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 will call to order the regular meeting of council.
0:04 If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
0:06 Before we take our customer moment of silence tonight,
0:27 I'm going to turn it over to Councilmember Striep.
0:35 November 13th through November 19th is Trans Awareness Week.
0:41 And on 1120, it's Trans Remembrance Day.
0:46 And I just wanted to do a quick reading for you.
0:48 This reading is from the Trans Remembrance Project.
0:53 Twenty-six years ago, trans activists
0:55 in Boston organized the first Trans Day of Remembrance
0:57 to mourn those that we've lost and to demand an end
1:00 to the violence against transgender people,
1:05 particularly trans women of color.
1:07 When Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett were both lost
1:10 to violent anti-trans attacks within a few years of each other,
1:14 trans people came together to remember, to mourn,
1:17 and to demand better for those who would come after them.
1:22 As we remember those loss of violence,
1:25 we also grieve their stolen futures.
1:28 Their stories shine through the words of their loved ones
1:31 who remember their passions for music and art, their love
1:35 of partners, friends and pets, their talents
1:38 for community organizing, for fashion or ballroom
1:43 or journalism or computer science.
1:46 As trans people living openly
1:47 as ourselves often require immense courage,
1:51 and that courage inspires others
1:52 to live more fully and authentically.
1:56 As one relative of Kelsey Elm, a 25-year-old black trans woman
2:00 from Missouri who was lost this year,
2:03 said watching Kelsey grow into her confidence
2:06 and share it with the world was a blessing.
2:09 When we lose trans people, everyone loses so much.
2:15 This data is for November 1st of 2024 to October 31st of 2025
2:22 with some overlap to capture those lost in October 2024
2:27 whose loss was not reported in time.
2:30 While we work hard to gather
2:31 and analyze the fullest possible data set,
2:35 it is very likely that this limit,
2:36 that this list remains incomplete due to the nature
2:39 of how these stories are reported and under reported.
2:43 We can't draw comparisons year over year.
2:46 Trans identities are often poorly acknowledged in life
2:49 and erased in death, and we have a long way
2:51 to go before we have completely accurate picture
2:56 of the community's loss.
2:58 During this time period, we had a total death of 58 people,
3:03 total violent deaths were 27, total deaths by suicide 21.
3:10 Gun violence appears over and over in our data.
3:13 Out of 27 total violent deaths, 17 were due to gun violence.
3:18 61% of those lost to suicide were trans children ages 15 to 24.
3:25 The Trevor Project's latest study released in October 2025
3:30 shows that younger trans
3:32 and gender nonconforming youth age 13
3:35 to 17 are at particular risk of suicidal ideology,
3:41 I'm sorry, ideation and poor mental health outcomes.
3:45 Discrimination and harassment often targeted
3:48 at trans women and girls strongly affects mental health.
3:52 Trans people who were verbally harassed,
3:55 denied equal treatment or physically assaulted
3:58 were very much more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
4:02 On our list, 61% of those lost to suicide
4:05 were between the ages of 15 and 24.
4:09 As Daniel DiHonisono, Kamora Wood's mother said,
4:15 love your child, accept your child for who they are
4:18 because life is too short and you just don't know
4:27 So as we take this moment of silence,
4:29 just want to lift up our Trans Day of Remembrance.
4:39 Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
4:41 Vice President Baker.
4:43 Council Member Block.
4:45 Council Member Evans.
4:49 Council Member Marks.
4:51 Council Member Hamilton-Steiner.
4:53 Council Member Striebeck.
4:55 Reading and disposal of the minutes
4:56 of the regular meeting of council held November 3rd, 2025.
4:59 Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.
5:03 Motion's been made and seconded.
5:05 Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.
5:08 Motion's been made and seconded.
5:14 And that motion passes.
5:15 I am reading and disposal of the minutes of the special meeting of council held November
5:21 Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.
5:25 Motion's been made and seconded.
5:28 I'd just like to thank Vice President Baker for chairing that meeting and making
5:33 It was extremely difficult.
5:35 Any further discussion?
5:39 And that motion passes.
5:45 Without objection, we did have some young person.
5:56 So we'll come back to that.
5:57 So let's go ahead and move on with item one.
5:58 Item one, report from finance committee held November 10th, 2025.
6:05 Thank you, Madam President.
6:12 Dear colleagues, finance committee met on November 10th to address two items of legislation
6:18 referred to council.
6:19 First, we heard from development officer Dan Wyman and citizens advisory committee
6:26 or CAC co-chair Claire Foley about the 2025 CAC process and recommendations.
6:33 The role of the CAC is to help advise the city on the highest and best use of a
6:38 discrete pool of federal funds that the city receives each year.
6:41 For 2026, the estimate to be received is $1.75 million in community
6:48 development block grant funds and $160,000 in emergency solutions grant funds.
6:56 After four public meetings in which the CAC heard proposals and applications
7:00 regarding the funds, the CAC issued recommendations which matched those of
7:06 Notably, the city's public art program received for the first time a
7:10 funding allocation recommendation of $42,500.
7:14 After deliberation and discussion, the finance committee unanimously moved to
7:18 recommend adoption of resolution 2025-66 which authorizes, which would
7:24 authorize these recommendations to be submitted to the U.S.
7:26 Department of Housing and Urban Development.
7:30 Next, the committee addressed resolution 2025-65 which authorizes the
7:35 city to, which authorizes updates to the city's lease with one of its
7:41 tenants at 1450 Bell Avenue, the Lakewood Child Care Center.
7:46 Due to a conflict of interest, Councilmember Baker recused himself from
7:49 all discussions and votes on the matter.
7:51 Having already heard, and I should actually say at least in abundance of
7:55 caution, avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, he recused himself.
7:59 Having already heard from Lakewood Child Care Center on this topic and
8:04 being familiar with the high quality of services that they provide, I
8:07 express support for the proposed lease which establishes a greater sense of
8:12 stability and longevity for this long-term tenant which also provides a
8:16 much needed service to the Lakewood community which is high quality day
8:22 care, especially for the very children.
8:27 The terms of this revised lease would better enable and empower them to
8:31 do so to make long-term plans and renovations.
8:35 After discussion with Director Buyington, the committee voted to amend
8:39 resolution 2025-65 for a minor typo correction and then to favorably
8:45 refer it to Council as amended.
8:49 Councilmember Baker abstained.
8:51 Move to receive and file that report.
8:55 Motion has been made and seconded.
8:59 I just want to repeat what I said in committee which is I want to
9:01 thank Director Buyington for all of it.
9:06 But on the second item related to the lease for 1450 Bell, we had had
9:11 informal conversations over two years or something and I appreciate her
9:16 follow-through on this.
9:18 And as I said, there's value to the city beyond the monetary rent we
9:28 have to pay for this building to maintain and provide for possible
9:36 And she really followed through on it.
9:41 Any further discussion on that report?
9:44 Hearing none, on the motion to receive and file, all those in
9:50 And that motion passes.
9:52 Item two, substitute resolution 2025-65, a resolution to take
9:57 effect immediately authorizing the mayor to enter into the fourth
10:00 amended lease agreement with the Lakewood Child Care Center for the
10:03 lease of the real property located at 1450 Bell Avenue, first floor,
10:07 also known as the Community Health Center.
10:12 Motion has been made and seconded.
10:15 Vice President Baker.
10:17 As Councilman Bullock mentioned, my wife is on the board of the
10:21 nonprofit Lakewood Child Care Center.
10:22 So out of abundance of caution, I will abstain from this vote.
10:26 Any further discussion?
10:28 Hearing none, first I will take votes to abstain.
10:35 And then all those in favor?
10:38 And that motion passes.
10:45 Actually, let's pause here.
10:47 And without objection, I'm going to offer public comment at this
10:52 We have a young person who might want to speak with us and has
10:58 So if you'd like to come on up and push the button so it turns
11:03 And Mr. Vargas, if you want to speak now, too, if you were
11:06 interested in doing that, that's okay.
11:11 You can come up together and take your turns.
11:14 Whatever is more comfortable.
11:16 You've got up to five minutes to address the chair.
11:23 I live on Daleview Drive.
11:26 Congratulations on the re-elections.
11:30 I'm here to talk again about how Lakewood is in need of some
11:34 proper handball courts.
11:37 Not only for the already 60 players that we have, but also
11:43 for the many more players that we're going to end up
11:46 getting here at Harding.
11:48 For the Lakewood community, also, where they will have
11:52 another space to be active and moving.
12:00 Handball is a lifelong game.
12:02 It's simple to learn and play.
12:05 And the benefits from building endurance and agility,
12:10 hand-eye coordination, and the camaraderie is undeniable.
12:16 Last time I was here, I mentioned my wife, Brianna,
12:18 and I, we raised three boys in Lakewood.
12:20 And these are three active boys.
12:22 And they were involved in every sport.
12:25 Basketball, football, baseball.
12:28 And those weren't cheap.
12:31 That could be pretty expensive.
12:34 Handball is a whole different deal.
12:37 It's probably one of the most inexpensive games
12:40 that we could play.
12:41 We need two dollar ball and the space to play.
12:51 Finding my spot here, sorry.
12:55 A proper handball court will continue to develop
12:59 the sport in Lakewood.
13:01 And it could change the landscape of what an affordable,
13:05 health-benefiting activity could be in the city of Lakewood.
13:10 I have the ideas for the spaces.
13:13 I have reference photos that I would share,
13:16 anybody who would like to look at that.
13:20 I would invite anyone who would like to come to Harding.
13:24 We have Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
13:29 from 7 a.m. to 7 45, handball club.
13:34 We also play during lunch.
13:36 If anybody want to come in, I'll spring for school lunch
13:39 for anybody who wants to see what these kids are doing
13:45 I witness the benefit every day, and they show up,
13:49 and a lot of parents tell me this kid doesn't wake up
13:51 for anything, but they'll show up for handball.
13:54 So, yeah, I think we could benefit from, again,
13:59 a proper space to continue to grow that sport in Lakewood.
14:05 And this is one of our players, Charlie.
14:08 He's so good at it.
14:10 Charlie, come on up.
14:14 Let me get my script up.
14:21 My name is Charlie Eamon, and I live on Lakeland Avenue.
14:24 I'm here to support my art teacher
14:26 and handball club organizer, Mr. Vargas.
14:29 I completely agree with the point that we need more
14:32 handball courts in the city of Lakewood.
14:34 If you're not familiar with the sport,
14:36 handball is a very cooperative and multi-generational activity.
14:39 I've made so many friends through the handball club
14:43 I'm currently an eighth grader at Harding Middle School
14:45 and a member of the handball club.
14:48 The game is so fun and active,
14:50 but the one issue that when I go to ninth grade
14:52 at Lakewood High School, there aren't any handball courts
14:55 for my friends that I can play outside of school.
14:59 I think it would be a great idea to add some courts
15:01 around Lakewood for everyone to play.
15:03 Thank you for your time.
15:07 Thank you for coming to speak.
15:10 Did anyone else want to speak on this topic?
15:15 Other public comment folks,
15:16 I won't make you stay to the end either
15:18 if you wanted to take advantage of this time.
15:24 I just want to acknowledge the great points,
15:27 and I did receive a, maybe I just did too,
15:31 a letter from the National Handball Association president
15:34 who wanted to support this request for court space in Lakewood.
15:38 So good on Mr. Vargas.
15:41 I think my dad played years ago,
15:44 so I'll have to get out and give it a go as well.
15:49 And I'd be interested to understand, you know,
15:51 the cost and the space and the dimension.
15:53 I'm looking it up a little bit,
15:54 and I don't know if the administration has considered
15:57 where and how such a facility might fit
16:02 in an outdoor space.
16:03 Is that for us what we're talking about?
16:06 Yeah, we're looking for outdoor space.
16:07 We'll take an indoor space as well.
16:14 Yeah, one of the things we had,
16:16 Chief Story, did you want to?
16:19 I don't know generally.
16:20 Is the Harding Handball Courts, are they,
16:22 they're still going?
16:26 We have two courts in our gym
16:27 and then a court in the back of,
16:29 like an auxiliary parking lot if they have that Harding.
16:32 Do they let you use it during the summertime?
16:34 No, because that, it's always booked with some other activity
16:37 and, you know, sometimes it's hard to get around those things.
16:41 That, for some reason,
16:42 Harding is the place for everyone to go and practice.
16:46 Yeah, we're always short on gym space here in Lakewood.
16:51 One of the things we had talked about, too,
16:53 is as we continued the work on Madison Park Master Plan,
16:56 and there's the potential with the pool house redevelopment,
17:01 and Mr. Vargas had sent me some diagrams
17:05 which I'll forward on to planning also to see if,
17:09 seems from my non-professional viewpoint
17:12 that it's a relatively low-cost addition to something like that,
17:17 so we'll talk more about that
17:19 because it does seem like it's a relatively small cost,
17:23 and we have a lot of youth interested,
17:26 Thank you so much for being here and for speaking up.
17:29 And it's not rude at all if you want to go home now, so.
17:33 All right, so we'll head back up to the next item.
17:37 M3, resolution 2025-66,
17:40 a resolution to take effect immediately,
17:42 authorizing and directing the mayor
17:44 to submit the fiscal year 2026 one-year action plan
17:47 of the five-year consolidated plan,
17:49 which includes dollar allocations and activities
17:51 to be funded with federal CDBG and ESG resources.
17:56 Any other entitlement funds received
17:57 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
18:00 all amendments thereto and all understandings
18:02 and assurances contained therein
18:04 and incorporates the city's application to HUD
18:06 for fiscal year 26 CDBG and ESG funds.
18:13 Motion's been made and seconded.
18:16 Hearing none, all those in favor?
18:19 And that motion passes.
18:20 Item four, report from Health and Human Services Committee
18:22 held November 10th, 2025.
18:25 Council Member Merckx.
18:28 Thank you, Council President.
18:34 Dear colleagues, the Health and Human Services Committee
18:36 met on Monday, November 10th in the auditorium.
18:39 On the agenda was resolution 2025-54,
18:43 which proposes to authorize a contract
18:45 with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health
18:47 for services in 2026 and 2027.
18:52 The proposed contract includes a 12% increase
18:54 for each year of the two-year contract.
18:57 Two directors and general counsel
18:59 from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health
19:01 were present to provide information
19:03 and answer questions about the public health services
19:06 provided to Lakewood as part of our existing agreement.
19:09 Director of External Affairs Suzanne Hirsch
19:12 delivered an overview of the services offered by CCBH,
19:16 which included lead abatement, clinical services,
19:19 food inspection, watershed protection,
19:22 and animal bite and infectious disease reporting.
19:25 One item of note was a new mobile unit
19:28 that will be available to communicate
19:31 for education and clinical services
19:33 and will be staffed by a registered nurse.
19:36 We learned that there are these full-time CCBH employees
19:39 assigned to Lakewood, a highly experienced generalist
19:42 known as a senior sanitarian
19:44 and watershed protection specialist
19:47 and a food safety specialist.
19:50 Director Hirsch shared CCBH's new
19:52 communication-focused initiatives
19:54 that will be supported by the increase in cost.
19:57 The Speaker's Bureau will become available
19:59 for presentations and demonstrations.
20:01 A large media purchase will help communicate
20:04 directly to residents,
20:05 and an investment in IT and external affairs
20:08 will communicate important health services
20:11 and outcomes to city residents.
20:13 Council members expressed appreciation
20:15 for CCBH's work and made suggestions
20:17 for improving partnership between the city and CCBH.
20:21 Resolution 2025-54 was favorably referred back to council.
20:29 I'll move to receive and file that report.
20:32 Motion's been made and seconded.
20:35 Hearing none, all those in favor?
20:39 And that motion passes.
20:40 Item five, resolution 2025-54,
20:43 a resolution to take effect immediately,
20:45 authorizing the mayor to enter into a two-year agreement
20:48 commencing January 1st, 2026,
20:50 with the District Advisory Council of Cuyahoga County,
20:53 Ohio General Health District,
20:54 for the provision of public health services
20:56 within the city of Lakewood,
20:58 and now in an amount not to exceed $456,440
21:03 for calendar year 2026,
21:05 and $511,458 for calendar year 2027.
21:13 Motion's been made and seconded.
21:16 Hearing none, all those in favor?
21:19 And that motion passes.
21:20 Item six, report from Housing, Planning,
21:22 and Development Committee held November 10th, 2025.
21:24 Vice President Baker.
21:26 Dear colleagues, the Housing, Planning,
21:27 and Development Committee met on November 10th, 2025
21:30 to hear a presentation from Lakewood Alive.
21:32 I regularly attend the board meetings of Lakewood Alive
21:34 as a council appointed ex-officio member,
21:36 and I report back to council on those meetings,
21:38 but the executive director, Ian Andrews, and myself
21:40 thought the council was due for an update
21:42 on the breadth and impact of the work
21:43 the organization undertakes.
21:45 Director Andrews shared that the core work of Lakewood Alive
21:48 is based upon three pillars.
21:49 Housing Outreach, Small Business Support,
21:51 and Quality of Life Events.
21:53 His presentation focused on the first two pillars,
21:55 as the community is familiar with the fun events
21:57 that Lakewood Alive coordinates each year.
21:59 One of the major takeaways from the evening
22:01 is that there's a lot of need
22:02 amongst the senior population in Lakewood.
22:04 Director Andrews shared that over the past few years,
22:07 the percentage of seniors in their housing support program
22:09 rose from 40% to 70% of program participants.
22:12 He identified the top needs that they see
22:14 for the senior population, from financial assistance
22:17 to keeping their homes up to code,
22:19 to help with retrofitting their homes
22:20 so they can age in place,
22:22 to an increase in hoarding
22:23 and to a lack of clean and safe sleep surfaces.
22:25 Council members agreed that the city and the community
22:27 need to work together with Lakewood Alive
22:29 to ensure that our seniors have the support they need.
22:31 Another major takeaway from the evening
22:33 is that Lakewood Alive is able to generate
22:34 a significant amount of impact
22:36 with a limited pool of financial resources
22:38 through their deep relationships in the community
22:40 and their close collaboration with the city.
22:42 I believe council was in agreement
22:43 that we must continue to invest
22:45 in our partnership with Lakewood Alive
22:46 as they provide an important web of social infrastructure
22:50 that the city simply cannot deliver on our own.
22:52 I'd like to thank Director Andrews
22:54 and Joe Higgins, Operations Manager at Lakewood Alive,
22:58 and continuing to support Lakewood Alive
23:00 in my role as ex officio board member.
23:02 I'll make a motion to receive and file that communication.
23:05 Motion's been made and seconded.
23:10 All those in favor?
23:12 And that motion passes.
23:13 Item seven, report from Committee of the Whole
23:15 held today, November 17th, 2025.
23:19 Committee of the Whole met earlier this evening
23:22 We were joined by consultants from PMC,
23:26 including Chris Panicki and Ken Klunchuk,
23:30 as well as Webber Murphy Fox, David Thal,
23:33 for the purpose of discussing
23:35 the City Hall space solutions
23:38 that we've been investigating
23:40 with the working committee.
23:42 And we looked at essentially three options,
23:46 although of course there are more than that,
23:49 but just for the sake of comparison,
23:51 we considered option one,
23:53 which would be remaining in the existing City Hall space,
23:57 but with a small addition off of the police department.
24:01 That option came in at an estimated project cost
24:04 of about $21.4 million.
24:07 Option two, which would put a large addition
24:12 on the existing City Hall
24:14 and retain the annex across the street with a renovation.
24:18 That project came in at an estimated cost
24:21 of $30 million.9 million
24:23 and would come in at 74,872 gross square feet
24:29 of renovated and new space.
24:31 And option three, which would be the purchase
24:35 of the Warren Road property
24:37 and complete gut and renovation,
24:40 as well as the renovation
24:42 of the existing City Hall building into a justice center
24:45 in the sale of the annex building
24:47 with an estimated project cost of $39.7 million
24:57 with 90,459 gross square feet of renovated and new space.
25:02 We had a really informative discussion
25:06 with the consultants regarding questions
25:09 of what all is included in those numbers,
25:12 how they reach those numbers,
25:14 and some of the conversation with the administration, too,
25:17 about what type of space is needed,
25:19 looking forward, and what all has been considered.
25:23 We also had a conversation about projected cash flow
25:27 in terms of when different amounts
25:29 would need to be expended for each option,
25:32 with option one being essentially starting in year 2026
25:36 and concluding in 2028,
25:38 and the other two options starting in 2026
25:41 and concluding in 2029.
25:45 This second item on the agenda
25:47 was resolution 2025-41
25:52 to appoint council's appointee
25:54 to the Tree Advisory and Education Board.
25:58 After a brief conversation and executive session,
26:01 council exited and a motion was made
26:06 and seconded to insert the name Katie Kelleher
26:09 into that resolution.
26:11 That motion passed, and that resolution was,
26:14 as amended, was referred favorably
26:16 out of committee for adoption.
26:19 I'll move to receive and file that oral report.
26:23 Motion's been made and seconded.
26:27 Hearing none, all those in favor?
26:30 And that motion passes.
26:32 Item eight, resolution 2025-41,
26:35 a resolution to take effect immediately,
26:37 appointing one person to the Tree Advisory
26:41 and Education Board for a three-year term
26:43 beginning January 1st, 2026,
26:45 and ending December 31st, 2028.
26:47 First, I'll move to substitute as amended in committee.
26:52 Motion's been made and seconded.
26:55 Hearing none, all those in favor?
26:58 And that motion passes, and then I'll move to adopt.
27:02 Motion's been made and seconded.
27:05 I'd like to reiterate the extreme high quality,
27:10 the caliber of the candidates that applied,
27:13 and we want to thank Council Member Evans
27:15 for his work in interviewing them,
27:18 as well as serving as the council liaison
27:20 to the Tree Education Advisory Board.
27:22 Any further discussion?
27:24 Hearing none, on the motion to adopt,
27:26 all those in favor?
27:28 And that motion passes.
27:30 Item nine, communication from President Keppel
27:32 regarding council's ex officio appointment
27:34 of the Liquid Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board.
27:37 Dear colleagues, following this communication,
27:39 please find a resolution to appoint council's ex officio
27:42 member of the Liquid Animal Safety
27:44 and Welfare Advisory Board.
27:46 This resolution contains a blank space
27:48 where the name of council's appointee will be inserted
27:50 once that has been decided by council.
27:52 Council Member Marks, who has capably served
27:54 as council's LeSsob liaison,
27:56 intends to step down from this role
27:58 at the end of the year,
27:59 opening an opportunity for a new member of council
28:01 to serve in this capacity.
28:03 We thank Council Member Marks for her work.
28:05 Unlike other liaison roles
28:07 that are more clearly aligned with specific committees,
28:09 the LeSsob liaison is cross-disciplinary in nature.
28:13 The only prerequisites are an interest in animal welfare
28:16 and the energy to match that of this very active board.
28:20 Like other liaison roles,
28:22 council expects the LeSsob liaison
28:24 to attend monthly meetings
28:26 which occur on the third Wednesday of each month,
28:29 to provide guidance and support to LeSsob,
28:31 and to report back regularly to council.
28:34 I welcome a discussion regarding who among us
28:36 would be the best fit for this position.
28:39 I will move to receive and file that communication.
28:43 Motion's been made and seconded.
28:47 Hearing none, all those in favor?
28:50 And that motion passes.
28:52 Item 10, Resolution 2025-70,
28:55 a resolution to take effect immediately,
28:57 appointing one person as the ex officio,
28:59 non-voting council member,
29:00 to the Liquid Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board
29:03 for a two-year term beginning January 1st, 2026,
29:06 and ending December 31st, 2027.
29:09 I'm gonna make a motion to defer on this.
29:15 Motion's been made and seconded,
29:17 and what I would ask is,
29:19 if any council members are interested,
29:21 to please reach out
29:24 and let me know that you're interested,
29:26 and we can talk about it.
29:29 All right, so motion's been made to defer.
29:32 Any further discussion?
29:34 Hearing none, all those in favor?
29:37 And that motion passes.
29:39 Item 11, communication from Council Member Stubig
29:41 regarding a communication from Lakewood Youth Council
29:43 on the topic of public transportation.
29:46 Council Member Stubig.
29:47 Dear colleagues, the Lakewood Youth Council
29:48 has been discussing the benefits of public transportation
29:51 and has submitted the following letter for our consideration.
29:55 Dear Mayor George and members of council,
29:58 the Lakewood Youth Council strongly supports
30:00 reintroducing the circulator bus
30:02 or introducing a new form of transit within the city.
30:05 Lakewood Youth Council has held many discussions about
30:08 and is in strong agreement on the need
30:10 for better transportation within the city.
30:12 Many residents walk and ride a bike as much as they can,
30:16 but are limited in travel within the city
30:18 because they do not have a car,
30:20 and others simply want to drive less.
30:22 This is especially true for young residents,
30:25 many of whom are not yet able to drive
30:27 or don't have consistent access to a car.
30:30 Going to and from school activities and work
30:33 would become easier if there was an available
30:36 alternative to driving.
30:39 Additionally, an inner city bus would benefit all residents
30:42 who can travel the city without a car,
30:44 especially in colder weather.
30:46 The following points support the introduction
30:48 of transit with the city,
30:50 and I will let you all read through those points there.
30:52 Thank you for your consideration,
30:54 and we look forward to working with you
30:56 regarding this matter.
30:57 Sincerely, the Lakewood Youth Council.
31:01 And we do have a public comment
31:03 on this communication as well.
31:06 So for Councilmembers to that,
31:08 that will also be entered as part of the record.
31:11 I will move to receive and file that communication.
31:15 Motion's been made and seconded.
31:18 In discussion, I'll just mention to Councilmember Stupak
31:21 and I have discussed this as well
31:23 as some members of the Youth Council
31:25 that Council recently held a committee hearing
31:29 going over the transit feasibility study.
31:33 So I think that would be also great for,
31:36 I know at least one member of the Youth Council
31:38 was here that night,
31:39 but other members of the Youth Council
31:41 to watch that as well and continue those conversations,
31:44 particularly as case advisory board gets off the ground.
31:48 Any further discussion?
31:49 Any further discussion?
31:50 Councilmember Hamilton-Steiner.
31:52 Thank you, President Keppel.
31:54 So this question is more for Director Bynumtyn
31:57 if I can just ask a follow-up question.
32:01 So I was trying to find the search
32:03 through the city's website of the,
32:06 I was trying, I was searching
32:08 for the transit feasibility study
32:11 and I wasn't able to find it.
32:13 So can we make sure that we get that up on the website
32:16 so that it can be found when it's searched.
32:19 So I just wanted to follow up.
32:20 So that was timely that the Youth Council
32:22 was presenting that.
32:23 So thank you for that.
32:27 And maybe Councilmember Stiebig,
32:28 if you can send them the link to the video
32:30 if they wanted to watch it.
32:34 I'm sure they'll be fascinated
32:36 to watch a council committee meeting.
32:39 We can also send them the study too.
32:44 Any further discussion on the communication?
32:47 Always thank the Youth Council
32:48 and Councilmember Stiebig
32:49 for reporting back to us from them.
32:53 On the motion to receive and file,
32:54 all those in favor?
32:56 And that motion passes.
32:57 And 12 report from Councilmember Stiebig
32:59 regarding the October 21st meeting
33:01 of the Community Recreation and Education Commission.
33:04 Councilmember Stiebig.
33:05 Dear colleagues, on Tuesday, October 21st,
33:08 at 6 p.m. the Community and Recreation Commission
33:11 of the TEF Center for Innovation,
33:13 Leslie Faver reported that the deadline
33:15 for the winter brochure was approaching
33:17 during the first week of December
33:19 and that spring and summer information
33:21 for camps was being collected already.
33:25 Ball football is over.
33:27 Volleyball and soccer are finishing
33:28 and basketball registration is happening now.
33:31 Ball swimming season concluded
33:33 with a pumpkin float that allowed
33:36 40 to 50 children to swim
33:38 and choose a pumpkin in the pool.
33:40 New lane lines for the pool have been purchased
33:42 and field renovations at Edwards Field were mentioned.
33:45 A new tap floor and mirrors have been installed at Taft.
33:48 Fall softball playoffs finished ahead of schedule
33:51 with the good weather that we enjoyed
33:52 and meetings for softball and baseball
33:54 for next spring are being discussed.
33:57 The department is halfway through
33:59 the 100th anniversary daily drawing
34:02 and has received great response.
34:05 The Western Reserve Historical Society
34:07 has been in contact with the department
34:09 to gather information now that
34:11 they have reached 100 years old.
34:14 Coordinator Faver reviewed her report
34:16 on outdoor basketball hoops
34:17 and explained that it was a first-come,
34:20 first-serve environment for players
34:22 and that these courts are not programmed
34:24 and are locked in the evening.
34:26 Also, as the addendum to this report
34:29 was her chart specifically for the schools,
34:36 what elementary and middle school
34:39 with the hoop situation is there.
34:41 And then she also went around to all the public parks
34:44 in addition and gave us this report
34:47 which I thought was very complete
34:48 and I was very thankful for her extensive research
34:56 But at this time, there aren't any plans.
34:59 It doesn't sound like to put
35:00 any more basketball hoops around.
35:03 It seems like if you can get in there
35:06 before it's dark, that's your best chance
35:09 of getting to a hoop.
35:17 I'll first move to receive and file that report.
35:22 Motion's been made and seconded.
35:24 Council Member Schubick, I don't know
35:26 if this was discussed, but are the other
35:30 facilities locked at the same, at dark,
35:34 like the track and other school facilities?
35:38 Yeah, we haven't talked about that,
35:40 but I don't know the answer to that.
35:42 Okay, I'd just be curious to know.
35:47 Director Gordon's shaking his head
35:48 as if to indicate that it is locked.
35:51 Is it dusk or 1030 or I don't know.
35:54 Not that it's your job to know that.
35:55 Some of them are different, right?
35:57 Some of them are dusk and some are
35:58 at a specific time, so you would probably
36:01 go there to the entrance and look at
36:03 the information for that facility.
36:09 Thank you, Council President Keppel.
36:11 I mean, I am not completely knowledgeable
36:12 in all this, but it is locked at certain times.
36:15 I know in the mornings, I don't think
36:16 it opens up until like 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.
36:19 And then at night, I'm not quite sure
36:20 what time it closes, but it does have
36:22 an opening and closing time.
36:23 It is not open 24-7.
36:26 And the same thing with, obviously,
36:28 our parks have a closing time as well, so.
36:32 Depending on the park is depending
36:35 on the closing time.
36:39 Vice President Baker.
36:40 Yes, and perhaps this is for the administration,
36:42 maybe your director's story,
36:44 but I think we're, it's been two years
36:47 maybe since we've had an update on the pool
36:49 and admissions and revenue
36:51 and kind of what the plans are.
36:54 And it sounds like this, usually this
36:57 magazine is what sets it in the summer.
37:00 So before it's baked and printed,
37:03 I think it perhaps would be nice.
37:04 I'd be happy to co-sponsor or co-write
37:06 a letter with the administration
37:07 just to get it before committee,
37:08 maybe sometime in January or February.
37:11 Is the administration amenable to that?
37:14 Through the President, yes, absolutely.
37:16 And I will endeavor to get everything.
37:18 I don't know the, when does the catalog
37:21 for the summer go out, though?
37:22 It says imminent in this,
37:24 that's what I was just looking at.
37:25 Well, the next one would be the winter, spring,
37:28 and then there'd be the summer one.
37:29 So I want to make sure we're on the same page
37:31 before the summer catalog goes out,
37:34 Yeah, but they start doing that.
37:36 Yeah, like from this communication,
37:39 perhaps Councilperson Striebeck
37:40 can educate us further,
37:41 but it looks like the winter catalog
37:45 is about to go out, or the spring catalog?
37:47 They do, Liquid does winter, spring.
37:54 It's winter, spring, and then they'll do summer.
37:58 So spring, summer is kind of May-ish,
38:01 but they'll finalize that probably in March.
38:04 I would say definitely have that meeting
38:06 before March or April.
38:09 Thanks, Madam President.
38:10 Thank you to Councilwoman Striebeck.
38:12 I think we had had a conversation
38:14 about this very question
38:16 on the way out the door last time
38:19 about the city provides some access
38:22 for outdoor basketball in some of the facilities
38:25 that we own and maintain and operate.
38:28 The schools have, but none...
38:31 They've got a bunch of facilities themselves.
38:33 This kind of does the first step
38:35 of putting those together.
38:37 The next question is,
38:38 what does the total access picture look like
38:40 for the average kid, the average parent,
38:44 who, of course, they're just thinking
38:46 like a normal person, where do I go, you know,
38:49 and what options are available to me?
38:51 And I guess I'd like to invite us
38:54 to potentially have a hearing in city council
38:59 Probably that means after January 1
39:03 for not just outdoor basketball,
39:05 but things like a handball court question.
39:09 I got feedback recently about the pickle,
39:11 ever-popular pickleball sport,
39:14 where the city got compliments for some of our facilities,
39:18 but there's a missing link
39:19 where we could do more to help people reserve.
39:24 Like, they'll show up to the Lakewood Park court or two
39:28 and never be able to get in a game
39:30 because there's no system or coordination
39:32 to make the facilities that we've done a good job
39:36 of investing in and creating to give access to players.
39:40 So a lot of players will just go to Cleveland,
39:42 I think it's down in Rocket River Drive.
39:44 There's a place where there's a lot more.
39:46 So the idea being with the programming,
39:50 a little fine-tuning on the programming,
39:52 we might be able to enhance the capital investment
39:55 we've already made.
39:57 I'm not even got my head in the brain space at Footsall.
40:00 So there's all these, like, emergent,
40:03 interesting activities which are great
40:06 as long as we have the user group, you know,
40:08 and apparently there's a growing user group for handball.
40:11 So I just wonder if maybe we could do a session
40:14 where certainly outdoor basketball,
40:16 which has been a long-running focus
40:20 for a decade at least,
40:22 but also these other things, you know,
40:25 from a city council perspective, what are we hearing?
40:27 What would we be interested in supporting?
40:32 It may not always require a brand new facility.
40:34 It may just be ensuring that there's some degree
40:37 of coordination and scheduling function.
40:39 I don't have the solution on how that works.
40:42 And then for sure, at least for basketball,
40:45 if we could negotiate appropriate access
40:49 to outdoor school facilities,
40:51 that more than doubles the opportunity.
40:55 Schools have a say and a special concern
40:58 about access to their grounds
41:00 that works a bit differently than public parks,
41:03 but it shouldn't be that much different.
41:05 It shouldn't be a bridge too far.
41:07 And I think we could all do some good work together.
41:09 That's my suggestion that maybe this communication
41:12 could get referred to an appropriate committee
41:16 for some future discussion along those lines,
41:19 which includes multiple programming,
41:24 which considers programming for this
41:27 and other similar sports where we're hearing,
41:30 at least anecdotally, from people of interest.
41:33 I suspect that planning and public works
41:36 is more information that I don't necessarily have,
41:38 because they're all always doing a good job
41:40 of talking to the friends of parks groups.
41:43 It'd be nice to pull all this together,
41:45 is what I'm saying, not very succinctly.
41:53 When we were at the skate park opening,
41:57 walked past and quite a few people waiting
42:00 for pickleball courts,
42:03 so certainly there's demand there as well.
42:05 What I would suggest is maybe
42:08 sort of coalesce those thoughts.
42:10 We also are just about due to have
42:13 a joint meeting with the school board
42:15 before too long as well,
42:17 so it might be good to maybe work on a communication
42:20 that pulls those thoughts together
42:23 for discussion at that meeting.
42:25 So that would be my suggestion on that.
42:29 And I'll be reaching out to President Katzenberger
42:32 about that joint meeting as well as,
42:35 I think, the pools conversation is certainly worth having
42:38 probably in the beginning of the year
42:40 once we get through the budget.
42:43 All right, so we have a motion right now
42:45 and a second to receive and file this communication.
42:49 All those in favor?
42:52 And that motion passes.
42:53 Item 13, communication from Finance Director Mahoney
42:56 regarding 2025 year end and 2026 budget ordinances.
43:01 Dear members of council,
43:02 the following six ordinances reflect appropriations,
43:05 purchasing and contracting authority necessary
43:07 to finalize the 2025 budget
43:09 and to implement the 2026 budget.
43:12 They support the contents of the 2026
43:14 estimate of expense slash comprehensive budget document
43:17 and include 2025 year end,
43:20 permanent appropriation ordinance,
43:22 2025 fourth quarter transfers and advances,
43:25 2026 permanent appropriation ordinance,
43:28 2026 purchasing and contracting authority ordinance,
43:32 2026 capital contracting,
43:35 2026 planning and development program contracting authority.
43:39 Please refer to the attached legislation
43:42 to the Committee of the Whole for further review
43:44 for passage before December 31st, 2025.
43:47 And I'd just like to make a comment
43:49 that the previous eight capital contracting authority ordinances
43:55 were reduced to one.
44:02 We would typically refer these to finance.
44:05 Was there, were you?
44:09 I just copied last year's.
44:10 Oh, that's sure, sure.
44:11 I just want to make sure that there wasn't a reason
44:13 that we've worked on a tentative schedule.
44:19 Keeping the trains running on time is, you know, part of my job.
44:24 So with that, Council Member Bullock,
44:28 would you like the communication as well as the ordinances?
44:35 I will move to refer the communication to finance.
44:39 Motion's been made and seconded.
44:42 Any discussion on the communication?
44:46 All those in favor?
44:48 And that motion passes.
44:49 And then I'd like to move to suspend the rules
44:51 to read items 14 through 19 together.
44:55 Motion's been made and seconded.
45:02 So on that motion to spend the rules, all those in favor?
45:06 And that motion passes.
45:07 Item 14, ordinance 31, 2025,
45:10 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
45:12 to establish appropriations for the current expenses
45:14 and other expenditures of the city of Lakewood
45:17 for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026.
45:20 Item 15, ordinance 32, 2025,
45:23 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
45:25 authorizing the transfer in advance of certain funds.
45:28 Item 16, ordinance 33, 2025,
45:31 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
45:33 to establish appropriations for current expenses
45:35 and other expenditures of the city of Lakewood
45:37 for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026.
45:41 Item 17, ordinance 34, 2025,
45:44 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
45:46 authorizing the mayor, the director of public works,
45:48 the director of law, the director of finance,
45:50 and our purchasing manager to enter into contracts
45:52 for professional services.
45:54 You advertise for bids and enter into contracts
45:56 for the purchase of repair, maintenance,
45:58 and operating supplies, services, and equipment
46:00 as authorized by the 2025 appropriation ordinance
46:03 and the administrative code of the city
46:05 with the lowest and best bidder or bidders
46:07 or as otherwise provided by law.
46:09 Item 18, ordinance 35, 2025,
46:12 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
46:14 authorizing and directing the mayor,
46:16 the director of public works, the director of law,
46:18 the director of finance, and our purchasing manager
46:20 to enter into contracts in accordance
46:22 with the administrative code of the city
46:24 or the contracts listed below,
46:25 not to exceed specified amounts shown
46:27 without separate resolution of council.
46:29 Item 19, ordinance 36, 2025,
46:32 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
46:34 authorizing the mayor, the director of public works,
46:36 the director of law, the director of finance,
46:38 the director of public development,
46:40 and or purchasing manager to enter into service contracts
46:43 in accordance with the administrative code
46:45 of the city of Lequit
46:46 or the department of planning development
46:48 in accordance with the administrative code,
46:50 contracts not to exceed the specified amounts
46:52 shown without separate resolution of council.
46:55 Move to refer to finance.
46:58 Motions were made and second.
47:02 Hearing none, all those in favor?
47:05 And that motion passes.
47:06 Item 20, communication from finance director Mahoney
47:08 regarding petty cash and operating fund changes.
47:13 Dear members of council,
47:14 I'm requesting an update to codified ordinances
47:16 129.53 petty cash funds
47:18 and 129.54 operational cash funds
47:21 to adjust to operational needs.
47:23 These changes would better reflect
47:25 the operational needs of the city.
47:27 Petty cash funds are used to reimburse minor
47:30 and occasional expenditures, generally under $100.
47:33 Operational cash funds are used
47:35 as change funds or drawer startups.
47:37 The changes include a removal of petty cash funds
47:40 for the mayor's office, fire department,
47:42 office on aging, health department,
47:44 which we no longer have, and the water department.
47:47 I am requesting an increase to the law enforcement trust
47:49 petty cash fund to allow for undercover purchases.
47:52 Changes requested for the operational cash funds
47:54 include decreased amounts to the police department,
47:57 increases to vital statistics, the water department,
48:00 and establishing a fund for refuse.
48:02 If you have any questions, please let me know.
48:08 Director Mahoney, so it would be helpful to you
48:11 if this is addressed...
48:15 It would be important to address this
48:17 prior to going into the upcoming budget year, or...
48:22 It doesn't really affect the budget.
48:24 It's more just operational.
48:26 Okay. I'm just trying to think, too,
48:28 in terms of how much we have before finance
48:31 and trying to get through everything.
48:33 It should be a quick approval, I would imagine.
48:41 I'm going to move to refer this communication to finance.
48:47 The motion's been made and seconded.
48:51 Hearing none, all those in favor?
48:54 That motion passes.
48:55 Item 21, ordinance 29, 2025.
48:58 An ordinance to take effect January 1st, 2026,
49:01 amending section 129.53 petty cash fund
49:04 and 129.54 operational cash funds
49:07 of the Lakewood codified ordinances
49:09 to better meet current needs for both petty cash
49:11 and operational cash within the departments
49:13 of the City of Lakewood.
49:15 Move to refer to finance.
49:17 The motion's been made and seconded.
49:20 Hearing none, all those in favor?
49:23 And that motion passes.
49:24 Item 22, communication from Law Director Varga
49:27 regarding master fee schedule.
49:29 Position Director Stoll.
49:34 And members of City Council,
49:36 the following legislation will amend the administrative code
49:38 and the business code of the Lakewood codified ordinances
49:41 to move references to all fees within those provisions
49:44 to the master fee schedule.
49:46 As you recall, in 2024, legislation was introduced
49:49 and moved all of the division of building and housing fees
49:51 into a newly created master fee schedule.
49:54 The administration is working toward the goal
49:56 of eventually setting forth all of the city's fees
49:58 and a master fee schedule for ready access
50:00 by our employees and the public.
50:02 Please refer the attached items to the appropriate committee
50:04 for further discussion and consideration.
50:07 It will be important to adopt both pieces
50:09 of legislation simultaneously
50:11 so as not to create a gap in any collection of fees.
50:17 Yeah, it's been kind of on the radar for a while
50:20 to try to clean these things up
50:21 so we don't have to look in 50 different places
50:23 of the code to find these.
50:24 So I appreciate that work.
50:27 I'm of the mind to refer these to rules and ordinances.
50:34 Would you like the communication?
50:37 So I will move to refer the communication
50:40 to rules and ordinances.
50:42 Motion's been made and seconded.
50:47 Hearing none, all those in favor?
50:50 And that motion passes.
50:51 Item 23, resolution 2025-71,
50:54 a resolution to take effect immediately
50:56 to establish the master fee schedule
50:58 by incorporating fees from Part 1, Title 5,
51:01 Administrative Code in Part 7, Business Regulation Code
51:04 of the Lakewood Codified Ordinances
51:06 and superseding all prior fees established
51:08 that are included in this resolution.
51:10 Move to refer to rules and ordinances.
51:13 Motion's been made and seconded.
51:15 Hearing none, all those in favor?
51:18 And that motion passes.
51:20 Item 24, ordinance 30, 2025,
51:22 an ordinance to take effect immediately
51:24 amending various sections of Part 1,
51:26 Administrative Code in Part 7,
51:28 Business Regulation Code of the Codified Ordinances
51:30 of the City of Lakewood to move all fees
51:32 identified within those provisions
51:34 to the master fee schedule.
51:36 Move to refer to rules and ordinances.
51:39 Motion's been made and seconded.
51:41 Hearing none, all those in favor?
51:44 And that motion passes.
51:46 Item 25, communication from Human Resources
51:48 Director Dillinger regarding salary ordinance.
51:50 Director Dillinger.
51:52 Thank you, Miss President.
51:54 Through you, I am submitting the attached
51:56 updated salary ordinance for your approval
51:58 to be effective as signed and passed
52:00 in accordance with city charter.
52:02 I am recommending the following amendments.
52:04 Update the pay ranges by the cost of living adjustment
52:06 which is 3% for 2026,
52:08 eliminate four obsolete job titles,
52:10 add laboratory technician licenses
52:14 back flow certification
52:16 and local public agency to section four,
52:18 and add MACP, LACP, PACP certifications
52:22 to match the AFSCME Public Work Contract.
52:24 I appreciate your time and consideration.
52:28 We'll send this ordinance
52:32 I assume that will be part of your discussion.
52:34 So I'm going to move
52:36 to refer the communication to finance.
52:40 Motion's been made and seconded.
52:44 Hearing none, all those in favor?
52:48 And that motion passes.
52:50 Item 26, ordinance 37, 2025.
52:52 I move to refer to finance.
52:56 Motion's been made and seconded.
53:00 Hearing none, all those in favor?
53:04 And that motion passes.
53:06 Item 26, ordinance 37, 2025.
53:08 I move to refer to finance.
53:12 Motion's been made and seconded.
53:16 Hearing none, all those in favor?
53:20 And that motion passes.
53:22 Item 27, communication from Human Resources,
53:24 Director Dillinger, regarding update to
53:26 various employment benefits of non-union employees.
53:28 Director Dillinger again.
53:30 Thank you. Attach as an ordinance,
53:32 if adopted, that will update various employment
53:34 benefits of non-union employees.
53:36 All updates are in line with our public
53:38 works and administrative staff labor agreements
53:40 and improves recruitment and retention efforts.
53:42 The first change will allow employees
53:44 to accrue vacation more quickly than the
53:46 current schedule provides and adds
53:48 an additional 20 hours of vacation at 20 years
53:50 of service, 25 years of service,
53:54 The second change makes Veterans Day a city
53:58 Finally, sick leave conversion
54:00 to cash is proposed to be modified
54:02 to require that an employee has a minimum
54:04 of 10 years of service with the
54:06 City of Lakewood before being eligible for
54:08 sick time conversion and sets a scale
54:10 for increased conversion of sick time based
54:12 on the number of years of service employees
54:14 has at the time of separation from
54:16 employment. Please refer this
54:18 legislation to the appropriate
54:20 committee for further discussion and consideration.
54:24 I'll move to refer to finance.
54:26 Motion's been made and seconded.
54:28 Discussion? Hearing none.
54:30 All those in favor? Aye.
54:32 And that motion passes.
54:34 I am 28. Ordinance 38, 20, 25.
54:36 An ordinance to take effect January
54:38 1st, 2026, amending section
54:42 section 149.10, holidays
54:44 and section 149.11, sick leave
54:46 accumulation of the codified
54:48 ordinances to allow accrual of vacation
54:50 for employees at a faster rate.
54:52 Increase the maximum vacation that can be
54:56 Day to the list of paid city
54:58 holidays and to increase the conversion of sick
55:00 time upon separation of employment
55:02 within the city. I'll move to refer
55:04 to finance. Second.
55:06 Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion?
55:10 All those in favor? Aye.
55:12 And that motion passes.
55:14 Item 29, communication from Assistant Planning
55:16 Director Boss regarding proposed code
55:18 amendments, pet grooming
55:20 services. Director Bangton?
55:22 Thank you, President Keppel and members of
55:24 council. In coordination with the
55:26 law department, the enclosed proposed code
55:28 amendments are provided for consideration by
55:30 city council to improve zoning regulations
55:32 related to pet grooming services.
55:34 This proposed amendment is a response
55:36 to our current difficulty in administering
55:38 reasonable variance requests
55:40 due to additional regulations unduly
55:42 imposed upon the specific service
55:44 when compared to other uses in the same
55:48 The 1996 update to the zoning code
55:52 allowed this use by right in the C3
55:54 general district while designating
55:56 it as a conditional use in the C2
56:00 With several additional regulations that include
56:02 a prohibition on locating in any
56:04 building with a residential use
56:06 as well as a unique parking requirement
56:08 that bar exceeds any other comparable
56:10 retail business without specific
56:14 Given the mixed use character of the majority
56:16 of buildings and the interspersed block
56:18 layout of C2 and C3 districts
56:20 along our commercial corridors,
56:22 there is no real discernible difference
56:24 between the mixed use retail residential
56:26 building in either district.
56:28 Yet the current zoning regulations prohibit
56:30 pet grooming in C2 buildings
56:32 with a residential use while allowing
56:34 it by right in a similar building across
56:36 the C3 district. Additionally, given
56:38 the highly transient drop-off pickup
56:40 character of these businesses, the current
56:42 regulations impose an off-street,
56:44 non-transient parking requirement that
56:46 far exceeds the standard for any other retail
56:50 amendments seek to make this service permitted
56:52 a permitted use in both the
56:54 C2 and C3 districts while
56:56 differentiating from boarding services and
56:58 providing general supplemental regulations
57:00 to provide for appropriate controls
57:02 such as noise and odor to avoid
57:04 license-related issues with adjacent
57:06 residential uses. It is requested
57:08 that these proposed amendments be referred to
57:10 the appropriate committee for discussion prior
57:12 to adoption by full council.
57:14 Sincerely, David Boss, Assistant
57:22 thinking we'll send this to
57:24 Housing Planning Development and
57:26 Planning Commission.
57:30 you would like the communication?
57:32 Alright, so I will move to refer to
57:34 Housing Planning Development and Planning Commission.
57:36 Second. Motion's been made
57:38 and seconded. Discussion?
57:40 Hearing none, all those
57:42 in favor? Aye. And that motion
57:44 passes. Item 30, ordinance
57:46 39, 2025. An ordinance
57:48 to take effect immediately amending or
57:50 repealing various sections of the Lakewood Codified
57:52 Ordinances to update definitions and regulations
57:54 related to pet grooming services
57:56 within the City of Lakewood.
57:58 I move to refer to Housing Planning
58:00 Development and Planning Commission.
58:02 Second. Motion's been made and seconded.
58:04 Discussion? Hearing none,
58:06 all those in favor? Aye. And
58:08 that motion passes. Item 31,
58:10 communication from Assistant Planning Director
58:12 Boss regarding proposed code amendments
58:14 bicycle infrastructure.
58:18 again. Thank you President Keppel and
58:20 members of council. In coordination
58:22 with the law department, the enclosed proposed
58:24 code amendments are provided for consideration
58:26 by City Council to better align our
58:28 bicycle infrastructure definitions with Ohio
58:30 revised code and to update
58:32 regulations related to the use of
58:34 mobility devices such as e-bikes and
58:36 e-scooters on and maintenance
58:38 responsibilities for municipally
58:40 designated shared use paths.
58:42 The amendments include
58:44 Chapter 301 definitions,
58:46 new definitions added for bikeway and
58:48 shared use path pulled from the Ohio
58:50 revised code, updated definition
58:52 for motorized bicycle taken
58:54 from the Ohio revised code.
58:58 bicycles and motorcycles.
59:04 remove speed limit for e-scooters
59:06 for consistency with adjacent municipalities.
59:12 riding unsupervised in the roadway.
59:18 section, riding on bikeways and
59:20 shared use paths to apply
59:22 regulations to new infrastructure definitions
59:24 and differentiate between minors and
59:26 adults. Section 373.14,
59:30 prohibition of motorized
59:32 bicycles on bicycle and pedestrian
59:38 duty to repair and maintain
59:40 sidewalks. Differentiate between
59:42 sidewalks and municipally
59:44 designated shared use
59:46 paths and bikeways.
59:48 Designate city as responsible
59:50 for repair and maintenance of the municipally
59:52 designated shared use paths.
59:54 It is requested that these proposed amendments
59:56 be referred to the appropriate committee for discussion
59:58 prior to adoption by full city
1:00:00 council. Sincerely, David Boss,
1:00:16 Vice President Baker and I were just
1:00:18 discussing, we'll obviously send this
1:00:20 to, I'm going to make a motion to send
1:00:22 this to housing, ordinance to housing planning
1:00:36 Councilman Evans, did you have
1:00:50 where the mayor is with her appointments
1:00:52 to case? Are we close to those?
1:00:58 Madam President, yes, I believe we are, but
1:01:00 I don't want to speak for her as the finality of it.
1:01:08 ways away from this shared use path
1:01:10 actually being constructed, so we have a little
1:01:16 let's do, I'm going to make a motion
1:01:22 on the communication, but just to explain what's
1:01:24 happening in the ordinance, so I'll make a motion to refer
1:01:32 been made and seconded. Any
1:01:34 discussion? Vice President Baker.
1:01:40 of the ordinance, and I like
1:01:44 ordinance. If we get a word
1:01:46 version, it'd be helpful. Thank you.
1:01:54 on the motion to refer to HPD and
1:01:56 case, any further discussion?
1:01:58 Hearing none, all those in favor?
1:02:00 Aye. And that motion passes.
1:02:04 2025, an ordinance to take effect
1:02:06 immediately amending or repealing various
1:02:08 sections of the liquid codified ordinances
1:02:10 to update definitions and regulations related
1:02:12 to bicycle infrastructure within the city.
1:02:18 been made and seconded. Any discussion?
1:02:28 me, I guess I should be checking if we have public comment
1:02:36 So, while we're on discussion,
1:02:48 Those will, of course, be part
1:02:52 And there were two on the communication
1:02:58 Do we have anyone signed in to speak
1:03:08 I didn't sign in because I was waiting to hear
1:03:10 what discussion there may be.
1:03:14 that nothing is happening with this today
1:03:18 So, I just wanted to take a moment
1:03:20 to just summarize a little bit
1:03:24 and I know a couple other people
1:03:26 have similar concerns with some of the language.
1:03:32 appreciated if some additional consideration
1:03:34 be made with some of the language and the definitions
1:03:36 that are being proposed here
1:03:38 or how they're tying into other existing
1:03:42 I read through this document,
1:03:44 one key definition that I noticed
1:03:46 wasn't referred to that I had to look
1:03:48 at myself was mobility device.
1:03:50 So, according to the Lakewood codified ordinance
1:03:54 device means a small mobility device
1:03:56 such as an e-scoot or e-bike
1:04:00 And the reason that's important
1:04:02 is because this also defines
1:04:16 understand that definition.
1:04:18 The one that kind of confused
1:04:22 So, I'll just read that part aloud.
1:04:26 street, path, or way that in some
1:04:28 manner is specifically designated
1:04:30 for bicycle travel regardless
1:04:32 of whether the facility is designed
1:04:34 for the exclusive use of bicycles
1:04:36 or if it is shared with other modes of transportation.
1:04:44 proposal for a section on riding
1:04:46 on bikeways and shared use paths
1:04:50 shall operate a mobility device
1:04:52 on a bikeway or shared use path except
1:04:54 when necessary to go on or off
1:04:56 adjacent properties or to park.
1:04:58 So, that to me when you consider
1:05:00 how we're currently defining
1:05:04 we're defining bikeways and shared
1:05:06 use paths, the way I read that,
1:05:08 and I'm not a lawyer, so I'm open
1:05:10 to being corrected on how I'm
1:05:14 sounds to me like we're saying no adult
1:05:24 feel confused on where, as an
1:05:26 e-bike user myself, where I'm allowed
1:05:30 Because to me, if it's anything, even if
1:05:34 modes of traffic, where am I
1:05:40 I think we're lumping e-bikes
1:05:44 when there's three different classes
1:05:48 e-bikes different ways. There's
1:05:50 different features that e-bikes have,
1:05:58 some consideration needs to be spent
1:06:02 some of these things, how we're
1:06:06 Because I do understand shared responsibility
1:06:08 and everybody wanting to get around safely.
1:06:12 this reads sounds like we're excluding
1:06:20 So, it seems a little counterintuitive
1:06:22 to the purpose of some of these projects.
1:06:30 for a variety of different reasons.
1:06:34 biking accessible to them. So, it doesn't
1:06:36 mean you have an e-bike and now you're speed racing down the road
1:06:38 and causing a bunch of car crashes.
1:06:42 can bike because e-bikes now exist.
1:06:44 So, I just wanted to share that
1:06:54 some of these pieces that makes it
1:06:56 make sense for the way people
1:06:58 use this infrastructure and get around
1:07:06 Yeah, thank you Cassie. And I think
1:07:08 that this is a good start by the
1:07:10 administration and I think we're going to work on it with
1:07:12 them and Case and other folks.
1:07:16 if you look at our active transportation plan,
1:07:18 we have one piece of shared
1:07:20 use path. Bunce will be the next one.
1:07:24 called for that. So, we should be really thoughtful
1:07:26 on how we kind of establish the
1:07:30 And to your point, it's mentioned a little bit in the public comments,
1:07:32 but Cleveland Metro Parks, you know,
1:07:34 there's level one, level two bikes. So, it's not
1:07:36 the fact that it's an e-bike, it's
1:07:38 the e-bike's capability and how it's used.
1:07:40 And so, I think we can maybe get in the nitty-gritty
1:07:42 of that and the nuance as we go through
1:07:54 Good initial discussion. Thanks, Cassie,
1:07:58 Just to clarify, is the motion for
1:08:02 one of our own committees as well as
1:08:04 Case? Okay, good, because I think it's important
1:08:06 to see council also have a role.
1:08:12 educating myself on this. One
1:08:14 thing I'm interested in doing is
1:08:26 all the bike facilities that I can think
1:08:44 And essentially, you've got a motorized
1:08:52 necessarily thinking of safety. And you've got
1:08:56 Maybe there's somebody who just
1:08:58 is on a crutch because they just sprained their knee
1:09:00 or they're a kid or they're a
1:09:04 You can see how there's going to be
1:09:06 a need to appropriately navigate
1:09:08 and manage those things. So maybe
1:09:10 what Councilman Baker just said is the
1:09:12 beginning of a partial answer there.
1:09:14 But I do think it's important. So
1:09:16 we're going to have a multi-use path on
1:09:20 The vision is not that that's a 35 mile an
1:09:26 to be an accessible and safe
1:09:30 multi-use path separated from
1:09:38 all of a sudden become, and anything
1:09:50 And I don't think that's the goal either.
1:09:54 do is have safe, I mean the whole point
1:09:56 of this is to get people safely
1:10:04 we can get them out there, but
1:10:08 encountering, it seems to me
1:10:10 that we're at the growing edge now
1:10:18 walking and biking to school
1:10:22 noticing more and more vehicle conflicts.
1:10:24 And the goal is not to have
1:10:36 and to have appropriate response,
1:10:50 bird scooters, we can program
1:10:54 in different zones if it's a vendor.
1:10:56 We can't do that when somebody owns
1:10:58 a private e-bike or scooter and they just
1:11:00 use it on the street. So then all of a sudden,
1:11:06 we expect the police to be on top of.
1:11:08 It's probably not realistic to ask the
1:11:10 police to be everywhere at all times, also
1:11:12 for this. So we're going to have to have
1:11:18 I don't know the answer, but I
1:11:22 Ms. Oregon is bringing up a good point.
1:11:24 She's already got an investment.
1:11:26 She's already using the streets responsibly.
1:11:34 vehicle where she allowed to
1:11:36 operate. So there's got to be successful use,
1:11:40 think things are too new and drivers
1:11:42 are still getting used to this.
1:11:50 cyclists, e-cyclists, and motor
1:11:52 vehicles can all safely co-exist.
1:11:54 I think we're going to have to work really hard on this
1:11:56 for the next several years.
1:11:58 So that's a, admire the problem
1:12:02 I take this seriously. Thanks.
1:12:06 I think everyone here tonight is
1:12:08 very concerned about safety.
1:12:10 I'll just add too, I think that this is
1:12:14 I've heard from folks too about the increasing
1:12:18 e-bikes marketed to children
1:12:20 more as toys, and we're seeing those
1:12:22 on the sidewalks moving very quickly
1:12:24 and that can cause additional
1:12:34 seniors and people with disabilities, and then also
1:12:40 so that we're not penalizing people
1:12:42 using assistive motorized devices
1:12:44 as well. So there's going to be a lot to discuss
1:12:46 I'm sure, and this is one of those
1:12:50 we had fantastic applicants
1:12:52 to case with a lot of diverse lived
1:12:54 experience, and I think this will help
1:12:56 inform this discussion well, as well as
1:13:00 thoughtful discussion in housing planning
1:13:02 and development as legislators
1:13:06 that feedback and make sure, make
1:13:18 Hearing none, all those in favor?
1:13:20 Aye. And that motion passes.
1:13:22 Item 33, communication from
1:13:24 Law Director Vargo regarding extension
1:13:26 of the vape shop moratorium.
1:13:28 This is Director Swala. Thank you. Dear
1:13:30 President Keppel and members of City Council.
1:13:34 Mayor George and Council Vice President Baker
1:13:36 introduced legislation to place a
1:13:38 moratorium on the permitting of vape shops
1:13:40 in the city of Lakewood. Please see a copy
1:13:42 of the June 7th communication to City Council
1:13:44 attached to your two for your convenience.
1:13:46 Council thereafter adopted the
1:13:48 legislation. The moratorium is
1:13:50 set to expire on December 30th, 2025
1:13:52 under the original legislation.
1:13:54 The attached resolution would extend
1:13:56 the moratorium until the earlier of 1
1:14:00 That should be December 30th.
1:14:04 is in place to address vape shops
1:14:06 or 3, Council otherwise rescinds
1:14:18 Vice President Baker, I'm going to
1:14:20 defer to you a little bit. Would you like this
1:14:30 Yeah, in short, my colleagues have to say I would
1:14:32 if it was referred to HPD, I'd say
1:14:34 make a motion to recommend adoption.
1:14:38 here has anything else to say, I think we should
1:14:40 consider passage this year.
1:14:44 thoughts on it. Alright, so
1:14:46 I will move to receive and file the communication.
1:14:52 Hearing none. All those in favor?
1:14:54 Aye. And that motion passes.
1:15:00 to take effect immediately extending a
1:15:04 or processing of permits for
1:15:06 smoke shops in the city of Lakewood.
1:15:10 Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion?
1:15:16 And that motion passes. Item 35,
1:15:18 communication from Law Director Varga
1:15:20 regarding collective bargaining approval,
1:15:22 2026-2028. Assistant Director
1:15:24 Sala. Dear President Keppel
1:15:26 and members of City Council,
1:15:28 enclosed, please find a resolution for
1:15:30 your review and consideration. If
1:15:32 adopted, the resolution will ratify the tentative
1:15:38 through 2028 between the city
1:15:40 of Lakewood and the Fraternal Order of Police,
1:15:42 Ohio Labor Council Patrol Unit,
1:15:44 the Fraternal Order of Police,
1:15:46 Ohio Labor Council Supervisor Unit,
1:15:50 Order of Police Dispatch Unit,
1:15:52 Ohio Patrolman's Benevolent Association,
1:15:56 Lakewood Firefighters Association,
1:15:58 and Lakewood Paramedic Association,
1:16:00 American Federation of State,
1:16:02 County, and Municipal Employees, Local 108,
1:16:06 and the American Federation of State,
1:16:08 County, and Municipal Employees, Local 108,
1:16:12 respectively. The tentative agreements
1:16:14 are the result of arm's length negotiations
1:16:16 between city administration officials
1:16:18 and their respective employee representatives.
1:16:20 The administration believes that the agreements
1:16:22 reflect an appropriate balance between fair
1:16:24 and full compensation for our important
1:16:26 workforce and the safeguarding
1:16:30 financial terms of the agreements will
1:16:34 financial budget that is also being
1:16:36 introduced at this meeting. To facilitate
1:16:38 your review, please refer to the outline
1:16:40 of the material changes between the
1:16:42 agreements currently in force and the
1:16:44 tentative 2026 through 2028
1:16:46 agreements, which outline has
1:16:48 previously been provided to you.
1:16:50 The law department and relevant negotiating
1:16:52 personnel will be available during council or committee
1:16:54 meetings to address your questions.
1:16:56 These agreements are the final agreements for all
1:16:58 eight collective bargaining units.
1:17:06 make a motion in a minute to refer the
1:17:08 resolution to Committee of the Whole,
1:17:16 foreseeable future with finance
1:17:18 committee meetings and budgets,
1:17:22 the council clerk's office and I
1:17:26 dates, so you'll be receiving
1:17:28 information about that to try to hold
1:17:30 another date so we can get into this
1:17:40 my class schedule and yeah, everything else,
1:17:44 to cram things into the end of the year.
1:17:48 appreciate the administration
1:17:50 working to coalesce these into
1:17:56 refer the communication to Committee of the Whole.
1:18:00 and seconded. Any discussion?
1:18:04 Two points. One is, I mean, we could
1:18:08 just work it through our agenda
1:18:14 just a major budget document,
1:18:16 but a three-year budget document.
1:18:22 I hope and expect we'll be able
1:18:26 executive session to consider
1:18:30 I'm sure the administration has been
1:18:32 working for months on doing
1:18:42 of agreements, city council
1:18:46 starting today. And so there's
1:18:48 a lot of important things to consider.
1:18:54 and how the workplace conditions
1:18:56 and so on and so forth, but a lot
1:18:58 of it's going to be budget implications.
1:19:12 understanding earlier in the calendar
1:19:14 the financial strategy and goals
1:19:18 and goals of the negotiating
1:19:22 by the administration with the
1:19:24 bargaining units. I guess we'll have a chance
1:19:38 did have different priorities
1:19:44 things were included in the city's
1:19:48 I don't know that we have that opportunity
1:19:58 primarily, and that's a job
1:20:02 So whether it's semi-committee or
1:20:04 finance, I personally think
1:20:08 we're going to need to do this
1:20:12 at the beginning, towards the beginning of
1:20:14 the budget hearings because so much
1:20:18 information has is going to shape
1:20:20 the overall revenue picture
1:20:28 agree and some of the dates we're looking at
1:20:36 finance committee for the budget hearings is already
1:20:44 trying to be respectful of people's
1:20:50 where we are right now. There's just only so much time
1:21:00 The motion to refer the communication
1:21:02 to community of the whole, all those in favor?
1:21:04 Aye. And that motion passes.
1:21:10 a resolution to take effect immediately
1:21:12 authorizing the mayor of the city
1:21:14 of Lakewood to enter into agreements with
1:21:18 representing more than 450 city
1:21:20 employees for a three-year period
1:21:22 commencing January 1st, 2026
1:21:24 and ending December 31st, 2028
1:21:26 and ratifying those agreements.
1:21:28 Move to refer to community of the whole.
1:21:30 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:21:38 Alright, we are at public comment.
1:21:40 The two folks we had signed in to speak
1:21:50 Then announcements from councilmembers.
1:21:56 Thank you all for letting me talk about
1:22:02 But I also wanted to remind everyone that on
1:22:18 No, International Men's Day.
1:22:34 Yeah, we can do community of the whole.
1:22:36 Yeah, that's a perfect day for it.
1:22:38 Anyway, other announcements
1:22:42 Announcements from the administration.
1:22:48 human services, the mayor's office,
1:22:54 support today with the gift cards.
1:22:58 who may be watching this who need support,
1:23:04 There's a number of programs with that.
1:23:06 Yeah, Vice President Baker.
1:23:08 I will continue to say it until people stop driving
1:23:10 around I-90, but there is construction.
1:23:16 Just drive slow. So everyone gets there
1:23:24 Two quick things. First, I want to compliment
1:23:36 other employee benefits packs.
1:23:40 We're able to see that on council and that
1:23:42 really serves all of City Hall.
1:23:44 In reviewing that, I find myself
1:23:46 feeling grateful that we're able to
1:23:48 provide that to employees because
1:23:56 So thank you for making it a
1:23:58 thorough and I think continuous
1:24:02 The other point is the chief and I had
1:24:04 a chance to dialogue a little bit
1:24:06 at the beginning, but chief, would you be willing to
1:24:08 share with the public what we're doing
1:24:16 when it comes to some of these
1:24:30 Sure. Thank you, Councilman.
1:24:32 Yes, so obviously last week,
1:24:34 last Friday, I believe it was,
1:24:36 a kid that was struck on the bike.
1:24:38 He's okay. Everything's fine.
1:24:42 Council Vice President Baker summed it up
1:24:54 and kids walking to school.
1:25:00 speed enforcement during school hours,
1:25:02 bringing in extra cars actually
1:25:04 on a volunteer basis, come in
1:25:06 and run some radar during those hours.
1:25:14 there's more traffic around McKinley,
1:25:16 I'm sure. I've seen the emails.
1:25:28 officers will be in the station. They'll be on the road
1:25:30 between 2.30 and 3.30 and 7.30
1:25:34 Sorry, 8.30 and 9.30 in the morning
1:25:36 and 2.30 and 3.30 in the afternoon,
1:25:42 walking to and from school.
1:25:48 And thank you, Chief and your team.
1:25:50 All right. Any further announcements?
1:25:56 further business before Council, we are