[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6371501,"mediaKeyId","2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab","parentId",2149648,"title","Lorain council splits over Zoning Board appointment after legal questions; mayor to proceed on Planning Commission seat","audioSeconds",339,"startMs",195000,"endMs",534000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab&start=195&end=534","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab/thumbnail_195000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6371501/Ohio/Lorain-council-splits-over-Zoning-Board-appointment-after-legal-questions-mayor-to-proceed-on-Planning-Commission-seat","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371501-6a3d9660903fb61270bf37f41316c446/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170265&Signature=C3LHomh3~id9~~Zu2ujZUIIM5Xtr~yTGRorqey7t-2~hjn1PHxtdGs1cgYNzux9k09wxUst8WiTxmMaHb1yiPktb69d9d3ujcc4vRCrwgTZj9udvQoq93OveXNKfsnSCfzGWsSgZKCRPlKHJc7MKfPLACNX8Vn8l5STC6HOR0cxwDY3uFOjKVXUAnY~3wywXfzlL85QGyxkAhbLqXOasiI5F-vM9OdIifhoa1MoVFQwoODgUSNKkSkgFynTZTxR9guK8UKRZCmOOASbLjMd~nf7CF185xGSS2yUNhZ6YL5OieqzYDgwJS4gDTYRLd7Egf-r05MF56laxTUU-tydFXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lorain OH","date","2025-01-21T00:00:00Z","article","Mayor Barry Bradley asked Lorain City Council to approve Rebecca Jones' appointment to the Fair Housing Board and to appoint Brandon Wysocki to both the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals through March 8, 2026.

Council members raised concerns about Wysocki's pending court matter and whether his appointment to the zoning board would create an appearance problem. Councilmember Wingauski asked that the zoning-board appointment be held until the court matter is resolved; Councilmember Kimpton and others argued council should not bar an appointment for someone not convicted of a crime.

Law Director Riley told the council, \"For purposes of the planning commission, the mayor does not need the advice and consent or concurrence of council.\" He advised separating the two actions because council’s advice-and-consent role applies to the Board of Zoning Appeals but not to the Planning Commission.

Following that guidance, Councilmember Thornsberry moved to split the item into two votes; the motion carried with eight affirmative votes and one abstention. The council then voted to \"receive and file\" the Planning Commission appointment (reflecting that council has no approval role); that motion carried with one abstention. Council debated calling the question on the zoning-board appointment; a motion to do so was defeated 5–3 with one abstention. No recorded vote approving the zoning-board appointment appears in the transcript.

Mayor Bradley said he had confirmed with the law department that he does not need council approval to appoint to the Planning Commission and noted he may remove any zoning-board member \"with or without cause.\" He also said a judge had suppressed evidence in the Wysocki matter and that the case might be resolved before the appointment term ends.

The council approved Rebecca Jones to the Fair Housing Board by unanimous vote earlier in the meeting; the transcript records her appointment as carried unanimously.

Council members who spoke on the appointment issue included Councilmember Judith Carter, Councilmember Henley and Councilmember Kimpton; Law Director Riley and Mayor Bradley provided legal and administrative context.

No final, recorded council approval of Wysocki for the Board of Zoning Appeals appears in the transcript. The mayor indicated he intended to proceed with the Planning Commission appointment (which does not require council consent) and said he retains the authority to remove a zoning-board appointee if circumstances change.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lorain OH, City Council Regular Meeting 01/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Barry Bradley asked Lorain City Council to approve the mayoral appointment of Brandon Wysocki to both the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals, prompting debate about a pending court matter; the council separated the two actions after legal advice and took no final vote on the zoning-board seat.","taxTitle","Lorain City Council, Lorain, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",76365,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371483,"Votes at a glance: Lorain council passes resolutions, moves several ordinances to second reading",548,2424000,2972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab&start=2424&end=2972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab/thumbnail_2424000.jpg","/articles/6371483/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Lorain-council-passes-resolutions-moves-several-ordinances-to-second-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371483-82e718ae2986aa2ab4bea56bef80c9b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170265&Signature=dKeTHgpfrdFOkY5fc1cA1exugIZggW0svF2I7gJQvAHSg~VpnnZwCb6wS-NA-uvQvemZRowdIhacephFn68~EeMOKeD-1W-P56hhv-lPzi6Xv1PC~GNmE87asZNAlSd80hcYb8pYRtBSOLVAqbYCECCiEIqEr1VAl2rKn-~fKxpVoZiyXUxdPoaZr0jI~dJDJrASXOnAwZcpAv3OQ46BcjuUM03YFJQAVMRWuc7xyvOHS2KMefgx-sbt2ryfRejUJ32Tu2GMP3ihH~J7uRB3rlpnawMV0~ntDqkWurVTdLo1g0lT0u76weemQY~7pkLeiFrMzUNstBpp4-jk4gJw4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lorain City Council recorded a series of legislative actions during the meeting. Key votes and procedural outcomes are summarized below.

- Resolution honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: introduced by Councilmember Duvall; suspension of rules and approval carried; resolution passed unanimously.

- Resolution authorizing sale of municipally owned personal property via Internet auction: introduced by Councilmember Nutt; suspension of rules and approval carried; resolution passed unanimously.

- Resolution supporting the Ohio Commission’s America250 initiative (declaring emergency): introduced by Councilmember Springowski to meet a filing deadline; roll suspended and resolution passed unanimously.

- Ordinance authorizing contract with Agriculture LLC (urban agriculture) not to exceed $80,000: introduced by Councilmember Nutt. The council did not suspend third reading (one dissent) and the item was scheduled for second reading.

- Ordinance supporting Ohio Municipal League challenge to AT&T tariff application at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio: introduced by Councilmember Dimaccia; council passed the ordinance unanimously after discussion (AT&T had since withdrawn the application but the ordinance was passed to guard against future action).

- Ordinance repealing local tobacco retail restrictions (Chapter 780 / Ordinance 233-23) because of state preemption: introduced by Councilmember Thornsberry; council suspended rules and voted to repeal the local ordinance unanimously.

- Ordinance to purchase sodium chloride through ODOT winter contract (contract 18-25): suspension and passage carried unanimously.

- Ordinance revising vacant commercial-building registration (new chapter 1515): referred to Buildings and Lands subcommittee for further review.

- Multiple public-works and bidding ordinances (Long Brook–Yorktown road rehabilitation; various sidewalks improvement; Colorado Avenue traffic-signal improvements): all were moved to second reading at the auditor’s request and will return for a formal vote after audit review.

- Ordinance assessing costs for abating nuisance litter and garbage (annual assessment): motion to suspend rules and passage carried unanimously.

- Ordinance authorizing engagement of outside counsel for PFAS matters: passed unanimously (see separate article on PFAS legal action).

- Legislation to remove special assessments from specific properties: council withdrew one item after law department advice that council lacked authority to remove certain assessments.

The meeting record shows routine committee reports and several committee calls for upcoming budget and zoning review meetings.

(For each listed item, the city clerk’s minutes contain the formal ordinance or resolution number and the official vote tally. This summary reflects actions recorded in the public transcript: suspensions, unanimous passages, referrals to committee, and items moved to second reading.)","Lorain City Council passed multiple resolutions unanimously and took procedural action to move several ordinances to second reading or committee, including votes on MLK recognition, America250 support and a municipal challenge to an AT&T tariff filing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371488,"Lorain approves legal retainer for PFAS-related claims; mayor signals possible lead-plaintiff role to aid firefighters",403,3499000,3902000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab&start=3499&end=3902","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab/thumbnail_3499000.jpg","/articles/6371488/Ohio/Lorain-approves-legal-retainer-for-PFAS-related-claims-mayor-signals-possible-lead-plaintiff-role-to-aid-firefighters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371488-bfe56fb633cc506dda4b6267c6c467d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170265&Signature=iR0vyUBlaLiEYnI857zP-8AnBCgzNE1DcMn8jpA-i9ZA3ZlFcuvqJNujW5H~XRWaflSy2oL3rM-WZ9LoL4H7BasIkj4t5y6hdJP6uhb4NrJ6dn1p8ZpQxTQWL3Gtd9wqYaKRfcd2IFRF6WPJGKexKBQmMpfGqPIPf~2o5W7iDaOqaXxPEfThPTKhc8wlBClUZBOrwQtG7YTLzfgmPihqbnSIlaVPFz5KxcVtgAqG8lp4iN4i8k9VFyv0J1X9RFoV9EH9dLotqeDZsMUO-jhN6Lo6hJ14ruI2HE6JrhVhm2j6cG8-~V1DA9csUG28xRrH18bT44nJplNJkfFj7DJOpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council unanimously passed an ordinance authorizing the safety service director to enter into professional services agreements with several law firms to pursue claims related to PFAS contamination that affected fire departments and gear.

Law Director Riley told council there is no immediate cost exposure to the city for engaging the firms and described the mix of possible remedies, including economic recoveries and noneconomic fixes (for example, replacing buildings or gear). Riley said contingency-fee arrangements would be structured so fees would be paid from recoveries, not from city cash on hand.

Mayor Barry Bradley described outreach to national firefighter litigation counsel and said the city is considering participation as a lead plaintiff in related litigation because that role can yield a larger recovery for the municipality and for replacement of contaminated protective gear. Bradley estimated replacing contaminated gear could cost approximately $12,000 per firefighter and said the city wants manufacturers to bear replacement costs.

The ordinance names multiple firms for potential engagement, including (as read into the record) Maguire, LLP; Law Office of Kevin Madonna, PLLC; Douglas & London, P.C.; SL Environmental Law Group, P.C.; Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; and Levin Papantonio Proctor Buchanan O'Brien Barr & Mogle, P.A. The council vote to authorize the retainer passed unanimously.","Council unanimously passed an ordinance authorizing the city to retain multiple law firms to pursue claims tied to PFAS contamination from firefighting foam and gear. Law Director Riley and Mayor Barry Bradley described legal strategy and potential financial implications, including the cost to replace contaminated firefighter gear.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371493,"Council asks administration to clarify Republic Services rules after member concerns about mattress wrapping and Freon removal",92,1746000,1838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab&start=1746&end=1838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab/thumbnail_1746000.jpg","/articles/6371493/Ohio/Council-asks-administration-to-clarify-Republic-Services-rules-after-member-concerns-about-mattress-wrapping-and-Freon-removal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371493-3aae6f27719e71d135d1244467888169/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170265&Signature=ACPU~RrSu5ekx3wjCoaGMwDkBI64jRN1ErdY8UyZ5eHPCVBWXv4iujZ45Lc7755hU2letGket8-aiKIcWqXsYii5PdMM5GdXLcnCyEqx1KsnE5T085N~p8sjAraBP3OlMpIQUtlqRon5KFscI~-9r-GZ6~qA2OLNeI4kIn9OQBylUIUgHe2X-OSKlKfCyoDfCw9n3juKOi6yAJ1P7z1jYmUfx-1XpAgZqRP3B2OdKkkDOdNy5gD9EMcjgceGLCJg8ZrhacvN8WfzlDSA39B7QW0ddcdyAjlulZ1Fj8hmmkPunjtiuRZtprgzr5A89LIpBOPjTCOw1bn-3ohjo-XnYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council discussed correspondence from Republic Services and concerns about changes or perceived changes to pickup rules for 2025–2026.

Councilmembers said residents reported new instructions stating that residents must remove Freon from appliances and wrap mattresses and upholstered furniture before curbside pickup. Councilmember Duvall and others said the city’s contract with Republic appears to allow the contractor to remove Freon and to accept large-item pickups if the landlord requests and pays for them; council asked staff to confirm and to ensure public guidance matches contract terms.

Council and staff described the existing operational practice: if large piles or hazardous items sit in the public right-of-way, city crews or the building department may tag and remove them to prevent hazards; the city then bills property owners. Council members emphasized driver safety and noted drivers often refuse unwrapped mattresses because of bed-bug or handling concerns. Councilmember Springowski said drivers avoid taking unwrapped upholstered furniture for fear of bringing infestations home.

Safety-service staff said they would review Republic’s notice and the contract, confirm who must remove Freon and whether wrapping requirements in the mailed notice align with the contract, and report back. No formal change to policy or ordinance was recorded; council directed staff to clarify and follow up.","Council discussed notices from Republic Services about mattress wrapping, furniture wrapping and Freon removal. City staff said they will review the contract with Republic to confirm whether residents or the contractor are responsible for Freon removal and whether landlords must pay for large curbside collections.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371498,"FirstEnergy staff walks Lorain council and residents through online streetlight reporting and response",459,1247000,1706000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab&start=1247&end=1706","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149648-d87ca012eb93000b08d03ae60b33feab/thumbnail_1247000.jpg","/articles/6371498/Ohio/FirstEnergy-staff-walks-Lorain-council-and-residents-through-online-streetlight-reporting-and-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371498-f40869fc48a29c36393758ad2c26c028/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170265&Signature=aWbp4w7LuoNsW4vuslH-AEkHvpWZOx2f7MB2Vay5FocBm5W~kjYz2~eq-NGaBqwiLCtaTZ8hDCTJX0dhckBSe87-tAWTFtqy6IUlnSiKyaOYI40h9UrQsq7yv6Cct3EMxZ~32sWUKfOJeuQtHt8XNiRiXVZqkq-mbkqWd7XDQWxW1Ac082bMZrozovhcxsP6WrKCay4PejwskRmLC~ROzvXFNtwpfALc2ncd8NA-hQFpNh9Mt2pk3GSce5v4IekFXQadoK~w5WxCmvoRItBl4gX13wcnkw-PcGI-6N83ZtEnXRab77C-6CTCOpToAe3JR~jwHzzo9cmtz3OV3V64Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council granted FirstEnergy representative Nick Casares extended time to brief members and residents on reporting streetlight outages and service requests.

Casares told the council the \"best way\" to report outages is through FirstEnergy's website or the mobile interface and walked the council through the steps, including selecting \"report a streetlight\" and choosing \"multiple\" when more than one light is out so crews address every outage on a ticket. He emphasized the importance of the work request ticket number and asked residents to share it with him if repairs did not occur within a week.

Council members and residents raised technical and usability concerns. Councilmember Henley and others described trouble identifying lights that lack addresses; one councilmember suggested a map or GPS picker similar to the city's SeeClickFix app. Casares said the system is under continuous improvement and that the company recently updated storm-response mapping; he said he would share the suggestion with his team.

Mayor Barry Bradley and Chief of Staff Kerian said they will post a short video or hyperlink to the city's \"Ask Lorain\" portal so residents can find instructions quickly. Casares confirmed a hyperlink that goes directly to the streetlight-reporting page is available and said he would provide a short video to the city for repeat questions.

Members of the public also raised related concerns: resident Dennis Flores asked about LED conversions and noise from a light outside his house. Casares and council members suggested reporting those locations through the same system and noted the city link as a shortcut.

Council moved by motion to allow Casares additional time for his presentation; that motion carried unanimously.","A FirstEnergy representative demonstrated the company's web-based streetlight-reporting tools, answered council questions about ticketing and multiple-outage reporting, and agreed to consider improvements such as map/GPS selection; council granted extended time for the presentation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lorain council splits over Zoning Board appointment after legal questions; mayor to proceed on Planning Commission seat

Votes at a glance: Lorain council passes resolutions, moves several ordinances to second reading

Lorain approves legal retainer for PFAS-related claims; mayor signals possible lead-plaintiff role to aid firefighters

Council asks administration to clarify Republic Services rules after member concerns about mattress wrapping and Freon removal

FirstEnergy staff walks Lorain council and residents through online streetlight reporting and response