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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting - October 3, 2025

Council Meetings — Friday, October 3, 2025

BodyLakewood, Ohio

SessionCouncil Meetings

DateFriday, October 3, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:08:18

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:02

All right, we will call to order the October 6th meeting of City Council.

0:07

If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:27

Now pause for a moment of silence.

0:38

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

0:40

Vice President Baker.

0:41

Here.

0:42

Councilmember Balak.

0:43

Yes.

0:43

Councilmember Evans.

0:44

President Keppel.

0:45

Here.

0:46

Councilmember Marks.

0:47

Councilmember Steiner.

0:48

Here.

0:49

Councilmember Streepig.

0:50

Here.

0:51

Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held September 15, 2025.

0:56

Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.

0:58

Second.

0:59

Motion's been made and seconded.

1:01

Any discussion?

1:02

Hearing none.

1:03

All those in favor?

1:04

Aye.

1:05

And that motion passes.

1:07

Without objection, I'd like to move items five through nine to the top.

1:13

All right.

1:15

Item five.

1:16

Communication from Councilmember Steiner and President Keppel regarding Hispanic Heritage Month.

1:21

Councilman Steiner.

1:23

Do you want to dear colleagues?

1:26

The history of Hispanic Heritage Month is rooted in the labor of Latino activists whose thought rights and recognition of their history and culture.

1:34

Representative Edward Roy Roybal, introduced from Los Angeles, introduced legislation that was ultimately signed into law by President Johnson in 1968.

1:44

This legislation honored a week-long celebration in September.

1:47

Ultimately, the week-long celebration was expanded under President Reagan in 1988, when it became a month-long celebration.

1:54

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor, support, reflect, celebrate, uplift, and empower the Hispanic and Latino community.

2:02

It is a time to educate ourselves and the greater community about the many contributions that Hispanics have made to better society in this country.

2:09

From labor to the arts and sciences to business and entertainment, Hispanics have made an improved life for us all and have joined with other cultures and ethnicities in solidarity in movements across this country.

2:22

I encourage all in the community to join us in honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.

2:26

Thank you.

2:28

Thank you.

2:28

I will move to receive and file that communication.

2:32

Second.

2:32

Motion's been made and seconded and discussion.

2:35

Councilwoman Stupid.

2:36

Thank you.

2:38

Thank you, Councilmember Hamilton Steiner and President Keppel for bringing this forward.

2:42

I'm pleased to support this resolution to respect and recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino, Latina, and Latinex people and their contributions to our community and country.

2:55

From organizing farm workers in the 1960s to local restaurants here in Lakewood and the recently opened Central Villa 25 on West 25th Street, workers have made our community stronger, more diverse, and richer by sharing their culture, traditions, and concerns.

3:19

Thank you.

3:20

Other council members.

3:46

Since November, and perhaps in some ways, always, those in the Hispanic and Latino community have been living in fear.

3:52

Attacks on their livelihood, their capacity and dignity to live, and their right to life is being threatened as men and perhaps women come into our communities and detain these individuals without due process, assuming and accusing them of wrongdoing, authoritying the very laws, system of justice, and constitution they profess to be protecting and upholding, all because of appearing to be illegal.

4:15

In Chicago, this has escalated to coordinating trainings that are taking place.

4:20

While we pause and take this moment to celebrate, uplift, and honor the Hispanic and Latino community.

4:25

I know it isn't enough, but in these times we must find joy where we can, and we must find ways to bring community and show solidarity to any in our community that are being intentionally targeted and attacked.

4:37

We must stand with those in our community that are hurting and uplift, support and be their advocates and champions.

4:43

I know my words are not enough, but I hope that my actions of solidarity and community are more than enough, and that we will be able to weather this trepid time in history.

4:52

We are truly stronger together and more beautiful when we celebrate and honor our rich and cultural differences.

5:00

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural███████████████15%

Transgender Day of Visibility███████████████15%

Active Transportation████████8%

Community Engagement███████7%

Mental Health Awareness██████6%

Racial Equity██████6%

Parks and Recreation█████5%

Immigration Policy████4%

Public Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting - October 3, 2025

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on October 6, 2025, but the provided instruction states the date is October 3, 2025. This summary uses the date from the instruction while noting the discrepancy.

The meeting covered a wide range of legislative, ceremonial, and administrative items. Key actions included adoption of a Gender Freedom Policy, recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, SUDEP Awareness Month, and a 90th birthday, appointment to the Planning Commission, support for the Cuyahoga County CROWN Act, and referral of several items to committees. Public comments were heard on the Gender Freedom Policy, the Bunts Road rehabilitation project, and other topics.

Public Comments & Testimony

Gender Freedom Policy (Resolution 2025-45): Numerous residents and representatives expressed strong support, including members of the Democratic Socialists of America, students from Harding Middle School Pride Club, and the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Speakers emphasized the need for protections for transgender and gender-diverse residents in the face of state and national attacks. No opposition was voiced.
Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project: Several residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about safety, tree removal, lack of resident consultation, and potential funding risks. One speaker supported the active transportation improvements and thanked the city for related initiatives.
Handball Courts: A teacher requested consideration of handball courts at Harding Middle School.
CROWN Act: Shirley Nelson spoke in support, sharing personal experiences of hair discrimination.

Discussion Items

Hispanic Heritage Month (Resolution 2025-49): Councilmember Hamilton Steiner and President Kepple introduced a resolution declaring September 15–October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Councilmembers expressed solidarity with the Latino community amid national rhetoric and policies.
Helen Boland 90th Birthday (Resolution 2025-50): Councilmember Strebig honored lifelong Lakewood resident Helen Boland for her activism and civic contributions. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
SUDEP Awareness Month (Resolution 2025-51): President Kepple introduced a resolution declaring October 2025 as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Awareness Month in memory of Brenna Brossard. Her father, Lou Brossard, spoke about the need for greater awareness and pending state legislation (Brenna's Law).
Gender Freedom Policy (Resolution 2025-45): After a minor typographical correction, Council adopted a substitute resolution establishing a policy that deprioritizes city resources for investigating or prosecuting gender-affirming care, protects confidential health information, and continues employee benefits for such care. The policy was developed with input from TransOhio, the LGBT Community Center, and the ACLU.
Planning Commission Appointment (Resolution 2025-40): Following interviews with six candidates, Council appointed Nick Miller to the Planning Commission for a five-year term starting January 1, 2026.
CROWN Act Support: Council unanimously approved a letter to Cuyahoga County Council expressing support for the CROWN Act, prohibiting race-based hair discrimination.
Council Budget Priorities: President Keppel presented a summary of legislative and budget priorities identified during council retreats, using a "spoons" and "money bags" exercise. The communication was referred to the Finance Committee.
Reports from Councilmembers: Reports were received and filed on LakewoodAlive Board (including Spooky Pooch Parade and Light Up Lakewood), Tree Advisory and Education Board (200 trees given away, mini-arboretum at Cove), Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance (boundary expansion, Chocolate Walk), Community Recreation and Education Commission (basketball review, skate park ribbon cutting, pool attendance), and Youth Council (gender-neutral bathroom signage, code review).
Bunts Road Rehabilitation and Lead Service Line Replacement (Resolution 2025-52): Public Works Director Gordon presented a $732,550 project funded by a Water Supply Revolving Loan Account with 53% principal forgiveness. The resolution authorizing the loan was adopted.
ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program Grant: The city was awarded $2,944,717 for the Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project. The communication was received and filed.
Sale of 1472 Belle Avenue (Ordinance 28-2025): The Planning Director requested authorization to market the renovated single-family home for sale to low-moderate income households. The ordinance was referred to the Housing, Planning and Development Committee.
Cybersecurity Program (Resolution 2025-53): Chief Information Officer Coletta presented a required cybersecurity policy under ORC §9.64. The resolution was referred to the Rules and Ordinances Committee for further discussion.
Public Health Services (Resolution 2025-54): Law Director Vargo presented a two-year agreement with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health for public health services, with costs not to exceed $456,440 (2026) and $511,458 (2027). The resolution was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.
Submerged Lands Leases (Resolutions 2025-55 through 2025-59): Five resolutions approving submerged lands leases for lakefront property owners to construct coastal erosion control measures were referred to the Public Works and Sustainability Committee.
Liquor Permit Deferral: The liquor permit for Fika Café, LLC was deferred.

Key Outcomes

Adopted Resolutions:
- Resolution 2025-49 (Hispanic Heritage Month) – adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 2025-50 (Helen Boland 90th birthday) – adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 2025-51 (SUDEP Awareness Month) – adopted unanimously.
- Substitute Resolution 2025-45 (Gender Freedom Policy) – adopted unanimously after a typographical correction and public comment.
- Resolution 2025-40 (Planning Commission appointment – Nick Miller) – adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 2025-52 (WSRLA loan for lead service line replacement) – adopted unanimously.
Letters and Motions:
- Motion to send letter of support for Cuyahoga County CROWN Act – approved unanimously.
Referrals:
- Council budget priorities referred to Finance Committee.
- LakewoodAlive report referred to Housing, Planning and Development Committee.
- 1472 Belle Avenue sale ordinance referred to Housing, Planning and Development Committee.
- Cybersecurity policy resolution referred to Rules and Ordinances Committee.
- Public health services resolution referred to Health and Human Services Committee.
- Five submerged lands lease resolutions referred to Public Works and Sustainability Committee.
Other Actions:
- Minutes of September 15, 2025 approved.
- September 2025 vendor report received and filed.
- Liquor permit for Fika Café deferred.
Public Comments: All comments were received; no further action was taken on the Bunts Road project at this meeting.

Meeting Transcript

All right, we will call to order the October 6th meeting of City Council. If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Now pause for a moment of silence. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Vice President Baker. Here. Councilmember Balak. Yes. Councilmember Evans. President Keppel. Here. Councilmember Marks. Councilmember Steiner. Here. Councilmember Streepig. Here. Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held September 15, 2025. Move to approve without the necessity of a reading. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? Aye. And that motion passes. Without objection, I'd like to move items five through nine to the top. All right. Item five. Communication from Councilmember Steiner and President Keppel regarding Hispanic Heritage Month. Councilman Steiner. Do you want to dear colleagues? The history of Hispanic Heritage Month is rooted in the labor of Latino activists whose thought rights and recognition of their history and culture. Representative Edward Roy Roybal, introduced from Los Angeles, introduced legislation that was ultimately signed into law by President Johnson in 1968. This legislation honored a week-long celebration in September. Ultimately, the week-long celebration was expanded under President Reagan in 1988, when it became a month-long celebration. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor, support, reflect, celebrate, uplift, and empower the Hispanic and Latino community. It is a time to educate ourselves and the greater community about the many contributions that Hispanics have made to better society in this country. From labor to the arts and sciences to business and entertainment, Hispanics have made an improved life for us all and have joined with other cultures and ethnicities in solidarity in movements across this country. I encourage all in the community to join us in honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. Thank you. Thank you. I will move to receive and file that communication. Second. Motion's been made and seconded and discussion. Councilwoman Stupid. Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Hamilton Steiner and President Keppel for bringing this forward. I'm pleased to support this resolution to respect and recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino, Latina, and Latinex people and their contributions to our community and country. From organizing farm workers in the 1960s to local restaurants here in Lakewood and the recently opened Central Villa 25 on West 25th Street, workers have made our community stronger, more diverse, and richer by sharing their culture, traditions, and concerns. Thank you.

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