COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• September 10, 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/
Committee Meetings:
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Dan Garry
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee meeting is to review:
EAS #10-7-24(a) - Rezoning of 3.06 acres of real property located at 32801 Euclid Avenue and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27A0100000160 from Retail Business (R-B) to Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L).
EAS #10-7-24(a)
Rezoning of 3.06 acres of real property located at 32801 Euclid Avenue and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27A0100000160 from Retail Business (R-B) to Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L).
Regarding stormwater, Mr. Kary stated there is a retention basin on site. The water on the site will exit the site by a watershed that crosses the northeast corner of the property. According to the City Engineer there were no traffic concerns based on similar sites in the area with no signalized intersections. The applicant provided a traffic volume count which was fine for the rezoning. Mr. Kary stated there needs to be interior sidewalks and sidewalks on Euclid Avenue. The Fire Department had no concerns but noted an increase in occupancy. The Fire Department needs to review the plans for the project when submitted. There were no issues from the Police Department. There were no noise, air or water pollution concerns. The applicant had listed that students from the development would attend Wickliffe Schools, however, they will attend Willoughby Eastlake Schools. There is no impact on the school system. There were no hazardous waste concerns. The project will begin in the fall of 2025 and end in 2026. Mr. Shields stated he is hoping to attract new families and people who are looking to downsize. The price point will be between $200,000 and $250,000.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated that the Planning Commission approved and recommended passage to Council on August 22, 2024. Mr. Kary stated the committee is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #10-7-24(a).
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 10, 2024
PUBLIC HEARING- 7:10 p.m.
Rezone on Euclid Avenue
Said hearing is for a rezoning application initiated by Jacob Shields, Grey Fox Capital Ltd., 6161 Oak Tree Blvd., Ste 250, Independence, Ohio for the rezoning of 3.06 acres of land from Retail Business (R-8) to Residential Multi Family Low Rise (R-MF-L) located at 32801 Euclid Avenue, PPN #27A0100000160.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on a proposed rezoning
Those Speaking in Favor – Jacob Shields, 6161 Oak Tree Blvd., Independence, Ohio – Mr. Shields stated the proposed 3 acre site has sat vacant for a long time. It is currently zoned general business and he would like to see it become zoned for a multi-family townhome project. It would be a for sale project with 30 proposed townhomes. The project would be contiguous with apartments, townhomes and single family homes located to the south. If approved, he will be submitting a development plan tomorrow morning. The townhomes would be approximately 1,500 square feet; no builder has been selected yet. The development would have private roads with a homeowners association. There would be as much landscaping as possible given the nearby uses. The price point would attract empty nesters and first time home buyers. He stated that the zoning allows up to 24 units but he will be seeking to increase that to 30 units.
Those Speaking in Opposition – No one spoke.
POLICE DEPARTMENT SWEARING IN AND AWARDS
Chief Jacques Battiste, Executive Director for FBI-LEDDA presented the Willoughby Police Department with an Agency Trilogy Award for having 16 supervisors complete the FBI LEEDA training over the past five years.
Mayor Fiala swore in Patrol Officers Ryan Pate, Andrew D’Eusanio, Anthony Germano, Aleashia Tapia and Nicholas Chiacchiero, Captain James “Toby” Davis, Lieutenants Michael Sevel and Kevin Crowley and Sergeants Kevin Rastall and Brandon Zinner.
Police Chief Schultz presented the Officer of the Year award to Patrol Officer Jonathon Mehm, the Jason Gresko Special Officer of the Year Award to Patrol Officer Derrick Stewart and the Civilian Employee of the Year to Cheryl Stephens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of August 13, 2024
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Environmental Planning Committee, Mr. Kary – Reported there was a committee meeting to discuss EAS #10-7-24(a).
Parks & Recreation Committee, Ms. Sievers – No report. Ms. Sievers requested a 30 to 40 minute meeting on October 15th to discuss the Euclid Avenue Master Plan.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Joseph Yesilosky, 38200 Drury Lane, Willoughby – Mr. Yesilosky stated he contacted the Building Department back in 2022 regarding a serious issue with his neighbor at 2705 Glenbury who has a six foot wooden fence that is falling over into his backyard. This is a serious issue because he has two, Level 3 autistic children who are 3 and 5 years old. Both are non-verbal and he is very concerned for their safety. He has attempted to resolve the issue several times; the previous owner was taken to court several times. Recently the house went to auction and the new owner has renovated the house but has not fixed the fence. Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller stated he would look into the matter and contact Mr. Yesilosky.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-92 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #10-7-24(a) for the rezoning of 3.06 acres of real property located at32801 Euclid Avenue and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27A0100000160 from Retail Business (R-B) to Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L).
Mr. Carr stated this EAS was discussed at the Environmental Planning Committee meeting earlier tonight.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-93 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of Willoughby, Ohio to reclassify
3.06 acres of certain real property located at 32801 Euclid Avenue (Permanent Parcel No. 27A0100000160) from Retail Business (R-B) to Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L).
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-94 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance levying assessments for the improvement of all streets within the City of Willoughby, Ohio, by supplying said streets with electric street lighting, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance is passed every year for the street lighting assessments.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-95 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance certifying to the Auditor of Lake County certain unpaid bills owing to the City of Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated this ordinance covers yard clean up and mowing which the Service Department takes care of.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-96 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award through theFederal Emergency Management Agency, and declaring an emergency.
Chief Ungar stated the current radios are almost 15 years old and are at a point of obsoleteness; they can no longer be repaired. This was a very high priority grant in the 2023 cycle and the City is fortunate to receive over a half million dollars to replace all the radios with only a 10% cost to the City. Chief Ungar stated that the purchase order won’t be written until the City has access to the funds, which could be as early as the next Council meeting. He stated that Motorola is giving other local Fire Departments the ability to purchase radios at a deeper discount because the City has already met a significant discount based on the volume of radios being purchased. Delivery time is between four and seven months.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-97 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a First Amendment to the lease agreement between Goldberg Companies, Inc. and the City of Willoughby for an additional five (5) year term with an option for one (1) additional five (5) year term, and declaring an emergency.
Law Director Lucas stated the first lease was done 20 years ago for a period of 10 years with a 10 year renewal option which expired in August, 2024. He stated this tower is instrumental to the operation of the WPCC; Jack Gorka requested this lease be renewed. Service Director Palmisano stated the lease is for antenna systems mounted to the Pine Ridge Apartments that allows the SCATA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to detect all the uses at all pumps stations and relays that information to the plant.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-98 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Lake County Department of Utilities necessary to the River Street Waterline Replacement Project, and declaring an emergency.
City Engineer Lannon stated that two projects need to be completed prior to the resurfacing of River Street next year; one is for the slope stabilization and one is for the watermain replacement. He stated the City will manage the projects together and the county will pay for all watermain aspects. The project will start later this year and will be finished early next year. Resurfacing will take place next year.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-99 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance authorizing the acceptance by the City of Willoughby of a gift of real property located in Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27A-031-0-00-028-0.
Mr. Carr stated this piece of property is on the backside of the Andrews Ridge Subdivision. Mayor Fiala stated this piece of property was going to be a retention basin but now water will be discharged down the hill so this property is no longer needed. It will become part of the 105 acres of park land with a conservation easement on it.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-100 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution amending Resolution No. 2024-39 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending December 31, 2024, and declaring an emergency.
Finance Director Hoffman stated the added expenses are all for the court.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-101 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission, authorizing the necessary tax levies, certifying same to the Lake County Auditor, and declaring anemergency.
Ms. Hoffman stated this resolution confirms the tax rates for next year.
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. 2024-99 for the acceptance of the Pro-Built property. He thanked everyone who came out to the Union High School groundbreaking earlier this evening.
Mr. Tomaselli asked about the lights on the trees downtown; he heard from several people it is very dark downtown. Service Director Palmisano stated he is expecting delivery of the new lights tomorrow; the Traffic Department will be installing them when they get caught up.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Palmisano – No report. Ms. Sievers complimented the Service Department on the bollards that have been recently installed downtown. Mr. Tomaselli asked about the sale of columbarium’s at the cemeteries. Mr. Palmisano stated they weren’t selling as quickly as he had hoped.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2024-96. He stated the department has received another grant that brings another exciting opportunity for the City.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz thanked Council for allowing the swearing in and awards tonight. He stated that members of his department will be participating in the Miracle League Baseball games on September 21st . On September 29th there will be a charity softball game, the Police Department versus the Fire Department benefiting St. Jude’s.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – The public meeting for the Euclid Avenue Master Plan will be on Wednesday, September 18th at the pool pavilion at 6:30 p.m. The pickleball court nets were dug today and nets will be installed tomorrow. Carr commented that the Roar by the Shore over Labor Day was very well done.
Finance Director Hoffman – Ms. Hoffman thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2024-94 and 2024-95 and Ordinance Nos. 2024-100 and 2024-101.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No significant reports
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I'd like to briefly comment on the properties on Lost Nation Road that we all saw going up for Auction. I attended that auction, and seeing this process in action was very interesting. There were about 30 attendees, and the properties on Lost Nation drew action from about 10.
All three properties were sold, and each to a different buyer. There was minimal “sharing” of their plans for that land. I know that before the auction, two of the buyers approached me, and they shared they were interested in creating a small family grocery. Whether that will come to fruition or not is yet to be seen. I have arranged for our Economic Development Director to set up a meeting as soon as possible with the buyers to discuss their plans.
The vast majority of constituents in Ward 2 would be in favor of this projection. I also know that adding more housing is a firm NO. I want everyone to know that I have deterred the creation of Housing, Apartments, and a Dollar Store over the past few years I have been in office. I promise you I know what the residents want, and I will do my best within the Zoning guidelines to help keep whatever is proposed to be a “positive”’ for Ward 2 and North Willoughby.
I will keep in touch as we get deeper into the plans being considered.
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