02/03/2026 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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outreach will hopefully reduce future confusion and improve overall communication with residents. • And in that vein, I wanted to remind all residents that City Hall will be closed on February 16th in observance of President's Day. • Next, Anthony Strazzo began his service as our fire chief yesterday, February 2nd. Chief Strazzo is working closely with Chief Shepp, whose final day with the department will be March 20th of this year. This will ensure a smooth and effective transition of leadership, and we welcome Chief Strazzo to North Olmsted. • This has been a busy time for our service department, who've done a remarkable job clearing the snow and maintaining safe roadways during multiple high -impact winter storms, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The city received numerous calls and emails from residents expressing appreciation for the condition of the roads and the excellent level of service provided, and we still have, I'm sure, many more roads to plow before this winter's over. • Lastly, we were deeply saddened to learn on Friday of the passing of one of our own, Tony Farrella. Tony had faithfully served as our fleet manager for nearly 24 years, and he was both beloved and widely respected. His loss is felt profoundly across our organization and across our entire community. Our thoughts are with Tony's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. In his honor, the flag at City Hall has been lowered to half-staff in remembrance of our dear friend and colleague, and that, Mr. President, concludes my report. President Pro Tern Scarl: Thank you. Law Director Gareau, do you have a report this evening? Law Law Director Gareau: I do, Mr. President. Thank you. • First, to echo the Mayor's comments about Tony, I would say a true gentleman and dedicated to working for the City of North Olmsted, and it's easy to say this when somebody passes. You might think somebody's exaggerating or speaking a certain way. Probably the nicest person that worked at this complex. It didn't matter where you were, who you were, a friendly smile, a serious worker, and like I said, a gentleman, a deeply felt loss, and my prayers are with his family and his coworkers. • Sadly, we also lost, for those old-timers that have been around. Don't call us old-timers. We're just long -timers. Right, Lisa? We're all long -timers, not old-timers. Sandy Purper worked here for 30 years. It's been a number of years since she retired, and she was in the Safety Division, worked with the Fire Department, and then lastly, I believe she was with Carolyn Kassler as the Safety Director, and then I think Tom Jenkins following her, and I think one or two more Safety Directors. She was still here working with them. Again, a sweetheart of a person, very kind, and I'm sure the community will feel her loss, if for no reason other than the spirit that she brought to every room she entered. So I wanted to bring that to your attention as well. 02-03-26 Ccuncil Meeting Minutes .. Page 2