Mentor City Council Honors Retiring Finance Director, Tables Car Wash Debate

Mentor City Council paid tribute to retiring Finance Director Dave Malinowski during their June 3 meeting, recognizing his 29 years of service to the city. Malinowski, who oversaw 10 consecutive years of perfect audits and helped secure the city's current top financial rating, officially retired May 30. "The residents of Mentor have been very fortunate to know that their tax dollars have not only been invested wisely but they've been watched carefully and diligently for all 29 of those years," City Manager Ken Philippia said during the emotional send-off. Malinowski's tenure included raising the city's bond rating and securing tens of millions in bonds for major projects. The finance department under his leadership received auditor awards with distinction for the past decade and Government Finance Officers Association awards annually. He began his career with the city April 15, 1996, as assistant finance director and became full-time finance director in February 2006. In his farewell remarks, Malinowski revealed he started his working life 50 years ago at Mentor Plastics as a factory worker before becoming an accountant. He graduated from Cleveland State University, became a CPA, and obtained his MBA from Baldwin Wallace College. "Right now our city is probably in its strongest financial condition in its history," Philippia said, crediting Malinowski's stewardship. The outgoing director filed the city's unaudited financial statements on his final day, May 30. Acting Finance Director Bonnie Lingerfeld presented the evening's financial legislation, marking the transition in leadership. Major Infrastructure Projects Approved Council approved three significant infrastructure contracts totaling over $2.6 million during the meeting: Civic Center Park Improvements - JTO Inc. of Mentor received the $1,648,888 contract after submitting the lowest of six bids ranging from $1.6 million to over $2 million. The project includes construction of a 162-space parking lot, moving basketball courts, adding pickleball courts, and creating walkways. Parks and Recreation Director Dave Swigger said the parking lot completion is scheduled for September 5, with remaining work including court construction finishing November 14. Corduroy Road Resurfacing - Carvo Companies Inc. of Stow was awarded a $370,820 contract for asphalt pavement resurfacing on Corduroy Road from the south end of the causeway to Garden Lane. The engineer's opinion estimated $410,000 for the project, which secured a $245,500 Ohio Public Works Commission grant covering up to 50% of costs. Three bids ranged from the low of $370,820 to a high of $430,129. Sidewalk Safety Program Controversy - Despite public opposition from the lower bidder, council awarded A&J Cement Contractors Inc. of Euclid a $1,010,415 contract for Zone 4D sidewalk repairs and pedestrian safety improvements. The project covers approximately 38,000 square feet of sidewalk work with stops at the civic center and senior center, including heated sidewalk installation at the senior center entrance. Lake County Landscape and Supply owner Sharon Hagen addressed council, stating her company's bid was $90,000 lower than the selected contractor. She questioned why the city would cost taxpayers extra money when her company had successfully completed a 59,000 square foot sidewalk project in 2018 with no traffic issues or liquidated damages. City Manager Philippia defended the decision, explaining the administration considers not just the lowest bid but the best bid based on recent experience, project size, and ability to complete work on time. He cited concerns about pedestrian safety when sidewalk slabs remain open for extended periods. Car Wash Opposition Intensifies Strong public opposition emerged regarding Express Wash Concepts' proposed car wash at the former Boston Market location at 9361 Mentor Avenue. Four residents spoke against the project during the meeting, citing severe traffic concerns at the already congested Route 20 and Heisley Road intersection. Tammy DeCarlo of Brier Cliff Court described the intersection as "overloaded to the point" where she worried about new drivers navigating the area. She noted that even her 90-year-old father-in-law commented on the heavy traffic during their visit to the area that day. "The stretch of Route 20 between Target and Meijer is already overloaded," DeCarlo said, arguing the proposal fails multiple criteria for conditional use permits including harmony with neighboring properties and public safety. Suzanne Woodbury of Mentor Lawn Drive called the proposal excessive, noting "two car washes kitty corner at that intersection is too much" and "three car washes within two miles is not necessary." Council President Sean Blake acknowledged receiving 30 emails and 15 phone calls about the issue personally, calling it the most correspondence he's received on any subject in his 10 years on council. The conditional use permit remains tabled pending planning c