The Lorain City Council met Monday evening at City Hall for a session that included community recognitions, budget approvals, and several pieces of public-safety legislation. The meeting also included a brief recess following a heated exchange between a city official and members of the public.
Polish Heritage Month Recognized
Council opened by honoring Steve and Laurel Bansek with a resolution designating October as Polish Heritage Month in the City of Lorain. The Banseks were commended for decades of service promoting Polish culture. Councilwoman Mary Springowski introduced the resolution, and Mayor Jack Bradley thanked the couple for their contributions to Lorain’s Polish-American community.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Bradley reported that sixteen cadets graduated from the Lorain County Community College Police Academy, five of whom will join the Lorain Police Department. He also announced new cooperation with the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, which will support investigations of violent and drug-related crimes through forensic data analysis.
Bradley cautioned residents not to speculate about the recent Lakeview Park incident, noting that police are still investigating and a press conference would follow. He expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and reiterated the city’s stance on keeping firearms out of the hands of those under 21.
Liquor Permits
Council unanimously approved two liquor-permit applications for 180 Place LLC, located at 1804 and 1806 East 28th Street in the Sixth Ward. Councilman Angel Arroyo praised the new owner’s renovation efforts and plans to reopen the long-vacant site as a restaurant with apartments above.
Public Comments
Three residents addressed council: Brian Baker and Steven Sturgill spoke in support of Issues 21 and 22, renewal levies for Lorain City Schools. Both emphasized that the renewals will not raise taxes and are needed to maintain staffing and programs.
Aaron Knapp raised concerns about new security procedures at City Hall, describing difficulty entering the building and questioning whether an August 25 directive signed by Safety-Service Director Rey Carrion complies with Ohio’s open-meeting and public-records laws. Knapp argued that City Hall is a public facility that must remain accessible to residents during open sessions.
Committee and Administrative Reports
The Finance and Claims Committee met October 13 for quarterly budget discussions. No action was taken. Correspondence from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, the mayor’s office, and the public was entered into the record.
Heated Exchange and Recess
Tension escalated later in the meeting during discussion of a resolution waiving engineering fees for the Black River Amphitheater Project. After Councilwoman Mary Springowski requested a point of order to restore decorum, Council President Joel Arredondo called a recess.
According to the meeting audio, Aaron Knapp and Garon Petty, seated in the audience, objected to being asked to leave the chamber after raising procedural questions. The exchange involved Safety-Service Director Rey Carrion, who had spoken sharply from the floor moments earlier, and continued as Arredondo directed that the room be cleared.
Knapp can be heard asserting his right to remain in a public meeting under Ohio Revised Code 121.22 and 149.43. He also spoke with Mayor Bradley, who attempted to persuade him to exit voluntarily. The recording captured multiple warnings from Arredondo for the public to clear the chambers.
Knapp and Petty eventually left the area without arrest, and the meeting reconvened shortly afterward. Knapp is currently a plaintiff in a federal civil-rights lawsuit against Carrion and several city and county officials, alleging prior violations of constitutional rights related to public access and recording at City Hall.
Legislation Approved
Following the recess, council completed its agenda, approving or advancing the following items. Most after suspending the three-reading rule.
Council accepted 2026 tax-levy certifications from the county auditor and approved the purchase of ten Ford Interceptor police vehicles and one Ford F-150 totaling $910,000, funded through the police levy. Members also voted to accept a donated patrol vessel from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and to enter five-year copier-lease and maintenance agreements with ComDoc Inc.
Other actions included the waiver of $13,228 in engineering fees for the Black River Amphitheater project and approval of several traffic-safety grants through the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Council passed a parental-responsibility ordinance allowing courts to impose fines or restitution on parents or guardians when minors commit certain offenses.
In addition, members authorized $114,842 in federal CDBG funds for roof repairs at El Centro Wellness Center and approved an industrial easement for Roto Industries LLC along with a 2025 appropriations ordinance for current-expense funding.
Executive Session
Council concluded the meeting with an executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(3) to discuss disputes involving pending or imminent court action.
Watch the meeting here