Public Meetings - Lakewood, Ohio

The Public Works & Sustainability Committee met to approve minutes from the previous meeting and to consider Resolution 2026-03, which addresses an appointment to the Tree Advisory & Education Board. The committee entered executive session to discuss the appointment and subsequently recommended a candidate for the position. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-03 (Appointment to Tree Advisory & Education Board): Chair Tom Bullock introduced the resolution to fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2026, following a resignation. Committee members expressed appreciation for the high quality of applicants, with Councilwoman Angelina Hamilton Steiner noting "an excellent group of applicants." Councilman Bryan Evans, who previously chaired the committee, was recognized for his work on tree-related matters. The committee moved into executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G) to discuss the appointment of a public official. After returning to open session, a motion was made and seconded to insert the name Marco Oriella into the ordinance. The committee voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2026-03 as amended, appointing Marco Oriella to the Tree Advisory & Education Board for the unexpired term beginning immediately and ending December 31, 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved Minutes: February 17, 2026 meeting minutes were approved by voice vote. - Appointment Approved: Resolution 2026-03 was unanimously passed, appointing Marco Oriella to the Tree Advisory & Education Board. - Referral to Full Council: The committee voted to refer the resolution favorably to the full City Council for final consideration. - Future Appointments: Chair Bullock indicated that additional vacancies are anticipated in the future and the committee intends to revisit the current applicant pool for those opportunities.

Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the March 2, 2026 Housing, Planning, & Development Committee meeting (motion, second, all in favor). Discussion Items - Substitute Ordinance 02-2026 – Front Yard Plantings Regulations: Commissioner Parmalee presented the updated ordinance, noting changes to setback diagrams (2-foot setback from public right-of-way and side property lines on corner and interior lots, reduced from a previous 4-foot proposal for corner lots). Councilman Bullock identified a discrepancy between the diagram for interior lots (showing two driveways) and the text, suggesting the diagram should show only the owner's driveway. The committee agreed to remove one of the orange driveway boundaries and add an "owner's driveway" label. The diagram will be updated and presented at the next full Council meeting. - Enforcement and Education Rollout: Councilman Bullock and Commissioner Parmalee discussed the need for a reasonable implementation approach, including public education via social media, coordination with property maintenance inspectors, and a soft-first-year enforcement policy that prioritizes coaching over citations, especially for sight-line obstructions. The intent is to encourage ecological benefits (pollinator support, stormwater management) while maintaining public safety and community values. Key Outcomes - Committee voted to substitute the ordinance with the version in Granicus (motion by Bullock, seconded, all in favor). - Committee voted to refer the substitute ordinance favorably to full Council (motion, second, all in favor), with the understanding that the interior lot diagram will be corrected before the Council vote. - The ordinance is expected to take effect immediately upon adoption (emergency measure) and will be implemented with a year-long adaptive rollout.

The Public Safety Committee of Lakewood City Council met on March 4, 2026, to consider approvals, a paramedic program update, and a revised ordinance establishing a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for community cats. The committee unanimously approved the minutes, received and filed the paramedic program communication, adopted an amendment to the TNR ordinance, and voted to favorably refer the ordinance to the full City Council. Discussion also covered a non-binding administrative policy and a grant request. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 20, 2025 Public Safety Committee meeting were approved by a voice vote (all ayes). - Neighborhood Paramedic Program Update: A communication from Fire Chief Fairbanks regarding the program was received and filed by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Nancy Binder, Chair of the Lakewood Animal Safety & Welfare Advisory Board (LaSwab), expressed the board's unanimous support for the ordinance, noting that the city's Animal Control Officer had to euthanize approximately 40 community cats at Davis Court, and that TNR prevents such outcomes. She requested the committee consider a $20,000 grant to the Citizens Committee for Lakewood's Animals and Shelter (Clause) to fund a large-scale TNR program in that area. - Emily Christique, Secretary of LaSwab and President of Clause, praised the revised ordinance as the best version after years of work and thanked all contributors. - Megan Galeda, Community Cats Director for Clause, explained that the 24-hour trap limit amendment (inserted by the committee) includes a reference to Ohio Revised Code §99.59.131(D) to allow for the three-day TNR process (trapping, veterinary care, return) while ensuring animal welfare. She confirmed that every cat she has TNR'd in Cleveland and Lakewood was already pregnant, underscoring the need for the program. Discussion Items - TNR Ordinance and Amendment: Councilmember Strebig reintroduced Ordinance 03-2026 to create regulations for TNR of community cats. The committee first adopted an amendment proposed by the Chair (Hamilton Steiner) to add language to Section 9(b)(4) requiring that cats in traps for more than 24 consecutive hours must have their needs provided for in accordance with Ohio Revised Code §99.59.131(D). This amendment passed unanimously after no discussion. - Policy Discussion: Director Vargo explained that the updated administrative policy for TNR is not legally binding and is not tied to the ordinance. It serves only as an aspirational guide. The ordinance itself does not require training, registration, landowner permission, or reporting—changes made in response to advocate input. Councilmembers noted that if issues arise, the ordinance could be amended later. - Grant Request: Nancy Binder requested a $20,000 grant to Clause for a TNR program, citing the Davis Court area as an epicenter of need. Chair Hamilton Steiner noted that funding would need to be considered through the budget process and possibly referred to the Finance Committee. No action was taken on the request during the meeting. Key Outcomes - Motion to Amend Ordinance 03-2026: Approved unanimously (voice vote) to insert the ORC reference regarding animal care in traps. - Motion to Favorably Refer Ordinance 03-2026 to Full City Council: Approved unanimously (voice vote). The ordinance, as amended, will proceed to a vote by the full Council. - Policy Update: The administrative policy was acknowledged as non-binding and will be subject to future administrative changes. - No Action on Grant: The $20,000 grant request was discussed but not voted on; it may be addressed during budget deliberations.

The Lakewood City Council held a regular meeting on February 27, 2026, to address a wide range of legislative items including the adoption of multiple bond ordinances, creation of a Master Fee Schedule, updates to pet grooming regulations, approval of a fire engine purchase and trade-in, recognition of Women's History Month and Severe Weather Awareness Week, several submerged land lease resolutions for shoreline projects, and extensive deliberation on City Hall facilities and budget appropriations. Council also heard public comment regarding automatic license plate reader cameras. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the February 17, 2026 meeting were approved. - Resolution 2026-08: Designated March 2026 as Women's History Month. - Ordinance 06-2026: Authorized up to $4,900,000 in notes for Bunts Road, Lake Road, Clifton Road street resurfacing. - Ordinance 08-2026 through 14-2026: Authorized various bond anticipation notes and bonds for water improvements ($850,000), sidewalks ($500,000), traffic signals ($125,000), sewer improvements ($2,370,000), various purpose improvements ($32,695,000 refunding and $32,695,000 new bonds), and refunding bonds ($15,845,000). All were adopted together. - Resolution 2025-71 and Ordinance 30-2025: Established a Master Fee Schedule consolidating fees from administrative and business regulation codes. - Ordinance 39-2025: Updated definitions and regulations for pet grooming services and added supplemental regulations. - Resolution 2026-09: Authorized trade-in of a 2010 fire engine for a 2020 engine at a net cost of $580,000. - Resolution 2026-10: Proclaimed March 15–21, 2026 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. - Resolutions 2026-11 through 2026-14: Approved submerged land leases for shoreline protection at 17818 Lake Avenue, 1015 Nicholson Avenue, PPN 312-07-031, and Nicholson Avenue right-of-way. - Several communications were received and filed, including reports from the Committee of the Whole, Rules & Ordinances Committee, Finance Committee (partial), Housing Planning & Development Committee, CASE Board, and LASWAB. Public Comments & Testimony - Jared Clark (16300 Hilliard) expressed concern about Flock automatic license plate reader cameras in Lakewood, citing data sharing with ICE, security vulnerabilities, and privacy risks. Discussion Items - City Hall Facilities and Appropriations: Council discussed the proposed $16.5 million bond for renovating 1470 Warren Road (former Board of Education building) to house administrative offices. Council members expressed concerns about parking, cost, lack of detailed plans, and the process. After debate, Council agreed to appropriate an additional $4 million for design and initial construction at City Hall, prioritizing police facility renovations (including women's locker room) and design work for potential future options. The administration indicated willingness to negotiate a purchase agreement for Warren Road, but Council was not ready to commit. - Ordinance 07-2026 (City Facilities Notes): Amended to increase the note amount from $1.8 million to $5.8 million and to include "city hall" in the project description, reflecting the $4 million increase. - Ordinance 33-2025B (Appropriations): Amended to add $4 million to the Capital Improvement Fund for the City Hall facilities work. - Charter Amendment Ordinances (Items 20-25): Six proposed charter amendments were introduced but deferred to the March 16 Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion. These address civil service salary reviews, council vacancy appointments, legislation amendment process, ward redistricting, charter amendment paths, and ranked-choice voting. - Host Community Cannabis Fund (Ordinance 15-2026): Deferred to allow refinement of fund uses. - Audit Committee Repeal (Ordinance 27-2025): Deferred to consider modifying rather than fully repealing. - Public Art Master Plan: Communication referred to Committee of the Whole; final plan expected May 2026. - CASE Board Report: First meeting held; rules, officers elected; Madison-Hilliard Safety Study and Shared Use Path code amendments deferred to next meeting. - LASWAB Report: Spring pet food drive planned; TNR ordinance discussed for upcoming Public Safety Committee. Key Outcomes - The $4 million appropriation for City Hall design and police facility renovations was approved (amending both Ordinance 33-2025B and Ordinance 07-2026). - All debt legislation (bonds/notes) was adopted. - Master Fee Schedule and pet grooming regulations were adopted. - Fire engine trade-in and Severe Weather Awareness Week resolutions were adopted. - Submerged land lease resolutions for four projects were approved. - Charter amendment ordinances, cannabis fund, and audit committee items were deferred. - Public comment was received and noted.

The Housing, Planning, & Development Committee met to discuss and vote on a proposed zoning code amendment (Ordinance 39-2025) to update regulations for pet grooming services, making them permitted by-right in C-2 and C-3 commercial districts while adding new supplemental regulations and removing outdated requirements. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the minutes of the February 17, 2026, Housing, Planning & Development Committee meeting. - The committee received and filed a communication from Assistant Planning Director David Baas regarding the proposed code amendments (Chapter 1129, 1161) for pet grooming services. Discussion Items - Proposed Code Amendments for Pet Grooming Services: Assistant Planning Director David Baas presented Ordinance 39-2025, which aims to simplify zoning regulations for pet grooming. Key issues addressed include: - Reclassifying pet grooming from a conditional use in C-2 districts (currently requiring four off-street parking spaces per groomer/veterinarian, a prohibition on locating in buildings with residential uses, and restrictions on outdoor runs) to a permitted use in both C-2 and C-3 districts. - Adding a new Section 1129.18 with supplemental regulations requiring no overnight boarding or outdoor animal runs and mandating adequate ventilation, odor control, and soundproofing when located adjacent to residential uses. - Deleting the old supplemental regulations in Section 1161.03 that imposed the parking and residential-prohibition requirements. - Distinguishing pet grooming from pet boarding (including doggy daycare), which will remain a conditional use in C-2 and permitted in C-3 due to its higher intensity. - Committee Questions: - Council Member Baker asked why pet grooming remains prohibited in C-1 districts, noting a business owner who wanted to locate on Madison Avenue. Baas responded that a larger code refresh expected within 6-8 months would address C-1 designations, and he preferred to keep the current amendment narrow. - Council Member Villarick asked for a practical example; Baas cited a recent case where a groomer on Bonneview had to go through the conditional use process because the storefront was in C-2 rather than C-3, and the planning commission conditionally approved it pending this code change. - Council Member Kempel inquired about potential nuisance issues (noise, odors) with residential units above grooming businesses. Baas stated that no complaints have been reported, and the new supplemental regulations will ensure mitigations. - Baas clarified that the Ohio Revised Code does not differentiate pet daycare by duration, so daycare will be treated as boarding under the amendment. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to favorably refer Ordinance 39-2025 to the full City Council with a recommendation for approval. The ordinance is expected to take effect as an emergency measure upon passage.

Note on date: The raw transcript references a February 9, 2026 committee meeting, but the meeting is specified as occurring on February 25, 2026. The summary uses the provided date while reflecting the content of the transcript. No minutes were available. The Finance Committee reviewed two main agenda items: establishing a Host Community Cannabis Fund (Ordinance 15‑2026) and repealing or revising the Audit Committee (Ordinance 27‑2025). Both items were deferred for further refinement. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the February 9, 2026 Finance Committee meeting were approved without objection. Discussion Items 1. Host Community Cannabis Fund (Ordinance 15‑2026) - Council President Kepple and Vice President Baker introduced a communication to create a dedicated fund for cannabis tax revenues. Ohio voters approved Issue 2 in November 2023 with over 81% support in Lakewood. The state imposes a 10% tax on adult‑use cannabis, with 3.6% directed to host communities. Lakewood has received $743,407.77 to date and expects around $500,000 annually. - Finance Director Mahoney explained that the ordinance would establish the fund but not authorize spending; a separate appropriation ordinance would be needed. - Councilmember Strebig proposed expanding authorized expenditures from “public safety” to “public health and safety,” including the Lakewood Community Health Needs Assessment and adding “wellness” to capital improvements related to accessibility, equity, and wellness. - Human Services Director Barry testified about recent cuts to the county’s community‑based services contract: a 24.4% reduction equating to $158,000. Over the past 2.5 years, her department worked with 227 unique Lakewood families (and nearly 1,000 families in the region). Referrals have increased by about 195% compared to previous years. She expressed support for using cannabis funds to stabilize human services. - Councilmember Bullock raised questions about the fund’s technical language and advocated using these funds for new, innovative initiatives rather than absorbing existing operations. - Councilmember Hamilton Steiner supported including health and human services and urged integrating equity metrics into budget decisions. - The committee agreed to defer the ordinance so that language could be revised to allow both capital and operating expenditures and to incorporate health, human services, and flexibility for future needs. 2. Audit Committee (Ordinance 27‑2025) - Finance Director Mahoney proposed repealing Chapter 160 (Audit Committee) and having the Finance Committee review the annual audit, noting that the separate committee had become inactive and that the city has received clean audits (including the Ohio Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting, awarded to only 4% of Ohio cities). - Councilmember Baker offered a substitute proposal: keep Chapter 160 but amend membership to solely consist of the Finance Committee, require an annual public meeting with the independent auditor, and delete quarterly meeting and term provisions. - Councilmember Bullock argued that a citizen audit committee had brought valuable professional expertise in the past and suggested retaining some external involvement. - Councilmember Hamilton Steiner proposed a hybrid model with citizen advisors attending the Finance Committee’s audit review. - Council President Kepple supported the Finance Committee approach, noting that public access would be greater than the previous noon‑time Zoom meetings. - The committee deferred the ordinance to allow formalization of the substitute language and further discussion. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 15‑2026 (Cannabis Fund): Deferred. The committee will receive revised language from Councilmember Strebig and Finance Director Mahoney, expanding authorized use to health, human services, and both capital and operational expenses. A substitute ordinance will be presented at the next Finance Committee meeting. - Ordinance 27‑2025 (Audit Committee): Deferred. Councilmember Baker will prepare a substitute ordinance that retains Chapter 160 but makes the Finance Committee the audit committee, requires an annual public meeting with the auditor, and removes quarterly meeting and term requirements. Further amendments may be considered before the next meeting. - Both items are scheduled for further discussion at the next Finance Committee meeting (date not specified).

The Complete and Active Streets Education and Advisory Board held its first meeting on February 24, 2026, from approximately 3:15 PM to 5:30 PM. The meeting focused on introductory business, including ethics training, adoption of rules, election of officers, and an overview of the board's roles and responsibilities. The board also received a presentation on the Hilliard-Madison Safety Study and discussed future capital project integration. Roll Call & Introductions - Members present: Tracy Greenberg, Kyle Baker (City Council, ex-officio non-voting), Emily Lindbergh, Kyle Robinson, Jeff McCourt, Cody George, John Mitterholzer, Sean McDermott. - Ex-officio/staff present: Chris Gordon (Public Works), Kevin Wayner (Public Information), Mark Walter (Schools), Sgt. Dave Acklin (Police), Jen Swallow (Law), Mark Papke (Engineering), David Boss (Secretary). - Guest: John Allbeck (ITERS Engineers) joined remotely for the safety study presentation. Ethics & Legal Overview - Jen Swallow (Law Department) provided a brief ethics orientation, reminding members about open meetings laws, conflicts of interest, and the prohibition on accepting gifts. Members acknowledged receipt of written oaths of office. Adoption of Rules & Election of Officers - Adoption of Rules: Rules and regulations were distributed but not voted on. David Boss moved to defer adoption to the next quarterly meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. - Election of Officers: - Chair: Tracy Greenberg was nominated by Jeff McCourt and seconded by multiple members. She accepted and was elected by voice vote (unanimous). - Vice Chair: Tracy Greenberg nominated Emily Lindbergh, who accepted. The nomination was seconded and she was elected by voice vote (unanimous). - The secretary role is held by David Boss (non-voting) as designated by ordinance. Discussion Items Board Roles, Responsibilities & Process - David Boss presented an overview of the board's statutory purposes and proposed two primary tasks: (1) study and recommend improvements based on existing plans (Active Transportation Plan, Safe Streets for All, ADA Transition Plan, Climate Action Plan) and (2) advocate and educate the public. - He outlined a process for integrating board recommendations into capital projects: recommendations should be finalized before Stage 1 design submittal to Planning Commission to avoid late stage changes. - The board discussed the distinction between Tier 1 (major projects identified in plans) and Tier 2 (other projects) as defined by the Complete Streets Ordinance. Tier 1 projects will be brought to the board; Tier 2 projects are subject to best-effort inclusion by city staff. - Annual Reporting: Kyle Baker noted that the ordinance requires an annual report on complete streets implementation (starting with 2027 projects) to be presented to City Council and Planning Commission. The board could receive this report for review. - Rule Amendments: Jeff McCourt suggested adding flexibility to allow the chair to place items on the agenda related to the board's legislative purpose. This will be considered when adopting rules. Capital Project Outlook (2026-2030) - David Boss displayed a list of upcoming capital projects, including: - Bunts Road Shared Use Path (implementation 2026-2027) - Lake/Clifton Connector (county-led, public meeting that evening) - Water main projects for 2028-2029 (to be determined) - Riverside and West Clifton bike infrastructure (tentative) - Clifton Boulevard (tentative) - The board will receive details on water main projects that qualify as Tier 1 at the next meeting to formulate recommendations. Enbridge Gas Line Replacement & ADA Compliance - Tracy Greenberg raised concerns about Enbridge's reconstruction of sidewalks and curbs, urging that the ADA Transition Plan be provided to Enbridge to ensure improvements are compliant. Chris Gordon explained that Enbridge must meet current ADA standards when replacing disturbed elements, but there may be limitations on requiring upgrades beyond in-kind replacement. Greenberg requested further discussion on how to proactively incorporate the ADA plan. Hilliard-Madison Safety Study Presentation - John Allbeck (ITERS) presented an abbreviated overview of the safety study for the intersection of Hilliard and Madison. Key findings: - High crash history, including a pedestrian fatality in a westbound vehicle collision. - Long pedestrian crossing distances due to skewed geometry. - Existing signal equipment is aged. - Short-term recommendations (implementable quickly): - Leading pedestrian intervals (LPI) - Protected-only left turns from Madison onto Hilliard (eliminating permissive green ball) - Updated signal timing and coordination - Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) - Convert Orchard Grove to right-in/right-out to prevent queue spillback - Long-term recommendations (higher cost): - Curb bump-outs/bulbouts to shorten crossings - Passive pedestrian detection and dynamic warning signs - Potential flashing yellow arrow left-turn operation (future) - Level of service analysis shows vehicle delay will increase slightly during PM peak due to protected lefts, but pedestrian delay may improve with shorter cycle lengths. - John Mitterholzer emphasized that students from nearby schools often do not wait for long signals, underscoring the need to prioritize pedestrians. - Cody George requested crash data broken down by direction and street to inform recommendations. Bicycle Code Amendments - This item was deferred to the next meeting without discussion. Key Outcomes - Elected Chair: Tracy Greenberg. - Elected Vice Chair: Emily Lindbergh. - Deferred: Adoption of rules and regulations to the next quarterly meeting. - Deferred: Review and discussion of the Hilliard-Madison Safety Study to the next meeting. - Deferred: Bicycle code amendments to the next meeting. - Next Steps: David Boss will prepare a list of water main projects meeting Tier 1 criteria for the next meeting. Staff will follow up on ADA transition plan integration with Enbridge. Members were encouraged to submit questions on the safety study via email. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed at approximately 5:30 PM.

The Committee of the Whole met on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium to discuss City Hall space options and multiple bond ordinances. The main focus was a presentation by Assistant Director Boss comparing two primary alternatives (Option 2 – renovate/add at current City Hall, and Option 3 – relocate administrative functions to the former Board of Education building at 1470 Warren Road). Following extensive deliberation, the committee advanced several bond ordinances to full council, but removed $16.5 million from Ordinance 07-2026 (facilities improvement notes) pending further direction on the City Hall relocation decision. Discussion Items - City Hall Space Alternatives Analysis: Assistant Director Boss presented a high-level comparison of Option 2 (renovate current City Hall with a 5,400 sq. ft. addition; estimated $25.5–30.9 million) and Option 3 (renovate Warren Road building for administrative offices and convert existing City Hall into a Justice Center; estimated $31.8–39.7 million). A larger addition (Option 2A) was also roughly estimated at $32–39 million. Key criteria included parking, functional space, operational efficiency, and timeline (8 months design, 2–3 years construction). - Parking Concerns: Councilmember Evans and others raised concerns that allocating downtown parking lots to City Hall employees could conflict with retail/commercial parking needs. Option 3 was argued to have better area parking due to proximity to multiple city-owned lots within 1,000 feet. - Employee Feedback & Flexibility: Councilmember Strebig questioned whether the assumed administrative space (18,308 sq. ft. in Warren Road) is adequate. Assistant Director Boss noted that 17,000 sq. ft. of “flex space” would be available for storage, IT, and future growth, while Councilmember Baker questioned whether that much extra space is needed given trends toward reduced office footprints. - Phasing vs. Full Relocation: Councilmember Bullock and Baker advocated for studying phased renovations on the current campus before committing to the Warren Road option. Chief Story stated that the police renovation is the top priority, and that any design funds are needed urgently. - Bond Ordinances: Council considered nine bond ordinances (06-2026 through 14-2026). Ordinance 07-2026 originally included $18.3 million for facility improvements, of which $16.5 million was earmarked for City Hall/Warren Road renovations. Council substituted a version removing that $16.5 million, with the understanding that up to $4 million could be proposed later for immediate police/fire renovation design and construction. - Appropriations Ordinance (33-2025B): The committee amended the 2026 permanent appropriations to remove $16.5 million from the Capital Improvement Fund, and added whereas clauses consistent with prior resolution language. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 07-2026 (City Facilities Improvements): Committee adopted a substitute removing the $16.5 million City Hall/Warren Road component. The amended ordinance was referred favorably to full council. - Other Bond Ordinances (06, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) : All referred favorably to full council without change. - Ordinance 33-2025B (Permanent Appropriations): Amended to subtract $16.5 million from the Capital Improvement Fund and referred favorably to full council. The amendment included the possibility of adding up to $4 million for police/fire design and construction at the full council meeting. - Next Steps: Council will consider the legislation at the next full council meeting (likely March 2026). A working group may be formed to continue studying the long-term City Hall space plan, with design work for priority police renovations expected to begin as soon as funding is approved.

The Rules & Ordinances Committee of Lakewood City Council met on February 23, 2026, to continue the phased consolidation of city fees into a single Master Fee Schedule. The committee considered a communication from the Law Director, Resolution 2025-71 to establish the updated Master Fee Schedule, and Ordinance 30-2025 to remove corresponding fees from the city code. All committee members were present, joined by Law Director Ernest Vargo, Chief Assistant Law Director Jennifer Swallow, and Finance Director Brian Mahoney. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes of the November 3, 2025 Rules & Ordinances Committee meeting. - Communication from Law Director Vargo: The committee received and filed the Law Director's communication regarding the Master Fee Schedule, which had been referred on November 17, 2025. Discussion Items - Master Fee Schedule Phase 2 (Resolution 2025-71 & Ordinance 30-2025): Assistant Law Director Swallow explained that this is the second of three planned phases. Phase 1 (adopted in 2024) moved Housing and Building fees into the Master Fee Schedule. Phase 2 moves all fees from Part One (Administrative Code) and Part Seven (Business Regulation Code) into the schedule. Phase 3 will cover Public Works, Water, and Wastewater fees and is expected soon. - Fee Changes: Most fees remain unchanged. Two new fees were added: - Property assessment search: $15 (previously charged but not formally authorized). - Sidewalk dining inspection: fee listed as TBD (to be determined); it will not be charged until separate enabling legislation is passed. Council member Baker expressed a preference for citing a specific code section, but Assistant Law Director Swallow noted the upcoming zoning refresh may change that section. - Credit Card Processing Fee: A new fee allowing the city to pass credit card processing costs to users (currently absorbed by the city). Councilmember Steiner raised concerns about equity for low-income residents. Finance Director Mahoney noted that cash, check, or electronic bank transfer (auto-pay) are free alternatives, and the new finance system will automatically apply the fee for credit card transactions. - Help to Others (H2O) Camp Fee: Councilmember Bullock questioned whether the fixed $100 fee should be adjustable. Assistant Law Director Swallow responded that a camp scholarship process exists to reduce costs for participants. - Committee Members Present: Chair Matt Bixenstine, Bryan Evans, Angelina Hamilton Steiner; also participating: Sarah Kepple (Council President), Kyle Baker (Vice President, non-committee member), Thomas R. Bullock III (non-committee member). Key Outcomes - Resolution 2025-71: The committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption to full Council. This resolution establishes the Master Fee Schedule incorporating fees from the Administrative Code and Business Regulation Code, superseding all prior fees included in the resolution. - Ordinance 30-2025: The committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption to full Council. This ordinance amends various sections of the Administrative Code and Business Regulation Code to remove fees and reference the Master Fee Schedule instead, with the repeal of obsolete sections and enactment of updated language referencing the schedule. - Both pieces of legislation are designated as emergency measures requiring a two-thirds vote of Council for immediate effect.