Avon Lake officials packed a lot into Monday's Collective Committee meeting, nudging forward two liquor-permit applications and taking a long look at a proposed 0.4% municipal income-tax increase that could bankroll roads and other big-ticket projects. Council members also discussed a possible land buy for municipal utilities, heard residents' worries about 5G antennas near schools, and paused to mark the passing of longtime public servant Anthony "Tony" Abram, as announced by Mayor Mark Spaetzel.
0.4% income-tax proposal for roads and capital
Mayor Spaetzel and Finance Director Beth Krosse walked council through Issue 13, a proposed 0.4% municipal income-tax increase that the city says would appear on the May 5, 2026 ballot and is projected to generate about $6.6 million a year for a dedicated Roads and Capital Improvements Fund. According to the City of Avon Lake, at least 65% of that money would be locked in for road improvements, with the balance available for stormwater work, capital equipment, and debt payments. The city states the plan would not cut funding for schools or the public library, and the online information page includes a calculator that lets residents plug in their own numbers to see how their income might be affected.
Liquor permits move ahead
Two liquor-permit requests also moved another step along. As reported by Cleveland.com, Councilmember Dave Kos asked that a motion be added to the next regular council agenda stating the city will not request a hearing on the DNT Revolution LLC application. The chief of police reviewed both that request, tied to Sisson's Flowers & Gifts, and a pending application from William Fine Sandwich Shop, and raised no objections, according to the report.
William Fine license had prior council action
The William Fine Sandwich Shop application at 140 Lear Road is not new to City Hall. The city's December 15, 2025 council agenda packet shows a motion instructing the clerk to return the Division of Liquor Control form indicating the city would not ask for a hearing on that license. That earlier step signaled council's willingness to let the state handle the permit without a local hearing, as reflected in the City of Avon Lake.
Grants, property deals and public concerns
Council also reviewed a purchase agreement for a parcel at 720 Moore Road that municipal utilities say is needed for water-transmission services, a behind-the-scenes move that could prove crucial for future infrastructure work. Members accepted a $69,000 grant from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council to help pay for capital projects, giving the city a little extra breathing room on the budget side.
Mayor Spaetzel used part of the meeting to announce the death of Anthony "Tony" Abram and said visitation and a funeral Mass are set for next Friday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The meeting's public-comment period brought concerns from residents about the placement of 5G antennas near schools, and Council President Geoffrey Smith called for a special meeting to sync up council's rules with the city charter on when and how executive sessions are scheduled, according to reporting by Cleveland.com.
Many of the items discussed Monday are expected to come back for final votes at the next regular council meeting, and city officials say they will keep pressing public outreach on the proposed tax ahead of the May 5 ballot. Residents can review upcoming agendas and watch meeting livestreams on the city's website.
