Brecksville City Council Regular Meeting – November 18, 2025

The Brecksville City Council held a regular meeting on November 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM in Ralph W. Biggs City Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The council unanimously approved a series of resolutions and ordinances, including the appointment of two firefighters, several financial and administrative measures, and multiple planning and zoning items. Committee reports included approval of a sidewalk project on Oakes Road and authorization for new community center membership rates and IT equipment purchases.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from November 4, 2025, were approved unanimously (7-0).
• RES. 5725: Appointed Michael J. Tusai II as a full-time firefighter/paramedic. (7-0)
• RES. 5726: Appointed Sayf S. Shetawi as a part-time firefighter/paramedic. (7-0)
• RES. 5728: Established blanket purchase order limits ($50,000 for blanket and super blanket POs) and exceptions with higher limits, consolidating 187 POs to 128. (7-0)
• RES. 5729: Authorized the Mayor to enter into a subrecipient agreement with the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation for the Ohio Department of Development Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, for potential demolition of Central School. (7-0)
• ORD. 5823: Amended Section 136.07 of the Administrative Code to include membership pass rates for non-resident high school students (ages 14+) at the Community Center. (7-0)
• ORD. 5824: Authorized purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel through a Joint Municipal Improvement Consortium; the lowest bidder was Petroleum Traders, offering a better price differential. (7-0)
• ORD. 5825: Amended Section 1311.08 of the Building Code to increase the contractor registration fee from $75 to $125 (first increase in 18 years). (7-0)
• ORD. 5826: Amended Ordinance No. 5758 to adjust FY 2025 appropriations, increasing estimated income tax revenue by $477,000 and adding $10,000 for architect fees. (7-0)
• Board of Zoning Appeals:
  • Appeal 2025-61: Approved variance for 6738 East Sprague Rd. to allow a 107.5-ft front yard setback (vs. 125 ft required) and 25-ft total side yards (vs. 30 ft) for an addition. (7-0)
  • Appeal 2025-62: Approved variance for 7909 Oakhurst Dr. to allow 4-ft side yard setback (vs. 10 ft) and 19-ft total side yards (vs. 30 ft) for an addition. (7-0)
• Planning Commission:
  • Approved an 18-sq-ft wall sign for WOW Workshop of Wishes, with a deviation to allow two wall signs (vs. one). (7-0)
  • Approved an 8.33-sq-ft ground sign for Deer Path Estates, with a deviation to allow 5-ft from right-of-way (vs. 10 ft). (7-0)
  • Granted final approval for a solar photovoltaic system at 6560 Mill Rd., with a deviation to allow panels on a roof facing a side yard. (7-0)
  • Granted preliminary and final approval for a parking lot, exterior facade, and ADA ramp at Waters Edge (7014 Mill Rd.). (7-0)
  • Granted final approval for Woodlands of Snowville Phase 2 improvement plan revisions and Phase 3 clearing/mass grading/SWPP (Council Member Bender excused; 6-0).
  • Granted final approval for Flour Restaurant sign and facade, allowing a 3.83-ft tall wall sign (vs. 3 ft) and face-lit illumination (Council President Caruso and Council Member Ganim excused; 4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments or testimony were recorded during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Streets & Sidewalks Committee: The committee recommended, and council approved, a motion to authorize the Purchasing Director to advertise for bids for the CUY SRTS 2026 Brecksville project (PID 120129) – construction of sidewalks on Oakes Road from Barr Road to the Blossom Hill Complex entrance. The project estimate is $300,000, with $268,000 in state grant funding secured in 2023. City Engineer Gerry Wise noted the work is on city-owned land, includes minimal utility work, and is part of the city’s connectivity plan.
• Finance Committee:
  • Approved changes to 2026 Community Center and Human Services program rates, with increases for officials’ rates, artistic swimming restructuring, and taekwondo (first adjustment in four years). Non-resident high school student membership was added.
  • Approved a purchase order increase of $8,000 (PO# 20259617) for Community Center general programming to cover payroll for expanded theater and art classes.
  • Approved a $30,000 requisition for 21 UPS units and 8 workstations for IT, budgeted and managed by the IT department.
• Mayor's Report: Mayor Kingston provided updates: Masu restaurant opening Thursday at Valor Acres; Flour restaurant orientation completed; leaf collection through November 28; holiday parade and tree lighting on November 30 with fireworks after dark. Shop with a First Responder event on December 6.
• Department Reports: Human Services Director announced a Thanksgiving meal event on November 26. Police Chief promoted Shop with a First Responder. Council Member Stucky thanked staff for the fence at Kids Quarters.

Key Outcomes

• All eight resolutions and ordinances were passed unanimously (7-0 each).
• The Oakes Road sidewalk project was authorized to proceed to bidding.
• 2026 program rates and membership changes were approved.
• IT equipment purchase of $30,000 authorized.
• Planning commission items (signs, solar, Waters Edge, Woodlands, Flour Restaurant) were approved with noted deviations and vote splits.
• Board of Zoning Appeals variance requests were approved.
• Next meetings: Recreation Commission Dec 1; Human Services Advisory Board Dec 9; Board of Zoning Appeals Dec 8; Planning Commission Dec 6.