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Bratenahl council approves tree work, passes finance and procurement resolutions; rezoning hearing remains open
Summary
At its May 20 meeting the Bratenahl Village Council authorized removal/pruning of up to four trees on conserved land at 277 Bratenahl, passed resolutions to contract for credit-card processing and an Auditor of State engagement, approved annual codification and pay claims totaling $323,051.53, and kept the public hearing open on rezoning for the Bratenahl Center (PRD 2).
The Bratenahl Village Council met May 20, 2026, and voted unanimously to authorize the Shade Tree Commission to remove one and prune or remove up to three additional trees along the property line of 277 Bratenahl, work Dr. Leslie said will be paid for by the resident and will occur on Western Reserve Conservancy preserved land. Councilmember Burke-Jones moved the authorization; Councilmember Puffenberger seconded and the roll call returned unanimous "Aye."
Council also approved several routine and finance items. By recorded votes the council suspended the rules and passed Resolution 1458 authorizing the mayor to enter a service-provider agreement with Govolution, LLC for credit-card and eCheck processing, and Resolution 1459 authorizing an audit engagement with the Auditor of State for the village's combined financial statements for the years ended Dec. 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The council approved Ordinance 4304 (annual recodification) and Ordinance 4305, directing payment of claims totaling $323,051.53; roll calls for these items were unanimous.
In presentations before the votes, Village Engineer Michael Bierut reported the village had been approved for reimbursement for the Eddy Road resurfacing project's material portion, estimating that reimbursement between $75,000 and $80,000 and expecting funds within about a month. Clerk of Court Angela Takacs reported recent distributions including $9,406.38 to the village.
The meeting opened with a swearing-in for new Bratenahl police Officer Anthony Lombardo and a public recognition from community organization Bratenahl 100 honoring Service Director Dave Maund for 30 years of service. Chief Lobello welcomed the new officer, saying the department "did a thorough exhaustive background search like we always do and the cream rose to the top."
During public comment, residents raised several issues. Mr. Orel noted problems with unlit and tangled flags on Lakeshore Boulevard. Resident Ms. Meade asked detailed questions about the village's contract with Axon for police equipment and services, including whether the 10-year contract contains a betterment or sunset clause and what protections cover data or cyber incidents; Chief Lobello said equipment and training upgrades are provided automatically every two or three years and "there is no upcharge" for those upgrades as described by the chief. Law Director David J. Matty said he reviewed the Axon contract after it was signed and that his post-signature review did not change the mayor's prior approval.
Mayor Keith Benjamin announced the first of four community listening and visioning sessions about the Bratenahl Center property will be held Thursday, June 11, at the Community Center and that mailers and email notices will go to households. The council confirmed the public hearing on the rezoning ordinances for the Bratenahl Center remains open and that additional readings are expected in June.
The council adjourned at about 7:21 p.m.
