COUNCIL MEETING MAY 20, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• May 20, 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 #11-4-25 - Updated parking lot configuration located at 25 Public Square (25 Public Square Apartments).
EAS #11-4-25
Updated parking lot configuration located at 25 Public Square (25 Public Square Apartments).
Mr. Kary stated that the Planning Commission approved EAS #11-4-25. Regarding traffic, Mr. Kary stated there were no concerns as the parking lot has been there for decades. Mr. Gantz stated he believes there will be a total of 45 parking spaces. There will be some green space making the space a little more attractive. Mr. Kary stated there were no storm water concerns noted. There were no concerns from Police or Fire. There is minimal impact on the school system. No hazardous waste concerns. Mr. Kary asked about the lighting. Mr. Gatnz stated there will be three new parking lot lights in the asphalt area to meet the foot candle requirements. A few wall packs will be added to the building for additional parking lot lighting. He would like to start using the parking lot on August 1st.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee recommends passage of EAS #11-4-25.
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: John Tomaselli, Dan Garry, Ken Kary
The purpose of the Finance & Audit Committee meeting to discuss Capital Budget.
2025 CAPITAL BUDGET
Chairman Tomaselli stated that Finance Director Hoffman distributed the 2025 capital budget requests fromthe directors to Council. Ms. Hoffman stated the Parks Garage was not added to the list and sherecommends funds be set aside each year to build up what is needed (total of $2.5 million). Service Director Palmisano stated that it was looked at for a rebuild but the structure doesn’t have enough supportat the top for a new roof; it is structurally not sound. A new building would be built next door to the existing building. Ms. Hoffman stated currently there is a Building Maintenance Capital fund that the City has been utilizing for projects like this. Funds could be transferred; that way the funds would be separated fromCapital. A dollar amount could be determined and the fund could build up a balance.
Regarding the Service Department requests, Mr. Palmisano stated he wasn’t expecting to replace trailers.The mowers are a normal replacement item as well as the equipment. He stated he wanted to replace some of the smaller items because a sweeper will be needed soon, which is $370,000. Mr. Carr asked if the itemslisted for Police and Fire are coming from the Capital fund. Ms. Hoffman stated the capital requests listed arefrom the Capital fund only. If at item reaches over $75,000, that item will be brought forward for Councilapproval. She stated that Police has exhausted the Safety Tax Levy fund money for last year and this year.Fire does have the opportunity to purchase this year from that fund. All Police items listed are coming from3001 Capital fund. Mr. Carr stated he thought the Safety Levy fund money would be used for the new Police Station and also be used to free up capital needs for Police and Fire. Mr. Tomaselli stated that “overage” is being used for dispatch equipment, radios and other equipment. Mr. Carr stated it would be helpful to see a list of items being purchased from the Safety Levy fund for Police and Fire. Ms. Hoffman stated that the lease for the new ladder truck will be coming from the Safety Levy Fund, which is $162,000. Mr. Tomaselli said that Police cars and an ambulance are on the capital list. Fire Chief Ungar stated he is requesting anambulance now because it will take two and a half years to receive. He stated the last ambulance waspurchased with COVID money in 2020. The 2013 ambulance is in Columbus for the remount which is ayear behind. He stated that a new ambulance is requested every 3 to
4 years but there are two stations. He stated he is trying to get back to a normal replacement schedule. He stated that the newest ambulance is at the Lost Nation Road station and the ambulance at the Euclid Avenue station is a 2016. By the time the new ambulance arrives, the Euclid Avenue ambulance will beover 10 years old. He stated he doesn’t want to exceed 6 or 7 years for a front line ambulance before they start being used as a backup. He stated if an ambulance demo unit became available he would purchase it.
Mr. Tomaselli asked Mr. Palmisano about the NOPEC money. Mr. Palmisano stated that he learned that the money can be used for the electric bills for the EV charging stations, which will be a big help. Theremainder of the money will be used to build a pad, install a gas line, generator installation and fencing for a generator that will be moved from the Police Station to the Senior Center. NOPEC dollars could be used in the future for pickleball court lighting at Osborne Park.
Finance and Audit Committee meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Kristie Sievers, Dan Garry, John Tomaselli
The purpose of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting to review the Pool Survey results and project updates.
PROJECT UPDATES
Chairwoman Sievers stated that Economic Development Director Thielman would be reviewing the ChagrinRiver Floodplain Restoration & Trail Project and the Osborne Park Erosion Control & Restoration Project. Mr. Thielman stated that since signing the contract with Biohabitats, the lead contractor for the Chagrin Riverproject, the City conducted a kickoff meeting on March 31st, with subsequent update meetings every otherweek consisting of the entire design build team. He stated there is a pretty big team working on the project.
Mr. Thielman stated that Kevin Grieser, from Biohabitats, is the Project Manager (he was also the lead on therecent H2Ohio project on the Chagrin River at Daniels). Biohabitats is the lead contractor for this project. Hestated the team includes SmithGroup who is in charge of public access design, Meadville Land Services is in charge of the construction, Suburban Maintenance & Construction is doing the bridge construction, Zerbe Construction is doing all the park amenities, CTL Engineering is doing all the geotechnical engineering,Ecological Field Service (EFS) is in charge of all the invasive species management, and Otterbein University Department of Biology and Earth Sciences for any additional scientific survey work such as a muscle survey if needed.
Mr. Thielman stated that in addition, the Chagrin River Watershed Partners have been retained to help manage the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lake County ARPA funds and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) grant reporting process along with the billing and invoicing process. He stated that since there are several different grants funding this project, a fairly complex invoicing spreadsheet wasdeveloped to enhance the ease of making sure the City is plucking money from the correct grants and meeting our grant guidelines. Hopefully, this will make the process as smooth as possible for our Finance Department.
He stated that on April 8th, the invasive species work began with tree cutting and stump treatments of the nursery stock. The arborvitaes, honeysuckle and small black alder have all been removed from the area. Other weed and invasive species control also started on the upper bluff portion with access through Andrews Osborne Academy (AOA). There are approximately 51 acres of invasive species that need to beremoved.
He stated that Polaris has completed the topographical survey and the City has just received the culturalsurvey and archaeological phase 1 study. Progress reports regarding the consent decree have been sent tothe EPA as well, and quarterly updates to Lake County for the ARPA funding. Biohabitats has started field assessment work which includes hydraulic studies, stream morphology, soil conditions, and bat treeassessments, and the geotechnical analysis is starting late May. There will be subsequent invasive species treatments in late July, early August and again in the fall, and continued removal of tree stock and mulching.Biohabitats will be at 30% design completed by September, which will also have the project ready for permitting.
Mr. Thielman stated that the Osborne Park project has one contractor: Mark Haynes Construction. Thecontractor is mobilized on site and has been receiving rock of different sizes and storing them. The City is still waiting for final permitting (the City has been waiting for 15 months. from the Army Corp (Section 440) andthe EPA (Section 401). ODNR sent comments for review on May 13th, and all questions have been answeredby the SmithGroup. The hope is permitting will be completed in the next couple of weeks to coincide with the end of the “fish spawning window” (April 15th – June 30th) which doesn’t permit in water construction work until July 1st.
EUCLID AVENUE POOL SURVEY
Parks and Recreation Director Keller stated the Euclid Avenue pool site survey was active from March 31stthrough May 12th with 1,137 responses received. She stated that the survey was advertised 10 different ways to get the word out to residents and pass holders. There were a few non-residents who completed the survey. Demographic questions were asked and the majority of the respondents have lived in the City more than ten years (70 respondents were non-Willoughby residents). Most of the respondents were familiar withthe pool site. Ms. Keller stated that 98.5% of the respondents think it’s important to redevelop the site forpublic space and not sell the property. Ms. Keller stated there is a rumor going around that the City is going tosell the property and put in a strip mall (which is false). She stated that having a swimming pool ranked number 1 with the most votes for the site, number 2 is a water slide, and splash pad is number 3. Other amenities were included in the survey including a playground, tennis courts, pickleball courts, etc. Ms. Kellerstated she tried to gauge the public to see if they would be in favor of a levy so one of the questions on the survey was if they were satisfied with the Parks & Rec amenities; the response was positive. The survey also asked if respondents would support a levy; the response was favorable. The survey also asked how much respondents would be willing to pay for a levy and the majority was between $50 and $100 per year. The majority of the respondents indicated they would use the new facilities; 658 adults indicated they wereinterested in using the facilities.
Ms. Keller stated the survey can be sent to Brandstetter Carrol, Inc. to complete the plan using the changes from the survey. A meeting could take place after that with Council, the Park & Recreation team and members of the administration to decide how to move forward. Mr. Merhar asked if the City was planning on selling where the current Police Station is located. Mayor Fiala stated the current plan for the Euclid Avenue site doesn’t include that property. The current plan would make the exit from the parking lot of the EuclidAvenue pool site to line up with the light across from BJ’s across the street. Mayor Fiala stated that that property (former Police Station) could be sold to help fund the new Police Station. Mr. Carr encouraged Ms.Keller to find out what a levy could bring in and provide Brandstetter Carroll Inc. with that information. Therewas discussion about what a potential levy would bring to the City. The current Parks & Rec levy is from1956 and brings in approximately $77,000 or less. Ms. Keller noted that a splash park could be used longer in the season because it doesn’t require lifeguards.
The Parks & Recreation Committee meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 20, 2025
Absent: Councilman Anderson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of May 6, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee of Full, Mr. Carr – Mr. Carr stated there could be a discussion at the next meeting regarding the landfill.
Environmental Planning Committee, Mr. Kary – Reported there was a committee meeting this evening to discuss EAS #11-4-25; the committee is recommending passage by Council.
Finance and Audit Committee, Mr. Tomaselli – Reported there was a committee meeting this evening to discuss the 2025 capital budget.
Parks & Recreation Committee, Ms. Sievers – Reported there was a committee meeting this evening updating Council on the Chagrin River Trail and the Osborne Park Erosion project as well as the survey for the Euclid Avenue Pool site.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-55 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #11-4-25 for an updated parking lot configuration located at 25 Public Square (25 Public Square Apartments).
This EAS was discussed during the Environmental Planning Committee meeting earlier this evening.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-56 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and estimates of the cost of construction for certain new sidewalks in the City, and declaring an emergency.
City Engineer Lannon stated this resolution covers three sidewalks: two in Highgate and one in Hartshire. The City can use the subdivision for the plan and use the City’s maintenance sidewalk contractor pricing. That cost will be passed along to the property owner. Mr. Tomaselli asked if theCity contacted the property owners. Mr. Lannon stated yes, John Crislip had attempted to contact them with no luck.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-57 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the purchase of a high density storage unit from Patterson Pope for use by the Willoughby Police Department, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated a memo was sent out by Chief Shultz regarding this resolution and it was just discussed during the capital discussion. The storage unit will be going into the new Police Station and will be paid for using the Police Safety Facility Fund.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-58 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an amendment to the agreement with Vitalone's Services, Inc. for twenty-four (24) hour removal, towing, and storage services.
Chief Schultz sent out a memo regarding this resolution. The increased costs will not affect the City.Vitalone’s hasn’t raised their fees in 17 years and the costs are in line with what the state of Ohio Towing Association has put together. Mr. Tomaselli asked how long the agreement has been in place. Mr. Lucasstated he wasn’t sure but thought about 18 years.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-59 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the second amendment to contract between Browning FerrisIndustries of Ohio, Inc. dba Republic Services of Cleveland and the City of Willoughby for residential municipal curbside solid waste, recyclable and yard waste collection and disposal in the City of Willoughby, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this is a rate change for someone who wants a second tote. Mr. Palmisano stated the generalmanager reached out because there has been a lot of interest in extra totes. The price offered by Republic was lower than what was already in the contract.
ADDENDUM
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-44 - Second Reading Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance accepting Amendment No. 3 to Ordinance No. 2024-38, the Manning & Payroll Ordinance, relative to the position of Mayor.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-45 - Second Reading Motion carried 5 to 1
An ordinance accepting Amendment No. 4 to Ordinance No. 2024-38, the Manning & Payroll Ordinance, relative to the positions of Council.
5 yes. 1 no (Tomaselli)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-60 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $153,323.82 for the purchase of three (3) 2025 Ford Police Interceptors from Classic Ford for use by the Willoughby Police Department, anddeclaring an emergency.
This resolution was discussed during the capital discussion earlier this evening. Chief Schultz stated that Ford is closing the purchasing window on Police Interceptors this Friday. He feels these cars are the cheapest and most reliable on the market. He stated they had tried the Chevy Tahoe’s for a bit but they had some service issues.
The Legislative Caucus adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala reported that there a group pushing for an Ohio constitutional amendment that would eliminate property taxes. He stated Ohio townships receive about 75% of their income from property tax; it would be detrimental to townships. School districts are funded primarily from property taxes as well. The issue could be on the ballot in May, 2026. The issue for the City would be how this would affect the property tax based levies the City has. In the end, this could be a push to get the state to make changes to property taxes for seniors.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Palmisano – Mr. Palmisano thanked Council for the passage of Resolution 2025-59. He gave an update on Mr. Royko’s drainage issues who was before Council at the last meeting.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar reported that the 2013 ambulance was delivered to Horton Emergency Vehicles last Monday in Columbus for the remount project. He will be receiving project reports through the process.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2025-57, 58 and 60. He stated the contractor for the new Police Station is doing demo inside and has put up fencing.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller reminded everyone that the Memorial Day parade isMonday with a 9 a.m. lineup. The Osborne Park pool will open this weekend weather dependent.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers – Ms. Sievers reported the annual Ward 1 meeting that was scheduled for May 21st been rescheduled for June 4th at the Osborne Park lakeside pavilion at 6 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I was fortunate enough to attend Councilwoman Sievers Ward Meeting last evening.
Here is a summary of the major Topics of discussion:
Osborne Park Shoreline Protection Project
The Osborne Park Reimagination and Shoreline Protection Project is a master plan designed to restore and enhance the park’s Lake Erie shoreline. For years, high water levels have caused significant erosion along the 1,400 linear feet of shoreline, leading to the loss of parkland, threats to underground infrastructure, and reduced recreational opportunities. This project takes a proactive approach to protect and reimagine the shoreline for future generations.
Phase One:
The first phase will focus on addressing immediate concerns, including stabilizing eroded slopes and implementing effective erosion control measures. Pathways to the waterfront will be created to ensure safe public access while protecting vital storm sewer and water lines.
Phase Two:
The second phase will further enhance the park by adding recreational features, such as walking paths, scenic overlooks, and thoughtfully designed site amenities like sitting areas and swinging benches that invite residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the lakefront.
Supported by the significant $2 million state grant secured through the efforts of Ohio State Senator Jerry Cirino and supported by State Representative Dan Troy marks the beginning of this transformational project aimed at preserving Willoughby’s shoreline.
CHAGRIN RIVER FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION AND TRAIL PROJECT
The Chagrin River Floodplain Restoration and Trail Project is a vital initiative aimed at protecting precious land along the Chagrin River and enhancing public access to the area.
This project has been made possible through federal, state, and local funding. The City of Willoughby received $1.7 million in grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate-Ready Coasts Initiative, which was used to purchase 105 acres of critical riparian habitat along the Chagrin River. This acquisition served as the foundation for the project’s development and momentum.
Additionally, Congressman Dave Joyce has been instrumental in securing a significant $2.3 million grant from the House Appropriations Committee, further advancing the project. The Lake County Commissioners, recognizing the long-term environmental, recreational, and economic benefits, also committed $675,000 from ARPA funds to support this transformative initiative.
The City of Willoughby is partnering with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and the Chagrin River Watershed Partners to bring this conservation project to life. The initiative will enhance climate resiliency, improve public access, and contribute to the growing conservation and recreation corridor along the river—from Downtown Willoughby to Lake Erie.
In addition to water quality improvements, the project will include the creation of wetlands and vernal pools, decommissioning an idled nursery, the removal of invasive plant species, riverbank erosion controls, and developing a passive park featuring walking trails. In partnership with Lakeland Community College and Andrews Osborne Academy, an environmental studies curriculum will also be created for students from kindergarten through college.
THE EUCLID AVENUE POOL UPDATE
Last fall, residents gathered at the Willoughby Senior Center to discuss the future of the Euclid Ave Pool site. City administration, council members, and the Brandstetter Carroll Inc. design team shared initial concepts and feedback from their study. A major survey was conducted and the residents want a POOL.
WINDERMERE VILLAGE/MCKINLEY CENTER
McKinley Center and the Executive Team for Extended Housing are offering to
purchase the property behind McKinley Center for the purpose of providing homes and housing for individuals in Lake County with serious mental illness. They serve individuals in Lake County with a serious mental illness who are homeless or facing imminent risk of homelessness. Extended Housing, Inc. is a private, certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Their History reads:
Extended Housing, Inc. is a private nonprofit corporation. Our mission is to support individuals with severe and persistent mental illness to live as independently as possible. We do this by creating, developing, and sustaining safe, decent, affordable housing options. Program enrollment requires low income and the diagnosis of a serious mental illness. This includes bipolar or major depression, schizophrenia, or other severe mental health disorders. Extended Housing, Inc.’s clients may also have drug and alcohol abuse disorders or be homeless.
I share all this because this property is zoned for the type of housing they wish to create. This proposed housing is also in an established neighborhood already existing in Ward 1, Willoughby. My only concern here is that I am an elected Public Official who has a duty to represent the residents of our City. This model was presented before, and it was met with significant resistance from the neighborhood and residents of Ward 1 and Ward 2.
I would like to hear from my constituents regarding this proposal if you can take the time to call or write. Next week, on June 12th, the Planning Commission will be hearing this application for the Windermere Avenue Development. According to what I have read, there will be about 12-15 homes where tenants will reside. At this time, it will be rentals.
For the record, I have too much information that needs to be clarified before I can make a final decision on this project. I do understand the NEED for housing for these individuals. I do know, based on the past applications submitted, that I voted against the plan for a multitude of reasons. The primary one was what is best for this Neighborhood and this part of our city. We have better locations that could serve this goal much more effectively. The problem is that McKinley Center can use all the financial help possible, and the sale of this land in this location would provide that. I would much rather see the land be sold to a developer who wants to build homes that could easily help grow this current neighborhood.
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/