Buddy Byers

The Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan for the City of Avon Lake, Ohio, serves as a strategic roadmap to guide the city's growth, investment, and long-term economic stability. Developed to proactively address vulnerabilities from recent economic disruptions, particularly the closure of the Avon Lake Power Plant, the plan aims to position the city for future success through sustainable development. It focuses on three core goals: supporting economic recovery, advancing economic resiliency, and aligning land use, infrastructure, and workforce. Key recommendations include establishing a Business Retention & Expansion program, leveraging the Community Improvement Corporation for public-private partnerships, implementing a business attraction strategy, redeveloping the former power plant site, integrating environmental sustainability, and completing a comprehensive infrastructure plan. The plan is committed to building a resilient and prosperous future for its residents, businesses, and future generations through smart growth, sustainability, and innovation.

The organizational meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Council At-Large members. Key actions involved the nomination and selection of the Council President and President Pro Tempore for the 2026/2027 term. The Council approved the 2026 Council Meeting Schedule and confirmed appointments to various Council Committees, including Building and Utilities, Economic Development, Environmental, Finance, Human Resources, Public Safety and Health, Public Service, and the Walker Road Ad Hoc committee. Additionally, appointments and confirmations were made for the Clerk of Council, representatives to the Avon Lake Historical Preservation Commission, members of the Communications and Technology Commission, members of the Community Improvement Corporation, members of the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council, members of the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board, the Council Representative to the Parks and Recreation Commission, members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Council Representative to the Planning Commission, members of the City Records Commission, and members of the Tree Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

The primary legislative action of the special meeting was the emergency purchase of road salt. Resolution No. 26-10 was passed after a suspension of the three-reading rule. This legislation authorizes the Finance Director and Public Works Director to purchase road salt not to exceed $108,500 from National Salt Distributors, Inc., due to a supply shortage from the contracted supplier, Cargill. The City is authorized under contract terms to seek reimbursement from Cargill for this alternative procurement cost.

The Council meeting included public input where allegations were raised concerning the timely posting of the agenda online, which the Clerk of Council addressed by confirming the posting time with the website provider. A terminated Fire Chief's situation was also discussed, with assurances that due process via the Civil Service Commission would be followed. Key legislative items involved the second reading of a resolution to place a 0.40% income tax increase on the May 5, 2026, ballot to fund infrastructure projects, with detailed financial projections presented regarding roadwork, stormwater, vehicles, and equipment, and the potential termination of the existing 1.5-mill property tax if the increase passes. Three pieces of legislation—authorizing the disposal of surplus City property, participation in cooperative purchasing programs, and the purchase and lease assignment for 33424 Lake Road for the water plant expansion—were read and passed on the first reading with an emergency suspension of rules. Committee reports indicated upcoming meetings and discussions regarding street replacements, construction traffic concerns, and objection to proposed power outage extensions.

Key discussions included resident communications regarding the presence of coyotes and road conditions/salt usage. Public input focused heavily on a proposed income tax increase, with one resident questioning revenue projections and fund balances based on the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report, and another expressing opposition to the tax increase, citing concerns over consultant payments and proposed development types. Council President Smith announced the next Finance Committee meeting date. Committee reports covered upcoming meetings for Human Resources, Public Safety and Health (which anticipates requesting a rule suspension for a fireworks contract ordinance), Public Service, Zoning Board of Appeals, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Tree Commission. Legislation included the second reading and passage of a resolution to place a temporary 0.40% income tax increase on the May 5, 2026, ballot, earmarked for street maintenance/improvements and storm sewer/drainage construction, with conditions regarding a project prioritization plan. First readings were held for an ordinance renaming the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board and an ordinance authorizing a statutory audit services agreement with Zupka & Associates. An ordinance awarding the contract for the 2026 Fourth of July Fireworks was passed. Finally, legislation was introduced authorizing a multi-jurisdictional agreement for the Eastern Lorain County Emergency Response Team (ELCERT).