2026.5.18.Reg Minutes

MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING May 18, 2026 – 7:30p.m. Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, met in regular session in the Council Chamber on May 18, 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: Director of Public Works 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 Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that the minutes from the April 20, 2026 Regular Council Meeting be approved. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. Moved by Mr. Kurtz, seconded by Mr. Zacharyasz, that the minutes from the May 4, 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 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 had no report. Tony Armagno – Director of Public Service: Mr. Armagno noted that the City will be submitting an application for the special CDBG grant to help fund the repair of Thacker Street soon, noting that the award will be announced in June. He then explained that the Merrimak project will begin mid to late June and is projected to last 60 days. Letters will go out to residents in early June. Mr. Armagno continued that the pool house renovations are a bit behind schedule, but the inside concession area will be ready for opening day of the pool, which is May 30th. Mr. Skoczen informed Mr. Armagno of a rough area of road at the “tuning fork”, and Mr. Kurtz thanked him for cleaning up Parknoll so quickly.

2 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – May 18, 2026 Marty Compton – Director of Recreation: Mr. Compton was not present. COMMENDATIONS: NONE PETITIONS: NONE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Michael Melampy, a resident on Westbridge, thanked Council for adopting the new Ordinance regarding e-bikes, but encouraged Council and the Administration to better educate the public on the new laws, and suggested adding signage in the Triangle area. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: WOODVALE UNION CEMETERY BOARD OF TRUSTEES – JIM MAXWELL Mr. Maxwell informed Council that Woodvale encountered an unexpected but significant expense, as they had to remedy an issue with some aging trees that were damaged in recent storms. The situation was dangerous, thus it was taken care of quickly. He added that the new road will be installed this week, followed by hydroseeding and tree planting, and the area will be staked out in the Fall. He invited anyone with an interest to come see how the expansion is unfolding. LEGISLATION – THIRD READING: ORDINANCE NO. 4-4: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 196.01, DEFINITIONS, OF CHAPTER 196, EXCISE TAX – LODGING, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEREA TO INCLUDE SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN THE DEFINITION OF “HOTEL” IN ORDER TO LEVY AN EXCISE TAX ON EACH TRANSACTION BY WHICH LODGING IS FURNISHED TO TRANSIENT GUESTS IN A SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNIT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5937.08(A) OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. General discussion commenced concerning how the City will ensure that owners self- report, and Mrs. Morris stated that the City will begin by looking at the permit system to see who is required to be paying the tax. Moved by Mr. Zacharyasz, seconded by Mrs. Weaver, that Ordinance No. 4-4 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Coble, Kurtz, McManis, Redding, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 4-9: AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE FRONT STREET TOWNHOMES TAX INCREMENT FINANCING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS; DECLARING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PARCELS WITHIN EACH INCENTIVE DISTRICT TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND EXEMPT FROM REAL PROPERTY TAXATION; REQUIRING THE OWNERS OF THOSE PARCELS TO MAKE SERVICE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES; ESTABLISHING A MUNICIPAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT FUND FOR THE DEPOSIT OF THOSE

3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – May 18, 2026 SERVICE PAYMENTS; SPECIFYING THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS THAT BENEFIT OR SERVE PARCELS IN THE INCENTIVE DISTRICT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Moved by Mr. McManis, seconded by Mr. Redding, that Ordinance No. 4-9 be adopted. Vote on the motion was ayes: Coble, Kurtz, McManis, Redding, Skoczen, Weaver and Zacharyasz. Nays: None. The motion carried. LEGISLATION – SECOND READING: NONE LEGISLATION – FIRST READING: RESOLUTION NO. 5-3: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR, AND, IF AWARDED, TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UTILIZATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTS OF 1974, 1977, 1980 AND 1983, AS AMENDED, AND TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THE CDBG AGREEMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mr. Armagno stated that both the CDBG and CDSG applications were released two weeks ago, and are due on July 13, 2026. No projects have been selected, as of yet, but the information will be available before third reading. Resolution No. 5-3 stands on first reading. RESOLUTION NO. 5-4: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR, AND, IF AWARDED, TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR A GRANT THROUGH THE 2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT PROGRAM AND TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE CONTRACTS FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THE CDSG AGREEMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Proposed Resolution No. 5-4 stands on first reading. RESOLUTION NO. 5-5: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET OF THE CITY OF BEREA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2027, AND SUBMITTING THE SAME TO THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY FISCAL OFFICER. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution. Mrs. Morris stated that the City is required to provide this information, regarding tax

4 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – May 18, 2026 levies, to the County, and there will be a public hearing before Council regarding the Tax Budget on June 15, 2026. Documents related to this Resolution will be available for the public to view Beginning on June 1, 2026. Proposed Resolution No. 5-5 stands on first reading. ORDINANCE NO. 5-6: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR, AND IF AWARDED, TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY AND THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FOR ENHANCED MOBILITY FOR SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM FUNDS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mrs. Jones reminded Council that the City applies for this grant every couple years in order to assist with the purchase of a new Jitney vehicle or van. If awarded, this vehicle will replace a 2017 Ford Transit. Mrs. Coble noted that she loves this program and how it helps residents in the community. Proposed Ordinance No. 5-6 stands on first reading. ORDINANCE NO. 5-7: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING TABLE 1, LAND USE MATRIX CHART OF PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES, IN SECTION 200.07, PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES, OF CHAPTER 200, ZONING DISTRICTS AND ZONING MAP, TO PERMIT HOOKAH BARS AND SMOKING ESTABLISHMENTS AS A CONDITIONAL USE IN THE WEST BAGLEY ROAD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (BR-CD) IN THE CITY OF BEREA; AMENDING SECTION 304.06 SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR EACH CONDITIONAL USE, TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF HOOKHA BARS AND TOBACCO ESTABLISHMENTS, AND AMENDING CHAPTER 400, DEFINITIONS, OF THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF BEREA. The Clerk read the title of Ordinance. Mrs. Jones stated that the City’s Zoning Consultant, Jay Stewart, suggested some changes to this Section in conjunction with the proposed amendments presented in the vape shop Ordinance that was referred to Planning Commission at the last Regular Meeting. Moved by Mr. Skoczen, seconded by Mr. McManis, that Ordinance No. 5-7 be referred to the Municipal Planning Commission for report and recommendation. Vote on the motion was all ayes and no nays. The motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 5-8: A RESOLUTION SUBMITTING TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF BEREA, OHIO, THE QUESTION OF THE RENEWAL OF THE 4.1 MILL TAX LEVY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF BEREA, PURSUANT TO OHIO REVISED CODE SECTION 5705.191 AND ITEM XI-3 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BEREA. The Clerk read the title of the Resolution.

5 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – May 18, 2026 Mrs. Morris explained that Council has already passed the Resolution of necessity for the renewal of the Tax Levy, and the County Fiscal Officer reviewed the information and returned the numbers necessary for this Resolution. The 4.1 mill renewal would generate approximately $461,371 dollars annually, which is $15.91 for each $100,000 of the assessed value of a property in Berea. The levy, if approved by the voters of the City, is for a period of five years, with the first billing in 2027. She noted that ballot language can be found in Section 3 of this Resolution. In response to a question from Mr. Skoczen, Mrs. Morris explained that, if approved, Council will see an amended version of the Tax Rate Resolution after the election, and suspension will be requested at that time. Mr. Maxwell emphasized that this is a renewal tax levy. Proposed Resolution No. 5-8 stands on first reading. ORDINANCE NO. 5-9: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF BEREA OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BEREA BY CREATING FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR COUNCIL, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Clerk read the title of the Ordinance. Mr. Skoczen noted his support for this change, as it should save the City money. Mrs. Coble added that she supports the move to a 4 year term because constituents may always utilize the recall option, should they find it necessary, at any time during the 4 year term. Proposed Ordinance No. 5-9 stands on first reading. General discussion commenced regarding the proposed change regarding petition signatures. Mr. Skoczen and Mrs. Coble felt that lowering the number reduces accountability, while Mr. Zacharyasz liked the suggested change. An idea regarding a consistent number of signatures for all seats was suggested, and Mr. Maxwell reminded Council that the proposed Charter change can be discussed, modified, accepted, or denied, and the decision rests with Council. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL Mr. Maxwell had no report. REPORT AND COMMENTS BY THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mr. McManis wished everyone a fun and safe holiday weekend, and invited all residents to come see Mr. Zacharyasz, Mr. Kammerman, and himself at the annual Rib-Cookoff. Mr. Redding stated that he would like to get moving on the sidewalk repair project, as some City sidewalks are simply not safe. Those are the walks that should be concentrated on first, and he asks Mr. Armagno for some simple safety guidelines that should be considered, in addition to how best to go about getting something done.

6 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – May 18, 2026 Mr. Skoczen echoed the comments of Mr. McManis, wishing everyone a safe holiday weekend, and thanked those who are actively serving, retired and especially those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. He concluded by stating that he will be out at the Community Food Drive, along with those Members of Council who are not at the Rib-Cookoff. Mrs. Weaver thanked the Service crews for doing a great job patching the roads, and said the City is looking good and ready for Summer! Mr. Zacharyasz reminded everyone of Berea’s National Rib Cookoff, taking place over the long weekend. Mr. Coble announced that the next America250 speaker event will discuss the history of the Pearl Street neighborhood, noting that there were 100 people in attendance at the last event, and adding that refreshments will be served. Mr. Kurtz thanked the Kiwanis Club for their assistance with the comfort bags, and added that he hoped to see everyone at the Food Drive. CORRESPONDENCE The April 30, 2026 – May 13, 2026 Correspondence is available in the Clerk’s office. OTHER BUSINESS: NONE There being no further business before Council, it was moved by Mr. Zacharyasz, and seconded by Mr. Skoczen, 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 8:14p.m. ______________________________________ Jim Maxwell President of Council ______________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE The regular meeting of Council of the City of Berea, Ohio, held on the 18th day of May, 2026, was conducted in compliance with Codified Ordinances Section 109 and Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22. ___________________________________ Alycia Esson Clerk of Council