LORAIN — With only seven members present at Monday night’s Lorain City Council meeting, the body lacked the nine votes needed to suspend the rules and pass ordinances by emergency. As a result, several items were deferred to second or third readings. Two members were absent due to illness and medical leave.
Mayor Jack Bradley opened the meeting by requesting the appointment of Amanda Wille to the Sewer and Water Advisory Board for a term ending October 5, 2029. Council unanimously approved the appointment, noting Wille’s background in public administration and experience managing grants.
In his report, Bradley said he and city officials recently met with Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson and staff from Governor Mike DeWine’s office to discuss potential partnerships and grant funding for the Lorain Police Department. He also reported progress in discussions with Catholic Charities regarding safety concerns at the St. Elizabeth Center, where off-duty police officers may soon be hired to improve security. Police Chief Mike Healy confirmed he would assign officers to the facility if Catholic Charities funds the coverage.
Bradley also highlighted Lorain’s involvement at the MARACA Annual Meeting (Maritime Association of the Port of Cleveland), where Port Authority Director Tiffany McClelland represented the city as a panelist on dredging and Black River development. Lorain was recognized for ongoing infrastructure projects, including $1.5 million in federal funding for the East 36th Street bridge and improvements to Oakland Connector, South Broadway, and Northtown Road.
Law Director Patrick Riley updated council on Ohio Court of Claims Case #2025-00524PQ (Aaron C. Knapp v. Lorain City Council) concerning a public-records dispute. Treasurer Karen Soto presented the third-quarter income tax report covering July through September 2025, which council members praised for accuracy and responsiveness.
Council also received a Planning Commission recommendation to amend sections 106.25 and 4.21 of the city’s zoning code relating to manufactured homes and trailers. The measure advanced to second reading.
Among the evening’s legislative items were 16 ordinances and resolutions on first reading, including measures supporting Lorain City Schools renewal levies, proclamations recognizing Polish Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and several service contracts. None qualified for emergency passage due to attendance limitations.
Upcoming meetings include a Finance Committee budget update on October 13 at 5:30 p.m., a public hearing on the Silver Hills Preliminary Development Plan on October 27, and a hearing on manufactured housing amendments on November 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting Agenda: https://destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=56724&mt=ALL&vl=true&get_month=10&get_year=2025&dsp=ag&seq=1390