Brecksville City Council Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Brecksville City Council convened on February 17, 2026, for its regular meeting. Council members passed several routine financial resolutions and ordinances, including a watermain grant application and budget adjustments. The Council also approved four zoning appeals, received committee reports, and heard a public question regarding ongoing road construction. Mayor Kingston paid tribute to two recently deceased members of the Brecksville community.

Consent Calendar / Unfinished & New Business

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 3, 2026 meeting were approved (Carried 7-0).
• RES. 5766: Resolution authorizing acceptance of funding through the NOPEC Community Event Sponsorship Program (Carried 6-0).
• RES. 5767: Resolution authorizing an agreement for payment of counsel fees for indigent criminal defendants (Carried 6-0).
• RES. 5768: Resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for a CWD Suburban Watermain Renewal Project Grant through Cleveland Water for a section of Brecksville Road (Carried 6-0).
• ORD. 5848: Ordinance authorizing an amendment to the customer services agreement with AllOne Health Resources DBA Ease@Work to increase the fee amount (Carried 6-0).
• ORD. 5849: Ordinance amending appropriations for current expenses and revenue adjustments for fiscal year 2026 (Carried 6-0).

Reports of Council Committees

• Safety/Service (Jantzen): Approved a $27,500 purchase requisition for annual membership dues for the Southwest Council of Governments (Southwest Enforcement Bureau and Southwest Emergency Response Team). (Carried 6-0)
• Buildings & Grounds (Ganim): Approved a $6,301.88 purchase requisition for a portable fume extractor (Fume Dog) for the Service Department. (Carried 6-0)

Zoning Appeals (Board of Appeals Report)

Council President Caruso presented four appeals from the Board of Appeals, all of which were approved unanimously (6-0).

• Appeal 2026-01: Variance from the minimum 60-foot rear yard setback to allow 33.5 feet for an addition at 4606 Silver Creek Circle.
• Appeal 2026-02: Variance to allow a trailer on the side of the house instead of the rear yard at 6742 Oakes Rd.
• Appeal 2026-04: Multiple variances for a new house and garage at 8322 Settlers Passage, including a front yard setback of 1289.5 feet, an allowable footprint of 864 sq ft, and a building height of 17.75 feet.
• Appeal 2025-68: Variance to allow new construction of a detached garage in the side yard instead of the rear yard at 10017 Greenhaven Pkwy.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christina Lakatos (6556 Lloyd Rd): Introduced herself as a new member of the BBH Pride board and stated she looks forward to a cooperative working relationship with the City.
• Amy Tytko (9117 Highland Dr): Asked about the impact of water line construction on city roads given the recent volume of construction.

Discussion Items

• Police Alerts & Notification System (Chief Korinek & Mayor Kingston): Police Chief Korinek encouraged residents to sign up for the city’s community alert and notification system, emphasizing that it requires an opt-in. He explained that an after-action report from a November barricade incident identified that neighbors could not be notified via geofencing without first signing up. Help with enrollment is available at the Recreation Department, Human Services, or City Hall.
• Brecksville Road & Water Main Construction (Engineer Wise & Mayor Kingston): In response to Ms. Tytko’s question, Engineering and the Mayor detailed that the resurfacing of Brecksville Road is being completed in three phases over three years. Two phases are complete. The third phase is planned for 2027. If the CWD grant is awarded, a 100-year-old water main (installed circa 1926) will be replaced prior to repaving on this final section. Council Member Bender noted water had been observed crossing Brecksville Road near Sleepy Hollow Golf Course last year, reinforcing the need for the pipe replacement.
• Mayor’s Report - Remembrances: Mayor Kingston announced the untimely passing of Tom English (an active volunteer with CVYO baseball and the Recreation Department) and Scott Campbell (a former Recreation Commission member and strong advocate for pickleball). The Mayor stated the City will work to honor Mr. Campbell’s legacy and contributions. Mayor Kingston also congratulated Council Member Stucky on the birth of his grandson, Ramsey.
• Human Services Advisory Board (Koepke): Council Member Koepke announced the Empty Bowls Event on March 3rd at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, benefiting the Brecksville Food Pantry and South Hills Lend a Hand Program.

Key Outcomes

• Passed Unanimously: All five pieces of legislation (RES. 5766, 5767, 5768; ORD. 5848, 5849) passed without dissent.
• Appeals Approved: All four zoning appeals were granted.
• Committee Purchases Approved: $27,500 for SW Council of Govts dues and $6,301.88 for a portable fume extractor.
• Next Meetings: Planning Commission (March 5, 7:00 PM), Board of Zoning Appeals (March 9, 7:30 PM), Human Services Advisory Board (March 10, 3:00 PM), State of the City Address (February 26, 6:30 PM).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.