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MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 2025 – 7:30p.m. Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, met in regular session in the Council Chamber on December 1, 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: 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. Brown, seconded by Mr. McManis, that the minutes from the November 17, 2025 Regular Meeting be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. MAYOR'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AND COMMENTS Mayor Kleem was not present. 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 that the City is set to go live with the new regional dispatch unit on December 9, 2025. Tony Armagno – Director of Public Service: Mr. Armagno announced that flow monitoring for the Jaqueline sewer project is ending soon, and preconstruction testing reported that there are some sewers that need to be dug. The County must authorize this work, and some excavation will be needed. Lettes are going out to residents, and rehabilitation work will likely begin next Spring. Marty Compton – Director of Recreation: Mr. Compton was not present. COMMENDATIONS: None PETITIONS: None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None 2 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – December 1, 2025 COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ward 5 Meeting – Rick Skoczen Mr. Skoczen reported on his Ward meeting, stating that some drainage issues were discussed, as were solar power and charging stations, and the dangers surrounding e-bikes and scooters. He hoped that legislation could be crafted that would address some of the most salient concerns regarding these types of electric vehicles. Woodvale Union Cemetery Board of Trustees – Jim Maxwell Mr. Maxwell announced that the next monthly meeting will be held on December 4, 2025 at 5:30p.m. LEGISLATION – THIRD 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. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 11-2 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 11-3 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. 3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – December 1, 2025 Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 11-4 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. Moved by Mr. McManis, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that Ordinance No. 11-5 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Dozier, that Ordinance No. 11-6 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Brown, Coble, Dozier, McManis, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 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. Moved by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Resolution No. 11-7 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. 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 second reading. 4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – December 1, 2025 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 second reading. LEGISLATION – FIRST READING: RESOLUTION NO. 12-1: A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO SET, ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT STANDARDS SAFEGUARING AGAINST CYBERSECURITY THREATS AND RANSOMEWARE ATTACKS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Mrs. Jones explained that the State Legislature passed a law requiring all local governments to implement a cybersecurity plan by the end of the year, thus suspension is being requested on first or second reading. Mrs. Jones explained that, in addition to the plan, local governments are not longer permitted to pay ransomeware without the consent of the legislative authority, and any security breaches must be referred to Ohio’s Department of Homeland Security, as well as the State Auditor. Mr. Maxwell clarified that this Resolution directs the Mayor to make a security plan, and also endorses the plan. Mrs. Jones stated that the security plan is nearly complete, is not a public record and would need to be discussed in Executive Session. Mr. McManis asked if Council could have some input as to what is included, and Mrs. Brown responded that the State law requires what the plan must include, and it does require training. General discussion commenced concerning phishing emails, the possibility of reading and discussing the report in Executive Session, and whether or not City emails could be accessed while out of the Country. Mr. Maxwell clarified that the creation of this cybersecurity plan is an Administrative action. Council must simply authorize the Mayor to create the plan. Proposed Resolution No. 12-1 stands on first reading. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL Mr. Maxwell announced that the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Baldwin Wallace Union on December 14, 2025 from 8:00am to noon. Anyone interested should see him for tickets. Mr. Maxwell stated that Berea Kind is collecting donations at the Rec Center and particularly looking for warm socks and gloves. 5 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – December 1, 2025 REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mr. Dozier had no report. Mr. McManis thanked the Berea City Club for setting up all the Christmas trees, along with help from the City, and appreciated everyone who contributed. He also wished Mr. Zacharyasz a very Happy Birthday, as his birthday is December 2nd. Mr. Skoczen hoped to see people at the Jack Frost Festival this weekend! Mrs. Weaver had no report. Mr. Zacharyasz had no report. Mrs. Brown asked that Council Members give her their sidewalk information by the next Work Session. Mrs. Coble thanked those who came to the neighborhood meeting with Baldwin Wallace President Lee Fisher and his wife, adding that the University is an important partner and she is very optimistic about the relationship moving forward. CORRESPONDENCE The November 13, 2025 – November 25, 2025 Correspondence is available in the Clerk’s office. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Esson announced that the Inauguration for the 2026-2028 City Council will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with the time to be determined. Mr. Maxwell reminded Council about the December 8, 2025 Work Session, which will include discussion about short term rentals, Woodvale salaries and sidewalk issues. There being no further business before Council, it was moved by Mrs. Brown, 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 8:07p.m. ______________________________________ Jim Maxwell President of Council ______________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council 6 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – December 1, 2025 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE The regular meeting of Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, held on the 1st day of December, 2025, was conducted in compliance with Codified Ordinances Section 109 and Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22. ___________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council