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MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING November 17, 2025 – 7:30p.m. Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, met in regular session in the Council Chamber on November 17, 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, 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. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that the minutes from the November 3, Regular Meeting be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. Moved by Mrs. Dozier, seconded by Mr. McManis, that the minutes from the November 10, 2025 Work Session 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 announced to all who have, or may, receive a parking ticket this Christmas season, that instead of paying the fine, they can donate a toy to the Maryssa’s Mission toy drive. Tony Armagno – Director of Public Service: Mr. Armagno stated that crews are half way through the leaf collection schedule, reminding everyone that they will do a couple City wide loops once the normal collection is complete. He also noted that, with regard to the Edgewood project, the final surface of asphalt may be poured before Thanksgiving. Marty Compton – Director of Recreation: Mr. Compton was not present. COMMENDATIONS: None 2 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – November 17, 2025 PETITIONS: None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Finance Committee – Rick Skoczen Mr. Skoczen reminded Council that discussions are underway with regard to items discussed at the Joint Council meeting, noting that he would like to reserve a few minutes at the December 8, 2025 Work Session to discuss the issues. Mr. Maxwell informed him and all in attendance that the Board did meet and gather some information, but asked for additional things, as well. This information will be available by the Work Session. LEGISLATION – THIRD READING: NONE LEGISLATION – SECOND READING: ORDINANCE NO. 11-2: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA (“CRA”) AGREEMENT WITH BAGLEY ROAD PROPERTY 1, LLC (BRP1) AND RED CEDAR COFFEE CO. LLC (RCC). The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 11-2 stands on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 11-3: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PASS-THROUGH SALE-PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY LAND REUTILIZATION AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF BEREA FOR THE TRANSFER OF A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 280 KEMPTON DRIVE, PERMANENT PARCEL NUMBER 363-28-071, TO THE CITY OF BEREA, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. In response to a question from Mr. Skoczen, Mrs. Jones stated that the intent is to sell the property as is, but there are some exterior maintenance violations that must be remedied, and no one yet knows the state of the interior of the property. Title should, however, transfer the first or second week of January, after which time more information will be available. Proposed Ordinance No. 11-3 stands on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 11-4: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO PURCHASE THROUGH THE ODOT STATE CONTRACT PROGRAM AND/OR THE STATE OF OHIO PURCHASING PROGRAM, OR DIRECTLY PURCHASING FROM A STATE APPROVED VENDOR AT A PRICE LOWER THAN THAT AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ODOT STATE CONTRACT PROGRAM AND/OR THE STATE OF OHIO PURCHASING PROGRAM, OR, ALTERNATIVELY, TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACT(S) FOR THE PURCHASE OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES OR OTHER ARTICLES FOR USE IN ONE OR MORE CITY DEPARTMENTS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. 3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – November 17, 2025 The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. General discussion commenced concerning whether or not Woodvale would have access to the City’s purchasing programs. Proposed Ordinance No. 11-4 stands on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 11-5: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND RATIFYING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACT(S) FOR THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE CITY OF BEREA’S SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 11-5 stands on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 11-6: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY DIRECTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAMS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 11-6 stands on second reading. RESOLUTION NO. 11-7: A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE FISCAL OFFICER TO ADVANCE TAXES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF TAX LEVIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 321.34 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Proposed Resolution No. 11-7 stands on second reading. LEGISLATION – FIRST READING: ORDINANCE NO. 11-8: 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. 2025-47. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mrs. Morris highlighted the budget amendments, including changes to the General Fund #100 for equipment repairs, materials, supplies, jail rental costs, adjustments for grant refunds, income tax collections and increases in health insurance costs. Additional amendments include the S.C.M.R. Fund #220 for increases in road repairs, the Community Hospital Fund #255, the Court Computer Fund #290, and the State Highway Patrol Fund #295 for adjustments in revenue collections, as well as the Medical Benefits Fund #600 for health insurance costs, and the Guarantee Deposit Fund #730 due to adjustment for year-end expenditures. 4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – November 17, 2025 Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that the three-reading rule be suspended for Ordinance No. 11-8. 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. Dozier, that Ordinance No. 11-8 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 11-9: 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. 2025-71. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 11-9 stands on first reading. ORDINANCE NO. 11-10: AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES FROM THE VARIOUS FUNDS OF THE CITY OF BEREA, STATE OF OHIO, FROM JANUARY 1, 2026, ENDING MARCH 31, 2026. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 11-10 stands on first reading. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL Mr. Maxwell thanked the students from Baldwin Wallace University who attended this evening, noting that he will be available to answer questions after the meeting. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mrs. Coble thanked everyone who helped remove the invasive honeysuckle plant from Coe Lake Park last Saturday, adding that the intent is to replace it for the long term with native species. She also reminded Council about the community meeting with President and Mrs. Fisher this coming Wednesday at 6:00p.m. at the Student Union. Mr. Dozier had no report. Mr. McManis had no report. Mr. Skoczen reminded everyone of his Ward 5 meeting on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 11:00a.m. in the Council Chamber. He also thanked all who have served, wishing them a Happy belated Veterans Day! Mrs. Weaver inquired about the erosion on the Bridge Street bridge across from Ah Roma, and Mr. Armagno stated that there will be funds dedicated to work in that area in the temporary budget, adding that the area is still being monitored, but no additional movement has been discovered. 5 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – November 17, 2025 Mrs. Weaver also expressed a concern from a resident with regard to the new diagonal parking spaces on Front Street, and wondered if snowplows will have trouble squeezing through the area. Mr. Armagno responded that this was looked at and there is no concern, however, if the snow is significant, a couple of these spaces may be used for temporary snow storage. Mr. Zacharyasz wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Mrs. Brown asked that sidewalk information be given to her so that a wrap up can occur at the December 8, 2025 Work Session. She then informed everyone that Berea’s Democratic Club collected over 200 coats, mittens, scarves and socks for those in need outside of Café Ah Roma. She thanked the café, as well as Caitlin’s Confections for their help and donations. She noted that additional items can be dropped off at the Berea Library tomorrow evening, adding that Mayor Kleem will be speaking with the Club about the unhoused here in Berea, and how we can all be of assistance! CORRESPONDENCE The October 30, 2025 – November 12, 2025 Correspondence is available in the Clerk’s office. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Esson thanked Ben Cutler, Columbia Gas of Ohio’s Public Affairs Manager, who was able to get a couple of non-emergency gas leaks repaired on Fournier about 10 months ahead of schedule, to the great thrill of the residents in question. He said that the company greatly values the relationship and partnership with the City, and will always try to be as response to concerns as possible. She noted that he is a gem to work with no matter the issue! Mrs. Esson wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! There being no further business before Council, it was moved by Mrs. Brown, and seconded by Mr. Zacharyasz, 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 8:03p.m. ______________________________________ Jim Maxwell President of Council ______________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council 6 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – November 17, 2025 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE The regular meeting of Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, held on the 17th 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