2025.6.2.Reg Minutes

MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING June 2, 2025 – 7:30p.m. Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, met in regular session in the Council Chamber on June 2, 2025 and the meeting was called to order by President of Council Jim Maxwell at 7:30p.m. Present: Mary K. Brown, Erika Coble, Leon R. Dozier, Sr., Chris McManis, Rick Skoczen, Lisa Weaver and Gene Zacharyasz. Also present: Mayor Cyril M. Kleem, Director of Public Works Tony Armagno, Director of Law and Public Safety Barb Jones, Director of Finance Andrea Morris, and Director of Economic Development Matt Madzy. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. This meeting was held in compliance with all legal requirements including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code and Chapter 109 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Berea. The certificate of compliance is on file in the Clerk’s office. Moved by Mr. Dozier, seconded by Mrs. Brown, that the minutes from the May 19, 2025 Public Hearing be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. Moved by Mr. Dozier, seconded by Mr. McManis, that the minutes from the May 19, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. MAYOR'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AND COMMENTS Mayor Kleem thanked the American Legion Post 91 for the Memorial Day festivities, as well as their $25,000 donation. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE OFFICERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION: Andrea Morris – Director of Finance: Mrs. Morris had no report. Barb Jones – Director of Law & Public Safety: Mrs. Jones offered her congratulations to Sgt. Pat Greenhill who has accepted the position of Director of Public Safety at Baldwin Wallace University and will be leaving the department soon. Sgt. Greenhill has been a tremendous asset to the City, and Mrs. Jones wished him well. Tony Armagno – Director of Public Service: Mr. Armagno stated that the first phase of the Longbrooke Road Reconstruction project is nearly complete, with restoration work occurring now. All residents are back in their driveways. The second phase will begin soon and the City has been working with the cable companies so that the issues that occurred in the first phase can be avoided. Mr. Armagno announced that the Front Street Road resurfacing project pre-construction meeting will occur soon, with the project not commencing until after the Fourth of July holiday.

2 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 2, 2025 Marty Compton – Director of Recreation: Mr. Compton was not present. COMMENDATIONS: NONE PETITIONS: NONE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Bruce McLaughlin mentioned significant potholes on Merrimak, and Mr. Skoczen noted some on Whitehall near Fair Street, as well. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mrs. Brown asked Council Members to walk the streets of their Wards and make note of the status of the sidewalks, especially those areas most in need of repair. Mrs. Brown added that Members should note the addresses where treelawn tree roots are causing issues. Berea Shade Tree Commission – Erika Coble & Gene Zacharyasz Mrs. Coble stated that the City has identified a grant for the healthy urban tree canopy, and that application is due this coming Friday. If received, the grant will help to plant 359 trees and complete a neighborhood project. Mrs. Weaver announced that, in collaboration with Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Coble and the City Prosecutor Megan Matthews, the issue of short term rentals is being studied. She asked anyone with concerns to contact them directly. Mr. Maxwell reminded all Council Members that if there are 4 or more voting members at one of these meetings, the meeting needs to be put on hold so that the Clerk can properly announce it and make it open to the public. Woodvale Union Cemetery Board of Trustees – Jim Maxwell Mr. Maxwell informed Council that Joe Giaimo will be making a presentation to the Middleburg Heights Historical Society about the history of the cemetery. LEGISLATION – THIRD READING: ORDINANCE NO. 5-4: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENCOURAGING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CITY; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that Ordinance No. 5-4 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried.

3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 2, 2025 ORDINANCE NO. 5-5: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH BEREA MIXED USE PROJECT, LLC, OR AN AFFILIATE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF BEREA, OF ALL ADMISSIONS TAXES CHARGED AND COLLECTED UNDER CHAPTER 193 OF THE CITY’S CODIFIED ORDINANCES AS PROVIDED IN THAT CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND BEREA MIXED USE PROJECT, LLC, AND TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED THERETO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Skoczen, that Ordinance No. 5-5 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 5-6: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH BEREA MIXED USE PROJECT, LLC, OR AN AFFILIATE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF BEREA, OF CERTAIN TAXES CHARGED AND COLLECTED UNDER CHAPTER 196 OF THE CITY’S CODIFIED ORDINANCES AS PROVIDED IN THAT CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND BEREA MIXED USE PROJECT, LLC, AND TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED THERETO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mr. Madzy noted that the change in title did occur. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 5-6 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. LEGISLATION – SECOND READING: RESOLUTION NO. 5-7: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET OF THE CITY OF BEREA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026, AND SUBMITTING THE SAME TO THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY FISCAL OFFICER. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Proposed Resolution No. 5-7 stands on second reading. RESOLUTION NO. 5-8: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Proposed Resolution No. 5-8 stands on second reading.

4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 2, 2025 ORDINANCE NO. 5-9: AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE IMPROVEMENT TO CERTAIN PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND EXEMPT FROM TAXATION PURSUANT TO ORC SECTION 5709.41; PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION AND DEPOSIT OF SERVICE PAYMENTS; SPECIFYING THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THOSE SERVICE PAYMENTS MAY BE EXPENDED; AUTHORIZING A SCHOOL COMPENSATION AGREEMENT WITH THE BEREA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT; AUTHORIZING A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT WITH BEREA MIXED USE PROJECT LLC OR AN AFFILIATE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Skoczen, that the three-reading rule be suspended for Ordinance No. 5-9. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 5-9 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried and the Ordinance was adopted at 8:00p.m. LEGISLATION – FIRST READING: RESOLUTION NO. 6-1: A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF MANOJ JOSEPH TO THE MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF NICK HASCHKA ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2027, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Mr. Madzy stated that Mr. Joseph sits on the City’s Planning and Development Committee and will be a good asset on the Commission. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that Ordinance No. 6-1 be approved. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 6-2: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THE COE LAKE CONCESSION AND RESTROOM FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mr. Armagno stated that this project will be funded through a County grant of $315,000, with the rest coming from a donation from Mayor Kafer’s sister. He added that suspension will be requested on second reading. Proposed Ordinance No. 6-2 stands on first reading.

5 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 2, 2025 ORDINANCE NO. 6-3: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING DIGERONIMO DEVELOPMENT, AN AFFLIATE OF BEREA MIXED USE PROJECT, LLC, AND AUTHORIZED AGENT OF RENTAL ACQUISITIONS, LLC/BEREA, STAGE II-B PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Having just received the plans, Council Members said they would review them and refer the Ordinance to Planning Commission on second reading. Proposed Ordinance No. 6-3 stands on first reading. RESOLUTION NO. 6-4: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR AND, IF AWARDED, TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UTILIZATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTS OF 1974, 1977, 1980 AND 1983, AS AMENDED, AND TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THE CDBG AGREEMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Mr. Armagno stated that a public hearing will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 6:30p.m. for both the CDBG and CDSG grants, after which Council will receive word on the exact project descriptions. He added that the due date for the CDBG application is earlier than usual, thus suspension will be requested on second reading. Proposed Resolution No. 6-4 stands on first reading. RESOLUTION NO. 6-5: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR AND, IF AWARDED, TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR A GRANT THROUGH THE 2026 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT (CDSG) PROGRAM AND TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THE CDSG AGREEMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Mr. Armagno stated that suspension will not be necessary on this Resolution. Proposed Resolution No. 6-5 stands on first reading. ORDINANCE NO. 6-6: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO CERTIFY TO THE FISCAL OFFICER OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY UNPAID WATER AND/OR SEWER RENTAL CHARGES AND/OR OTHER MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES FOR LEVY AND COLLECTION ACCORDING TO LAW, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance.

6 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 2, 2025 Mrs. Morris stated that this is the annual Ordinance that certifies delinquent water and sewer bills, noting that the exhibit will not be available until September. Proposed Ordinance No. 6-6 stands on first reading. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL Mr. Maxwell recognized the passing of former Ward 2 Councilman Nick Haschka, who he did not always agree with but holds much respect for, adding that he truly enjoyed working with him. Mr. Maxwell then recognized the passing of former Council Member and Council President Jim Brown, adding that he truly wanted what was best for the City, and also served in the military. Mr. Maxwell offered his condolences to both families. REPORTS AND COMMENTS BY THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mrs. Coble informed Council that the Metroparks has purchased the old Rosander property on South Rocky River Drive along Baldwin Creek. Structures have already been demolished, and Phase 2 of the project involves restoring the natural landscape. Mrs. Coble stated that she has arranged a meeting with the County Executive to tour Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds and determine the jurisdiction of various parts of the property. Mrs. Coble asked if the Mayor’s Phase 5 Committee will be meeting soon, and Mayor Kleem responded that information is being gathered and some issues are being finalized, but the Committee will likely meet within the next couple of months. Mr. Dozier had no report. Mr. McManis offered his condolences to the families of Nick Haschka and Jim Brown. Mr. Skoczen also offered his condolences to the families of Mr. Haschka and Mr. Brown. Mr. Skoczen said that it was great to see so many people out for the Memorial Day parade, and announced that he is beginning plans for his annual Ward 5 meeting which will take place in the Fall. Mrs. Weaver had no report. Mr. Zacharyasz offered his condolences to the families of Mr. Haschka and Mr. Brown. Mrs. Brown recognized Mr. Haschka and Mr. Brown’s years of service to the City, announced that Community Guides are now available, shared that she, along with Mrs. Coble, Mrs. Weaver and Daune Jaynes reached out to assist a member of the community who is mentally challenged, and it was a great day to be out and help, and concluded her report by wishing all Happy Pride Month!

7 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 2, 2025 CORRESPONDENCE The May 15, 2025 – May 28, 2025 Correspondence is available in the Clerk’s office. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Esson spoke about her relationship with Mr. Haschka and his beautiful family, adding that he was a strong, kind and wonderful man who will be truly and deeply missed. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that the June 9, 2025 Work Session be cancelled. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. There being no further business before Council, it was moved by Mrs. Brown, and seconded by Mr. Skoczen, that the Regular Council Meeting be adjourned. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion passed and President Maxwell declared the meeting adjourned at 8:27p.m. ______________________________________ Jim Maxwell President of Council ______________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE The regular meeting of Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, held on the 2nd day of June, 2025, was conducted in compliance with Codified Ordinances Section 109 and Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22. ___________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council