Written by the reviewer from the ASR + docket; [verbatim-ASR] = quoted machine transcript; [paraphrase] = reviewer's wording, not a quote.
0:00 All right, we will call the March 2nd meeting of council to order.
0:05 If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
0:14 We'll now pause for a moment of silence.
0:34 Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
0:36 Vice President Baker?
0:38 Councilmember Vixenstein?
0:40 Councilmember Bullock?
0:42 Councilmember Evans?
0:44 Councilmember Hamilton-Steiner?
0:46 Councilmember Striebeck?
0:48 Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held February 17,
0:53 Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.
0:57 Motions were made and seconded.
1:03 And that motion passes.
1:05 Without objection, I'd like to move item 27 to the top.
1:12 And yeah, we'll do that first.
1:16 Item 27, resolution 2026-08, a resolution to join with states, municipalities, and
1:22 other jurisdictions around the country to designate March as Women's History Month
1:26 and the City of Lakewood by recognizing the struggles and celebrating the achievements
1:30 of American women throughout the history of the United States.
1:33 I'll first move to adopt.
1:38 Motion's been made and seconded, and to kick off our discussion, I'd like
1:41 to turn to Councilwoman Striebeck.
1:43 Thank you, President Keppel and Councilmember Hamilton Steiner for joining me on this important
1:48 resolution to recognize and honor Women's History Month.
1:52 Before I begin my remarks, can everyone see me and can everyone hear me?
2:02 Just checking, because last Tuesday I was in this auditorium for the Lake Clifton
2:06 Connector Project, the public presentation, and I was standing at the back of the room
2:12 actually leaning against that middle table there in the back, and this young man, about
2:17 5'10 or 5'11, walked in and stood directly right in front of me and blocked my view
2:26 of the entire presentation.
2:28 He was close enough that with one step forward I could have tapped him on the
2:33 shoulder, or as some of my foremothers and forefathers would have said, could have put
2:43 I did not kick him, but rather took that one step forward and tapped him on the
2:48 He immediately rolled around to apologize and moved three steps to my left.
2:54 He knew I was there and understood his error, so this got me thinking about my
2:59 invisibility, when I clearly didn't have my cloak of invisibility on that I had left
3:08 What would make anyone walk into a space and not be aware of their surroundings,
3:15 the people or the vibe, or just to completely disregard everyone altogether?
3:23 Is it plain rudeness?
3:25 Is it cluelessness or entitlement?
3:29 Ah, yes, there it is, entitlement, to enter any space without regard for other people
3:35 to accomplish your own objective.
3:37 So then that got me thinking about entitlement and the fact of having a right to something.
3:44 Merriam-Webster's definition of entitlement is, number one, the state or condition
3:49 of being entitled or right.
3:52 Number two, a right to benefits, specifically, especially by law or contract.
3:58 Number three, belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges.
4:04 And number four, a government program providing benefits to members of a specific group
4:11 and funds supporting or distributed by such a program.
4:18 As citizens of the United States, we are entitled to our constitutional rights.
4:23 When they are threatened, we remind those offending us that we have rights,
4:27 just like the suffragists and abolitionists did before us,
4:32 sometimes with a gentle tap on the shoulder or sometimes with a boot.
4:38 There are times to be entitled when our constitutional rights are being threatened
4:42 or when democracy is at stake.
4:45 There are also times to read the room and remember dignity and respect for everyone,
4:50 even though they may be invisible to some people.
4:53 Happy Women's History Month, everyone.
4:56 I see you and I hear you.
5:02 Councilman Hamilton-Steiner?
5:04 Thank you, President Keppel.
5:06 If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.
5:12 The first African-American woman to be elected to the United States Congress
5:16 and the first woman to run for a Democratic Party nomination for president of the United States.
5:21 This quote sums up what women so often have to do.
5:25 We have to find a way, make a way to get it done, to be heard,
5:30 to be seen, when so often we are ignored and cast aside.
5:35 The patriarchy pits us women against one another.
5:40 In competition for their attention, their praise, their support and allegiance,
5:45 the tenets of matriarchy-driven leadership, empathy, compassion, cooperation, and egalitarianism
5:52 is what is so desperately lacking in this country and at times in our own community.
5:58 The patriarchy has labeled these as weak, but wise individuals know we are only as strong
6:05 as our weakest links, and any country or community that ignores its most vulnerable
6:10 is not a strong country or community.
6:14 Lakewood has an opportunity to show the power of womanhood and collective community
6:19 with women holding all three branches of power within the municipal government
6:24 executive, judicial, and legislative.
6:28 And if we include the school district, we have all major branches of governance under the leadership of women.
6:35 Dare I say, the matriarchy is here in Lakewood.
6:39 I am proud to serve alongside such strong women, women who are not afraid to speak their truths,
6:45 women who are not afraid to stand for justice, women who are not afraid to fight for what is right,
6:51 but all unique in our own ways, each having two in one way or another at times
6:56 to bring a folding chair when the table has not been big enough.
7:00 The chairs are still needed, as we all must work together to continue and ensure that we are fighting for women's pay equity.
7:06 Women are still making 83 cents for every dollar that our male counterpart makes.
7:10 Protection of and for women's dominated fields such as education and health care,
7:15 ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages, that women are supported in the decisions they make
7:21 regarding their reproductive health, and we ultimately support women by providing equitable access
7:28 to health care, child care, and career growth introductory.
7:32 I can see no greater mission than to take action to uplift, empower, and support women.
7:38 Happy Women's History Month.
7:42 Thank you. I'll just add to that, as you can see in the resolution,
7:48 that Lakewood has a strong history of women's empowerment and entitlement to the right to vote.
7:58 As we've mentioned before up here, that it was through the work of Bernice Pike and the Lakewood suffragettes
8:07 that Lakewood women secured the right to vote prior to the 19th Amendment.
8:14 And I see our friends from the League of Women Voters here in the audience today.
8:20 A few years ago, I think it was during the pandemic, I remember being masked at the time.
8:25 I remember going to the ceremony to have the plaque put up by the women's pavilion,
8:29 so if folks haven't been there, that recognizes that accomplishment.
8:33 So it's quite a feather in our cap.
8:36 We have also had a history of women to hire elected office, as you can see in the resolution.
8:45 And certainly here on council, former councilwoman Pam Smith is in the audience too.
8:52 We've had quite a few wonderful elected women.
8:56 Our current state senator was the first woman elected to that state senate seat.
9:02 So it's really exciting to have this resolution each year,
9:06 to mark not only women's history as a nation, but also here in Lakewood.
9:12 Do we have anyone signed in to speak, or did anyone want to speak on this resolution?
9:17 All right, we don't have anyone signed in.
9:20 Any other comments from council members?
9:25 All right, so we have a motion and a second to adopt the resolution.
9:29 After it presumably passes, we will do a picture down front.
9:34 We invite anyone who would like to come up and join us for that photograph.
9:38 And we have a ceremonial copy of the resolution for the League of Women Voters.
9:42 All right, we have a motion and a second to adopt the resolution.
9:49 And that motion passes.
9:50 All right, we're going to do a quick photo down.
11:47 All right, so without objection, I'd like to move items one, two, and four to the
12:03 These are the items related to the ordinance, the band's ordinance for city hall discussion,
12:10 as you'll recall, in committee.
12:14 We may need some more discussion on those tonight, and that way we can get through
12:18 the rest of the docket, and if folks are here for other items, they don't need to
12:21 stay for that whole discussion.
12:24 All right, yeah, and then I'm going to move to suspend the rules to read items
12:32 three, five, and through 11 together.
12:36 These would be the rest of the bonds.
12:43 All right, we have a motion and a second, and we do a roll call.
13:02 That motion passes.
13:03 Item three, ordinance six, 2026.
13:04 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the issuance of notes in the
13:07 amount not to exceed $4.9 million in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
13:12 to pay costs of improving Bunce Road, Lake Road, Clifton Road, and other streets
13:17 located within the city between certain termini by resurfacing and replacing
13:20 concrete, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto in approving
13:26 Item five, ordinance 08, 2026.
13:29 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the issuance of notes in
13:33 the amount of not to exceed $850,000 in anticipation of the issuance of
13:38 bonds to pay costs of designing engineering and constructing water
13:41 improvements together with all necessary appurtenances thereto.
13:44 Item six, ordinance 09, 2026.
13:47 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the issuance of notes in
13:52 the amount of not to exceed $500,000 in anticipation of the issuance of
13:56 bonds to pay costs of improving sidewalks within the city and
13:59 approving related matters.
14:01 Item seven, ordinance 10, 2026.
14:04 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the issuance of
14:07 notes in the amount of not to exceed $125,000 in anticipation of the
14:11 issuance of bonds to pay costs of providing new traffic signalization
14:15 together with all necessary appurtenances thereto and approving
14:20 Item eight, ordinance 11, 2026.
14:23 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the issuance of
14:26 notes in the amount of not to exceed $2,370,000 in anticipation of
14:30 the issuance of bonds to pay costs of designing engineering and
14:34 construction facilities, renovating refuse truck parking facilities,
14:37 replacing or improving the roofs of public buildings, including the
14:40 municipal facilities garage, improving the heating and
14:44 ventilation of the parking lot, and improving the
14:45 ventilation of the parking lot.
14:48 Item nine, ordinance 12, 2026.
14:51 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the issuance
14:54 of notes in the amount of not to exceed $32,695,000 in
14:58 anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of
15:01 providing new traffic signalization together with all necessary
15:04 appurtenances thereto and approving
15:10 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the
15:13 issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $2,370,000 in
15:16 anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of designing
15:19 engineering and construction facilities, including the
15:22 municipal facilities garage, improving the heating, ventilation,
15:25 air conditioning systems at the fire station, improving parks,
15:28 and other park improvements together with all necessary
15:31 appurtenances thereto.
15:34 Improving city hall, winterhurst ice arena, fire station number
15:37 three, public works garage, and other city facilities, including
15:40 renovating city facilities, improving the heating, ventilation,
15:43 air conditioning systems, constructing a storage facility,
15:46 improving parks within the city, including Lakewood Park,
15:49 Coffman Park, and other park improvements together with all
15:52 necessary appurtenances thereto.
15:55 Designing engineering and constructing sewer improvements
15:58 and retiring notes previously issued for such purposes
16:01 and approving related matters.
16:04 Item 10, ordinance 13-2026.
16:07 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the
16:10 issuance of not to exceed $15,080,000 in anticipation of
16:13 the issuance of bonds to pay costs of designing engineering
16:16 and construction facilities.
16:19 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the
16:22 issuance of not to exceed $15,845,000 of bonds for the
16:27 purpose of currently refunding all or a portion of the city's
16:31 various purpose improvement and refunding bonds.
16:34 Series 2016A, dated April 5, 2016, to one.
16:38 Refund a portion of the city's $21,210,000
16:42 various purpose general obligation bonds.
16:45 Series 2005, limited tax obligation, dated May 26, 2005.
16:50 Refund a portion of the city's $14,320,000
16:54 sewer system revenue bonds.
16:56 Series 2006, dated August 30, 2006.
17:01 Three, refund a portion of the city's $10,285,000
17:05 water system revenue bonds.
17:07 Series 2006, dated August 30, 2006.
17:11 And four, retire the city's $17,375,000
17:15 various purpose improvement bonds issued on April 9, 2015.
17:20 And approving related matters in connection with the issuance
17:24 Item 11, ordinance 14-2026.
17:27 An ordinance to take effect immediately, authorizing the
17:30 issuance of not to exceed $32,695,000 of bonds for the
17:35 purpose of retiring notes issued for the purpose of,
17:38 one, constructing a refuse recycling facility, renovating
17:41 refuse truck parking facility, replacing or improving the
17:44 roofs of public buildings, including the municipal
17:47 facilities garage, improving the heating, ventilation, and
17:50 air conditioning systems at the fire station, improving
17:53 parks, including pavement and sidewalk resurfacing and
17:56 construction, lighting and landscaping, together with
17:58 all necessary site work, infrastructure improvement and
18:01 impertinence is there too.
18:02 Two, improving sidewalks within the city.
18:04 Three, improving Bunce Road, Crest Lane, Gile Avenue,
18:07 Onondaga Avenue, Wayne Avenue, and Webrobe, and
18:10 other streets located within the city between certain
18:13 termini by resurfacing and replacing concrete, together
18:16 with all necessary impertinence is there too.
18:18 Four, improving City Hall, Winterhurst Ice Arena, Fire
18:21 Station Number 3, Public Works Garage, and other city
18:24 facilities, including renovating city facilities,
18:27 improving the heating, ventilation, and air
18:29 conditioning systems, constructing a storage facility.
18:31 Five, improving parks within the city, including
18:34 Lakewood Park, Kaufman Park, and other improvements
18:36 together with all necessary impertinence is there too.
18:39 Six, improving sidewalks within the city.
18:41 Seven, improving Edgewater Drive, Summit Avenue, and
18:44 other streets located within the city between certain
18:47 termini by resurfacing and replacing concrete,
18:49 together with all necessary impertinence is there too.
18:52 Eight, designing, engineering, and constructing
18:54 water improvements together with all necessary
18:57 impertinence is there too.
18:58 Nine, designing, engineering, and constructing
19:01 sewer improvements together with all necessary
19:03 impertinence is there too.
19:05 Approving related matters in connection with
19:07 the issuance of bonds.
19:12 I'll move to adopt agenda items 3 and 5 through 11.
19:18 Motion's been made and seconded.
19:21 Hearing none, all those in favor?
19:24 And that motion passes.
19:26 Item 12, report from Rules and Ordinances
19:28 Committee meeting, held February 23rd, 2026.
19:31 Councilmember Bixenstein.
19:33 Thank you, Madam Chair.
19:34 Dear colleagues, the Rules and Ordinances Committee met
19:37 on February 23rd, 2026 to discuss two pieces of
19:40 legislation related to the creation of the
19:42 Master Fee Schedule, Resolution 2025-71 and
19:48 Assistant Law Director Swallow provided
19:50 information about the purpose and function of
19:52 the Master Fee Schedule and along with Finance
19:54 Director Mahoney answered questions posed by
19:57 councilmembers regarding the specifics of the
19:59 two proposed pieces of legislation.
20:01 Committee members were informed that Resolution
20:03 2025-71 will move fees from the city's
20:06 Administrative and Business Code to the
20:08 Master Fee Schedule and Ordinance 30-2025 will
20:12 amend the corresponding sections of the
20:14 codified ordinances.
20:15 While most of the fees themselves will not
20:17 change, Assistant Law Director Swallow provided
20:19 an explanation of the few specific changes that
20:22 will be included as part of Resolution 2025-71.
20:26 A third and final phase of legislation will be
20:28 forthcoming that will address public works,
20:31 water and wastewater fees.
20:33 The committee voted unanimously to favorably
20:36 refer Resolution 2025-71 and Ordinance 30-2025
20:41 back to council for adoption.
20:46 I'll move to receive and file that report.
20:49 Motion's been made and seconded.
20:53 All those in favor?
20:55 And that motion passes.
20:56 Item 13, Resolution 2025-71.
20:59 A resolution to take effect immediately to
21:01 establish the Master Fee Schedule by
21:03 incorporating fees from Part 1, Title 5,
21:06 Administrative Code, and Part 7, Business
21:08 Regulation Code of the codified ordinances
21:10 and superseding all prior fees established
21:12 that are included in this resolution.
21:16 Motion's been made and seconded.
21:20 Council Member Book.
21:21 First, compliments to Mr. Bickenstein,
21:24 who presided very effectively over his first
21:27 council committee hearing and did a nice job,
21:30 fine job reporting out legislation right now.
21:33 And then the other point I just want to make
21:35 is compliments to the law department and the
21:37 finance department for putting in the spade
21:42 I don't know if it's quite behind the scenes
21:44 work, but it's attention to detail that is
21:46 continuous improvement for the city, making
21:50 working with the city more transparent and
21:53 effective, and I appreciate what you're
21:55 doing, so happy to support it.
22:04 Thank you, Councilman.
22:05 Just in the interest of full disclosure,
22:09 Assistant Director Swallow took the initiative
22:12 on this, spent hours combing through the
22:15 ordinance and deserves the credit for her
22:18 initiative, but thank you for the mention.
22:24 Thank you, and yes, we do appreciate it.
22:26 I think it makes it much easier for
22:28 residents to be able to have things all in
22:30 one place, so it's good work to be done.
22:33 Not glamorous, but good.
22:37 All right, any further discussion on the
22:41 All those in favor?
22:43 And that motion passes.
22:45 Item 14, ordinance 30-2025, an ordinance
22:48 to take effect immediately amending
22:50 various sections of Part 1, administrative
22:52 code, and Part 7, business regulation
22:54 code of codified ordinances, to move
22:56 all fees identified within those provisions
22:58 to the master fee schedule.
23:02 Motion's been made and seconded.
23:06 All those in favor?
23:08 And that motion passes.
23:09 Item 15, report from Finance Committee,
23:11 held today, March 2nd, 2026.
23:15 Thank you, colleagues.
23:16 Finance Committee met this evening before
23:18 this meeting to discuss four DACA items,
23:21 but particularly two ordinances.
23:23 The first is ordinance 15-2026, which
23:28 seeks to establish the host community
23:30 cannabis fund, and then direct purposes
23:33 associated with that.
23:34 So those that are unfamiliar, the
23:36 state of Ohio approved adult use
23:38 cannabis, and within the initiated
23:40 statute there was a certain percentage
23:42 of money went to host communities,
23:44 which Lakewood is one of them, with
23:46 our two adult use dispensaries.
23:48 However, there was some issues in the
23:50 state government, and they didn't
23:52 offer access to the host communities
23:53 until earlier this year.
23:55 So we wanted to start a conversation
23:57 about how to best direct those funds,
24:01 you know, to serve the needs of
24:03 Lakewood, but also associated with
24:06 So there was some discussion of,
24:08 initially it was public safety,
24:10 which would include complete streets,
24:13 ADA accessibility, equity, social
24:16 There was some conversation about
24:18 broadening some of the allowed
24:20 uses of those funds to include
24:21 community health needs assessment,
24:23 health related issues, as it, you know,
24:25 the funds are from cannabis use.
24:27 So we deferred the action to allow
24:29 our colleagues to suggest some more
24:31 refinement to that language to better
24:33 direct those funds.
24:34 So that was deferred, and we will
24:36 seek to bring that up again, and
24:38 hopefully finalize the creation of
24:40 the fund in the coming weeks.
24:42 The second issue is the audit
24:45 So Finance Director Mahoney put
24:47 together Ordinance 27-2025 to
24:49 repeal the audit committee.
24:51 Essentially the audit committee was
24:53 created roughly in 2007 as a
24:56 recommendation from the auditor of
24:58 state to have kind of an
25:00 independent community-based audit
25:02 committee that would review the
25:04 city's audit reports.
25:05 It was kind of something that the
25:07 state auditor was pushing
25:10 It has somewhat fallen out of use
25:13 The state auditor no longer requires
25:16 So we had some really interesting
25:18 discussions about how do we take
25:20 that function, have the audit
25:22 report come to the finance
25:24 committee, have the finance
25:26 committee serve the role of the
25:28 audit committee so that council
25:30 and the public still have an
25:32 opportunity to interact with the
25:34 independent auditor to see how
25:36 we're doing, what we're doing
25:38 well, what we can improve upon.
25:40 And once again, there were some
25:42 suggestions in committee about not
25:44 fully repealing it and kind of
25:46 trying to make it a little more
25:49 So we had to make sure that
25:51 the audit committee was able to
25:53 have that action served, but maybe
25:55 have it served in a different way.
25:57 So we also deferred that action
25:59 for a little bit more refinement.
26:01 And in the coming weeks, we'll
26:03 consider both of these ordinances
26:05 and report them out to full
26:08 I'll make a motion to receive
26:10 and file that report.
26:12 Motion has been made and
26:14 we appreciate all that you do.
26:18 Any further discussion?
26:20 Hearing none, on the motion to
26:22 receive and file the report, all
26:25 And that motion passes.
26:27 Item 16, ordinance 15-2026.
26:29 An ordinance to take effect
26:31 immediately to enact section 129-65
26:33 of the liquid codified ordinances
26:35 entitled host community cannabis
26:37 fund to provide guidance regarding
26:39 the use of new tax revenues
26:41 related to the sale of cannabis.
26:44 Motion has been made and seconded.
26:47 Hearing none, all those in favor?
26:49 And that motion passes.
26:51 Item 17, ordinance 27-2025.
26:53 An ordinance to take effect
26:55 immediately repealing chapter 160
26:57 audit committee of the codified ordinances
26:59 of the city of Lakewood.
27:02 Motion has been made and seconded.
27:05 Hearing none, all those in favor?
27:07 And that motion passes.
27:08 Item 18, report from housing planning
27:10 and development committee held today
27:13 Council Member Evans.
27:14 Thank you, Madam President.
27:15 The housing planning development committee
27:17 met earlier today, March 2nd,
27:19 to discuss definitions
27:21 and regulations regarding pet grooming
27:23 services within the city of Lakewood.
27:27 a little bit of a zoning cleanup
27:29 having a little more
27:31 making it a little easier for these
27:33 services to locate in the city.
27:35 It also broke out definition-wise
27:39 differentiation between pet grooming
27:41 services and pet boarding services,
27:43 daycares, and animal clinics.
27:45 Again, this is just something
27:47 the planning department
27:49 flagged as having been an issue with
27:51 putting up some roadblocks for some folks
27:53 looking to locate within the city.
27:55 So I want to thank the Assistant Director
27:57 Boss for flagging this and cleaning it up.
27:59 The issue was referred back
28:01 favorably to all of Council.
28:03 I'll make a motion to receive
28:05 and file this oral report.
28:07 Second. Motion has been made and seconded.
28:09 Any further discussion?
28:11 Hearing none, all those in favor?
28:13 Aye. And that motion passes.
28:17 39, 2025, an ordinance
28:19 to take effect immediately amending or
28:21 repealing various sections of the
28:23 codified ordinances to update definitions
28:25 and regulations related to pet grooming services
28:27 within the city of Lakewood. Move to adopt.
28:29 Second. Motion has been made and
28:31 seconded. Any discussion?
28:33 Hearing none, all those in favor?
28:35 Aye. And that motion passes.
28:43 items 20 through 25
28:47 charter amendment ordinances
28:49 that are in Committee of the Whole.
28:51 So I'm going to move to suspend the rules
28:53 to read items 20 through 25
28:55 together. Second. Motion
28:57 has been made and seconded.
28:59 We don't need a roll call.
29:03 So motion has been made and seconded.
29:05 And Clerk Brock is telling me we don't need a roll call.
29:07 All those in favor?
29:09 Aye. And that motion passes.
29:13 ordinance 16, 2026,
29:15 an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting
29:17 to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment
29:19 to the third amendment amended
29:21 charter in order to change the
29:23 frequency with which the Civil Service Commission
29:25 reviews elected official salaries.
29:29 17, 2026, an ordinance to take
29:31 effect immediately submitting to the electors of
29:33 the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended
29:35 charter in order to add additional
29:37 requirements to the process by which Council
29:39 appoints new members to fill a vacancy.
29:45 ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to
29:47 the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to
29:49 the third amended charter in order to
29:51 change the manner in which legislation is amended
29:53 and to remove the requirement
29:55 that the entire ordinance or resolution be repealed
29:57 then a new ordinance or resolution
30:01 Item 23, ordinance 19
30:03 13-2026, an ordinance
30:05 to take effect immediately submitting to the electors
30:07 of the city of Lakewood an amendment
30:09 the third amended chapter of the city
30:11 of Lakewood in order to establish a process
30:13 and requirement for award redistricting
30:15 in the city of Lakewood.
30:21 An ordinance to take effect immediately
30:23 submitting to the electors of the city
30:25 of Lakewood an attachment to the third
30:27 amended charter of the city of Lakewood
30:29 in order to clarify the various paths
30:31 in which the charter can be amended.
30:33 Item 25, ordinance 21-2026,
30:37 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
30:38 submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood
30:41 an amendment to the third amended charter
30:43 of the City of Lakewood in order to allow council
30:45 the option of implementing rank choice voting.
30:51 We do have, before I,
30:54 I'm gonna shortly move to defer,
30:56 but before I do that,
30:57 we do have someone signed in to speak on this.
30:59 So Chris Bindle, if you wanna come on up.
31:07 Hi, Chris Bindle, 1212 Hathaway.
31:11 So I originally planned to come here tonight
31:13 to discuss updates on SB 63,
31:17 but then I saw that at the last meeting
31:19 that I wasn't able to attend,
31:20 you actually introduced these resolutions,
31:23 and I was glad to see that they were there.
31:27 I read through the ordinance,
31:30 and I'm not a lawyer,
31:31 but I was pleased with what I read.
31:34 It sounded pretty good.
31:36 I had a few questions,
31:37 but I know this isn't a question answer thing,
31:40 but it looks like that our conversations regarding SB 63
31:46 were taken into consideration,
31:48 and that's handled,
31:49 and I do think that in its current form
31:52 we should still be okay.
31:55 I do have, like I said, a question regarding that,
31:58 but we can discuss that afterwards if we want to,
32:01 but I just wanted to say I looked at the ordinance,
32:04 I'm really pleased,
32:05 and I look forward to this moving forward.
32:07 So thanks for all your work.
32:09 Keep up the good work.
32:11 Yeah, since these were submitted,
32:14 they passed SB 63, so.
32:17 It still has to go back to the Senate.
32:19 That's true, that's true.
32:20 So it came out of the house, but.
32:22 So we do have, just for anyone else interested
32:25 in any of these charter mission,
32:27 proposed charter amendments,
32:28 we have them scheduled for Committee of the Whole
32:31 on March 16th at six o'clock,
32:33 so we'll start digging into these more.
32:38 All right, so because those are all in committee,
32:40 I'm going to move to defer items 20 through 25.
32:44 Motion's been made and seconded.
32:47 Hearing none, all those in favor?
32:50 And that motion passes.
32:52 Item 26, communication from President Keppel
32:54 regarding Public Art Master Plan.
32:57 Dear colleagues, in July, 2025,
32:59 Council authorized the city to accept a grant
33:02 from Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
33:04 worth $83,000 for technical assistance
33:07 and community planning services
33:08 to help develop a Public Art Master Plan
33:11 and provided a 15% funding match.
33:14 That work is currently underway,
33:16 and a final plan is scheduled to be presented
33:18 to Council in May, 2026.
33:21 Public Art brightens our city, creates iconic spaces,
33:24 and distinguishes us from other locations.
33:27 As Lakewoodites, we likely take for granted
33:29 the cheerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring works
33:32 we encounter each day
33:34 during our routine comings and goings.
33:36 However, a great deal of planning
33:37 goes into bringing these pieces to the public.
33:40 Lakewood's Public Art Program began in 2015
33:43 with a Public Art Task Force
33:45 and evolved into a permanent
33:47 Public Art Advisory Board in 2021.
33:49 The Public Art Master Plan
33:51 represents the next step in our city's journey
33:54 to be thoughtful and intentional about public art.
33:57 The Master Plan is expected to provide recommendations
34:00 regarding new opportunities for public art locations
34:04 ensure that public art remains inclusive,
34:06 and develop processes and funding mechanisms
34:09 to maintain the sustainability of public art.
34:11 Before Council is asked to adopt a final plan,
34:14 and as public art has been identified
34:16 as a shared council priority,
34:18 I would like to hold a committee of the whole
34:19 where Council can learn more about the plan's progress
34:22 and contribute input.
34:23 I have coordinated this in advance
34:25 with the Planning Department,
34:26 and this meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 16th.
34:30 I'll move to refer this communication
34:32 to Committee of the Whole.
34:34 Motion's been made and seconded.
34:40 Thank you, Madam President.
34:42 I had the privilege of being a council liaison
34:44 to this project, and I just wanted to say
34:47 it's been a really great process.
34:50 I've been involved in this kind of thing before.
34:52 The depth and the knowledge and the planning
34:56 that the team has brought to the table
34:58 has been fantastic,
34:58 so I'm really looking forward to the updates
35:00 and to the plan itself.
35:02 And again, thanks to the Planning Department
35:04 for spearheading the effort on the city side.
35:08 Any further discussion?
35:10 Council Member Striebig.
35:12 I also echo Council Member Evans,
35:16 and I also wanted to point out
35:17 that the Lakewood Youth Council is very interested
35:21 in performing arts and how we can include that
35:25 as part of our master plan.
35:31 Maybe we'll take care of inviting them
35:33 to the Committee of the Whole.
35:35 Awesome, thank you.
35:37 Any further discussion?
35:39 All right, hearing none.
35:40 On the motion to refer the communication
35:43 to Committee of the Whole, all those in favor?
35:46 Aye, and that motion passes.
35:47 Item 28, communication from Vice President Baker
35:50 regarding report from Complete and Active Streets
35:52 Education and Advisory Board meeting
35:53 held February 24, 2026.
35:56 Vice President Baker.
35:58 Dear colleagues, the Case Board met on February 24th
36:02 at 10 a.m. in City Hall,
36:03 Council Auditorium for its first meeting.
36:05 The slide deck from the meeting
36:06 is appended to the end of this letter
36:08 for Council's review and information.
36:10 And the members of the Case Board
36:12 are outlined below in the chart.
36:14 As you can see, there are some voting members
36:16 and some kind of more secretary ex officio,
36:19 which include both council appointees
36:21 and mayoral appointees.
36:23 Assistant Planning Director Boss
36:24 served as Secretary of the Case Board
36:26 and started the meeting.
36:27 The meeting started largely with
36:28 organizational housekeeping as is customary
36:30 for any new board or commission.
36:32 Mr. Boss provided draft rules for the Case Board,
36:34 which will be considered and vote upon
36:35 at the next meeting.
36:37 And Tracy Greenberg was elected Chair
36:39 with Emily Lindbergh being elected Vice Chair.
36:43 Mr. Boss then went through some introductory remarks
36:45 about the Case Board's role and responsibilities,
36:48 the complete streets policy,
36:49 the upcoming capital projects,
36:51 see appended slides,
36:53 and this took up most of the meeting.
36:54 The Case Board then moved to consider
36:57 the recent referrals made by City Council,
36:59 including the Madison-Hillyard Safety Study
37:02 and the Shared Use Path Code amendments.
37:04 Time constraints only allowed the presentation
37:06 of the Madison-Hillyard Safety Study by I. Terrace.
37:09 The Case Board agreed to consider it
37:12 again at the next meeting,
37:13 and the other item, the Shared Use Path Code amendments,
37:15 were also deferred to the next meeting.
37:17 The Case Board intends to meet at least quarterly,
37:20 but special meetings can be called
37:21 to consider timely topics.
37:22 I will continue to attend these important meetings
37:24 and report back to City Council
37:25 so that we and the public can stay informed
37:27 on the workings of the Case Board.
37:29 I'll make a motion to receive and file that communication.
37:32 Motion's been made and seconded.
37:34 Further discussion?
37:37 Thank you, Vice President Baker,
37:38 for representing council on that board
37:40 and to Assistant Director Boss for getting it started.
37:46 Appreciate that, among your many hats.
37:49 All right, so any further discussion?
37:51 Hearing none, on the motion to receive
37:54 and file the communication, all those in favor?
37:57 And that motion passes.
37:58 Item 29, communication from Council Member Hamilton-Steiner
38:01 regarding council liaison report, LaSueb.
38:04 Council Member Hamilton-Steiner.
38:06 Thank you, President Keppel.
38:07 Dear colleagues, LaSueb met on Wednesday,
38:10 February 18th at 6 p.m.
38:11 in their monthly meeting location
38:13 in the East Conference Room in Lakewood City Hall.
38:15 The group discussed their committees and initiatives,
38:18 including plans for the Spring Food Drive
38:20 in support of Lakewood Community Services Center, LCSC,
38:24 which helps to provide pet food assistance
38:26 to meet the needs of families with pets.
38:28 It's noted that LCSC does accept food donations
38:33 year-round, however, these twice-annual drives
38:35 serve to also raise awareness
38:37 of the need that exists in the community.
38:39 Emmy Hutchison, coordinator H2O,
38:41 was in attendance to learn how H2O
38:44 can support pet food drive efforts.
38:46 Emmy and LaSueb discussed how high school students
38:48 could be beneficial in supporting food drive efforts
38:51 with marketing, education and outreach,
38:53 and or direct service the day of the event.
38:55 Possible dates were discussed with information shared
38:57 about potential conflicts
38:59 with already set community and high school events.
39:02 LaSueb members have reviewed the latest copy
39:04 of the TNR ordinance,
39:06 which they have been working collaboratively
39:08 with the administration and Councilwoman Striebig.
39:11 A lot of time, effort and dedication
39:13 has been put into this effort,
39:14 and they are all proud of the work
39:15 and look forward to the discussion
39:18 in Public Safety Committee on Monday, March 9th.
39:20 I move to receive and file that communication.
39:25 Motion's been made and seconded discussion.
39:29 Thank you, Council Member Hamilton-Steiner
39:31 for representing us there,
39:32 and Council Member Striebig
39:33 for continuing to work with them on the TNR ordinance
39:37 and being flexible.
39:39 We had to move things around in order to get
39:41 that other committee of the whole in
39:42 for the City Hall discussion.
39:43 So thanks for your flexibility and continued work.
39:46 All right, any further discussion?
39:48 Hearing none on the motion
39:50 to receive and file the communication or the report.
39:53 All those in favor?
39:55 And that motion passes.
39:56 Item 30, communication from Fire Chief Fairbanks
39:59 regarding requests for resolution purchase
40:01 of 2020 Fire Engine,
40:02 inclusive of trade-in and upgrades.
40:06 Thank you, good evening.
40:08 President Keppel and members of Lakewood City Council,
40:11 I respectfully request passage of a resolution
40:13 authorizing the purchase of a 2020 Fire Engine
40:16 for a final cost of $580,000,
40:19 inclusive of the $80,000 trade-in value
40:23 of our 2010 engine,
40:25 as well as all necessary upgrades and customization
40:28 to meet Lakewood Fire Department specifications.
40:31 The 2026 budget included 600,000
40:34 to refurbish the 2010 apparatus.
40:37 Updated pricing has increased that refurbishment estimate
40:42 to approximately 700,000.
40:45 Given this estimate,
40:46 the vehicle's age and the 86,000 miles currently on it,
40:50 proceeding with this refurbishment
40:52 is no longer fiscally prudent.
40:54 After evaluating multiple options,
40:56 the LFD's apparatus committee and command staff
40:59 recommend replacing the unit with a 2010 model engine
41:02 with approximately 5,000 miles.
41:05 This apparatus meets our operational needs,
41:07 includes a diesel exhaust filtration system,
41:10 carries a one-year warranty,
41:11 and provides a seven-day post-delivery refusal period.
41:15 This approach keeps the project
41:16 within the original budgeted amount
41:18 while significantly improving reliability
41:21 and extending frontline service life well into the 2040s.
41:25 For this reason, I am respectfully requesting
41:28 your approval through resolution to proceed.
41:33 I'll move to receive and file that communication.
41:36 Motion's been made and seconded.
41:38 And Chief Fairbanks, I just wanna thank you also
41:40 for reaching out to us in advance
41:42 and explaining the situation.
41:44 So council members had time to process it
41:46 and ask questions as needed.
41:52 On the motion to receive and file the communication,
41:54 all those in favor?
41:56 And that motion passes.
41:57 Item 31, resolution 2026-09.
42:00 A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance
42:03 to sell through trade-in a 2010 Fierce Velocity Fire Engine
42:07 toward the purchase of a 2020 E-1 Typhoon Fire Engine.
42:14 Motion's been made and seconded.
42:17 Hearing none, all those in favor?
42:20 And that motion passes.
42:22 Item 32, communication from Fire Chief Fairbanks
42:24 regarding Severe Weather Awareness Week,
42:26 March 15th through 21st, 2026.
42:29 Chief Fairbanks again.
42:31 President Keppel and members of council,
42:32 Severe Weather Awareness Week will be observed
42:35 March 15th through the 21st, 2026
42:38 with a statewide tornado drill scheduled
42:40 for Wednesday, March 18th at 9.50 a.m.
42:44 This annual initiative provides an important opportunity
42:46 to strengthen our severe weather preparedness
42:49 across our community.
42:50 During this week, we will encourage residents
42:52 to review or update their emergency plans
42:55 and supply kits, understand local weather risks,
42:58 maintain multiple methods of receiving alerts,
43:01 prepare for potential flooding,
43:02 and recognize the role of outdoor warning sirens.
43:05 The March 18th statewide drill also offers schools,
43:08 businesses, city facilities, and residents
43:11 the opportunity to practice sheltering procedures
43:13 and test notification systems.
43:16 In the coming weeks, the fire department
43:17 will share preparedness messaging
43:19 through our communication channels
43:20 and amplify information provided by our state partners
43:25 to ensure consistent outreach.
43:27 I respectfully request council's consideration
43:29 of a resolution recognizing Severe Weather Awareness Week
43:32 as reaffirmation of Lakewood's commitment
43:35 to public safety and emergency preparedness.
43:39 I move to receive and file.
43:41 Motion's been made and seconded.
43:45 Hearing none, all those in favor?
43:47 And that motion passes.
43:49 Item 33, resolution 2026-10,
43:52 a resolution proclaiming March 15th through March 21st,
43:57 Severe Weather Awareness Week.
44:01 Motion's been made and seconded.
44:05 Hearing none, all those in favor?
44:07 And that motion passes.
44:09 Item 34, communication from Law Director Vargo
44:11 regarding submerged lands lease 17818 Lake Avenue.
44:17 Dear President Keppel and members of city council,
44:20 the following is a resolution required
44:22 by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
44:25 in the permitting process for lakefront property owners
44:28 to obtain a submerged lands lease.
44:31 In this instance, the property owners are seeking
44:33 the lease in order to construct
44:35 coastal erosion control measures.
44:38 This matter was referred to the Division of Engineering
44:40 for the city for review,
44:42 which found no encroachments on any interests
44:45 of the city of Lakewood,
44:46 and the engineer foresees no issue
44:48 with any planned Lakewood projects.
44:51 I'd like to indicate that the city engineer is here
44:55 to answer any questions to the extent
44:57 council wishes to act on this this evening.
45:01 Otherwise, you can refer it to committee as well.
45:08 All right, I'll move to receive
45:09 and file the communication.
45:11 Motion's been made and seconded.
45:17 Interested to hear from council members about,
45:19 there are several of these on the docket tonight.
45:21 If you want to see them in committee
45:25 or would like to discuss them tonight.
45:31 Yes, I think taking them each,
45:36 this one, and to confirm,
45:38 perhaps city engineer Papke can help,
45:41 but like this is essentially a private resident
45:44 seeking a submerged land lease
45:46 to fortify their property
45:49 or some other kind of use.
45:52 And so from a city's perspective,
45:54 I think it's just us making sure
45:57 it doesn't hurt or hinder any of our services,
46:03 storm sewers, whatever.
46:06 So if this has been vetted,
46:08 now we'll take each of them as they come,
46:09 but this one in particular,
46:10 it's none of our infrastructure,
46:11 it's just allowing a person to do that with the state.
46:16 Is that accurate, city engineer Papke?
46:22 The record reflect, he said, yes, it is.
46:25 Yeah, I'm getting a nod from director Gordon as well.
46:28 So I'm comfortable, each one's unique,
46:31 these are each is his own property,
46:33 but I think on this one,
46:35 city has no infrastructure here,
46:37 it's simply allowing this property owner
46:41 to get this interest from the state of Ohio
46:44 and we're not objecting.
46:48 Other council members?
46:51 All right, I would tend to agree
46:53 that we're just gonna ask engineer Papke
46:56 to come to a committee meeting and say the same thing.
46:58 So I'm gonna, oh, we're still on the communication.
47:05 Okay, so now I've got a motion and a second
47:08 to receive and file the communication.
47:10 All those in favor?
47:12 Aye, and that motion passes.
47:14 Item 35, resolution 2026-11,
47:17 a resolution approving the use of the merged lands
47:19 for property located at 17818 Lake Avenue
47:23 in order to permit the owners the opportunity
47:25 to construct the proposed shore structure.
47:29 I'll move to adopt.
47:31 Motion's been made and seconded.
47:34 Hearing none, oh, vice president Baker.
47:36 Yeah, I'll just reiterate
47:38 now that we're on the actual resolution.
47:40 I mean, this is just allowing someone
47:41 to invest in their property essentially, so.
47:45 And prevent shoreline erosion, which is a good thing.
47:49 All right, so we have a motion and a second to adopt.
47:52 Any further discussion?
47:54 Hearing none, all those in favor?
47:57 And that motion passes.
47:59 Item 36, communication from Public Works Director Gordon
48:02 regarding Nicholson and Wilbur outfalls,
48:04 rehabilitation projects, submerged land lease
48:06 and proposed easement 1015 Nicholson Avenue.
48:12 Thank you, dear President Keppel
48:13 and members of City Council.
48:15 The attached submerged land lease has been prepared
48:17 for the City of Lakewood's Nicholson
48:19 and Wilbur outfalls rehabilitation projects.
48:22 The submerged land lease entails the area
48:24 of the project that extends in a lake area
48:27 at the above-referenced property
48:28 to the east determinants of Nicholson Avenue.
48:33 The official deed of easement
48:34 for shoreline improvements was prepared
48:36 by the city's consultant, KS Associates,
48:39 and includes bluff stabilization and protection
48:42 for new outfall pipes at the Nicholson Avenue terminus.
48:46 Additionally, the resolution includes approval
48:49 of the agreement for the proposed easement
48:50 over the property owner's existing submerged land lease
48:53 area which is also attached.
48:56 City Council is required to issue a resolution
48:58 for the submerged land lease and proposed easement
49:00 to ODNR upon adoption.
49:03 Therefore, I request that City Council
49:04 approve and pass the attached legislation
49:06 so that the city may proceed
49:08 with this much needed project.
49:10 Please let me know if you have any further questions
49:12 and as Law Director Vargo said,
49:14 we do have City Engineer Papke here
49:16 to answer any questions.
49:20 I'll move to receive and file the communication.
49:24 Motion's been made and seconded.
49:28 Hearing none, all those in favor?
49:31 And that motion passes.
49:32 Item 37, resolution 2026-12,
49:35 a resolution approving the use of submerged lands
49:38 for the property located at
49:39 Anna Budding, 1015 Nicholson Avenue
49:43 in order to permit the property owners
49:45 the opportunity to undertake
49:46 lake shore protection measures.
49:52 So again, I'll ask council members
49:55 if we want to address this on the floor tonight
49:57 or would like more detail in committee.
50:03 Madam President, thank you.
50:04 I'm happy to dialogue right now on the floor.
50:08 I tend to think these are technical in nature.
50:13 Typically our oversight has been to dialogue
50:15 with the public works department
50:17 to make sure that we've added the projects
50:20 and also to get the background on the projects.
50:23 I think we could do that briefly here
50:25 and also spare the committee schedule,
50:28 which is pretty spoken for a little time.
50:36 Mr. President Baker.
50:37 Yeah, if we're gonna take that route,
50:41 so the other one was allowing a property owner
50:43 to do something off of their property
50:45 for shoreline, you know, revetment
50:49 and kind of erosion control.
50:51 This is allowing the city to do something on someone.
50:53 So could you explain this
50:56 either director Gordon or engineer Papke?
50:59 Yeah, so this is for our Nicholson
51:02 and Wilbert Outfall rehabilitation project.
51:07 And this is basically the extension
51:11 from the right of way of stone revetment
51:16 to the east of the property.
51:20 And we've met with the property owners.
51:24 This is actually, you know,
51:27 an improvement to their property as well.
51:29 So this is the submerged land lease
51:32 that's required from ODNR for us to build our project
51:35 and protect our outfall
51:37 and go forward with the project.
51:45 So I'm zooming in on this.
51:46 Is this the, so what you're seeing
51:48 is the Nicholson right of way going out into the lake
51:51 and then the kind of blob around it
51:54 is the revetment and you see proposed easement
51:58 That's what we're, we're getting a right
52:00 over there submerged land lease over there.
52:02 Is that what I'm to read?
52:03 Yeah, so they have an existing submerged land lease
52:06 in that area that is defined as proposed easement.
52:11 So that's a area that was defined already by ODNR.
52:15 They already have a submerged land lease.
52:17 So we're getting an easement over that area.
52:20 And then the other areas that are identified there,
52:26 that's where we're getting a submerged land lease
52:30 for those two new areas there
52:33 that are described in the ordinance.
52:36 Parcel one and parcel two
52:37 are the new easement areas with ODNR?
52:41 What about the area within the right of way
52:45 That's coming up next.
52:48 Appetizer, all right, thank you.
52:52 For what it's worth, one of seven,
52:54 I'm comfortable moving forward with this this evening
52:58 now that the engineer has explained it.
53:03 Other council members?
53:07 We are on, we're on item 37, right?
53:13 Okay, so I will go ahead and move to adopt.
53:16 Motion's been made and seconded.
53:20 Hearing none, all those in favor?
53:23 That motion passes.
53:24 Item 38, communication from Public Works Director Gordon
53:27 regarding Nicholson and Wilbert Outfalls
53:29 rehabilitation projects, submerged land lease.
53:35 Dear President Keppel and members of City Council,
53:37 the attached submerged land lease has been prepared
53:40 for the City of Lakewood's Nicholson
53:42 and Wilbert Outfalls rehabilitation projects.
53:45 The submerged land lease entails the area
53:47 of the project along PPN 312-07-031
53:53 that extends in a lake area as follows.
53:55 Parcel one located to the west of the terminus
53:58 of Wilbert Road and parcel two located to the east
54:01 of the terminus of Nicholson Avenue.
54:04 The official deed of easement for shoreline improvements
54:06 was prepared by the city's consultant, KS Associates,
54:10 and includes bluff stabilization and protection
54:12 for new outfall pipes near the terminus
54:15 of Wilbert Road and for new outfall pipes
54:18 at the Nicholson Avenue terminus.
54:21 City Council is required to issue a resolution
54:23 for the submerged land lease to ODNR upon adoption.
54:27 Therefore, I request that City Council approve
54:30 and pass the attached legislation
54:32 so that the city may proceed with this much-needed project.
54:36 Please let me know if you have any further questions.
54:38 Again, City Engineer Mark Papke is here
54:41 to answer any questions.
54:44 I'll first move to receive and file that communication.
54:47 Motion's been made and seconded.
54:51 Let's go ahead and discuss this one.
54:53 Do you wanna pull up the?
54:54 Yeah, yeah, the ordinance.
55:12 Could you explain this for me?
55:13 Yeah, and Engineer Papke,
55:15 if you could just give us a little overview here.
55:17 So yes, this is the parcel one
55:19 that is the first one that is to the west of Wilbert
55:24 that will be, that's the Wilbert outfall.
55:28 And so this is the submerged land lease
55:31 for that entire area.
55:35 The parcel is owned by the Rambazex.
55:41 It basically parallels Cliff Drive
55:46 all along from Wilbert to Nicholson.
55:50 So this is parcel one.
55:52 This is one of the outfalls that we're improving.
55:58 And then the next drawing should have parcel two
56:04 which is a continuation there.
56:06 You can see from the right of way of Nicholson
56:09 and this is basically to the west of Nicholson.
56:16 Extending from our right of way.
56:19 That improvement area, submerged land lease.
56:25 So are we, it's amazing that that's a parcel to me.
56:29 It's not really a parcel, it's their litoral right.
56:33 Well, I mean, the upland portion
56:36 seems quite tough to build on.
56:39 But so for the interest we're getting,
56:42 we don't need access rights over their parcel
56:44 or are we getting access rights over their parcel?
56:46 Are we doing all of this from Waterside?
56:49 So yeah, this is Waterside.
56:52 This is basically a portion of their litoral rights
56:58 that we're getting on submerged land lease
57:00 over their litoral rights.
57:03 Now, are we compensating them for this interest
57:09 or because the state grants this right
57:14 to the land owner or do they don't have to?
57:16 I'm just curious as to how this is working.
57:19 Basically, I believe we pay,
57:21 it's like a penny a square foot a year.
57:23 We're paying the state, you mean, yeah.
57:25 Yeah, for the submerged land lease.
57:26 It's like a 50 year term.
57:28 Now, do we have to get the sign off
57:30 of the upland land owner or no?
57:32 We do, because this is their litoral rights.
57:34 And in the presentation there,
57:38 you'll see the Rambuseks have agreed
57:40 to give us the authority to get a submerged land lease
57:46 over their litoral rights.
57:48 I've heard litoral more than tonight
57:50 than I've heard in a long time.
57:52 So, and essentially we're providing erosion control
57:58 for them too by protecting our own infrastructure.
58:01 Is that fair to say?
58:02 Yeah, I mean, their land is also protected.
58:05 It's a benefit to them as well.
58:09 You know, they, I'm just wondering
58:11 how they would eventually develop that land
58:13 and how this, but that's not pertinent this evening.
58:20 I think I'm ready to approve this
58:23 if my colleagues are as well.
58:27 Yes, council member.
58:29 Engineer Papke, for those of us that are not engineers,
58:32 could you talk a little bit about more
58:34 about what the outfall is?
58:37 So, the outfall is where our storm water
58:41 basically discharges into Lake Erie.
58:47 Right now, it has a drop manhole with a pipe,
58:50 but that manhole is actually starting to show
58:55 just from all the erosion from the lake
58:58 that's been pounding away.
59:00 You know, I think over 30 feet has eroded away.
59:07 You know, since it was originally constructed.
59:09 So, we have a pipe sticking out into the lake
59:11 is basically what we're looking at there?
59:15 Really, the pipes vanished.
59:19 The only thing that's remaining right now
59:21 is a manhole there at this location.
59:28 Other council members' questions?
59:31 All right, so we are still on the communication,
59:33 actually, but I just thought we'd talk about this
59:35 while we're in the discussion for that.
59:38 So, we have a motion and a second
59:39 to receive and file the communication.
59:42 All those in favor?
59:44 And that motion passes.
59:48 Item 39, resolution 2026-13,
59:51 resolution approving the use of submerged lands
59:53 for the property located at and abutting
59:55 to the west of the northern terminus
59:57 of Wilbert and Nicholson Avenues
1:00:01 in order to permit the property owners
1:00:03 the opportunity to undertake
1:00:08 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:00:11 Hearing none, all those in favor?
1:00:16 Item 40, communication from Public Works Director Gordon
1:00:19 regarding Nicholson and Wilbur outfalls
1:00:21 rehabilitation projects submerged land lease
1:00:24 Nicholson Avenue right of way.
1:00:29 Dear President Keppel and members of city council,
1:00:31 the attached submerged land lease has been prepared
1:00:33 for the city of Lakewood's Nicholson and Wilbur
1:00:35 outfalls rehabilitation projects.
1:00:38 The submerged land lease entails the area
1:00:40 of the project that extends in the Lake area
1:00:42 beyond the terminus of Nicholson Avenue right of way.
1:00:46 The lease was prepared by the city's consultant
1:00:49 KS Associates and includes buff stabilization
1:00:54 and protection for new outfall pipes
1:00:56 at the Nicholson Avenue terminus.
1:00:59 City council is required to issue a resolution
1:01:01 for the submerged land lease to ODNR upon adoption.
1:01:04 Therefore, I request that city council
1:01:06 approve and pass the attached legislation
1:01:09 so that the city may proceed with this much needed project.
1:01:13 Please let me know if you have any further questions.
1:01:15 And finally, City Engineer Papke
1:01:17 is here to take any questions.
1:01:19 And I'll probably continue reading this
1:01:20 in my sleep tonight, so thank you.
1:01:43 Sure, so this one's easier.
1:01:46 Parcel one as identified is basically our litoral rights
1:01:51 which is within the Nicholson Avenue right of way.
1:01:56 So it's basically where the right of way
1:01:59 extends out into Lake Erie.
1:02:03 So this is us getting a submerged land lease
1:02:06 for our area that basically would belong to us litorally.
1:02:15 All right, Vice President Baker.
1:02:16 And if anyone wants to know why it's so hard
1:02:19 to develop on the lakefront in downtown Cleveland
1:02:22 or Berk Lakefront Airport, this is what you have to do.
1:02:25 You have to get a submerged land lease from the state
1:02:30 So that's part of the reason why it is why it is.
1:02:32 But that's not relevant to this current resolution
1:02:36 and I support passage of this resolution tonight.
1:02:40 All right, any other questions, comments?
1:02:44 All right, we are on the communication.
1:02:47 We have a motion and a second
1:02:48 to receive and file the communication.
1:02:54 And in 41 resolution 2026-14,
1:02:56 resolution to take effect immediately approving the use
1:02:59 of submerged lands for property located at
1:03:02 and abutting the northern terminus
1:03:04 of Nicholson Avenue right of way, Lakewood, Ohio,
1:03:07 in order to permit the owners the opportunity
1:03:08 to undertake lake shore protection measures.
1:03:13 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:03:20 He just wanted to say, you know.
1:03:22 Okay, any further discussion?
1:03:28 All right, so we are gonna head back up to the top.
1:03:35 Item one, report from committee of the whole
1:03:41 Dear colleagues, committee of the whole
1:03:46 to continue the city hall facilities discussion
1:03:48 and to act on the package of debt legislation.
1:03:51 The city hall facilities discussion
1:03:53 and the debt legislation are interconnected
1:03:56 because the administration had proposed
1:03:58 that council approve 16 and a half million in bonds
1:04:01 for the purposes of renovating 1470 Warren Road
1:04:04 to be used for new administrative offices.
1:04:07 Assistant planning director Boss
1:04:08 delivered a presentation that built on the analysis
1:04:10 of options that he presented
1:04:12 at the February 9th committee of the whole.
1:04:15 This analysis was more detailed and focused
1:04:17 in that it directly compared building an addition
1:04:19 on city hall with purchasing Warren Road.
1:04:21 The analysis examined factors such as parking,
1:04:24 timeframe, cost and other considerations.
1:04:27 Importantly, Mr. Boss recommended
1:04:29 that if council were considering
1:04:30 building a new addition at city hall
1:04:32 that the footprint of the addition ought to expand
1:04:35 from what was originally considered
1:04:36 in order to divest the city hall annex building.
1:04:41 Mr. Boss recommended that the city move forward
1:04:43 with the purchase of Warren Road.
1:04:45 Council members reiterated concerns
1:04:47 about potentially moving administrative offices
1:04:49 to Warren Road, such as the lack of parking,
1:04:52 the worry that purchasing Warren Road
1:04:53 may saddle the city with more office space
1:04:55 than it realistically needs,
1:04:58 and the reality that moving to a separate location
1:05:00 will divide certain departments and create inefficiency.
1:05:03 Furthermore, council members expressed continued confusion
1:05:05 regarding the structure of the proposed agreement
1:05:08 between the city and Liberty Development.
1:05:11 Previously, the administration indicated
1:05:12 they are pursuing a build-to-suit
1:05:13 development agreement with Liberty,
1:05:16 the current owners of the Warren Road building.
1:05:18 At this meeting, the administration expressed
1:05:21 their intention to change course
1:05:23 and execute a design-build contract.
1:05:26 Additional questions were raised regarding the design
1:05:28 of the proposed justice center
1:05:30 and the level of renovation
1:05:31 as council has not been provided with renderings
1:05:34 or drawings, and the estimates were based primarily
1:05:36 on light renovation rather than full,
1:05:38 which could create inequity between staff spaces
1:05:41 at the fully refurbished Warren Road
1:05:43 versus the lightly altered justice center.
1:05:45 Council noted that the presentation by Director Boss
1:05:48 reflected an estimated eight months of design
1:05:50 prior to construction on either the large addition option
1:05:54 or Warren Road option, which Weber Murphy Fox
1:05:57 and PMC estimated to cost between one and $2 million.
1:06:01 Council members expressed confusion
1:06:02 about why 16 and a half million
1:06:04 needed to be taken out in 2026
1:06:07 for construction that wouldn't begin until 2027.
1:06:10 Given the number of outstanding questions
1:06:11 and concerns about the Warren Road property
1:06:14 and the fact that council had not yet approved
1:06:15 the purchase of the building, council members
1:06:17 were not ready to approve 16 and a half million
1:06:19 bonds to pay for renovation of Warren Road.
1:06:22 However, the urgency regarding space constraints
1:06:25 within the police department
1:06:27 compelled several council members to express support
1:06:30 for a more limited amount of bonds funds
1:06:32 to go towards design and renovation
1:06:34 of our existing campus for the purpose
1:06:36 of accommodating the needs of the police department.
1:06:39 The administration provided a range of estimates
1:06:44 The committee decided that it would wait to receive
1:06:46 a more detailed cost breakdown from the administration
1:06:49 and make a final decision tonight
1:06:50 on whether to amend ordinance 07-2026
1:06:54 to include funds based on information
1:06:56 received between Monday and tonight
1:06:59 or whether to go back to bond
1:07:01 for this topic later in the year.
1:07:03 Ordinance 33-2025 was amended
1:07:06 to include the recently adopted council budget priorities
1:07:09 and then further amended to remove the proposed
1:07:12 16 and a half million in appropriations
1:07:14 for purchase and renovation of 1470 Warren Road.
1:07:17 This ordinance may be amended again on the floor tonight
1:07:20 based on amendments to ordinance 07-2026.
1:07:23 All other debt legislation was recommended for adoption
1:07:26 and is on tonight's agenda for a final vote.
1:07:29 I move to receive and file that report.
1:07:33 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:07:37 Hearing none, all those in favor?
1:07:42 Item two, substitute ordinance 33-2025B,
1:07:46 an ordinance to take effect immediately
1:07:48 to establish appropriations for current expenses
1:07:50 and other expenditures of the city of Lakewood
1:07:52 for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026.
1:07:57 Okay, so this is the appropriations ordinance
1:08:02 that we passed out of committee without the 16-5
1:08:05 in it for the City Hall and Warren Road
1:08:13 If we wanted to amend ordinance 07-2026,
1:08:21 that's the one that would have that 16-5
1:08:23 or a different amount as we discussed
1:08:26 and committee of the whole.
1:08:27 And since then we received from the administration
1:08:30 the communication with a breakdown
1:08:33 of the two million for design work
1:08:36 and the rest of that chart there too
1:08:39 that you should have all received.
1:08:41 So whether we want to allocate some funds,
1:08:44 all the funds, we would need to amend this ordinance
1:08:53 Also, when we get to 07-2026,
1:08:55 we'll need to substitute again
1:08:57 because there were some pages
1:08:58 inadvertently left off of that one.
1:09:01 So regardless we'll need to update that one.
1:09:05 I'll open up for discussion.
1:09:11 So it's been a long meeting.
1:09:13 What, 33-2025B, which was the one that,
1:09:20 based upon some of the, from Councilman Bollack,
1:09:25 This is the appropriations ordinance?
1:09:34 So you can see in the Capital Improvement Fund,
1:09:43 this is the right, yeah, this is the one we,
1:09:45 where we took out the 16-5.
1:09:47 So there were other capital improvements.
1:09:51 Director Mahoney's nodding.
1:09:56 Now does this allow for design at,
1:10:00 as we discussed in committee,
1:10:05 as we discussed in committee for improvements today,
1:10:11 at this current building for,
1:10:12 like the women's locker room or any other?
1:10:16 So, I don't want to answer.
1:10:21 So if we look at, I'm gonna actually go grab,
1:10:26 actually I can pull it out of my computer,
1:10:35 so the money that's currently listed
1:10:37 in this appropriations here
1:10:38 for the Capital Improvement Fund
1:10:39 is for other capital improvements,
1:10:42 like Winterhurst and other developments.
1:10:45 So if we wanted to appropriate money,
1:10:49 if we wanted to take out bonds,
1:10:52 This is the appropriations that needs to be updated
1:10:54 and reflective of how much we take out in bonds.
1:10:58 If we wanted to amend 07-2026
1:11:02 to include funds for design,
1:11:07 then we would need to amend 07-2026
1:11:12 if we wanted to do that in bonds.
1:11:28 the information from Director Byington
1:11:43 There's the information from Director Byington
1:11:49 that shows administration is saying
1:11:57 whether we do option three,
1:12:00 which is the Warren Road option,
1:12:02 or whether we would develop a new option
1:12:05 or build on here for the design.
1:12:13 if we were to do Warren Road for,
1:12:16 to add onto the property acquisition price,
1:12:18 and then 500,000 for temporary relocation
1:12:21 of administrative functions.
1:12:23 And then there are two numbers.
1:12:27 There are the $12.5 million
1:12:29 to start renovation at Board of Education Building
1:12:37 So that's why I had sent some questions today
1:12:39 about how those specific numbers are reached
1:12:43 because neither the 12.5 or the 1.2
1:12:46 is the full cost, the estimated cost
1:12:50 on the PMC Webber Murphy Fox
1:12:53 to do both of those buildings in completion.
1:13:00 if we were to go with the route
1:13:02 of developing a new option or expanding here,
1:13:04 1.5 to start renovations here at City Hall.
1:13:13 Director Brankton, did you wanna add anything to that?
1:13:16 Thank you, President Keppel, members of council.
1:13:19 Just to clarify, that was a good recap,
1:13:23 but the questions that you had asked,
1:13:25 I could just clarify on the record a little bit
1:13:28 that the 12.5 contract amount for renovation,
1:13:34 the two million on the top line for design
1:13:38 So it was 14.5 altogether for the contract
1:13:41 and the way that we came to the 14.5 number
1:13:45 was just to take Liberty's all-in number for acquisition
1:13:51 and we subtracted out the acquisition cost of 1.7,
1:13:55 which left us about 14.5, we rounded to 14.5.
1:14:00 So that's how we came to that number.
1:14:01 And then the 1.5 million for the contract
1:14:06 or any renovations to start in current City Hall
1:14:09 and develop the new option column,
1:14:15 And phase one is the renovation of the garden level
1:14:19 for the police detective expansion there.
1:14:28 it also included being able to construct
1:14:31 the locker rooms, women's locker rooms,
1:14:34 which option three didn't have in the 1.25 yet.
1:14:37 I'm sorry, option three did not.
1:14:40 Option three, that brings us through all of the phase,
1:14:45 the phase one renovation and would get us started.
1:14:51 We may be able to complete it just depending on,
1:14:53 we should have a little extra money
1:14:54 through the temporary relocation fund of 500,000.
1:14:58 So we should be able to get through with both,
1:15:00 but I just wanted to clarify the 1.5 was only,
1:15:04 both of them was just starting the phase one
1:15:08 It's not all of it, that's why it's only 1.5.
1:15:10 But addressing our urgent need of the women's locker room
1:15:15 Both of them, we would be able to do that
1:15:19 So one of the things that we had discussed
1:15:21 at the Committee of the Whole was the potential
1:15:23 of including amending ordinance 07-2026
1:15:28 with funds for, unless council members are ready
1:15:34 to move forward with full amount,
1:15:35 but since we took it out, I'm guessing that's not
1:15:38 what council members are looking forward to doing.
1:15:41 We could include the 2 million for design,
1:15:44 the temporary relocation and funds to begin
1:15:49 that garden level phase one.
1:15:52 No, one of the questions we had asked too
1:15:54 is why construction funds in 2026
1:15:57 if we're mostly a design year,
1:16:00 however, the phase one level of that design year
1:16:06 may not need eight months of design.
1:16:08 Would that be fair to say, Director Brankton?
1:16:11 Yes, and through you, the option three,
1:16:13 we were asking for all of it
1:16:15 because it was gonna be design build.
1:16:17 So there'd be a larger contract
1:16:18 and under the develop the new option,
1:16:21 we were moving towards the direction
1:16:23 of design bid build for just the phase.
1:16:28 Madam President, Mayor George.
1:16:29 Yes, and I think this is something I've spoken
1:16:32 with you a little bit about and Vice President Baker,
1:16:35 understanding that enlisting the council
1:16:37 might not be ready to approve the entire 16.5.
1:16:43 There is the option too that we could look
1:16:46 to just purchase the building, have site control,
1:16:51 have control of our own destiny
1:16:52 as we continue this process
1:16:54 as evaluating what to do next.
1:16:56 So that is another option there
1:16:58 and as Director Brankton mentioned,
1:17:01 we have 1.5 in the land acquisition fund
1:17:03 and the core quest was $250,000,
1:17:07 which we would add to our overall request
1:17:12 so that we could purchase the board event building.
1:17:15 So again, to control our own destiny,
1:17:20 who are urgently wanting some updated space
1:17:25 and are watching right now, I believe,
1:17:28 that we are moving forward in a direction.
1:17:30 So I just throw that additional option out there tonight.
1:17:34 And of course, we don't have legislation before us tonight
1:17:39 about purchasing the building,
1:17:41 but to the point of if we wanted to include those funds,
1:17:46 there would be that flexibility.
1:17:47 Yeah, essentially the approval of the funds
1:17:49 and then we could work on a purchase agreement
1:17:52 and turn that around to council in short order
1:17:57 for either approval or not approval,
1:18:00 but this would just get the funds approved.
1:18:04 All right, and I'll just reiterate once again
1:18:08 that council did include on our shared priorities
1:18:12 addressing the, particularly the police space needs
1:18:15 as a top priority in the police women's locker room.
1:18:20 And then I'll just reiterate myself
1:18:22 that I think all of our staff deserve to work in
1:18:25 high functioning, good efficient spaces
1:18:28 and that we wanna make a good customer service experience
1:18:34 I am not personally ready to commit that Warren Road
1:18:38 is the correct path forward at this time,
1:18:43 but I am still potentially open to hearing more about it.
1:18:48 I do think that appropriating some funds tonight
1:18:53 for design is an appropriate thing to do,
1:18:56 but I'm interested in hearing my colleagues,
1:18:58 particularly Vice President Baker.
1:19:00 Yeah, so what we have before us right now
1:19:03 is this appropriation ordinance.
1:19:05 Sounds like we may have a resolution
1:19:08 to purchase the building at upcoming meetings.
1:19:11 So I'd be willing tonight to amend this ordinance
1:19:15 to allow for whatever we need to do here
1:19:18 because that's what I think there's a shared understanding
1:19:21 both on the administration side and the council side
1:19:24 that that needs to be done.
1:19:26 So whatever that number is,
1:19:29 I will be willing to support adding to this.
1:19:38 Anything we can do to get moving on the police portion
1:19:40 of this project, I think is critical.
1:19:42 It's what's brought us here.
1:19:43 So if we can allocate the funds
1:19:45 to get that piece of the project moving this evening,
1:19:47 I'd be happy to do that as well.
1:19:51 I appreciate everyone's efforts to slow this down
1:19:55 and break this apart a little bit more
1:19:58 so that we can get moving on this in the right direction.
1:20:00 And I'm happy to support that as well.
1:20:06 So to Mr. Baker, what's the this?
1:20:11 I believe it's design funds
1:20:13 and I believe it's between 1.5 and 4 million.
1:20:17 I don't know the exact number there.
1:20:21 cause a couple of things are thrown out.
1:20:22 One was acquisition of a new building.
1:20:24 One was, again, to renovate the police wing of City Hall
1:20:36 You got to design before you build.
1:20:38 One would think, but the, okay.
1:20:40 So I guess I'll ask or speak in a different vein.
1:20:45 So I'm seeing a chart that isn't on the,
1:20:49 now it's on screen, not on the document I don't think,
1:20:53 So looking at the bottom section here
1:20:56 in the right hand column, a quote unquote new option.
1:20:58 I just want to ask Director Byneton
1:21:01 to make sure I understand what's being said here.
1:21:03 So in the event of that contingency,
1:21:06 City will restart, reset slash restart a planning process
1:21:11 to identify a new option slash instate the best achieve
1:21:14 the established priorities slash criteria
1:21:18 and begin the implementation involving design
1:21:22 potential relocation, renovation, exit within a year.
1:21:24 So, and then reading this, so it'd be two million
1:21:27 for design, 500,000 for relocation on a temporary basis
1:21:32 and then 1.5 or just the garden level.
1:21:36 So my question is what's included in the 1.5,
1:21:39 why two as opposed to a lesser amount or a greater
1:21:43 amount, what does that cover?
1:21:46 And I want to make sure that the established,
1:21:52 priorities and criteria are those
1:21:55 in the administration's view already set
1:21:56 or those things that we're still working through
1:21:59 as part of that potential design process.
1:22:04 Thank you, Councilman Bailag.
1:22:05 Through you, President Keppel.
1:22:07 To start with the latter part of the question,
1:22:10 the priorities were provided throughout this,
1:22:15 the presentations that Assistant Director Bass
1:22:17 has been giving in regard to access points,
1:22:21 functionality, all the things that were listed
1:22:24 So if we have to reset, if we're moving forward
1:22:27 with the contingency option versus the recommended,
1:22:30 then yes, we would be taking those things
1:22:33 into consideration during the planning process
1:22:35 to determine the best route here.
1:22:38 But yes, the 1.5 million would be available
1:22:42 to start immediately with the garden level
1:22:47 and working towards the women's locker room.
1:22:51 The 2 million is kind of flexible.
1:22:53 We put 2 million just as a base
1:22:55 to keep everything high level.
1:22:58 and provide a little more construction money.
1:23:00 So that's not to exceed 2 million.
1:23:03 And typically, I'm familiar with that
1:23:05 and when it's cash from the general fund
1:23:07 or some other account, but if we're going to bond
1:23:10 for this, we're incurring a certain amount
1:23:12 of expense to get those funds.
1:23:15 So maybe could the finance director share
1:23:18 in the events when you have something like,
1:23:20 let's say that we only needed 1.5, but we bonded two,
1:23:24 what happens to that additional cash?
1:23:26 And presumably we would not want to overshoot by that
1:23:33 Planning design and infrastructure improvements
1:23:37 are all in the same category.
1:23:39 So we could use the remaining funds
1:23:43 from design for construction.
1:23:46 And then, I'm sorry, Madam President,
1:23:48 the garden level is envisioned to include what?
1:23:52 And I think I heard you say phase one.
1:23:54 Now is phase one just the garden level
1:23:57 of the police side of the building
1:23:58 or all of the police side of the building
1:24:00 in phase two would be something else in city hall?
1:24:04 So again, high level and conceptual.
1:24:06 Our thought is that phase one
1:24:08 would be the garden level renovation,
1:24:11 which would allow for expansion for the detective's bureau.
1:24:15 And there's one other police function
1:24:18 that would be going over there.
1:24:19 There was some temporary relocation
1:24:21 that would be required of dispatch at that time as well
1:24:25 so that we could start the process
1:24:28 of the construction for the women's locker room.
1:24:31 And so we know all of the details yet,
1:24:34 or we know part of it and we're trying to work through?
1:24:38 we don't know all of the details, obviously,
1:24:40 but we've been working hard based off
1:24:42 of Weber Murphy Fox's initial fit plan
1:24:46 and then working with Chief Fisher on the phasing plan.
1:24:50 So what makes sense on when to locate
1:24:55 in order to get the women's locker room done.
1:24:57 So for the moment, the Weber Murphy Fox design
1:25:00 is the guide for the police wing renovations.
1:25:04 And so there's some answers to the questions I'm asking.
1:25:06 I just wanna make sure I'm understanding these correctly.
1:25:08 So hopefully 1.5 gets a meaningful distance
1:25:14 depending on how the scope of the design work goes.
1:25:19 Okay, I think that answered my question.
1:25:21 I'm happy to support that tonight
1:25:22 that I think is certainly clear.
1:25:25 And I appreciate the mayor's point
1:25:27 about the swift potential purchase of the building.
1:25:32 To me, the question really is still,
1:25:35 is that the right decision or not?
1:25:40 I mean, mayor, you've been providing clear direction
1:25:43 and leadership the whole time
1:25:45 and kind of driving us forward on this.
1:25:51 For me, I'd like to still evaluate that question,
1:25:54 whether a second building or on main campus
1:25:59 I did hear you last meeting say
1:26:01 that you're less interested in main camp.
1:26:04 Well, you've said that consistently.
1:26:05 So I'm not trying to debate or criticize.
1:26:07 I'm just putting my cards on the table.
1:26:11 I'd be happy to support 4 million tonight
1:26:16 for the dialogue we just said
1:26:19 and it's on the right hand bottom side chart on the screen.
1:26:24 Madam President, if I may as well.
1:26:27 I would just like some direction then
1:26:29 on what exactly we would be designing for.
1:26:34 Because if we don't have a permanent location for staff,
1:26:39 we move staff out of here temporarily
1:26:42 and we're going to replace that space with staff,
1:26:46 then they have no place to return to.
1:26:48 So that temporary location becomes permanent.
1:26:52 So I kind of like some direction
1:26:54 on what we're designing or what we're doing
1:26:56 because I would not be comfortable
1:26:59 with moving staff temporarily
1:27:01 and not having any sort of exit plan
1:27:04 or plan of what to do next.
1:27:11 So I think this goes back to also in terms of the design.
1:27:15 So where we are right now is because
1:27:17 we have to get the bands done
1:27:20 so that the bond council can go out
1:27:22 but we have to, we're sort of just picking out a cart
1:27:28 before we have a horse ears
1:27:29 of whether we're moving forward with Warren Road
1:27:33 because we don't have that legislation in front of us.
1:27:36 But I think regardless, we would need design funds.
1:27:40 So that is why I feel relatively comfortable
1:27:43 moving forward with the funds for design,
1:27:49 and beginning the work at City Hall with the 4 million.
1:27:53 I do think if council members are,
1:27:59 to the point about if we go ahead and buy Warren Road
1:28:05 I'm not sure what would happen
1:28:07 that would change the administration's mind on this issue.
1:28:13 And so I think we need to decide
1:28:16 whether we're interested in Warren Road
1:28:23 if we can go ahead and do the 4 million,
1:28:24 we can at least get the bonds done
1:28:28 and get some work going on the police side.
1:28:34 Yeah, so to your point, President Keppel,
1:28:38 what this would do is provide a ceiling
1:28:41 under which the administration can then work, right?
1:28:43 And so, yeah, I'm not even,
1:28:47 would temporary relocation even be able
1:28:48 to be a bonded thing, Director Mahoney?
1:28:51 To me, like capital clearly fits into that.
1:28:54 It would be capital improvements to a temporary location.
1:29:01 Tenant build out or something like that?
1:29:06 like movers and things like that would be.
1:29:10 Okay, and because I think this is,
1:29:14 you know, we wanna solve the space constraints
1:29:20 of City Hall, but I think what we're being told
1:29:26 by the administration is the only solution is Warren Road.
1:29:30 And I've tried my level best to take in that information
1:29:36 and I don't think that's true.
1:29:37 I think that there are other solutions
1:29:39 to the space issues and I think that they
1:29:44 because we have not had the level
1:29:47 of kind of outside consultant,
1:29:51 engineered architect review of that fact.
1:30:00 that like I wanna solve these problems,
1:30:01 but I feel like I can't accept
1:30:04 that the only solution is Warren Road.
1:30:08 And so I feel like we're being put
1:30:10 in a really hard spot because, you know,
1:30:15 the solution is, the only solution is spend
1:30:19 a tremendous amount of money,
1:30:20 the most money the city has ever spent on,
1:30:22 I don't know, adjusted for inflation,
1:30:24 but, you know, on City Hall renovation
1:30:27 or new City Hall or do nothing.
1:30:31 And I just can't wrap my head around the fact
1:30:34 that those are the only two options that we have.
1:30:40 And so, but we're being led down a road
1:30:43 that the only two options are do nothing or buy Warren Road.
1:30:50 And what I know tonight is we have
1:30:53 bond anticipation notes, legislation
1:30:56 to appropriate funds for capital improvement.
1:30:58 And I'm willing to appropriate $4 million additional
1:31:04 Because I don't, because the other thing
1:31:12 If I may, I know this has been brought up
1:31:14 by both Councilman Baker and Council President Keppel.
1:31:19 We'd be happy to work directly
1:31:21 with Liberty and negotiate a purchase agreement.
1:31:25 Because I know you've both said
1:31:26 that there's nothing in front of you for that.
1:31:27 We'd be happy to do that and present it
1:31:30 to City Council for approval.
1:31:32 So just let us know if that's the direction
1:31:36 Yeah, I mean, I sort of can't vote on it
1:31:40 until we have a thing to vote on.
1:31:42 But we can certainly, you know, as I indicated,
1:31:46 you know, I am not currently at this exact moment
1:31:49 ready to say yes to Warren Road.
1:31:54 You know, we can, I think there could be
1:31:59 part of what I think with this design funds.
1:32:02 And Vice President Baker and I talked about it some
1:32:05 at the last meeting too, is that we could see
1:32:07 whatever solution, you know, a normal process
1:32:11 for this or a productive process
1:32:12 would be having the stakeholders,
1:32:15 members of the public, members of the staff,
1:32:17 members from council, working with the administration,
1:32:21 sort of with the criteria architect,
1:32:23 what are we trying to accomplish?
1:32:24 What's the scope of the project?
1:32:27 And moving forward with that,
1:32:29 as well as we can go ahead and start,
1:32:32 hopefully very quickly, with what we know
1:32:34 with the garden level, with the police.
1:32:37 So, you know, I can't say, if you drop
1:32:42 to a Warren Road resolution on the docket next week,
1:32:47 I don't think I'd be ready to vote on it then either.
1:32:49 So, to amend it, or to adopt it at that time.
1:32:53 Now, maybe I could get there.
1:32:55 I don't know if other council colleagues
1:32:59 feel like they could get there.
1:33:01 But right now, what we have is the bonds.
1:33:04 So, it might be, you know, if we know,
1:33:09 if council members know that there's nothing
1:33:12 that could be said that they would want to say yes
1:33:15 on Warren Road, now would be a good time to say so.
1:33:19 So, we can have a sense of whether the administration
1:33:22 should even pursue that path.
1:33:25 Council Member Hamilton-Steiner.
1:33:26 Thank you, President Campbell.
1:33:28 Thank you, and thank you for the administration,
1:33:30 for the work that you've put into this
1:33:32 and solving the crucial space issues.
1:33:36 So, to President Campbell's point
1:33:38 about the purchase of Warren Road, I am not there yet.
1:33:43 So, and I just need more due diligence done,
1:33:47 and I would have preferred a more inclusive process.
1:33:51 I would have had like council members
1:33:54 to be represented in the room,
1:33:56 and in some of these discussions that were happening,
1:33:59 and I would have liked to see more public involvement,
1:34:03 I would have liked to see some public meetings
1:34:07 happening about this to discuss the space needs,
1:34:09 because ultimately, we are responsible,
1:34:14 not just to our city employees and personnel,
1:34:18 but we are responsible to our residents
1:34:20 that are hurting, that are struggling,
1:34:23 and we have now entered into a precipice
1:34:28 of yet another war that our federal government is waging.
1:34:34 And so, I think we cannot operate in a vacuum
1:34:40 and pretend that those things happening.
1:34:43 I mean, just previously, in Finance Committee,
1:34:45 we heard that Director Berry,
1:34:47 some of his programming is being cut,
1:34:50 and I'm sure there will be more health
1:34:52 and human services that will be cut.
1:34:54 So, I think if this had gone differently,
1:34:58 if we had had an inclusive process,
1:35:02 a collaborative, cooperative process,
1:35:04 I think we might have been able to get there,
1:35:10 So, this is where we're at,
1:35:12 but I am comfortable approving up to $4 million,
1:35:18 so that we can start here on this process,
1:35:22 we know we need to address the space issue.
1:35:24 We know that this space will need to be renovated,
1:35:27 and so we can start on that piece,
1:35:30 and then we can work towards together,
1:35:33 maybe we can group back, come together,
1:35:36 and move forward after this $4 million.
1:35:45 And just to comment on that, Councilwoman,
1:35:48 as a reminder, and I know you weren't here
1:35:53 but the City Hall space assessment was discussed
1:35:56 as the budget process in fall of 2022,
1:35:59 and we've been working on this process
1:36:03 I know council members even toured the sister building
1:36:08 which we're getting close to two years on now,
1:36:11 and there's probably been at least a dozen
1:36:14 public meetings on this topic.
1:36:16 And as you know, there's requirements for notice,
1:36:18 they're posted on social media,
1:36:20 they're posted on the newsletter.
1:36:22 We have tried to get the word out on this
1:36:25 and so I just want to point that out,
1:36:27 that we have publicized this,
1:36:30 we can't force people to come here,
1:36:32 although we wish more people would come and join us
1:36:36 but I just wanted to make that note
1:36:37 that we have had a lot of public meetings.
1:36:41 I think to the point of there's a difference
1:36:42 of a public meeting versus a stakeholder meeting
1:36:47 and to the point of one of the things that's still up
1:36:50 is whether or not council will be moving,
1:36:53 and when the point was made
1:36:55 that Liberty met with all the departments,
1:36:57 but they didn't meet with council.
1:36:59 So it was one department that wasn't met with
1:37:01 to say what is needed in the new space,
1:37:05 if this is about customer service,
1:37:06 we should be talking to the public
1:37:08 about what their experience is too,
1:37:09 and I think we can still do that.
1:37:11 I think that there's a pathway forward to do that,
1:37:13 and with those funds, what I'm hearing is
1:37:16 it sounds like council is on board generally
1:37:18 with allocating funds towards the 4 million for design
1:37:22 and beginning the police work,
1:37:23 and so we can use some of that design funds,
1:37:26 hopefully, to do that sort of strategic process.
1:37:29 I'm gonna go, Councilman Evans has been waiting
1:37:31 patiently, and I'll come back to you,
1:37:33 Thank you, Madam President.
1:37:36 Yeah, I have an agreement with my colleagues
1:37:38 on process and what's before us,
1:37:42 and I think this design process right now
1:37:45 which again, I think is the most critical piece of this,
1:37:47 is getting the room for LPD,
1:37:49 is gonna necessarily inform
1:37:51 how the space in this building works out.
1:37:53 I mean, I don't think we have to operate in a vacuum
1:37:56 where we're doing one single thing at a time.
1:37:57 When we start looking at that,
1:37:58 we're gonna start to understand
1:38:00 opportunities and constraints better.
1:38:02 That's where I see this process going.
1:38:04 I'm also not in a position to say,
1:38:07 hey, let's go ahead with Warren Road at this time,
1:38:11 I agree with Councilman Baker,
1:38:12 that this is a do-this-or-nothing situation.
1:38:22 I am interested in learning more
1:38:25 about purchasing Warren Road.
1:38:28 I think that we start down this path
1:38:32 of we're gonna look at design here,
1:38:36 and then we get to the, and then what?
1:38:42 and then we have nothing to look at as the next step.
1:38:46 I think that looking at the purchasing
1:38:50 I think that that could possibly be the next step,
1:38:53 and I would like to see some discussion on that.
1:39:01 So, any further comments, Councilmembers?
1:39:09 So, we are actually on the appropriations,
1:39:12 but what I'm gonna suggest is that
1:39:16 we amend the appropriations to move,
1:39:23 to amend to appropriate the capital,
1:39:28 amend the Capital Improvement Fund amount
1:39:35 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:39:36 I think it's listed in there twice.
1:39:39 Is that the right ordinance or no?
1:40:16 so to increase by $4 million
1:40:19 in both places where it is listed.
1:40:22 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:40:26 Just clarifying for the Finance Director.
1:40:27 So, making the amount change
1:40:32 in those two spots in the appropriations exhibits,
1:40:37 for the functions we just discussed?
1:40:40 Because one is design, one is capital.
1:40:44 They're all considered capital.
1:40:52 that also will need to amend the next ordinance as well.
1:40:57 So, we have a motion and a second
1:40:59 to amend ordinance 33, 2025B.
1:41:09 And then I will move to adopt as amended.
1:41:15 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:41:24 Item four, substitute ordinance seven, 2026,
1:41:27 an ordinance to take effect immediately,
1:41:29 authorizing the issuance of notes
1:41:31 in the amount of not to exceed $1.8 million
1:41:34 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds
1:41:36 to pay costs of improving Winterhurst Ice Arena
1:41:39 and other public buildings together
1:41:40 with all necessary pertinences thereto
1:41:42 in approving related matters and declaring an emergency.
1:41:47 First, I'm gonna move to substitute with,
1:41:56 There were a couple of pages missing
1:41:57 from this substituted version,
1:42:00 so I'm gonna first move to substitute.
1:42:02 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:42:10 And then we're gonna move to amend.
1:42:20 So anywhere where it says 1.8 to move to 5.8.
1:42:26 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:42:31 I just wanna make sure the legal interpretation
1:42:35 or the clarity of what this would
1:42:40 allocate funds for is included
1:42:44 sufficiently in the ordinance.
1:42:45 So we've had a lot of discussion
1:42:46 about what the four million is for.
1:42:50 City Council is expressing support for a certain step.
1:42:53 Is that sufficiently specified in this
1:43:01 or do we need to otherwise specify
1:43:09 So there's Director Mahoney.
1:43:11 Yeah, thank you, President.
1:43:13 So in a previous, the original version of it,
1:43:25 if I'm hearing what Councilman Boak,
1:43:28 we'd like to put that back in.
1:43:32 Yeah, so this, I actually had a question
1:43:36 about this into the law department earlier today.
1:43:38 So there's two different elements.
1:43:42 So the, and Director Varga can correct me
1:43:46 but the law department said
1:43:48 that we don't need to add it back in
1:43:49 in order for the funds to be used for City Hall
1:43:51 because it already indicates public buildings
1:43:55 and Director Varga's nodding.
1:43:58 That's correct, Council President.
1:44:00 Okay, however, we could put it back in
1:44:02 if we wanted to be specific about for,
1:44:06 if we wanted to say for City Hall
1:44:09 and even be more specific about Police Department
1:44:14 Madam President, I'd be happy to make such a motion.
1:44:17 I may need assistance in making that motion
1:44:21 but to me, that makes sense.
1:44:22 I mean, we just had some good discussion
1:44:26 And I would hope that in the spirit
1:44:29 the administration wouldn't say we're renovate some other,
1:44:34 use the funds for some other purpose
1:44:36 without consulting council.
1:44:37 But since we're here making the amendment on the floor,
1:44:41 it's good practice to be clear about what we're saying.
1:44:48 you'd amend it in the first paragraph
1:44:52 you would add whatever language you wanted to add.
1:45:00 The project, so the project here is defined as
1:45:06 and other public buildings, okay.
1:45:09 So also the first whereas clause or the ordinance title.
1:45:13 Yeah, I said the first paragraph.
1:45:15 All right, so I'd like to move
1:45:16 that we amend the first paragraph
1:45:23 insert after Winterhurst Ice Arena,
1:45:28 city hall police facility renovations,
1:45:35 then it would read and other public buildings.
1:45:37 You'd also wanna make that motion for the last.
1:45:40 And then include that same amendment
1:45:44 in the last exhibit on page.
1:45:57 to just being able to do the police facilities.
1:46:02 I would assume we'd wanna have design of city hall
1:46:06 and begin construction on a lot of different areas.
1:46:10 So I think that would be a little restrictive.
1:46:12 Okay, in this, yeah, I'd be happy to include
1:46:15 all I'm trying to do is verbalize
1:46:18 what we agree in the spirit.
1:46:19 So I appreciate your points, Mayor.
1:46:21 Yeah, we could not use this to buy
1:46:25 That would have to come in front of council separately.
1:46:28 Okay, so the spot here that would.
1:46:32 It still says public buildings,
1:46:35 so it wouldn't restrict, right?
1:46:41 We don't just add the word city hall back.
1:46:46 I think we all just wanna be clear
1:46:48 that the first priority here is the police space.
1:46:50 And I don't expect that the administration
1:46:52 is going to not do the police space
1:46:57 since Chief's sitting right next to her.
1:47:03 I'm acceptable to me if, I mean,
1:47:05 Mayor, in the spirit of what our dialogue here,
1:47:08 which I appreciate is that's your understanding too.
1:47:18 Amend my motion so that the first paragraph
1:47:22 would read, well, we insert in the first paragraph
1:47:25 after Winterhurst Ice Arena, comma, city hall, comma.
1:47:32 And on the page nine also include that language.
1:47:45 In section one or item one.
1:47:49 So insert after Winterhurst Ice Arena, comma,
1:47:55 Therefore, it would have the identical reading.
1:47:57 And finally, I think would we not also need to do it
1:48:07 because the project is defined
1:48:09 in the proposed language I just described.
1:48:16 So, okay, so that's my motion.
1:48:19 Apologies for the lack of succinct skill
1:48:24 in making the motion, but to repeat,
1:48:26 that would be to insert after Winterhurst Ice Arena,
1:48:29 comma, city hall, comma in the first paragraph
1:48:32 and also page nine, section one, the same language.
1:48:40 All right, motion's been made and seconded.
1:48:44 Hearing none, all those in favor?
1:48:48 All right, so we have that addition.
1:48:50 We have the four million added.
1:48:52 So I will move to adopt as amended.
1:48:55 Motion's been made and seconded.
1:48:59 Hearing none, all those in favor?
1:49:03 All right, we are probably at the end of our docket.
1:49:07 I'll just say before moving off of this too
1:49:09 that we do also have the ability
1:49:12 to go back out to bond again.
1:49:14 There is some cost to doing that.
1:49:16 So, you know, as we continue this work,
1:49:19 that is an option in the future.
1:49:21 Or we could amend this legislation
1:49:23 before they actually went out to bond.
1:49:24 Or we can amend it before they actually go out to bond,
1:49:26 but they need to know what they're.
1:49:28 I'm just trying to get the bonds out of here, man.
1:49:31 All right, so we are at the end of the regular docket.
1:49:36 Do you have anyone signed in for public comment?
1:49:39 All right, we have Jared Clark.
1:49:43 Thanks for bearing with us, Jared.
1:50:03 All right, we have Jared Clark.
1:50:07 Thanks for bearing with us, Jared.
1:50:08 come on up my name is Derek Clark I live at 16300 Hillyard I'm here to express my
1:50:18 concern with the presence of flock automatic license plate reader cameras
1:50:24 in Lakewood or ALPRs currently there are at least 20 flock safety Falcon ALPR
1:50:31 cameras deployed in Lakewood I'm proud of the council's recent efforts to
1:50:36 protect its residents from the broader political climate with the gender
1:50:40 freedom and ICE resolutions despite this Lakewood's good kind of democracy as
1:50:46 Councilman Burditt still has a vulnerability flock cameras flocks
1:50:52 business model allows law enforcement to share their data with other
1:50:57 participating agencies police set a list of other departments to consent to
1:51:01 share with and those departments can freely browse their data on demand
1:51:06 despite not having a flock contract of their own ICE has exploited this
1:51:11 network by using sympathetic police departments to access the ALPR data of
1:51:16 larger metro area law enforcement without a warrant one such case led
1:51:22 Denver Colorado to terminate their contract with flock when police in
1:51:25 neighboring Loveland allowed federal agents to search ALPR data including
1:51:30 Denver's on their behalf in another case flock themselves simply handed over
1:51:35 data belong to the state of Illinois as part of a quiet pilot program with the
1:51:40 CBP a violation of state law flocks ALPR cameras also have been proven to
1:51:47 use faulty security standards last November cybersecurity expert John
1:51:51 Gaines published a research paper identifying 26 security vulnerabilities
1:51:57 in the very same flock ALPR cameras Lakewood uses one flaw in particular
1:52:02 allows the camera to be connected to and controlled wirelessly without
1:52:06 authentication simply by pressing the button on the back in a specific
1:52:10 sequence flock has not seriously addressed these problems flock is not
1:52:14 alone competitors such as Motorola and Axon employ similar business models
1:52:19 that raise all the same concerns of access and security ALPRs allow ice to
1:52:25 weaponize our own infrastructure against us the good kind of democracy
1:52:29 we all hope for here in Lakewood relies on accountability and transparency and
1:52:34 ALPR cameras offer neither thank you thank you yeah I think we also saw
1:52:41 that ring camera commercial at the Super Bowl it's a little disconcerting
1:52:45 as well as the tech so I am confident that our police department is
1:52:52 not ice-friendly but but I think this is certainly a good question to be
1:52:58 looking into and making sure that we have our type policies around these
1:53:01 things all right anyway that's the only person I have signed in to speak
1:53:05 did anyone else want to speak members of the public all right announcements
1:53:10 from council members vice president Baker six days ago the Lakewood boys
1:53:15 basketball team beat manner so it's for director Gordon's edification and
1:53:19 also and they won a conference title so proud of them I think they've won nine
1:53:24 straight and they play on Tuesday in the playoffs against Amherst at Lakewood
1:53:27 so 7 p.m. they're really fun team I encourage folks in the community come out
1:53:32 watching thanks thank you councilmember Hamilton Steiner thank you
1:53:37 I am going to pitch the fire and ice community fundraiser yes Saturday
1:53:45 March 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. this year's at the Hamilton ice arena due to our
1:53:51 the renovations at Winterhurst but this is this is it is a fourth annual event
1:53:58 and it has been started by Lakewood's own firefighter mr. and drag
1:54:02 and his wife Nicole and drag who is also a teacher in Lakewood City
1:54:08 schools so I would love everyone to come out and support and the funds
1:54:14 raised go to support the bridges chance and miles programs that Lakewood City
1:54:20 schools so come on out again that Saturday March 14th 4 to 7 p.m.
1:54:27 Hamilton ice arena and Rocky River thank you I'm looking forward to going
1:54:32 and wearing my Lakewood fire sweatshirt all right you're gonna be
1:54:37 better present yes people on the boards we need to get you a Lakewood
1:54:41 police sweatshirt which I would be delighted with the Lakewood police
1:54:44 sweatshirt as well I'll wear them all very proudly all right councilman
1:54:53 student thank you just a calendar update we all know again that it's
1:54:59 women's history month this month and yesterday was zero discrimination day
1:55:05 for those of you that forgot about that one tomorrow is the full worm moon
1:55:14 I'm not quite sure why it's the warm moon but I'm sure someone will reach
1:55:18 out and let me know that it's an it's a red eclipse in the morning yes
1:55:23 very good thank you and the eighth International Women's Day all right
1:55:30 girls we get our turn International Women's Day on the
1:55:34 thank you all right other announcements from council members
1:55:38 announcements from the administration all right let no further business become
1:55:43 before council without objection we're adjourned