COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 12, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• August 12, 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 PLANNNG COMMITTEE
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee meeting is to review:
EAS #14-6-25(a)
Rezoning of .1789 acres of real property located at 4317 Center Street and further identified asPermanent Parcel No. 27A023J000520 from Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L) toDowntown Business (D-B) (The Enclave at Literary Point Phase 2).
Mr. Myers stated he is requesting a rezone for a parcel located at 4317 Center Street from Residential Multi-Family Low Rise to Downtown Business. The plan after rezoning would be for that parcel to become part of thecurrent Enclave at Literary Point Phase 2. This will entail building four townhomes (two buildings). Mr. Karystated there were no traffic concerns noted by the Police and Fire Departments. He stated that the WPCCasked that the downstream sewer capacity be checked and Mr. Lannon noted that it had been completed. The Fire Department requested that the street be labeled as a fire lane. Mr. Myers stated another sign will beplaced noting the fire lane. There will be no on street parking. No noise, water or air pollution concerns. There will be minimal impact on the schools. No hazardous waste or material concerns. Mr. Myers stated theywould like to begin the project at the beginning of 2026. Mr. Carr asked if the new buildings would look like thetownhomes on River Street or like the ranches. Mr. Myers stated the buildings will be as tall as the townhomesbut look more like the ranches.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee recommends passage of EAS #14-6-25(a).
EAS #13-5-25
Construction of six (6) duplexes located at 1200 Lost Nation Road (Windermere Village).
Mr. Kary stated there may be some demands on the school system. There were no hazardous waste concerns.Regarding the timeline, Mr. Kary confirmed the project would begin mid-2026 and be completed by 2027. Mr.Jennings stated that is correct. Regarding fencing, Mr. Kary stated that if there were issues with the current fencing, the fencing would be repaired or replaced. Mr. Jennings stated that is correct.
Mr. Kary stated he has concerns that are troubling for him, which is why he voted no on the EAS at PlanningCommission. He stated his first concern is stormwater; the proposal is for a detention pond on-site which has been relocated a little further to the north. Mr. Jennings explained that there were some changes made from theoriginal plan. The whole south portion of the site was moved. The buildings and pavement were moved to thenorth to avoid getting in the ravine and creek area. The detention area was moved further north so when itdoes spill out it would spill onto its own property and not the neighbor’s property. Mr. Kary stated he has aconcern in terms of the original and current location of the detention pond. He stated there’s sandy soil at the site;water in that pond is going to dissipate over a period of a couple of days. Mr. Jennings stated 48 hours or less.Mr. Kary stated that that water is going to go through the sandy soil and migrate somewhere. Mr. Jenningsstated the water goes into the ground and becomes drinking water. Mr. Kary asked if the water would go to alower level at all and enter into two town ditch. Mr. Jenning stated that under normal circumstances, it would stayin that detention area for 48 hours. Only in the event of a 50 year storm; whatever would go out would becomesurface water that would go into the detention pond.
Mr. Kary stated that his greatest concern regarding the stormwater is that there's a lower level there; there isa pond a little further north now which is not right at the lower level and that water is going to migrate throughthat soil. Mr. Kary stated that he’s not an engineer, but he’s talked to enough engineers to realize that thatwater is going to migrate from there and go to the lower level and enter the two town ditch eventually. Mr. Kary asked if Mr. Jennings had proof that that wouldn’t happen.
Mr. Jennings stated his engineer could speak to it, but he stated that he brought this up at the last meetingthat they are actually improving the current condition. Currently, there's a catch basin (kind of) at the end ofWindermere where it dead ends. He did verify that there's a pipe that goes directly into the creek or towardsthe creek. From the current conditions to what they are proposing the water would not be detained.
Mr. Kary stated that the City Engineer has stated there are two possible solutions for the removal ofstormwater. An easement could be applied for; the water could travel to the west or south over property ownedby others or tying into the City’s storm sewer. Mr. Kary stated that it’s the 21st century; for 12 duplexes to be built with a detention pond and not take advantage of the City’s storm sewer lines which are accessible isinappropriate. He stated that the City worked for two years on a project on Hodgson Road that started off with 50 plus duplexes and triplexes. The Planning Commission got the development down to 12 homes andthe builder has to take the stormwater from the site to Lost Nation Road which is a huge expense. He statedthat this project is a shorter distance with a detention pond; serious flooding could take place. Mr. Kary statedthat tonight he has distributed a picture of two town ditch during a regular rainstorm which is his biggestconcern.
Mr. Kary asked if a wetland study has been completed. Mr. Jennings stated that based on the approval from the Planning Commission, the next steps were to get an EPA Phase I report; the wetlands study report would be a part of that. Mr. Kary stated there could be wetlands on the property. Mr. Jennings stated that even if there were wetlands, they are staying at the high side of the property. Documentation will be submittedas required by the process. Mr. Kary stated this particular area is troublesome with the two town ditch that the City has spent millions of dollars on and it still floods; he stated there’s a study showing that it's eroding andbecoming bigger than a few years ago. Mr. Kary asked if a percolation test has been done for the stormwaterbasin. Mr. Jennings stated only if that information was provided in the previous stormwater calculations. Mr.Kary asked Mr. Jennings if he could define what a percolation test is. Mr. Jennings stated he was an architectnot a civil engineer. Mr. Jennings stated he wasn’t sure if that was part of the required stormwater analysis report; he assumes it considers assumptions based on the soil that’s on the site. A drainage plan wassubmitted; Mr. Kary asked City Engineer Lannon if the submitted drainage plan could be approved. Mr.Lannon stated no, not as submitted. Mr. Lannon stated there wasn’t an infiltration test in the report and the planrelies on infiltration to a certain level. He stated there were assumptions made that may turn out to be valid but they would need to be backed up by actual testing. Mr. Lannon stated the report submitted doesn’t meet theCity’s code; the code requires maintaining the peak run off rates to current conditions for the design storm.The plan shows an increase in peak run off rates for all storms (from one year to 100 year storm). He statedthey should be maintaining a one year storm level up to a 50 year storm or a reduction.
Regarding traffic, the applicant agreed there will be speed bumps put in. Mr. Jennings stated this was correct.Mr. Kary stated speed bumps indicate there is a problem before anything has been built. Speed bumps are to slow down traffic; and by the Planning Commission approving them and the applicant agreeing to put them in,it’s as though it’s being accepted that there will be speeding cars on a private road that connects both ends ofWindermere with a private road. Mr. Kary stated he has a problem with that. Mr. Jennings stated it would be more common to do a speed hump. Mr. Kary stated that if he had the chance at the Planning Commissionmeeting, he would have suggested making a small island there and do a tiny roundabout and that wouldhave slowed traffic down with no speed bumps. Mr. Jennings stated the speed bumps weren’t part of theoriginal plan, but they agreed to do it based on the Planning Commission.
Mr. Kary stated that the City Engineer asked for a specific traffic report; Mr. Lannon requested a trafficimpact study versus a trip generation. He stated a trip generation report calculates the number of additionalvehicles. The traffic impact study would actually evaluate impact on surrounding intersections and roadwaynetwork. Mr. Lannon stated there were low traffic counts, but the question is how it impacts the current dead end section of Windermere. There's only residential traffic (snow plows and garbage trucks), but the privateroad becomes the connector and the question is how that street is impacted primarily. Mr. Kary explained thatWindermere would be connected in the middle with a private road. There would be a thoroughfare coming fromLost Nation Road through Windermere to Lakeshore Boulevard, creating a cut through. There are stillquestions how the City is going to plow the street. Mr. Anderson stated he was not a fan of speed bumps. His thoughts go to the ambulances with patients in the back going over speed bumps.
Mr. Kary stated that the current proposal is riddled with several concerns and some unanswered questions. He stated the primary concerns are stormwater and traffic and roads. Regarding traffic, Mr. Jennings statedthat the trip generation report states that the studies were not required by the Ohio Department ofTransportation (ODOT). He stated that it seems like an unreasonable request because College Court has theexact same condition (a cut through). If anything, College Court is a more direct cut through. This was a report that was requested by the Planning Commission. Regarding the snow plowing with the speed bumps,the road is a private drive so the City is not responsible for plowing. Mr. Kary stated that the plow trucks can’tpull into Windermere and back out. Mr. Anderson stated he would prefer the stormwater go to the storm sewerbut that’s not what’s mandated. He would be OK if there were no speed bumps. The storm sewer tie in,however, was approved by the Planning Commission. Mr. Kary believes that the Planning Commission could have mandated the project tie into the storm sewers. Mr. Garry asked if Council should wait to vote until the other reports come in. Mr. Lucas stated that under CO 1109.12, Council is required to act within 30days from the action of the Planning Commission. There are two alternatives with that deadline. The applicantcan ask that the 30 day time frame be extended and Council can ask for additional documentation or testing. IfCouncil doesn’t act within 30 days, the applicant can consider the EAS denied. With that condition theordinance further provides that Council can still act upon the EAS after the applicant considered it denied.
Mr. Carr stated there were some questions raised at a recent meeting with residents as to whether or not the project needs a conditional use. He asked if there were other concerns outside the EAS. Mr. Lucas stated thatCouncil should be limiting the decision exclusively to the requirements of the EAS. Mr. Carr asked if the EASpasses is there is a further review of the plan. Mr. Lucas stated a development plan would need to besubmitted to the Building Department then to Planning Commission for review. Mr. Kary stated that waiting for additional reports isn’t going to solve the issue with the storm sewers or the private road. Mr. Jennings statedthat three different plans were presented to the Planning Commission, two of which had dead ends with cul-de-sacs at the end and the Planning Commission specifically requested the plan with a connected street. Mr. Kary believed that at that time, the street would be a City street.
Mayor Fiala stated that he normally doesn’t weigh in on EAS’s. It’s his understanding that the system design isinfiltration only and then it will overflow. To his knowledge the City has never approved a project that was infiltration only. The only project that he’s aware of that used infiltration as the primary means of stormwatermanagement is The Standard on Lakeshore and the City still requested that they go across LakeshoreBoulevard and connect to the storm sewer. Secondly, there's a good chance in years to come, even if the City allows this, that sediment will occur in that basin and it will no longer function because there will be sedimentblocking that water to get to the soil that allows infiltration. If this EAS is approved, he strongly recommends that a bond be posted on this development for long term maintenance. He suggests a 20 year bond and a minimum of $5 million to $10 million to assure the system functions as currently stated. But there is noguarantee that this system will function. The only way the City will know if there’s a possibility it will function is ifan infiltration test is done; right now, it is only a guess.
Mr. Carr asked if Council should vote on the EAS as presented tonight and the applicant can come back in a fewmonths and present a new plan with stormwater tie in and a public street. Mr. Lucas stated that that is one way to look at it. He stated the applicant can hear what Council is suggesting concerning the issues with thecurrent EAS and agree to an extension beyond the 30 days to provide additional information and maybeconsider the comments that were raised by Council, and see if they want to address them or not, which is at theapplicant’s discretion.
Ms. Sievers stated she has concerns about ordinances. She asked Mr. Keller to clarify if there was anything inordinances about the acreage needed to build a development this size. Mr. Keller stated that there is not aminimum acreage in this zoning district. There are in some multifamily district requirements and those are typically 3 acres. This property is already zoned R50, which permits one and two family by right.
Mr. Jennings asked if the civil engineer could speak because a lot of the concerns are centered aroundstormwater. Mr. Kary stated there are concerns about the private street in between two public streets. Mr.Jennings stated he feels the concern about the street to be unreasonable because they specifically followed the direction given by the City. He stated they would be glad to provide any additional reports as part of thepermitting process. Mr. Kary stated that Council needs to vote on the same EAS that the Planning Commissionsaw and heard. Mr. Kary stated the applicant could come back again to the Planning Commission with aplan/EAS. Mr. Jennings ask if Council wanted the civil engineer for the project to speak regarding the stormwaterconcerns. Mr. Carr stated that unless the plan is going to change; he doesn’t see any other way other that tyinginto the storm sewer on Lost Nation Road. Mr. Jennings ask if that was part of the code. Mr. Carr stated thatthe Mayor made it clear that there was nothing that the City has approved that allowed for this kind of infiltrationfor a site.
Mr. Jennings stated that the development was not large; essentially individual duplex units that could be builtone at a time. It was no different than a single family duplex. He stated that a duplex could be built somewhereelse in the City just using splash blocks. Mr. Kary stated the property was vacant land that was a playground atone time and will now hold 12 homes and a road.
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
COMMITTEE OF THE FULL DISCUSSION ON:
SHORT TERM RENTALS
Mr. Carr stated that Mayor Fiala had sent out a memo with some details and background regarding short term rentals. The state of Ohio (state) may act on short term rentals this coming fall. The City could decide on short term rentals or go along with what the state decides.
Regarding short term rentals, Mayor Fiala stated that it’s his understanding that anyone who has legislation in place will be grandfathered in when the state passes legislation. He stated that currently the City doesn’t define short term rentals within the code which is being upheld by the Lake County Court of Common Pleas per a case involving Willoughby Hills. He stated that in reality, the City is aware there are short term rentals in the City. The City has two options. The first would be to not prohibit short term rentals; Mentor and Mayfield Heights have banned them already. Mayor Fiala stated that he heard Kirtland and Wickliffe may ban them as well. He stated that he has offered many ways the City can regulate them but the two that are critical are where they could go and how many. Once that is established, a code can be built around those two items. Mayor Fiala believes that the short term rental codes of Dublin, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio are well crafted. Mr. Carr asked Law Director Lucas if the City put together the framework prior to the state passing legislation, is the City locked into that framework. Mr. Lucas stated it would be just like a zoning regulation; the regulation for it would be a conditional use similar to the marijuana dispensaries. It would be subject to any zoning amendment just like any provision of the zoning code is. He stated that the City has not ignored the enforcement and prohibition of short term rentals. The Zoning Board of Appeals has had several appeals requesting variances and/or appeals indicating the very argument that because it’s not expressly prohibited it should be prohibited as a residential use. The Zoning Board of Appeals has denied appeals and or variance requests that were the subject of four agenda items for that board. Mr. Lucas stated that Mr. Keller (upon verification) has closed down such rentals. The position of the Building Department, at least in terms of what the Lake County Court ofCommon Pleas says at the present time, agrees with the enforcement; that if it's not mentioned specifically in the City’s code (it's not expressly permitted) it’s excluded. Mayor Fiala stated that the City has responded to some short term rental houses due to noise or a neighbor notices a bunch of kids, etc.
Mr. Carr stated he believes that the City needs to have some framework for short term rentals. Mr. Merhar agreed and stated that there are certain areas that the City would be OK with short term rentals such as downtown or certain residential districts, but there are areas the City doesn’t want them. Mayor Fiala stated that downtown is a likely area where a short term rental could be. Ms. Sievers asked if there would be a cap on certain areas. Mayor Fiala stated there would be a cap and there has been previous discussion about putting a cap per ward or per City.
Mr. Carr asked Council if anyone thought short term rentals should be banned. Mr. Anderson stated he felt they shouldn’t be banned. Mr. Lucas stated there would need to be a zoning change. There would be a definition component to it where it would be listed under the schedule of uses and also in Chapter 1155 for special conditions for uses within the conditional use permits. Mr. Lucas stated some of the concernsbrought up at Zoning Board of Appeals meetings by residents is losing the sense of identity in a neighborhood. Residents don’t know who their neighbors are with people coming and going to a short term rental. Some of the neighborhoods in Willoughby are very tight knit and short term rentals would undercut that if it were permitted. He asked Council to consider that factor as they think about allowing short term rentals. Mr. Tomaselli asked if there was any public input for the application for conditional use. Mr. Lucas stated yes. An applicant would apply for a conditional use permit in the Building Department where it will be turned over to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission would schedule a public hearing for the conditional use permit rental (for each individual application). Mr. Tomaselli asked if the City could restrict corporate ownership of multiple properties versus individually owned. Mr. Lucas stated the City could but he doesn’t believe that it would be a good idea. He stated weather it’s an individual or an LLC, it’s the use itself that defines short term rentals. Mr. Lucas stated he believed the City will have a problem legally if you delineate between the two (and LLC owning multiple properties or individually owned). Mayor Fiala stated that Fairport Harbor currently is having an issue with economic development because someone is buying up properties and converting them to Airbnb’s. Mr. Merhar suggested limiting the number of properties one LLC can have in the City. Mr. Lucas stated he wasn’t keen on that idea either. Mr. Lucas suggested that at the discretion of the Planning Commission, during the conditional use permit consideration, the commission could consider the number of prior short term rentals owned by the applicant. Mr. Anderson asked if there was a way someone could lose their license if there were two or more nuisance calls. Mayor Fiala stated that he recommends that an applicant could lose their license for three months after the first strike, six months for the second strike and then permanently after the third strike.
The Committee of Full Council Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
August 12, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing on the proposed Codified Ordinance text amendments (see attached).
Those Speaking in Favor –
Jeffrey Malecki, 1249 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – In regard to the medical marijuana or the recreational dispensary of marijuana, Mr. Malecki stated he felt it was a good thing. He believes, as discussed by Council in an earlier meeting, that the saturation isn’t over the top and it’s kept safe from children and underage minors. He doesn’t feel it should be promoted but at the same time gaining from the revenue.
Those Speaking in Opposition –
Patricia Weiss, 586 Tioga Trail, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Weiss stated that she’s not really speaking against the proposal, she stated she has a question. She stated there is a limit on alcohol consumption when you get behind the wheel of a car, she asked if there is a limit on marijuana prior to operating avehicle. Ms. Weiss wanted to know if the City’s safety forces can take care of any issues with someone partaking in their purchase in the parking lot or at Osborne Park. Law Director Lucas stated there is no specific limit prohibition. The OVI ordinances based on the state statutes indicate you can be pulled over if your impaired by alcohol or by drugs.
Richard Legan, 520 & 530 Tioga Trail, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Legan stated he was opposed to it because the area of Lost Nation Road and Lakeshore Boulevard is very congested. He stated he believes impaired drivers would be bad for the area.
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing on the proposed rezoning (see attached).
Those Speaking in Favor – No one spoke.
Those Speaking in Opposition –
Richard Legan, 520 & 530 Tioga Trail, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Legan stated he has property at 4310 and 4312 Center Street. In July, he stated there was a resolution stating the property would be multi-family low rise and now it’s going to be a downtown district which has many, many uses. He stated he was heretonight for clarification and asked that the City maintain that area as it has been.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of July 8, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Jeffrey Malecki, 1249 S. Beachview, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Malecki stated he’s the person whose going to catch a lot of water from the proposed McKinley project. He passed some information out regarding wetlands and an assessment that he had done with regards to two town ditch. He stated that no one addressed the glacier fill as far as the water absorption. A glacier fill is where water bottoms out and just goes wherever it wants and no one knows the depth of that yet. Mr. Malecki referenced the CityOrdinance 1109 in that it states that if something is irregular or unusual for the capacity of the City, the City should hire an outside third party and not rely on the builder for the reports.
Richard Legan, 4310 & 4312 Center Street, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Legan asked why it’s changed (the rezoning on tonight’s agenda) from multi-family townhouse to downtown. He asked if there would be amassage parlor there or a tattoo shop. He stated he needs an answer. Mr. Carr stated that there will betownhomes there similar to what’s there now; they will be part of the ranch home development.
David Cox, 5332 Chestnut Hill, Willoughby, Ohio – Regarding the art used to decorate the utility boxes in the City, Mr. Cox stated he wanted to bring to Council’s attention the utility box at the corner of Euclidand Shankland. He stated it’s pretty clear that it’s an AI generated piece of art. He stated he feels that if the City is going to decorate the City, it should be done by supporting local artists.
Bill Collins, 38409 S. Beachview Road, Willoughby, Ohio – Regarding the proposed development on Windermere, Mr. Collins questioned the use of splash blocks in that development. He stated the water will eventually go into two town ditch; there are a couple of homes on the west side (north of two town ditch) and he feels the water will go directly into their backyards. He stated that he feels that not making the developer for Windermere tie into the stormwater at Lost Nation Road is absurd.
Terry Ricker, 1147 Windermere Road, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Ricker asked who was paying for theCity to cut the grass at McKinley Center if the property owner doesn’t pay taxes. She stated the property has garbage everywhere, tree branches down and broken windows. She questioned whether or not the development will be kept up if McKinley Center isn’t. She stated the building only gets used 4 days a week.
(Engineering Tech John Crislip stated that the owner will be assessed the cost of lawn cutting).
Mike Parletts, 1212 S. Beachview Road, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Parletts stated he went through the file on the Windermere project and has been to several meetings regarding the project. At the firstmeeting, there was discussion about variances. He believes that according to the codified ordinances there needs to be a variance and he cannot find one in the file. Mr. Carr stated the subject of a variance came up earlier. Mr. Lucas stated that under the R50 zoning classification, no zoning variance is required.
Shelly Dalton, 1223 S. Beachview Road, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Dalton stated her property is diagonalto the proposed development and the water would be running off through her yard. She stated that in anearlier meeting, there was mention of the use of old clay pipes. When she purchased her property she had clay pipes that collapsed within six months. She voiced concern that the water will seep down the hill and the sewer pipes will be seeping into the ground; what’s preventing the sewer water from draining into herbackyard. Ms. Dalton voiced concerns that without fencing, residents of the development would use herbackyard as public space.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-83. MOTION DEFFEATED 0-7
A resolution approving EAS #13-5-25 for the construction of six (6) duplexes located at 1200 Lost Nation Road (Windermere Village).
Mr. Carr stated there was a lengthy discussion regarding this EAS during the Environmental Planning Committee meeting held earlier this evening.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-84. MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution approving EAS #14-6-25(a) for the rezoning of .1789 acres of real property located at 4317 Center Street and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27A023J000520 fromResidential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L) to Downtown Business (D-B) (The Enclave at Literary Point Phase 2).
Mr. Carr stated this EAS was discussed earlier this evening.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-85 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, to reclassify
.1789 acres of certain real property located at 4317 Center Street and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27A023J000520 from Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L) to Downtown Business (D-B)
Mr. Carr stated this will adjust the zoning map for the City.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-86 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
An ordinance amending Chapter 1141 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Business Districts", specifically, Section 1141.03, titled, "Schedule of Permitted Uses".
Mr. Carr stated this adds adult use cannabis for the Lakeshore District. Mr. Lucas stated there was previous discussion regarding adding the Lakeshore Distrct and Ms. Sievers looked at the economic attractiveness ofadding this district and asked that it be included. It will be added with the same conditional use requirementsas the other districts already included.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-87 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution approving the editing and inclusion of certain ordinances as parts of the various component codes of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring anemergency.
Mr. Lucas stated this resolution is passed annually and reflects within the City’s codified ordinances the changes made to the state statutes.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-88 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
An ordinance authorizing the sale of real property located at 38435 North Beachview Road,consisting of a 0.1157 acre lot identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27B056A000740, without public bidding, for the sum of One Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($140,000), and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr confirmed this was the last of the City owned lots. Mayor Fiala stated this lot is the least desirableand has a lot of erosion on it. The funds from the sale of this property will go towards the Osborne Parkproject. Mr. Carr asked how the sale price compared to the appraisal. Mayor Fiala stated it was within the threshold of 10%. Mayor Fiala stated that the sale of the City lots was over $800,000.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-89 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution approving the City of Willoughby's participation in the Lake County TransportationImprovement District (LCTID), and declaring an emergency.
Mayor Fiala stated that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a new program called Transportation Improvement District which is a funding tool for any publicly funded roads. As the second largest City in the county, the City will have two seats on the board: Mayor Fiala and City Engineer Lannon.The projects will primarily be for infrastructure and road improvements.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-90 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
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 of Transportation to resurface SR-174 (River Street) from SR-84 (Ridge Road) to US-20 (EuclidAvenue) in the City of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Lannon stated that ODOT has designated $500,000 which is 80% of their estimate for the cost of resurfacing. The City added minor improvements such as drainage etc. There is also Ohio Public WorksCommission (OPWC) money for this project. The project will bid late 2025 or early 2026. Mr. Tomaselli askedif River Road near Gully Brook would be replaced at any point. Mr. Lannon stated he would look into it.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-91 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution authorizing Verdantas LLC to re-advertise for bids for the Lakeshore Boulevard East Equalization Basin Project Phase 2, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated the big change for the rebidding of this project is to move part of the tank above ground for cost savings.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-92 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the SR-84 Slope Stabilization Project, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Lannon stated this project will attach to the retaining wall work done in 1990 (approximately) opposite Shankland and will extend it another 300 feet.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-93 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $213,500 for the closed circuit televising(CCTV) and engineering analysis of the Plains Road Force Main for the Willoughby-Eastlake Water Pollution Control Center, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this project was discussed recently at the joint WPCC Committee meeting. The money for this project will come out of the joint fund (with Eastlake). Mr. Lannon stated this approves the assessment of the pipeline to see if there are any issues; it will either need to be lined or replaced.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-94 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with J.D. Striping & Services, Inc. in the amount of $123,984 for the 2025 Highway Pavement Lane Marking Project, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Lannon stated this is an annual project and J.D. Striping has been the contractor for approximately fiveyears in a row. There was discussion regarding doing a change order to extend the contract. Mr. Lannon stated he would look at doing that depending on the market.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-95 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution declaring it necessary to improve the streets and public thoroughfares of the City ofWilloughby, Ohio, within the termini designated herein, by supplying said streets and public thoroughfares with street lighting, and declaring an emergency.
Finance Director Hoffman sent a memo stating this resolution is passed annually; the amounts need to be certified for the street lighting.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-96 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution declaring a certain vehicle no longer necessary to the operation of the Willoughby Fire Department as surplus and authorizing the Safety Director to transfer the vehicle to the Heights/Hillcrest Technical Rescue Team without compensation.
Chief Ungar stated that when the Fire Department joined the Heights/Hillcrest Technical Rescue Team afew years ago, one of the goals of the team was to make the department equipment a team asset. This starts that process of taking some of the equipment the department has and making it part of the rescueteam itself. This will not include the heavy rescue vehicle purchased in 2017 that the department received afederal grant for. It has not depreciated enough in value to be turned over to the team. The vehicle is a 2008 ¾ ton Chevrolet van that the team would like to make an asset. It will be restriped with new graphicswith the team logo on it; it will stay at the department where it will pull either the ATV or the water rescue equipment. The biggest advantage for the department is that when this vehicle goes up for replacement, the department won’t be paying for it. The team has a heavy rescue truck at Station One that has $20,000worth of equipment on it so it is an advantage for the department. Ms. Sievers asked if our department would house the vehicle when it gets replaced. Chief Ungar stated most likely because the department is strategically in a good spot.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-97 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution accepting a donation of $5,680 from the Willoughby VFW Post 1500 to be used for the purchase of a Scott RIT PAK Emergency Air Supply System for the Willoughby Fire Department.
Chief Ungar stated that the VFW approached the department and asked if there was any equipment thatthey needed; this equipment needed to be upgraded. A VFW 1500 patch has been placed on the equipment itself.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-98 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution accepting a donation of $25,000 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Willoughby Aerie No. 2300, to be used for the purchase of new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDS) forthe Willoughby Fire Department.
Chief Ungar stated some of their heart monitors are starting to reach the end of life so this will allow them to have an AED on the entire fleet of vehicles.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-99 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
A resolution accepting a donation of $25,000 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, WilloughbyAerie No. 2300, to be used for the purchase of furniture and equipment at the new WilloughbyPolice Department Facility.
Assistant Chief Tartaglia thanked the Eagles organization for their continued support.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-100 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
An ordinance accepting the final plat for the Villas at Union Pointe Subdivision, and declaring an emergency.
Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller stated the Building Department will do a walk through in the near future to see where they are. This final plat is actually for the townhomes.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-101 MOTION CARRIED 7-0
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, anddeclaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this resolution included a lot of wage adjustments. Ms. Hoffman stated the increase in the percentages are for the entire City including the union contracts that haven’t been settled in hopes anotherbudget adjustment doesn’t need to be made in the future.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked Rich Palmisano, Judean Banker, the Service Department, the Parks and RecDepartment for their hard work putting together the Last Stop Willoughby Parade and the event itself.
Regarding Wes Point Park, the City has asked the developer for Union Pointe to provide funding for theredesign of the park. The City is in the process of retaining a landscape architect to do the design work (to be paid by the developer). There will be a community meeting at some point and the City will work on funding for the project.
Mr. Carr stated that residents have recently talked to him about the discontinuation of the animal nuisanceprogram. Mayor Fiala stated he had heard similar comments and the City will be reinstating the program; itwas included in the budget adjustment made this evening. Service Director Palmisano stated that the City will go out for bid for a new contract. The current contractor’s contract has been terminated. He doesn’t know what the cost will be per animal; because of the high cost last time, the City reduced the number ofanimals from 5 to 2. It was noted that the City is the only community in the area that offers this service. TheCity has spent over $128,000 in trapping over the last 8 years.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – No report. Mr. Carr stated that it was brought to his attention that there are some sidewalk gaps on Maplegrove (near Gully Brook). He asked that the City start the process like the City didwith Walgreens. Mr. Lucas stated he will talk to City Engineer Lannon and Rich Palmisano to get an idea what specific properties are missing sidewalks.
Service Director Palmisano – No report. Mr. Kary stated with an increase in walkers and bike riders along the Lost Nation path on the east side, he asked if the striping could be repainted. Mr. Palmisano stated he would look into it.
City Engineer Lannon – Mr. Lannon reported that the City contractor Trax is getting ready to bore underRoute 2 from Nason Basin to the south side of Route 2 at the Vine Street on ramp.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2025-96, 97 and 98.The Police Department versus the Fire Department softball game is this Sunday at Andrews OsborneAcademy. The game will benefit the Holiday Heroes Program that the Police Department supports near theholidays. Mr. Carr thanked Chief Ungar for providing a fire truck for the Bald Eagle block party recently.
Assistant Police Chief Tartaglia – Assistant Chief Tartaglia thanked the Willoughby Eagles for their continued support and Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2025-99.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller reported that the Osborne Park pool closes this Sunday; it will be open for two weekends until Labor Day. Summer camps are over. She congratulated the Willoughby Stingers for their three peat this year. Mr. Carr asked about the permit (for Osborne Park).Mayor Fiala stated he had a meeting with State Senator Jerry Cirino today and he stated he would intervene on the City’s behalf.
Finance Director Hoffman – Ms. Hoffman thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2025-95 and 101.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers stated she had a ward meeting this past Wednesday. She thanked everyone who attended including Council. She thanked the residents in attendance tonight at the Council meeting.
Mr. Carr – Mr. Carr stated that Council will have a single meeting in November as the first meeting is scheduled for election day.
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN 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