[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6634914,"mediaKeyId","2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8","parentId",2653678,"title","Council discusses communications staffing and audio-video upgrades after streaming problems","audioSeconds",178,"startMs",3090000,"endMs",3268000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8&start=3090&end=3268","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8/thumbnail_3090000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6634914/Ohio/Council-discusses-communications-staffing-and-audio-video-upgrades-after-streaming-problems","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634914-93e0e3729048af4f8753e1d3cdf58eb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155234&Signature=kBs~tPhdOJN~QkHqCF1cQhC9eVCceqY4b0SFk6rx6-eZng09jYFXVR85sY82o2jzzG~KWONAFCvtTqgkhFsOc9k9ZHsDMyqvzaW0exPLmp-OWEWK~BnAIvC5akS-QXo63RQOB~wqV5SiMmEtc-uCvbURx2Q-beLJCJOCucyRryCQ6mO~Rqja93KTKMmdrQS1~IlE9QM0~HYMT2ja5Tt0yRAjdxaLKHvHPh-BGui7x-AXGf2aHFV83FyuSaFWe7J-PC3EWqOYyBZVvYNDl6G3749ikwQao5XR3VEpFCThvHLI2PHyQZtmHvnmWdPahS~3aX~K1g0RfFi2pp0PMKFGWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Pepper Pike OH","date","2025-03-12T20:46:04.77Z","article","Pepper Pike City Council members on March 11 discussed the communications committee’s recommendation to consider hiring communications support and upgrading the city’s audio-video systems after technical problems limited streaming and visibility for remote viewers.

Committee background: Committee members said the city needs a coordinated communications approach — including social media, website management, agenda software, and improved meeting streaming — and recommended exploring a part-time or combined-role communications hire or contracting part-time technical support.

Technical problems and proposed solutions: Council and staff described streaming and audio issues at recent public events, including the town hall, and noted the city currently uses a single, automatic mixer and one camera. Committee members recommended vendor demonstrations of newer camera systems (including automatically tracking cameras) and agenda-management software that can attach documentation and video to agenda items.

Staffing options and procurement: Several councilmembers suggested multiple approaches, from adding a part-time communications person who might also serve another city function to contracting technical support for a limited number of hours per month. Members discussed the potential for outsourcing meeting-technical services and for bringing sample equipment vendors in for demonstrations before deciding on interim or capital upgrades.

Follow-up: Council asked staff to research vendors and staffing options, explore demonstrations of camera and agenda systems, and return with potential scopes and cost estimates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 11, 2025 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The communications committee recommended exploring a communications staff role or part-time/contracted support and audiovisual upgrades after problems streaming the meeting; council asked staff to obtain vendor demonstrations and consider interim and longer-term solutions.","taxTitle","Pepper Pike City Council, Pepper Pike, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",72342,"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},6634918,"Council sparred over charter-posting language; law director flagged council draft as advocacy",2522,4253000,6775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8&start=4253&end=6775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8/thumbnail_4253000.jpg","/articles/6634918/Ohio/Council-sparred-over-charter-posting-language-law-director-flagged-council-draft-as-advocacy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634918-ee5e665276b96d715344451161140d39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155234&Signature=XoRdml7HCF9gpLxbG-WmE85RwIbfYA4XHKMoFCgtdasdIleD0ahnP7wdBLoqm852wMu4uECIbOznTmPhnMhSwYKpoyRcMJMgBpQ8oLei7LHVntVa79kySRZFFNfXfaKH2ypnmsdcUrUI1~Br0vCvapXvbDlMELzyvS-82SxLkVw6V2y5pjmLOv~YnK-ZbUS02rUQCLYKkqzDqWv--qticbmP-jqrLqoF66gE7j5Hu5WKXB-kbLTOLuHVWRdi-WPqx2s8~YcOKq5gnYksjSC028jF9UdFZneTsYYtC4RuJRnOwXCOKEYMigLJDWaVpcWdhQ65CPRNyZ0GCc3xSgAhiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A contentious discussion over how the city should communicate the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations dominated Pepper Pike City Council’s March 11 meeting, with council members and the mayor debating whether website postings were informational or advocacy.

Background and immediate issue: The mayor had posted an informational letter about the proposed charter revisions on the city website earlier; council members drafted a different message they asked be posted as well. During the March 11 meeting the law director said the council draft read as an advocacy piece rather than a neutral informational message. Councilmembers disagreed about whether language in either posting constituted advocacy and whether the mayor consulted council before posting.

What happened in the meeting: The law director advised that the council draft made policy arguments and should not be posted as a neutral city communication. Councilmember Jim LeMay said he reworked the draft to be factual and invited the mayor to collaborate; the mayor said he would meet with LeMay privately to try to resolve differences. Members also discussed the process used by the Charter Review Commission, whether council members and the mayor engaged with commission members while the commission drafted its report, and the appropriate role for council liaisons.

Town hall and public reaction: Councilmembers said an informational town hall earlier had drawn about 90 attendees; several residents in public comment urged more prominent placement of the Charter Commission report on the website and asked for balanced information so voters can make an informed choice. Residents also raised concerns about a political-action committee formed by two commission members; council said it would review public-record questions separately.

Next steps: Councilmembers agreed to meet offline — the mayor and council asked to work together to produce a version acceptable to the law director and to post a neutral, factual FAQ or informational summary. No formal vote occurred. Several council members urged a calm, substantive debate focused on the charter’s policy changes (for example, whether to create a council president position or how removal would work) rather than ad hominem or personal accusations.","A lengthy exchange about a mayor-posted informational letter and a proposed council response dominated the March 11 meeting; the city's law director described the council draft as advocacy, and members agreed to meet offline to revise language.",{"_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},6634923,"Council reopens park-plan discussion; members ask MKSK to consider adjacent parcel and ADA access",468,1339000,1807000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8&start=1339&end=1807","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8/thumbnail_1339000.jpg","/articles/6634923/Ohio/Council-reopens-park-plan-discussion-members-ask-MKSK-to-consider-adjacent-parcel-and-ADA-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634923-48fed40062f8071357118e07a10d305f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155234&Signature=VKMwNSgNtfYf3CTp91Aqsu4ziGkOlQUX4SZ4iqYKfUnhQvoRx-9skuP5tkdf1BDc~JDA8fv4OQvigmeQIqDTbSuwf7VnKUAV1fKUWyuzg0wemTfy9aUHF3GCvNuUGUpFghd9VS22hsnoPTiVrEZH-4CMvXemzK7ApCVsAYOcT2vnwXcmFb17NCUCY6W5Fb-p25MUgHJ-Fy1kD0-imenPi4aUFligo6OzrdSHEZ1vTPB1ESIVQ4cVBIpyMw2d3dYdgxSGQQPshdO5QYsE5TqmrcTFQNflJtNFRQzyn8WM4ud6wkxaUJ3WLtpJclGr92ZApky0g1vHpt7M8CtRnvREug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pepper Pike City Council on March 11 continued its discussion of an MKSK park-plan proposal for Pepper Pike Park and asked staff to ask the consultant to consider an adjacent parcel and how future City Hall improvements might interact with park design.

Why it matters: Council members said the park work offers an opportunity to develop a cohesive campus plan — including options for an annex or a separate council chambers/community center on the neighboring lot — and stressed that accessibility upgrades for City Hall (ADA improvements) should be part of the overall picture.

What council discussed: Several councilmembers said they liked the existing playground and pavilion and did not want to remove them in the short term. Suggestions included leaving the playground intact while planning conceptual alternatives for the rest of the park, and testing three conceptual options for multiple parcels rather than immediate, expensive community engagement. One councilmember said the cost estimate MKSK provided for a full engagement was $46,000; another recalled a prior, smaller estimate near $10,000 for a more focused scope.

Next steps and requests to staff: Council asked staff to contact MKSK to request limited-scope conceptual sketches that would consider city-hall renovations, ADA access improvements, and uses for the neighboring parcel (including the possibility of a one-story community center/council chamber). Members recommended asking multiple architects for conceptual proposals or issuing a targeted request for qualifications to gather a range of ideas. A smaller council/staff focus group was proposed to coordinate next steps and to discuss scope and budget before committing to a more robust engagement or community process.

Community input and timing: Council members discussed staged engagement: a low-cost preliminary concept phase (to generate ideas for the campus and the adjacent parcel) followed by a broader community-engagement phase if council chooses to proceed. A suggestion-box concept for playground-user input was raised as an immediate, low-cost way to collect resident priorities while the broader planning conversation continues.

Context: Members emphasized that a comprehensive, multi-parcel “campus” evaluation could avoid duplicative spending and make City Hall accessibility improvements that complement park design. No formal council action was taken; council directed staff to pursue consultant feedback on scope and to return with options.","Council debated an MKSK park-plan proposal and whether to expand its scope to include the adjacent parcel and options for a new council chambers/community center; members also pressed for ADA improvements at City Hall and recommended limited, lower-cost concept work before full engagement.",{"_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},6634927,"Pepper Pike Council OKs plan preparation for 2025 road-maintenance work; vote unanimous",875,437000,1312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8&start=437&end=1312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653678-ed9184e4fc54c09eb63d27bbfb19daf8/thumbnail_437000.jpg","/articles/6634927/Ohio/Pepper-Pike-Council-OKs-plan-preparation-for-2025-road-maintenance-work-vote-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634927-f9bd07f1ab6a978612e6043211f8f3c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155234&Signature=Khv2uWlBwVR2C~Ido~D6exnvM-l-zNxgk8rexrqBZ9gEuEu29q7KepfZ3UVg-3tlcXbjLvj47m4l8lNu1Rno8TEuvnLcHB1yINmHNFcAjhTOs5w6I8wbdWlR64U7otgYs0UYSY6eWG4fAobgS-2JcsE2WalOcz5GKrIWLYmvN7QuW3jcCuvrrDCHxMKP1ggeeRrtKSGgTJAdosBOCiw7yXsxcj~GAZHn~FzdQY4Ew9LyAITYEOxfDXXB~3eABCjZjb0XQTKWPsPxkO3mEBuAr0BAvKviN-bXU7yUqNO7~HVNt9nUHrYPxFAlmR~A~IiV8osNiII2GMTxiv3YK5fVUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pepper Pike City Council on March 11 authorized the city engineer to prepare plans, specifications and bid documents for the 2025 asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance program, and approved the request by unanimous roll call.

Councilmembers said much of the work is already under contract or has been bid; the new authorization covers remaining streets the administration proposes to include for bidding this season. Don Gentile, the city engineer, told council the remaining scope includes Fairmount Boulevard from Brainerd to Som and a short street, Lewis Drive, plus miscellaneous point repairs and concrete slab fixes. Gentile said some projects are incorporated with sanitary-sewer contracts and others were bid out last fall.

Why it matters: Council members emphasized that early bidding can improve competition and pricing because contractor schedules fill up later in the year. The motion approved only design and bid preparation; it did not authorize construction spending or contract awards.

Key details and schedule: Gentile said crews and staff have not finished a full winter assessment because streets were still thawing, but that unit-price contracts will let the city assign specific repairs once a contractor is selected. He estimated Fairmount work at about $1.6 million (roughly $900,000 on one side and $700,000 on the other) and Lewis Drive at about $150,000, putting a preliminary total in the $1.7–1.75 million range. He also said contractors have been aggressive on pricing recently, and earlier components of the program (including work on Gates Mill Boulevard and a two-way sanitary sewer/paving package) have been budgeted and some reimbursed by the county.

Council process and next steps: Members asked that an infrastructure-committee meeting be scheduled sooner than planned so committee members can review the proposed new parts before finalizing plans; one councilmember offered to move that meeting to April. Gentile said preparing plans and specs will still take several weeks and that, if council prefers, he can take the authorization now and wait until the next council meeting to advertise for bids. Council directed staff to proceed with design and bid preparation only, with no construction spending until further council action.

Vote at a glance: Council moved to authorize the city engineer to prepare plans, specifications and bid documents for the 2025 asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance program; the motion specified design/bid work only and not construction spending. The motion passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

Public interface and related projects: Scott Newell presented photos/video of candidate streets to aid council review. Council members also discussed a separate Shaker Boulevard walkway project: staff said the survey and field work had begun and that plans will be ready in about a month with bidding expected in May or June and construction in summer.

Context: Council members noted the recent freeze–thaw winter likely increased the number of point repairs needed this season. Several members urged prompt design work to take advantage of current market competitiveness among contractors.","Council authorized the city engineer to prepare plans, specs and bid documents for a 2025 asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance program, covering Fairmount Boulevard, Lewis Drive and miscellaneous point repairs; the motion prohibits spending and was approved by roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council discusses communications staffing and audio-video upgrades after streaming problems

Council sparred over charter-posting language; law director flagged council draft as advocacy

Council reopens park-plan discussion; members ask MKSK to consider adjacent parcel and ADA access

Pepper Pike Council OKs plan preparation for 2025 road-maintenance work; vote unanimous