CITY OF BRUNSWICK, OHIO
MINUTES OF COUNCIL
Monday, January 23, 2023
Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance The regular meeting of Brunswick City Council was called to order by
Mayor Ron Falconi at 7:05 p.m. at the Municipal Complex.
Roll Call of Members showed the following Council Members present: Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert,
Michael Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy Piper.
Others Present: Mayor Ron Falconi, City Manager/Safety Director Carl DeForest, Law Director Ken Fisher,
Clerk of Council Laura Timura.
Nicholas Hanek moved to excuse Joseph Delsanter and Tim Smith for just cause, seconded by Kristy
Piper. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Correspondence There was none.
Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated January 9, 2023.Nicholas Hanek moved to approve
the Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated January 9, 2023, as written, seconded by Anthony
Capretta. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Mayorâs Report:
Proclamation in recognition of Walt Wozniak's service to the Board of Zoning Appeals.:
Mayor Falconi presented a proclamation to Walt Wozniak in honor of his years of service to the Board of
Zoning Appeals.
Motion to approve Mayor's recommendation to reappoint Bradley Saeger to the Planning Commission.:
Kristy Piper moved to reappoint Bradley Saeger to the Planning Commission, seconded by Anthony
Capretta. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Mayor's recommendation to appoint Russell Hopkins to the Board of Zoning Appeals.:
If anyone on Council has questions regarding this recommendation, they should contact the Mayor.
Clerk of Councilâs Report There was none.
Council Committee Reports:
Economic Development Committee.....................................................Mr. Lambert:
Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes dated January 9, 2023:
Brandon Lambert moved to approve the Economic Development Committee formal report dated January
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Brunswick City Council Monday, January 23, 2023
9, 2023, as written, seconded by Nicholas Hanek. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert,
Michael Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee................................Mr. Smith:
Mr. Smith had no formal reports this evening.
Finance Committee................................................................................Mr. Hanek:
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes dated January 9, 2023:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Finance Committee formal report dated January 9, 2023, as written,
seconded by Michael Abella, Jr. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr.,
Anthony Capretta, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Safety & Environment Committee.......................................................Mr. Capretta:
Mr. Capretta had no formal reports this evening.
Planning & Zoning Committee..............................................................Mr. Delsanter:
Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes dated December 19, 2022:
Brandon Lambert moved to approve the Planning & Zoning Committee formal report dated December 19,
2022, as written, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael
Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Parks, Recreation & Community Committee..........................................Mrs. Piper:
Mrs. Piper had no formal reports this evening.
Building & Building Code Committee...................................................Mr. Abella:
Mr. Abella had no formal reports this evening.
Other Committees, Boards and Commissions
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes dated January 9, 2023:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Committee-of-the-Whole formal report dated January 9, 2023, as
written, seconded by Anthony Capretta. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael
Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Petitions from the Public on Legislation Karen Howell of 3992 Buckingham Drive came before Council. She
expressed concern regarding the proposed assisted living facility. Ms. Howell stated that she understands
the need for these units. However, she, along with many others, objects to the height of the building. She
feels that a three-story building does not fit in a residential neighborhood and it devalues properties. Ms.
Howell explained that it sets the wrong precedence for the City. This is not the correct option for this area
especially if it devalues properties and changes the character of the neighborhood. She relayed that many
residents felt as strongly as she did. She presented a list of residents' signatures showing their opposition to
the assisted living facility. She declared that there are over 60 signatures. She asked if this legislation
would have three readings to allow other residents to be informed of this project, if the developer can make
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Brunswick City Council Monday, January 23, 2023
this a one or two-story building, and if more information could be provided pertaining to the background of
this matter. She desired to know if the property was formerly owned by the City of Brunswick. She wanted
an explanation regarding this transaction and why the City sold the property. Additionally, she inquired as
to what the purchase price was. She again requested that the project be a one or two-story building and
noted her belief that this was how the project was conceptualized originally. She asked for three readings
to allow the developer to amend their plans to a one or two-story unit and to give additional time to garner
more signatures in protest to this multi-story unit.
Mr. Fisher explained that this was the first reading and that there would be a total of three readings for the
legislation. He explained that there would be two additional readings in February. He told residents that
there would be no vote on the legislation at tonight's Council Meeting. Ms. Howell was correct that the
Charter requires three readings.
Michelle Kukarola-Brown of 4016 Canterbury Drive came before Council. She stated that she sent an email
out to all of the members of Council. She thanked Mr. Hanek, Mr. DeForest, and Mr. Lambert for
addressing her concerns. She then read the email in which she described residents' concerns pertaining to
the owner of Sanctuary Health Network LLC. She went on to say that one of the facilities in Wadsworth is
operating under the name of Sanctuary Wadsworth. According to eldercare.com. it has a D rating
compared to the state rating of B- and the national average, which is a B. She added that their inspection
reports from 2017 through 2021 note the same deficiencies. The three most concerning areas were as
follows: the appropriate use of antipsychotic medication (D rating), appropriate usage of anti-anxiety
medication (D rating), and nursing quality (F rating). Ms. Kukarola-Brown then read the mission statement
which read: A Faith-Based Catholic Senior Healthcare Facility conducive to the overall wellness by providing
excellent medical attention and also enveloping each resident in a therapeutic culture of faith. She asked if
Sanctus LLC is working in conjunction with Catholic Diosis of Cleveland. She said according to the Medina
County Auditor, the parcels were transferred to Sanctus LLC from the City of Brunswick on March 16, 2017,
at a cost of $0. She asked if this was correct and if so, why was Mr. Biller given this land. She explained that
the residents' homes were built over 33 years and at that time a facility of this size and structure was not
what they had in mind. She explained that Mr. Delsanter had relayed to her that Sanctus is no longer
involved and that it is now under Provision Living's Corporate Office in St. Louis, Missouri. She then asked
why a transfer of property had not gone through from Sanctus to Provision Living. She is quite concerned
about violations that come up under Francis Biller's name. Mr. Kukarola-Brown asked if Mr. Biller would still
be allowed to do business in the community. She again asked Council to say no to this facility.
Tom Tkacz of 4092 Canterbury then addressed Council. Mr. Tkacz stated that he had moved from Parma to
the City of Brunswick for its rural flavor and numerous parks. He mentioned that building a facility like this
would be contrary to everything his family moved to Brunswick for. He has spoken to numerous neighbors
and due to COVID and weather concerns many were unable to attend the Council meeting. He felt the
building would be a major eye sour and that it would affect the wildlife. He asked how many other sites
were looked at and if North Carpenter, 303, or Pearl Road were considered. He felt that the assisted living
facility should be located among other businesses and not on a residential neighborhood. This is an
invasion of his neighborhood and he suspects it will drop his property value.
Reading of Legislation and Action on Legislation:
3rd Reading(s)
2nd Reading(s)
1st Reading(s)
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Brunswick City Council Monday, January 23, 2023
ORD. NO. 3-2023 - An ordinance amending the Conceptual Development Plan of the Senior Development
Special Planning District No. 5. - 1st Reading (To be brought from Planning & Zoning
Committee, Administration/Grant Aungst):
Mrs. Piper moved this ordinance to second reading.
RES. NO. 4-2023 - An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a one (1) year
contract for property, automobile, inland marine, general liability, public officials liability, public officials
liability, police liability, boiler and machines, crime coverage, cyber coverage, employment practice and
umbrella insurance coverage - 1st Reading (To be brought from Committee-of-the-Whole,
Administration/Kayla Pawlowski):
Mr. Hanek moved this resolution to second reading.
City Manager's Report Mr. DeForest noted that the Civil Service gives several entry-level tests for various
positions to include Police, Fire, Service, and Clerk II positions. If someone is interested in one of these
positions, they can complete an Interest Form with Civil Service. If an Interest Form is completed, applicants
will be notified when the test is coming up. This form can be completed online at www.brunswick.oh.us or
by contacting the Civil Service Clerk, Natalie, at 330-558-6860.
The information to sign up for Code Red is on the City's website or residents can contact Anne Marie Jones
at the Police Department non-emergency number, 330-225-9111. Those that wish to opt out of Code Red
can complete this process online or by contacting Anne Marie Jones.
Open Forum Cather Ruther of 3456 Woodstock Lane asked how many snowplows the City has. She said the
plowing is delayed repeatedly on her street. She said that she had lived in Beachwood and they were able
to keep up with the snow there. She explained that when North Carpenter and Grafton roads were
completed, her road on Woodstock was a cut-through for semis and heavy machinery. She noted that
several neighbors wished to meet with Mr. Abella to complain about several boulders that our coming out
of the road. The concrete that was poured at the end of Woodstock and North Carpenter was not poured
correctly and it was a pool of ice. She then complained that her road was not plowed until 10 p.m., while all
of the main roads had been completed. She noted that a car on her street had spun and broken its tire at 3
p.m. Ms. Ruther feels this is unacceptable. Additionally, she said that Brunswick is becoming an eye
sour. She remarked that Brunswick was beginning to look like a less fortunate city, Parma. She explained
that she used to live in Parma and moved for this reason. Brunswick has businesses that are not being taken
care of, there are poor driveways and poor parking. Ms. Ruther wanted to know why these individuals are
not being cited. She gave examples of stores that would bring revenue to the City, such as Trader Joe's and
T.J. Maxx. Ms. Ruther recounted that there are 25 pizza establishments, 7,000 dollar stores, automotive
places, etc. She explained these are not the types of establishments she wants in the City and that she
would like to see real growth in the City. Ms. Ruther mentioned that she had been told the City does not
have enough service workers to handle these issues.
Trees are growing into the sidewalks in residential neighborhoods and the City does not maintain trees as
they are growing into the telephone wires. She provided addresses to the City to make sure these issues
were handled and in the 8 years she has resided in Brunswick nothing has been addressed.
Ms. Ruther said in closing that she would like owners to be held accountable for maintaining properties, for
better establishments to be added to the City, and for the City not to be an eye-sour.
Councilman Hanek thanked the residents for attending the meeting and explained that Council and the
administration would be available after the Council meeting to answer questions. He then thanked Walt
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Brunswick City Council Monday, January 23, 2023
Wozniak for his years of service, noting that he had also served on the Board of Zoning Appeals. He
expressed that it is not easy to do public service or the Board of Zoning Appeals for almost 30 years.
Unfinished Business There was none.
New Business Councilwoman Piper relayed that the Brunswick Food Pantry is in need of peanut butter,
strawberry jelly and grape jelly. She asked residents to drop off donations at City Hall.
Councilman Lambert offered to discuss the Provisional Living Facility with residents after the meeting.
Adjournment Nicholas Hanek moved to adjourn, seconded by Michael Abella. Roll Call - Ayes - 5, Nicholas
Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Anthony Capretta, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Timura
Clerk of Council
Mayor Ron Falconi
Adopted
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