City Council

Council Minutes June 23, 2025 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Council of the City of Shaker Heights met in a regular session at 7:00 p.m., Mayor David E. Weiss presiding. Council Members Present: Ms. Anne Williams Ms. Carmella Williams Ms. Bixenstine Mr. Claytor Mrs. Kaus Mr. Malone Mrs. Moore Council Members Absent: None * * * * Video of this meeting may be found here through June 23, 2028. * * * * At 7:01 p.m. the Mayor opened the scheduled public hearing on the proposed 2026 tax budget. Finance Director John Potts stated that the Ohio Revised Code requires that all City councils in Ohio adopt a tax budget for their next fiscal year. The primary purpose is to demonstrate the need to levy property taxes for the next fiscal year. The proposed tax budget is in the prescribed alternate format the Budget Commission has provided over the years, made available for public inspection and advertised in the Sun Press newspaper for the past two weeks. The budget shows a shortfall or additional need of $2.2 million. The current property tax millage is not changing and will remain at 9.9 mills, with some inside millage, and some Charter millage totaling approximately $11.3 million we expect to receive in 2026. At 7:03 p.m. Mayor Weiss closed the public hearing on the proposed 2026 tax budget. Resolution No. 25-70, by Mr. Claytor, adopting the 2026 Tax Budget of the City of Shaker Heights, Ohio, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and submitting the same to the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission through the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer. Finance Director John Potts stated that this item is requested with a suspension of the rules in order to submit the budget to the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission by the deadline. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. They understand the need for this tax budget. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Resolution No. 25-70 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that Resolution No. 25-70 be adopted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Resolution Adopted * * * * It was moved by Mrs. Moore and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 27, 2025, be approved as recorded. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried * * * * The Mayor asked the Clerk of Council to read into the record public comments received by email or phone on any of the agenda items. Clerk of Council Ms. Chaikin stated that no comments were received on agenda items by email or phone. The Mayor invited members of the audience and those participating via Zoom the opportunity to “raise their hand” to provide public comment. Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells of 3021 Ludlow Road thanked Council for the Ludlow playground funding on the agenda, along with the Administration, staff and Council’s effort to move this forward. The Ludlow Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 115 School is going to have a tremendous impact on the neighborhood and having a high quality green space is so important for the quality of life for families with young children in the neighborhood as well as people who come to sporting events at the field. They will see a difference in how people both outside the neighborhood and residents start to shift in how they see the neighborhood. The City’s participation in that will make a big difference. He also thanked those who have individually contributed to the Shaker Schools Foundation. * * * * Ordinance No. 25-71, by Mr. Claytor, administrative approval of improvements to public land, pursuant to Section 1212.02 (I) of the City’s Zoning Code, as recommended by the City Planning Commission, for the purpose of implementing the Doan Brook Restoration Project at Horseshoe Park. Planning Director Joyce Braverman stated that this item is for improvements to public land at the Doan Brook. The design is the result of a robust planning process led by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). Part of the project includes pedestrian bridges, trails, overlooks, and a natural play area. The Architectural Board of Review (ABR) will review some of those items at a future meeting. This item is requested with a suspension of the rules to keep the engineering plans and bidding on schedule. Council member Mr. Malone stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the City Planning Commission. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-71 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-71 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 116 Ordinance No. 25-72, by Mr. Claytor, administrative approval of improvements to public land, pursuant to Section 1212.02 (I) of the City’s Zoning Code, as recommended by the City Planning Commission, for the purpose of making improvements to Hildana Park. Planning Director Joyce Braverman stated that this item is for improvements to public land at Hildana Park including benches and a public art installation. The project will renovate key portions of the park as recommended in the 2025 Recreation Strategic Plan and replaces the existing “Doors” public art installation with a new public art installation designed in coordination with the neighborhood. There will also be new park furniture, landscaping and trees. The Public Art Task Force approved the new art installation design. This item is requested with a suspension of the rules so that the park plan which is funded with grant funds meets the required timing for the grant. Council member Mr. Malone stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the City Planning Commission. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-72 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-72 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-73, by Mrs. Moore, authorizing the application for and acceptance of a grant from the Cuyahoga County Department of Development 2026 Community Development Supplemental Grant (“CDSG”) Program in the amount of $50,000 for exterior stabilization of the historic Lynnfield RTA Station, and declaring an emergency. Planning Director Joyce Braverman stated that the transit station is located at Van Aken and Parkland/Lynnfield. This item is for authorization to submit a grant to the Cuyahoga County Department of Development Supplemental Grant (CDSG) program in the amount of $50,000 for stabilization to the Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 117 historic station. No local match is required but is needed. Last year the Planning and Economic Development departments also applied for $50,000 for Hildana Park. A public meeting was held on June 10 to gather support and get ideas from residents for what they would like us to apply for from both the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Community Development Supplemental Grant program funds. Some of the projects suggested were traffic calming at Larchmere/North Moreland/Kemper and Farnsleigh/Helen/Halworth; improvements to Chelton or Ashby parks; a future basketball court near the Main Library; stabilization of the Lynnfield RTA station; crosswalks; and a community resource bulletin board. After staff figured out the priority, we decided to start the stabilization of the Lynnfield RTA station. It is within the Shaker Village Historic District and is also a local landmark. It is along the Blue Rapid Line, and was once the last station until the end of the station was moved to Warrensville Center Road. Due to the grant release date, the required public hearing, the application date, and the review of this request, it was only submitted to the Finance Committee and Council. This item is being requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules as the legislation is due to Cuyahoga County on July 15. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. Council set as one of the priorities at the planning retreat last September the stabilization of the Lynnfield RTA station. In addition the Landmark Commission voted unanimously to try and move this project forward, but so much of their work is dependent on grant funding as a catalyst. Many good projects were nominated for the CDSG funds so we are grateful that this project may stand a chance of getting funding. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-73 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-73 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 118 Resolution No. 25-74, by Mrs. Moore, approving and authorizing execution of a donation agreement with the Shaker Heights City School District, for the donation of City funds in the amount of $102,542.34, for the purchase of community playground equipment for the Ludlow Community Playground Project, and declaring an emergency. Planning Director Joyce Braverman stated that the Shaker Heights School District is in the process of renovating the Ludlow School into an early years building with two playgrounds that are adjacent to each other. One will be for the preschool and one for the community. The School District held numerous public meetings with the neighborhood where the playground was discussed and the community desired a playground for ages 5 -12. The School District received approval on May 6 from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to construct the community playground and now the City has agreed to donate funds for the equipment for the playground in the amount of $102,542.34. The City has funds available in the General Fund miscellaneous account. This item requests authorization to enter into a donation agreement with the School District, which will likely cover items such as construction, maintenance, repair, and inspection of the playground. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules to allow the School District to stay on their construction schedule. Law Director William Ondrey Gruber stated that the legislation was prepared without an emergency clause prior to the memo was written, but Director Braverman believes the School District will need the funds sooner than 30 days, so Council may agree to amend this item as an emergency. Council member Mr. Malone stated that this item was presented to the Recreation Committee which did not have a quorum but it was supported by those present. It was also discussed at the City Planning Commission as well as numerous public hearings. He thanked Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells for his support and gentle nudges to get this project headed in the right direction as well as Mayor Weiss and Superintendent David Glassner for negotiating a fair agreement between the City and School District. He is excited to see this come to fruition. He is glad that there are funds available for this. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. They wanted to make sure it was a community playground and were delighted it will be appropriate for the age group of 12 and under. They were also concerned that it might not be finished by the start of the school year, but this is a separate playground from the preschool playground which will be finished in time for the start of the school year. Mayor Weiss thanked Public Works Director Ramona Lowery-Ferrell who was instrumental in helping get some repairs done to the fields simultaneously with this project so that in September we will be ready to go on all fronts. He appreciates the efforts made to get the fields corrected. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Resolution No. 25-74 be placed upon its final enactment. Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 119  Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that Resolution No. 25-74 be adopted as amended. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Resolution Adopted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-75, by Ms. Anne Williams, adopting the Solid Waste Management Plan for the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District. Assistant Public Works Director Charles Orlowski stated that the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District has updated their Solid Waste Management Plan as mandated by Ohio House Bill 592 passed in 1988. The City of Shaker Heights and 59 communities within Cuyahoga County would be governed by this plan which will help reduce the amount of residential waste generated and disposed of, ensure Ohio has enough landfill capacity, reduce the reliance of landfills, and increase recycling goals throughout the County. Ohio EPA has reviewed the draft Solid Waste Management Plan and returned it with comments. The Ohio EPA comments were incorporated into the document and the Solid Waste Management Plan was presented for public comment and hearing and no comments were offered. The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District now needs to ratify the 2026 – 2040 Solid Waste Management Plan before the August 10, 2025 deadline. In order to be ratified it must be accepted by 60% of the Solid Waste District population. This item is requested with a suspension of the rules in order to meet that deadline. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Mayor Weiss added that the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District has been making presentations across the County; they were at the Mayors and Managers Association, and the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission. It was moved by Ms. Anne Williams, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-75 be placed upon its final enactment. Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 120  Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Ms. Anne Williams, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-75 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-76, by Mr. Claytor, adopting new Sections 1413.06 and 1413.10 of the Housing Code of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Shaker Heights to reinforce the City’s prohibition of short term rentals of less than 30 days, and declaring an emergency. Law Director William Ondrey Gruber stated that the City ordinances prohibit short term rentals of less than 30 days in residential neighborhoods and residential properties. The City allows rentals of 30 days and more if you obtain a rental license. The rentals of less than 30 days are considered essentially a hotel use which is not a permitted use in residential neighborhoods. However, there is no explicit statement in the ordinances that say short term rentals are not allowed and it is sometimes difficult and causes confusion for some property owners to understand that it is not permitted in the City. In addition to that confusion, in our interest in clarifying that, there is some urgency now because the Ohio General Assembly is considering again barring cities from regulating short term rentals in any way. An exception has been written into the current version that it would not restrict or it would exempt existing regulations. To make it absolutely clear with no doubt that our city does not allow such short term rentals this item is being proposed with simple changes. It also includes a family definition change in the Housing Code that is slightly different in the Zoning Code which causes confusion, to make them consistent. The allowed number of roomers will change from 2 to 1. This item is being requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules to make sure if the legislature goes forward the City is protected in this way. There are a number of reasons why short term rentals are very difficult for a small city like Shaker Heights with no hotels, or transient uses in our neighborhoods, so this is one way to regulate those to make sure it does not occur in Shaker Heights. Council member Mr. Claytor stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee. Council member Mr. Malone stated that he supports this item but thinks it will require some public communications and perhaps a plan for enforcement. If you go to the Airbnb app there are several Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 121 properties listed in Shaker. This dates back to the Republican National Convention era when everyone in Shaker was trying to rent their properties. He does not think the public is aware of this. He asked if we could notify Airbnb. Director Gruber suggested he discuss options with the Building and Housing Director Kyle Krewson to figure out a plan of enforcement. These changes should help enforcement. The Planning Department responds on a complaint basis but does not have inspectors. The Building and Housing Department is already very busy with other enforcement but at least they have good mechanisms with software and licensing rental units. They have a better feel for what is going on in the City. Enforcement through the Building and Housing Department by putting this in the Housing Code will help. We will need to devise a plan. Council member Mr. Malone stated that he recalls some other local municipalities have done something similar to this so there is probably a way Airbnb can be notified directly so they don’t list them. Director Gruber added they may list ones that are 30 days or more. Director Krewson stated that there are listings on Airbnb that come and go from time to time, and when someone brings it to our attention we confirm it, but there are some on those platforms that are greater than 30 days, for which there is no prohibition provided they have a rental license. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-76 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-76 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 122 Ordinance No. 25-77, by Mrs. Moore, authorizing the execution of Then and Now Certificates by the Director of Finance and the payment of amounts due for various purchase orders, and declaring an emergency. Finance Director John Potts stated that subsequent to the Finance Committee there were a number of Then and Now certificates to reimburse residents related to the Lynnfield/Lomond Sanitary Sewer Overflow and others to pay vendors related to a sewer backup incident. This item is requested as an emergency and with a suspension of the rules so the payments may be sent as quickly as possible. Director Gruber added that this is unusual because the City is advancing funds to support residents who experienced an unexpected backup that was not of their making. It was through an important project the City is conducting. The City has talked to our insurance company and are in touch with the insurance companies of those in these homes who have insurance, and also working with the insurance company for the contractors to make sure if at all possible the City is reimbursed for all of these expenses in the future. That is expected to happen as the City was certainly not at fault itself, but through the contractor it has fault which is why we are paying in advance. In the long run our contractors will likely need to cover this expense if not by our own insurance. Director Potts stated that while the Finance Department is working with the Public Works Department who is maintaining a list of all of these transactions, it is possible there could be more that will need to come to Council. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-77 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-77 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * The Mayor asked the Clerk of Council to read into the record public comments received by email or phone on other items. Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 123 Clerk of Council Ms. Chaikin stated that no comments were received on other items by email or phone. The Mayor invited members of the audience and those participating via Zoom the opportunity to “raise their hand” to provide public comment. No comments were offered. * * * * At 7:42 p.m. it was moved by Ms. Carmella Williams, and seconded by Mr. Claytor that Council go into an executive session to discuss personnel matters, including the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of one or more public employees or officials; and preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried * * * * At 8:42 p.m. Council returned to the regular meeting. * * * * Ordinance No. 25-78, by Mr. Claytor, authorizing a labor agreement between the City of Shaker Heights and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local (IBT L.) Union No. 507 for employees in the Department of Public Works, for the period January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, and declaring an emergency. Chief Administrative Officer Jeri E. Chaikin stated that this item authorizes a labor agreement between the City of Shaker Heights and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union No. 507 for employees in the Public Works Department for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. This item is requested as an emergency. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-78 be placed upon its final enactment. Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 124  Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-78 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * There being no further business before Council, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. _________________________________________ DAVID E. WEISS, Mayor _________________________________________ JERI E. CHAIKIN, Clerk of Council Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 125