Medina City Council to change with retirement, transition of positions

MEDINA — Starting Jan. 1, Medina City Council will look a bit different as Councilman-at-Large Paul Rose retires from his position and Ward 4 Councilman Jim Shields becomes the city's mayor. Council held its final regular meeting of the year Monday, which gave officials the chance to recognize those leaving their positions. Besides Rose and Shields, it was the final meeting for Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell, who will retire at the end of the year. Medina Council President John Coyne presented both Rose and Shields with a plaque to recognize their time served in their positions. Rose began his role as Councilman at-large in January 2010 and will complete his term on Dec. 31, serving the city for 16 years. Councilman-elect Ed Isabella will fill Rose's seat on Council in the new year. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of the city of Medina," Rose said. Rose reflected on the last 16 years and the accomplishments made in that time, including the city's economic growth and increased job opportunities, as well as the services provided to its residents. Additionally, Rose talked about changes made within the city that he helped spearhead. Rose brought forward the Emerging Technologies Committee, which was formally created in January 2016. He felt the city needed to be prepared for the future. During his 2009 campaign, Rose made a promise to increase the ways the city could obtain taxes. In October 2024, Council passed a transient lodging tax, or a room tax for hotels, to benefit the city as work moved along at the future site of the Legacy Hotel. "It's always been my philosophy (that) when you go into something, when you leave it, leave it in a better place," Rose said. "I know that the city of Medina is in a much better place." Shields began his role as Ward 4 councilman in January 2002 and will complete his term on Dec. 31, holding the position for 24 years. He will begin his new position as mayor on Jan. 1. Council is accepting applications through Dec.19 for those interested in filling the soon-to-be-vacated Ward 4 seat. "I was born and raised and lived my entire life in Ward 4 and it's just been an honor to serve the residents there," Shields said. "I've met a lot of great people over the years and a lot of friends and certainly looking forward to being able to serve and meet many more friends in the rest of the city here in my next role." Contact reporter Sara Crawford at (330) 721-4063 or scrawford@medina-gazette.com.