Brecksville City Council Honors Athletes, Advances Infrastructure Projects

Wrestlers, gymnasts recognized as council approves demolition funding, road work and transit grant application. Brecksville City Council convened April 21 for its regular meeting, opening with proclamations honoring two championship athletic programs before advancing a series of infrastructure, utility and funding measures. Champions Celebrated Council President Dominic Caruso presented a proclamation recognizing the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School Wrestling Team for its performance at the 89th annual Ohio High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament, held March 13–15 at the Schottenstein Center at The Ohio State University. Senior Ryland Sechrist capped his high school career by winning the individual state championship at 113 pounds, claiming his second state title. He finished as a four-time state qualifier and four-time state place winner, ranked the No. 1 113-pounder in the country. Sechrist is committed to Arizona State University. The team also produced a first-time state champion at 165 pounds. Councilmember A.J. Gannon then read a proclamation honoring the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School Gymnastics Team, which earned its 23rd consecutive OHSAA State Team Championship and 26th overall title at Hilliard Bradley High School on March 7. The team posted a winning score of 147.025. An individual state champion on the balance beam was also recognized, earning a score of 9.5. Central School Demolition Moves Forward Council unanimously approved Resolution 5779, authorizing the mayor to execute a first amendment to a sub-recipient agreement with the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation — commonly known as the Cuyahoga County Land Bank — extending the grant agreement expiration date to Dec. 31, 2026 for the demolition of Central School. At a prior Planning Commission session the same evening, Caruso noted that the city's purchasing director secured the grant through county networking. The grant does not require a full match, though the city will contribute some funds. Plans call for select architectural elements to be salvaged before demolition. Mayor Kingston has proposed preserving several thousand of the original bricks for potential reuse in future development on the site. Road, Utility and Infrastructure Action Council approved several additional measures during the meeting. Resolution 5780 authorizes CTL Engineering to provide geotechnical services for the Riverview Road Culvert C14 Replacement Project at a cost of $6,600. Resolution 5781 accepts a permanent easement through two parcels for public utility work. Resolution 5782 authorizes a partial release of a storm sewer easement on a parcel on Victoria Lane. The Streets and Sidewalks Committee approved a change order increasing the purchase order for Quality Control Inspection Inc. by $132,225.20 for continued construction administration on the Brecksville Road Resurfacing Project Phase 2, which was not completed in 2025 as planned. The vote was 6-1. Transit Vehicle Grant Application Approved Council approved Resolution 5783, authorizing the mayor to apply to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) for federal Section 5310 transit funding to purchase a light transit vehicle for the Human Services Center. The grant application seeks $96,158.40 in federal funds, with an estimated local match of $24,039.60. The current bus is 14 years old. The city is seeking to purchase an LTV-12-2 model vehicle, which includes 12 ambulatory passenger seats and two wheelchair positions. More than 200 residents over age 60 or with disabilities are projected to use the service five days per week for transportation to health care facilities and social, recreational and community activities. A public hearing on the grant request will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at Brecksville City Hall, 9069 Brecksville Road. Written comments or proposals from interested public, private or paratransit operators must be submitted within 30 days to the city at that address, with a copy to NOACA, 1299 Superior Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44114, attention Leah Telepak, re: Section 5310-Public Notice. Questions may be directed to Purchasing Director Monica Bartkiewicz at mbartkiewicz@brecksville.oh.us . Fire Station Repairs Approved The Buildings and Grounds Committee recommended, and council approved, a proposal from Mid-State Restoration Inc. in the amount of $78,490.50 for repairs to the fire station garage. The cost will be covered by the city's insurance provider. Cleveland Water Lead Line Program City Engineer Jerry Wise briefed the Utilities Committee on Cleveland Water's federally mandated lead service line replacement program. The city has an estimated 350 suspected lead connections, primarily on older streets including Brecksville Road, State Route 82 and Highland Road. Work is expected to prioritize the Brecksville Road corridor ahead of upcoming paving phases. Wise noted Cleveland Water treats its supply with orthophosphate,