CITY OF BRUNSWICK, OHIO
MINUTES OF COUNCIL
Monday, September 23, 2024
Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance The regular meeting of Brunswick City Council was called to order by Mayor
Ron Falconi at 7:00 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, Acting Law Director Ken
Fisher, Clerk of Council Laura Timura.
Correspondence There was none.
Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes dated September 9, 2024. Nicholas Hanek moved to approve
the Council Meeting Minutes dated September 9, 2024, 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.
Mayor's Report:
Motion to approve Mayor's recommendation to reappoint Nicholas Solar, Julie Murawski, and Stephen
Hanudel to the Civil Service Commission.:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Mayor's recommendation to reappoint Nicholas Solar, Julie Murawski,
and Stephen Hanudel to the Civic Service Commission, 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.
Motion to approve Mayor's recommendation to reappoint Millie Manning and James Pastor to the Income
Tax Board of Review.:
Joseph Delsanter moved to approve the Mayor's recommendation to reappoint Millie Manning and James
Pastor to the Income Tax Board of Review, 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.
Clerk of Council's Report There was none.
Council Committee Reports:
Economic Development Committee ..................................................... Mr. Lambert:
Economic Development Committee Minutes dated September 9, 2024:
Brandon Lambert moved to approve the Economic Development Committee Minutes dated September 9,
2024, 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
Bruns\\ ick City Council Monday. September 23. 2024
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee ................................ Mr. Smith:
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee Minutes dated September 9, 2024:
Tim Smith moved to approve the Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee Minutes dated
September 9, 2024, as written, 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.
Finance Committee ................................................................................Mr. Hanek:
Mr. Hanek had no formal reports this evening.
Safety & Environment Committee ....................................................... Mr. Kuczma:
Safety & Environment Committee Minutes dated September 9, 2024:
Keith Kuczma moved to approve the Safety & Environment Committee Minutes dated September 9, 2024, as
written, 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.
Planning & Zoning Committee ..............................................................Mr. Delsanter:
Planning & Zoning Committee Minutes dated September 9, 2024:
Joseph Delsanter moved to approve the Planning & Zoning Committee Minutes dated September 9, 2024, 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.
Parks, Recreation & Community Committee .......................................... Mrs. Piper:
Parks, Recreation & Community Committee Minutes dated September 9, 2024:
Parks, Recreation & Community Committee Minutes dated September 10, 2024:
Kristy Piper moved to approve the Parks, Recreation & Community Committee Minutes dated September 9,
2024, and September 10, 2024, 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.
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 September 9, 2024:
Nicholas Hanek moved to approve the Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes dated September 9, 2024, 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.
CITY OF BRUNSWICK }.
Bruns\\ ick City Council Monday. September 23. 2024
Petitions from the Public on Legislation Eric Belloma (1684 Maxwell Boulevard) addressed his concerns with
Resolution Number 77-2024. He questioned the City's criteria for bid selection. Mr. Belloma explained that
he is not affiliated with either baseball organization. He felt that Brunswick Youth Sports (BYS) provided
superior service and was dedicated to the community and the sport. He recognized that there were concerns
about the lack of recordkeeping and obtainment of a 501(C)(3). Mr. Belloma stated that BYS recognized
their mistakes and asked for help. He found BYS to consist of passionate people who worked with limited
resources.
When reviewing the other proposal, he felt there were great recommendations, which he applauded.
However, if BYS has open positions, members of the Brunswick Youth Baseball and Softball Association
should run for the BYS board as opposed to starting a new organization. Brunswick Youth Sports has brought
baseball to over 1,000 children. Mr. Belloma explained that a large group of like-minded individuals is better
than one entity dictating anything.
Mr. Belloma concluded that the City should mediate and bring the two proposals together. He mentioned
that the second proposal lacked a leadership team and consisted of four open positions. Other concerns
involved the screening process, financial numbers, fundraisers, concessions, field preparation, and
tournaments. He wanted the baseball program to remain recreational and not be run like a travel baseball
program. He felt the bid process was unknown to him and transparency was key.
Mark Abraham (3246 Burnham Drive) spoke regarding Resolution 77-2024. He explained he is a parent who
has children participating in Brunswick Youth Sports. His thirteen-year-old is terrified that baseball will
change and he will not be able to play baseball next year. Mr. Abraham felt the fields were well maintained
by the volunteers. His fifteen-year-old wants to apply for a job as an umpire and possibly on the grounds
crew. As a high school teacher, Mr. Abraham wonders if there were a change, would there also be an
increase in the cost to families. He expressed that there are a number of families that look forward to
participating in Brunswick Youth Sports and selling candy. He felt BYS is a wonderful program and the
volunteers do the best they can. This has been adequate for the hundreds of parents who have children who
participate in Brunswick Youth Sports. In his opinion, the program does not need to change.
Chuck Gillombardo (511 Kenton Lane) addressed Resolution 77-2024. He felt the recommendation for the
proposal was misguided. The number one criterion in selecting a bid is whether or not the bidder is
qualified. It was apparent to him that one bidder was not qualified. Mr. Gillombardo did not understand the
reason for the City Manager's selection. Years of experience and years in business are used to determine
qualifications. In comparison, Brunswick Youth Sports has been in baseball for 57 years, while Brunswick
Youth Baseball and Softball Association has been involved in baseball for 1 year. Brunswick Youth Sports
already has the equipment and volunteers in place to continue to operate a recreational program. The other
entity will need to fund raise and figure out methods to secure the equipment. Mr. Gillombardo did not feel
the City should take the risk of accepting a proposal from a business that does not have the years of
experience necessary to operate and run the recreational program. Mr. Gillombardo informed that he has
been a part of BYS for over 10 years and helped coach and volunteer. He has had nothing but great
experiences with BYS and does not want baseball to turn into a travel program. He acknowledged that not
all children are athletic enough to participate in a very competitive travel program. Mr. Gillombardo
divulged that the City needs a recreation program that only has 16 games and not 20 to 30 games. He
concluded that he did not want recreational baseball taken away.
Reading of Legislation and Action on Legislation:
3rd Reading(s)
CITY OF BRUNSWICK 3
Bnm~\\ id. Cil) Council Monda). September 23. 2024
2nd Reading(s)
ORD. NO. 72-2024 - An ordinance amending Section 222.01 (a) of the City of Brunswick Codified Ordinances.
- 2nd Reading (Committee-of-the-Whole, Administration/Dennis Nevar):
Mr. Hanek moved this ordinance to third reading.
RES. NO. 75-2024 - A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Cargill Salt for
the purchase of Clearlane enhanced road salt for the Service Department in an amount not to exceed $79.99
per ton. - 2nd Reading (Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee, Administration/Paul Magovac):
Mr. Smith moved this resolution to third reading.
RES. NO. 76-2024-A resolution in support of the Brunswick City School District Renewal Operating Levy. -
2nd Reading (Committee-of-the-Whole, Council/Joseph Delsanter):
Mr. Hanek moved this resolution to third reading.
RES. NO. 77-2024 - A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a non-exclusive lease agreement
with Brunswick Youth Baseball, d/b/a Brunswick Youth Baseball and Softball Association, for the operation of
youth baseball/softball programs on City owned fields. - 2nd Reading (Parks, Recreation & Community
Committee, Administration/Taylor Petkovsek):
Mrs. Piper moved this resolution to third reading.
RES. NO. 78-2024- A resolution officially adopting the Brunswick City logo as the symbol for the Brunswick
City Flag. - 2nd Reading (Committee-of-the-Whole, Council/Kristy Piper):
Mr. Hanek moved this resolution to third reading.
1st Reading(s)
ORD. NO. 79-2024 -An emergency ordinance to advance funds. -1st Reading (To be brought from 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 79-2024, 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. 80-2024 - An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with
United Survey for the 2024 Storm Sewer Slip Lining Program in an amount not to exceed $132,332.00. - 1st
Reading (To be brought from Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee, Administration/Paul
Magovac):
Tim Smith moved to suspend the rules, 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.
CITY 0~ BRUNSWICK 4
Bruns\\ id, Cit) Council Monda). ~cptcmbcr 23. 2024
Tim Smith moved to adopt Resolution Number 80-2024, seconded by Nicholas Hanek. Roll Call -Ayes - 7,
Nicholas Hanek, Brandon Lambert, Michael Abe.ia Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy
Piper. Nays - 0. Motion Carried.
RES. NO. 81-2024 - An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to enroll as a member with
National Purchasing Partners to participate in joint purchasing programs. - 1st Reading (To be brought from
Services, Utilities, Technology & Cable Committee, Administration/Paul Magovac):
Tim Smith moved to suspend the rutes, seconded by Michael Abella Jr. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Ke ith Kuczma, Joseph Delsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
Tim Smith moved to adopt Resolution Number 81-2024, 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. 82-2024 - An emergency resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents to accept a Firefighter Exposure to Environment Elements Grant from the Bureau of Workers'
Compensation for the Division of Fire. ⢠1st Reading (To be brought from Safety & Environment Committee,
Administration/Greg Glauner):
Keith Kuczma moved to suspend the rules, 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.
Keith Kuczma moved to adopt Resolution Number 82-2024, 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.
ORD. NO. 83-2024 - 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 PPNs 001-02A-21-008 and 001-02A-21-009. - 1st Reading (To be
brought from Committee-of-the-Whole, Administration/Dennis Nevar):
Mr. Hanek moved this ordinance to second reading.
ORD. NO. 84-2024 - An emergency ordinance amending Ordinances #98-2023, #16-2024, #38-2024 and #68-
2024 to include amendments to the Appropriation Budget for the year ending December 31, 2024 as
incorporated in Exhibit "A" attached hereto. -1st Reading (To be brought from 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 84-2024, 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.
CITY OF BRUNSWICK
Bruns'' ick City Council Monda). September 23. 2024
City Manager's Report Mr. DeForest reminded that the Home Depot Safety Fair is scheduled for Saturday,
October 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. He encouraged residents to attend and visit members of the City's fire,
police, and emergency response teams.
Slots are also open for the Veteran's Breakfast which will be held on Wednesday, October 23 at St. Ambrose
with doors opening at 7:30 a.m. Those interested in attending should contact Betsy in the City Manager's
Office at (330) 558-6826.
Open Forum There was none.
Unfinished Business There was none.
New Business Mr. Lambert announced his disappointment with the decorum of every party involved with
youth baseball. He reported that there has been a lack of accountability and an entitlement issue. He
explained that there are two weeks until the final vote on Resolution 77-2024. During that time,
Mr. Lambert would like to see the two sides come together and work things out amicably. Children should
be shown that leaders can work together to lead them into the future. He declared that the third option
would be to take the management of baseball internally. Council and the Administration would prefer to see
these two groups work together, get over their differences, and come to a resolution. Mr. Lambert felt both
RFPs could have been better. It would behoove both sides to work together. Mr. Lambert was confident that
there would be recreational baseball next year.
Adjournment Nicholas Hanek moved to adjourn, seconded by Tim Smith. Roll Call - Ayes - 7, Nicholas Hanek,
Brandon Lambert, Michael Abella Jr., Keith Kuczma, Joseph Oelsanter, Tim Smith, Kristy Piper. Nays - 0.
Motion Carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Timura, CMC
Clerk of Council
M~:n i@
October 14, 2024
Adopted
CITY Of BRUNSWICK