BEACHWOOD CITY COUNCIL
Left to right: Eric Synenberg, Jillian DeLong, Alec Isaacson (Council President), Mayor Justin Berns, Danielle Shoykhet (Council Vice President), Joshua Mintz, June E. Taylor and Ali B. Stern
Photography by: Discovery Photo
As lawmakers, City Council collaborates with Mayor Justin Berns and the administration to chart the course for our community’s progress. Council’s role is to deliberate, legislate, and represent the diverse needs of our residents, and play a pivotal role in the budget process. Our regular meetings are on the first and third Monday of each month. Our agenda packet is typically posted on our website the Wednesday before meetings, which are open to the public and livestreamed on the City’s website. We are proud to share a selection of this year’s achievements and initiatives that demonstrate Council’s role in steering Beachwood towards a stable and prosperous future: • Amenities: Council approved the construction of a new playground, new pickleball courts, and a permanent home for the city’s expanded and enhanced community gardens. • Infrastructure: Council discussed and approved various infrastructure projects and development plans that will contribute to the growth and modernization of the city, including flood control projects, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and the enactment of a lighting control ordinance. Council also started work on an innovative street lighting plan. • Planning and Zoning: City Council adopted changes to the zoning code to bring it up-to-date with State and Federal Regulations. These changes pave the way to allow smaller institutional uses, with proper safety protocols, while protecting single-family residential neighborhoods.
• Safety and Community: To continue to attract highly qualified candidates to the Police Department, Council authorized a sign-on bonus for new hires and lateral transfer applicants. Residents also received a survey regarding the city’s deer population, the results of which led Council to authorize the continuation of the deer management efforts. • Supporting Schools: The Mayor’s office collaborated with City Council on a decision to temporarily reduce the city’s property tax to offset the increase from the recently passed school levy. This keeps the city’s property taxes flat, while ensuring that Beachwood schools have high quality, safe, modern buildings. • Social Action: Council adopted a resolution condemning gun violence and urging the Ohio General Assembly to strengthen gun laws. Council also demonstrated support for the State of Israel after the October 7 terrorist attack and scheduled a special meeting to approve a variance allowing the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to display signage supporting Israel on its property. This snapshot of Council’s activities in 2023 underscores its commitment to civic duty, collaboration, and community engagement. Council members were - and continue to be - the voice of residents, actively gathering input from constituents and advocating for their needs.
How To Email A Council Member: FirstName.LastName @beachwoodohio.com
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