Lakewood Public Safety Committee Meeting – March 4, 2026

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.