Monica Dornbush

The Council meeting addressed several key administrative actions, including the approval of minutes from the previous regular meeting and executive session held in December 2025. Communications included recommending approval of an ordinance vacating a portion of Morningside Avenue and processing a request for a new liquor permit for Bagley's Grill without objection. A significant portion of the meeting involved public participation where the Friends of the Middleburg Heights Animal Shelter detailed their non-profit formation and support for extraordinary animal medical needs, contrasting with basic city operations. Appointments were made to the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, and the Civil Service Commission. Legislation adopted included an ordinance amending definitions and bicycle regulations primarily to address E-Bikes, resolutions authorizing Memoranda of Understanding for Phase II Stormwater Services with the County Board of Health and for NPDES Storm Water Permit responsibilities with the Soil and Water Conservation District, and a contract for the Abrams Creek Detention Basin 2 Improvement Project to mitigate flooding. Further legislation included supplemental appropriations for current expenditures, including funds for CPR machines and preliminary costs for the former police station demolition. Additionally, a contract with OHM Advisors was approved for consulting and construction administration services for the Central Park project, and a Safety Town Scholarship was awarded. The Law Director requested an executive session to discuss pending litigation and the purchase of real estate, after which an ordinance authorizing a purchase agreement for certain real estate was adopted.

The primary purpose of this meeting was the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected or re-elected officials, including the Mayor, Council President, Councilman At Large, and Council members for Wards 1 through 4. Following the swearing-in, officials expressed appreciation to their families and colleagues and anticipation for the next term. The meeting concluded with no further business.

The council addressed several key issues, including a resolution authorizing contracts with Petroleum Traders Corporation for unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel. They also discussed and adopted a resolution authorizing an agreement with Browning-Ferns Industries of Ohio, Inc. for residential waste collection, disposal, and recyclable materials collection and processing services for five additional one-year terms. Additionally, the council approved an ordinance declaring improvements to certain parcels of real property within the city to be a public purpose and exempt from taxation, related to the Meijer's project. An ordinance was adopted to amend fees for emergency medical response, and another ordinance was approved for the Southland Mixed Use Project Stage 2 PMU Development Plan.

The council discussed supplemental appropriations, employee health coverage, and cybersecurity standards. They also considered a contract extension for senior transportation services, an agreement for prisoner housing with the City of Parma, and stormwater services. Additionally, they discussed a grant application for playground equipment and engaged legal services for economic development matters. The council also approved a contract for the Central Park Phase 1 Project.

The meeting included a proclamation presentation to Polaris Career Center for their 50th anniversary. Discussions covered a traffic issue near the Southland development, landscaping concerns near Honda on Fowles Road, and updates on the Southland Mixed Use Development Project, including a scheduled public hearing. The council also addressed insurance coverage contracts, a new member participation agreement with Chagrin Valley Dispatch Council, amendments to the codified ordinances regarding the composition of the service department, and supplemental appropriations for current expenditures related to the State Brownfield Grant for demolition projects. Reports were given on various committee activities, trick-or-treat schedules, and upcoming events, as well as updates on traffic signal projects, road resurfacing, and sewer work.