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MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING June 16, 2025 – 7:30p.m. Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, met in regular session in the Council Chamber on June 16, 2025 and the meeting was called to order by President of Council Jim Maxwell at 7:40p.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 Law and Public Safety Barb Jones and Director of Finance Andrea Morris. 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 Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that the minutes from the June 2, 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 had no report. 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 informed Council that the City will be withdrawing from the Southwest Regional Dispatch Center, and will join the regional center that has been created by North Olmsted. The center will include the Cities of North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Fairview, Bay Village and Berea, and does have room for a few more communities. Mrs. Jones continued by noting that the economic component is not the sole factor for this transition, although the City will save money, but the contract is for 3 years, rather than the 1 year contract that Strongsville allows, and North Olmsted intends to form a Council of Governments, so everyone will have a seat at the table. This will allow the City of Berea to better serve our residents. Additionally, under the current system, our Police and Fire Departments can not talk to one another over the radio. By transferring to the new system with North Olmsted, the radios will be able to communicate with one another, which is a huge benefit for everyone. Dispatchers will also know exactly where calls are coming from, which is not the case now. Mrs. Jones stated that there is a tremendous shortage in Public Safety Dispatchers, and North Olmsted needs a commitment 6 months in advance, so they can be prepared. Strongsville also requires 6 months notification that the City is withdrawing. 2 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 16, 2025 Mrs. Jones invited any Council Member to tour the new facility, adding that both Chiefs are fully in support of this change, as they see it as a benefit to our residents. Mr. Skoczen inquired about mutual aid commitments, and Mrs. Jones stated that nothing will change in that regard. Mrs. Weaver inquired about the City’s radios, and Mrs. Jones said the newly purchased radios will work just fine. Mr. Zacharyasz asked about the Strongsville jail, and Mrs. Jones stated that the City has an agreement with North Royalton, not Strongsville. Strongsville is simply for overflow. Mrs. Jones concluded by stating that Council will likely see legislation for the change this Fall, with the City making the transition in December. Tony Armagno – Director of Public Service: Mr. Armagno was not present. Marty Compton – Director of Recreation: Mr. Compton was not present. COMMENDATIONS: NONE PETITIONS: NONE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Nicole Velez, a representative from the Northeast Ohio Regional Service District, was present this evening with a short presentation for Council regarding stormwater matters and the regional sewer district. Her presentation is included at the conclusion of these minutes. General discussion commenced concerning how the sewer system works and what the Regional Sewer District does, and Mr. Maxwell inquired about the high cost that residents see on their water bills. Ms. Velez stated that first and foremost, the City’s residents are billed quarterly, not monthly, which creates a bit of sticker shock, but the primary reason is that it is incredibly difficult to clean waste water, and the District does a phenomenal job, exceeding standards to protect human health. Mrs. Coble thanked Ms. Velez, as well as her boss, for attending this evening. Holly Porter, a resident on East Bridge Street, stated that the Country is changing, and with all the cuts in funding for special programs, she is glad the Browns project is beginning in Berea. She asked that the Administration and Council increase greenspace around the City, rethink any dangerous chemicals that are being used on public property, and focus on green energy. She thanked Mayor Kleem for the wonderful job he has done with Coe Lake Park, and simply hopes that we all leave a beautiful City to our kids. 3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 16, 2025 COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mrs. Brown announced that the next meeting of the Sidewalk Committee will be held on August 7, 2025. LEGISLATION – THIRD 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. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that Resolution No. 5-7 be approved. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. Please note that Mr. McManis did not vote, as he had stepped out of the Chamber. 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. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mrs. Brown, that Resolution No. 5-8 be approved. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. LEGISLATION – SECOND READING: 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. Mayor Kleem reminded Council that the grant money that will be utilized for this project was generously donated by Mayor Kafer’s sister. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Zacharyasz, that the three-reading rule be suspended for Ordinance No. 6-2. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. Moved by Mr. Dozier, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 6-2 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. 4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 16, 2025 The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 6-3 be referred to the Municipal Planning Commission for review and recommendation. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. Mayor Kleem reminded Council that these grant funds can only be used in County designated improvement areas and/or low to moderate income areas. In response to a question from Mrs. Coble, Mayor Kleem stated that he thinks the Historical Society is aware that this grant is being applied for, as they are having issues that may be rectified with this project. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. Zacharyasz, that the three-reading rule be suspended for Resolution No. 6-4. 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. Dozier, that Resolution No. 6-4 be approved. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. Proposed Resolution No. 6-5 stands on second 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. 5 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 16, 2025 The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 6-6 stands on second reading. LEGISLATION – FIRST READING: ORDINANCE NO. 6-7: AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A PLAT DEDICATING THE RECONFIGURED PEARL STREET. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 6-7 be referred to the Municipal Planning Commission for review and recommendation. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 6-8: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FROM THE VARIOUS FUNDS TO INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENDITURES AND OTHER EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF BEREA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025, AND EXPRESSLY REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2025-28. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mrs. Jones explained that the reason for this budget amendment deals with the armory, as well as two other single family properties, all owned by John Kavlich. Search warrants were executed on every property, and all were condemned by the City’s Chief Building Official, Mike McCourt. Mr. McCourt did issue an order to have the two single family houses demolished, but with regard to the Armory, the worst property in town, the City will abate only the exterior, as the cost to do so is over $20,000, and does not include removing hazardous waste. Mrs. Jones continued by noting that she is not sure the City can recover the money being allocated, as several things are out of the City’s control, such as bankruptcy filings, back taxes and property liens, adding that this all relates to the hoarding situation, and the best case scenario would be for Mr. Kavlich and his appointed guardian to sell the properties. Mayor Kleem noted that Mr. Kavlich did get the Patients First property back, but Mrs. Jones said it will soon go in to foreclosure. Mrs. Jones stated that, with regard to the armory, Mr. McCourt does not think the materials on the roof are sufficient to collapse the building, but the inside is packed to the brim. As of now, Mr. McCourt has not ordered the building’s demolition. Mrs. Morris briefly touched upon the changes in the budget which include amendments to the Municipal Income Tax Fund #205 and the Neighborhood Improvement Fund #480, the latter of which is being increased due to the aforementioned abatement/demolition of the three properties. 6 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 16, 2025 Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Zacharyasz, that the three-reading rule be suspended for Ordinance No. 6-8. 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. Skoczen, that Ordinance No. 6-8 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL Mr. Maxwell announced that the Father’s Day Car Show displayed a memorial to former Council Member Nick Haschka, who was very instrumental to every car show in Berea. He added that there was a tremendous amount of people in attendance. REPORTS AND COMMENTS BY THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mr. Dozier had no report. Mr. McManis had no report. Mr. Skoczen referenced the Browns’ groundbreaking, adding that it is so good to see that project coming to fruition. He stated that he hopes to see residents at summer events throughout the City, and will have information on his annual Ward meeting once Council resumes in September. Mrs. Weaver congratulated the Cleveland Browns and the City of Berea on the groundbreaking of District 46. Mr. Zacharyasz wished everyone a safe and happy summer! Mrs. Brown thanked all those who brought food to fill the little pantry out by the library that Mrs. Esson’s husband built, and then wished a very happy summer Birthday to both Mrs. Esson and her son! She concluded by wishing everyone a great summer! Mrs. Coble thanked everyone for listening to the presentation by NEORSD, and offered a fond farewell to the Taliak family, as they move out of the neighborhood. CORRESPONDENCE The May 29, 2025 – June 11, 2025 Correspondence is available in the Clerk’s office. OTHER BUSINESS: Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Skoczen, that Council recess for the months of July and August. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 7 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – June 16, 2025 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 9:36p.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 16th 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