The Lakewood City Council held a regular meeting on July 17, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of business including recognition of the successful high school baseball team, presentation of Fourth of July parade winners, discussion of short-term rental regulations, report on the 2027 budget priorities, approval of five charter amendments to be placed before voters in November, referral of FirstEnergy legal matters to committee, and adoption of shoreline erosion abatement measures. Multiple communications were received and filed, and several votes were taken.
All right. We'll call the uh full council meeting of July 20th to order. If you're able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. We'll now pause for a moment of silence. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Vice President Baker. Here. Councilmember Bixenstein. Here. Councilmember Ballock. Here. Councilmember Evans. Here. President Keppel. Here. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner. Here. Councilmember Strivig. Here. Pursuant to Lakewood codified ordinance 10901B one. As chair, I am calling for this evening's meeting of council to be held partially by video conference. Under ordinance 109.01 C. Council members participating remotely need not be present for the purpose of voting and determining a quorum. Reading and disposal of the minutes of the regular meeting of council held July 6th, 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. Reading and disposal of the minutes of the July 16th, 2026, Council Community Conversation. Move to approve without the necessity of a reading. Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Discussion. Hearing none, all those in favor? Aye. And that motion passes. Item 10. Communication from Vice President Baker, Councilmember Evans, and Mayor George recognizing the 2026 Lakewood High School varsity baseball team. Dear colleagues, we are pleased to introduce the accompanying resolution recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of the 2026 Lakewood High School varsity baseball team and congratulating the players, coaches, families, volunteers, and supporters who made the historic season possible. They also became the only high school baseball team in Ohio to complete the regular season undefeated, finishing 25 and 0 before postseason play. Under the leadership of Coach of head coach and Lakewood High School graduate Grant Graves and his tremendous coaching staff, the Rangers established a culture of excellence built on hard work, discipline, and teamwork. Their success reflects not only on the dedication of the players and coaches, but also the parents, volunteers, the Lakewood High School Athletic Department, and the Lakewood Community Baseball and Softball Association, youth baseball programs, and the many community members who support Ranger Athletics. The team's accomplishments inspired pride throughout Lakewood, culminating in their selection as grand marshals for the 2026 Lakewood Fourth of July parade. This resolution celebrates not only an outstanding championship season, but also a team that represented Lakewood with integrity, sportsmanship, and pride. And it's it's kind of fun and sad to say that as a 43-year-old man, short of my wedding day and the birth of my um three children. Beating St. Ann's and St. Ignatius in the same season is the greatest accomplishment I've ever had.