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MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 20, 2025 – 7:30p.m. Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, met in regular session in the Council Chamber on October 20, 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 Service Tony Armagno 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 Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. McManis, that the minutes from the October 6, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. Without objection, Mr. Maxwell asked that Ordinance No. 10-1 and Ordinance No. 10-2 be considered after the Other Business portion of the agenda. MAYOR'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AND COMMENTS Mayor Kleem had no report. Mrs. Brown congratulated the Administration, as well as the Service Department, for a fantastic Harvest Festival. Mayor Kleem gave all the credit to Megan Pochatek and the Special Events crew, along with the Service Department, adding that every year the decorations and event get better and better, and the entire team takes a lot of pride in what they do. Mayor Kleem then introduced the newly installed President of Baldwin Wallace University Lee Fisher. Mr. Fisher began by stating that he is happy to be a resident of the City, and has so much respect for those who serve in local government, because the roles of Mayor, Council Members and School Board Members are truly the front lines. President Fisher stated that while he has spent much of his career in public service, it was his family members who served on Cleveland City Council, so he knows all that goes in to the job of a Council Member. President Fisher expressed his enthusiasm to learn more about Berea and the University, and his desire to be an active and engaged citizen. He hopes to facilitate a positive and cooperative relationship with the City, as his approach is transparent and pro-active. He noted that his wife, Peggy Zone Fisher, will be active in the community alongside him. Mr. Maxwell invited Mr. Fisher to attend Council meetings at any time, and Mrs. Brown referenced the recent installation ceremony, stating that it was truly amazing and congratulating the entire team for such an event. 2 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – October 20, 2025 President Fisher thanked the Council Members who attended the Installation, and Mayor Kleem for speaking at the event. He noted that the highlight was the music, and Mrs. Brown suggested that the University’s talented musicians play down at Coe Lake. Mrs. Coble thanked President Fisher for attending, and stated that she looks forward to the upcoming community meeting so that residents may get to know both he and his wife as neighbors. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE OFFICERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION: Andrea Morris – Director of Finance: Mrs. Morris was not present. Barb Jones – Director of Law & Public Safety: Mrs. Jones was not present. Tony Armagno – Director of Public Service: Mr. Armagno stated that the award for the pool house renovation was given to JP Martini Construction, and noted that the Front Street detour will be in place for another 2 weeks. In response to a comment from Mr. Skoczen, Mr. Armagno stated that the leaf collection schedule has been posted and is in the City newsletter, adding that crews will do a final sweep around the City at the end of the season. Mr. Skoczen then inquired about a letter he received with regard to lead pipes on private property, to which Mr. Armagno reminded everyone that within the next couple of years, per EPA mandate, the City must determine the material of all service lines on both public and private property. Residents who receive such a letter should follow the provided directions, because crews can determine the material of the pipes on private property simply by looking at them. Residents, however, do need to schedule a time for crews to come out. Mr. Armagno continued that the City is following up with some lines on public property, and while there will hopefully be grant opportunities that could assist residents that must replace their piping, as of right now, the number of houses that have been found to have lead pipes is 2 out of thousands that have been checked. General discussion commenced regarding the Front Street project punch list items, and the projected timeline for completion. Marty Compton – Director of Recreation: Mr. Compton was not present. COMMENDATIONS: None PETITIONS: None 3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – October 20, 2025 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Bruce McLaughlin asked that it be reiterated in the City newsletter that leaves should not be placed in the streets. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Woodvale Union Cemetery Board of Trustees – Jim Maxwell Mr. Maxwell reminded Council about the Joint meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7:00p.m., asking that they review the provided packet and let Mrs. Esson know if they are unable to attend. LEGISLATION – THIRD 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 informed Council that the proposed project is pickleball courts at Jason Malone Park, as these courts are of high demand and the proof of this is that the Berea Pickleball Association has raised $26,000 to contribute toward the cost of this project, which should total about $90,000. The City is applying for a $50,000 grant, and should it be received, very little money will come out of City funds. Mr. Maxwell asked if any thought was given to the noise that may be generated for residents who live close to the park. Mr. Armagno responded that there are, currently, pickleball courts at the site of the former Parknoll School, near to residents, and there have been no issues. In addition, vegetation will provide some screening, and the Courts will have no lighting, thus play should conclude by dark, and certainly by the time the park closes at 10:00p.m. Mr. McManis inquired about the loss of parking spaces, and Mr. Armagno stated that if the parking lot is re-striped, the amount of parking should remain consistent, noting that the Recreation Director is not concerned. Mrs. Coble asked if the City has heard anything about the CDBG application, and Mr. Armagno responded that those receiving grants have not yet been announced. General discussion commenced about the timeframe for the project. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. Zacharyasz, that Resolution No. 6-5 be approved. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – October 20, 2025 ORDINANCE NO. 9-10: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF BEREA BY REZONING VARIOUS PARCELS FROM UPTOWN (UT) DISTRICT TO MULTI- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (MFR) DISTRICT. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mr. Madzy noted that the City’s Zoning Consultant did review this Ordinance and found it to be consistent with the objectives of the Zoning Code and Master Plan. He reminded Council that, currently, residential is permitted on the second floor of facilities, thus this rezone would simply allow residential on the ground floor, as well. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that Ordinance No. 9-10 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 9-11: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GD3 VENTURES I LLC, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND SALE OF REAL PROPERTIES OWNED BY THE CITY OF BEREA, WHICH ARE NO LONGER NEEDED FOR ANY MUNICIPAL PURPOSES, 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. Zacharyasz, that Ordinance No. 9-11 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. LEGISLATION – SECOND READING: ORDINANCE NO. 10-3: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF BEREA TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO, PROVIDING FOR HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BEREA FOR YEARS 2026 AND 2027. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 10-3 stands on second reading. LEGISLATION – FIRST READING: NONE REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL Mr. Maxwell stated that throughout his time campaigning, he has heard from everyone how much they love Coe Lake. He thanked Mayor Kleem and his team for making it the destination it has become! Mayor Kleem noted that this year the City asked for help from local students who served as Park Ambassadors, and the presence of these students helped to dramatically decrease the number of incidents over the summer months. 5 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – October 20, 2025 REPORTS AND COMMENTS BY THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mr. Zacharyasz had no report. Mrs. Brown stated that her Ward 2 meeting will be held on November 3, 2025 from 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. in the Council Chamber. She added that she will bring cookies. Mrs. Brown also stated that she met with Guy Turner, adding that he does so much with and for the Mayor, and thanked Mayor Kleem for moving Mr. Turner, Mr. Norton and the Office of Veterans Outreach to buildings that are handicap accessible. Mrs. Coble announced that the next meeting of the American250 committee will be next month at the Berea Historical Society, and showed everyone the flag they received that shows Berea is a participating community. She also reminded Council of the Community meeting with President and Mrs. Fisher. Mr. Dozier had no report. Mr. McManis congratulated the Berea-Midpark Middle School Titan Cheerleaders who won their competition! Mr. Skoczen announced that he is hosting his annual Ward 5 meeting on November 23, 2025 at 11:00a.m. in Chamber. He also invited Council Members to attend Bluegrass’s HOA meeting this coming Wednesday at 6:00p.m. Mrs. Weaver suggested that the topic of Short Term Rentals be the subject of an upcoming Work Session, and Mrs. Maxwell stated they can talk after the meeting about a date and time. CORRESPONDENCE The October 2, 2025 – October 15, 2025 Correspondence is available in the Clerk’s office. OTHER BUSINESS: ORDINANCE NO. 10-1: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING, RATIFYING AND AFFIRMING THE 2025 ANNUAL FINDINGS, MINUTES AND ACTIONS OF THE TAX INCENTIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR COMMERCIAL COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS ENTERED INTO UNDER POST-1994 RULES IN THE CITY OF BEREA. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mr. McManis recused himself from the discussion. Proposed Ordinance No. 10-1 stands on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 10-2: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING, RATIFYING AND AFFIRMING THE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT, MINUTES AND ACTIONS OF THE CITY OF BEREA HOUSING REVIEW COUNCIL FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS AND COMMERCIAL COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS ENTERED INTO UNDER THE PRE-1994 COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF BEREA. 6 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – October 20, 2025 The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mrs. Brown and Mr. McManis recused themselves from the discussion. Proposed Ordinance No. 10-2 stands on second reading. There being no further business before Council, it was moved by Mr. Skoczen, and seconded by Mr. Dozier, 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 8:29p.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 20th day of October, 2025, was conducted in compliance with Codified Ordinances Section 109 and Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22. ___________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council