COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY DECEMBER 16, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• December 16, 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
December 16, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING- 7:05 p.m. - Recessed from 10/21/25 Meeting Proposed C.O. Text Amendments
PUBLIC HEARING - IN RECESS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of December 2, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee of Full, Mr. Carr - Mr. Carr reported there was a joint work session with Council and the Planning Commission last week regarding short-term rental legislation and the output of that for the tabled pieces of legislation; that legislation will remain tabled. Revisions will be made to one piece of legislation and prohibit short-term rentals in residential areas and continue with the conditional use in the Downtown and Lakeshore Districts.
Planning Commission, Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary thanked Council and the Planning Commission for the work session held on December 9th; he believes the City is headed in the right direction (with regards to short term rentals).
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Carr read an e-mail from Robert and Shirley Garcowski, 5477 Oakridge Drive, Willoughby, Ohio
"Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) is an awful idea for Willoughby. We will have to contend with loud, obnoxious transients. Who wants to live next to this? Is this what we want our charming town to come to?
If Willoughby can't enforce now when this is prohibited, how will they enforce any rules and regs if this is allowed? I hear that all of the time "we will enforce....." Empty words without specifics especially when it's stated that Willoughby is unable to enforce the current prohibitions. If there are specifics, then there could be specifics as to how to address those ignoring the prohibition now. I'm seeing lots of financial incentives for the city: fees for registration and inspection and transient tax. Is that why it's being supported? What about the citizens peace of mind and safety? Our homes are our sanctuaries. We've sunk thousands in keeping our homes and neighborhoods to be a community that is highly desirable. The last thing we want is this. I doubt if affluent towns allow this. Shouldn't we strive to be more like them-not less? Our property values are going to sink if this is approved.
If you can see these properties listed on-line now for short-term rental, I don't understand how difficult it is to enforce the prohibitions already in place. When you find a listing, fine these owners-and fine them as high as needed so as to deter, with escalations of cost if found repeatedly. If they are currently being rented, the police should request proof of ownership with ID to match. If none can be provided, the renters need to leave immediately. If Willoughby can regulate with allowing them, they can regulate the existing prohibitions. Thank you."
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
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 there was a work session last week with the Planning Commission. The outcome of that session was to prohibit short term rentals in residential districts while allowing them conditionally only in the Downtown and Lakeshore districts. He asked Mr. Lucas whether Council should permanently table the current legislation and start over, or keep it tabled and work on an amended version to vote on next year.
Mr. Lucas stated that both options were viable. He noted that Council could proceed with amendments based on the joint work session’s discussion, which included eliminating short-term rentals within residential districts. This could be accomplished with a simple strike-through of the relevant text. He stated that there had been some discussion about use-specific regulations already in place, which could be modified as well. Mr. Lucas stated that Council could remove the legislation from the table and amend it using redlined revisions he would prepare. He emphasized that the other two pieces of legislation including the transient guest tax were not major issues and largely fell under the Finance Director’s responsibilities. He stated that alternatively, Council could permanently table the zoning legislation and start over, but in doing so would require sending the matter back to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Carr expressed concern about starting over and suggested that it might be easier to amend the existing legislation rather than begin from scratch. Mr. Lucas agreed, stating that his preference, subject to Council’s discretion, was to use the existing text prepared by the administration, incorporate the input from the Council, and have the amended version ready for consideration.
Mr. Carr stated that if Council permanently tabled the zoning legislation, there are still two other pieces of legislation tabled, and the intention was to address all of them at the same time. He stated that it seems best to keep everything tabled for now and work on the changes next year and it will be addressed at the next meeting.
Mr. Lucas stated that unless something extraordinary occurred, he will have the amendments ready for consideration at the next meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-130 - Tabled
An ordinance replacing Chapter 195 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Transient Guest Tax", in its entirety.
This ordinance will remain tabled.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-131 - NO ACTION TAKEN
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".
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-140 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to apply for a Statewide Healthy Play Education & Funding Initiative through OPRA, Playcore, Gametime, and DWA Recreation for the purpose of acquiring financial assistance for Playground Equipment, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Keller stated that this is a new grant opportunity. Regarding the playground bids, Ms. Keller stated that nine bids were sent out, but only three were received. Out of those three, one was deemed unacceptable because the company submitted two different dollar amounts with their bid, which is not permitted. The remaining two bids were also problematic because the playground equipment for the dollar amount associated costs did not align with what is currently installed at Daniels Park. After reviewing the bids with Mr. Lucas, it was concluded that the best course of action was to reject all the bids.
Ms. Keller stated that one of the companies that had submitted a bid is now offering a playground initiative. Mr. Carr asked for clarification, wondering if the company had informed her about the initiative or if they were part of the group organizing it. Ms. Keller responded that she had attended a DWA Recreation seminar a couple of months ago, where she first learned about the program. She explained that the opportunity surfaced recently, which is why she is pursuing it now.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-141 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to reject all bids for Playground Equipment and Park Amenities, and declaring an emergency.
No discussion.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-142 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the Willoughby Police Station Console Equipment and Services Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., and declaring an emergency.
Chief Schultz explained that the City had entered into an agreement with Motorola for radio equipment for the new Dispatch Center. Shortly after the purchase, Motorola rolled out new software for this equipment. Chief Schultz stated that most of the year was spent negotiating with Motorola because the department felt the company should have upgraded them at no extra cost, given the recent purchase. However, Motorola wanted to charge additional maintenance fees for the upgrade. Ultimately, the City settled on paying $9,447 for the upgrade of the access software to the radio equipment, which Chief Schultz believed was the best possible deal. He stated that he did not want to open the new Dispatch Center with outdated software and equipment. Mr. Carr confirmed that the cost would come from the Safety Fund.
Mr. Anderson asked whether the $29,000 Motorola wanted for maintenance over the next four years was included in the $9,447 upgrade cost. Chief Schultz clarified that the original equipment purchase included a one-year warranty and maintenance service. After that, there were four additional years of maintenance fees, which the City was already planning to pay. Motorola, however, wanted to increase those fees by $29,000 due to the new software, even though nothing else was changing in the maintenance agreement.
Mr. Anderson asked if the increase was because the software was new and possibly untested. Chief Schultz stated that the software was Motorola’s top platform and fully supported by the company. He added that Motorola never explained why they wanted to raise the maintenance fees, which were already substantial, and the City felt this was unfair especially since Motorola likely knew about the software before the original purchase but did not disclose it.
Mr. Carr asked if the $9,447 change order included everything and whether the City would still face the $29,000 increase. Chief Schultz stated that the original radio equipment cost was $708,000; the $9,447 is for the upgrade. Mr. Carr confirmed that this was inclusive of maintenance as originally agreed.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-143 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the Nason Basin to Grove Avenue Storm Sewer Phase 1 Project with Trax Construction Co., and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Lannon stated this change order is associated with the Nason Basin to Vine Street Storm Sewer project, but the actual work is being carried out at the Pelton Road landfill to accommodate excess soils that are being trucked from the project site to Pelton Road. He explained that this practice has been common for many storm sewer projects dating back to at least 2016. This is a cost savings for the City and the opportunity to clean up the Pelton Road site. Recently, a 30-year closure plan for the landfill was approved, and as part of that plan, they are filling in the front of the site. The work includes realigning the road to match one of the original roads on Pelton Road, which will better align with existing utilities and improve overall access. Additionally, this realignment will help fill in low areas and enhance drainage. Mr. Lannon stated that these improvements were intended to be part of the original bid, but a conflict arose because the contractor from the Meadowlands project was still working on the site at that time. He stated that the alternate bid for the work originally came in at $219,000, but now the same work is being completed for
$189,000. The delay ultimately allowed them to clean up the site as well.
Mr. Anderson asked who is responsible for grading the site. Mr. Lannon stated that the responsibility lies with the contractor, who has already brought in a dozer and other machinery to handle the grading. Mr. Anderson asked who is responsible for seeding. Mr. Lannon confirmed that seeding is also the contractor’s responsibility.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-144 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
An ordinance adopting the City of Willoughby Cybersecurity Program, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Lucas stated that the Ohio General Assembly passed Section 9.64 of the Ohio Revised Code, which mandates that every municipality and other public entities implement and adopt a cybersecurity program by the end of the year which is why it’s an emergency. He stated that Samantha Reynolds and Heather Siracki worked diligently to prepare the program, which is now finalized. He stated the program itself is not considered a public record, making it unusual because it is not available for public inspection. However, Council members are welcome to review it at any time. He stated there is also a training component of the program. He mentioned that this training requirement is still somewhat unclear, as there has been little guidance from the Ohio General Assembly regarding the scope, number of hours, and specific expectations. Many governmental entities and law directors are seeking clarification on these details.
Mr. Carr then asked whether a recent email he received containing a mandatory phishing simulation and a short questionnaire was related to this cybersecurity program or merely coincidental. Following discussion, it was clarified this e-mail was part of the required training. Ms. Hoffman stated that this is the training program Samantha Reynolds set up, which every employee must complete. Training needs to be completed by December 19th.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-145 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
An ordinance authorizing Amendment No. 2 to Ordinance No. 2025-79, the Manning & Payroll Ordinance, relative to Vacations, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Hoffman stated that the current concern was that new hires were not receiving any vacation or opportunity for time off upon starting. To address this, the proposal would allow employees to accrue one day of vacation for each month worked from their start date. Beginning in January of the following year, they would receive two weeks of vacation instead of continuing with the one-day-per-month. She stated that this adjustment would come at no additional cost to the City. She stated this affects vacation time for non-union, full-time employees working standard hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Anderson asked if someone were hired on January 2nd, such as a Service Director, would that individual receive 12 vacation days during their first year. Ms. Hoffman stated that the ordinance already includes language granting directors three weeks of vacation. Mr. Anderson asked if it was possible for a newly hired person to receive 12 vacation days in the first year and then 10 days annually thereafter. Ms. Hoffman confirmed that the maximum allowed is 10 days.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-146 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution amending Resolution No. 2025-30 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending December 31, 2025, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Hoffman stated that the current resolution pertains specifically to transfers (the next resolution) for Fire Pension, Police Pension, and the Road and Bridge Fund. Additionally, there are two separate funds related to the Court that require adjustments for end-of-year transfers. She stated that the adjustments do not result in any overall increase to the budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-147 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the General Fund to various other funds, and declaring an emergency.
See Resolution No. 2025-146.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-148 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing temporary appropriations totaling $39,815,156 for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending March 31, 2026, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Hoffman stated temporary appropriations are done so that business operations can continue smoothly starting January 1st. Mr. Carr noted that this process is essentially the same as what is done every year. He explained that Council typically approves temporary appropriations for the first quarter, which allows time to finalize the full budgets later, rather than requiring all budgets to be completed before the end of the year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-149 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract agreement not to exceed
$76,200 with Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc. necessary to the Floodplain Restoration and Recreational Trail Improvements, commencing in 2026, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated that the Chagrin River Watershed Partners has served as a long-standing collaborator in managing the Chagrin River Floodplain project. Ms. Keller stated the first contract term was two years and is set to conclude on December 31st. She would like to enter into another two year agreement.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-150 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution honoring Service Director Richard G. Palmisano and commending him for his 34 plus years of service to the City of Willoughby.
Mr. Anderson will read this resolution in its entirety.
The Legislative Caucus adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala wished Council and directors a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He thanked Mr. Merhar for his years served on Council noting it has been a pleasure working with him.
Mr. Carr stated that the lighting ceremony continues to improve each year and was fantastic this year. Mayor Fiala stated that Ms. Keller and her team are responsible for the tree lighting.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - Mr. Lucas thanked Mr. Merhar for always being available and willing to assist whenever he needed guidance. His support has been greatly appreciated, and Mr. Lucas wished him all the best moving forward. He wished Council, directors and staff a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Service Director Palmisano - Mr. Palmisano addressed the Mayor, directors, chiefs, and members of Council stating he'd like to take this opportunity to say that it's been an honor and a privilege to work with such a group of dedicated professionals who truly believe in what they do and care about the City. He stated that it makes it so much easier to accomplish goals when everyone has Willoughby's best interests at heart. These feelings carry over to the Service Department and the Wastewater Pollution Control Center and the people who work there in the office and in the field. He stated the team strives to make Willoughby the courtesy city and a place that people desire to live in and visit. He stated it has been a pleasure to serve the residents of Willoughby.
Mr. Lannon wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Regarding the current condition of the roadway along Route 84, Mr. Anderson noted that the erosion appears to have advanced closer to the road than he previously thought possible. He asked Mr. Lannon to provide an update on when the full project is scheduled to begin and if the City should be concerned about the stability of the road near the curb. Mr. Lannon stated that based on his most recent observation, which occurred last Thursday or Friday, the erosion had reached the back of the curb, leaving approximately a two-foot section intact. He stated he will verify this again to compare with his previous assessment. At one point, there were barrels along the edge of the road to redirect traffic away from the curb; however, those barrels have since fallen down the slope, possibly due to wind or vandalism. He stated he is actively monitoring the situation.
Regarding the project timeline, Mr. Lannon stated he initially allowed until the first of the year for First Energy and AT&T to relocate overhead utility lines. He stated that approximately half of the power lines have been moved, but the communication lines need to be transferred to the opposite side of the road. Once that is complete, the contractor will need time to submit required documentation and procure structural steel for the piles, which is a lengthy process. Based on these factors he stated that March appears to be the most realistic timeframe for the start of construction. Mr. Anderson stated that his concern stems from the possibility of snowplows pushing wet snow over the edge during winter operations. The added weight could exacerbate the erosion problem. He asked if this this was something the City should be worried about? Mr. Lannon stated that it was a concern. While snow alone is not a major issue, the combination of snow and salt creates heavy, wet conditions which is a concern. Unfortunately, there are limited mitigation options at this time, aside from reinstalling barrels to keep vehicles farther from the curb.
Fire Chief Ungar- Chief Ungar wished everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He thanked Mr. Merhar for his service to his ward (ward 5). He congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement noting it has a been a pleasure working with him.
Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz thanked Council for the passage of Resolution 2025-
142. He stated that it was a pleasure to work alongside Mr. Merhar. He congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement noting that he provided a tremendous amount of leadership to the Service Department, and it was an honor working with him for 30 plus years.
Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller- No report. Mr. Keller wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller - Ms. Keller wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement.
Finance Director Hoffman - Ms. Hoffman thanked Council for the passage of Ordinance No. 2025-145 and Resolution Nos. 2025-146, 147 and 148. She wished everyone Happy Holidays. She congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers - Ms. Sievers congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement. Happy Holidays to all.
Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary thanked Mr. Merhar for his support on Council and on Planning Commission. He stated that Mr. Merhar has a great sense of professionalism. He wished Mr. Palmisano the best and stated he was a great leader. He stated that Mr. Palmisano never, ever, ever let a call or a note from him go unanswered immediately.
Mr. Tomaselli - Mr. Tomaselli congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement (from all the Tomaselli's). He thanked Mr. Merhar for his time on Council and his service to the community outside of Council. He thanked the Service Department and Police Department for their help with the Miracle on Erie Street 5K. He stated it was the biggest one to date with 425 people. He thanked Parks & Rec Department, Fire Department and Police Department for the Santa Parade. He stated it's wonderful to see the looks on everyone's face; it's a great tradition. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mr. Merhar - Mr. Carr stated that Mr. Merhar has been a great asset and that his business acumen is going to be missed during Council discussions.
Mr. Merhar congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement. He stated that he's enjoyed his time on Council and is grateful for the time serving the City. He stated he is planning on doing some other things for the City, whether it be volunteer work or another elected position. He stated he is grateful for all the relationships that he's made on Council. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Mr. Garry - Mr. Garry wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement and thanked Mr. Merhar.
Mr. Anderson - Mr. Anderson thanked Mr. Merhar for his help over the years. He congratulated Mr. Palmisano for his 34 years in the Service Department. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Mr. Carr- Mr. Carr congratulated Mr. Palmisano on his retirement. He wished everyone Happy Holidays. He reminded everyone that January 6th will be the first meeting of the year with a swearing in taking place that night with Judge Cornochio.
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Just a simple, short, and sweet message to all. For myself and for City Hall, 2025 has been a good year. I feel I was successful in answering all questions asked of my by my constituents. I also feel Council did the best job possible to manage the city financially. Our major long term projects (Osborne Park, RiverWalk,etc are all moving forward positively. My objectives to deal with the Traffic Issues on Lost Nation Road are still being pursued aggressively. I am entertaining development on Lost Nation Road across from the Airport with a “critical view”.
I will once again be “sworn in” on January 6th for my 5th Term in Office. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have served Willoughby far longer than I ever anticipated. THANK YOU for all the support! I promise to continue to fight for the residents of our Great City. Bring on 2026-2027.
Sincerely,
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
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/