COUNCIL MEETING JULY 8, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• July 8, 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
EAS #9-3-25
Outdoor dining area at the existing building located at 4099 Erie Street (Chagrin River Diner).
Mr. Kary stated he has excused the applicant from the meeting tonight because there were no issues to discuss regarding the EAS. It was approved by the Planning Commission after revisions were made to the seating chart.
EAS #10-4-25
Construction of an addition to the existing building located at 38195 Airport Parkway (Quality CNC Machining).
Mr. Kary stated this EAS was approved by the Planning Commission on June 26th. Mr. Novak stated thisproject is for an approximately 5,000 sq. ft. addition with an expansion of the parking lot. There will be a storm water basin installed in front of the building with added landscaping in the front and on parking islands and trees along the back property line. Mr. Kary stated there was no impact on traffic. The new basin will handle the stormwater. There were no issues from Police or Fire. No issues with noise, water or air pollution. There are no demands on the school system. No issues with hazardous waste. Mr. Novak stated the project would start as soon as possible and completed by the end of the year.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee recommends passage of EAS #10-4-25. about 20 clients. Mr. Kary recommended that Ms. Lusk talk to the seller of the building becausethere is a stormwater basin behind the building that is nonfunctional; it needs to be cleaned out. Ms. Lusk has agreed to clean out the basin if the seller does not. There were no traffic issues noted. There were no concerns from Police and Fire. There were no noise, water or air pollution issues. No impact on the school system. Ms. Lusk stated that there would be some hazardous waste products that will be taken off site. Mr. Kary stated that it may be a benefit to consolidate the two parcels. Mr. Kary confirmed that Ms. Lusk would like to have the operation up and running by the fall.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee recommends passage of EAS #12-5-25.
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
EAS #12-5-25
Adult daycare center and homecare agency at the existing building located at 38765-38769 Lakeshore Blvd. (Porscha’s Heart to Heart Homecare).
Ms. Lusk stated she has a current business called Porscha’s Heart to Heart Homecare that is a homecareagency serving the elderly with bathing and dressing, etc. She is trying to add an adult day center that willhelp elderly engage in socialization and activities. Mr. Kary stated she is purchasing both parcels (38765and 38769) on Lakeshore Blvd. There will be a parking lot to the east and west. Mr. Kary stated that the Planning Commission approved this EAS with a few notations. Mr. Kary asked how many clients will be seen once up and running at full capacity. Ms. Lusk stated at full capacity she would like to see
Committee of Full Meeting
The purpose of the Committee of Full meeting is to discuss the Pelton Road Landfill.
PELTON ROAD LANDFILL
Mr. Carr stated tonight’s discussion will focus on the Pelton Road landfill. He thanked Mr. Anderson and Ms. Sievers who recently toured the landfill. Mr. Kurt Princic from CEP Renewables stated he has worked in the solar industry for the last two and a half years and prior to that he worked for the Ohio EPA for 31years and had worked on the closure plan for the Pelton Road landfill in the early 1990’s. He stated he wanted to discuss using the landfill for solar development. He stated landfills and brownfields have challenges for future use; solar is the best option especially for landfills because they have environmental liabilities that are tough to overcome.
Mr. Princic stated that CEP builds in energized sites such as landfills and brownfields. CEP currently has the largest landfill solar project in the United States. He stated CEP has over a gigawatt of power under development currently. Using a slide from the presentation, he gave an overview of current projects predominantly on the east coast including the Mt. Olive site that was a former landfill. This site is the largest landfill solar project in North America with 25.6 MW. He also spoke about a landfill solar project in Brooklyn, Ohio which CEP is currently working on Phase II. This project is part of a climate pollution reduction grant with Cuyahoga County with construction starting at the end of the year. Mr. Carr asked Mr. Princic to put one MW into perspective. Mr. Princic stated that one MW is enough to energize 250 to 400 homes on an annual level (10 MW could energize 4,000 homes potentially).
Mr. Princic stated that the development at the former landfill on Pelton Road would be risk free as CEP would take on all of the costs for development, permitting, installation and operation of the plant. The City would enter into a long term lease which is typically 20 years with three-5 year extensions. There are no property taxes currently on the landfill. CEP would pay $9,000 per MW that they create. He stated that CEP would handle all the post closure obligations for the landfill. The solar assets would be maintained including the cap system, fences for security, lawn mowing, fire access, etc. The only thing CEP would notdo is the ground water monitoring. Mr. Princic stated that solar provides a reliable renewable energy source with minimal impact on the property. He stated that if after 20 years, the contract isn’t renewed,CEP would be responsible to return the site to how it looks today. At the Pelton Road landfill, there are 10 acres that are developable. The potential MW is almost 5 MW-dc and 3.82 MW- ac. He stated there is a substation about a mile away and the service area is with the Illuminating Company. Using a slide from the presentation, he showed a rough conception of where the project would be located on the landfill. Per the Ohio EPA, nothing can be constructed that would harm the cap system so a settlement analysis will need to be completed. There could be no penetrations into the cap system and they would need to maintain all engineering control i.e., the cap system, stormwater control etc. He stated that the equipment would be on concrete ballasts including the rack system, pipes and panels.
Mr. Princic stated that CEP is waiting on two pieces of legislation in Ohio to be passed. One is called Community Solar (H.B. 303) and another net metering provision that he anticipates being introduced to the senate within weeks. He stated the lease would be
$1,500 per acre per year with a 2% annual escalator. This is consistent with other contracts and leasesthat CEP has currently in Ohio. The total over 20 years would be
$365,000. The savings in post closure care estimates would be about $3,500 annually;
$70,000 over the 20 years of the contract. There is a pilot tax which obligates the developer to pay $9,000 per MW per year. He stated that $7,000 goes to the taxing authority which is the City and $2,000 goes to Lake County. Annual revenue through the pilot tax would be $26,740 and $7,000 would go to the county. Over the 20 years, the City would get $534,800 and the county would get $152,800. The total annual revenue for the City would be $52,880 and $1,123,060 for the 20 years of the lease.
Mr. Princic stated that the City will likely have to go out for Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ) for the project because it’s public dollars. The state needs to pass legislation on both the community solar and net metering. The legislation could pass in the first quarter of 2026, however, that is just an estimate. Mr. Carr asked why this legislation would be important to the project knowing they’ve already done a project in Brooklyn. Mr. Princic stated the Brooklyn project is connected to Cleveland Public Power. The project in Willoughby would be First Energy, who currently is under no obligation to takethe power. The legislation would obligate First Energy to give CEP an interconnection. Mr. Carr stated that if the City were to do an RFP/RFQ there will need to be a qualifier that it’s based on the future approval of the state or the City waits until the bill is passed to do an RFP/RFQ. Mr. Princic stated that the Big Beautiful Bill has put limitations on the inflation reduction act and the ability to get tax credits for these types of projects. He stated there is a deadline of July 3, 2026 to either begin construction or get safe harbor for the site. In order to get safe harbor, 5% of the capital spend would need to be put down. However, an executive order by President Trump seems to have changed what the safe harbor provisions are. He stated that a lot has changed for solar in the last week and half. He believes that solar is the best option for this site, but admitted that a lot has changed recently.
Mr. Carr asked Mr. Anderson or Ms. Sievers if they found any other uses for the landfill site. Mr. Anderson stated that other than walking trails, there aren’t really any other uses. If solar panels were installed at the site, there would still be a space to let off fireworks. There was discussion about installing the panels without First Energy purchasing the power and Mr. Carr asked if the project would be viable. Mr.Princic stated that the project would not be viable. Mr. Anderson asked if the top floors of the nearby apartments would be affected by reflection from the solar panels. Mr. Princic stated he didn’t believe that to be the case noting the solar panels surrounding the Denver airport. The panels are designed to absorb the light. Mr. Kary suggested the landfill could be used for golf practice facility that could generate income.
The Committee of Full Council Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 8, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING - 7:05 p.m.
2026 Tax Budget
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on 2026 Tax Budget
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of June 10, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Mark Perillo, 38524 Wood Road, Willoughby – Mr. Perillo stated he started the pickleball program at Lakeland a few years ago which now has 700 members. He stated he offered to help design the courts at Osborne Park. He stated that the City has built one of the finest pickleball facilities in the area. He is nowrunning the (voluntarily) pickleball program at Osborne Park. He stated he is at the courts everyday at 7:30 a.m. and word is getting out that people can show up and play pickleball in a friendly environment. Hethanked the City for making such a great place to play. He suggested putting lights at the pickleball courts at least on 4 of the courts.
Mary Feathers, 886 Bellvue, Willoughby – Ms. Feathers stated the White Cane walk will be held October 11th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-67 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution congratulating the Lake Catholic High School Boys Varsity Baseball Team on winning the 2025 OHSAA Division IV Baseball Championship.
Mr. Carr stated that three players (including Ms. Sievers’ son) and one coach are from Willoughby.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-68 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #9-3-25 for an outdoor dining area at the existing buildinglocated at 4099 Erie Street (Chagrin River Diner).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-69 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #10-4-25 for the construction of an addition to the existing building located at 38195 Airport Parkway (Quality CNC Machining).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-70 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #12-5-25 for an adult daycare center and homecare agency at the existing building located at 38765-38769 Lakeshore Blvd. (Porscha's Heart to Heart Homecare).
This EAS was discussed earlier this evening during the Environmental Planning Committee Meeting. Mr. Anderson asked about the water retention and if it was really needed. Mr. Kary stated there was a lot of asphalt to the east and west of the building creating a lot of runoff with no place for it to go besides to the back of the property. The retention at the back of the building has sat for a long time and needs to be cleaned up. Mr. Crislip stated the retention basin needs a lot of clean up; a neighbor has been using it as a dumping ground over the years.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-71 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $59,523.74 for the purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford F-350 Pickup Truck with Plow from Classic Ford for use by the Cemetery Department, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated the purchase of this truck was discussed during the capital discussion earlier this year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-72 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $80,473 for the purchase of one (1) Kobelco Excavator with 24" Bucket for use by the Sewer Department from Southeastern Equipment Company through Sourcewell, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this purchase is coming out of the Sewer Fund
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-73 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $71,948 for the purchase of one(1) 2025 Ford F-350 Cab and Chassis with Stakebody from Classic Ford for use by the Street Department, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this was discussed during the capital discussion earlier this year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-74 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing a total expenditure in an amount not to exceed $126,000 for the purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford F-600 One Ton Truck Chassis from Classic Auto Group for use by the Street Department and the attendant dump body installation package on the truck by Best Truck Equipment, Inc., and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this was discussed during the capital discussion but as a Ford F-550. Mr. Crislip stated this vehicle has better suspension and bigger tires. Mr. Crislip explained that this vehicle will have a V-box which is better for the hydraulics and the salt will be distributed out of the back of the vehicle versus to the side; the $126,000 includes the purchase of vehicle as well as the installation package. The V-box can be taken off the truck and swapped out for other equipment.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-75 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $415,100 for the purchase of one (1) HortonMedical Unit, Ford F550 XLT Gas 4 x 4, Model 623 for use by the Willoughby Fire Department; said purchase to be made through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program, and declaring an emergency.
There was discussion regarding what fund would be used to pay for the ambulance. This purchase willcome from the capital fund. Chief Ungar stated he is trying to get back into the rotation of a new ambulanceevery six or so years although he is still behind schedule. The build time is about two and a half years. Therewill be a new estimate 12 months out from delivery; there will be a prepayment discount that will take off $33,000 plus a trade in value.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-76 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving an agreement between the Willoughby Part-Time Firefighter Association andthe City of Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
This resolution approves the part time firefighters union contract with a 5%, 4% and 3% increase over the next three years.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-77 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution declaring a 2014 Ford Police Interceptor SUV owned by the City of Willoughbyas obsolete and not needed for public use, authorizing the sale thereof to Andrews OsborneAcademy, Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
Chief Schultz stated the City has built a strong relationship with Andrews Osborne Academy especially Gonzalo Garcia-Pedroso. Mr. Garcia-Pedroso asked the Police Department if they had a vehicle they could use for security.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-78 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution adopting the Tax Budget of the City of Willoughby, Ohio for the fiscal yearbeginning January 1, 2026; submitting same to the Lake County Auditor, and declaring an emergency.
A memo was sent out by Ms. Hoffman regarding the budget. There will be a public hearing this evening on the 2026 tax budget.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-79 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance providing for the manning levels and compensation of elected and appointed officials and salaried and non-union employees of the City of Willoughby, Ohio; repealing any and all other ordinances or part thereof which may be inconsistent herewith or which may be redundant hereto; and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this adjusts the manning table for non-union positions.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-80 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and toadvertise for bids for the 2025 Highway Pavement Lane Marking Project, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Crislip stated the pavement marking bid goes out every year. Mr. Carr asked about a longer wearing paint. Mr. Crislip stated the longer wearing paint is very expensive.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-81 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution accepting a donation of $15,000 from the Willoughby VFW Post 1500 to beused for the purchase of furniture at the new Willoughby Police Department Facility.
Chief Schultz stated he greatly appreciates this donation and it will go toward furniture needs for the newfacility. He thanked the Willoughby VFW Post 1500 and Brent Woerner for the donation.
ADDENDUM:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-82 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution confirming that certain real property owned by Riverside Commons@ Rt 2 LLC is located in a City-established Community Reinvestment Area, eligible for a five (5) year tax exemption of one hundred percent (100%) and authorizing the Mayor to finalize a TaxIncentive Financing Agreement with the Riverside Property Owner for public infrastructureimprovements to include required minimum service payments of fifty percent (50%) for five (5) years in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, and declaring an emergency.
Law Director Lucas stated the property, which is about 14.88 acres has laid fallow for decades as the Citydealt with EPA litigation in federal district court. The property is owned by an LLC where Mr. Jeff Calabrese is the owner of the LLC. He is looking to develop in the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) with the intended benefit of the 100% tax abatement for five years. The administration (Mayor Fiala and Development Director Thielman) and Mr. Calabrese have negotiated to move the fallow land into a viableinitial development to get the project off the ground. They have worked out a quid pro quo where the property owner has a 100% five year abatement, but is also willing and agreed in principal to provide a further benefitof five years at 50% where that money will come back to the City as an offset. It’s a lot of money provided to the City to assist with public improvements. The administration will work to prepare a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement consistent with the overall tentative agreement outlined in the resolution. This legislation is an emergency because the City wants to get the TIF finalized so progress can begin as soon as possible. As of now, the TIF is a non-school TIF.
Mayor Fiala stated that the City has to assess the property to try to recover the debt. He stated the City is encouraging the developer to do light industrial on the second phase (Phase 1 will be commercial) because it will create more jobs. Mayor Fiala stated he is hopeful the City can recoup about $3.5 million of the road debt. It appears that the developer can develop more property than the EPA stated he could several years ago. The more that’s developed, the more money the City can recoup. The roads were installed so long ago, they need repairs. The EPA has stipulated culverts but more money could be freed up so that they don’t have to be installed ($330,000). The area included in the TIF is outside the area that was part of the lawsuit with the City. The TIF also provides the owner with a significant marketing boost for him.
The Legislative Caucus adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked Council for the passage of Resolution 2025-81.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – No report. Mr. Carr asked about the sidewalks in front of Wendy’s and Walgreenson Rt. 91. Mr. Lucas stated that both Wendy’s and Walgreens have indicated they would be putting in sidewalks but there has been a lull in communication over the last couple weeks.
Engineering Tech Crislip – Mr. Crislip thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2025-71 through 2025-74.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2025-75. He reported that this morning there were 5 simultaneous trash can fires along Euclid Avenue. No damage was reported to any buildings.
Police Chief Schultz –. Chief Schultz thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2025-77 and 81. Regarding the trash can fires reported by Chief Ungar, he stated a suspect was identified around 9:30a.m. and subsequently arrested and was taken to the Lake County jail. The suspect faces several felonies and misdemeanor charges. He stated it was a great team effort between the Fire and Police Departments. Chief Schultz discussed the many partnerships the department has throughout the community. He was happy to help Andrews Osborne Academy by selling them a used obsolete vehicle for their campus security. He thanked the entire Willoughby VFW 1500 organization including Commander Mark Case and Brent Woerner for their support over the years and the recent donation.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No major reports
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
This represents quite a bit of content for you to digest. ENJOY.
Just for your information, I have filed my petitions to run for City Council this November. I ask for your support and VOTE. Please share your support with your neighbors and friends in WARD 2 so my term on Council can extend for another two years. We still have a lot to do to keep Willoughby strong, and especially Ward 2 STRONG. Always working for you! Keep communicating.
Together, we are making positive moves forward.
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/