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CITY OF BEREA, OHIO MINUTES OF A COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 8, 2025 – 7:30p.m. A Work Session of Berea City Council was held in the Council Chamber on December 8, 2025, and was called to order at 7:30p.m. by President of Council Jim Maxwell with the following members present: Mary K. Brown, Erika Coble, Leon Dozier, Chris McManis, Rick Skoczen, Lisa Weaver and Gene Zacharyasz. Absent: None. 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 reminded Council that this discussion is a follow-up to the November Work Session, and with regard to short term rentals in the City. He began by referencing some information he gathered, specifically that there is no way to know how many times a call has gone to the Berea Police Department regarding a property that is a short term rental. While the Law Department does manually check each property that could qualify as a nuisance to determine if it is a rental property, the process is extremely labor intensive. Mr. Maxwell stated that it is possible to mandate that property owners be present at the time their house is occupied as a short term rental, and also that the owner use the property as their primary residence, but terms would need to be clearly and meticulously defined. The City may require, as it does now for long term rentals, that the owner or a representative live in a contiguous County and be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in case any issues emerge. Mr. Maxwell continued that a moratorium could be focused on a specific section or Ward in the City, but this would be tedious to manage. With regard to surrounding Cities and their laws about short term rentals, Mr. Maxwell explained that Middleburg Heights has a ban in place, however, it will only be enforced if a complaint comes in, at which time they would send a letter asking the rentals to cease, and prosecute, if it became necessary. This has not happened as of yet, and the City of Middleburg Heights does not have the resources to go out and look for these types of rentals. Mr. Zacharyasz explained that Strongsville does have a ban on short term rentals in residential districts, and violation of this law constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, with a separate offense being charged each day. However, both the Mayor and Law Director agree that they do not know how to litigate this, if challenged, and the ban is more of a Work Session – December 8, 2025 deterrent. The City of Strongsville does not have the resources to be pro-active in this endeavor. Mr. McManis informed Council that since Painesville has been consumed with short term and long term rentals, Mentor decided to prohibit anything less than 30 days. Rentals over 30 days require owner occupancy of at least 15 days, along with other stringent regulations. All enforcement is complaint driven, and any offense is a misdemeanor with excessively high fines. Mr. McManis continued that Fairview Park prohibits short term rentals and has received 5 complaints in 18 months, but did have an apartment building that was primarily consumed by short term renters and being used more like a hotel. He noted that Fairview Park informed him that Airbnb will remove a City from its website, if requested, as will other short term rental platforms. Mr. McManis stated that Mayfield Heights has a moratorium in place, but is concerned about constitutional challenges, and Cleveland allows a property to be used as a short term rental 91 days of the year, so long as the property owner occupies the property for 51% of the calendar year. Mr. McManis concluded by stating that he did receive a call from a resident who supports short term rentals, adding that the extra income has allowed her to keep her house. Mrs. Weaver stated that Avon Lake allows short term rentals, but registration is required, as is an exterior inspection, and the owner must be able to reach the property within 1 hour, if necessary. They will also be implementing a bed tax soon. Mrs. Weaver said that Brook Park does not prohibit short term rentals, but instead classifies them as a Conditional Use that requires Council approval. Properties must also have proof of insurance, totaling $300,000, and the owner must be present. She concluded by stating that Bay Village prohibits short term rentals. Mr. Skoczen explained that Shaker Heights does not allow short term rentals of less than 30 days, but does permit 1 room to be rented out, with no license required. Non owner occupied rentals of 30 plus days require a rental license, certificate of occupancy and inspections. Mr. Skoczen stated that North Royalton allows a property to be used as a short term rental 14 days out of the year, so long as it is occupied by the owner the other 351 days. Single room rentals are prohibited and transient permits are required, however, the City is not sure how to enforce these laws. Mr. Skoczen said that Westlake has no language that allows or does not allow short term rentals, but rental properties require an application, license fee, and tenant information. They also stated that Cuyahoga County has instituted a bed tax on short term Work Session – December 8, 2025 rentals at 6.5%, and the landlord is responsible for collecting this, as Airbnb includes the charge. Mrs. Coble explained that Olmsted Township has banned shot term rentals, and will enforce this, as their Code prohibits any use that is not specifically allowed. Olmsted Falls has no rental permits at all, and North Olmsted has banned transient rentals, with the offense constituting a misdemeanor. Mr. Maxwell summarized that enforcement seems like it is an issue for every City. Dave Kammerman stated that, nationwide, State Courts are striking down bans, thus regulations have been proven to be a better route. With regard to enforcement, large Cities may have a task force, but most Cities do not have the resources. Mr. McManis stated that he learned that properties used as Airbnbs can generate up to $25,000 per year for the owner, but more supply in the City could mean less demand and less people opting to start an Airbnb. He thinks the City should regulate, not ban, the practice. Ann Graham, a resident on East Bridge Street, stated that short term rentals work when proper guardrails, such as occupancy rates, permit fees, inspections, and limited licenses, are put in place. Mrs. Coble reminded Council of the 2019 Resolution creating the home ownership zone around the college, as the goal was to have more families move in and less rentals overall. General discussion commenced concerning the ideas Mayor Kleem expressed to Council, which included that a contact person be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, that STRs not be permitted within 1000 feet of playgrounds, parks, and schools, that STRs not be permitted within 500’ of one another, and an acknowledgement that current short term rentals are grandfathered in, but this expires upon sale, title transfer or failure to renew a permit. Mrs. Brown reminded Council that this entire discussion began because a couple neighbors were having issues. One situation was resolved, and the other is grandfathered in, thus she encouraged Council to implement regulations, rather than a ban, because this may be easier to enforce. Mr. Maxwell stated that the consensus seems to be that Council is comfortable considering some of the Mayor’s suggestions, and would like a seat at the table as amendments to current law are crafted. Work Session – December 8, 2025 FINANCE COMMITTEE Chair: Rick Skoczen; Members: Brown & McManis Mr. Skoczen reminded Council that at the most recent Joint Council Meeting, a discussion was had about the salaries of Woodvale employees. The concern is that these individuals are highly skilled and expected to perform a variety of tasks, repair their own equipment, and conduct difficult work without error, all while being vastly underpaid when compared to others in their profession. Obviously, a City owned cemetery has a different budget than a private one, but if the goal is to maintain this talented staff, some increases need to occur. Mr. Maxwell referenced the aforementioned idea of raising costs in order to fund these pay increases, but it has been determined that prices are competitive and, actually, slightly above average, thus Mr. Skoczen concluded this is not an option. Mr. Skoczen asked Mr. Maxwell to elaborate on what the employees do, as compared to a City Service Department worker, and Mr. Maxwell complied. Mrs. Brown asked if the new sections of Woodvale are being sold yet, and Mr. Maxwell stated that they will begin in the Spring. Mr. Maxwell noted that employee merit reviews are being written now. Mr. Skoczen concluded by stating that while Middleburg Heights is asking for additional information, he has spoken with Mrs. Morris about additional funds being added to the final budget in order to help the salaries of Woodvale employees to begin to become more competitive. The employees work hard, perform a multitude of jobs, and work outside the scope of their positions, which saves both Cities money. There is time for additional discussion, but even with the perks of individual health care and OPERS, the salaries need to be more competitive in order to retain quality individuals. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Brown asked that everyone get the lists of problematic sidewalks in each Ward to her as soon as possible so that the sidewalk repair program can begin. Mr. Zacharyasz asked how much money will be spent on this endeavor, and Mrs. Brown stated that the Mayor has committed $100,000 a year, with the worst portions being repaired first. Vance Redding, a member of the audience and Councilman-Elect, asked if sidewalks could be put in for the building at the end of Shelley Parkway that is occupied by individuals 52 years of age and over. Mr. Kammerman stated that he is working with the owners to add an additional walkway. Mr. Skoczen stated that most sidewalks are disturbed due to treelawn tree roots, thus some future problems may be avoided as better trees are planted. Mr. Zacharyasz Work Session – December 8, 2025 agreed, noting that the new trees going in will not disturb the sidewalks, but some of the gas line projects have and do. A recent Columbia Gas project caused sidewalks to drop, and he asked if they are responsible for any repairs. Mrs. Coble asked that sidewalks be considered important infrastructure moving forward, and be maintained in the same manner as treelawns and roads. Mr. Maxwell noted that Mr. Dozier will not be at the final meeting of the year, and took the opportunity to thank him for all of his years of service, adding that he wishes him an enjoyable retirement. Mr. Dozier stated that he has learned a lot and it has been a pleasure! With no further business before Council, adjournment was moved by Mrs. Brown, and seconded by Mr. Zacharyasz. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays, and thus the Work Session adjourned at 9:35p.m. ________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE The Work Session of the Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, held on the 8th 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