Brian Epp, a Mentor resident, urged the council to approve the proposed short-term rental ordinance, saying the measure balances economic opportunity with neighborhood safeguards. "This ordinance is that precision instrument," Epp said, noting the proposal would cap units by ward and require annual inspections, safety checklists and owner liability for guests.

City Manager Ken Filipiak and Planning Director Kathy Catanzarini were cited in public remarks as participants in drafting the measure; chairing bodies including the Municipal Planning Commission recommended the proposal. Law Director Joe Zeman told council he could not predict how a pending or future state law might affect local rules and said whether a local ordinance would be "grandfathered" would depend on the final state language.

Council members debated whether adopting local regulations now would preserve local control if the General Assembly later acts. Supporters said having local language gives the city a basis to defend or adapt regulation; opponents worried a state statutory scheme could preempt local authority.

When the measure was put to a roll-call vote, it did not receive a majority and failed. Roll call as read by the clerk recorded: Mister Pinkerman — No; Mister Blake — No; Mister Donovan — Yes; Missus Dowling — No; Mister Kirschner — Yes; Mister Krieger — No; Mister Marr — Yes.

Outcome: ordinance 25-OD-088 failed on third reading. No further council action on the measure was recorded at this meeting.

Why it matters: The vote preserves the existing local prohibition on short-term rentals in Mentor for now and leaves open future council action depending on whether the state adopts legislation that would change local authority or create a new statewide framework.