COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY APRIL 1, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• April 1, 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:
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Dan Garry
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee meeting is to review:
EAS #5-2-25 - Construction of nine (9) townhomes located at 25 Public Square (The Villas at Union Pointe).
EAS #5-2-25
Construction of nine (9) townhomes located at 25 Public Square (The Villas at Union Pointe).
Mr. Kary stated this project is for a fee simple development consisting of nine units at 25 Public Square inthe historic district. The nine villas will be independently owned and part of a private association. Mr. Kary stated that this EAS was passed last week by the Planning Commission. Regarding stormwatermanagement, the existing utilities have the capacity to handle the demands of the proposed development. Dye testing maybe required for the existing storm sewer. Mr. Davis stated that a dye test was done a year and half ago for the project across the street; the water had to be shut off in the area. Mr. Kary stated that the code required a 20% reduction in impervious area or equivalent. There were no concerns from the Police Department. There were no noise, air or water pollution issues cited. There are no demands on the school system. Fire Captain Kocab noted that since it is a private drive, there will be no parking on the street as it is considered a fire lane. There will be a need for one private fire hydrant. Mr. Kary asked Mr.Davis how he plans on handling guest parking. Mr. Davis stated there are three guest parking spots on thecurrent plan and 5 of the driveways can accommodate two cars with two off street spaces inside the garage.There are no hazardous waste issues. The project will begin in April, 2025 and villas built as sold. Mr. Davis stated the road will most likely be finished by July and will begin construction on the model; he anticipatesthey will have a few sold soon.
EAS #6-2-25
Use of the entire premises for food and beverage consumption along with occasional events located at 37903 Euclid Avenue (The Charlton Abbott building).
Mr. Kary stated the property is currently zoned limited residential business; they have been issued a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The Planning Commission approved this EAS last week. There were no stormwater concerns. Regarding parking during larger events, Mr. Kary stated it was his understanding thatthey can use the church parking lot across the street when it’s needed. There will be no parking on Jordan Drive. There has always been a concern with noise from the property especially now that the entire propertywill be used with the issuance with the CUP. Noise should not be an issue based on the CUP; a permit will need to be obtained for certain operations at the property. There are no demands on the school system. No hazardous waste concerns. Mr. Tomaselli asked if the CUP expires. Mr. Kary stated it will expire in a year and the applicant will return to the Planning Commission. Mr. Carr asked if the CUP now included the use of “the Barn” for events. Ms. Boyd stated that only one event would take place at a time on the property.
EAS #7-2-25
Construction of a drive-thru coffee business located at 35091 Euclid Avenue (Motley 7 Brew).
Mr. Kary stated there were no issues cited for traffic due to the location. Regarding stormwater, there were no issues cited by City Engineer Lannon because the site has been in operation for many years. The sanitary sewer has the capacity to handle the project. Regarding drainage, the code requires a 20% reduction that will be achieved by landscaping. There were no issues with Police or Fire. Regarding noise, there will be an outside radio speaker. This speaker will be used for ambience for the customers in line. Mr.Nader explained that as soon as a customer pulls into the parking lot, one of the team members greets them and will take their order using a tablet. They offer over 20,000 beverages. Walk up customers can beaccommodated as well although Mr. Nader doesn’t anticipate much walk up business at this location. Mr.Kary stated there are no demands on the school system. No hazardous waste concerns. The project willbegin this summer and will be completed in two months. Mr. Nader explained that the building will arrive on a flatbed and will be put in place in one day. Mr. Anderson asked what the hours of operation were. Mr. Nader stated hours are from 5:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Mr. Tomaselli asked if the building would be removed if the business struggles. Mr. Nader stated the building could be removed; he stated he hasn’t been in the situation previously.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee recommends passage of EAS #5-2-25, #6-2-25 and #7-2-25
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
COMMITTEE OF THE FULL MEETING:
**The purpose of the Committee of Full meeting is to discuss Mayor and Council salaries.
COUNCIL AND MAYOR SALARIES
Mr. Carr stated that he asked Mr. Tomaselli and Mr. Merhar to put together some information on Mayor and Council salaries. Mr. Tomaselli stated that the Clerk put together an extensive list of Council and Mayor salaries across northeast Ohio; some of them went as far south as Columbus. Mr. Tomaselli and Mr. Merhar looked at communities with similar populations and similar mix of residential and commercial areas and only looked at full time Mayors. He stated they did an analysis to figure out how appropriate Council and the Mayor’s salary was. Council and Mayor salary adjustments haven’t been made in 8 years. Mr. Tomaselli stated there needs to be discussion about catching up and put in a process to review salary on a more regular basis. Mr. Tomaselli stated that if Council has three readings on legislation for increases, the public will have time to make public comment and also know what the salary is if they chose to run for office. He stated that the Mayor is also the Safety Director, which also carries a salary; that was not taken into consideration because he wasn’t sure if that was the case in other communities because it wasn’t shown in the data. There is a $70,000 difference in the Mayor’s salary compared to Avon. Using the handout, Mr. Tomaselli noted that the current Council salary falls in the middle of the list. Changes in the Mayor or Council salaries cannot take place during an existing term of office. He stated the recommendation is to increase the Mayor and Council salary 10%. The Mayor’s salary would increase to $71,800. Council salaries would increase from $10,000 to $11,000 per year. Mr. Carr asked if the Safety Director salary would remain the same. Mr. Tomaselli stated yes. There was discussion regarding having three readings for the legislation. Mr. Lucas stated that Council has the power to have the legislation declared as an emergency after the conclusion of the third reading in light of the time sensitive component. Legislation will proceed for three readings and on the last reading Council will declare the legislation an emergency so it can take effect immediately. Council could also pass the legislation on the second reading.
The Committee of Full Council Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 1, 2025
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of March 18, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee of Full, Mr. Carr – Mr. Carr stated there was a meeting this evening to discuss Mayor and Council salaries. He thanked Councilmen Tomaselli and Merhar for providing the information for the discussion.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Andy Rattray, 37942 Sharpe Avenue, Willoughby – Mr. Rattray voiced concerns about the back side ofthe building at the corner of Clark Avenue and Sharpe Avenue. He stated it looks awful; there is a wall that is really beat up and an open dumpster. Mr. Rattray gave pictures to Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller. Mr. Keller will take a look at the building.
Gregg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue, Willoughby – Mr. Patt stated that his daughter lives in Carmel,Indiana. Carmel, Indiana has the most roundabouts in the world (140). He stated he’s driven through a lot of them and recommends them. He stated you cannot speed through a roundabout.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-32 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and requesting the cooperation of the Director of the Ohio Department ofTransportation to resurface Bishop Road/Ridge Road (SR-84) from the City's WesternCorporation Line to SOM Center Road in the City of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, anddeclaring an emergency.
Service Director Palmisano stated that Wickliffe is the lead on this project and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has already been passed by Council.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-33 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Trax Construction Co. in the amount of $5,655,549.00 for implementation of the Nason Basin to Grove Avenue Storm SewerPhase 1, and declaring an emergency.
A memo was sent out by Mr. Lannon a few weeks ago regarding the bids on this project noting the low bidder was $600,000 less than the estimate. Mr. Palmisano stated this is the first phase of the project; it will start at the Vine Street underpass and continue to Nason Basin. This will solve the immediate flooding problems in that area. The City is receiving a $5,000,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development(ODOD) and a
$650,000 Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) grant and a $400,000 zero percent loan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-34 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #5-2-25 for construction of nine (9) townhomes located at 25Public Square (The Villas at Union Pointe).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-35 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #6-2-25 for use of the entire premises for food and beverage consumption along with occasional events located at 37903 Euclid Avenue (The Charlton Abbott Building).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-36 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #7-2-25 for construction of a drive thru coffee business located at35091 Euclid Avenue (Motley 7 Brew).
ADDENDUM:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-37 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with SmithGroup Architects &Landscape Architects, PLLC (SmithGroup) in the amount of $113,000 to provide updated construction drawings and contract administration services for the Osborne Park ConstructionPhase 1, and declaring an emergency.
An e-mail was sent out by Parks & Recreation Director Keller that this agreement will add more work to the original agreement.
MOTION OF SUPPORT Motion carried 7 to 0
Motion in support of pursuing funding for the Lost Nation Road Safety and Traffic Improvements “
Motion of Support
Mr. Carr asked Law Director Lucas if the motion of support wording could be changed from what was listed on the agenda. Mr. Lucas indicated the motion doesn’t need to be amended and a second is not required for the motion. Mr. Lucas stated that sometimes when a community is making application for a funding source, they will ask what the position of Council is and if they are in support of the funding.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala reported that after a lot of hard work, the contracts for the new Police Station have been executed and a preconstruction meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 8th at 1:00 p.m. He will be asking for the schedule of activities and also cash flow projections so the City is aware when they will be requesting payments.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – Regarding the federal litigation for the skeet shooting at Kirtland Country Club, Mr. Lucas stated that several past and present members of the Planning Commission had been named individually in that lawsuit. He stated the insurance defense council did a terrific job with the case and judgement entries were received for all the issues in favor of all defendants. Regarding the sidewalks on Rt. 91, Mr. Carr asked where that stood. Mr. Lucas stated that a resolution of necessity will be on the next council agenda.
Service Director Palmisano – Mr. Palmisano thanked Council for the passage of Ordinance No. 2025-32 and Resolution No. 2025-33. In light of the recent accident at the end of Lost Nation Road, Ms. Sievers asked if the guardrail would be reconstructed in front of Witz End. She asked if there were additionalmeasures that could be put in place to protect the property. Mr. Palmisano stated that a meeting took placewith an ODOT engineer, City Engineer Lannon and a traffic engineer from Verdantas. He stated several changes will be implemented; the guardrail will be extended 12 feet so cabling can go through it. Reflective striping or sheeting will be placed on the guardrail. The flowers will be removed as they feel they are adistraction. Another individual light head will be installed to the left and backplates will be installed around the lights. An arrow sign will be installed behind the guardrail. Mr. Palmisano stated you can’t put anything permanent there; it must be a break away structure. Mr. Anderson asked how much salt was used this year.Mr. Palmisano stated tentatively about 4,000 to 5,000 tons; there is approximately 1,000 to 1,200 tons remaining
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar reported that the ladder truck isn’t in the production schedule for 2025 or the first quarter of 2026; it is a year behind schedule. He stated that most manufacturers are out three tofour years. The ambulance will be taken to Columbus the week of May 12th; that will be a three month turnaround.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller stated the pool survey went out on Friday and it went up on Facebook on Monday. Currently there are 734 survey results.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Carr – Mr. Carr stated that the Clerk will send out proposed dates for the summer schedule and the dates for September which may be moved to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Just a quick note……
I am going to excuse myself from making comments this issue because I am currently BUSY visiting my Daughter, Lauren, and Husband, Chris, in New Jersey. The best part of this short vacation is that I get to be Grandfather (GA) to my two beautiful Granddaughters, Lila (3) and Jade (1).
Take Care
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