At-Large Council Member & President of Council· 2020–2029
Sarah Kepple
Lakewood
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 30
- Total speaking time
- 8:41:05
- Avg per meeting
- 17:22
- Segments
- 8253
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Top issues during term (20)
Adoption of Public Art Master Plan
Funding strategies and potential maintenance line items will be incorporated into future municipal budgets.
Flock Surveillance Camera Data Privacy Concerns
The city recently approved $125,000 for annual camera contract payments.
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities Levy
The 2.25-mill property tax levy will fund county-wide developmental disability services and local human services programs.
Lincoln Elementary School Repurposing and Student Transportation
The Safe Routes to School Fund would direct city money to crossing guards and safety infrastructure; speed cameras could also generate revenue from violators.
Short-term rental moratorium
Short-term rentals don't generate income tax revenue the way owner-occupied homes do, per the resolution's findings; enforcement costs are a concern raised by the administration.
First Energy Infrastructure Accountability and Rate Advocacy
Rate increases proposed by First Energy would cost local customers more, while the city's legal push aims to secure infrastructure investment and restitution.
Charter Amendments Package
Placing charter amendments on the ballot incurs election administration costs, and ranked choice voting carries potential legal risks regarding state local government funds.
Beck's Pool Renovation and Grant Funding
The grant could provide up to $150,000 in reimbursement for the $4-$6 million pool project.
First Energy Power Outages and Utility Accountability
Potential financial fines for First Energy and possible ratepayer refunds or escrow systems.
Bicycle and Micro-Mobility Infrastructure Regulations
Minimal direct fiscal impact; potential signage and infrastructure costs.
Madison Avenue and Hilliard Road Safety Analysis Study
Delineators and paint are described as relatively low-cost; a full redesign would require county coordination and capital funds.
Franklin School property acquisition
$300,000 purchase price, with possible playground improvement funding in the 2027 or 2028 budget.
utility regulation
Residents and local businesses took a financial hit from spoiled food and lost hours, and the city wants accountability for these costly outages.
FY27 federal funding allocations
Roughly $2 million in federal funding directed to community development and homeless services activities.
Safe Routes for Children initiative and school walking routes
Safety improvements called for by the city's own plans will need funding in the 2027 budget now being drafted.
Be SMART secure firearm storage program
School-zone speed cameras and Safe Routes to School Fund
Camera fines would flow into a dedicated fund rather than general revenue; the fund can also receive general-fund appropriations.
FirstEnergy Power Outages and Infrastructure Failures
First Energy has committed approximately $19 million in short-term investments through 2027, while facing a $3 million PUCO forfeiture and advocating against proposed rate hikes.
International Compost Awareness Week and Citywide Composting
Reduces city waste disposal tipping fees by diverting organic food waste from landfills.
Zoning Refresh Project Development Standards Update
It keeps tax dollars working efficiently by managing federal grants that fund local neighborhood improvements.
Decisions during term (336)
Recorded while Kepple was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Adoption of Substitute Resolution 2026-49 — Short-Term Rental Moratorium
Approval of September 21, 2026 Minutes
Receive and File Committee of the Whole Report on First Energy
Receive and File Committee of the Whole Report on Public Art Master Plan
Adopt Substitute Resolution 2026-40: Public Art Master Plan
Receive and File Communication Regarding Board and Commission Vacancies
Defer Resolution 2026-42: Public Art Advisory Board Appointment
Adopt Resolution 2026-43: Community Recreation & Education Commission Liaison
Adopt Resolution 2026-44: Complete and Active Streets Board Reappointment
Adopt Resolution 2026-45: Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board Reappointments
Adopt Resolution 2026-46: Tree Advisory & Education Board Reappointment
Adopt Resolution 2026-47: Lakewood Alive Board Ex-Officio Appointment
Receive and File Communication Regarding Hispanic Heritage Month
Adopt Resolution 2026-48: Hispanic Heritage Month Designation
Receive and File Reports on September Boards & Commissions
Receive and File Animal Safety & Welfare Advisory Board Report
Receive and File September 2026 Finance Department Vendor Report
File Liquor Permit Objection Notice for Sourwood Public House
Approval of September 28, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes
Referral of Resolution 2026-40 (Public Art Master Plan)
Voting record (11)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Motion by Vice President Baker to strike the last sentence, so that Section 6.7 reads as follows...
Amendment and Favorable Recommendation of Ordinance 16-2026 (Elected Official Salaries)
Enter Executive Session for Board Appointments
Motion to Enter Executive Session for Litigation Update
A motion was made by President Kepple to adopt Resolution 2026-24
Adopt Resolution 2026-16 (Endorsing School District Tax Levy)
Business relationship with the Lakewood Recreation Department through Lakewood City Schools.