Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting - July 17, 2026
Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting - July 17, 2026
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.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes: Approved minutes of the July 6, 2026 regular meeting and the July 16, 2026 Community Conversation without reading.
- Housing, Planning & Development Committee Report: Received and filed the report from the July 13 meeting regarding short-term rental regulations.
- Public Safety Committee Report: Received and filed the report from the July 20 meeting, including an update on the Neighborhood Paramedic Program (300 mental health calls in 2025, growing hoarding issues).
- FirstEnergy Legal Matters: Received and filed the communication from President Kepple detailing a litigation timeline against FirstEnergy, including a Probable Non-Compliance letter and PUCO’s denial of FirstEnergy’s request to lower reliability standards. The communication was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
- Transgender Student Athletes: Received and filed a communication from Councilmember Strebig expressing support for inclusive policies for transgender athletes, referencing prior OHSAA guidelines.
- EMS Grant Award: Received and filed notification from Fire Chief Fairbanks of a $2,944.56 Ohio Division of EMS Training & Equipment Grant for 2026-2027.
- LakewoodAlive Board Report: Received and filed Vice President Baker’s report on the July 15 meeting, including approval of FY2027 budget, election of new officers and directors, and response to recent power outages.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public signed up to speak or offered comments during the public comment period.
Discussion Items
- Short-Term Rental Regulation (Ordinance 28-2026): Following the committee report, Councilmember Bullock’s proposal to clarify bed-and-breakfast regulations to include short-term rentals was deferred for further study. The committee discussed fees, safety, local management, affordable housing impacts, and enforcement.
- 2027 Budget Priorities: Vice President Baker presented the Finance Committee’s report, which organized Council proposals into three categories: 2027 Budget Priorities, Policy Priorities, and Future Budget Priorities. The report emphasized early collaboration and continuing dialogue. Director Mahoney noted that some proposals (e.g., block clubs) need more definition. The report was received and filed, with Council members encouraged to continue working with departments over the summer.
- Charter Amendments (Ordinances 16-20): Five charter amendments were introduced and adopted, all to be placed on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Councilmember Hamilton Steiner recused herself due to prior service on the Charter Review Commission (abstained). The amendments address:
- (16-2026) Civil Service Commission review of elected salaries to occur every presidential general election year (eliminating the 10% cap).
- (17-2026) Codifying the open application and public interview process for filling Council vacancies.
- (18-2026) Allowing ordinances/resolutions to be amended via striking through deleted language and underlining new text instead of full repeal and reenactment.
- (19-2026) Establishing a process for periodic ward redistricting after each decennial census, beginning with the 2030 census.
- (20-2026) Clarifying the three paths for charter amendments: Charter Review Commission recommendation, citizen initiative, or Council action by two-thirds vote.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 2026-38 (Rangers Baseball Team): Adopted unanimously, recognizing the 2026 Lakewood High School Varsity Baseball Team’s historic 27-1 season, back-to-back district championships, and undefeated conference record.
- Fourth of July Parade Winners: Communication from Mayor George received and filed; winners were recognized in categories: Best Color Guard (82nd Airborne Association), Best Float (STEM Handmade Soap), Most Original (Sew 4 Service), Best Bicycle (Trikeable Treats), Most Spirit (Dance Lakewood).
- Short-Term Rental Ordinance (28-2026): Deferred (motion passed).
- Budget Priorities Report: Received and filed.
- Charter Amendments (16-20): All five ordinances adopted with one abstention (Hamilton Steiner).
- FirstEnergy Referral: Communication referred to Committee of the Whole, with a briefing from the Law Department to be scheduled the following week.
- Shoreline SID:
- Resolution 2026-37 adopted: declaring necessity to proceed with erosion abatement improvements for four properties and authorizing special assessments.
- Ordinance 29-2026 adopted (suspending rules for first reading and then adopting): levying special assessments totaling $953,975 for the four parcels, payable in 15 annual installments or cash. No city funds are used.
- Liquor Permit (Cini Hospitality LLC): Deferred to allow time for investigation.
- Adjournment: Meeting adjourned with announcements including upcoming community events.
Meeting Transcript
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.
openpublica.com