COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• June 10, 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
June 10, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING - 7:05 p.m.
Proposed C.O. Text Amendments - see attached legal notice
PUBLIC HEARING:
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on proposed Codified Ordinance text amendments.
Those Speaking in Favor – Jeffrey Malecki, 1249 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Malecki stated he was in favor of having dispensaries in Ohio. He asks what the City planned on doing with the money.
Those Speaking in Opposition – No one spoke.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of May 20, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee of Full, Mr. Carr – Regarding the former Pelton Road landfill, Mr. Anderson stated he and Ms.Sievers, Mayor Fiala, Rich Palmisano and Jack Gorka toured the landfill. He stated there is a large parcel that the City can’t build anything on, but there is a company that would like to place solar panels on that parcel. Ms. Sievers stated it could be a great mountain bike park. There is enough room for the solar panels and a park. Mr. Palmisano stated that there is a solar panel company that would like to come in and give a presentation. Mr. Anderson commented that the money from the solar panels could be used for the road program or to maintain the park. There will be a committee meeting prior to the next Council meeting with a presentation on solar panels.
Service Committee, Mr. Anderson – Regarding a petition circulating regarding the elimination of property taxes in the state of Ohio, Mr. Anderson stated that if passed, this would affect the school system the hardest and also city services.
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read a request from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a D1 liquor permit for Ohio Springs, Inc. dba Sheetz 731, 4145 SR306, Willoughby, Ohio 44094. Mr. Tomaselli stated this permit would allow for on premise consumption. Following discussion, Council agreed that the Mayor will dosome research on the permit so the City can act by the deadline of June 23rd.
PUBLIC PORTION
Terry Ricker, 1147 Windermere, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Ricker stated she is at the meeting tonight dueto the proposed McKinley Outreach development. Ms. Ricker asked what an NEO is. She asked who would be living in the development. She stated she lives right next door to McKinley; the grass is long; there is garbage and old pallets on the property. She stated it’s open 3 days a week to pass out food and it’s closed the rest of the week. She stated she is concerned about being able to sell her house with thenew development next door. She asked if the development will be Section 8 housing.
Mr. Carr asked Mayor Fiala to share information he had on the development. Mayor Fiala stated that the developers have not informed the City who will be living there. He said the City isn’t able to ask that question due to fair housing laws. He stated that extended housing has purchased an option on the property but they haven’t done that yet and they won’t unless the development is approved. As he stated atthe recent Ward 1 meeting, the development appears to meet the zoning code in its strictest interpretationwhich means there is no public hearing at the Planning Commission. Mayor Fiala stated he does not support the project. He voiced concerns about engineering, safety and traffic issues with the project. Ms. Ricker stated that Windermere is now a cut through street and people speed down it. Mr. Carr stated that the Mayor has shared with Council his opposition to the project as well as to the Planning Commission. Mr. Kary assured the residents in attendance that the Planning Commission will thoroughly review all elements of the project including land use, sanitary sewer, storm water, etc. Mr. Kary asked the residents to respect the Planning Commission on Thursday; the Commission cannot ask what type of residents that will be living there due to discrimination laws.
Chuck Steadman, 1196 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Steadman stated that if the sanitary issues comply, he suggested having the McKinley Center torn down and have a cul- de-sac and developing a new community that will bring up property values for everyone
Bill Collins, 38409 South Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Collins stated he is very much against thedevelopment for reasons that have already been stated. He stated that NEO means low income and was stated in a letter dated April 30th from LDA (architect for the project). Mr. Collins submitted signatures fromresidents against the Windermere Project. Mr. Collins asked why letters weren’t sent out to residents this time about the project. Mr. Carr stated that there is no variance or public hearing involved so it’s notrequired. Mr. Collins asked if the community could request a meeting with the Planning Commission regarding the project. Law Director Lucas stated there is no requirement or authorization for the Planning Commission to have a public meeting regarding an issue that is being presented in accordance with the codified ordinances. Once the applicant has presented their project and there are discrepancies in meeting the code, the Planning Commission could reject the project because it doesn’t meet the code orthey could ask for more information or they could continue the discussion regarding the project to the next Planning Commission meeting in order for the applicant to bring in additional information that is required.Mr. Collins asked if he could request a copy of the project plans. Mr. Lucas stated he can make a public records request to obtain those documents.
Jeffrey Malecki, 1249 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Malecki stated that Council has the finalsay in the matter of the proposed development. Mr. Malecki questioned the zoning for the development stating it will be a burden on the area.
Rochelle Davis, 38397 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Davis stated that she looked up the developer and it’s her understanding that they do Section 8 housing, therefore, she believes that is their intention. She stated that there is a substance abuse facility nearby and next to that is a mental health in-patient facility that treats serious mental health disorders. If the new development is Section 8, it would be within walking distance of these facilities. She voiced concerns about the elementary school in the area. She asked how the Police Department felt about the proposed development. She stated that crime rate will go up.
Susan Steadman, 1196 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Steadman stated that million dollarhomes are going up near Sunset and a lot of work is going into Osborne Park; she stated the area has greatpotential. She suggested tearing down McKinley Center and the old Penny Pinchers building and get people in the area that take pride in the neighborhood.
Patsy Weiss, 586 Tioga Trail, Willoughby, Ohio – Regarding the removal of property taxes (mentionedearlier by Mr. Anderson and its effect on city services) Ms. Weiss asked if property taxes were lowered forseniors, how badly would it affect city services. Mr. Anderson stated he didn’t know the answer to thatquestion. Mr. Anderson stated the Police and Fire would remain but city services would be cut. Ms. Weiss asked if the new development were built, would the residents pay property taxes. Mayor Fiala stated the development is not for profit, so no property taxes would be paid. She stated that senior citizens such asherself are having a hard time with finances and paying property taxes.
Michael Pall, 1193 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Pall stated he stands behind the previous comments made this evening with regards to the proposed development.
Jeffrey Corman, 3397 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Corman stated that the City used to be rated the second best city in the state and now it’s not even in the top 20. He feels his property value and has gone down due to Section 8 housing.
Gregg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Patt congratulated the residents for showing up tonight and giving their opinion (about the proposed development). He stated the development is a newhousing development with new houses; he encouraged the residents to find out more about the development before making any judgements.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-61 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with J. Severino Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,337,272.00 for implementation of the Lakeshore Boulevard EastEqualization Basin Project Phase 1, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this was a rebid due to the rejection of the original bid. Mr. Lannon stated this resolutioncovers work in Phase 1 now that the project has been split into two phases. He stated the work in this contract will meet the City’s obligation to the EPA to get the roadway pipework done first. He stated that Phase II is for the underground tank approximately 600,000 gallons with costs pushing over $10 million. The idea is to value engineer that down and maybe raise the tank above ground to reduce the amount of excavation to try to save money. The total estimate of both phases came in over just $14 million.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-62 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapters 1103, 1141, and 1155 of the Codified Ordinances of theCity of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Definitions", "Business Districts", and "Use Specific Regulations", respectively, and declaring an emergency.
Law Director Lucas stated that the Planning Commission has approved the proposed amendments and has recommended approval by Council. The Planning Commission wanted additional provisional languageincluded, one of those being the distance between a dispensary and a substance abuse facility. Another provision was for the use of surveillance cameras; this would be part of the security plan that would need to be submitted to the Police Chief. All language requested by the Planning Commission has been added. He stated that dispensaries are only permitted in General Business (GB) and Retail Business (RB) with severalregulations that are imposed because a conditional use permit (CUP) is issued. Dispensaries are prohibited in downtown. Mr. Tomaselli stated he was happy to see that dispensaries are permitted in certain areas of the City. He asked if there was a reason why the Lakeshore Gateway (LG) was excluded and if legislation was passed tonight it would exclude a dispensary in the Lakeshore Gateway zoning district forever. Mr. Lucas instated that unless a subsequent amendment was made, that was correct. Mr. Tomaselli stated hisconcern was for a missed opportunity in that area with a dispensary. Mr. Lucas stated that an amendmentwould need to be made to Section 2, governing Chapter 1141, which are the scheduled permitted uses. Ms. Sievers stated she doesn’t want to shut out business opportunities on the north end. She doesn’t think it’s Council’s choice, but rather the consumer’s choice. After discussion regarding the possibilities of amending the legislation tonight to include the Lakeshore Gateway zoning district or amend the codified ordinances later, Council agreed to not amend the legislation on the agenda this evening.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-63 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $4,600.00 from the Public Art Fund to implement an art project at 4110 Erie Street recommended by the Public Arts Committee, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated that this was an Irish theme on the side of Malarkey’s. Mr. Kary stated that he was originally concerned about the mural that was planned along with other members of the Planning Commission and the Public Art Committee. However, he discovered that the mural is not a commercial piece of advertising for the business, but rather it’s an artistic expression for the public good. It represents a celebration of Irish heritage and an image asking viewers to step into the enchanted landscape.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-64 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving the Lake County Final Plan concerning all public safety answering points ("PSAPS") operating in Lake County, Ohio, as adopted by the Lake County 9-1-1 Program Review Committee, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated that this was the committee he had been serving on as one of five members. There had been discussion regarding consolidating the 9-1-1 system and the City wanted to be one of three dispatch centers. However, all the communities who had a dispatch center wanted to keep them. He stated that the final plan has all PSAP’s and dispatch centers remaining the same going forward. The only change the committee made was to have a minimum of two people on duty at all times to ensure safety in the community. Mr. Carr stated that Willoughby is in a great position with the new facility to take on other western Lake County communities dispatch in the future.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-65 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Master Agreement for professional consulting service with Verdantas, LLC.
Mr. Carr stated that this is the contract for the City Engineer formerly known as CT Consultants. Mayor Fiala stated there were some changes to the contract language including raising the monthly fee. The contract was last negotiated 20 years ago.
ADDENDUM
RESOLUTION 2025-66 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving an agreement between the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2291, AFL-CIO and the City of Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
This contract is for the full time firefighters; the part time firefighters have also settled.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked Mr. Carr for sitting in on the NextGen 9-1-1 meetings. He stated that the state of Ohio is expected to pass legislation later this year regarding short term rentals; that will become law unless cities pass legislation prior to.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – Regarding short term rentals, Mr. Lucas stated that short term rentals currently are not permitted in the City. He stated he would like to draft legislation that would regulate short term rentals to absolutely prohibit or permit them in certain areas subject to regulations. This legislation would give the City the control on short term rentals versus the state.
Service Director Palmisano – Mr. Palmisano thanked Mr. Anderson and Ms. Sievers for touring the Pelton Road landfill.
City Engineer Lannon – Mr. Lannon thanked Council for passage of Resolution No. 2025-65. He stated that River Street reopened to two way traffic this afternoon. The work on Rt. 84 will start after July 1st. A plug pile wall will be installed for the slope stabilization.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar thanked Mr. Carr for representing the City on the 9-1-1 committee.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz thanked Mr. Carr for sitting on the 9-1-1 committee.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller stated that the first Osborne Park concert is tomorrow night; the first downtown concert is June 19th. The car Cruise In is scheduled forSaturday June 21st. Movie night is scheduled for Monday, June 30th on the library lawn. Fireworks are scheduled for July 4th at dusk.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers – Ms. Sievers thanked the residents in attendance at tonight’s meeting. She held a successful ward meeting last Wednesday.
Mr. Carr – Mr. Carr that there that the Flag Day 5K (or 2 miles walk) will be held tomorrow night at Deepwood.
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
As we move through this summer, many of you may have been approached by your Ward Council Member asking for your signature on their petition to have their name placed on the Ballot in November. Please take a moment to sign their petition, which adds their name to the ballot. We still need you to vote in November. All City Council Members are up for re-election.
I want to commend the exceptional collaborative spirit and effectiveness of our Willoughby City Council members. In today's often-divided world, it's inspiring to witness how our council consistently demonstrates a remarkable ability to work together, even when tackling complex issues and diverse perspectives.
Our council members ALWAYS prioritize the well-being of Willoughby. They always engage in respectful dialogue, actively listen to one another, and are committed to finding common ground for the benefit of our entire community.
This isn't just about agreement; it's about engaging in healthy discussions that lead to well-considered decisions. Their shared dedication to serving our residents fosters an environment where productive solutions are the norm, not the exception.
WE ARE WILLOUGHBY
Sincerely,
Ken Kary
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/