Written by the reviewer from the ASR + docket; [verbatim-ASR] = quoted machine transcript; [paraphrase] = reviewer's wording, not a quote.
0:01 All right, we'll call the full council meeting of July 20th to order if you're able please rise for the pledge of lead
0:08 We'll now pause for a moment of silence
0:36 Madam clerk, please call the roll vice president Baker here
0:41 councilmember Bixenstein
0:44 Councilmember block here councilmember Evans here president Keppel here councilmember Hamilton Steiner here. That's member streaming here
0:52 pursuant to Lakewood codified ordinance 10901 B
0:57 One as chair. I am calling for this evening's meeting of council to be held partially by video conference under ordinance 109.01 C
1:05 council members participating remotely need not be present for the purpose of voting and determining a quorum a
1:12 Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held July 6
1:17 2026 we have to approve without the necessity of a reading. Okay motions been made and seconded any discussion
1:23 Hearing none all those in favor. I in that motion passed
1:27 Without objection like to move items 10 through 12 to the top of the agenda
1:33 I'm 10 communication from Vice President Baker councilmember Evans and mayor George recognizing the 2026 Lakewood high school varsity
1:41 Baking and Disposal of the minutes of the July 16th 2026 council community conversation
1:47 We have to approve without the necessity of a reading
1:49 Motions been made and seconded discussion
1:52 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that one passes
1:59 President Mayor George
2:03 Dear colleagues we are pleased to introduce the accompanying resolution
2:07 recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of the 2026 Lakewood high school varsity baseball team and
2:13 Congratulating the players coaches families volunteers and supporters who made the historic season possible
2:19 the ragers completed one of the greatest seasons in school history finishing 27 and one overall and
2:24 14 and oh in the Cleveland West Conference to capture the conference championship and a second consecutive OS a
2:31 HSA a district championship
2:33 They also became the only high school baseball team in Ohio to complete the regular season undefeated finishing 25 and oh before postseason play
2:40 under the leadership of coach of head coach and Lakewood high school graduate Grant Graves and his tremendous coaching staff
2:46 The Rangers established a culture of excellence built on hard work discipline and teamwork
2:50 Their success reflects not only on the dedication of the players and coaches
2:54 But also the parents volunteers the Lakewood high school athletic department and the Lakewood Community Baseball and Softball Association
3:00 Youth baseball programs and the many community members who support Ranger athletics
3:05 The team's accomplishments inspired pride throughout Lakewood culminating in their selection as grand marshals for the 2026 Lakewood 4th of July parade
3:12 This resolution celebrates not only an outstanding championship season, but also a team that represented Lakewood with integrity sportsmanship and pride
3:20 we respectfully ask for your support and recognizing one of the finest teams in the history of Lakewood high school athletics and I will say
3:27 The agenda, but I'd like to thank coach grace for bringing so many players here this evening and it's it's kind of
3:34 fun and sad to say that as a 43 year old man short of my my wedding day and the birth of my
3:40 Three children beating st. Ed's and saying nations in the same season is the greatest accomplishment
3:45 I've ever had and now you guys get to say that too for the rest of your life when you're 43 year old men
3:50 So thank you, and I'll make a motion to receive and file this communication
3:54 Second motion has been made and seconded any discussion councilmember stripping you
4:01 Oklahoma Sooner softball head coach
4:04 Patty gas so took has taken her team to the NCAA tournament 32 times
4:10 She's been to the women's college world series 18 times and has been a national champion eight times one of which I get
4:18 I get to witness in 2013
4:22 The championship mindset is not so much about winning games
4:33 And it's a way to treat people and I believe you all have gotten there this year. So congratulations on your success
4:44 Thank You president Keppel
4:46 Yeah, just amazing job. I mean you brought so much pride to this community
4:50 What a fun spring and summer it was to follow the team
4:52 So the student-athletes coaches
4:56 Everybody I mean congrats and then I also just want to say
5:00 Again, I hope we can do this every year
5:03 talk about how great this the baseball team is but
5:06 It goes just as everybody knows it goes beyond just this team and just this season
5:12 There are so many folks in the community as have committed to building a baseball culture in this community
5:17 Vince France is there who's been doing this for years and so many other folks out there
5:22 So thank you to all that hard work
5:24 To be able to build up a program that's doing so amazing and and give us that community pride
5:29 So I really appreciate it and thank you to everybody
5:33 Thank you other council members
5:38 I'll just add and to echo those remarks
5:43 You know your success really gives the community hope and it was really palpable during the 4th of July parade
5:50 I get I have the pleasure of announcing it and
5:52 Seeing you guys all come down. I mean the community was just so proud and it was really awesome
5:57 And also that you help us justify all the money that we spend on the baseball field
6:03 So it has results, right? You know, you guys probably played as kids in rec leagues, right?
6:08 So so we appreciate that and very proud of you. All right, so with that
6:15 We have a motion a second to receive and file the communication all those in favor
6:20 and that motion passes
6:26 2026 38 a resolution recognizing the Lakewood Rangers High School varsity baseball team on its historic
6:32 2026 season capturing back-to-back district championships winning the Cleveland West Conference Championship
6:37 With an undefeated conference record and completing one of the greatest baseball seasons in Lakewood High School history move to adopt
6:45 Motions been made and seconded any discussion councilmember Pollock, madam chair. Thanks. I'll add my congrats and say also
6:53 I've got a fifth grader in baseball. He's top of his league will play Tuesday. Thanks to the
7:00 Canadian forest smoke got the schedule pushback
7:04 And I've got another son may be interested in joining too. So we hope to replenish the ranks
7:11 Also want to acknowledge the the France family over there who have been leaders in have
7:18 Told me before it happened and now I'm experiencing it as a parent with younger kids
7:24 That recreation is not just recreation
7:27 its community its economic development its community pride its
7:32 emotional development its ties to one another and boy have I seen that come true and I love that Lakewood as we're
7:40 improving our housing stock at our parks and all kinds of things we do normally in City Hall
7:46 we're also starting to really be competitive in sports and
7:50 Look forward to the day when we're acing all the West Side communities. Thanks
7:58 Thank you. All right any further discussion
8:02 Hearing none on the motion to adopt all those in favor. Hi and that motion passes
8:07 We have a ceremonial copy of this resolution
8:10 We want to present to you
8:11 but we're about to do the 4th of July parade winners too, so if we can do them and then we'll
8:16 bring everybody in for pictures and do all that so
8:22 Item 12 communication from Mayor George regarding 4th of July parade winners Mayor George
8:27 Good evening. The 4th of July parade is one of Lakewood's proudest traditions and this year's turnout was incredible yet again
8:34 It's always wonderful to see our residents neighbors and local businesses show up with so much energy and creativity to make the day special
8:41 I'm thrilled to recognize and congratulate this year's a fifth official 4th of July parade category winners
8:48 These groups went above and beyond putting in tremendous effort to make this year's event spectacular
8:53 The best color guard was 82nd Airborne Association John towel Medal of Honor Cleveland actor and Traptor
9:01 Best float stem handmade soap
9:05 most original entry so for service
9:08 Best bicycle tricable treats
9:11 most spirited dance Lakewood
9:15 following our presentation to the 2026 4th of July
9:18 Parade Grand Marshals the Lakewood High School Rangers varsity baseball team and coaching staff
9:24 I invite representatives of the winning parade entrance to come forward to receive their plaques and be recognized by the members of Lakewood City
9:31 Council and I just want to add how proud all of us are
9:35 To the the Lakewood varsity baseball team
9:38 You are such a sense of pride for for everyone in the community and really truly a job
9:45 Well done to have a to have a season
9:48 That goes without a loss is a major accomplishment
9:51 So congratulations to all you your coaching staff and the parents and all the support in the community
9:55 And so at that we can invite the grand marshal come on up
9:58 We'll take a picture with the resolution and then your plaque up next best color guard the 82nd Airborne Association
11:37 John towel Medal of Honor Cleveland Akron chapter
12:47 All right best float stem handmade soap most original entry so for service
14:02 best bicycle tricable treats and
15:44 Finally most spirited dance Lakewood. All right after all that we still need to move to receive and file the communication
16:47 Second motion has been made and seconded any discussion
16:51 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
17:02 Item number one report from Housing Planning and Development Committee regarding meeting held July 13 26
17:08 councilmember Evans
17:10 Thank You President Keppel dear colleagues on Monday, July 13th
17:14 The Housing Planning Development Committee met to discuss the topic of short-term rental regulation
17:19 Councilmember Bullock shared a proposal to clarify existing bed-and-breakfast regulations with additional criteria to be applied to short-term rentals
17:26 as described in proposed ordinance 28 dash
17:31 committee took into consideration feedback from constituents and the various impacts of short-term rentals both positive and negative
17:37 Neighborhoods and the community at large the committee reviewed regulations adopted by neighboring communities
17:42 They agreed that will be essential for council to continue to carefully evaluate all factors
17:47 In the process of determining the best path forward for Lakewood specific needs
17:51 Considerations discussed include fees and taxation safety concerns local management requirements and impacts on affordable housing as well as administrative requirements for enforcement
18:00 The committee will to continue to collect data and feedback on all aspects of short-term rental regulation
18:06 And we'll work with members of the city administration as they consider the best path forward for Lakewood
18:11 sincerely Brian Evans work to I'll make a motion to
18:14 Receive and file this communication
18:16 Second motion has been made and seconded discussion councilmember stripping. Thank you. I did have one question
18:21 I apologize that I was not able to make this meeting. However, I had a standing obligation with
18:28 the tenant under girls
18:32 Softball team that I sponsored this year. I actually made one game
18:35 But I wanted to ask you about
18:38 The neighboring communities that you're looking at could could you maybe tell me a little bit more about who we're looking at to
18:45 Compare what we're going to create
18:48 Yes, so we I mean we're looking at that for guidance I'm not necessarily looking at neighboring communities for
18:55 So much as a template we do look at Cleveland who usually have passed some legislation
19:01 Recently and also we talked to with the building department shaker Heights and that was very informative being a similar community to our own
19:09 looking at and this ranges from the kind of software they use to identify these to
19:15 str short-term rentals
19:18 How they're dealing with on the back end including enforcement
19:21 so they're all things we're taking into account and I'll also mention here that
19:26 constant bullock who's been carrying the majority load on this has also
19:32 Logged a lot a lot of facetime with other folks including the building department building Commissioner Parmar Lee and has talked to the
19:39 Police department as well. So those discussions will continue
19:45 Thank you. All right. We have a motion a second to receive and file the report any further discussion
19:51 Hearing none all those in favor
19:55 Item to ordinance 28 20 26 and ordinance to take effect immediately clarifying that short-term rentals are a form of bed-and-breakfast
20:03 Establishment pursuant to liquid codified ordinance
20:06 1160 103 C and establishing additional criteria regulating this conditional use
20:13 The motion has been made and seconded discussion
20:16 Hearing none all those in favor. I in that motion passes and I'm three report from public safety committee regarding meeting held today
20:24 July 20th 2026 councilmember Hamilton Steiner. Thank you president couple dear colleagues the public safety committee meeting met
20:32 earlier this evening which all of us were there for
20:35 Chief Fairbanks and paramedic Oliver Harper shared with us the neighborhood paramedic program update for
20:43 2026 sharing the program growth that has occurred since 2025
20:48 So the neighborhood paramedic program
20:51 Originally starting as a fall prevention program and safety and health access point to address unmet need has grown
20:58 to assist residents operating from their point of discharge to help bridge the gap in care for the 18 to 59
21:07 The program however faces limited capacity such as staffing
21:12 Our residents face transportation issues and then just overall program expansion expansion constraints
21:19 additionally as as we have
21:22 Seen and know in the community that the mental health needs of the community is growing and there are systemic
21:29 challenges which exist
21:30 The neighborhood paramedic program has seen 300 mental health related calls in
21:37 In addition, they continue to see hoarding as an issue in the community
21:41 And that is actually they're seeing an increase in that as well
21:45 a lively discussion followed after the presentation with questions and council members expressing interest in continuing to support this program
21:53 Including discussion of potential funding sources which comes from in Baker shared some points and councilman Bullock as well
22:03 Move to receive and file the communication and look to continue this work as this also aligns with an
22:11 existing council priority
22:13 So I move to receive and file that report
22:16 Second motion has been made and seconded discussion
22:20 Hearing none all those in favor. I in that motion passed
22:25 Item for report from Vice President Baker regarding council budget priorities for 2027. I suppose in Baker
22:32 Thank you dear colleagues following president couples June 15 2026 communication regarding council budget priorities
22:39 Finance committee met on June 22nd 29th and July 6th to conduct an initial review of every proposal submitted by members of council
22:47 During those meetings council members presented their priorities administrative officials provided initial feedback and the finance committee discussed implementation challenges
22:56 estimated costs operational impacts and opportunities for collaboration
22:59 The minutes of each of these meetings are incorporated here and by reference and provide a good depth good in-depth review of the budget and policy
23:06 Discussions the purpose of these meetings was not to determine whether each proposal should ultimately be funded
23:11 But rather to better understand the scope of each proposal and determine
23:15 Where it fits best where it best fits within the city's ongoing planning process as was discussed discussed often
23:22 The budget is not council's budget or the administration's budgets
23:25 Throughout both meetings several themes consistently emerged one council administration agreed that many proposals remain in the conceptual stage
23:32 And will require additional research before they are ready for implementation
23:35 Several proposals also depend on partnerships with outside organizations grant opportunities legal review or completion of existing planning efforts
23:42 To there was a broad agreement that council should communicate its priorities to the administration well in advance of the formal budget deliberations
23:49 Early collaboration allows departments sufficient time to evaluate proposals refine cost estimates identify operational impacts and determine whether existing work
23:57 Already advances council objectives. This is part of the reason that the first starting the process so early in providing this detailed communication
24:05 Three the finance committee recognizes not every worthwhile idea should necessarily be viewed as a 2027 budget request
24:11 Some proposals are primarily policy initiatives requiring committee work or legislative development before funding decisions can be made
24:18 Others represent longer-term strategic investments that would remain part of the city's planning discussions over the next several budget cycles
24:24 Accordingly rather than treating every submission as an immediate budget request the finance committee recommends organizing councils priorities into three categories
24:31 One 2027 budget priorities initiatives sufficiently developed to be considered during preparation in 2027 budget
24:37 To policy priorities initiatives that should proceed through committee review legislation and administrative collaboration or additional study before significant budget
24:45 Appropriations are considered and lastly future budget priorities worthwhile initiatives that may continue work
24:50 But are unlikely to be fully developed for inclusion in 2027 budget
24:54 This framework reflects the discussions held by finance committee and is intended to provide direction to the administration as it works through
25:00 As it works with council to prepare the proposed 2027 budget the process is intended to avoid proposed late change it proposed
25:08 Proposed changes late in the process
25:09 Although that is still something that is within council's authority to do under the city charter
25:13 The finance committee further encourages
25:15 Individual council members to continue to work directly with city departments throughout the summer to refine proposals improve cost estimates
25:21 Identify outside funding opportunities and resolve implementation questions
25:25 The finance committee also encourages referrals to the appropriate committee where additional policy development is warranted
25:31 Attachment is a summary that reflects what I believe to be the finance committee's consensus regarding
25:35 Where each proposal currently fits within the city's planning process as work continues throughout the remainder of 2026 individual proposals may naturally
25:43 Move from one category to another the finance committee recommends that this report be accepted and filed and that the administration
25:49 Utilizes framework as one tool in developing the proposed 2027 budget
25:52 I'll make a motion to receive and file this communication
25:56 And I will also note that this is my
26:02 Exhibit a to put things into buckets. I
26:06 take no pride in authorship and would be willing to
26:10 And this on the floor tonight if people think that I incorrectly put things into the wrong bucket
26:28 Thank you president couple I'm not objecting I actually
26:31 Appreciate that you did this. This is very helpful. I'm actually gonna print this out and use this as a guide. I looked over mine
26:40 Specifically and I think it captured you captured the essence of
26:45 Where I was at and where I was thinking that discussion, so I appreciate you for doing this
26:49 I think this is very helpful a great project management tool
26:53 Yeah, other councilman boy
26:59 Thanks, madam chair. I also appreciate the work
27:01 first of all the committee and all of council council staff and the collaboration with
27:10 Including director Mahoney and others
27:20 Report to a director
27:25 For to them unless director Mahoney you don't think that's necessary that you've got the information here on the record
27:32 Yeah, just just having it here is fine
27:37 Thank you. So I do have a question if I may to the administration the mayor and the finance director
27:42 Or either of you as you prefer
27:46 Does this process work for you as envisioned in this letter from the finance chair or this report from the finance chair?
27:53 Which to me is the sensible option on how we go forward the agreeable in in the broad sense and
28:05 Would you need for clarity from council on the various points?
28:11 Think what we have here is
28:13 An affirmation of the work to date and then a continuation of the one-on-one
28:23 Between an individual council member or perhaps a pair with the administration to continue
28:30 detailing and putting operational legs and budgeting
28:33 specifics underneath any given proposal
28:36 And there's advantages to that
28:38 the other view which isn't proposed here would be that City Council would take a clear vote on date X whether today or
28:47 Say we're affirming our support for some of these or all of these or whatever whatever the vote would be
28:53 so at the current moment the
28:56 Contemplated process is continued dialogue. We're about to go into an August break at least as far as former council meetings go
29:04 So is that workable and feasible from the administration's perspective?
29:09 I mean, I think this is all just a good faith discussion here
29:12 And there's gonna be more work to do and probably also some differences in judgment and that's probably okay
29:20 But since this is new I'm trying to get a little bit of
29:24 Feedback if possible
29:29 I don't want to speak for the mayor but I we are meeting Friday and so this I think this could be a good
29:39 I'm not definitely I I don't see all of these being funded in the 2027 budget
29:48 And some of them I are already included in
29:52 You know what the department's probably already have thought about for the 27 budget
29:57 So I I guess we would probably need some more information on exactly I
30:05 Keep going back to block clubs and and what you know, like there's an example
30:10 What is it that council wants to spend a hundred thousand dollars on that seems excessive to me?
30:16 So I I need some background on and why the back so and perhaps the other lines to what what is the?
30:25 intent on in each of those
30:30 So thanks our community it's helpful to dialogue and in fair questions
30:34 And I know that for example councilwoman Hamilton Steiner has scheduled a meeting later this week with public works
30:39 And some of us are gonna attend on one of these points about winter sidewalks
30:43 I think so we've got a little more detail
30:46 We hope to furnish on some of those your block club examples also a good one
30:52 So in terms of the process
30:55 We're all committed to working one, you know further on this
31:00 The I guess maybe maybe we could
31:04 talk again after tonight, but the
31:08 Due diligence that you're gonna be conducting with the administration starts, you know runs from August through November
31:15 but if we're going to get
31:17 Opportunities to get City Council the same page on some of these items with the administration
31:21 We're gonna have to talk not November 15, but say
31:25 September 30 October 1
31:27 Or earlier. That's the kind of I think additional
31:33 Communication about the informal process that we seem to be following here that to me would be helpful and avoid
31:40 You know people being on the wrong page
31:45 Yeah, no, I'll just make him just jump in here. Well, I guess I can because I chair the meeting
31:50 So just to reiterate
31:52 part of the reason we started this so early was so that
31:56 Over the next couple months council members and has already happened. We've already had some meetings
32:01 with various directors about some of these is that we can be having these conversations and
32:07 Understand what specifically is feasible in 2027 versus 2028
32:15 Talking through the different parts and then hopefully it comes together with
32:20 That it's already in what the directors are
32:24 Talking with director Mahoney about because we've collaborated behind the scenes
32:28 So that is what the hope is that over the next few months if you haven't already
32:32 But I know a lot of people have start scheduled meetings been working with the directors
32:37 now is the time to be doing that so that we're all have some clarity about what it is we're talking about for each
32:44 You know council administration may see things differently, but we're hopefully going to get to a place of workability on the ones we want
32:51 and then we can we can go from there, but and we'll also have in the fall when we get the
32:58 The report from finance about where we are in the quarterly
33:01 So as vice president Baker has mentioned that as well, so we'll we'll come back to it then but what in terms of working?
33:07 Out the details now is the time to be doing that
33:10 So that we have clarity about what specifically we're talking about and how it works in with
33:14 What the depart how the departments are working?
33:17 So I think we're I think
33:20 Council the administration on the same page about that that that's what we're doing right now is those conversations
33:25 Okay, all right so with that
33:29 We have a motion in a second to receive and file this report any further discussion
33:35 Hearing none all those in favor I and that motion passes. We have a little technical
33:53 Item five substitute ordinance 16
33:56 2026 and ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter
34:01 Of the city of Lakewood in order to change the frequency with which the Civil Service Commission reviews elected official salaries
34:09 All right. So just a reminder. This is the first of
34:12 Five ordinances regarding charter amendments that we've had lengthy discussions about in committee
34:18 I know Councilman Hamilton Siner
34:20 Has recused herself due to her engagement with the Charter Review Commission fired as serving on council
34:26 Although we appreciate your work on Charter View Commission
34:29 So with that this is the first one and I will move to adopt
34:33 Second motion has been made and seconded any discussion
34:38 I'll just add once again. Thank you to the Charter View Commission for their hard work
34:42 My council colleagues for discussion and the administration especially the law department for assistance with these
34:50 Any further discussion?
34:52 Hearing none all those in favor. I
34:55 I in that motion. Oh and abstain
34:58 Abstain win one abstention. Okay, and in that motion passes
35:02 I am six substitute ordinance 17
35:05 2026 and ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter
35:11 in order to add additional requirements to the process by which council appoints new members to fill a vacancy and
35:19 This one again is to codify the process that we have been following of doing open
35:25 Call for applicants and interviews in public. I will move to adopt
35:30 Motions been made and seconded discussion
35:34 Hearing none all those in favor. I
35:38 Am abstentions and that motion passes I am seven substitute ordinance 18
35:45 2026 an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter of the
35:51 City of Lakewood in order to change the manner in which legislation is amended and to remove the requirement that the entire ordinance or resolution be repealed
35:59 Then a new ordinance or resolution be enacted
36:04 Motions been made and seconded. This one is the redlining make it clear
36:09 How ordinances are being changed?
36:11 So motion has been made and seconded any discussion
36:16 Hearing none all those in favor. I
36:20 Item eight substitute ordinance 19
36:23 2026 an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter of the
36:29 City of Lakewood in order to establish a process and requirement for ward
36:33 Redistricting in the city of Lakewood move to adopt
36:37 Motions been made and seconded discussion
36:40 Hearing none all those in favor. I
36:45 Councilmember big since I can we hear your vote on that one?
36:52 Item 9 substitute ordinance 20 20 26 an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment
37:00 To the third amended charter of the city of Lakewood in order to clarify the various paths in which the charter can be amended
37:08 Motions been made and seconded
37:10 And this one just for clarification keeps the way that it can be amended either by citizen initiative or by council action
37:17 It just makes the language clearer that those are the ways
37:20 All right any further discussion?
37:23 Hearing none all those in favor. I
37:28 And that motion passes
37:30 Item 13 communication from President Keppel regarding legal matters related to first energy
37:43 We are all entirely too familiar with first energies ongoing failures to provide the Lakewood community with reliable electricity
37:50 In addition to experiencing outages ourselves
37:53 We have heard from countless residents who have endured extreme hardship
37:58 Losing medicine food and in some cases facing hospitalization and life-threatening conditions
38:05 These perpetual electrical failures are entirely unacceptable
38:09 They drain our city's resources as we work to support a community suffering from this wealthy corporations neglect
38:18 Our response must be multifaceted and include continued pressure on first energy
38:24 Through the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio puko as well as expanding resilient and sustainable solutions locally
38:32 Additionally, we can and should advocate for statewide policies such as limiting the expansion of large-scale data centers
38:40 To reduce strain on an already outdated system as we pursue these efforts
38:45 Council in the community must understand the legal process that has taken place so far
38:51 The steps ahead through puko and the potential for additional litigation
38:56 This communication includes a timeline of some legal action taken by the city thus far
39:01 I intend to make a motion to refer it to Committee of the Whole and
39:05 Asked the law department to provide a briefing and answer questions about further litigation options
39:11 Understanding the public's justified interest in this topic. I hope to have as much dialogue as possible in open session
39:18 However in the best interests of the city representing those residents some information may need to be provided in executive session in
39:27 accordance with ORC 121.22 g3
39:31 So for a litigation timeline in June of 2025 Mayor George and the Cleveland City Council members representing the affected
39:39 Cleveland wards formerly petitioned puko to investigate the outages that occurred the week of June 23rd on
39:47 July 23rd 2025 puko's investigation resulted resulted in a letter of probable non-compliance
39:54 to first energy the PNC found first energy and probable non-compliance with certain sections of the Ohio Administrative Code for
40:03 failure to invest in necessary improvements to maintain adequate service following frequent reoccurrence of equipment failures at the same
40:11 circuit substation and
40:14 Failure to maintain and implement a comprehensive plan to guide CEI's
40:18 Communications with customers their communities and their government agencies to ensure that accurate and timely information is getting to the customers who need it
40:28 The probable non-compliance laid out a corrective action plan in October puko formally ordered first energy
40:35 operating under the umbrella CEI to install two new transformers at a liquid substation and
40:41 Complete inspection and repair of pole equipment no later than the end of 2026
40:47 Despite promising to build trust with residents first energy petitioned puko to lower its reliable standard reliability standards
40:55 The city of Lakewood filed legal intervention with the mayor and City Council both submitting former formal documents opposing first energy's request
41:03 law director Vargo represented Lakewood at the hearings and on June 24th
41:08 2026 puko issued that issued their decision denying first energy's request to lower reliability standards
41:15 The ruling repeatedly cites the high volume of complaints filed with puko from Lakewood residents as influential in the ruling
41:24 Combating first energy's claims of customer satisfaction based on their own internal survey
41:30 And I just want to emphasize that point because we keep asking
41:33 Residents to file these complaints and I just want to make sure residents understand that their voices
41:39 Really do matter and were taken under consideration
41:46 Interestingly the day after the ruling denying their request to lower reliability standards first energy issued a press release
41:54 Announcing the delivery of two transformers to a Lakewood substation
41:57 Leaving out of the press release that they were ordered to do so by puko following Lakewood's complaint
42:03 Less than a week after issuing that press release equipment failures at the Lauderdale station
42:08 Caused thousands of Lakewood residents to suffer loss of crucial electricity
42:12 During dangerously hot weather in many cases for multiple days leading up to the 4th of July
42:19 During this period first energy refused to put out a press release or social media posts educating residents about what was happening
42:26 They also cut off communication with City Council members who were working hard to keep residents informed
42:32 We heard from many residents that the limited communications that they did receive from first energy were inaccurate
42:39 informing them of rolling periods of electrical restoration that never came or
42:43 Insultingly encouraging them to reduce electoral electrical usage to relieve strain on a system that they couldn't use
42:50 The PNC corrective actions included providing puko staff with first energy steps to quote improve communication
42:57 to communities and customers who experience outages
43:02 End quote. I will be interested in the law department's input on whether first energy is in compliance
43:07 With that communication plan and our potential next steps
43:12 On July 10th puko chair Jennifer French responded to the mayor's recent letter requesting further investigation and financial penalties
43:20 In her letter chair French stated that puko staff have begun to investigate
43:25 The quote the cause of these outages and whether or not they're related to the items in the PNC corrective action plan
43:31 That have or have not yet been completed whether additional items should be added to the existing corrective action plan
43:38 And whether a new PNC should be issued end quote
43:41 Many residents have also expressed interest in pursuing legal action outside of the puko process
43:46 And I expect council members will be interested in exploring the potential for any such action
43:51 I look forward to an informative discussion and I move to refer this communication to committee of the whole
43:58 Second motion has been made and seconded and I thank everyone for bearing with me as we read through that lengthy communication
44:03 But I think given the importance of this topic. It's important to get this on the public
44:11 Public record and make sure that we're all informed about the steps we've taken so far and the steps that may be taken in the future
44:19 Any further discussion
44:22 Um, and i'll just add too is that we uh the law department
44:26 Was gracious enough to work with us to be able to be available to us next week
44:30 So we expect to have committee of the whole
44:33 Next monday to be able to go through this so folks who are interested in
44:37 Members of the public who are interested in first energy, which I know there are many
44:41 May want to tune into that meeting
44:44 Keltswoman hamilton steiner. Thank you president couple. Um, yeah, I I agree. I think the public wants a
44:49 An outlet to voice their concerns and also wants to know rightfully
44:55 So, you know what is being done and they want to hear the exact action plans and obviously we can't we
45:02 Wouldn't be able to lay out
45:04 A legal strategy if they're you know, so they wouldn't be able to sort of be privy to those particular conversations
45:10 But certainly they want to know that something is being done outside of puko
45:14 They just don't even have faith in that
45:16 I think they're looking to us for the leadership and they're looking to us in this administration and the mayor to drive
45:23 next steps in action
45:26 Thank you, and you know those next steps
45:29 Can extend beyond litigation. I just thought we would start with the legal avenues
45:35 You know, there's also being creative about how we're solving reliability
45:40 You know talking with the county about their utility
45:43 There's a lot of avenues, but we could start to as I don't know if
45:47 Most people probably haven't read through the lengthy legal documents of the decisions from puko
45:53 But there's some very interesting stuff in there and you know, i'm a librarian
45:57 So i've been digging through and that's seeing in there that first energy
46:03 Tried to cite their own internal customer service
46:06 Satisfaction survey saying all most of our customers are satisfied with the amount of
46:10 Or they're fine with being out of power this long. I'm sure we can all attest to how untrue that is
46:17 It was the voices of our residents filing complaints the record number of those residents as well as you know director vargos
46:25 excellent cross-examination, you know, so it really does matter that we all
46:31 on this together and
46:33 That our residents voices do matter, but we want to make sure that they see everything that is happening
46:39 So this is just another way to do that. I know the mayor's also been trying to communicate that out. So we're all
46:45 You know trying to make sure that folks know that you know, we are trying to resolve this, you know
46:51 We all live here, too. So
46:53 Yeah council member hanum and then just I mean just to affirm, you know, I think sometimes residents can get frustrated saying
46:59 What are you doing? And um, and because of you know, the public records and sunshine laws
47:04 It's like, you know, and only three of us can work on any
47:08 Work of of the city at a time. I think having a setting like this is important
47:13 so we all can sort of share our thoughts and what we're thinking and and get it all out there in the
47:20 Where it's supposed to be. Yeah, absolutely
47:23 All right any further discussion
47:27 Hearing none on the motion to refer to committee of the whole all those in favor. Hi
47:32 And that motion passes
47:34 Item 14 communication from vice president baker regarding legislation related to the lakewood shoreline special improvement district incorporate it vice president baker
47:44 Thank you colleagues
47:46 Another long one bear with me
47:49 But important by way of background on april 4th 2022 council authorized creation of a shoreline
47:54 Special improvement district under ohio revised code chapter 1710
47:58 In response to petitions from 18 lakewood homeowners
48:01 And I was appointed to the syd board of directors through substitute substitute resolution 2022 29 later that year
48:08 The syd has met a few times in advanced shoreline projects since formation the attached resolution declares that
48:14 Necessary and determines to proceed with acquiring constructing installing equipping improving maintaining and repairing improvements necessary to evade shoreline erosion
48:22 For certain properties included in the syd together with all pertinences
48:25 It also finds these projects are public improvements and shoreline improvement projects under revised code
48:31 171001 the attached ordinance levies the special assessments to fund those improvements on the lots of land and lands identified in the resolution
48:39 including schedule of assessments on file
48:41 Adopting and confirming the assessments and noting the syd may amend the schedule prior to city certification to the county fiscal officer
48:51 Pay all or a portion of their special assessment in cash prior to certification for collection
48:56 With the county fiscal officer otherwise the assessment will be paid
49:01 Annual or 30 semi-annual installments with interest on the unpaid balance with issuance by such issuing authority as determined by the syd
49:09 An anticipation of the collection of the unpaid assessment attachment a to the resolution identifies
49:14 The specific assessment parcels including the owner street addresses parcel numbers and project costs
49:19 Amounts for quick reference. You can see the folks what their addresses are and their project amounts
49:26 I'm respectfully asking my colleagues to suspend the rules
49:29 Acquiring three readings of the ordinance and adopt both the resolution ordinance on first reading tonight
49:33 So the financing can proceed to closing at the earliest possible date and address erosion threats without delay
49:39 This will allow the syd to proceed to closing and contractors can be paid from bond proceeds
49:45 It is critical to note that no city financing of any sort is required and the lakewood is not acting as a bond issuer
49:51 Lakewood responsibilities are limited to passing the resolution ordinance and working with the syd to certify the assessment to the county fiscal officer
49:58 in line with above the resolution ordinance
50:01 Uh have included emergency language in order to permit effectiveness on passage and the mayor's signature
50:06 Thank you for your considered
50:08 Consideration and continued support for these shoreline stabilization efforts. That was a lot of legalese. Um, and
50:14 You know, uh director vargo can certainly fill in here
50:20 We've earlier in the year. We authorized the submerged land leases for these
50:24 These properties to do this shoreline improvement
50:27 uh, and it's it's key to note and I have it in the letter, but that
50:31 There is no city money going into these projects. We are simply certifying that they are public improvements
50:37 So these folks can use this different financing mechanism to improve their property to improve their their property in lakewood
50:44 um, so while I know it is
50:47 Unusual to request an ordinance passage without the customary three readings
50:52 In this instance to allow these folks to not have to go through august recess and get their projects moving
50:57 Uh, I would ask my colleagues to do that. Thank you and i'll make a motion to receive and file this communication
51:03 Motion has been made and seconded discussion
51:07 I just want to thank vice president baker for um being our council liaison to the shoreline improvement district and um,
51:14 helping us navigate
51:15 all of this, um as well and
51:20 This erosion prevention is important to a variety of properties. So
51:27 All right. Uh, we have motion a second to receive and file the communication any further discussion
51:32 Hearing none all those in favor. Aye and that motion passes item 15 resolution 20 26 37
51:40 A resolution to take effect immediately declaring it necessary and determining to proceed with acquiring constructing
51:46 Installing equipping improving maintaining and repairing improvements necessary for making improvements
51:51 To abate erosion along properties within the city including within this shore
51:56 Lakewood shoreline special improvement district incorporated together with all the necessary appartments is there too and declaring an emergency
52:03 Move to adopt second motion has been made and seconded discussion
52:10 Thank you for the discussion in the
52:13 Awful proposal, um, I presume the administration's in support
52:18 Not seeing any objection and then the other question and they're indicating. Yes, and the other question is
52:24 Maybe the councilman or the administration can refresh her memories. It seems as we're doing these in in rounds of
52:31 Subscribers or participants or or however we want to term it as
52:37 These come up can can we get a recap today if possible if not
52:42 You know when it's available just a big picture overview over the last several years. We've done this a couple of times
52:49 How's the program going?
52:52 financially and in in in terms of the engineering effectiveness and then how do we identify and find new participants
53:00 Uh four at a time or 24 at a time
53:05 Yes, and i'm happy to
53:07 So a special improvement district is like downtown cleveland alliance
53:11 It's essentially a group of properties that are in a special taxing district in lakewood
53:16 The ohio legislator gave the ability to do this for shoreline erosion prevention
53:21 Which include riparian areas as well as lakes or uh, so lakewood
53:26 Every property that touches rocky river or lake eerie in lakewood is in the special the shoreline special improvement district
53:34 Is entirely voluntary though unlike some special improvement districts where you have to
53:40 To assess yourself basically
53:42 Um, and so there was one other tranche of funding that went through
53:46 So kind of what happens is the sid is a public body. Uh, we met we issued
53:51 You know a meeting notice
53:53 And the public was available to come and and and look
53:57 And attend the meeting the difference is is the only people that really are affected by that meeting are the people who are willing to
54:02 Assess their own property
54:03 So it was not very well attended other than the people who are seeking to assess their own property
54:09 We did have discussions about ways, you know, maybe we work with the city to
54:13 Send letters to folks that live in those properties that we can pull from a gis pool
54:19 And say hey this funding is available to you
54:21 If you are looking to do a shoreline erosion project
54:26 So that's something we did talk about
54:27 But this would to answer your other question
54:29 This would be the second tranche of funding that we've done and it helps to
54:34 From a lending perspective lenders would rather lend
54:37 What's this a million dollars?
54:39 As opposed to lending like each project individually, so they like to do the lending all at once
54:45 To kind of get better rates and get a better funding situation. So happy to answer any other questions folks have
54:53 And i'll just add that the city engineer is also at that meeting as well and has reviewed all this so
54:59 Yeah, he's just he's a sid board member as well. So uh, engineer papke and myself are on the sid board
55:06 If if you want some some numbers, so the first round was
55:11 Uh, just under two and a half million dollars
55:14 It's to be paid in 14 years
55:18 so an annual assessment of
55:21 164 thousand dollars and we have been receiving that and passing it along
55:30 Just a quick follow-up. So do these property owners find us or we find them? It sounds like they find us probably
55:36 So as I under sorry chair
55:38 as I understand it of
55:41 Engineer papke's in communication with a lot of these folks
55:44 And the moment they call the city and say hey, what do we have to do to do a shoreline improvement project?
55:50 engineer papke says
55:51 If you want better financing some people just like to pay cash. Some people have the means to do that
55:56 But then typically engineer papke will connect
56:00 That property owner with um the shoreline improvement district, which is the current president's jay faran
56:06 And then kevin butler is the legal counsel
56:13 Any further discussion?
56:15 All right hearing none on the motion to adopt the resolution all those in favor. All right, and that motion passes
56:22 Nm 16 ordinance 29 20 26 an ordinance to take effect immediately levying special assessments for acquiring constructing installing equipping
56:31 Improving maintaining and repairing improvements necessary for making improvements to abate erosion along properties within the city
56:38 Included within the lake which shoreline special improvement district together with all necessary appurtenances there, too
56:44 Move to suspend the rules to adopt on first reading second motion has been made and seconded
56:54 All those in favor. Aye and that motion passes and then i'll move to adopt
56:59 Second motion's been made and seconded any discussion
57:03 Hearing none all those in favor. Aye and that motion passes
57:07 Item 17 report from vice president baker regarding july meeting of the liquid alive board of directors vice president baker
57:15 Reading too much tonight, uh dear colleagues the liquid alive board of directors met on july 15 20 26
57:21 At the laco public library for its bi-monthly meeting the board approved the liquid allies fiscal year 20 27 budget following an extensive
57:28 review process and elected a new slate of officers and directors they new directors are katelyn greer
57:33 mark plush and sharon schold
57:36 As for officers amanda santa will be president jason wiener vice president
57:41 Jeff matt matthias secretary and jennifer one treasurer and julie warren the immediate past president
57:46 I look forward to working with all of them
57:48 The board also recognized outgoing members michael bentley and chris burgeon for their dedicated service and leadership
57:53 Executive director joe higgins provided an update on the organization's ongoing operational transition including efforts to strengthen
57:59 Internal systems cross-train their staff and maintain continuity of liquid allies programs and services
58:04 Staff also highlighted the organization's response following the recent extended power outages
58:09 During which employees proactively contacted vulnerable residents to ensure they were safe and assist those in need of support
58:14 Committee reports reflect the continued progress across many strategic initiatives
58:18 The development committee reported another successful fundraising year with the organization exceeding both its individual and corporate giving goals
58:25 While also achieving record board participation the small business committee continues preparing the launch of the small business
58:32 Emergency relief fund and developing new resources to assist entrepreneurs and existing businesses navigate the startup and permitting process
58:39 Council members looking to support liquid alive are encouraged to volunteer at all upcoming events
58:44 And consider serving on one of the organization's committees
58:47 Upcoming community events include the front porch concert series through july summer meltdown
58:51 Which just happened and the new board member orientation on september 10th. I'll make a motion to receive and file that communication
58:58 Motion's been made and seconded discussion
59:01 Hearing none all those in favor. Aye and that motion passes
59:06 Item 18 communication from council member strebig regarding transgender student athletes council member strebig
59:12 Your colleagues last month the united states supreme court
59:16 Decided that transgender girls cannot play on girls teams
59:21 There's been a lot of discussion about a few students across the country that want to play and i'd like to take this opportunity to say
59:29 That everyone should be and can be included in play
59:34 The research that describes the physical and mental benefits of play far outweighs the discomfort and required effort to solve for fairness
59:43 We've been making exceptions to allow people of different abilities to participate and compete for a very long time
59:51 consider golf handicaps
59:53 Bowling averages and the millions of ways kids on the playground solve this problem every day
1:00:00 Better players have to use their weak hand or foot
1:00:05 The size of the goal is adjusted to keep the game fun and competitive
1:00:10 It takes some thought but it is doable even by children
1:00:15 The ohio high school athletic association had a very detailed and thoughtful guideline
1:00:21 For including transgender students on teams before this new era of hatred and scapegoating
1:00:28 The policy included a requirement and evaluation of the student's hormone replacement therapy history
1:00:35 Consultation with medical experts and a final review of the association's board
1:00:41 The ultimate goal was to be inclusive not exclusive
1:00:47 To be clear and as you probably know
1:00:50 I am a fan of women's sports and attend events regularly
1:00:54 allowing vetted trans athletes to participate
1:00:57 As was previously done in ohio
1:01:00 And as I can and as I have described in detail here does not give them an advantage
1:01:05 It only allows them to be included. I would like to make a motion to receive and file this communication
1:01:12 Motion's been made and seconded discussion
1:01:17 Thank you. Madam president and councilman strebe. It's occurred to me more than once that the
1:01:22 state athletic association is the proper place to handle this rather than
1:01:29 The white house that's intent on
1:01:33 Thanks for your thoughtful points and and
1:01:44 students who play sports don't go on to
1:01:47 participate at the college level or
1:01:50 The professional level they just want to play with their friends and as we recognize tonight with the baseball team
1:01:57 The camaraderie and what it means to the community to see students
1:02:05 is far outweighs any sort of
1:02:11 Not really present in this situation. What's really unfair is to shut out students who want to just play sports with their friends
1:02:20 All right. Thank you for the thoughtful communication as always council member
1:02:27 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
1:02:31 Item 19 communication from fire chief fairbanks regarding ohio division of ems grant award chief fairbanks
1:02:38 President keppel and members of city council
1:02:41 I am pleased to inform you that the lakewood fire department has been awarded a 2026 2027
1:02:47 ohio division of ems training and equipment grant in the amount of
1:02:54 This grant is intended to support the purchase of approved ems training and equipment and is available
1:03:00 For use during the funding period of july 1st 2026 through december 31st 2026
1:03:07 These grant funds will help offset the costs of maintaining and enhancing our emergency medical services program
1:03:13 While reducing the finance financial burden on the city's general fund
1:03:17 By taking advantage of state funding opportunities such as this
1:03:20 We are able to continue investing in equipment and training necessary to provide high quality
1:03:26 pre-hospital care to our residents and visitors
1:03:29 For codified ordinance 111.14. No match required
1:03:34 This letter serves to formally notify council of our acceptance of this grant for the purpose of ems equipment and training. Thank you
1:03:43 We always appreciate it when departments get their own money. So
1:03:47 Thank you very much. All right. So i'll move to receive and file that communication second motion has been made and seconded discussion
1:03:54 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
1:03:58 Item 20 liquor permit regarding sceny hospitality llc at 16806 madison avenue
1:04:06 And I think this one just came in so please need some time to actually do the investigation
1:04:11 Um, so i'm gonna move to defer second motion has been made and seconded discussion
1:04:18 vice president baker, uh, yes the council president I discussed that um
1:04:22 should any problems arise with the
1:04:26 Report and there be a statutory reason to object
1:04:29 I could then work with the law department because it will be on recess to object. I don't foresee any issues, but
1:04:34 Uh procedurally just I guess chief once you get it send it along we'll go from there
1:04:41 All right, uh motion and a second to defer any discussion for the discussion
1:04:46 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes. We are now at public comment
1:04:52 Uh, we don't have anyone signed in to speak but I do some see some people out here. Did anyone wish to speak?
1:05:00 All right. Um, so with that we are at
1:05:04 Um, I think that's a record. Okay. So with that, uh, uh announcements from council members council member evans
1:05:10 um, I just want to say uh, uh summer meltdown this weekend was a success. I think people stayed away because of the
1:05:17 Whether it never happened or the uh, kind of the air quality, but nonetheless, uh, it was a good time
1:05:22 So I wanted to especially thank our safety services did amazing job as always and as well as public works
1:05:29 Helping Lakewood alive put on that event saw director gordon down there
1:05:33 Uh checking on things during the event. So, uh, many thanks
1:05:37 We can't do these really fun community events without you guys. So appreciate it
1:05:44 Other announcements council member stupig
1:05:51 Uh, just a reminder that the last community conversation for award one is on august 5th at um, the ymca at 6 30
1:05:59 Um, so we'll see folks there
1:06:02 All right, uh council member stupig
1:06:05 I just wanted to remind you all that
1:06:09 On july 26, it's parents day. Make sure you tell your kids
1:06:14 That they are supposed to be nice
1:06:23 On july 29th, we will be having the full buck moon
1:06:32 So make sure you tell those people that support you happy friendship day on that day
1:06:37 And then a couple for august since we won't be here
1:06:45 August 26th is women's equality day
1:06:49 And then we'll resume in september when we get back. Thank you
1:06:55 Thank you any further announcements from council
1:06:59 Um, I just want to take a moment once again
1:07:02 This is becoming a tradition of thanking the um our city staff for their work to support residents during power outages again
1:07:09 So thank you to everyone for helping with that as well as um the big gas leak and um
1:07:18 All the unexpected things that happen human services staff opening up coves. So thank you
1:07:25 Works extra hard to make up for first energy's lack of infrastructure
1:07:30 All right, uh any further announcements for announcements from the administration?
1:07:36 Hearing none. Okay with that, uh, no further business to come before council. We are adjourned