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1 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE JANUARY 20, 2026 COUNCIL CHAMBERS Present: Councilmembers Evans, Steiner, Bullock Also Present: Vice President Baker, Law Director Vargo, Public Works Director Gordon, Engineer Papke, Council staff Call to Order: 6:02 pm Approval of the minutes of the October 13, 2025 Public Works & Sustainability Committee meeting. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes of the October 13, 2025 meeting of the Public Works & Sustainability Committee. All members in favor. Motion passed. Minutes approved. 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) Chair Evans introduced the resolution, stating that it is a request for a submerged lands lease to address a property owner’ s desire to stabilize their property against erosion. Engineer Papke described the proposed revetment work which includes a crib pier at 1040 Forest Cliff. He stated that this request for a submerged lands lease is more complicated than usual because the City has a storm sewer outfall that extends off of 1040 Forest Cliff. The City researched the matter and could not locate an easement on file to allow access to the sewer outfall. Engineer Papke explained that the City worked with the property owners, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, and an outside consultant to craft a solution. Resolution 2026- 01 includes an easement to allow the City access to the outfall as well as the requested submerged lands lease so that the property owners can move forward with their project. Engineer Papke described how this situation is unique in that it is the first time the City responded to a submerged lands lease request where there was an outfall on the property. He described how ODNR and the Law Department worked with Public Works over a matter of months to resolve the matter to everyone’ s satisfaction. Director Gordon emphasized that approval by Council is the final step and that the Administration has already obtained all prior approvals. Docusign Envelope ID: 346A86AE- 22A9-4716-9868-617546F9EAD7 2 In response to a question, Engineer Papke described the project in more detail, explaining that the project is a stone revetment that works to decrease the impact of wave action against the cliff. He stated that the project benefits the City as well in that it helps to protect the City’ s outfall. He added that there is no near-term maintenance predicted for the outfall. In response to a question, Engineer Papke stated that the City has 58 outfalls along the bluff that are 12 inches or larger. He explained that many were installed in the late 1800s or early 1900s and that easements were not recorded or could not be located. He also clarified that Forest Cliff is a dedicated right-of-way. Chair Evans thanked the Administration for its hard work to navigate this tricky situation and predicted that the City may see an increase in submerged lands lease requests as the threat of climate change persists. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner thanked the Administration for taking the time to explain the legislation in a public hearing so that councilmembers and the public can better understand the request. Motion made by Chair Evans, seconded by Councilmember Bullock to refer Resolution 2026- 01 favorably back to City Council. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Public Works & Sustainability Committee adjourned at 6:13 p.m. Approved: Tom Bullock, Chair Public Works & Sustainability Committee Maureen M. Bach, Clerk of Council 2/17/2026 Docusign Envelope ID: 346A86AE- 22A9-4716-9868-617546F9EAD7