The City of Mentor has been operating under its own Charter since January 1962 when voters adopted the Council-Manager form of government. Under this system, a seven-member council is elected by the voters on a non-partisan basis. Three members serve At-Large, while the remaining four are elected to represent each of the four Wards. Every two years, Council chooses one of its own members to serve as President of Council. Council is responsible for hiring a City Manager to oversee and direct all municipal operations.
Mentor City Council Meetings
Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers located on the third floor of the Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Boulevard. These meetings are open to the public and are broadcast live on The Mentor Channel 12, carried on the Time Warner cable system. The meetings are also rebroadcast numerous times throughout the following week. Watch for announcements regarding Council Work Sessions or Public Hearings in the local newspapers and on Channel 12. Go to the Public Meeting page for meeting dates and current agenda.
Find out your Ward, Voting Precinct and Polling location.
CURRENT CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
| Robert M. Shiner President of Council
Ward 1 (Term ends 12/31/11) |
Ronald L. Micchia Vice-President of Council
At-Large (Term ends 1/1/14) |
| Ed Walsh Ward 3
(Term ends 12/31/11) |
Ray Kirchner Councilman-at-Large
(Term ends 1/3/14) |
| Scott J. Marn Councilman-at-Large
(Term ends 1/2/14) |
Carolyn P. Bucey Ward 2
(Term ends 12/31/11) |
|
Louis S. Aliberti
(Term ends 12/31/10) |
Former Council Members 1963 to Present
FEDERAL & STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS
LAW DIRECTOR
Richard A. Hennig
The Law Director is appointed by City Council and is an attorney-at-law, admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio. The Law Director is the advisor to, and the attorney and counsel for, the City of Mentor and its officers and divisions. The Director and his staff are responsible for representing the city and for prosecutions for offenses against the ordinances of Mentor and the relevant laws of the State of Ohio.
CLERK OF COUNCIL
Elizabeth A. Limestahl, CMC
Council appoints the Clerk of Council, who is responsible for attending all meetings of Council, and for keeping its records and performing all duties as prescribed by Council. Call (440) 974-5754 or e-mail the Clerk at limestahl@cityofmentor.com.
More than 50 residents volunteer their time and expertise to City officials through their participation on City boards and commissions. These citizens are appointed by City Council and represent a valuable resource to the community by making recommendations on various municipal issues. For a listing of current members, contact the City Council Office at (440) 974-5755 or at council@cityofmentor.com.
Beautification Commission
This 11-member commission is responsible for developing and overseeing various beautification projects within the community. Members serve four-year terms. To learn more about the commission or to learn about its role in the community, contact the Public Works Department at (440) 974-5781.
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
This seven-member board hears and determines appeals for exceptions to and variations from the City’s Zoning and Building Codes to assure harmony with municipal ordinances and regulations. Members serve four-year terms and meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., Municipal Center. If you have any questions about BZA, contact the Economic & Community Development Department at (440) 974-5740. Go to the Public Meeting page for meeting dates and current agenda.
Civil Service Commission
The commission ensures that appointments and promotions within the Police and Fire Department’s classified service are made according to merit and fitness, based on competitive examination. Three residents serve four-year terms and meet as needed at the Municipal Center.
Community Arts Commission
This commission provides direction and assistance to the Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities Department in developing cultural programs to suit the needs of the community. Members serve three-year terms and meet the first Thursday of each month at 4 p.m., at Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road. To learn more about the commission or to learn more about their role in the community, contact Len Zito, Director of Cultural Affairs at (440) 974-5735.
Fair Housing Board
Members serve three-year terms to review fair housing concerns.
Greater Mentor Port Authority
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 4582.31, the Greater Mentor Port Authority was established in 2003 to promote trade and create and retain jobs in the City of Mentor.
It’s Better in Mentor Festival Committee
Members plan, organize and operate the annual community festival, held the third weekend in September on the grounds of Civic Center Park. Meets monthly as needed at the Municipal Center. Tony Zampedro, City Liaison, (440) 974-5790.
Lake County Combined General Health Board
Two residents serve on this county board to oversee the operations and programs of the County Health Department. Meets monthly at the Lake County Administration Building.
Municipal Planning Commission
Commission members review all new industrial and commercial buildings, subdivisions, rezoning and conditional use permit requests. Seven members each serve four-year terms and meet every three weeks on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Municipal Center. If you have questions, contact the Economic & Community Development Department at (440) 974-5740. Go to the Public Meeting page for meeting dates and current agenda.
Tree Commission
Four members establish and administer Mentor’s Master Street Tree Plan. Members serve a four-year term and meet the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Center. If you have any questions, contact the Public Works Department at (440) 974-5781.
