AVON LAKE, Ohio -- During the Sept. 22 City Council meeting, Mayor Mark Spaetzel addressed two issues currently raising eyebrows and questions in the community.
First, a recent leak from a Lubrizol facility into a city storm sewer.
Second, the administrative leave of Fire Chief Jeremy Betsa.
Both issues have tongues wagging and speculations running rampant via social media channels.
Lubrizol discharge
On Sept. 16, an accidental discharge was reported to the city by the Lubrizol Corp., 550 Moore Road.
The discharge of diluted liquid entered the Avon Lake storm sewer system and exited at the outfall into Powder Maker Creek at the Lake Road culvert.
“While these events are the responsibility of the company, of course, our Public Works Department promptly assisted in the recovery and mitigating of this release,” Spaetzel explained.
“Lubrizol contacted private companies, who then took over the cleanup operations.
“Lubrizol followed their protocol, notifying the Ohio EPA and notifying the National Response Center that triggers automatic responses from the Ohio EPA and the Coast Guard, both of which were out on the scene at least two times that I’m aware of.
“So, we’re not anticipating any risk to our residents, but we are working collaboratively with Luprizol and the EPA and we will report out additional information as it becomes available,” Spaetzel concluded.
Councilman Rob Shahmir will continue to monitor the situation as part of his committee assignment.
Fire chief’s leave
Spaetzel then moved on to address the recent placement of Betsa on paid administrative leave.
Spaetzel went into further detail following a fiery exchange with resident William Zimmerman, who screamed at Council President Jennifer Fenderbosch over the issue.
Zimmerman claimed that his First Amendment rights were being violated and threatened again to sue the city, as he has done regarding other issues with council and the mayor -- including a failed attempt to oust Spaetzel from office.
Spaetzel began by stating that Zimmerman had presented some incorrect information.
“On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, Fire Chief Jeremy Betsa was placed on paid administrative leave,” Spaetzel said.
“This action was taken in the best interest of both Chief Betsa and the Avon Lake Fire Department, while we continue to review concerns brought to the attention of the city administration,” Spaetzel said.
“During this period, Assistant Chief Steve Peter will serve as acting fire chief and will oversee all administrative functions of the department.
“The city remains committed to ensuring that the fire department operations continue without interruption and that the high standard of service provided to the community is maintained.
“We also want to clarify that the current paid administrative leave is indirectly associated with grievances filed by the International Association of Firefighters Local 1361 against Fire Chief Besta, and an investigation into these grievances resulted in the discipline of Fire Chief Betsa,” Spaetzel continued.
“This discipline is under appeal before the Civil Service Commission and we will not be able to provide further comment until the commission has completed its review and issued a decision.
“As this is a personnel matter, the city will respect the privacy of all individuals involved,” he concluded.
“No further details regarding the paid administrative leave are available to release at this time. However, once these matters have been completely adjudicated, we will provide additional public statements.”
Spaetzel began his mayoral report earlier in the meetings with updates on the Alps and Walker Road rehabilitation, which he said are both progressing on schedule.
He lauded the “Big Trucks” event held last week and thanked those that not only put on the event, but the hundreds if not thousands of spectators who turned out.
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