COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY JANUARY 6, 2026
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• January 6, 2026 •
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
January 6, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING-7:05 p.m. - Recessed from 10/21/2025 Meeting Proposed C.O. Text Amendments
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
OATH OF OFFICE -- MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS:
Swearing In - Judge Cornachio swore in Mayor Fiala, Council members Anderson, Carr, Garry, Kary, Luciano, Sievers and Tomaselli.
ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2026
Motion made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Garry to nominate Councilman
Carr as Council President.
Motion made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Garry to elect Councilman Carr as Council President.
Motion carried 7 to 0
COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT 2026
Motion made by Mr. Carr and seconded by Ms. Sievers to nominate Councilman Tomaselli as Council Vice President.
Motion made by Ms. Sievers and seconded by Mr. Anderson to elect Councilman Tomaselli as Council Vice President.
Motion carried 7 to 0
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER FROM COUNCIL
Motion made by Mr. Carr and seconded by Mr. Tomaselli to nominate Councilman Kary to be the Council representative on the Planning Commission.
Motion made by Mr. Tomaselli and seconded by Mr. Anderson to elect Ken Kary to be the Council representative on the Planning Commission.
Motion carried 7 to 0
CLERK OF COUNCIL
Motion made by Mr. Tomaselli and seconded by Ms. Sievers to appoint Alisa Novak as Clerk of Council.
Motion carried 7 to 0
DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
Motion made by Mr. Tomaselli and seconded by Mr. Garry to appoint Cheri Lory as Deputy Clerk of Council.
Motion carried 7 to 0
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS (Board and Commission Members)
Volunteer Firefighters' Dependents Fund Board................ Bob Carr, Dan Anderson
Volunteer Peace Officers Dependents Fund Board ...... John Tomaselli, Ken Kary Income Tax Board ofReview..................................................................................... Paul Korst, BirkettGibson
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS (Confirmed by Council) Directors
Director of Finance - Cher Hoffman Director of Law - Michael Lucas
Director of Public Service - Daniel Knecht
Board and Commission Members
Planning Commission ......................................Mike Wildermuth (Reappointment)
Zoning Board of Appeals................................................. Mike Yutsy (Reappointment)
Design Review Board............................................................................... Abigail Fellows
............................................................................................ Paul Garcia (Reappointment)
Board of Building Code Appeals..................................... Tom Ruple (Reappointment)
Sign Review Board......................................................................................... Kate Minton, Nick Brown
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of December 16, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Carr asked Council to reach out to him regarding any changes to their current committee assignments.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
David Coulter, Lakeshore Boulevard, Willoughby - Mr. Coulter stated he operates several YouTube channels under the banner of Dr. Dave Media Group, which is satirical in nature which criticizes and ridicules First Amendment auditors on YouTube. Recently, an individual known as George, whose real name is Shade George Ghanayem from Chicago, Illinois, spoke at the Council meeting on December 2, 2025. Mr. Coulter stated that Mr. Ghanayem also runs a YouTube channel and has taken exception to his videos criticizing his work. He stated that in retaliation, Mr. Ghanayem has made false accusations against him and his associates, alleging crimes they have not committed. These accusations, submitted anonymously via email to the Mayor, Police Chief, City Council members, and the local FBI office. The list of accusations include, but not limited to, cyber terrorism, exploitation of a minor, possession of weapons of mass destruction, distribution of illicit animal content, making death threats, pandering obscenity, and filing falsepolice reports. These claims are preposterous. Furthermore, Mr. Ghanayem created a Facebook page accusing him of being a terrorist and other defamatory terms, and he has contacted multiple residents in Mr. Coulter's apartment community. This caused concern among some residents, who then reached out to thebuilding owner, leaving him understandably alarmed. Consequently, Mr. Coulter stated that he had to explain the situation to his landlord. In summary, Mr. Coulter stated that Mr. Ghanayem disagrees with hisYouTube content and is attempting to have him evicted and arrested. Mr. Coulter asked that his statement be entered into the official record.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Carr reopened the public hearing that was put into recess on October 21, 2025 (see attached). Heasked if anyone wished to speak for or against the proposal. No one spoke.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-129 - Tabled
An ordinance amending Chapters 1103, 1131, 1141, and 1155 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio titled, "Definitions", "One Family Residential Districts", "Business Districts", and "Use Specific Regulations", respectively, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this legislation is primary legislation regarding short-term rentals. He stated Council had agreed to amend this ordinance to restrict residential short-term rentals while allowing them in certain Downtown and Lakeshore Districts. Mr. Lucas stated that subdistricts were identified in the codifiedordinances and that revisions have been made to permit short-term rentals only in subdistrict A and D2,based on the zoning map. Additional restrictions were added, such as limiting rentals to above the first floor, and parking restrictions were removed since they were no longer relevant. Mr. Carr confirmed that these districts contained no residential homes that would be affected by parking rules, and Mr. Lucas agreed.
Mayor Fiala noted that the new homes and townhomes at Literary Point (located near the old Memorial Junior High) are within the D2 district. Mr. Carr outlined the process for moving forward: removing the legislation from the table, amending it, declaring it an emergency, and voting.
Mr. Luciano asked for clarification on the differences between D1 and D2 downtown subdistricts and whyD2 was included and not D1. Mayor Fiala explained that the current downtown district mapping is outdated and was originally created about 15 to 20 years ago. At the time, the map identified which areas should be preserved for their historic value, which could be modified, and which areas should be redeveloped which is why they are divided into multiple districts; A, B, C, D1, and D2. Mayor Fiala stated that the A1 district essentially covers the Erie Street corridor, while D2 was designed to include historic sites like Union High School and Memorial Junior High School. However, both of those sites are now fully developed, leaving noroom for further development. As a result, certain streets such as Clark, Vine, and Glenn are excluded, keeping the focus on the core of downtown Willoughby. Mr. Luciano added that there are areas tuckedaway, such as the old post office building located at the corner of 3rd and Clark; it’s a two-story brick structure that falls within the D2 district. Mr. Tomaselli clarified that building is the former post office building.
Mayor Fiala stated that the district designations such as A1, A2, A3 should be reviewed and streamlined noting that many of the sites have been redeveloped such as M Lofts and several renovated buildings on 2nd Street. Union High School and Memorial Junior High School sites are also finished. Mayor Fiala emphasized that the original mapping served as an economic development tool to highlight potentialredevelopment areas, but since much of that work is done, the map needs to be updated and simplified.Mayor Fiala stated that the rentals are concentrated along Erie Street to prevent it from spilling into surrounding neighborhoods.
Mr. Tomaselli stated that if Council removes the legislation from the table and votes tonight, and it fails, the state could still pass legislation allowing short-term rentals statewide. In that case, the City would remaincovered because the City has denied them. The City could revisit this in the future, but practically, reversingit would be difficult. If the City approves short term rentals now and the state also approves, property ownerscould invest in short-term rentals, making reversal even harder. Mayor Fiala stated that it’s his understanding that the Ohio state house of representatives version of the bill prohibits cities from excluding short-term rentals. If that passes, state rules would override the City’s. To avoid preemption, somemunicipalities have designated specific areas for short-term rentals, like Willoughby Hills did with Penfield House.
Mr. Lucas stated that under the City’s codified ordinance Section 1155 includes specific regulations for short-term rentals that have been passed through the muster by both the Planning Commission andCouncil. These measures provide a structured way to regulate short-term rentals. If those provisions are not approved that would mean losing a well-defined set of tools designed to manage short-term rentals effectively. Mr. Lucas stated that having these local regulations in place positions the City to better enforce its own standards, regardless of what the state ultimately decides.
Mr. Tomaselli pointed out that if the City votes against the ordinance and the state later approves its own,the City will be bound by whatever framework the state establishes. Mr. Lucas agreed, describing this scenario as creating a “vacuum”. Council agreed to move forward with a vote this evening. Mayor Fiala stated that if the state eventually issues regulations without outright banning short-term rentals, the City could later strike it from the code. Mr. Lucas agreed but cautioned that the state’s final stance remainsuncertain.
Motion made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Garry to amend Ordinance No. 2025-129 as follows:
1. Delete all language under the original Ordinance that identifies short term rental as permitted by conditional use in any of the One-Family Residential Districts.
2. Modify and limit the original Ordinance language so that short term rental is permitted by conditional use in Downtown Business (D-8) but only in its Sub-District A and Sub-District D-2 and above the first floor; and
3. Delete all limitations and permit revocation criteria as to short term rental parking under Codified Ordinance 1155.04(ww), paragraph (6) and paragraph (7)C. of the original Ordinance.
Roll Call 7 yes
0 no Motion carried 7 to 0
Motion made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Garry that the rules of Council requiring three separate readings be suspended and that Ordinance No. 2025-129 be declared an emergency measure as amended.
Roll Call 7 yes
0 no Motion carried 7 to 0
Motion made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Garry to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-129 as amended.
Roll Call 6 yes
1 no (Tomaselli) Motion carried 6 to 0
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-130 - Tabled
An ordinance replacing Chapter 195 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Transient Guest Tax", in its entirety.
Mr. Carr stated this Ordinance needs to be removed from the table and voted on. No discussion.
Motion made by Mr. Tomaselli and seconded by Ms. Sievers to remove Ordinance No. 2025-130 from the table.
Roll Call 7 yes
0 no Motion carried 7 to 0
Motion made by Mr. Tomaselli and seconded by Ms. Sievers to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-130.
Roll Call 7 yes
0 no Motion carried 7 to 0
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-131 - Tabled
An ordinance amending Chapter 779 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Transient Guest Registration"; specifically, Section
779.01 titled, "Register Required; Exceptions" and Section 779.03 titled, "False Registration".
Mr. Carr stated this Ordinance needs to be removed from the table and voted on. No discussion.
Motion made by Mr. Garry and seconded by Mr. Tomaselli to remove Ordinance No. 2025-131 from the table.
Roll Call 7 yes
0 no Motion carried 7 to 0
Motion made by Mr. Garry and seconded by Mr. Tomaselli to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-131.
Roll Call 7 yes
0 no Motion carried 7 to 0
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-1 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapter 452 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Parking Generally"; specifically, establishing Section
452.02 titled, "Parking of Commercial Vehicles, Trailers, Recreational Vehicles and Boats".
Mr. Carr noted the legislation being considered was initially prompted by a specific incident that “got the ball rolling.” Mr. Keller stated that similar complaints have been raised over the years regarding vehicles such as landscapers’ trucks, contractors’ equipment, and RVs parked on the street. While these situations are usually temporary and not problematic, there have been instances where such vehicles significantly obstruct traffic and block roads. Mr. Keller stated that until now, there was no effective tool to manage these issues. The proposed legislation, although not part of the Planning and Zoning code, will empower the Police Department to issue warnings or take necessary steps to clear the street and keep traffic flowing smoothly.Ms. Sievers asked whether the legislation applied only to vehicles parked on the street or if it also covered vehicles in parking lots that appear abandoned. Mr. Keller stated that those vehicles in parking lots fall under the Planning and Zoning code. Such vehicles are generally not permitted to remain for extendedperiods, except briefly for loading and unloading. Mr. Carr confirmed that the proposed legislation specifically targets vehicles parked on the street.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-2 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution requesting the Lake County Auditor to make advance payments of taxes to the City of Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated the City needs to request the advanced payment of money from the auditor each year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-3 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing Amendment No. 3 to the contract between Biohabitats, Inc.and the City of Willoughby modifying the cost of services and project scope of worknecessary to the Chagrin River Floodplain Restoration and Trail Connection Project, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Keller stated this would approve $1.2 million into the contract.
PENDING LITIGATION STATUTORY REQUIREMENT:
Roll Call 6 yes
0 no
1 abstain (Luciano) Motion carried 6 to 0
Council review and approval of findings and conclusions of fact per the denial of approval for EAS #13-5-25, as outlined in Council Resolution No. 2025-83 on August 12, 2025.
Mr. Carr stated that an email regarding this matter had been sent earlier in the afternoon. Mr. Lucas apologized to Council for the delay providing the necessary report for review. He stated that this situation is currently in “lawsuit mode” due to an appeal from the extended housing case. When the record is filed onThursday, it must include findings of fact and conclusions that follow the case chronology, explaining why the approval was denied based on the resolution and the specific EAS #13-5-25 matter. The summary of the determination was drawn directly from the Council minutes, with the main point being testimony from the City Engineer. This testimony revealed that the stormwater management plan did not comply with local ordinances; this noncompliance formed the basis for the denial. Mr. Lucas indicated that Mr. Luciano should not vote on this matter.
Mr. Lucas explained that the motion should be to adopt the findings and conclusions of fact. After the motion, all Council members need to sign the document (except Mr. Luciano). Additional exhibits will be included for filing the record on Thursday.
The Legislative Caucus adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked all members of Council for their election and re-election. He congratulated Mr. Lucianoon his election; he is looking forward to working with him. Mayor Fiala stated he is pleased to welcome Dan Knecht as the new Service Director. He stated that Mr. Knecht brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Service Director for the City of Euclid since 2016. Mr. Knecht is a Willoughby Hills resident and agraduate of Willoughby South High School. Mayor Fiala stated he is happy to welcome Abigail Fellows to the Design Review Board. He stated Ms. Fellows is an architect who works for the Cleveland Restoration Society, which is an ideal fit for the work the City will be undertaking on the board. In her role with theCleveland Restoration Society, she serves as one of the program directors for the Heritage Home Program. He stated the City is hopeful to launch a Heritage Home Program to help revitalize some of the post-World War II bungalows, particularly in Ridge Acres.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - No report. Mr. Lucas asked Council to sign the Findings and Conclusions of Fact and provide it to the Council Clerk.
Service Director Knecht - Mr. Knecht stated he appreciates the residents' patience during this challenging winter. He realizes that leaves remain, and the Service Department will work to collect them as soon as the weather allows. He stated he looks forward to working with Council and the Directors and meeting more residents.
Fire Chief Ungar- No report. Chief Ungar welcomed and congratulated Mr. Luciano and Mr. Knecht on their new positions with the City.
Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller - No report. Mr. Keller thanked Council for the passage of Ordinance No. 2026-1.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller - Ms. Keller stated that while many are hoping for warm weather, she needs colder temperatures this weekend for the Chilloughby event. The event will feature 20 ice sculptures, which will melt quickly if it's too warm. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. this Saturday in downtown Willoughby, with street closures in place. The first Lake County drone show will take place at 6:45 p.m., and the best viewing spot will be in front of City Hall.
Regarding the Osborne Park construction project, she stated Mark Haines Construction expects to finishsurvey work in early January and begin around January 19th. Phase one was originally scheduled forcompletion in December, 2026. After receiving an additional
$3 million grant, the timeline may extend by about six months.
Finance Director Hoffman - Ms. Hoffman thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2026-2.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers - Ms. Sievers congratulated Mr. Luciano and Mr. Knecht.
Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary congratulated Mr. Luciano and Mr. Knecht.
Mr. Tomaselli - Mr. Tomaselli thanked Council for the vote of confidence in the Vice President role. He congratulated Mr. Luciano and Mr. Knecht.
Mr. Luciano - Mr. Luciano expressed his gratitude to the residents of Ward 5 for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as the Councilperson. He stated he is committed to working diligently on behalf ofWard 5 and the entire City. He also extended his sincere thanks to everyone who supported his campaign including family and friends. He stated a lot of people donated their time and resources. He thanked theCity officials who met with him prior to the election and provided valuable insight into departmental operations. Since being elected, he stated he has received tremendous support from the Council Clerk, Human Resources, the IT Department, fellow Council members, and staff, which has made onboarding a smooth process. He stated he has a Ward meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Willoughby Public Library.
Mr. Garry - Mr. Garry welcomed Mr. Luciano and Mr. Knecht.
Mr. Anderson - Mr. Anderson welcomed Mr. Luciano and Mr. Knecht.
Mr. Carr - Mr. Carr thanked Council for the vote of confidence in continuing as Council President.
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Hoping to find all doing well now that we are into 2026. Now that I have been sworn in for another term (10 years), as I shared prior I will be working extra hard 2026-2027 to achieve those goals on my plate. For my Ward 2 residents I am still keeping my eyes and ears open to the possible development of the properties across from the Airport. They actually run from just north of Tamarac – South down Lost Nation to about Hodgson. All on the West side of Lost Nation Road. To date, the only recent hint I have of a possible candidate is a developer who is exploring the installation of a Service Station and Convenience Store.
NOTE: This is just a rumor, so do not panic at this point in time. Please remember that all this land is zoned for :
General Business District (G-B) – Allows commercial services and activities in locations that are adequately served by major streets and other facilities and encourages the grouping of businesses in shopping centers.
And
Limited Industry District (L-I) – Intended for establishments that utilize processes in which dust, smoke, fumes, glare, odors or other objectionable influences can be controlled and which normally generate only limited outdoor activities in association with a principal activity that is conducted primarily indoors.
Developers who are interested seem to be hoping to develop in the General Business Districts. For my residents who do not want to see any development here, that is just not possible. The land is owned by parties who wish to sell or lease it to make a profit. This is their right. If the land is zoned to allow what they would like to create, it would not be possible to stop them. BUT WHAT WE CAN DO is to make sure that what they create is done in a manner where it does not cause any problems for the neighborhood. No matter what is proposed for these properties, I promise you that as your Councilman and Planning Commission Member, I will address EVERYTHING I CAN TO ASSURE WARD 2 AND YOU GET THE BEST POSSIBLE PRODUCT.
I would be looking at:
Environmental Concerns
Light pollution
Noise
Traffic and Pedestrian Concerns
Nuisance Concerns
Possible future “dead zones”
Just to name a few………………..
Remember, I am still working on a small Family Grocery………!
Over the years I have been able to stop:
· More Homes
· More Apartments
I will, as always, keep you informed about what is presented to the city regarding these properties.
FEEL FREE to share your thoughts and concerns with me as well. WRITE BACK.
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/