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MINUTES OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING January 26, 2026 – 7:30p.m. Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, met in special session in the Council Chamber on January 26, 2026 and the meeting was called to order by President of Council Jim Maxwell at 7:30p.m. Present: Erika Coble, Michael A. Kurtz, Chris McManis, Vance Redding, Rick Skoczen, Lisa Weaver and Gene Zacharyasz. Also present: Mayor Cyril M. Kleem. Present via Zoom: Director of Public Works Tony Armagno and Director of Law and Public Safety Barb Jones. 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 Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that the minutes from the January 4, 2026 Organizational Meeting be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. Moved by Mrs. Weaver, seconded by Mr. Kurtz, that the minutes from the January 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. MAYOR'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT AND COMMENTS Mayor Kleem thanked Mr. Armagno and the Service Department crews, as well as Police and Fire, for the great work they have done during this winter storm. 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 stated that the parking ban will remain in effect until tomorrow. Tony Armagno – Director of Public Service: Mr. Armagno addressed the salt shortage in Northeast Ohio, adding that this storm has not helped the matter. He explained that the City has been rationing salt in preparation for this storm, and will continue to do so until salt supplies stabilize. The concentration has been, and will continue to be, on bridges, intersections and mains. Mrs. Weaver inquired about trash collection and Mr. Armagno responded that Kimble is acting as if today were a holiday, so tomorrow, Kimble will collect those who are normally collected on Monday. On Wednesday, they will pick up those containers that are normally collected on Tuesday, and so forth. 2 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING – January 26, 2026 In response to a question from Mrs. Coble, Mr. Armagno stated that the City does clear the sidewalks by the Townhouses on the Triangle, but crews are just a bit behind. They will be cleared as soon as possible, as will the walks Mrs. Weaver referenced on Prospect between West and Baker Street. Mr. Maxwell echoed the Mayor’s comments, stating that the Service crews have been amazing these past few days. Mr. Skoczen thanked Mr. Armagno for the City’s assistance clearing the turn lane at Sprague and Prospect. Marty Compton – Director of Recreation: Mr. Compton was not present. COMMENDATIONS: NONE PETITIONS: NONE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: NONE COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Woodvale Union Cemetery Board of Trustees – Jim Maxwell Mr. Maxwell stated that the expansion is on hold until the weather breaks, at which time the new road will be installed. Berea Shade Tree Commission – Erika Coble & Gene Zacharyasz Mrs. Coble stated that at last week’s Shade Tree meeting, a few members introduced a recommended tree list that includes native species, which will soon be publicized on the City’s website. LEGISLATION – THIRD READING: ORDINANCE NO. 12-2: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THE MERRIMAK DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mr. Maxwell reminded everyone that the project will be a total repair of Merrimak from Crossbrook Drive to Lapaz Boulevard. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 12-2 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Coble, Kurtz, McManis, Redding, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. 3 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING – January 26, 2026 LEGISLATION – SECOND READING: ORDINANCE NO. 1-2: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CUYAHOGA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN IMPLEMENTING SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Proposed Ordinance No. 1-2 stands on second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 1-3: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A LISTING AGREEMENT WITH A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR FOR THE MARKETING AND SALE OF 280 KEMPTON DRIVE, AND TO SUBSEQUENTLY, AND UPON THE APPROVAL OF BOARD OF CONTROL, ENTER INTO A STANDARD RESIDENTIAL PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE SALE OF 280 KEMPTON DRIVE, WHICH IS NO LONGER NEEDED FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES, TO THE PERSON OR ENTITY SUBMITTING THE HIGHEST AND BEST OFFER, AND TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE SALES, 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 City has taken possession of the property and Mr. Madzy will have an update regarding the state of the interior prior to third reading. Proposed Ordinance No. 1-3 stands on second reading. LEGISLATION – FIRST READING: NONE REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL Mr. Maxwell thanked Mayor Kleem for hosting the Volunteer Banquet, adding that it was very well attended, and it was great to see so many people out during this winter storm. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mr. Kurtz reminded residents to check on neighbors who may need assistance during this storm, and encouraged people to inspect fire alarm batteries and space heaters. Mr. Kurtz explained that he attended the NOACA review of the Browns stadium impact in Brook Park, adding that information can be found online. He felt Brook Park was ready for what is coming, and Berea will have to prepare as well. Mr. McManis had no report. Mr. Redding thanked Mr. Armagno for addressing bridge issues. Mr. Skoczen encouraged people to check on elderly neighbors, and wished Ken Mantifel a speedy recovery! 4 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING – January 26, 2026 Mrs. Weaver asked residents to make sure fire hydrants are clear of snow, in case of an emergency. Mr. Zacharyasz had no report. Mrs. Coble thanked those who came out to events in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, noting they were very well attended! She also thanked her fellow Council Members who attended NOACA’s informational session in Brook Park. She concluded by asking everyone to be careful out in the cold. CORRESPONDENCE The January 1, 2026 – January 22, 2026 Correspondence is available in the Clerk’s office. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Esson thanked Mr. Armagno for his help with a resident situation on Sunday. There being no further business before Council, it was moved by Mr. Zacharyasz, and seconded by Mr. Kurtz, that the Special 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 7:52p.m. ______________________________________ Jim Maxwell President of Council ______________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE The special meeting of Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, held on the 26th day of January, 2026, was conducted in compliance with Codified Ordinances Section 109 and Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22. ___________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council