Mentor · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mentor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police union fact-finding dispute
The city locked in a three-year deal with its police officers — 4% raises each year, retroactive to March 2026. Union already approved it.
Police chief transition
Chief Ken Gunch retires at the end of October after 33 years with the department, and Captain Mike Majernick — a 29-year veteran and FBI National Academy graduate — was named his successor.
E-Bike Safety Regulations
Kirchner proposed a community education event on e-bike classes and rules; the police chief agreed classifications are hard to enforce and plans Facebook outreach and possibly a Mentor Rocks event.
Flock license-plate reader oversight
A resident told council the police department says no audit records, search logs or access logs exist for the city's Flock license-plate cameras — making it impossible to verify safeguards are working. She's asking council to explain who reviews searches and how the system is held accountable.
New Fire Station #3 Construction
Bids for the new fire station are due May 15 with award expected June 2; groundbreaking mid-June and completion targeted for August 2027.
Carpenter Park fence safety complaint
A resident says the rotting, leaning fence at Carpenter Park has been falling apart since 2014 and borders an unsecured junkyard — a safety worry for kids at the park and in neighboring yards.
Sidewalk snow and ice clearing on Mentor Avenue and overpasses
Donovan pushed for more or better sidewalk snowplows — maybe one per ward — and stricter enforcement of property owners who don't clear sidewalks; Kirchner suggested a policy work session.
Park House Apartments fire response
A resident argued the 2025 short-term rental ban left families displaced by the January 31 Parkhouse Apartments fire with nowhere to turn, and asked Council to revisit the ordinance with balanced regulations.