Lakewood City Council Tonight: Charter Changes; Pit Bull Legislation; Tax Breaks for Developers

In its last meeting before the summer break, Lakewood City Council has quite a few items on its agenda for tonight’s meeting.

•  recently introduced a proposal that would include eight changes to the city's Second Amended Charter. 

But they would first need voter approval.

Kevin Butler, the city's law director, said the overall idea is to provide consistency — and modernization — to the language of the charter.

City officials are considering eight changes, but most of the revisions are "housekeeping items," said Butler.

One of the proposed issues is changing the language of the line of succession of the mayor's office — a recent issue stemming from the election of former-mayor .

Other proposed changes to the charter include allowing the city to perform any action covered under the state's constitution; providing more flexibility in the posting of public announcements; and including the city's sewer system among municipal improvements supported by millage.

• Also slated for tonight’s meeting is a proposal that would make 13 parcels of land along the Rocky River a Community Reinvestment Area, which would be used as an economic development tool to lure developers with tax abatements.

In this case, the CRA would benefit Metro Townhomes — a development proposal that would demolish three homes on Sloane Avenue to make way for 19 upscale townhomes.

Most recently, the city designated both the Rockport Square and Rosewood developments as CRAs.

• Also in old business, council is revisiting a 2008 ordinance that bans pit bulls from the city.

City officials, say the legislation is meant to clarify the language in the ordinance.

Specifically, the legislation before council seeks to outline the appeals process and the obligations of the city — as well as the rights and obligations of dog owners.

• Council is expected to hand out a resolution to commend former-mayor FitzGerald, who left office in December to take his new post.

Following summer break, council will reconvene Sept. 6.