Rescheduled Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AVON LAKE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL DECEMBER 15, 2025 The rescheduled meeting of the Avon Lake City Council was called to order on December 15, 2025, at 7:43 p.m. in the Council Chamber with Council President Fenderbosch presiding. Mr. Kos led Council, staff, and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Councilmembers Zach Arnold, Jennifer Fenderbosch, Amy Gentry, David Kos, Rob Shahmir, Geoff Smith, and K. C. Zuber; Mayor Mark Spaetzel; Law Director Gary Ebert; Finance Director Beth Krosse; Public Works Director Jon Liskovec; and Clerk of Council Valerie Rosmarin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular Council Meeting held on December 8, 2025, were approved as prepared and published. CORRESPONDENCE Clerk Rosmarin reported on a letter received from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) indicating that Deputy Clerk of Council Ramona Boggins has earned the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation. RECOGNITION OF COUNCILMEMBERS AT-LARGE ZACH ARNOLD AND K. C. ZUBER 1. Council President Fenderbosch acknowledged the service of Zach Arnold, Council At-Large, who has served in this capacity for 2 terms, or 8 years. Councilmembers and Mayor Spaetzel expressed appreciation for Mr. Arnold’s service and commented on their experiences working with him. 2. Council President Fenderbosch acknowledged the service of Karl (K.C.) Zuber, Council At-Large, who has served in this capacity for 18 years as Council At- Large, and 4 years as Mayor of the City, for a total of 22 years of public service. Councilmembers and Mayor Spaetzel expressed appreciation for Mr. Zuber’s service and commented on their experiences working with him. PUBLIC INPUT 1. Scott Kennedy, Avon Lake, addressed Council and continued his comments from the Collective Committee Meeting regarding the barrier on Handford Boulevard.

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 2 He expressed concern that, although Council voted to remove the barrier three weeks prior, it remains in place. He reported that he emailed a photograph of the barrier, which consists of a wooden sawhorse and plastic chain, and questioned whether emergency services would be required to drive over it, potentially causing damage to City vehicles. He also referenced the “No Outlet” signage currently posted and summarized his conversation with Public Works Director Liskovec. Additionally, he inquired about signage used in other subdivisions undergoing construction and asked when the concrete barrier on Liberty Rose Drive would be removed. He urged the City to remove the barrier on Handford Boulevard as authorized by Council. Mayor Spaetzel explained that Liberty Rose Drive has the same setup as Handford Boulevard, and they will all come down at the same time. He noted that the concrete barrier was removed. Mr. Shahmir responded to comments suggesting the traffic impact study was not fiscally responsible. He explained that Planning and Zoning Code Section 1234.22 requires developers to perform and fund traffic impact analyses, and because that requirement was not enforced, the City paid for the study. He noted that the study originated from concerns about speeding vehicles that were raised by Bridgeside subdivision residents and predated the issues on Handford Boulevard and Liberty Rose Drive. He stated that, although the process was flawed, the City should continue to pursue appropriate traffic-calming measures and gain better insight into enforcement needs. 2. Rob Baker, Avon Lake, confirmed that the Liberty Rose Drive concrete barriers have been removed. He also offered thanks and appreciation for the services of Mr. Arnold and Mr. Zuber. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Spaetzel congratulated Rob Munro, Chief Utilities Executive of Avon Lake Regional Water, on being named a notable leader in sustainability by Crain’s Cleveland Business in its most recent edition. He stated that the recognition was well deserved and commended Mr. Munro for his leadership and vision in Avon Lake, Lorain County, and the Northeast Ohio region. As this was the final meeting of the year, he extended his warmest wishes to the community. He remarked that the holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection, and noted the challenges and accomplishments experienced throughout the year. He expressed appreciation for the resilience and compassion shown by residents and thanked the neighbors, volunteers, families, organizations, and businesses who contribute to the community. Looking ahead to the new year, he encouraged continued support and collaboration and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 3 COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT Council President Fenderbosch reported on the following: 1. The next Collective Committee Meeting is Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber. 2. The next Council Meeting is Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber. 3. There is an Organizational Meeting of Council on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. 4. She thanked her fellow Councilmembers for their support during her tenure as Council President for the past 16 months and noted that, despite differences of opinion, Council engaged in respectful debate that contributed to growth and effective governance. She stated that the experience helped her grow personally while working collaboratively with the Mayor to move the community forward. She congratulated Mr. Smith on his upcoming role as Council President beginning in January 2026 and congratulated Kayla Goodwin and Matthew Reynolds on their election as Council At-Large members. She expressed confidence that the City is well-positioned moving forward with new leadership and vision. 5. All interviews of residents interested in serving on City boards or commissions will be completed this week. The appointment list is expected to be finalized by the end of the week, with appointments to be made at the Organizational Meeting on January 2. Mr. Kos thanked Council President Fenderbosch for her time and dedication during her tenure, noting that she is the second woman to serve as Council President in Avon Lake’s history, following Erma Haverback. He congratulated her on this milestone and stated that she earned it. He acknowledged the challenge of following a respected Council President like Marty O’Donnell and commended her for improving Council operations, particularly through restructuring meetings and updating Code of Ordinances Section 220. He expressed appreciation for her tremendous effort and noted that her contributions have benefited both Council and residents. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR’S REPORT Public Works Director Liskovec reported on the following: 1. Deer Culling Program The United States Department of Agriculture conducted deer culling last week and removed 18 deer out of the 40 tags issued. Culling activities will continue

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 4 this week. 2. Snow Removal and Leaf Collection As weather permits, staff will continue to collect leaf piles that have been set out while managing through snow and ice events. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Arnold reported on the Economic Development Committee as follows: 1. Suspension of the rule requiring three readings on an emergency basis will be requested for Ordinance Nos. 25-208 and 25-209, authorizing the payment of legal fees. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Zuber reported on the Finance Committee as follows: 1. Suspension of the rule requiring three readings on an emergency basis will be requested for Ordinance No. 25-201, authorizing engineering services, and Ordinance No. 25-211, authorizing appropriations. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Smith reported on the Human Resources Committee as follows: 1. Suspension of the rule requiring three readings on an emergency basis will be requested for Ordinance No. 25-203, approving wage increases for non- bargaining unit personnel. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Kos reported on the Public Safety and Health Committee as follows: 1. The next Committee meeting is Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE REPORT Council President Fenderbosch reported on the Public Service Committee as follows: 1. An emergency provision was added to Ordinance No. 25-198R, amending Codified Ordinance Section 220.05, to allow the amendments to take effect immediately so the new Council could proceed with establishing its committees.

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 5 2. Suspension of the rule requiring three readings on an emergency basis will be requested for Ordinance No. 25-210, authorizing environmental consulting services; Ordinance No. 25-212, authorizing the acceptance of a grant; and Ordinance No. 25-213, awarding a contract for the tree inventory and management plan. 3. The next Committee meeting is Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT Mayor Spaetzel reported on the Zoning Board of Appeals as follows: 1. The Board met on December 10, 2025.  An area variance reducing a 50’ minimum front yard setback requirement to 40’ was denied at 33312 Electric Boulevard. TREE COMMISSION REPORT Council President Fenderbosch reported on the Tree Commission as follows: 1. The next Commission meeting is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Old Firehouse and Community Center. MOTIONS Mr. Kos moved to instruct the Clerk of Council to return the form to the Division of Liquor Control in the matter of a new liquor license for William Fine Sandwich Shop, LLC, 140 Lear Road, Avon Lake, indicating the City does not request a hearing.  This application is for a new D-1 liquor license for the sale and consumption of beer only at the premises located at 140 Lear Road. The application was reviewed by the Police Chief, and no concerns were identified. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Council President Fenderbosch moved to permit Mr. Arnold to be excused from voting on Ordinance No. 25-201 pursuant to Codified Ordinance 220.19(b).  Bramhall is a client of Mr. Arnold; therefore, Mr. Arnold has a conflict of interest. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 6 Motion passed. Council President Fenderbosch moved to accept the donation of a Trex composite material bench for Weiss Field from Lubrizol Corporation valued at $400.  Lubrizol Corporation received this bench for its sustainability work and, having no need for it, offered it to the City. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Council President Fenderbosch moved to accept approximately 250 gallons of surplus diesel fuel valued at $650 from Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) to be utilized for the City’s off-road diesel equipment.  ALERG has offered to donate ITS surplus diesel fuel to the City, as it is no longer needed at the former power plant site. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Third Readings: Ordinance No. 25-169, AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE SANDRIDGE AND HARBOR CREST TAX INCREMENT FINANCING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS, DECLARING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PARCELS WITHIN EACH INCENTIVE DISTRICT TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND EXEMPT FROM REAL PROPERTY TAXATION, REQUIRING THE OWNERS OF THOSE PARCELS TO MAKE SERVICE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES, ESTABLISHING A MUNICIPAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT FUND FOR THE DEPOSIT OF THOSE SERVICE PAYMENTS, AUTHORIZING SCHOOL COMPENSATION PAYMENTS, SPECIFYING THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS THAT BENEFIT OR SERVE PARCELS IN THE INCENTIVE DISTRICT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mr. Arnold moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-169. This legislation will establish the Sandridge and Harbor Crest TIF Districts. Unlike prior TIF discussions, school funding will remain fully supported. All existing property tax revenues will continue to be reimbursed to the school district, and any incremental tax revenue generated by these developments will be used exclusively for designated improvements, including road and crosswalk enhancements. Under the TIF structure, the City will retain the county portion of any incremental property tax increase over the course of development of the two properties, while school district revenues remain whole. Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) will be directed toward improvements in the SR 83 and Walker Road area to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 7 Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-169 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-193, AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CITY OF AVON LAKE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mr. Zuber moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-193. This legislation will appropriate funds for the 2026 budget, as determined by the Finance Director with input from Department Heads, the Administration, and Council. The proposed budget is very lean, includes minimal capital spending, and reflects the need for an income tax increase to be placed on the May 2026 ballot. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-193 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-198R, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CODIFIED ORDINANCE SECTION 220.05: STANDING COMMITTEES, was read by title only. Council President Fenderbosch moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-198R. This legislation will amend Codified Ordinance Section 220.05 to update Standing Committees, incorporating recommendations from the Boards and Commissions Structure Review Ad Hoc Committee, and, based on Council’s review, to ensure alignment with Committee duties and responsibilities. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-198R adopted. Second Readings: Ordinance No. 25-201, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PERSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BRAMHALL ENGINEERING & SURVEYING CO. AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only. Ms. Gentry interrupted the reading by raising a point of order and asked whether a general consensus could be used in lieu of suspending the rule on this and the following legislation. Law Director Ebert stated that, before making any changes to the format for suspending the rule, he would prefer to discuss the origin and legalities of the process with Council rather than introducing such changes this evening.

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 8 Mr. Zuber moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Abstention: Arnold Motion passed. Mr. Zuber moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-201. This legislation will authorize the Mayor to execute a personal services agreement with Bramhall Engineering & Surveying Co. of Avon, Ohio, for engineering services in 2026 for an amount not to exceed $150,000. Under the agreement, Chris Howard, P.E., will serve as the City’s Consulting Engineer. In response to Mr. Smith, Mayor Spaetzel stated that the Human Resources Director will begin advertising for an in-house City Engineer in January. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Abstention: Arnold Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-201 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-203, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING WAGE INCREASES FOR CERTAIN NON-BARGAINING UNIT PERSONNEL AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only. Mr. Smith moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Mr. Smith moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-203. This legislation will approve the 2026 wage increases of 3% for non-bargaining unit personnel. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-203 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-208, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 25-72, AUTHORIZING BERNS, OCKNER & GREENBERGER, LLC, TO PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION PURSUANT TO THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AVON LAKE AND AVON LAKE REDEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC, (ALERG) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only.

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 9 Mr. Arnold moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Mr. Arnold moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-208. This legislation will amend Ordinance No. 25-72 by decreasing the legal fees of Berns, Ockner & Greenberger, LLC, by $25,000, reducing the total to $92,250. The Finance Director determined that a reallocation of fees was necessary. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-208 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-209, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 25-102 AUTHORIZING CONTINUED LEGAL SERVICES OF TODD DAVIS, ESQ., AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only. Mr. Arnold moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Mr. Arnold moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-209. This legislation will amend Ordinance No. 25-102 by increasing the legal fees of Todd Davis, Esq., by $25,000, increasing the total to $172,000. The Finance Director determined that the reallocation of Mr. Davis’ legal fees was necessary based on his projected services. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-209 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-210, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PERSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HZW ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, LLC, FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only. Council President Fenderbosch moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 10 Motion passed. Council President Fenderbosch moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-210. This legislation will authorize the Mayor to execute a personal services agreement with HZW Environmental Consultants, LLC, of Mentor, Ohio, for monitoring services at the closed landfill, in an amount not to exceed $64,900. Mr. Shahmir requested of Public Works Director Liskovec a copy of the most recent Ohio EPA communication regarding the landfill, specifically any noted deficiencies or comments, monitoring requirements, and the item(s) still preventing final closure. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-210 adopted. First Readings: Ordinance No. 25-211, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 25-19R2, APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only. Mr. Zuber moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Mr. Zuber moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-211. This legislation will amend Ordinance No. 25-19R2 to include necessary budget adjustments and other expenditures not included in the original budget. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-211 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-212, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GRANT FOR THE LAKE ROAD EAST SIDEWALK PROJECT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only. Mr. Zuber moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed.

December 15, 2025, Council Meeting 11 Mr. Zuber moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-212. This legislation will authorize the Mayor to accept a grant for the Lake Road sidewalk project, with 90% of the cost funded by ODOT and 10% funded by the City. The project scope was expanded to include all crosswalks, driveways, and related areas. The expanded design was presented to ODOT, which agreed to provide additional funding. The additional grant amount is $311,626. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-212 adopted. Ordinance No. 25-213, AN ORDINANCE AWARDING A CONTRACT TO ARBORPRO, INC., FOR TREE INVENTORY AND MANAGEMENT PLAN AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, was read by title only. Council President Fenderbosch moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Council President Fenderbosch moved for passage of Ordinance No. 25-213. This legislation will award a contract to ArborPro, Inc., of Orange, California, for a tree inventory and management plan for an amount not to exceed $68,830. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Ordinance No. 25-213 adopted. Mr. Kos moved for adjournment. Yes: Kos, Shahmir, Smith, Zuber, Arnold, Fenderbosch, Gentry No: None Motion passed. Adjournment: 8:35 p.m. Approved: Attest: Council President Clerk of Council