CITY OF BRUNSWICK, OHIO
MINUTES OF COUNCIL
Monday, June 12, 2023
Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance The regular meeting of Brunswick City Council was called to order by Mayor
Ron Falconi at 7:04 p.m. at the Municipal Complex.
Roll Call of Members showed the following Council Members present: Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr.,
Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper.
Others Present: Mayor Ron Falconi, City Manager/Safety Director Carl DeForest, Law Director Ken Fisher,
Clerk of Council Laura Timura.
Joseph Delsanter moved to excuse Nicholas Hanek for just cause, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 6,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Correspondence Mrs. Timura read an email from Michael Bretz of 1012 Caxton Lane in Brunswick Hills. In
his correspondence, it was suggested that an independent study be conducted pertaining to the proposed
interchange and its effects on a residential street.
Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated May 22, 2023. Joseph Delsanter moved to approve the
Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated May 22, 2023, as written, seconded by Keith Kuczma. Roll Call - Ayes
- 6, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Mayorâs Report:
(a) Mayor's Court Financial Report for the month ending May 2023 will be posted on the website and
added to the minutes for the record.
(b) Mayor's recommendation to reappoint Jeffrey Arona, John Rocha, and Joseph Shirilla to the
Planning Commission.
If anyone in Council has any questions regarding this recommendation, they should contact the
Mayor.
(c) Proclamation in recognition of St. Ambrose's 5th and 6th Grade Boys CYO Lacrosse Champions:
Mayor Falconi congratulated St. Ambrose's Lacrosse team on their achievement.
Clerk of Councilâs Report There was none.
Council Committee Reports:
Economic Development Committee.....................................................Mr. Lambert:
Mr. Lambert had no formal reports this evening.
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committeeâ¦â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦..Mr. Smith:
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee Minutes dated May 22, 2023:
Tim Smith moved to approve the Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee Minutes dated May 22,
2023, as written, seconded by Keith Kuczma. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 1Brunswick City Council Monday, June 12, 2023
Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Finance Committee................................................................................Mr. Hanek:
Finance Committee Minutes dated May 22, 2023:
Brandon Lambert moved to approve the Finance Committee Minutes dated May 22, 2023, as written,
seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph
Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Safety & Environment Committee.......................................................Mr. Kuczma:
Mr. Kuczma had no formal reports this evening.
Planning & Zoning Committee..............................................................Mr. Delsanter:
Planning & Zoning Committee Minutes dated May 18, 2023:
Joseph Delsanter moved to approve the Planning & Zoning Committee Minutes dated May 18, 2023, as
written, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma,
Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Parks, Recreation & Community Committee..........................................Mrs. Piper:
Parks, Recreation & Community Minutes dated June 7, 2023:
Kristy Piper moved to approve the Parks, Recreation & Community Committee Minutes dated June 7, 2023,
as written, seconded by Keith Kuczma. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith
Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Building & Building Code Committee...................................................Mr. Abella:
Mr. Abella had no formal reports this evening.
Other Committees, Boards and Commissions
Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes dated May 22, 2023:
Joseph Delsanter moved to approve the Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes dated May 22, 2023, as written,
seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma,
Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Petitions from the Public on Legislation There was none.
Reading of Legislation and Action on Legislation:
3rd Reading(s)
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2nd Reading(s)
ORD. NO. 36-2023 - An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to forward a petition for detachment to the
Medina County Commissioner's Office for the purpose of adjusting the City boundary lines to include an
annexation into the City of Brunswick of PPN 001-02D-08-009. - 2nd Reading (Committee-of-the-Whole,
Administration/Ken Fisher):
Mr. Delsanter moved this ordinance to third reading.
1st Reading(s)
ORD. NO. 44-2023 - An ordinance establishing Section 432.47 of the City of Brunswick Codified Ordinances
Titled "Distracted Driving." - 1st Reading (To be brought from Safety & Environment Committee,
Administration/Robert Safran):
Mr. Kuczma moved this ordinance to second reading.
ORD. NO. 45-2023 - An ordinance establishing Chapter 1292 of the City of Brunswick Codified Ordinances to
regulate electric vehicle charging stations. - 1st Reading (To be brought from Planning & Zoning
Committee, Administration/Grant Aungst):
Mr. Delsanter moved this ordinance to second reading and referred it back to the Planning Commission for
review.
ORD. NO. 46-2023 - An emergency ordinance extending a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and
processing of applications for zoning, occupancy and/or permit approvals for electric vehicle charging
stations in all zoning districts of the City and the issuance of such approvals - 1st Reading (To be brought
from Planning & Zoning Committee, Administration/Grant Aungst):
Joseph Delsanter moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Brandon
Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion
Carried.
Joseph Delsanter moved to adopt Ordinance Number 46-2023, seconded by Keith Kuczma. Roll Call - Ayes -
6, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
City Manager's Report Mr. DeForest thanked the American Legion and the VFW for hosting the Memorial
Day program at Westview Cemetery and gave special thanks to Pat Finn, who coordinated the event.
Mr. DeForest also thanked members of the community who attended the program out of consideration and
respect for the fallen members of the military who sacrificed their last breath for our safety and freedom.
He noted that next Wednesday, June 14, is Flag Day and the Army's Birthday. As a result of Flag Day, the
VFW and St. Ambrose will host a flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. This will be
open to the public.
He concluded that the only legal fireworks in the City will occur on either July 3 or July 5 (rain date). The
fireworks will be behind the high school. Mr. DeForest explained that even though the Ohio Revised Code
currently authorizes municipalities to adopt legalization of fireworks, the City of Brunswick has decided not
to. He reiterated that the City fireworks display would be the only legal fireworks.
Open Forum Mary Vantz (78 Duxbury Lane) stated that the real problem with the proposed interstate is the
ethical and moral problem. She expressed that Strongsville knew it was wrong to try to pass legislation
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through the back door. Ms. Vantz remarked that Strongsville tried to get this issue on the ballot previously,
and was not successful. She noted that there is a growing group of residents who are opposed to the
interchange. Ms. Vantz emphasized that if Brunswick does not rise against this interchange, it will set a
precedence for other municipalities. She informed that some residents will lose their homes, while others
will be inhaling truck fumes, or losing property values. She went on to say that it is devastating to lose
property and natural habitats. Ms. Vantz noted that a petition is available for those wishing to sign it and
some signs are also available.
Cindy Meadows (3896 Boston Road) pleaded that the City would not turn into a community with the same
issues as Strongsville. She noted that she is seeing more trees being cut down and green space being built
upon. She found this deeply concerning and expressed her love for the town.
Robert McCafferty (65 Oakleigh) stated that he had heard that they wanted to turn Carpenter Road near 71
into a cul-de-sac. He would like to see Brunswick obtain a map from the City of Strongsville and ODOT and
ask them what their plans are. He noted that Strongsville has many residents upset. He explained that there
would be problems with zoning. Mr. McCafferty felt that many municipalities would want to construct
something within the next 10 years after the slip ramp is built. Mr. McCafferty felt that additional costs
would be incurred by the City in its efforts to prevent theft.
Unfinished Business Mr. Lambert stated that NOACA is not the City's ally and they are in support of the
interchange. He explained that NOACA is comprised primarily of Cuyahoga County elected officials.
Mr. Lambert listened to a portion of NOACA's last meeting in which he heard inaccurate comments referring
to everyone in the surrounding municipalities being in support of the interchange. He encouraged citizens to
send in their petitions, concerns, and letters to NOACA. Presently, NOACA is receiving only one or two letters
a week concerning the interchange. Mr. Lambert mentioned that continued awareness is key and that this is
an active participation project for all of Council and the Administration. Mr. Lambert also noted that
Strongsville was invited to actively debate with Mr. Hanek and they respectfully declined.
New Business
A liquor permit request from DBA Grille & Volleyball Courts, at 1813 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH 44212:
Mr. DeForest declared that there were no objections from the Administration.
Adjournment Joseph Delsanter moved to adjourn, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Brandon
Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion
Carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Timura
Clerk of Council
Mayor Ron Falconi
Adopted
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