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Record of Proceedings

Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting – May 4, 2026

Council Meetings — Thursday, April 30, 2026
BodyLakewood, Ohio
SessionCouncil Meetings
DateThursday, April 30, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 59:36

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:00

All right, we will call to order the May 4th meeting of City Council.

0:04

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

0:34

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

0:38

Here.

0:38

Councilmember Bixenstein.

0:40

Here.

0:40

Councilmember Bullock.

0:43

Councilmember Evans.

0:44

Here.

0:45

President Keppel here.

0:46

Councilmember Hamilton Steiner here.

0:48

Councilmember Streebig here.

0:50

Without objection, I'm going to excuse the tardiness of Councilman Bullock.

0:54

Um his son is getting an award at the school board meeting that happens concurrently, so he will be joining us shortly.

1:02

All right.

1:07

Oh, before the minutes.

1:10

Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held April 20th, 2026.

1:16

Move to approve without the necessity of a reading.

1:19

Second.

1:19

Motion's been made and second.

1:21

Any discussion?

1:22

Hearing none.

1:23

All those in favor?

1:25

Aye.

1:25

And that motion passes.

1:26

And then without objection, I'd like to move items seven and eight to the top.

1:34

Item seven, communication from Council Members Hamilton Steiner, Bullock, and Evans regarding International Compost Week.

1:41

Councilmember Hamilton Steiner.

1:43

Thank you, President Keppel.

1:45

Dear colleagues, Mayor George, and directors.

1:47

International Compost Awareness Week is recognized annually during the first full week of May.

1:52

The goal of this week is to bring people together and share the powerful benefits of composting for healthier soil.

1:58

It is an opportunity to highlight the types of composting happening in our community.

2:02

Here in Lakewood, we are seeing composting efforts thriving and growing.

2:06

This resolution not only recognizes this week, but it also highlights the work and efforts of Lakewood residents involved with Keep Lakewood Beautiful, who in partnership with Rust Belt Writers launched composting at Lakewood Park in 2019, as well as to highlight recent and additional efforts from the Lakewood Composting Committee for their grassroots efforts to expand composting citywide.

2:25

A common theme which is consistent in our community is that the work of committed and dedicated residents is yielding results.

2:32

This year's theme for the week, compost, feed the soil that feeds us, is a timely reminder of the importance of soil in the production of food and the impact that harmful environmental practices have on us all.

2:43

An opportunity exists to not just better align City of Lakewood outcomes with the climate action plan, but to face the call for greater sustainability citywide.

2:51

Please join us in celebrating and recognizing International Compost Awareness Week.

2:56

Thank you.

2:56

I move to receive and file that communication.

2:58

Second.

2:59

Motion's been made and seconded for their discussion.

3:03

Hearing none, all those in favor?

3:05

Aye.

3:06

And that motion passes.

3:07

Item eight.

3:08

Resolution 2026-28.

3:10

Resolution to join with communities across the world to celebrate international compost awareness week during the week of May 3rd through May 9th, 2026.

3:18

Um do we have folks signed in to speak on this?

3:23

Okay.

3:25

Um so why don't we do that before um make a motion here?

3:31

Or I guess I could go ahead and make a motion.

3:33

I'll I'll go ahead and um I'll go ahead and move to adopt.

3:37

Second.

3:37

Motion's been made and seconded.

3:40

Um discussion from council members while the sheet's coming up.

3:43

Uh Councilmember Hamilton Steiner.

3:45

Thank you, President Keppel.

3:46

Straight from history, I'm going to reach you a summary of meeting minutes provided to me by Keep Liquid Beautiful chairperson because these words succinctly sum up the history of composting in Lakewood since 2019.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Ranked Choice Voting███████████████████████████27%
Procedural█████████████████████21%
Pending Litigation████████████████16%
Environmental Protection███████████████15%
Animal Welfare██████6%
Affordable Housing████4%
Ward Redistricting████4%
Public Engagement███3%
Active Transportation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting – May 4, 2026

The Lakewood City Council held a regular meeting on May 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a range of topics including recognition of International Compost Awareness Week, reports from committees, adoption of fund transfer ordinances, discussion of ranked choice voting charter amendments, approval of an August recess, and recognition of National Public Works Week. Public comments were received on ranked choice voting and composting efforts.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of the April 20, 2026 regular meeting without reading.
  • Received and filed the communication from Councilmembers Hamilton Steiner, Bullock, and Evans regarding International Compost Awareness Week.
  • Adopted Resolution 2026-28, joining communities worldwide in celebrating International Compost Awareness Week (May 3–9, 2026).
  • Received and filed reports from the Housing, Planning & Development Committee (April 27, 2026) and the Committee of the Whole (May 4, 2026).
  • Adopted Ordinance 22-2026, authorizing the transfer and advance of certain funds (second quarter).
  • Adopted Ordinance 23-2026, authorizing the transfer and advance of certain funds (third quarter).
  • Deferred Ordinance 24-2026 (codification update) for another reading after a substitute motion passed.
  • Deferred Ordinance 25-2026 (concession agreement with HELP Foundation) pending the Public Works & Sustainability Committee meeting.
  • Received and filed communication from President Kepple regarding charter amendments connected to ranked choice voting.
  • Referred Ordinance 27-2026 (charter amendment to allow council option of ranked choice voting) to Committee of the Whole.
  • Approved the August recess from the regular meetings of August 3 and August 17, 2026.
  • Received and filed the LASWAB meeting report from Councilmember Hamilton Steiner (April 15, 2026).
  • Received and filed communication from Public Works Director Gordon regarding 2026 Public Works Week.
  • Adopted Resolution 2026-29, recognizing May 17–23, 2026 as National Public Works Week.
  • Received and filed the April 2026 Finance Department vendor report.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Zoe Appisdorf (Rust Belt Riders) spoke in support of composting, highlighting that since program inception, 646 tons of residential and commercial food scraps have been kept out of landfills, transformed into nutrient-rich compost with partners. She commended council for their efforts.
  • Chris Bindle commented on ranked choice voting (RCV). He noted that the new version of the ordinance (27-2026) aligns with the Charter Review Commission's recommendation but expressed concern that if passed by voters, council would still not have RCV due to Ohio Senate Bill 63, potentially confusing residents. He urged consideration of the severability clause in the earlier version (21-2026) and framed RCV as a tool to combat gerrymandering and protect democracy.
  • Michelle commended council for the thoughtfulness and transparency in RCV deliberations and offered to bring legal experts via Zoom to assist with legal navigation.
  • Barbara (unregistered speaker) let council know that the Ohio League of Women Voters has endorsed ranked choice voting and that the Lakewood chapter will prioritize educational outreach on this issue.

Discussion Items

  • Composting Initiatives: Councilmember Hamilton Steiner presented a history of Lakewood's composting program, noting that Keep Lakewood Beautiful, Rust Belt Riders, and the Lakewood Composting Committee have been key partners. A recent resident survey (preliminary results shared by Planning Director Byington) showed 89% interest in composting, 52% currently composting, and 57% interested in learning more. Councilmembers expressed strong support for expanding composting citywide as part of the Climate Action Plan.
  • Affordable Housing: Councilmember Evans reported on the April 27 Housing, Planning & Development Committee meeting, which included a presentation from Planning Director Byington on current housing programs and challenges (federal restrictions, market environment). Council agreed to resume landlord education sessions and conversations about accepting housing vouchers.
  • Redistricting and Committee of the Whole: Councilmember Evans reported that the Committee of the Whole discussed a redistricting ordinance. Council removed section 1 (first process for 2028 terms) and kept section 2 (2030 process). Debate centered on whether the Planning Commission is the appropriate body and whether its recommendations should take effect without council action. The ordinance remains in committee for further work. The committee also entered executive session for a law department update on pending litigation.
  • Ranked Choice Voting: President Kepple provided a detailed communication explaining the interconnection among charter amendment topics (ranked choice voting, salaries of elected officials, council appointment process). She outlined the history of the Charter Review Commission's recommendation, the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 63 (which threatens loss of Local Government Funds if RCV is adopted by ordinance or resolution), and the legal analysis suggesting a charter amendment via voter approval may avoid that penalty. She introduced both Ordinance 21-2026 (direct voter decision on RCV with severability) and Ordinance 27-2026 (voter approval to allow council to adopt RCV by ordinance). Councilmember Bullock expressed caution, noting he has not heard community demand for RCV and raised concerns about potential conflict with the state. The communication and ordinance were referred to Committee of the Whole.
  • Public Works Week: Director Gordon presented the proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026) with the theme “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community.” Multiple councilmembers praised the Public Works Department for their critical, often unseen work.
  • LASWAB Report: Councilmember Hamilton Steiner reported that the Lakewood Animal Shelter Advisory Board (LASWAB) met on April 15, joined by student journalists. Updates included a new website in progress, discussions on animal shelter policies, and a pet food drive on May 9 at City Center Park supporting the Lakewood Community Services Center.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted: Resolution 2026-28 (Compost Awareness Week).
  • Adopted: Resolutions 2026-29 (Public Works Week).
  • Adopted: Ordinances 22-2026 and 23-2026 (fund transfers).
  • Deferred: Ordinance 24-2026 (codification) and Ordinance 25-2026 (HELP Foundation concession).
  • Referred: Ordinance 27-2026 (RCV charter amendment) to Committee of the Whole, alongside existing Ordinance 21-2026.
  • Approved: August recess from August 3 and 17 meetings.
  • Continued: Redistricting ordinance remains in committee; language may be revised so that Planning Commission recommendations go into effect unless council acts.
  • Upcoming: Election Day reminder (May 5, 2026); Lakewood Spring Hike and Bike Week (May 11–15); Mother’s Day (May 10).

Meeting Transcript

All right, we will call to order the May 4th meeting of City Council. If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Here. Councilmember Bixenstein. Here. Councilmember Bullock. Councilmember Evans. Here. President Keppel here. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner here. Councilmember Streebig here. Without objection, I'm going to excuse the tardiness of Councilman Bullock. Um his son is getting an award at the school board meeting that happens concurrently, so he will be joining us shortly. All right. Oh, before the minutes. Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held April 20th, 2026. Move to approve without the necessity of a reading. Second. Motion's been made and second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? Aye. And that motion passes. And then without objection, I'd like to move items seven and eight to the top. Item seven, communication from Council Members Hamilton Steiner, Bullock, and Evans regarding International Compost Week. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner. Thank you, President Keppel. Dear colleagues, Mayor George, and directors. International Compost Awareness Week is recognized annually during the first full week of May. The goal of this week is to bring people together and share the powerful benefits of composting for healthier soil. It is an opportunity to highlight the types of composting happening in our community. Here in Lakewood, we are seeing composting efforts thriving and growing. This resolution not only recognizes this week, but it also highlights the work and efforts of Lakewood residents involved with Keep Lakewood Beautiful, who in partnership with Rust Belt Writers launched composting at Lakewood Park in 2019, as well as to highlight recent and additional efforts from the Lakewood Composting Committee for their grassroots efforts to expand composting citywide. A common theme which is consistent in our community is that the work of committed and dedicated residents is yielding results. This year's theme for the week, compost, feed the soil that feeds us, is a timely reminder of the importance of soil in the production of food and the impact that harmful environmental practices have on us all. An opportunity exists to not just better align City of Lakewood outcomes with the climate action plan, but to face the call for greater sustainability citywide. Please join us in celebrating and recognizing International Compost Awareness Week. Thank you. I move to receive and file that communication. Second. Motion's been made and seconded for their discussion. Hearing none, all those in favor? Aye. And that motion passes. Item eight. Resolution 2026-28. Resolution to join with communities across the world to celebrate international compost awareness week during the week of May 3rd through May 9th, 2026. Um do we have folks signed in to speak on this?

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