COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY FEBRUARY 4, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• February 4, 2025 •
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:
No Committee Meetings
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 4, 2025
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of January 21, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No committee reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-15 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an eighteenth amendment to the WPCC JointAgreement with the City of Eastlake, as amended.
Service Director Palmisano stated this ordinance amends the WPCC agreement between Willoughby and Eastlake to establish the method of payment for the Lakeshore East Equalization Basin Project. The project will have a WPCLF loan. The companion piece of legislation (Resolution No. 2025-16) implements the payment procedure for the project with Eastlake.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-16 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the City of Eastlake for implementing the payment procedure for the Willoughby-Eastlake WPCC Lakeshore BoulevardEast Equalization Basin Project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-17 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Infinity Construction Co., in the amount of $11,560,000.00 for implementation of the Willoughby Police Station Project, anddeclaring an emergency.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked Council for the passage of the resolution awarding the contract to Infinity Construction for the new Police Station. He stated there was a scare from the federal government last week that would have ceased funding for many City projects, however, a court has intervened and a restraining order that would prohibit that. He stated that the recreational cannabis bill is finally moving through the house and senate at the state level and lawmakers have elected to raise the taxes from 10% to 15% and to take all of those taxes and put them in the state’s general fund. The 3% that would have gone to cities will not happen unless that is changed. Mr. Tomaselli noted that while medical and recreational marijuana will be highly regulated, Delta-8, Delta-9 and other products you can get at gas stations remains unregulated. Mayor Fiala stated that the moratorium for recreational marijuana ends this month, however, the Law Department is working with a consultant to put together legislation.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Palmisano – Mr. Palmisano thanked Council for the passage of Ordinance No. 2025-15 and Resolution No. 2025-16.
City Engineer Lannon – No report. Regarding the recent legislation passed for Laketran to install sidewalks on SOM Center Road and Rt. 84, Mr. Carr stated there is a big parcel where a large water tower sits and wanted to know if the City can ask to have sidewalks installed on that parcel. Mr. Lannon stated that when the City asked Wendy’s and Fifth Third to install sidewalks those were newer projects and also required by code, but he’s not sure about the water tower. Mr. Lannon stated asking the county for sidewalks near the water tower is a little different request but the City could ask. Mr. Anderson noted that there could be an issue with some fencing but it would be possible on the SOM Center Road side.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar stated that effective February 9th, staffing at Fire Station #2 will increase with the three new hires through the SAFER Grant; staffing levels will be up to five firefighters.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2025-17. He stated there has been a tremendous amount of planning over the last year and a half. He stated Assistant Chief Tartaglia and others have put a lot of work into the project.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – No report. Mr. Carr asked about the Euclid Avenue pool survey. Ms. Keller stated she wanted to wait to include information on the survey when a mailer goes out regarding pool passes, which should be mid-March.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No reports
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I would like to share a few events in Willoughby over the next few months. This info comes from the city's Website.
River Street Closure to Begin Jan 27th
Starting January 27th, weather permitting, the southbound lane of River Street (from Hastings to Center St) will be closed for the River Street Waterline Replacement and Soil Stabilization Project. Northbound traffic will remain open within the work zone, and detours will be posted.
This project is expected to continue through the end of June. Please note that traffic patterns may change throughout the project. Updates will be posted here and on the city’s Facebook page.
BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY April 12 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am
It will be EGGcellent! Join us for breakfast, crafts and visit with the Easter Bunny!
Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice and coffee. A photo of each child with the Easter Bunny will be delivered digitally.
Residents – $10 per person/ Non-residents – $12 per person
Children under 2 – $6
Register online or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 440.953.4200. All individuals in attendance must register.
EASTER EGG HUNT
JOIN US for the annual City of Willoughby Easter Egg Hunt! Thousands of eggs filled with candy will be scattered across South’s football field. A special appearance from the Easter Bunny who will be available for photos after the hunt.
WHEN: Saturday, April 12th at 11:30 am (hunt starts promptly at 11:30)
WHERE: Willoughby South Football Field (please enter from Euclid Ave)
WHO: Willoughby residents ages 9 and under
** Remember to bring a basket or bag!
DTW Outdoor Market - opens
May 3 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
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INVITE for you to attend a City Council Meeting
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/
INVITE for you to attend a Planning Commission Meeting
https://willoughbyohio.com/boards-commissions/planning-commission/
See the dates and time on the city's website
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/