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Record of Proceedings

Brecksville City Council Regular Meeting - April 21, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 21, 2026
BodyBrecksville, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Join Brandon Thompson, Kevin McPherson, Jason Davis, David Cazar, Jeff Rizzo, Larry Merrick, Marcus Gallo, and the Brexitville Broadview Heights High School Wrestling Team have continued their tradition of excellence, once again competing among the best in the state at the 89th annual Ohio State Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament held March 13th through the 15th of 2026

Unassigned speaker

0:23

at

Speaker 1

0:23

the Schottenstein Center at the Ohio State University.

0:26

And whereas the Bees Wrestling Program demonstrated outstanding performance at the state level, highlighted by multiple individual state champions, an elite accomplishments by a student athletes, and whereas senior Rylan Seacrist capped off an historic high school career by winning the individual state championship at 113 pounds, becoming a two-time state champion, four-time state qualifier, four-time state place winner, while finishing his career ranked as the number one 113 pounder in the United States and is now committed to wrestling and continuing his career at Arizona State University.

1:02

And whereas Zach Aquila earned the individual state championship at 165 pounds, securing his first state title and contributing to the team's continued success.

1:12

And whereas the achievements of these student athletes reflect not only their individual dedication and hard work, but also the strength of the Brexville Broadview Heights Wrestling Program and its coaching staff, which continues to develop competitors of the highest caliber, and whereas the Bees wrestling coaches have upheld a standard of excellence that brings pride to the Brexville community, consistently guiding their athletes to success at the district, state, and national levels.

1:35

And now, therefore, I, Dominic Caruso, President of City Council Brexit, do hereby call upon the citizens of our community

Unassigned speaker

1:42

to

Speaker 1

1:43

join me in celebrating the achievements of the 2026 Brexville Broadview Heights Bees Wrestling Team on behalf of the administration, city council, and city of Brexville, we extend our congratulations and commend these outstanding athletes for their dedication, perseverance, and remarkable success, in witness whereof I have hereunto set by hand and cause the affix the seal of, in this case, the mayor of the city of Brexville on the 21st day of April 2026.

2:17

We can have the coaches that are here and the two wrestlers come up and give you guys your proclamation.

Speaker 2

2:26

I

Speaker 3

2:26

think so.

Speaker 2

2:28

No, we don't.

Speaker 3

2:46

I

Speaker 4

2:46

know it's not just yet.

2:48

No, no, it's not a notch.

2:49

It's good for

Unassigned speaker

2:49

you.

Speaker 5

3:30

Whereas the Brexville Broadview Heights High School gymnastics program has continued its reign as one of the most dominant and successful programs in the state, further solidifying its legacy by earning its 23rd consecutive OH SAA State Team Championship and 26th overall state title, while also marking its 33rd straight appearance in the state championship meet.

3:52

An extraordinary accomplishment that reflects decades of sustained excellence.

3:57

And whereas the 54th annual OHSAA State Gymnastics Tournament, hosted at Hilliard Bradley High School on March 7th, 2026 for the team competition, and March 8th, 2026 for the individual competition, showcased the except exceptional skill, discipline, and determination of the Brexville Brave Heights team, which achieved a winning team score of 147.025.

4:22

And whereas, even though gymnastics is a team sport, as always the remembrable individual achievements.

4:29

Achievements, Emily Gromick on the vault with a 9-6.

4:33

Gwen Popoleschi was on the beam with a 9.375, and Rachel Kieran coming on coming off the state diving tournament, closed out her gymnastics career with a score of 9.7 on the floor.

Unassigned speaker

4:46

The next day in the individual competition, Abby Pignatelio distinguished distinguished herself as an individual state champion on the balance beam, earning a score of 9.5 and showcasing the precision and poise that exemplify Brexville Broadview Heights gymnastics.

Speaker 5

5:01

And whereas the continued success of the program is guided by head coach Maria Schneider, alongside Joan Gannum, Leah Miko, and Alyssa Campbell, whose leadership, experience, and dedication have sustained a culture of excellence and achievement.

5:17

And whereas the student athletes contributed to this amazing championship season and are recognized for their hard work and commitment.

5:26

Emily Gromick, Abby Pignatelio, Kyla Haberdell, Rachel Kieran, Sarah Kwaitkowski, Bailey Miller, Carol Samuel, Tia Long, Olivia Vasile, Sasha Milanich, Kira Daly, Gwen Popoleschi, Arison Odino, Annabel Dax, Eva Carson, and Veronica Yakushenko.

5:53

And whereas the accomplishments of this team continue to bring pride and recognition to the Brexville community as the program remains a model of consistency, teamwork, and excellence in high school athletics.

6:05

And now therefore, I, a J.

6:07

Gannum member of Brexville City Council, do hereby call upon the citizens of this community to join me in celebrating and honoring the 2026 Brexville Braveview Heights High School Gymnastics team for their outstanding achievements.

6:20

On behalf of the administration and city council of the city of Brexville, we extend our sincere congratulations to these exceptional student athletes and their coaches and their coaches.

6:37

For the seal of the mayor of the city of Brexville on this 21st day of April 2026.

Unassigned speaker

7:05

Congratulations, girls.

Unassigned speaker

7:08

Congrats.

Unassigned speaker

8:35

Yeah, I know.

Speaker 1

8:42

Once again, congratulations to all you guys for the hard work you've done to you, seniors, best of luck and whatever your next stage of life is, college or whatever.

8:54

You and your parents are all welcome to stay for the whole meeting, but if you want to excuse yourself, now would be a good time before we move on to the regular business.

9:06

Those of you here to learn about government, you're trapped for another 45 minutes problem.

Unassigned speaker

9:42

Steve.

Speaker 1

9:52

All right, everyone.

9:53

Next up is approval of the minutes from our April 7th meeting.

9:57

Do I have a motion?

Speaker 5

9:58

Mr.

9:58

President.

Speaker 1

9:59

Mr.

9:59

Gannum.

Speaker 5

10:00

I move that we dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented.

Unassigned speaker

10:03

Second.

Speaker 1

10:04

Motion by Gannum, seconded by Kepke.

10:06

Discussion.

10:07

Roll call.

Speaker 2

10:10

Fender.

10:11

Abstain.

10:12

Caruso.

Speaker 1

10:13

Yes.

Speaker 2

10:14

Gannum.

Speaker 1

10:15

Yes.

Speaker 2

10:16

Janssen.

10:16

Yes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████27%
Youth Programs███████████████████████23%
Planning And Zoning███████████████████19%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████14%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Brecksville City Council Regular Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Brecksville City Council met on April 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM in the Ralph W. Biggs City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations honoring student athletes, approval of minutes, passage of six new business items, reports from boards and committees, departmental updates, and a report from the Mayor. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.

Proclamations

  • Council President Dominic Caruso read a proclamation recognizing the Brecksville-Broadview Heights wrestling team. Senior Ryland Sechrist won his second state championship (113 lbs.) and Zach Aquila earned a state title (165 lbs.).
  • Council Member AJ Ganim read a proclamation recognizing the Brecksville-Broadview Heights gymnastics team, which won its 23rd consecutive OHSAA State Team Championship and 26th overall state title. Individual state champion Abby Pignatelio was highlighted.
  • Approximately 40 students and coaches were present for the recognitions.

Approval of Minutes

  • Minutes of April 7, 2026: Motion to approve passed. The minutes recorded 7 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstains, but the raw transcript indicates Council Member Bender abstained (6 yeas, 1 abstain). This discrepancy is noted.

New Business – All items were passed unanimously (7-0) with suspension of rules where required.

  • RES. 5779: Authorized the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to the Subrecipient Agreement with the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation, extending the deadline for demolition of Central School to December 31, 2026. Emergency declared.
  • RES. 5780: Accepted CTL Engineering, Inc.’s proposal for Geotechnical Investigation Services for the Riverview Road Culvert Replacement Project. Emergency declared.
  • RES. 5781: Accepted a Permanent Easement for public utilities across properties owned by Joseph P. Hanna, Marie L. Ramundo (PPN 603-15-043) and Carollo Properties, LLC (PPN 603-15-042). Emergency declared.
  • RES. 5782: Authorized the Mayor to execute a Partial Release of Storm Easement on PPN 603-15-043 (S/L 9 Victoria Lane). Emergency declared.
  • RES. 5783: Authorized the Mayor to apply to NOACA for FTA Section 5310 funding to purchase a Light Transit Vehicle for the Human Services Center. Emergency declared.
  • ORD. 5860: Amended Ordinance 5829 to adjust appropriations and revenues for fiscal year 2026. Emergency declared.

Reports of Council Representatives

Board of Zoning Appeals (Council Member Stucky) – All six appeals were approved unanimously (7-0):

  • Appeal 2026-09 (Kathryn Reel, 8436 Riverview Rd.): Variance to allow a detached garage in the front yard (instead of rear) and to exceed the maximum 660 sq. ft. (allow 696 sq. ft.).
  • Appeal 2026-10 (Rick Rutkowski, 10320 Barr Rd.): Variance to allow three trailers/RVs in the side yard with screening.
  • Appeal 2026-11 (Gregory & Brittany Wheeler, 3340 Royalton Rd.): Part 1 – variance for a 6-ft. fence height; Part 2 – variance for approximately 190 linear feet of solid vinyl fencing.
  • Appeal 2026-12 (Angelo Ezzo for homeowners, 7548 Winding Way): Variance for a 6-ft. board-on-board fence (approx. 100 linear feet).
  • Appeal 2026-13 (7540 Winding Way): Variance for a 6-ft. fence (approx. 30 linear feet).
  • Next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting: May 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM.

Planning Commission (Council President Caruso) – Approved (7-0) a permit for a 47.22 sq. ft. externally illuminated wall sign for Heartwood Coffee Roasters (8409 Chippewa Rd.), contingent on a deviation from the maximum sign area of 32.55 sq. ft. Next meeting: April 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Human Services Advisory Board (Council Member Koepke) – Next meeting: May 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM.

Reports of Council Committees

Safety Service (Council Member Jantzen) – No items for Council consideration.

Streets & Sidewalks (Council Member Savage) – Approved (6-1, Council Member Stucky nay) Change Order No. 1 for the Brecksville Road Resurfacing Project Phase 2, increasing the purchase order for Quality Control Inspection, Inc. by $132,225.20 for construction administration and inspection services.

Utilities (Council Member Koepke) – Approved (7-0) design services by Donald G. Bohning & Associates, Inc. for replacement of culvert C-14 on Riverview Road, in the amount of $34,350.00.

Buildings & Grounds (Council Member Ganim) – Approved (7-0) a proposal from Mid State Restoration, Inc. for Fire Station garage repairs. Note: The approved amount is $78,490.50 per the official minutes; the transcript records $88,490.50.

Legislation (Council Member Savage) – No items for Council consideration.

Finance (Council Member Bender) – Two items approved (7-0 each):

  • Authorized the Purchasing Director to advertise for bids for the demolition of Central School (27 Public Square, PPN 601-34-102).
  • Authorized rental of portable restroom services from United Rentals for the 2026 Home Days weekend, in the amount of $7,025.00.

Department Reports

  • Human Services Director Dr. Steve Paciorek: Announced the 20th anniversary of the Human Services Department (opened May 14, 2006) with summer events; a volunteer recognition event on May 21, 2026.
  • Police Chief Korinek: City will host a DEA Drug Take-Back event on April 25, 2026 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) at the Brecksville Horticulture Building.
  • Other directors (Law, Engineering, Finance, Building, Service, Purchasing, Fire) reported no items or gave brief statements.

Mayor’s Report

  • Mayor Daryl Kingston acknowledged the Earth Day event at the elementary school and thanked Kristen Cole.
  • Arbor Day Tree Planting: Friday, April 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Blossom; the city will plant trees and give away saplings.
  • Primary Election: Tuesday, May 5, 2026; no local issues or officials on the ballot; reminded residents to vote.

Key Outcomes

  • All six new business resolutions/ordinances (RES. 5779–5783 and ORD. 5860) passed unanimously (7-0).
  • All six Board of Zoning Appeals variances were approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Planning Commission sign permit approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Streets & Sidewalks Committee change order approved 6-1.
  • Utilities Committee design contract approved 7-0.
  • Buildings & Grounds garage repair contract approved 7-0.
  • Finance Committee authorized Central School demolition bidding and portable restroom rental, both 7-0.
  • The minutes from April 7, 2026 were approved (with a noted discrepancy between recorded vote and transcript).

Meeting Transcript

Join Brandon Thompson, Kevin McPherson, Jason Davis, David Cazar, Jeff Rizzo, Larry Merrick, Marcus Gallo, and the Brexitville Broadview Heights High School Wrestling Team have continued their tradition of excellence, once again competing among the best in the state at the 89th annual Ohio State Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament held March 13th through the 15th of 2026 at the Schottenstein Center at the Ohio State University. And whereas the Bees Wrestling Program demonstrated outstanding performance at the state level, highlighted by multiple individual state champions, an elite accomplishments by a student athletes, and whereas senior Rylan Seacrist capped off an historic high school career by winning the individual state championship at 113 pounds, becoming a two-time state champion, four-time state qualifier, four-time state place winner, while finishing his career ranked as the number one 113 pounder in the United States and is now committed to wrestling and continuing his career at Arizona State University. And whereas Zach Aquila earned the individual state championship at 165 pounds, securing his first state title and contributing to the team's continued success. And whereas the achievements of these student athletes reflect not only their individual dedication and hard work, but also the strength of the Brexville Broadview Heights Wrestling Program and its coaching staff, which continues to develop competitors of the highest caliber, and whereas the Bees wrestling coaches have upheld a standard of excellence that brings pride to the Brexville community, consistently guiding their athletes to success at the district, state, and national levels. And now, therefore, I, Dominic Caruso, President of City Council Brexit, do hereby call upon the citizens of our community to join me in celebrating the achievements of the 2026 Brexville Broadview Heights Bees Wrestling Team on behalf of the administration, city council, and city of Brexville, we extend our congratulations and commend these outstanding athletes for their dedication, perseverance, and remarkable success, in witness whereof I have hereunto set by hand and cause the affix the seal of, in this case, the mayor of the city of Brexville on the 21st day of April 2026. We can have the coaches that are here and the two wrestlers come up and give you guys your proclamation. I think so. No, we don't. I know it's not just yet. No, no, it's not a notch. It's good for you. Whereas the Brexville Broadview Heights High School gymnastics program has continued its reign as one of the most dominant and successful programs in the state, further solidifying its legacy by earning its 23rd consecutive OH SAA State Team Championship and 26th overall state title, while also marking its 33rd straight appearance in the state championship meet. An extraordinary accomplishment that reflects decades of sustained excellence. And whereas the 54th annual OHSAA State Gymnastics Tournament, hosted at Hilliard Bradley High School on March 7th, 2026 for the team competition, and March 8th, 2026 for the individual competition, showcased the except exceptional skill, discipline, and determination of the Brexville Brave Heights team, which achieved a winning team score of 147.025. And whereas, even though gymnastics is a team sport, as always the remembrable individual achievements. Achievements, Emily Gromick on the vault with a 9-6. Gwen Popoleschi was on the beam with a 9.375, and Rachel Kieran coming on coming off the state diving tournament, closed out her gymnastics career with a score of 9.7 on the floor. The next day in the individual competition, Abby Pignatelio distinguished distinguished herself as an individual state champion on the balance beam, earning a score of 9.5 and showcasing the precision and poise that exemplify Brexville Broadview Heights gymnastics. And whereas the continued success of the program is guided by head coach Maria Schneider, alongside Joan Gannum, Leah Miko, and Alyssa Campbell, whose leadership, experience, and dedication have sustained a culture of excellence and achievement. And whereas the student athletes contributed to this amazing championship season and are recognized for their hard work and commitment. Emily Gromick, Abby Pignatelio, Kyla Haberdell, Rachel Kieran, Sarah Kwaitkowski, Bailey Miller, Carol Samuel, Tia Long, Olivia Vasile, Sasha Milanich, Kira Daly, Gwen Popoleschi, Arison Odino, Annabel Dax, Eva Carson, and Veronica Yakushenko. And whereas the accomplishments of this team continue to bring pride and recognition to the Brexville community as the program remains a model of consistency, teamwork, and excellence in high school athletics. And now therefore, I, a J. Gannum member of Brexville City Council, do hereby call upon the citizens of this community to join me in celebrating and honoring the 2026 Brexville Braveview Heights High School Gymnastics team for their outstanding achievements. On behalf of the administration and city council of the city of Brexville, we extend our sincere congratulations to these exceptional student athletes and their coaches and their coaches. For the seal of the mayor of the city of Brexville on this 21st day of April 2026. Congratulations, girls. Congrats. Yeah, I know. Once again, congratulations to all you guys for the hard work you've done to you, seniors, best of luck and whatever your next stage of life is, college or whatever. You and your parents are all welcome to stay for the whole meeting, but if you want to excuse yourself, now would be a good time before we move on to the regular business. Those of you here to learn about government, you're trapped for another 45 minutes problem. Steve. All right, everyone. Next up is approval of the minutes from our April 7th meeting. Do I have a motion? Mr. President. Mr. Gannum. I move that we dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Second. Motion by Gannum, seconded by Kepke.

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