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MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting February 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m. | Meeting Location, Oberlin City Hall Council Chambers 85 South Main Street, Oberlin , Ohio 44074 hs COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Call regular City Council Meetings to Order and Roll Call — 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Eboni Johnson at 7:00 p.m. Followed by the Roll call. All members of Council were present. Council Members: Present Absent Eboni Johnson, President g Michael McFarlin, Vice President Sondra Miller (arrived late) Libni Lopez Jessa New Joseph Waltzer Kristin Peterson Hoon mm Appointees Present Greg Holcomb, City Manager Belinda Anderson, Clerk of Council Jon Clark, Law Director Marin Fowler, Finance Director Approval of Minutes — Regular City Council Meeting — February 2, 2026 Members of Council approved the minutes as submitted. . Appointments to City Boards and Commissions McFarlin, seconded by Peterson, moved to approve the slate appointing Scott Broadwell and Jessica Hughley-Therburg to the Historic Preservation Commission term’s expiring on December 31, 2028 and December 31, 2026,respectively. Roll Call: 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion Carried . Consideration of a Motion to Request a Hearing on an Application to Transfer the Ownership of D-1, D-2, and D-3 Liquor Permits from Xueping Sun and Sunset Asian Cuisine Bubble Tea.
Clark remarked that this is an application to transfer the liquor license from Xueping Sun (Bingo)to the new operator of the premises. They are the same liquor permits that were in place when Bingo was in place. Council can raise an objection and request a hearing if there are grounds. Police Chief Ryan Warfield has issued a memo indicating that there were no circumstances that would justify a hearing, so Council is free to pass it by a majority vote. He noted that Waltzer, and Peterson recused themselves from the meeting. Waltzer operates a liquor control business and Peterson's son operates a business that serves alcohol. liquor. McFarlin, seconded by Lopez, moved not to request a hearing on the above stated application. Roll Call: 4 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion Carried Waltzer and Peterson returned to Council Chambers following the vote. 2. ANY CONCERNS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA MAY BE BROUGHT TO COUNCIL'S ATTENTION AT THIS TIME Aliza Weidenbaum, 99 South Cedar Street, expressed disappointment that the approval of a Taco Bell application was on the planning commission agenda and her surprise that the proposal was being considered in a community that values preservation of downtown businesses. She raised concerns about sustainability, noting that constructing a new Taco Bell Franchise building, particularly when a former Pizza Hut building remains vacant, was the opposite of sustainability. She also cited concerns regarding fossil fuel Use, increased traffic congestion, imported foods, packaging waste, and broader contributions to global warming. 3. OPPORTUNITY FOR A REPORT FROM A CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE None 4. OPPORTUNITY FOR A REPORT FROM AN ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT Terri Richardson Sanders, with Raloh Thompson provided an update on the Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase. A copy of the presentation is attached in its entirety. A new initiative was introduced in collaboration with the Lorain County Community Foundation. Effort to support affordable housing development in the Oberlin community. This effort resulted in the creation of a new fund, initially focused on providing down payment assistance for homebuyers. Over time, the program expanded in scope. We are looking to provide expense money for people who are involved in a college degree program or a job training program. We Page 2
realize that there are important expenses that people run into that a scholarship doesn't provide for, including paying for child care while they have time to study after classes, or paying for materials that they need like a laptop for example. The third area of the program that evolved was being able to provide for entrepreneurs as part of our equity programs. Over the years, we have wanted to increase the number of small business owners in our community and find ways to help that happen. The fourth idea was inspired by research into guaranteed income programs implemented by approximately 100 mayors nationwide. In some places, like Cleveland, it has become a guaranteed job program, but in other communities, it provides individuals with so much money each month that they can use to make life a little easier while they become more employable. Ultimately, the initiative developed into a four-part program: down-payment assistance for affordable housing, school-and-training-related expenses, entrepreneurial support, and a guaranteed-income program. After months of collaboration and legal review, the Lorain County Community Foundation approved the establishment of the Oberlin Legacy Contingent Loan and Grant Program Fund, to be marketed as “| am Elevating.” The program is not intended to be a handout to people, but a hand up, offering financial support, mentorship, and guidance in their venture, so that they can achieve personal and professional goals. This fund has been launched under the Implementation team, with additional elements of the olan still in development, but we are excited about the possibilities. Richardson-Sanders remarked that Jon Clark is currently reviewing the “| am Elevating” program agreement to make sure that legally things are in place. At a future date, the implementation team will bring forward additional initiatives that will require matching funds. They hope the City can provide that support. Council expressed its appreciation to the committee for launching this new income-guarantee, down payment, entrepreneurship, and education initiative as well as for all the hard work done by the Social Equity Implementation Committee. Follow up; e Will get statistics on the job placement results of the LCCC Program. 5. OLD BUSINESS ea A. Ordinance No. 26-07 AC CMS: An Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Documents and Instruments Necessary to Facilitate the Transfer of Property Located at 198 East College Street to Y.U. Properties LLC for Residential and other Mixed-Use Development to Go into Immediate Effect 2nd Page 3
The Clerk read the ordinance by number, title, and substantive portions only. McFarlin, seconded by Lopez, moved for passage on second reading of the Ordinance. Clark recapped the discussion from the previous meeting. Johnson remarked that she would like to reiterate that the Council's role here is simply to act as the financial conduit for the transaction. Mr. Lopez read a comment from Jessa New expressing her support for whatever decision the Oberlin School District makes. Clark remarked that, to his understanding, the District voted earlier this afternoon to approve the transaction documents. JoAnne Steggel, President of the Oberlin School Board, commented that earlier this afternoon, the board voted to approve a resolution transferring the property from the school board through the city of Oberlin, then to Y.U. Properties. Peterson, seconded by McFarlin, moved to waive the rule requiring three readings. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, 1 Nay (Waltzer). Motion Carried McFarlin, seconded by Peterson, moved that Ordinance No. 26-07 AC CMS go into immediate effect in order to facilitate the goals and objectives of the City of Oberlin Comprehensive Plan. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, 0 Nay. Ordinance Adopted (Effective Immediately) 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Ordinance No. 26-08 AC CMS: An Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Agreements with Sway Mobility Incorporated and Authorizing the Expenditure of Funds from the Sustainable Reserve Fund. The Clerk read the ordinance by number, title, and substantive portions only. Waltzer, seconded by McFarlin, moved for passage on first reading of the Ordinance. The Council considered Ordinance No. 26-08 authorizing agreements with Sway Mobility Inc., as well as the expenditure of $163,394 from the SRF to be utilized pursuant to the terms of said agreement. The agreement will renew the EV Carshare program for the next 5 years and will remove the cost-share component from the program which has been offset by a reduction in program costs from $42,260 to the City to $32,679. Page 4
A copy of the presentation given by Sway Mobility CEO Michael Peters is attached in its entirety. Council discussed peak time tracking, a proposed cost increase, vehicle rental qualifications requirements, the year-to-date accident record, and whether there had been a dip in usage since implementation of the Oberlin Connector Service Lopez , seconded by Peterson, moved to waive the rule requiring three readings. Roll Call: 5 Ayes, 1 Nays (Waltzer). Motion Carried Roll Call: 6 Ayes, O Nays. Ordinance Adopted (Effective in 30 days) . Ordinance No. 26-09 AC CMS: An Ordinance Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract with GPD Group of Akron, Ohio, for the Engineering Services Proposal for Power Plant Generators 7 & 8 Relay Protection and Voltage Regulator Upgrade Project Change Order #2 to Go into Immediate Effect The Clerk read the ordinance by number, title, and substantive portions only. Peterson, seconded by McFarlin, moved for passage on first reading of the Ordinance. The Council considered Ordinance No. 26-09 Amending the contract with GPD Group, proposing a second change order for the Power Plant Generators 7 & 8 Relay Protection and Voltage Regulator Upgrade Project. The amendment is necessary to address the project that continues to expand, requiring the need for additional fieldwork, resulting in higher costs. Currently Power Plant Generator No. 7 is operational, but No. 8 is not. The staff is trying to get that up and running for the peaking season, which begins in June. As a result of the work being done, going forward, there will be a complete set of well-documented drawings and new operational and troubleshooting procedures. Skolnicki noted that, since this will require a budget adjustment, staff is requesting that this be passed at the March 2™4 meeting, following the approval of the budget adjustment ordinance. McFarlin, seconded by Lopez, moved to waive the rule requiring three readings. Roll Call: 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. (First Reading) Motion Carried . Ordinance No. 26-10 AC CMS: An Ordinance Amending the Contract with Environmental Design Group, Inc. of Akron, Ohio, to Provide for Additional Professional Engineering Services for the State Route 58 South Active Transportation Improvements to Go into Immediate Effect Page 5
The Clerk read the ordinance by number, title, and substantive portions only. Peterson, seconded by Waltzer, moved for passage on first reading of the Ordinance. The Council considered Ordinance No. 26-10, proposing an amendment to the engineering services contract with the Environmental Design Group (EDG), providing additional Engineering Services for the SR58 Active Transportation Improvements project in the amount of $33,340.89, adjusting the not-to-exceed contract amount to $230,410.89. Baumann remarked that the accompanying proposal does a good job of outlining the additional work involved, including the presentation back in September and the consideration of the proposed crossing and island at the Reserve Avenue opening. Council discussed various scenarios considered for removing the island and the timeline for the multi-use path project going out to bid. Baumann noted that the project had been slowed down due to issues with attaining the easements, detailed drainage calculations for the existing stormwater drainage system, and difficulties with getting ODOT District 3 (Sponsor of the Abbreviated Safety Program Grant) to support the installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon near the driveway entrance to Aldi, without data from people walking, biking and choosing to cross there. Once these various questions are answered, ODOT has 30 days to review the 90% plan set and 30 days to review the 100% plan set. At this point, getting this out to bid this summer is the earliest we can do so. McFarlin, seconded by Lopez, moved to waive the rule requiring three readings for Ordinance No. 26-10 AC CMS. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion Carried McFarlin, seconded by Peterson, moved that Ordinance No. 26-10 AC CMS go into immediate effect in order to provide funding for necessary additional engineering services for the State Route 58 South Active Transportation Improvement project. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Ordinance Adopted (Effective Immediately) _ Ordinance No. 26-11 AC CMS: An Ordinance Authorizing an Amendment to the Engineering Services Contract with American, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, to Provide for Additional Professional Engineering Services for the Replacement of the East Vine Street Bridge in the City of Oberlin to Go into Immediate Effect The Clerk read the ordinance by number, title, and substantive portions only. Lopez, seconded by Peterson, moved for passage on first reading of the Ordinance. Page 6
Following an overview and background given by Public Works Director Jeff Baumann ,Council considered Ordinance No. 26-11 AC CMS, which authorizes amendments to the American Structurepoint contract for the provision of additional engineering services in the amount of $5,5000 for the relocation of the sanitary sewer necessary for the replacement of the East Vine Street Bridge. Baumann reassured members of Council that remarked that the new system is a better design solution from a flow standpoint. Lopez, seconded by McFarlin, moved to waive the rule requiring three readings for ordinance 26-11 AC CMS. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, O Nays. Motion Carried Lopez, seconded by Peterson, moved that Ordinance No. 26-11 AC CMS go into immediate effect in order to provide funding for necessary additional engineering services for the replacement of the East Vine Street Bridge in the City of Oberlin. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Ordinance Adopted (Effective Immediately) Ordinance No. 26-12 AC CMS: An Ordinance Authorizing a Second Amendment to the Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Shaffer, Johnston, Lichtenwalter & Associates, Inc. of Mansfield, Ohio, to Provide Additional Professional Engineering Services for the Replacement of the South Pleasant Street Bridge in the City of Oberlin to Go into Immediate Effect The Clerk read the ordinance by number, title, and substantive portions only. Peterson, seconded by Miller, moved for passage on first reading of Ordinance No. 26-12 AC CMS. Members of Council considered Ordinance No. 26-12 authorizing a second amendment to the Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Shaffer, Johnston, Lichtenwalter & Associates, Inc. of Mansfield, Ohio, to provide additional professional engineering services. Public Works Director Jeff Baumann provided an overview and background, noting that the amendment was needed to increase the proposed contract by $8,452.00. The reasons for this request was due to a number of changes that occurred after the easement acquisition processes were underway consisting of the sale of the former Premier Bank drive-through property, requiring K.E. McCartney to start the process all over with the new owners, ODOT modified some of its required acquisition processes, and new appraisal guidelines where put in place that doubled the original appraisal costs. McFarlin, seconded by Lopez, moved to waive the rule requiring three readings for Ordinance No. 26-12 AC CMS. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion Carried Page 7
McFarlin, seconded by Peterson, moved that Ordinance No. 26-12 AC CMS go into immediate effect in order to provide compensation for necessary professional engineering services rendered for the replacement of the South Pleasant St. Bridge. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, O Nays. Ordinance Adopted (Effective Immediately) F. Ordinance No. 26-13 AC CMS: An Ordinance to Approve and Adopt the Current Replacement Pages to the Codified Ordinances The Clerk read the ordinance by number, title, and substantive portions only. McFarlin, seconded by Lopez, moved for passage on first reading of the Ordinance. Members of Council considered an ordinance to approve and adopt the current replacement pages of the codified Ordinances. Law Director Clark explained that passage of this ordinance would align the Oberlin City Code with current State Law in areas of general offenses and traffic codes, updating relevant sections as previously authorized by Council for 2025. He also noted that the City codified one new ordinance this year 25-67 AC CMS, the Conversion Ban Therapy ordinance. Staff asks that this ordinance not be passed with immediate effect to ensure that 25-67 AC CMS goes into effect first. McFarlin seconded by Lopez, moved to amend the ordinance, striking the phrase “to go into immediate effect” from the title. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, O Nays (Amendment). Motion Carried McFarlin, seconded by Lopez, moved to waive the rule requiring three readings for Ordinance No. 26-13 AC CMS. Roll Call: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion Carried Roll all: 6 Ayes, O Nays. Ordinance Adopted (Effective in 30 Days) 7. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Council members provided reports from recent board and commission meetings and shared updates, current initiatives, projects, and community events. Members also announced Page 8
upcoming meeting dates and summarized their participation in recent trainings and conferences, and highlighted concerns raised by the public advocating for new signs on the outskirts of Oberlin. 8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Greg Holcomb addressed concerns about the deteriorated welcome signs at Oberlin entrances, noting that replacement and improvements will be included in the upcoming Wayfinding Signage project. He also reported meeting with college representatives to explore a potential partnership on this initiative. 9. OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHER APPOINTEES TO REPORT Finance Director Marin Fowler announced that the City has received the Auditor of State Award, recognizing excellence in financial reporting and accountability. Law Director Jon Clark reported on recent meetings with Pittsfield Township trustees, Finance Director Fowler, and the City Manager Holcomb to discuss updates to the annexation agreement and explore opportunities for collaboration on joint efforts. Clerk of Council Belinda Anderson thanked the Recreation Department for organizing the Valentine’s Day luncheon for senior citizens and acknowledged their efforts in supporting the community. She also announced that a vacancy still remained on the Public Utilities Commission, encouraging interested residents to apply. 10. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Council heard remarks from Aliza Weidenbaum, 99 South Cedar Street, who expressed concern about insufficient public notification regarding agenda items and criticized the procedure used to address a major community issue. 11. ADJOURNMENT Being that there was no further action to take, the meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM ATTEST: EBONI A. raaaias BELINDA B. ANDERSON, MMC CLERK OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL APPROVED: 03/02/2026 POSTED: 03/03/2026 Page 9
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase • Committee Members • Kathy Burns, Oberlin Community Services • Libni Lopez, City Council • AG Miller, Faith Community • Sondra Miller, Entrepreneur • Ralph Thomson, Community Member • Lachelle Woods, Mercy Health • Ian Yarber, City of Oberlin Rec Dept.
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase • Meetings • August 26, 2025 • Introduction of Committee Members • Discussions on Tracking & Data Collection Documents • Priorities and Objective Assignments • November 11, 2025 • Introduction of the City Manager • Introduction of Spreadsheets • Short Term strategies • Ongoing strategies • February 10, 2026 • General Updates • Introduction of New Initiatives
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase Lorain County Community College Oberlin SE and Skill Development Promise Program Provide last-dollar funding for Oberlin Participants Ongoing partnership with LCCC/OhioMeansJobs 15-week Fast-Track to Employment Programs Advanced Manufacturing, Trades, IT, Healthcare, Finance/Finance Technology 26 students enrolled, 10 graduates, 11 certifications awarded New Scholarship Opportunities Bridges to Success Program New graduates from any high school earn an LCCC scholarship, if the students have earned CCP credits. Encouraging students in Eighth Grade to begin earning scholarships Obj. 5.2.2 – Enhanced knowledge on the benefits of preparatory programs Obj 4.1.5 – Continue to work with LCCC to expand access to Oberlin residents Obj. 4.3.2- Continue to promote the SE & Skill Development Promise Program
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase Oberlin Schools Meet quarterly with school leadership to gain a better understanding of educational services Increase collaboration and education geared towards our youth Education about the social equity plan Obj. 5.4 school planning and programing City leadership and promote civic engagement Current issues affecting Oberlin directly and indirectly Obj. 4.3.6 Enhance cooperation between Oberlin Schools and the City of Oberlin Introduction to Oberlin’s civic landscape and non-profit resources Introduction to local professionals How U.S. history is reflected in local issues
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase • Oberlin College Bonner Scholars Program • Hosting an intern for the 3rd year • Working with new scholars with an introduction to Oberlin & benefits of Civic Engagement and Grassroots Initiatives • Winter-Term project video on Ethical Community Engagement Center for DEI Innovation & Leadership Presentation on the Social Equity Plan and Leadership and Community Engagement Connected 3 under-grad fellows from the Change Makers Mentorship Program with infrastructure project - OMLPS Change Makers was a pilot program that students work with community leaders on community-based projects Obj. 6.2.1 – Develop a communications network to provide education related to social equity
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase Leadership Lorain County September 2025- May 2026 Obj. 7.1.9 – Promote existing resources from Lorain & Cuyahoga Counties Law and Government Day February 18th
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase • 2026 Priorities • Continued education about the Social Equity Plan • Talk at Kendal – 2/23 @ 7pm • Documentation of Ongoing initiatives & Objectives • Short-Term Goals • Affordable Housing • Workforce Development – 3/24 @OEAC • Increased collaboration with Mercy Health to provide health related education in the community
Oberlin Social Equity Implementation Phase New Initiative Collaboration with the Lorain County Community Foundation
Thank You
Carshare as a Service to the Community
Regular Cleaning And Maintenance Insurance Coverage User Application Member Services Call Center Data And Analytics Community Carshare Service Oberlin EV Carshare provides four electric vehicles in three locations in the City for use by residents. The program is operated by Sway Mobility and began in April 2021. Custom Branded Electric Vehicle
Confidential / Trade Secret / Not for Distribution Public Transit Shared Transit Expanding Oberlin’s Mobility Network
Community Carshare Service Oberlin EV Carshare provides four electric vehicles in three locations in the City for use by residents. To date, 1,239 drivers have signed up to participate in the program. Drivers range in age from 18 to 90 years old. The average age is 26. During this period over 10,000 trips have been booked with 9 bookings per driver on average (the most by a single driver is 390). Fifteen drivers have over 100 bookings each, the majority of which are residents.
All-Electric Fleet Oberlin EV Carshare only uses all electric vehicles. Benefits of Electric Vehicle Fleets • Lower cost to operate • Lower cost to maintain • Addresses rising demand for EVs in market and aligns with city’s sustainability goals • Oberlin’s electric supply is predominantly from renewable sources Oberlin EV Carshare vehicles have travelled 331,677 miles through December 2025. An estimated 215,000 pounds of CO2 has been avoided.
Local and Regional Trips Trip range from 1 to 375 miles While many trips are local, destinations have included: • Pittsburgh • Columbus • Detroit
Diverse Group of Drivers The service benefits from a mix of residents and students : New Russia Township Cemetery Athletic Fields | AgriN nae fe) Automation Solutions Wie Mei Hous Hou <a mf lo, aa ane © | Shnks He ith and... Weary _ Yd ear School {) Oberlin Street (mm) AVA ; __ Department peur a8 +) ment 9 Musik hie eo (Ty Soc .) Pyle-AnherevRe 1g ssaidhD * . x Ke oe ‘eWans st A . send es Johnson House by... Sg fo | Q, Locust St r) & ) | U ' Habitat & Park - a South x Oberlin Edison St Arboretum nt & ov” Googk y Men —— W Hamilton St W Hamilton St aE Ham Xe e-Amherst Rd-——S Pyle-Am
Utilization We measure utilization by how many hours of the day a vehicle is used. A private vehicle on average is used 4 to 5% of the hours in a day, while the carshare vehicles have been used an average of 19% or 4-1/2 hours per car per day.
Drivers Residents participate in the program habitually and periodically Each month approximately 66 unique drivers use the service with many months seeing over 100 unique drivers. The summer experiences a drop in drivers but an increase in trips per driver.
Furthering the Goals of the SRF and CAP 237% Increase in EVs in Oberlin since the program began Electric Vehicle Registrations in Oberlin, Ohio Passenger vehicles registered in ZIP 44074, 2021-2025 125 MM BEV (Battery Electric) lm PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) 106 100 75 50 2025
Oberlin Lags Peers in EV Adoption However Oberlin has a higher percentage of walkers, served by carshare and the eBus
Economics Funding a public good The service was initially funded through a Sustainable Reserve Grant of $42,260 per year (plus chargers). Revenue share returned to the City during this period was $47,905. Despite increases in CPI over this period of roughly 25% and the average price of new cars increasing 33%, the service maintained pricing to residents at $8 per hour (to be increased by $0.48/hour in summer 2026). To continue funding Oberlin EV Carshare, a new 5-year Sustainable Reserve Fund grant is being requested for $32,679/ year. This represents a 27% decrease as the previous revenue share payment has been incorporated into the new request. Original SRF Grant $42,260/ year Initial Costs (Chargers) $12,610 Revenue Share $9,581/ year New SRF Request $32,679/ year
ae WA sway @ Mobility as a Solution hnello@swaymobility.com