City of Kirtland

The meeting began with the swearing-in of two new officers for the Kirtland Police Department, Zachary Petri (promoted to Sergeant) and Joshua Griggs (appointed as a lateral patrol officer). A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the retirement of Fire Chief Hutton after 37 years of service, including 23 as Chief, and the presentation of his retirement letter. Public Works Director Fernaro reported on snow event activity since November 9th, noting substantial fuel and brine usage. Engineering updates covered the 2025 paving contracts, the Kirtland Chardan Road project timeline (advertising in February for an April construction start), and the Wisner wall project. Discussions also involved concerns regarding a property violation at 10899 Tibbitz. The Community Center reported ending 2025 with 583 members and provided updates on upcoming bus trips.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. Key discussions included department reports where the Service Department was commended for snow and ice removal efforts, with statistics noting 5,665 gallons of fuel consumed since Thanksgiving and nine accidents in January. The department also reported an upcoming closure of the I-90 westbound ramp for tree work. Public works updates covered the authorization of local funds for the Kirtland Shardan Road project, progress on the 306 sewer extension design, and evaluation of options for the Wisner wall repair, including stability analysis. For the 10899 Tibbitz property, grading and wall plans were reviewed, noting a proposed stacked block wall with geogrid tiebacks, and updates were provided on ongoing conversations with the impacted property owner, Mr. Davis. A discussion ensued regarding the schedule for presenting legislation for the senior center property tax revenue ($156,412 annually based on 0.85 mills) for the November election, with a consensus to present it in June or July. The Mayor provided updates on downtown development concepts and ongoing TIF discussions related to the sewer extension, noting that $2 million in federal funding is expected. Lastly, the council motioned to move the next regular council meeting from February 18th to Tuesday, February 17th.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recognizing the service of former Fire Chief Tony Hutton, who served since 1989, and administering the Oath of Office to the new Fire Chief, Matthew W. Khen, followed by the swearing-in of Brian Horvath as Executive Captain. The Council then suspended rules to confirm the appointment of the new Fire Chief via Resolution 26-R6. Department reports included confirmation that the Fire Department report was submitted by the new Chief, Lieutenant Fischer had no formal report, and the Director of Public Works noted 35 snow events for the challenging winter season. The Director of Finance reported the closing of the 2025 accounting year and distribution of end-of-year reports. The Mayor announced the successful inclusion of $2 million in the minibus bill for the Kirtland sewer extension project. The Council also addressed procedural matters regarding public participation and open meeting requirements concerning door access during the meeting.

Discussions during the meeting involved updates on road conditions, specifically concerning Rockwood and Ledgewood streets, and the associated sewer infrastructure, including lift station concerns and the need for sewer televising or lining. Appointments and reappointments were addressed for several boards, including Mark Morang to Assistant Law Director (handling Planning and Zoning), Lita Lavin to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Dana Dennis and Paul Roupert to the Tax Board of Review, and Rich Lowry to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Mayor's report included congratulations on council reappointments and recognitions for recent oath of office ceremonies, memorials for the late County Commissioner Rich Regovich and former Fire Department member John Florentine, and acknowledgments for service department efforts regarding holiday lights and road maintenance. Public comments also highlighted the poor condition of streets and the status of funding for sewer assessments and road paving.

The City Council meeting addressed several departmental reports and ongoing matters. The Police Chief's report noted the department's excellent handling of mental health calls and the recovery of over $50,000 in stolen equipment through inter-agency collaboration. The Public Works department reported on managing 22 snow events since Thanksgiving, utilizing 2,100 tons of salt, and their excellent work keeping roads clear. The discussion on capital projects included updates on the Tibbit situation, which lacks new owner plan submissions, and the Wizner wall design, pending the marking of the ordinary high water mark of the stream. Legislation matters included a request to pass nine items and confirmation that the Senior Levy Award of $80,000 for 2026 was secured. A significant portion of the meeting focused on providing feedback to Planning and Zoning regarding their draft legislation on short-term rentals before the scheduled joint meeting in January. Other topics included a discussion on the forthcoming Next Gen 911 system upgrade, which will incorporate cell phone tracking capabilities, and clarification that the city does not legislate on tree disputes between private properties unless the tree jeopardizes a public roadway. Council members also offered congratulations to the Kirtland Hornets football team and acknowledged community efforts regarding holiday light displays.