City of Willowick

The Planning Commission agenda for March 9, 2026, included standard opening procedures, followed by the approval of the May 12, 2025, Planning Commission Minutes. Key items for discussion included reports from the City Engineer and Law Director, reviews by the Development & Plan Review Committee and Rules Committee, and an Architectural Review Board update. The meeting also scheduled Public Hearings and a Public Portion, with New Business focusing on the Bombshell Beauty & Spa LLC application and a College Tree Removal project, both of which were also reviewed by the Plan Review Board on February 26, 2026.

Key discussions during the City Council Regular Meeting included administrative appeals concerning variances for constructing a single-family dwelling on a small lot, which involved tabling one variance request pending a review of revised plans and voting down several others related to setbacks. The Council also addressed proclamations honoring two Police Department employees for years of service. Legislative matters involved approving resolutions to request advance tax payments from the County Auditor, remove sewer charges for a specific parcel, and authorize funding requests for community project grants at both the federal and state levels. Additionally, ordinances were considered to amend sanitary sewer rental rates to include a discount program for Lake County Water Discount Program participants, adjust compensation for appointed officials, modify fireworks regulations to align with state code, and appropriate funds for the 2026 calendar year. Miscellaneous items included authorizing a change order for a sewer rehabilitation project and obtaining bids for roof repairs at the Fire Department and City Hall, as well as ADA bathroom improvements.

The meeting agenda included administrative appeals requiring variances and exceptions for constructing single-family dwellings related to lot size, side property lines, driveway side setbacks, rear yard setbacks, and front yard building line setbacks, referencing specific sections of the Codified Ordinances. Key discussions and actions involved contract approvals for retaining Continental Adjusters LLC for an insurance claim adjustment related to wind damage at the Fire Department and City Hall, and the introduction of legislation concerning appropriations for current expenses for the calendar year 2026 (Ordinances 2026-6 and 2026-7). Further legislation involved authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding for a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument and amending chapters regarding Permits and Fees, and Noxious Weeds and Litter. Miscellaneous motions authorized a change order for the Lakeshore Blvd Trunk Sewer West Rehabilitation Project, engineering services for Municipal Parking Lot Improvements, and an elevator maintenance agreement for City Hall. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss imminent court action.

The primary new business item involved the proposed alteration for Speedy Gas, located at 29000 Lakeshore Boulevard, which is planned to operate as a gas station and convenience store featuring snacks and frozen food. Discussion clarified that the existing structure will be kept with exterior facade changes, and colors must comply with earth tones as per codified ordinance 1145.11(b)(1). The Board approved the proposal subject to compliance confirmation of color codes. Additionally, the Chairman agreed to follow up regarding the business owner's liquor permit status, which was contingent upon Plan Review Board approval, and advised that local zoning approval is required before the county can process permitting.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included a review of the animal cruelty ordinance and a discussion concerning after-dark solicitations, specifically referencing Ordinance 709.08 regarding permitted hours of operation.