Fire chief, councilmembers address recent court case ruling
by Dan Holland
May 26 city council meeting
During a May 26 city council meeting, Fire Chief Jeff Hajek read a statement concerning the outcome of a court case filed against Ward 3 Council Representative Brian Dunlap concerning an alleged incident in city council chambers during a Nov. 3 council meeting.
Hajek alleged that, following the Nov. 3 council meeting, he had been threatened with physical harm by Dunlap, a retired Broadview Heights firefighter. An initial statement concerning the alleged incident was read by Hajek during a Feb. 19 council meeting.
According to Parma Municipal Court records, a case charging Dunlap with disorderly conduct was filed on Nov. 26, with a not-guilty plea being entered on behalf of Dunlap on Dec. 2. The case was dismissed on May 11 by Judge Timothy Dobeck.
“I would like to take a moment to thank the judge and prosecutor in the recent case involving Mr. Dunlap for allowing me the opportunity to decide whether to accept Mr. Dunlap’s apology and acknowledgment of his comments, or to move forward with the case seeking a conviction/fine,” read Hajek. “Throughout this process, many city employees approached me to express their concerns and fears that something similar could happen to them. After careful consideration, I felt it was more important for the employees of this city to receive an acknowledgment and apology so that we as a city can begin moving forward.”
During a May 18 city council work session, Dunlap read a statement expressing remorse regarding the Nov. 3 interaction.
“I am genuinely sorry for the language that I used, as well as the frustration and discomfort this exchange may have caused anybody and others present,” Dunlap read. “I value the professionalism of the fire department and city council’s work, and I regret that the tone and the timing of this interaction detracted from the city’s business and the environment we owe staff, constituents and attendees.”
“Also, I want to express my sincere desire to move forward in a constructive, respectful manner, regardless of differing viewpoints on city business.”
During council discussion toward the end of the May 26 meeting, Councilperson-at-Large Glenn Goodwin addressed the tiff between Hajek and Dunlap.
“Knowing the players – and knowing that they worked together for so long – there’s some animosities there,” said Goodwin. “I think this has just been a big circus act, the whole thing. I guess if you work together for 30 years, there’s going to be some animosities.”
“And, all I can say is that I’m sorry; some people didn’t get their $15 million agenda fire station, so maybe there’s some harbored feelings for that; but whatever,” he continued. “I sat here right in front of the incident, and I think I felt thoroughly confident that there wasn’t going to be any kind of an issue with that whole thing.”
In other business, councilmembers approved:
- An agreement with Tac Computer, Inc. for computer hardware for the police department.
- An agreement with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for holster sensors for the police department.
- A memorandum of understanding between the city and the Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District Board of Education for the school resource officer program.
- An agreement with Summit Testing & Inspection Company for construction materials testing for the fire station.
During a May 11 council meeting, councilmembers approved:
- A resolution opposing Enbridge Gas Ohio’s request to increase distribution rates and requesting that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio deny their request.
- A resolution of appreciation to Travis Dunlap for serving as a member of the Shade Tree Commission.
- An agreement with American Fireworks for Broadview Heights Home Days and Tree Lighting.
- An agreement with Campo Roofing for the replacement of the pump station and police station roofs.
- An ordinance authorizing all actions necessary to accept the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) 2026 Energized Community Grant Funds.