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 full council to order
0:05 If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance now pause for a moment of silence
0:29 Might think about the Guardians while we take it
0:39 Adam clerk, please call the roll
0:41 Vice President Baker here. That's member Bixenstein here. Councilmember Bullock here. Councilmember Evans here
0:48 President Keppel here councilmember Hamilton Steiner
0:51 Councilmember Striebig
0:54 Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held September 21st, 2026
0:59 We've to approve without the necessity of a reading
1:02 Motions been made and seconded discussion. I just want to particularly think that clerical team for the work on
1:10 Okay, any discussion hearing none all those in favor I and that motion passes
1:17 Without objection I'll move items 11 and 12 to the top
1:22 I am 11 communication from Councilmember Hamilton Steiner and President Keppel regarding Hispanic Heritage Month
1:29 Councilmember Hamilton Steiner
1:32 Dear colleagues Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor support reflect
1:37 Celebrate uplift and empower the Hispanic Latino community
1:41 It is a time to educate ourselves in the greater community about the many
1:44 Contributions that Hispanics and Latinos have made the better society in this country
1:49 From labor to the arts and sciences to business and entertainment
1:52 Hispanics and Latinos have made and improved life for us all and have joined with other cultures and
1:58 Ethnicities and solidarity movements across this country. This impact is especially true here in Lakewood from participation in civic life
2:06 On boards and commissions to city employment to our local businesses the contributions of the Hispanic community abound and influence us
2:14 Influences us all it is now more important than ever that we stand strong with and
2:20 Uplift the Hispanic and Latino community
2:23 We are living in unprecedented times with blatant and intentional attacks
2:28 targeted immigration enforcement and illegal ICE detention
2:32 The Hispanic Latino community have suffered from repeated and increased racial profiling
2:37 Leading to loss of due process and illegal detentions of both u.s
2:41 And non-u.s. Citizens with long separations from their families with some individuals being deported to countries
2:47 They do not know this is beyond cruel inhumane and unjust
2:51 Show up listen and be in community with our Hispanic neighbors friends and family not just this month, but every month. Thank you
3:00 Thank you. I'll move to receive and file that communication
3:05 Motions been made and seconded and I just want to thank
3:09 House member Hamilton Steiner
3:11 partnering on this and
3:14 echoing the words of the communication in addition to
3:19 Speaking up because of current events. It's also important to recognize the
3:26 contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community to our
3:31 specific city into our region
3:33 Mentioned in there, but as we were just talking about the public art master plan and representation
3:38 It's important that we keep lifting up
3:43 Other discussion council members councilmember Striebig you thank you for bringing this up again this year
3:50 I'm happy to support this resolution again and happy to support and recognize and celebrate diversity within our community and all the riches
3:58 That we are gifted with the Hispanic and Latino community. So thank you both very much
4:03 Yeah, they're council members
4:08 So on the motion to receive and file the communication all those in favor. I and that motion passes
4:15 And I'm 12 resolution
4:17 2026 48 a resolution to join with states municipalities and other jurisdictions around the country to designate September 15 through October 15
4:25 As Hispanic Heritage Month in the city of Lakewood, Ohio by celebrating Hispanic culture and paying tribute to the contributions of Hispanic Americans
4:35 Motions been made and seconded any discussion
4:39 Councilmember Hamilton's dinner. Thank you president couple. So I do have some additional remarks. I want to share
4:44 Much of our American history is void of intersections and truth
4:48 I have more recently learned of a deep and rich history and intersection between African Americans
4:54 Hispanics and the global South Americas through a book
4:57 I've been reading an African American and length lengthen history of the United States by author Paul Ortiz
5:04 This book centers the history of Latin X of the global south
5:09 Mexico central and South America and intersects this history with that of the African American black history and culture
5:16 Starting with the Haitian Revolution moving to the Mexican War of Independence
5:20 So how the Civil War became an international event and so much more
5:24 Learning and understanding how so much of the black resistance and struggle is shared with that of our Hispanic friends families and neighbors
5:31 that revolutionary labor movement to progressive ideals such as universal health care the fighting globalization and
5:40 Capitalism so much is owed and shared with the struggle of the non-united states of America the Americas Mexico
5:47 Central South America
5:49 This panic is the Hispanic culture is rich with history and many contributions
5:55 From law to sciences to sports and so much more our live society in this country is so much stronger
6:01 because of these contributions
6:04 And again, I don't want to conclude without recognizing what a beyond scary time
6:08 It is for this community and it is not enough to say that we stand with you
6:12 But we must continue to fight and resist unlawful and intentional targeting of this community and the assumptions
6:19 That are made regarding any immigration status because as far as I am concerned, it doesn't matter
6:25 No human is illegal. And if you are here you belong here
6:31 Thank You councilman what very well said
6:34 Any other comments councilmember Vixen sign?
6:37 Thank You president couple. Thank You councilperson Hamilton stand. I really appreciate I'm in particularly you you calling out
6:43 Just the unprecedented dangerous time we live in for
6:47 Hispanic Latino Americans and in Lakewood we have
6:53 upwards of 2,000 Hispanics in our community and you know across our country, it's
6:59 Nearly one-fifth of our population. So I really appreciate
7:02 This focus and thank you for bringing this to us this evening. Thank you the council members
7:11 Do you have anyone signed in for public comment or anyone who wanted to speak on this?
7:15 No, good. All right. So now after we pass this we'll come down front we do have a ceremony cup the resolution
7:26 And we'll do a quick picture before we go on
7:30 All right. So we have motion a second to adopt all those in favor
7:33 And that motion passes item number one report from committee the whole held September 28th, 2026
9:28 All right, dear colleagues
9:30 Committee of the whole met on Monday, September 28th with members of the administration and six executives from first energy
9:37 To hear from first energy about its plans to make things right and reverse the harm that it has caused to our community
9:44 Following prolonged outages in 2025 and 2026 that were not attributed to severe weather
9:50 It has become clear to the state regulators and to the city that these incidents are the tip of the iceberg in a systemic
9:57 Problem that is first energies decades of neglect to Lakewood's infrastructure
10:02 While other communities received appropriate upkeep and maintenance over the years
10:07 Lakewood received what director Vargo called a quote fix it as we go quote end quote approach
10:14 Obviously this approach has failed Lakewood and regulators are now demanding that first energy make significant investments to modernize the Lakewood infrastructure
10:23 Director Vargo and first energy delivered presentations outlining what those investments entail through 2027
10:30 The puc o's 2026 notice of probable non-compliance is still being negotiated
10:35 however director Vargo expressed optimism that
10:38 Bucco will compel additional investments over the next seven to nine years as the problems with Lakewood's infrastructure are now so obvious
10:46 Once the work is complete the results will transform our current antiquated system into a state-of-the-art
10:52 System where residents will truly feel the difference as measured by fewer outages and outages of shorter duration
10:59 While this is worth celebrating
11:01 I want to be careful not to give first energy too much credit as it is clear that they would have carried on with
11:06 Their fix-it-as-we-go approach if not for the advocacy of the city and its residents and the orders of the Pusio
11:13 For instance one of the most notable findings from the 2026 PNC is that the Lauderdale
11:19 substation which was at the center of the electrical failures leading up to the 4th of July is
11:24 Served by underground cables that are over 100 years old and cannot even be properly tested without the risk of damage
11:31 Or even accessed entirely first energy has clearly not been working proactively until forced
11:38 At the hearing residents came out again to speak up and let first energy know the impacts of these continuous outages on them and their families
11:45 All of us have been impacted and I appreciate that we were able to come together on this issue
11:50 Our advocacy has made a difference and will continue to do so
11:54 There is more work ahead of us first energy is looking to raise its rates
11:58 Which the city opposes and will pursue legally
12:01 Lakewood residents have already paid enough for upgrades and service that we never received
12:06 First energy customers who share this opinion can help the city push back by submitting a public comment directly to the Puc o online portal
12:14 at puc o dot ohio dot gov and reference puc o case number
12:20 26 dash zero three kg four seven dash
12:24 El-air in addition to fighting the rate increases the city will continue to advocate for residents to receive
12:32 Restitution directly from first energy and to push for simultaneous investments in short-term and long-term fixes to our infrastructure
12:40 Although first energy offered apologies and commitments at the hearing the city will stay vigilant to ensure that the company delivers on its promises
12:47 And one of those methods is we will expect to see first energy back in front of us in approximately six months time
12:55 I'll move to receive and file that report second motion has been made and seconded discussion
13:02 Hearing none all those in favor I in that motion I am to report from committee committee the whole held today, October 5th, 2026
13:11 Dear colleagues we earlier this evening held a committee of the whole reviewing the excellent public art
13:19 Master plan that has been worked on for over a year
13:23 we had a lot of great discussion with the folks from the county planning team as well as our own Amanda Kramer and
13:33 Wonderful questions from all of you. We moved
13:37 Unanimously to refer that public art master plan out of committee for full adoption tonight
13:43 Move to receive and file that oral report. Okay motions been made and seconded any discussion
13:48 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
13:52 I am three substitute resolution 2026 40 a resolution to take effect immediately to adopt the public art master plan
14:01 Motions been made and seconded any discussion
14:05 Hearing none all those in favor. I'm not wishing past
14:10 Item for communication from President Keppel regarding upcoming board and Commission vacancies
14:16 Your colleagues following this communication is a series of resolutions intended to fill council's positions on boards and commissions with appointments
14:24 set to expire December 31st, 2026
14:27 In recognition of the expertise and commitment that existing board members contribute
14:32 I propose that council reappoint incumbent members who have expressed interest in serving another term
14:38 resolutions to appoint incumbents are as follows
14:41 They're listed there in order to more evenly distribute council responsibilities
14:46 Councilmember Bixenstein has graciously agreed to take over the role of councils ex officio member of liquid alive's board of directors
14:53 Thank you to Vice President Baker for previously serving so diligently in this role
14:57 I look forward to working together to fill these positions and appreciate the service of the city's boards and commission volunteers
15:03 I'll move to receive and file that communication
15:06 Okay, which has been made and seconded discussion
15:10 Come on. Thanks madam president. I just
15:13 Put a word of recommendation in for somebody who's already appears here as a proposed
15:20 Person and that is Marco O'Reilly on the tree advisory and education board
15:25 He was out there this past weekend
15:28 Hands in the dirt teaching people how to appropriately plant trees avoid root girdling aboard volcano mulching
15:35 As was another of our appointees Allison
15:42 And I apologize and escape her last name is giving right now, but we've got a good group there. So
15:49 completely agree with the point that we
15:51 Continue though their service while they're interested. Thanks
15:56 Councilmember Stephen you also I would be interested to know about the
16:02 The person that they're looking for for the public art advisory board in what type of an artist are looking for?
16:08 I know several years ago when they were looking for a 3d artist
16:11 They recommended Gina DeSantis who's a sculptor
16:15 I'm sorry. She's a potter
16:17 I'm sorry. She's a potter and it seems to be working out. Well, so are you looking for?
16:23 To you know, two-dimensional or what type of a artist are they looking for to fill that role?
16:29 Yes, so the way that the public art advisory board
16:33 Resolution that created it is structured
16:35 It as you mentioned calls for when practicable to fill those positions with people of certain skill sets
16:42 So in this case the part the public art advisory board is
16:47 There with the way we were sort of advertising it is giving preference to folks with architecture
16:56 landscape architecture
16:58 Because that's that's a an opening that is on the board
17:05 Any other comes from evidence, thank you president couple I
17:14 Marcos a great person the board
17:16 I had a chance to just wouldn't work with him a little bit. So
17:20 recommend him and then also Emily Lindbergh for the case board is
17:25 We just had a meeting today with the state Ralph safe routes to schools committee
17:29 She goes above and beyond every day and as a fierce advocate for
17:33 equity in our transportation, so couldn't be happier to recommend her and I'm also see happily see
17:38 Councilman Vixen sign come full circle and be back with Lakewood alive. So
17:42 Yeah, couldn't have have a better expert there, right any other
17:49 All right hearing none on the motion to receive and file the communication all those in favor. I and that motion passes
17:56 item 5 resolution 20 26 42 a resolution to take effect immediately appointing one person to the public art advisory board for
18:05 The three-year term beginning January 1st, 2027 and ending December 31st, 2029
18:11 Since this is the one that we have a call for applicants out. I'll just move to defer
18:16 Motion's been made and seconded discussion. Please do that should be on the website now and
18:23 There think there's a social media post. So but reach out to your networks of folks that you may know that we'll want to
18:29 Contribute since we now have a great public art master plan that can work with
18:33 All right, any discussion
18:35 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes and I'm six resolution 20 26
18:41 43 a resolution to take effect immediately appointing councilmember Cindy Striebig as the liaison to the Community Recreation and Education
18:49 Commission for a one-year term beginning January 1st, 2027 and ending December 31st, 2027 move to adopt
18:57 Motion's been made and seconded to say thank you to councilmember Striebig for your continued
19:02 Active service there any further discussion
19:05 Hearing none all those in favor. I
19:08 Met motion pass item 7 resolution 20 26 44 a resolution to take effect immediately
19:14 reappointing Emily Lindbergh to the complete and active streets education and advisory board move to adopt
19:22 motions been made and seconded discussion now just concur with Kelsman Evans that
19:27 Couldn't get a stronger advocate and knowledgeable person. So appreciate her continued service
19:33 any further discussion
19:35 Hearing none all those in favor
19:38 and that motion passes item 8 resolution 20 26 45 a resolution to take effect immediately
19:44 reappointing Don Ellis and Mariah McGonigal to the Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board for terms beginning January 1st
19:51 2027 and ending December 31st, 2030 move to adopt
19:56 Motions been made and seconded discussion
19:59 Hearing none all those in favor. I
20:02 Met motion passes item 9 resolution 20 26 46 a resolution to take effect immediately
20:08 reappointing Marco O'Riella to the tree
20:11 advisory and education board for a three for a full three-year term beginning January 1st
20:16 2027 and ending December 31st, 2029 move to adopt
20:20 Motions been made and seconded discussion
20:23 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes item 10 resolution 20 26 47 a resolution to take effect immediately
20:32 Appointing councilmember Matt Bixenstein as an ex-official member of the board of directors of Lakewood alive for a three-year term beginning January 1st
20:40 2027 and ending December 31st, 2029 move to adopt
20:45 Motions been made and seconded discussion and thank you. That's my big son for taking that on
20:51 You further discussion hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
20:57 Item 13 reports from councilmember Striebig regarding September boards and commissions
21:02 Councilmember Striebig your colleagues the Lakewood Community Recreation and Education Commission met over the summer
21:09 discuss youth sports programs
21:11 camps adult programs swimming lessons
21:14 full use and facility maintenance
21:17 Programs are continually at capacity and Lakewood residents are enjoying the pools as usual, although they are now
21:25 Facilities are continuously being maintained and upgraded when possible new equipment is added as necessary and
21:31 Staffing is at normal levels
21:33 All programs are beginning with new flag football programs for younger players and programs are expected to be full again
21:40 Field maintenance is continually in progress
21:44 The Lakewood Youth Council heard a safety routes presentation from Emily Lindbergh said goodbye to its seniors and
21:53 Elected new officials before heading into summer recess in July
21:56 the August meeting agenda included recruitment efforts to fill vacant seats and a conversation about focusing an education in
22:04 addition to voicing concerns
22:07 In September the group reviewed applications and will begin the interviewing process to fill six vacancies. Thank you
22:15 Thank you. I'll move to receive and file that communication
22:19 Motions been made and seconded discussion
22:22 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
22:26 Item 14 report from councilmember Hamilton Steiner regarding September meeting of the animal safety and welfare advisory board
22:33 That's member Hamilton Steiner. Thank you president couple your colleagues
22:36 the swaps meeting on September 16th was well attended by members and included and
22:42 Included a presentation by a guest presenter sharing information of their community cat tracking system and database
22:48 Appointments were discussed as there are four council appointments, which will expire in December
22:53 Clerk Bach has been communicating with myself each appointing council member and the appointed the swab member regarding these appointments
23:01 All members are aware of their expiring appointments
23:05 ACO Cremley provided an update regarding the shelter as of the September meeting
23:09 There were a total of 23 animals in the shelter of which the majority were hold
23:14 For the 23 animals being held were available for adoption a list web member shared and demonstrated feature through shelter Pro
23:21 Which is the ability for residents to register their pets cats and dogs?
23:26 Residents can create a profile and register their cat and her dog through the Lakewood Animal Shelter website
23:31 Which is linked in the communication letter
23:34 If a pet is lost the owner can go into the system and report the animalized loss as new intakes are received
23:41 The system will look for them and the owner will be notified. It is one way in which pet
23:46 Reunification can happen
23:48 Additional conversation continue continued around concerns that a few residents have expressed
23:54 Regarding the operations of the animal shelter and its model of care
23:57 The swap recognizes this may be outside its normal purview and scope but may be willing to look into it
24:03 I've offered to meet with a concerned resident to learn more of their specific concern
24:08 Lastly, please mark your calendar for the swabs pet food drive
24:12 Which will be held on Saturday, November 14th from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. At the City Center Park Mark's Plaza
24:19 donations of cat and dog food are needed and will be accepted to support the
24:23 250 Lakewood families in need of monthly pet food assistance due to economic hardship. I
24:30 Move to receive and file that communication
24:33 Motion has been made and seconded. Thank you councilmember Hamilton Steiner and I'll just note too
24:38 I really appreciate in councilmember Strubig and all the council members
24:43 giving us good reports really being active participants in
24:47 Your assignments and keeping us all in the loop, but that's really helpful as we to try to meet our goals
24:52 So, thank you any further discussion
24:56 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
25:02 September 2026 finance department vendor report submit it pursue into Lakewood codified ordinance 1103
25:08 move to receive and file
25:11 Motions been made and seconded any discussion
25:15 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
25:19 I'm 16 liquor permit regarding Sourwood Public House at one four eight one zero Detroit Avenue
25:27 We got the report on this one of the law department councilman Evans. No reason to object
25:33 All right. I will move to file without objection
25:36 Second motion has been made and seconded any discussion
25:41 Hearing none all those in favor. I and that motion passes
25:45 Alright, we are to public comment
25:49 We have one I'm gonna guess who that is. So come on up
25:53 Come on up. You'll have up to five minutes. Thank you Chris carpenter and
25:59 You have up to five minutes
26:01 You dress sure that's me and the button so it turns green sorry
26:11 Thank you, thank you chair, thank you council members
26:14 Distinguished guests people in attendance here and online
26:18 Person in attendance here and online. I am Chris carpenter
26:22 I am here as a representative of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
26:26 And I am here to continue to spread awareness about our organization and the services
26:31 We provide here to Cuyahoga County and to Lakewood residents
26:34 We have a very simple message a very simple đ mission to empower and support people to live learn and work and play in their community
26:41 those with developmental disabilities
26:43 So those are disabilities like autism cerebral palsy Down syndrome and other developmental delays and disorders that occur early on in
26:51 Childhood and continue indefinitely in our role as an organization supporting this population
26:57 We offer an array of services both in the early years in early intervention therapies
27:02 occupational therapies speech and language pathology
27:06 PT and then we continue on throughout the lifespan and support kids as they exit out of schools and into the adult world and
27:13 Help them live in the community find housing access services in their house or at their
27:19 Place of living and then also find employment when possible and help them continue to maintain employment and live
27:26 productive self-directed independent lives critically important services to neighbors and
27:32 Friends in the Lakewood community and beyond here in Cuyahoga County
27:37 We support also organizations in the community through another type of endeavor, which is really supporting
27:47 Rec centers art institutions art
27:50 Programs to be more inclusive and supportive of all people with disabilities and differing abilities and we continue to hopefully do that
27:58 We are funded in large part by a
28:02 3.9 mil levy that was passed in 2005 and through careful stewardship of public dollars
28:08 We have stretched that money for an additional 10 years this November on the ballot
28:14 We will have an additional two point two five mil levy to continue to maintain the services that we provide
28:20 And if that levy does not pass it is important to note that services will either be reduced
28:25 drastically or potentially completely and eliminated
28:29 That is what I would like to
28:31 Acknowledge and educate the community in Lakewood tonight, and I welcome any questions regarding the board and our services. Thank you
28:40 Councilmembers any questions I
28:43 Appreciate you being here and I'll just say for myself how much
28:48 You know that I certainly support the levy so I appreciate being here and all of the
28:54 Services we provide to our residents
28:57 Councilman bought thanks madam president and I agree and also thank you to you and your team for the mission that you
29:05 perform every day and
29:07 All year long there are members of my family my extended family
29:11 There are people who are professionals in my family also who work with people with disabilities
29:16 So it's a it's a calling really that's near and dear to the hearts of many people. I know and respect and
29:24 enriches, you know lives and makes
29:28 Cuyahoga County a better better place a better society and more just and
29:32 inclusive place in society and so and I know I'm in Lakewood we've worked with agencies who
29:39 Do food vending in our parks for example and and that's just scratching the surface. So you certainly have my support
29:47 Thank you for the comment appreciate it
29:51 Questions if I could just just add to the passage of the levy
29:57 Pardon me our human services department is
30:01 funded significantly
30:03 Through Cuyahoga County and so the passage of this levy will allow us to maintain the same level of service that we have today
30:10 if the levy does not pass we have to
30:14 Make some serious have some serious discussions about funding moving forward
30:18 So it's very important to our budget as well. And thank you for all the work that you do
30:29 So we don't have anyone else for public comments. No, okay
30:34 We have I don't know if we have any I don't think we have any comments either everybody's
30:40 Announcements I'll just
30:44 Everyone spooky pooch is
30:47 Saturday October 10th and Madison Park always a good
30:52 Madison bark as it is temporarily renamed for the day
30:55 1230 and always a good time
31:02 Their announcements from
31:05 That's my big son sign
31:07 Welcome to Lakewood is this Thursday, I believe it's 630 start is that that right?
31:13 So I hope to see some folks there and thank you to Melissa Garrett and the Lakewood community
31:25 Committee for putting that on they'd always do a great job
31:27 It's a really good event. Even if you're not new to Lakewood, you can still learn a lot about Lakewood and ways to get involved
31:33 Announcements councilman, but thanks madam president. This is a backwards looking announcement
31:38 It's just a report out on the tree
31:40 Give away fall tree giveaway this past Saturday at Bernice Pike Park. It was successful
31:46 I'm at Vickson Stein. He's put in a lot of good work there over the years
31:49 And compliment to public works. There were multiple staff members there
31:54 facilitating participating
31:56 helping to make sure
31:58 the coming and going was was
32:01 Working well and then the planting demonstrations were also
32:09 198 of 200 trees were claimed and a 12 household wait list
32:16 Will easily find the two remaining trees so this is
32:21 Starting to really add up year by year
32:24 twice a year really and so it contributes to the tree canopy goals and
32:29 Along with the sapling you get a person or you get a household that cares and is beginning to learn
32:36 So that's what I really like about this
32:39 Effort in this model of teamwork is that it's really created a sense of possibility and it's doing a lot of education. So
32:47 I'm sure there's lessons we can learn in other areas of our community work there, too. Thanks
32:54 Thank you. Are there announcements?
32:58 That's member stupid
33:04 International Lesbian Day
33:07 So I encourage all of you to take your favorite lesbian out to breakfast lunch or dinner
33:15 And if you don't have any I'm happy to stand in
33:22 October 11th is international. I'm sorry is national coming out day and
33:28 October 12th is indigenous people day. Thank you get out there and vote
33:39 any announcements from the administration
33:42 Nope. All right. No further business to come before council without objection. We are adjourned