COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY JULY 9, 2024
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• July 9, 2024 •
Ken Kary • Councilman Ward 2
NOTE
These notes “are not” the official minutes for Willoughby City Council.
The views I express in these Council Meeting Summaries are my own and do not reflect any official view or position of the City of Willoughby.
The “official” Council Minutes are posted on the City of Willoughby Website
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/
Absent: Councilman Merhar
Committee Meetings:
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Dan Garry
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee meeting is to review
#9-5-24 - Interior and exterior renovation of the existing building located at 36900 Vine Street, (Starbucks).
Mr. Sines stated the project is for a Starbucks and includes work on the outside of the building such asextending the drive through and cleaning the site up. Mr. Kary stated the Planning Commission reviewed and approved this EAS and recommended it to Council for approval. Regarding stormwater, there was a business there previously (Hardee’s), and the City Engineer didn’t have any concerns. The comment fromthe WPCC was that the lateral needs to be televised from the building to the control manhole to the street main. Mr. Sines stated that has been completed, however, he needs to send the video to the Service Director. There were no concerns with traffic. Mr. Kary stated the Planning Commission was concerned withpedestrian access from the main street to the business and ADA traffic. Mr. Kary stated that all new plans were received in the last few days indicating access for pedestrian walkways and striping of the crosswalksas well as ADA compliance. There was minimal impact on Police and Fire. The noise for the speakers andoutdoor patio with piped in music is to remain at conversation level which is standard. No impact on the schools. No hazardous waste concerns. The project should begin in July, 2024 and finish in October, 2024.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #9-5-24.
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Dan Anderson, Ken Kary, Mike Merhar
*The purpose of the Economic Development meeting is to give a City-Wide Economic Development Update.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Mr. Thielman stated that the last time he spoke to Council with an Economic Development update was August 2023 and on that nights agenda was an extension of the purchase agreement with LibertyDevelopment for the Union High restoration project. He spoke about the history of the site and the current buildings historic value and importance to Willoughby’s heritage. He also spoke about the success of TDADesign’s transformation of Memorial Junior High as well as the residential development flanking TDA Design thatwould be moving forward. He spoke about the City’s belief in Liberty Development and their ongoingcommitment to the Union High project and the need to be creative and approve modifications to the existing incentives and the need to create additional incentives like the Tax Increment Financing and the extension ofthe Community Reinvestment Area for the project. Mr. Thielman stated that the Union High project hasbecome reality. The property has transferred, construction financing is in place, and the project is moving forwardas first presented to Council without changes; that is certainly a credit to Council, the Mayor’s work and everyone’s commitment to this project which is paying off.
Mr. Thielman stated that in February 2017, the original Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for Union High.Seven and a half years later, the City has a development that meets the criteria that was originally envisioned. He stated the hazardous materials abatement is almost complete, and demolition of the non-historic rearstructure will be happening soon. Over the past couple years, the City has worked closely with LibertyDevelopment to secure funding for the asbestos abatement and demolition. He stated there were threedifferent applications for three separate rounds of demolition funding for state funds through the Lake County Land Reutilization program that were submitted but didn’t make the cut. Other potential sources of gapfinancing were sought. The City contacted Jason Boyd at the County to see if any ARPA funding was still available and if it would meet the national criteria for use, and to see if the County Commissioners would beinterested in investing in this project. Mr. Thielman stated that Amanda Gordon at McDonald Hopkins wrote anopinion for Lake County that Union High did qualify for ARPA. At the Lake County Commissioners’ meetingtoday, the City was successful in securing $250,000 toward the Union High project. Legislation is on theagenda tonight that would accept the $250,000 ARPA grant to be used towards material costs for HVAC andnew windows. The windows alone are a million dollars. The City will function as the subrecipient of the funds.Once Liberty Development proves the qualified expenses, the City will submit them to the county for the funding and will pass funding to the developer for reimbursement. Mr. Thielman thanked the Lake County Commissioners for their support and true interest in this historic preservation project. Inflation and theconstantly changing costs of building materials has made historic rehabilitation projects like this one difficult toforecast. The extra funding will take some pressure off the investors and ensure that the highest qualitymaterials are being used throughout the project.
Mr. Thielman stated since his last update, Julia’s 1902 at the Willoughby House has opened; it is a beautifulhistoric restoration of a 122-year-old manor home into a restaurant and inn. Other openings included FirstWatch, Crumble Cookie, Charlies Philly Cheesesteak, Smoothie King, Urgent Care Center, Gril Craft BBQ, Candy Cloud, Blue Falls Car Wash, JoJo’s Ice Cream, Five Guys and soon Raising Cane’s.
He stated Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company opened in the former Brew Co. space and Geraci’s Pizza moved intothe former Dog’s on Erie space and the new Refinery Barber Shop downtown. Signature Health opened a 45,000sq. ft. office facility on Mentor Avenue. Starbuck’s on Vine Street will be opening soon. Construction continuesat Andrew’s Ridge Phases 1 and 2, which is the home of the 2024 YMCA Dream House; the popularity of thedevelopment is so intense that the developer is actually holding a lottery for the lots in Phase 2.
Cardinal Credit will be building a new branch building on Euclid Avenue and their former building was sold toHudepohl & Kozan Dentistry (a large practice with 3 doctors) who have remodeled it and moved their practice into Willoughby. Another airplane hangar with offices, valued at over
$4 million is under construction at the Lake County Executive Airport. The airport was recently awarded federalmoney to help construct a new 5,225 sq. ft. terminal and office building at a cost estimated at $3.8 million tomeet the airport’s growth. University Hospitals has submitted their construction drawings for their multi-million-dollar renovation of Lake West Hospital. He stated there is a 12 home development being proposed onHodgson Road abutting Lost Nation Golf Course. Developers are currently working through approvals to build a 128 unit large scale leased community with Tudor styled townhomes called Everett Woods along Kirtland Road across from the Kirtland Country Club. The City has had recent talks with a developer regarding a 30 unit“for sale” townhome project on Euclid Avenue near the Willowick/Wickliffe border.
Mr. Thielman stated US Foils is currently under construction to double their size. The City has made recentbusiness visits to RimeCo, Bowden Manufacturing, Duke Manufacturing, Trust MFG and TDC Systems,which are all reporting rapid growth primarily in the aerospace and defense industries.
Mr. Thielman stated the City is casting a big vision for the future, especially when it comes to environmentalstewardship and recreation experiences by initiating large scale transformational projects. The state of Ohio, intheir latest capital budget, created a fund called the One Time Transformational Projects fund and the City was awarded the largest single grant in Lake County in the amount of $2 million for Osborne Park’s erosioncontrol and shoreline reimagining project. This project is designed, engineered, and out for permitting with the Army Corp of Engineers and the other appropriate shoreline agencies needed. He thanked Jerry Cirino for bringing state money to Willoughby. The City has applied for a National Coastal Resilience Fund grantthrough the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; the City was selected out of a pool of 800 submissions and will submit a full application. If the grant is received it could represent an additional $3 million towards the project. The City is still on Senator Sherrod Brown’s list for potential Congressional Direct Spending forOsborne Park. Once permitting is in place, the City will be able to go out for bid on the first phase of theproject.
Mr. Thielman stated the City sent in an application to the State’s H2Ohio program for additional funding towardsthe Chagrin River lowlands restoration project and are currently working with ODNR (per theirrecommendation) on the possibility of getting on Ohio’s shortlist for submitting for additional funding from NOAA(the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for project construction.
Between the Chagrin River Corridor, Osborne Park, Vine Street Corridor Plan and the recent award for Union High, the City has successfully secured over $11.5 million. This does not include the Congressional DirectSpending for the wastewater treatment plant, the recent Nasin Basin award or emergency slope stabilizationfunds; adding those dollar amounts would take that number well over $20 million.
There was discussion regarding the new Cardinal Credit Union on Shankland. Mr. Thielman stated that the Ohio Broach building recently sold. The owners of the building own Trust Manufacturing; they purchased thebuilding for future expansion but Ohio Broach will maintain it. Ohio Broach doesn’t have anyone to take over the business and it will be closing. Mr. Anderson asked about the 30 townhomes near the Wickliffe border.Mr. Thielman stated the site is in front of the self-storage units and is owned by Norm Kotach. He stated adevelopment team has come forward; however, the property will require a zoning change. There was discussion regarding problem hotels in the City; Mr. Thielman stated there is an opportunity for a boutique stylehotel downtown. Mayor Fiala stated he learned recently that the City can levy a bed tax outside of the countybed tax. Mr. Thielman said there was a recent discussion about using bed tax money for the waterfrontrehabilitation at Osborne Park. Mr. Thielman stated the City will try to get money from NOACA for theroundabout on Lost Nation Road. Regarding the ARPA money to be used for the Union High project, Mr. Carrasked why the City is involved with the transaction. Mr. Thielman stated it is easier for the county; the City will collect the information regarding the expense.
The Economic Development Committee adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 9, 2024
***PUBLIC HEARING-7:15 p.m.
2025 Tax Budget
The proposed Tax Budget of the City of Willoughby, Ohio for the year 2025 is on file in the office of the City Finance Director and available for public inspection from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Any person interested in being heard on the proposed 2025 Tax Budget of the City of Willoughby will have an opportunity to be heard at the date and time slated above.
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on the proposed 2025 Tax Budget (see attached).
Those Speaking in Favor – No one spoke.
Those Speaking in Opposition – No one spoke.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of June 11, 2024
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee, Mr. Anderson – Reported there was a committee meeting held earlier this evening.
Environmental Planning Committee, Mr. Kary – Reported there was a committee meeting held earlier this evening.
Parks & Recreation Committee, Ms. Sievers – Reported there was a meeting to discuss the master plan for the Euclid Avenue pool property on July 2nd. She is hoping to provide Council information by late fall.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Dante Lewis, 37455 Grove Avenue, Apt. 301, Willoughby - Director of the Lake County Board ofElections) – Mr. Lewis stated he is looking for poll workers for the upcoming election and asked if Councilcould spread the word about poll workers who would make a total of $185 between trainings and working on election day. The money can also be donated back. He needs 700 workers this year. He stated this year will be busy with presidential candidates on the ballot and county wide offices and several other issues in various communities. Any changes to voter registration or any new voter registration needs to be completed by October 7th; early voting starts on October 8th at the Lake County Administration Center. Absentee requests need to be submitted 7 days prior to election day. The Ohio Secretary of State will be mailing every registered voter an absentee request form. Regarding voter ID, the state of Ohio is now a voter ID state. This means you must provide some sort of photo ID such as a driver’s license or state ID which is now being offered for free at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Passports, US military ID and Department of Defense ID cards are accepted. Early voting will end on Sunday, November 3rd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and there will be no voting at the Board of Elections on election day. Polling locations can be found on the Board of Elections website or residents can call.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-67 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance providing for the submission of a proposed amendment to Article Ill of the Charter of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, the Council, (Section 7, titled, General Ordinances) to the electors of the City, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated the first six legislative items are recommended amendments from the Charter Review Commission. This legislation will go to the voters to be put on the ballot in November. Law Director Lucas stated the language in the ordinances is almost verbatim from the language submitted by the Charter Review Commission. The ordinances also include the language that will be used for the ballot. Once received, the Board of Elections sends the language to the State Board of Elections; there could be minor changes to the language to make it easier for the voters to understand.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-68 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance providing for the submission of a proposed amendment to Article Ill of the Charter of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, the Council, (Section 11, titled, Effective Date of Ordinances and Resolutions) to the electors of the City, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr clarified with Mr. Lucas that this ordinance deals with the contracting of utilities not being an emergency. Mr. Lucas stated that was correct.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-69 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance providing for the submission of a proposed amendment to Article Ill of the Charter of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled the Council (Section 12, titled, Removal) to the electors of the City, anddeclaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance would allow the removal of Council for malfeasance. Mr. Lucas stated there isanother ordinance that would allow for the removal of the Mayor for the various feasances. He stated the Charter Review Commission had a lengthy discussion on this topic.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-70 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance providing for the submission of a proposed amendment to Article IV of the Charter of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, the Mayor, (Section 8, titled, Removal) to the electors of the City, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance deals with the (removal of) the Mayor.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-71 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance providing for the submission of a proposed amendment to Article VIII of the Charter of the City of Willougby, Ohio, titled, Civil Service Commission, (Section 3, titled, Classification of Service) to the electors of the City, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance removes the old language regarding a chauffeurs license and replaces it with a CDL.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-72 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance providing for the submission of a proposed amendment to Article XI of the Charter of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, Miscellaneous, (Section 6, titled, Gender Neutrality) to the electors ofthe City, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance will make the charter gender neutral.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-73 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the 2024 Pavement Repair Program, and declaring an emergency.
A memo was sent out by City Engineer Lannon regarding this resolution. Mr. Carr stated the list sent out included a lot of streets on the north end. Mr. Lannon stated the list is based on an older list of road conditions. He stated there is still home construction on Glenwood so it was not included this year. Mr. Lannon stated that River Street and the Rt. 84 retaining wall will most likely eat up anything that’s left in theannual appropriation. Mr. Tomaselli asked if there was a comprehensive list of rankings for all streets in the City. Mr. Lannon stated there is a list but it hasn’t been updated in a while; the top 20 streets are looked at and the top 10 are chosen from there based on their location. The grading for the entire City needs to be updated and it may be done next year. Mr. Tomaselli stated it is useful to have the list so when someone asksabout their street, they can inform them on the grading. Mr. Lannon stated he talks to members of the Service Department and Police Department about the conditions of the streets.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-74 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the 2024 Highway Pavement Lane Marking Project, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr confirmed that the lane marking project has been running about $100,000 the last few years.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-75 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1-Final in the 2023 Pavement Repair Program with Cole Burton Contractors, LLC, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated the change order includes a contract deduct.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-76 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution adopting the Tax Budget of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025; submitting same to the Lake County Auditor, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this is the annual submission to the county for the tax budget. Ms. Hoffman stated the county asks for this annually assuming the City knows how they will end the year. She stated the safety tax levy was added into the tax budget this year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-77 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #9-5-24 for interior and exterior renovation of the existing building located at 36900 Vine Street, (Starbucks).
Mr. Carr stated this was discussed during the Environmental Planning Committee meeting; this will be the third full service Starbucks in the City.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-78 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Ohio Paving & Construction Co., Inc. inthe amount of $52,741.28 for the Osborne Park Pickleball Courts and declaring an emergency.
An e-mail was sent out by Ms. Keller on this resolution. There will be a few phases for the courts and the budget has been reduced from the capital discussion. Ms. Keller stated this resolution covers the paving portion. A fabric (mesh) will be placed in the asphalt that will help with cracking. She has only received onequote for the painting of the courts at $110,000. Only the west side of the fencing will be replaced at $10,000. She stated she found a pool fence (typically used around pools to prevent kids from falling in) that can be used for pickleball courts.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-79 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure of $58,998.68 for the purchase of two (2) 2024 Maverick AWDXLT SuperCrews from Classic Ford for use by the Service and Building Departments, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated one of the vehicles had an insurance claim of $18,000 on it. This purchase was part of the capital discussion.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-80 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $108,562 for the purchase of two (2) 2024 FordF-550 Cab and Chassis from Classic Ford for use by the Parks and Recreation Department and Street Department, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this purchase was also part of the discussion on capital expenses.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $105,438 for the purchase of theattendant outfitting for two (2) 2024 Ford F-550 Cab and Chassis from Best Truck Equipment Inc. for useby the Parks and Recreation Department and Street Department, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated between the purchase of the trucks and the outfitting, each vehicle will cost a little more than $100,000 each.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-82 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Subrecipient Agreement with the Lake CountyCommissioners and Willoughby Union Realty, LLC and to utilize Lake County ARPA Funds in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for the purpose of construction and/or installation of ventilation improvements of the Willoughby Union High Historic Restoration Project, and declaring an emergency.
This resolution was discussed earlier at the Economic Development Committee meeting.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked council for the passage of Resolution No. 2024-82 for the Union High project. The ArtsFest is July 20th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – Mr. Lucas thanked Council for the passage of the charter amendment ordinances.
City Engineer Lannon – Reported that the SOM Center Road sidewalk construction should start nextweek and continue through early September. Mr. Lannon stated the design engineer thinks there could be asavings of $20,000 to $30,000 by using concrete for driveway and apron repairs as long as people don’t mind concrete at the end of their driveways. Mr. Anderson asked if the City has ever used the fabric that Ms. Keller talked about earlier on any of our roads. Mr. Lannon stated it had been used years ago and more recently a tar and chip underseal has been used to delay cracks from coming back. Fabric can be difficult as it’s not as uniform and sometimes the fabric gets too thin over the asphalt and then you can see the fabric. The tennis courts are a much better use of the fabric than a road.
Police Chief Schultz – Reported there were a lot of fireworks complaints over the 4th of July weekend.From June 28th until July 9th, there were 30 total calls for service for fireworks; 18 of those calls happened in the Lakeshore Boulevard area. He stated 14 of the calls happened from June 28th until July 4th and 16(more than half) happened after July 4th. Due to previous fireworks complaints, officers were directed to issue citations for people blowing off fireworks or in possession of them. He stated there were 8 citations inWard 1 and 1 citation in Big Turtle
1. Citations were not issued in some cases because the officers weren’t able to locate the persons involvedor the fireworks. Chief Schultz stated he did have extra officers out with some located at Osborne Park.
Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Puskas – Mr. Puskas thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2024-79 for the purchase of the 2024 Maverick that will replace the 2008 Colorado currently being used. Mr. Anderson asked about potholes on private property. Ms. Puskas stated he would look into it.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller thanked Council for Resolution No. 2024-78.
Finance Director Hoffman – Ms. Hoffman thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2024-76.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers – Ms. Sievers reminded everyone of the concert tomorrow night at Osborne Park; Tricky Dichand the Cover Ups with a rain date of July 24th. She thanked the Service department for handling a sewer issue for a resident during the flash flooding last week.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
SIGNS GO UP ON LOST NATION & AQUARIUS
Just yesterday signage went up on Lost Nation Road and Aquarius. They are advertising the Auction of the parcels of land owned by Cleveland Clinic. I have received many calls and emails asking what is going on so here is a letter I wrote regarding the facts as I know them.
The properties involved are all owned by Cleveland Clinic.
They were donated to the Clinic by the Millstein Family, who has owned them for decades.
They owned the properties where we now have Tamarac Apartments, Arbor Ridge, Cross Creek Village, etc etc.
Over the past few years, the Clinic has worked with local agents to sell the properties. They have no plans to develop them, so selling and using the proceeds for future endeavors is their best option.
Because of the market, they had few offers to buy. Now, they have decided to move the properties by auction.
My belief is that this is an excellent chance for developers to make a purchase of what I see as “prime” real estate in this area, with a lot of potential for growth and development.
If you look closely, there are several signs. That is because there are several properties. Each property is zoned a bit differently. Those right on Lost Nation are zoned GENERAL BUSINESS. Others are zoned Light Industrial.
I hope we see an influx of retail businesses on the LOST NATION ROAD. Over the past few years, developers approached me to build apartments, and I did all I could to discourage that plan. NOW, I will be working to the best of my ability to hope whoever makes these purchases brings to our neighborhood products we can all enjoy. I am quite aware of the desire for a Family Owned Grocery!!!!!!
I know some residents want to see the land stay just as it is, but that is not my call. When a property is owned or sold, the owner has the right, based on city ordinances, to develop those properties. Imagine if you owned property yourself and a city told you that you could not build on that property. My job as your Councilman and a member of the Planning Commission is to make sure what gets built is appropriate for the area and is created with the utmost attention to OUR NEEDS, detail, and aesthetics.
I will be on the watch for the purchase and future plans for these properties. Trust me; I will strive to make sure that what happens while I am in the office is “POSITIVE FOR WARD 2 & WILLOUGHBY RESIDENTS.
Let’s think positively about this action.
Thank you all once again for all the positive comments I have received for taking the time to produce these summaries. Compiling them takes a bit of time and organization, but I, too, find them beneficial for sharing information.
Just as a reminder, the City Council meets once per month during the summer. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th. In September, we will be back to two meetings per month. As I have previously, I invite you to attend a City Council Meeting. If you have a comment or a concern, you have time during the public portion of the meeting to speak to the Council and the Administration. If you see no need to speak, attend to see the process in action.
NOTE
The views I express in these Council Meeting Summaries are my own and do not reflect any official view or position of the City of Willoughby. The “official” Council Minutes are posted on the
City of Willoughby Website
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/