CITY OF BRUNSWICK, OHIO
MINUTES OF COUNCIL
Monday, July 8, 2024
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, Michael Abella Jr.,
Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper.
Others Present: Mayor Ron Falconi, City Manager/Safety Director Carl DeForest, Law Director Dennis Nevar,
Clerk of Council laura Timura.
Nicholas Hanek moved to excuse Brandon Lamber for just cause, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 6,
Nicholas Hanek, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion
Carried.
Correspondence There was none.
Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated June 24, 2024 Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the
Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated June 24, 2024, as written, seconded by Joseph Delsanter. Roll Call -
Ayes - 6, Nicholas Hanek, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays -
0. Motion Carried.
Mayor's Report:
Mayor's Court Financial Report for the month ending June 2024 will be posted on the website and added to
the minutes for the record.
Motion to approve Mayor's recommendation to appoint Sarah Alfano to the Juvenile Diversion Board:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Mayor's recommendation to appoint Sarah Alfano to the Juvenile
Diversion Board, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call - Ayes- 6, Nicholas Hanek, Michael Abella Jr., Keith
Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Mayor's recommendation to appoint Aaron Brock/er to the Juvenile Diversion Board:
If anyone on Council has questions regarding the recommendation, they should contact the Mayor.
Proclamation in recognition of Ben Chin's 2024 Candy Crush All Stars Champion achievement:
Mayor Falconi presented a proclamation to Ben Chin in recognition of his Candy Crush All Stars Champion
achievement. Ben Chin competed against 15 million players and won the grand prize of $500,000.
Clerk of Council's Report Mrs. Timura mentioned that adopted legislation for the past 5 years can now be
viewed on the Council page of the City's website. The administration is working to make all legislation
available in the future.
ClfY OF BRUNSWICK
Bnmswick Cit) Council Monda). Jul) 8. 2024
Council Committee Reports:
Economic Development Committee ................â¢.....â¢.............................. Mr. Lambert:
Mr. Lambert had no formal reports this evening.
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee................................ Mr. Smith:
Mr. Smith had no formal reports this evening.
Finance Committee ................................................................................ Mr. Hanek:
Mr. Hanek had no formal reports this evening.
Safety & Environment Committee ....................................................... Mr. Kuczma:
Mr. Kuczma had no formal reports this evening.
Planning & Zoning Committee .............................................................. Mr. Oelsanter:
Planning & Zoning Committee Minutes dated June 24, 2024:
Joseph Delsanter moved to approve the Planning & Zoning Committee Minutes dated June 24, 2024, as
written, seconded by Keith Kuczma. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Nicholas Hanek, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma,
Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, 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 Minutes dated June 24, 2024:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes dated June 24, 204, as written,
seconded by Joseph Delsanter. Roll Call -Ayes - 6, Nicholas Hanek, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph
Oelsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
Petitions from the Public on Legislation There were none.
Reading of Legislation and Action on Legislation:
3rd Reading(s)
RES. NO. 60-2024 - An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase replacement Mobile
Data Terminals and mounting hardware for Division of Police vehicles from Baycom Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $112,140.00. - 3rd Reading (Safety & Environment Committee, Administration/Robert Marok):
Keith Kuczma moved to adopt Resolution Number 60-2024, seconded by Kristy Piper. Roll Call - Ayes - 6,
Nicholas Hanek, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Oelsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion
Carried.
2nd Reading(s)
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 2
BnmS\\ ick City Coum:il Monday. Jul) 8. 202.J
1st Reading(s)
RES. NO. 61-2024 - A resolution exempting vacant real property located on Samuel Drive (PPN 003-180-22·
042) from the requirements of Section 302.4 of the Property Maintenance Code, as amended pursuant to
Section 1480.07 of the City of Brunswick Codified Ordinances. - 1st Reading (To be brought from CommitteeÂ
of-the-Whole, Administration/Grant Aungst):
Mr. Hanek moved this resolution to second reading.
City Manager's Report Mr. Deforest thanked Sheila Watson, Councilwoman Piper, and all those who
planned and participated in Sunday's Independence Day parade. He relayed that the City has not had a
parade for several years and he has received good feedback.
He added that a ribbon cutting for the completion of Phase II was held at the bridge on Laurel Road by Grace
Baptist Church. Phase Ill of the trail will eventually go from Plum Creek Park North to Brunswick Lake. This
project witl start in the coming weeks with the target date of completion being no later than November of
this year. Eventually, residents will be able to follow a one-mile loop around Brunswick lake and then follow
the trail south to Plum Creek Park. He appreciated Council's support in this endeavor. This will redefine that
area and be a nice amenity for years to come.
The City Manager's newsletter will be mailed to residents' homes the week of July 18. Residents are
encouraged to check for information regarding a Pet, Parks, and Rec Planning Workshop, and Nation Night
Out.
Mr. Deforest announced that Trike and Bike is scheduled for Friday, September 13 at Brunswick High School
at 6 p.m. This will be open to participants ages 3 through 12 to raise money for Pediatric Cancer Research.
This year's veteran's breakfast will be hosted at St. Ambrose in October. Veterans who reside in the City are
welcome to sign up. A free breakfast will be offered to give thanks. This breakfast is of no cost to the City,
because it is sponsored by a local business.
There were two water main breaks on 303 causing the need for road repairs. These breaks occurred near
Neura Park and the center of town. Repairs should start on Wednesday. Due to the timing of last week's
water main breaks, the City could not receive estimates, and the asphalt plants were closed due to the
holiday. The estimates were received today and Council approved up to $200,000 for the repairs. The hope
is that Center Road will be open by the week's end. Mr. Deforest apologized for the inconvenience and
noted that the water lines are owned by Cleveland Water. Cleveland Water needs to excavate, fix the pipe,
and backfill it. The City will take the backfill out, tap it down and engage with a contractor qualified to put
down asphalt and repair the road.
Open Forum Mary Orsino (1208 Meadowbrook Boulevard) expressed concern about her neighbor's
fireworks. Ms. Orsino explained that they were large-scale fireworks that caused debris to fall into her yard.
She asked if there was an ordinance that allowed fireworks in the City. Ms. Orsino was concerned that the
fireworks could cause damage, particularly if they fell onto someone's roof.
Mr. Deforest clarified that the State of Ohio permits residents to possess fireworks. However, they cannot
be legally discharged in the City of Brunswick at any time of the year. He recommended she call the Police
Department's non-emergency number to report any illegal use of fireworks in the future. If she can provide
an address, police will investigate and potentially issue a citation.
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 3
Brun~\\ icl.. Cit) Council Monda). July 8. 202..t
Unfinished Business Mr. Delsanter noted that the State's decision to permit fireworks came about due to
much of Ohio being rural. Due to people's irresponsibility and neglect to take into account their proximity to
other's property, the City has chosen not to allow fireworks. He relayed that the police would have to be at
the scene, in order to enforce the fireworks law. He urged Ms. Orsino to contact the Police Department. He
affirmed his concern for residents' safety and their property.
Mrs. Piper voiced her thanks to Sheila Watson for her parade efforts. She felt it was a fun and enjoyable
time. She went on to thank Parks Director, Taylor Petkovsek, for planning wonderful events the entire week.
She informed that the Chardon Polka Band will be performing on Wednesday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the
Recreation Center. This is part of a series of concerts that will occur every Wednesday, until the first week in
August.
Mr. Smith revealed that Rick Smith Jr. the magician performed as part of the 4th of July weekend events.
Rick Smith Jr. had appeared on Jimmy Fallon and the Letterman Show. He was pleased to have him perform
in Brunswick. He enjoyed the Funkology concert as well. He thanked everyone who participated in the
parade. Mr. Smith felt it was nice to have a parade in Brunswick again.
Mr. Kuc~ma added that the Wednesday concert series will occur rain or shine. Concerts will take place inside
the Recreation Center should it rain.
New Business Mr. Hanek revealed that a Special Council Meeting had been called for Monday, July 15 at
5:50 p.m. in Council Chambers. There will be legislation relating to the new fire station. Additionally, there
will be a recess during August.
He reminded that the Plum Creek Phase II opening had occurred and Phase Ill should be opening later this
year. Mr. Hanek also noted for the record that representatives from Homes not Highways were in
attendance. The City continues to battle the unjust imposition of an unwanted interchange in the City of
Brunswick.
Adjournment Nicholas Hanek moved to adjourn, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 6, Nicholas Hanek,
Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
There being no further business, the meettng adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Timura, CMC
Clerk of Council
Mayor Ron Falconi
July 15, 2024
Adopted
ClfV 0~ BRUNSWl(I(