Council - Regular Meeting

Ready? I will call the council meeting of December 10th, 2025 to order. Will you please rise and join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation for all. Will you please call roll? Here, here. Foster here. Madden here. Perry here. Bilski. Silver

here. I will make a motion to excuse council member Ryan Bilski from the December 10th, 2025 council meeting. Is there a second? Thank you. Stacy, may we please call roll. Alner, yes. Foster, Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver, yes.

I did. Yeah. But it's okay. I don't mind. I'm sorry, Vincent. Yes. I'm like, what? You're on here. I apologize. It's okay. Is there a motion to approve the expenditure to Lisa Mullet, Commercial and Residential Cleaning LL? Linda, Linda Mullet, Commercial and Residential Cleaning LLC, for a total amount not to exceed $17,100 for cleaning services for the administration, police, building, and service departments for 2026. I'll second. Thank you. This is below the your within your spending limit. So why are we voting on it? Just no. Isn't it 15? Yeah.

Transparency thing. Okay. All right. Um, any questions or comments on this, please call roll. All ner. Yes. Vincent Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver, yes. Uh, is there a motion to approve the treasures report for October 2025? Make a motion. Thank you, Lisa. Is there a second? Is that Phil? Thank you. It might be.

Good evening. You have the cash account summary for October 31st, which shows um a total cash balance of 19,913,9468. Summary month and year-to- date summary for October. For October revenues from all funds are1,311,724. October expenditures for all funds was 1,328. 586.31. And when you look at um the revenue and expenditure reports, we're at 83% of the year, which is 1012th. Um, our general fund revenues that we've collected is 95% of our budget and our general fund expenditures that we have spent was 68.6% of our expenditure budget. Um, the variances that we have were things for the workers comp uh adjustments that will work itself out in December. Um the Pinerest was the annual uh tax sharing payment and that again will work itself out at the end of the year and then the annual insurance premium which again will work itself out by December. But that was all previous comments and so nothing was new.

All right. Thank you. Any questions or comments for Dana? We please call roll. coming. Sorry. Yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver, yes. Is there a motion to approve the tax administrator's report for October 2025? So moved. Stacy, is there a second? Second it. Thank you, Lisa. Dana,

so you have the tax administrator report for October and from all of our income tax sources, the gross collections was $811,000 and some change, which is about $73,000 higher than October of 2024. Our year-to date is about $9244. Um you have the monthly cumulative report showing the flowcharts for the last four years as well as the monthly gross um income tax spreadsheet showing the collections for each month for the last four years. Dana, any questions or comments? All right, Anna, please call roll. Alner, yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden,

yes. Perry, yes. Silver,

yes. All right. A discussion of the bills to be paid in the month of December in the amount of $217,875.88 and additional November expenses in the amount of $139,51855. Any questions or comments on these? All right, moving on. Any audience comments relating to agenda items? Looks like none. Um, old business, Ordinance 2025-24, an ordinance amending the annual appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of Orange Village during the calendar year ending December 31st, 2025. This is on for third reading. Dana. Okay. So, this is the final budget for the year 2025 and some of the changes. Um, I I'm not going to read each line item. I just summarized what the types were. One thing we did this year is we reclassed the Bureau Workers Comp bill to the administration department rather than having it go to every individual department. And that's just from a budgetary standpoint of we don't ha we didn't have the bill at the time we were finalizing these numbers. And we were concerned that one department might be over when we do the allocations based on wages. So this way we just took it as a whole and put it in one account. So it just makes it easier for um for budgeting purposes. There was various other the other category there was various adjustments for the year-end estimates and generally those are lowering things down to be in line more in line what we're anticipating to actually spend on the other category which is like your operating costs. Um we also did adjustments for the capital determining we determined which items were carried over. So they didn't get paid in 2025 or they will not be paid in 2025 and they instead they'll be paid in 2026.

So we made the adjustment to remove them from the 25 budget and add them to the 2026 budget. Uh general fund transfers to 401. We added an additional $600,000 transfer to the 401 for reserves for future capital expenditures. And we also transferred from the general fund to the 403, which is the wreck capital for the dog park project, using the county's um estimated uh appraisal funds that they gave us, which was around $27,000. So, we use that um as a transfer to the dog park to pay for the dog park improvements. And we discussed that earlier at another meeting. Outside of that, the rest of the items were just adjustments, adjusting things down to where we think that our year expectations are going to be. Now, that being said, if you look at our total um operational costs, we still maintained that we are under um what we originally had budgeted or planned budgeted from previous appropriation ordinances. So, I just wanted to make note of that.

All right. Thank you. Any questions or comments on this? Thank you for your work on this. Hannah, will you please call Do we make a motion? No, we didn't make a motion. I will make a motion to approve ordinance 2024 2025-24. Is there a second? I'll second it. You will please call roll. Yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver, yes. Ordinance 2025-25, an ordinance to make annual appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of Orange Village during the calendar year 2026. This is on for third reading. Is there a motion to approve this? Make that motion.

Thank you, Kim. Thank you, Stacy. Dana.

Okay. So, this is the 2026 first appropriation for that year. And there were a few changes since we had the budget meetings and primarily that's the reallocation of the Bureau Workers Comp. I also did it for 2026 moving zeroing it out on all the department accounts and adding it just to the admin. We also um did receive notification of an increase in our rates, our experience rating. So there was an additional cost added to this year's budget. The capital adjustment had changes due to those carryovers from 2025. So those adjustments were made into the 2026 budget. So the net change in the total 2026 budget from what was

All right. Thank you. Any questions for Dana? All right. Hannah, will you please call roll? Yes. Foster? Yes. Madden? Yes. Perry? Yes. Silver?

Yes. Uh, ordinance 2025- uh 26 ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Steven Albron and Singerman Mills Desburg and Con Company LPA for legal services beginning January 1st, 2026 and ending December 31st, 2026 confirming the appointment of Steven Alyron as law director and declaring an emergency. This is on for second reading. Anyone have any other comments on this? We'll be voting. Actually, we won't be. You will be voting on this in January. All right, moving on. Ordinance 2025-27, an ordinance appointing Shireen McGee as the prosecutor of Orange Village, providing compensation for the prosecutor and declaring an emergency. This is on for second reading. Um, and we're looking for a suspension of rules on this one so we make sure we have a prosecutor in place on January 1.

I'll make the motion to suspend. Thank you. Uh, I will second that motion. Catch you off guard there. Yeah, thanks. You call roll on suspension of the rules. Yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Harry Silver, yes. Is there a motion to approve ordinance 2025-27? Thank you, Lisa. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, Jeff. Any questions or comments? Can I please call Ner? Yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry,

Silver, yes.

Spend on the next one. Okay. [clears throat] Uh, ordinance 2025-28, an ordinance approving and confirming the appointment of Steven Hovans and Associates as Orange Village engineer and repealing certain ordinances and declaring an emergency. Does on for second reading? Uh, mayor is requesting a suspension of the rules on this one. Sorry, Anna. Is there a motion to suspend the rules? I'll make a mot. Okay, I'll second it. Thank you. Kim, and then Anna and then Lisa. Let me call roll. Call roll, please. Perry. Oh, nope. Sorry. Ner. Yes. Vincent. Yes. Foster. Madden. Perry.

Silver. Yes. Motion to approve ordance 2025-28. Moved. Thank you. I will second that. Please call roll. Any any questions or comments on the ordinance? Anna, please call roll. Ner. Yes. Vincent. Yes. Foster. Yes. Adden. Yes. Perry. Yes. Silver.

Yes. Moving on. New business. Ordinance 2025-29. An ordinance adopting a cyber security program pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 9.64. Establishing policies for protection of government data, incident response, training, and reporting of cyber security incidents and declaring an emergency. This is on for first reading. Who wants to discuss this one? Mayor Steve. Um this is uh something state has passed a law um which is a new use of validity but requiring us to adopt a cyber security program. Um of course the village already has uh good cyber security in place. This will just make certain that we have a written down policy that

but that is when you say it's a dubious validity is is this being fought in court as a chance I don't think so. Okay. It's just there's no authority for the Ohio legislature to tell us how to run our operations. Okay. So it doesn't matter if our standards match their standards. Just something in place. Well, they they will send an auditor potentially to look at whether we have the standards. [cough] None of it will change the operations of what we're doing because we already have cyber security in place. Security policy. It's not worth the fight anyway. I mean,

no, I'm just curious about the standards, how close we were aligned with the upcoming new policy. Well, the basis for our policy was created through the Sugaran Valley dispatch and uh and with our internal IT people to um develop the language that would be that is in the policy and uh it's something that that we were practicing because those people had already put that in place. So now it's just memorializing it into a document that we can hold up should the state come and audit us. So if you want to suspend the rules and have it

um we may as well like I mean it's really in my opinion we may as well suspend the rules and just do it because it's it's there's no reason to fight this. We already do it anyway and not trying to fight it. So we may as well just do it. Okay. Is there a motion to suspend the rules on ordinance 2025-29? Make that motion. Thank you. Is there a second? Give it to Jeff. Jeff, good job on that. Uh, is there a Yeah, Jeff? Uh, can you call what? Call roll on suspension of the rules, please. Ner, yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver,

yes. Is there a motion to approve ordinance 2025-29? Thank you, Stacy. Is there a second? I'll make that second. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Anna, please call roll. All yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Harry, yes. Silver, yes. Moving on. Ordinance 2025-30, an ordinance enacting a new section 937.09, 09 collection of unpaid fees of the codified ordinances of Orange Village to collect unpaid fees incurred by property owners for false alarms. This is on for first reading. Chief Gova, are you going to handle this? This uh actually originated out of the police department.

Okay. Um most of the time this isn't an issue. When we have people that have frequent false alarms, we work with them and they make the problem go away. had a couple of businesses. Um, one of them had 25 false alarms this year, one of them had 40. And when we try and work with them, we're met with nothing. They just totally ignore. When we hand deliver warnings um or we hand deliver them a bill or we do it um through the mail, a certified letter, they just ignore it. So, we're trying to find a way to force our our way into enforcing this. What is the fee that's charged? I didn't hear you.

What is the fee that is charged? $50 after the That seems fair. You allowed to share what businesses are. I'm sorry. Can you share what business?

Wendy's had 25 and Red had 40. What this ordinance does that's different is at um right now we have no we'd have to take them to court to collect those fees and for a few hundred bucks it's not economically feasible. So what this would do there's a state law that allows townships to put these on the tax duplicate. We've mirrored that. We do it for grass cut.

Right. And so this is not a new system. It's just we've never applied it. We've never had the situation where we've had the chronic problem and they wouldn't pay us. So this solves that problem. When when they uh get three in a year next year, the fourth one they start getting the bills and then next September before next September we can just put it on the tax duplicate. Okay. Is is there any thought of increasing that fee? Maybe the it's $50 for the first, you know, your first three for free and your first and then after that seven or $50 and I think it should jump after that. This is absurd.

That's it's $50 for every subsequent one after the three. So it it does add up. Um we're we're somewhere around 1,800 for red and somewhere around 1,100 for um Wendy's. But you've had that's cost us money after a certain amount. It it could have steps of going up in fees. Yeah, that's my that's my suggestion. Remember, fees are supposed to I be based upon cost to the village. So, we need to do we need to figure out what what it costs to have a police officer respond or I mean, are they rolling fire engines or EMS?

Yeah. occur during business hours or at night? After hours, usually there'll be a um you know, a lot of times it's a cooler sensor or something where it's either motion or something like that that

run it as a punitive measure. You can run it to recoup cost. Well, I would suggest that we look at the cost because you there's an opportunity cost as well because I'm assuming, you know, you're sending somebody there to check something out and there can be a real emergency someplace else that that person is then not able to go to. And I think, you know, everybody gets a few freebies. I get it, whatever. But these numbers, 25 and 40 are

really ridiculous. I think the important thing is to have a mechanism in place that we can act on immediately and if we want to look at value we can come back and amend it um should we decide that there is a sliding upward sliding scale for continuous abuse of that service a residential as well it it does and like I say we don't we we work with our our residents when we start identifying these things and we always find common ground and it doesn't become this much of an issue for sure. Did we do a motion to suspend rules in this? We didn't.

I think we should do a motion to suspend rules so that this is in effect January one or you know points based on that. Is there any reason wait and find out what the amount is even so that they drummed up a new um soup. Get the okay make a motion. make a motion to suspend is in there though. Sure. To suspend the rules on Oh, suspend the rules. I got that part. I thought she was No, I didn't I didn't think we had made that yet. All right, I will second that. Can we please call roll on suspension of the rules? Ner, yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver, yes.

I'll make an ordinance to approve ordinance 2025-30. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Any other comments before we vote? Anna, yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver, yes. Any audience comments?

Please forgive the interruption, but I have uh two additional items that I'd like to introduce. Uh I'd like to make a motion to introduce resolution 2025-8 and resolution 2025-9. And I'm going to begin with resolution 2025-8. I would like to make a motion to pass a resolution honoring Phil Madden on the occasion of his retirement as council member for Orange Village. Is there a second on that? Thank you. I'm going to read the resolution and I would ask the members that are part of this to share your own words as we get to yours, please. This is a resolution honoring Philip Madden on the occasion of his retirement as council member for Orange Village village. Whereas, in November of 2023, Council Member Philip Madden was elected to fill a two-year unexpired term and was sworn into office on January 3rd, 2024. And whereas Council Member Madden faithfully served the community of Orange Village as a member of the Village Council, demonstrating steadfast commitment, integrity, and a deep devotion to public service. And whereas council member Madden has worked diligently to promote responsible governance, support community development, and uphold the values and vision that have strengthened Orange Village. And whereas Council Member Madden has consistently exemplified professionalism, respect, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the community, earning the admiration of colleagues, staff, and citizens alike. And whereas the village council wishes to acknowledge and commend council member Madden's distinguished service and the meaningful lasting impact of his work. And whereas council member Philip Madden, Philip Madden has decided to retire from his role as council member of Orange Village effective December 31st, 2025. And whereas mayor Judson A. Klein wanted to express his sentiments regarding council member Madden in the following manner. I invite you to share.

He probably doesn't have it. Oh, do you want me to share? I'll share. Oh, I thought it was left at every I will be happy to share. Phil came to council. I got him. Okay, I gota give the wrong [laughter]

Phil came to council to complete an unexpired term that was created when a member moved to another community. In accepting that position and serving Orange Village, he brought his experience and calm demeanor to the council. His interest in sustainability and resilience added a valuable resource to the committee he helped to lead. his quiet consideration will be missed. I wish him well with his future plans and hope that while he continues to reside in Orange Village, he will participate in community affairs. Whereas, Council Member Stacy Vincent offered the following words on the occasion of Councilman Madden's retirement up to the plate to serve our community. I appreciate your time and effort to give back to your community as a council member and committee liaison. It has been a pleasure working with you and I wish you success in all your next endeavors. turn page. Whereas council member Lisa Perry wanted to show her gratitude with the following words. She says, "Thank you, Phil, for your four years of service to Orange Village and to our council. It was a pleasure sitting next to you, and I will miss your quiet presence." Whereas council member Kimberly Ner had the following expression of gratitude for her fellow council member. Thank you, Phil, for your service to Orange Village and your willingness to champion the views of residents who are passionate about sustainability in our community. Wishing you well in your next phase. Whereas council member Ryan Bilsky had the following expression of gratitude for his fellow council member. It has been great to get to know Phil during his time on council. He has offered thoughtful perspective and his willingness to fill the role that he did for a time is commendable. I wish Phil and his family well in this next chapter of life. Now therefore, be it resolved by the council of Orange Village, County of Kyhoga, and state of Ohio, that the mayor and council of Orange Village, Ohio, on behalf of the entire staff of the Orange Village administration and all the citizens of Orange Village, convey their deep gratitude to Council Member Phil Madden for his dedication and service to the administration of the village and extend their best wishes to Council Member Phil Madden for a wonderful and happy retirement with plenty of time spent with family and

friends, good health, and successful endeavors. Section two, that the clerk of council shall forth with certify a copy of this resolution and deliver it to council member Philip Madden. Section three, that this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law. Call the role on this. Is there a second? We had a second. Yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, Madden, in [laughter] Okay, Perry. Yes. Thank you all.

I guess he's abstaining. Um, and now I also have would like to make a motion to pass resolution 2025-9, a resolution honoring Brent Silver on the occasion of his retirement as council president from the Orange Village Council. Is there a second? I can deem you out of order. I have a gamble. You know, you can do that and you know how to use it. I think I heard Kim, but somebody Okay. have a I don't care. Who wants it? You can decide either Jeffoff or Kim. Okay.

Okay. Thank you again. And Anna um will share copies as well. A resolution honoring Brent Silver on the occasion of his retirement as council president from the Orange Village Council. Whereas Council President Brent Silver is a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, a graduate of Miami University with a degree in finance and received his MBA from John Carroll University. And whereas council president Silver is an analyst with the wealth center at meeten and more and has more than 20 years of experience in investment management. And whereas council president Silver along with his wife Betsy moved to Orange Village the village in 2009 where their two sons attend the orange schools. And whereas Council President Silver has been deeply engaged in community life, lending his talents as both an analyst in wealth investment management [clears throat] and as a volunteer in local civic institutions. He joined the Orange Village Council and served on the Orange Village Finance Committee in 2017. And he was a board member on the Orange Hill Homeowners Association for several years. And whereas Council President Silver first joined council when he was appointed to the position on December 4th, 2019. And he was then elected to council in November of 2021. And whereas, as a result of his diligence to help guide council deliberations, serve the residents of the village, and uphold the values of public service, transparency, and prudent fiscal stewardship, Brent Silver was elected by his peers to president of the Orange Village Council on January 3rd, 2024 for a one-year term, and then reelected president of council on January 2025. And whereas council president Silver has not only been a dedicated member of the Orange Village Council, but he also volunteers as a mentor for college now greater Cleveland and has served as a coach for his son's youth sports teams. And whereas Council President Brent Silver has decided to retire from the Council of Orange Village effective December 31st, 2025, his colleagues would like to formally recognize his legacy of integrity, consistency, and thoughtful leadership

and wish him a happy and healthy retirement and join friends, families, and the activities that are most dear to him. Whereas, Mayor Judson A. Klein wanted to express his sentiments regarding Council President Silver in the following manner. I've got this.

Awesome. Brent has been a thoughtful and level leader of the village council. His service to the Orange community has produced great value [clears throat] has produced great value for our future. Through his leadership, he has left the village better than he found it. I appreciate his careful consideration of issues before the council and his management style and keeping the focus on meeting the needs of the community and always providing productive insight. I wish him well in the future, his future endeavors engaged in the civic forum. Thank you.

Whereas Stacy Vincent, a current member of the Orange Village Council, shared these words of praise for council president Silver. Thank you, Brent Silver, for six wonderful years of service to our community as a council member, president prom and president. It has been an honor to campaign alongside you and collaborate on projects like orange for the holidays and others working together to enhance this village. We cherish your insight, guidance, and leadership have been invaluable. I look forward to continuing our friendship as neighbors and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Whereas council member Kimberly Ner expressed her feelings of thanks for President Silver.

Grant, thank you for your service to Orange Village as both a member of council and president of council. Though it is not always easy to balance competing interests, I appreciate your efforts to allow many perspectives perspectives to be heard and considered on various issues that were brought before council. Your efforts to ensure all residents were welcomed into our governmental processes were valuable and beneficial for the good of our village. Wishing you well.

Whereas Steven Elyin, Orange Village law director, expressed his esteem for council president Silver in the following manner. As a member of council, Brent Silver could be counted on to do his homework and be prepared to discuss council business intelligently with a keen focus on the best interests of Orange Village. As council president, Brent Silver displayed tremendous integrity in allowing all parties to be heard, even those with whom he did personally disagreed.

Longtime council member Lisa Perry articulated her words of praise for council president Silver as follows. You want me to read it? [snorts] Brent has served as a model president to our council. He led with a quiet strength that I admire. He will be missed on council and as our leader. Thank you, Brent. Whereas council member Ryan Bilski wanted to share his sentiments of Council President Silver as follows. I want to thank Brent for his time and service to Orange Village. It has been a pleasure to learn from him and serve alongside him over the last few years. I wish him well as he moves forward both personally and professionally. Now therefore, be it resolved by the council of Orange Village, County of Kyhoga, and State of Ohio, Section One, that the mayor and council of Orange Village, Ohio, on behalf of the entire staff of the Orange Village administration and all of the citizens of Orange Village, convey their deep gratitude to Council President Brent Silver for his dedication and service to the administration of the village and extend their best wishes to Council President Brent Silver for a wonderful and happy retirement with plenty of time spent with family and friends, good health, and successful endeavors. Section two, that the clerk of council shall forth with certify a copy of this resolution and deliver it to council president Brent R. Silver. Section three, that this resolution shall take effect and be enforced from and after the earliest period allowed by law.

Would you call the role, please? Ner, yes. Vincent, yes. Foster, yes. Madden, yes. Perry, yes. Silver, you voted on this. I'll abstain. Thank you. Thank you all very much. On the official one that that uh Anna has, uh there are signature lines for all members of council. Going around. Thank you all very much. I have some words I'll share during uh during my comments. Uh moving on, are there any audience comments related to matters which advance the good of the village? Looks like none. Mayor Klene,

thank you again. Um, my congratulations to both Brent and Phil in their uh, retirement from council. They've both, as I noted previously, they've been both incredible assets to our community and we're sad to see them leave the dis. I'm looking forward to the new uh, council people that will come to the to the DAS and and represent the committee community uh, to the best of their ability. they have a lot to live up to in terms of how um we had a wonderful event this evening. Uh I hope that many of you were had an opportunity to participate in it. I want to express my most appreciation to the arts and culture committee and particular to Stacy Vincent, uh Michelle, uh KD and uh Jason Jason Kiss for all their hard work in putting this together. It got to be a little crazy, but the it's part of the eight crazy nights we celebrate sometimes and but it turned out just wonderfully. I also want to thank all of our staff who helped make this a wonderful event too, including and not least of all Anna Gerardi for anything that happens in the village without her involvement is is not up to our standard and she raises the bar for all of us. I want to thank Bob Zugan and the department for all the work that they did in both prepping the village for the the event and serving it during the event. Um Mike Roberts and the police department and helping to uh secure the the place and work with us to help celebrate it. And um Larry Gova and

his fire department elves and Santa Claus. They were great additions to the event. Thank you all for for participating in this. The last day to drop off your presents for the fire department holiday delivery service is tomorrow at 4 p.m. So, if you would like to have the fire department deliver your gifts, please make sure they get to Village Hall by the end of business tomorrow. Also, the Olivia's Dream toy drive continues through Thursday, December 11th. We are collecting new unwrapped toys to Orange Village Hall at 4600 Lander Road. A holiday light collection will continue every Friday in December from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the service department. Paper shredding will be this Friday from 900 a.m. to noon at Pepper Pike City Hall, 28,000 Shaker Boulevard. Please note, Village Hall will be closed on Thursday, December 25th. I wish everyone a very happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, happy Quanza, and any other holiday that you'd like to celebrate between now and the end of the year, including New Year's,

festivists, and festivis. The rest of us and the rest of us. Um, something that I'd like to uh consider us looking into next year, I think, is some legislation that we I believe need to look into for um regulating temporary rentals, things like verbos and Airbnbs. While not currently a problem, could very easily become one. And by creating the regulations for it, we can circumvent issues that we might run into when those come about. We're better to be ahead of the game than behind. And that's concludes my report. Thank you. All right.

Thank you, mayor. Um I want to echo his uh sentiments about the events tonight. It was a very nice event. I know it was a lot of pivoting done today, but every turned out very well, I think. Um also want to uh wish Phil well in his retirement. Thank you for your your couple years of service as well. I would have added to the comments, but nobody asked me, so I didn't have anything official. Kept it a surprise. [laughter] Um Wait. Yeah.

As as my term on council comes to an end, I'm filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving Orange Village over the past six years, especially these last two as council president. It has been an honor to work on behalf of our residents. Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your unwavering commitment to keeping our community strong. To Mayor Klene and Mayor Mohei, I deeply appreciate your partnership and steady leadership. To my fellow council members, thank you for the collaboration, the thoughtful debate, and the shared dedication of doing what's best for our village. And to our department heads, chiefs, and staff, your professionalism and hard work are the backbone of everything we accomplish. Much of what you do happens behind the scenes, but it makes all the difference in keeping Orange Village running smoothly. I also want to give a special thanks to our clerk of council, Anna Gerardi. She wears more hats than any of us can imagine, and our efforts ensure Orange Village operates seamlessly every single day. Finally, to my family. Your support, patience, and encouragement have meant more than words can express. Serving this community has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. I'm excited for the future of Orange Village, and I look forward to seeing the village continue to thrive in the years ahead. Thank you very much.

Moving on. Thank you. Moving on to Can I interject one thing real quickly because I think everybody will be thrilled to hear this. Um, if you haven't driven down Orange Place in the last few days, you'll notice something missing or partially missing. Beachwood in. Beachwood in is half down at this point. Good to know. Thank you. Moving on to uh comments by council members. Uh Kim Ner.

Uh thank you. Uh Anna forwarded all of us a letter from Enbridge um which informed us that um they intend to of um their customers which is all of our residents. Um their increase is um $760 per month per address. That's a very high increase in my opinion. Um, and I wanted to um discuss having our council um contact um not just Enbridge but the public utilities commission of Ohio where um which will determine whether Enbridge is permitted to have that increase. That's an 8.8% increase on distribution. So that is not the the um utility itself the the natural gas um that is the distribution of the natural gas. It's a very large increase in my opinion and I would like two things to happen or I'm suggesting that two things happen. one that Orange Village on behalf of our residents um contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to let them know that we dispute this increase and we do not agree with it or or agree to it. and two, that we find, and I haven't had time to look, but I'm sure there is an email address for um the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio so that we can um distribute that email address to our residents who may be interested in letting U PUCO know that you disagree with such um a large increase. If you don't disagree, then of course you can let them know that, too. Um, but I I just I thought the letter was um I thought it was shocking. I think it's a very large increase. So, I don't know what anyone else thought of this. I mean, the letter was forwarded to all of us. And also, perhaps Anna can um maybe we can make this letter available to the public, you know, so

that everyone knows what I'm what I'm referencing or include it in the minutes of today's meeting. Is that acceptable? And then website.

Yeah. people can see the the letter that I'm referencing. Um the justification um is that you know they've had increased costs um an increase related to costs of debt system infrastructure recovery and changes in certain tax related balances. Um and they believe that the recovery of these costs quote allows us to continue to provide the safe reliable service our customers rely on um and allows them to continue investing in the energy foundation for Ohio's future. I just I think this is an excessive increase. So I share that and and we can have a discussion. I do have a couple other things to sort of in my comments. I don't know if you want to have a discussion about that or if anyone else agrees or disagrees or maybe I'm the only one who thinks this.

No, thank you for bringing it up. Certainly. Does anyone else have any comments on it? I think it's worthwhile bringing it to everyone's attention. Are you suggesting that that we lobby this with through the PUCO? And [clears throat] that's exactly what I'm suggesting that uh Orange Village Council send a letter um on behalf of the village, but then again that we um find the email address and advertise it to our residents and if they so choose or again if they agree with the increase and they want to say that, they're welcome to do that as well. I think if we make it easier for people to know who to contact about that,

we're thinking of doing this, then council should uh draft a letter that would um be distributed if you so cho chose to do it. Is it a letter? Could it be a say? Would it be a resolution against the increase? Resolution. Yeah. I think that would be, you know, Steve would have to draft a resolution. I can't I wouldn't that wouldn't be, I think, appropriate for me to do. But I I think the general gist is we received your letter. We disagree. Yeah. We we oppose this massive increase.

Last increase and how much was it? Remember to be honest for reference. I thought they said it had been a lot of years. Um, well, in the letter I thought, looking at the letter, three was the last. I don't I don't think it's been a lot of years. Okay.

They referenced 2004 because they're suggesting that since 2004, they have invested more than$4 billion dollars to grow and advance the Ohio infrastructure. But that's not uh there have been increases along the way to support that. you know, their investment comes from the money that's paid by the their customers. Um, yes, their last uh increase was in 2023 rate application.

Well, thank you for bringing that up. Yeah, I I think it makes sense to have a a resolution at the next next meeting in January. January will be too late, I believe. Um I fear I know that there this letter was dated um November 26th and it indicates that they're bringing it to PUCO in about 30 days which would be the end of the month. I don't know how long how fast um PUCO operate how fast they work.

I don't I don't know about I don't know um if there's no opposition I'm not sure but perhaps we can have something drafted and um uh distributed you know over the next week or two. And does it have it has to go before a public meeting to approve it? Right. If council's going to approve it unless you did it via a Zoom meeting. Yes. So maybe we can have something ready to go and suspend the rules. Is that how we resolution is just one

resol? So we can just have it on the very first meeting. Is that hopefully that will be in time and in the meantime perhaps we can find out what that email address is and put it on our website along with the letter in case residents are interested. I don't know. That's okay. The second thing I want to just thank um Chief Gova who is working to um set up our stop the bleed and first aid CPR class. Point of order. Oh, sorry. Um we really need if we're going to do this, we're going to have to pass a motion for the resolution to pursue. Okay. To draft a resolution.

Okay. So, I might I'll make the motion to dra to have uh Steve draft a resolution uh to the effect of what I just discussed. I will second that motion comments on the motion. I could find it way up there. Ner. Yes. Vincent. Yes. Foster. Yes. Madden. Perry. Yes. Silver. [laughter] I'm still here.

Yeah. [laughter] Is that Are we good on that then? I think we're good on this.

Apologize for my lack of Okay. Um, so we will be having um a stop thebleleed first aid CPR class and we are aiming for um January um it'll be a Saturday in January and we're looking at either the 17th or the 24th and we will make that date available um for anyone who's interested. I I personally believe that the more people who know how to respond in emergency situations, the better all of us are. So this is not a class for certification or anything. It's a class to educate us. I also do believe personally that this um class would be appropriate for high school students and for um college students to attend as well. Anyone who knows how to stop massive bleeding in a in a bad situation, the more people who know that, the better it is for everyone in my opinion. So that is going forward and I just want to thank the chief for everything you're doing to make that happen. I greatly appreciate it. And then I would like to thank um Chief Roberts. Um, we are working to get our rape prevention class up and I would like to thank Jeff Foster who is co-sponsoring that with me. Um, we are targeting May 21st. We believe at that point in time most um, college girls will be home from college. It's appropriate for college girls or girls who have just graduated. Um, the class will be teaching rape um, awareness, situational awareness and rape prevention. And um thank you to to Jeff for obtaining um pepper spray. So that'll be provided free of charge to um the attendees. And um thank you to Chief Roberts and his team who will teach everyone how to use the pepper spray um correctly u so that it's not used against them. Um so that's uh what what we're targeting for is May 21st and that date will be confirmed. It's limited to 20 people. Um, if there are more people that are interested, we'll go ahead and

offer a second date. But I would strongly encourage um, everyone to let your daughters know about this. I just think that this is um, this is good stuff for all of our girls to um, be prepared. Um, so I also want to thank Phil and Brent. You guys have um, been wonderful to serve with. I've learned a lot from both of you. Um, and you've certainly opened my eyes um, to different perspectives um, which I do greatly appreciate. I I enjoy the fact that we have a council where we can have differing opinions and where um we can have discussions on various matters and and welcome those differing opinions. So I appreciate both of you um for always being willing to to consider mine which sometimes has been different. So, [laughter] um, and then, uh, finally, I just want to wish everyone happy holidays, uh, and good times with your families, uh, over the next few weeks and a safe holiday season for everyone. Thank you.

Thank you. Um, well, it's the season of giving thanks and I have many gratitudes to offer up, so please bear with me. First of all, a tremendous thank you for all involved in this evening's light up orange for the holidays first annual event. uh Michelle KD for Cordon, all of the members of the committee who put in a ton of time and effort to make this happen, including Stephanie and Ireina for the publicity, Carla, Elizabeth, and Jod for being phenomenal elves, uh wrangling our incredible student helpers and volunteers and their homebaked goodies for our musicians. Thank you to Anna, the mayor, Bob Zugan, and the entire service department, Chief Gova, and the entire fire department. Chief Mike Roberts, Lieutenant Mike Doublejack, and the entire police department, the entire administration, the OS band under the direction of Brandon Duval, the OS orchestra under the direction of Rebecca Ellsworth, notoriety under the direction of Nanette Sherwood with accompaniment by Anne Michael, our committee chair, Jason Kiss, who sadly is stepping down at the end of this year and will be uh looking for a new co-chair to go work with Ireina. Um, thank you to our wonderful MC WKYC's Christy Paul who stepped in with the assistance of Adam Miller. Um, and of course, thank you to our ever beloved Santa Claus who uh had the kids in awe when he stepped out of the fire truck. So, thank you for all of that. Um, I'm also grateful to all of the members of council and school board who were in attendance tonight um despite the weather, all who donated items, and all of the staff members who joined us with their families. And a huge thank you to my husband Leland. and I know he's watching who put up with me with the craziness of the last 24 hours. I couldn't have done it without him. Truly, it took a village and I am so honored that our village is orange. On another note, I want to offer a huge note of gratitude to outgoing Woodmir Mayor Ben Hbert. Due to term limits, Ben is taking his leave at the end of this year. Not only was Ben recognized earlier this year as being one of Cleveland's most influential individuals, but he has worked diligently throughout his tenure to ensure that the village of Woodmir has a voice in the larger community conversations that shape our the future.

And he's been a wonderful neighbor. He has been a staunch supporter of the Orange Schools and all five of our communities. Constantly looks for ways to raise people up. He has been a dear friend and mentor to me dating all the way back to our days working together in TV news. I wish Ben all the very best in his future endeavors as his wife takes her place on Woodmir Council. And Ben, I just want to thank you for everything and let you know that you're the best. I also wish newly elected Nikesha Nickerson a great run as Woodmir's new mayor. Another [snorts] thank you to all involved in the wildly successful holiday artisan and farmers market, which was last weekend, especially coordinator Elizabeth Bach Van Vulenberg and her assistants Tara, Becca, Stephanie, Michelle, and all of the wonderful vendors. Uh we also appreciate the orchestra being there as well. They also had multiple concerts this week, so they've just been everywhere for us. Um they were assisted by Brandon Duval last weekend and all of our student help, which truly added to the spirit of the event. We look forward to beginning our third year this spring as we continue to grow and build the market. We welcome everyone and anyone with any interest in arts and culture to join our committee in the year ahead. Watch for dates for our 2026 meetings and please reach out to me if you are interested in joining us. Another shout out um to Orange's very own Kowana Senior of the Month, Sarah Corland. You'll hear more about Sarah at our January meeting as she was unable to attend tonight because of one of her sports commitments. I have been lucky to work with Sarah in various capacities and I know she will continue to accomplish many great things. Uh thank you to Bob and the mayor for their continued work in trying to get our Orange Hill Water situation back on tap, puny intended. Um as well as dealing with the AT&T Fiber situation, which hopefully is wrapping up soon. Uh the school board met Monday night in the only December school board meeting which also marked Scott Bilski's last as he completes his tenure on the school board. I thank him for his service to the schools and for being a champion for our extended community. Along with farewells to Scott, the board approved the retire and rehire of Superintendent Dr. Lynn Campbell and his assistant

Nancy Caldwell. The board along with newly elected member Dr. Siobhan Taylor Nash will hold its yearly organizational meeting on Monday, January 5th. Uh, winter break begins on Saturday, December 20th. Please remember to drive carefully. Uh, one more thank you to Joyce Sherwood and all who donated and are participating in Shop with a Cop. I know it will be another amazing experience for the children in our community who participate. With gratitude and very best wishes once again to Brent and to Phil, I thank them for their service and I hope to see them often in the future in any capacity. I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season no matter which holiday you celebrate and a new year filled with love, joy, and peace. Thank you. Thank you,

Jeff Foster.

First, Kim, thank you very much for allowing me to join you. I feel like I'm assisting you. Uh those um pepper sprays came from the Bedford Lowe's. The manager and the team were very gracious. I just went up and asked them, would they like to support this? And it was very easy ask. And it literally I was there 15 minutes from ask to getting them. So, they donated the 20 and it was they were very happy to appreciate. I just want to give them the both the uh Lowe's Bedford a shout out and their administrative team. Um Brett and Phil, thank you so much just sitting back and listening to you guys and learning and watching and trying to keep my mouth shut so I could absorb what you guys have to say is important and I appreciate your time I spent with you guys. You really truly class acts. Um for everybody else, I wish happy holidays. Enjoy times with your loved ones and your families. Stay true and be happy.

Thank you, Jeff. Uh, Filman and thank everyone on council for their kind words and I've really a lot on council and enjoyed my time and enjoyed your support and I think that's all I have to say on that and happy holidays to everyone. Thank you, Phil. Uh, Lisa Perry.

Thanks. Uh, well, congratulations Brent and Phil. Thank you for serving. We appreciate you both very much. Um, last weekend at the artisan fair, the parks and recck committee had a table and for something new that we've never done in Orange Village is we asked for donations to support part of the park. So, we we raised uh a little bit of money, $142, which has already been deposited and um it's it's a new thing for us to do, but exciting.

That's all I have. Happy holidays, everybody. Great. Thank you very much, Lisa. Is there a motion to enter an executive session pursuant to section 121.22 22G6 of the Ohio Revised Code to discuss details uh relative to the security arrangements and emergency response protocols for a public body or a public office. We're not really doing that, are we? What's it? We're not doing that part, are we? Yeah, you are. The security arrangements and emergency response protocols for public body. Yeah, we don't need to do that. Okay.

Um but we're entering executive session to discuss matters related to employment. Correct. Appointment and compensation of employees. Yeah, employment and compensation of employees. Is there a motion for that? Thank you. Is there a second? Stacy, thank you. And uh please call roll on this motion. Vincent, yes. Foster, seated. Perry, S. Yes.