Written by the reviewer from the ASR + docket; [verbatim-ASR] = quoted machine transcript; [paraphrase] = reviewer's wording, not a quote.
0:00 We'll call to order the regular meeting of council
0:05 If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
0:25 Now pause for a moment of silence.
0:30 Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
0:39 Vice President Baker.
0:41 Council Member Block.
0:43 Council Member Evans.
0:47 Council Member Hamilton-Steiner.
0:49 Council Member Striebeck.
0:51 Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held January
0:55 Move to approve without the necessity of reading.
1:05 And that motion passes.
1:06 Item 1, report from Committee of the Whole held January 12, 2026.
1:12 Committee of the Whole met on Monday, January 12, for the purpose of interviewing
1:16 candidates to fill the Ward 4 vacancy after the resignation of former Council Member
1:23 After putting out an open call for applicants, eight residents applied and four were invited
1:28 to public interviews on the 12th.
1:30 Pixie Mollo, Jason Frederick, Sydney Lightner-Canaday, and Matthew Bixenstein.
1:36 Council Members asked each candidate questions regarding their engagement in the community,
1:41 experiences, motivations, and visions for Ward 4 and the City.
1:46 Following the interviews, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22.G, Council
1:52 entered executive session for the purpose of considering the appointment of a public
1:57 Upon exiting executive session, Council voted unanimously to amend Resolution 2025-77 to
2:04 insert the name Matthew Bixenstein.
2:07 Council Members expressed how impressed they were with all the candidates, thanked all
2:12 for applying, and encouraged the four interviewees to stay engaged.
2:17 Resolution 2025-77, as amended, was referred favorably back to full Council for adoption
2:24 I'll move to receive and file that oral report.
2:27 Motion's been made and seconded, and I'll just say that more to say about our successful
2:33 candidate after the next piece of legislation.
2:38 Any further discussion?
2:40 Hearing none, on the motion to receive and file, all those in favor, aye, and that
2:45 Item 2, substitute Resolution 2025-77, a resolution to take effect immediately, appointing
2:52 Matthew Bixenstein to the Ward 4 seat on Lakewood City Council for the remainder of
2:57 the four-year term ending December 31, 2027.
3:03 Motion's been made and seconded.
3:06 For our discussion, I'll just add my remarks that I promised you.
3:11 While we were once again fortunate to have a strong pool of applicants, Matt Bixenstein's
3:16 extensive engagement with and knowledge of Ward 4 shown through brightly.
3:21 A resident of Ward 4 for 11 years, Matt founded Friends of Madison Park, served on Keep Lakewood
3:28 Beautiful and the Tree Education and Advisory Board, led new initiatives with the Harrison
3:33 Elementary PTA, and started the Little Free Toy Library at Madison Park.
3:39 When asked during his interview about his motivation for being on City Council, Matt
3:43 replied that the position would feel like a natural progression of the community work
3:48 he already does, and I couldn't agree more.
3:52 Matt has spent over a decade dedicating himself to the hyper-local issues impacting Ward 4.
3:57 Through his service, he has formed genuine relationships with neighbors from all walks
4:03 As part of the appointment process, we invite members of the public to submit letters
4:08 of support for their preferred candidate.
4:11 It is notable that of the 42 letters of support we received for various candidates,
4:16 Matt Bixenstein received 36, and they came from neighbors with varied lived experiences
4:24 As we've gone through this appointment process, we've often noted the incredible
4:28 diversity of Ward 4.
4:30 This will be the first time in many years that Ward 4 will be represented by someone
4:35 residing south of Madison Avenue.
4:38 And Matt doesn't just live there, he actively works to strengthen community in
4:43 I've had the opportunity to stop by the Clarence Avenue block party, and every year
4:48 Matt is clearly the heart of the operation.
4:51 Kids from all over the street clearly already know him and are running up to ask about
4:57 Likewise, if you've been to one of the Madison Court Community Coalition events,
5:01 Matt's there on behalf of Friends of Madison Park running games and helping however it
5:08 Many residents wrote to us to also praise Matt's work as the former marketing and
5:12 development manager at Lakewood Alive.
5:14 And through that work and his continued volunteerism, he's acquired knowledge about
5:19 the mechanisms of local government and built relationships with city leaders and
5:23 staff that will be a strength in his new role.
5:27 Matt's passion for community building and his extensive knowledge of both the
5:30 ward and the city will make him a tremendous asset on city council and
5:35 effective advocate for the residents he'll represent.
5:39 Any further discussion?
5:46 On the motion to adopt resolution 2025-77, all those in favor?
5:54 And that motion passes.
5:57 Item three, oath of office of newly appointed board for a member of council.
6:09 And repeat after me.
6:30 Recognizing my duty to the citizens of Lakewood.
6:33 Recognizing my duty to the citizens of Lakewood.
6:38 That I will support the constitution and laws.
6:41 That I will support the constitution and laws.
6:43 Of the United States of America.
6:45 Of the United States of America.
6:46 The constitution and statutes of the state of Ohio.
6:50 The constitution and statutes of the state of Ohio.
6:53 And the third amended charter.
6:55 And the third amended charter.
6:56 And ordinances of the city of Lakewood.
6:59 And ordinances of the city of Lakewood.
7:01 That I will not be influenced by any consideration.
7:05 That I will not be influenced by any consideration.
7:07 except that of merit and fitness.
7:10 Except that of merit and fitness.
7:11 In the appointment or discharge of employees.
7:14 In the appointment or discharge of employees.
7:17 That I will not make or authorize.
7:19 That I will not make or authorize.
7:21 The expenditure of public money.
7:23 The expenditure of public money.
7:25 Otherwise than for service to the city of Lakewood.
7:28 Otherwise than for service to the city of Lakewood.
7:31 And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge.
7:35 And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge.
7:37 and perform all of the duties incumbent upon me
7:40 and perform all the duties incumbent upon me
7:43 as the ward four member of council
7:46 as the ward four member of council
7:48 for the term ending December 31, 2027
7:52 for the term ending December 31, 2027
7:55 according to the best of my ability
7:57 according to the best of my ability
8:02 thank you very much Judge
8:11 you have to make it official Councilman
8:41 I'm going to move to receive and file the oath of office
9:03 the motion has been made and second
9:04 and for the discussion I'll turn it over to our new council member
9:10 if you'd like to make any remarks
9:14 I'll keep this brief
9:15 I just wanted to thank the many folks who've supported me along the way to this role
9:20 I'm eternally grateful
9:22 I look forward to tackling this new challenge
9:25 I also want to thank fellow city council members
9:28 for their confidence in me
9:30 and I look forward to continuing to serve this city in this capacity
9:35 thank you very much to all who have helped me get here
9:41 any further discussion
9:44 I think Councilman Bixenstein's kids should be applauded for how well they've behaved
9:59 Madam President thank you
10:01 congratulations Matt
10:03 thank you for the service you've been providing for some years already
10:07 and thank you to your family for also being selfless with your time in the community
10:13 the council president did a great job of summarizing your experience
10:17 you're a very selfless and low ego guy
10:21 and I mean that as a compliment
10:23 I think it's a compliment
10:25 but if we had a definition in the dictionary of community service
10:30 your picture would be right next to it
10:32 so I'm glad you're with us
10:33 thank you very much
10:34 Councilman Hamilton-Steiner
10:38 thank you President Keppel
10:39 congratulations once again Councilman Bixenstein
10:43 I have thoroughly loved and appreciated working with you over these previous five years
10:50 with Madison Court Community Coalition
10:52 and just as President Keppel already said
10:54 like you were there with us at the grassroots
10:58 there when the violence happened
10:59 responding back to help us community build
11:03 build and build community
11:04 and heading into that sixth season
11:06 will now be on the other side watching
11:08 that all happen and it's a different experience
11:11 seeing others step up and step into the community
11:15 when you have an opportunity to step up and lead in a different place
11:19 so now I get to work with you again
11:20 but on this site so I really do look forward to that
11:28 Councilman obviously known you for quite some time
11:32 going back we've worked on a lot of things over the years together
11:35 but I'm excited to be and privileged to be working with you in this capacity
11:39 to continue our service to the community together
11:43 I look forward to learning from all of you
11:46 Councilmember Stupak
11:47 thank you welcome Matt
11:49 it's good to have another Bobcat up here
11:51 and I want to say I am also looking forward to working with you
11:55 with the block clubs and with the parks
11:59 and learning from you as well thank you
12:03 thank you so much fellow OU Bobcat
12:04 all right any further discussion
12:09 all right welcome aboard Matt
12:14 and we're we look forward to work with you
12:15 now Councilmember Bixenstein
12:16 all right so we have a motion and a second
12:21 to receive and file the oath of office
12:24 any further discussion
12:25 hearing none all those in favor
12:28 and that motion passes
12:31 item 4 ordinance 01 2026
12:34 an ordinance to take effect immediately
12:36 to approve the editing and inclusion of certain ordinances
12:38 as parts of the various component codes of the codified ordinances
12:42 and to provide for the publication of such new matter
12:47 motion's been made and seconded
12:48 this is just our periodic ordinance
12:52 these are things that have already passed
12:53 but they haven't been printed and distributed yet
12:55 in our codified ordinances system
12:58 so this is just on second reading
13:01 things normally go for three readings and ordinances
13:03 so we'll defer and pass it hopefully next time
13:07 all right any further discussion
13:09 hearing none on the motion to defer
13:13 and that motion passes
13:15 item 5 resolution 2026 01
13:19 a resolution to take effect immediately
13:20 approving the use of submerged lands
13:22 for property located at 1040 Forest Cliff Drive
13:27 in order to permit the owners the opportunity
13:29 to construct the proposed shore structure
13:32 and this was in public works earlier this evening
13:36 councilmember Evans
13:37 do you want to update us on this
13:42 we had an opportunity to talk through this
13:46 resolution with engineer Papke
13:48 and with director Gordon and director Vargo
13:52 a little different than some other ones
13:53 and we had an outfall on the property
13:55 so the city worked with ODNR
13:59 and the property owners to have an easement
14:02 so that we can look after our own interest there
14:04 for city property for maintenance of that
14:06 but otherwise a rather standard procedure
14:10 for folks who live along the shore
14:12 that are looking to do some work
14:15 or shoring up their property
14:16 and this was referred favorably back to council
14:23 so I will move to adopt
14:25 motion's been made and seconded
14:27 any further discussion
14:28 appreciate the homeowners being patient with us
14:31 in public works for doing the due diligence
14:33 there in the law department
14:34 for structuring all this as well
14:38 so motion's been made and seconded to adopt
14:39 any further discussion
14:44 and that motion passes
14:46 communication from president Keppel
14:47 regarding council committee assignments
14:51 with the anticipated appointment
14:53 now actual appointment of our new ward four colleague
14:56 in the beginning of new council leadership
14:58 and council at large terms
14:59 I have updated the council committee assignments
15:02 the assignments below will be effective
15:04 following the swearing in of our new ward four colleague
15:07 chairs please work with the council clerk
15:09 to review pending items before your respective committees
15:12 discuss process and schedule meetings accordingly
15:15 I'll move to receive and file that communication
15:18 motion's been made and seconded
15:20 any further discussion
15:25 and that motion passes
15:27 communication from vice president baker
15:30 reintroducing an ordinance to amend chapter 1775
15:34 and address front yard plantings
15:36 vice president baker
15:37 your colleagues this communication
15:40 and the following ordinance are intended to reintroduce
15:42 the topic of front yard plantings
15:43 a topic that was originally brought before council by
15:47 commissioner Parmaley
15:48 ordinance 18 2025 to establish regulations
15:50 around front yard plantings
15:52 on private property within the city
15:54 ordinance 18 2025 would usually introduced
15:56 and refer to the housing planning
15:57 and development committee on May 19th 2025
16:00 where it received three hearings
16:02 before it was automatically discharged from the committee
16:04 pursuant to Lakewood codified ordinances
16:08 this provision of the code requires all referrals
16:10 more than six months old to be automatically terminated
16:12 at the end of each biennium
16:14 the ordinance on tonight's docket
16:15 differs from the original ordinance 18 2025
16:18 and then it captures changes made
16:19 during the committee discussion in response to
16:22 and in response to resident feedback
16:24 I respectfully request that council
16:26 refer the revised version as ordinance to committee
16:27 so that we may resume deliberations
16:31 sincerely Kyle Baker
16:32 I'll make a motion to receive and file this communication
16:35 second motion has been made
16:37 and seconded to receive and file the communication
16:39 any further discussion
16:42 I appreciate the continued work on this
16:44 and taking into consideration the dialogue
16:47 that's already happened
16:49 all right on any further discussion
16:51 hearing none all those in favor
16:53 aye and that motion passes
16:55 item eight ordinance two 2026
16:58 an ordinance to take effect immediately
17:00 to amend chapter 1775 weeds
17:02 of the codified ordinances of the city of Lakewood
17:04 for the purpose of establishing regulations
17:06 for front yard plantings
17:08 all right so I'll move to refer
17:10 to housing planning and development
17:12 motion has been made and seconded
17:16 hearing none all those in favor
17:18 aye and that motion passes
17:21 item nine communication from council member Striebig
17:23 reintroducing an ordinance to amend chapter 505
17:26 to create regulations regarding a trap
17:28 neuter and return program
17:30 council member Stiebig
17:31 your colleagues this communication
17:33 and the following ordinance are intended
17:34 to reintroduce the topics of creating a trap
17:38 neuter and return program
17:39 for the management of community cats
17:42 a topic that I originally brought before the council
17:45 by ordinance 20-2025
17:48 after receiving thoughtful recommendations
17:50 from the Lakewood animal safety
17:51 and welfare advisory board
17:54 ordinance 20-2025 was originally introduced
17:58 and referred to public safety committee
18:02 where it received several hearings
18:04 before it was automatically discharged
18:06 from committee pursuant
18:07 to Lakewood codified ordinance
18:09 one two one point one seven
18:12 this provision of the code requires all referrals
18:16 more than six months old
18:17 to be automatically terminated
18:18 at the end of each biennium
18:21 the ordinance on tonight's docket
18:23 differs from the original ordinance 20-2025
18:27 and that it captures changes
18:29 made during committee discussions
18:31 in response to residents and expert feedback
18:35 I respectfully request that council refer
18:37 the following revised version
18:39 of this ordinance to committee
18:41 so that we may resume deliberations
18:43 where we left off sincerely me
18:50 thank you so we're gonna
18:51 I'm gonna when we get to the ordinance
18:53 I'm going to make a motion
18:54 to refer that to public safety
18:58 so our new public safety chair
19:00 will be councilman Hamilton Steiner
19:02 would you like the communication
19:04 or is the ordinance sufficient?
19:09 so I will move to refer this communication
19:14 motion's been made and seconded
19:20 and that motion passes
19:21 item 10 ordinance three 2026
19:25 an ordinance to take effect immediately
19:26 updating various sections of chapter 505
19:29 animals and foul of the Lakewood codified ordinances
19:31 and creating regulations for trap neuter spay
19:34 and return of community cats
19:35 within the city of Lakewood
19:37 move to refer to public safety
19:40 motion's been made and seconded
19:46 and that motion passes
19:47 item 11 communication from council members
19:50 Bullock Hamilton Steiner and Evans
19:51 regarding continued work on the 2026 council
19:54 council budget priorities
19:57 council member Bullock
20:00 thanks madam president
20:01 although we could split
20:02 want to split the reading of the letter
20:06 dear mayor and members of council
20:08 November and December of last year
20:09 city council began deliberations on the 2026
20:12 council budget priorities
20:13 as part of the budgeting process
20:15 we received information from the administration
20:17 about how a portion of these priorities
20:19 were included in the administration's budget proposal
20:22 and we took action to add contracting authority
20:25 for an additional priority not included
20:28 extensive discussion
20:29 both in committee and during the council meeting
20:31 identified a preference by some to conduct work
20:34 on the remaining unfunded council budget priorities
20:37 in the form of legislation proposed in the new year
20:39 rather than by amendments
20:41 poster in the meeting
20:42 following this communication is proposed legislation
20:45 to allow us to proceed as discussed
20:47 amendments to several pieces of 2026 budget legislation
20:51 that incorporate as a starting point
20:53 the proposals previously identified
20:56 these are intended to facilitate further deliberation
20:58 by council on whether to allocate funds
21:01 on which priorities at what levels
21:03 and from what source of funds
21:05 it is likely that amendments will be made
21:07 to these initial versions
21:10 and a summary of priorities in their amounts
21:12 can be found in the chart below
21:15 as a editorial comment
21:17 this is a simplified version of a chart shared previously
21:20 back at that December meeting
21:23 that full chart is available
21:25 also just not submitted here
21:27 but this is a summary of
21:31 what's initially proposed
21:34 by the council budget priorities process
21:36 throughout last year
21:37 it could be more there could be less
21:40 but this is a starting point
21:42 and summarizes what is incorporated
21:46 in the proposed amended versions
21:49 of the three pieces of legislation
21:51 that follow this communication
21:54 so please continue on reading the letter
21:57 please refer this to finance committee
21:59 for further discussion sincerely
22:02 I move to receive and file
22:04 I'll leave the motion to you madam president
22:08 I'm gonna thank you
22:11 vice president Baker
22:14 okay so I will move to refer the communication
22:17 to finance committee
22:20 motion's been made and seconded
22:22 discussion appreciate the thoughtful write up
22:25 of those follow up to previous discussion
22:29 all right any further discussion
22:31 hearing none all those in favor
22:33 aye and that motion passes
22:35 item 12 ordinance 33 2025 a
22:38 and ordinance to take effect immediately
22:40 to establish appropriations for current expenses
22:42 and other expenditures of the city of Lakewood
22:45 state of Ohio for the fiscal year
22:46 ending December 31st 2026
22:49 move to refer to finance committee
22:52 motion's been made and seconded
22:55 hearing none all those in favor
22:57 aye and that motion passes
22:59 item 13 ordinance 34 2025 a
23:03 and ordinance to take effect immediately
23:04 authorizing the mayor the director of law
23:06 the director of finance director of public works
23:08 director of planning development
23:10 director of human services
23:11 director of human resources
23:13 or the procurement officer
23:14 to enter into contracts for professional services
23:16 and advertise for bids
23:18 and enter into contracts
23:19 for the purchase of repair maintenance
23:21 and operating supply services and equipment
23:23 as authorized by the 2026 appropriation ordinance
23:25 and the administrative code of the city
23:27 with the lowest and best bidder
23:29 or bidders or as otherwise provided by law
23:32 move to refer to finance
23:34 motion's been made and seconded
23:35 discussion hearing none all those in favor
23:38 aye and that motion passes
23:40 item 14 ordinance 36 2025 a
23:44 an ordinance to take effect
23:45 immediately authorizing the mayor
23:47 the director of public works
23:49 the director of law the director of finance
23:51 the director of planning development
23:52 and or purchasing manager
23:54 to enter into service contracts
23:55 in accordance with the administrative code
23:57 of the city of Lakewood
23:58 or the department of planning and development
24:00 in accordance with the administrative code
24:01 of the city contracts not to exceed
24:04 the specified amounts shown
24:05 without separate resolution of council
24:07 move to refer to finance
24:09 motion's been made and seconded
24:10 discussion council member Bullitt
24:14 thanks just a brief thought here on the proposals
24:19 collectively there may be a couple different elements
24:23 to this that we could all discuss
24:24 one is the substance of what's proposed
24:28 the second and this again to repeat
24:30 is an attempt by me to and colleagues
24:34 councilman Hamilton-Sider and Mr. Evans
24:36 to not just author everything ourselves
24:39 but to present in legislative proposal form
24:44 what the council at large last year deliberated upon
24:49 so it could be amended
24:51 the second would be mechanical
24:53 is this are these red lines successful
24:56 in executing what's proposed
24:58 it may well be that we need to work
25:00 with the administration if we did have consensus
25:03 on the first step which is
25:04 do we substantively wanna support this
25:07 and of course we anticipate a conversation
25:10 with the mayor and her team on the substance as well
25:13 and then the final bit would be
25:15 the subset of the mechanical
25:17 which is can we afford to do this
25:19 how do we afford to do it
25:21 there's a proposed way to afford to do it
25:24 in what's before you
25:26 but all of this is I anticipate
25:29 we're gonna have a thoughtful discussion ahead of us
25:36 All right so we are in the motion
25:39 to refer to finance any further discussion
25:43 hearing none all those in favor
25:46 and that motion passes
25:48 item 15 communication from human resources
25:50 director Dillinger regarding updated
25:52 2026 salary ordinance
25:55 All right attached is the updated 2026 salary ordinance
25:58 for your approval to be effective as signed
26:01 and passed in accordance with the city charter
26:03 these additional changes align
26:05 with the license and certification stipends
26:07 which became effective with the 2026
26:10 through 2028 labor agreements
26:12 additionally we have moved the position
26:13 of public information officer from pay grade 31
26:17 to pay grade 33 due to the increased
26:19 job responsibilities assigned to the position
26:21 and to remain competitive in the job market
26:24 I appreciate your time and consideration.
26:29 I'll move to receive and file the communication.
26:33 Motion's been made and seconded discussion
26:37 hearing none all those in favor
26:39 aye and that motion passes
26:41 and I'm 16 ordinance 37 2025 a
26:44 an ordinance to take effect January 1, 2026
26:47 to provide for creating positions and rates of pay
26:50 for full-time and certain part-time annual salary employees
26:52 and hourly rate employees not covered
26:55 by a collective bargaining agreement
26:56 in the several departments divisions
26:58 and offices of the city including chief of fire
27:01 chief of police and civil service commissioners
27:03 and superseding all prior salary ordinances
27:06 we've referred to finance.
27:08 Motion's been made and seconded discussion
27:11 hearing none all those in favor
27:13 aye and that motion passes
27:15 and I'm 17 communication from finance director Mahoney
27:18 regarding amendment to 2026 appropriation ordinance
27:21 to allow for city hall renovations.
27:24 Dear members of council
27:25 please find attached an amendment
27:27 to the 2026 appropriation ordinance.
27:29 This amendment would allow for the 16 and a half million
27:32 dollar in city hall improvements.
27:34 This change is being presented in coordination
27:36 with the debt ordinances in that
27:37 if those are passed as presented
27:39 this change would also be required.
27:41 Please refer to the attached legislation
27:43 to the proper committee for further review.
27:48 I'll move to receive and file the communication.
27:51 Motion's been made and seconded.
27:52 So colleagues as you'll recall
27:56 with our upcoming city hall discussion schedule
27:59 next Monday we'll have the presentation
28:03 from the administration about the proposed
28:06 city hall solution as well as from the bond council
28:11 with the 16.5 that's referenced here
28:14 as part of that bonds discussion.
28:18 So that's not the entire bonds discussion
28:20 but it would be part of that.
28:20 So with that in mind when we get to the ordinance
28:25 I will probably move to refer that
28:27 to committee of the whole
28:28 because that will be part of that package of discussions
28:32 just to understand.
28:34 But for the communication
28:35 we have the motion to receive and file.
28:37 Any further discussion?
28:39 Hearing none all those in favor.
28:42 And that motion passes.
28:44 Item 18 ordinance 33 2025 B
28:47 an ordinance to take effect immediately
28:49 to establish appropriations for current expenses
28:51 and other expenditures of the city of Lakewood
28:53 for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026.
28:57 Move to refer to committee of the whole.
29:00 Motion's been made and seconded.
29:04 Hearing none all those in favor.
29:07 And that motion passes.
29:09 Item 19 communication from finance director Mahoney
29:12 regarding 2026 first quarter transfers.
29:16 Dear President Capel and members of council
29:18 the 2026 first quarter transfer ordinance
29:21 reflects 25% of the total anticipated transfers
29:24 between funds that were included
29:26 within the 2026 appropriations.
29:29 This also includes advances back to the general fund
29:31 that were made to the respective funds
29:33 at the end of 2025.
29:35 Please place on the appropriate reading
29:36 and refer to the finance committee if necessary
29:39 for further discussion.
29:42 Move to receive and file that communication.
29:45 Motion's been made and seconded.
29:48 Hearing none all those in favor.
29:51 And that motion passes.
29:53 Item 20 ordinance for 2026
29:56 an ordinance to take effect immediately
29:58 authorizing the transfer in advance of certain funds.
30:01 Move to refer to finance committee.
30:04 Motion's been made and seconded.
30:07 Hearing none all those in favor.
30:11 And that motion passes.
30:12 Item 21 communication from finance director Mahoney
30:15 regarding 2026 municipal capital lease
30:17 in amount not to exceed 2.375 million.
30:22 Director Mahoney again.
30:23 You're gonna get tired of me.
30:25 Dear members of council,
30:26 attached as an ordinance to request quotes
30:28 from municipal capital leases
30:30 in the amount not to exceed 2,375,000
30:34 for the following capital equipment.
30:37 I am a fire medic squad special operations truck
30:40 five police vehicles refuse side load packer truck
30:44 streets vehicle assault truck sewer truck
30:47 I respectfully request that this legislation
30:49 be placed on first reading
30:50 and refer to the finance committee
30:52 for further review and discussion.
30:55 Move to receive and file the communication.
30:58 Motion's been made and seconded.
31:01 Hearing none all those in favor.
31:04 And that motion passes.
31:06 Item 22 ordinance five 2026
31:08 an ordinance to take effect immediately
31:11 authorizing the director of finance center
31:13 into equipment leases in forms approved
31:15 by the director of law on behalf of the city of Lakewood.
31:18 Move to refer to finance committee.
31:21 Motion's been made and seconded.
31:24 Hearing none all those in favor.
31:26 And that motion passes.
31:29 Item 23 communication from finance director Mahoney
31:31 regarding 2026 capital improvement and bond legislation.
31:37 Dear president capital and members of council
31:39 please find attached the following
31:41 ordinances relating to the 2026 bond anticipation notes
31:44 and an amount not to exceed 27.045 million
31:48 used to finance capital improvement projects
31:51 ordinances relating to the 2026 bond anticipation notes
31:54 refunding the amount not to exceed 32,609,000
31:59 used to finance capital improvement projects.
32:02 These bond anticipation notes
32:04 are for prior year projects still under construction.
32:06 Another one year note will be issued to repay
32:09 or roll those prior year notes.
32:12 The 27.045 million corresponds to the city's
32:16 2026 capital improvement program
32:18 paid via bond anticipation notes
32:21 and were included in the 2026 budget and budget hearings.
32:24 The amount for renovations of city hall
32:26 is 16.5 million are included
32:28 in the facility improvements amounts of 18.3 million.
32:33 And then there's the six items,
32:35 4.9 street improvements, 18.3 facility improvements,
32:40 850,000 water improvements, 500,000 sidewalk improvements,
32:44 125,000 traffic signalization improvements
32:48 and 2,370,000 for sewer improvements.
32:52 There are two additional ordinances presented
32:54 that would allow the director of finance
32:56 to issue bonds later this year to refund the 2016A bonds
33:01 which will be currently callable in the fall of 2026
33:04 if market conditions provide favorable savings to the city
33:08 and to convert the 2024 and 2025 projects
33:12 that 32,695,000 to bonds at the same time
33:18 I respectfully request that this legislation
33:20 be placed on first reading
33:22 and refer to the finance committee
33:23 for further review and discussion.
33:28 I'm going to move to refer to committee of the whole.
33:34 Motion's been made and seconded discussion.
33:39 Councilman Bullock.
33:40 So thank you for the process.
33:41 Thank you also for the clear communication
33:43 from the finance director
33:45 and to look forward to the deliberation.
33:48 One is I often find the hearings helpful
33:53 with our bond council and our debt banker, Mr. Rink.
33:59 Normally they're kind of routine discussions
34:03 that we get into the mechanics of issuing debt,
34:07 proper debt management,
34:10 a refresher on the series of bonds and previous debt
34:14 and our strategy for financial management
34:17 to save the taxpayers money.
34:18 I think we're going to be talking about something else
34:21 or other matters this time.
34:23 So to save time in the hearing,
34:25 could we have for those council members
34:28 who want some one-on-one Q and A
34:30 with the bond council and or the banker,
34:36 some dialogue if anybody has some outside of the hearing
34:41 so that we can get some of those routine questions
34:46 I would personally find that helpful
34:47 just to get a refresher on.
34:51 I know I'm going to get the charts,
34:52 but to interpret the charts
34:54 and remember the debt strategy,
34:57 it's helpful to get those experts answer the questions.
35:02 Maybe I would suggest Councilman Bullock
35:05 that after next Monday's presentation,
35:08 if there were questions,
35:09 sure I can set up any meetings.
35:12 There are, and there is just a little bit difference
35:15 in this year than other years
35:19 in that the two extra ordinances
35:24 are if the market is favorable in the fall
35:27 to refund a couple things, that's new.
35:31 And we figured it was just easier to present all at once.
35:35 And they will definitely go into that discussion
35:38 So again, maybe I suggest after Monday
35:40 if there's still questions that I'm happy to set up.
35:43 And I'd be happy to do a call with you present
35:49 It's optional, but just getting some facts
35:54 and clarifying questions squared away.
35:57 That's my first concern.
35:58 And then Madam President, if I may.
36:00 So the other point here is of course,
36:03 City Council removed the 16 and a half million
36:06 and now we're getting a presentation of debt financing
36:10 that includes 16 and a half million
36:12 for the potential of City Hall renovations
36:17 and rehabilitation.
36:19 It's obviously a live discussion.
36:22 It's possible that the full amount is supported.
36:26 It's possible that zero of it is supported
36:28 or a different amount supported.
36:30 So can you talk to us a little bit
36:32 about why you're including something
36:33 that's not in the budget before us
36:36 as if it is in the budget
36:37 and is the administration prepared to make an adjustment
36:41 should council not support 16 and a half million
36:45 as you've got it drafted now?
36:49 So that first ordinance was to add it back into the budget.
36:54 I just thought it was easier to include it
36:57 rather than trying to rewrite the language
37:00 to include it later.
37:01 It's probably easier for council to strike it
37:05 than to say, okay, and add it back.
37:07 So that was my thought process.
37:11 And I just want to clarify
37:13 and then I'll go to Vice President Baker's.
37:16 I guess I was anticipating that we would have
37:19 sort of the usual dialogue
37:22 as well as talking about the two additional ones
37:26 essentially because really,
37:30 there may be additional questions
37:31 because of the amounts or whatnot,
37:34 but I was anticipating that we would have
37:37 most of our usual type of discussion.
37:39 Is that what you're anticipating, Director Mahoney?
37:41 Right, and I've gone over it
37:42 with both KeyBank and Catherine Schwartz
37:46 about what they're going to present.
37:49 Pretty much the usual.
37:49 I think it should answer most of council's questions.
37:53 But again, if not, happy to set up more time after.
37:57 Vice President Baker.
37:59 And Director Mahoney, I asked Mr. Rink
38:03 and Ms. Schwartz last time
38:04 if they could just send us
38:05 the little wonderfully printed packets via email.
38:11 Perhaps Friday, just so we can look at them.
38:14 It's always helpful to absorb
38:16 rather than see it for the first time.
38:18 And especially that this is a big deal.
38:22 So it sounds like we're gonna be covering
38:23 a lot of other topics as well.
38:24 So it may give us time to absorb.
38:29 And you don't have to wait till Friday
38:30 if they already have it.
38:32 We'll take it sooner rather than later
38:37 We all have very different schedules
38:38 trying to squeeze in all that dense reading.
38:47 And also just on that note,
38:48 just in terms of scheduling.
38:50 So because they are outside council,
38:54 there's a little more arranging
38:56 in terms of making sure that they can be here.
38:58 So that was part of why they were moved to that night
39:00 when we had the original amended schedule.
39:02 That same night, we are scheduled
39:04 to have the administration present to us
39:08 We do have several other weeks set aside too.
39:11 So as we begin those discussions,
39:13 if we anticipate we may have more questions
39:18 on the proposal for City Hall
39:20 that can certainly roll over
39:21 into the following weeks as well.
39:23 But we wanna make sure we take advantage
39:25 of the bond council while they're here.
39:27 And then we'll at least begin
39:29 the City Hall conversation that same night.
39:31 So just making sure everyone has similar expectations
39:34 for how we're moving forward.
39:36 Okay, so we have a motion to receive
39:39 and file the communication.
39:40 Any further discussion?
39:43 Hearing none, all those in favor?
39:46 And that motion passes.
39:48 And then I'm gonna make a motion
39:50 to suspend the rules
39:51 and read agenda items 24 through 32 together.
39:56 Motion's been made and seconded.
40:00 We'll call I think.
40:03 Vice President Baker.
40:05 Council Member Bixenstein.
40:07 Council Member Bullock.
40:09 Council Member Evans.
40:12 Council Member Steiner.
40:14 Council Member Striebeck.
40:17 And that motion passes.
40:18 And that motion passes, thank you.
40:21 Item 24, ordinance six, 2026.
40:25 An ordinance to take effect immediately
40:26 authorizing the issuance of notes
40:28 in the amount not to exceed $4.9 million
40:31 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
40:33 to pay costs of improving Bunce Road,
40:35 Lake Road, Clifton Road, and other streets
40:38 located within the city between certain termini
40:41 by resurfacing and replacing concrete
40:43 together with all necessary appurtenances there too
40:46 and approving related matters.
40:48 Item 25, ordinance seven, 2026.
40:52 An ordinance to take effect immediately
40:54 authorizing the issuance of notes
40:56 in the amount not to exceed $18.3 million
40:59 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
41:01 to pay costs of improving Winterhurst Ice Arena
41:04 and City Hall and other public buildings together
41:06 with all necessary appurtenances there too
41:07 and approving related matters.
41:10 Item 26, ordinance eight, 2026.
41:13 An ordinance to take effect immediately
41:16 authorizing the issuance of notes
41:17 in the amount not to exceed $850,000
41:20 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
41:22 to pay costs of designing, engineering,
41:23 and constructing water improvements
41:25 together with all necessary appurtenances there too.
41:28 Item 27, ordinance nine, 2026.
41:32 An ordinance to take effect immediately
41:33 authorizing the issuance of notes
41:36 in the amount not to exceed $500,000
41:38 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
41:40 to pay costs of improving sidewalks within the city
41:42 and approving related matters.
41:45 Item 28, ordinance 10, 2026.
41:48 An ordinance to take effect immediately
41:49 authorizing the issuance of notes
41:51 in the amount not to exceed $125,000
41:54 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
41:56 to pay costs of providing new traffic signalization
41:59 together with all necessary appurtenances there too
42:01 and approving related matters.
42:03 Item 29, ordinance 11, 2026.
42:07 An ordinance to take effect immediately
42:09 authorizing the issuance of notes
42:11 in the amount not to exceed $2,37,000
42:17 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
42:19 to pay costs of designing, engineering,
42:20 constructing sewer improvements
42:22 together with all necessary appurtenances there too
42:24 and approving related matters.
42:32 I'll continue, item 30, ordinance 12, 2026.
42:40 An ordinance to take effect immediately
42:41 authorizing the issuance of notes
42:43 in the amount not to exceed $32.695 million
42:48 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
42:50 to pay costs of constructing a refuse recycling facility,
42:54 renovating refuse truck parking facility,
42:56 replacing or improving the roofs of public buildings
42:59 including the municipal facilities garage,
43:01 improving the heating, ventilation,
43:03 air conditioning systems at the fire station,
43:05 improving parks, including pavement,
43:07 sidewalk resurfacing and construction,
43:09 lighting and landscaping
43:10 together with all necessary site work,
43:12 infrastructure improvements and pertinences there too.
43:14 Improving sidewalks within the city,
43:16 improving Bunce Road, Crest Lane,
43:18 Giehl Avenue, Onondaga Avenue,
43:20 Wayne Avenue and Webb Road
43:21 and other streets located within the city
43:23 between certain termini by resurfacing
43:25 and replacing concrete
43:26 together with all necessary appurtenances there too.
43:29 Improving City Hall, Winterhurst Ice Arena,
43:32 fire station number three,
43:33 public works garage and other city facilities
43:35 including renovating city facilities,
43:37 improving the heating, ventilation,
43:38 air conditioning systems,
43:40 constructing a storage facility,
43:41 improving parks within the city
43:43 including Lakewood Park, Coffin Park
43:44 and other park improvements
43:45 together with all necessary pertinences there too.
43:48 Improving sidewalks within the city,
43:49 improving Edgewater Drive, Summit Avenue
43:51 and other streets located within the city
43:53 between certain termini by resurfacing,
43:57 together with all necessary pertinences there too.
43:59 Designing engineering, constructing water improvements
44:02 together with all necessary pertinences there too
44:04 and designing engineering,
44:05 constructing sewer improvements
44:08 and retiring notes previously issued for such purpose
44:10 and approving related matters.
44:13 Danielle, is your mic working?
44:14 Item 31, ordinance 13-2026,
44:17 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
44:19 authorizing the issuance of not to exceed
44:21 15,845,000 of bonds
44:24 for the purpose of currently refunding
44:26 all or a portion of the city's
44:28 various purpose improvement and refunding bonds.
44:31 Series 2016A, dated April 5th, 2016,
44:34 to refund a portion of the city's
44:36 21,210,000 various purpose general obligation bonds.
44:41 Series 2005, limited tax obligation,
44:44 dated May 26th, 2005.
44:47 Refund a portion of the city's
44:49 14,320,000 dollar sewer system revenue bonds.
44:53 Series 2006, dated August 30th, 2006.
44:57 Refund a portion of the city's
44:58 10,285,000 dollar water system revenue bonds.
45:02 Series 2006, dated August 30th, 2006
45:06 and retire the city's 17,375,000 dollar
45:10 various purpose improvement notes
45:12 issued on April 9th, 2015
45:14 and approving related matters
45:16 in connection with issuance of the bonds.
45:19 Item 32, ordinance 14-2026,
45:22 an ordinance to take effective immediately,
45:25 authorizing the issuance of not to exceed
45:27 32,695,000 of bonds for the purpose
45:31 of retiring notes issued for the purpose
45:33 of constructing a refuse recycling facility,
45:36 renovating refuse truck parking facility,
45:38 replacing or improving the roofs of public buildings,
45:41 including the municipal facilities,
45:43 garage, improving the heating,
45:44 ventilation and air conditioning systems
45:46 at the fire station, improving parks,
45:49 including pavement and sidewalk resurfacing
45:51 and construction, lighting and landscaping,
45:53 together with all necessary site work,
45:55 infrastructure improvements and appurtenances there too,
45:58 improving sidewalks within the city,
46:00 improving Bunce Road, Crest Lane,
46:02 Gile Avenue, Onondaga Avenue,
46:04 Wayne Avenue and Webb Road
46:06 and other streets located within the city
46:08 between certain termini by resurfacing
46:10 and replacing concrete together
46:12 with all necessary appurtenances there too,
46:15 improving City Hall, Winterhurst Ice Arena,
46:17 fire station number three,
46:18 public works garage and other city facilities,
46:22 including renovating city facilities,
46:23 improving the heat, ventilation
46:25 and air conditioning systems,
46:26 constructing a storage facility,
46:28 improving parks within the city,
46:30 including Lakewood Park, Kauffman Park
46:31 and other improvements together
46:33 with all necessary appurtenances there too,
46:35 improving sidewalks within the city,
46:37 improving Edgewater Drive, Summit Avenue
46:39 and other streets located within the city
46:42 between certain termini by resurfacing
46:44 and replacing concrete together
46:46 with all necessary appurtenances there too,
46:48 designing, engineering
46:49 and constructing water improvements
46:51 together with all necessary appurtenances there too,
46:54 designing, engineering
46:55 and constructing sewer improvements
46:57 together with all necessary appurtenances there too,
47:00 approving related matters
47:01 in connection with issuance of the bonds.
47:05 Great, I'm gonna move to refer items 24 through 32
47:10 to Committee of the Whole.
47:12 Motion's been made and seconded.
47:13 Discussion, thank you to the clerks
47:16 for getting through all that.
47:18 All right, any further discussion?
47:21 Hearing none, all those in favor?
47:24 And that motion passes.
47:26 Item 33, communication from Assistant Planning Director
47:29 Boss regarding Madison Avenue
47:30 and Hilliard Road Safety Analysis Study.
47:34 Director Barrington.
47:35 Thank you, President Keppel and members of council.
47:38 In coordination with the Public Works Department,
47:40 the enclosed study covering
47:41 the Madison-Hillyard intersection
47:43 is provided for reference.
47:45 The Madison-Hillyard Safety Analysis Study
47:47 which considered the main intersections
47:49 as well as the Carrabelle and Orchard Grove intersections
47:52 was conducted from April to October of 2025
47:55 and included the following.
47:57 Field surveys of the intersections
47:58 and all current traffic control measures,
48:01 signals and operation cycles,
48:04 collection and analysis
48:06 of historic and current traffic data,
48:08 study of the past five years of accident reports
48:11 and study of safety improvement alternatives
48:13 and determination of subsequent recommendations.
48:16 Recommendations outlined by this study include
48:19 and build upon those provided for this intersection
48:22 by the act of transportation
48:23 and safe streets for all plants.
48:26 In consultation with the traffic engineer
48:28 who conducted the study,
48:29 the city has already implemented
48:31 several of the study's short-term recommendations
48:33 this past spring and summer
48:35 and will continue to work to implement
48:36 many of the remaining short-term actions
48:38 during this coming year.
48:40 Long-term recommendations,
48:42 especially changes requiring roadway demolition
48:45 and construction will be considered
48:47 per the city's complete streets ordinance.
48:49 It is requested that this study be referred
48:52 to the appropriate committee
48:52 for further detailed discussion as appropriate.
48:59 This is some pretty interesting reading
49:00 so appreciate the work that went into
49:03 getting this study done and lots to look at.
49:09 So I'm gonna move to,
49:11 because this affects public safety
49:14 but also of course has public works implications
49:17 and development implications.
49:20 I'm gonna move to refer to committee of the whole
49:23 as well as the case advisory board
49:25 and planning commission.
49:29 Motion's been made and seconded.
49:34 Council member Evans.
49:35 Yeah, I just wanna thank the planning department
49:37 and the administration for getting this study done.
49:43 I appreciate the near-term efforts we've done
49:45 so we've checked off some of the short-term things.
49:47 This intersection continues to be the thing
49:49 in the community that we hear about
49:50 again and again and again, the safety here.
49:53 So thank you for getting us some concrete thoughts
49:55 on how we can move forward.
49:56 And I look forward to working with everybody here
50:00 to make some of these long-term solutions
50:03 mentioned in the plan short-term solutions.
50:08 Any further discussion?
50:09 Council member Bullock.
50:11 Thanks, Madam President.
50:12 Just a quick question as a director.
50:16 Is the traffic engineer referenced in the letter?
50:19 Is that the consultant or is that an in-house person?
50:24 It's I. Terris, correct, consultant.
50:30 I don't think we have an in-house traffic engineer.
50:35 Council President Keppel, no we do not.
50:36 This was an outsourced contractor
50:40 that we've worked with on numerous occasions
50:43 for many different traffic signal projects
50:45 and things of that nature.
50:48 And I appreciate that work.
50:51 Sometimes some folks ask us to do something
50:54 and to tell them we need some expertise
50:56 because otherwise we do something that makes it worse.
51:00 That's not what we wanna do.
51:02 All right, so any further discussion on the motion
51:06 to refer to Committee of the Whole
51:08 Case Advisory Board and Planning Commission?
51:11 I'll just add that I'm open.
51:14 I'll work with Planning Department too
51:17 if we wanna have any sort of joint meeting
51:19 to reduce the amount of staff time.
51:21 I'd be happy to do that as well.
51:23 Any further discussion?
51:26 Hearing none, all those in favor?
51:29 And that motion passes.
51:31 Item 34, communication from Public Works Director Gordon
51:34 regarding 2026 County Road Preventive Maintenance
51:37 Reimbursement Program.
51:41 Thank you, Council President Keppel.
51:43 If you could just give me one second.
51:44 My computer is unfortunately malfunctioning.
51:46 You can read the screen.
51:57 I'm good, I'm there.
51:58 All right, sorry about that.
51:59 Dear President Keppel and members of City Council,
52:02 the City's Division of Streets and Forestry
52:04 was awarded up to $125,000
52:07 from the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works
52:10 2026 County Road Preventive Maintenance
52:13 Reimbursement Program.
52:15 The Streets Division will use this reimbursement funding
52:17 to perform crack sealing, pavement marking,
52:20 and when needed, pavement repairs on county roads.
52:23 As part of the reimbursement program,
52:25 the county will process only for material cost,
52:28 and the total reimbursable cost for the year 2026
52:31 may not exceed $125,000.
52:34 Pursuant to liquid codified ordinance section 11.14B,
52:39 this letter serves as notice of our intention
52:41 to accept these funds.
52:42 Please let me know if you have any further questions.
52:47 Move to receive and file that communication.
52:50 Motion's been made and seconded.
52:53 Appreciate the communication and the work as always.
52:58 And we just have to get it warm enough
52:59 that we can do some of that work.
53:02 All right, any further discussion?
53:04 Hearing none, all those in favor?
53:06 And that motion passes.
53:08 All right, that brings us to the end of the docketed
53:12 items, we're onto public comment.
53:15 Do we have, yep, we do.
53:17 While we're bringing that sheet up,
53:19 I just wanna mention that we did have some folks
53:22 provide e-commons, so council members,
53:24 make sure you take a look at those
53:25 if you haven't already.
53:26 Those will be included in the minutes, or in the, yeah.
53:33 So, first up, oh, when I call your name,
53:38 come up to the microphone, it is on,
53:39 I can see the green light,
53:41 so you don't have to push anything.
53:42 You'll have up to five minutes to state your name
53:45 and if you feel comfortable, your address for the record,
53:48 address your mark to the chair, that's me,
53:50 and that's about it.
53:52 So first up is Christopher Bindl, welcome back.
53:57 Hi there, Chris Bindl, 1212 Hathaway.
54:02 First, I'd like to welcome and congratulate you,
54:05 Councilman Bixenstein.
54:07 It's glad to see you up there.
54:10 I'm here just as my semi-monthly reminder
54:13 to look at the charter review recommendations,
54:20 So, that's all I really have.
54:22 I just figured if my face is here semi-regularly,
54:25 it helps refresh your memory on that.
54:27 So, all right, that's it.
54:32 All right, and next up is Dean Jackson.
54:43 Hi everybody, esteemed council members.
54:47 It's great to be here at the start of a new year.
54:49 As you work out your agenda for the year,
54:54 I wanted to come up and talk a little bit more
54:56 about the charter review commission recommendations
54:59 that were given to council in 2024.
55:02 My name is Dean Jackson.
55:04 I think all of you know me
55:04 except for our newest council member,
55:06 Councilmember Bixenstein.
55:07 Welcome, congratulations.
55:08 Looking forward to getting to know you
55:10 and working with you.
55:12 So, I served on the charter review commission in 2024.
55:16 Councilmember Hamilton-Steiner was there with me
55:18 in the trenches of the East Conference Room
55:21 We issued several recommendations,
55:23 which are still before you.
55:26 I still stand behind all of them.
55:28 Many of them, they included matters including
55:31 the lack of a redistricting mechanism
55:33 in liquid city charter,
55:35 mechanisms for addressing city council pay,
55:38 which I saw did increase
55:41 through the civil service mechanism,
55:42 so it's good that there's a mechanism working,
55:44 but that can still be, I think, improved.
55:47 There were other suggestions in there worth taking a look.
55:50 I did wanna address the one that,
55:53 if you read the charter review commission report,
55:54 consumes the highest percentage of the word count,
55:57 which was Frank Joyce voting.
56:00 Many of you have heard me from me
56:01 on this topic before,
56:03 but for Councilmember Bixenstein's benefit, perhaps,
56:08 I just wanna address a few common talking points
56:11 and perhaps misperceptions about the issue.
56:14 So the first is that sometimes when this topic comes up,
56:17 people will ask, is this really a local problem?
56:20 Does it solve an issue that Lakewood has?
56:22 And people have said that they don't feel that it does
56:24 or they don't understand how it does.
56:26 And respectfully, I disagree.
56:28 I do think that it matters for Lakewood
56:31 and it solves issues that Lakewood has.
56:34 And if you just look at the last election that we had,
56:36 we had multiple races in the ballot
56:39 where there were more, I think,
56:40 highly qualified candidates than there were seats,
56:43 and that creates a situation in which voters
56:48 have difficulty expressing their will, right?
56:50 Maybe you wanna vote for everyone,
56:51 maybe you have a specific rank order
56:53 in which you like candidates,
56:55 and you can only vote for so many members
56:58 of the at-large race.
56:59 You can only vote for so many members of the school board.
57:02 This gives citizens a more flexible way
57:05 to express their opinion and leads,
57:07 the political science tells us,
57:09 in examples from around the country
57:10 where this has been tried and around the world
57:11 where this has been tried,
57:13 to more consensus opinions.
57:14 So I do think that this,
57:15 we do have situations in Lakewood
57:17 where this does solve a problem and make a difference.
57:19 People bring up cost a lot.
57:22 There's the matter of the technical switch
57:25 to holding an election in a different way.
57:27 That's a software upgrade.
57:29 We don't have to imagine what that cost is.
57:31 We can talk to other cities.
57:32 We can get estimates from the board of elections.
57:34 It's also the cost of just educating citizens,
57:36 updating voter guides.
57:38 That can be done for pennies per voter
57:42 in addition to working with community groups
57:45 So I don't think that we have to worry
57:47 so much about the cost.
57:49 The final thing I'll say is that
57:53 we often worry about voter education,
57:56 whether or not voters will adapt to this.
57:57 And when I think, when we say that
57:59 this is too confusing a system for voters,
58:01 we really underestimate our voters.
58:03 First off, I'll say that Americans love ranking things.
58:05 It's one of our national pastimes.
58:07 There was a whole website, BuzzFeed,
58:09 that succeeded on the model of the top 10 list.
58:12 But seriously, I do think that voters are very adaptable
58:16 and we underestimate how many voters
58:18 already under-participate in the system we have now
58:21 because it has, first off, multiple elections.
58:24 We have primary elections in which we know
58:25 the turnout is lower than in general elections
58:27 even though the most important decisions
58:29 are usually made in those primary elections.
58:31 Primary elections also carry a cost.
58:33 And so by eliminating the primary
58:35 by using a ranking model,
58:38 you can lower the cost of elections.
58:40 But I also, I just wanna end on this note
58:42 by saying that when we talk about the citizens
58:46 who are confused by a change in process,
58:49 we aren't talking about the citizens
58:51 who have opted out of the process we have now.
58:53 The ones who look at the options before them
58:55 and the system they have and feel their choices
58:56 are too binary, not reflective of the diversity
59:01 of opinion that they'd like to see on the ballot
59:04 and decide to stay home or sort of not participate
59:07 in the beautiful opportunity for self-government
59:10 that we're here participating in right now.
59:13 And so I've made my case for that recommendation,
59:15 but I stand behind all of the recommendations in that report.
59:17 I really think we, I'm not just saying
59:20 it's out of self-gladdery,
59:21 but it was an exceptional group of people
59:23 I was lucky to serve with who did their best
59:27 to find ways to improve a charter
59:28 that is already quite strong.
59:29 So thank you to the framers
59:31 of the third amended charter.
59:33 But we don't have so much time
59:35 before ballot proposals have to go forward, right?
59:39 It's January now, blink twice, Senator, we may.
59:43 And so as you consider your agenda for the year,
59:45 I do beseech you to consider those recommendations.
59:49 Does anyone know what that buzzer is?
59:55 And just following up on that,
59:56 in terms of the filing deadline,
59:58 so we had, when we had the presentation
1:00:03 about those recommendations,
1:00:06 and it's not just the ranked choice voting,
1:00:07 there's other recommendations there too,
1:00:10 including the redistricting process,
1:00:13 which I think is worth taking up.
1:00:16 So as we went through those discussions
1:00:21 one of the things that we sort of looked at was
1:00:24 when would we want to put these before voters?
1:00:27 So wanting to make sure that we have time
1:00:29 to do the educating to voters
1:00:32 about what it is they're voting on
1:00:37 one of the other elements was doing them,
1:00:40 putting them before voters in a general election,
1:00:42 because as Mr. Jackson talked about,
1:00:47 we would have, it'd be the most democratic
1:00:49 to offer these in a general election
1:00:52 when we have more of the population actually voting
1:00:55 and potentially more of the same voters
1:00:58 who feel disenfranchised with their binary choices
1:01:01 might actually show up in a general versus in a primary.
1:01:06 our target that we discussed before
1:01:09 was to get them on the November general election
1:01:17 And the deadline to do that will be September 4th
1:01:20 to get them to board of elections.
1:01:22 That would be the absolute deadline.
1:01:24 It's not necessarily advisable
1:01:26 to be turning in our homework at five o'clock
1:01:31 So, and then keeping in mind
1:01:33 that we counsel the tradition of recessing in August,
1:01:37 that we would wanna probably get that done
1:01:40 So as always, I'm working backwards from our deadline,
1:01:45 just putting that out there that is on the radar
1:01:48 and hope to get that scheduled
1:01:50 once we get through the city hall
1:01:53 and Bann's discussions up next.
1:01:57 So that's everyone we have signed in to speak.
1:01:59 Did anyone else want to give public comment?
1:02:07 Before I go to announcements from council members,
1:02:10 I just wanna acknowledge our public works crews
1:02:17 I got multiple compliments from residents
1:02:19 about the particularly refuse and recycling today.
1:02:24 And also our public safety crews out there
1:02:27 and this inclement weather.
1:02:31 Well, some of the public safety crews,
1:02:33 but some of you were in very hot weather recently too
1:02:37 and so we appreciate the help with those fires.
1:02:42 Announcements from council members.
1:02:45 you got a calendar update for us?
1:02:51 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day internationally.
1:02:56 Important for us to continue to reflect
1:03:02 to celebrating Black History Month in February.
1:03:11 Other announcements from council members?
1:03:14 Announcements from the administration.
1:03:19 I did see, I believe there's,
1:03:20 and I see Director Berries in here,
1:03:24 he's partnering on a renter's forum.
1:03:25 I think that's Thursday the 26th.
1:03:29 Check the city's social media,
1:03:31 but I believe there is an upcoming event
1:03:37 No further business to come before council.
1:03:39 Without objection, we are adjourned.