Council Considers Studying Potential For a Hotel in Lakewood

Council President Brian Powers called the June 18, 2012 Council meeting to order at 7:36 P.M. He then read a report from the Committee of the Whole, which is the committee the consists of all members of Council. The Committee discussed Councilman Tom Bullock’s (Ward II) proposal to use money from the Council’s Economic Development fund to install bike lanes and ‘sharrows’ on Detroit. The Committee decided to refer the matter back to the Committee so they can discuss it in more detail at a later date after they are able to collect some data and do some research into the proposal.

Next Councilman Shawn Juris (WardIII) asked Council to consider authorizing a study to be conducted that would look into the feasibility of opening a hotel in Lakewood. He is hoping the study will help the City better understand the impact of Cleveland’s revitalization and how it might affect Lakewood. He also said that there could be the direct benefit to citizens who are having guests visit from out of town as well. In conclusion he said it would be good information to have to understand the city’s position and potential, especially if a hotel shows interest.

In order to conduct the study, Councilman Juris requested Council’s approval of $7,000 dollars from the Economic Development fund to front the cost of the study.

Councilman Bullock thanked Councilman Juris for proposing the study saying he thinks it’s a great idea and that he appreciates all the work he put into it. He also said he is looking forward to the information they will hopefully get to help the city plan its economic development future.

Council referred the resolution to Committee of the Whole to be discussed further.

Councilman Bullock then asked Council to consider an ordinance which he said is similar to an ordinance he introduced several months back regulating the use of compost bins, but this time it is rain barrels. He said that the use of rain barrels in recent years has expanded greatly in Lakewood helping to conserve water for gardening while at the same time reducing the overflow of our storm sewers, which the EPA has been quite concerned with. However, he continued, with no regulations on the books, there is no guide for residence installing rain barrels on their property. To help prevent neighbor problems before they arise he proposed the following regulations: all rain barrels must be covered, they must conform to the structure’s existing design and color, and be screened if located in the front or side yard.

Council referred the ordinance to the Housing Committee to be considered.

Coming to the end of the agenda items and with no announcements from members of Council or the administration, Council President Powers adjourned the meeting at 7:57 P.M.

Council meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the City Hall Auditorium. The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held on July 2, 2012. For a copy of the agenda or for any other information regarding the LakewoodCity Council, you can find it at onelakewood.com/citygovern_council.html.