Committees

Committees

The Mayor with the approval of Council appoints the members of the Village's committees. Most of the committees and members are listed on this page. Only the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Architectural Board, and the Historical District Subcommittee have regularly scheduled meetings. All other Committees meet as needed with the time and date posted at least 24 hours in advance on the Web site, at the Town Hall and the Post Office.

  • Regularly Scheduled Committees
  • Planning and Zoning Commission - 1st Tuesday, 5:00 pm monthly
  • Architectural Board - 1st Thursday, 5:00 pm monthly
  • Historical District Subcommittee - 3rd Wednesday, 5:00 pm monthly
ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE

Maintains cages in the Service Department for found animals. Walk, feed, and provide water to the lost pet until the owner is located. Assists in communication to help find owners of lost animals.

  • Lynn Berzin
  • Joan Englund
  • Andrea Mattes
  • Vicki McCrone
  • Gail Minichello
  • Michael Press
  • Kathy Rabin
  • Marla Robbins
  • Jennifer Roth
  • Laurel Smith
  • Dr. Anna van Heeckeren
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD, (3) YEARS

Created by the Charter, the Board maintains quality and visually appropriate construction in the Village and recommends modifications to the Building Code.

3 Year Term - Meets 1st Thursday of the Month

  • John Spirk, Chairperson (12/31/2025)
  • Janet AuWerter (12/31/2023)
  • Judy Embrescia (12/31/2025)
  • Jan Holzman (12/31/2024)
  • Sandra Turner, Council Representative (12/31/2024)
  • Sara Welsh, Historic Review Board Representative
  • William Childs, Architect (12/31/23)
  • Richard Kawalek, Architect (12/31/23)
ARCHITECTURAL Sub-Committee- HISTORICAL REVIEW

Adheres to National Historic guidelines for construction in historic areas of the Village.
Appointed Annually - Meets 3rd Wednesday of the Month.

  • Sara Welsh, Chair
  • Laurie Deacon
  • Jane Lindmark
  • Greg Nosan
  • Chuck Spear
  • Dave Ellison, Architect
  • Joseph Giglio, Architect
  • William Childs, Alternate Architect
BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES

Considers requests for cemetery use, headstones, landscaping and other cemetery-related matters.

  • Ed Welsh, Chair
  • Peter Griesinger, Trustee
  • Katharine Goss
  • Mary Reynolds
  • Kathy & Jim Pender, Trustees
  • Janet Mulh, Archivist
  • Dave Biggert, Trustee
CHAGRIN RIVER WATERSHED PARTNERS - COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

Preserves and enhances the environmental and scenic quality of the Chagrin River Watershed. Offers advice on local drainage and erosion problems.

  • Sandra Turner
  • Christopher Courtney
Charter Review Commission

The Charter Review Commission is tasked with reviewing the Village's Charter and submitting any proposed amendments to the Council, which passes legislation to place the issue before Gates Mills voters at the general election.

  • Shawn Riley, Chair
  • Laurie Deacon
  • David Hooker
  • Michael Press
  • Robert Reitman
COMMUNITY EVENTS

Chairpersons who lead various community events.

  • Art Show - Bob Andreano
  • Easter & Halloween Events - Jocelyn Brogley & Doug Webb
  • Friends of the Library - Karen Galloway
  • Gates Mills Players - Dale Fant
  • Summer Concert - Laurie Deacon
  • The Nature Camp - Joe & Carmella Hayes
Fiber Optic/Broadband Committee

Explore options for Village-wide broadband service.

  • Karen Long Cascio
  • Laurie Deacon
  • Larry Frankel
  • Ann Whitney, Chair
FINANCE AND BUDGET COMMITTEE

Recommends the annual budget to Council by reviewing expenses, revenues, levies, capital needs and financial challenges.

  • Steve Siemborski, Chair
  • David Atton
  • Jay ("Chip") AuWerter
  • David Burke
  • Beth DeCapite
  • Michael Press
  • Mark Prusinski
  • Nancy Sogg
  • Ann Whitney
  • Janet Mulh, Finance Administrator
GATES MILLS GAS WELL SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alerts residents to federal and state legislation as well as Village ordinances regulating the safety of gas wells: drilling, maintenance and capping off. Consults with Village Fire Chief on these matters.

Gates Mills Gas Well Safety Committee Website

  • John Kramer, Chair
  • Jerry Bohinc
  • Larry Frankel
  • Don Levenson
  • Sandra Turner
  • Dave Biggert, Service Director
  • Tom Majeski, Fire Chief
GATES MILLS LAND CONSERVANCY (4 YEARS) COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

Acquires, conserves and preserves properties with strategic, ecological value in the Village. It is a non-profit organization indepenedent of the Village. Village levy funds support the GMLC. Mayor appoints 5 of the 15 Board members.

4-Year Term

  • Scott Broome (2025)
  • Jamie Carracher (2026)
  • John Kramer (2023)
  • Ira Greenberg (2023)
  • Sandra Turner (2026)
Heritage Home Program

Receive advice on improvements, contractor resources and low interest financing for home repairs on heritage homes that were built 50 or more years ago.

  • Sandra Turner
  • Chuck Spear
Hillcrest Council of Councils

Elected Mayors and Councilmembers meet quarterly to discuss topics of common interest to the Hillcrest communities.

INSURANCE SUB-COMMITTEE

Studies and recommends insurances needed by the Village.

  • Ann Whitney, Chair
  • Beth DeCapite
  • Bob Reitman
  • Janet Mulh, Finance Administrator
LEGAL COMMITTEE

Recommends and interviews legal counsel for the Village as needed.

  • Shawn Riley, Chair
  • Debbie Moss Batt
  • David Hooker
  • Robert S. Reitman
  • Nancy Sogg
LOCAL BOARD OF TAX REVIEW (2) YEARS

Hears and settles disputes on Village income tax issues.
2-Year Term

  • David Bercheck (12/31/2023)
  • David Burke (12/31/2023)
  • John K. Lane (12/31/2023)
Long Range Financial Planning Sub Committee

Assigned as needed. Considers long-term revenue sources and capital needs of the Village and recommends solutions for combatting financial challenges.

  • Steve Siemborski, Chair
MAYFIELD SCHOOL SYSTEM LIAISON COMMITTEE

Attends School Board meetings to keep Mayor and Council informed. Communicates with residents about current school activities, issues and recognitions for the purpose of conveying value delivered to the community. Hosts Superintendent and Treasurer annually at a Council meeting.

Mayfield City Schools

  • Meghan Perez, Co-Chair
  • Sean O'Hagan, Co-Chair
  • David Atton
  • Angela Baker
  • DeAnn Dominish
  • Audrey Dvorak
  • Larry Frankel
  • Robin Polack
  • Jim Stafford
  • Vikram Swamy
  • Laurel Ravida, Gates Mills Elem. Principal
  • Officer Arch Kimbrew (SRO)
  • Chief Minichello
PARK COMMISSION, (5) YEARS

Created by the Charter to oversee lands owned or acquired by the Village for park puposes.
5 Years.

  • Karen Schneider, Mayor (12/31/2025)
  • Al Cowger (12/31/2025)
  • Cathy DiVincenzo (12/31/2025)
  • Paul Nemastil (12/31/2025)
  • Ed Welsh (12/31/2025)
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION/Board of Zoning Appeals

Planning and Zoning (P&Z) reviews site plans to insure compliance with zoning laws and recommends new ordinances to maintain community standards.

Board of Zoning Appeals(BZA) hears requests from residents for variances from the zoning code.

2 Council Reps - Annually
5 Electors - 4-Year Terms

  • Craig Steinbrink,Council Rep and Chair (12/31/24)
  • Scott Broome (12/31/24), Council Rep
  • Jim Deacon (12/31/24)
  • Emily Hamilton (12/31/27)
  • Chris Riley (12/31/26)
  • Jeannine Voinovich (12/31/27)
  • VACANT, (12/31/27)
  • Dave Biggert, Secretary
POSITIVELY GATES MILLS

Promotes Village activities and amenties to residents and welcomes new residents. Liaison to realtors and relocation specialists advising potential residents about Gates Mills.

  • Sandra Turner, Chair
  • Janet Auwerter
  • Sally Burke
  • Karen Eagle
  • Nancy McGuinnis
  • Molly Nook
  • Gail Palmer
  • Alison Phillips
  • Steve Schneider
  • Anne Steele
REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE

Oversees Village-owned properties along with reviewing real estate issues and transactions.

3-Year Term

  • Warren Morris, Chair (12/31/25)
  • Shawn Riley (12/31/23)
  • Craig Steinbrink (12/31/24)
Real Estate Sub-Committee

Meets with Real Estate Committee to discuss topics of broader concern regarding real estate.

  • Warren Morris, Chair
  • Shawn Riley
  • Craig Steinbrink
  • Debbie Moss Batt
  • Eric Bell
  • Paul Cascio
  • Larry Frankel
  • Mark Prusinski
  • Robert S Reitman
  • Tim Reynolds
  • Kevin Slesh
  • Nancy Sogg
RECORDS COMMITTEE

Required by State law, composes record retention schedules needed for maintaining records. Includes Mayor, Clerk or an appointed representative, Law Director, Councilmember, and a citizen.

  • Karen Schneider, Mayor
  • Janet Mulh, Finance Administrator/Clerk's Representative
  • Todd Hunt, Law Director
  • Ed Welsh, Councilmember
  • Marcia Anselmo, Citizen, Pres. GM Historical Society
  • Dave Biggert, Service Director
  • Gregg Minichello, Police Chief
  • Tom Majeski, Fire Chief
RECREATION COMMITTEE(Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce Ball & Physical Fitness Activities)

Oversees recreational activities in the Village and use of Village property for recreational activities such as tennis, pickleball, bocce ball and physical fitness.

  • Jay "Chip" AuWerter
  • Juliana Carrus
  • Clark Langmack
  • Lucy Lytle
  • Jane Mitchell
  • Joe Petrella
  • Jim Stafford
RITA Council of Government

Attend meetings on behalf of the Village with income tax administrator, Reginal Income Tax Agency (RITA).

  • Robert S. Reitman, Representative
  • Janet Mulh, Alternate
SAFETY/ EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Studies matters affecting the health, safety and welfare of residents such as traffic, police and fire policies and practices and new programs/services to enhance emerging safety requirements.

  • Larry Frankel, Co-Chair
  • Mike Pinto, Co-Chair
  • Charlie Baker
  • Scott Broome
  • Patrick Daugherty
  • Doug Horner
  • Hadley Kline
  • Dennis Leazott
  • Karen Long
  • Craig Steinbrink, Council Rep.
  • Ed Welsh, Council Rep.
  • Dave Biggert, Service Director
  • Gregg Minichello, Police Chief
  • Tom Majeski, Fire Chief
Service - Phase II STORMWATER SUB-COMMITTEE

Required by State law and meets on an ad hoc basis. Determines how the Village can comply with regulations pertaining to stormwater.

  • David Burke, Chair
  • Dave Biggert, Service Director
  • Jay "Chip" AuWerter
  • John Kramer
  • Chris Courtney, Village Engineer
SERVICE COMMITTEE

Reviews matters relating to the service of Village roads, culverts, stormwater, equipment and residential property maintenance compliance.

  • Jay "Chip" AuWerter, Chair
  • Dave Biggert, Service Director
  • Trevor Murfello, Service Manager
  • Charlie Baker
  • Bob Bruml
  • David Burke
  • Steve Dominish
  • Larry Frankel
  • Darko Luketic
  • John Mueller
  • Mark Saltzman
  • Nancy Sogg
Village Recycling Projects
  • Jennifer Pinto
VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS' DEPENDENTS FUND BOARD (2 COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES)

Manages the distribution of State Funds to dependents in the event of the death of a volunteer fire fighter.

2 Council Representatives

  • David Atton
  • Ed Welsh
WAGE & BENEFITS SUB-COMMITTEE

Studies and recommends employee wage scales and benefits.

  • Steve Siemborski, Chair
  • Jay "Chip" AuWerter
  • Beth DeCapite
  • Bob Reitman
  • Sandra Turner
  • Ann Whitney