Robert Gillespie

The committee meeting included recognition for the Bay High School Girls Soccer Team for capturing the State High School Girl Soccer Championship for the second consecutive year. Key discussions centered on the Dwyer Center Building Assessment Report presented by Sixmo Architects, which detailed significant structural, mechanical, and functional deficiencies, suggesting replacement over renovation for future senior center and recreation department needs. The committee reviewed the Bay Village School Travel Plan update, focusing on Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements like crosswalk enhancements, traffic calming, and pedestrian bridge repair. Financial matters included discussing an amendment to the fireworks contract date, expressing opposition to First Energy's request for longer power restoration times, authorizing the sale of used equipment, approving an amended appropriation ordinance, and acknowledging the December 2025 financial reports. Other items covered included approval of change orders for the Lake-Douglas Watermain and Sewer Improvements Project, advertising for bids for the Bruce, Russell, Douglas Watermain and Road Improvement Project, renewing agreements with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, renewing the Ecological Composting Facility Agreement with the City of Westlake, reviewing temporary sign requests for St. Raphael Catholic Church, and noting the cancellation of a D2 Liquor Permit application for Bay Provisions LLC.

The meeting addressed several announcements, including a change in the First Energy Corporation representative and county road maintenance partnerships for striping and crack sealing. Financial reports indicated an increase in total investments due to fire station note proceeds and stable municipal income tax collection. Police Chief Gillespie reported the suspension of the deer culling program for the season, with donated meat going to the Second Harvest Food Bank. The Service Department concluded the final leaf collection, and plans were set for sewer dye testing. The Community Services Director reported on new senior classes like Boom Muscle and Euchre. Building Department activities included sending out sanitary sewer violation notices. The Council took action on numerous ordinances and resolutions as emergencies, including the adoption of an ordinance for the 2026 July 4th Fireworks Display, a resolution opposing First Energy's request for longer restoration times, a resolution for a Community Recycling Awareness-Grant Application, and resolutions concerning the sale of obsolete personal property and participation in Cooperative Purchasing Programs. Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2026 were amended, and a resolution authorized execution of a Then and Now Certificate. Committee business also involved approving various signs for St. Raphael's Catholic Church and addressing the Lake Road/Douglas Drive Sewer Improvement Project change order. Resolutions were also passed to renew Memorandums of Understanding with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District and to renew an Ecological Composting Facility Agreement with the City of Westlake.

The organizational meeting focused on formalizing the new council's structure and key administrative appointments. Discussions included the confirmation of the Clerk of Council, Joan Kemper, and the appointment of Lydia DeGeorge as Vice President of Council. Furthermore, appointments made by the President of Council to various Council Committees (Environment/Safety/Community Services, Finance and Claims, Planning, Zoning, Public Buildings and Grounds, Public Improvements, Streets/Sewers/Drainage, Recreation and Park Improvements, and Services, Utilities and Equipment) were confirmed. The meeting concluded with the confirmation of Mayor Koomar's appointments for various Director roles, including Director of Law, Director of Finance, Director of Public Service and Properties, Director of Parks and Recreation, Director of Community Services, Director of Human Resources and I.T. Operations, and Director of Building.

The Council meeting addressed committee reports and legislative actions. Finance Director Milton noted the closing of the December 2025 books and preparation for the 2026 fiscal year. Police Chief Gillespie reported on the ongoing deer culling process and the availability of spots in the Community Academy. Director Costello detailed the ongoing leaf collection schedule and reminded residents to prepare Christmas trees for collection. Community Services Director Messeri announced that senior transportation would be free starting in 2026; data indicated a significant increase in Dwyer Center activity and membership for 2025, with new senior classes planned. Fire Chief Lyons reported on the commencement of the fire station renovation project, beginning with utility relocation. Recreation Director Enovitch announced the start of the basketball season. Legislative actions included the emergency adoption of several ordinances: Ordinance 26-01 authorizing the fireworks display agreement, Ordinance 26-02 for participation in the Heritage Home Loan Program, Ordinance 26-03 controlling illicit discharge into storm sewers, and Ordinance 26-04 authorizing additional funds for the Longbeach Force Main Improvement Project. The Council confirmed the reappointment of Thomas Wynne to the Civil Service Commission and Julia Mosier to the Recreation Commission. The Clerk of Council was authorized to attend Sunshine Training events on behalf of requesting Council members. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session regarding personnel matters.

The primary discussion focused on a revised application concerning 433 Bradley, where the applicant requested a variance to section 1163.05 (j1). The request pertains to changing the materials for a Temporary Wildlife Fence from vinyl/plastic mesh to steel post and steel cable for the removable upper portion, while the lower portion remains permanent and compliant. This revised submission followed a previous tabling of the request which originally sought a variance to leave a Temporary Wildlife fence in place year-round.