City Council

Council Minutes September 29, 2025 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Council of the City of Shaker Heights met in a regular session at 7:03 p.m., Mayor David E. Weiss presiding. Council Members Present: Mr. Claytor Mrs. Kaus Mr. Malone Mrs. Moore Ms. Anne Williams Ms. Carmella Williams Ms. Bixenstine Council Members Absent: None * * * * Video of this meeting may be found here through September 29, 2028. * * * * It was moved by Ms. Anne Williams, and seconded by Mrs. Moore, that the minutes of the special meeting of August 4, 2025, be approved as recorded. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried * * * * It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that the minutes of the special meeting of August 11, 2025, be approved as recorded. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried  * * * * It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 25, 2025, be approved as recorded. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Abstain: Ms. Bixenstine 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 Mr. Carroll 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. No comments were offered. * * * * Ordinance No. 25-99, by Mrs. Moore, accepting a proposal and authorizing a personal services contract with Precision Wildlife Management in the total amount of $81,000 for the 2025-2026 Deer Management Program, and declaring an emergency. Police Commander Timothy Kohanski stated that this item is for an agreement with Precision Wildlife Management for deer culling. In response to multiple resident complaints concerning the impact of the overabundance of deer the Shaker Heights Wildlife Task Force was formed comprised of residents and members of Council. They studied the effect of the deer population in the City. The negative consequences associated with an overabundance or excessive browsing of the deer population is well documented. The City of Shaker Heights began a deer culling program via sharp shooting by the Shaker Heights Police Department in 2016. Since the 2018-2019 deer culling season, the City of Shaker Heights has contracted with Precision Wildlife Management LLC to conduct the deer culling program. Precision was started by retired Shaker Heights Police Lieutenant James Mariano who began the program in 2016. Results of the 2025 resident questionnaire indicated that over 70% of respondents described the deer population in the City as abundant or overabundant, compared to a little over 76% in 2024. The percentage of respondents who want to see a decrease in the number of deer in Shaker Heights increased slightly from 69% in 2024 to a little over 70% in 2025. It has remained above 63% since we began the questionnaire in 2016. In the 2022-2023 season, the City of Shaker Heights and the City of Beachwood Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 158 jointly implemented a deer culling program with 70 deer culled. Beachwood paid $60,000 and Shaker Heights paid $50,000 since we had established the research and the program. We sought proposals from both the USDA and Precision. As in the past the USDA proposal included a time and materials provision which did not guarantee they could effectively meet the 70 deer requirement. Additionally, they required the City to provide a space to field dress the deer carcasses which we could not accommodate. In the 2023-2024 season the City of Shaker Heights and the City of Beachwood jointly implemented a deer culling program for $140,000 with Shaker Heights paying $70,000 and Beachwood paying $70,000 to cull a total of 70 deer in both cities. In the 2024-2025 season the City of Shaker Heights and the City of Beachwood jointly implemented a deer culling program for $207,000 with Shaker Heights paying $103,500, and Beachwood paying $103,500 to cull a total of 90 deer in both cities. Last year, through the Deer Management Program, Precision harvested 3,405 pounds of venison that was donated to the Cleveland Food Bank and the Geauga County Veteran’s Food Bank, estimated to be 13,600 meals for people in need. We would like to continue to partner with the City of Beachwood for the 2025-2026 season at a cost of $81,000 each. This item was reviewed and supported by the Wild Life Task Force. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so the Shaker Heights Police Department may begin planning the Wildlife Management Program for the 2025-2026 season. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the Safety and Public Works Committee. There was some confusion over whether the formalized vote by Beachwood City Council suggested doubt about the culling program, and the response was no. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-99 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-99 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 159 Ordinance No. 25-100, by Mrs. Moore, accepting a proposal and authorizing a personal services contract with White Buffalo, Inc. in the total amount of $31,340 for the 2025-2026 Deer Management Program, and declaring an emergency. Police Commander Timothy Kohanski stated that this item is for an agreement with White Buffalo for deer sterilization services. The need to add a component of sterilization has been discussed with the leaders of Shaker Heights and Beachwood. Sterilized deer cannot reproduce which leads to a population decrease over time. Fewer births equal a natural decline. Sterilization works best in densely populated areas where culling is challenging such as the southern section of Shaker Heights. The state requires sterilization to be combined with culling in a deer management program. Sterilization provides immediate relief and culling provides long term relief. Sterilizing 15 does can prevent the birth of 225 fawns over the lifetime of 10 years. We will be using a regionalization approach for sterilization and culling this year. White Buffalo has been doing deer sterilization in South Euclid for many years and will continue this coming season. The cost for White Buffalo to sterilize 15-20 deer in Shaker Heights in one night would be $31,340 with $20,847 for labor and $10,493 for mobilization. The total cost for culling and sterilization combined comes to $112, 340. This item was reviewed and supported by the Wild Life Task Force. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so the Shaker Heights Police Department may begin planning the Wildlife Management Program for the 2025-2026 season. Council member Mr. Malone recalls an aerial deer survey done many years ago and asked if White Buffalo has updated information about results they have achieved over time in different jurisdictions. He wondered if we are doing anything to get a handle on the number of deer per square mile. He suggested that a new aerial survey may be worth doing at some point, but because it is expensive we may need support of other municipalities. He also asked about how we will communicate the sterilization program to neighbors in the community. Commander Kohanski stated that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) conducts estimates based on the number of dead deer pickups per the size of the city, but we have not done any updated aerial surveys. Our dead deer pickups remain consistent and are usually a result of traffic accidents. ODNR also considers the results of our deer questionnaires of residents indicating deer are abundant or overabundant. The estimate last year was about 110 deer in the city. Commander Kohanski stated that he has been working with Communications and Marketing on a strategy to communicate the sterilization program to the community. South Euclid has had this for years so we may borrow the information they put out and tweak it to meet our needs. If a resident wants to opt out we will provide their address to White Buffalo. Council member Mrs. Moore asked if they would accept volunteers to participate in the sterilization program. Commander Kohanski responded yes and that they could email him. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the Safety and Public Works Committee. There was some discussion as to whether the sterilization program that Beachwood chooses would be for one night as we are doing or more. There was one nay vote. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 160 It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-100 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-100 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Abstain: Mr. Claytor Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-101, by Mr. Claytor, authorizing a labor agreement between the City of Shaker Heights and the International Association of Machinists, Local 1363 (“IAM L. 1363”), for certain employees of the Department of Recreation, for the period January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, and declaring an emergency. Recreation Director John Doyle stated that this item authorizes the labor agreement between the City of Shaker Heights and the International Association of Machinists, Local 1363, for four Recreation Department staff, for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so the terms of the agreement may be implemented as soon as possible. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-101 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 161 Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that Ordinance No. 25-101 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-102, by Mr. Claytor, authorizing a labor agreement between the City of Shaker Heights and the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council, Inc. (FOP) for Shaker Heights police officers (Blue Unit), for the period January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, and declaring an emergency. Police Chief Wayne Hudson stated that this item authorizes a labor agreement between the City of Shaker Heights and the Fraternal Order of Police, for the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. The central objective was to ensure the Police Department remains competitive with comparable cities across Cuyahoga County in both wages and benefits. If we fall behind we run the risk of becoming a training ground for other departments to recruit and lure away our officers who are professionals who know our community, built trust here and embody the values of Shaker Heights. Losing them would not only waste that investment, but also undermine the stability and safety of our City. This agreement allows the City to continue to attract, train and most importantly retain the best and brightest officers. Shaker Heights residents deserve nothing less and have come to expect professional, compassionate, and effective law enforcement services. This contract helps us meet that expectation. We don’t have to look far for proof for why this matters. In recent months, Shaker officers have faced high profile, high stake situations here in our very own City. Because they were well trained and dedicated those incidents were resolved successfully without escalation and without tragedy. This outcome is not an accident. It is a direct result of having experienced, well prepared officers who feel valued and supported in their work. This contract is not just about wages and benefits. It is about safe guarding the high standards of public safety that residents rightfully demand. It is about making sure that when crises come, Shaker Heights has the caliber of officers needed to respond with skill, restraint and professionalism. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules as they are currently working under an expired contract. Moving forward with this contract sends a powerful message that the City values the men and women who serve it and committed to keeping the Police Department strong, stable and second to none. The strength of the Police Department is not just about law enforcement, but about trust, families, and pride. When residents call for help they need to know that the men and women who answer are trained, supported and ready. They should feel safe knowing that the City invests in their protection. Council member Mr. Claytor stated that he is happy to see that those who are keeping us safe are seeing the adjustments that are beneficial especially with regard to compensation. He asked about the provision of visible tattoos and how that impacts officers who are already employed with the City. Chief Hudson stated that the current officers with visible tattoos are grandfathered. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 162 Council member Ms. Bixenstine thanked Chief Hudson for his outstanding leadership and service to the community. She hopes he will extend Council’s appreciation to all of the officers and administrative staff in the Police Department. He has been working hard to change the culture to be more community minded and she has seen a difference. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Mrs. Moore, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-102 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Mrs. Moore, that Ordinance No. 25-102 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-103, by Mr. Claytor, accepting the dedication of portions of 3450, 3400 and 3355 Lee Road (Parcel Nos. 735-16-003, 735-04-020 and 735-06-002) by subdividing and dedicating as public right-of way a portion of these City-owned properties for the Lee Road Complete Street Road Improvements Project, and declaring an emergency. Principal Planner Kara O’Donnell stated that the City has been working with the Cuyahoga County Public Works Department and Chagrin Valley Engineering and Smith Group to design and engineer the roadway and streetscape improvements that will help implement a large part of the Lee Road Action Plan. To date the City and the county have secured over $24 million in grant funds to construct those improvements. The County will lead the engineering and construction scheduled for 2026 and 2027. To complete the improvements and to meet the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) requirements, portions of the three city-owned parcels on which plan improvements will be implemented must be subdivided and dedicated as public right-of-way. The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building is one of the parcels where future improvements on the land will be public sidewalks, curb ramps and a two-way cycle track for bicyclists. At City Hall, future improvements include public sidewalks, and curb ramps. At the Police Station the improvements will also include public sidewalks and curb ramps. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so construction may begin in 2026. Council member Mr. Malone asked how far the new sidewalk goes into the right-of-way at each place. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 163 Ms. O’Donnell stated that at City Hall the new construction would take up some of the driveway closest to the parking lot in front of City Hall to make sure the handicap ramps are accessible across the driveway, and use a little land at the corner near Van Aken for grading for handicap accessibility. That is the same situation at the Police Station. At the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, the bike path requires the use of more land. The sign in front of the building will be relocated closer to the driveway leading into the building. The emergency exit facing Lee Road will also require some adjustments for handicap accessibility. Law Director William Ondrey Gruber stated that typically around the City, the sidewalk and tree lawn are in the public right-of-way. At City Hall the sidewalk and tree lawn are on City property. Part of what is taken is already the sidewalk and tree lawn but they will use more of it. Ms. O’Donnell stated that federal funds must be used in a right-of-way. Council member Mr. Claytor asked if there is any detriment to moving this land to the right-of-way should the City decide to go in another direction. Ms. O’Donnell stated that we are required to have sidewalks and it makes sense to have them in the public right-of-way because they are a place upon which the public will be walking. Council member Ms. Bixenstine asked about renovation and rebuilding of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building as part of the Recreation Plan and how this would impact that work. Ms. O’Donnell stated that has been considered in discussions. The goal is to have the bike path. They are not taking any more land than is needed to provide the public sidewalk and bike path that will connect from City Hall to the southern border of the City. Council member Mr. Malone stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the City Planning Commission. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Mr. Malone, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-103 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Mr. Malone, that Ordinance No. 25-103 be enacted as read. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 164  Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-104, by Mrs. Moore, authorizing the City’s application for and acceptance of a $150,000 grant from Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s ("NOACA") Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (“TLCI”) for the Lee Road Complete Street Improvements project, and declaring an emergency. Principal Planner Kara O’Donnell stated that this item is to apply for and accept a grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) for funding for the Lee Road Complete Street Improvement project. These funds are available for the development and installation of low cost infrastructure that strengthens community livability. Earlier this year we were awarded $350,000 in TLCI grants for pedestrian improvements that were in the Lee Road Action Plan. As engineering has progressed we have realized a shortfall and we would like to apply for an additional $150,000 for pedestrian improvements which would include lighting, sidewalks, wayfinding, pedestrian amenities and streetscape. Receipt of those grant funds would reduce the City’s required local match to the overall project and at this time no match for the grant is required. To date we have amassed over $24 million in grant funds for the construction of the Lee Road Complete Street Improvements project. The grant application is due on October 10, 2025 and requires a Council ordinance as part of the application. We will be notified of grant awards in the spring of 2026. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules as the application and supporting legislation are due October 10, 2025. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. 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. 25-104 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-104 be enacted as read. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 165  Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-105, by Mrs. Moore, authorizing an agreement with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) for payment to the City for the City’s maintenance of the grounds adjacent to the Rapid Transit rail lines along Shaker Boulevard and Van Aken Boulevard, for the years 2026 and 2027, in the total amount of $769,439. Public Works Director Ramona Lowery-Ferrell stated that this item is for a maintenance contract between the City and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) for the years 2026 – 2027. In 1975 the City transferred the rapid transit system to GCRTA and an addendum was later executed in 1982 for maintenance of grounds adjoining the rail lines and the right-of-way within the City. Under the current agreement the City of Shaker Heights is responsible for maintenance activities such as snow removal, salting, grass cutting, tree trimming, fertilizer application, and mulching of grounds adjoining rail line right-of-ways of the property along Shaker Boulevard and Van Aken Boulevard within City limits. The City is also responsible for sweeping and snow plowing of the parking lots including the pull in lots along Van Aken Boulevard at Green Road, and Shaker Boulevard at Warrensville Center Road. In order for the City to perform maintenance activities of GCRTA property, we enter into an agreement that specifies the duties and responsibilities of the City and the appropriate costs we would charge. During 2024, the City was in negotiations with the Teamsters Union and did not yet have a ratified contract which is why we only entered into the current one-year agreement. This request is to enter into an agreement through the end of the Teamsters contract which has been ratified through 2027 at a total amount of $769,439. GCRTA has proposed improvements as well to the Shaker Boulevard station and the Public Works Department itemized those costs. This item is requested with a suspension of the rules to enable us to finalize an agreement with GCRTA prior to the end of the year. Council member Mr. Malone commented on the substantial increase in cost and asked if they were due to increased labor costs and material costs. He also asked about watering the trees. Director Lowery-Ferrell stated that GCRTA estimated over a 4% increase based on the 2025 contract, but now that the union agreement has been finalized we have the actual costs. Additional tree maintenance would fall under a separate contract. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 166 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. 25-105 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-105 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-106, by Mrs. Moore, accepting the recommendations of the City’s Tax Incentive Review Council (“TIRC”) made at their meeting on August 12, 2025 to continue the existing development and community reinvestment area agreements for tax exemption and payments in lieu of taxes (“PILOTs”), pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 5709.85, and declaring an emergency. Economic Development Director Laura Englehart stated that the Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) annually reviews all active agreements that grant property tax incentives. Every community has their own TIRC meeting with the county. We met with the county to review the Shaker Heights agreements and they unanimously approved each agreement we have to be in compliance and recommended that each agreement be continued. This item requests Council approval of the TIRC’s recommendations. The City generally uses incentives as a tool to create new tax revenues over time. As a policy we grant incentives only if the development project would not occur without those incentives. We use them to fill gaps in development projects that would not otherwise be built. Some incentives can also help pay for new public infrastructure that would spur new development. That is why these incentives exist. In the sprit of transparency and under the law we review those agreements that grant incentives annually. Director Englehart stated that we have one urban renewal district in a geographical area focused around the Chagrin/Lee commercial district. There are a number of new development projects over many years within that district. We sign an agreement with each property owner of those projects which includes a provision for partial property tax exemption. For our urban renewal district, 75% of the value of the improvements made to that property or project are redirected to the City to pay for public infrastructure improvements for which the City implemented and issued bonds. The City has an annual debt service on the public improvements that were constructed, some more than 20 years ago. Those bonds remain outstanding until the year 2031. At that time the urban renewal district will no longer exist and the Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 167 property taxes will be distributed in the normal course. Last year was the first year in which there was no deficit and the City collected enough payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) to cover the full annual debt service that we are obligated to pay. In prior years the City had to subsidize it from the General Fund. We are very pleased that we have seen enough development in the district to cover the full debt service. There is a small portion that remains in the fund that is obligated to pay for debt service. We are not permitted to use any of those excess funds for anything other than debt service while the bonds are outstanding. Director Englehart stated that we have three, 30-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects, all located in the Van Aken district. With TIF, a property owner pays all taxes in full for the new development project and there is separate Council legislation and an agreement with the School District for how those taxes are distributed. A percentage is given back to the developer to go back into the project and pay their debt service. Another portion goes to the School District. That structure is in place at both Shaker Plaza where Walgreen’s is located, at Five Iron Golf, and Van Aken district Phase I. There is also a TIF on the RAYE apartment building but we have not yet received any PILOTs. We expect that to generate new tax value in this current year and expect to see the PILOTs paid in 2026. The final TIF is on the new Wendy’s building. We are using some of the increased value to pay for public improvements. We have not expended any of those dollars in that fund yet. A portion is directed to the School District and a portion is retained for public improvements. Director Englehart stated that we also have two commercial Community Reinvestment Areas (CRAs) in the Van Aken district. One is at the Shaker Rocks Climbing Gym and the other is at the Nest Schools. For both properties, 50% of the taxes are abated. The term for Shaker Rocks is 15 years. The original term for the Nest Schools was 15 years, but it was sold to a new operator with a new operations plan. We reviewed their financials and determined they only need 10 years of abatement so they will start paying full taxes after the end of 2026. Director Englehart stated that this item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules to comply with the statutory requirement that Council take action within 60 days of the TIRC meeting. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. It is an assurance to the taxpayers that economic development when it occurs today is supported by tax incentives. The tax incentives last for a long period of time., but each time the TIRC meets, it gets full data on each of these agreements and their fulfillment. They either approve them or not. A member of the Finance Committee serves on the TIRC and commented on the fact that our Economic Development Director is well respected for the professional and exemplary presentation of the data and report. The TIRC touted Shaker Heights for our high quality and setting the mark for everyone else. Council member Mrs. Kaus echoed the appreciation for the Economic Development Director. She asked if this information may be posted to the website as an educational piece to residents who are interested. She thinks it would be helpful for residents to understand how some of the decisions have been or might be made. She asked if there is a similar body to TIRC which reviews tax abatements for housing and if corresponding information could be placed on the City’s website. Director Englehart stated that regarding education about the commercial tax incentives reviewed by TIRC, there is some information but it is not as robust as it could or should be, so she will take a look at what is posted to make sure we are being transparent and to allow residents to understand these processes Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 168 better. Residential CRAs are considered separately and are not reviewed by TIRC. The Housing Commissioner reviews abatements for every house, done every year by a Housing Council. That may be disclosed on the website in additional ways as well. 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 Ordinance No. 25-106 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that Ordinance No. 25-106 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-107, by Mrs. Moore, requesting the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer to draw, and the Cuyahoga County Treasurer to pay on such draft, all money in the County treasury to the account of the City of Shaker Heights from all 2025 real property taxes and applicable to the purposes of the fiscal year 2026, and declaring an emergency. Finance Director John Potts stated that this item requests Council approval to participate in the county tax advance program so that we may receive more than two disbursements each year, and allow us to take in multiple payments. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so the resolution and request may be sent to the county by the September 30, 2025 deadline. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. She congratulated the Finance Department and especially Director Potts for the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction for the December 31, 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This is one of many accolades received by the Finance Department. 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. 25-107 be placed upon its final enactment. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 169  Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-107 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-108, by Mrs. Moore, resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Fiscal Officer. Finance Director John Potts stated that the County Budget Commission has set our 2025 property tax rate that will be collected next year at 9.9 mills. This has remained unchanged since 1993. Within the tax schedules sent to the Budget Commission is our tax budget which includes a summary of our unvoted debt. State law requires that the City adopt the tax rate as determined by the Budget Commission before those taxes may be levied. We have received $10 million to date and are expecting another distribution of about $600,000, which will be slightly above our budgeted amount of $10.3 million. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules in order to meet the September 30, 2025 deadline. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. 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. 25-108 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-108 be enacted as read. Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 170  Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-109, 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 there are a couple items which require a Then and Now Certificate related to Police Department equipment and gear for newly hired Police officers. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so that payments may be sent. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-109 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-109 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine 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 September 29, 2025 Page 171 Clerk of Council Mr. Carroll 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 8:10 p.m. it was moved by Mrs. Kaus, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams that Council go into an executive session to discuss imminent or pending litigation. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried There being no further business before Council, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. _________________________________________ DAVID E. WEISS, Mayor _________________________________________ MATTHEW CARROLL, Clerk of Council Council Meeting September 29, 2025 Page 172