COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 18, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• November 18, 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/
Absent: Councilman Merhar
COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
No committee meetings
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
November 18, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING- 7:05 p.m. - Recessed from 10/21/25 Meeting Proposed C.O. Text Amendments
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Council Meeting of October 21, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Paul Morris, 7592 Pinehurst Drive, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio – Mr. Morris stated that his son, Jason, was with him this evening. He stated that they organize one of Lake County’s largest car shows (Roar by the Shore). He stated the event moved to Osborne Park a few years ago, where Parks and Rec kindly accommodated them. Last year’s show was the biggest; all proceeds go to the Greater Cleveland Fisher Home. He thanked Willoughby for their support. He is planning next year’s event, which grows annually and attracts participants from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, and Canada. He thanked Mayor Fiala, the administration, and Council for their help.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-129 - Tabled
An ordinance amending Chapters 1103, 1131, 1141, and 1155 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio titled, "Definitions", "One Family Residential Districts", "Business Districts", and "Use Specific Regulations", respectively, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance was tabled at the last meeting for a few reasons. Council didn’t have the clarity on the administrative pieces of associated legislation and Council wanted the full picture before moving forward. There was also discussion by Council that some of the language in the ordinance had changed a bit from the time Planning Commission had passed it on. Law Director Lucas had explained why changes occurred, but the consensus was to hold a joint work session with Planning Commission and Council to align everyone’s understanding.
Mr. Kary stated that due to unforeseen circumstances, only three of the five Planning Commission members attended the meeting where this ordinance was discussed. He stated he believes it is important for all members to provide input, particularly Dr. Steve Norris (the Commission Chair) who offered valuable insights during the discussion. Dates proposed for the work session were December 9th or 11th, with December 9th emerging as the preferred date. Mr. Carr noted that with the holidays coming up, this could wait until January. This ordinance will remain tabled this evening.
NO ACTION TAKEN
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-130 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance replacing Chapter 195 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby,·Ohio, titled, "Transient Guest Tax", in its entirety.
Mr. Lucas stated that he took existing text from Chapter 195 and Chapter 779. He stated this falls within the Finance Department’s scope which adds short-term rental as part of the excise tax and the requirements for tax collection at 3% of the transient fee. He stated there were clerical errors that were corrected. He consulted with Finance Director Hoffman regarding the inclusion of bed and breakfast within those definitions to avoid any misinterpretation based on omission. He stated that the ordinance aligns with state statute provisions for operations such as hotels and short-term rentals.
Mr. Carr clarified that there are also administrative responsibilities that would fall under Building and Zoning Inspector Keller. Mr. Lucas stated that was correct. Mr. Carr encouraged Council to read through the details of this ordinance carefully and markup questions for discussion during the work session.
Mr. Carr stated he didn’t see anything about how long a violation would last. Mr. Kary asked if someone is challenged for a violation and appeals the removal of their Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and if they lose that appeal, how long do they lose their CUP? Originally, it was six months or a year. He stated he was critical of the one-year period, and it was later shortened. Mr. Lucas stated he has made changes because there is a provision within the ordinances unrelated to short-term rental but applicable to conditional uses, that if there’s a violation cited by Mr. Keller, the conditional use is revoked. This differs from the original discussion about jurisdiction between the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Lucas stated that an applicant has less than 30 days to file an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals. During the appeal, the short term rental can operate until the Zoning of Board of Appeals rules. If the appeal is denied, the applicant can proceed administratively to the Lake County Common Pleas Court. He stated that the Chief Building and Zoning Inspector works patiently with the applicants to resolve issues informally before it gets bogged down in administrative appeals; only when that doesn’t work out will a notice go out with a termination. Mr. Lucas stated he can further explain the reasoning for the changes at the joint meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-131 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapter 779 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Transient Guest Registration"; specifically, Section
779.01 titled, "Register Required; Exceptions" and Section 779.03 titled, "False Registration".
Mr. Carr stated this adds additional administrative components of the short-term rental. Council agreed to table this ordinance with no further discussion.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-132 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance to provide proper clerical referencing by amending Chapters 1131, 1135, 1141, and 1145 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "One-Family Residential Districts", "Multi-Family Residential Districts", "Business Districts", and "Industrial Districts", respectively.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance in its entirety is clerical in nature correcting several chapters of the codified ordinances to ensure accuracy. Mr. Lucas stated that the revisions are not substantive but rather administrative adjustments to maintain proper alphabetical order and numerical chronology within Chapter 1155. That chapter governs specific use regulation references, which had become disorganized following numerous amendments related to vaping, marijuana dispensaries and similar issues. Mr. Carr reiterated that the content of everything is exactly the same; there is no reason to table this piece of legislation.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-133 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Chivers Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $9,868,686.00 for implementation of the Lakeshore Boulevard East Equalization Basin Project Phase 2, and declaring an emergency.
City Engineer Lannon stated that costs have basically doubled since pre-COVID estimates, but the redesign to raise the tank above ground was well worth it. The project had to shift from a below-ground rectangular tank to a round tank, and now to an above-ground design. Bids were competitive, with the low bid at $9.9 million and the estimate at
$11.3 million. Mr. Carr confirmed Eastlake’s concerns about aesthetics were addressed, with plans for vegetation to help the tank blend in.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-134 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution declaring it necessary to construct certain sidewalks in the City of Willoughby, Ohio, within the locations designated herein, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr asked if a Phase II is anticipated for the rest of the commercial section. Mr. Lannon explained that Laketran funding initiated the project and additional funds are expected for major bus routes, including Vine Street, which is entering the design phase. He stated that the “Phase One” designation was intended to avoid confusion. Mr. Carr inquired about sidewalk installation going to SOM Center on the south of Ridge Road (up to the Bob Evans in front of Pine Ridge). Mr. Lannon stated that section is funded by a Laketran grant, and is scheduled for early next year. Ideally, both sidewalk projects will be bid together for consistency, though coordination will occur regardless of contractor.
Mr. Carr noted that property owners will receive notice after passage of this resolution, allowing 90 days to respond and work will proceed in the spring if owners do not act. Mr. Lannon stated that prior notices were sent, encouraging self-performance. Even though costs will be fully assessed, the City must initially fund the work which creates administrative work for the City. Mr. Carr mentioned a prior complaint about the tone of the letters sent. Mr. Lucas acknowledged the concern, stating the letter is typically standard but agreed to review and soften language where appropriate. He emphasized that prior communications preceded the notice, which may explain the perception of harshness. Mr. Carr suggested commercial letters may require a different tone. Mr. Lucas agreed, noting the goal is compliance without unnecessary friction. Mr. Lannon reiterated that the City prefers property owners to complete work themselves and will assist by providing contractor contacts. Mr. Lucas confirmed this approach, emphasizing that the City’s role is a last resort. Mr. Palmisano stated that both property owners have already contacted the City and will use its contractor.
Mr. Tomaselli sought clarification on Laketran grant usage, confirming that grants funded residential portions of Route 91, while the three commercial sections will be assessed to Wendy’s and Walgreens. Mr. Lannon confirmed this, explaining the City avoided using grant funds for commercial properties. Mr. Carr noted that Laketran funds were used at Walgreen’s where there is a bus stop. Mr. Lannon stated that is correct because there is a Laketran bus stop there. Mr. Tomaselli expressed concern about using funding for the commercial sidewalks. Mr. Tomaselli stated there is a sidewalk problem on Gale and Hurricane, where Grant Elementary students walk to school with no sidewalks amid traffic. In the winter, snow piles from plowing eliminate walking paths, and in fall, leaves push pedestrians further into the street. The area includes ten residential lots, some with culverts that complicate sidewalk installation. Mr. Lannon stated there was a grant application submitted through an ODOT program, but funding was highly competitive. The grant was not awarded but it led to the creation of a sidewalk priority list for future funding opportunities. Mr. Lannon confirmed that after the current Wendy’s project, Gale and Hurricane rank next on the list. It was noted that South High and the middle school also have a problem. Mr. Lannon stated he had a planning estimate, which are typically high, of $640,000, which includes both sides of the road. There may be challenges with storm sewers due to existing culverts, though some space might exist behind the swales.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT - ABSENT
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – Mr. Lucas wished all a Happy Thanksgiving. Regarding the executive session scheduled this evening, Mr. Lucas requested that when the motion is made to go into executive session that he, Service Director Palmisano and City Engineer Lannon are invited to attend.
Service Director Palmisano – Mr. Palmisano assured Council that the Service Department is ready for the upcoming season, however, one truck is currently down that’s used for leaf pick up.
Mr. Lucas stated that Finance Director Hoffman, Economic Development Director Thielman and Parks & Recreation Director Keller should also be invited to the executive session this evening.
Mr. Tomaselli stated he spoke with one of the leaf collection crews regarding resident concerns on Hurricane. Residents were advised not to place leaves in the culvert or street. However, when crews arrived, leaves were positioned on the house side of the culvert. The crew indicated they prefer leaves placed either on the street side of the culvert or directly in the culvert. Mr. Tomaselli stated that this is the guidance he shared with residents, and he hoped Mr. Palmisano supported this approach. Mr. Palmisano stated yes, that’s the message the City is giving residents. The issue is that some leaves are still placed too far back from the ditches, but most of the problem on Hurricane has been resolved.
City Engineer Lannon – No report. Mr. Anderson stated he frequently drives through the intersection at Routes 91 and 84. The small traffic island there creates a safety issue; drivers turning right focus on traffic from the left and often overlook pedestrians approaching from the right. He stated he has witnessed numerous near accidents at that location. He asked with the new sidewalk being installed, will additional signage or lighting be added to improve visibility? Mr. Lannon stated he’ll review the intersection, especially since the sidewalk will increase pedestrian traffic. There are ramps in place, but he will reassess signal settings and visibility once construction on Route 84 is complete.
Police Chief Schultz – No report. Mr. Carr thanked Chief Schultz for the updates on the new Police Station; he asked if Council could get a tour in the near future.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Regarding Osborne Park, Ms. Keller stated she has received the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) permitting which is needed for the Army Corps.
Finance Director Hoffman – No report. She congratulated Council on the recent election.
COUNCIL REPORTS
NO MAJOR REPORTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session - The purpose of the Executive Session is in accordance with ORC 121.22(G)2 to consider the purchase of property for public purposes and ORC 121.22(G)3 to discuss pending litigation.
Motion made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Garry to go into Executive Session in accordance with ORC 121.22(G)2 to consider the purchase of property for public purposes and ORC 121.22(G)3 to discuss pending litigation; inviting Law Director Lucas, Service Director Palmisano, City Engineer Lannon, Finance Director Hoffman, Economic Development Director Thielman and Parks & Recreation Director Keller to the executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council meeting reconvened at 8:44 p.m. from the Executive Session.
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Curbside Leaf Collection
Fall leaf collection has started and is scheduled to continue through the first week of December, weather permitting. Residents are asked to place their loose leaves in piles on the tree lawn area between the street and the sidewalk. Please do not rake or blow leaves into the street, where they are a safety hazard and could block drains.
Please note that leaf collection schedules vary due to the scale of material collected, weather, equipment availability, and are subject to change without notice. Thank you.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
December 4 @ 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Get into the holiday spirit and join us in Downtown Willoughby for the annual Holiday Lighting Celebration on Thursday, December 4th at 7 pm. Before we turn on the holiday lights, enjoy the sounds of the season from local entertainment (check back for a list of performers!)
Additional events on Thursday evening include a Live Nativity, sponsored by Willoughby United Methodist Church from 6 pm – 8 pm. The annual Evening Lions Holiday Auction downstairs of City Hall to benefit the Lions Eye Care Program and community service projects starting at 7:45 pm (after the lights).
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on stage after the lighting to greet the children.
Santa House
December 5 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Visit Santa at his house in Wes Point Park!
Dates: Times:
Thursdays: December 11, 18 – 5:00-8:00 PM
Fridays: December 5, 12, 19 – 5:00-8:00 PM
Saturdays: December 6, 13, 20 – 2:00-5:00 PM
Sundays: December 7, 14, 21 – 2:00-5:00 PM
Holiday Cookie Decorating – with The Grinch!
December 12 @ 5:45 pm - 7:30 pm
$35
The Family Holiday Cookie Decorating Event is a festive, hands-on activity designed for families to come together and celebrate the holiday season. Participants will decorate a variety of freshly baked cookies using colorful icing, sprinkles, and other fun toppings. Whether you’re a first-time decorator or a seasoned pro, this event is all about creativity, laughter, and making lasting memories. It’s a perfect way to bond with loved ones, get into the holiday spirit, and take home a delicious, personalized batch of cookies. Suitable for all ages and there is a special guest – The Grinch!
Each family (4 people) will receive 1 dozen premade cookies with supplies to decorate and take home.
Also included is a pizza dinner.
Additional family members are $5 each per person and will receive 4 cookies.
$35 per family of 4 ($30 for Willoughby Residents)
Additional individuals are $5 each
5:45 pm – 7:30 pm
Santa Parade
December 13 @ 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Step outside on December 13th to get a glimpse of Santa as he rides through Willoughby! Santa and his elves will travel through neighborhoods beginning at 11:30 am with the help of the Willoughby Fire Department. The elves will be collecting non-perishable food items along the route for the Willoughby Food Pantries, for those who wish to donate.
Route will be posted the week of December 8th.
In closing,
I share both my and my lovely wife Beth’s
BEST WISHES to all of Willoughby and beyond
For the HOLIDAY SEASON
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
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/