Public Meetings - Beachwood, Ohio

At 7:01 PM on Monday, November 2, 2026, the Beachwood City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting. Roll call showed all members present: Mr. Long, Mr. Isaacson, Ms. Shoikett, Mr. Smith, Ms. Stern, and Ms. Taylor. The meeting featured extensive public comments on the proposed new Beachwood Branch Library, followed by council reports and action on three legislative items. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Eisenstadt (resident since 1956) spoke in full support of the new library, calling it a "$30 million investment in our community at no cost to Beachwood taxpayers." He cited benefits: community hub, increased recreation space (73% more usable space), new soccer and ball fields, auditorium, innovation center, and Holocaust reference collection. He noted the new soccer field would be roughly 75 feet from his property but urged council to proceed, saying "This project will be killed by delay." - Pat Eisenstadt supported the library and suggested traffic solutions: a right-in/right-out driveway on Fairmount Boulevard and reopening a rear access road to reduce parking lot congestion and improve safety for children. - Monica Benedict (resident, with her daughter) expressed strong support for a new library but voiced concerns about traffic on Shaker Crest Boulevard and pedestrian safety at the Fairmount crossing. She preferred a right-in/right-out design and a safer crosswalk. - Michelle Carp (resident) spoke in favor, noting the new layout would allow three simultaneous baseball fields instead of the current overlapping fields. She argued that traffic concerns could be managed with thoughtful planning, including a traffic officer or restricted turns. Her children were excited about the new library. - Chitali Ghosh (scientist, resident) supported the library for its modern technology, including digitalization, co-working spaces, 3D printing, and cultural preservation. She emphasized the library as a core community building block. - Lisa Mayer (resident, CCPL Foundation Board member) strongly supported the project, noting the current library is outdated. She argued the location decision was thoroughly researched and that the new auditorium would benefit the entire east side, including economic spin-offs. - Joshua Henker (resident) called the library "one of the best opportunities Beachwood has had in years." He highlighted the $30 million building funded by the county, with minimal city cost. He urged council to act before the county moves funds elsewhere. He mentioned solvable concerns like traffic and safety. - Moose Kazi (young resident) expressed full support, excited about 3D printers and the new soccer field, and noted the walk from middle school is only five minutes. - John Habbott (35-year resident) said he is not against the library but opposed the proposed Fairmount location. He cited concerns about traffic, property values, and tree loss. He urged rebuilding the library at its current location, using a nearby building for engineering classrooms. He criticized the lack of public input and questioned the traffic study. - Pavana Pat (resident) strongly supported the library, noting her family often travels to Solon for better books. She argued the project is an investment in the community's future. - Vidya Shashadri (mother of an autistic son, special needs advocate) supported the library, emphasizing the need for quiet spaces and a sensory-friendly auditorium for neurodivergent adults. She noted her son currently cannot use the crowded library. - Daniel Dukov (34-year resident) supported a modern library but questioned the location due to the loss of over 130 mature trees and green space. He requested a tree risk assessment with community involvement. - Stephen Moss (resident) argued in favor, listing four wins: new library, auditorium, soccer field, and repurposing the old library. He said refusing the county's investment would be imprudent. - Kyle Forschman (resident) supported the project, comparing it to Solon's library-park layout. He dismissed concerns about middle schoolers losing access by noting the school has its own library. Discussion Items - Mayor Burns' Report: The mayor addressed resident concerns, particularly from Shaker Crest. He stated the city has commissioned a traffic study, and the library withdrew its site plan from planning and zoning to allow more time. A community input session is scheduled for November 12th. The city will also post project information and an FAQ on a new website. He noted the arborist will advise on landscaping and tree replacement. He emphasized the project's benefits: modern library, expanded educational resources, improved recreation, and green space. - Councilmember Isaacson's Comments: He compared opposition to the library to past opposition to the community pool, now a beloved asset. He acknowledged Shaker Crest residents' concerns as valid and said council is working to find solutions (e.g., preventing cut-through traffic, saving/replacing trees). He listed project benefits: three usable ball fields (vs. four in a swamp), a safe soccer field, central library location, after-school study space, an auditorium for world-class authors, and economic impact. - New Business - Ordinance 2026-46 (Repealing Firearm Storage Ordinance): Law Director Hunt explained that Ohio state law preempts local firearm regulations and includes fee-shifting provisions that could cost the city if the ordinance is challenged (citing a recent $300,000 award against Cincinnati). Councilmember Stern expressed disappointment but acknowledged the need to pass to avoid litigation. Chief Crispino noted that other charges (e.g., child endangerment) still apply for unsafe storage. The ordinance passed unanimously (6-0). - New Business - Ordinance Appointing Interim Prosecutor: Law Director Hunt stated that the current prosecutor, Natalie Suppler, is leaving for the U.S. Attorney's office. The ordinance appoints the firm Nicola, Gobranson & Cooper, LLC and attorney Michael E. Cicero as interim temporary prosecutor. Councilmember Isaacson noted a permanent prosecutor is expected to be appointed by mid-December or end of January. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-90 (Wildlife Control Services): Mr. Arrietta explained the need for an additional $10,000 to fund wildlife control (skunk control) for the remainder of the year due to a busy season. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved (6-0, with Councilmember Stern abstaining due to absence at prior meetings). Included approval of meeting minutes and Ordinance 2026-46 (payment of claims). - Ordinance Repealing Section 672-05 (Firearm Storage): Passed unanimously (6-0) on suspension and adoption. - Ordinance Appointing Interim Prosecutor: Passed unanimously (6-0) on suspension and adoption. - Resolution for Wildlife Control Amendment: Passed unanimously (6-0) on suspension and adoption. - Citizens' Remarks Extended: Council voted (6-0) to extend public comment by 10 minutes to accommodate additional speakers. - Next Steps: The city will hold a community input session on November 12th to gather feedback on traffic, parking, landscaping, and field layout. The project's site plan remains under review. Note: No formal vote was taken on the library project; the meeting focused on public input and administrative actions.

The Beachwood City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting included a public hearing on a street name change, extensive citizen comments regarding a proposed library relocation, reports from the Mayor and department directors, and votes on ordinances, resolutions, and appointments. The meeting adjourned after approximately one hour. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the Audit Committee meeting (October 5, 2026), the Finance and Development Committee meeting (October 5, 2026), and the regular City Council meeting (October 5, 2026). - Approved Ordinance 2026-44, authorizing payment of claims, bills for professional and other services, declared an urgent measure. (Passed unanimously) Public Comments & Testimony Public Hearing – Ordinance 2026-42 (Street Name Change) - Shana Majoris (Chief Administrative Officer, Signature Health) spoke in favor of renaming Fire Station Drive to Signature Drive. She noted that Signature Health recently moved its administrative/outpatient location to a new building across from Signature Square and argued the name change creates a logical connection with the adjacent businesses. - David Ashpis (resident, 25429 Halberton Road) asked Council to table or postpone the proposal. He argued that removing "Fire Station Drive" dishonors Beachwood firefighters and questioned why one commercial entity (Signature Health) should get a street named after it without offering the same opportunity to other businesses (e.g., Giant Eagle, daycare). He suggested the naming rights could be auctioned. - The public hearing opened at 7:00 p.m. and closed at 7:06 p.m. Citizens’ Remarks (Library Relocation and Other Topics) - Josh Fuchs (24870 Fairmount Boulevard) presented a petition signed by 160 residents requesting independent studies of traffic, safety, environmental, and financial impacts of the proposed $30 million Cuyahoga County Public Library complex on Fairmount Boulevard. He expressed concern that the city is not adequately listening to residents, noted that the county stated “no additional listening sessions,” and argued that the city’s decisions (traffic signal, tree removal, parking lot) affect the community and warrant public hearings before any agreements are signed. - Scott Silverman (24810 Meldon Boulevard) opposed the proposed four-way traffic signal at Shakercrest and Fairmount, saying it would turn Shakercrest from a quiet residential street into a cut-through. He asked Council to keep the current right-in/right-out configuration and to complete a traffic study measuring the impact on Shakercrest before any signal is approved. - Kirk Morgenstern (24757 Hawthorne Drive) reiterated the need for traffic and environmental impact studies, noting that many residents he spoke to were unaware of the library project. He expressed concern about increased traffic on Shakercrest and the safety of children playing on the street. - Jeffrey Morris (2638 Depford Drive) questioned claims of a 72% increase in recreational space, noting the parcel size remains the same and green space will be replaced by parking. He cited library usage data showing physical visits system-wide declined 48% from 2010 to 2024 (7.6 million to 3.9 million). He also asked for a utilization plan for the proposed 300-seat auditorium before the project proceeds. - Stuart Spiegel (address not given) called for a public forum to debate the library proposal, expressing concerns about urgency, loss of tree-lined beauty, and safety of a soccer field 60 feet from Fairmount Boulevard. - Aya Balkin (2470A Albert Lane, Beachwood Middle School student) spoke against moving the library further from schools, stating it would negatively affect students who rely on the library for a convenient, safe, and independent space between school and extracurricular activities. - Shaina Wallenstein (23581 Halberton Road) criticized the lack of deliberate public input on the library relocation, noting that the 2024 feedback process did not include relocation. She highlighted that the joint letter from the library, schools, and city stated “no additional listening projects” and that a correction about referendum rights was only posted on social media, not emailed to all who received the original misstatement. She asked Council to convene a public forum with all three partners, publish plans and financial information, and identify remaining decisions. - Oscar Castro (2824 Shakercrest Boulevard) opposed the project, saying it would ruin the neighborhood he has lived in for 50 years. - D. Pak (no address given) emphasized that residents should be part of major projects that change the community forever and asked for their involvement. - Pilar Lachelani (2749 Shakercrest Boulevard) opposed the traffic light and noted the project would cut down more than 130 trees, which she strongly opposed. - Matt Holderbrand (25200 Hilltop Drive) argued the library relocation is a significant community interest requiring dedicated public hearings. He disputed the claim that opponents think libraries are irrelevant, questioned the lack of funding/timeline for filling in the depression to achieve a 73% increase in recreational space, and criticized the city’s initial misstatement about referendum rights. He asked Council to publicly state that no legislation will be passed as urgent or emergency and that no site work will occur until concrete funding and design are finalized. Discussion Items Mayor’s Report - Mayor Burns reported on the Fall Fest held a week prior, which was moved indoors to the police department garage due to inclement weather. He thanked the police chief, public works director, and other staff, and noted it was the largest Fall Fest the city has ever held. - On the proposed library project, Mayor Burns acknowledged significant community interest, stating the city had received over 50 emails opposing the proposal and a petition supporting the new branch had gathered more than 80 signatures. He emphasized that the city values input from both supporters and opponents and remains committed to listening and working collaboratively with partners. Council Member Non-Agenda Items - Ms. Jacobs reminded residents of the upcoming Ohio election (November 3) and urged voting. - Mr. Long thanked those who attended “Coffee with Council” and noted the positive turnout despite background noise. Department Directors - Mr. Lombardi (Communications Manager) apologized for a communication error regarding referendum rights, stating it was unintentional. He explained that once the error was identified, a correction was posted on Facebook and emailed to residents who had received the original information. - Ms. Beterman announced the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Summit on October 21 at the Community Center. - Mr. Schroeder thanked the Mayor for moving Fall Fest indoors and acknowledged the collaborative effort across departments. Ordinances and Resolutions Before Votes - Ordinance 2026-42 (Street Name Change): Council discussed and voted. (See Key Outcomes) - Ordinance 2026-45 (Appropriation Amendment): Mr. Heiser explained that the omnibus fund needed a decrease due to lower revenues, the ESID fund collected $50,000+ more than expected, and a $231,000 property tax balance is owed to the county, with an increase in fire department overtime. (Passed unanimously) - Resolution (Tax Levies): Mr. Heiser noted this certifies the four mills from 2003 that will be restored starting next year. (Passed unanimously) - Resolution 2026-88 (BWC Safety Grant): Fire Chief Holtzman described the power load system that helps firefighters avoid back injuries and is ideal for workers’ compensation grants. (Passed unanimously) - Resolution (Change Order for Municity Software): Ms. Gallagher explained a $2,925 change order to incorporate permit fee changes, noting the city is returning to Municity from Clarity, saving $13,920 annually. (Passed unanimously) Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2026-42 (Street Name Change): Passed with a vote of 5-1 (Ms. Taylor voted no). The street formerly known as Fire Station Drive will be renamed Signature Drive. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Appointment of Rick Sonkin to the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC): Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-45 (Appropriation Amendment): Passed unanimously as an urgent measure. - Resolution Accepting Tax Levies: Passed unanimously as an urgent measure. - Resolution 2026-88 (BWC Safety Grant): Passed unanimously as an urgent measure. - Resolution for Municity Software Change Order: Passed unanimously as an urgent measure.

The Beechwood City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 5, 2026, with all seven council members present. The meeting included public comments on the proposed library project and blight designation, reports from the mayor and department directors, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, and new business covering parking garage inspections, a street name change, and the blight designation ordinance. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved (7‑0) the minutes of the Committee of the Whole and regular council meetings held on September 22, 2026. - Authorized payment of claims, bills for professional and other services (urgent measure). - Authorized the clerk of council to advertise for bids for asbestos abatement and building demolition at 23737 Fairmount Boulevard. - Appointed Mo Safanovitz as a member of the Audit Committee for the City of Beachwood; he was sworn in and noted he has served in this role for approximately ten years. Public Comments & Testimony - Pavana Bat (2612 March Mount Road) – Expressed strong support for the proposed new library, stating the current library does not reflect the community’s growth and that a new facility would serve children, teens, seniors, and individuals with special needs. - Suzanne Maskowitz (24870 Fairmount Boulevard) – Raised concerns about the library project, citing three unresolved issues: (1) traffic/pedestrian safety (new signal, median removal, 300‑seat auditorium on a residential boulevard, soccer field 60 ft from Fairmount with only netting to stop balls); (2) environmental impact (loss of trees and stormwater absorption); (3) economics (unknown full cost to taxpayers, lack of comparison to alternative sites). She requested independent studies and public hearings before the project moves forward. - Greg Kadosovich (24540 Briardale Road) – Praised city maintenance, police presence, and Mayor Burns’ personal attention. Urged council to proactively address power outages (noting 25% of residents lost power in June 2026) by working with FirstEnergy to identify and upgrade weak grid components, citing Lakewood’s successful engagement. - Shana Wallenstein (23581 Halberton Road) – Questioned the purpose of the blight designation for the former Fairmount Temple property. She noted the city can demolish the building without a blight declaration and asked for clear explanation of what financing options Chapter 725 would enable, including tax exemptions, PILOTs, and urban renewal bonds. She urged the council to explain these options before the vote. - Mike Birkhans (2466 Richmond Road) – Opposed using TIFFs and property tax abatements for the redevelopment, arguing the city overpaid for the property ($8 million) and should absorb the loss rather than divert funds from county agencies (health, foster care, developmentally disabled). He also echoed traffic safety concerns about the soccer net near Fairmount Boulevard. - Jenny Hansher (25019 Hazelmere Road) – Expressed excitement for a new library, stating her children (ages 7 and 10) use the current library five days a week but find it too small and crowded. She highlighted the need for more meeting space, an innovation center with a 3D printer, and a larger auditorium for community events. - James Pash (21507 Halburton Road) – Spoke in favor of the library project, calling it a $30 million cultural hub that is necessary for the city to evolve. He acknowledged opposing voices are healthy but argued the project will be a net benefit. - Jill Chadowski (24640 Fairmount Boulevard) – Opposed the proposed library site, suggesting alternative locations that would not require TIFF financing or removal of landscaping and trees. - Mara Leventhal (24810 Meldon Boulevard) – Expressed general support for the library project in any location but criticized the current design (parking lot in front, library set far back) for reducing walkability and safety for children on bikes. She urged that nothing be rushed and that more care be taken in the design. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Report – Announced the ninth annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 11 (12–5 PM, City Hall) with an America 250 theme, and a kickoff concert/fireworks on Saturday, October 10 at 8 PM. Also reminded residents of updated e‑bike and e‑scooter regulations; a quick‑reference guide is available online and in print. - Councilmember Non‑Agenda Items – Mr. Isaacson encouraged helmet use and noted the police department can provide helmets through the Safe Kids program. Mr. Long reminded everyone to follow public comment procedures and that electronic communications during meetings may be subject to public records laws. - Department Director Reports – Mr. Heiser (Finance): Monthly financials delayed but noted a $246,181 refund from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (excess funds returned to participants). Mr. Arietta (Public Works): Announced fall leaf pickup has started; advised residents to place loose leaf piles on tree lawns away from poles, hydrants, and signs. - New Business – - Parking Garage Inspection Ordinance (2026‑41): Ms. Jacobs introduced an ordinance requiring periodic structural inspections: above‑ground garages every 3 years, basement garages every 5 years, standalone below‑grade garages every 3 years, all by a registered structural engineer. Non‑compliant garages can be declared unsafe and closed after 48 hours’ notice. The ordinance passed 7‑0. - Street Name Change (Fire Station Drive to Signature Drive): Ms. Stern introduced an ordinance under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 725, following a request from Signature Health. A public hearing will be held at the next council meeting. The motion to place on first reading and refer to a public hearing passed 7‑0. Mr. Isaacson asked about publication; staff confirmed it will be on the changeable sign, website, and social media. - Blight Designation Ordinance (2026‑43): Mr. Hunt explained that the ordinance declares the former Fairmount Temple property a blighted area under ORC Chapter 725, solely to preserve potential urban renewal financing options for future redevelopment. It does not authorize any tax exemptions, bonds, or development agreements; any such proposals would require separate council approval. Council discussion emphasized that the demolition already approved does not depend on this designation, and the blight designation is limited to the property. The ordinance passed 7‑0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved, including appointment of Mo Safanovitz to the Audit Committee (7‑0). - Parking garage inspection ordinance adopted (7‑0). - Street name change placed on first reading; public hearing scheduled for next regular meeting (7‑0). - Blight designation for the former Fairmount Temple property adopted (7‑0), preserving the city’s ability to consider Chapter 725 financing for future redevelopment without immediate commitment. - The meeting was adjourned following the conclusion of business.