MIN 02-17-26

1 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL AUDITORIUM FEBRUARY 17, 2026 Regular meeting of the Lakewood City Council called to order at 7:30pm. Present: Councilmembers Kepple, Evans, Baker, Bullock, Strebig, Hamilton Steiner, and Bixenstine. Also present: Mayor George, Police Captain Stone, Law Director Vargo, Finance Director Mahoney, Fire Chief Fairbanks, Planning Director Byington, Public Works Director Gordon, Human Resources Director Dillinger, Council staff and members of the public. Motion made by President Kepple to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held February 2nd, 2026 without the necessity of a reading, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Minutes approved. OLD BUSINESS*** 1. Report from Committee of the Whole held February 9, 2026. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the report, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 2. Report from Finance Committee held February 9, 2026. Vice President Baker provided the following oral report: Dear Colleagues, The Finance Committee met on Monday February 9th to discuss a number of ordinances that follow on tonight’s docket. The first three, Ordinances 04-2026, 05-2026, and 37- 2025A were proposed by the Administration and are relatively routine in nature. Ord. 04-2026 is the routine first quarter transfers and advances ordinance that would authorize the transfers and advances outlined in the 2026 budget. Ord. 05-2026 proposes to authorize the Administration to enter into agreements to pay off 11 vehicles over five years. While the payment agreements mirror that of a typical consumer vehicle loan, in this case they are referred to as leases. These payment plans are distinct from the notes and bonds separately under consideration. Ord. 37-2025A proposes to increase the pay grade of one position and would update stipend amounts to match what is in the collective bargaining agreements. After discussion with Finance Director Mahoney, Finance Committee recommended each of these for adoption. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

2 Next, the committee addressed a package of legislation proposed by Councilmember Bullock and other Council colleagues intended to amend the 2026 budget legislation adopted in December 2025, in order to better articulate Council’s legislative and policy priorities. Some of these included traffic calming, public art, operational support for Lakewood Alive, and infrastructure improvements. Ord. 33-2025A is intended to address the appropriations for these priorities and Ordinances 34- 2025A and 36-2025A are intended to address the contracting authority. In committee, Councilmember Bullock came forward with a proposed substitute of the appropriations ordinance. Instead of changing figures in the budget, the substitute seeks to signal Council’s priorities in newly drafted whereas clauses and stipulates that those priorities be paid for out of the economic development reserves. After discussion, the committee approved the substitute and made one additional amendment in the whereas clause to correct a typo before recommending adoption to Council. The committee made one amendment to Ordinance 36-2025A to match the list of elected officials authorized to enter contracts with those listed in the codified ordinances and the other budget ordinances. The change was made to the title and Section 1 of the ordinance, but not to Section 2. I will make an amendment on the floor tonight to make the correction in Section 2. Committee members and other members of Council present expressed appreciation to Councilmember Bullock for taking steps to highlight Council priorities. It was agreed that Council and the Administration would start this conversation early headed into the 2027 budget. Following that discussion, the Committee moved to recommend Ordinances 34-2025A and 36- 2025A, as amended, to full Council for adoption tonight.” Motion made by Vice President Baker to receive and file the report, seconded by President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 3. S. 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; 2nd reading 2/2/26) Motion made by President Kepple to adopt S. Ordinance 33-2025A, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: In response to a question from Mayor George about the funds intended for Lakewood Alive, Councilmember Bullock explained that the specific number was based on Council priorities established during conversations earlier in the year. In response to a follow-up question, Councilmember Bullock explained that the purpose of the amendment is to provide additional funding to Lakewood Alive and clarified that there is no formal proposal. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. S. Ordinance 33-2025A adopted. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

3 4. 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; 2nd reading 2/2/26) Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Ordinance 34-2025A, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 34-2025A adopted. 5. S. 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; 2nd reading 2/2/26) Motion made by Vice President Baker to amend the language in Section One to add “ and/or” before Procurement Officer.” All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Motion made by Vice President Baker to amend the language in Section Two to strike the officials listed and add “ Mayor, Director of Law, Director of Finance, Director of Public Works, Director of Planning and Development, Director of Human Resources and/or the Procurement Officer.” All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Motion made by President Kepple to adopt S. Ordinance 36-2025A as amended, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. S. Ordinance 36-2025A adopted. 6. 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; 2nd reading 2/2/26) Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Ordinance 04-2026, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 04-2026 adopted. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

4 7. 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; 2nd reading 2/2/26) Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Ordinance 05-2026, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 05-2026 adopted. 8. 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 superseding all prior salary ordinances. ( 1st read & referred to Finance 1/20/26; 2nd reading 2/2/26) Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Ordinance 37-2025A, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 37-2025A adopted. 9. Report from Public Works & Sustainability Committee held February 17, 2026. Councilmember Bullock provided the following oral report: Today the Committee met with all committee members present, as well as Councilman Bixenstine, which was appropriate because the topic was to hear the annual report from the Tree Advisory and Education Board of which Councilman Bixenstine was recently a member, but he has vacated that to become a council member here. So, thank you for your service, Matt, on that excellent board. And thanks also to the Public Works Department for partnering with that Tree Board of citizens. They gave a very thoughtful report on their 2025 activities, a thoughtful preview of the intended 2026 activities. There's been quite a lot of accomplishments that we heard reported, including as part of the tree giveaway more than 600 trees in two years with the intent for another 400 trees this year. If we can be successful, that's a thousand trees in three years. And if we keep doing that and none of the trees die, then we'll be very much closer to the tree canopy goals. That's our guiding metric for the Urban Forestry Plan of recovering around 33 or 35% of tree canopy coverage in the community, which has been strong but took a big backwards step after Hurricane Sandy came and visited in 2012. Now of course not all the new trees are going to survive. So, the Tree Advisory and Education Board talked about a lot of other activities that they're doing and we remarked that their public education success is really notable because you're talking to a lot of residents who own homes or rent homes. And every one of us can do a lot to not just plant trees, but maintain and keep the large ones, which really are what move the needle on tree canopy. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

5 Final couple of new programs that the Tree Board would like to get moving is to try to get a Tree Ambassador program that is operating in Cleveland over here to Lakewood or expanded or duplicated here and then to create one or more arboretums; the first being at Cove Community Center where you'd have essentially outdoor tree arboretums. We discussed how there's multiple parks that would be eligible over time once we get the first one moving. So, thank you to Councilman Bryan Evans who preceded me as chair last year and has done a lot of good work alongside Councilman Bixenstine to get that moving. I know other council members have really been involved in care, too. So, this is a success. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to another good year coming up.” Motion made by Councilmember Bullock to receive and file the communication, seconded by President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 10. Report from Housing, Planning, & Development Committee held February 17, 2026. Councilmember Evans provided the following oral report: Early this evening, the Housing, Planning & Development Committee met to discuss an ordinance for establishing regulation for front yard plantings. This is work Council started last year. We made a lot of progress. I'd like to thank Councilman Baker for his all his work on this as well as Building Commissioner Parmelee. I believe we're close on this. Deferring this one more time at the request of the Administration to clean up a couple of things in the ordinance itself. But we expect it to be favorably referred back to Council at our next Committee meeting.” Motion made by Councilmember Evans to receive and file the report, seconded by President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 11. 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) Motion made by President Kepple to defer. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 02-2026 deferred. 12. 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. ( 1 read & referred to Finance 2/2/26) Motion made by President Kepple to defer Ordinance 15-2026, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 15-2026 deferred. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

6 NEW BUSINESS*** 13. Communication from President Kepple regarding opposing proposed legislation in the Ohio General Assembly intended to empower Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE) and promote an environment of fear and surveillance in our communities. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple noted that two additional bills have been brought before the House since the writing of the communication. Councilmember Strebig spoke in favor of proposed Resolution 2026-04 and voiced her opposition to the proposed legislation before the Ohio House that is intended to expand upon the enforcement powers of ICE. She spoke about the importance of opposing the cruelty of these proposed policies and of holding fast to the values of inclusion. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner spoke about the importance of upholding their duties to the Constitution of the United States and of Ohio. She stated that ICE operates outside of those parameters and spoke about the harm that unconstitutional enforcement causes to communities. She reiterated her support for Resolution 2026-04. Vice President Baker spoke about the principles of Home Rule as established in Ohio and stated that the imperatives of self-governance align with the stance of Resolution 2026-04. He spoke more broadly about the implications of treating civil violations with militarized force and acknowledged that it is in opposition to the Constitution and the responsibility of municipalities. Public Comment: Tim Collingwood, Lakewood - Mr. Collingwood spoke in favor of Resolution 2026-04 and inquired as to what the policy outcomes would be if passed. He spoke briefly about another municipality that is interested in similar legislation and asked that Lakewood share their resources with other communities. President Kepple stated that she was aware of and in communication with other municipalities in the region that have expressed interest in similar legislation. She pointed out that as evidenced by the earlier conversation about the important civic work of Crossing Guards to keep children safe while walking to school, it is important to focus the city’ s resources on children’ s safety as a top priority. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 14. RESOLUTION 2026-04 – 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, to join with the City of Cleveland in opposing a package of unconstitutional legislation currently pending before the Ohio General Assembly intended to empower Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

7 Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE) and promote an environment of fear and surveillance in our communities. Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Resolution 2026- 04, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: President Kepple added that House Democrats have brought forward legislation to increase transparency around ICE enforcement and encouraged residents to reach out to their state representatives to voice their support. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2026-04 adopted. 15. Communication from Councilmember Bullock and Council colleagues regarding recognizing the contributions of City crossing guards. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Vice President Baker spoke about his history of personal experience with crossing guards while travelling to school and voiced his appreciation for their work to keep residents safe. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner spoke about the importance of crossing guards in Lakewood for their role ensuring the safety of children on their way to school. She spoke about a memorable crossing guard from her childhood growing up in Lakewood and spoke about the special relationship she had with the neighborhood and the community. She assured the crossing guards in attendance that they are making an impact on the children of the community and that they will be remembered. Councilmember Strebig thanked the crossing guards for the valuable work in all weather conditions. She spoke about the crossing guard in her own neighborhood and gave her sincere thanks to them. Councilmember Evans described crossing guards as critical to the safety of the community. He expanded on their positions as role models and acknowledged his personal appreciation for their dedication. Councilmember Bixenstine described crossing guards as the unsung heroes of the community. He spoke about his personal experiences with crossing guards while taking kids to school and shared in the gratitude expressed by Council. Mayor George thanked the crossing guards for the important role they play in the community, particularly considering the challenges of this recent winter. President Kepple stated that while Council works hard to ensure the safety of Lakewood’ s pedestrians in all weather, Lakewood’ s walkable community would not be possible without the work of the crossing guards. She described their roles as crucial to the way of life in Lakewood. She shared a message from the Lakewood Board of Education and the Lakewood Schools Administration who expressed their appreciation for the crossing guards. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

8 Sergeant Acklin thanked Councilman Bullock for spearheading the recognition for the school crossing guards. He acknowledged Mayor George, Chief Fischer and Council for their support and recognition. He thanked the crossing guards on behalf of the Police Department, schools and community. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 16. RESOLUTION 2026- 05 - A RESOLUTION to recognize the important contributions of crossing guards in our community to Lakewood school children, adult pedestrians, and motorists. Motion made by President to adopt Resolution 2026-05, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Bullock recognized specific leaders in Police service and the City Administration for their contributions to the efforts to invest in the community through crossing guards. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2026-05 adopted. 17. Communication from President Kepple regarding Charter Amendments. Motion made by President Kepple to refer the communication to Committee of the Whole, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Vice President Baker spoke about the benefits of reviewing the recommendations from the Charter Review Committee before the November election, which would allow time to inform residents about the potential amendments. President Kepple described the process of drafting the recommendations with Assistant Law Director Swallow while utilizing feedback from the Charter Review Committee. She explained the upcoming process of reviewing the recommendations in Committee with residents' and Committee members' feedback. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Motion made by President Kepple to suspend the rules to read items 18-23 together. Clerk Bach administered a roll call. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Rules suspended. 18. ORDINANCE 16-2026 – 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, submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to change the frequency with which the Civil Service Commission reviews elected official salaries. 19. ORDINANCE 17-2026 - 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, Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

9 submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to add additional requirements to the process by which Council appoints new members to fill a vacancy. 20. ORDINANCE 18-2026 - 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, submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to change the manner in which legislation is amended and to remove the requirement that the entire ordinance or resolution be repealed then a new ordinance or resolution be enacted. 21. ORDINANCE 19-2026 – 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, submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to establish a process and requirement for ward redistricting in the City of Lakewood. 22. ORDINANCE 20-2026 - 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, submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to clarify the various paths in which the Charter can be amended. 23. ORDINANCE 21-2026 - 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, submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to allow Council the option of implementing Ranked Choice Voting. Motion made by President Kepple to refer items 18-23 to Committee of the Whole, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 24. Communication from President Kepple regarding appointment to the Tree Advisory Education Board. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 25. RESOLUTION2026- 03 – 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 Tree Advisory & Education Board for the unexpired beginning immediately and ending December 31, 2026. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

10 Councilmember Bullock offered to review Resolution 2026-03 in Public Works & Sustainability Committee. Motion made by President Kepple to refer Resolution 2026-03 to Public Works & Sustainability Committee. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 26. Communication from Councilmember Bullock, Mayor George, and others regarding lowering electricity costs by urging creation of community energy programs. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. Public Comment: Tom Smith, 1528 Elmwood Ave. - Mr. Smith spoke about the challenges facing residents who want to install solar panels. He spoke in favor of community solar and the benefits of long-term contracts and voiced his support for Resolution 2026- 06. Glen Campbell, 15305 Lanning Ave. - Mr. Campbell spoke about his personal experience using solar energy at his home. He spoke about his strong support for Resolution 2026- 06 and his desire to share the positive benefits of solar energy with the rest of the Lakewood community and urged Council to pass the Resolution. Roger Sikes, Solar United Neighbors Action, Lakewood - Mr. Sikes spoke about House Bill 303, which would enable 1500 megawatts of community solar to be added to the grid in Ohio. He described the benefits of this program enabling mass participation in solar energy and the financial savings for residents. He explained the way the legislation would work for community solar members, and the positive political impacts of passing the legislation in Ohio. He concluded by voicing his strong support for Resolution 2026-06. Discussion: Councilmember Hamilton Steiner spoke about the rise in data centers and their potential energy costs. She inquired as to the possibility of HB 303 working to offset those impacts. Mr. Sikes responded that the community solar program would help address this by producing energy locally and reducing the amount of imported energy needed for increased energy usage. Vice President Baker spoke about the relationship between data centers and power usage that could incentivize the State to pursue cheaper energy through community solar. Councilmember Bixenstine spoke about the fragility of the energy grid and the benefits of community solar on building the resiliency of the grid. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 27. RESOLUTION 2026- 06 - A RESOLUTION to respond to high housing costs in Lakewood by urging state government to create a new option for Ohio families and small businesses to lower their electricity costs by allowing community energy projects and programs to operate in Ohio. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

11 Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Resolution 2026-06, seconded by Vice President Baker. Motion made by Councilmember Bullock to amend by striking the language “ high housing costs” and replace it with “high energy costs,” seconded by President Kepple. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2026-06 amended. Councilmember Bullock provided additional information in support of the mechanisms of community solar and its financial savings benefits. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2026-06 adopted. 28. Communication from Planning Director Byington regarding Acceptance of 2026 NOPEC Energized Community Grant Program Award and Community Event Sponsorship Award. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 29. RESOLUTION 2026- 07–A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect at the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the City of Lakewood to enter into an agreement to accept Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (“ NOPEC”) Energized Community Grant (“ NEC Grant”). Motion made by President Kepple to adopt Resolution 2026- 07, seconded by Vice President Baker. Discussion: Councilmember Bullock spoke about the benefits of the work done by Public Works and invited Director Gordon to speak about the program. Dir. Gordon spoke about replace- on- failure program, in which lightbulbs are replaced with LED upon failure. Director Mahoney explained that streetlights are unmetered, which made it impossible to estimate savings on energy for lights. Councilmember Bullock pointed out that for future discussion, the NOPEC funds could be considered when planning future City budgets. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Resolution 2026-07 adopted. 30. Communication from City Planner Cramer regarding 2025 Pipeline Grant: Madison Ave Historic District. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 31. Communication from City Planner Cramer regarding 2025 Certified Local Government ( CLG) Grant: Madison Ave Historic District. Motion made by President Kepple to receive and file the communication, seconded by Vice President Baker. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

12 ANNOUNCEMENTS**** President Kepple announced the Lakewood Black Caucus event on Saturday, Feb. 21 to celebrate Black History Month. Vice President Baker announced the first CASE Advisory Board meeting next week. Director Gordon announced the Lake Clifton Public Hearing on Tuesday, Feb 24th. Regular Meeting of Council adjourned by President Kepple at 9:09 pm. Approved: Sarah Kepple, President of Council Maureen M. Bach, Clerk of Council 3/2/2026 Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

Regular Council Meeting 02- 17- 26 19: 30 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 14. RESOLUTION 2026- 04 - 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, to join with the City of Cleveland in opposing a package of unconstitutional legislation currently pending before the Ohio General Assembly intended to empower Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE) and promote an environment of fear and surveillance in our communities. 2 2 0 0 15. Communication from Councilmember Bullock and Council colleagues regarding recognizing the contributions of City crossing guards. 1 1 0 0 21. ORDINANCE 19-2026 - 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, submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to establish a process and requirement for ward redistricting in the City of Lakewood. 1 1 0 0 26. Communication from Councilmember Bullock, Mayor George, and Council colleagues regarding lowering electricity costs by urging creation of community energy programs. 1 1 0 0 27. RESOLUTION 2026- 06 - A RESOLUTION to respond to high housing costs in Lakewood by urging state government to create a new option for Ohio families and small businesses to lower their electricity costs by allowing community energy projects and programs to operate in Ohio. 1 1 0 0 VI. Public Comment 2 0 0 2 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: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

Agenda Item: eComments for 14. RESOLUTION 2026- 04 - 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, to join with the City of Cleveland in opposing a package of unconstitutional legislation currently pending before the Ohio General Assembly intended to empower Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE) and promote an environment of fear and surveillance in our communities. Overall Sentiment James Ketchaver Location: Submitted At: 3:30pm 02-17-26 On behalf of myself and the other member of my household of voting age, I support this Resolution. Caitlin Magner Location: Submitted At: 1:04pm 02-15-26 I am writing on behalf of myself and the three other members of my family of legal voting age in support of Resolution 2026-04, opposing the unconstitutional proposed legislation of HB42, HB281, SB172. We are grateful that the Mayor and Lakewood City Council continue to work hard to address the barrage of state and federal overreach by consistently and rapidly proposing resolutions aimed at protecting the rights of Lakewood's citizens. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

Agenda Item: eComments for 15. Communication from Councilmember Bullock and Council colleagues regarding recognizing the contributions of City crossing guards. Overall Sentiment Emily Lindberg Location: Submitted At: 12:10pm 02- 15- 26 I am writing in strong support of the resolution recognizing Lakewood’s crossing guards and their contributions to our community. Through my involvement in Safe Routes to School work, including conducting intersection audits around Lakewood, I have seen firsthand how crossing guards help create safer and more welcoming streets for everyone. Their presence supports students walking and biking to school, improves safety for all pedestrians, and helps drivers navigate busy crossings more predictably. Crossing guards do far more than stop traffic. They help create conditions where walking and biking to school can happen safely and reliably, recognizing that transportation decisions are shaped by many factors — from family routines and distance to access and necessity — rather than simple choice alone. They provide a visible reminder that children and pedestrians belong in our streets and that safety is a shared responsibility. Their presence benefits not only students but also adult walkers, cyclists, and drivers by improving predictability and reducing conflict at busy crossings. As our community continues investing in Safe Routes to School and intersection improvements, crossing guards remain an essential part of a comprehensive safety strategy. They help bridge the gaps between infrastructure and everyday reality, ensuring that our transportation network works as a connected system where people can move safely and continuously on foot from one part of the city to another. Recognizing their service also reflects the values that have long shaped Lakewood’s identity as a walkable community. I have consistently observed crossing guards perform their duties with professionalism, patience, and kindness — often in challenging weather and traffic conditions — and their work helps make Lakewood a safer and more connected community. Thank you for considering this resolution and for recognizing the dedicated individuals who help keep our streets safe every school day. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

Agenda Item: eComments for 21. ORDINANCE 19- 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, submitting to the electors of the City of Lakewood an amendment to the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood in order to establish a process and requirement for ward redistricting in the City of Lakewood. Overall Sentiment Martha Woerner Location: Submitted At: 4:18pm 02-17-26 I had the opportunity to serve on the Charter Review Commission in 2024, and I highly recommend that this process and requirement for redistricting move forward to the voters. Regularly reviewing ward boundaries and ensuring that residents have equal representation on city council is a healthy democratic process that supports equitable support and voice for residents. The Commission weighed approaches for undertaking regular redistricting, seeking to learn from the experiences of other municipalities, congressional districts, and districts in the statehouse, and we ultimately landed on this approach as one that would most protect against gerrymandering or outside influence of an individual party or parties. It has been nearly 50 years since our current ward boundaries were drawn, and population changes over time as the city changes. It's important that our wards keep up with the ways in which Lakewood has changed. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

Agenda Item: eComments for 26. Communication from Councilmember Bullock, Mayor George, and Council colleagues regarding lowering electricity costs by urging creation of community energy programs. Overall Sentiment James Ketchaver Location: Submitted At: 3:33pm 02-17-26 I support this resolution. Community energy is critical for fighting both rising energy costs and climate change. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

Agenda Item: eComments for 27. RESOLUTION 2026- 06 - A RESOLUTION to respond to high housing costs in Lakewood by urging state government to create a new option for Ohio families and small businesses to lower their electricity costs by allowing community energy projects and programs to operate in Ohio. Overall Sentiment Tim Dewald Location: Submitted At: 3:58pm 02-17-26 Hello members of Lakewood City Council from here in the internet. I write in strong support of the resolution for Lakewood City Council to back the passage of HB 303 and enact a community energy pilot program in the State of Ohio. Community energy would benefit every Ohioan by lowering electric bills, making our grid more resilient, and expand opportunities to generate power across the state quickly and easily. Lakewoodites do not need to be told about the risks of an unreliable grid. We lived it. We have all seen our energy prices rising, cutting into budgets and making life harder to afford, too. Right now in East Cleveland, Cleveland Solar Cooperative is moving towards installing the State's first community-owned solar array. This will allow our member-owners to cooperatively finance and operate a small solar array on Lakeside Bible Church on Euclid Avenue, lowering energy costs for the church and bringing more clean, renewable energy online, while also keeping investment and dollars close to home. With the passage of HB 303, projects like this could also funnel down to lower the energy bills of more than just the host site. Individuals would be able to easily subscribe to our solar energy output and see direct savings on their bills. This is the future we envision and its a future we should all support. I applaud Lakewood City Council for taking up this resolution and hope you will adopt it. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

Agenda Item: eComments for VI. Public Comment Overall Sentiment Fermin Maldonado II Location: Submitted At: 5:24pm 02-17-26 Id like to second Emily's point on buried sidewalks during winter months, sidewalks should be part of the DOT as it is a transportation method just like automobiles are. It should be taken just as serious if not not even more since active transportation users are far more vulnerable than drivers. If roads can get cleared of snow so should sidewalks as it's just as important. Everyone should have the right to get around safely all year round no matter what they use to be mobile. Emily Lindberg Location: Submitted At: 10:34am 02- 17- 26 During the recent Winter Walk to School event on February 12, 2026, my daughter and I walked 1.2 miles to school following a thaw and refreeze cycle. Many sidewalks along our route were covered in thick, uneven ice and were effectively unusable in places. On multiple stretches, we chose to walk in the roadway — something I would normally never do — because the street provided safer, more stable footing than the adjacent sidewalk, which remained icy despite the road being fully clear and dry. That contrast highlights a structural policy issue. Our city maintains a connected roadway network in winter, while sidewalk maintenance depends largely on individual property owners and complaint-driven enforcement. The result is a patchwork system where pedestrian safety and access vary block by block. We would not accept a transportation network where some streets were passable and others were not; connectivity is considered essential for people traveling by car. Sidewalks are also part of our public transportation network, particularly for students, seniors, and residents who cannot or choose not to drive. I am asking Council to consider whether our current snow removal model aligns with the city’s stated goals around safety, active transportation, Safe Routes to School, and environmental sustainability. Encouraging walking and reducing vehicle dependence requires a pedestrian network that is reliable year-round, including during winter conditions. If we want residents to choose walking as a realistic transportation option, consistent sidewalk accessibility must be treated as fundamental infrastructure rather than an individual responsibility that produces uneven results. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5

I respectfully ask Council to begin a policy discussion about how Lakewood can ensure connected, dependable pedestrian access throughout winter, in the same way we ensure consistent roadway access. Docusign Envelope ID: 97F60CD6- 5E87- 4E93-83E9-2C3433C6DDB5