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1 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUDITORIUM OCTOBER 6, 2025 Regular meeting of the Lakewood City Council called to order at 7:32 PM by President Kepple. Present: Evans, Kepple, Baker, Bullock, Strebig, Steiner, Marx Also present: Mayor George, Law Director Vargo, Assistant Finance Director Jessica Eddy, Human Resources Director Dillinger, Public Works Director Gordon, Planning Director Byington, Fire Chief Fairbanks, Police Chief Fischer, members of the public and Council office staff. Motion made by President Kepple, seconded by Vice President Baker, to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council without the necessity of a reading. All members voted in favor. Minutes approved. Without objection, President Kepple moved agenda items 5-9 to the top. OLD BUSINESS*** 1. Report from Committee of the Whole held Sept. 22nd, 2025 and September 29th 2025. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 2. S. RESOLUTION 2025- 45 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, adopting the City of Lakewood Gender Freedom Policy in response to attacks on transgender rights at the state and national levels. ( referred to COW 09/15/25) President Kepple made a motion, seconded by Vice President Baker to amend S. Resolution 2025- 45 in the third bullet point of the first WHEREAS clause as follows: “… attempting to ending…” All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Substitute Resolution 2025-45 amended. President Kepple made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025- 45 as substituted, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Strebig affirmed that Council must act to protect Lakewood residents and voiced several ways in which Resolution 2025- 45 will support and protect community members. Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 2 President Kepple applauded the support and encouragement of members of the Cleveland Democratic Socialists of America ( DSA), and noted that collaborative efforts improve the strength of such resolutions. Public Comment: Matt Brown, Lake Ave. - Mr. Brown spoke about the current conditions that the transgender community is experiencing and provided background on the work that DSA members contributed to support this legislation. He affirmed DSA’s continued commitment to this cause. Robin Zakowski, Wagar Ave. - Robin Zakowski spoke in support of the resolution, both affirming the value of transgender community members, and the importance of solidarity. AJ Mallow, Newman Ave. - AJ Mallow spoke about the welcoming community of Lakewood, and how Resolution 2025- 45 assures that Lakewood will remain a safe place for all. AJ Mallow emphasized that the proposed policy is not about dictating beliefs, but instead affirms self- governance, the city’ s priorities, and ensures freedoms and protections to its citizens regardless of ideology. Jewel McCaslin - Jewel McCaslin spoke in favor of passing Resolution 2025-45. She stated that the LGBTQ community has always existed as friends, neighbors and coworkers, and that civil rights should not be put on hold for the comfort of others. She advocated for protecting the fundamental dignity of all people, as well as the ways in which policies like this promote better outcomes for the city as well as its residents. Teri Knapp, Horseshoe - Ms. Knapp spoke about the importance of students being present to witness Council’ s commitment to the LGBTQ community. Clara Syambellone, Summit Ave. - Ms. Syambellone stated that the actions taken by Council to make the LGBTQ community feel safer have not gone unnoticed and thanked Council for its work. MacKenzie Frato, Ridgewood Ave. - Ms. Frato stated that she was a member of Cleveland DSA, and thanked Council for supporting this resolution. Sean Miller, Westwood Ave. - Ms. Miller shared that she has lived in Lakewood for 10 years, and thanked Council for its support of the LGBTQ community. Anastasiya Kurylyuk, Madison Ave. - Ms. Kurylyuk expressed support for the resolution and thanked everyone involved. Elizabeth Katavich, Detroit Ave. - Ms. Katavich stated her association with the LGBTQ Center of Greater Cleveland and voiced the organization’ s strong support for Resolution 2025- 45. She stated that the LGBTQ Center sees the policy as being in alignment with their mission and spoke about some of the ways the resolution will have a positive effect on the community. Marlo Miller - Marlo Miller spoke about the importance of this resolution to them and their classmates and expressed their gratitude to live in Lakewood. Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 3 President Kepple expressed her hopes that residents will continue their advocacy at the state and federal levels and noted the importance of working together and supporting one another. Councilmember Bullock spoke about the kind of democracy that he believes Lakewood is working toward, which involves tolerance, respect, and celebration of diversity. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner commended the students present for using their voices to speak their truth, and for standing up for their friends. She encouraged them to continue to be engaged in their community and advocate for themselves and others. Councilmember Baker spoke about the importance of experiencing community in real life and acknowledging the commonalities among people. He emphasized that this policy is rooted in the core principles of privacy and autonomy. Councilmember Marx spoke to the young people present, voicing her pride for them and urging them to stay in Lakewood and continue to use their voices. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2025-45 adopted. 3. RESOLUTION 2025- 40 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, appointing _______________ to the Planning Commission for the five-year term beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2030. ( referred to COW 9/2/25) President Kepple made a motion to discharge Resolution 2025-40 from Committee of the Whole, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. President Kepple made a motion to substitute by placing the name Nick Miller in the blank, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Vice President Baker thanked all of the applicants and said there was a great pool of people. He also said that since the Planning Commission is a charter bound body, he felt it was important to interview the candidates and he thanked President Kepple for organizing the process. In the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion to substitute passed. President Kepple made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025- 40 as substituted. All members voted in favor. Resolution 2025- 40 adopted as substituted. 4. ORDINANCE 26-2025 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force at the earliest period allowed by law, to approve the editing and inclusion of certain ordinances as parts of the various Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 4 component codes of the Codified Ordinances and to provide for the publication of such new matter. (1st read 9/2/25; 2nd reading 9/15/25) President Kepple made a motion to adopt Ordinance 26-2025, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Ordinance 26-2025 adopted. NEW BUSINESS*** 5. Communication from Councilmember Hamilton Steiner and President Kepple regarding Hispanic Heritage Month. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Strebig voiced her support for the resolution to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. She affirmed the importance of supporting Lakewood’ s Hispanic community members and stated her support for inclusion and diversity in all aspects of the City of Lakewood. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner expressed her understanding of this challenging moment in time for everyone in the community, and particularly for those in the Hispanic community. She pointed out some of the ways in which the Hispanic community has been made to live in fear due to detainments without due process that may violate their rights. She voiced the importance of celebrating and uplifting the Hispanic community, and emphasized that we show solidarity and stand together, as we are stronger together when we celebrate our rich cultural differences. President Kepple read aloud a public e-comment submitted by Laura Rodriguez- Carbone, Chair of the City’ s Anti-Racism Task Force, in support of Resolution 2025- 49. President Kepple then stated that no human is illegal. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 6. RESOLUTION 2025- 49 – A RESOLUTION to join with states, municipalities, and other jurisdictions around the country to designate September 15 – October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Lakewood, Ohio by celebrating Hispanic culture and paying tribute to the contributions of Hispanic Americans. President Kepple made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025- 49, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2025-49 adopted. 7. RESOLUTION 2025- 50 - A Resolution to honor lifelong Lakewood resident Helen Boland on the occasion on her 90th birthday. Councilmember Strebig introduced Helen Boland and provided a brief summary of some of Ms. Boland’ s life history and achievements, including her career, her experience coaching her son’ s youth sports team, and her run for public office in the 1970s. Councilmember Strebig thanked Ms. Boland for her service on this occasion of her 90th birthday. Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 5 President Kepple made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025- 50, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple asked Ms. Boland if she would like to address the room. Ms. Boland stood and shared that Lakewood is a great city that takes care of its people. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2025- 50 adopted. 8. Communication from Councilmember Kepple regarding Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Awareness Month. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Lou Brossard- Mr. Brossard began by providing background about his advocacy for SUDEP awareness and his efforts to encourage Ohio municipalities to designate October as SUDEP Awareness Month. He shared information about the Ohio bill known as Brenna’ s Law, and spoke about his daughter Brenna Brossard, who passed away at age 25. He explained that it wasn’ t until after Brenna’ s passing that he and his family learned about SUDEP and that they have since become fierce advocates for SUDEP awareness. He shared that Lakewood will be one out of twenty- three municipalities that will adopt a resolution for SUDEP awareness this October. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 9. RESOLUTION 2025-51 - A RESOLUTION to join with the Epilepsy Association of Cleveland, other Northeast Ohio communities, and the families and friends of those effected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy ( SUDEP) to declare October 2025 as SUDEP Awareness Month in The City of Lakewood. ( pg. 14) President Kepple made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025- 51, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2025-51 adopted. 10. Communication from Councilmembers Strebig and Steiner regarding support for Cuyahoga County’ s proposed CROWN Act. Councilmember Strebig made a motion that the attached letter be signed by all members of Council, seconded by President Kepple. Discussion: Councilmember Hamilton Steiner spoke about her personal experiences growing up in Lakewood and learning to accept the beauty and struggle of her black hair. She said that the othering of her hair continued into adulthood as she was told that her hair was not “ professional” in its natural kinky state. She said that the CROWN Act is necessary legislation as hair bias is still very much a factor in our society. She encouraged her colleagues to sign onto the legislation, and she encouraged everyone to educate themselves on the history of black hair and racism. Shirley Nelson – Ms. Nelson said when she read the legislation all she could think about is the 75 years she has been in the struggle and the 500 years that black people have endured bitter and Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 6 hateful remarks due to their natural hair. She spoke about her personal experiences and struggles as she learned to love her natural hair. She said that this legislation must pass to save the souls of the black people, and it is a reminder that they are enough just the way they are. President Kepple said that the letter will be sent to the County Council to express the support of Lakewood City Council. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion to sign the letter of support approved. 11. Communication from President Kepple regarding Council Budget Priorities. President Kepple made a motion to refer to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple encouraged Councilmembers to speak up if they felt like any budget priorities were overlooked in the communication and chart. Councilmember Bullock asked the administration if it would be helpful to hold a Finance Committee meeting in October to discuss how to incorporate the Council budget priorities. Mayor George responded that most of the priorities identified are already accounted for in the operating budget. There was additional conversation between the Mayor and Council around the process and strategy for including the Council budget priorities in the 2026 budget. President Kepple told Councilmembers that now is a good time to reach out to Department Heads to discuss the budget items they are most passionate about. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion to refer to Finance Committee passed. 12. Report from Vice President Baker regarding September meeting of the LakewoodAlive Board of Directors. Vice President Baker made a motion to receive and file, seconded by President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 13. Report from Councilmember Evans regarding Tree Advisory and Education Board Update. Councilmember Evans made a motion to receive and file, seconded by President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion approved. 14. Report from Councilmember Evans regarding Downtown Business Alliance Update. Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 7 Councilmember Evans made a motion to receive and file, seconded by President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion approved. 15. Report from Councilmember Strebig regarding September meeting of the Community Recreation and Education Commission. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Vice President requested a committee hearing update from the Recreation Department regarding the outdoor pools, to which Mayor Geroge agreed. In response to a question from Councilmember Bullock regarding the basketball courts, Councilmember Strebig said they had a general idea of where basketball courts were located but they wanted to do a full review to make sure they were all accounted for. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 16. Report from Councilmember Strebig regarding September meeting of the Youth Council. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 17. Communication from Public Works Director Gordon regarding Bunts Rd Rehabilitation & Lead Service Line Replacement. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Vice President Baker commented that most cities do not cover the cost of lead service line replacement, and he thanked the Public Works Department for being on top of things. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 18. RESOLUTION 2025- 52 - A RESOLUTION authorizing the Mayor, Director of Public Works, Finance Director or Purchasing Manager to apply for, accept, and enter into a Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (“ WSRLA”) Agreement on behalf of the City of Lakewood for the construction of the 2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Project ( the “ Project”) and designating a dedicated repayment source for the loan. President Kepple made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025- 52, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Resolution 2025-52 adopted. 19. Communication from Public Works Director Gordon regarding the Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program Grant. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 8 Discussion: In response to a question from Councilmember Hamilton Steiner, Director Gordon said they have not heard anything to indicate that federal funding is at risk for this project. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 20. Communication from Planning Director Byington regarding Authorization to Sell Real Property Located at 1472 Belle Avenue. President Kepple made a motion to refer to the Housing, Planning & Development Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 21. ORDINANCE 28-2025 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing and directing the Director of Planning and Development or the Mayor to enter into an agreement with a licensed real estate broker to market for sale the real property located at 1472 Belle Avenue ( PPN 314-04-042) Lakewood, Ohio for a period of 180 days, pursuant to Section 155.07 of the Codified Ordinances. President Kepple made a motion to refer to the Housing, Planning & Development Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 22. Communication from Chief Information Officer Coletta regarding Adoption of Cybersecurity Program. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 23. RESOLUTION 2025- 53 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, adopting the City of Lakewood Cyber Security Policy. President Kepple made a motion to refer Resolution 2025-53 to the Rules & Ordinance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: In response to a question from Councilmember Bullock, Chief Information Officer Coletta explained that the new policy is largely technical and also affirms the City’ s commitment to frameworks that are considered best practices. He added that it is also in response to a new law from the state that goes fully into effect on January 1, 2026. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 24. Communication from Law Director Vargo regarding Public Health Services. Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 9 President Kepple made a motion to refer to the Health & Human Services Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 25. RESOLUTION 2025-54 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least five members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a two-year agreement commencing January 1, 2026 with the District Advisory Council of Cuyahoga County, Ohio General Health District for the provision of public health services within the City of Lakewood in an amount not to exceed $456,440 for calendar year 2026 and $511,458 for calendar year 2027. President Kepple made a motion to refer Resolution 2025- 54 to the Health & Human Services Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 26. Communication from Law Director Vargo regarding Submerged Lands Leases. President Kepple made a motion to refer to the Public Works & Sustainability Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: In response to a question from Vice President Baker, Director Vargo said he does not believe the timing on this is urgent. On the motion: All members in favor. Motion passed. President Kepple made a motion to suspend the rules to read items 27 – 31 concurrently, seconded by Vice President Baker. A roll call vote was conducted as follows: Yeas: Baker, Bullock, Evans, Hamilton Steiner, Kepple, Marx, Strebig Nay: None Motion to suspend the rules passed. 27. RESOLTUION 2025- 55 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, approving the use of submerged lands for property located at 1025 Nicholson Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio PPN 312- 08-002 and 312- 08-003 ( legal descriptions of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “ A”), in order to permit the owners the opportunity to construct the proposed shore structure. 28. RESOLUTION 2025- 56 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, approving the use of submerged lands for property located at 1031 Nicholson Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 10 Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio PPN 312-08-004 (a legal description of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “ A”), in order to permit the owners the opportunity to construct the proposed shore structure. 29. RESOLUTION 2025- 57 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, approving the use of submerged lands for property located at 1040 Erie Cliff Drive, Lakewood, Ohio PPN 311- 12-074 ( a legal description of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “ A”), in order to permit the owners the opportunity to construct the proposed shore structure. 30. RESOLUTION 2025- 58 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, approving the use of submerged lands for property located at 1041 Forest Cliff Drive, Lakewood, Ohio PPN 311- 13-072 ( a legal description of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “ A”), in order to permit the owners the opportunity to construct the proposed shore structure. 31. RESOLUTION 2025- 59 - A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, approving the use of submerged lands for property located at 1039 Forest Cliff Drive, Lakewood, Ohio PPN 311- 13-074 ( a legal description of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “ A”), in order to permit the owners the opportunity to construct the proposed shore structure. President Kepple made a motion to refer items 27 – 31 to the Public Works & Sustainability Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 32. September 2025 Finance Department vendor report submitted pursuant to LCO 111.03. President Kepple made a motion to receive and file, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. LIQUOR PERMITS*** 33. Fika Café, LLC – 16203 Hilliard Rd. (Ward 2) President Kepple made a motion to defer, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENT*** Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9 11 Cesar Vargas, 17501 Daleview Dr – Mr. Vargas shared that he is a long-time resident of Lakewood and has been an Art Teacher in Lakewood for over 10 years, currently teaching at Harding Middle School. He said four years ago he introduced the game of handball to students at Harding and started a handball club that has 45 players. He said there are also students that have moved into Lakewood High School that want to continue to play but the only handball court in the City is at Harding Middle School. He said the City needs a handball court that is open to the public to support the continued growth of the sport, and it could be as easy as repurposing one of the many tennis courts. Matt Herberger, Bunts Rd – Mr. Herberger said his wife sent an email to Council with a link to an article that was published about federal funding being clawed backed from safe streets for all programming. He cautioned that none of this money is ours until it is actually in hand. Amy Herberger, Bunts Rd – Ms. Herberger expressed her opposition to the Bunts Rd project and stressed that she believes the input of residents on Bunts Rd has not been taken into consideration. Shannon Mortland, Bunts Rd – Ms. Mortland said that a lot of important resolutions were passed tonight and she questioned why the residents of Bunts Rd are not that important. She urged the City to get rid of the path and to focus on needs over wants. Cassie Organ, Bayes Ave – Ms. Organ expressed her support of the Bunts Rd path. She also thanked the City and the School District for its support of Hike and Bike Week. She also shared that Bike Lakewood decided to postpone the Bike With the Mayor event scheduled for October 7th due to the weather forecast. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Approved: Sarah Kepple, President of Council Maureen M. Bach, Clerk of Council 10/20/2025 Docusign Envelope ID: 3329893A- C2E4-4048-8ED8- A7FDEF20E2D9