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October 27, 2025 at 6:00pm EDT
Subject: Written Comment for Finance Committee Meeting - Support for Composting Program
Dear Finance Committee Chair Bullock, Vice President Baker, and Councilwoman Stebig,
I am writing to express my strong support for including a citywide composting program in Lakewood's 2026 budget.
As a Lakewood resident, I have personally collected petition signatures from residents who want access to free composting. In just four days, I gathered 34 enthusiastic signatures. We now have 56 (37 + 19) residents signed on across all four wards.
Lakewood already has proven partnerships with Rust Belt Riders at Cove Community Center, Lakewood High School, and elementary schools. We simply need to extend free access to all residents. Shaker Heights, Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and University Heights all provide this service—Lakewood should not fall behind.
The Climate Action Plan that Council adopted in 2023 specifically calls for this program. We have the policy mandate, the infrastructure, the funding pathways, and growing resident support.
I urge the Finance Committee to recommend funding for citywide composting in the 2026 budget.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Kathryn Ziemnik
1248 Elbur Avenue
karozi@hotmail.com
Lakewood Composting Committee
Dear Finance Committee Chair Bullock, Vice President Baker, and Councilwoman Strebig,
I am writing to urge the Finance Committee to include funding for a citywide composting program in the 2026 budget.
This initiative directly implements Strategy 37 of our adopted Climate Action Plan, which mandates 95% organic waste diversion by 2030. Council President Kepple has already identified this as a 2026 budget priority, and Councilmembers Bullock and Hamilton Steiner are co-sponsoring the resolution.
Four neighboring communities—Shaker Heights, Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and University Heights—already provide free composting to their residents using Rust Belt Riders. Lakewood should not fall behind.
We have 37 resident signatures across all four wards. Funding sources exist through Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District grants (Shaker Heights received $16,000) and sustainability budget reallocation.
I respectfully request that the Finance Committee recommend including citywide composting in the 2026 budget.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Sikes
1673 Arthur Ave.
216-409-1584
Lakewood Composting Committee