Beachwood Council approves contracts and appointments; resident criticizes mayor’s flag decision

The Beachwood City Council on Tuesday approved several routine contracts and multiple appointments and heard heated public comment criticizing Mayor Justin Burns’ decision to keep city flags at full staff for the presidential inauguration.

A resident, Kyle Fishman, told the council he was upset that Beachwood’s flags remained at full staff while nearby schools and libraries lowered flags to honor former President Jimmy Carter. "Meanwhile, the city of Beachwood at the direction of Mayor Justin Burns had their flags at full staff to honor the inauguration of our felon in chief, Donald Trump," Fishman said, adding that the mayor’s choice “doesn’t feel like [he stands] with our police.”

The claim drew no immediate direct rebuttal from the mayor at the podium. City staff later clarified the city’s operational practice: Miss Zurich said that flag raising and lowering is "the primary responsibility of the fire department" and is performed "based on the governor's recommendation."

Most of the meeting was taken up by routine business. Council approved on roll call a consent agenda that included adoption of minutes from recent meetings and an ordinance authorizing payment of claims and bills. The body also approved multiple vendor contracts and resolutions recommended by city staff.

Votes at a glance

- Street striping: Council accepted a bid from JD Striping Services Inc. for the 2025 street striping program at $133,500. Public Works Director Chris Arrieta said last year’s low bid was $122,500, noting an increase in this year’s price.

- Heavy-duty vehicle sandblasting/painting: Council approved a two-year renewal with the vendor listed in the agenda as Nofa Co., Inc.; Arrieta cited a proposed rate of $95 per hour and recommended the incumbent. (Transcript also contains variant spellings of the vendor’s name — discussed below.)

- Light/medium vehicle bodywork: Council approved a two-year renewal with Excalibur Auto Body Inc. for paint and refinishing of light-duty vehicles and SUVs.

- Pickleball lessons: Council authorized an agreement with Pickleball Academy LLC not to exceed $35,000 to provide lessons; the instructor receives 80% of fees and the city retains 20%. Councilmember Taylor supported the item but urged staff to review whether the 80/20 split should remain as-is in future years.

- Mobile data terminals: Council authorized the purchase of 17 mobile data terminals and modems from Law and Order Technology LLC (state-term purchase) to replace units now out of warranty; Police Chief Crispino spoke in favor.

- Road program: Council authorized advertising for bids for the 2025 road program. Arrieta described three parts: resurfacing (East Baintree, East Silsbee and East Groveland); a concrete patch project at Richmond and Eaton using $250,000 in TIF funds to replace concrete slabs; and an asphalt patch program contingent on a county 50/50 maintenance award of $150,000, which the city would match if awarded.

Appointments and personnel

Council appointed Jillian DeLong to the Planning & Zoning Commission, designated Councilmember Josh Mintz to serve on the RFQ selection committee for the Fairmont Temple property, and appointed Pete Smith to fill a council vacancy; Smith is expected to be sworn in at the Feb. 3 meeting.

Other business and administration updates

Mayor Justin Burns introduced the city’s recently hired staff engineer, Gary Yalanowski, saying Yalanowski brings more than a decade of licensed engineering and land-planning experience and will oversee infrastructure planning, construction and maintenance. Arrieta reported the city's food-recycling program collected about 42,000 pounds of food in nine months and said the city hopes to expand participation.

What’s next

The administration will bring an RFQ selection committee recommendation and additional contract amendments to council in coming weeks; Pete Smith will be notified of his appointment and is scheduled to be sworn in Feb. 3. The meeting concluded with the council president declaring the meeting adjourned.