COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY MARCH 4, 2025
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• March 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/
Absent: Councilman Merhar and Councilwoman Sievers
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 #2-1-25
Demolition of the existing building and construction of a bank facility located at 36212 Euclid Avenue (JP Morgan Chase).
Mr. Kary stated that because the current site served as a business for many years, a lot of the EAS items are already fulfilled. Mr. Kary stated based off the comments from directors, the existing utilities have the capacity to handle the demands of the development; no stormwater demands. Regarding sanitary sewer, there is always the recommendation for high wall plumbing with a grinder pump with a basement or slab construction to be used. The WPCC requested a sanitary sewer sample manhole; Ms. Chen acknowledged that request. Regarding traffic flow, Ms. Chen stated a triangular shaped right in and right out island will be constructed to make sure the flow is only coming in from the right and going out to the right. Traffic can continue along the drive that currently exists to get to the light located to the northeast of the site. Regarding the ATM, there is space for 5 vehicles, but if there is additional traffic there will be signage posted on the western side of the building to leave space for traffic to get through. There were no concerns for noise, air or water pollution. There is no impact on the school system. No hazardous waste concerns. The project will begin in June 2025 and completed by spring of 2026. Ms. Chen stated the project should be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated that the Planning Commission approved EAS#2-1-25 and is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #2-1-25.
EAS #3-1-25
Construction of a two-story airport terminal located at 1825 Lost Nation Road contingent upon approval by the Planning Commission of an application for lot split and consolidation (Lake County Executive Airport Terminal).
Mr. Kary stated this project will involve underground stormwater retention so there will be no retentionponds. There were no traffic concerns cited by the directors. Mr. Kary stated both Police and Fire were concerned about the ingress/egress with the drive currently there. Mr. Torowski stated they agreed to keep the existing drive with signage noting “authorized vehicles only” and designating the existing parking lot as afire lane. The main ingress/egress will be just to the north of that drive. There was no noise, water or air pollution concerns. No concerns from the WPCC. There is no demand on the school system. No hazardouswaste concerns. The project will be completed by the end of 2025.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated that the Planning Commission approved EAS#3-1-25 and is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #3-1-25. Mr. Carr stated he read where the project is contingent upon approval of a lot split. Mr. Kary stated a lot split and consolidation needs to be completed and will be on the agenda at the next Planning Commission meeting. The project won’t moveforward if the lot split and consolidation is not approved.
EAS #4-1-25
Front glass and a new glass door located at 4927 Robinhood Drive (American Red Cross).
Mr. Kary stated that the center will collect blood and blood platelets. Mr. Slager stated that blood platelets collection is a different procedure than blood donation and takes a few hours to complete. He stated there will be a new doorway and window and the dumpster will be enclosed at the site. There were no stormwaterissues or traffic concerns. No concerns from Police and Fire. No noise, air or water pollution concerns. No impact on the school system. Regarding hazardous waste, biohazard waste pick up and removal will be done by a certified company in a timely fashion. Mr. Slager stated he hoped construction will be done by early 2026.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated that the Planning Commission approved EAS#4-1-25 and is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #4-1-25.
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: John Tomaselli, Dan Garry, Ken Kary
The purpose of the Finance & Audit Committee meeting is to discuss the 2025 Operating Budget.
2025 OPERATING BUDGET
Chairman Tomaselli stated the purpose of tonight’s committee meeting is to discuss the 2025 operating budget. The budget needs to be approved by March 18th. He stated that last year’s budget increase was alittle under 1.5%; this year the budget increase is a little under 6%.
Mr. Tomaselli stated the budget is nearly 80% employees and the costs associated with employing them. Hestated there is a $3.8 million deficit for 2025 which is not uncommon. He stated that from 2017 to 2022, the average deficit was $3 million. However, the City won’t end fiscally with that number due to carryover and a conservatively forecasted revenue.
Finance Director Hoffman stated the current budget is $40,339,898 with the biggest expense being wages and benefits. She stated the City is currently in negotiations with the unions; nonunion as well as all unions are budgeted with no raises except for the steps that currently provide for increases. Ms. Hoffman stated that in the draft provided, there are 14 items that exceed a change of plus or minus 10% from operating budget 2024 to 2025. But overall, the budget is up 5.75% from 2024's budget. Some departments increased their budgets while others gave back. Some items to keep in mind. Three previously unfunded Firefighter positions have been filled with the award of a SAFER Grant for the next 3 years. Another is the cost of maintaining the City's vehicles and equipment. With aging assets, the cost to keep them in service is rising but on the other hand the costs of replacing equipment is increasing rapidly. She stated that one of the largest increases wasfor transfers to operating funds including Fire Pension and Streets with an increase in total from $3,365,000 in 2024 to $3,845,000 for 2025; this is an increase of over 14% or $480,000. She stated earlier today shereceived a revised Court budget that reduced that department's budget by $131,000 in expenses bringing their budget from a 21% increase to a 16% increase over the 2024 budget. This will be reflected in the revised budget submitted at the next Council meeting. Sewer Funds had a large increase overall of 134% where 6010 Sewer increased a minimal 1.71% and WPCC's increase was a minor 1.21%. The much anticipated East Island Equalization Basin increased the budget by $10,500,000. This project will be financedby an EPA Grant and WPCLF Loan. The Golf Course increased budgeted expenses by 5.37% and a 6.93% increase in revenues. Two months into 2025, income tax remains flat in comparison to 2024. Ms. Hoffman stated, just like her predecessors, she has budgeted revenue conservatively. In total, the general fund isbudgeted at a 4.45% increase over last year's budget and at almost 4% less than actual 2024. Total operating funds are budgeted at 5.4% higher than last year's budget and only 2.7% less than actual. Mr. Tomaselliasked if she was optimistic about anything in the budget. Ms. Hoffman stated that since she’s been theFinance Director the City has received a lot of grants and donations. She stated she worries a little about the income tax.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Schultz stated that he tried this year to tighten up his budget due to the construction of the new policestation. He stated most of his line items had a reduction but there were a few with increases such as criminal investigations in the detective bureau and police patrol. These two items are two of the larger items in his budget, however, there are several grants to offset those costs. He stated the patrol division has over $63,000 in grants; one grant helps with the activities under the US Marshalls Fugitive Task Force and the Stonegarden grant helps with the clean up at the City’s hotels. He stated the activity at the hotels over the last four years has significantly decreased. He stated the department received a grant last summer (The Shep grant) whichwas a traffic grant that enabled officers to be out during high density periods, mostly during the holidays. He anticipates having those grants in 2025; he is looking into a grant from the state to help reduce violent crime. He stated a lot of his part time budget is reimbursed because the City is reimbursed for every hour a School Resource Officer (SRO) works. Chief Schultz stated he increased his education fund by $5,000 due to the increase in trainings and costs associated with those trainings such as hotels, etc. He stated he decreased theline item for Communications Operators. Since the department went to a 12 hour shift, overtime hasdecreased significantly and he expects that to decrease in 2025. He stated his goal is to keep the increase in the department’s operating budget to 5%; this year’s increase is 3%. Mr. Tomaselli asked if the department doesn’t receive the Shep Grant, will those extra patrols not take place this year. Chief Schultz stated most likely those patrols would not continue because they were focused on high volume, high density traffic times during the holidays. He is hoping a new violent crimes grant the department is applying for will offset costs forfoot patrol in downtown especially in warmer months. Mr. Tomaselli asked if Chief Schultz could see thetangible benefit of the grant money. Chief Schultz stated the traffic enforcement grants are hard to measure; even though many citations are written, the bad behavior continues. He stated the biggest impact from grants are the Stonegarden grant (hotels) as well as the foot patrols in downtown because he hears feedback fromthe Willoughby Restaurant and Bar Association.. Mr. Tomaselli ask if the subscription service for the Flock cameras fall into the operating budget. Chief Schultz replied it did. Mr. Tomaselli asked what the subscription service covers i.e., how many cameras. Chief Schultz stated when they first got the Flock cameras, there were 10 license plate readers (LPRs) throughout the City. When they introduced the live action camera and 4 were installed, the department entered into a five year contract with Flock to keep the price stable (the City iscurrently in year 3 of a 5 year contract). Chief Schultz explained how the department is using the current live Flock cameras.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Ungar stated he only had above five line items increase in the department’s budget. He stated the mostnotable was Fire Prevention for overtime which is a new account. The Fire Prevention Captain Mike Kocab is retiring in a few months. He stated he requested that his replacement shadow him for the first few months of the year. Finance Director Hoffman calculated it would cost well over $50,000 to pull that Firefighter off shiftand put him on a 40 hour work week for four months. The compromise reached was to have that Firefighter work in Fire Prevention for 8 hours during each shift he worked and anytime Mike Kocab felt it was beneficialfor him to work off-shift. He stated there was an increase in uniform and clothing budget due to the number ofnew Firefighters being hired this year. The cost to outfit a Firefighter is about $5,400 which is about $400 more than last year. He stated he was able to defer some of the Firefighters who were due this year for turn outgear to next year and also didn’t need to replace it for Firefighters retiring. Some gear is handed down but hecan’t expect a Firefighter to wear gear that doesn’t fit them. There is a big increase in contractual services because the air cylinders that Firefighters wear need to be tested this year (they are tested every five years).Chief Ungar stated that the VFW post on Pelton Road purchased a piece of equipment for the department for$5,700 which is built into the budget to help compensate the grant that they provided. He should know soonabout a State Fire Marshall grant that was applied for. Contract services was increased $1,000, which isprimarily going to ladder testing for the new ladder truck once it’s received. Chief Ungar noted that the revenue for EMS billing went up substantially; it went from $951,000 in 2023 to over $1.2 million in 2024. He thanked Council President Carr for pushing to have those rates increased. There was discussion regardingturn out gear for part time Firefighters. Chief Ungar stated they have rented turn out gear for newer part time Firefighters because the cost of renting two sets of gear for a year is less than half than one set of turnout gear. He purchases generic sizes that will fit most people.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Service Director Palmisano stated that after reviewing last year’s budget and usages, adjustments were made to each line item through all departments. The majority of the changes were in operations. There were two big changes in the budget this year. Last year, Ms. Hoffman added a line item for asphalt in the Street Department. He stated the Street Department will be doing more in house asphalt work instead of hiring it out.It was successful last year so he has increased the amount to include two small side streets that are not part ofthe road program. The other increase is in Vehicle Maintenance due to an increase in the cost of parts and inflation. He stated the age of the fleet requires more maintenance. He stated the expenses have exceededthe budget the last two years. One of the expenses that is going up every year is tires. He stated that a lineitem for tires has been created for each department; this is an increase of $40,000 to the budget. There will belarge capital purchases made this year with significant increases. Mr. Tomaselli asked what encompasses Vehicle Maintenance. Mr. Palmisano said it could be anything from an oil change to an engine rebuild. He stated there are 160 vehicles in the fleet and 4 mechanics who are responsible for the maintenance. He saidthe side blade for the 2007 street sweeper was completely rebuilt; this will buy a few more years until anotherneeds to be purchased. An ironworker was purchased several years ago and is being used to fabricate partsand helping with the plow trucks. There has been an increase in costs for the software for all the different vehicles.
PARKS & RECREATION
Ms. Keller stated the budget this year was mostly shifting numbers around on the line items. She stated the biggest increase was for part time staff in all departments. A part time programmer worked partially last yearbut she is budgeted to work a full year in 2025. The concession stand at the Osborne pool will be run by the City increasing the budget
$30,000; the baseball league has run it in the past. The last year the City ran the concession stand at the Euclid Avenue pool the revenue was about $1,000. She stated that pool chemicals has been removed from materials and supplies making a new line item so the City can see exactly what is spent on chemicals. Ms.Keller stated she would like to increase summer wages. Finance Director Hoffman has sent out to Council achart showing the rates of different communities. She stated it is nice to have the same kids work year afteryear. Regarding the requested increase in part time rates, Mr. Carr asked if those were included in the current budget. Ms. Keller stated they were included. The wage for the pool manager and the summer programsupervisor will receive more than a
$3.00 increase. These positions require certifications or a college degree. Mr. Tomaselli asked if Ms. Kellerthought the increase in pay is enough to retain staff. Ms. Keller stated she believes it will, however, a new lifeguard only wants to work 20 hours a week. It will cost the City the price of two uniforms for the two people to make up the 40 hour work week. Incentives for the summer help include providing some breakfasts and lunches. Ms. Keller stated that the last time rates were increased was 2021, which is why the changes now feel drastic. Early bird pool passes will remain the same, however, the prices increase $3 or $4 after early bird is over. It is expected the golf course will be profitable again this year. Mr. Kary asked if there was any maintenance items for the Osborne pool. Ms. Keller stated the roof needs to be replaced as its 25 years old; this item is on the capital list.
The committee will meet again on March 18th.
Finance and Audit Committee meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 4, 2025
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of February 18, 2025
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read two requests from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. The first request was for a D5 and D6 transfer from Carmen V LLC, dba Vital, Unit C, 4041 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio 44094 to GeracisDowntown Willoughby LLC dba Geracis, Unit C, 4041 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio 44094. There were no objections. The second request was for a stock transfer for Cocoslocos Willoughby Inc. dba Cocoslocos Mexican Restaurant Unit 12, 35535 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio 44094. There were no objections.
PUBLIC PORTION
Mary Feathers, 886 Bellvue, Willoughby, Ohio – Ms. Feathers stated the White Cane Walk will be held on October 11th. Pasta for Puppies will be held at LaMalfa on April 15th.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-21 Motion carried 5 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #2-1-25 for demolition of the existing building and construction of a bankfacility located at 36212 Euclid Avenue (JP Morgan Chase).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-22 Motion carried 5 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #3-1-25 for construction of a two-story airport terminal located at 1825 Lost Nation Road contingent upon lot split and consolidation approval on March 13, 2025 (LakeCounty Executive Airport Terminal).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-23 Motion carried 5 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #4-1-25 for front glass and a new glass door located at 4927Robinhood Drive (American Red Cross).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-24 Motion carried 5 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $14,520.00 from the Public Art Fundto implement projects recommended by the Public Arts Committee, and declaring an emergency.
A memo was sent out by Mayor Fiala prior to the last Council meeting which detailed the projects that will be funded. Mayor Fiala stated the projects will be done on a reimbursement basis so the City can see the receipts. The projects will include 12 utility box wraps, cross walk art and a Perris McKey Mural. Mr. Anderson asked what the fund balance was for the Public Art Fund. He asked if some of the work wasbeing done on the north end. Mr. Kary stated the cross walk painting was being done on the north end and downtown. Mayor Fiala stated there is also $60,000 of ARPA funding that was allocated. He visited with two sign manufacturers to produce some concepts. Ms. Hoffman stated the public art fund balance was $215,300.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-25 Motion carried 5 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept and enter into a subrecipient grant agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to implement the Osborne Park Coastal WetlandsProject, and declaring an emergency.
This grant is for $3 million. Mr. Garry asked if the City needs to worry about the federal government pullingthe grants. Mayor Fiala stated yes; he said the Chagrin River project has $2.3 million that he is watchingcarefully because it is a federal earmark. He has been told the project is still part of the 2025 budget.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-26 Motion carried 5 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapter 913 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Sanitary Sewerage System Charges"; specifically, Section 913.10, titled, "Surcharge forExtra-Strength Wastes".
Mr. Carr stated this is the yearly adjustment of rates based on the cost of treatment throughout the year. Mr.Gorka stated that anybody who discharges above the domestic sewage pays a surcharge for the additional burden on the system. The OEPA requests that the plant conduct an annual review based on the costs from the previous year and adjust the rates. He predicts the plant will be revenue neutral this year. Mr. Gorka noted that the rates can jump higher if it’s a dry year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-27 Motion carried 5 to 0
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $92,000 for the purchase of one (1) 2026 EAST Dump Trailer from Pinnacle Trailer Sales Inc. for use by the Willoughby-Eastlake Water Pollution Control Center, and declaring an emergency.
A memo was sent out by Service Director Palmisano about the purchase of the new trailer. Regarding the hauling of radioactive waste, Mr. Carr commented that he was surprised that the Lake County Solid Waste Facility won’t take the waste, but it’s OK to leave the material in the truck at the plant near employees. Mr. Gorka stated the level is very low but needs to be below a certain level to be accepted at the waste facility. The radioactive material is from people going through cancer treatment. The plant will save money by takingtheir own garbage to the waste facility. The cost of this trailer is split with Eastlake. Mr. Gorka stated the City issaving about $250,000 a year by hauling sledge in house.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala stated the negotiations for the contract for the new Police Station have been completed. A ground breaking will take place in the near future.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – No report. Mr. Carr asked about the letters sent to commercial property owners regarding the installation of sidewalks at Rt. 84 and SOM Center Road. Mr. Lucas stated he will follow up on the deadline those property owners were given.
Service Director Palmisano – No report. Mr. Kary thanked Mr. Palmisano for his quick responses to his questions.
City Engineer Lannon – Mr. Lannon reported the full closure of River Street is about a month away for theretaining wall work; the watermain replacement is ongoing. Two large projects are out to bid; the LakeshoreEast Equalization Basin Project which is $11 million and Nason Basin to Vine Street Storm Sewer Projectwhich is $6 million. The River Street road closure will be at the intersection of River Street and South Street so no driveways will be blocked. Detailed information will be given to the residents affected with a door hanger.
Fire Chief Ungar – Regarding the recent calls the department had for natural gas odors, Chief Ungar statedthat the gas lines were over pressurized with the odor that is added (mercaptan). He stated that the Fire Department has shut some gas mains off just to make residents feel comfortable, but nothing has beendetected as an explosive limit on any of the calls. He stated he e-mailed out a severe weather alert out for high wind warning for this evening.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz stated he will have extra officers working on St. Patrick’s Day including foot and vehicle patrol.
Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller – No report.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller stated construction will be starting at Osborne Park; thecompany will be bringing in the boulders. A preconstruction meeting will be held this Thursday. Letters willbe going out to the residents in the area by the end of the week. The semi-trucks will be going down Eaglewood to Beachview to the back of the park.
Finance Director Hoffman – No report. Mr. Carr thanked Ms. Hoffman for taking time to meet with the court regarding their budget.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Tomaselli – Mr. Tomaselli thanked Chief Schultz, School Resource Officer Popik, Service Director Palmisano and members from Willoughby-Eastlake schools for meeting to discuss challenges with traffic at Grant Elementary.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
We have started PHASE 1 of Osborne Park, the Re-Imagination and Shoreline Protection Project. The plan is to restore and enhance the park’s Lake Erie shoreline. Follow the progress on Facebook or visit the site.
We are stabilizing the eroded slopes and implementing effective erosion control measures. Pathways to the waterfront will be created to ensure safe public access. The Project will continue into 2026. EXCITING
Along with this, the ARTS are being shared throughout the city. Projects like MORE Utility Boxes are being “visually addressed”. There is a call for artists to submit ideas to cover these boxes, as we have previously done. The artwork placed on these items certainly is a visual enhancement. The Willoughby Arts Collaborative also plans to create some exciting “ARTISTIC” Crosswalks in the city! SUPPORT THE ARTS
Finally, some interest is starting to be expressed in the properties on Lost Nation Road, across from the Airport. Discussions are currently being held. When we get a committed plan, I will share the details.
If you want to share, let me know what you DO NOT want to see happen there and what you DO want to see happen there!!! I always appreciate your comments.
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/