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1 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUDITORIUM FEBRUARY 2, 2026 Regular meeting of the Lakewood City Council called to order at 7:33pm by President Kepple. Present: Councilmembers Kepple, Evans, Baker, Bixenstine, Bullock, Strebig, Hamilton Steiner Also present: Fire Chief Fairbanks, Planning Director Byington, Finance Director Mahoney, Law Director Vargo, Chief of Staff Storey, Police Chief Fischer, Public Works Director Gordon, Council staff and members of the public. Motion made by President Kepple to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held January 20, 2026 without the necessity of a reading, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Minutes approved. OLD BUSINESS*** Without objection, President Kepple moved items 24 and 25 to the top of the agenda. 1. Report from Committee of the Whole held January 20, 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. Report from Committee of the Whole meetings held January 26, 2026 & February 2nd, 2026. President Kepple delivered the following oral report: On Monday, January 26th, Committee of the Whole met. The first half of the meeting was a presentation by Jeff Rink, managing director at Key Bank and Catherine Swartz, Bond Counsel at Bricker Graydon regarding the City's finance plan for 2026, which includes a number of legislative items around note issuances as well as bonds. Mr. Rink explained that the 2026 bond is eligible to be refinanced come September and if market rates stay favorable, the city can expect to save $55,000-60,000 a year over the next 10 years of that bond. Council members asked a variety of questions regarding the city's debt capacity and practices. The second half of the meeting included slides from the administration with arguments on what they like about the idea of moving many administrative departments to the former School Board building on Warren Road. They then invited Dru Siley and Tom Kuluris from Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 2 Liberty Development to speak. Council members have expressed several questions to which they will need answers before moving in the next few weeks in order to make an informed decision. That conversation continued at tonight' s Committee of the Whole, which opened with the administration noting that unfortunately Dru Siley, who has been the main lead on this project for Liberty, was unable to attend tonight due to illness. They then introduced Tom Kuluris from Liberty Development to present about the site plan that they have put together for the Warren Road building. Berardi Partners architects Joe Berardi and Melissa Spires spoke about their past experience working with historical redevelopment and their work with Liberty's Dru Siley on their proposed fit plan of the Warren Road building. Tom Kuluris noted that while they believe it is a solid plan that they're not tied to any particular part and would anticipate working with stakeholders. Mr. Weber from John G. Johnson spoke about the iterative process of design and that they envision coming back with 25% design and respond to the stakeholder meetings. In response to questions from Councilmembers, the Administration spoke about how Mr. Siley met with all of the departments to give a high-level overview of their working styles and the type of space needed. Council members asked a variety of questions and specifically some about the potential parking spaces. Mr. Kuluris noted that adding structured parking would add about $35,000 per space. Then Councilmembers expressed the need for more information on the type of spaces needed for our staff in order to determine whether the Warren Road option is the right solution to meet our needs.” Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the oral report, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 3. 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; 2nd reading 1/20/26) Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Ordinance 01-2026. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 01-2026 adopted. Motion made by President Kepple to suspend rules to read agenda items 4-21 consecutively. Clerk Bach administered a roll call. All members voted in favor. Rules suspended. 4. 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. ( 1st read & referred to HPD 1/20/26) Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 3 5. 5. 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 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. ( 1st read & referred to PS 1/20/26) 6. 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. ( 1st read & referred to Finance 1/20/26) 7. 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. (1st read & referred to Finance 1/20/26) 8. 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 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. ( 1st read & referred to Finance 1/20/26) 9. 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. ( 1st read & referred to Finance 1/20/26) Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 4 10. 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 11. ORDINANCE 04-2026 - 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 transfer and advance of certain funds. (1st read & referred to Finance 1/20/26) 12. 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”). (1st read referred to Finance 1/20/26) 13. 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 14. 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 arena and city hall and other public buildings, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto; and approving related matters. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 15. 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. 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 5 16. 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 17. 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 18. 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 19. 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 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, Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 6 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 20. 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) 21. 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 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. ( 1st read & referred to COW 1/20/26) Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 7 Motion made by President Kepple to defer agenda items #4-21, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Bullock thanked the Clerks for their readings of the above items. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. NEW BUSINESS*** 22. Communication from President Kepple & Vice President Baker regarding establishing a Lakewood Host Community Cannabis Fund. Motion made by President Kepple to refer the communication to Finance Committee, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Vice President Baker explained the purpose of Ordinance 15-2026 and encouraged contributions and feedback from the Administration and community members on how to invest these funds into our community. In response to questions from Councilmember Bullock, Dir. Mahoney stated that the funds received from the State are from the period between the passage of the bill through November 2025. She shared the Administration’ s idea that these funds could be used to fund capital improvements and suggested that this in alignment with the goals of Council. Councilmember Bullock spoke about the possibility of using the funds for health services. President Kepple shared information about the Opioid Settlement Fund as a source for funding health services. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 23. ORDINANCE 15-2026 - 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 enact Section 129.65 of the Lakewood Codified Ordinances entitled Host Community Cannabis Fund, to provide guidance regarding the use of new tax revenues related to the sale of cannabis. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Ordinance 15-2026 to Finance Committee. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 15-2026 referred to Finance Committee. 24. Communication from Councilmembers Hamilton Steiner, Kepple, and Strebig regarding resolution to honor Black History Month 2026. Motion made by Councilmember Hamilton Steiner to receive and file the communication, seconded by President Kepple. Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 8 Councilmember Strebig spoke about the sacrifices and bravery of Black Americans throughout history. She spoke about how this history continues to the present day, as Councilmember Hamilton Steiner herself has made history by becoming the first Black member of Lakewood City Council. She expressed gratitude for the contributions Councilmember Hamilton Steiner has made through her bravery, insight and lived experience. President Kepple spoke about the origins of Black History Month, sharing that historian Carter G. Woodson sought to uncover the “ lost history” of African Americans after the summer of widespread racial violence in 1919. She spoke about the importance of studying Black History then as well as now. She described the origins of slavecatchers during the time of legalized slavery and the impacts of the Fugitive Slave Act that reverberated into the future. President Kepple drew connections to the killing of four students at Kent State in the 1970s and to the recent murders of American citizens in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents. She encouraged everyone to continue to learn from history. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner spoke about the foundations of Black History Month, describing the role of Carter G. Woodson and the work of students at Kent State University to establish Black History Month. She expanded on the importance of understanding the legacy of Black people in building our nation and community. She spoke about Black history in Ohio and named important Black Ohioans who played significant roles as leaders in politics, public safety, arts and health sciences. She stated that Black people will continue to persist and persevere for the sake of their shared humanity. Councilmember Bullock voiced his support for Resolution 2026- 02 and encouraged others to be a source of justice for all people. Councilmember Evans shared an example of the erasure of Black history in recent days and asserted his pride that Lakewood City Council would not permit such an act to occur in Lakewood. Councilmember Bixenstine thanked his fellow Councilmembers for the history lesson and for their contributions to Black History Month. Councilmember Baker pointed out that Garrett Morgan, mentioned previously as an important Black Ohioan, also invented the gas mask. President Kepple added that his granddaughter is the Mayor of East Cleveland. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 25. RESOLUTION 2026- 02 - A RESOLUTION to join with states, municipalities, and other jurisdictions around the country to designate February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Lakewood, Ohio by celebrating African American culture and paying tribute to the contributions of African Americans. Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Resolution 2026-02, seconded by Vice President Baker. Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 9 Public Comment: Shirley Nelson, President of Lakewood Black Caucus - Ms. Nelson shared her perspective on the importance of celebrating Black History Month. She spoke about the founding of the Lakewood Black Caucus and the founder’ s desire to educate others about Black history. She spoke about the group’ s founding principles: Educate, Advocate, Collaborate, Rejuvenate. She listed their community partners and shared their upcoming Black History programs at the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River on February 21st and 28th. She invited the public to join in those programs. April Stoltz, Lakewood - Ms. Stoltz spoke about her perspective on Black History Month as a white woman. She spoke about the experience of learning about the Harlem Renaissance in high school, describing the powerful impact of that class on the school’ s black student population and the influence that experience had on her current activism. She emphasized the importance of learning Black history and described Resolution 2026- 02 as an act of resistance. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2026- 02 adopted. 26. Report from Vice President Baker regarding report from January 2026 Lakewood Alive Board Meeting. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 27. Report from Councilmember Strebig regarding January meeting of the Lakewood Youth Council. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 28. Report from Councilmember Hamilton Steiner regarding January meeting of the Lakewood Animal Safety & Welfare Advisory Board. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 29. Communication from Assistant Director Baas regarding Lakewood Zoning Refresh Project Update ( Development Standards) Motion made by President Kepple to refer to Housing, Planning & Development, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple voiced her appreciation for the work being done on this project. In response to a question from Councilmember Bullock, Dir. Byington explained that the development standards are in the City’ s code currently and are being refreshed. Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 10 On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 30. January 2026 Finance Department vendor report submitted pursuant to LCO 111.03. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the report, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: In response to a question from Councilmember Strebig, Dir. Mahoney stated that the current Finance system would not easily be able to produce a report containing the addresses of the City’ s vendors, but that the new Finance software would allow that information to become available next year. In response to a question from Councilmember Bullock, Dir. Mahoney estimated that the fuel cost in the report is likely for one month. Councilmember Bullock brought up the possibility of converting more of the City’s fleet to electric or zero-emissions vehicles to bring down fuel costs. He spoke about the financial benefits of working toward that goal and described the multi- departmental cooperation that would be involved in that endeavor. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. LIQUOR PERMITS*** 31. Liquor Permit: Jhumma JHumma – 12511 Detroit Ave. Motion made by President Kepple to file without objection, seconded by Vice President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. ANNOUNCEMENTS*** Councilmember Strebig provided a calendar reminder of Valentines Day on Feb 14th and President’ s Day on February 16th. Regular meeting of Council adjourned 8:42pm. Approved: Sarah Kepple, President of Council Maureen M. Bach, Clerk of Council 02/17/2026 Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 Regular Council Meeting 02- 02- 26 19: 30 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 27. Report from Councilmember Strebig regarding January meeting of the Lakewood Youth Council. 2 2 0 0 VII. Public Comment 3 1 1 1 Sentiments for All Agenda Items The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 Agenda Item: eComments for 27. Report from Councilmember Strebig regarding January meeting of the Lakewood Youth Council. Overall Sentiment Emily Lindberg Location: Submitted At: 7:14pm 02-02-26 I want to commend the Youth Council for the transportation-related issues reflected in these minutes, particularly the discussion around bike infrastructure, snow-covered sidewalks, and the suggestion to provide free bus passes for Lakewood youth. Expanding access to public and active transportation for young people is an investment in equity, independence, and long-term sustainability. When students grow up using transit, walking, and biking as part of daily life, those choices become normal and lasting. Providing youth bus passes would meaningfully expand access to school, jobs, activities, and community life—especially for students who do not have access to a car. I strongly support continued exploration of this idea and appreciate the Youth Council’s leadership in raising it. Cassandra Organ Location: Submitted At: 6:17pm 02-02-26 I am very inspired to read about the topics our Youth Council is discussing. The items listed here, between transportation services/options, public events, and ideas to help support one another, demonstrates their focus on equity, inclusion, and respect to ensure Lakewood is a safe place for people to thrive. Keep it up, Youth Council! Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 Agenda Item: eComments for VII. Public Comment Overall Sentiment Emily Lindberg Location: Submitted At: 7:05pm 02-02-26 Our city is entirely a walking school district—there are no school buses. This means every sidewalk and intersection is potentially part of a student’s route to school, from every corner of the city. Currently, the City fully clears all streets while relying on individual homeowners and businesses to clear sidewalks. Although sidewalk clearing is required by ordinance, the City has not been able to enforce this requirement effectively, making the system functionally ineffective. When sidewalks, intersections, and transit stops are not cleared, students are forced into unsafe conditions or lose access altogether. When the school district responds to unsafe sidewalk conditions by offering “ excused absences” ( as it did last week), it effectively accepts loss of access as an acceptable outcome. In a walking- only district, where students have no alternative transportation, staying home is not a safety solution— it is exclusion. Access to education should not depend on owning a car or having the social capital to ask for a ride. Together, these policies create a system where people outside of cars—especially students—are expected to accept reduced access during winter. This is an equity and accessibility failure. If we expect students to walk, and if we claim to value accessibility, we need a better, coordinated approach to sidewalk and intersection maintenance that reflects how people actually move through our city. Randall Brundage Location: Submitted At: 2:46pm 02-02-26 I am writing to support the proposal to expand city hall to the warren road grant school building. This is a wonderful, forward thinking idea. Repurpose and reuse are corner stones of architecture This is similar to saving the Curtiss Block. Grant school is a handsome building that embraces Lakewoods history and needs to be saved and used. Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9 Amy Herberger Location: Submitted At: 12:18pm 02- 02- 26 Council Support Requested for Bunts Road Path Design I am writing to comment on the proposed surface design for the Bunts Road Multimodal Path and to respectfully request Council’ s support in ensuring the project aligns with what was presented to residents. The publicly shared project images depict existing concrete driveways remaining in place. This design appears materially different and more appropriate for a residential street than what residents have since been told when seeking clarification. The project should be constructed consistent with the design that was shown. Council’s involvement is important to help ensure consistency between public representations and the final outcome. Preserving existing concrete driveways and using the depicted surface would help maintain the residential character of Bunts Road while also reducing long-term maintenance and replacement costs for the City. Additional considerations for Council include: Use of durable, long-lasting materials appropriate for a residential area Replacement of removed trees with comparable, mature trees_ Shielded, residential-scale lighting Remove on-street parking when necessary for safety Clear written policies regarding maintenance, driveway ownership, and long-term responsibility Thank you for your time and continued service to the community. Docusign Envelope ID: AE76ED8D- EC33-4D26-81B7-EACD5432DEB9