Written by the reviewer from the ASR + docket; [verbatim-ASR] = quoted machine transcript; [paraphrase] = reviewer's wording, not a quote.
0:00 Okay. Everybody ready to rock and roll? Let's call to order the meeting of the November
0:08 24, 2025 Finance Committee hearing. And this is the beginning of our 2026 budget process.
0:16 Thank you to members, Mayor George and members of the administration for being here and
0:20 working so hard to prepare the budget proposal. And I look forward to a productive schedule
0:28 of conversations, thanks to the council office, the council clerk and others on putting together
0:35 a good agenda schedule of meetings. And we're in the first today. Before getting into the
0:41 heavy lifting on the business tonight, let's consider some minutes for approval. So first
0:49 we've got the October 27 Finance Committee minutes from our meeting that day. Is there
0:55 a motion to approve the minutes? Motion made. Second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in
1:02 favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Then we also have the minutes for the
1:08 November 10, 2025 meeting of the Finance Committee. Is there a motion to approve
1:11 those minutes? Motion been made. Second. Seconded. Motion. Is there discussion? Hearing
1:18 none. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Okay. I would now like
1:23 to turn also to the proposed resolution for the Citywide Composting Program. That's
1:32 Resolution 2025-68. I think this will be a short conversation. It's
1:42 sponsored by Councilwoman Hamilton-Steiner, myself and Councilwoman Marks. Resolution
1:50 to authorize the mayor to negotiate and enter into a contract with a composting provider
2:00 for a Citywide Composting Program. And specifically, it would authorize the mayor to negotiate,
2:06 well just what I said, enter into a contract for a composting service provider for the
2:13 city for Citywide Composting Services, including establishment of multiple drop-off
2:18 location, regular collection services, and community education. For any potential drop-off
2:23 locations proposed on non-city property, the mayor designate shall work with partner
2:28 and coordinate with appropriate property owners to establish appropriate partnership
2:32 agreements. This language is broadly worded. It doesn't get specific. I think we could
2:39 consider Finance Committee members recommending this language to the full council for adoption.
2:48 The detail would come in an accompanying budget proposal, which I hope later tonight Councilwoman
2:55 Hamilton-Steiner can present to us. So I guess I'd like to open this for conversation
3:00 with committee members. I'd be willing to recommend adoption of the full council.
3:08 The other point is target to launch implementation on Earth Day next April 22nd. Any discussion,
3:16 committee members? Councilman Skribeck. Thank you, Chair Bullock. Yeah, I'm in favor
3:25 of Citywide Composting. We've been doing composting at our house for years and years
3:30 and years. And I think anything that we can do to keep things out of landfills
3:35 and, you know, enhance our yards by composting materials seems like a no-brainer to me.
3:42 I'm very much in support of this. Thank you. Thank you. Councilman Baker, any comments or questions?
3:49 No, I'm in support of this. I would like to hear some discussion on like how we intend
3:56 to operate it, but perhaps that's a little bit too far. Thank you. Councilman Steiner,
4:03 I know, do you want to speak now or do you want to hold it for later in the agenda?
4:07 Whatever. Sure, I mean, so the operationalization of that would be the composting provider.
4:21 So I've been speaking with Director Byington and one of the planners, Sophia, as well as our
4:28 composting committee friends, and we've been talking about, you know, how this could get
4:35 out, how this could work. We are still in the process of completely gathering data. I've been
4:42 in conversation with a potential composting provider that can provide the services about
4:49 how we can roll this out. And I know that there had been some preliminary proposal work
4:58 that had been done around this and doing a pilot program. And so I know our composting folks,
5:05 we've, and I, we have a sort of bigger long-term vision for what a city-wide composting program
5:12 could look like. So I think we've got, we can move towards that, but I think we are leaning
5:17 towards settling on adding an additional site that would be available to residents at zero
5:26 cost, and it would still come in at around the potential proposal amount that had been
5:32 initially proposed that the city was looking at. And so they are looking at grant funding
5:38 sources and a way to provide some grant support for this as well. So I'm hoping that we can
5:44 find some grant support to cover a large majority, and then the city could maybe find
5:50 a way to fund the rest of it. So that's where we're at. And as far as what this
5:58 additional site would be, it wouldn't be any different than what's currently happening
6:01 right now at Lakewood at Madison. So at Lakewood Park, there are six bins that are picked up
6:06 twice a week. Madison, there's three bins that are picked up twice a week.
6:10 So you're looking at anywhere from three to six bins twice a week pick up.
6:16 Thank you. And I'll note in section three of this resolution in front of us is funding
6:22 shall be allocated from existing sustainability budget resources and may be supplemented by
6:26 Cuyahoga County Waste District or other grants. So that's in the spirit of what
6:30 the councilwoman just described. Also, I know that our climate action plan calls for
6:36 progress on composting. In fact, pretty substantial progress by 2030. This would be
6:42 an initial step towards achieving those goals. And I know that our former staff member, Jill,
6:46 in the planning department had done some work. I think the councilman just referred to that.
6:51 Councilwoman Marks, you're also a cosponsor. Do you want to comment on proposed resolution?
6:56 Thank you, Councilman. Other council members?
7:16 Yeah, I want to thank my fellow council members for all the hard work on this
7:19 and for members of the community who've consistently brought this to our attention
7:23 and have, you know, stood out there. I think this is an important project.
7:27 I'm 100% behind it as well. I hope we can find a way to make it work. Thanks.
7:30 Thank you. Councilman Keppel?
7:34 Thank you. Yeah, totally in support of making composting more available to more residents at
7:41 no extra cost to them. It's the right thing to do and advances our climate action plan.
7:46 I just, I do have a question. The resolution as, unless I'm missing, as I'm reading it,
7:54 doesn't allocate a specific amount of funds. It just
8:01 authorizes and directs the mayor to enter into negotiations in a contract. Is that correct?
8:08 Yes, that is correct. Because we were in the process of, you know, trying to figure out,
8:13 you know, what that amount would be. And then also understanding the language as far as the
8:20 limit to sending it out to board of control for a bid and all that. So just keeping that
8:25 in mind and trying to be mindful and not have it be too restrictive to where we would have to
8:29 go back and make changes, but broad enough to where we're able to implement this. And again,
8:35 I would refer to, you know, the law director and, you know, Vice President Baker for input
8:40 as far as wording. Is this, is this written correctly and how it should be? And is it
8:46 going to do what we want it to do? Thank you. Yeah, through the chair. I, so
8:54 I guess then the question is, you know, Councilman Hamilton-Steiner, you've done
8:58 great work on working with the administration on this. I appreciate that. And the planning
9:01 department is, if council were to, this was referred back and council were to adopt this,
9:11 where would we, do we have an estimated number and where would we see that coming out of the
9:16 budget? And that might be more of a question for finance as well. If I, if I can take a stab,
9:22 council. So I think there's some two parts. Part of why I'm proposing that we try to clear
9:27 the resolution out is because it doesn't have the specifics. So it just gives, it would give,
9:33 proposes to give the mayor the blanket authority. We do need to take the second step
9:37 that you're anticipating council president Keppel and maybe we can talk about that.
9:42 Well, we've got 15 minutes to reserve reserve tonight for discussion of city council budget
9:48 initiated amendment. So we could talk further about that or we could just do it now.
9:52 But I think what the council woman was anticipating was an estimate of around
9:59 20 some thousand dollars. Yeah. So there was previously a proposal that was put together and
10:05 put it at about 26,000. So that's what they were looking at. And when I had spoke with
10:12 one of the potential composting providers on Friday, yes, Friday, they were estimating
10:19 putting it closer to maybe 35,000. But so the person that does that, you know,
10:24 sort of puts together the proposals with the provider is out of the office and will be back
10:33 next week or maybe the following week. So they would be able to put together about
10:36 a proposal. But I'm that's what I'm estimating. It would be between 20,000 and 35,000.
10:42 And also, Councilman, are you envisioning this 2026 initial program as a permanent
10:50 or as an initial step to field test it, get gathered data, see the response?
10:56 Yeah. Yeah. So I know that was one of the concerns from the administration was
11:02 rolling out a city, the cost of rolling out a potential citywide composting program and
11:09 falling short and not being a success. So I think we've sort of landed on and
11:16 agreed that, you know, starting smaller, starting as a pilot, seeing what the demand will be,
11:21 seeing, you know, and also seeing what those barriers are. Director Byneton also wanted to
11:25 know, you know, is the barrier financial or is it accessibility? So, you know, are we looking
11:30 at more of an issue where residents, where residents would participate if there were more
11:34 locations or would more residents participate if there were, if, you know, there wasn't that fee
11:41 that they had to pay. So that's where we would be able to gather some data and see what
11:47 the subscribership is. The composting provider has been very great to work with so far and
11:53 they are actually working on providing some projections and putting this towards, like,
12:01 a three to five-year plan to where we can grow it based on the demand for the service.
12:08 So I guess my interpretation would be we're hearing that the detail and the fact gathering
12:16 is underway. If we were to adopt the resolution, which we can't do tonight,
12:21 but the committee could recommend, what it would do is give the mayor blanket authority,
12:26 but it probably wouldn't be effective without also a budget allocation, which we wouldn't do
12:32 tonight. We'd include, if we were going to include it in the round of final
12:39 budget amendments on the final meeting before we pass. So that's kind of the structure that
12:45 I envision. Does that speak to your questions, Councilman? Sure. I just want to make sure
12:50 we're all clear on process and managing the expectations of what's happening here tonight.
12:56 So if this is referred favorably out of committee, that's step one. Adoption at
13:00 full council would be step two, and then allocation of the funds would be step three.
13:04 Right. Got it. Some of that allocation would, in this example,
13:09 require some continued dialogue, I think, between the council sponsors and the administration
13:13 to continue bringing into focus some of the details. So thank you for that. I see a couple
13:21 members of the public engaged with this issue. Would you like to speak briefly?
13:26 You don't have to, but you're welcome to do that now if you'd like.
13:34 Okay. Welcome, Ms. Sykes.
13:38 Oh, there it goes. Okay. No, thank you, guys, for accepting this, and I hope you will put it
13:47 in the budget, and we are remiss if we don't do it. Thank you.
13:52 Thank you. And that's Ms. Bonnie Sykes from Lakewood.
14:00 Hi. I'm Katherine Zimnick from Ward 3. So we met with Angelina this past weekend,
14:05 and to be honest, we didn't have a whole lot of time to respond to it, because we just wanted
14:10 to get here and get it approved in whatever format it takes. So I don't know whether or not
14:20 there's an agreed figure, but we will work with that figure, whatever you all approve.
14:27 Disappointed, bummer, because we had thought we were going to have
14:31 a free citywide composting by Thursday, 2026, and I guess with whatever you guys agree
14:40 funds lies, we will work with that if it means, you know, not a free citywide,
14:46 which it sounds like it doesn't mean that. It's a pilot. And the way we talked about it,
14:52 which I'm hoping there's some wiggle room in this, three sites that would all have a free
14:59 bin for about approximately 200 people first come, first served, open up on a certain day.
15:06 So if we could have some wiggle room, whatever amount you agree, we're 100% behind that. But
15:13 if we can get more people involved in the pilot, and it means just one free citywide bin
15:21 in an existing site, like Lakewood or Madison, whatever is decided, then we think
15:28 we could get, maybe naively, we think we could get more people than just the 200. Now, call me
15:38 delusional, call me naive, I'll accept it. I have 200 people I have to go back and
15:45 tell. I see quite regularly to say we probably are not going to have free
15:52 citywide composting. Okay, I can deal with that. But if we can get more than 200 and we
15:57 can whittle down the location to just one, because we've got Shaker, Cleveland Heights,
16:04 Breachwood. And one of them just has one free composting site. So if we were to have just one
16:14 and we were able to, well, my dream is we'd have everybody. But we could say, yeah, Lakewood
16:19 has free citywide composting, la-di-da. Even if it's just one site, I'm okay about that.
16:27 Now, Harry's not here. Harry would probably have some other things to say, but he's not feeling
16:31 well. But yeah, so that's what I wanted to say, that thank you. I want you to say thank you to
16:35 all who have done so much work on this to date. And the holidays are coming up, everybody
16:41 needs a rest. And we would like to try to work out where we might get some grant money
16:46 with you if we can do that and et cetera. All right, thank you very much. Take care.
16:53 Thank you, Catherine. Councilwoman, go ahead.
16:56 So what Catherine had talked about, Cleveland Heights
17:00 rolled out. They have one site that is open to zero cost to residents. And it doesn't placate
17:10 an existing subscriber program. So that's like a hybrid program. So we could potentially have
17:16 one site that would be for new non-paying subscribers at the moment for Lakewood residents.
17:22 And then you'd still have the current sites at Lakewood Park and Madison Park. So that is
17:27 one of the options that we can have that model. Thank you. Any other comments? I would say,
17:34 go ahead, Councilwoman. Thank you. I'm not quite sure I understand that
17:40 aren't the locations of Lakewood Park and Madison Park, aren't those citywide and free?
17:45 They're not free. So people pay to use them. So you subscribe and you pay a monthly subscription,
17:53 essentially, for access to those bins. And so last time we did it through Madison
18:01 Court Community Coalition. And I want to say it was around $12 a month to do it.
18:08 Thank you. So the program details are going to be under continued development and refinement.
18:14 I think a working deadline for ourselves would be the end of this budget cycle, which is really
18:20 well before December 21, I think is our final date. So the work will continue. And we'll
18:27 revisit both the scope and the cost. And even if in year one 2026 is not as expansive as
18:36 we might hope, we'll get important progress, operational experience, kind of metrics for
18:43 success, those kinds of things. I'm hopeful. Barely said. Okay. Is there a motion from the
18:50 committee on the resolution before us? I will make a motion to move 2025-68
19:03 favorably back to full council. Second. Motion been made and second.
19:07 Did any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? And the ayes have it.
19:14 Thank you. Okay. So we'll go to the top of the order here, which is to
19:21 Okay. Overview of the budget document, finance policies, attainment of balance,
19:40 budget, status of fund balance by finance director Mahoney and assistant finance director
19:46 Eddie and Mayor George. And then we'll have a little additional time to discuss
19:52 council-initiated budget amendments. I don't expect that we're going to cover everything
19:55 that council, as I know I have heard from Councilman Evans, so maybe we could consider
20:00 or hear synopsis from Councilman Evans, that section. And then we'll go to the capital
20:06 budget and public works and even health insurance. I presume to the administration
20:12 that we'll see those directors later in the schedule. So without further ado,
20:16 and thanks for your patience, members of the administration. Mayor George, would you like to
20:21 or your designee kick us off on the overview of the budget document?
20:31 Good evening, committee. So just one housekeeping thing I'd like to talk about
20:38 first is in the list that says the following legislation will be considered.
20:43 Item two, it actually should be, it's just a little confusing. 31-2025, I just want to make
20:50 sure we're all on the same page. That's the 2025 appropriations. And then item five, 34-2025
21:00 is the 2026 appropriations. The one, 34-2025, I needed to submit a correction and I did that
21:09 to Jen. 31-2025 was the 25 appropriations. I know that probably sounded confusing, but
21:18 I just wanted to make sure we're on the right page. So 31-2025 is relates to 2025
21:24 and 34-2025 relates to 2026. Just so if you're reading the list of ordinances, you're not
21:31 confused. Thank you. So, and then I did not prepare a PowerPoint. I figure you have your
21:39 budget book in front of you. So we can just go through a few pages of it if you like.
21:46 I'd start on page seven, where the executive summary starts.
21:55 Just a highlight of the major expenditures for 2026. One thing to consider is that whenever you
22:03 look at the detail of the wages, that there are 27 bi-weekly pays in 2026. That happens
22:11 about every 11 years. So if you think, wow, why are wages so much higher than usual,
22:17 there is an extra pay. Unfortunately for council, we just will divide your pay by 27 pays.
22:23 So you do not get an extra pay. And then also included is a 3% wage increase
22:31 based on the collective bargaining agreements. Some other big projects are, of course,
22:36 more sewer improvements, Bunce Road, Madison Park, and City Hall improvements. And what I'm most
22:44 excited about is the appropriations for a new finance system that we will be starting January
22:51 of 2026. And if you, on page 155, and there's no need to scroll to that, but that's where the
23:00 capital projects start. And of course, those are the largest projects for 2026. And then
23:08 just a little overview of the revenue. Income tax and property tax together
23:14 represent 77% of our general fund revenue. This is the second year, and we had a $3 million
23:24 increase in property tax for 2025. But as we had talked about in a prior finance meeting,
23:32 it's every three years that property tax is adjusted, and that's when we get the bump.
23:37 So then we have to keep that same amount for those three years. So although expenses go up,
23:45 property tax does not go up generally for the other two years of that cycle.
23:51 And then income tax, we budgeted a 3% increase. We generally average about that over the last
24:00 10 years, between 3 and 4%. So we used a 3% increase there.
24:08 If you flip to page 9, you'll see the GFOA's accepted reserves is
24:19 two months of reserves. We don't want to get into a situation like we were in 2008.
24:25 And our projection for the end of 25 is 64 days, so just over that. Again, not
24:33 an immense amount over that, but we do fall within GFOA guidelines.
24:39 So Director, who's GFOA?
24:41 Government Finance Officers Association. They put out all the rules.
24:46 Okay, not state government, but a professional association.
24:56 So again, the good news is that the city is within that 60 days, and we definitely
25:05 would want to stay within that for those unforeseen circumstances.
25:11 And then, so just as a little review, general fund is where all the money that is not
25:21 allocated to a specific other fund is spent. So like, for example, sewer and water,
25:29 and those are specific revenues for a specific purpose. General fund is really what we mainly
25:36 talk about because that's where that you can spend anything that's not reserved for a
25:43 certain purpose. So yeah, again, the income tax and property tax represent 77% of general
25:51 fund revenues. And then on page 10, you can see our capital of just a general overview,
26:00 about $100 million in 2026 projects. Some of that was from prior years.
26:07 That is still being done. Obviously, water sewer are the highest dollar amounts there.
26:16 And then on page 11, you can see the anticipated new debt money, about $27 million, which
26:27 includes improvements to City Hall and Winterhurst. A large portion of that is Bunce Road,
26:36 which is, you'll see $5 million, which that's just roadway improvements. Bunce
26:41 Road's also included underwater improvements and sewer improvements. So,
26:47 you know, Bunce Road is in three of those sections there.
26:53 Just a little note about our debt issuance next year. I have directions from Catherine,
27:01 our bond counsel, to get her the final number by December 16th. We are planning to get a rated
27:10 one-year note that can save us about 15 to 40 basis points, which is significant money.
27:17 So, in order to have that, we need to, the plan, I would ask counsel to hopefully have
27:26 them present January 20th and then with readings February 2nd, February 17th. So,
27:32 we would have time to go to the rating agency to get a rating and, again, to save
27:39 hundreds of thousands of dollars. Director, can you repeat that? So,
27:42 what's going to save the 15 or 20 basis points? By going out to get a rating.
27:48 This year, we did not have a rating, and you don't some years. It costs a little more
27:54 money for the lawyers to put together, but on the other hand, we'll save hundreds of
27:59 thousands of dollars. So, in essence, Moody's comes in, looks at our finances, gives us
28:04 a rating, and that gives you a lower interest rate. Your point about the timing is just
28:11 enough time to not only issue bonds, but to also conduct a rating reassessment. So,
28:21 you're hoping that we can schedule in January the Moody's people?
28:26 That would be the KeyBank people. The KeyBank folks to talk about everything else.
28:29 All right. So, how frequently do we do, is that a regular schedule or is it a semi-regular
28:34 schedule, depending on what we regard as favorable conditions for our city to get,
28:40 essentially? To be rated?
28:41 Yeah. Generally, on a one-year note,
28:44 you might not get rated. We did two years ago. The city's history is take out notes for a few
28:52 years and then roll those into bonds. When you do roll it into a bond, that is generally when
28:59 you have a rating. But again, this would save us, even if it's a one-year note,
29:03 it'll save us thousands of dollars.
29:04 I guess I'm not recalling that. We would do ratings that frequently.
29:08 I thought we did it more like every five years or something.
29:11 It's generally when you go out for a bond. Longer term.
29:16 Yeah, I'm trying to, and now I think I know the answer to this, why we'd want to get rated
29:20 on a short-term note. Is it because of the amount we're taking out? Because
29:25 it's higher than typical years?
29:28 No. Well, we did have a large note last year and then rolling this, another 27 million into
29:35 that I believe would be about 60 million one-year note. And again, just to save the interest rate
29:45 No, I guess I understand it would save money. It's very clear. I'm trying to understand why
29:52 a rating is necessary this year on the short-term notes. I understand you go out
29:58 for a bond and you roll over debt, you're going to get rated, right? And the rating is
30:02 just lawyer's time and energy and effort. And is it worth it for the interest rate saving?
30:08 I'm trying to understand why on a short-term note. I understand it saves money. I understand
30:13 we've done it in the past on bonds. I don't understand why we're doing it on short-term
30:16 notes. And that's why I'm trying to understand.
30:18 Just to save money.
30:20 But why is it different this year than it was the past couple years for short-term notes?
30:24 We could have done it in other years. Yeah.
30:27 I would say I think we've done it just about every other year. I know I've
30:33 personally presented to Moody's at least twice since I've been here in six years. So
30:38 we generally present every couple years.
30:41 On the bonds, though. This is, as I understand the way you've described it,
30:46 we're presenting on the short-term notes.
30:49 Do we think the city's in a stronger financial position because of increased collections?
30:53 I believe we will. And I can present to Moody's how we have two nice developments coming.
31:03 It's just to save money. That's all. It costs us about $10,000 to $15,000 in legal fees.
31:08 And we'll save at least $100,000 in interest expense.
31:14 And perhaps when they come, we can ask them. I don't understand the distinction
31:18 of on the short-term. Long-term bonds, 100%. I understand.
31:23 But I don't understand on the short-term. And I think it's because of the amount of money
31:26 we're taking out. But I...
31:29 We could have this past year, too, with the $30 million. And
31:33 we could have. It's just more work on the administration, more legal fees.
31:38 But I had a meeting with them, and they suggested that this would
31:43 save us money. I said, I'm all about saving money.
31:45 So we could have saved money last year, I guess?
31:48 We could have if they didn't suggest it to me to have a rating.
31:52 But yes, you could get a rating. Even on a short-term note, it can always be rated.
31:57 Okay. Well, then we should rate every year.
32:00 Okay. All right. Thank you.
32:02 Okay. Thank you. I think that...
32:04 Well, speaking for me, anyway, we'd be receptive to
32:08 working with you to schedule optimally to give the city time to save money.
32:14 But thank you. Please continue.
32:16 Okay. So then just on page 23, I apologize.
32:21 This was not included in our first draft.
32:25 And so then we set out another draft with council's priorities.
32:30 Just wanted to point out that when the administration looks at the budget,
32:35 we do look through council's priorities.
32:37 And most of those have been included in some form in the budget.
32:45 Just wanted to point that out.
32:46 Okay. Page 29 is just an overview of the last 10 years of income tax collections.
32:59 And you can see there some years good, most years good, thankfully,
33:05 and some not so good.
33:07 But just on the average, it's about a 4.6% increase over the years.
33:12 Can I quickly interject?
33:16 I noted over the weekend, there's new state legislation that will curtail collections of
33:26 inside millage to match inflation.
33:32 So when there's a chance, I mean, not right now, it'd be wonderful to
33:36 estimate what your projection for 2026 collections would be, presumably be significantly below 2025
33:44 collections. And what I read from the summary is that that would apply immediately.
33:50 From what I have gathered.
33:52 Or unless it be 27 for 26, because it's in arrears, perhaps.
33:57 Right. So the governor still needs to sign those.
34:01 I'm not sure if he will or he won't.
34:04 But the one that I had especially looked at, it did not seem that it will affect us
34:13 too terribly much. So to be continued, I guess.
34:17 Okay. Okay. If that's true, that's important information to understand.
34:20 I thought I read exactly the opposite, but
34:23 look forward to understanding that more. Thanks.
34:27 And then just a couple other things I wanted to point out. Page 34.
34:31 This starts to go through all the different funds.
34:34 And again, like I said, general fund is where we spend most of our time.
34:40 You can see the estimated revenue is just over 64 million and the expenditures are
34:45 just about the same, which leaves us that 17,173.
34:50 That's a structurally balanced budget, which is our goal every year.
34:54 That meaning the expected revenues next year
34:58 will cover the expected expenses and not needing to eat into our general fund balance,
35:05 which again then protects that 64 days of reserves.
35:08 So if there's any changes to the budget other than $17,000,
35:12 we could lose that structural balance.
35:16 And the administration worked hard to make sure that that didn't happen.
35:21 Thank you, Director. With significant increased tax receipts,
35:27 how is it that we only would have 17,000 margin under the proposed
35:33 budget the administration presenting us?
35:36 Presumably we'd have significantly more.
35:37 Now I did hear what you said about 3% proposed pay increase.
35:42 Which is about a rough estimate, about a $2 million increase in expenditures.
35:48 So that's almost the amount of the $3 million property tax increase.
35:56 And how about for income tax though, increased?
36:01 Well, we budgeted some capital expenses to operating in order to lower our debt for next
36:11 year. And yeah, I mean, just the detail behind it would show you where.
36:19 Okay. And have we, so we're saying we have 64 days of reserve proposed for next year?
36:25 Is that higher or lower than 25 and 24?
36:29 It's a little bit lower than 24.
36:31 Okay. Do we still have a rainy day fund?
36:34 And I know previous finance directors would sometimes allocate part of the present year
36:39 surplus to the next year's hospitalization fund to kind of lower the future year's
36:45 healthcare expenditures. Are we continuing that practice?
36:49 Yes. Going back to page 8, our goal is to maintain a million dollars towards the
36:59 economic development account, half a million for employee separation payments.
37:04 And again, as you asked, why is the expenses up?
37:08 Again, in 2026, we'll have an extra payroll.
37:12 27th pay, that's significant.
37:15 Have we been saving a little bit every year towards the 27th pay and then it goes back
37:21 down and we re-accumulate?
37:24 And then we will start again next year to start for 11 years in the future.
37:30 So that's kind of a one-time higher expenditure, but still, so it sounds as if spending cash
37:38 on capital budget and also capacity to pay personnel a 3% increase is most or all of the
37:51 proposed use of the increased tax receipts?
37:56 These are all clarifying questions.
38:00 And that's kind of getting to Councilman Bullock's point.
38:02 It looks like in capital, we have the proposal is to allocate $277,000 of general
38:09 fund money towards capital with some restricted accounts also paying capital,
38:14 CBDG, assuming the pay vane and such.
38:16 I don't know what the special revenue funds is or are, but I think to that point
38:21 about the structural balance, if council did want to find ways to fund programs,
38:26 you could essentially take capital and put it into bonding.
38:30 And so that's, you know, for my colleague's edification, I'm not necessarily
38:33 advocating for that, but that would work, right, Director Mahoney, if we wanted to
38:38 say that right now there's a $17,000 revenue over expenditure, but there is a world in which
38:46 we spent $250,000 out of capital, for example, or $250,000 from general revenue
38:54 fund in capital and then took $27,500 and put it somewhere else.
38:58 We could, but I mean my goal, as you know, Councilman, is to try and reduce debt, so.
39:03 Yeah, and my goal is to try to explain to my colleagues what our float is here
39:07 and what our power is.
39:08 So that's all I'm just trying to explain to my colleagues.
39:12 And I agree, we should try to spend as much money
39:14 that we have and not go out for bonds.
39:16 So I agree, thank you.
39:18 Although the, I mean, there is the argument that with capital you allocate
39:26 the financing for capital across the usable life of the system.
39:30 So for a telephone system, that might be five or 10 years.
39:34 For a vehicle, a different time period.
39:36 For a road, it might be 15 or 20 years.
39:38 Now, if we had as much cash as Westlake, maybe we would just pay cash for everything.
39:43 But since we're not there and we may well have higher capital reinvestment costs
39:50 because of the age of our community than Westlake, we've had this
39:56 practice of financing our capital for the most part.
40:00 And I appreciate everything you're saying and agree with the thrust of the financial policies.
40:05 But I mean, there is that argument too, right, that you would spread the investment
40:14 costs of capital across the usable life.
40:19 It is, that is an argument.
40:22 And when interest rates were less than 1%, that sounded great.
40:26 But now, you know, interest rates are a little higher, interest expenses higher.
40:32 So the goal is to, especially not to spend, you know, not to
40:39 take a $100,000 project and pay it over 30 years.
40:43 That's a lot of interest on that.
40:45 Those are good points.
40:47 And I think the, what I'm referring to, I'm remembering from previous finance directs
40:53 would not be $100,000 project, more like higher than that, half million, a million
40:58 But it's a great point about the interest rates.
41:03 Okay, thanks for the dialogue.
41:04 I've been talking a lot.
41:06 Other council members, you want to?
41:10 Oh, that's about it for me, unless anybody has any questions.
41:21 Would you like to proceed to the next section of the?
41:44 One more question while you're looking.
41:46 I see, and I, and thank you, Assistant Director, Eddie, for your emails that kind
41:51 of outline where we're at.
41:53 It looks like we're at 30 million in income tax collections.
41:56 Are we going to hit budget or are we going to go over budget for the end of
41:59 2025, how do we think?
42:01 No, we're pretty close.
42:09 Yeah, I thought we should be a little higher than we are right now.
42:14 But it'll be pretty close to budget.
42:22 So Director, you mean we're on budget.
42:27 You thought we might be over budget or under budget?
42:31 No, I thought we should be a little farther than we are at this point of
42:35 But hopefully it'll pick up here the next couple months and we'll end up
42:41 just on budget for income tax.
42:43 Are there means what, just making the expenditures that are called for?
42:49 No, the collection of income tax.
42:57 So I do see public works here.
43:03 Why don't we, I guess what I would like to propose council members is
43:07 that we proceed with the administration's presentations and then
43:11 we can reserve some time at the end to hear from those council members who
43:16 may be prepared to talk further as Councilwoman Steiner did.
43:19 Thank you for going first about the council initiated proposal.
43:24 I think we'll, as I said before, take a step or three on that
43:29 and keep working throughout the process on those.
43:32 So public works team, welcome to the hearing.
43:36 Would you like to come up to the plate and start swinging?
43:53 Okay, so Director Gordon, would you like to do the overview of public works
44:18 We begin with that and then we can pivot to
44:20 the capital budget.
44:28 Good evening, everyone.
44:30 So I just, sorry, I'm trying to get myself prepared here.
44:34 So as has been done in the years past with the PowerPoint presentation,
44:38 I have mixed both public works and the capital together.
44:43 I've done that in years past and it seems to have been a positive
44:48 experience for all of us.
44:50 So included in my PowerPoint is both public works and capital.
44:55 If that's okay with everybody?
44:58 So I guess go ahead and get started here.
45:05 So again, thank you again to City Council,
45:09 to Mayor George and all those involved for another successful year.
45:12 In my opinion, for the public works department, I'm joined tonight as I always am
45:17 during this time of year by City Engineer Mark Papke.
45:20 So we are here to answer any questions that Council may have.
45:25 So next slide, please.
45:29 So we will start with the streets department and I will try to go through
45:34 the individual departments, not as quickly as possible, but
45:38 efficiently as possible to kind of hit on some things that I thought
45:42 were of some great accomplishments this past year.
45:45 And then what we're looking at in the years ahead.
45:48 One of the things I like to strive ourselves in public works on is being responsive.
45:54 And we are providing a service to the residents of Lakewood.
45:58 I thought one interesting statistic from this past year was
46:01 that the streets department received and responded to a total of 1,871 resident calls,
46:08 which I thought was a pretty large number when you think about
46:12 how many days are in a year, how many times during that year that we're here
46:16 compared to the number of resident calls.
46:20 And then on top of it, the cubic yards of concrete that we put down for various streets
46:26 this past year was 582.
46:29 So you could tell this past year that work was right where it needed to be
46:34 and where I feel it exceeded expectations.
46:37 As we've done in years past, the public works department again will be working with
46:43 Cuyahoga County, and we applied for the Cuyahoga County Road Preventative Maintenance
46:49 Reimbursement Program.
46:50 We applied in October of 2025 this year, in which they reimbursed from material costs
46:56 only on county roads for crack sealing.
47:00 We are happy to report that, to our knowledge, we will be receiving it again.
47:04 So we will look to crack seal this upcoming year Brown, Warren, and Riverside Drive.
47:14 And then from there, if we are able to get to local streets, we do it based on
47:19 per pavement condition rating as time permits.
47:23 We don't want to be solely committed to that because those roads take a while,
47:29 along with all the other work that we have.
47:32 But again, this is something that we've applied for in years past.
47:34 We've gotten, and we will continue to do so.
47:37 On Riverside, is it terminated terminated or are there certain sections?
47:41 So the whole thing?
47:44 Thank you guys for the work they've done on sealing the potholes,
47:47 because it's a lot better.
47:49 We appreciate that.
47:51 As you know, Councilman Baker, we started south of Hilliard this year.
47:56 We continue to plan to work north of Hilliard next year.
48:01 And, you know, it's been brought to our attention about Riverside on many occasions.
48:06 Obviously, the city doesn't want to obligate to doing anything towards Riverside
48:09 until we know exactly what's going to happen with that bridge, the Hilliard Road Bridge.
48:13 So we'll continue to do the best we can down there.
48:18 And we certainly think that the crack sealing program will help
48:21 in the case that we are able to knock out as much as we can.
48:24 Director Gordon, quick other question.
48:26 Do we proactively look for potholes and seasonally?
48:32 You have a great stat on the previous slide responding to 139 reports.
48:36 But do we, I mean, is it important that every citizen report everything they notice
48:41 or we catch them without that?
48:46 We do have crews out that are doing pothole repairs
48:50 and filling potholes on a daily basis.
48:54 And then in a winter time, we do have a night crew that's here.
48:57 That is part of their everyday night duties is to look for those,
49:01 understanding that they need to keep the noise ordinance in effect
49:06 and to try to be as quiet as possible, which can be difficult at times.
49:10 But as I've said to residents before,
49:13 and I will continue to say in a lot of situations,
49:16 you know, they are our eyes and ears to many things that are out there.
49:18 So if they do find something that needs attention,
49:21 I encourage them to report it.
49:23 And can we use the app?
49:25 Do you guys find that helpful?
49:26 Yeah, the report a problem.
49:27 Yes, it will go to the correct department.
49:30 If it doesn't and it ends up on my desk,
49:32 I'll make sure it goes to the correct department.
49:36 So switching it up to the forestry department,
49:39 2025, again, another great year for that department.
49:44 You know, all the 200 trees we planted in the spring
49:48 included the installation of water bags, which were filled.
49:52 Weekly throughout the summer season,
49:56 we continue to perform tree removals where necessary,
50:00 along with working with contractors.
50:02 And we're happy to report that the forestry department
50:05 has been using the city GIS tree inventory
50:07 to create work orders and reports, which has been of great success.
50:14 This upcoming year, again, the city has been awarded
50:18 the tree city USA for 48 years.
50:20 I think that's another excellent accomplishment.
50:23 And we're estimating in our budget proposals
50:26 to plant anyway from 350 to 400 new trees.
50:30 Again, this will be based on bids received.
50:33 And we will continue to plant both in the fall and spring of every year.
50:39 We will continue to work with project managers
50:41 to replace trees during construction projects.
50:44 I fully understand that has been a very hot topic as of late.
50:48 That is something that we work directly with the construction
50:51 and engineering department project managers on.
50:54 Is during construction projects, if trees are to be taken down,
50:57 we do look to replace them.
51:00 That is something that we take as a priority.
51:02 Just in certain situations, unfortunately,
51:05 that can't happen for many different reasons.
51:09 But if it can, we will certainly do that.
51:11 And one interjection there, Director,
51:13 I know some years ago for some road pavement projects,
51:18 we had contractors who had the ability
51:21 to for some trees excavate under roots
51:24 and thread pipes under roots.
51:27 And so you could preserve some of the mature trees.
51:30 Do we still pursue that?
51:33 So the mindset of public works and engineering,
51:37 I can safely say, is everybody knows if we can preserve a tree
51:42 at any time during any project, we will do that
51:45 under any circumstance necessary that we can.
51:50 In certain situations, if a tree cannot be preserved
51:52 and we have to take it down, we will.
51:54 But that is the absolute last measure.
51:58 No, I appreciate that.
51:59 And you've been clear about that.
52:00 And we thank you for that.
52:01 I just wonder the actual experiences.
52:03 I mean, are there cases where we're successful
52:06 at saying every second or third tree on the road
52:08 that's getting new underwater pipes or something?
52:12 Yeah, in a lot of cases, we would just, if possible,
52:16 change the location of where the utility may be going
52:19 compared to the tree, if it's possible.
52:22 And that is the best case scenario.
52:24 We try to avoid going directly under trees where we can
52:28 because it just does not create a good circumstance.
52:33 So if we are able to create any type of adjustments,
52:38 You know, another time it might be great
52:40 to just get some detail or data on that.
52:43 And I appreciate your point that it's not always possible.
52:46 I have a question about trees, too.
52:49 I have one question about trees, too.
52:51 First of all, thank you, Director Gordon,
52:54 for all the hard work of your department this year.
52:57 You were on my street today planting some trees,
53:00 and I was glad to see that.
53:02 And I just wanted to ask you about these 12 trees
53:05 that were performed by contractors
53:07 and what the case would be.
53:09 Is that just because of the size,
53:11 or is there a different circumstances going on there?
53:18 So there could be a few different circumstances.
53:22 That could be involved with using an outside contractor.
53:25 You could have utility lines.
53:28 We certainly do not perform any tree removals
53:30 when it involves utility lines.
53:32 You could have the situation where the tree is on
53:35 private property and considered a nuisance.
53:38 City staff does not go on private property
53:41 to remove nuisance trees.
53:42 We contract that out.
53:44 And it could be something that we had our forestry
53:46 department go out, take a look at,
53:48 and it's just out of their scope of work.
53:51 So there could be multiple different factors
53:52 involved with having a contractor perform that work.
54:04 With fleet management, this past year,
54:08 another successful year with our fleet department,
54:13 they continue to look into the best possible equipment
54:18 for the city, from vehicles to equipment
54:21 to anything you can think of that would fall
54:23 under fleet management.
54:25 They had some great accomplishments this past year,
54:28 and that included transitioning three hybrid vehicles
54:31 for administrative use with more to follow.
54:34 So we've taken a lot of the hybrid vehicles
54:37 and handed those down to the necessary city staff
54:41 to be used here in the city, and we will continue to do so.
54:52 Unfortunately, I can't see that one.
54:55 Terrible on my part.
54:57 This is our 2026 projects to be financed
55:00 using the municipal capital lease.
55:02 I'll make a note to myself to never use that color again.
55:08 Yeah, you know what?
55:11 So again, this is just a list of the municipal capital leases
55:16 this upcoming year for our fleet department.
55:19 Can we clarify terms?
55:21 So lease does not mean what a family would do
55:25 at a dealership where it's a different term.
55:28 I think it just means, in this context,
55:29 Director Mahoney, essentially a car loan, right?
55:34 Okay, so we're financing to own these vehicles in five years,
55:38 or do we know the time frame?
55:42 Okay, does that make sense, Councilmembers,
55:44 because I got myself confused one time on that.
55:47 And again, instead of including this in a note issue,
55:52 paying for something for 30 years,
55:54 we just pay for it like a short-term.
55:59 Then with what, our full faith and credit?
56:02 Yeah, so technically they could seize the medical truck,
56:07 instead of seizing our collections of income taxes.
56:10 So you attach it to an asset.
56:12 And I was going to ask, Director,
56:16 do we know the typical usable life of the vehicle?
56:19 So we're going to pay for it in five years,
56:20 which is a common experience for most of us
56:23 in our private family vehicles.
56:24 But I expect there's going to be a range,
56:28 whether we're dealing with a heavy truck
56:29 versus a light-duty vehicle.
56:31 But can you speak to that?
56:35 Currently, James Holman, our fleet division manager,
56:37 has a spreadsheet going in which he lists the vehicles
56:41 and their years of replacement.
56:44 There also could be multiple different factors
56:47 behind the scenes that could go into a vehicle needing replaced.
56:50 Unfortunately, if a vehicle,
56:52 if we notice that it starts to have more problems
56:55 than we'd like to deal with,
56:56 and potentially it's a little bit younger
56:58 and needs to be replaced sooner than an older vehicle,
57:01 we may consider that.
57:03 So there is like a rough time frame.
57:06 You're looking at anywhere from 10 to 15 years plus.
57:10 And again, it all depends on how much
57:11 it's being used as well.
57:12 So there's multiple different factors to consider.
57:16 How much idle time it potentially has on the road
57:19 because it's being used for many different things
57:21 while it's out there.
57:23 So again, we don't set ourselves
57:28 okay, it's 10 years old and we're replacing it no matter what.
57:31 We look at the vehicle itself
57:32 and we try to get as much out of the vehicle
57:34 as we possibly can before we want to move on to another one.
57:42 Parks and public properties.
57:44 Again, this department does a great job,
57:46 as we all know, with what they are able
57:50 to accomplish every year.
57:52 And credit to this department for being very proactive
57:56 with sustainability and taking the next steps
58:00 And as you can see in this slide here,
58:01 they've done a lot in 2025 with removing
58:08 the fluorescent fixture lamps
58:09 and replacing with LED strip lights.
58:12 They replaced the traditional light switches
58:14 with motion switches.
58:17 They continue to purchase
58:18 to the battery powered equipment,
58:20 upgraded HVAC units.
58:21 I mean, multiple things with this department
58:23 that I'm very proud of
58:25 and I'm very proud of the division themselves,
58:28 especially division manager Kurt Mathe
58:31 for being very proactive with everything.
58:33 Director, on this slide, what's a VFD
58:36 to foster pool pump room?
58:39 It's kind of like a high-end pump
58:44 that is used at Foster Pool
58:47 for the motors that are down there.
58:49 Okay, so that's just investment
58:50 in making the pool operate appropriately.
58:53 Correct, and to have it operate more efficiently,
58:58 I guess you could say would be the best word.
59:01 We've noticed through our times
59:04 after Foster Pool was constructed
59:08 and we were able to do some research
59:10 on different things and visit other facilities
59:12 and areas which we could become better in.
59:14 And this was just one of them to become
59:16 more efficient would be the best word.
59:18 Okay, energy efficient, you mean?
59:21 Okay, and I appreciate the diligent work there.
59:24 So the lighting, the light switches, the pumps,
59:28 I mean, those will all add up and compound.
59:30 That's good taxpayer dollar stewardship
59:33 and it's also contributes to our Climate Action Plan
59:36 and that's rather than one big project
59:40 you're doing diligent work on the details
59:42 and that's all gonna be worthwhile and pay off.
59:46 Thank you also, Mayor, for continuing the court
59:53 and the ball field regrade.
59:55 I know we've been working on that
59:57 for four or five years now with the school district
59:59 and I think that's a big deal, you know?
1:00:01 I mean, we have only so much acreage per capita.
1:00:05 Remember always we have fewer park acres
1:00:08 per person than Chicago does.
1:00:13 when we're reinvesting our parks,
1:00:14 I mean, usability goes up, people respond.
1:00:27 And again, this upcoming year in 2026,
1:00:31 as this department has done in the past
1:00:34 they'll continue to be proactive
1:00:36 across efficient improvements.
1:00:40 They're continuing to explore energy efficient trends
1:00:43 with LED lighting, charging stations,
1:00:46 HVAC replacements, all those types of things.
1:00:50 So we will continue to be proactive there
1:00:54 and continue to move forward.
1:00:58 With the Parks and Properties Department,
1:01:00 we will continue with our wood fencing replacement program.
1:01:04 We will start on the west side property line
1:01:06 of City Hall this year and head north.
1:01:09 If you noticed, we hit on the east side property line
1:01:14 So we're going to flip it over
1:01:15 to the west side property line and head north.
1:01:20 Thank you, Director Gordon.
1:01:21 On the fences along 90, all of them got replaced
1:01:25 except the one by Niagara Park.
1:01:27 You indicated in a strong breeze could knock those over.
1:01:29 I think it has a couple of times.
1:01:31 Is that in this next year's program
1:01:33 or is that another year out?
1:01:36 I don't know off the top of my head
1:01:43 but I can follow up with you on that.
1:01:46 I noticed you did the metal poles
1:01:48 instead of the four by four posts on the other ones
1:01:51 and I think that's a nice product
1:01:52 that kind of creates it stronger.
1:01:54 Yeah, we were looking for more long time stability
1:01:58 which we felt that the metal poles worked a lot better.
1:02:03 But I can certainly follow up with you on that one.
1:02:05 So to clarify, we're replacing the wood fencing
1:02:08 with new wood fencing, is that right?
1:02:12 and we put in metal posts instead of wood posts
1:02:17 to have the fencing last longer with the footers.
1:02:21 So as you can see in this photo,
1:02:22 there's a wooden fence post going into a concrete footer.
1:02:27 If I had a red pen, I could kind of show you.
1:02:31 But instead of that, we're going to go with a metal post
1:02:37 and then wood fencing all around.
1:02:39 Now, do they pile drive those
1:02:41 or do they put those in concrete?
1:02:51 And along with the Parks and Properties Department
1:02:53 is the City HVAC and Roof Replacement Program.
1:02:57 Again, this is just a program that we have set up
1:03:00 that we have a contractor that we're on contract with
1:03:04 come out and take a look at our HVAC systems
1:03:07 throughout the city, as well as our roofs.
1:03:09 And these are the next ones that are on the list.
1:03:11 So it'll be the Public Works Garage Split,
1:03:14 Fire Station 3 Rooftop Unit,
1:03:16 and the Fire Station 3 Metal Roof.
1:03:18 Are you proposing a study of that or actual replacement?
1:03:24 These will be actual replacements.
1:03:27 And how about the efficiency there?
1:03:29 Because those are big drivers of total energy use.
1:03:35 So with any type of HVAC replacement,
1:03:37 we try to do as high efficiency as possible,
1:03:39 which we have done at other locations as well.
1:03:43 That is certainly something that we speak
1:03:49 Again, try to get our best bang for our buck
1:03:53 Some of that, though, is a judgment call,
1:03:55 like how long the return on investment
1:04:00 Presumably, the city is a long-term tenant
1:04:05 especially on Public Works and Fire Station facilities.
1:04:09 We're not moving those, right?
1:04:10 So we could make a case for a longer-term,
1:04:13 higher-efficiency investment.
1:04:15 And I know from my private work
1:04:17 that we're staring electricity price inflation
1:04:21 thanks to tariffs, data center, speculation,
1:04:26 There's a bunch of upper pressure
1:04:29 So I'd like to make a compelling argument
1:04:32 that we lean into the higher,
1:04:36 and rather, there's good, better, and best.
1:04:38 I don't know if we're opting for better or good,
1:04:40 but you can make a case for best,
1:04:44 because arguably the tolerance for a longer ROI
1:04:49 would be appropriate for the city.
1:04:58 Again, along with our Parks and Properties Department
1:05:03 the Madison Park Futsal Court Upgrade Project.
1:05:06 The tentative start date for that
1:05:11 The city did apply for a CDSG grant
1:05:14 for this upgrade, for $50,000,
1:05:18 and a public meeting with the Futsal community
1:05:20 was held in October of 2025.
1:05:24 And to everybody's happiness,
1:05:30 the Bexpool improvements we're looking to do
1:05:36 that will consist of conceptual design
1:05:40 in the public engagement process.
1:05:42 So this will be the beginning steps
1:05:46 this upcoming year for the Bexpool improvements.
1:05:51 Councilmembers, any discussion on that point?
1:05:53 That's a pretty big significant project,
1:05:58 thank you for including that in the...
1:06:01 Go ahead, Councilman Striebeck.
1:06:03 I had one question on the pool.
1:06:04 When I was at the CREC meeting the other night,
1:06:06 they were talking about how that pool
1:06:08 was just losing water like crazy.
1:06:14 when this starts to excavate,
1:06:15 to look below the pool there
1:06:18 to see if there's anything that we're missing
1:06:20 in causing this excessive leak?
1:06:29 Yeah, basically, the pools age
1:06:32 and the amount of cracks in the liner of the pool
1:06:35 that the water is seeping through,
1:06:38 and with putting in a new pool there,
1:06:43 we'll be able to minimize that.
1:06:47 Are we expecting to find an underwater river
1:06:50 when we start pulling that out
1:06:52 from the water that's been lost,
1:06:53 or are we noticing anywhere else on the property
1:06:56 where this water is pooling?
1:07:03 We'll be doing soil borings and that,
1:07:06 and that'll tell us where the water table is.
1:07:10 It all depends on where utilities are,
1:07:15 whether it's finding its way
1:07:17 out to the combined sewer in that area or not.
1:07:20 But yeah, the improvements there would control that.
1:07:27 So just confirming that both the Madison Park,
1:07:30 the Footsball, and the Vax Pool,
1:07:34 the Madison Park master plan, correct?
1:07:36 That those were both cited?
1:07:40 Although the Madison Park master plan
1:07:43 is run through the planning department,
1:07:45 however, I would say the answer to that is yes,
1:07:49 to my knowledge, they both were included.
1:07:52 Both the Footsball court and the pool as well.
1:07:56 No, it's just the only reason I asked that question
1:08:00 because I know that was something
1:08:01 that was a personal priority,
1:08:02 making sure that that plan gets moved along.
1:08:04 So the fact that we're moving this along
1:08:09 I think that it checks off some of those priorities.
1:08:12 So I do know, just an aside,
1:08:15 that not everybody will be happy about the Vax Pool
1:08:17 because now Vax will be popular
1:08:20 and the adults that have had that pool
1:08:22 all to themselves for the past few summers
1:08:27 And Councilman, just to clarify,
1:08:29 so yes, the Footsball courts
1:08:33 and the design and engineering for Vax
1:08:35 with hopefully construction over the winter.
1:08:38 And then, as I mentioned at a previous meeting,
1:08:41 the Madison Park component,
1:08:43 would it be after that design?
1:08:45 Okay, just to make sure we're on the same page.
1:08:50 Yeah, and I don't want to wait to ask Planning
1:08:53 and then tell us this public work.
1:08:55 So could you describe the engagement process
1:08:58 and the answer could be Planning's going to do it.
1:09:01 But I assume it'll be similar to Foster.
1:09:04 Our goal is to mirror the Foster public engagement process.
1:09:07 That we had quite a bit of responses
1:09:10 and feel like we got a great product at the end.
1:09:12 So we're going to plug and play at Madison.
1:09:20 Obviously, there's a lot of interest in Madison Park.
1:09:23 So we had on, I'm looking at the five-year capital
1:09:30 Things are kind of separated out as always,
1:09:35 there's a line for the tennis courts,
1:09:38 which includes the Footsall used to be tennis courts.
1:09:42 And then has a line for the Bex pool renovation,
1:09:46 but right above the Bex pool renovation is another line
1:09:49 just as Madison Park for year 2027.
1:09:56 Is that entirely the playground?
1:09:58 I see there's 150 Nature Works grant pending for playground,
1:10:01 but is that the rest of it?
1:10:16 The Footsall is on 161 at the bottom.
1:10:25 And then at the top of 162, it has a line
1:10:31 that says Madison Park for $500,000 in year 2027.
1:10:36 Is that all playground or is that other thing?
1:10:38 Yeah, that would be the playground equipment.
1:10:44 And the one thing I would keep in mind,
1:10:46 just I guess so we're all on the same page here,
1:10:50 because obviously everybody knows that's the way
1:10:51 the way I like to operate, is two things here.
1:10:55 Number one, please be patient with us
1:10:57 through the Bex pool improvements
1:10:59 in public engagement process.
1:11:03 There's a lot of groups that are going to be in on this.
1:11:07 There's going to be a lot that's going to need to be discussed
1:11:09 and we will certainly do our best
1:11:12 to satisfy all parties involved.
1:11:14 Secondly, we don't want to do any type of improvement
1:11:17 to the playground until the pool design
1:11:22 and how the pool layout is going to be
1:11:24 until that is all set in stone.
1:11:27 So I've been asked a few times about the playground
1:11:33 at Madison Park and the answer is that
1:11:37 that's going to need to be put on hold
1:11:38 until a final decision is made with Bex pool.
1:11:45 So you're saying what needs to be put on hold?
1:11:48 So I've been asked about the playground at Madison Park
1:11:52 and what needs to be understood is that
1:11:56 the playground and looking at...
1:12:00 Correct and updating the playground,
1:12:03 that will all be considered once the layout of Bex pool
1:12:06 and how all that is going to go is decided upon
1:12:09 because the last thing you want to do
1:12:12 and then be right back into that area again
1:12:16 Okay, so the point is the administration
1:12:18 is proposing to stage first the pool
1:12:21 then the playground for a bunch of different reasons.
1:12:23 Probably planning capacity is part of that too, right?
1:12:28 There's a method to this madness.
1:12:34 because part of that plan is going to figure out
1:12:36 what does the capacity of the pool need to be
1:12:38 and what is the size of that footprint that needs to be.
1:12:41 So it may be that the pool is expanded
1:12:43 and then that means that the playground
1:12:46 may get moved or shifted or whatever.
1:12:48 So you don't want to do your upgrades
1:12:50 and invest in a new playground
1:12:52 and then that limits what you can do with the pool.
1:12:55 Any thoughts from other council members on that point?
1:13:01 So as those conversations happening,
1:13:05 if those kind of dovetail into each other
1:13:07 and this again is probably more planning
1:13:10 leading a lot of those meetings,
1:13:11 but those discussions with the public
1:13:14 about the playground improvements
1:13:16 as well as the pool improvements
1:13:17 that that's sort of happening simultaneously
1:13:20 in terms of what people want for both.
1:13:23 So I can see those public meetings kind of happening
1:13:29 Okay, so yes simultaneous or no sequential?
1:13:35 I was just saying about conversations,
1:13:37 not which thing happens first.
1:13:39 Regular residents may kind of organically
1:13:46 Well, I guess what I'm saying is
1:13:50 we're gonna mirror the process of foster pool,
1:13:54 which is a good big public input process
1:13:56 and then if we're having public input process
1:13:59 into the playground and some of the input
1:14:05 And so having some of that dialogue
1:14:07 but understanding the order of construction
1:14:12 Just some of that the dialogue could happen
1:14:14 So it's not one conversation
1:14:16 and then a second conversation totally.
1:14:20 Councilman Evans, did you wanna chime in
1:14:22 or Councilwoman Lark, please?
1:14:31 you're just gonna do conceptual design
1:14:34 and just maintenance that there's not gonna be
1:14:38 any specific changes to the pool of 2026.
1:14:44 It will just be a conceptual design
1:14:46 in the beginning of the public engagement process.
1:14:49 I just wanted to clarify that.
1:14:51 My last little question is the square footage
1:14:53 of Bex is larger than foster.
1:14:56 It sure subjectively seemed to me that way
1:14:58 when I was walking around recently.
1:15:00 I don't know that answer off the top of my head.
1:15:06 That would be something I would need to look into.
1:15:12 Are you talking about foster the way it is now
1:15:16 Just the whole footprint of everything
1:15:19 Maybe that's just the layout but...
1:15:22 They gotta be close to each other now.
1:15:27 I wouldn't know that off the top of my head.
1:15:29 And last, at foster, we did an attempt
1:15:36 Any early projection of the question
1:15:42 Everything will be considered.
1:15:46 I believe in the Madison Park Master Plan
1:15:50 it contemplates increasing public gathering space
1:15:56 And I see our friend here from Handball Advocate
1:16:02 and that there is also potential.
1:16:04 I could see working that in there as well too
1:16:08 on one of the sides there of the pool house.
1:16:10 So hopefully we continue the discussion
1:16:12 but I believe the Madison Park Master Plan
1:16:14 does include whether or not at this time
1:16:17 or in the future does contemplate improvements.
1:16:19 You could incorporate a handball facility on the side.
1:16:26 Obviously there's a ton of interest.
1:16:27 I think we're ourselves interested
1:16:30 in also kind of reflecting what we're hearing
1:16:32 So thanks for that dialogue and your focus on that.
1:16:36 So please proceed with the next section.
1:16:41 As we've done in years past, both planning
1:16:42 and public works will work together on this process.
1:16:46 Next up is refuse and recycling.
1:16:49 Again, another successful year for the refuse
1:16:52 and recycling department as well.
1:16:56 I think everybody will be happy and here to know
1:16:58 that again, for another year, 59% of the waste
1:17:03 kept out of landfills for the 12th year in a row
1:17:06 which is a great accomplishment
1:17:08 for our refuse and recycling department.
1:17:11 We continue to improve our goal
1:17:12 to reach 20% recycling contamination rate
1:17:16 and we're happy to report that it's down to 26.5.
1:17:19 So we will continue this upcoming year
1:17:22 to work on obviously those things,
1:17:24 continue to provide a good service
1:17:26 with the refuse and recycling program.
1:17:28 As we've done in years past, the refuse division
1:17:32 will again be applying for a grant this year
1:17:34 with the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District
1:17:41 Do you know how 26.5 is down from, do you recall?
1:17:48 I don't recall what last year's number was.
1:17:51 Is it kind of like we're chipping away over time?
1:17:53 Yeah, it, yes, would be the answer to that.
1:17:57 You know, we continue to chip out away at it every year.
1:18:00 I have not seen an increase in that number, which is good.
1:18:03 How much of a decrease there is,
1:18:05 I don't have that number off the top of my head
1:18:07 but it does continue to go down.
1:18:08 I think, you know, maybe we can,
1:18:12 Can we innovate on educational mini videos
1:18:16 I don't know if that's effective
1:18:17 but public education is really our tool there
1:18:20 and I know refuse has done a great job for years
1:18:23 but I'm glad you're including that in this analysis.
1:18:27 You know, I mean, you can do some of those
1:18:32 so I just encourage us to continue to innovate there
1:18:38 Sure, and again, as we've done in years past,
1:18:42 we will again this upcoming year apply
1:18:44 for that Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District.
1:18:47 In years past, we've used it to help educate residents
1:18:52 and the plan would be to do that again this year.
1:18:55 So to just keep that ball rolling on what you were just saying
1:18:59 and that is educating the residents as much as possible.
1:19:08 the city applied and was awarded
1:19:10 the EPA Recycling Total Replacement Program.
1:19:16 Again, the city's Division of Refuse and Recycling
1:19:19 was awarded the Ohio EPA Recycle Ohio Grant Program.
1:19:23 As was done last year, we will use this grant again
1:19:26 to purchase an estimated 4,000 plus recycling toters
1:19:34 and we will continue to work our way
1:19:36 as we did from last year with the oldest
1:19:39 toters and working our way back.
1:19:42 We appreciated everybody's patience
1:19:44 and understanding this past year.
1:19:46 We were not very happy with how the program went
1:19:49 so we are going to be making some adjustments
1:19:52 and that will include the distribution
1:19:55 of these new toters coming by our Refuse
1:20:00 among some other internal changes
1:20:03 to make the program run more efficiently.
1:20:06 So we will be excited to roll that out at some point.
1:20:10 We're in the process of getting all of that together
1:20:13 Thank you and I appreciate this grant.
1:20:17 Are there any grants or any plans
1:20:20 to trade out the green trash cans?
1:20:24 So this grant you can only use for recycling.
1:20:29 We continue to explore any grant opportunities
1:20:33 that are available for the refuse toters
1:20:39 and if we are able to come across those,
1:20:40 you know, we will certainly jump on that.
1:20:43 Unfortunately, with this grant,
1:20:47 And before going to the next section,
1:20:51 an important constituent called my wife
1:20:54 wanted to pass along a compliment.
1:20:56 Just today went to the new Refuse and Recycling Center
1:20:58 and said, hey, it's terrific.
1:21:01 It's clean, easy to use, all that stuff.
1:21:04 Just a big improvement over the former facility.
1:21:07 Not that the former facility wasn't functional
1:21:10 but, you know, she noticed with a fresh eye.
1:21:18 I met with, he's actually a constituent,
1:21:21 but it sounds like you're also potentially aware of as well.
1:21:24 For our organic waste pickup, so our leave pickup,
1:21:28 we typically, I believe, use a company
1:21:30 that essentially just puts it on the ground
1:21:34 He's interested in running a kind of a compost facility
1:21:40 and so I understand he's reached out.
1:21:43 I think it would be nice to see that organic material
1:21:47 used in a way that's more sustainable
1:21:48 than just put into a landfill.
1:21:51 So if it makes sense for the city,
1:21:52 I encourage us to explore that opportunity.
1:22:00 Moving on, we're going to move on to our water,
1:22:02 wastewater and water metering department.
1:22:07 This department has had what I would like to consider
1:22:11 An interesting meaning, I'm sure as we all know,
1:22:15 following the city on social media,
1:22:18 that we had a certain amount of water breaks this year
1:22:21 that were much higher than years past.
1:22:25 So I certainly want to give this crew recognition
1:22:28 for coming in in some of the most
1:22:34 and continuing to provide a great service.
1:22:37 You know, they strive themselves on
1:22:41 getting it repaired and water back on as quickly as possible
1:22:45 and they continue to do that
1:22:47 and I am certainly proud of them for that.
1:22:50 They continue to make great strides
1:22:51 with the backflow program as well
1:22:54 and many other things that I feel go unnoticed
1:22:57 because they're underground.
1:22:59 So again, as you can see here,
1:23:01 there's a lot of numbers that are certainly
1:23:03 jumping off the page at everyone
1:23:07 but this department will continue to just moving forward
1:23:10 would be the word I would use.
1:23:11 Can you, Director, is there any rhyme or reason
1:23:14 to why we experienced more breakages in 25
1:23:20 There's nothing set in stone exactly why
1:23:23 the water breaks potentially occurred this year
1:23:29 The weather certainly does not help.
1:23:32 That certainly does not help the factor
1:23:34 and this past winter, as we all know,
1:23:36 was kind of all over the place.
1:23:39 You know, you have old infrastructure here in Lakewood
1:23:42 and we're actively and proactively replacing
1:23:45 as much as we can, as quickly as we can.
1:23:49 So when you have old infrastructure,
1:23:50 you know, things are going to happen
1:23:53 but we don't have a pinpoint reason as to why.
1:23:57 The numbers kind of fluctuate year by year.
1:24:00 We're very active in the public works department
1:24:02 and looking at analytics and looking at, you know,
1:24:06 what has been done in the past,
1:24:07 what did the numbers look like over the past few years?
1:24:10 You know, where can we get better?
1:24:12 It wasn't some crazy number that jumped off the page.
1:24:15 It just seemed like it was a number
1:24:17 that was a little bit more than years past.
1:24:20 So there isn't a set reason.
1:24:21 We're experiencing the breakages in old sections,
1:24:24 not in newly replaced sections?
1:24:29 I just had a question about,
1:24:31 and I might be getting ahead of you,
1:24:33 if you could just make a comment or two
1:24:35 about the US EPA agreements that we made
1:24:39 and where we are with that process.
1:24:50 can you refresh your memories why we do that?
1:24:53 Is that new or relatively new?
1:25:00 A few years ago, the EPA came to the city
1:25:03 and basically told the city
1:25:05 that we needed to implement this program.
1:25:08 So we've been working at it every year.
1:25:10 We actually have a backflow inspector
1:25:18 We, it was federal, I think.
1:25:21 It was brought before us a couple years ago.
1:25:24 It's just commercial properties, right,
1:25:26 or properties that have water
1:25:27 that could contaminate the public water system.
1:25:32 but it could eventually work its way to residential,
1:25:36 but the primary focus right now is on commercial.
1:25:39 Okay, so that requirement is part of a package
1:25:43 of many things included in the consent decree
1:25:46 or is this a separate matter?
1:25:49 Yeah, this one is separate,
1:25:52 but in the grand scheme of things,
1:25:54 It relates, but okay, that answered my question.
1:25:57 So we have a backflow inspector
1:26:00 with the building department as well.
1:26:03 And that program has been off and running
1:26:07 As you can see, he's had 352 surveys completed,
1:26:14 and eight installations completed backflow devices
1:26:19 So we're continuing to work at it.
1:26:22 I'm happy to report that the EPA
1:26:24 is very happy with our progress
1:26:26 and we continue to work at it every year.
1:26:30 It was a little eye opening at the beginning,
1:26:33 That's great, great work, thank you.
1:26:41 the wastewater and water metering department
1:26:43 is gonna continue with the U.S. and Ohio EPA
1:26:47 compliance with backflow testing
1:26:52 I'm gonna continue to eliminate lead
1:26:53 and galvanized service lines when possible,
1:27:03 So in 2025, as city council is aware,
1:27:06 the city implemented our pilot
1:27:08 lead service line replacement program,
1:27:11 which was very successful in 2025.
1:27:13 So in 2026, we're looking to begin phase one of six
1:27:18 of the lead service line replacement program.
1:27:21 I'm happy to report as of today,
1:27:26 out of the 14,000 service lines the city has,
1:27:30 we only have 55 unknown lines right now
1:27:34 in which we don't know what the lines are.
1:27:37 When I was told that number today,
1:27:41 it took me a minute to register
1:27:42 and I think I asked the question a few times
1:27:44 and the same number was brought back to me,
1:27:46 which I think a lot of credit needs to go
1:27:49 to a lot of employees behind the scenes
1:27:50 that have made that possible.
1:27:52 I mean, that's absolutely extraordinary.
1:27:56 In multiple conversations with the EPA,
1:27:58 there are cities that haven't even began
1:28:00 the lead service line replacement program yet
1:28:02 that are still trying to investigate
1:28:04 what their service lines are.
1:28:09 in the department specifically
1:28:11 for working their tails off
1:28:14 to get us ahead of the game here.
1:28:18 we had the successful pilot program in 2025
1:28:21 with 94 lead lines removed.
1:28:24 In 2026, we're looking to cover
1:28:27 and the current plan is to replace
1:28:29 about 550 service lines per year
1:28:33 and that will include both the private side
1:28:38 Again, the estimate is that about 4.2 million.
1:28:45 4.2 million pays for one year?
1:28:51 Yeah, we also projected inflations
1:28:53 every year and things of that nature.
1:28:57 So the project is set to be bid out
1:29:06 for a zero interest WSRLA loan
1:29:10 with 53% principal forgiveness
1:29:14 So whenever we are made aware of this,
1:29:17 yet again, for this upcoming year,
1:29:18 I will be presenting it to you
1:29:20 and hopefully you guys can do me a solid
1:29:23 and pass it on first reading.
1:29:25 And Kit, while we're on this,
1:29:37 that's as always terrific job
1:29:39 on finding matching funds or grants.
1:29:42 So 515 lines per year for how many years
1:29:47 are we going to have to run this to?
1:29:51 It's basically should say phase one year of six.
1:29:55 Okay, that it could be worse, right?
1:30:02 Is the city picking up the full tab
1:30:04 or are property owners going to
1:30:07 be asked to or required to do
1:30:09 the private side of the property line?
1:30:13 So as we've done in the years past,
1:30:16 the city will pick up the tab
1:30:20 lead service line replacement program
1:30:21 and then we use that WSRLA loan
1:30:30 I'm sure the property owners
1:30:31 are going to appreciate that.
1:30:40 investigating the service line.
1:30:43 But now you can because our public
1:30:44 works department is so good.
1:30:45 You can literally go to a spreadsheet
1:30:47 put in your address right now
1:30:48 and see whether the main is lead
1:30:54 or the service line public side
1:30:56 So there's three tabs for each home.
1:30:59 And what I will say is I tell everyone
1:31:02 and they're amazed that we cover the cost.
1:31:04 I think it's part of that WSRLA loan
1:31:09 we can pass on to the residents.
1:31:10 But I mean, this is a tremendous
1:31:13 project that public works does.
1:31:14 And I mean, lead service lines
1:31:15 talk about something that has been
1:31:22 So it's just I want to pause
1:31:24 to give you guys credit for that.
1:31:33 And finally, the one department
1:31:38 is the wastewater treatment plant.
1:31:40 Again, this department continues
1:31:42 to operate at high efficiency.
1:31:45 You can see the numbers here
1:31:46 with what has come through the plant
1:31:51 And we continue to invest money
1:31:53 into the wastewater treatment plant
1:31:56 And that certainly will not fade off
1:32:05 I will certainly hit on some smaller projects
1:32:09 or, excuse me, larger projects
1:32:11 at the wastewater treatment plant.
1:32:12 But these are just a small list
1:32:14 of things that this department
1:32:18 And again, this all has to do
1:32:20 with remaining in compliance
1:32:23 and being as proactive as possible
1:32:26 to make sure that everything
1:32:30 One of the things that we're looking
1:32:31 to do in this upcoming year
1:32:34 on the capital improvement project list
1:32:37 is the screening rag compactor.
1:32:39 We're looking to upgrade that
1:32:40 down at the wastewater treatment plant
1:32:43 and cost effective screening,
1:32:48 of dumpsters taken in a landfill.
1:32:50 And the solids will be returned
1:32:52 to the wastewater treatment plant
1:32:58 looking into means and methods
1:33:11 these wastewater treatment plants,
1:33:15 from the special revenue funds
1:33:17 for the wastewater treatment?
1:33:20 It's the enterprise funds for
1:33:34 And I this is maybe you guys
1:33:37 don't have the answer to this,
1:33:38 but I know one of the hot topics
1:33:40 in environmental law is like
1:33:44 and there's potentially PFAS in them.
1:33:51 and then it kind of went away.
1:33:52 What do we do with the solids
1:33:54 that we get from our wastewater
1:33:56 or do we dispose of in other ways?
1:34:01 Yeah, we take it to the farms.
1:34:03 We have to pay them though, don't we?
1:34:13 when it's applied at farms.
1:34:17 The only time that we'd landfill
1:34:18 is basically during the winter season
1:34:21 when we can't land apply it.
1:34:33 down at the wastewater treatment plant
1:34:35 was a project we began this past year
1:34:37 which is the sludge tank storage
1:34:40 excuse me, sludge storage tank
1:34:43 This was a design build project
1:34:46 We found that the original mixers
1:34:48 you guys probably don't remember
1:34:49 but in the photos I showed last year
1:34:52 We had a lot of metal issues
1:34:54 and steel issues, concrete issues
1:34:59 down at the different mixers
1:35:02 the wastewater treatment plant.
1:35:03 So the original mixers are inoperable
1:35:06 so we're designed to operate
1:35:13 is being designed to efficiently mix
1:35:18 So again, Councilman Bullock
1:35:21 I know you had brought up before
1:35:22 you know from HVAC to this to that
1:35:27 public works continuing to be proactive
1:35:33 and to be as highly efficient
1:35:40 with the sludge storage tank three
1:35:44 we'll be able to store more solids
1:35:50 so that we're not taking it
1:35:52 and then once spring time comes
1:35:54 we'll take the solids that are
1:35:56 in this sludge storage tank
1:35:59 and it'll go out to the farms then.
1:36:03 control our operating costs.
1:36:05 It'll lower those costs correct.
1:36:17 I note there's fewer questions
1:36:18 about wastewater treatment plants
1:36:20 than there are about pools.
1:36:22 That's okay we like to keep it that way.
1:36:28 the engineering and construction
1:36:31 I will certainly turn it over
1:36:32 to Mark here at certain points
1:36:37 that he is taking the lead on
1:36:41 and we continue to do every year
1:36:43 is the pavement condition rating.
1:36:46 The average PCR per length here
1:36:58 We're right where we like to be
1:37:01 You can see you know a majority
1:37:04 of the pavement condition ratings
1:37:10 We're a little bit less value
1:37:17 this upcoming year is the city
1:37:24 in ADA curb ramp assessment.
1:37:25 So the assessments are performed
1:37:30 The last curb ramp assessment
1:37:37 and the curb ramp assessments
1:37:38 to determine future improvement
1:37:43 we are looking at different new
1:37:47 and we're kind of discussing
1:37:49 internally what we would like
1:37:50 to do with this moving forward.
1:37:55 What's interesting is I look
1:37:57 I always go back to the PCR map.
1:37:58 It's one of my favorite maps
1:37:59 that and the leaf collection map
1:38:00 for the two I look at the most.
1:38:03 It actually looks like Madison
1:38:04 or Madison's in great shape
1:38:06 but Detroit and Clifton are
1:38:19 one are we thinking Madison
1:38:20 and Clifton may be touched.
1:38:32 Detroit or Clifton on the agenda
1:38:35 for for anything immediately
1:38:39 We are aware of both of those
1:38:43 upcoming that that's that's
1:38:49 But we also we are aware of it.
1:39:02 it's the county it's a lot of people
1:39:03 so just interesting thank you.
1:39:19 in the West 117th street intersection
1:39:23 as well as for those of you
1:39:26 I think we all know it needs it
1:39:33 we are proposing to do is quail.
1:39:42 were identified as in the most need.
1:39:46 And and director is that the sum total
1:39:53 CDBG is completely separate than Bunce.
1:39:56 but are there additional streets
1:40:02 Not for this upcoming year.
1:40:08 But we'll also do crack fill
1:40:09 and main maintenance with potholes
1:40:14 with potholes which there's value there
1:40:16 because we essentially extend
1:40:20 we extend the life of the roads that way.
1:40:24 Yes that is the ultimate plan.
1:40:27 And again this upcoming year
1:40:29 the 2026 city wide striping program
1:40:32 this has had some great success
1:40:36 As council may or may not be aware
1:40:38 this past year we focused on
1:40:40 all of the high visibility crosswalks
1:40:43 that were seen as priority ones.
1:40:45 In the active transportation plan
1:40:48 we'll be happy I'm happy to report
1:40:50 that next year our proposal
1:40:52 is to knock out all the priority twos
1:40:55 as well as the priority threes
1:40:58 Riverside and Lakewood Heights Boulevard
1:41:03 city wide striping as well.
1:41:05 What you'll be happy to to hear
1:41:10 Riverside or other county roads
1:41:14 with that grant that we apply with
1:41:16 through the county they do reimburse us
1:41:17 for material for pavement striping as well.
1:41:22 we're getting our best bang for our buck
1:41:24 so we do include certain streets
1:41:27 to try to get value back with that.
1:41:31 And can I ask the type of striping
1:41:34 that's called for under your plan
1:41:37 is white stripes does it include
1:41:40 the green pavement markings
1:41:41 where there's bike facilities involved
1:41:45 or other other things I'm not thinking of?
1:41:52 Reason being the active transportation plan
1:41:54 the high visibility crosswalks
1:41:56 those are those are obvious.
1:41:58 Riverside Drive would just be
1:41:59 all the street markings at this time
1:42:02 same with Lakewood Heights Boulevard
1:42:06 the green painting in any of these locations.
1:42:08 So that might be included as bike facilities
1:42:13 and lanes and so forth get added
1:42:15 but right now what you're contemplating
1:42:20 and in some places an upgrade
1:42:23 or more visibility markings
1:42:25 like the ones at Bunce in Madison
1:42:28 or excuse me Hilliard in Madison.
1:42:30 Correct and what we're trying to do here
1:42:37 city-wide striping as we possibly can.
1:42:40 I'd be lying if I said that
1:42:44 that were placed on Hilliard in Madison
1:42:48 those are rather expensive.
1:42:56 that could potentially get done.
1:42:58 Okay I mean there's another option
1:43:00 which is to expand the budget capacity
1:43:03 but I understand your logic
1:43:06 and there's certainly merit to that
1:43:08 but I mean that's a hot topic
1:43:10 and we can keep working on that.
1:43:13 Sure the city-wide parking lot
1:43:20 that have visited Lakewood Park
1:43:22 and have ever ridden down the west drive
1:43:27 If you can get through that
1:43:28 without bouncing out of your seat
1:43:31 but that drive itself is in need of repair.
1:43:35 So what the proposal we are looking to do
1:43:38 is to do the Lakewood Park west drive
1:43:42 just a deep grind and asphalt overlay
1:43:46 from up at the top of the picture there
1:43:52 where the public works parks garages
1:43:54 are and things of that nature
1:44:02 we will continue to move forward
1:44:03 with our ADA improvement project
1:44:05 just as we've done in years past.
1:44:08 We are proposing 35 total estimated locations
1:44:16 23 on Detroit and 12 on Madison.
1:44:20 What we have noticed with this program
1:44:25 to just go in and replace a ramp right.
1:44:28 You have to get into the slope
1:44:29 of the sidewalks around the ramp
1:44:32 need to get replaced as well
1:44:34 because you have to meet certain criteria
1:44:37 with the ADA curb ramp itself.
1:44:42 there is reasons as you can see
1:44:47 it wasn't just the ramp itself
1:44:48 it turned into some potential
1:44:53 And I've been seeing this more around town
1:44:54 and thank you for describing that.
1:44:57 it's essentially the slope from
1:44:59 if you just did the curb ramp
1:45:00 the slope would be too high under the ADA
1:45:02 so you have to stretch it out
1:45:05 that little curb at the end.
1:45:06 Correct and then depending on
1:45:08 you guess we got to get that dip
1:45:09 to storm water as well as ADA
1:45:11 and all that is that why it has to.
1:45:12 Yeah it has to meet a certain slope.
1:45:19 ODOT's changed it now to one in 13
1:45:26 You know recently we just ran into one
1:45:29 on Marlowe where we ran into
1:45:35 Courtney with Cuyahoga County
1:45:42 all the utility obstructions
1:45:46 So you know a lot of these locations
1:45:51 Underneath underground utilities
1:45:55 Correct whether it's underneath
1:45:57 or underneath the sidewalk panel
1:46:02 Okay and so the so this is another
1:46:07 Any best estimate how many years
1:46:10 if we diligently work at this
1:46:12 and allocate you know a like amount
1:46:17 is this 10 years five years longer?
1:46:23 because you know we have 1,500
1:46:30 And you know with the weather
1:46:41 and vehicle traffic you know
1:46:44 a lot of times you know trucks
1:46:51 So you know I think it's just
1:46:55 we'll go back to the beginning.
1:46:59 it's an ongoing maintenance item.
1:47:02 I know Councilman Capel you
1:47:03 this is a priority for you.
1:47:05 I just I'll just say thank you.
1:47:08 We'll continue to work at it.
1:47:11 I love the new street sounds.
1:47:12 Street signs outlined in black
1:47:16 You can thank Mayor George for that.
1:47:33 to hit on his babies as we speak.
1:47:36 Are we going to the capital budget now?
1:47:40 Yeah we've been knocking that
1:47:46 for everybody to take a two minute break.
1:47:50 I was going to joke director
1:47:51 do you want any more responsibilities
1:47:54 because you've got probably
1:47:56 the biggest spread of anybody.
1:47:59 I would appreciate just leaving
1:48:02 Okay let's take a how about
1:48:05 and then we'll be right back.
1:48:21 I will sit in solidarity by myself.
1:52:50 okay ready to rock and roll.
1:52:55 and call upon city engineer Mark Papke
1:52:59 to continue with the presentation.
1:53:03 Thanks so give you an update
1:53:06 on our integrated wet weather
1:53:11 and consent decree progress.
1:53:17 we've been totally in compliance
1:53:19 with our interim partial consent decree.
1:53:22 As a matter of fact we were audited
1:53:26 They came here including region five
1:53:30 and they like all of our progress
1:53:32 and everything that we're doing.
1:53:34 We're meeting all of our deadlines
1:53:38 They're very pleased with that.
1:53:46 which is WPCLF and OPWC funded
1:53:51 construction is going to be
1:53:52 starting up here in January
1:53:55 and will extend until June of 2028.
1:54:00 and starting preliminary design
1:54:02 on CSO 059 with preliminary design
1:54:07 and flow monitoring and sampling.
1:54:09 Where's 052 and 059 at generally?
1:54:12 052 is Madison and Riverside.
1:54:14 That's basically where the old animal shelter.
1:54:18 So we're doing an interceptor pipe
1:54:19 is what we're going to do now there or?
1:54:21 We're going to be going under the river
1:54:27 And then 059 is by the Carlisle
1:54:34 And that's going to be a tank?
1:54:39 So 52 is a pipeline, is a tank?
1:54:44 It's a 6.1 million gallon storage tank.
1:54:46 It'll sit on the campus where
1:54:49 the current wastewater treatment plants are, right?
1:54:52 Next HRT and the wastewater treatment plant
1:54:55 where the old animal shelter.
1:54:58 That's got capacity for an intense storm
1:55:02 and then you pump it afterwards out, right?
1:55:05 It'll store water until the storm goes through
1:55:10 and then gets pumped to the plant
1:55:12 when the plant has capacity to treat again.
1:55:15 And while I've interrupted you,
1:55:17 or just happened to be this past year?
1:55:20 They haven't audited us in probably like 10 years.
1:55:26 They can do that at any time,
1:55:28 but they typically don't do it every year.
1:55:30 Okay, so we passed with a strong performance this year
1:55:34 and we may not see them for a couple of years.
1:55:37 Yeah, it's kind of, you know,
1:55:39 when they feel like coming to visit, yeah.
1:55:43 And we do have some slides coming about,
1:55:45 excuse me, coming up about CSO 052.
1:55:52 Other consent to create projects include the 2025 water main,
1:55:59 The IWIP improvements there,
1:56:00 which is currently in construction
1:56:02 and upcoming Bunce Road project
1:56:06 and all the IWIP improvements will be doing there
1:56:08 with construction starting next year in April
1:56:14 Now, why are those pipes IWIP improvements
1:56:18 that was at a over-under water infiltration issue?
1:56:21 Yeah, and also the relining of sanitary sewer pipes
1:56:27 and then also doing manhole separations where we can.
1:56:34 So here's the 052 storage project.
1:56:39 So this gives you a little insight of,
1:56:43 you know, what that'll look like.
1:56:44 It's basically 150 feet in diameter.
1:56:51 It'll be 30 feet deep with 15 feet underground
1:57:00 And the lower right corner shows the diversion chamber
1:57:07 that'll be across the river to get the water into the tank.
1:57:12 It's a pretty large structure.
1:57:15 So, yes, this is a consent decree project.
1:57:21 This was the next highest priority CSO project
1:57:26 due to public recreation there on the Rocky River.
1:57:30 Large volume of CSO that discharges
1:57:34 to the sensitive Rocky River.
1:57:38 So upon completion, this project is gonna
1:57:43 change our percent capture of pollutants system-wide
1:57:53 And that's massive, I'm realizing.
1:57:54 I mean, that's half of a football field in diameter.
1:58:05 So project schedule, we had bids open in September
1:58:13 EPA gave us the award for funding on October 30th
1:58:20 and I just got the signed agreements.
1:58:24 So we'll be doing our pre-construction meeting
1:58:28 here in December and giving them a notice to proceed
1:58:31 in January and tree clearing will start in April
1:58:34 or before April and it'll be under construction.
1:58:40 As you can see, the total project costs $39 million.
1:58:46 We did come in under the engineer's estimate,
1:58:50 That also that $33.7 million also includes
1:58:58 So hopefully we'll come in even under that.
1:59:02 We did get 0% interest loan from OPWC
1:59:07 and Chantel Brown earmark just shy of a million dollars
1:59:13 So we did get good funding there.
1:59:18 Can you go back one screen real quick?
1:59:20 I wanted to just look at that last line
1:59:23 and I can remember Mayor Summers talking about
1:59:25 how this looks like such a small move here,
1:59:28 but could you say a couple words on why
1:59:30 increasing from 94.2 to 96.5 is such a big deal?
1:59:36 Yeah, I mean, you know, as we complete these consent
1:59:41 decree projects, you know, we're ultimately
1:59:46 We'll never get probably to 100% because, you know,
1:59:49 we're allowed usually four events per typical year.
1:59:55 So, you know, we're reducing that number down,
1:59:59 getting it as close as we can to 100% pollutant capture.
2:00:04 And do you anticipate getting any higher than 96.5?
2:00:10 Yeah, as we keep on, you know, once we do 059,
2:00:15 that number will go from 96.5.
2:00:21 And then, you know, as we do our next generation
2:00:24 of consent decree projects and meetings with the regulators,
2:00:29 you know, that number will just increase.
2:00:34 Do you anticipate hitting 100 then, or?
2:00:40 We're probably never going to get to 100.
2:00:41 Like I said, the four per typical year
2:00:47 Right now, you never know what the regulators
2:00:50 are going to change in the future.
2:00:55 Yeah, the idea behind it, each percent
2:00:57 as you get closer to 100 takes way more money, right?
2:01:00 So 1% from 90 to 91 is less expensive
2:01:03 than 1% from 96.5 to 97.5, generally speaking.
2:01:08 And, you know, at the end of the day,
2:01:11 you know, with the wet weather storms we're having today,
2:01:14 like you can't get to 100%, like Pappy said.
2:01:17 But what's nice is that after these two,
2:01:20 now these two are the two that are left
2:01:22 on the consent decree, right?
2:01:23 On the current interim partial consent decree,
2:01:27 and then there'll be another generation
2:01:29 that'll come, you know, after we complete
2:01:33 the interim partial consent decree projects.
2:01:36 Yeah, for non-lawyers and folks that aren't engineers,
2:01:39 what that means is our, so our planning,
2:01:41 this administration, previous administration
2:01:43 did a great job in the IWIP kind of outlining
2:01:45 like affordability costs on each house,
2:01:48 what projects we can complete to get where.
2:01:50 And so this interim consent decree
2:01:52 that the administration entered into got us to a point.
2:01:54 Now, each year or each two years,
2:01:56 you have to pull another permit
2:01:58 to like run a wastewater treatment plant,
2:02:00 to have a storm sewer system.
2:02:02 And so when we get to that point
2:02:03 where we complete these last two projects,
2:02:05 we're gonna reevaluate the regulators,
2:02:07 we're gonna come back in and say,
2:02:09 we think you should do this,
2:02:11 but the whole idea is that we have a plan in place
2:02:13 before they tell us what to do
2:02:16 we have a very well thought out plan,
2:02:17 our IWIP did this, we did this,
2:02:21 And now we think over the next 15 years,
2:02:22 these are the things we should do.
2:02:24 So you tell them what you wanna do
2:02:26 rather than have them tell you what to do.
2:02:28 So I assume that's what we're doing going forward
2:02:30 as we go into the next consent decree.
2:02:33 Yeah, that consent decree identifies
2:02:42 that will have to go through the whole gamut
2:02:44 of affordability and driving that 96.5 up
2:02:50 and what those next steps are going to be
2:02:56 What year do you anticipate that would be?
2:03:00 I believe we will start in 2030,
2:03:08 Start that next phasing of those next processes.
2:03:15 I think that's a good refresher
2:03:17 a little bit on the whole IWIP situation.
2:03:20 I just was gonna comment too about
2:03:21 that 2.3% difference is happening in the Rocky River.
2:03:28 So that's like 2.3% of our entire pollutant system-wide.
2:03:35 and as someone who kayaks on the Rocky River,
2:03:37 I really appreciate you getting that 2.3% out.
2:03:40 And a lot of people fish there and enjoy nature
2:03:44 they're provided by our great metro parks.
2:03:49 in addition to meeting our legal responsibility,
2:03:52 we're meeting our ecological
2:03:54 and ethical responsibility as well.
2:03:55 And I really appreciate all the hard work
2:03:57 that you guys put into that.
2:04:00 Any other comments, councilmembers?
2:04:03 Mr. Pack, do you wanna keep rolling forward?
2:04:08 All right, we can go to the next slide.
2:04:10 This gives you a little bit of insight.
2:04:12 It's, you know, 6.1 million gallons
2:04:22 But it has a center flushing column that's pretty unique
2:04:28 that'll flush out after it gets filled up
2:04:33 in order to keep the tank clean.
2:04:37 So that gives you a little bit of an idea.
2:04:40 And it will have a backup generator.
2:04:43 I do have a question, director, excuse me,
2:04:46 engineer Papke from the previous slide.
2:04:48 So we're awarded almost 34 million
2:04:52 Are we anticipating that we allocate
2:04:54 all of that next year in 26
2:04:56 or is that spread out over?
2:04:59 That'll be spread out in payments
2:05:01 over, you know, throughout to 28.
2:05:04 And we've got, for the finest part,
2:05:06 we've got those reserves or our revenues will...
2:05:11 Can you, are we debt financing this big project?
2:05:17 Yeah, that's what that WPCLF is.
2:05:24 And if you're looking through your budget,
2:05:26 that is something to comment about.
2:05:28 In the past, they would, this is the one, right, Mark?
2:05:31 They would, they would pay the contractors directly.
2:05:35 Yeah, they've changed that.
2:05:37 But I think starting in, it was like June
2:05:42 that they're no longer doing direct pays
2:05:46 I think they were having some issues
2:05:49 with payments getting to contractor.
2:05:53 So now it's purely a reimbursement.
2:05:56 So basically when, you know, we pay the contractor,
2:06:00 I submit for reimbursement right away.
2:06:03 So, so director, the total 34,
2:06:07 and then on top of that, there's a contingency.
2:06:10 That's the total price tag spread across
2:06:13 But in next spring's debt issuance allocation,
2:06:18 we anticipate including a lesser sum, is that right?
2:06:22 This is separate from the debt issuance.
2:06:26 So, but if you're looking at your budget
2:06:27 and you wonder, oh my goodness,
2:06:29 why is, why did the percent,
2:06:31 I think it's like 200 and some percent
2:06:33 because the expense, we had to budget the expense,
2:06:36 but we also budgeted the revenue.
2:06:38 So as soon as we spend the money,
2:06:41 But yeah, if you're looking through your budget
2:06:46 So the mechanics of this payment would be
2:06:49 we have cash, we pay it out, we get reimbursed.
2:06:53 Where's the cash coming from?
2:06:57 Okay, so the enterprise fund has a balance.
2:07:00 We draw that down, we get a reimbursement.
2:07:02 And is that state program prompt?
2:07:05 How long does it take them to pay us back?
2:07:08 Yeah, usually within part of two weeks.
2:07:13 I'm just curious about how we did that.
2:07:21 Nicholson and Cliff Outfall Repairs Project.
2:07:25 So this past year, we coordinated with property owners
2:07:29 submitted our first rounds for permitting,
2:07:32 prepared easements and submerged land leases
2:07:35 and submitted an OPWC grant application.
2:07:40 So next year we'll be wrapping up the design,
2:07:43 wrapping up the permitting and easements
2:07:45 and continuing to seek additional funding sources
2:07:51 with anticipated construction in 2027-28.
2:08:00 So it would be a revetment system,
2:08:02 pretty similar like what we did over at Webb and Summit.
2:08:08 What we're doing, these are three outfalls.
2:08:14 We're taking the two outfalls that are at Wilbert
2:08:18 and combining them into one for cost saving measures.
2:08:24 Okay, so they'll be, I don't recall what we did
2:08:27 So there'll be kind of armor stone
2:08:31 and then some kind of fill for the hole.
2:08:34 Yeah, so armor revetment stone at the base
2:08:39 and then a sheet pile wall all the way up
2:08:42 to the surface with a pipe projecting out.
2:08:49 That way you're protecting against wind erosion
2:08:53 and everything totally protecting that infrastructure.
2:09:06 Construction cost for that was $9.4 million.
2:09:10 1.1 miles of water main being replaced.
2:09:14 211 lead service connections being replaced.
2:09:19 We did get the WSRLA funding for the lead service line portion.
2:09:27 they actually put the surface course on today
2:09:33 They just have to do some sidewalk and site restoration.
2:09:41 The roadway did not hold up at all to the traffic
2:09:46 so we ended up having to fully replace the entire roadway
2:09:51 all the way down to the aggregate base.
2:09:53 So they got a nice fresh new road.
2:09:57 They were bringing out donuts to the guys.
2:10:00 Those people were very happy.
2:10:04 I heard it before you did the project.
2:10:10 Northline North is ongoing.
2:10:12 That one includes the IWIP improvements
2:10:15 and Northland South on all three of these streets
2:10:20 we've had to replace all the sewer laterals.
2:10:22 They were in such disrepair and just due to their age.
2:10:28 So these projects are very intrusive to the neighborhoods
2:10:35 but folks with our public engagement and outreach
2:10:39 and everything that we've been setting up
2:10:41 with these projects and the websites
2:10:43 and updates I think we've calmed the waters down with that
2:10:50 and people know what to expect with these projects
2:10:57 That's important what you just said
2:10:58 because communication, communication, communication.
2:11:04 You think those laterals were touched
2:11:09 between when they were first installed and now
2:11:10 or those are originals that we're repairing?
2:11:12 Those are the originals from early 1900s.
2:11:19 Wow and that's an IWIP project in the spirit
2:11:24 of Councilman Spivak's question.
2:11:25 What is that tenth of a percent improvement
2:11:27 or a quarter percent improvement
2:11:29 when you repair all the infiltration
2:11:31 and the manhole covers or not cover
2:11:34 but the manhole separation?
2:11:36 Well I mean with the manhole separations
2:11:39 you know you're probably getting
2:11:41 about 30 percent I&I reduction
2:11:44 and then when we have to fully do the rest
2:11:47 of the IWIP on private property
2:11:49 you might see another 30 percent.
2:11:51 We were getting you know from the pilot
2:11:53 when we did Atkins we got about 60 percent.
2:11:55 On that street but not the system-wide right?
2:12:00 So system-wide are those projects
2:12:02 those must be contributing something right to the?
2:12:04 Yeah it's you know it's a small percentage
2:12:07 you know you're looking at you know
2:12:08 the entire city 14,000 properties
2:12:11 and you have you know a couple on Northland North
2:12:17 you know you got maybe a hundred properties.
2:12:22 Okay so we'll be working on this for a while.
2:12:26 Yeah I went to the public meeting
2:12:28 for the Northland and you guys did a great job.
2:12:31 Your whole department it was excellent.
2:12:33 The one thing I and I've suggested
2:12:34 this to Director Gordon in the past
2:12:36 and I wonder if there's a way we could work with law
2:12:38 to figure out when utilities do work on streets
2:12:43 because the public they don't necessarily
2:12:46 they see someone ripping up the road
2:12:49 It could be it's likely Dominion or Enbridge
2:12:52 and they're ripping up sidewalks.
2:12:53 So I'm wondering if there's a way within
2:12:55 with those permits because we do review those
2:12:58 Now we don't have the law gives them certain rights
2:13:02 within the public right of way to do the work
2:13:05 But it would be nice if we could try to come up
2:13:07 with some sort of permit language
2:13:08 that required them to at least put a website up
2:13:11 or have some sort of engagement beyond that mailer
2:13:15 that people tend to throw away
2:13:16 and I always remind them that they got the mailer
2:13:19 and they remind you they threw it away.
2:13:21 And so you know I like I think the closer
2:13:25 we can try to get these utilities
2:13:28 to get to our process understand
2:13:30 they won't get all the way would be helpful
2:13:33 and I know that's off the topic of water main replacement
2:13:35 but it was just something to have of mine.
2:13:38 So I can follow up with that.
2:13:40 So we have begun the process with having
2:13:43 those conversations with the utility companies.
2:13:47 Perfect example is the upcoming work
2:13:50 the Enbridge work coming up on Bunce
2:13:52 instead of a generic resident notification letter
2:13:57 they have agreed to become more project specific.
2:14:00 So baby steps would be my word.
2:14:06 and they've already began having discussions with me
2:14:08 about so potentially social media
2:14:12 as well as as well as taking the next steps
2:14:14 with websites and stuff like that.
2:14:15 So we'll take the small wins for now
2:14:18 and we'll continue to grind away at it.
2:14:20 Yeah thank you and I work with those companies
2:14:23 also a lot and usually the answer is always no
2:14:26 and then you say okay well then we're going
2:14:27 to spend a little more time in this permit
2:14:29 and they say okay what do you want.
2:14:33 We found that the electronic message boards help out too.
2:14:38 So those seem to catch people's eyes.
2:14:42 You mean like on a trailer or something or?
2:14:50 Next one Lake Clifton connector.
2:14:55 So this project is going to be starting here in March
2:15:01 led by Cuyahoga County Public Works Department
2:15:05 in partnership with Rocky River and the City of Lakewood.
2:15:11 They're awarding this project per construction
2:15:17 Lakewood's share in this is 1.766 million
2:15:22 and that includes some water main replacement
2:15:27 but this is basically you know the roadway diet.
2:15:31 We've talked about this project with council
2:15:34 but the you know 11 foot wide path
2:15:37 and you know enhanced lighting.
2:15:40 The roundabout has mid-block crossing free plannings
2:15:47 so that project's going to be up and coming
2:15:52 Is the MOT that lanes will always be open
2:15:55 and just intermittent closings for traffic
2:15:56 or is there going to be full closures?
2:15:59 They'll when they when they do the roundabout
2:16:04 How long do you think that's going to be?
2:16:07 I believe they headed in the plans for three months.
2:16:11 Three month closure of that area.
2:16:17 So sometimes you can do the work
2:16:19 where you still have a lane
2:16:20 or you have to do the work that shut it down totally.
2:16:24 So Mr. Papke you just said what about torque?
2:16:31 For the roundabout yeah it's probably going to be
2:16:34 a three three month detour.
2:16:38 Yeah so so to kind of lay it out to you
2:16:40 in non-engineering terms as I like to speak
2:16:43 for Mark in these situations is
2:16:45 basically that that Clifton will be shut down
2:16:49 in that area for three months
2:16:50 and traffic will be diverted to other locations.
2:16:54 So that that's what basically when
2:16:57 when when we discuss maintenance of traffic
2:17:00 is where are you moving traffic to?
2:17:01 Down west Clifton probably.
2:17:04 Or to I-90 that's currently under construction.
2:17:06 So police department if you're listening Chief Fisher.
2:17:10 Listen do me a favor don't tell them that yet.
2:17:13 But yeah I mean there that that is certainly being discussed
2:17:16 but that's what maintenance of traffic means
2:17:18 is like where are we sending traffic
2:17:20 while this work is going on.
2:17:26 Thank you I did have a neighbor ask about
2:17:29 how pedestrians are going to be crossing
2:17:33 Can you talk about specifically
2:17:37 the the bike lanes and the pedestrian facility?
2:17:41 Um I mean there there's going to be signage
2:17:49 and I believe high visibility crossings there
2:17:53 and we do have a mid block crossing
2:17:59 to connect the neighborhood there
2:18:01 that has the rapid flashing beacons.
2:18:05 Okay I think I think that was their concern
2:18:07 because it seems in my mind too
2:18:09 with a roundabout this is non-stop traffic right?
2:18:12 It's just there's no light there
2:18:14 there's no way to stop that traffic
2:18:16 and how are pedestrians supposed to cross the street
2:18:19 if the traffic is not stopping?
2:18:22 Yeah there'll be yielding signs.
2:18:25 Basically you know usually when traffic
2:18:29 does come up to the roundabouts
2:18:33 you know you're you're slowing down
2:18:36 to you know much less speed than you know
2:18:43 you're usually like at 15 miles an hour
2:18:46 to get through there so it slows traffic down.
2:18:51 And I've gotten a lot of questions
2:18:52 about this from constituents in my ward
2:18:55 and the way I describe it is right now
2:18:57 when I jog through the area
2:18:58 I have to run across 80 feet of or 60 feet of pavement
2:19:03 and even if I have a light let's say someone
2:19:05 they can go 70 miles per hour on that road
2:19:09 Now if you see each one of the entries
2:19:12 to the roundabout is curved so you have to slow down
2:19:15 and then your crossing is you know maybe 15 feet
2:19:19 and also the state law you have to yield
2:19:22 if there's a person waiting to cross in that area.
2:19:27 And if I do recall I don't hold me to this
2:19:29 but I think there may be pedestrian crossings
2:19:32 as you approach the roundabout
2:19:34 I'm trying to think of the plan lay out in my head.
2:19:39 Yeah but also as you can see there's no
2:19:49 there's not going to be any direct
2:19:51 pedestrian crossing leading to the roundabout.
2:19:54 It's certainly not going to be something
2:19:59 And can you explain what improved truncated domes means
2:20:06 and also the gateway arrival would that be
2:20:08 from Rocky River coming towards Lakewood.
2:20:13 So the can you please go back a slide.
2:20:17 So the improved gateway signage would be something
2:20:19 similar to to on your right hand side of this photo
2:20:22 the Lakewood Ohio the entire layout there
2:20:27 and the improved truncated domes goes back
2:20:29 to the ADA curb ramps in the steel plates
2:20:34 that are used for ADA curb ramps.
2:20:38 Those are considered truncated domes.
2:20:41 Okay so ADA improvements and then the gateway signage
2:20:46 is around the roundabout not at the bridge.
2:20:51 And we don't know the bridge project is separate.
2:20:54 So this has to do with the Clifton bridge
2:20:58 the Hilliard bridge is a completely separate project.
2:21:01 Yeah the Clifton bridge though is that included here
2:21:06 Okay so that'll be done in that March 26 to Fall 27
2:21:12 because they're not replacing that bridge
2:21:17 They're going to be shifting traffic
2:21:18 Mark you can correct me if I'm wrong at any point here.
2:21:21 They're going to be shifting traffic
2:21:23 and creating basically like a multi-purpose lane
2:21:26 going across the bridge into Rocky River.
2:21:28 Advantage point to look out over the river.
2:21:30 Which has less wastewater overflow in it so.
2:21:36 Well that's pretty exciting I mean that's actually
2:21:38 pretty imminent to have all that improvement
2:21:40 so that's I know there's been a planning phase for a while
2:21:42 but it's pretty exciting that this is closed.
2:21:44 It's going to be cultural for people in Lakewood
2:21:45 which is why you know I work with the administration
2:21:48 and I'm sure they've you guys are already thinking about it.
2:21:50 Roundabouts are tremendous but we don't have a ton of them
2:21:53 in Northeast Ohio so we're going to have to do
2:21:55 a lot of public education for folks
2:21:57 so they understand how to use them
2:22:01 So I'd be happy to work with you guys on that.
2:22:06 Yep keeping in mind that when people install smoke detector
2:22:08 they don't bother to read the instructions
2:22:10 and you say why isn't this working.
2:22:11 So it's okay it's a good point.
2:22:13 All right please proceed thanks.
2:22:16 Buntz Road we're bidding this in
2:22:23 next week and phase one is Lakewood Heights to Franklin.
2:22:32 Cleveland Water has been out there working
2:22:37 and we'll probably be wrapping up in April
2:22:41 and Enbridge is out there now
2:22:44 and should be wrapping up in April as well.
2:22:52 There's a lot of bullet points
2:22:53 that just gives you a little flavor
2:22:56 of everything that that's going on
2:22:59 from you know the amount of permissible pavers
2:23:03 all the infrastructure that that's being done
2:23:06 lead service lines being replaced
2:23:11 all the new decorative street lighting street trees
2:23:19 Pretty excited about this project
2:23:22 and its impact that we'll have in the future here.
2:23:28 Another question on that before you leave that.
2:23:32 On the last box there the two pedestrian
2:23:38 Can you tell me where those are again?
2:23:42 Yeah one is at Giant Eagle.
2:23:45 We actually work with them to line it up
2:23:47 with their pedestrian route there in their parking lot
2:23:55 and then there's the other one
2:23:57 that's going to be going in at Merle.
2:24:06 This is a helpful slide I think.
2:24:10 When you say 17 new fire hydrants
2:24:12 does that mean additional to the ones that are current
2:24:14 the number that are currently on the street
2:24:15 or 17 fire hydrants are being replaced and will be new?
2:24:20 Yeah 17 that are being replaced and new.
2:24:23 We work with the fire department to work on the spacing.
2:24:26 I think maybe there were 16 so we're adding one more.
2:24:29 Okay well that's more so that's good
2:24:32 and then the street trees 224 new street trees
2:24:36 because I recall that the plan called for adding trees
2:24:41 the total number of trees would be more than
2:24:45 Is that the 224 new ones will be planted
2:24:50 or compared to or like there will be more than?
2:24:57 Okay but not we're not gaining 224
2:25:00 it's that we'll be planting 224
2:25:02 and overall there will be a net gain.
2:25:04 Okay just want to make sure I am accurate
2:25:06 when I speak about these things.
2:25:08 But thank you I think this is a really helpful slide.
2:25:11 Do you know what that net gain is?
2:25:15 Off the top of my head I think we're over 30.
2:25:28 Sorry this falls on me for making this slide non-readable.
2:25:35 See I can see it perfectly here.
2:25:37 I'm sure you guys can read it great.
2:25:40 This just gives us a rundown of the total project cost
2:25:45 where they stand today obviously you know
2:25:47 we'll be having the bid opening in January
2:25:50 and get the real construction cost
2:25:54 which I hope that'll be less than what we have shown
2:25:58 but our construction schedule you know phase one
2:26:04 again you know Lakewood Heights to Franklin first.
2:26:08 Most importantly in this phase one
2:26:12 we do have it on the contractor
2:26:14 that the portion from Madison to Franklin
2:26:18 that they need to get that portion of work done
2:26:22 when Lakewood High School is not in session
2:26:28 So that'll be a big undertaking for the contractor.
2:26:33 There's probably going to be a lot of work going on
2:26:35 from June to August during that time.
2:26:39 They'll probably be working six days a week
2:26:41 and probably a lot of hours
2:26:43 but we wanted to get you know less commotion
2:26:47 over in that area and get the contractor done
2:26:52 And then you know phase two June of 27
2:26:57 to the completion in October of 28
2:27:01 which also you know this project
2:27:04 has a lot of utility coordination especially you know
2:27:09 and with the railroad a lot of coordination going on
2:27:13 so it'll be a huge undertaking.
2:27:17 For this slide is the are the numbers for costs
2:27:21 and funding for both phases together?
2:27:25 Okay and if the work does come in under bid
2:27:29 where do where do the savings go?
2:27:38 Ohio Public Works Commission I think are you know
2:27:42 they're there there's this based off a percentage
2:27:48 so there could be a reconciliation at the very end.
2:27:51 Yeah there there's could be a little bit less of a share.
2:27:54 Okay so looking at the funding
2:28:00 is all that been confirmed received
2:28:04 or is that what's what's confirmed
2:28:12 Any other questions or we'll keep moving forward?
2:28:21 Madison Avenue we're working on signal timing optimization
2:28:25 study goals to improve traffic flow
2:28:29 reduce carbon emissions improve safety
2:28:32 installing GPS timing units
2:28:38 so the status as we completed the traffic counts
2:28:41 we're now in modeling and timing plan development
2:28:46 looking at some left turn needs assessments
2:28:48 and evaluation of the leading pedestrian interval
2:28:54 as well throughout the corridor
2:28:58 with the plan to implement changes here
2:29:01 in the first quarter of 2026
2:29:05 and the cost of 100,000 includes
2:29:09 the equipment upgrades as well.
2:29:11 So have you you must have started this work already
2:29:13 if you're going to implement soon.
2:29:16 Thanks and Detroit is that going to also get a study?
2:29:21 That's where I notice a lot of.
2:29:23 Detroit it's already has been done.
2:29:29 I noticed that there's a lot of bottlenecks.
2:29:32 I mean you know Detroit was done
2:29:35 I want to say a couple years ago
2:29:38 and you know it's we reduced travel time
2:29:43 it used to take like 14 minutes
2:29:44 to get from one end of the city to the other
2:29:46 and now it's like seven minutes.
2:29:53 Outside of certain rush hours but yeah okay.
2:29:58 All right well we may be in many ways
2:30:00 successful at necking traffic down such that
2:30:02 there'll be faster bikes but all right.
2:30:05 And that's that's kind of part of our goals.
2:30:09 All right let's keep rolling thank you.
2:30:13 Phase six traffic signal improvements project.
2:30:16 We're going to be starting the design
2:30:18 on that project here in 2026.
2:30:22 The five intersections that are listed there
2:30:26 are the ones that are being funded you know
2:30:29 These are the last eligible signal
2:30:35 intersections for Nowakka CMAC funding.
2:30:41 So we'll be starting to design
2:30:44 and all our submissions and moving that along
2:30:49 through ODOT's process there.
2:30:52 But the goals are to upgrade the outdated
2:30:56 span wire signals and controllers,
2:30:58 improve safety with pedestrian signal heads
2:31:04 and the audible pedestrian signals
2:31:07 and improve level of service
2:31:09 and reduce carbon emissions.
2:31:11 Our LPIs I remember when this
2:31:14 we did a grant for this maybe like two years ago
2:31:17 and I cross these every day with my kids.
2:31:23 leading pedestrian indicators in this area
2:31:25 or is it because it's 90 you can't?
2:31:28 It's part of the process that we'll look at
2:31:31 and see if we can do that safely there.
2:31:36 Yeah because I will say that it is
2:31:39 do not slow down to the speed limit
2:31:42 and then they go on to those residential streets
2:31:46 So even if a kid has a walk signal
2:31:48 people I mean it's pretty dangerous
2:31:49 but you know that so thank you.
2:31:58 And this has just a list of some other
2:32:00 the 2025 projects that we did.
2:32:05 The mug floor rehabilitation went very smoothly
2:32:09 came in under budget good project.
2:32:12 We're working on the public works storage facility.
2:32:17 Animal shelter was complete.
2:32:18 We had a nice ribbon cutting ceremony.
2:32:22 Interceptor rehabilitation project
2:32:29 That's the deep deep deep down?
2:32:32 What's the public works storage facility?
2:32:39 That's the municipal utilities garage
2:32:42 by the wastewater treatment plant.
2:32:46 We completed the Madison Park connector trail
2:32:54 Complete the resurfacing of summit
2:32:57 and edge water with the bike pedestrian path.
2:33:01 Madison and Arthur Hawk signal pedestrian project
2:33:09 and put some more signage up there.
2:33:12 25 we did six private development plan reviews
2:33:17 and inspections for pretty large
2:33:20 development projects going on
2:33:22 and there's a list there of the 2026 stuff
2:33:30 I do have a question about the hawk pedestrian signal.
2:33:34 Will there be any kind of public education about that?
2:33:40 It seems people are still unable to read the sign
2:33:44 and comprehend when you're supposed to go
2:33:48 Any plans to further educate folks on that?
2:33:54 We did send something out on social media just recently
2:33:59 but we can perhaps add something
2:34:05 and I know we had that giant
2:34:08 Lakewood Life article on all of these things
2:34:10 and I know Kevin's been working on
2:34:12 getting more things updated so
2:34:16 but we have done some stuff.
2:34:19 I think it's just one of those things
2:34:20 where you're gonna have to keep going
2:34:26 that we're gonna have to do it multiple times
2:34:32 For the private development I've been asked
2:34:35 because of the power outages this past year
2:34:39 whether all the new apartment developments
2:34:43 add enough electric power capacity
2:34:46 to handle all that new power consumption.
2:34:48 I presume the answer is yes
2:34:49 but I confess I didn't ever ask this question before
2:34:52 so part of six private development plan review
2:34:55 and inspections, does that account for that
2:34:58 or is that something the developer does
2:34:59 with the utility without us?
2:35:01 Yeah first energy does have the capacity.
2:35:05 The issues we're seeing with first energy
2:35:13 Okay so with that that is that is our presentation here
2:35:20 with Public Works and Engineering
2:35:22 so I am here to answer any questions you may have.
2:35:28 Can you explain Coastal Engineering Services for 2026?
2:35:33 Or Councilman Capel why don't why don't you please
2:35:37 Could you explain the Coastal Engineering Services?
2:35:40 Sure so Coastal Engineering Services
2:35:46 basically you know we get a lot of private properties
2:35:49 that are doing coastal projects
2:35:51 and we have to review those projects as they come in
2:35:56 submerged land leases that are submitted to Council
2:35:59 so those are those services you know we have experts
2:36:05 in that field that we contract with
2:36:16 I could ask another this is not necessarily on the slide
2:36:18 but as I was looking through
2:36:20 because we're kind of blending Public Works and Capital
2:36:22 because that's how that goes
2:36:25 so I'm not sure who to ask this question to
2:36:28 but I was looking through the Capital Improvement Plan
2:36:33 and for 2027 under on page 162
2:36:39 we it's it lists 1.5 million for 2027 for Lakewood Park Pier
2:36:46 so that's part of the coastal I was
2:36:48 why I was also wondering if that was part of that
2:36:52 and then when I'm looking at the notes
2:36:55 they had a contract with Smith Group for 185,000
2:36:58 for planning and I remember that coming through
2:37:02 but then it said the we did not receive the CMAG grant
2:37:06 and that that was a if I recall correctly
2:37:09 that was one where we had a match
2:37:11 that we because we had to pass that
2:37:13 to do some sort of match if we got in that grant
2:37:15 so I just wonder if someone could speak to
2:37:17 where that is in the process
2:37:22 that contract and what's what's happening with that.
2:37:26 Mark can provide more specifics on the contract
2:37:28 but essentially that project is on hold
2:37:32 as we want to get through Madison Park updates first.
2:37:42 And if I could just help with some funding questions
2:37:47 that kind of came up so just just a couple comments
2:37:51 on page 31 when council gets a chance to look
2:37:54 when I talk about 3 million in property tax
2:37:57 not all of that goes to general fund
2:38:00 so some we have a part of our property tax
2:38:04 goes to the wastewater treatment plant fund
2:38:06 and that also besides user fees
2:38:09 that helps pay the debt service
2:38:11 on these very expensive projects
2:38:14 so the part of the 3 million increase in property tax
2:38:18 only about one and a half of that goes to general fund.
2:38:23 One of the other issues that I just wanted to point out too
2:38:25 is that our motor vehicle and gas tax
2:38:28 that helps fund our streets has been pretty flat
2:38:35 and so in order to help pay for street maintenance
2:38:39 and repair and things like that
2:38:41 we have been using some general fund money to transfer
2:38:45 so just as a you know a little estimate
2:38:49 we estimate about two and a half 2.8 million
2:38:52 in gas tax motor vehicle tax
2:38:55 and we're spending about 3.4 million
2:38:57 so general fund has to help fund those expenses
2:39:03 and then just one other one comment I wanted to make
2:39:05 is that the water metering and utility billing
2:39:13 is part of the finance system
2:39:14 so I know if any of your residents complain
2:39:17 about how unhappy they are with the water billing
2:39:23 that will be part of the finance system
2:39:25 so I'm pretty excited to get that started.
2:39:28 Can you explain that a little bit more
2:39:30 and also gas tax collections as a state
2:39:36 when you say our collections
2:39:37 those are state collections right?
2:39:39 It's collected by users here in the city
2:39:43 but yeah the state collects it and pays it to us.
2:39:47 but all of that set by state policymakers right?
2:39:52 And you're just informing us that
2:39:55 there's a leveling off currently of those income receipts
2:39:59 so essentially we're falling behind on inflation
2:40:04 especially reconstruction of materials
2:40:06 and so then you were saying what?
2:40:08 So we're therefore in recent years
2:40:12 having to fund that with general fund money.
2:40:14 Okay so the general fund is underwriting
2:40:17 a portion of the capital or?
2:40:20 Part of the street maintenance and repair fund in general
2:40:23 that includes wages and capital and things like that
2:40:26 mainly wages and operating expenses.
2:40:29 Okay I think I fall and I forgot what I did that.
2:40:37 Yeah how so just explain that point again
2:40:40 so you're saying it'll be a new billing
2:40:43 and a receding system totally new on the website.
2:40:46 So it's okay it's going to be more user-friendly kind of thing?
2:40:49 Yes much more user-friendly.
2:40:52 Okay not that there's any difference in the amounts billed
2:40:57 or the accuracy just a better portal for.
2:41:00 Right well that's that's very helpful
2:41:02 and they'll be able to see their usage and things like that.
2:41:08 Okay so we've reached the conclusion of public works and capital
2:41:14 we should press on to director Dillinger's presentation correct?
2:41:18 Any other questions council members?
2:41:23 Thank you could you say just one more bit about
2:41:26 when you just said you can see their usage.
2:41:29 I've always wondered when I look at my rental properties
2:41:34 when I look at month to month and if I saw a big spike
2:41:38 and I were to call the water department
2:41:40 and they said oh yeah you've got a leak
2:41:43 and I was like it would have been nice to know that
2:41:46 prior to getting this bill.
2:41:48 Will we be able to look at that on a daily basis?
2:41:52 There is an ability to look at it on a daily basis.
2:41:54 We're going to evaluate the cost versus benefit.
2:41:57 It's pretty expensive to to allow residents to do that.
2:42:02 I'm hoping I can work with the metering department
2:42:04 to maybe come up with different solutions
2:42:07 but that is that is it is capable
2:42:11 and the new system we'll be getting.
2:42:13 Or even a system where they would call me ahead of time
2:42:16 and say hey we think you've got a leak over here
2:42:19 as opposed to getting that bill.
2:42:23 Oh okay great with the new better billing system quicker.
2:42:32 Yeah I know I got some feedback over the years
2:42:34 about you know they appreciate the courtesy
2:42:36 and there's like a one-time forgiveness
2:42:38 but even so that sometimes is less than perfect.
2:42:43 So if there's an automation that says
2:42:46 hey there's a macro or something in the system
2:42:49 that contacts and probably to the councilwoman's point
2:42:53 robo call would help people of all ages
2:42:56 rather than I'm checking my email all the time.
2:43:00 Probably both is ideal so thank you for considering that.
2:43:05 Okay okay if we keep pressing on so director Dillinger
2:43:10 we've got your presentation.
2:43:18 All right everybody have a good holiday.
2:43:25 That was a lot of content we appreciate it
2:43:27 and thanks for all the dialogue so quite sincerely.
2:43:32 Actually I did think can you quickly tell us
2:43:34 the $500,000 sidewalk program is that same
2:43:42 So if you recall last year we started to implement
2:43:46 any type of sidewalk program
2:43:47 and with our street resurfacing program
2:43:50 so the the concrete program that we
2:43:53 that is in the capital plan for this year
2:43:55 has to do with any type of complaints we receive
2:43:58 and things of that nature and regarding sidewalks
2:44:00 so that list we continue to work off of
2:44:03 and we will continue to implement that plan moving forward.
2:44:05 Okay I would like to just say again on the record
2:44:07 I see value in the old system where we go
2:44:11 three sections of town systematically
2:44:14 I know we completed one pass.
2:44:16 If we continue that kind of like the ADA ramps
2:44:18 on an ongoing basis presumably the cost
2:44:21 and difficulty of doing that would be lower
2:44:24 because we've repaired those sidewalks
2:44:26 and I know first of all thank you
2:44:28 to your department for responding
2:44:30 to a report I made on my own street
2:44:32 but I didn't attempt to systematically go
2:44:35 the whole street just got one of the worst spots
2:44:38 so I just want to submit that for the mayor's consideration
2:44:41 your consideration that going forward
2:44:43 there's value to the old system
2:44:45 may be more expensive but I'd like to make the case
2:44:48 that there's value that that delivers
2:44:50 so for now that's just my feedback
2:44:53 but appreciate the dialogue.
2:44:57 And I'll just add since the switch
2:45:00 any sort of resident complaints have nearly dropped to zero
2:45:04 so that's certainly impactful information for all of us.
2:45:10 Okay sorry about that director Dillinger
2:45:11 for real this time please take it away.
2:45:16 I'm gonna try and cough not too much for you all tonight
2:45:18 but so my presentation tonight I will be talking
2:45:23 about workers compensation health insurance
2:45:25 and then any updates for the salary ordinance next year.
2:45:31 Exactly what I'm gonna talk about.
2:45:35 So a few things that we were working on this year
2:45:38 a big component of it was incorporating ADP
2:45:41 into our human resources processes
2:45:44 so we started using that for recruitment
2:45:47 so posting jobs accepting applications.
2:45:51 It was a much better system for having open dialogue
2:45:57 with managers who would be a part of the hiring process
2:46:00 so we started using that to schedule interviews
2:46:04 and hiring and then it's nice
2:46:06 because it just carries that information over
2:46:08 into the onboarding process.
2:46:09 It's not like okay now come see us on day one
2:46:11 and fill out all these forms again.
2:46:12 It's just it brings over their information
2:46:14 so it's just been a great process
2:46:16 especially from going from three full time to two.
2:46:18 It's definitely alleviated some of the ongoing stresses
2:46:24 It's made our processes more efficient
2:46:27 Part of that process that's really nice too
2:46:28 is there's benchmarking data and reports
2:46:31 that we can collect and analytics
2:46:32 so we can see are there certain departments
2:46:36 that we're having a lot of turnover in
2:46:39 and then that processes over to our benefit side as well.
2:46:42 We can see how many people are enrolled
2:46:46 and kind of what is the spend and that type of thing.
2:46:48 So a lot of great data that we didn't have before
2:46:50 because we didn't have this one inclusive system.
2:46:54 And then just on like another note
2:46:56 so we handle FMLA in our office.
2:46:58 We had about 33 new FMLA claims
2:47:01 so that can be anywhere from someone pregnant
2:47:03 caring for a dependent, their own serious illness
2:47:06 or something that maybe isn't a consecutive leave
2:47:10 but more of an ongoing chronic condition
2:47:12 such as migraine something along those lines.
2:47:16 And then at the time I had put my report together
2:47:18 we onboarded about 57 new employees
2:47:20 and that includes even our H2O.
2:47:23 So think not just full time
2:47:25 but any of our seasonal employees
2:47:26 we'd have throughout the year as well.
2:47:27 So that was some of the things that we did this year.
2:47:32 So moving forward we still have a room
2:47:36 I think building and planning like us
2:47:38 to call it the garden level not necessarily the basement
2:47:40 but we have a room full of old documents down there.
2:47:44 We have to retain negotiation documents
2:47:48 So there's some things down there
2:47:50 that I think we need to go through and make sure
2:47:53 is that still the current records retention schedule
2:47:56 So we'd like to audit those
2:47:59 and do a perform a dependent audit.
2:48:01 We've not done that in the five years I've been here.
2:48:03 I don't know that one's been done recently.
2:48:06 This helps us make sure that the correct people
2:48:09 So oftentimes we'll have employees who get divorced.
2:48:12 We did have this happen when someone gets divorced
2:48:14 they don't tell us within 30 days
2:48:16 all of a sudden that ex spouse
2:48:18 is still staying on our plan which they shouldn't be.
2:48:22 they're not supposed to be on our plan
2:48:25 but it's always good to be sure
2:48:26 that we're covering the people
2:48:27 that are supposed to be covered.
2:48:31 we would work with our broker to perform that
2:48:33 where I actually just went through this with my husband
2:48:37 We get a letter in the mail.
2:48:38 We have to go onto a database.
2:48:40 We have to certify that those are our legal dependents
2:48:42 and then if there's no documents uploaded
2:48:44 such as birth certificates, social security cards
2:48:47 we have to upload those documents.
2:48:49 So that's something we hope to perform this year.
2:48:52 And then something that we've been working with
2:48:55 along with the law department
2:48:56 is to prepare and implement
2:48:58 an accident review policy in committee.
2:49:00 So right now when let's say we have a refuse driver
2:49:04 who accidentally hits a car, right?
2:49:06 It happens more frequently than it probably should
2:49:08 but we have tight streets with a lot of onsite parking
2:49:12 So we want to set up a policy to say
2:49:15 how do we really break down
2:49:16 how this accident occurred, what happened.
2:49:18 They always go for a drug test
2:49:20 so that's one step of the process.
2:49:22 But beyond that we don't really analyze
2:49:25 Was there something that we could have done
2:49:27 from a driver training perspective
2:49:32 or from that accident from happening?
2:49:35 Every department operates different vehicles,
2:49:38 So kind of looking at all of the vehicles
2:49:41 all the accidents that are occurring
2:49:43 and really having a committee
2:49:44 that can facilitate and analyze
2:49:47 and help to prevent them moving forward.
2:49:51 So this is our budget for next year.
2:49:57 with just the 4% increase next year.
2:50:05 So this is our workers compensation fund.
2:50:10 which means we're paying all of our claims.
2:50:14 it used to be KKSG who was here locally.
2:50:17 Minutemen HR purchased them.
2:50:21 third party administrator for claims.
2:50:23 So similar to Medical Mutual for Insurance,
2:50:26 they help us administer our claims.
2:50:29 that are looking at diagnoses
2:50:31 and making sure that they're relevant
2:50:33 to the incident that would have occurred.
2:50:44 Typically if we were fully funded
2:50:46 in the $750,000 to $800,000 range.
2:50:48 So we are making the right choices
2:50:51 The downside of being self-funded
2:50:53 is you lose out on some of the grants
2:50:55 through the Bureau of Workers Compensation.
2:50:58 There's safety grants out there
2:51:00 like no smoking sensation programs
2:51:04 However, what those grants would provide us
2:51:06 still would not be more of a savings
2:51:12 Can you explain how it works?
2:51:17 So the point is that we would,
2:51:20 the proposal to reserve 596, well,
2:51:27 And then if claims come in under
2:51:30 or over, typically it's not over,
2:51:36 that we carry forward, right?
2:51:39 And part of it is our stop-loss insurance
2:51:42 So we used to have stop-loss insurance
2:51:46 We switched that to 750,000
2:51:55 part of that is just inflation
2:52:02 We do have one large claimant
2:52:03 right now that is hitting us harder
2:52:05 which we have not had before.
2:52:16 So we do have one high claimant
2:52:18 which is also kind of affecting us
2:52:20 Okay, so the reserve balance
2:52:22 is kind of a guaranteed minimum reserve
2:52:27 and the other expenses there
2:52:31 and there could be a correction
2:52:36 is also on an estimated payroll
2:52:38 and then we'll do a true-up
2:52:43 and then we always either fall
2:52:45 or we owe them something as well.
2:52:50 So this is a little summary
2:52:53 about our health insurance.
2:52:56 what we spent in years past.
2:52:58 So the fact that we're falling
2:53:00 at about a 98% utilization is great.
2:53:02 That means what we are budgeting for
2:53:05 we are falling just short of.
2:53:07 I think a lot of this has to do
2:53:11 smart utilization of our plans.
2:53:13 So we've been encouraging employees
2:53:15 to the high deductible health plan
2:53:16 have a little more skin in the game
2:53:18 so that they're being smart consumers
2:53:19 which helps us keep our claims cost down.
2:53:23 for medical insurance as well.
2:53:26 for administration of claims
2:53:28 processing all the paperwork.
2:53:31 We use their network of doctors
2:53:33 but we're paying the bills.
2:53:35 So by encouraging employees
2:53:36 to go to that high deductible health plan
2:53:40 Maybe we're not running out the door
2:53:41 to go to the ER urgent care.
2:53:42 We're going to the Minute Clinic
2:53:44 or trying to get with our PCP
2:53:46 a virtual visit and keep costs down.
2:53:48 So this just shows our history
2:53:51 2025 where we're expected to land
2:53:53 where we were as of year to date
2:53:55 and then what we're budgeting for next year.
2:53:57 If you go to the next slide please
2:53:59 that shows we're looking at
2:54:03 this is a really great percentage
2:54:08 you can see anywhere from 10 to 30%
2:54:12 when it comes to medical expenses.
2:54:16 we're doing the right things.
2:54:17 We're trying to introduce the right programs.
2:54:19 We're encouraging employees
2:54:20 to go to the right places for care.
2:54:22 Part of it is our demographic.
2:54:23 We're lucky to be in Northeast Ohio
2:54:25 with three great healthcare systems
2:54:28 so that assists us as well.
2:54:31 And then we always keep an eye
2:54:33 on high claimants for medical as well.
2:54:34 Our stop loss insurance is $125,000
2:54:38 So a single claim that goes above $125,000
2:54:43 We have had this is probably
2:54:46 going to knock some socks off
2:54:47 but we've had two $3 million claims
2:54:52 There are these new procedures
2:54:58 a common one is child blindness.
2:54:59 Many kids if they were diagnosed
2:55:01 blinded while they were a child
2:55:03 with the rest of their life.
2:55:05 Now they have I can't think
2:55:06 of the word off the top of my head
2:55:07 Mary you may be able to help me
2:55:08 but it's basically like something
2:55:10 they will do to alter your genetics
2:55:12 so that you can have vision again.
2:55:28 and the other child was too old
2:55:30 while the FDA they did more research.
2:55:31 The other child was then able
2:55:36 have had this procedure done
2:55:37 and will live a much healthier life
2:55:41 than they would have had they not
2:55:44 And although that sounds like
2:55:47 would have cost us for that child
2:55:48 to not have that over the next
2:55:50 if they stay with us for the next 18
2:55:52 26 years of their life essentially
2:55:53 because we cover dependents
2:55:54 will 26 we would have spent
2:55:58 So although it hits us hard currently
2:56:01 for that family for those individuals.
2:56:06 that type of insurance to our families.
2:56:12 It's just hard to see it right now.
2:56:13 So that's a story that like
2:56:14 I'm actually proud to tell.
2:56:19 the families here at Lakewood
2:56:25 again doing the right things.
2:56:27 So Housewoman Director Dillinger
2:56:30 Well thank you Kempman Bullock
2:56:33 and thank you Director Dillinger
2:56:38 just how important health care
2:57:10 what we could be expecting in 27
2:57:18 so when we go for a renewal
2:57:27 Yes like the insurance companies
2:57:39 and we are managing our claims
2:57:41 and especially the high claimant.
2:57:43 those are one and done right.
2:57:44 Those those three million dollar claims
2:57:47 who has cancer that's ongoing
2:57:48 so they see that that's going to be
2:57:51 we know they're going to continue
2:57:54 So they have already forecasted that
2:57:56 for at least for next year.
2:57:59 health care is one of those fields
2:58:03 and putting the right measures
2:58:04 in place to be able to maintain
2:58:09 The one thing we did do differently
2:58:11 is that instead of premium increases
2:58:12 this year we did plan design changes.
2:58:15 We hadn't had any plan design changes
2:58:16 on our PPO plan since 2016.
2:58:19 So we thought so our broker said
2:58:23 premium increases that'll get you
2:58:24 you know your seven percent
2:58:25 or we can make these plan design
2:58:28 about that is it's affecting those
2:58:30 using the plan versus saying
2:58:33 that all of you now have to pay
2:58:35 even though maybe you are being
2:58:36 a good consumer of the plan
2:58:37 and making the right decisions.
2:58:38 We get it everyone has accidents
2:58:40 and that's the point of insurance right.
2:58:43 But we thought let's make let's try it
2:58:45 plan design changes look like
2:58:49 and see you know maybe at some point
2:58:51 it's a balance of a premium increase
2:58:53 You know it's it's always changing.
2:58:58 with the state employee relations board.
2:59:01 annual report gathering data
2:59:05 municipalities across the state.
2:59:09 and say where are we falling
2:59:11 and we're again we're doing
2:59:15 with comparable cities of size
2:59:19 demographics all those things.
2:59:24 to our employees and their families
2:59:25 because really they're the ones
2:59:27 who are making this doable for us.
2:59:29 And another question how long
2:59:33 Um very long time since I've been
2:59:40 to the market for medical mutual.
2:59:41 So they do they are not just our tpa
2:59:43 but they're also our stop loss carrier
2:59:48 Medical mutual has been good to us
2:59:55 but so they like to keep us
2:59:57 Yeah yeah no I they're they're
3:00:01 And then the other thing is
3:00:09 go to the high deductible plan?
3:00:20 So if you're on the single plan
3:00:24 oh I don't have the numbers
3:00:26 The number I think next year
3:00:27 is 3,400 which is the IRS minimum.
3:00:33 that's the minimum deductible
3:00:35 to be considered high deductible
3:00:42 and then the family plan is double
3:00:45 and we provide them half of that.
3:00:49 doing an employer contribution
3:00:56 because that's a scary number.
3:01:10 just to create a little bit
3:01:27 if employees can give it a chance
3:01:34 will receive a quarter dump
3:01:37 and then the rest will be per pay
3:01:39 so they do have that little seed
3:01:43 I've been in a high deductible
3:01:53 you hit your deductibles quick
3:02:02 a high deductible health plan
3:02:16 are there other HR benchmarks
3:02:19 as far as like our personnel
3:02:29 that you're able to capture
3:02:34 absolutely at our workforce.
3:02:36 to share those numbers with you
3:02:40 demographics and where we fall.
3:02:42 Yeah I'd be happy to share that.
3:02:52 because I think we are fair
3:02:57 staying current in the times
3:03:01 So we don't have a lot of turnover
3:03:04 to share those demographics
3:03:07 Thanks for the very thoughtful
3:03:08 discussion other council members.
3:03:13 Thank you Director Doldrum.
3:03:17 and you do such a great job
3:03:18 and you know City Hall employees
3:03:28 but be thankful that you have
3:03:29 a good hospitalization plan
3:03:53 okay so the fringe benefits
3:03:56 is really like that's the claims.
3:03:58 Pay to medical providers okay.
3:04:00 Right and then professional service
3:04:02 includes we do firefighter exams
3:04:05 so it's we have this company
3:04:07 called LifeScan that comes up
3:04:08 for Florida for about three weeks
3:04:17 to Gallagher Benefit Services
3:04:21 or Vitality who's our wellness portal
3:04:29 with the Affordable Care Act
3:04:32 it's going to go up a little bit
3:04:33 we are introducing Teladoc next year
3:04:36 Cleveland Clinic Express Care
3:04:38 and they didn't renew their contract
3:04:40 and then they couldn't get it
3:04:42 we are going to be offering Teladoc
3:04:45 at no cost to our employees
3:04:46 for one year to see how that works
3:04:47 since we got rid of also the
3:04:50 we had the clinic across the street
3:04:52 that also offered some virtual visits
3:04:55 so since the elimination of that
3:04:56 we have felt there's been a loss
3:05:00 you know getting some of the basic care
3:05:04 that you need taken care of
3:05:07 so that's why you will see a slight increase
3:05:08 in the professional services
3:05:11 and that's part of that's just like
3:05:13 employee awareness of what Teladoc is
3:05:18 you know and the other thing is
3:05:20 and I think I mention this every year
3:05:23 but like I would like to see us
3:05:25 try to come up with a design change
3:05:27 where we start to see to fund
3:05:29 a little bit more than pay as we go
3:05:31 do we do that a little bit already
3:05:36 I believe correct me if I'm wrong
3:05:37 but I believe when we use some
3:05:44 how much is in it do we know
3:05:47 but we could get that for you
3:05:53 my day job employer literally has kind of
3:05:56 like a restricted capital count
3:05:59 and then they determine the next year
3:06:01 we got to increase premiums
3:06:02 to kind of bring the curve back up
3:06:06 you know if we get 12 million
3:06:09 now we have stop loss over a certain cover
3:06:11 so usually that's pretty rare
3:06:12 but like we just have to come up with
3:06:14 right maybe use that reserve fund
3:06:16 so it does every year in the budget
3:06:19 that we could hit a year that hurts
3:06:21 it just happened in Lorain County
3:06:23 they I think just saw 13 percent
3:06:25 12 percent increased premiums
3:06:27 and I mean that's obviously
3:06:35 that we took them some kind of money
3:06:36 I'd be interested to see what that was
3:06:41 thank you for all your work that you do
3:06:48 and and to keep us in health care
3:06:51 my question this year is the same question
3:06:55 when I look at your 25 accomplishments
3:06:57 and your 26 accomplishments
3:07:00 and I'm reminded early in this report
3:07:04 that the city is the third largest employer
3:07:07 after the schools in the Cleveland Clinic
3:07:12 outside of the police department
3:07:14 to specifically help our employees
3:07:19 and cultural sensitivity training
3:07:21 so we do so currently we're using neogov
3:07:24 so there are some trainings through there
3:07:27 that typically employees are getting at new high
3:07:29 at the time that they're hired
3:07:32 we try to space out our training
3:07:34 so that it's not the same ones every year
3:07:36 but that they're getting something
3:07:39 next year we're moving to lexapol
3:07:41 so that is what is in our police department currently
3:07:46 like a public entity training
3:07:47 so it won't be police driven
3:07:49 it'll be municipal or more public
3:07:54 so we are moving that to that next year
3:07:57 so we are going to be implementing
3:07:58 some new training next year
3:08:00 through lexapol that will also have
3:08:01 some of those programs involved in it
3:08:03 excellent I'd love to see a list
3:08:05 of whatever kind of trainings
3:08:09 and specifically anything around
3:08:15 that is prevalent here in Lakewood
3:08:20 other questions just time check here
3:08:23 so we've got one or two more slides
3:08:33 so hopefully we can press on
3:08:35 a director the two questions
3:08:38 the point you made about northeast
3:08:41 by having free health systems
3:08:43 is that competition for services
3:08:49 I'm saying it's nice that we
3:08:52 that can go anywhere for care
3:08:54 so yes they have access to good
3:08:57 yeah it's definitely beneficial
3:08:59 and then the three million dollar claims
3:09:04 what we're accomplishing there
3:09:12 what why that impacts us is
3:09:15 when we go back to stop loss
3:09:18 oh well you have these two claims
3:09:20 so we'll pay more for the stop loss
3:09:21 the premium will go up slightly
3:09:22 oh we're structuring the place
3:09:26 by having the primary hospitalization
3:09:30 correct and and those high claims
3:09:37 so right we're within presumably
3:09:45 ballpark what's the total number
3:09:50 yep we have 415 employees covered
3:10:00 is that a big medium or small pool
3:10:04 probably medium compared to like a
3:10:06 progressive or something right
3:10:09 unfortunately they don't really look
3:10:11 it's either you're small or large
3:10:14 we're probably on the larger side
3:10:17 because they really only look
3:10:20 because that would be the bucket
3:10:21 we'd be in a small would be
3:10:24 absolutely under 250 probably
3:10:27 all right please keep rolling
3:10:32 okay yep I just have one more
3:10:39 the salary ordinance going up
3:10:41 three percent so all those ranges
3:10:42 you see will be adjusted three percent
3:10:44 for the cost of living adjustment
3:10:46 there were four obsolete job titles
3:10:48 we just don't use them anymore
3:10:50 in some form like there was a one
3:10:52 and a two we've kind of just
3:10:55 so those have been eliminated
3:10:56 and then we added some licenses
3:10:59 the laboratory tech license one through three
3:11:01 so this is in our public works
3:11:05 contract along with the backflow
3:11:11 it allows a local government entity
3:11:16 so that we can manage projects
3:11:18 such as transportation projects
3:11:20 so this is really beneficial for us
3:11:21 to be able to keep projects moving
3:11:23 have someone right here on site
3:11:26 and then the MACP, LACP, PACP
3:11:30 are the manhole assessment certification
3:11:32 lateral assessment certification
3:11:33 and pipeline assessment certification
3:11:35 so these would be beneficial
3:11:36 to our water sewer department
3:11:39 so it's in our public works contract
3:11:40 a lot of the times we add these
3:11:42 because they're in those contracts
3:11:45 I'm not getting paid for that anymore
3:11:48 so it helps motivate our managers
3:11:51 to have those certifications
3:11:52 that their employees under them have
3:11:58 so why don't we pivot right now to
3:12:02 it's proposed ordinance 37-2025
3:12:04 which is the salary ordinance
3:12:07 what I'd like to suggest is that
3:12:08 the committee consider recommending favorably
3:12:11 this and the holiday schedule
3:12:14 or the vacation day proposed words
3:12:16 now those I believe accompany
3:12:19 the proposed bargaining unit contracts
3:12:23 which Council President Keppel
3:12:24 has the committee as a whole
3:12:25 I know you're working on scheduling
3:12:33 we report it to the full council docket
3:12:41 did you want a brief summary
3:12:43 why don't we go through them both
3:12:44 so I think you just gave us the
3:12:46 so that was the salary ordinance
3:12:49 so let's go through that one
3:12:51 I do see the changes to the titles
3:13:01 we could see that in the docket
3:13:06 I'm not sure I see where that is
3:13:09 so we we've just not done that
3:13:12 so like if you look at the minimum
3:13:17 they're just up three percent
3:13:21 there are not red lines for
3:13:24 so presumably Director Usain
3:13:32 have both gone up three percent
3:13:37 do you see that on your docket
3:13:39 essentially what this would do
3:13:41 is equip the administration to
3:13:47 collective bargaining agreements
3:13:50 we're going to get a briefing
3:14:07 I personally don't have any
3:14:18 okay so why don't I make a motion
3:14:19 that we report out favorably
3:14:32 so now let's go to the second
3:14:35 piece of legislation which is
3:14:47 for employees at a faster rate
3:14:49 increase the maximum vacation
3:14:54 and to increase the conversion
3:15:00 of employment with the city
3:15:01 so presumably director these
3:15:33 an extra 20 hours at 20 years
3:15:40 when someone left employment
3:16:07 so like prior public service
3:16:17 we just report out favorably
3:16:29 into their labor agreements
3:16:32 and then consider motions on
3:16:39 questions on what we just heard
3:16:57 or they just lose those hours
3:16:59 no they can make up those in it
3:17:07 and get the same number of hours
3:17:22 I would also add the comment that
3:17:25 I don't know if it would require
3:17:34 a couple hours in the morning
3:17:35 I don't know if you could do that
3:17:39 so that they could go and vote
3:17:43 in the circles that are running
3:17:51 if we could even just start
3:18:04 you think that would require
3:18:14 or could the administration
3:18:17 in the collective bargaining
3:18:30 during negotiations this year
3:18:35 but it's something we could
3:18:38 at the next collective bargaining
3:18:49 people that are in restaurants
3:18:51 hey we're not going to open
3:18:54 because we're going to give
3:18:59 I appreciate your consideration
3:19:01 and mayor I guess my question was
3:19:06 but does the administration
3:19:17 the collective bargaining agreement
3:19:19 so that that would something
3:19:21 yeah but obviously something
3:19:25 I had an employer years ago
3:19:27 just provided some flexibility
3:19:28 either before the end of the day
3:19:34 as much flexibility as possible
3:19:39 so I've lost track of where we are
3:19:42 I think we've just been reviewing
3:19:45 so if there's no other discussion points
3:19:49 would you consider a motion
3:20:06 is it gives our longer term
3:20:15 second motion made and seconded
3:20:20 hearing none all in favor say aye
3:20:34 to allow one other council member
3:20:43 council initiated budget amendment
3:20:45 you mind if I put you on the spot
3:20:47 I'd like to put some thought
3:20:50 to what you'd like to propose
3:20:55 so as I've discussed previously
3:20:57 I just have a few budget initiatives
3:21:06 first was increased funding
3:21:08 I think with action of this body
3:21:29 and I think that'll cover that
3:21:31 additional increase to their funding
3:21:33 but hope we can talk earlier next year
3:21:47 have a more permanent capital
3:21:52 for public art moving forward
3:21:55 I understand we're spending
3:21:57 you know a great deal of money
3:21:58 on complete streets this year
3:22:02 but I think we need to find
3:22:11 without asking our residents
3:22:25 are keeping an eye on the ball
3:22:32 each year in the budget process
3:22:34 thanks thank you councilman
3:22:44 a very successful discussion
3:22:59 we've generally ended the year
3:23:10 with another 9 million next year
3:23:31 about a 5 million carryover
3:23:34 is kind of a minimum reserve
3:23:39 not to be spent essentially
3:23:48 all right without objection
3:23:51 thank you once again everybody