city of Lakewood may want to
12:46 position itself in dialogue with the state, but also the finance
12:50 director gave us a helpful briefing about our tax collections, how
12:55 they're structured, especially the property tax collections, and then
12:59 our recent increased receipts, given how our property taxes are structured.
13:05 There was some dialogue on the committee about the importance of
13:08 property taxes to our financial commitments.
13:14 For example, we pay for roads and other infrastructure
13:20 on a debt basis, on an ongoing basis.
13:22 And those loans for lack of a better term are secured by the
13:26 city's full faith and credit to be able to raise and pay property taxes.
13:31 We have other income taxes too, but if we were to overnight lose
13:37 that authority or ability to pay, then there would be a domino effect.
13:44 Some of that would go to the state.
13:45 It's a big topic that requires some thoughtful consideration.
13:50 The other part of the discussion was also, though, the reality that
13:54 many Lakewood residents are increasingly speaking up that they're
13:57 feeling the squeeze on their family budgets because of kind of a
14:04 unique property valuation increase over the last six years.
14:08 A lot of that's COVID, some of that predates COVID, and Lakewood
14:12 in particular, I think outpaces our peers in the Northeast.
14:15 So it's a real pattern or effect.
14:19 And we're beginning to study that.
14:22 So thank you for your listening to my long oral report.
14:27 I'd like to move to receive and file that report.
14:32 Motion's been made and seconded.
14:36 All those in favor?
14:37 And that motion passes.
14:39 Item six, communication from President Keppel regarding Legal
14:43 Aid Society of Cleveland's Employee Awards.
14:47 Dear colleagues, I'm writing to share news about two Lakewood
14:50 residents who will be honored with an award by the Legal Aid
14:53 Society of Cleveland.
14:55 Dorcas Russo, a Ward 1 resident, will receive the 2025
14:58 Community Impact Award, which recognizes an individual who has
15:02 made a mark for outstanding participation or critical
15:06 involvement that ensured success for a client, client community,
15:10 Dorcas used her knowledge to serve the cities of Ashtabula County,
15:15 or the clients of Ashtabula County at monthly clinics and other
15:18 volunteer opportunities throughout Ashtabula, Lake, and Geauga
15:22 She's an expert in family law and helps advise families on how
15:26 to secure safety and increase economic security.
15:29 Joseph Tamino, a Ward 3 resident, will receive the 2015
15:33 Claude E. Clark Award, which recognizes a Legal Aid staff
15:36 member for outstanding service through professional performance
15:40 and commitment to legal aid and its clients.
15:42 Joseph, a supervising attorney in the Right to Counsel team
15:46 and the Housing Practice Group, was a leader in helping to
15:49 ensure to secure a substantial settlement from the Cuyahoga
15:52 County Metropolitan Housing Authority in a fair housing
15:55 case that had been pending for years and volunteers to do
15:58 community outreach to ensure that the housing system is
16:01 doing community outreach to ensure that those with limited
16:04 incomes are aware of their rights and responsibilities in
16:07 multitude of areas.
16:10 These awards will be presented at Legal Aid's annual meeting
16:13 on November 24th, 2025.
16:15 Please join me in congratulating them both and
16:18 passing the following resolutions that will be
16:20 presented to them at the event.
16:22 Move to receive and file that communication.
16:26 Motion's been made and seconded.
16:31 All those in favor, aye, and that motion passes.
16:34 Item 8, resolution 2025-62, a resolution to recognize
16:39 Lakewood resident Dorcas Russo for receiving the Legal Aid
16:42 Society of Cleveland's 2025 Community Impact Award for
16:45 her significant contribution of pro bono legal services to
16:48 Legal Aid's underserved population.
16:52 Motion's been made and seconded.
16:56 All those in favor, aye, and that motion passes.
16:59 Item 9, resolution 2025-63, a resolution to recognize
17:03 Lakewood resident Joseph Tamino for receiving the Legal Aid
17:06 Society of Cleveland's 2025 Cloud E.
17:09 Clark Award for outstanding service through professional
17:12 performance and commitment to Legal Aid and its clients.
17:17 Motion's been made and seconded.
17:21 All those in favor, aye, and that motion passes.
17:24 Item 10, communication from council member Striebig
17:26 regarding ratification of youth council slate of nominees.
17:30 Council member Striebig.
17:31 Thank you, President Keppel.
17:33 Dear colleagues, I submit the following resolution on
17:36 behalf of Lakewood youth council to ratify its fall 2025
17:42 The fall 2025 slate of nominees is as follows.
17:46 Archer Brandon, Danica Rose Herberger, Brad Kirschbaum,
17:52 These impressive young people were selected by youth council
17:55 as part of a robust internal process, including interviews
17:59 and a vote of youth council.
18:01 According to youth council's bylaws, a final vote for
18:04 ratification by city council is required to officially
18:08 install these new members.
18:09 Please join me in adopting the following resolution
18:12 without delay so that the youth council may carry on its
18:15 important work at full capacity.
18:19 I'll move to receive and file that communication.
18:22 Motion's been made and seconded discussion.
18:26 We're all excited to have more youth involved.
18:29 It's always exciting to see, and we got a chance to
18:31 interact with some of the youth council members tonight.
18:33 Always impressive folks.
18:34 So we're excited to see new members come on.
18:38 Any further discussion on the communication?
18:41 All those in favor?
18:43 And that motion passes.
18:44 Item 11 resolution 2025, 61, a resolution to take effect
18:49 immediately to ratify the fall 2025 slate of nominees
18:52 put forward by Lakewood youth council.
18:56 Motion's been made and seconded.
19:00 All those in favor?
19:02 And that motion passes.
19:03 Item 12 communication from council members, Hamilton
19:06 Steiner and Marks regarding resolution and support of
19:09 citywide composting program.
19:11 Council member Hamilton Steiner.
19:13 Thank you, president couple.
19:14 Dear colleagues, members of the administration and mayor
19:17 George, the city of Lakewood has an opportunity to advance its
19:21 climate action plan goals while delivering a high impact
19:24 environmental service to residents at minimal cost.
19:28 There are neighboring communities, which have successfully
19:31 implemented a citywide composting program.
19:34 We have been working closely in partnership and collaboration
19:37 with members of Lakewood composting committee, a citizen lab
19:41 grassroots organization, and communicating with the planning
19:44 department for support of a program for Lakewood residents.
19:48 A citywide composting program will support our adopted climate
19:52 action plan goal of achieving 95% organic material trash diversion
19:57 to composting by 2030 and reducing food waste generation by 50%.
20:03 With existing infrastructure and operational programming already
20:06 in place within the city, we feel that a citywide rollout would be
20:10 successful, highly utilized and encourage greater participation
20:16 The Lakewood composting committee has an ambitious goal of
20:19 implementation before Earth Day 2026.
20:22 And we agree that while ambitious, it is certainly doable and laudable.
20:27 The attached resolution lays out some of the details.
20:30 Thank you for your time and attention.
20:31 And we look forward to positive and productive conversation.
20:38 Um, I'm anticipating referring the following resolution to the finance
20:45 committee, so, um, it may make sense to also refer the communication.
20:49 Does that make sense to you, uh, council members?
20:55 So I will move to refer the communication to, uh, finance committee.
21:00 Motion's been made and seconded discussion.
21:03 Madam chair, uh, councilman Boat or madam president, I should say, uh,
21:06 thank you for, um, the referral and thank you to councilwoman Hamilton
21:09 Steiner for, um, taking the leadership, um, in partnership with
21:14 councilwoman marks.
21:15 I'm happy to support it.
21:16 And I see a number of citizen leaders in the audience.
21:19 Um, the, um, it's, it's a good program, a good priority.
21:24 And I, I support bringing some focus and, and giving ourselves
21:29 a deadline to get moving on it.
21:31 Um, so I'm glad that this is before us and I'm happy to support it.
21:37 I mean, we could also go to public works and sustainability or housing
21:42 planning development, but given that there's a budget priority attached,
21:44 uh, finance committee made sense to me.
21:48 So on the, um, oh, any further discussion?
21:50 Council member marks.
22:00 Councilwoman Hamilton Steiner for your efforts to make this possible.
22:04 Something that I've been talking and Councilman Bullock had been talking
22:09 about it for a long time and you brought it to fruition.
22:11 So thank you for doing that.
22:16 Any further discussion?
22:19 I'll just add also that, um, we also heard about this at one of
22:23 our council community conversations.
22:25 So it was an awesome opportunity for the public to come and for us to
22:29 hear from them directly and shows the value of, um, having those public
22:34 So appreciate that.
22:36 So on the, um, motion to refer to, uh, the communication to finance, any
22:42 further discussion, uh, vice president Baker.
22:45 Yeah, I'd be interested.
22:46 And I think it's based on some public comment.
22:48 Um, Shakerites Cleveland Heights and a couple of our peer communities
22:53 have some sort of program.
22:54 So it'd be interesting to see, is this something to handle in
22:57 house municipally, you know, uh, or do they go out to third parties?
23:01 So I like, that's what I'm interested in talking about and figuring out and
23:04 getting the details up and the committee.
23:09 Member Hamilton's dinner as a couple.
23:12 Uh, so it comes from, I think we actually had a really good meeting
23:15 today with, um, director Barrington and, um, and, uh, Sophia, one of the,
23:20 one of the planning department members and, um, and we've got a plan of
23:24 action and we've got those and we've got, um, basically some fact finding
23:29 that we're going to be doing, um, and working collaboratively on that.
23:32 So, um, certainly if you think of anything even before that, just, um,
23:37 and we've got a timeline and we're going to follow up with each other,
23:40 So if you've got additional questions, um, just send them to me and
23:44 we can add that to the list.
23:48 This may actually be a good time to take.
23:50 We have some folks signed in for public comment on this.
23:53 Um, we can either do it now or on the resolution itself, but while we're
23:56 paused in this dialogue and since that question came up, it might be a
23:58 good time to do it now.
23:59 Um, so, uh, invite you up to the microphone.
24:03 It is on, so you don't have to push anything.
24:05 When you come up, you'll have up to five minutes.
24:07 I addressed the chair.
24:09 Avoid personalities.
24:10 You'll have, and, um, the first one up is Harry later.
24:22 Good evening council president, Keppel and members of city council.
24:28 My name is Harry later and I'm in war two.
24:30 I'm a war two resident speaking in support of the city-wide composting
24:34 resolution being introduced tonight.
24:37 First, I want to thank councilwoman Hamilton Steiner, councilman
24:41 Bullock and council women marks for co-sponsoring this important
24:48 This resolution reflects strong community support.
24:52 Our community has collected 75, yep, count them 75, um, documented
24:58 signatures from residents across all four wards, demonstrating that
25:02 Lakewood residents want the service.
25:06 This resolution is based on proven success, both regionally and locally.
25:11 Shaker Heights, Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and University Heights,
25:15 all offer free composting programs to the residents, but more importantly,
25:21 composting already works right here in Lakewood.
25:24 Christine Palumbo assistant superintendent of Lakewood city schools has
25:29 provided a format formal endorsement based on the district's multi-year
25:36 partnership with their composting service provider Lakewood schools have
25:41 already diverted more than 32,000 pounds of food waste from landfills
25:46 while providing educational programming that aligns with our district's values.
25:52 This resolution advances goals.
25:55 We've already adopted resolution 2023 15 established in our climate
26:02 action plan specifically calls for municipal organics collection and
26:07 sets a target of 95% organic material diversion by 2030.
26:13 Tonight's resolution provides the authorization needed to
26:17 make that goal a reality.
26:20 This is fiscally responsible.
26:22 Grant funding is available through the Cuyahoga County solid waste district
26:27 and existing sustainability budget resources that can be reallocated.
26:33 We're not asking for new taxes.
26:35 We're asking for a smart use of existing resources to deliver a
26:39 valuable service that our neighboring communities already provide Lakewood
26:45 prides itself on being a leader.
26:47 Tonight, you have the opportunity to catch up with our neighbors and
26:51 deliver a free amenity that benefits individual household reduces waste and
26:57 advances our environmental goals.
27:01 I respectfully urge council to support this resolution and move it forward
27:05 to committee, which apparently it already has done.
27:08 Um, and thank you for your time and your service to the community.
27:14 Um, next up is Katherine Zimnick.
27:18 Oh, Bonnie, go ahead.
27:19 Yeah, come on up, Bonnie.
27:22 Um, yes, my name is Bonnie, Bonnie Sykes.
27:26 Um, I'm ward two and I'm a member of the Lakewood composting committee.
27:30 And I'm glad you brought this up that at the ward two meeting, that's
27:34 how Harry and I connected with this composting idea.
27:38 So those are, those are valuable meetings.
27:41 Um, but just every week, organic waste goes in the trash and the methane
27:46 from the organics and landfill greatly contributes to the global warming.
27:52 And composting simply keeps organic waste outside the landfills.
27:56 And it makes us feel good if we can just compost.
28:00 Um, many Lakewood residents live in apartments and condos and are unable
28:04 to compost and even backyard composting meat and chicken waste is not allowed.
28:10 So residents are frustrated and need some infrastructure to
28:13 help with the composting process.
28:15 And this resolution provides that variance infrastructure across all four wards.
28:22 Current currently residents pay a monthly fee to drop off food
28:26 waste at Madison and Lakewood parks.
28:28 But that cost is a barrier.
28:30 And so in order to increase participation, we want to eliminate
28:33 the fee and expand the drop off locations.
28:38 So thank you for listening to what the residents want and, um, let's
28:43 be the first community on the West side to offer free composting.
28:50 Um, yeah, come on up.
28:57 Hi, I'm Catherine Zimnick from ward three of the Lakewood composting
29:01 committee, and, um, I just want to thank the council very, very much.
29:06 Harry has put a lot of work into this and we're supporting him.
29:10 And I'm so glad that you are supporting this as well.
29:13 Bless all your hearts.
29:15 Um, went around and Harry already mentioned the fact that we got 75
29:20 signatures, if you need more, no problem, we'll get you more.
29:25 Just tell us there's a, it is amazing to me.
29:27 I thought we had kind of cornered the market on everything we needed
29:30 to know about this, but those 75 people gave me additional things
29:37 that we need to think about as well.
29:39 So it's been an education.
29:40 I didn't think I'd get education out of this process, but I have.
29:45 And, um, hold on, hold on.
29:52 I didn't have time to print this out, so I apologize for that.
29:55 Um, we are here from the very beginning.
29:57 So I don't know if you remember, I met you at the ward three
30:00 meeting, bless your heart.
30:01 You came and actually introduced yourself to me.
30:03 And I said, we're the Lakeland composting committee and we're here
30:07 to do everything we can to move this forward.
30:10 So just tell us what you need and we'll do our best to deliver for you.
30:15 And we said the same thing to Angelina.
30:18 Tell us what you need.
30:19 Well, we'll do whatever we can.
30:22 So that's the kind of community we are.
30:24 We don't, you guys are very busy and we respect and honor you all for
30:29 all that you do, but we recognize that you're got a lot going there.
30:33 So we're here to support you to move this forward and please use this
30:38 however you need to, because we will deliver for you.
30:41 I'll guarantee you that.
30:43 Um, how am I doing?
30:44 I got three minutes.
30:46 Oh, my time keeps on going off.
30:53 So currently we're, you have to, this is, this is just open for
30:57 discussion, but currently Lakewood has three parks that have the salt bins on it.
31:03 So one of our initial thoughts is you already got the salt bins there.
31:08 Kaufman Cove, the Lakewood dog park.
31:12 Would those be east?
31:13 Cause someone chose those as good things to use for the salt bins.
31:17 We're thinking, can we leverage off that and add the free citywide
31:21 composting there as well?
31:23 Something for you to consider.
31:25 Um, and I just want to thank all of you for moving this forward.
31:30 It's really been very dear to our heart.
31:31 We put our heart and soul into this.
31:33 So thank you each and every one of you.
31:36 Oh, here's our 75 signatures.
31:44 Um, and I do appreciate, um, I do remember, and that was actually, so
31:49 two, two of the council community conversations composting came out of it.
31:52 So that's a, a valuable, um, valuable result.
31:57 Um, and I do also recall when I first started on council, it was, it was after
32:02 we had gone virtual because of COVID and we had a presentation from the refuse
32:07 and recycling department, as well as from, I think, Rust Belt writers talking
32:12 about the percentage of food, of refuse that is food waste and removing
32:18 that percentage, particularly when we have, of course, some of that's
32:21 commercial with our bars and restaurants, but the amount of food waste
32:24 in that, if that can go into composting, then you take it out of the cost
32:29 of the refuse that has to be treated.
32:31 So there's actually potentially financial benefit too, but it'll be
32:34 interesting to have this discussion and, um, excited to, uh, try to
32:38 move more composting forward.
32:41 So we are still on the motion to refer the communication to finance.
32:45 Any further discussion?
32:48 All those in favor?
32:50 And that motion passes.
32:51 Item 13 resolution 2025, 68, a resolution to take effect immediately authorizing
32:57 the mayor to negotiate and enter into a contract with a composting provider
33:02 for a city wide composting program.
33:04 Move to refer to finance.
33:06 Motions been made and seconded discussion.
33:10 All those in favor?
33:12 And that motion passes.
33:14 Item 14 communication from mayor George and council member Bullock
33:17 regarding participation in NOPEC screen community choice program.
33:27 Members of council, uh, for decades, the city of Lakewood has participated
33:31 in Ohio's community choice aggregation program for utility energy service
33:37 created by state law to allow local governments to use joint buying power
33:41 to negotiate lower prices and other benefits for consumers
33:44 living in their communities.
33:46 Throughout this time, Lakewood has participated as a member of the
33:49 Northeast Ohio public energy council or NOPEC selecting them to operate
33:54 our aggregation program and provide Lakewood residents options for
33:58 affordably priced electricity and natural gas service.
34:02 NOPEC has customarily operated via supply contracts with three year
34:06 terms, allowing a mix of stability and flexibility and pricing and
34:10 program features and allowing member communities the choice to make
34:14 changes or adjustments in three year intervals.
34:17 We are currently approaching the end of the three year term.
34:20 As such, NOPEC requires the attached legislation be passed by
34:23 Lakewood city council to extend our participation and the NOPEC
34:27 electricity aggregation program and to renew its participation and
34:31 the green community choice program.
34:34 Please consider the attached resolution to affirm Lakewood's
34:37 participation and NOPEC.
34:42 Discussion council member Pollack.
34:46 Thanks, Madam President.
34:48 Thank you, Mayor, for initiating this communication and resolution
34:54 and for inviting me to co-sponsor.
34:56 I'm happy to do that.
34:57 And council colleagues, I do strongly support this or refer it
35:00 at least to your consideration.
35:02 So we're coming up on the end of the first three year contract
35:05 and in the normal schedule we do that you kind of plan a year
35:10 ahead and then and then that gives time to NOPEC to negotiate
35:15 supplies for the next three year contract.
35:17 We've been in NOPEC since the year 2000.
35:20 I think we're the first or the second statewide to do this.
35:24 And actually Ohio is a leader in energy aggregation
35:28 nationally, which is nice to do something correctly on this
35:34 And so NOPEC in some ways is like a credit union for
35:38 energy in communities.
35:40 They're a nonprofit.
35:41 They don't upcharge because they don't have a margin.
35:44 They give a dividend back to our community.
35:47 We've used that dividend for some years now to fund
35:51 public facing electric vehicle charges.
35:54 We've also done nearly three quarters of our streets for
35:57 I'm looking at the planning director because it's through
35:59 her department that a lot of that's been coordinated.
36:01 So that means we save energy and dollars, tax dollars.
36:06 So it keeps getting reinvested.
36:07 So NOPEC has been a good partner in all of this.
36:10 We had some conversations about five, six years ago, and it
36:14 took a while, but we finally got this green community choice
36:17 program, which means the default offering is 100 percent
36:22 And Lakewood was among the first.
36:25 I'm trying to recall the other Sheffield village and
36:28 half dozen others in their territory were the early
36:34 And so now we're coming around for the second
36:37 contract, the second renewal.
36:39 And the idea would be NOPEC has up to a million customers.
36:42 If a big slice of those default to do 100 percent clean,
36:47 that right there moves the needle in a positive direction
36:50 on climate emissions, on air quality and a bunch of things.
36:53 That isn't reality today, but we're helping to take the
36:55 first step regionally for our own residents.
36:59 What we're doing is giving them an option.
37:02 They don't have to choose it.
37:03 There's an easy, no penalty way to switch your plan if
37:08 But you default to 100 percent clean power that is less
37:12 expensive than illuminating companies default offer.
37:15 I've actually just called up the prices here, but we save
37:19 money each year under the plan.
37:25 And in the first year, there was significant savings.
37:27 So so if you think about that, you know, some of us
37:31 got involved in, you know, clean energy.
37:34 It's a focus or a priority for us.
37:37 I did that in my house.
37:38 It was a significant expense.
37:40 It's paid itself off over time, but that was a family
37:43 sacrifice, more than ten thousand dollars.
37:46 And it pays itself off over like eight years.
37:48 This benefit requires not none of that investment
37:51 doesn't require you to repair your roof.
37:53 It doesn't require you to get a contractor, figure out a
37:56 loan, save your pennies, you know, may freeze up your
38:00 money to do something else like other repairs or a car.
38:03 So you get a turnkey solution to all of our residents,
38:06 100 percent clean power.
38:07 You can take it for a month. You can take it for a year.
38:09 You can opt out immediately if you have some reason you want
38:13 to make a different choice.
38:14 Whereas those of us who put, you know, invest in these solar
38:17 systems or even a generator because we're experiencing power outages.
38:21 You're you're tying up your cash and you're doing a physical
38:25 change your property and not everybody can do that.
38:27 So I really think this is a key
38:31 offering to our community.
38:33 And it's also a cost effective way to implement our climate action plan.
38:38 And we've got that climate action plan.
38:40 We all supported it for good reasons.
38:41 The administration did a lot of work on it.
38:45 Residents like Bonnie Sykes have been champions of this for some years.
38:50 And we we now have an obligation, in my opinion,
38:54 to try to implement that in the comp.
38:56 We just heard the same same reasoning for the composting is
38:58 another good initiative called out that plan.
39:02 So this is a really big step.
39:05 And and I'm excited about the fact that NOPEC is continuing to pursue this.
39:09 And we'll we'll talk with them, I think, to get pricing information.
39:14 But there's every indication that it should be a good option for people
39:18 with no hidden fees, no hidden
39:22 exit penalties, like a lot of these door knocking
39:27 So you can tell I'm a little bit of an energy geek because I've talked too long.
39:32 But thank you for the
39:35 putting this on the agenda.
39:36 And I think it's worth very worth their consideration.
39:44 So if we want to send this to committee, I think the communication would be helpful.
39:50 We also just got a pretty significant explanation.
39:54 And we've been doing this in the past, so we could also
40:03 I'm interested in hearing colleagues' thoughts on council members.
40:07 Thank you. I think this is a renewal
40:09 for a program that we're already participating in,
40:12 and I'm happy to support this tonight.
40:15 The council members.
40:18 I agree, I'm happy to support this evening.
40:23 So then I will move to receive and file the communication.
40:27 Second, motion's been made and seconded any discussion.
40:33 Hearing none, all those in favor.
40:35 I and that motion passes.
40:37 Item 15 resolution 2025, 67, a resolution approving
40:41 the city of Lakewood's notice to the Northeast Ohio Public Energy
40:45 Council, NOPEC, to elect NOPEC's green community choice program
40:49 for the city's electricity aggregation program starting June 2026.
40:55 Second, motion's been made and seconded discussion.
40:59 I'd just like to thank the mayor and councilman Bullock
41:01 for bringing this forward and continuing this worthwhile program.
41:05 Any further discussion?
41:07 Hearing none, all those in favor.
41:09 I and that motion passes.
41:11 Item 16 report from council member
41:13 Striebig regarding October 15th meeting of Lakewood
41:15 Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board Council member Striebig.
41:18 Thank you, President Keppel.
41:20 Dear colleagues, I attended the LaSalle meeting on October
41:25 Animal Control Officer Crumley provided a report
41:30 on the grand opening for the new animal shelter on October 23rd
41:34 from 1 30 to 3 p.m.
41:36 He provided an updated report of animals that have been
41:40 attended to in the city compared to the numbers from last year.
41:43 By month, if you have a chance to take a look at that,
41:46 it's quite interesting.
41:48 The shelter is full of cats and approximately 10 to 12 are available
41:51 for adoption, and Davis Court is still a problem with the cat
41:54 community that is still multiplying.
41:57 SWAB members, Juliana reported that LaSalle is holding a pet
42:01 food drive for the Lakewood Community Service Center
42:04 on Saturday, November 15th from 10 to 2 p.m.
42:08 in the pocket park in front of Mark's Plaza.
42:11 The center needs has a need of 12,000 pounds
42:16 of animal food per month, which kind of blew my mind.
42:20 So that animals get the food that they need and people aren't sharing
42:23 their food with their pets.
42:26 Conversation was held about who else could help with this demand,
42:29 and they're they're looking into other companies to help them with this.
42:35 Dana Marie Pennella, lawyer and recognized TRN specialist.
42:40 I'm sorry, that should be TNR specialist in Ohio,
42:43 reviewed a draft of the TNR ordinance
42:46 and made recommendations for language changes.
42:49 The committee, Officer Crumley and I had a lengthy discussion with her
42:53 about the recommendations and agreed to review the recommendations
42:56 with the law department. Thank you.
43:01 I move to receive and file that report.
43:04 OK, which has been made and seconded discussion.
43:08 Hearing none, all those in favor.
43:10 I and that motion passes.
43:12 Item 17 report from Councilmember Striebig regarding
43:15 October 23rd meeting of Lakewood Youth Council.
43:18 Councilmember Striebig again.
43:19 Thank you, President Keppel.
43:21 Dear colleagues, the Lakewood Youth Council met on Thursday, October 23rd,
43:25 2025 in the auditorium at Lakewood City Hall.
43:29 The council welcomed four new members with Lakewood residents, sorry,
43:33 and members and Lakewood residents to the group.
43:35 The new members are students at Magnificat, St.
43:38 Ed's, Hawkins School of Mastery and Lakewood High School.
43:42 The meeting began with personal and committee introductions.
43:46 The committee chair for mental health did not have a report,
43:49 nor did the chair for outreach and publicity.
43:51 Old business regarding the timing of flashing traffic lights was discussed
43:56 and a request from the director of public works, Mr.
43:59 Gordon, to specify which intersections and what time of concern was shared.
44:05 Several members volunteered to work on getting this information together.
44:09 Also, a communication and support of a circulator bus
44:12 is now being drafted to give to city council.
44:16 The community festival suggestion box recommendations
44:18 were shared with the new members and full council.
44:22 Recommendations from the community included better sidewalks,
44:26 more money for schools and athletics, a skate park for younger children,
44:32 bringing back the circulator bus, more puppies.
44:39 just straight up more puppies, just more puppies in life, I think.
44:44 More dog parks, a place to hang out and meet others
44:47 and in and an in-ground trampoline area,
44:51 scooter park and a babysitting program.
44:54 A conversation began about where teenagers hang out
44:57 and which local restaurants allow them to stay when they can buy food there.
45:03 Cove Community Center was discussed, but it closes at 430 p.m.
45:07 A recommendation was made to move this topic to the mental health committee
45:11 and to find out more about what other cities are doing
45:13 and finding success with teenage activities.
45:19 Move to receive and file that report.
45:22 Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion?
45:25 Councilman Hamilton Steiner.
45:27 Yes, thank you, President Keppel.
45:30 Councilwoman Striebeck, I would love to
45:34 help you and work with the youth council,
45:36 maybe to a meeting if possible and talk about that.
45:41 I might have experience with youth development and youth planning
45:46 and the issue around safe spaces, safe places for young people.
45:52 And how do you develop them? How do you grow them?
45:53 How do you programming and all of that?
45:56 I think it is something that is important and growing up
45:59 and like what I remember that there weren't too many places to hang out
46:04 that were where we were wanted to be.
46:07 And I think one one of the issues sometimes you'll see people talk online
46:11 about, you know, older children being on the playground,
46:16 that playground that's designed for younger children.
46:19 And it's like how you can get mad at them when there's really nothing
46:23 specifically geared for them.
46:24 So I do think it is something that we should start talking about
46:29 and even thinking about as we're looking at planning
46:32 and how we're planning for Lakewood and being more youth centered in our community.
46:41 I'll echo that, too, and say that a number of us have had
46:44 conversations at different times.
46:47 Something that's near and dear to my heart, too, is a former youth librarian
46:50 and where a lot of the teens would hang out.
46:53 It doesn't happen as much in our local libraries as it does in other communities.
46:57 But there are other potential places.
46:59 And I also want to just mention that the community health needs
47:04 assessment calls out out of school time engagement.
47:07 And there is part of the community health action team
47:10 with Assistant Director Boss and Kate Ingersoll from Healthy Lakewood Foundation.
47:15 There is a subcommittee in our human services department subcommittee
47:18 on out of school time enrichment.
47:21 That would be great to get the youth council.
47:25 We should definitely have youth involved in that conversation.
47:27 So I'd love to kind of connect the dots there would be great.
47:32 All right. Further discussion on the report.
47:35 So just thank you, Councilmember Stueberg, for these great reports.
47:39 Helps keep us engaged with what's happening in all these committees.
47:42 And, you know, we get we ask citizens to give their time.
47:46 It's nice to be able to understand what's happening in those groups
47:49 and be able to support them.
47:52 Further discussion on the motion to receive and file the report.
47:56 Hearing none, all those in favor.
47:58 I and that motion passes.
48:00 I am 18. Communication from Fire Chief Fairbanks regarding
48:03 fire engine purchase legislation. Chief Fairbanks.
48:09 Good evening, President Keppel and members of City Council.
48:12 The Lakewood Fire Department respectfully requests authorization
48:15 to enter into a contract with the Sudfin Corporation
48:19 for the construction of our next fire engine.
48:21 This purchase is included in the twenty twenty eight
48:24 capital improvement plan of the three manufacturers who submitted quotes.
48:28 Sudfin is the only one able to meet our required delivery timeline.
48:32 Maintaining the scheduled twenty twenty eight delivery is critical
48:35 not only to ensure the operational readiness of our department,
48:39 but also to uphold the integrity of the city's broader capital plan.
48:44 Each department depends on a predictable schedule
48:46 for its capital projects and shifting this timeline
48:49 would have a cascading effect across the organization.
48:52 Additionally, I request that Council approve the purchase price
48:55 not to exceed the amount budgeted in the capital plan.
48:59 This will provide necessary flexibility to accommodate potential
49:02 cost adjustments related to tariffs, material increases
49:05 or change orders within the dynamic fire apparatus market.
49:09 Thank you for your consideration.
49:13 Thank you. Move to receive and file that communication.
49:16 I can. Motion's been made and seconded.
49:19 We had a detailed presentation on this topic
49:24 during the Public Safety Committee recently.
49:29 Any further discussion on this communication?
49:33 All right. On the motion to receive and file the communication.
49:35 All those in favor. Aye. And that motion passes.
49:38 Item 19 resolution twenty twenty five sixty four a resolution
49:42 to take effect immediately approving the ordering of certain vehicles
49:46 in accordance with the requirements of liquid codified ordinance.
49:48 One eleven oh four for delivery in twenty twenty eight.
49:52 Given the substantial conversation that was previously had in public safety
49:57 and that this is already included in the capital budget,
50:01 I'm inclined to move to adopt.
50:03 But I'm open to hearing from council colleagues.
50:08 All right. Oh, Councilwoman Stuping.
50:10 I couldn't agree more.
50:11 I think that it's time to move forward with this.
50:14 Thank you. All right.
50:16 So I will move to adopt.
50:18 Second. Motion's been made and seconded.
50:22 Madam President, Councilman Book.
50:24 Could I fire chief, can you remind us of the cost
50:27 and the reason we're talking about twenty twenty eight today?
50:31 Sure. So the cost, the overall cost,
50:35 we budgeted one point five million to be safe.
50:39 And unfortunately, the sticker shock hit us.
50:41 We are most of our price.
50:43 Actually, all the prices came in around one point four or five million.
50:47 So a lot of what the sales folks are telling us
50:52 is that there are going to be additional costs later on
50:58 just due to tariffs or
51:02 like I said, material costs that come along,
51:04 you know, whether there's a change in the price of steel
51:08 or there's a piece that is not being made readily
51:11 by the traditional manufacturer, they have to go out
51:14 and find a specific piece for that vehicle.
51:19 So they've they've kind of they've they've advised us to,
51:22 you know, don't go down to the penny.
51:24 Give yourself some cushion in case this happens.
51:27 Otherwise, we have to start stripping things off of the vehicle,
51:34 Idle reduction technology or
51:38 the type of materials that we're using or even,
51:41 you know, some of the safety features like the the cabin air filter,
51:45 which filters out the carcinogens that off gas from our equipment
51:49 when we return from a fire.
51:51 So rather than sacrificing those
51:56 pieces of equipment on the vehicle,
51:58 we requested to just at least stay at the budgeted amount
52:02 and not a dollar more.
52:05 This gives us some flexibility.
52:07 Also, the twenty twenty eight timeline
52:09 keeps with our capital plan of replacing
52:13 frontline vehicles at 15 years.
52:17 And then we keep that vehicle.
52:20 So, for example, this vehicle would come into service
52:24 and operate as a frontline vehicle for 15 years.
52:27 And then we would keep it as a reserve, a ready reserved vehicle
52:30 for 10 more with an overall lifespan of 25,
52:34 which we are on track for that with all of our vehicles currently.
52:39 So that is why we are sticking to the twenty twenty eight timeline.
52:44 Madam President, follow.
52:45 So the type of truck or vehicle or engine it is, is what?
52:50 And can you give us some context?
52:51 So it's replacing something that's in its 15th year or 16th year or its 25th year.
52:57 So overall, the vehicle that would be replaced
53:01 is one of our reserve vehicles.
53:03 So it's meeting the end of its useful life.
53:06 So that vehicle will essentially come off of our roster.
53:10 And then the new vehicle would go to station two on the city's west end,
53:15 which is technically a rescue pumper truck.
53:17 It it pumps water, but it also has a lot more
53:20 cabinetry on it to carry more specialized tools,
53:24 such as the technical rescue component, the ice rescue, water rescue.
53:30 Things of that type.
53:31 So this vehicle is required to have a lot more storage space
53:35 than just a standard fire engine.
53:38 So that this newer vehicle will replace that vehicle at station two.
53:43 And the state is the vehicle at station two currently will then become a ready
53:46 reserve. OK, and it's one point five million, a good price.
53:50 Or is that spiked because of the fact that you said,
53:53 like, if we bought this five years ago, what would the price have been?
53:57 It would probably have been about five hundred thousand dollars cheaper.
54:04 That price increase is not unique to Lakewood or this model of truck.
54:09 All three of these quotes, we tried to build three vehicles
54:13 from three different manufacturers, tried to keep them apples to apples.
54:17 Same components, same style of compartments,
54:21 same seating arrangements, same motor, same transmission.
54:25 All of it, we wanted it to all be as similar as possible
54:28 so we can get a very close comparison.
54:31 And they all came within about,
54:34 I'd say, fifty thousand dollars of each other.
54:36 OK, so so I mean, of course, I think
54:41 for me, for sure, and I'm anticipating other council colleagues
54:44 want to support the equipment, the safety, the capabilities
54:48 at the maximum for police, fire, all those safety forces, public works, too.
54:53 The the question would be,
54:56 maybe we could, as part of the budget process is coming up,
54:59 understand if costs have gone up
55:02 50 percent for a capital equipment, how are we going to factor
55:07 then into our future planning?
55:08 So our normal schedule
55:11 for whatever it's been for the last 10 years looks a certain way.
55:14 Certain number of pieces of equipment.
55:16 You know, I appreciate your points about how we're making our equipment last
55:20 and also serve a backup role that all is good.
55:24 Stewardship of dollars.
55:27 Does that need to shift and change further?
55:29 You know, so we get this this truck in place.
55:32 Twenty twenty eight is actually pretty near term
55:35 when you're considering heavy equipment purchases.
55:37 But what about twenty, twenty nine, thirty, et cetera?
55:40 Do we need to factor in the new normal if these prices have gone up?
55:45 Typically, prices don't come back down that frequently.
55:48 Right. So we tried to anticipate which is.
55:52 Our our last vehicle, which was a quint apparatus,
55:56 which it is a pumper truck with an aerial ladder on it.
56:00 We purchased that vehicle in twenty, twenty one.
56:05 It was delivered in twenty, twenty three.
56:07 We purchased that vehicle for one point one million.
56:09 And that vehicle today is one point seven five million.
56:12 So this is like a it's it's almost an industry crisis
56:17 of the spiking in the prices of emergency vehicles.
56:21 So, you know, part of my job is I need to anticipate these needs,
56:26 which is why when we built the capital plan, I added, you know,
56:30 I felt that I was putting a safe number in there.
56:33 And I I honestly felt that we weren't even going to get close.
56:37 And then when the numbers started rolling in, it was like, oh, boy.
56:43 You know, while I sit here and as I'm the fire chief in Lakewood,
56:46 my job is to anticipate all of these things in the future.
56:50 And we try to do the best we can.
56:52 And we will just work within our means in the future.
56:56 You know, if if we were coming in over budget on these projects
56:59 and then there's going to be some shifting of of the designs
57:03 of what what we're going to be doing just to make sure
57:07 that we are being the good stewards of our taxpayers dollars.
57:11 OK, thanks for that thoughtful answer.
57:13 And maybe there's a time machine somewhere in Fire Station one.
57:17 You can go back in time and preorder a bunch of prior to the price markup.
57:22 OK, thank you. Thank you.
57:24 And I just I do think that the the general thoughtful question about
57:30 as we look, you know, capital planning in terms of equipment
57:34 and other capital planning of how
57:38 we need to be thinking about that, not just with the fire department,
57:40 but with other equipment, with other capital expenses
57:44 of how the current factors may play into that.
57:47 I think is a good one for the budget discussion.
57:51 But I will just also say to you in terms of chief to your comment about.
57:58 You know, budgets are budgets, but also we would not want to.
58:02 I'll just speak for myself.
58:03 I would not want anything coming off the truck that would
58:06 increase the risk to the team.
58:11 So particularly as we've worked hard to reduce cancer risk,
58:15 you know, that's we we're not expecting
58:19 to save money on the backs of firefighters.
58:23 Or any other staff member.
58:25 Madam President, I just want to point out that police cars don't cost that much.
58:30 Duly noted, duly noted chief. Yes, thank you.
58:33 Yeah, how many how many police cars could we get for that fire truck?
58:36 Maybe come back with that answer.
58:38 You know, we might be able to replace the fleet.
58:41 All right. All right.
58:44 So on that, we are on the resolution on the hose on the next call.
58:52 Actually, you should invite him to the live burn training.
58:55 All right. Any so we're still on the resolution.
58:59 We have a motion to adopt any further discussion
59:03 I'll just also say we appreciate the chief in the fire department
59:07 always having the equipment team do this investigation ahead
59:11 and come to us very prepared, as always.
59:14 All right. Any further discussion?
59:16 Hearing none on the motion to adopt all those in favor.
59:19 I and that motion passes.
59:21 I am 20 communication from planning director Bienton
59:24 regarding authorization of the Fourth Amendment to the lease
59:26 between the city of Lakewood and Lakewood Child Care Center.
59:32 Am I going to Dr. Bangton?
59:34 Thank you, President Keppel and members of City Council.
59:37 The proposed resolution would authorize the city of Lakewood
59:40 to enter into a fourth amendment with the Lakewood Child Care Center
59:43 regarding their occupancy at 1450 Bell Avenue, the community health center.
59:48 The Child Care Center is currently located on the first floor
59:50 and wishes to amend the lease agreement to allow for their long term
59:53 planning and investment in the facility.
59:56 In summary, the lease amendment will allow for
59:58 the right to extend the term for an additional five year periods
1:00:01 with a maximum of five extensions, an escalating tenant improvement allowance,
1:00:06 which would start at fifteen thousand in year twenty twenty seven
1:00:10 and the ability to carry over their tenant improvement allowance
1:00:12 to an amount that shall not exceed five times
1:00:15 what the then current tenant improvement allowances.
1:00:18 We respectfully request this resolution be referred to the committee
1:00:21 deemed appropriate. Thank you.
1:00:29 So since Vice President Baker has
1:00:33 intending to recuse, I believe.
1:00:35 Yes. Thank you, Council President.
1:00:38 My wife is on the board for the Child Care Center, so
1:00:41 I have lots of things to say about the organization,
1:00:44 but I will keep them to myself and I will recuse myself on the post.
1:00:49 Thank you. Given that I will not
1:00:54 probably not refer to housing planning and development.
1:00:56 So let's see what would make sense.
1:01:08 Madam Chair, I've been working with some of the board members on this
1:01:12 and with Director Byneton, thank you for your attention to this.
1:01:14 I haven't checked in on it recently, so I welcome the update.
1:01:19 I want to study and understand what's going on.
1:01:23 trying to also integrate or understand what the other tenants in the building
1:01:28 we're doing. And as a reminder to our colleagues,
1:01:31 we own the city, owns the building.
1:01:33 And so we're also we're not the day to day manager.
1:01:37 We retain North Point Realty to do that.
1:01:44 Kind of the big picture of what's what's a good use of the building,
1:01:48 what's important, what's good financial stewardship.
1:01:50 And so kind of the argument in front of us is is affordable health care,
1:01:54 high quality, excuse me, affordable daycare, high quality daycare
1:02:01 And it's essentially located option two.
1:02:05 So within that context, this specific lease,
1:02:09 potential lease amendment comes before us.
1:02:11 I do think it's worth a little bit of our time to focus on.
1:02:15 I'd be happy to take it to finance committee.
1:02:19 We could kind of squeeze in or we can hold it until I don't know if there's a time
1:02:24 That was going to be my question.
1:02:27 So their their current lease extension is or their lease agreement is not up
1:02:32 for a while, but they are very anxious to move forward with this amendment
1:02:37 because they want to start making plans for improvements and they'd want to
1:02:42 feel secure that they're going to be able to maintain this location for for
1:02:48 OK, just let's well, let's let's let's move to that's OK.
1:03:00 No, I'm just as a yeah, it was just we have all the budget stuff.
1:03:05 I just don't want to get lost in budget.
1:03:07 But Madam Chair, I think we're planning to meet next Monday, right?
1:03:11 The 10th or one of the first budget items we could include this
1:03:17 potentially if it were to come to finance timely consideration of this for
1:03:25 20 minutes probably would do it, I think.
1:03:29 And then OK, and then proceed to the other matters that we intend to have
1:03:36 That is OK. We may also have the adding to the schedule on Monday.
1:03:41 But so, OK, well, maybe the move to refer to finance.
1:03:48 Second, the motion's been made and seconded.
1:03:54 Hearing none, all those in favor.
1:03:56 I and that motion was staying.
1:03:59 Remember to do it on the next one.
1:04:02 Item 21 resolution 2025, 65, a resolution to take effect immediately
1:04:07 authorizing the mayor to enter into the fourth amended lease agreement with
1:04:11 the Child Care Center for the lease of the real property located at 1450
1:04:16 Bell Avenue, first floor, also known as the Community Health Center to refer to
1:04:21 finance. Second, the motion's been made and seconded.
1:04:28 Hearing none. All those in favor.
1:04:30 I abstentions and that motion passes item 22 communication from planning
1:04:36 director Byington and development officer Wyman regarding fiscal year
1:04:40 26 HUD annual action plan resolution and Lakewood Citizens Advisory Committee
1:04:45 fiscal year 26 federal funding allocation recommendations.
1:04:50 Thank you, President Keppel and members of City Council.
1:04:54 Lakewood Citizens Advisory Committee approved its fiscal year 26 CDBG and
1:05:00 emergency solutions grant allocation recommendations to City Council on
1:05:04 September 10th based on estimated 20, 26 CDBG and ESG awards of seven
1:05:10 point five one point seven five million and one hundred and sixty thousand
1:05:16 We respectively submit for your consideration the Department of
1:05:19 Planning and Development's fiscal year 26 annual action plan resolution and
1:05:24 the CAC's fiscal year 26 CDBG and ESG allocation recommendations.
1:05:30 We request this resolution be referred to the committee deemed appropriate.
1:05:36 We're sending this to finance.
1:05:38 Do you would you like the communication?
1:05:41 I'll move to refer to finance.
1:05:45 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:05:50 I and that motion passes item 23 resolution 20, 25, 66 a resolution to
1:05:56 take effect immediately authorizing and directing the mayor to submit the
1:06:00 fiscal year 2026 one year action plan of the five year consolidated plan
1:06:05 which includes dollar allocations and activities to be funded with federal
1:06:09 CDBG ESG resources any other entitlement funds receipt from the U.S.
1:06:14 Department of Housing and Urban Development all amendments there to all
1:06:18 understandings and assurances contained therein and incorporates the
1:06:21 city's application to HUD fiscal year 26 CDBG and ESG funds.
1:06:26 We referred to move to refer to finance.
1:06:29 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:06:41 Finance Department vendor report submitted pursuant to LCO 11103.
1:06:50 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:06:55 I and that motion passes item 25 FECA Cafe LLC liquor permit 16203
1:07:03 And we're in receipt of this report.
1:07:06 It's in word two as is our custom council member Evans.
1:07:10 So I'll move to file with no objection.
1:07:14 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:07:22 Item 26 Citizens Eatery 14600 Detroit Avenue.
1:07:26 We also received this one today.
1:07:28 So I will council member Evans also in your word.
1:07:33 I'll move to file with no objection.
1:07:36 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:07:50 So we are at public comment period.
1:07:52 Do you have anyone else signed in to speak?
1:08:07 You know it's about the Bunce Road thing.
1:08:09 I just have a couple of comments tonight.
1:08:13 Number one I I know this isn't question and answer but I've been
1:08:17 wondering there were two items that that it was stated that were supposed
1:08:24 to be changed and one was the utility boxes that are near the corner of
1:08:30 Detroit and Bunce where the get go is that there would be in the way of the
1:08:36 path they might they might be six feet from the curb in front of the
1:08:43 giant eagle fence and I understood that they were going to be turned on
1:08:48 their side to give a little more space for the path.
1:08:50 I'm wondering if that's going to be happening.
1:08:53 And the other one I'm wondering about is the giant eagle parking lot.
1:08:56 They have two driveways on Bunce and it was stated that they were going to
1:09:02 there was going to be discussions with them to close one of those driveways to
1:09:06 cut down on traffic and on people on the path having to or and for the cars
1:09:15 having to watch out for people dodging them in and out of the driveway.
1:09:20 So those are two things I'm wondering what the status is on those.
1:09:24 The other thing that I wanted to comment on has to do with political will.
1:09:30 I remember going to this planning meeting when the resurfacing of Edgewater
1:09:37 Drive was up on the agenda and their shared use path which is in the street.
1:09:46 You know I mean I'm sure you all are aware that it's in the street but I
1:09:49 remember a point of contention there was that they did not want to have the
1:09:56 crosswalks that light up if you go and push the button.
1:09:59 A lot of people it seems down there were very concerned about crosswalks
1:10:03 and traffic and they wanted four way stop signs which you know they were
1:10:08 told that's not going to happen due to legalities but they did not want
1:10:13 those lights flashing in their neighborhood so guess what they didn't
1:10:16 get those where I personally find this solution is quite workable but in my
1:10:24 mind the point is the political will in that neighborhood is a lot more
1:10:30 potent than the political will in my neighborhood and so you know there's no
1:10:36 political will and that came up twice in that meeting once stated by
1:10:40 the resident and once stated by a city official there's no political will
1:10:43 for sidewalks down there on Edgewater. So that's just a little unpleasant to
1:10:52 really think that way that those people rate more than we do but you
1:11:00 Okay I'm going off on other topics. We're still thinking about what can you
1:11:07 do for us to make this a little more livable for us. Is there any
1:11:12 chance of traffic calming? I mean we have more traffic than is believable and you
1:11:20 know I've lived there for like 40 years 42 I think the traffic was
1:11:25 nothing compared it was maybe a quarter of what it is now because people will
1:11:29 say well why did you buy a house on Buntz? Well you know it was a little
1:11:32 different and you know things are different now about selling a house in
1:11:37 Lakewood our house is paid for we sell our house I'm afraid we're gonna move
1:11:42 out of Lakewood we can't afford to buy something else here and certainly the
1:11:48 homes not on Buntz would cost a bit more I would say especially when this
1:11:52 path goes in is the realtors think that our home values will decrease by
1:11:57 15 percent. So I would really like everyone to think about what can you
1:12:01 do for us to make this more palatable? What can you do with this path a
1:12:06 10-foot wide asphalt plan that really will change the character of our
1:12:11 neighborhood? Can we have a better surface? How about those lovely
1:12:16 permeable pavers that are in Lakewood Park in the new parking area? More
1:12:22 trees. What if what if there were trees available to us to plant on our
1:12:27 own yard so that we have a buffer before the path like those trees down
1:12:33 in Western Lakewood between the apartment building parking lots I think I
1:12:38 mentioned this last time and the path that really gives a nicer view instead
1:12:43 of a path there's tree there's parking trees path nicely landscape
1:12:50 buffer and then the street I said it's nice you know I have a few more
1:12:55 things to ask about and I see I'm running out of time but I really
1:12:59 think you need to help us out you need to do something for us like ban e-bikes
1:13:03 that would be one important thing so I'll have more on this in the future
1:13:09 thank you thank you Kim and always welcome to send those ideas to us
1:13:16 as well so if you don't feel like coming to you so I I know some of
1:13:20 those who are working on with the legislation on e-bikes I do believe
1:13:24 that the plan calls for additional trees more than what is currently there
1:13:30 but I do think the front yard tree we do that giveaway with the tree
1:13:34 education advisory board but there may be some special work we could do to
1:13:40 increase that for those who want them on their front yards the giant eagle
1:13:44 parking lot is a concern now sometimes so I think that's worth
1:13:49 looking into just I'm sure we can look at the plans and see what that
1:13:53 plan is and I believe the entirety of the plan is involving traffic calming as
1:13:58 it narrows that the overhead so and we have the permeable pavers are in the
1:14:05 parking area so a lot of these things have been incorporated in the plan
1:14:09 but always good to revisit and continue to try to improve all right
1:14:14 we do have some e-comments those will be entered in the record Kim was
1:14:20 the only person signed in to speak I don't see Barbara getting up so so we're
1:14:26 on to announcements obviously a big one tomorrow is election day polls open 6
1:14:32 30 a.m. and close at 7 30 p.m. for those of us who live in ward 2c if
1:14:38 you live in ward 2c we are no longer voting at Lincoln we are voting at the
1:14:43 women's pavilion so if you normally vote at Lincoln vote at the women's
1:14:47 pavilion other announcements from council members council members too big
1:14:53 thank you president Keppel I'm looking at my clear calendar to remind us of
1:14:58 all the things that are coming up including a full moon on the 5th and
1:15:02 also Veterans Day on the 11th before we meet again and I'm hoping to see
1:15:07 everyone at the celebration this year thank you yeah the Veterans Day event
1:15:13 is always great we will have committee meetings before then but we won't
1:15:16 full council so in our appreciation to all the veterans other announcements
1:15:21 from council council member marks I just wish all my council colleagues who
1:15:27 are running for re-election good luck and hope you bring in a victory thank
1:15:34 you all right other announcements from council members announcements from the
1:15:39 administration hearing none no further business to come before council we