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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting - April 6, 2026

Council Meetings — Monday, April 6, 2026

BodyLakewood, Ohio

SessionCouncil Meetings

DateMonday, April 6, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:05:56

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

0:00

All right, we will call the full meeting of council to order.

0:05

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

0:25

Now pause for a moment of silence.

0:39

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

0:43

Absent.

0:44

Councilmember Bixenstein.

0:47

Councilmember Ballock.

0:48

Here.

0:48

Councilmember Evans.

0:50

President Keppel.

0:51

Here.

0:51

Councilmember Hamilton Steiner.

0:53

Here.

0:53

Councilmember Streiebig absent.

0:56

Without objection, I'll excuse the absences of Councilmembers Baker and Striebig.

1:04

Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held March 16, 2026.

1:10

Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.

1:13

Second.

1:13

Motion's been made and seconded.

1:15

Any discussion?

1:16

Hearing none, all those in favor, aye.

1:19

And that motion passes.

1:21

Um without objection, I'd like to move items seven through nine to the top.

1:27

Hearing none, all right.

1:31

Item seven, report from Councilmember Hamilton Steiner regarding March report from Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board.

1:37

Councilmember Hamilton Steiner.

1:39

Thank you, President Keppel.

1:40

Dear colleagues, LaSwab met on Wednesday, March 18th at 6 p.m.

1:44

in their monthly meeting location in the East Conference Room in Lakewood City Hall.

1:48

The group celebrated the passing of the TNR ordinance by Lakewood City Council, and as of the meeting time is waiting for the ordinance to be signed by Mayor George, which has now been signed.

1:57

ACO Kremley provided his monthly metric of and status update of animal intakes at the shelter.

2:02

If people in the community have the capacity to adopt, they are encouraged to come to the shelter and check out the available animals.

2:08

The Lakewood Animal Shelter with the financial support of CLAS supports medical procedures of animals taken in.

2:14

The group is focusing on planning their fundraising event for May.

2:17

The date has not yet been scheduled.

2:19

Once the data is settled on, they will be looking to recruit volunteers.

2:22

Social media social media content was also discussed and plans for online engagement to grow awareness and educate the public on animal issues were considered.

2:31

During this discussion, it was also shared that the second full week of April is animal control officer appreciation week.

2:38

Based upon members' interest in recognizing this week, Councilmember Strabick and I have introduced a resolution to honor and celebrate our animal control officers.

2:47

I move to receive and file this communication.

2:50

Second.

2:50

Motion's been made and seconded.

2:52

Any discussion.

2:54

Hearing none, all those in favor?

2:56

Aye.

2:57

And that motion passes.

2:58

Item eight.

2:59

Communication from Councilmembers Hamilton Steiner and Strebig regarding Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.

3:05

Councilmember Hamilton Steiner.

3:06

Thank you, President Keppel.

3:08

Dear colleagues, Mayor George and Directors.

3:10

The National Animal Care and Control Association designates annually the second full week in April as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.

3:18

This is a time to recognize the professionals who serve Lakewood and work hard to protect and care for animals, and in so doing, keeps our community safe.

3:26

Animal control officers are very much first responders, sometimes responding to situations of cruelty, intervening when needed, and working to rescue animals.

3:34

They are the voice of the voiceless, speaking on behalf of the animals.

3:38

Lakewood's animal control team works closely managing the Lakewood Animal Shelter and works with Lakewood Animal Safety and Welfare Board, LeSwab, and Citizens Committee for Lakewood's Animals and Shelter, Clause.

3:48

Together, Animal Control and Shelter Staff ensure that the public is safer through the proper care and safety of animals in Lakewood and working with Clause being provided with financial support for medical care cost while the SWAB focuses on advocacy, awareness, education, and fundraising efforts to support pet families with their pet food needs.

4:07

We encourage all to join us in celebrating Lakewood's animal control team.

4:12

Thank you.

4:13

I'll move to receive and file that communication.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Animal Welfare█████████████████17%

Transportation Safety█████████████13%

Procedural███████████11%

Cannabis Regulation██████████10%

Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%

Tree Preservation█████████9%

Youth Programs████████8%

Disability Rights███████7%

Community Engagement██████6%

Summary of Proceedings

Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Lakewood City Council held its regular meeting on April 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda included reports from committees, several ordinances and resolutions, appointments to boards, acceptance of grants, and public comment. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, and roll call. Councilmembers Baker and Strebig were absent and excused.

Consent Calendar

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the March 16, 2026 regular meeting were approved without reading.
Reports Received and Filed: Reports from the Finance Committee (March 23), Health & Human Services Committee (March 23), Housing, Planning & Development Committee (March 30), and various council liaison reports (LASWAB, Community Health Action Team, Community Recreation & Education Commission, Lakewood Youth Council) were all received and filed without objection.
Appointments Confirmed: Council approved appointments to the 2026 Citizens Advisory Committee (eight members, each with terms 1/1/2026–12/31/2026) and the appointment of Pixi Mallo to the Community Relations Advisory Commission for an unexpired term ending 12/31/2027.
Grants Accepted: A $50,000 award from the 2026 Healthy Urban Tree Canopy (HUTC) Program and a $10,000 grant from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for accessibility improvements at Winterhurst Ice Arena were both accepted and filed.
Vendor Report: The March 2026 vendor report was received and filed.

Public Comments & Testimony

Robert Organ and a second speaker (identified as "Furman") addressed the council regarding street safety following the sentence of seven days in jail and a five-year license suspension for the driver who killed Bill Sapphos. They advocated for design changes such as daylighting intersections and the Idaho stop, arguing that built environment changes are needed to prevent future tragedies. Mr. Organ noted that the police cannot enforce every violation and expressed frustration that his previous emails about dangerous intersections were dismissed. Councilmember Bullock acknowledged their concerns and committed the city to continued work on Complete Streets.

Discussion Items

Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week (Resolution 2026-20): Introduced by Councilmembers Hamilton Steiner and Strebig, the resolution designates April 12–18, 2026 as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week and recognizes Supervisor Gary Crumley, Officer Michael Kerr, and Officer Jennifer Bartkowski. Several councilmembers spoke in support, praising the ACOs for their compassion and partnership with citizen groups. A ceremonial copy was presented after the vote. Public speaker Nancy Binder, chair of LASWAB, also expressed her appreciation for Supervisor Crumley.
Substitute Ordinance 15-2026 (Host Community Cannabis Fund): This ordinance enacts Section 129.65 to establish a Capital Projects Fund for cannabis tax revenues (3.6% of the 10% state excise tax). Expenditures are limited to health and safety purposes, including Complete Streets, ADA transition, and the Community Health Needs Assessment. The Finance Committee recommended adoption after amendments to include the Department of Human Services. Council adopted the ordinance unanimously.
Substitute Ordinance 27-2025 (Audit Committee Amendment): Originally proposed to eliminate the Audit Committee, the substitute version instead assigns the Finance Committee to serve as the Audit Committee and requires an annual post-audit public meeting with the Director of Finance and the auditor. Councilmember Bullock moved an amendment to correct the third whereas clause, changing language from "dissolved prior to year end when the volunteer terms expire" to "assigned to council's finance committee for efficiency and transparency." The amendment and the substituted ordinance as amended were adopted.
Zoning Refresh Update (Housing, Planning & Development Committee report): Assistant Planning Director David Baas presented proposed changes to the Zoning Code across four chapters. Goals include making the development process more approachable for property owners and developers. Councilmembers expressed interest in using the code to encourage affordable housing, addressing garage requirements, and strengthening sign standards. A next update is scheduled for June, with a final draft in July.
Health & Human Services Committee Report (CHAT Annual Report): The Community Health Action Team presented its annual report, identifying five priority areas: access to behavioral health, food access, community resource guide, adaptive/middle school programming, and housing. The discussion included a proposed co-responder program (First Call) from Shaker Heights, 25% county budget cuts to health and human services funding retroactive to January 1, 2026, and a new summer program at Harrison Elementary. Councilmembers expressed enthusiastic support.
Committee of the Whole Report (March 30): Deferred due to the absence of Vice President Baker and President Kepple.
2027 Tax Budget and Related Resolutions (Items 16–20): Finance Director Mahoney (represented by Director Eady) introduced the 2026 second and third quarter transfer ordinances (each 25% of anticipated transfers), the 2027 Tax Budget resolution to maintain the 17.4 mill property tax rate, the 2027 Tax Advance Resolution, and the 2027 Tax Rate Resolution. Councilmember Bullock noted that property valuations are high and urged strategic discussion in committee. These items were referred to the Finance Committee.

Key Outcomes

Resolution 2026-20 (Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week): Adopted unanimously.
Ordinance 15-2026 (Host Community Cannabis Fund): Adopted unanimously.
Ordinance 27-2025 (Audit Committee Amendment): Adopted as amended unanimously.
Items 16–20 (Budget and Tax Ordinances/Resolutions): Referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
All other communications and reports were received and filed as noted above.
Public comments were acknowledged, and council affirmed ongoing work on Complete Streets and pedestrian safety.

Meeting Transcript

All right, we will call the full meeting of council to order. Um, if you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Now pause for a moment of silence. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Absent. Councilmember Bixenstein. Councilmember Ballock. Here. Councilmember Evans. President Keppel. Here. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner. Here. Councilmember Streiebig absent. Without objection, I'll excuse the absences of Councilmembers Baker and Striebig. Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held March 16, 2026. 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. Um without objection, I'd like to move items seven through nine to the top. Hearing none, all right. Item seven, report from Councilmember Hamilton Steiner regarding March report from Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner. Thank you, President Keppel. Dear colleagues, LaSwab met on Wednesday, March 18th at 6 p.m. in their monthly meeting location in the East Conference Room in Lakewood City Hall. The group celebrated the passing of the TNR ordinance by Lakewood City Council, and as of the meeting time is waiting for the ordinance to be signed by Mayor George, which has now been signed. ACO Kremley provided his monthly metric of and status update of animal intakes at the shelter. If people in the community have the capacity to adopt, they are encouraged to come to the shelter and check out the available animals. The Lakewood Animal Shelter with the financial support of CLAS supports medical procedures of animals taken in. The group is focusing on planning their fundraising event for May. The date has not yet been scheduled. Once the data is settled on, they will be looking to recruit volunteers. Social media social media content was also discussed and plans for online engagement to grow awareness and educate the public on animal issues were considered. During this discussion, it was also shared that the second full week of April is animal control officer appreciation week. Based upon members' interest in recognizing this week, Councilmember Strabick and I have introduced a resolution to honor and celebrate our animal control officers. I move to receive and file this communication. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion. Hearing none, all those in favor? Aye. And that motion passes. Item eight. Communication from Councilmembers Hamilton Steiner and Strebig regarding Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner. Thank you, President Keppel.

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