Council Work Session April 7, 2026

The City of Mentor, Ohio held a Council Work Session on April 7, 2026, focused primarily on the Nature Preserve Shoreline Stabilization Project. The discussion centered on two key contracts with Smith Group: a $340,000 contract for due diligence work funded partly by a $104,000 Great Lakes grant from the state of Ohio, and a $1.2 million contract for the initial 30% design phase funded by a $1.75 million federal congressional appropriation. The council reviewed the project timeline, grant requirements, and the necessity of voter approval for the project funding, which is expected to involve bonding and significant local contributions. The council emphasized the importance of proceeding with the due diligence phase to meet grant timelines and prepare for subsequent design and permitting phases, while also considering the challenges posed by federal agency delays and regulatory restrictions on shoreline protection methods. The meeting concluded with a motion to move forward with the $340,000 due diligence work as part of the appropriation ordinance.