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CITY OF BEREA, OHIO MINUTES OF A COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 10, 2025 – 7:00p.m. A Work Session of Berea City Council was held in the Council Chamber on November 10, 2025, and was called to order at 7:00p.m. by President of Council Jim Maxwell with the following members present: Erika Coble, Leon Dozier, Chris McManis, Rick Skoczen, Lisa Weaver and Gene Zacharyasz. Absent: Mary K. Brown. All who were able rose for the Pledge of Allegiance. This meeting was open to the public in accordance with all legal requirements including C.O. Section 109 and Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code. COORDINATING COMMITTEE Chair: Jim Maxwell; Members: All Members of Council Mr. Maxwell stated that the meeting was being held at the request of Councilwoman Weaver who has been working with a community group on ideas for short term rental policies in the City. Mrs. Weaver explained that, in conjunction with Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Coble, there have been ongoing meetings with community members regarding the uptick in short term rentals throughout the City, and how the City should manage this increase moving forward. She referenced the recent petition that was presented to Council, as well as recently adopted legislation, but asked Council to consider acting beyond what has been done thus far. Mrs. Weaver continued by informing Council that most surrounding communities have prohibited or restricted short term rentals, which paves the way for more coming in to Berea, especially with the Browns expansion on the Northend and in Brook Park. Mrs. Coble agreed that the consensus of the group is to take more time to study this issue, and supported Mrs. Weaver’s call for a 6 month to 1 year moratorium in Berea in order to take the time necessary to study this issue. She asked Council Members for their thoughts and suggestions. Mr. Skoczen expressed his concern with who will be policing this issue, and Mr. Maxwell reminded Council that the Administration has to be onboard in order for any new laws to be enforced. New laws must also be equipped with policies that are enforceable. Due to the fact that surrounding Cities have banned short term rentals, he agreed that investors may decide to look toward Berea, so there is validity in having this discussion. Mr. McManis stated that many people are buying these properties as investment opportunities, noting that in most cases the best investment people make are their homes. He was uncomfortable with limiting people from leveraging these investments, and suggested that instead of banning them, the City should try to become the standard for how to effectively incorporate them cohesively in to the community. Work Session Minutes – November 10, 2025 2 Mr. Zacharyasz said that if the Police were overwhelmed with complaints regarding short term rentals, he could see the need for a moratorium, but there are no current problems. While Council should face the issue head on, he did not think a moratorium was necessary, and was hesitant to limit the rights of property owners because this Council thinks that something could become a problem. Mrs. Weaver countered, stating that she feels the City should address this issue before it becomes a problem for the Police, and while she wants to protect property rights, she also wants to protect residential homeowners. Mr. Maxwell summarized the two issues before Council, the first being the consideration of a moratorium, and the second being how to address short term rentals moving forward. Mr. Zacharyasz suggested adding a bed tax, Mr. McManis offered the idea of limited density or requiring owners be present during rental situations, and Mr. Skoczen did not feel that the issue necessitated a moratorium, as it presents no immediate health or safety issues and does not negatively impact the youth of the community in any way. General discussion commenced concerning gathering information over the next month and meeting in Work Session in December to relay information and decide if a moratorium is warranted. Marlene Shurell asked Council to protect the neighborhoods of Berea, Margaret Lill suggested that Council not just consider nuisance calls, but also data points that show things moving in a negative direction, Holly Porter requested that the City reinstitute rental property safety inspections like those done in Lakewood, Vance Redding asked that absentee landlords be held accountable, and John Duda asked Council to consider how magical Berea is, and the fact that permitting some short term rentals may allow the City to be shared with other people. Mr. Maxwell thanked everyone for their input. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Coble referenced an issue in her Ward with regard to a resident who is utilizing his First Amendment right to project unsettling images in his front yard. While everyone agreed this was a freedom of speech issue, and understood why the Law Department was not compelled to intervene, Mrs. Coble said that residents in the neighborhood in question are extremely distraught over the images and have met with the owner privately, and also sent him a letter, signed by almost 100 people, asking him to find another way to make his voice heard. Mrs. Coble wondered if Council had any other suggestions for how to move forward. General discussion commenced concerning the size of signage on residential properties, and Mr. Skoczen confirmed that residents have already had conversations with the owner. Mrs. Coble said that the administration is unwilling to do anything, and Mr. Maxwell felt he had to defer to the Law Director. A member of the neighborhood was present, and she stated that everyone respects the owner’s rights, and has no issue with verbiage, just the disturbing images depicting aborted children, as they scare kids in the neighborhood. Work Session Minutes – November 10, 2025 3 With no further business before Council, adjournment was moved by Mr. Zacharyasz, and seconded by Mr. Skoczen. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays, and thus the Work Session adjourned at 8:27p.m. ________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE The Work Session of the Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, held on the 10th day of November, 2025, was conducted in compliance with Codified Ordinances Section 109 and Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22. ________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council