CITY OF BRUNSWICK, OHIO
MINUTES OF COUNCIL
Monday, December 11, 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., 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.
Correspondence There was none.
Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated November 27, 2023. Nicholas Hanek moved to approve
the Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated November 27, 2023, as written, seconded by Joseph Delsanter.
Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter,
Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Mayor's Report:
Proclamation in recognition of Law Director Kenneth J. Fisher's years of service to the City of Brunswick:
Mayor Falconi presented Law Director Ken Fisher with a proclamation and acknowledged his excellent
service and representation of the City. He declared that Ken Fisher would be missed by both himself and the
City. Ken Fisher announced that it has been a privilege to serve the City for the past 20 years.
Proclamation in recognition of Service Director Paul Barnett's years of service to the City of Brunswick:
Mayor Falconi congratulated Paul Barnett on his retirement. He went on to commend Mr. Barnett for his
willingness to answer questions and serve constituents to the best of his ability. Mr. Barnett relayed that it
has been a great pleasure working for the City and he has enjoyed working with and for a great group of
people.
Residents from Homes not Highways presented Mr. Barnett with a gift card and a picture of Boston Road to
commemorate his efforts to combat the 1-71 interchange on Boston Road.
Mayor's Court Financial Report for the month ending November 2023 will be posted on the website and
added to the minutes for the record.
Clerk of Council's Report There was none.
Council Committee Reports:
Economic Development Committee ..................................................... Mr. Lambert:
Economic Development Committee Minutes dated November 27, 2023:
Brandon Lambert moved to approve the Economic Development Committee Minutes dated November 27,
2023, as written, seconded by Nicholas Hanek. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael
Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
CITY OF BRUNSWICK ! Bnmswick City Council Monday. December 11. 2023
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee ................................ Mr. Smith:
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee Minutes dated November 27, 2023:
Tim Smith moved to approve the Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee Minutes dated
November 27, 2023, as written, seconded by Keith Kuczma. Roll Call -Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon
Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion
Carried.
Finance Committee ................................................................................Mr. Hanek:
Finance Committee Minutes dated November 27, 2023:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Finance Committee Minutes dated November 27, 2023, as written,
seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr.,
Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Safety & Environment Committee .......................................................Mr. Kuczma:
Safety & Environment Committee Minutes dated November 27, 2023:
Keith Kuczma moved to approve the Safety & Environment Committee Minutes dated November 27, 2023,
as written, seconded by Joseph Delsanter. Roll Call -Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert,
Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - O. Motion Carried.
Planning & Zoning Committee.............................................................. Mr. Delsanter:
Mr. Delsanter had no formal reports this evening.
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
Ad Hoc Committee for Youth Sports Minutes dated November 27, 2023:
Mr. Hanek announced that revised minutes would be presented for approval at the December 18, 2023,
Council Meeting.
Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes dated November 27, 2023:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes dated November 27, 2023, as
written, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert,
Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Petitions from the Public on Legislation There were none.
CITY OF BRUNSWICK Bnmswid.. City Council Monday. December 11. 2023
Reading of Legislation and Action on legislation:
3rd Reading(s)
RES. NO. 93-2023 - A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a three (3) year agreement with
Any Domestic Work, Inc. to provide custodial services at City Hall and the Division of Police in a monthly
amount not to exceed $4,190.00. - 3rd Reading (Committee-of-the-Whole, Administration/Carl DeForest):
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Resolution Number 93-2023, seconded by Joseph Delsanter. Roll CallÂ
Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 94-2023 - A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a three (3) year agreement with
Any Domestic Work, Inc. to provide custodial services at the Brunswick Community Recreation and Fitness
Center in a monthly amount not to exceed $6,195.00. · 3rd Reading (Committee-of-the-Whole,
Administration/Carl DeForest):
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Resolution Number 94-2023, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call - Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
2nd Reading(s)
RES. NO. 97-2023- An emergency resolution requesting an advance release of property tax revenue funds
from the Medina County Treasurer collected for the benefit of the City of Brunswick. - 2nd Reading (Finance
Committee, Administration/Todd Fischer):
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the ru tes, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call -Ayes - 7, Nicholas
Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper.
Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Resolution Number 97-2023, seconded by Joseph Delsanter. Roll Call -
Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
ORD. NO. 98-2023- An emergency ordinance adopting the Annual Appropriation Budget for Expenditures of
the City of Brunswick for the year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024. - 2nd Reading
(Finance Committee, Administration/Todd Fischer):
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call - Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Ordinance Number 98-2023, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call -
Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 3 Brunswick Cit) Council Monday. December 11. 2023
ORD. NO. 99·2023 - An emergency ordinance amending Section 1 of Ordinance No. 104-2022 to provide for
a Revised Allocation of Municipal Income Tax receipts during the period from January 1, 2024 through
December 31, 2024. - 2nd Reading (Finance Committee, Administration/Todd Fischer):
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call -Ayes - 7, Nicholas
Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper.
Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Ordinance Number 99-2023, seconded by Joseph Delsanter. Roll Call -
Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
ORD. NO. 100·2023 -An emergency ordinance amending Ordinance No.106-2022 and the City's Fund
Balance Reserve Policy. - 2nd Reading (Finance Committee, Administration/Todd Fischer) :
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Oelsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Ordinance Number 100-2023, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call -
Ayes· 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Oelsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
ORD. NO. 101-2023 - An emergency ordinance creating an OPWC Pepperwood Drive Improvement Fund
(#375) - 2nd Reading (Finance Committee, Administration/Todd Fischer):
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Joseph Oelsanter. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas
Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper.
Nays - O. Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Ordinance Number 101-2023, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 102·2023 - An emergency resolution permitting the City Administration to sell, through public
internet auctions, personal property, including motor vehicles acquired for the use of municipal officers and
departments, and road machinery, equipment, tools, or supplies, which are not needed for public use, or are
obsolete or unfit for the use for which it was acquired, for the year 2024. - 2nd Reading (Committee-of-theÂ
Whole, Administration/Carl DeForest):
Nicholas Hanek moved this resolution to third reading.
ORD. NO. 103·2023 - An emergency ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of bonds in the maximum
principal amount of $12,000,000 to provide funds for the purpose of constructing, furnishing, equipping and
otherwise improving a new fire station and preparing, equipping and otherwise improving its site. -
2nd Reading (Finance Committee, Administration/Todd Fischer):
Nicholas Hanek moved this ordinance to third reading.
CITY Of BRUNSWICK Brunswick City Council Monday. Deccmbt:r 11. 2023
RES. NO. 104-2023 -A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with TAC
Computers for maintenance of various software in the Divisions of Police and Fire in an amount not to
exceed $35,070.51. - 2nd Reading (Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee, Administration/Robert
Marok):
Tim Smith moved this resolution to third reading.
1st Reading(s)
ORD. NO. 106-2023 -An emergency ordinance extending a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and
processing of rezoning, conditional use and/or use variance applications for all real property located in the
R-L Low Density Residential District, 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 Kristy Smith. Roll Call -Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Joseph Delsanter moved to adopt Ordinance Number 106-2023, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call -
Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 107-2023 - A resolution commending Law Director Kenneth J. Fisher for his years of service to the
City of Brunswick. -1st Reading (To be brought from Committee-of-the-Whole, Council/Nicholas Hanek):
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph De1santer, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Resolution Number 107-2023, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call -
Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 108-2023 - A resolution commending Service Director Paul Barnett for his years of service to the
City of Brunswick. - 1st Reading (To be brought from Committee-of-the-Whole, Council/Nicholas Hanek):
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Keith Kuczma. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Resolution Number 108-2023, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call -Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 109-2023 - An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a one (1) year
contract with the Jefferson Health Plan (through Medical Mutual of Ohio) for the provision of major medical
health insurance and prescription coverage for all full-time employees from January 1, 2024 through
December 31, 2024. - 1st Reading (To be brought from Committee-of-the-Whole, Administration/Carl
DeForest):
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 5 Brunswick Cit) Council Monda). December 11. 2023
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - O.
Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Resolution Number 109-2023, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call -Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 110·2023 - An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a two (2) year
contract with Principal for the provision of dental insurance coverage for all full-time employees from
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025. - 1st Reading (To be brought from Committee-of-theÂ
Whole, Administration/Carl DeForest):
Nicholas Hanek moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas
Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper.
Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Nicholas Hanek moved to adopt Resolution Number 110-2023, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call -Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays ⢠0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 111·2023 ·An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a three (3) year
agreement with TEC Communications for the purchase of a Cisco Collaboration Aflex3 Software Subscription
for the City-wide telephone system in an amount not to exceed $29,976.00. -15t Reading (To be brought
from Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee, Administration/Robert Marok):
Tim Smith moved to suspend the rules, seconded by Michael Abella Jr. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Tim Smith moved to adopt Resolution Number 111-2023, seconded by Michael Abella Jr. Roll Call -Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith,
Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
City Manager's Report Carl DeForest wished both Mr. Fisher and Mr. Barnett happiness and success in
retirement. The City will miss the service, guidance, wisdom, and effort they gave to the community. He
noted that City Hall would be closed due to the holidays on December 22, 25, and 29 and on January 1.
Open Forum Adam Hymes (4259 Sleepy Hollow Road) identified himself as the co-founder of the Brunswick
Dodgers Travel Baseball Organization. He stated that the level of baseball in Brunswick has been
unacceptable for a long time. Mr. Hymes commented that the Brunswick Youth Sports treasurer's
retirement, the former president now being responsible for the finances, and an individual with less
experience being in charge of the entire organization would not improve the situation. Mr. Hymes concurred
that the Dodgers had done more for the community in one year than BYS had done in decades. He
continued that it would be irresponsible and offensive for the Ad Hoc Committee to not accept RFPs, that are
better than the one currently being considered. Mr. Hymes informed he had a better proposal for travel,
recreation, and softball.
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 6 Brunswick City Council f\follday. December I L 2023
Dominic DePompei (4798 Baywood Drive) declared himself to be a co-founder of Brunswick Dodgers Travel
Baseball Organization, volunteer Vice President of the Brunswick Blue Devils Youth Football, and
Commissioner of the Cuyahoga Valley Baseball Association. He also pointed out that he runs a men's league
that plays throughout the Cleveland area. Mr. DePompei would like to see improved baseball and softball
programs in Brunswick. The Dodgers program was initially created as an opportunity to play baseball in the
way he thought it should be played. Mr. DePompei feels this is something very special in the community. He
requested an audience with the Youth Sports Ad Hoc Committee.
Unfinished Business Mr. Delsanter revealed that he had known Ken Fisher for almost 20 years. When the
City was looking for a new lawyer, he wanted someone with confidence and tenacity to serve and uphold the
City. He revealed that both he and Mr. Fisher grew up in the same diverse neighborhood and he felt a kinship
with him. Mr. Delsanter appreciated Mr. Fisher's skills, commitment to his work, and love for the Brunswick
community. He declared that he would be missed.
Mr. Smith announced his displeasure with the previous Law Director and his desire to hire a bulldog that
would have the ability to win lawsuits. Mr. Smith was happy Mr. Fisher came on board and he will be missed.
Mr. Hanek offered his congratulations to Mr. Fisher on his retirement. He acknowledged that public service
is not always easy and there have been difficult situations. Mr. Fisher's service was very much appreciated.
Mr. Hanek commended the residents from Homes not Highways on their presentation to Paul Barnett in
recognition of his contributions.
New Business There was none.
Adjournment Nicholas Hanek moved to adjourn, seconded by Brandon Lambert. Roll Call -Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, 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 7:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 7