Standing Committees

City Council committees are specialized, smaller groups of council members tasked with in-depth review, research, and policy development on specific topics (e.g., finance, public safety, economic development) before items go to the full council for a vote. They enhance efficiency by allowing detailed, technical analysis and public input, serving as advisory bodies rather than final decision-makers. Use the links below to learn more about Avon Lake's standing committees:

Quick Links

Buildings & Utilities Committee

All ordinances, resolutions and other matters relating to the Communications and Technology Department; the city-owned cable access channels and studio, including telephones, radios, computer hardware or software, social media, city website, marketing, technology, community outreach; water, sanitary, additions, repairs, improvements of sanitary, hydrants, electrical lines, gas lines, data lines, index of line breaks, sewer assessments, and such matters shall be referred to the Building and Utilities Committee under the jurisdiction of the city and Avon Lake Regional Water, and are the responsibility of the Building and Utilities Committee for study, investigation, and recommendation to Council. One member of the Building and Utilities Committee shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Communications and Technology Commission.

Whenever possible, the Chairperson of the Buildings & Utilities Committee will attend Avon Lake Regional Water public meetings.

Reviews the Building Department's goals and objectives, including construction and renovation of buildings, issues pertaining to water, gas, electrical light, and power shall be considered and recommended to Council.

Other responsibilities:

Review City utilitiy contracts with power distribution, including street lights.
Works with other committees related to renewable energy.
Oversees issue of informational technology within the Council Chamber and the City, including network security, radios, and all other communications.

Members:

Amy Gentry, Chair, Councilwoman Ward 3
Matthew Reynolds, Councilman At-Large
Rob Shahmir, Councilman Ward 1

Economic Development Committee

All ordinances, resolutions, and other matters relating to economic development and involving the office of Community Development, including, but not limited to, retaining existing businesses and attracting new businesses to Avon Lake shall be referred to the Economic Development Committee for study, investigation, and recommendation to Council, except that such referral on a particular matter may be waived by the Council President upon the Mayor’s request and advise that timely consideration of such matter by Council is necessary or appropriate.

Other responsibilities:

Works with members of the Community Improvement Corporation.
Reviews the Recreation Department's goals and objectives, along with recreation programming (includes youth and senior services and other recreational activities).
Proposes arts and humanities programming.
Oversees and advises all matters pertaining to public transportation.

Members:

Rob Shahmir, Chair, Councilman Ward 1
Jennifer Fenderbosch, Councilwoman Ward 2
Amy Gentry, Councilwoman Ward 3

Environmental Committee

All ordinances, resolutions and other matters relating to natural resources and environmental protection; shoreline protection; preservation and conservation of Lake Erie; recycling; yard waste, waste collection and contract, leaf humus, branch pickup and woodchips; compost; and inventory of brownfields shall be referred to the Environmental Committee for study, investigation and recommendation to Council. One member of the Environmental Committee shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board.

Other responsibilities:

Proposes green renewable energy and alternative energies.

Members:

Kayla Goodwin, Chair, Councilwoman At-Large
Rob Shahmir, Councilman Ward 1
Geoff Smith, Councilman At-Large

Finance Committee

All ordinances, resolutions, and other matters relating to finances, indebtedness, appropriations, payment of moneys and taxation, and all matters involving the office of the Finance Director and insurance and pensions of employees, shall be referred to the Finance Committee for study, investigation, and recommendation to Council.

Other responsibilities:

Quarterly, reviews and compares expenditures against the established budget to identify and analyze possible fiscal trends that may affect the City's financial position.
Oversees the ongoing review of the City budget, annual appropriations, bond issues, levies, and possible legal issues affecting the City.
Reviews the goals and objectives of the Finance Department.

Members:

Geoff Smith, Chair, Councilman At-Large
Jennifer Fenderbosch, Councilwoman Ward 2
Kayla Goodwin, Councilwoman At-Large

Human Resources Committee

All ordinances, resolutions and other matters relating to the hiring or promotion of new or existing employees; the grade and step increases of qualifying City employees; the determination of grades and steps for newly created positions; the writing or amending of job descriptions and other matters involving the office of Human Resources pertaining to chapter 258 shall be referred to the Human Resources Committee for study, investigation, and recommendation to Council.

All ordinances, resolutions and other matters relating to negotiations of wage and salary increases for city employees, and the provision of fringe benefits for such employees and special programs, shall be considered and recommended by the Human Resources Committee to members of Council.

The Human Resources Committee shall include among its members the Chairpersons of the Finance and Public Safety and Health Committees. A member of the Board of Municipal Utilities and a member of the Civil Service Commission shall serve as ex officio, non-voting member.

Reviews the goals and objectives of the Human Resources Department.

Members:

Matthew Reynolds, Chair, Councilman At-Large
David Kos, Councilman Ward 4
Geoff Smith, Councilman At-Large

Public Safety & Health Committee

All ordinances, resolutions and other matters relating to the Police Department and Fire Department, including, but not limited to, inspections, railroads, public and senior transportation, traffic regulations, pedestrian safety, emergency community preparedness, school safety, bike safety, nuisances and overall public safety within the city, shall be referred to the Public Safety and Health Committee for study, investigation and recommendation to Council. In addition, the Public Safety and Health Committee shall promote safety awareness, review and update procedures, conduct inspections, and make recommendations to enhance the overall health and safety of the workplace and community.

Other responsibilities:

Reviews the Police and Fire Departments' goals and objectives.
Organizes the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training for elected officials and conduct a citywide emergency response practice exercise to ensure all employees are prepared in the event of an actual emergency.
Requests that the Lorain County Emergency Management Agency review and critique the City’s exercise and provide feedback for improvement.
Works with Homeland Security and the Lorain County Board of Health on services and health-related issues in the community.
Reviews and studies all emergency vehicles, emergency communication matters, emergency response apparatus, and special task forces.

Members:

David Kos, Chair, Councilman Ward 4
Amy Gentry, Councilwoman Ward 3
Geoffrey Smith, Councilman At-Large

Public Service Committee

All ordinances, resolutions, and other matters relating to the maintenance and acquisition of city-owned or proposed city-owned facilities, infrastructure, lands, trees, and other vegetation; the lease or sale of facilities, buildings, infrastructure, and lands not needed for municipal purposes; the maintenance of ditches, catch basins, storm sewers, outfalls, enclose open ditches; development or subdivision engineering; street and bridge construction; and all matters relating to streets, bike paths, sidewalks, planning, zoning, and the maintenance of city buildings, lands, and parks shall be referred to the Public Service Committee for study, investigation, and recommendation to Council.

The Public Service Committee shall oversee all matters pertaining to the engineering design, construction, repair, maintenance and inspection of streets, bike paths and sidewalks, street cleaning, waste collection and disposal, street and highway improvements, grading, assessments, and other matters within the rights-of-way.

The Public Service Committee shall oversee operations relating to public services, including, but not limited to:

Maintaining historic properties and historic districts.
Recommending the acquisition and replacement of equipment, vehicles, and materials used by the Public Works Department, Recreation Department, City Engineer, and Community Development Department.
Maintaining public parks, playgrounds, and beaches.
Review and monitor the goals and objectives of the Community Development, Engineering, and Public Works departments.
Oversee matters related to property inspection, urban forestry, and maintenance codes.

Members:

Jennifer Fenderbosch, Chair, Councilwoman Ward 2
David Kos, Councilman Ward 4
Matthew Reynolds, Councilman At-Large

Walker Road Ad Hoc Committee

The City of Avon Lake and the City of Bay Village jointly own the park property being developed on Walker Road in Avon Lake. The Councils of each City have appointed three members of each Council to serve on an ad hoc committee to discuss issues and make recommendations to their appropriate Council for action and/or funding.

Members:

Rob Shahmir, Chair, Councilman Ward 1
Jennifer Fenderbosch, Councilwoman Ward 2
Kayla Goodwin, Councilwoman At-Large