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Resident alleges building official approved improper storm drainage and questions Axon no-bid contract; officials say they are investigating
Summary
A Bratenahl resident alleged a building official approved storm drainage tied into the sanitary sewer and cited Ohio Rev. Code §733.34; council and staff said they are reviewing the complaint and that procurement questions about a no-bid Axon contract are being investigated with answers expected by the April meeting.
During public comment at the March 23 meeting, resident Mark Orel challenged Mayor Benjamin’s earlier remark that a lack of multiple complaints lessened concern and urged the mayor to investigate a complaint about a building official.
Orel quoted Ohio Revised Code Section 733.34: "The Mayor shall supervise the conduct of all officers at municipal corporation, inquire to and exam the grounds of all reasonable complaints," and said one public complaint often indicates other unvoiced complaints when a person's business depends on it. He alleged that the building official, Mr. Packard, not only approved exterior storm drainage but allowed it to tie into the sanitary sewer, which Orel said conflicts with Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Mayor Benjamin acknowledged Orel's comment and said he had received Orel's email. Chief Lobello said he and Solicitor Matty have had detailed conversations and that staff have reached out to Axon with a series of questions; he said they had received partial answers and "would like to have it all wrapped up and have answers by the April meeting." Resident Ms. Meade also asked whether Ohio law authorized the no-bid Axon contract; officials replied they are looking into whether the Ohio Revised Code permits that procurement approach.
The council did not take a formal vote on the Orel complaint during the special meeting; staff indicated they would follow up and provide answers at the next regular meeting.
Next steps: staff requested to complete the review of procurement authority related to Axon and to meet with Orel as requested; officials set an expectation to report back in April.
