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Mayor reviews 2025 accomplishments, swears in officer and highlights community programs
Summary
Mayor Matthew Burke used the Dec. 8 meeting to honor fallen officers, introduce a newly sworn officer, recap 2025 projects and encourage youth involvement and community services such as library programs and local produce drives.
At the opening of the Dec. 8 Garfield Heights City Council meeting, Mayor Matthew Burke reviewed the year’s accomplishments, recognized fallen officers, introduced a newly sworn police officer and highlighted community programs and volunteer opportunities.
The mayor opened by commemorating two patrolmen, Michael Brown and Robert Stefanoff, who died in the line of duty on Dec. 8, 1994, saying their service and sacrifice are still remembered by the community. He then introduced Officer Alejandro Rosa, sworn in that day after transferring from Avon Lake, and welcomed the officer and accompanying officers who attended the meeting.
Burke listed 2025 accomplishments including completion of the Garfield Boulevard Trail, restoration work at Garfield Park Reservation, multiple water‑line replacements and road improvements. He also previewed the MLK Junior Sewer Separation Project and a forthcoming bridge reconstruction project, and said contract awards for the MLK sewer separation would lead to new street work in Ward 1.
The mayor encouraged youth engagement, noting his participation in an eighth‑grade leadership program and inviting young residents to pursue lifeguard certification in anticipation of summer hiring. "It's one of the things that I like to do as a mayor," he said of working with youth.
Library director Tony Marino outlined library services and upcoming programs including GED classes, technology and maker equipment (laser engraver, vinyl cutter, heat press), story time schedules, Kids Cafe and a veteran storyteller event. Marino asked residents to volunteer for the library’s “friends” organization and ongoing book sale to support library programming.
Student government representatives from Garfield Heights Middle School, led by student council president Sean Fry, described volunteer activities including food drives and community outreach; council members praised the students’ contributions.
Council members used the miscellaneous business portion of the agenda to list community events: a Ward 1 produce drop on Dec. 18, a block‑watch Christmas party on Dec. 17 and various holiday activities and support services organized by local churches and organizations. The council confirmed cancellation of the Dec. 22 meeting date and adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
What’s next: City staff will proceed with project implementation timelines announced by the mayor and complete required administrative steps for recently adopted ordinances.
