COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• October 7, 2025 •
Ken Kary • Councilman Ward 2
NOTE
These notes “are not” the official minutes for Willoughby City Council.
The views I express in these Council Meeting Summaries are my own and do not reflect any official view or position of the City of Willoughby.
The “official” Council Minutes are posted on the City of Willoughby Website
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/
Committee Meetings:
No Committee Meetings
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 7, 2025
•FIRE DEPARTMENT SWEAR INS
Mayor Fiala swore in Firefighters Sam Patrizi, Austin Stacho, Niko Willrich, Tyler Simler and Dakota Meinhardt, Lieutenant Ricky Stuart and Captain Joe Hum.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of September 23, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Mary Feathers, 886 Bellvue Drive, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Feathers stated the White Cane Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th.
Robert Eville, 4714 Maple Street, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Eville voiced concerns about First Energy installing smart meters (he opted out) and that he would be responsible to pay $28.95 a month for First Energy to read his meter. Mayor Fiala stated the City will reach out to the City’s First Energy representative.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-121. Motion carried 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) Grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), to implement the Chagrin River Floodplain Restoration and Trail Project, and declaring an emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-122 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract agreement with Chagrin RiverWatershed Partners, Inc. necessary to the Osborne Park Coastal Wetlands Project, and declaring an emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-123 Motion carried 7-0
A final resolution proposing to cooperate, enter into a contract, and request the Director ofthe Ohio Department of Transportation to proceed with the resurfacing of River Street (S.R.174) from Ridge Road (S.R. 84) to Euclid Avenue (U.S.R. 20) within the City of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-124 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Great Lakes Construction Co., in the amount of $952,725.00 for implementation of the SR-84 Slope Stabilization Project, and declaring an emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-125 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions Inc. in an amount not to exceed $415,000 for the purchase of one (1) Horton Medical Unit, 2027 Ford F550 XLT Diesel 4 X 4, Model 623 for use by the Willoughby Fire Department; said purchase to be made through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program, and declaring an emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-126 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Awardthrough the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and declaring an emergency.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
No report. Mr. Carr asked about a grant for the bridge (over the Chagrin River). Mayor Fiala stated that the City may apply for a state capital grant to fund the bridge. The costs for the bridge varies and the City is trying tofind a spot to go over the river that isn’t wide.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Palmisano – No report. Mr. Anderson asked when leaf pick up will begin. Mr. Palmisanostated that one truck will be sent out next week. Mr. Kary thanked Mr. Palmisano for installing the snow fence on Lost Nation Road.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar thanked Council for the swearing in ceremony tonight and the passage of Resolution Nos. 2025-125 and 2025-126.
Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller – No report. Mr. Carr asked about the rusty sign at the CVS (on Rt. 91). Mr. Keller noted that the rusty sign at CVS needs to be removed and he’ll be sending a letter out to them.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller thanked Council for the passage of her department’s legislation. October 25th is the Trick or Treat Trail at Osborne Park from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.; she will have candy for Council to pass out.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers – Ms. Sievers encouraged everyone to attend the White Cane Walk this coming Saturday.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
November is Here: Time to Vote!
It's that time of year again—November, and your voice matters at the ballot box! This year, we'll be electing Mayor (a four-year term) and the entire City Council (two-year terms). Please make sure you cast your vote for all of these important city-wide races. IT HAS BEEN SHARED BY ME TO MANY OF MY CONSTITUENTS AND RESIDENTS OF WILLOUGHBY THAT THE CONTINUATION OF MAYOR BOB FIALA AS MAYOR IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST. YOU ALSO HAVE HEARD FROM ME THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT POSITIVE ACTION FROM THOSE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL THAT NOW SERVE.
Your Ward 2 Councilman is Running Unopposed
I'm happy to report that I'm running unopposed this year for the Ward 2 Council seat. While it's a fantastic vote of confidence that shows residents are pleased with my work—or maybe there's just a shortage of people willing to do the hard work!—I certainly appreciate the easier path this time. My first campaign involved a great deal of work: door-to-door walking, mailings, debates, and hundreds of phone calls.
With your vote this November, I'll be re-elected to serve Ward 2 and Willoughby for another two years, through December 31, 2027. Before that term ends, I'll talk with many of you and assess my service to decide my next steps. For now, there’s plenty to keep me busy!
Current Priorities for Ward 2
I've been heavily focused on several key issues for our ward:
· Lost Nation Road Properties: I'm still evaluating the land parcels across from the Airport that are up for sale. Given all the chatter around the Airport's future, my goal is simple: I want to ensure any future development provides what is best for Ward 2 families and residents.
· Traffic Solutions for Lost Nation Road: I'm actively working with the Administration and the City Engineer to pursue possible funding solutions for the persistent traffic concerns on Lost Nation Road. Moving city planning forward always requires both persistence and patience, but we are committed to finding the best resources to get this done.
Keep in Touch
Even though my name is the only one on the ballot for Ward 2 Council, a vote for me is a valuable validation of your satisfaction with my performance.
Please keep in touch! My door is always open if you need to discuss an issue or just want to chat.
Take Care,
Ken
NOTE
The views I express in these Council Meeting Summaries are my own and do not reflect any official view or position of the City of Willoughby. The “official” Council Minutes are posted on the
City of Willoughby Website