City Council - Regular Meeting

I knew what you were trying to communicate

Uh, I will go ahead and call the February 9th finance committee meeting to order at 602. Uh, first order of business uh is the review and approval of the February 9, 2026 uh finance committee meeting. Uh without objection, I will uh move approval. I guess without objection, they're approved. Great. Uh moving on to the next item uh is a communication from Council President Keell and myself about the uh Lakewood Host Community cannabis fund. Uh we talked about it a little bit on uh at the full council meeting I believe uh a couple weeks ago where the city of Lakewood has received uh finally um after a little bit of a delay uh the revenue associated with the host community cannabis fund uh through the state of Ohio. Um we expect to receive revenue on an ongoing basis uh due to the sale of adult use uh cannabis in the city of Lakewood and our two current locations. Um and so we sought to enact um basically to put those funds aside uh into a um a fund uh that can be created under our codified ordinances. Uh so this uh ordinance before us is to establish the fund and set out the purpose of the fund. Um I believe in some of my conversations with director Mahoney there will need to be further appropriation ordinance that will um allocate those funds uh which is separate from the establishment of the fund. Um uh would you uh walk us through that director Mahoney kind of the difference between those things and and what is necessary to follow?

Sure. Uh, so this ordinance would just create the fund and um like Councilman Baker said the anticipated uses of the the money. Um, but it doesn't establish the ability to actually spend the money. So, we would have to do an amended appropriation ordinance, which I said um once this passes uh I can gladly uh get that going. Uh, and Director Mooney, and we talked about this before, but I'd like to just confirm on the record of for the committee is that uh, as far as the way this ordinance is drafted and the establishment of the fund, do you think it's appropriate?

It it is, but um, I will have to send it down to Columbus for them to um to authorize it. They always have to have their stamp on it. So, is that does that process-wise that typically happen after the ordinance that creates after it's passed? Yes. Right. Thank you. Doesn't really make sense because it's passed. Uh sometimes state government doesn't make sense. Um I don't see a problem with it though.

Great. Thank you. Um and the other thing is is um you know we in in the draft ordinance uh there's the authorized expenditures are highlighted. Uh so that's was you know our best guess as as to kind of how to bucket those funds. Now as with anything else we can transfer funds between funds you know uh through a higher level but this kind of essentially parks it there until it's appropriated through an operating or capital budget. Um so it kind of segregates the funds as opposed to the general fund whereas the larger bucket that we spend funds from as a city. So is there any discussion amongst the committee members about um the authorized expenditures uh council person stream

thank you um first of all thank you to u to both you and council president Keell for this work. This is fantastic. And Director Mahoney, thank you for um weighing in on on the appropriateness of this. Um I would like to see um health added to the safety here. Um, I I' I'd like it to say to use only for the expense of public health and safety related issues within the city of Lakewood, including complete streets, comma, 88 transition plan implementations, comma, and the Lakewood community health needs assessment. Um, because I I do think and and then going on um and other capital improvements related to accessibility, equity, and wellness. I think that that to to put safety in there without putting health, I think we miss some opportunities there, especially when we're looking at funding from a drug and possibly some some mental health needs for a community um that may not be covered under safety.

It's a really good point. Um, any other comments from members of the committee? Mr. Chair? Yes. If I could just add to that, um, I think that's a great point and that's, um, actually why I have director Barry here as well. Um, uh, due to the recent cuts at the county, um, that is imp impacting our human services budget. Um, we are okay for this year, but in future years, assuming those cuts continue, we may not. So, I would advocate for um human services in general. And then uh Director Barry's here if you have any specific questions related to how those cuts are affecting the city.

Thank you. Um now I guess that's a question I have about fund establishment is that right now um since you're limited to capital um so but but you could have funds that are that that can be used for capital or operating right just a purpose. That's correct. Yeah you can spend capital funds out of any fund as long as it meets the purpose of the fund.

That's correct. Yeah. So then I think there in order to um I think right now it's as drafted it seems to be limited to capital. Um and that's where we may be able to broaden it be you know so so I think that there what I'm hearing is there is some interplay in how we would like to potentially change authorized expenditures. Um, but since we have Director Barry here, you know, could you share with us some of the challenges that you're having this year and and as you kind of try to look through the foggy horizon as what you see coming forward?

Sure. Thank you. Um, unfortunately, we found out uh very recently along with many other providers that our community based services contract, which covers our division of youth and is our uh pot of funds that pays for all of our personnel that helps families um in Lakewood and in surrounding communities has been cut. Um, and they are looking at a 24.4% cut across the board. It's very similar to what they've uh proposed for the Adams board and any of their programming and other um county programming. And our contract uh for this year uh so is going to suffer to the tune of $158,000 off the top. Um and we've already been running um very narrow margins because that's what we always do. Luckily, there was uh a few positions that we had proposed that we didn't end up hiring for. So, we've made um a couple cuts that didn't affect current personnel or um actual service provision, but we have lost some uh funding that has is going to make it more difficult for us to provide emergency assistance to families in Lakewood. And I was pulling numbers before this just to kind of give you an idea. And over the last two and a half years, we've worked with 227 different unique families just in Lakewood alone. and over um close to a thousand different families in our surrounding communities including Lakewood um just in that time frame and we're and we're just seeing uh across the board almost a 200% increase in the referrals that are coming in from years prior. So the need has increased absolutely dramatically and now our funding is being cut. Um, so it's it's going to be very difficult to meet the needs of the families and um, you know, we're doing a lot of great um, good in the community. Um, and I've and I've located some

funding that's going to get us through this year and potentially part of next year um, where we're not going to have uh, major um, suffering or anything like that in the department. But it would be um helpful for us to have uh some stability and I could see these funds um providing a little bit of that to us so we can continue to meet the needs of the community which just seem to be growing year after year.

Thank you. Well, I mean um from my standpoint, I think you know that's certainly worthy um you know of these funds and um it's interesting. So you said it it was it was 200 families and then so we serve a lot of families from out of Lakewood as well.

We do. This program actually serves um most of the western suburbs including two Cleveland zip codes 111 and 135. Um although primarily these days we are serving uh the vast majority of referrals are coming from Lakewood and kind of the West Park area. Um you know and we've always believed that strengthening our neighbors strengthens us. um and you know making sure that families um are stable uh ultimately stabilizes the families here in Lakewood. But we're really seeing an increase in referrals um in Lakewood itself. I mean it, like I said, that's actually up like 195%. So um you know, we're seeing upwards of 15 or 20 referrals just for Lakewood alone. We have a very good partnership with the schools, but those are also DCFS derived like referrals. So, they're coming straight from the county as well. Um, so the need is uh just climbing. They are also struggling to maintain staffing uh with their social workers. Their training has suffered. Um they they have hundreds of open positions at this point with their social work team. So, a lot of the responsibilities that might have uh been filled by DCFS itself are now kind of being uh given off to the neighborhood collaborative. So, we're part of 10 different agencies that service all of Kyoga County, every single zip code, providing resources and supports to to families to stabilize. And, you know, if you don't have your kiddos reunify hopefully, it's always the goal. We provide visitation um and rental assistance. So, in Lakewood alone, we're we're providing um you know, tons of resources and supports, rental assistance, utility assistance, um a lot of the things that um LCSC isn't able to do um we're we're handling. So, if you have a kiddo in

your home under 18, um you know, or 22 with disability, um you know, we're able to help. And we have a lot of nimble nimleness because of it. Uh because of the funding. there's not a lot of um restrictions which makes us um really able to do things that no one else is able to do. So, it's a really impactful program. Danielle, I used to uh work for that team, so I'm sure she can speak to the kind of work that we do. Um but it's um it's a real struggle now because our referrals are are really high. One month we had over 60 new referrals where back in the day it was maybe 20 a month. um you know, and it's just a team of three social workers and and a resource specialist. So, um any any bit of funding would help. We're um we would definitely be grateful. So,

thank you. I mean, it's um you know, the c the county's referring more and they're cutting, so yeah, it's it's it's fun.

Yeah. Um, so I I I certainly, you know, I don't I I don't like to make um verbal motions on the floor to kind of clean up the language in this in this ordinance as far as the authorized expenses go. But I would certainly welcome, you know, a deferral tonight based upon our conversation and then add some language in, Council Person's language, make sure we have flexibility about it being used to be able to use for operations. um or capital and then go from there. Now, process-wise, I think Council Person, if you could put your suggestions in an email or something or some written form and then I can coordinate with Director Mahoney to make sure that they would cover what Director Barry is talking about. Um and then we can go ahead and have that rei revised language at the next committee meeting. um and kind of also give our colleagues a chance to think about it as well.

Yeah. Uh Council Bulock. Um a couple things. First, I have some questions before the human services discussion. And I have some follow up for Director Barry. Um I kind of want to go make sure I understand a couple of the technical clauses and then get clarification about the current draft of authorized expenditures. Um, so there's a there's a few things here, but Director Barry, can you remind us the timeline for the budget? Our our budget is January 1 to December 31. The county's budget is same or different. So the ch the point is the changes that you anticipate or you receive notice of take effect when

the county's budget. They have a very odd system. it. Our contract is actually December 1 through or not December 1, January 1 through December 31, 2026 and 2027, but the actual financial piece is uh March, April rather, April through March. Understood. So you received a information that your threequarters of the financial year will get a 25% cut

and it's a recctor active cut. So it's actually back to January um one and uh unfortunately this I don't want to throw stones or anything but we had to actually solicit this information. Um they said that they were going to tell us and then something happened and then they didn't tell us. So we're actually just coming into this information. and they had told us that they were maybe planning on doing this a little while back um last year, but they've delayed. So, I actually don't know when they will get the uh contract amendments out. All of us have to actually do all the contracting documents and go through that. All 10 agencies, so you can imagine what what that is. So, um within the next two months, I'm I'm assuming

identified a funding source that will cover for this year and into next. Can you share a little more on that?

Yeah, I um we were able to work with uh the Lakewood Foundation. They have a a fund through the lake that came from the Lakewood Hospital Association. Um, and we were able to kind of develop a program that we're moving forward with where one of the our clinical manager for this program is going to work a little bit uh, you know, uh, 70% of her time also on an 18 to 59 crisis intervention generalist position. So, they're going to um, transfer $60,000 per year for that position. So that helps reduce the burden, but we had to eliminate two positions that were unfilled and we also had to reduce a number of our line items um for emergency assistance and other direct service.

Okay. So your point is current employees you you think are um taken care of but yes FTEES is reduced case load capacity is reduced well demand. Yes. Thanks for that update. Um so if I can just keep pivoting so um just on the technical side I I'm not um sure I understand what uh subse section one sub paragraph D does with the um point about no further bond shall be required. That's just a technical clarification.

Yeah. Well, I can I can provide an answer that that is u director Mahoney can probably uh further butress what I'm going to say, but just from a legal standpoint, there needs to be a custodian of the fund and the custodian of all of our funds is the finance director. And the finance director technically has a bond so that if the finance director appro misappropriated funds in the city of Lakewood, we have insurance for that. Um so that's just every fund that we have has that type of language in it. So that if there was a m misappropriation by the finance director, the city would be made whole. Is that an accurate description of it, Director Molly? That That's correct. I don't see where it says bond in there. No further bond. It's in section D.

Section B. Oh, D. Oh, I'm looking at B. Sorry. Um, and actually I I don't have a bond anymore. So it's I'm covered under employee. It's just director and liabilities. And yes. Oh, well, Metro Parks has a bond on our CFO. That's interesting. I guess yeah, it's changed in the last few years. It's not not necessary. Um but but to clarify, you're saying that the city has coverage.

Okay. Thank you. So So I appreciate that technical thing. So uh maybe the heart of the matter is in C. Could could I hear uh little make sure I'm reading this correctly. So public safety related issues means police, fire, that that kind of related matter or is it a broader definition and then certainly it's clear the current draft says including complete streets and ADA transition plan implementation and other capital improvements. I mean depending on how we read the wording there, public safety related issues might cover operating already. Or do you mean to, you know, infer or imply that capital all of its capital?

We we we meant to uh start a conversation. Um and so uh our inference was this was the start. Um and we wanted our colleagues and the administration's input on what what else would be. So, uh, I think section C is going to see the most amount of revisions based upon our discussion this evening. Yeah. Just just what what I'm asking though is just as as you the intent of the initial draft is

what was to um have it limited to public safety, but I think now with with some um additional comments, you know, health is also really important, community health. Uh and then we wanted it to include complete streets and ADA transition plan. Um which is capital.

Yeah, capital. Uh so we can we can expand that to be operations. I I I guess the point is is that we knew that the state pretty quickly released the funds. Uh we wanted to start the conversation. Truthfully, it was a Tuesday evening at about 10 p.m. and I was drafting this uh to meet the docket deadline. So my intent was to highlight that language. So we had a conversation now. Um so I wouldn't read too much into like this is not frozen and amber.

Yeah, I I appreciate it and thank you for um taking the lead here. So the current draft would be public safety and potentially in health capital and operations and then for sure also complete streets and ADA transition plan and capital. That's that's what I think I'm reading correctly. So I I guess to put my cards on the table, um I certainly could support health to you know maybe maybe though the the point here would be to reserve these funds for new initiatives beyond our norm. So you know I guess I'd welcome the discussion with the Department of Human Services about how we keep the services intact or as intact as we can. Um and and there's some discussion to be had there because essentially we're partly a um an office that that provides local services for the county services and in other areas I think we match and so we do some city initiated services that may exceed county services. But but I guess I per I my own interest is in is in using this funding stream for new things, things that go above what our business as usual has been. So, mental health services certainly could be one of those um especially if there's um model programs around substance abuse or addiction or something like that. Um now, I know that Mr. Barry's team already provides some of those and so there's overlap there. But but I think the spirit of this is something I definitely agree with which is that we'd want to leverage the opportunity to do some new valuable activities or investments in the community um and not just have this become part of um general operations which could you know get absorbed in a bunch of ways. a as difficult as as that is and I appreciate

the the briefing that the mayor's initiated tonight.

Yeah. Yeah. And I I I think I I will remind folks and I I think Council Bulock, you were the only one on council when the medical marijuana thing came through, but I was on planning commission. And I think part of it was they literally had like a permit fee of 50 grand a year. And the intention was is that would partially pay for some portion of NFTt of a police officer because they weren't sure kind of what from a public safety perspective having these cash only businesses at the time um in the community and wanted to make sure we were keeping our eyes there. So that's why I I I started with public safety. Um, but I I certainly welcome everything else we're talking about. And I the new stuff I I I think I can I see where where your intention is, but at the end of the day, we get cash in and, you know, we try to do what we can to plug the holes and be as smart as we can. That's where we don't want to be so restrictive on the administration that they can't defer bonds in order to, right? So, we spend money we have now so we're not taking on interest later. It's a good point, but I I guess I'm always looking to initiate growing and expanding and innovating. And so there's a tendency often for us all to do what we've done before. So I'm I'm hoping to provide supports for this can be an opportunity for the former category is is an ideal world.

Any other comments or questions? Uh, Council President Keell. Thanks. Um, Director Barry, when did the county let you know about the cuts to the funding?

Officially, uh, we heard two, three weeks ago. Um, they gave us a initial heads up towards the end of last year, but then there was no word or any kind of movement. So, I reached out on behalf of Lakewood and the rest of the members of the uh contract uh because I'm also a co-chair of the group that that is and um we met with the uh directors of DCFS and and DECAP and they confirmed that they will be moving forward with the cuts and it'll be 24.4% across the board for this year. But they were not able to give us any kind of um information about 2027 nor what they plan to do with the uh RFP, whether they will continue uh with an extension because we have that within the bounds of the current contract or they'll ask us to uh write a new RFP or maybe they won't even release one. I don't know.

Okay. Thank you. Uh, Council Person Hamilton Center.

Thank you, uh, Chair Baker. Um, sorry I was came in a little bit late, so I believe some of these points have been raised, but, um, my first thought when I read through this also was related to part C and just the definition of public safety. Um, and if health and human services could fall under the public safety umbrella. So, I was definitely on the same line with Director Barry um for purposes of this ordinance and then also including mental health as Councilwoman Streick has already mentioned. Um and if we are defining public safety broadly and or limiting it to complete streets, ADA transition plan and capital improvements. Um and is there room for programmatic elements? So, I would certainly want to see um an expansion of either the definition of public safety for this ordinance or including health and human services, which also would include mental health support as well. Um, and then, um, just the the other point I want to raise up, I want to use this time to, um, advocate for how we look at, um, at how we're allocating dollars within our government. Um, and looking through an equity lens. Um, and I think the complete streets and the ADA transition plan is a good starting point. Um but I think we can take this opportunity perhaps even with this to pilot some sort of metric metrics that can be used um as we uh better budget and align expenses with our goals for equity um and accessibility. So really looking at um through an equity lens and looking at how we're budgeting, making making sure that we're budgeting um our values and that we're investing and putting our tax dollars into into who we say that we are.

Thank you. Any other comments? Um I guess um procedurally the the the proper way to do this would be to defer and then um council person stream big. anyone else send their comments, coordinate with Director Mahoney, and then have a substitute available at our next um finance committee meeting. Uh but I think as a as an order of process, I'll go ahead and make a a motion to receive and file the communication uh from Council President Keell and myself. Second. Um motion's been made and second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Uh then I'll make a motion to defer ordinance uh 152026 uh for further deliberations.

Second. Uh motion's been made and second. Any discussion? Uh all those in favor say I. I. Uh the next is a communication from finance director Mahoney um about the audit committee. Uh I will go ahead uh as a housekeeping matter and make a motion to receive and file that communication. Second. Um motion made second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I I.

Uh and then uh ordinance 20 or uh 27205. Uh Director Mooney Mahoney and I have had some conversations about it, but um I think it's good just to give her an opportunity to kind of outline what's being proposed here and kind of the procedural history here.

Sure. Thank you. So, um, years ago, uh, the state of Ohio had suggested, um, for cities to create audit committees to review audits. Um, many cities just kept their finance committee, uh, as the audit committee. Uh, Lakewood chose to create an audit committee. Um, I served on this years ago. I guess it's guess it's been like 15 years ago. Um, and basically all we ever did was have the auditors come in and we tried to meet uh fairly often, but it just didn't seem like there was quite the purpose of it. Um, so I mean the general purpose of an audit committee is just to review any audit findings and um, you know, sometimes have a presentation by the uh, auditors or just a presentation from the finance director. Um thankfully the city has had uh perfect no issues for quite quite a few years. Um uh just as an aside, we did receive the um Ohio uh certificate again which they kept saying only 4% of cities receive that. So um so at this point our audit is has been good and is good. And so I think what happened over the years was that the audit committee just stopped meeting because they didn't really feel a reason to meet. Um and so that's why I'm proposing just having um either the auditors come to a finance committee meeting or um you know if if that's council wouldn't want that I could always present the audit. Um, as I mentioned to Councilman Baker, the I'm pretty sure I I know the um president of council receives a notification when the

audit uh when the audit documents come out um because I complete that. I think you might all receive it, but for sure the president does. So, um, and I did ask our, uh, state of Ohio auditor, uh, if we would be, um, penalized for not having an audit committee, and he said they don't really look at that anymore, but um, always a good practice to have somebody. So, finance committee reviewing the audit would be totally acceptable for by them. Council Bulock.

Thanks, Director Mahoney. Um, couple thoughts. First, I also served. There was a time when it was active and I saw it was one of your predecessors who was the finance director at the time and I saw some fruitful interaction. There was some accountants, some CFOs of companies who had insightful questions about all manner of things, not just the accounting practices and procedures but it um or vendor policies. So it became um at least for a couple of years uh a fruitful management dialogue that I thought was helpful and and now that said I also do see and acknowledge that the meeting schedule tailed off but I I my impression is that that's under the control of the finance director not as much as the audit committee. No, I believe it's called by the chair of the audit committee.

So, so it may well be in a technical sense, but I think in a practical sense, you know, it's going to work most effectively if the schedule and the functioning of whomever is serving as chair is done in in tandem with the staff who are the full-timers in in support of all these financial activities, which would be the finance director or one of one of his or her design. So, you know, this is um you've got some discretion and and deep experience that I certainly respect here, but I I think it's possible that a functioning audit committee could be a meeting regularly and be useful. if the strong preference is that you know my co I'm just one of seven here but to do something different um I'm receptive to that too but I I I don't necessarily agree that um it can't be organized and convened and operated in a way that isn't useful because I've seen it be useful it's just a matter of how we actually do it right Yeah. So I I mean the main purpose of the audit committee as a as prepared or as as suggested by the state was to review the audit and not extra rules. So

Okay. So you're not interested in what I described just the narrow definition. Um, no. No. And and as I I mentioned to um uh Councilman Baker, I you know, I hate to have citizens be part of a committee that they don't feel that they're they're needed, I guess. I And so, and that's kind of what happened. How do you know that's the case in all cases, in all years?

Um, well, I do know from the most current audit committee that I met with, you know, last year. Well, I'll conclude my remarks, Mr. Chair. I would just say I, you know, probably the audit committee members historically have been people with deeper professional certifications and experience than council members who tend to be generalists. There we have our specialties, but I don't think we currently have a CPA or a CFO on council. So, to me, it there's value um and and meaningful value to having a committee of Lakewood residents. and we've had the benefit of some pretty experienced and intelligent people to serve on the committee over the years in some form to to advantage our deliberations. Maybe that's an accessory to the finest committee, maybe not. But those are my thoughts.

Yeah, thank you. And I I've thought about this for a long time, you know, just to provide my input here. Um because I think Council Bulock is is correct. uh that when run appropriately it may provide some value. I do think that you know I look back I think this was was created in 2007. We lived in a different world back then. Um I was just talking to one of the Sonagra kids and you know dockets used to be delivered on Sunday night by police before council meetings. And so like information accessibility was a lot different in 2007 than it is today. Um I I just mean that from a practical perspective. So and and I so so I think there were benefits of the audit committee in the sense that you had kind of more technocratic people involved but it wasn't really a full public meeting in the sense that like people knew about it and they would go that's where I think if you have it at the finance committee level you know people know where to come to watch they know where to go to get the information they can get the audit document they you know so so from my perspective I I'm not uh discarding what you say because I think it's valid um but I do think that the other way is also valid. Um, in that you know what I and and I have a couple proposals that I sent to the clerk's office that would not fully repeal this ordinance but essentially codify the finance committee is the audit committee. Um, so so there would be an empowerment of the finance committee to serve that purpose. Uh and then basically it says that the finance director will prepare a communication when the audit is complete and it will be referred to the audit committee and then the finance director will make the auditors available to come speak to us at a public meeting. Um because I think in that way it would elevate the issue to the public. Um it

would provide the audit document. uh and it would and and there are you know I know audits are there's like findings right or no findings or you know recommended controls or issues or so so it goes audits are especially public audits are very interesting documents because they they even audit public records you know how you handle that it's not just um kind of financial controls and there was some element of the audit committee that I don't think they ever functioned in which is like you know uh mismanagement of fraud, allegations of abuse, those types of things. H how was the public supposed to know to go to the audit committee to make those kind of complaints? Um and the auditor of state has already created kind of a hotline for that. Lakewood might even have our own hotline for it to report fraud and abuse. Uh so it's it's one of those things where I think we're just different from 2007. Now, does that mean we need to do away with it? you know, um I think we can change uh and that's where I would propose amending this ordinance to kind of narrow the audit committee to be a finance committee. Um and I'd be happy to discuss my proposed amendments on the floor tonight. I talked about them in broad breast strokes to director Mahoney earlier today, but we can kind of propose them tonight and then defer so the administration has time to review. we have time to think about it and then maybe at the next meeting when we're going to consider the host cannabis fund anyways we we do that as well. Any other thoughts or comments from council council president Kemple?

Thank you. Um I think that seems like a sensible approach. I um director Mahoney and I talked about this uh and you know I was on the co-sponsor because um and I'm not actually tied to repealing it. It was more my concern was um having I don't like having committees on the books that we need to appoint people to that aren't actively meeting and that people feel like their time is you know being well used. Um, in fact, the two council appointees, most recent council appointees audit committee were on it because I was the one that reached out to them and asked them to serve on it because um the council appointees before that it had been vacant for some time. Um, that was when I was first on council in 201 18, no 20 2020 2020, February 18th, 2020. So like um it I think there's been you know there may have been times where um you know there was some good work and it sounds like a broader purpose but for the most part it seems like this has continued to be a situation where um since as Vice President Baker pointed out since its initial formation that um it's not necessarily the best way to shine a light on the audit. And so I think having it come before the finance committee, we can still encourage folks. We know in fact the two um council appointees who just rolled off and elected not to be reappointed because they didn't feel like it was really worth their time to do um would be happy to come to those uh finance committee meetings and and um and listen to the report too. So, you know, I think we can all invite members of the public to that hearing uh when if we had the audit presented um before the finance committee, which would actually shine

more light on it. So, I think that's a a smart way to do it. Uh council person Hamilton Center.

Um thank you, Chair um Baker. Um yeah, so in reading this um the question that I had and and director Mahoney essentially answered the question I had was just you know a particular reason other than for efficiency to eliminate the citizen review of the city's finances. Um but I I do think that there is value to having a an a non um to having like an external individual also review the audit. So, you know, as we're thinking of process, uh to use Bakers and um President Keell's words words, um is it possible instead similar to what President KPell had is to have like an ad hoc advisory, so two to three individuals that are really they know this is what they do for a living. They're not tied to the city at all. um and they come to that finance committee meeting um and sit up there and sort of help us sort of analyze and look at the audit and answer questions and you know so we also have you know director Mahoney there but we also have these citizens that are there and they sort of are representing the citizens voice because I do think that there is value um in that and and I'm sure that there are people that this is their land this is what they do they they like numbers they like looking at this um and they would love to be a part if it's just one meeting they come they you know can share sort of here's what we see or here's what we're seeing and you know they share their perspective and they get that opportunity to shine and share with us their talent so I I do think that there's a hybrid way that we can do it um because I do think that um everybody all of you have made some good points

yeah and I will say that you know h having been a part of so my day job um the auditor comes in every year briefs the board and that's the whole idea is that the the way I've tailored this this amendment that we can talk about in a moment is that the auditor will be here. So that's the third party right um and the intention would be that the auditor would come um so that we could directly ask a third party you know what concerns do you have right what should we be thinking about and that person is independent they're either appointed by the state auditor as a state auditor employee or we have to pay someone that the state auditor authorizes to do the audit right is that the way it works

that that's correct um the state auditor always has first right of refusal and um currently we have an independent uh accountant, not the state, doing our audits currently.

So, I I I do think that um you know, there would there still would be the opportunity and other public entities, it's they're like us, right? Uh professionals in different fields. But when you read an audit um an audit report particularly a public audit report um they make it very clear when there are issues and they highlight them to a point where um they hit you on the head. So uh that's where um I do now you know I I think what you and Council Bullock are discussing about engaging the public is certainly not a bad thing. Uh, I just think we would I would not be nervous about us not having the capacity to kind of understand and be able to ask someone who's independent about these issues and I think in a way that would elevate it more if it were at finance committee as opposed to a a Zoom meeting at noon uh during the day. Uh, so that's that you know, but there's there's also slight negatives to that too which you guys have highlighted. So I I think There's benefit either way. Um I I do favor having it at finance committee though to be honest.

Any other comments or thoughts? Council Stre.

Thank you. I I'm enjoying this um this conversation and I and I see um Mr. Bulock's point, Councilman Bulock's point that, you know, we are generalists and to hear um specifics and warnings from um people with a lot more experience in this arena than than we have than I have is is very beneficial. At the same time, I'm also hearing that if um if the community is not interested in it, then we have to we have to go a different route. So, I am anxious and looking forward to hearing your recommendations. Great. Uh, so yeah, I I I put together an email this this morning uh and I'll I guess ask the clerk to prepare a substitute ordinance, but I'll just go through it um this evening. So, if you look at, you know, the current draft of of uh of the ordinance that would repeal the section, um my edits would basically keep 160.01 the same. Uh there would be no edits. So there would still be an audit committee and the audit committee would do all those functions. Uh where the edits would then come as in section 1602. I would delete from comma to two Lakewood residents all the way through the end. So basically say the audit committee's membership is the audit committee shall be comprised of or composed of the Lakewood city council finance committee members. So that would be the audit committee. Um, and then I would I would delete section 1603 terms and I would add in a section 1603 independent audit reports and say the director of finance or designate shall by communication to city council's docket provide the independent auditor report PN sorts uh at least annual and be available along with a representative of the independent auditor to discuss with the

audit committee in a public meeting uh And then for 1604 I would delete bylaws. So it would just read general rules of operation. Uh and then I would delete on a quarterly basis the committee shall devise its own officer's governance and place or time of assembly. Uh and I would add um annually to review the independent audit reports and periodically as necessary to accomplish a purpose outlined above. So section 1604 would read, "The committee shall meet at least on a annual at least annually to review the independent auditor reports and periodically as necessary to accomplish the purpose outlined above. So th those that will be a substitute a proposed substitute ordinance that I will bring forward at the next uh finance committee meeting. I don't know if Director Mahoney, we talked about it, but I don't know if you've have any comments or concerns about what I've drafted."

Uh uh, sure. No, I just have a few comments. I I think the the purpose that the state um perhaps before, you know, their recommendations of audit committees was that maybe they weren't being shared with um you know, with council. And so that's the the point is to ensure that the public knows about it. And I agree that um a presentation during a finance committee would be um much more open to the public than um you know a committee meeting that's in the mayor's conference room. Uh and so there is also um just as a reminder uh the auditors make us all sign off on an exit interview um every year. Most of the time everyone says no, we don't need it. But um you know that's sent I believe it's to council. I know it's to the you know so that you you would all have the opportunity to say yes I I want an exit interview or no we don't need one. So that that's part of the year the end of the process. Um so all that could be accomplished by just council saying yes we want an exit interview. So um rather than the audit committee. Yeah, I I do think there is benefit to having the independent auditor before council. Just someone whether it's virtually, right? They may I don't know who if our auditor is local or

Oh, they're local. Um and in my past experiences, they've they're always willing to come to a council meeting. They want to be let out of the the the the hallway room that they crunch all the numbers and talk finally. I just saw them. They're they're here this week. So, yeah. Um so, that that's what I would propose. Uh, I welcome any other amendments if folks have them in between meetings or comments or concerns based upon what I brought up. Council Book,

thanks. Good discussion. Um, I I like the amendment you're describing and look forward to getting it in formal form. Uh, I did receive your email which was helpful today. Thanks. The um I especially like keeping 160.01 the same. My reading of that, by the way, is broader than just a review of an audit report formally uh uh presented by our auditor which certainly included but to me I see a much broader reading that said you know to provide independent review and oversight over just what it says uh oversight over the city's financial reporting process internal controls etc and so that that's inclusive of but broader than and I think the purpose here or the intent and at least for some of for the years it was in function I I saw it happen before my eyes was improvements you know it's it's it's a dialogue with other technical experts professionals in the in certified in the field a dialogue with our finance department which is excellent um but nevertheless technology keeps changing our financial position keeps changing the pressures outside of our city government keep changing and Since this was created, the local government fund has been cut in half. We went through a national housing foreclosure crisis. We had city budget cuts with a bunch of changes, right? So, the pressures that come to the city aren't going to be one thing and static and and and unchanging. So, the idea here, I think, is broader than just helping uh to digest uh any given fiscal year's audit report. So, that's that's the part that interests me. I it sounds like there's value in having finance committee be the home and the convenor of that for now. The part that I want to

put thought to is could we um I think as councilwoman Hamilton Steiner was alluding or or envisioning could we have our cake and eat it too where we'd have the support and council president Keell also said this that you know we've got some people we identified they haven't been meeting formally or used as intended. Can somehow this potential finance committee-led structure involve them in ways that are not just member of the public company come to join? I I I think it's more likely that you know a highly paid, highly skilled CPA would commit significant hours in in involved in reading through a d you know digesting an audit if if they had some formal role. But that's my thoughts for now. So, I I thank you for the thoughtful um discussion.

Uh well, at this point, I I'll I'll go ahead and defer the or make a motion to defer this action and then we can come up with a substitute and then I I welcome there's a lot of ways to do this. Um I welcome suggested language um to the extent you you would like to see it change and we can talk about it more fully the next committee meeting. Um, so I'll go ahead and make a motion to defer uh action on on uh ordinance 27205. Second. Uh motion's been made. Second discussion. All those in favor I

I um no further business before the finance committee. We are adjourned. Uh we have five minutes. Sorry.

Right. So, I'll call the March 2nd uh 2026 meeting of the Housing Planning and Development Committee to order. Um we have three items on the agenda today. The first is the approval of the minutes from the February 17th, 2026 Housing Planning Development Committee. Um, do I hear a motion? So moved for approval. Is there a second? All in favor?

I I motion carries. Uh, next two items are are related. The first is communication from assistant director boss regarding proposed code amendment regards to pet grooming services. Um so first I will make a motion to receive and file the communication. Second. Uh all those in favor I I motion carries. Um the second item is ordinance 39-2025 and I will turn it over to uh Assistant Director Boss in the planning department to walk us through.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of council. Um as we'll run through this proposed code amendment um here, hopefully it won't take too long. Uh I believe it's hopefully it's pretty straightforward. Um this is one of we've had a handful over the last couple of years of just small conditional use recommended uh code changes. Um understanding that we have a larger uh code refresh that's underway uh shooting to wrap that up by the end of the year. Um this is just it's a good example of kind of a small uh item that where we get requests that have come up a couple of times that we've had to work through um basic uh trying to help business stay in Lakewood. Um and I think the pet grooming has come up two or three times in the last two years. Recognize the the differences that I'll walk you through in terms of what we're asking uh to amend. Um, so this was uh sent up to council in November, referred to the planning commission. We reviewed it with planning commission back in or last month in February. Um, I put the kind of the draft minutes from the February since we haven't approved those yet at the March meeting. Um, but um, but there's basically there's three areas that we're that we're asking to change in terms of the code relating to pet grooming. um schedule 112902 which is the broader permitted uses in commercial districts. That's where you see the uh the P for permitted, the C for conditional or the blank for not permitted at all. Um across all uses in the commercial districts um 1129.18 would be a new uh section for there are a couple of other preceding sections of supplemental regulations. This would be a new section uh to add supplemental regulations specific to pet grooming itself. And then section 116103.

Um these are the supplemental regulations for all conditional uses. I think there's like there's almost 30 different individual kind of uses that have uh additional regulations that go with them when they are being considered for a conditional use. um and animal clinics uh pet grooming um kind of carry the same supplemental regulations that were review here. But what uh just to highlight there in red what came out of the planning commission review of this was that they they wanted to make sure that we either defined andor covered the difference between pet grooming and pet daycare services. And so I will talk through that um a little bit. I I feel like We had that discussion. I wasn't necessarily prepared to answer that question at planning commission, but I've thought through it since then, gone back to the Ohio Revised Code and I feel like the amendment covers it and and so I will try to explain that as best I can. This is how those kind of individual sections that I outlined are exist today. Um, and so schedule 112902 there at the top. That's this is just a portion obviously of that whole table that that goes through all of the different uses. Um and so under under the header of other retail services, you've got three kind of pet related items. There's animal clinics and hospitals, veterinarian offices, and then grooming services. They're all treated the same right now. Um so they're not allowed in C1. In C2, they're all conditional and so they have to they would have to go through planning commission to seek approval uh to have one of those in in a C2 districted property. In C3, they're all permitted. So, you don't have to get any zoning approvals. You can just have your pet grooming or your animal clinic in a C3 uh district uh property. And then there's a conditional use for public

school. So, when someone comes and applies to have a an animal clinic, a hospital, or a grooming service um in a C2 districted property, they're supposed to meet these three uh regulations. And this these are under 116103. These are the supplemental regulations for those uses. Not all conditional uses have supplemental regulations. some there's they just go uh under 1161 I think it's 02 there are the what's called the general conditions and those are just they apply to all conditional uses regardless of what they are it's like not harmful to adjacent properties is not going to impede further development according to the code like they're they're general standards that everybody has to abide by and that that in the absence of any other regulations what planning commission uses to guide their review Some uses like these have additional regulations that are levied on them that they're supposed to meet. Um, so these were passed back in 1996, so arguably they're a little dated. Um, we see that a lot obviously with our codes while we're doing the refresh. A lot of code is is kind of from that time frame. But the the two main things that we have have had consistent issues with is the requirement for four off- streetet parking spaces for every veterinarian or groomer practicing at that location. That's pretty arduous for any business um to have four off- streetet spaces for every like point of sale or service within that building. That's always an issue especially in our smaller groomers tend to be smaller businesses. they fall into those like the 2500 square foot or smaller storefront spaces more retail oriented uh and oftentimes they cannot provide off- streetet parking. So it it be it it raises an issue. Everyone typically understands the no outside run stalls or cages shall be permitted

especially for groomers. That's not necessarily a requirement of their business. Uh we'll talk about boarding in a little bit because then that that typically comes in for boarding. And then the last one is very difficult is that the proposed use shall not be located in any structure housing a residential use. And so anywhere in Detroit and Madison and most mixeduse retail buildings, you will find smaller retail storefronts that groomers tend to want to fit into and then a residential use above them. And so most grooming businesses have two strikes against them when they're trying to come in and trying to find somewhere on Detroit or Madison to locate. It's very difficult. And so I kind of talk through them, but the the three key issues that we've had specific to grooming services. Um because people in Lakewood like their dogs, they like them groomed. Um and it has been something that's been popular. It's been kind of uh we've seen a lot of these. I will say uh as you as as someone a lay person or a groomer is looking for a business location, there is really no discernable difference between C2 and C3 retail storefronts. um rather than trying to show them a map and showing the interspersed kind of nature of C2 and C3 in our zoning map. Um you know sometimes you would expect how we have C1 kind of in the heart of the city. You would then maybe expect C2 to be next and then C3 to be on the outside of a city in a in a typical kind of zoning intensity. We don't have that. We have interspersed um groups of C2 and C3 locations. So, it can be frustrating for someone trying to find that C2 parcel or a C3 parcel in there. Um, the prohibition on residential retail kind of goes counter to our community vision and that pro in that uh trying to enhance and and promote mixed use. And then that parking requirement just generally in terms of applying our parking code, it appears

fairly arbitrary. It vastly exceeds any other retail use or similar business model that's out there. So, what we did when we took a look at this, there's kind of four main things that I'll walk through here in terms of this amendment. Um, so we looked at permitting pet grooming itself. We viewed in terms of those existing uses. Animal clinics, hospitals, veterinarian offices, they carry specific requirements and intensities um don't necessarily disagree with the way that they're laid out now. But grooming, we kind of came to understand and recognize that as a less intense, it's more of a retail use in terms of its its turnover. Um the the customer base, the the you know, the time the time that an animal spends in that area and and the size of the kind of the retail spaces and the intensity of the use is more akin to uh any another similar retail size business. Um so we're trying to address that that kind of inconsistency of when you look at like the the example here is Boniview um in the upper right it's C3 on the right C2 on the left you you try to explain to a dog groomer who's trying to find a storefront like what's the difference and like so I get that point um so we're trying to make it easier for pet groomers to find a location in liquid. The second thing is our current code does not delineate pet boarding. Um, and so we have pet boarding businesses that are there. Um, and I felt like this was an important thing to kind of build in because it pet boarding is one of the few pet businesses that is regulated by Ohio State Code under OC 956. It actually it's it talks about the regulation and licensing of dog kennels. Um, in our research, we recognize that pet boarding is a more intense use than grooming. And so, we wanted to kind of

delineate differentiate between those two. Um, the duration that an animal spends in a building, duration, typically you can draw that kind of correlation to noise, odors, um, the requirement for pet exercise, and all the other things that come with the longer an animal spends in a space um, that's not their home. Um, so it is a more intensive use. Um, we would recommend that pet boarding be kind of set aside as as a separate use. It's not in the use table right now. It's not in the schedule. Um, and that it would remain conditional in C2 permitted in C3. Um, we have pet boarding in C3 right now on what like the I think it's the the dog in or whatever on West 117th. So, businesses and that the higher uh more intense C3 district is probably appropriate. To go back to the planning commission discussion, what about a daycare, a doggy daycare or a pet daycare that doesn't have an overnight use? Um, so the Ohio Revised Code does not define or delineate a kennel or a boarding business based on duration. So, it is based on the use itself. no matter if the animal's there for a couple hours or it's there overnight. I didn't know that when we had the discussion with planning commission. Um so I'm comfortable recommending that we we leave the amendment as it is and we treat any boarding if it's doggy daycare for a couple hours during the day or overnight. The intensity I believe is still consistent there. The dog if it's dog's there for eight hours during a day it's still going to need to exercise. there's probably still that requirement for maybe an outdoor run that those more intensive uses in terms of that may correlate to more noise um those types of things than a a groomer the dog's

only there for maybe an hour or two before dropped off picked up. Um so so based on the the planning commission recommendation, we would treat a doggy daycare the same as any other boarding use. Um that's what I'm recommending. And so the general standards, so if you had a boarding use that wanted to move into a C2 district, we would still have that as a conditional use because of the inherent differences. There may be outdoor runs, there may be other things that go with that boarding use. And so we would still want that to go through planning commission just like a clinic or a vet office or something like that. But those supplemental regulations that uh we would still recommend that you you strike those that you take away the parking requirement, you take away the prohibition on residential mixed use, but you obviously the the the general standards are still going to apply. A review is still going to happen um in those cases. And so the general standards I believe are adequate uh to cover um the same things that the supplemental regulations I think are kind of um targeting. The third piece is that to keep grooming separate from boarding and daycare, we are we are proposing this a new section of 1129.18. So in 1129, which is the commercial district chapter, there are a couple of supplemental regulation paragraphs kind of thrown at the end. So what we did is I kind of took the acceptable portions of the old 1161 supplemental regul regulations. If you take away the residential prohibition, the parking requirement, I I kind of rewarded those the main things that that have come up consistently in planning commission reviews and made those kind of this is what delineates pet grooming from boarding or daycare. And that's that no overnight boarding or outside animal run, stalls or cages shall be permitted.

And then if it is if it is adjacent to a residential use that you provide for adequate ventilation, odor control, and soundproofing measures. Both of those things have been consistent conditions that have come up with the last two times that groomers have come through planning commission with this kind of very awkward conditional use review pending a code amendment. Um so and then the last thing is that the parking for all these pet uses, the groomers, the clinics, we treat it like any other retail use that that four spaces per vet or is just viewed as arduous. We would make it uh it's also very inconsistent with the current parking code. Like I said, a groomer moving into a 2500 square foot uh space would not be required to provide off- streetet parking just like any other retail use. And frankly, I don't believe they need it with the drop off pickup nature of their business. Um it's like any other retail use. And so we're just trying to make that consistent. And we would we would draw that out to a boarding business, a vet business, anything. and you treat them like a vet or like a retail use. And so if it's a big boarding business, they would require off- streetet parking. If it's a big vet, they would require off- streetet parking. But if it's typically a boarding and a vet is not going to fit into a 2500 foot storefront. A groomer will. And so so inherently vets, border, boarding places, those things are going to have parking requirements. Groomers may not. So that's how I've kind of delineated it top level summary, but the the you know the language and the detail is in the ordinance itself um that go through each of those sections. the uh the modified 112902 schedule that that then breaks out all those uses to include boarding. Um the new 1129.18 supplemental regulations for groomers and then the striking of that paragraph

from 116103 basically doing away with the addition those old regulations for animal clinics, vet offices and grooming services under a conditional use. So, so hope pending any discussion or questions hopefully this is referred back to full counsel with a recommendation for approval. Thank you.

Uh thank you Mr. Boss. I appreciate the time uh putting in this just to kind of it seems like a common sense cleanup of some of our kind of uh strange little quirks of our zoning code that that makes a lot of sense. Um, one question I had is um, uh, to to the grooming uh, part of it, but so clinics and animal hospitals oftentimes have overnight patients is so is that taken into account here? So they're treated like a boarding fac.

So under the new the revised schedule of uses like animal clinics, hospital I think I I consolidated them all down to one line. I mean, an enamel clinic and a hospital now is kind of the same use, but so they would be conditional just like boarding would be conditional in C2, permitted in C3. Um, so basically those requirements aren't changing. It's just grooming that's that we're becoming more flexible, doing away with some of those the the arduous parking requirements and stuff for the uses. Great. Thank you. Um, anybody on the committee with questions? Council President Baker.

Um, thank you, uh, Assistant Director Boss. Uh I love your reminds me my time on planning commission. Um what what I will ask is is C1 walk me through that why it's still not permitted there. Uh I will say councilman I I think the our understanding of the D like we're still trying to under the current code without getting too much into the refresh just trying to allow this in in C2 as a is that's our retail district. C1 as an office we felt like probably too much of a stretch right now. Um,

you think C1's C1 is basically just the western edge of Madison, right? It's downtown is is the main that the heart of Lakewood. It is I mean C1 is defined as our office commercial use and so we didn't really want to cross that line right now. So why is the area of Madison also C1?

That is something that I am working to fix under the code refresh. At some point, I don't know who, someone thought that uh the and those on council that have been longer with some history may know when they passed that last zoning map probably 15 20 years ago, they someone envisioned some growth of office on the west end of Madison for whatever reason. I don't know. Yeah, I think it was a very aspirational um Yeah, but I think what we will be proposing and not to get ahead of the the coding the code refresh is that that is likely more appropriate as a C2 or a C3 district just based on what's there and what we would want to see there in the future.

Yeah, I asked because and I know you know uh because of there there was a business owner that wanted to Yep.

go into that area. Um, and so I'm wondering if did you even consider making it conditional to see if like you you would even allow them to come to planning commission and make a case for it. Um, as opposed to having it restricted and not allowed. I mean, we could you could add a C to that district. I felt like we're going to we're going to correct that, I think, with the zoning refresh. And so I was just trying to keep this simple um and not not get not even like kind of delve into the C1. I I understand that that issue. I think there's plenty of C2 and C3 pro properties right now. And we are we do have a plan to correct that. I think in the next is that eight months, six to eight months.

You want to let the flood water go over the top. You don't want to break down the the not right now. I think if if someone I think if someone wanted to I mean we would just steer them to a C2C3 right now pending the the refresh. So for for us just trying to stay kind of within the bounds of existing districts within without changing the map which always seems like a huge issue uh to me is that when you open up the zoning map then there's always lots of other like well what about this and what about this and what about this and so I'm just trying to keep this kind of laser focused on grooming for right now.

Yeah, that's where a nice little C might help. But um that's uh as a as opposed to a dash. Um but um not going to die on the hill. So council other people council m

uh thanks Mr. Chair. Um that was my question. I have it written down already before he said it. Uh that was my one shot at looking informed on planning code. Um but no I first of all Dave thank you very much for the thoughtful detailed work. I'd love to get a little bit of an example of how this has come up in practice. I think the planning department is more in the flow than I certainly am of of store permit traffic. It sounds like it's more future businesses that want to locate or looking for spots.

It was one in the last six months we had u I had been working with that business owner who was trying to relocate from trying to find something outside of the C1 district on the west end of Madison. and she was finally able to find a storefront on Bonaview and it just so happened that it was in the C2 side of Bonaview instead of the C3 side of Bonaview. So she had to we had to kind of work work her through the conditional use process which under the current regulations with planning commission if you wanted to draw a hard line on those supplemental regulations. Can you provide the parking? Is there residential in the building? Planning commission well within their purview could have said no. Sorry. Um, but they they were willing based upon uh kind of my justification and having this code amendment drafted and submitted that they they kind of conditionally approved her uh to move into that location of Bonniew given that this was submitted and being worked.

Super. Yeah, that's thoughtful. I mean, I I certainly support where you're going with that. I think you've done some thoughtful definitional distinctions. That's never come up in my experience, but I think it would be great if more pet grooming services uh might um occupy the spaces currently held by vape stores, you know, um maybe with less bright signage. Um so I I'm happy to support it. I I personally do think that we could include a conditional use in C1 now and could always revisit it. So again, I I don't have to insist on it, but but to me that section of Madison is what I have in mind. And even if it wasn't the downtown, I you know, downtown probably the market rates will correct or if somebody there can afford a premium rent, then you know, maybe you let them. But um that's all I got. Thanks. Oh, actually I did want to ask, is there a county board of health role at all in inspecting or permitting? Um I don't know about the county councilman. I think a lot of this is state licensing. Okay.

Um did they get their licenses yet from the state of Ohio and I don't know I don't know what the in a little googling myself. Yeah. All right. Thank you. I appreciate it. Any other council members? Council person.

Thanks. Uh and thanks Director Boss for um always a wellprepared presentation. Um I just had a question. any of the ones that have gone in where there's residential above because we we do have them, right? That they've been Have we had any trouble with um residents? I'm just thinking in terms of since they're most likely renters, they're not going to have control over whether that business goes in below and then if they have allergies or the noise or anything like that. I know you said that they they've had the soundproofing and allergies. Have we had any issues with that at all?

Not not that I'm aware of. just uh we've worked I think I've worked two of these in the last year. One of them was in an was an expansion of an existing uh she got approval and then she didn't end up expanding but that was the um one on Matt like Madison and by West 117th or Madison Elmwood um that had been there under numerous names for 20 25 years um and no I couldn't couldn't find any. Um, I think I mean most of these businesses recognize kind of the location where they're at and the concerns that are there and they try to mitigate them as much as possible and and so it's it's just it's put those supplemental regulations in there because it is they they have come up both times from planning commission to say that there are things you can do when you renovate a space and so we're asking you to do those things to make sure that there aren't any problems.

Thank you. Thanks. So, um, just one last clarification, um, because I I agree with the points of my fellow council members about, uh, C1. Is your expectation that the zoning code refresh will address those concerns? I believe so. Yeah, that's that's the current direction that I'm going is to eliminate that section of C1 on the west end of Madison. It only makes sense. Um, so this is more or less a short-term solution to bridge the gap before we adopt it. Okay, great. Thank you. Any other questions or comments from the committee? If not, I'll make a motion to favor favorably refer this back to full counsel. Second. All in favor?

I. Motion carries. There's no more business for this committee. We'll start council in about five minutes. Thanks.

You like that?

All right, we will call the March 2nd meeting of council to order. If you're able, please rise for the pledge of allegiance. We'll now pause for a moment of silence. Madam clerk, please call the role. Vice President Baker here. Council member Vixenstein. Council member Bullock here. Council member Evans here. President Keell here. Council member Hamilton Steiner

here. Council member Strebig here. Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held February 17, 2026. Move to approve without the necessity of reading. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Uh without objection, I'd like to move item 27 to the top. Um and yeah, we'll do that first. Yeah. Item 27, resolution 20268, a resolution to join with states, municipalities, and other jurisdictions around the country to designate March as Women's History Month in the city of Lakewood by recognizing the struggles and celebrating the achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States. I'll first move to adopt. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded. And to kick off our discussion, I'd like to turn to Councilwoman Street.

Thank you. Um, thank you, President Keell and Council Member Hamilton Steiner for joining me on this important resolution to recognize and honor Women's History Month. Uh, before I begin I begin my remarks, can everyone see me and can everyone hear me? Yes. Good. Everybody's good. Okay. Just checking because last Tuesday I was in this auditorium for the Lake Clifton Connector Project, the public presentation and I was standing at the back of the room actually leaning against that middle table there in the back and this young man about 510 or 5'11 walked in and stood directly right in front of me and blocked my view of the entire presentation. So it was close enough that with one step forward I could have tapped him on the shoulder or as some of my fore mothers and forefathers would have said could have put a boot in his rear. I did not kick him but rather took that one step forward and tapped him on the back. He immediately rolled around to apologize and moved three steps to my left. He knew I was there and understood his error. So, this got me thinking about my invisibility when I clearly didn't have my cloak of invisibility on that I had left at home that night. What would make anyone walk into a space and not be aware of their surroundings, the people or the vibe, or just to just completely disregard everyone altogether? Is it just is it plain rudeness? Is it cluelessness or entitlement? Ah, yes, there it is. Entitlement to enter any space without regard for other people to accomplish your own objective. So then that got me thinking

about entitlement and the fact of having a right to something. Miriam Webster's definition of entitlement is number one, the state or condition of being entitled or right. Number two, a right to benefits specifically especially by law or contract. Number three, belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges. And number four, a government program providing benefits to members of a specific group and funds supporting or distributed by such a program. As citizens of the United States, we are entitled to our constitutional rights. When they are threatened, we remind those offending us that we have rights, just like the suffragists and abolitionists did before us. Sometimes with a gentle tap on the shoulder or sometimes with a boot. There are times to be entitled when our constitutional rights are being threatened or when democracy is at stake. There are also times to read the room and remember dignity and respect for everyone, even though they may be invisible to some people. Happy Women's History Month, everyone. I see you and I hear you. Thank you.

Thank you. Um, Councilwoman Hamilton Steiner.

Thank you, President Couple. If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. Shirley Chisel, the first African-American woman to be elected to the United States Congress and the first woman to run for a Democratic Party nominate nomination for president of the United States. This quote sums up what women so often have to do. We have to find a way, make a way to get it done, to be heard, to be seen when so often we are ignored and cast aside. The patriarchy pits us women against one another in competition for their attention, their praise, their support and allegiance. The tenants of matriarchydriven leadership, empathy, compassion, cooperation, and egalitarianism is what is so desperately lacking in this country and at times in our own community. The patriarchy has labeled these as weak. But wise individuals know we are only as strong as our weakest links. And any country or community that ignores its most vulnerable is not a strong country or community. Lakewood has an opportunity to show the power of womanhood and collective community with women holding all three branches of power within the municipal government. Executive, judicial, and legislative. And if we include the school district, we have all major branches of governance under the leadership of women. Dare I say, the matriarchy is here in Lakewood. I am proud to serve alongside such strong women. Women who are not afraid to speak their truths. Women who are not afraid to stand for justice. Women who are not afraid to fight for what is right. But all unique in our own ways. each having to in one way or another at times to bring a folding chair when the table has not been big enough. Chairs

are still needed as we all must work together to continue and ensure that we are fighting for women's pay equity. Women are still making 83 cents for every dollar that our male counterpart makes. Protection of and for women dominated fields such as education and healthcare, ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages. that women are supported in the decisions they make regarding their reproductive health and we ultimately support women by providing equitable access to health care, child care, and career growth and trajectory. I can see no greater mission than to take action to uplift, empower, and support women. Happy Women's History Month.

Thank you. Um, I'll just add to that as you can see in the uh resolution um that Lakewood has a strong history of uh women's um empowerment and entitlement to the right to vote. uh as we've mentioned before up here that um it was through the work of Bernice Pike and the Lakewood suffragettes that Lakewood women uh secured the right to vote prior to um the 19th amendment. So which and I see our friends from the League of Women Voters here in the audience today. Um few years ago, I think it was during the pandemic, I remember being masked at the time. We I remember going to the ceremony to have the plaque put up by the women's pavilion. So if folks haven't been there um that recognizes that accomplishment. So it's um it's quite a feather in our cap. We have also had um a history of women to higher elected office as you can see um in the resolution um and certainly here on council. Um former councilwoman Pam Smith is in the audience too. So, um, we've had quite a few, uh, wonderful elected women. Our current state senator, uh, was the first woman elected to that state senate seat. Um, so, it's really exciting to have this resolution each year, um, to remark not only were we women's history as a nation, but also here in Lakewood. Um, do we have anyone signed in to speak, or did anyone want to speak on this resolution? Okay. All right. No, we don't have anyone signed in. Okay. Uh, any other comments from council members? Nope. All right. So, we have a motion and a second to adopt the resolution. Um, after it presumably passes, we will uh do a picture down front. We invite anyone who'd like to come up and join us uh for that photograph. Um, and we have

a ceremonial copy of the resolution for the League of Women Voters. All right. We have a motion in a second to adopt the resolution. All those in favor?

I. And that motion passes. All right. Okay, we're going to do our quick photo down. Five. Yeah. All

right. Um, so without objection, um, I'd like to move items one, two, and four to the end. These are the items related to the um the ordinances, the bands ordinance for city hall discussion. As you'll recall in committee, um we may need some more discussion on those tonight and that way we can get through the rest of the docket and if folks are here for other items, they don't need to stay for that whole discussion. All right. Um, yeah. And then I'm going to move to suspend the rules to read items three, five, um, and through 11 together. These would be the rest of the bonds.

Second. Sorry. Motion made and seconded. And we do a roll call. Yes. Baker. Yes. Dixonstein. Block. Yes. Evans. Yes. Keell? Yes. Hamilton Steiner. Yes. Strebig. Yes.

That motion passes. Item three, ordinance 6, 2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount not to exceed $4.9 million in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of improving Buns Road, Lake Road, Clifton Road, and other streets located within the city between certain termini by resurfacing and replacing concrete together with all necessary upordinances there too in approving related manners matters. Item five, ordinance 08 2026. An ordinance to take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $850,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of designing, engineering, and constructing water improvements together with all necessary thereto. Item six, ordinance 92026, an ordinance to take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $500,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of improving sidewalks within the city and approving related matters. Item seven, ordinance 10, 2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $125,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of providing new traffic signalization together with all necessary thereto and approving related matters. Item eight, ordinance 112026, an ordinance to take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $2,370,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds. Pay cost of designing, engineering, and constructing sewer improvements together with all necessary appertinances there too in approving related matters. Item nine, ordinance 12 20226, an ordinance to take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $32,695,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of constructing a refuge

recycling facility. Renovating refuge truck parking facility. Replacing or improving the roofs of public buildings, including the municipal facilities garage. Improving the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at the fire station. Improving parks including pavement and sidewalk resurfacing, construction, lighting, and landscaping together with all necessary site work, infrastructure, and improvements and impertinances there too. Improving sidewalks within the city. improving Buns Road, Crest Lane, Gil Avenue, Anandga Avenue, Wayne Avenue, and Web Road and other streets located within the city between certain termini by resurfacing and replacing concrete together with all necessary pertinances there too. Improving City Hall, Winterhurst Ice Arena, fire station number three, public works garage and other city facilities, including renovating city facilities, improving the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Constructing a storage facility, improving parks within the city, including Lakewood Park, Kaufman Park, and other park improvements together with all necessary pertinances there, too. Improving sidewalks within the city. improving Edgewater Drive, Summit Avenue, and other streets located within the city between certain termini by resurfacing and replacing concrete together with all necessary impertinances there too. Designing, engineering, constructing water improvements, designing, engineering, constructing sewer improvements, and retiring notes previously issued for such purposes and approving related matters. Item 10, ordinance 13-2026, an ordinance take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of not to exceed 15,845,000 of bonds for the purpose of currently refunding all or a portion of the city's various purpose improvement and refunding bonds. Series 2016A dated April 5th, 2016 to one refund a portion of the city's 21,210,000 various purpose general obligation bonds series 2005 limited tax obligation dated May 26, 2005 refund a portion of the

city's $14,320,000 sew sewer system revenue bonds series 2006 dated August 30th 2006. Three, refund a portion of the city's $10,285,000 water system revenue bonds series 2006 stated August 30th, 2006. And four, retire the city's $17,375,000 various purpose improvement bonds issued on April 9th, 2015 and approving related matters in connection with the issuance of the bonds. Item 11, Ordinance 14-2026, an ordinance take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $32,695,000 of bonds for the purpose of retiring notes issued for the purpose of one, constructing a refuge recycling facility, renovating refuge truck parking facility, replacing or improving the roofs of public buildings, including the municipal facilities garage, improving the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at the fire station. improving parks including pavement and sidewalk resurfacing and construction, lighting and landscaping together with all necessary site work, infrastructure improvements and impertinances there too. Two, improving sidewalks within the city. Three, improving Buns Road, Crest Lane, Guile Avenue, Anandaga Avenue, Wayne Avenue, and Webrobe and other streets located within the city between Certain Termini by resurfacing and replacing concrete together with all necessary pertinances there too. for improving city hall, Winterhurst Ice Arena, fire station number three, public works garage and other city facilities, including renovating city facilities, improving the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, constructing a storage facility. Five, improving parks within the city, including Lakewood Park, Kaufman Park, and other improvements together with all necessary impertinances there, too. Six, improving sidewalks within the city. Seven, improving Edgewater Drive, Summit Avenue, and other streets located within the city between Sir and Termini by resurfacing and replacing concrete

together with all necessary pertinances there too. Eight, designing, engineering, and constructing water improvements together with all necessary pertinances there too. Nine, designing, engineering, and constructing sewer improvements together with all necessary pertinances there too. approving related matters in connection with the issuance of bonds. Thank you, clerks. I'll move to adopt agenda items 3 and 5 through 11. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 12, report from rules and ordinances committee meeting held February 23rd, 2026.

Council member Bixenstein. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dear colleagues, the rules and ordinances committee met on February 23rd, 2026 to discuss two pieces of legislation related to the creation of the master fee schedule, resolution 2025-71 and ordinance 30-2025. Assistant law director Swallow provided information about the purpose and function of the master fee schedule and along with finance director Mahoney answered questions posed by council members regarding the specifics of the two proposed pieces of legislation. Committee members were informed that resolution 2025-71 will move fees from the city's administrative and business code to the master fee schedule and ordinance 30-2025 will amend the corresponding sections of the codified ordinances. While most of the fees themselves will not change, assistant law director swallow provided an explanation of the few specific changes that will be included as part of resolution 2025-71. A third and final phase of legislation will be forthcoming that will address public works, water, and wastewater fees. The committee voted unanimously to to favor favorably refer resolution 2025-71 and ordinance 30-2025 back to council for adoption.

Thank you. I'll move to receive and file that report. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 13, resolution 202571, a resolution to take effect immediately to establish the master fee schedule by incorporating fees from part one, title 5 administrative code, and part seven, business regulation code of the codified ordinances and superseding all prior fees established that are included in this resolution. Move to adopt. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion. Madam President, Council Member Book.

Um, first uh compliments to Mr. Bickenstein who um you know presided very effectively over his first uh council committee hearing and did a nice job fine job porting out legislation right now. And then the other point I just want to make is compliments to the uh law department or the finance department for putting this spade work to do this um I don't know if it's quite behind the scenes work but but it's it's attention to detail that is continuous improvement for the city making um working with the city more transparent and effective and and I I appreciate what you're doing so happy to support it

if I may. Uh sure. Uh thank you uh Councilman. Just just uh in interest of full disclosure, u uh Assistant Director Swallow took the initiative on this uh spent hours combing through the ordinance and uh and deserves the credit for her initiative, but thank you for the for the mention. Thank you. And yes, we do appreciate I think it makes it much easier for residents to be able to have things all in one place. So, it's it's good work to be done. Um, not glamorous, but good. Um, all right. Any further discussion on the motion to adopt? All those in favor?

I. And that motion passes. Item 14, ordinance 30, 2025, an ordinance to take effect immediately amending various sections of part one, administrative code, and part 7, business regulation code of the codified ordinances to move all fees identified within those provisions to the master fee schedule. Move to adopt. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 15, report from finance committee held today, March 2nd, 2026. President Baker.

Uh thank you colleagues. Uh finance committee met this evening uh before this meeting uh to discuss uh four docka items, but particularly two ordinances. Uh the first is ordinance 152026 um which seeks to establish the host community cannabis fund uh and then direct purposes associated with that. Uh so those that are unfamiliar uh the state of Ohio approved adult use cannabis and within the initiated statute there was a certain percentage of money went to host communities which Lakewood is one of them uh with our two adult use dispensaries. However, there was some issues in the state government um and they didn't appropriate those funds to the host communities until earlier this year. Uh so we wanted to start a conversation about um how to best direct those funds um you know to to serve the needs of Lakewood uh but also associated with with cannabis use. So there was some discussion of initially it was public safety which would include um complete streets, ADA accessibility, equity, social issues. Uh there was some conversation about broadening some of the allowed uses of those funds to include community health needs assessment um health related issues as it you know the funds are from cannabis use. Um so we deferred the action to allow our colleagues to suggest some more refinement to that language to better direct those funds. Uh so that was deferred and we will seek to bring that up again and hopefully finalize the creation of the fund in the coming weeks. Uh the second issue is uh the audit committee. Uh so finance director Mahoney put together ordinance 272025 to repeal the audit committee. Uh essentially the audit committee was created um roughly in 2007 as a recommendation from the auditor of state to have kind of an independent community-based audit committee uh that would review the the city's audit reports. It was kind of something that the state auditor was pushing uh statewide. um it has come somewhat fallen out of use a little bit. The

state auditor no longer requires it. So we had some really interesting discussion in committee about how do we um take that function uh have the audit report come to the finance committee, have the finance committee serve the role of the audit committee so that council and the public still have an opportunity to interact with the independent auditor to see how we're how we're doing uh what we're doing well, what we can improve upon. Um and and once again we there was some suggestions in committee about not fully repealing it and kind of uh modifying the language to still have that function served but maybe have it served in a different way. Uh so we also deferred that action for a little bit more refinement and in the coming weeks we'll consider both of these uh ordinances uh and report them out to full full council. Um I'll make a motion to receive and file that report.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Um, and I'll just like to thank Vice President Baker for your leadership on um, both of these issues. Uh, you're walking away from committee with more homework, unfortunately, but we appreciate all that um, that you do. So, thank you. Um, any further discussion? Hearing none on the motion to receive and file the report. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 16, ordinance 15, 2022, an ordinance to take effect immediately to enact section 12965 of the Lakewood codified ordinances entitled host community cannabis fund to provide guidance regarding the use of new tax revenues related to the sale of cannabis. Move to defer. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 17, ordinance 27,2025, an ordinance to take effect immediately repealing chapter 160, audit committee of the codified ordinances of the city of Lakewood. Move to defer. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 18, report from housing planning and development committee held today, March 2nd, 2026. Council member Evans.

Thank you, Madam President. Um the housing planning and development committee met uh earlier today, March 2nd, to discuss um definitions and regulations regard to pet grooming services within the city of Lakewood. Um this is um basically is a little bit of a zoning cleanup um having a little more um making a little easier for these services to locate in the city. Um it also broke out definition-wise um or made some the differentiation between pet grooming services and pet boarding services, daycarees and animal clinics. Um again this is uh just something the applying department flagged as having been an issue with some uh putting up some roadblocks for some folks looking to locate within the city. Um so I want to thank the assistant director boss for flagging this and cleaning it up. Um the issue was referred back favorably to all of council. Thank you. I'll make a motion to re receive and file this oral report.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 19, ordinance 39, 2022, an ordinance to take effect immediately amending or repealing various sections of the liquid codified ordinances to update definitions and regulations related to pet grooming services within the city of Lakewood. Move to adopt. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Right. We are now to um items 20 through 25, which are the uh charter amendment ordinances that are in committee of the whole. So I'm going to move to suspend the rules to read items 20 through 25 together. Second. Motion's been made in second. Oh, we can. We don't need roll. Okay. All right. So, motion's been made and seconded and clerk Bach is telling me we don't need a roll call. So, um all those in favor I I.

And that motion passes.

Item 20, ordinance 16, 2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amendment amended charter in order to change the frequency with which the civil service commission reviews elected official salaries. Item 21, ordinance 17, 2026. An ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter in order to add additional requirements to the process by which council appoints new members to fill a vacancy. Item 22, Ordinance 18, 2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter in order to change the manner in which legislation is amended and to remove the requirement that the entire ordinance or resolution be repealed, then a new ordinance or resolution be enacted. Item 23, Ordinance 19-2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter of the city of Lakewood in order to establish a process and requirement for ward redistricting in the city of Lakewood. Item 24, ordinance 2020 2020 20-2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an attachment to the third amended charter of the city of Lakewood in order to clarify the various paths in which the charter can be amended. Item 25, ordinance 21-2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately submitting to the electors of the city of Lakewood an amendment to the third amended charter of the city of Lakewood in order to allow council the option of implementing rank choice voting.

Thank you. Um, we do have before I I'm going to shortly move to defer, but before I do that, we do have someone signed in to speak on this. So, Chris Pendle, if you want to come on up. Hi, uh Chris Bindle, 1212 Hathway. Um so I originally ca uh planned to come here tonight to discuss uh updates on SB uh 63. Uh but then I saw that at the last meeting that I wasn't able to attend. You actually introduced uh these resolutions or and uh I was glad to see that they were there. Uh, I read through uh the ordinance and uh I'm not a lawyer, but it I was pleased with what I read. It sounded pretty good. Um, I had a few questions, but I know this isn't a, you know, question answer thing, but um, it looks like that our conversations regarding SB63 were taken in consideration and that's handled and, uh, I do think that in its current form, we should still be okay. Um, I do have, like I said, a question regarding that, but I we can discuss that afterwards if we want to. Um, but I just wanted to say I looked at the ordinance. I'm really pleased and uh I look forward to this moving forward. So, thanks for all your work. Keep up the good work.

Thank you. Yes, since uh since these were submitted, they passed SP 63. So, um it still has to go back to the Senate. That's true. That's true. So, it came out of the house, but um so we do have just for anyone else interested in any of these charter admission um proposed charter amendments, we have them scheduled for committee of the whole on March 16th um at six o'clock. So, we'll start digging into these more. So, thank you. All right. So, um because those are all in committee, I'm going to move to defer items 20 through 25. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I and that motion passes.

Item 26, communication from President Keell regarding public art master plan.

Dear colleagues, in July 2025, council authorized the city to accept a grant from Kyhoga County Planning Commission worth $83,000 for technical assistance and community planning services to help develop a public art master plan and provided a 15% funding match. That current work is currently underway and a final plan is scheduled to be presented to council in May 2026. Public art brightens our city, creates iconic spaces and distinguishes us from other locations. As Liquidites, we likely take for granted the cheerful, thought-provoking and onspiring works we encounter each day during our routine comingings and goings. However, a great deal of planning goes into bringing these pieces to the public. Lakewood's public art program began in 2015 with a public art task force and evolved into a permanent public art advisory board in 2021. The public art master plan represents the next step in our city's journey to be thoughtful and intentional about public art. The master plan is expected to provide recommendations regarding new opportunities for public art locations and types of art, ensure that public art remains inclusive and develop processes and funding mechanisms to maintain the sustainability of public art. Before council is asked to adopt a final plan, as public art has been identified as a shared council priority, I would like to hold a committee of the whole where council can learn more about the plan's progress and contribute input. I have coordinated this in advance with the planning department and this meeting is tenatively scheduled for March 16th. I'll move to refer this communication to committee of the whole.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion. Uh, Councilman Evans. Thank you, Madam President. Um, I had the privilege of being a council liaison to this um project and um just wanted to say it's been a really great process. Um, I've been involved in this kind of thing before. um the the depth and um the knowledge and the planning that the team is bringing to the table has been fantastic. So, I'm really looking forward to the updates and to the plan itself. And again, thanks to the planning department for spearheading the effort on the city side. Thanks. Thank you. Any further discussion? Council uh member Stig.

Thank you. Um, I also, um, echo, uh, Council Member Evans, and I also, uh, wanted to point out that the, uh, Lakewood Youth Council is very interested in, um, performing arts and how we can include that as part of our master plan. Thank you. Thank you. Um, maybe we'll take care of uh, inviting them to the committee as a whole. 100%. Awesome. Thank you. Any further discussion? All right. Hearing none on the motion to refer the communication to committee of the whole. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes.

Item 28, communication from vice president Baker regarding report from complete and active streets education and advisory board meeting held February 24, 2026. Vice President Baker.

Uh thank you. Uh dear colleagues, the case board uh met on February 24th uh at 10 a.m. in city hall council auditorium for its first meeting. Slide deck from the meeting is appended to the end of this uh letter for council's review and information and the uh members of the case board are outlined below in the chart. Uh as you can see there are some voting members and some kind of more secretary exficio uh which include both council appointees and mayoral appointees. Um assistant planning director Boss served as secretary of the case board and started the meeting. Uh the meeting started largely with organizational housekeeping as is customary for any new board or commission. Mr. Boss provided draft rules for the case board which will be considered and vote upon at the next meeting and Tracy Greenberg was elected chair with Emily Lindberg being uh elected vice chair. Mr. Boss then went through some introductory remarks about the case board's role and responsibilities uh the complete streets policy, the upcoming capital projects. Uh see appendent slides uh and this took up most of the meeting. The case board then moved to consider uh the recent referrals made by city council including the Madison Hillyard safety study and the shared use path code amendments. Time constraints only allowed the presentation of the Madison Hillyard safety study by its uh but case board agreed uh to consider it again at the next meeting and the other item the shared use path code amendments were also deferred to the next meeting. Uh the case board intends to meet at least quarterly uh but special meetings can be called to consider timely topics. I will continue to attend these important meetings and report back to city council so that we and the public can stay informed on the workings of the case board. I'll make a motion to receive and file that communication.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Further discussion. Thank you uh Vice President Baker for representing council on that board and um to u assistant director boss for um getting it started. So appreciate that um among your many hats. All right. So any further discussion hearing? None. On the motion to uh receive and file the communication. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 29, communication from council member Hamilton Steiner regarding council liaison report. Lwab. Council member Hamilton Steiner.

Um thank you president Keell. Dear colleagues, Lewab met on Wednesday, February 18th at 6 p.m. in their monthly meeting location in the east conference room in Lakewood City Hall. The group discussed their committees and initiatives, including plans for the spring food drive in support of Lakewood Community Services Center, LCSC, which helps to provide pet food assistance to meet the needs of families with pets. It's noted that LCSC LCSC does accept food donations year round. However, these twice annual drives serve to also raise awareness of the need that exists in the community. Emmy Hutcherson, coordinator H2O, was in attendance to learn how H2O can support pet food drive efforts. Emmy Liswab discussed how high school students could be beneficial in supporting food drive efforts with marketing, education, and outreach and/or direct service. The day of the event, possible dates were discussed with information shared about potential conflicts with already set community and high school events. LWAB members have reviewed the latest copy of the TN TNR ordinance which they have been working collaboratively with the administration and councilwoman Striebec. A lot of time, effort and dedification has been put into this effort and they are all proud of the work and look forward forward to the discussion in public safety committee on Monday, March 9th. I move to receive and file that communication.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded of discussion. Thank you, Council Member Hamilton Steiner for representing us there and council member Stribbig for continuing to work with them on the TNR ordinance um and and being flexible. Uh we had to move things around in order to get that other committee the whole end for the city hall discussion. So, thanks for your flexibility and continued work. All right, any further discussion? Hearing none on the motion to receive and file the communication or the report. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 30, communication from fire chief Fairbanks regarding request for resolution purchase of 2020 fire engine inclusive of tradein and upgrades. Chief Fairbanks.

Thank you. Good evening, President Keell and members of Lakewood City Council. I respectfully request passage of a resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2020 fire engine for a final cost of $580,000 inclusive of the $80,000 trade-in value of our 2010 engine as well as all necessary upgrades and customization to meet Lakewood Fire Department specifications. The 2026 budget included 600,000 to refurbish the 2010 apparatus. updated pricing and or updated pricing has increased that refurbishment estimate to approximately 700,000. Given this estimate, the vehicle's age, and the 86,000 miles currently on it, proceeding with this refurbishment is no longer fiscally prudent. After evaluating multiple options, the LFD's apparatus committee and command staff recommend replacing the unit with a 2010 model engine with approximately 5,000 mi. This apparatus meets our operational needs, includes a diesel exhaust filtration system, carries a one-year warranty, and provides a 7-day post delivery refusal period. This approach keeps the project within the original budgeted amount while significantly improving reliability and extending frontline service life well into the 2040s. For this reasons, I am respectfully requesting your approval through resolution to proceed. Thank you.

Thank you. Move to receive and file that communication. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Um and Chief Fairbanks, I just want to thank you also for reaching out to us in advance and explaining the situation. Um so council members had time to process it and ask questions as needed. Um all right, discussion hearing none on the motion to receive and file the communication. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 31, resolution 20269, a resolution authorizing the director of finance to sell through tradein a 2010 Pierce Velocity fire engine toward the purchase of a 2020 E1 Typhoon fire engine. Move to adopt. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor. And that motion passes. Item 32, communication from Fire Chief Fairbanks regarding Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 15 through 21st, 2026. Chief Banks again,

President Keell and members of council, severe weather awareness week will be observed March 15 through the 21st, 2026 with a statewide tornado drill scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th at 9:50 a.m. This annual initiative provides an important opportunity to strengthen our severe weather preparedness across our community. During this week, we will encourage residents to review or update their emergency plans and supply kits, understand local weather risks, maintain multiple methods of receiving alerts, prepare for potential flooding, and recognize the role of outdoor warning sirens. The March 18th statewide drill also offers schools, businesses, city facilities, and residents the opportunity to practice sheltering procedures and test notification systems. In the coming weeks, the fire department will share preparedness messaging through our communication channels and amplif a amplify information provided by our state partners to ensure consistent outreach. I respectfully request council's consideration of a resolution recognizing severe weather awareness week as reaffirmation of Lakewood's commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. Thank you.

Thank you. I'll move to receive and file. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 33, resolution 202610, a resolution proclaiming March 15th through March 21st, 2026 severe weather awareness week. Move to adopt. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 34. Communication from law director Vargo regarding submerged lands lease 17818 Lake Avenue. Director Vargo.

Thank you. Dear President Keell and members of city council, the following is a resolution required by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in the permitting process for lakefront property owners to obtain a submerged lands lease. In this instance, the property owners are seeking the lease in order to construct coastal erosion control measures. This matter was referred to the division of engineering for the city for review uh which found no encroachments on any interests of the city of Lakewood and the engineer foresees no issue with any planned Lakewood projects. I'd like to um indicate that the city engineer is here to answer any questions to the extent council wishes to act on that on this this evening. Um otherwise you can refer it to um uh to committee as well. Thank you. All right. I'll move to receive and file the communication.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion. Um interested to hear from council members about we have there are several of these on the docket tonight if uh we want to see them in committee or or would like to discuss them tonight. Uh counc.

Yes. I I think taking them each um th this one and to confirm perhaps um city engineer Pepki can help but like this is essentially a private resident seeking a submerged land lease to fortify their property or some other kind of use. Uh, and so from a city's perspective, I think it's just us making sure it doesn't um hurt or hinder any of our services, storm sewers, whatever. Um, so if this has been vetted, no, we'll take each of them as they come, but this one in particular, it's none of our infrastructure. It's just allowing a person to do that with the state. Is that accurate, city engineer Pepki? Yes, it is. the record reflect. He said yes, it is.

Yeah, I'm getting a nod from Director Gordon as well. So, so I'm I'm comfortable. You know, the the each each one's unique. These are each each is his own property, but I think on this one, the city has no infrastructure here. Um it's simply allowing this property owner to get this interest from the state of Ohio and we're not objecting.

Thank you. other council members. Right. I would tend to tend to agree that um we're just gonna ask engineer PKY to come to a committee meeting and say the same thing. So um so I'm going to um Oh, we're still on the we're still on the communication. Okay. So we're now I've got a motion, a second to receive and file the communication. Um all those in favor? I I And that motion passes. Item 35, resolution 202611, a resolution approving the use of submerged lands for property located at 17818 Lake Avenue in order to permit the owners the opportunity to construct the proposed shore structure. I'll move to adopt. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion hearing? None. All the Oh, Vice President Baker. Yeah, I'll just I'll just reiterate now that we're on the um the actual resolution. I mean, this is just allowing someone to invest in their property essentially. So continue and prevent shoreline erosion which is a good thing. All right. So um we have a motion and a second to adopt. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor. And that motion passes. Item 36. Communication from public works director Gordon regarding Nicholson and Wilbur Outfalls rehabilitation project submerged landlies and proposed easement 1015 Nicholson Avenue. Uh Director Gordon.

Thank you. Dear President Keell and members of city council, the attached submerged land lease has been prepared for the city of Lakewood's Nicholson and Wilbert outfalls rehabilitation projects. The submerged land lease entails the area of the project that extends in a lake Erie at the above reference property to the east of the terminus of excuse me of Nicholson Avenue. The official deed of easement for shoreline improvements was prepared by the city's consultant KS Associates and includes bluff stabilization and protection for new outfall pipes at the Nicholson Avenue terminus. Additionally, the resolution includes approval of the agreement for the proposed easement over the property owner's existing submerged land lease area which is also attached. City Council is required to issue a resolution for the submerged land lease and proposed easement to ODNR upon adoption. Therefore, I request that city council approve and pass the attached legislation so that the city may proceed with this muchneeded project. Please let me know if you have any further questions. And as law director Vargo said, we do have city engineer Pepki here to answer any questions. Thank you.

Thank you. I'll move to receive and file the communication. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 37, resolution 202612, a resolution approving the use of submerged lands for the property located at and abuing 1015 Nicholson Avenue in order to permit the property owners the opportunity to undertake lakeshore protection measures. Um, so again, I'll ask council members uh if we want to address this on the floor tonight or would like more detail in committee.

Uh, council me madam president, thank you. I I'm happy to dialogue right now on the floor. I I tend to think these are um, you know, technical in nature. Uh typically our oversight has been to dialogue with the public works department to make sure that we've vetted the pro the the projects and also to get the background of the project. So I think we could do that briefly here and also spare the committee schedule which is pretty pretty spoken for um a little time. Just my

Yep. Thank you, Vice President Baker. Uh yeah, if we're going to take that route. Um you know, this is so the other one was allowing a property owner to do something off of their property for shoreline um you know, revetment and and kind of erosion control. This is allowing the city to do something on some. So could could you explain this uh either director Gordon or engineer Pepki?

Yeah. So, uh this is for our Nicholson and um Wilbert outfall uh rehabilitation project and this is basically the extension um from the right of way um of Stone Revetment to the east of uh the property. Um and we've uh met with the property owners. Um this is actually um you know an improvement to their property as well. So this is uh the submerged land lease that's required from ODNR for us to build our project and protect our outfall and um go forward with the project. Um so I'm zooming in on this. Is this is this the So what you're seeing is the Nicholson rightway going out into the lake and then the kind of uh blob around it is the revetment and and you see proposed easement over here. That's what we're we're getting a right over their submerged land lease over there. Is that what I'm to read?

Yes. So, they have an existing uh submerged land lease in that area that is uh defined as proposed easement. Um that So, that's a area that was defined already by ODNR. They already have a submerged landly. So, we're getting an easement over that area. And then the other um areas that are identified there um um that's where we're getting a um submerged land lease for those two new areas there that are described in the ordinance. So parcel one and parcel two are the new easement areas with ODNR. Correct. What about the area within the right ofway we're building on?

That's coming up next. Okay. Appetizer. All right. Thank you. Um, uh, for what it's worth, one of seven. I'm comfortable, uh, moving forward with this, uh, this evening now that, uh, engineer Papy has explained it. Thank you. Other council members. All right. Um, we are on we're on item 37, right? Yeah. Okay. So, I will go ahead and move to adopt. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes.

Item 38, communication from public works director Gordon regarding Nicholson and Wilbert Outfalls rehabilitation project submerged lands lease.

Director Gordon, here we go again. Uh, dear President Keell and members of city council, the attached submerged land lease has been prepared for the city of Lakewood's Nicholson and Wilbur outfalls rehabilitation projects. The submerged land lease entails the area of the project along PPN 312-07-031 that extends in a lake area as follows. Parcel one located to the west of the terminus of Wilbert Road and parcel two located to the east of the terminus of Nicholson Avenue. The official deed of easement for shoreline improvements was prepared by the city's consultant, KS Associates, and includes bluff stabilization and protection for new outfall pipes near the terminus of Wilbert Road and for new outfall pipes at the Nicholson Avenue terminus. City council was required to issue a resolution for the submerged land lease to ODNR upon adoption. Therefore, I request that city council approve and pass the attached legislation so that the city may proceed with this muchneeded project. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Again, city pap city engineer Mark Papy is here to answer any questions.

Thank you. I'll first move to receive and file that communication. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Um let's go ahead and discuss this one. Do you want to pull up the Yeah. Yeah. The the ordinance. Yeah. So we can um

could you explain this for me?

Yeah, engineer Papyki, if you could just give us a little overview here. So yes, uh this is the parcel one that is the first one that is um to the west of Wilbert that will be uh that's the Wilbert uh outfall. And so this is the submerged land lease for that entire area. Um the parcel is um owned by the Rambisex and it basically um parallels Cliff Drive. um all along uh from Wilbert to Nicholson. So this is parcel one. This is um one of the outfalls that were improving. And then um the next drawing should have parcel two which is a continuation there. You can see from the right of way of Nicholson and this is basically to uh the west of Nicholson. extending from our wider way that improvement area submerged landlace

Baker. So, so are we It's amazing that that's a parcel to me. Um it's not really a parcel. It's their right. Well, I mean the the the upland portion um seems quite tough to build on. Um but so for for the interest we're getting we don't need access rights over their parcel or are we getting access rights over their parcel or are we doing all this from wateride?

So yeah this is uh wide uh this is basically um their a portion of their latoral rights that we're getting a submerged land lease over their latorial rights. Now, are we is is this are we compensating them for this interest or because the state um grants this, right? They don't have to. I I'm just curious as to how this is working. Um basically, I I believe we pay uh it's like a penny a square foot a year. So, we're paying the state, you mean? Yeah. Yeah. For the submerged land lease. It's like a 50-year term. Now, do we have to get the sign off of the Upland owner or No,

we do because this is their lator toal rights. And in the um presentation there, you'll see the Rambisex have agreed to give us the uh authority to get a submerged land lease over their latorial rights. I've heard more than tonight than I've heard in a long time. Um so uh and and essentially we're providing erosion control for them too by protecting our own infrastructure. Is that fair to say? Yeah. I mean their their land is also protected. It's a benefit to them as well. You're correct.

And are they I I'm just wondering how they would eventually develop that land and how this But I that's that's not pertinent this evening. So um thank you. I I think I I'm ready to approve this if my colleagues are as well. Thank you. Uh yes, council member. Thank you. Um engineer Pepki, for those of us that that are not engineers, could you talk a little bit about more about what the outfall is?

So the outfall is uh where our storm water um basically discharges into Lake Erie. Um it it's uh right now it has a drop manhole with a a pipe, but that um manhole is actually starting to um show just from all the erosion from the lake that's been pounding away. You know, it I think over 30 feet has eroded away. Mhm. You know, since it was originally constructed. So, we have a pipe sticking out into the lake is basically what we're looking at there. Uh, correct. Really, the the pipes vanished. Oh, I see.

Um, the only thing that's remaining right now is a manhole there. Okay. At this location. Thank you. You other council members questions? All right. So, we are still on the communication actually, but I just thought we'd talk about this while we're in the discussion for that. Um, so we have a motion and a second to receive and file the communication. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Um, go ahead.

Item 39, resolution 202613, resolution approving the use of submerged lands for the property located at and abudding to the west of the northern terminus of Wilbur and Nicholson avenues in order to permit the property owners the opportunity to undertake lakeshore protection measures. Move to adopt. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor. And that motion passes. Item 40. Communication from public works director Gordon regarding Nicholson and Wilbur Outfalls rehabilitation projects submerged land lease Nicholson Avenue right ofway. Director Gordon.

Thank you. Dear President Keell, members of city council, the attached submerged land lease has been prepared for the city of Lakewood's Nicholson and Wilbert outfalls rehabilitation projects. The submerged land lease entails the area of the project that extends into Lake Erie beyond the terminus of Nicholson Avenue right ofway. The lease was excuse me was prepared by the city's consultant KS Associates and includes buffs, excuse me, bluff stabilization and protection for new outfall pipes at the Nicholson Avenue terminus. City council is required to issue a resolution for the submerged land lease to ODNR upon adoption. Therefore, I request that city council approve and pass the attached legislation so that the city may proceed with this much needed project. Please let me know if you have any further questions. And finally, city engineer PKY is here to take any questions and I'll probably continue reading this in my sleep tonight. So, thank you. Second.

Sure. So, this one's easier. Um parcel one as identified is basically our latorial rights um which is within the Nicholson Avenue uh right ofway. So it's basically where the rightway our uh extends out into Lake Erie. So this is us getting a submerged land lease for our area that basically uh would belong to us latorally. one more time. All right, Vice President Baker. And

and if anyone wants to know why it's so hard to develop on the lakefront in downtown Cleveland or Burke Lakefront airport, this is what you have to do. You have to get a submerged land lease from the state and it's not very easy. Um, so that's part of the reason why it is why it is, but that's not relevant to this current uh resolution, and I support passage of this resolution tonight. Right. Any other questions, comments? All right. We are on the comm communication. We have a motion in a second to receive and file the communication. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. Item 41, resolution 202614, a resolution to take effect immediately approving the use of submerged lands for property located at and abuing the northern terminus of Nicholson Avenue right away, Lakewood, Ohio, in order to permit the owners the opportunity to undertake lakeshore protection measures.

Move to adopt. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Director Gordon. Oh, you you were you're just you're on a roll. You just wanted to say, you know. Um, okay. Any further discussion hearing? None. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. All right. So, we are going to head back up to the top. Item one. Item one, report from committee of the whole held February 23rd, 2026.

Dear colleagues, committee of the whole met on February 23rd, 2026 to continue the city hall facilities discussion and to act on the package of debt legislation. The city hall facilities discussion and the debt legislation are interconnected because the administration had proposed that council approve 16.5 million in bonds for the purposes of renovating 1470 Warren Road to be used for new administrative offices. Assistant planning director boss delivered a presentation that built on the analysis of options that he presented at the February 9th committee of the whole. This analysis was more detailed and focused in that it directly compared building an addition on city hall with purchasing Warren Road. The analysis examined factors such as parking time frame, cost, and other considerations. Importantly, Mr. Boss recommended that if council were considering building a new addition at city hall, that the footprint of the audition ought to expand from what was originally considered in order to to divest the city hall annex building. Mr. boss recommended that the city move forward with the purchase of Warren Road. Council members reiterated concerns about potentially moving administrative offices to Warren Road, such as the lack of parking, the worry that purchasing Warren Road may saddle the city with more office space than it realistically needs, and the reality that moving to a separate location will divide certain departments and create inefficiency. Furthermore, council members expressed continued confusion regarding the structure of the proposed agreement between the city and Liberty Development. Previously, the administration indicated they are pursuing a build to suit development agreement with Liberty um the current o owners of the Warren Road building. At this meeting, the administration expressed their intention to change course and purchase the building and execute a design build contract. Additional questions were raised regarding the design of the proposed justice center and the level of renovation as council has not been provided with renderings or drawings and the estimates were based primarily on light renovation rather than full which

could create inequity between staff spaces at the fully refurbished Warren Road versus the lightly altered justice center. Council noted that the presentation by director boss reflected an estimated eight months of design prior to construction on either the large addition option or Warren Road option which Weber Murphy Fox and PMC estimated to cost between1 and $2 million. Council members expressed confusion about why 16.5 million needed to be taken out in 2026 for construction that wouldn't begin until 2027. Given the number of outstanding questions and concerns about the Warren Road property and the fact that council had not yet approved the purchase of the building, council members were not ready to approve 16.5 million in bonds to pay for renovation of Warren Road. However, the urgency regarding space constraints within the police department compelled several council members to express support for a more limited amount of bonds funds to go towards design and renovation of our existing campus for the purpose of accommodating the needs of the police department. The administration provided a range of estimates on what this would cost. The committee decided that it would wait to receive a more detailed cost breakdown from the administration and make a final decision tonight on whether to amend ordinance 072026 to include funds based on information received between Monday and tonight from the administration or whether to go back to bond for this topic later in the year. Ordinance 332025 was amended to include the recently adopted council budget priorities and then further amended to remove the proposed 16.5 million in appropriations for purchase and renovation of 1470 Warren Road. This ordinance may be amended again on the floor tonight based on amendments to ordinance 072026. All other debt legislation was recommended for adoption and is on tonight's agenda for a final vote. I'll move to receive and file that communic um that report.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes.

Item two, substitute ordinance 33 2025b, an ordinance to take effect immediately to establish appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the city of Lakewood for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026. Okay. So, this is the appropriations ordinance um that we passed out of committee without the 165 in it for um for the city hall and Warren Road um renovation projects. If we wanted to amend ordinance um 07206, that's the one that would have that 165 or a different amount as we discussed um and committed the whole and since then we received from the administration the communication about the with a breakdown of the 2 million for design work um and there was the rest of that chart there too that you should have all received. So whether we want to allocate some funds, all the funds, um we would need to amend this ordinance as well as 072026. Uh also when we get to 072026, we'll need to substitute again because there were some pages inadvertently left off of that one. So regardless, we'll be update need to update that one. So I'll open up for discussion. So, it's been a long meeting. What uh the the 33 2025B um which was the one that based upon some of the from Council Bullock we we changed some language. Uh this is the um appropriations ordinance.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. So you can see in the capital improvement fund uh where we took out the this is the right amount right? Yeah this is the one we where we took out the the 165. So there were other capital improvements would have been 32.

Yes. Director Mahoney is nodding. Now, now does this allow for design at as we discussed in committee at for improvements today um at this current building for like the women's locker room or any other

No. So, I want to answer um uh so if we look at I'm going to actually go grab I have it printed out the stuff that director actually I can pull it on my computer. Um Director Bington sent us. So uh regarding the amounts so that the money that's currently listed in this appropriations here for the capital improvement fund is for other capital improvements like winterhurst and other elements. So if we wanted to appropriate money um if we wanted to take out bonds there's two things we have the this is the appropriations that needs to be updated in reflective of how much we take out in bonds. If we wanted to amend 07 2026 to um include funds for design, then we would need to amend 072026 to include those funds if we wanted to do that in bonds. And I believe in the um we received the information from director Bington th there is a chart on There that shows administration is saying 2 million for design whether we do option three which is the Warren road option or whether we would um develop a new option or build on here uh for the design. It includes

250,000 for uh if we were to do Warren Road for uh to add on to the property acquisition price and then 500,000 for temporary relocation of administrative functions and then there are two numbers um there the $12.5 million to for to start renovation at board of education building and 1.25 to start here. Um so that's why I had sent some questions today about um how those specific numbers are reached because neither the 12 five or the 1.2 was the was the full cost the estimated cost on the um PMC Weber Murphy Fox to do both of those buildings in completion. And then um they also list if we were to go with the route of developing a new option or expanding here 1.5 to start renovations here at city hall. Director Bington, did you want to add anything to that?

Um thank you, President Kebell. Uh members of council, just just to clarify, um that was a good recap. Um but the the questions that you had asked I could just clarify um on the record a little bit that the um 12.5 contract amount for renovation that was just part of it the 2 million um on the top line for design that was that was included. So it was 14.5 alto together um for the contract and the way that we came to the 14.5 number was just to take uh Liberty's all-in number for acquisition and renovation of 16.25 25 and we subtracted out the acquisition cost of 1.7 uh which left us about 14.5. We rounded to 14.5. So that's how we came to that number and then the 1.5 million um for the um contract or any renovations to start in current city hall and um develop the new option column. Um that's just for phase one and phase one is the um the renovation of the garden level for the uh police detectives um expansion there um ex I misspoke develop um under that option it also included being able to um construct the locker rooms women's locker rooms which option three didn't have in the 1.25 25 yet.

I'm sorry. Option three did not option three. Um that that brings us through all of the phase the phase one um renovation and would get us started. Um we we may be able to complete it just depending on um we should have a little extra money through the temporary re relocation fund of 500,000. So we should be able to get through with with both. But I just wanted to clarify the 1.5 was only both of them was just starting the phase one of the construction. It's not all of it. That's why it's only 1.5 but addressing our urgent need of the women's locker room and the both of them. We would be able to do that with option three as well. Okay. Great.

Thank you. So, one of the things that we had discussed at committee of the whole was the potential of including um amending ordinance 072026 with funds for um unless council members are ready to move forward with full amount. But since we took it out, I'm guessing that's not what council members are looking forward to doing. Um we could include the two million for design, the um temporary relocation and funds to begin uh that garden level phase one. Now, one of the questions we had asked too is why construction funds in 2026 if we're mostly a design year. However, um the phase one level of that design may not need eight months of design. Would that be fair to say, Director Bangton?

Yes. And and through you, the the option three, we were asking for all of the all of it because it was going to be um design build. So there'd be a larger contract and under the develop the new option we were u moving towards the direction of design bid build for just the phase. Madam President George.

Yes. And I and I think this is something I've uh spoken with you uh a little bit about and vice president Baker understanding that and listening to the council might might not be ready to approve the entire um 16.5. There is the option too that we could uh look to just purchase the building um have site control um have control of our own destiny as we continue this process is evaluating what to do next. So that that is another option there. Um and as Director Bington mentioned, you know, we have 1.5 in the land acquisition fund. Um and the core request was $250,000. Um which would be um what we would we would add to our overall uh request so that we could purchase the the the board of ed building. So again to control our own destiny also signal to our staff who are urgently um wanting some some updated space and are are watching right now I believe but to signal to our staff that we are moving forward in a direction. So I just throw that additional option out there tonight.

Yeah. And of course we don't have legislation before us tonight about purchasing the building. Um but the to the point of if we wanted to include those funds um there would be that flexibility.

Yeah. Essentially the approval of the funds and then we could work on a purchase agreement uh and turn that around uh to council uh in short short order for you know either approval or not approval. But this would just get the funds approved. All right. Um and it we'll just reiterate once again that um council did include on our shared priorities addressing the particularly the police space needs as a top priority and the police women's locker room. Um and then I'll just reiterate myself that I think all of our staff deserve to work in you know high functioning good efficient spaces and that we want to make a good customer ser. Um, I am not personally ready to commit that Warren Road is the correct um, path forward at this time. Um, but I am still potentially open to hearing more about it. Um, I do think that appropriating some funds tonight for design is an appropriate thing to do. Um, but I'm interested in hearing my colleagues, particularly Vice President Baker.

Yeah. So, what we have before us right now is is this appropriation ordinance. Um, sounds like we may have a resolution to purchase the building uh at upcoming meetings. So, I' I'd be willing tonight to amend this ordinance to allow for whatever we need to do here. Um, because that's what I think there's a shared understanding both on the administration side and the council side that that needs to be done. Um, so whatever that number is, I would be willing to support adding to this. Uh, Council Member Evans.

Uh, yes. I agree. Anything we can do to get moving on the police portion of this project, I think, is critical. It's what's brought us here. So, if we can allocate the funds to get that piece of the project moving this evening, I'd be happy to do that as well. Council member Stub. Thank you. Um, I appreciate everyone's efforts to um slow this down and and break this apart a little bit more um so that we can get moving on this in the right direction and I'm happy to support that as well. Councilman Bullet. Thanks, Madam President. So, uh to Mr. Baker, what's the this?

I believe it's design funds and I believe it's between 1.5 and 4 million. I don't know uh the exact number there. So, so just to be clear because a couple things are thrown out. One was acquisition of a new building. One was begin to renovate the police wing of city hall design and and and then also design. Got to design before you build

one would think. But the Okay. So, I guess I'll I'll make ask or speak in a different vein. So, I'm seeing a chart that um is in on the up now. how it's on screen. It's not on the docket, I don't think, but the this is helpful. So, looking at the bottom section here in the right hand column, a quote unquote new option. I just want to ask Director Bington to make sure I understand what's being said here. So the um in the event of that contingency, city will restart reset slash restart a planning process to identify a new option instate to best achieve the established priorities slashcriteria and begin the implementation involving design and potential relocation renovation actions towards the end of the year. So and and then reading this. So it' be 2 million for design, 500,000 for relocation temp on a temporary basis and then 1.5 for just the gardener level. So my question is what what's included in the 1.5? Why two as opposed to a lesser amount or a greater amount? What what is what does that cover? And I want to make sure that um the established priorities and criteria are those in the administration's view already set or those things that we're still working through as part of that potential design process.

Thank you, Councilman Bo. Through you, President Keell. Um to to start with the the latter part of the question, the um priorities um were provided throughout this um the presentations that assistant director boss has been giving in regard to um access points um functionality all the things that were listed in his presentation. So um if we would have to reset if we were moving forward with the contingency option um versus the recommended then yes we would be taking those things into consideration during the planning process to determine the best the best route here. Um but yes the 1.5 million would be um available to start immediately um with the with the garden level um and um and working towards the um women's locker room. U the 2 million is is kind of flexible. But we put 2 million just as a base to keep everything high level. Um so that could come in less and provide a little more construction money.

So that's amount not to exceed two million. And typically, you know, I'm familiar with that. And when it's cash from the general fund or some other account, but if it's a we're going to bond for this, we're incurring a certain amount of expense to get those funds. So maybe could the finance director share in the events when you have something like let's say that we only needed 1.5 but we bonded two what happens that additional cash and presumably we would not want to overshoot by that much

uh um planning design and um uh infrastructure improvements are all in the same category. So we could use the remaining funds from design for construction

for additional renovation and and then I'm sorry madam president the garden level um is envisioned to include what it be and I think I heard you say phase one now is phase one just the garden level of the police side of the building or all of the police side of the building and phase two would be something else in city hall. So again high level conceptual our thought is that um phase one would be the the garden level renovation which would um allow um for expansion for the detectives bureau and um there's one other police function that would be going over there. There's some temporary uh relocation that would be required of dispatch at that time as well um so that we could start the um the process of the the construction for the women's locker room. And so we know all of the details yet or we know part of it and we're trying to work through.

We've been working off of um we don't know all of the details obviously, but we we've been working hard um based off of Weber Mur Murphy Fox's initial fit plan and and then um working with um Chief Fischer on the phasing plan. So what makes sense on when to locate and where to loc relocate in order to get the uh women's locker room done.

Okay. So, for the moment, the Weber Murphy Fox design is the guide for the police wing renovations. And so, there's some answers to the questions I'm asking. I just want to make sure I'm understanding these correct. So, hopefully 1.5 gets a meaningful distance and maybe it could be two depending on how the scope of the design work goes. Um, okay. That I think that answers my question. I mean, I'm happy to support that tonight. That that I think is certainly clear. Um, and I appreciate the mayor's point. uh um about the uh swift potential purchase of the building. To me, the the question really is still, you know, is that the right decision or not? And I I I appreciate that the I mean, mayor, you've been providing clear direction and leadership the whole time and and kind of driving us forward on this. And I I appreciate that. the um to for me I'd like to I'd like to still evaluate that question whether um a second building or on main campus is where we should expand. I did hear you last meeting say that you're less interested in main camp. Well, you've said that consistently. So, so I'm not trying to debate or criticize. I'm just um putting my cards on the table. I I'd be happy to support 4 million tonight for the dialogue we just said and it's on the right hand bottom side the chart on the screen. Madame President, if I may as well

um I would just like some direction then on what exactly we would be designing for. Um because if we don't have a permanent location for staff, you know, we move staff out of here temporarily and we're going to replace that space with staff, then they have no place to return to. So that temporary location becomes permanent. So, I'd kind of like some direction on what we're designing or what we're doing because I would not be comfortable with moving staff temporarily and not having any sort of exit plan or plan of what to do next.

Thank you. Um, so I think this goes back to also in terms of the design. Um, so where we are right now is because we're we have to get the bans done so that the bond council can go out, but we have to we're sort of just picking out a cart before we have a horse of whether we're um moving forward with Warren Road because we don't have that legislation in front of us. Um, but I think regardless we would need design funds. So that is why I feel relatively comfortable moving forward with the the funds for design, the temporary relocation and beginning the work at city hall um with the 4 million. Um, I do think, you know, if council members are, you know, to the point about if we go ahead and buy Warren Roads and then decide later, I'm not sure what would happen that that would change the administration's mind on this issue. Um, and so I think we need to decide whether we're interested in Warren Road sooner rather than later. Um but as far as tonight um if we can go ahead and do the four million we can at least get um get the bonds done and get some work going on the the police side. Vice President Baker.

Yeah. All the so to your point, President Keell, um what this would do is provide a ceiling under which the administration can then work, right? And so yeah, I'm not even would temporary relocation even be able to be a bonded thing, director Mahoney, to me like capital clearly fits in. It would be capital improvements to uh a temporary location. So yes, that tenant buildout or something like that. Yes. Okay. Um it's not relocation costs like movers and things like that would be

okay. And because I think this is um you know we we want to solve the space constraints at city hall but um I think what we're being told by the administration is the only solution is Warren Road. Um and I I've tried my level best to to take in that information and I don't think that's true. uh I think that there are other solutions to the space issues and I think that they may be on this campus. I don't know that for sure uh because we have not had the level of uh kind of outside consultant engineer architect review of that fact. Um, so that's where I am at that like I want to solve these problems, but I I I I feel like I can't accept that the only solution is Warren Road. Um, and so I feel like we're being put in a really hard spot. Um because you know the solution is the only solution is spend a tremendous amount of money. The most money the city has ever spent on I don't know adjusted for inflation but you know on on city hall renovation or new city hall or do nothing. Um and I just can't wrap my head around the fact that those are the only two options that we have. I refuse to accept that. Uh and so but we're being led down a road that the only two options are do nothing or buy Warren Road. And what I know tonight is we have bond anticipation notes legislation to appropriate funds for capital improvement. And I'm willing to appropriate $4 million additional for work here because I don't because the other thing is not before us tonight.

Thank you,

Mayor George. If I may, I know this has been brought up by both um you uh council uh Councilman Baker and Council President Keell. We'd be happy to work um directly with Liberty and negotiate a purchase agreement because I I know you both said that there's nothing in front of you for that. We'd be happy to do that and present it to city council for approval. Um so, just let us know if that's the direction you would like to go. Yeah, I mean I sort of can't vote on it until we have a thing to vote on, but we can certainly um you know, as I indicated, you know, I am not currently at this exact moment ready to say yes to Warren Road. Um, you know, we can I think there could be part of what I think with this design funds and Vice President Baker and I talked about it some at the last meeting too is that we could see whatever solution, you know, a normal process for this or a productive process would be having the stakeholders, um, members of the public, members of the staff, members from council, working with the administration. um sort of with the criteria architect, what are we trying to accomplish, what's the scope of the project um and and moving forward with that as well as we can go ahead and start hopefully very quickly with what we know with the garden level um with the police. So, you know, I I can't say if you put if you dropped a Warren Road um resolution on the docket next week, I don't think I'd be ready to vote on it then either. So, or to amend it so or to adopt it at that time. Now, maybe I could get there. I don't know if other council colleagues um feel like they could get there, but right now what we have is the bonds.

So, it might be, you know, if we know if council members know that there's nothing that could be said that they would want to say yes on Warren Road, now would be a good time to say so. so we can have a sense of whether the administration should even pursue that path. Council member Hamilton Steiner.

Thank you, President Couple. Um, thank you and and thank you for the administration for the work that you've put into this and solving um the crucial space space issues. Um, so to President Couple's point about the purchase of Warren Road, um, I I'm not there yet. Um, so and I just need more due diligence done and I would have preferred a more inclusive process. I would have had liked um council members to be represented and in the room um and in some of these discussions that were happening um and I would have liked to see more public involvement, public engagement. I would have like have liked to see some public meetings um happening about this to discuss the space needs because ultimately we are responsible not just to our um city employees and personnel but we are responsible to our residents that are hurting that are struggling. Um and we have now entered into a pre precipice of um yet another war that our federal government is waging. Um and so I I think we cannot operate in a vacuum and and pretend that those things happening I mean we just previously in finance committee we heard that um director Barry some of his programming is being cut um and I'm sure there will be more health and human services that will be cut. So I think if this had gone differently, if we had had an inclusive process, a collaborative cooperative process, I think we might have been able to get there, but that did not happen. Um, so this is where we're at. Um but I am comfortable um approving up to $4 million so that we can start here on this process because regardless we know

we need to address the space issue. We know that this space will need to be renovated and so we can start on that piece and then we can work towards together, you know, maybe we can um group back, come together and um move forward um you know after, you know, um after this $4 million. And if just to just to comment on that, um, Councilwoman, as as a reminder, and I know you weren't here um, back in the fall of 2022, but this uh, the city hall space assessment was discussed as is the budget process in fall of 2022, and we've been working on this process for a number of years now. I know council members even toured the sister building back in May of 2024, uh, which we're getting close to two years on now. And there's probably been at least a dozen public meetings on this topic. And as you know, there's requirements for notice. They're posted on social media. They're posted on the newsletter. We have tried to get the word out on this as much as possible. Um, and so I I just want to point that out that we we have publicized this. Um, we we can't force people to come here. uh although we wish more people would come and join us and join the conversation. Um but I just wanted to make that note that we have had a lot of public meetings.

Yeah, thank you. I think to the point of there's a difference of a public meeting versus a um stakeholder meeting and to the point of like one of the things that's still up is whether or not council will be moving and when you know the point was made that Liberty met with all the departments but they didn't meet with council. So there was one department that wasn't met with to say what is needed in the new space and members of the public if this is about customer service we should be talking to the public about what their experience is too and I think we can still do that. I think that there's a pathway forward to do that and with this funds if we what I'm hearing is it sounds like council is on board generally with allocating funds towards um the four million for design and beginning the police work and so we can um use some of that design funds hopefully to do that sort of uh strategic process. I'm going to go Councilman Evans been waiting patiently and I'll come back to you council member Stupid.

Uh thank you um Madame President. Um yeah, I I I'm in agreement with my colleagues on on process and and what's before us. Um and and I think this design process right now for this first phase, which again I think is the most critical piece of this is getting the room for our for LPD is going to necessarily inform how the space in this building works out. I mean, I don't think we have to operate in a vacuum where we're doing one single thing at a time. When we start looking at that, we're going to start to understand um opportunities and constraints better. Um that's where I see this process going. Um, I'm also not in a position to to say, "Hey, let's go ahead with Warren Road at this time because I'm I'm not convinced. I agree with Councilman Baker that this is a a do this or nothing um situation." U Thank you.

All right. Other Oh, Councilwoman Stre.

Thank you. I am interested in in learning more about purchasing uh Warren Road. Um, I think that we start we start down this path of we're going to look at design here and then we get to the and then what we do we do this design and then we have nothing to to look at as the next step. I think that that looking at the purchasing of Warren Road for 1.7 I think that that could possibly be the next step and I would I would like to see um some discussion on that. All right. Um, so any further comments, staff, uh, council members? All right. So what I would we are actually on the appropriations but what I'm going to suggest is that um we amend the appropriations to um going to move to amend to appropriate um the capital amend the capital improvement fund amount uh to add uh $4 million.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded. I think it's listed in there twice. Is that the right ordinance or no? Oh, yes. Oh, sorry.

Is it in there twice? Okay. So, um yeah. So, I'll I'll amend that motion so to um increase by $4 million in both places where it is listed. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion. Madam President, Councilman B.

Just clarifying for the finance director. So, uh, making the amount change in those two spots in the, uh, appropriations exhibits, are those the right spots for the functions we just discussed? Because one is one is design, one is capital, they're they're all considered capital. Um, okay. So, exhibit A and B. Okay. Thanks. Yes. And with doing this, that also we'll need to amend the next ordinance as well. All right. So, we have a motion and a second to um amend ordinance 332025B. Um all those in favor.

I. And that motion passes. And then I will move to adopt as amended. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. All right. Item four, substitute ordinance 7, 2026, an ordinance to take effect immediately authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $1.8 million in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of improving Winterhurst Ice Arena and other public buildings together with all necessary pertinances there too in approving related matters and declaring an emergency.

Thank you. First, I'm going to move to substitute with what's in granicus. Um there were a couple pages missing from this substituted version. So I'm going to first move to substitute. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. And then we're going to um move to amend Yes. So, anywhere where it says 1.8 to move to 5.8. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Madam President,

Councilman Bullet. So, just want to uh make sure the legal interpretation or the the clarity of what this would u allocate funds for is included sufficiently in the ordinance. So, we've had a lot of discussion about what the four million is for. You know, we're willing City Council is expressing support for a certain step. Is that sufficiently specified in this uh draft of the of the ordinance or do we need to otherwise specify what's what what we're funding? Um, so there's director.

Yeah, thank you, President. Um, so in a previous the the original version of it, it said city hall. Um, city hall improvements and that pro if I'm hearing what Councilman Bulock that's we'd like to put that back in. Yeah.

Yeah. So this I actually um had a question about this into the law department earlier today. So there's two different we so there's two different elements. So the um and director Vargo can correct me if I say this wrong, but that the law department s said that we don't need to add it back in in order for the funds to be used for city hall because it already indicates public buildings and director Vargo's nodding. That's correct, Council President. Okay. However, we could put it back in if we wanted to be specific about um for if we wanted to say for city hall and even be more specific about police department phase one and design.

Madam President, I'd be happy to make such a motion. Um I may need assistance in making that motion on the floor tonight, but to me that makes sense. I mean, we just had some good discussion about what we intend and you know, I would hope that in the spirit the administration wouldn't say, you know, we're a um renovate some other uh use the funds for some other purpose without consulting counsel, but since we're here making the amendment on the floor, to me, it makes good it's good practice to be clear about what we're what we're saying. So you if if you want to do that, you you'd amend it in the first um paragraph and then the last page you would add whatever language you wanted to add the project. So the project here is defined as and other public buildings. Okay. So also the first whereas clause or the ordinance title.

Yeah, I said the first paragraph. Okay. First paragraph. All right. So, I'd like to move that we amend the first paragraph uh to insert after Winterhurst Ice Arena, city hall police facility renovations, comma, then it would read and other public buildings. You'd also want to make that motion for that last exhibit and then include that same amendment in the last exhibit on page

Councilman if I may. Yes. That would restrict us to just being able to do the police facilities. So, at city hall, I would assume we'd want to have design of city hall and begin construction on uh a lot of different areas. So, I think that would be a little restrictive. Okay. In this Yeah, I'd be happy to um include all I'm trying to do is verbalize what we agreed in the spirit. So, I I appreciate your points, Mayor. Yeah, we cannot use this to buy and and rehab Warren Road. That would have to come in front of council separately. Okay. So, so the where's the spot here that would

if it still it still says public buildings. So, it wouldn't restrict, right? Or do we want to just add the word city hall back? Back. Just add city hall back. I think we all just want to be clear that the first priority here is the police space. And I don't expect that the administration is going to um not do the police space um since the chief's sitting right next to her. Um so is that yeah that's acceptable acceptable to me if if I mean mayor that in the spirit of what we're our dialogue here which I appreciate is that's your understanding too. Okay. So we could simply let me start from the top. So the the

amending your motion

I I'll amend my motion uh so that the first paragraph would read well we insert in the first paragraph after Winterhurst Ice Arena City Hall and on on the um page nine also include that language. in section one or item one uh so insert after winter ice arena comma city hall comma therefore it would it would have the identical reading and finally I think would we not also need to do it in section one back on the first page no I don't think we would because project is defined in in the proposed language I just described Correct. Yes. So, okay. So, so that's my motion. Apologies for the lack of uh succinct skill in making the motion. But to to repeat that would be uh to insert after winter ice, city hall, in the first paragraph and also page nine, section one, the same language.

I'll second that motion. All right. Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. All right. So, we have that addition. We have the 4 million added. So, I will move to adopt as amended. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I. And that motion passes. All right. Um, we are finally at the end of our docket. I'll just say before moving off of this too that we do also have the ability to go back out to bond again. There is some cost to doing that. So, um you know, as we continue this work that is an option in the future

or we could amend this legislation before they actually went out to bond or we could amend it before they actually go out to bond. But they need to know what they're

I'm just trying to get the bonds out of here, man. Okay. All right. So, we are um at the end of the regular docket. Do you have anyone signed in for public comments? Right, we have uh Jared Clark. Thanks for bearing with us, Jared.

Come on up.

Hello. My name is Jared Clark. I live at uh 16300 Hillard. Uh, I'm here to express my concern with the presence of Flock automatic license plate reader cameras in Lakewood or ALPRS. Currently, there are at least 20 Flock Safety Falcon ALPR cameras deployed in Lakewood. I'm proud of the council's recent efforts to protect its residents from the broader political climate with the gender freedom and ICE resolutions. Despite this, Lakewood's good kind of democracy, as Councilman Bulock put it, still has a vulnerability. Flock cameras. Flock's business model allows law enforcement to share their data with other participating agencies. Police set a list of other departments to consent to share with, and those departments can freely browse their data on demand. Despite not having a flot contract of their own, ICE has exploited this network by using sympathetic police departments to access the ALPR data of larger metro area law enforcement without a warrant. One such case led Denver, Colorado to terminate their contract with Flock when police in neighboring Loveland allowed federal agents to search ALPR data, including Denvers, on their behalf. In another case, Flock themselves simply handed over data belonging to the state of Illinois as part of a quiet pilot pro program with the CBP, a violation of state law. Flux ALPR cameras also have been proven to use faulty security standards. Last November, cyber security expert John Gaines published a research paper identifying 26 security vulnerabilities in the very same flock ALPR cameras. Lakewood uses one flaw in particular allows the camera to be connected to and controlled wirelessly without authentication simply by pressing the button on the back in a specific

sequence. Flock has not seriously address these problems. Flock is not alone. Competitors such as Motorola and Axen employ similar business models that raise all the same concerns of access and security. ALPRs allow ICE to weaponize our own infrastructure against us. The good kind of democracy we all hope for here in Lakewood relies on accountability and transparency and ALPR cameras offer neither. Thank you.

Thank you. Yeah, I think um we also saw that ring camera commercial at the Super Bowl. It's a little disconcerting as well as um the tech. So I'm confident that um our police department is not ICE friendly. But um we will but I think this is certainly a good question to be looking into and making sure that we have our um tight policies around these things. All right. Um anyone that's the only person I have signed in to speak. Did anyone else want to speak? Members of the public. All right. Announcements from council members. Vice President Bicker.

Uh six days ago the Lakewood boys basketball team beat Menor. Um so for director Gordon's edification and then also and they won a conference title. Um so proud of them. I think they've won nine straight and they play on Tuesday in the playoffs against Amherst at Lakewood. Uh so 700 p.m. Uh they're a really fun team. I encourage folks in the community to come out and watch them. Thanks. Thank you. Uh Council Member Hamilton Steiner.

Thank you. Um I am going to uh pitch the Fire and Ice community fundraiser. Yes. uh Saturday, March 14th, uh from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Um this year it's at the Hamilton Ice Arena due to our um the renovations at Winterhurst. But this is um uh this is is a fourth annual event and is has been started by Lakewood's own firefighter uh Mr. Andreg and um his wife uh Nicole Andre who is also a um teacher in Lakewood City Schools. So, I um would love everyone to come out and support um and the funds raised go to support the um Bridges Champs and Miles programs at Lakewood City Schools. So, come on out. Again, that's Saturday, March 14th, um 4 to 7 p.m. Hamilton Ice Arena in Rocky River.

Thank you. Um I'm looking forward to going and wearing my uh Lakewood Fire sweatshirt. So, let's be all right. Are you going to be Madam President? Yes, people on the boards. We need to get you a liquid police sweatshirt. Would I would be delighted with a liquid police sweatshirt as well? Oh, someone's a little If you got a public works one, I just, you know, I can throw it off. All right. I I'll wear them all very proudly. All right. Uh, Councilwoman uh Stupid.

Thank you. Um, just a calendar update. We all know again that it's Women's History Month this month and uh yesterday was zero discrimination day for those of you that forgot about that one. Tomorrow is the full worm moon. I'm not quite sure why it's the worm moon, but I'm sure someone will reach out and let me know that the it's an it's a red eclipse in the morning. Oh, yes.

Very good. Thank you. And um the ETH International Women's Day. All right, girls. We get our turn. International Women's Day on the ETH. Thank you. All right. Other announcements from council members, announcements from the administration. All right. With no further business, we come before council. Without objection, we're adjourned.