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1 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUDITORIUM JANUARY 20, 2026 Regular meeting of the Lakewood City Council called to order at 7:33pm by President Kepple. Present: Councilmembers Kepple, Evans, Baker, Bullock, Strebig, Steiner, Bixenstine Also present: Mayor George, Police Captain Stone, Law Director Vargo, Finance Director Mahoney, Planning Director Byington, Fire Chief Fairbanks, Public Works Director Gordon Motion made by President Kepple to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held Jan. 5, 2026 without the necessity of a reading, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Minutes approved. OLD BUSINESS*** 1. Report from Committee of the Whole held January 12th, 2026. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 2. S. RESOLUTION 2025-77 - 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 Matthew Bixenstine to the Ward 4 seat on Lakewood City Council for the remainder of the four-year term ending December 31, 2027. (referred to COW 12/15/25) ( pg. 1) Motion made by President Kepple to adopt S. Resolution 2025-77, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple spoke about the high standard of applicants to the Ward 4 seat and noted that Mr. Bixenstine shone through brightly. She spoke about the leadership roles Mr. Bixenstine has held in the Ward 4 community and about his work in service of the greater Lakewood community. President Kepple noted that Mr. Bixenstine received 36 letters of support from community members from all walks of life. She stated that the combination of Mr. Bixenstine’ s professional experience, his community- building work, and his knowledge of Ward 4 will make him an asset to Council and an excellent advocate for Ward 4. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. S. Resolution 2025- 77 adopted. 3. Oath of Office of the newly appointed Ward 4 Member of Council. ( to be provided) Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 2 Judge Neff administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Bixenstine. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the Oath of Office, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Bixenstine thanked those who helped him achieve the goal of becoming Councilmember for Ward 4 and stated that he looked forward to serving the residents of Lakewood in his capacity as Councilmember. Councilmember Baker asserted that Councilmember Bixenstine’ s children should be applauded for their excellent behavior during the Council meeting. Councilmember Bullock congratulated Councilmember Bixenstine and stated that he exemplifies the definition of community service. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner acknowledged her enjoyment of their work together on the Madison Park Community Coalition and said she looks forward to working with him in this new capacity. Councilmember Evans acknowledged their work together over the past years in differing capacities and welcomed him to Council. Councilmember Strebig welcomed Councilmember Bixenstine and voiced that she was looking forward to working together. On the motion: All members voted in favor to receive and file the Oath of Office. Motion passed. 4. ORDINANCE 01-2026 - 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 component codes of the Codified Ordinances and to provide for the publication of such new matter. (1st read 01/05/26) ( pg. 2) Motion made by President Kepple to defer Ordinance 01-2026, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 01-2026 deferred. 5. RESOLUTION 2026-01 - 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 Forest Cliff Drive, Lakewood, Ohio PPN 311-13-073 ( 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. ( referred to PWS 01/05/26) (pg. 4) Councilmember Evans reviewed the conversation that City Engineer Papke and Public Works Director Gordon held earlier in the evening at the Public Works & Sustainability Committee Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 3 meeting. He explained the purpose of Resolution 2026-01 and summarized the work completed by various City departments to make sure it was handled correctly. Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Resolution 2026-01, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple voiced her appreciation for the due diligence from Public Works and the Law Department and her thanks for the patience of the residents involved. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2026- 01 adopted. NEW BUSINESS*** 6. Communication from President Kepple regarding Council Committee Assignments. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 7. Communication from Vice President Baker re-introducing an ordinance to amend Chapter 1775 and address front yard plantings. Motion made by Vice President Baker to receive and file the communication, seconded by President Kepple. Discussion: President Kepple thanked Vice President Baker for his continued work on this issue. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 8. ORDINANCE 02-2026 - 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, to amend Chapter 1775, Weeds, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood for the purpose of establishing regulations for front yard plantings. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 02-2026 to Housing, Planning & Development Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 02-2026 referred to Housing, Planning, & Development Committee. 9. Communication from Councilmember Strebig re-introducing an ordinance to amend Chapter 505 to create regulations regarding a trap, neuter and return program. Motion made by President Kepple to refer the communication to Public Safety Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 10. ORDINANCE 03-2026 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least five members of Council, or otherwise to Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 4 take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, updating various sections of Chapter 505 Animals and Fowl of the Lakewood Codified Ordinances and creating regulations for trap, neuter/ spay and return of community cats within the City of Lakewood. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 03-2026 to Public Safety Committee. All members voted in favor. Motin passed. 11. Communication from Councilmembers Bullock, Hamilton Steiner, and Evans regarding Continued Work on 2026 Council Budget Priorities. Motion made by President Kepple to refer the communication to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple noted her appreciation for this thoughtful follow-up to previous discussions on the topic. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 12. ORDINANCE 33-2025A - 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 establish appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Lakewood, State of Ohio, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 33-2025A to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 33-2025A referred to Finance Committee. 13. ORDINANCE 34-2025A - 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, authorizing the Mayor, the Director of Law, the Director of Finance, the Director of Public Works, the Director of Planning & Development, the Director of Human Services, the Director of Human Resources, or the Procurement Officer to enter into contracts for professional services, and to advertise for bids and enter into contracts for the purchase of repair, maintenance and operating supplies, services and equipment as authorized by the 2026 Appropriation Ordinance and the Administrative Code of the City of Lakewood with the lowest and best bidder or bidders or as otherwise provided by law. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 34-2025A to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 34-2025A referred to Finance Committee. 14. ORDINANCE 36-2025A - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 5 otherwise to take effect and be in force at the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the Mayor (Director of Public Safety), the Director of Public Works, the Director of Law, the Director of Finance, the Director of Planning & Development, and/or the Purchasing Manager to enter into service contracts in accordance with the Administrative Code of the City of Lakewood for the Department of Planning & Development in accordance with the Administrative Code of the City of Lakewood, contracts not to exceed the specified amounts shown without separate resolution of Council. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 36-2025A to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Bullock brought up several potential items for the purpose of facilitating discussion including the substance of the proposal, the mechanics of the finances, and the affordability of the proposal. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 36-2025A referred to Finance Committee. 15. Communication from Human Resources Director Dillinger regarding Updated 2026 Salary Ordinance. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 16. ORDINANCE 37-2025A - AN ORDINANCE to take effect January 1, 2026, 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, to provide for creating positions and rates of pay for full-time and certain part-time annual salaried employees and hourly rate employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement in the several departments, divisions and offices of the City of Lakewood, including the Chief of Fire, Chief of Police and Civil Service Commissioners and superceeding all prior salary ordinances. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 37-2025A to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 37-2025A referred to Finance Committee. 17. Communication from Finance Director Mahoney regarding Amendment to 2026 Appropriation Ordinance to Allow for City Hall Renovations. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple reminded Councilmembers that the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 26th will include a discussion on this topic along with a presentation from the bond counsel. Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 6 On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 18. ORDINANCE 33-2025B - 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 establish appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Lakewood, State of Ohio, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 33-2025B to Committee of the Whole, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 33- 2025B referred to Committee of the Whole. 19. Communication from Finance Director Mahoney regarding 2026 1st Quarter Transfers. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 20. ORDINANCE 04-02026 - 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, authorizing the transfer and advance of certain funds. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 04-2026 to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 04-2026 referred to Finance Committee. 21. Communication from Finance Director Mahoney regarding 2026 Municipal Capital Lease in amount not to exceed $ 2,375,000. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 22. ORDINANCE 05-2026 - 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, authorizing the Director of Finance to enter into Equipment Leases in forms approved by the Director of Law on behalf of the City of Lakewood (“ City”). Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 05-2026 to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 05-2026 referred to Finance Committee. 23. Communication from Finance Director Mahoney regarding 2026 Capital Improvement and Bond Legislation. Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 7 Motion made by President Kepple to refer the communication to Committee of the Whole, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Bullock spoke about the upcoming bonds counsel presentation and the topics that will be included. He inquired as to whether Councilmembers could pre-submit routine questions to the bond counsel in the interest of saving time for the discussion of the City Hall space issue. Director Mahoney suggested setting up an additional meeting after the bond counsel presentation on Monday so that bond counsel could present all of the information at once, particularly since there are new ordinances to address refunds that will be unique to this year. Dir. Mahoney offered to set up a meeting after Monday’ s Committee of the Whole meeting if necessary. Councilmember Bullock asked a clarifying question about the inclusion of $ 16.5M for the proposed building purchase for the new City Hall in the upcoming presentation on the City’ s debt, pointing out that amount is not currently in the budget. Dir. Mahoney explained that she included the funds for purchasing the Warren Rd. property with the understanding that Council may choose to make an amendment and remove the funding. President Kepple expressed her expectations for the upcoming dialogue at Monday’ s Committee of the Whole meeting. Dir. Mahoney confirmed that the bond counsel presentation will be as expected with the addition of the two new items. Vice President Baker requested that Council receive the bond counsel’ s package of documents in advance of the committee meeting and President Kepple agreed. President Kepple spoke about the upcoming meeting schedule for the discussions around the City Hall space issue. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Motion made by President Kepple to suspend the rules to read agenda items 24-32 together, seconded by Vice President Baker. Clerk Bach administered a roll call. All members voted yes. Motion passed. 24. ORDINANCE 06-2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $ 4,900,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of improving Bunts Road, Lake Road, Clifton Road and other streets located within the city, between certain termini, by resurfacing and replacing concrete, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; and approving related matters. 25. ORDINANCE 07-2026 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, authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $ 18,300,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of improving Winterhurst ice Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 8 arena and city hall and other public buildings, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; and approving related matters. 26. ORDINANCE 08 - 2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $ 850,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of designing, engineering and constructing water improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto. 27. ORDINANCE 09 - 2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $ 500,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of improving sidewalks within the city; and approving related matters. 28. ORDINANCE 10-2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $ 125,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of providing new traffic signalization, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; and approving related matters. 29. ORDINANCE 11-2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $ 2,370,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of designing, engineering and constructing sewer improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; and approving related matters. 30. ORDINANCE 12-2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of notes in the amount of not to exceed $ 32,695,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay costs of ( i) constructing a refuse recycling facility; renovating refuse truck parking facility; replacing or improving the roofs of public buildings, including the municipal facilities garage; improving the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at the fire station; improving parks, including pavement and sidewalk resurfacing and construction, lighting and landscaping; together with all necessary site work, infrastructure improvements and appurtenances thereto, ( ii) improving sidewalks within the city, (iii) improving Bunts Road, Crest Lane, Giel Avenue, Onondaga Avenue, Wayne Avenue and Webb Road and other streets located within the city, between Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 9 certain termini, by resurfacing and replacing concrete, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, ( iv) improving City Hall, Winterhurst Ice Arena, Fire Station # 3, public works garage and other city facilities, including renovating City facilities, improving the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, constructing a storage facility, ( v) improving parks within the City, including Lakewood Park, Kaufmann Park and other park improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, ( vi) improving sidewalks within the city, (vii) improving Edgewater Drive, Summit Avenue and other streets located within the City, between certain termini, by resurfacing and replacing concrete, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; ( viii) designing, engineering and constructing water improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, and ( ix) designing, engineering and constructing sewer improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, and retiring notes previously issued for such purpose; and approving related matters. 31. ORDINANCE 13-2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $ 15,845,000 of bonds for the purpose of currently refunding all or a portion of the City’ s various purpose improvement and refunding bonds, series 2016A, dated April 5, 2016 to (i) refund a portion of the City’ s $ 21,210,000 various purpose general obligation bonds, series 2005 limited tax obligation), dated May 26, 2005, ( ii) refund a portion of the City’ s 14,320,000 sewer system revenue bonds, series 2006, dated August 30, 2006, ( iii) refund a portion of the City’ s $ 10,285,000 water system revenue bonds, series 2006, dated August 30, 2006; and (iv) retire the city’ s $17,375,000 various purpose improvement notes issued on April 9, 2015; and approving related matters in connection with the issuance of the bonds. 32. ORDINANCE 14-2026 - 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, authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $ 32,695,000 of bonds for the purpose of retiring notes issued for the purpose of (i) constructing a refuse recycling facility; renovating refuse truck parking facility; replacing or improving the roofs of public buildings, including the municipal facilities garage; improving the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at the fire station; improving parks, including pavement and sidewalk resurfacing and construction, lighting and landscaping; together with all necessary site work, infrastructure improvements and appurtenances thereto, ( ii) improving sidewalks within the city, ( iii) improving Bunts Road, Crest Lane, Giel Avenue, Onondaga Avenue, Wayne Avenue and Webb Road and other streets located within the city, between certain termini, by resurfacing and replacing concrete, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; ( iv) improving City Hall, Winterhurst Ice Arena, Fire Station # 3, Public Works Garage and other City facilities, including renovating City facilities, improving the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, constructing a storage facility; ( v) improving parks within the city, including Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 10 Lakewood Park, Kaufmann Park and other park improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, ( vi) improving sidewalks within the city, (vii) improving Edgewater Drive, Summit Avenue and other streets located within the City, between certain termini, by resurfacing and replacing concrete, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, ( viii) designing, engineering and constructing water improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, ( ix) designing, engineering and constructing sewer improvements, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; approving related matters in connection with the issuance of the bonds. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinances 06-2026 through Ordinance 14-2026 to Committee of the Whole, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 33. Communication from Assistant Planning Director Baas regarding Madison Ave & Hilliard Road – Safety Analysis Study ( Iteris). Motion made by President Kepple to refer the communication to Committee of the Whole, CASE Board and Planning Commission, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Evans stated that he looked forward to using the concrete information from the study to work on both short and long-term solutions. In response to a question from Councilmember, Directors Byington and Gordon stated that while Lakewood doesn’ t have an in-house traffic engineer, the engineer referenced in the communication is one that the City has worked with on many occasions. President Kepple stated her willingness to scheduling a joint meeting on this topic so as to be conscientious of staff time. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 34. Communication from Public Works Director Gordon regarding 2026 County Road Preventative Maintenance Reimbursement Program. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. PUBLIC COMMENT**** Christopher Bindle, 1212 Hathaway Ave. Mr. Bindle reminded Council to consider the 2024 Charter Review Commission recommendations, particularly Rank Choice Voting. Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1 11 Dean Jackson, - Mr. Jackson spoke about the Charter Review Commission on which he served in 2024 with Councilmember Hamilton Steiner. He spoke about several of the recommendations that arose from that commission. He spoke about Rank Choice Voting ( RCV), describing his responses to commonly asked questions about the topic. He explained why RCV matters to Lakewood and provided examples of how it could have impacted recent elections. Mr. Jackson dispelled misconceptions around the costs of RCV and explained the cost benefits of eliminating the need for primary elections through adoption of RCV. He stated his support for all of the recommendations from the Charter Review Commission and asked that Council consider those recommendations. President Kepple responded that Council is aiming to place ballot language on the ballot for the 2026 General Election, the deadline for which is September 4th. ANNOUNCEMENTS*** President Kepple acknowledged Public Works and Public Safety crews who have continued to work during the recent inclement weather. Councilmember Strebig announced January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. She provided a reminder that February will be Black History Month. General Meeting adjourned at 8:37pm. Approved: Sarah Kepple, President of Council Maureen M. Bach, Clerk of Council 02/02/2026 Docusign Envelope ID: C543C67E- AAAB- 43F3-9033-7734B35456B1