The Mentor-on-the-Lake City Council meeting on November 26, 2024, drew a notable crowd of approximately 30 to 35 residents, despite inclement weather conditions. The meeting primarily focused on community engagement and a contentious issue regarding the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program.

During the meeting, residents provided feedback on storyboards related to community development, which will be compiled and presented to the steering committee in January. This engagement reflects a positive trend, as surveys from the community are reportedly coming in steadily.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public comment by resident Jason Morris, who expressed frustration over the denial of his application for CRA benefits related to a garage he constructed. Morris argued that the city’s website contained outdated information regarding the CRA program, which he believed misled applicants. He contended that his garage should qualify for CRA benefits, as it is not a residential dwelling, and criticized the city for not honoring applications made under previous guidelines.

Morris highlighted that the CRA ordinance was amended in December 2023, which he claimed was intended to eliminate benefits for new residential constructions but should not apply to outbuildings like garages. He expressed concern that the current interpretation of the ordinance could unfairly deny residents their rightful benefits and suggested that legal representation might be necessary for those affected.

In response, council members acknowledged the need for clarity in the CRA guidelines. They discussed the intent behind the ordinance changes and agreed that the language should be revised to ensure that additions to existing structures, including unattached garages, are considered for CRA benefits. The council also noted that the final approval of CRA applications involves the Lake County Auditor's office, which has its own criteria for approval.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to review the ordinance and clarify the definitions related to remodeling and new construction, aiming to alleviate confusion and ensure fair treatment for residents seeking CRA benefits. The council's next steps will involve consulting with the law director to explore options for amending the ordinance to better reflect the intended policy.