[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511485,"mediaKeyId","5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011","parentId",5327655,"title","Lakewood council hears experts and residents on charter amendment to enable ranked‑choice voting","audioSeconds",4716,"startMs",1544000,"endMs",6260000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011&start=1544&end=6260","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011/thumbnail_1544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511485/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-council-hears-experts-and-residents-on-charter-amendment-to-enable-rankedchoice-voting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511485-fa406fdf92156da6bf0030020edfe5b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183221&Signature=jc787KntUavouBCmrntc3AKYV~qW~MB-EAc9OA7q25lqqfm-9jf4PFjuULSd3Xc8ncbFjU3idgopacegsCMDWZA1WfVkUFOO-shlykvtvhNHB1XEoWhOfhpuQcGl054VqFW4FBs1Rqh-ygVcasNoNEZ7h-ZeDEKazNDnujHfDxF5XXiokto5Il-vQR3ve2~j4SHwgdI69-wdAvPfUUX7VlppaPiaWga4UoyeEPYWUsEruC9xMBnwfhCHm4vCDNEu48-EWlHBRCKVkFH7xFcXfeiEsfNLgULvu1cWKlmXEliLa1EvJfUxuWANGObDaTJcuwLS0gQEFBskOn8apGvoIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lakewood, Ohio","date","2025-07-07T21:39:42Z","article","Justin Mills, former executive director of Rank the Vote Ohio, told the Committee of the Whole that ranked‑choice voting (RCV) asks voters to rank candidates instead of choosing a single candidate, and that winners must secure a majority rather than a plurality. Mills said, “the idea of ranked choice voting, is instead of just choosing the 1, you rank your choices.”

The Committee of the Whole and members of city council discussed a June recommendation from the Charter Review Commission that would place a charter amendment before Lakewood voters allowing council to adopt ranked‑choice voting for municipal elections. Council members pressed technical, legal and operational questions — including tally transparency, software, local election administration and whether a state House bill would block local action.

Why it matters: the change would alter how municipal winners are determined (majority rather than plurality), could remove or change the need for some primaries and would go to voters as a charter amendment. Supporters said RCV can increase turnout and representation; some council members and the public asked for more local data and time to study operational impacts and legal risk.

Mills, addressing recount and transparency concerns, said recounts can be performed by hand and that software providers used by state and county boards of election already support RCV. He said voters “can show, exactly who voted in what way, the numbers as they go through, each round.” League of Women Voters chapters and local residents who spoke supported the recommendation. Teresa Permentor, identified as the Lakewood League of Women Voters chapter president, told council the League “from top to bottom really supports ranked choice voting.”

Council members raised legal questions after the legislative service commission (LSC) issued an analysis of a state House bill that would prohibit local governments from enacting RCV by ordinance. Council members and the administration noted the LSC opinion appears to indicate the House bill’s prohibition would not apply to charter amendments, a point counsel said the law department and legislative service commission have flagged as a key difference. As Council President Keppel summarized, charters “are like a constitution” for a municipality and can be an avenue for voters to decide changes the state statute would otherwise restrict.

Action and next steps: Council voted to ask the city law department to draft ballot language for the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations, including language that would put the RCV option before voters as a charter amendment. The council record notes the administration and legal staff will review LSC analyses and that a Sept. 5 deadline exists to submit items for the November ballot; council members said they need time to review legal and operational details before deciding whether to place the amendment on this year’s ballot.

What council asked for and what remains unresolved: members requested clearer estimates of administrative costs, a precise tally method to use (instant runoff, single transferable vote, Condorcet and other variants were discussed), and whether the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections could run local RCV elections with only a software update. Mills and administration staff said the county’s equipment likely would not require replacement, only program updates.

Quotes are limited to speakers on the record. The law department and legislative service commission analysis were cited by council and staff but not adopted as policy in this meeting. Council directed legal staff to draft proposed language so council can schedule committee review and public hearings before deciding whether to place an amendment on the ballot.

Council will receive the draft language from the law department and decide in committee whether to introduce ordinances or charter amendment language at the next full council meeting. The council record shows broad public interest; several residents who served on the Charter Review Commission and other community advocates urged adoption or further study.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lakewood City Council Livestream 7/7/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Justin Mills, former executive director of Rank the Vote Ohio, told the Committee of the Whole that ranked‑choice voting asks voters to rank candidates rather than choose a single candidate.","taxTitle","Lakewood, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",5453,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511473,"Lakewood committee discusses updating code to allow natural front‑yard plantings while preserving sight lines",5056,4364000,9420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011&start=4364&end=9420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011/thumbnail_4364000.jpg","/articles/6511473/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Lakewood-committee-discusses-updating-code-to-allow-natural-frontyard-plantings-while-preserving-sight-lines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511473-01c544c992012694fdf148020fc884cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183221&Signature=OM7BYhYr9fW7eUSQgBQVJt9WFEtw04TgP9tzK-Rkm-3XLTYRktuNSuxI7fUObKN5EV0iR6UvY~oOg3MSPNUiMuZH2-s7O5bMisCokESyR2DnSRdyWZQS9aPsZJrqSFlgxIN6A9YQqYmoHBD6YJF59GKk-K1Sprf~FRQWdBKMwENT2cN6lbaoHbl3LEexuymgJarxCWJEAeStlmr7FTCg~dWq~j8nL4s30UMOzz3k0GAOzjHw8rI~SREalN1PAF6UsH4BxG92T9DcOUTeengaczmjY8a5RTiIA0HWNf4FzENxCn~xP6BbSfRpAYp4PNUoBfxymqw2RxZnP6zWPieY8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vice President Baker reported to council that the Housing, Planning and Development Committee discussed a proposal from Building Commissioner Parmalee to amend codified ordinance 1775 to allow more natural front‑yard plantings while retaining sight‑line and corner safety requirements. Baker said the committee received public testimony and will continue to work with staff and residents to craft ordinance language.

Why it matters: front‑yard planting rules affect neighborhood character, stormwater and pollinator habitat as well as public safety through visibility at intersections and walkway clearances. Residents who maintain native or pollinator‑friendly front yards spoke in favor during public comment: Lisonbee Welch told council she has maintained a native planted front yard for five years and reported no safety incidents.

What staff and committee agreed: the committee asked the building commissioner to continue refining a draft ordinance with specific safety standards (clear sight triangles, sidewalk clearance, and limits on noxious species). Members said they want an approach that preserves safety while encouraging sustainable landscaping, reduced pesticide use and incentives for native plants.

Next steps: the administration and building department will continue to draft code language in consultation with residents and return to committee for further review.","Council's Housing, Planning and Development Committee heard a proposal to amend the city code to permit natural front‑yard plantings (native landscaping) while retaining sight‑line and safety standards; staff will continue working with residents and commissioners on ordinance language.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511476,"Council adopts amended HUD annual action plan; committee had recommended allocation details",339,9999000,10338000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011&start=9999&end=10338","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011/thumbnail_9999000.jpg","/articles/6511476/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Council-adopts-amended-HUD-annual-action-plan-committee-had-recommended-allocation-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511476-e159a66ec5e78525fe97f6eb7dcc9313/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183221&Signature=i2Dz5Nh5CuA16BntFOj0GUbvnbLu~etzszT2268JotSqD0ZXV6rTL5QsZpe406AHtVBRABV7VwdOYtA39LaYVyQwtx8jJFJItK91X6zRgBMAlJ~Z8x9roldwEYgDPL97IhvKqHNf1p6rLoyuEDbIWO~OO8qUR3TeXKc9blD7emmg1PqihsmuYGQHDU~aCS6TiVZtq2xDFVFvh1avA0IH6H0t8ebv9zWEA7yD5UUrtJdhrPO17zOJY596FMoTbROBHmbgOp2tIJYkqcXAN8LozaSFFwyVqajM5VtuYCzqyCw2n3~jbLdo3MuxnP7TSORMShR66DulY2GZvsbJ1FTuYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council adopted an amendment to Lakewood’s fiscal year 2025 HUD annual action plan to match HUD’s announced allocations for CDBG ($1,889,338) and ESG ($167,147). Director of Planning and Development provided the required background and an explanation of contingency provisions required by HUD.

Why it matters: the annual action plan governs how federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds are allocated locally for housing, homelessness, public services and capital projects. Updating the plan to actual award amounts is required before HUD will accept the city’s application for FY25 funds.

What staff said: Director Byington and development officer Wyman told council that HUD requires contingency language that explains how estimated allocations will be adjusted to match actual awards. The Citizens Advisory Committee recommended allocations based on estimates; staff explained the committee’s contingency rules and how any funding above or below estimates would be handled. In this year’s case, the city received approximately $90,000 more than the estimate; the contingency provisions allocated the first portion to public service caps and placed the remaining balance where it filled an identified funding gap in the Bird Town Madison Park connector project.

Action taken: Council voted to adopt the amended action plan and the associated resolution under emergency to meet HUD’s submission deadline. Council members asked for continued communication with HUD about Lakewood’s local housing-market conditions and noted interest in opportunities to engage HUD on calculation methodologies.

Next steps: staff will submit the amended FY25 action plan to HUD prior to the agency’s deadline and continue administration of CDBG and ESG programs according to the approved allocations.","Council approved an amendment to the fiscal 2025 HUD annual action plan to reflect actual CDBG and ESG allocations. Planning staff explained contingency provisions and how the city will allocate funds above estimates.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511481,"Mayor seeks council review of plan to buy former Board of Education site at 1470 Warren Road",2018,8443000,10461000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011&start=8443&end=10461","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327655-21f4a832793913e75bd3e9a9b116d011/thumbnail_8443000.jpg","/articles/6511481/Lakewood/Cuyahoga-County/Ohio/Mayor-seeks-council-review-of-plan-to-buy-former-Board-of-Education-site-at-1470-Warren-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511481-78360de605d64fbc7fcb40b78963035f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183221&Signature=B-3WRymosovUKpF4Re7LRHmBf9o6yXomjaELj4qRIJ2eb8FjLRbzXTmLrcNH7LwFUWa7MX~uRBCzielaGG5WuLQaEIhQrIPP45PniOrVMe0l5QV3Q1jr1fMD4ArZiV8nlyKC1u5a0JXk3uBIB3DYU1U4SlYISt-gxi~2kcJ09Sxpmk6y2~hlrEXNW2Q3SUyJoSenApg6RyR8NNoHjH1iEeAsXqswMJuyxQWshQTdDIkm9wf7dCzBq5JfS3Ha2hkpXy07yKgEcregOhcfot~qA8T2ij36aTN822pGC4g8VC4lBXI0uDAnk~rs1RRP6BYgeGu3ZOCoqjs0jxHomgUQlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor George presented a communication and accompanying resolution asking council to authorize purchase of the South Building at the former Lakewood Board of Education site, 1470 Warren Road, and to appropriate $1.5 million from the city's land acquisition fund for the purchase.

Why it matters: the administration said acquiring 1470 Warren Road would address long‑standing space shortages at the 1958 city hall, allow expansion of police and court operations, consolidate administrative departments, and improve public access. The administration requested council refer the purchase agreement and appropriations to committee and said it anticipated completing a transaction no later than Sept. 5, 2025.

Council responses and concerns: several council members and the council president said they support finding a long‑term solution for cramped city staff space but raised concerns about process and timing. Council President Keppel and Councilman Evans said council had previously requested more comparative data on alternatives (additions to the existing building, infilling the rear U, use of the annex, temporary solutions) and that the administration had not returned the requested unbiased, apples‑to‑apples analysis before presenting the purchase documents. Council members also noted the risk that the property could be sold to a private developer if the city did not secure it before the administration's deadline.

Mayor George said the administration had reached out multiple times to council members to answer questions, that the building could be taken by private developers, and that staff offered to meet with council members. The mayor said the administration had followed prior steps, including a space study and architect/consultant work, and urged council to work with the administration on a timetable. The mayor also noted that even with acquisition, work would take 18 months or more before space was ready for staff.

Action taken: council voted to refer the administration’s purchase communication and related resolution to the Committee of the Whole for further review; the resolution authorizing a purchase agreement was similarly referred. Council members said independent review and more thorough written answers to previously requested questions are necessary before making a final determination. The administration said it would provide more detailed material to committee members and is willing to meet with council to answer questions.

Clarifying details noted in the discussion: the administration said the proposed purchase price is $1,500,000 and that the city planned to fund the purchase from the land acquisition fund. The mayor and director of planning said any final purchase would include due diligence and that the letter of intent (LOI) executed with Liberty Development was nonbinding but would provide time for analysis. Council members asked the administration to explore interim relief for the police department (portable locker rooms or temporary off‑site office space) to address immediate staff needs while the long‑term solution is evaluated.

Next steps: the purchase resolution and accompanying appropriations will be discussed in Committee of the Whole, with the law department and administration asked to provide detailed comparative analysis, cost estimates, and schedules. Council members flagged the Sept. 5 timing the administration referenced and said they would need time to complete independent vetting and public hearings before any final vote.","Mayor presented a purchase agreement to acquire the South Building at the former Lakewood Board of Education site for $1.5 million to address city hall space constraints, especially police locker and court space. Council referred the proposal to the Committee of the Whole and asked for more data and public discussion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakewood council hears experts and residents on charter amendment to enable ranked‑choice voting

Lakewood committee discusses updating code to allow natural front‑yard plantings while preserving sight lines

Council adopts amended HUD annual action plan; committee had recommended allocation details

Mayor seeks council review of plan to buy former Board of Education site at 1470 Warren Road