Brunswick City Council met Monday evening with a relatively light agenda that included approval of winter road salt contracts and updates to the city’s public records policy.
Council Approves Road Salt Contract
Council unanimously approved an emergency resolution authorizing participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation winter contract for road salt for the 2025-2026 winter season. The resolution, sponsored by Councilman Tim Smith, Councilman Michael Abella Jr., and Councilwoman Kristy Piper, ensures the city will have adequate road salt supplies for the coming winter.
Public Records Policy Update
In a 6-1 vote, council adopted an updated public records policy for the city. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilmen Keith Kuczma and Joseph Delsanter, along with Councilwoman Kristy Piper, modernizes the city’s approach to handling public records requests. Councilman Kuczma cast the lone dissenting vote.
Community Reinvestment Area Agreements
An emergency ordinance adopting recommendations from the Brunswick Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council to continue all active agreements in 2025 was approved unanimously. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilmen Brandon Lambert, Nicholas Hanek, and Tim Smith, also accepted the 2024 CRA status report.
City Celebrates ‘Homes Not Highways’ Victory After Years-Long Battle
In what many residents consider the most significant news of the evening, City Manager Carl DeForest announced the successful repeal of Ohio Revised Code section 5501.60, marking the conclusion of a years-long community battle.
“I’d like to thank the Homes Not Highways people… all the residents who supported the repeal of 5501.60, Senator Mark Romanchuk, Representative Miller, and Representative Ray for getting that monkey off our back,” DeForest said during his report. “It’s been a long time coming.”
DeForest didn’t mince words when describing the now-repealed law as “the nefarious work of someone to the north of Boston Road,” a thinly veiled reference to neighboring Strongsville’s support for the controversial interchange.
The repealed provision was added to Ohio’s transportation budget in March 2023 and would have mandated interstate highway interchanges at least every 4.5 miles between adjacent municipalities in different counties — a requirement that specifically targeted the Brunswick-Strongsville border along I-71 at Boston Road.
The grassroots “Homes Not Highways” movement formed in response, with Brunswick residents fearing the interchange would force the demolition of established neighborhoods, increase traffic on residential streets, and burden the city with unfunded infrastructure costs. Many residents along Boston Road displayed yard signs opposing the interchange.
Vice Mayor Nicholas Hanek had previously warned that the interchange “would bankrupt the city for all intents and purposes” and harm long-term economic development. Councilman Brandon Lambert had also been vocal in opposing the measure, arguing it would diminish residents’ quality of life.
The repeal represents a significant victory for Brunswick’s local control over development decisions and validates the persistent advocacy of residents who attended legislative hearings in Columbus, testified before committees, and organized community opposition over nearly two years.
Tax Deadline Reminder
With tax day approaching, DeForest reminded residents that city income taxes are due tomorrow. The tax office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and staff is available to assist residents with completing forms. A drop box is also available in the city hall front parking lot.
Spring Services Begin
The city’s branch chipping service will run April 21-25, with pickup scheduled for the same day as residents’ regular trash collection. DeForest advised residents to position branches with the cut side toward the street and not to block sidewalks. More information is available on the city’s website.
DeForest also noted that trash collection will proceed as normal on Good Friday, April 18, though city hall will be closed for the holiday.
Other Business
Council began the meeting by approving the minutes from the regular council meeting on March 24 and the special council meeting on March 26.
During new business, Councilman Smith recommended the sourdough bread from the bakery at Market 42 in Medina.
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