Council delays reappointment vote for Chabro Valley Engineering after questions over contract rate increases

Pepper Pike — The council discussed ordinance 2025‑25, the second reading on the reappointment of Mr. Xi of Chabro Valley Engineering, but deferred final action after questions about contract rate increases.

Jim Tillis requested that the reappointment not be passed by suspension so the council could hear comments. An unidentified council member (Speaker 1) said they "did some math on the contract" and that some line items "have gone up as much as 12% over a 2 year period," asking whether those rates were negotiated or simply proposed by the consultant. Speaker 2 replied that Mr. Xi provides explanations for costs and said increases reflect business operating costs, noting, "I know his health care costs have gone up 20%."

Multiple councilmembers suggested contacting Don for more specifics or asking Mr. Xi to present to the whole council before final passage; Speaker 1 indicated they would like a presentation. Speaker 2 observed that while some details are appropriate for counsel (the council) to ask about, a contractor need not disclose sensitive business details.

The transcript shows the council agreed to "pass it on for now," with no recorded final vote on that item in the meeting record. Councilors asked staff to follow up and to secure a presentation or additional documentation before the council takes final action on the reappointment.