Jamey Fisher

The meeting commenced with the suspension of Council Rules to present a Mayoral Proclamation to retired Police Sergeant Michael Valenti. Key departmental reports included updates on the new fire truck delivery schedule, traffic detail on Hobart Road, and the status of the Willoughby dispatch contract. Public Works reported on the upcoming Road Program start, the use of new asphalt repair material, and coordination with a resident regarding a property on Markell. The City Engineer provided updates on multiple street and sewer extension projects, noting resolutions for change orders related to design costs and authorization for design proposals for the Wisner Wall project. The Finance Director presented financial reports and requested passage of several related ordinances and resolutions. The Law Director recommended a meeting for the Utilities Standing Committee to review a contract related to Chagrin Valley Gig. The Mayor recommended tabling ordinances concerning short-term rentals and discussed ongoing downtown development discussions. During public comments, concerns were raised regarding excavation and shoring at a neighboring property on Tibbetts Road, and the condition of neighborhood streets, with assurances given that repair work is scheduled for the fall. Old Business focused on tabling the short-term rental ordinances, 25-O-44 and 25-O-46, until October 6, 2025. New Business saw the adoption of resolutions related to retaining engineering services for the Wisner wall design, authorizing a change order for the Route 306 to 6 Sewer Expansion Project (which initially failed to waive readings), purchasing a new Loader Backhoe, accepting tax levies, amending the 2025 Appropriation Ordinance, authorizing fund transfers, purchasing a chassis dump body, and authorizing the city to 'Opt-In' to the National Opioid Settlements.

The meeting proceedings commenced with an invocation followed by a roll call. A primary action involved suspending council rules to move resolution 26-R15 to the front of the agenda for a vote. This resolution confirmed the mayor's appointment of Jamie Fiser as Chief of Police, established a wage and fee agreement, and declared an emergency to adopt the resolution immediately. The former Lieutenant Fischer was sworn in as Chief. Subsequently, Sergeant Eric Lerner was recognized for his service and sworn in as Executive Officer. Department reports covered updates on firetruck chassis pictures, preliminary ambulance drawings, road bid openings (Kirtland Shardan Road), and progress on the State Route 306 sewer project and the 10899 Tibbitz site plans. The Public Works report provided statistics on snow events and salt usage for the season. The council also discussed approving minutes from prior meetings and addressed a query regarding the selection of three proposed culverts.

The meeting began with the Pledge to the Flag and an invocation. Key discussions involved reviewing and modifying the minutes of previous meetings, specifically addressing content related to standing committees and council meetings from February 2nd, 2026. Department reports covered departmental activities, including a request from the Lieutenant to schedule a Safety Committee meeting to discuss amendments to civil service rules and city ordinances, with a preference for meeting before the Strawberry Festival. The service director reported on road conditions, emphasizing crack sealing needs due to winter weather, and noted ongoing work addressing a frozen sanitary line. Capital needs were reviewed, including guardrail replacements and cemetery fencing projects, with discussions on funding sources. The Finance Director provided updates on the budget process, audit requests, OMAP filing for debt issuance, and the retirement of a long-serving finance department employee. Council members requested statistics on employee residency trends and discussed grant application processes.

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.