Public Meetings - Cleveland, Ohio

The Municipal Service and Properties committee meeting commenced on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, with a focus on legislative approvals regarding the Flats East Bank, administrative corrections for the North Coast Waterfront New Community Authority, and waste collection infrastructure upgrades. The session also featured a detailed review of public works operations concerning recent winter storm response and a critical salt delivery shortage affecting the city. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 1541-2026 (Flats East Bank Docking): Amended to authorize Flats Forward to enter into a lease amendment permitting boat docking fees for a period of five years, subject to council renewal review. The original lease term remains 99 years, with the fee authorization restricted to the initial five-year period. - Ordinance 1447-2025 (NCA Subfunds): Approved to establish subfunds within the Department of Port Control and Department of Public Works to correctly account for and remit North Coast Waterfront New Community Authority parking charges. This legislation corrects a prior administrative omission. - Ordinance 33-2026 (Waste Collection Equipment): Approved as amended to authorize the purchase of replacement carts, street receptacles, and compactors through one or more requirement contracts for up to three years. The amendment includes a specific estimated annual expenditure cap of $2.3 million and requires council notification for cooperative process purchases. - Ordinance 1455-2025 (Police Command Bus): Approved as amended to authorize the retrofit of the Division of Police command bus, estimated at $320,000, to update outdated IT and communication technology. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Complaints (Bulk Pickup): Councilman Chris Harsh noted a resident was ticketed for a single bag of household items during bulk week despite the bag being intact; residents expressed frustration that such items are not eligible for bulk pickup and must be taken to the dump. - Sidewalk Clearing Concerns: Councilman Richard Shaw raised concerns regarding property owners failing to clear sidewalks, forcing pedestrians (especially children) to walk in the streets, and requested clarification on city enforcement and assistance programs like "Snow Heroes." - Salt Delivery Shortage: Multiple council members expressed frustration regarding the inconsistent delivery of salt by Cargill, noting that the city is relying on "sensible salting" strategies rather than full coverage due to supply chain issues. - Parking and Driveway Issues: Councilwoman Gray and Councilman Shaw highlighted issues where snow plows push snow onto residential driveways and concerns about residents parking on streets in non-restricted zones during storms, blocking plow access. Discussion Items - Flats East Bank Docking Program: - Description: The program allows for the management of a 900-linear-foot dock section (from Norfolk Southern Bridge to the Lake House) using students from Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School to ensure safety near commercial shipping lanes. It requires a U.S. Coast Guard waiver. - Funding & Fees: Fees are intended to cover program costs, estimated at $100,000 annually. Proposed fees include $15/hour for boats under 30 feet, $25/hour for 30-55 feet, and $50 flat for larger yachts. - Positions: - Councilman Chris Harsh expressed full support for the educational program but opposed the open-ended nature of the 89-year lease remaining on the fee authorization. He successfully moved to limit the fee authorization to five years, requiring council renewal. - Councilman Brian Casey questioned the lack of revenue projections in the legislation before passage but supported the educational mission of Davis Maritime High School. - Commissioner DeRosa and Flats Ford representatives confirmed that proceeds will be used strictly to cover program expenses, safety equipment, and student wages, and that the U.S. Coast Guard supports the initiative pending legislative authorization. - Salt Shortage and Storm Response: - Status: Director Laird and Commissioner Scott reported that the city ordered 70,000 tons of salt but has received approximately 50,000 tons to date due to delivery failures by Cargill. Current inventory is at 7,000 tons. - Strategy: The city has adopted a "sensible salting" strategy, prioritizing main streets and dangerous intersections while spot-salting residential areas. They are utilizing brine and Beet heat additives. - Positions: - Councilman Shaw expressed strong concern over Cargill's failure to meet delivery timelines, suggesting the need for legal action or a secondary strategy, while acknowledging the difficulty of cutting ties with the primary vendor. - Councilman Star suggested exploring increased above-ground storage capacity to handle future shortages. - Commissioner Scott noted that Morton Salt is an alternative but has had previous performance issues, and Compass Salt cannot currently deliver due to seasonal ice. - Waste Collection Operations: - Carts: The department is replacing 10,000-12,000 carts annually. Residents can request additional carts for a $75 fee (lease process), with a 30-day delivery window for standard requests, though the Service Level Agreement (SLA) is 5 days. - Bulk Pickup: Residents can request up to three additional bulk pick-ups per month via 311, free of charge, provided items adhere to guidelines. Bags of general trash are not permitted for bulk pickup. - Street Receptacles: The department plans to replace concrete receptacles with metal ones and is systematic about installing new ones based on service requests. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Amendments: Ordinance 1541-2026 was amended to limit the authorization for docking fees to a five-year period (Section 1, Line 4, amended to read "for a period of five years"), requiring future renewal by Council. Ordinance 33-2026 was amended to set an estimated annual cost cap of $2.3 million and mandate council notification for cooperative purchases. - Approval of All Ordinances: All four ordinances (1541, 1447, 33, 1455) were approved and signed in the session. - Directives for Public Works: - Staff committed to exploring communication strategies for residents regarding street parking during snow events. - A review of sidewalk enforcement and senior assistance programs (Snow Heroes) was requested from staff. - Investigation into the cost and feasibility of expanding salt storage capacity beyond the current 25,000-ton limit was ordered. - Future Actions: The Law Department is investigating potential legal recourse against Cargill for non-delivery. The committee will follow up on the salt shortage resolution and sidewalk clearing accountability measures.

The Cleveland City Council Public Safety Committee convened to review three critical initiatives: the authorization of federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants, the enforcement status of the updated criminal activity nuisance ordinance, and the operational status of the police drone program. The meeting was characterized by detailed discussions on funding allocations, statistical reporting discrepancies, and the need for increased inter-departmental coordination to address chronic neighborhood safety issues, particularly in Ward 4. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 26-2026 was authorized to enable the Director of Public Safety to apply for and accept Cuyahoga County grants for fiscal year 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilman Joe Jones expressed strong concern regarding the lack of police continuity and protection in Ward 4 (Miles Avenue corridor), citing recurring robberies at retail stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General) and nuisance issues involving junkyards, stating that previous interventions by commanders had been ineffective. - Councilman Joe Jones voiced frustration over the administration's perceived failure to provide adequate assistance to his neighborhood over nine years, highlighting the need for immediate enforcement action against specific criminal activities. - Councilwoman Nikki Hudson requested clarification on whether nuisance declarations at declared properties successfully halted criminal activity. - Councilwoman Nikki Hudson raised concerns about the ability to communicate with out-of-state property owners and the necessity of following up on nuisance letters before the certification of fines. - Councilman Joe Jones advocated for council members to tour the Real-Time Crime Center and dispatch facilities to better understand the allocation of safety funds and operational workflows. - Councilman Kevin Conwell questioned the lack of coordination between the police and other city departments (Building and Housing, Health) regarding nuisance properties. - Councilman Joe Jones noted the effectiveness of past joint operations between vice squads and building inspectors and suggested a similar approach could be revitalized. Discussion Items Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grants - Director of Public Safety detailed the breakdown of three separate grants: the Domestic Violence Program (Law Enforcement), the Sexual Assault Program (Rape Crisis Center), and the Domestic Violence Program (Prosecution). Total project amounts range from $64,407 to $225,860, with matching funds required from the city's general fund. - City Prosecutor Clayla Jordan reported 735 misdemeanor cases brought in the previous year and provided statistics from the Domestic Violence Unit regarding 2,220 cases handled last year, with 46% referred for criminal charges. She emphasized that victims are less likely to cooperate after the initial report, necessitating community engagement. - Councilwoman Stephanie House Jones requested disaggregated data by ward and specific categories (reporting vs. prosecution vs. conviction) to better understand the impact in individual communities. - Councilwoman Nikki Hudson inquired about protections for victims who cannot or will not reintegrate with their families, prompting a discussion on advocacy supports and resource pamphlets. - Councilman Joe Jones asked for data on male victims of domestic violence. Lieutenant Kyle Freeman confirmed that while the grant language focuses on female victims, male victims do come forward, though they are a minority in the reported data. Criminal Activity Nuisance Ordinance - Assistant Director Jason Shachner reported that since the ordinance amendments in June 2025, the administration has sent 71 warning letters and declared 14 properties as nuisances, a sharp increase from zero declared nuisances in 2024. - Assistant Director Shachner explained that the previous ordinance had barriers, such as requiring a citation to count toward the three-event threshold, which has been removed to include probable cause based on interviews and video evidence. - Councilman Joe Jones raised specific concerns about junkyards on Miles Avenue and repeated robberies at local stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General), requesting direct intervention and a plan of action from the safety director. - Director of Public Safety agreed to work with the acting Fourth District Commander (Sean Smith) to address the specific addresses provided by Councilman Jones regarding junkyards and store robberies. - Councilman Kevin Conwell questioned if police officers actively report persistent nuisance events they see while patrolling. Assistant Director Shachner confirmed that officers are trained to input data into the CAD system and have an internal form to report these issues to the division of analytics. - Councilman Slife asked for clarification on the timeline for fines and tax certification, noting that fines of $100/day accrue immediately upon failure to submit an abatement plan, with certification to county property taxes occurring in September. - Deputy Chief Jared Shalat confirmed that anonymous reporting is possible when calling 911, though anonymity may complicate administrative hearings if the complainant does not wish to testify. Drone Program - Deputy Chief Jared Shalat presented the status of the police drone program, noting 12 official deployments (1 currently owned, others for training) used solely for situational awareness at large events and crime scenes, not for surveillance or facial recognition. - Councilman Joe Jones expressed a desire to inspect the drones and receive a demonstration, noting the program has been discussed for five years. - Councilman Kevin Conwell raised safety concerns regarding obstructed sightlines due to overgrown vegetation blocking streetlights and drone flights, requesting that the Public Safety Department collaborate with Urban Forestry to address this. - Deputy Chief Shalat and Director of Public Safety confirmed the existence of a "Public Safety Drone First Responder" pilot program where a drone will deploy from a fire station prior to fire/EMS arrival to assess scenes, aiming to optimize resource deployment. - Councilman Conwell asked if the drone program would eventually cover the entire city; the administration indicated expansion depends on the success of the current single-station pilot. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 26-2026 was approved as read, authorizing the city to seek VAWA grants for the fiscal year. - Data Requests: The Council directed the Director of Public Safety to provide the requested statistical data, including ward-level breakdowns of domestic violence and sexual assault cases, and prosecution outcomes, prior to the Finance Committee review. - Nuisance Enforcement: The Council expressed satisfaction with the increase in nuisance letters and declarations since June 2025 but directed the Administration to ensure consistent reporting of warning letters to Council members. - Ward 4 Issues: The Safety Director committed to investigating specific nuisance properties and crime patterns in Ward 4 provided by Councilman Jones. - Drone Demonstration: The Committee agreed to coordinate a facility tour of the new Police Headquarters and a demonstration of the drone equipment for Council members. - Inter-departmental Collaboration: The Director of Public Safety agreed to coordinate with Urban Forestry to address vegetation that obstructs streetlights and potential drone flight paths. Omit any section with no relevant content. Use additional sections for major agenda items that don't fit the above categories. (Note: The section "Public Comments & Testimony" was included as the transcript contains substantive public input from Council members regarding specific cases and systemic issues, distinct from the formal discussion items.)

On January 21, 2026, the Cleveland City Council's Transportation and Mobility Committee convened for the first of a series of hearings regarding the potential closure and redevelopment of the 450-acre Burke Lakefront Airport. The meeting focused on explaining the complex legal and environmental constraints of the site, specifically its status as submerged land and landfill, while outlining the administration's preliminary rationale for closure based on economic impact and public access goals. City officials emphasized that while development is feasible, specific uses have not yet been determined, necessitating further community engagement and detailed planning before any legislative action is taken. Consent Calendar - No legislation was presented or voted upon; however, the Committee reviewed the agenda and acknowledged the attendance of Council members and administration staff. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilman Dean Polencick (Ward 10): Expressed strong opposition to closing the airport without a proven alternative revenue source. He argued the city is losing jobs (jail) and assets (Browns stadium) and cannot afford to remove a downtown airport that supports the region. He called for a holistic plan ensuring neighborhood benefits and warned against making decisions in a vacuum without verifying if the site is financially viable to redevelop. - Councilman Austin Davis (Ward 7): Supported the administration's exploration but stressed the need for a clear vision. He emphasized that the site must generate revenue and economic impact to replace the current loss of assets in Cleveland, noting that the current low utilization of the airport represents a "missed opportunity" that must be rectified before closure. - Councilman Brian Casey (Ward 13): Voiced concern that the administration is "putting the cart before the horse" by pursuing closure without a concrete development plan or full environmental data. He questioned the feasibility of high-density development given the groundwater depth and urged the city to investigate if investment could keep the airport operational to serve the community. - Councilman Ridger A. Starr (Ward 5): Highlighted the risk of closing the airport without a plan, citing the long-term vacancy of former school sites as a cautionary tale. He questioned whether the Council was formally engaged early enough in the decision-making process and emphasized that the legislative body, not just the executive branch, must decide the site's future. - Councilman Kevin Bishop (Ward 2): Echoed concerns about closing the airport without a defined goal or financial justification. He questioned the administration regarding the repayment of federal grant obligations (estimated over $9 million) if closure occurs abruptly and demanded clarity on how the city will benefit the entire population, not just developers. - Daryl Houston (Citizen): Urged the Council to prioritize environmental health and water quality over revenue generation. He expressed concern about dredging material contaminating the water supply and argued the city currently has too many underutilized parks. He criticized the use of taxpayer dollars for preliminary discussions while urgent community safety issues remain unaddressed. - Councilman Nikki Hudson (Ward 11): Stated she has heard from residents who view the closure as a "missed opportunity" due to a lack of city investment. She asked if the airport could be revitalized through better marketing and investment rather than being abandoned, noting that other subsidized assets like the Highland Golf Course were successfully saved. - Councilman Slife (Ward 15): Advocated for the Port of Cleveland's mission, warning that dredging material must have a place to go to protect the harbor's economy. He expressed fear that with limited capacity at current disposal sites, the federal government might be forced to dump dredge into the open lake if Burke is closed without a guaranteed alternative like CHERE. Discussion Items - Legal Status of Submerged Land: John Hoos (Port Control) and Jessica Trivisano (Mayor's Deputy Chief of Staff) clarified that Burke is comprised of landfill on submerged land owned by the State of Ohio. The City holds a long-term lease (until 2113) but cannot sell the land outright due to the Public Trust Doctrine and Section 45 of the City Charter, which requires a public vote for alienation. Development would occur via long-term ground leases (e.g., 99 years), which finance well but mean the City cannot sell parcels to private individuals as fee-simple ownership (no condos/sales to residents). - Environmental & Geotechnical Conditions: Scott Skinner (NCWDC) and Marty Kane (Utilities) presented data suggesting the site is relatively clean with few unknowns compared to other Cleveland brownfield sites (e.g., Detroit Shoreway). Runways are highly compacted, making the soil suitable for low-to-medium density development without significant remediation. However, higher-density structures (skyscrapers) or residential uses would require deeper foundations and significant remediation, increasing costs. The City is compiling a comprehensive "due diligence" memo to quantify these findings. - Utility Capacity: Marty Kane noted that existing electrical and water infrastructure is sufficient for low-density development. However, sanitary sewer capacity is a constraint due to the site being below the main gravity lines, requiring pumping (forced mains). Capacity is determined by the specific end-use; low-density uses are feasible, but high-density residential would require infrastructure upgrades funded by the developer or the city. - Port Operations & CDFs: The Port of Cleveland explained that three Confined Disposal Facilities (CDFs) exist at Burke. CDF-10B (Army Corps) and CDF-12 (Port-owned) are nearing capacity (CDF-12 expected to be full by 2029). CDF-9 is a recycling facility intended for indefinite use. Closing the airport does not immediately eliminate this need. The Port is designing a new, multi-phase "Chees" (Cuyahoga Harbor Environmental Reclamation and Sustainability) site miles away, with an estimated $300 million in infrastructure costs, to handle dredge material for the next 20 years. Council members debated whether Chees can handle the volume if Burke closes, raising concerns about the river remaining undredged and the potential for federal authorities to dump dredge back into the lake. - Air Show & Economic Impact: The administration deferred detailed budget analysis to the next hearing but noted that an economic impact study has determined that closing the airport yields a net positive for the city regardless of development density. Regarding the Cleveland National Air Show, officials stated they are exploring how to continue the event using regional airports rather than closing the site entirely. - Federal Grant Repayment: Councilman Bishop raised the issue of over $9 million in federal grant repayment obligations if the airport closes overnight. The administration confirmed this is a complex logistical issue to be addressed in future hearings alongside the FAA transition of reliever airport status (likely Hopkins or Akron-Canton). Key Outcomes - Status of Airport: No decision to close has been made by the Council; the administration is currently in a fact-finding and advocacy phase. - Planning Timeline: The next hearing is scheduled for February 4 to discuss budget impacts (operating losses of $900,000 annually). A third hearing in April will detail the logistics of closure, and a fourth in April will discuss market conditions and conceptual uses. - Community Engagement: The administration committed to a robust public engagement process over the next four months to solicit community input on desired uses before drafting a master plan. - Development Constraints: Council members were informed that the site cannot be sold fee-simple; future uses must rely on ground leases, and high-density residential or commercial use will depend on the financial viability of remediation and soil compaction strategies. - Next Steps: The administration will provide additional data on the environmental due diligence, a map of utility lines, and the economic impact study. A guided tour of the Port's CDFs and the new Chees site is being arranged for Council members.

The Cleveland City Council Safety Committee convened its first meeting of the new council term to review public safety staffing levels and deliberate on "Tanisha's Law," a proposed ordinance establishing a Bureau of Community Crisis Response. The session featured detailed updates from Director Wayne Drummond regarding personnel attrition and hiring challenges across the Police, Fire, EMS, and Animal Control divisions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to amending legislation introduced to honor Tanisha Anderson, including discussions on staffing authority, response protocols, and community input mechanisms. Consent Calendar - No routine consent calendar items were listed or approved during the session. Public Comments & Testimony - Fatina Ada, Executive Director of Care Ohio and NAACP Northern Ohio Chapter: Expressed full support for Tanisha's Law, stating the legislation recognizes mental health as a public health issue and offers an opportunity to treat mental health crises without criminalization. She noted that the program would have altered outcomes for individuals currently incarcerated. Discussion Items - Staffing Levels and Attrition - Director Drummond reported the Division of Fire is currently six units over the budgeted strength of 757 (at 763) due to fewer retirements than anticipated, with a target to return to budget numbers via attrition in the coming months. He noted 22 departures in 2025. - The Division of Police is at 1,256 uniformed members (including recruits), below the budgeted 1,338 and the original 2025 budget request of 1,350. Director Drummond attributed the decrease to transfers of headcount to Fire and attrition. - Division of EMS is at 280 staff with 26 cadets in training; upon graduation, staffing will reach 306, leaving the division nine short of the 315 budgeted goal. - Animal Care and Control is five full-time positions short of the 38 full-time budgeted goal. - Recruitment, Diversity, and Hiring Processes - Councilman Richard Starr expressed strong concern regarding the lack of diversity in recent Fire Department graduating classes, noting instances of zero African American graduates despite the city's demographic makeup. He stated the recruitment process appears to be dropping qualified minority candidates. - Councilman Jones shared a specific anecdote of a qualified African American applicant who was disqualified for failing a psychological evaluation, while a white applicant with a similar failure was allowed to sit in the class, though eventually required to pay for a re-evaluation to be seated. He urged the administration to investigate disqualifying rules in Fire and Police hiring. - Councilman Charles Slife presented data indicating a disparity in hiring where initial applicant pools were diverse, but the final hired classes were overwhelmingly white and non-residents. He attributed this to the Civil Service "one-in-ten" rule and residency bonus points, which he argued causes qualified Cleveland residents to be passed over. - EMS Safety and Training - Councilman Conwell questioned the frequency of assaults on EMS workers. Assistant Director Scheckner reported 6 assaults in 2023, 10 in 2024, and 12 in 2025 as of the report date. Commissioner Wheeler confirmed that employees are trained in scene safety and self-defense, with police response available for backup. - Tanisha's Law (Ordinance 1198-2024) - Legislative Amendments: The administration presented a revised draft where strike-through text indicates deletion and underlined text indicates additions. Council members House Jones and Slife proposed seven additional amendments. - Amendment 1 (Whereas Clause): The administration initially struck the phrase stating Tanisha Anderson "would likely be alive today". Councilwoman House Jones proposed an amendment replacing this language with a statement that the policies ensure people in crisis receive "compassionate and appropriate care." The Council amended the definition of "compassionate" to mean "showing sympathy and concern for others" and "appropriate care" to mean "suitable, high-quality health care." - Amendment 2 (Definitions): New definitions were added for "compassionate" and "appropriate care." - Amendment 3 (Bureau Structure): The amendment added a requirement that the Deputy Commissioner of Community Crisis Response operate "in consultation with the Director of Public Health" and allowed the Commissioner of EMS to employ necessary staff with the consent of the Director of Public Safety. - Amendment 4 (Dispatch): Clarified that unarmed crisis response teams shall be dispatched via "crisis call diversion" to respond to nonviolent behavioral health and quality of life calls, bypassing standard 911 dispatch protocols where appropriate. - Amendment 5 (Independent Response): Clarified that unarmed teams may independently respond after listening to police radio for any call that would benefit from their services. - Amendment 6 (Community Input): Mandated that crisis response guidelines be revised with the advice of the Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Health, City Council, and community stakeholders. - Amendment 7 (Data Collection): Required the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data on team effectiveness, to be made publicly available within legal limits (stripping the "extent legally permissible" qualifier to ensure public transparency). - Budget and Implementation: Council President Griffin noted that the initial investment is estimated around $700,000, escalating to approximately $4 million depending on scope. Councilman Conwell emphasized the need to maintain core EMS unit staffing levels to prevent service reduction. The administration confirmed that the program advances consent decree goals and has no negative impact on current metrics. Key Outcomes - Legislative Passage: Ordinance 1198-2024, as amended to include administration changes and the seven council-proposed amendments, passed with an affirmative vote requiring two-thirds support. - Bureau Establishment: The ordinance legally establishes the Bureau of Community Crisis Response within the Division of Emergency Medical Services, to be administered by a Deputy Commissioner. - Staffing Directives: The Director promised to provide the Council with a breakdown of police departures (retirements vs. departures to other departments), the specific disqualifying rules for Fire and Police hiring, and a report on minority hiring statistics. - Implementation Roadmap: The administration is tasked with hiring the Deputy Commissioner of Community Crisis Response immediately following passage to begin program development, vehicle procurement, and finalizing the budget allocation for the Bureau's full operation.

Cleveland City Council convened on January 12, 2026, beginning with a series of ceremonial recognitions honoring local athletes, law enforcement, and community organizations, followed by extensive public comments addressing public safety, housing policy, foreign relations, and administrative accountability. The legislative body then proceeded to review and vote on various ordinances regarding funding, leases, and administrative authorizations, concluding with council announcements and expressions of concern regarding infrastructure and school district policies. Consent Calendar - Oaths of Office: Administered to Mayor Justin Bibb and Joy Anderson (Interim Director of Community Development). - Grant Acceptance: Accepted a $5,000 grant from the Jack Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation for the Junior Mayor's Association. - Clerk Designations: Designated Kita Stigers as Clerk of Council Pro Tem for various dates in December 2025 and January 2026. - Plat Approval: Approved the dedication plat for the Lake Avenue Town Homes Subdivision in Ward 11. - Liquor Licenses: Approved (with one exception noted below) various applications for new licenses, stock transfers, and ownership transfers across multiple wards. - Condolence Resolutions: Passed resolutions of condolence for numerous deceased residents, with all council members added as signatories. - Recognition Resolutions: Passed resolutions of congratulations for Kappa Alpha Psi, Brianta Spencer, Lisa Gamben, General Joseph Berger, and the Divine Nine organizations (specifically Zeta Phi Beta, new Theta Zeta, and Gamma Alpha Zeta chapters). Public Comments & Testimony - Daryl Houston (Bedford Heights): Expressed strong opposition to the current city cabinet; demanded the removal of the Chief of Operations, Utilities Commission members, and the Health Chief, stating they had "given us nothing" in 48 months and lacked accountability. Mr. Houston positioned himself as advocating for a "brilliant" mayor blocked by a failing cabinet. - Latasha McFarland (Ward 3): Expressed full support for renaming Manor Avenue in honor of her grandmother, Katie E. Brown, describing the change as a "meaningful and lasting way" to recognize a life of service and love over the violence that took her life. - Ben Heidi (Cleveland): Expressed support for Cleveland to adopt a specific historic female design flag and embrace a "social democratic" governing model inspired by international examples to address diversity and working-class needs. - Foziy Badour (Ward 11, representing a coalition): Expressed support for returning land to city ownership to re-integrate it into Cudell Park and support for the city to acquire the gas station at 1022 Denison Avenue. - Terry Wong (Ward 8, Asiatown): Expressed demand for the enforcement of all Cleveland laws regarding ICE activities; contrasted non-cooperation with enforcement, arguing that laws only matter if enforced. - Andre Daly (Ward 10): Expressed support for a moratorium on short-term rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo), arguing they reduce long-term housing supply and drive up rents. - Joseph Lewis (Beachwood): Expressed opposition to the Trump administration's "coordinated military assault" on Venezuela and support for an anti-war resolution, citing illegal actions and funding cuts to social programs. - Heather Hall (Solon) & Ronald Watkins (Ward 8, representing Cleveland Liberation Center): Expressed opposition to a war on Venezuela and support for protecting residents from ICE; positioned the current administration's military actions as directly connected to domestic terror and refugee crises. - Clarissa Foster (Owner, Mastermind Your Business): Expressed concern and opposition to the management of the "Home for Every Neighbor" (H4EN) program, citing inconsistent rent payments and unreimbursed damages totaling over $20,000 to date; requested a public hearing to examine the program's administration. - Councilman Charles Slife: Expressed support for Councilman Davis's resolution regarding the death of Renee Nicole Good and added Catherine Waters to the resolution. Discussion Items - Burke International Airport Decommissioning: Councilman Charles Slife expressed concern and skepticism regarding the proposal to close Burke Airport and redevelop the 450-acre lakefront. He positioned the need for a "fact-finding mission" over glossy visions, citing potential fiscal burdens on the general fund and the need for community analysis before any action. - First Energy & Power Outages: Councilman Brian Casey expressed strong opposition to First Energy's request to lower state reliability standards to allow more frequent and longer power outages. He cited the company's history of bribery and failed performance, arguing that the proposal puts public safety at risk. - Traffic Safety: Councilwoman Nikki Hudson expressed deep concern and urged drivers to slow down and avoid phone use following the recent pedestrian death, emphasizing the lethal nature of vehicles. - CMSD & School Closures: Councilman Michael Palencick expressed concern that proposed CMSD school closures in his ward would lead to voter disenfranchisement by removing polling locations, and requested to meet with Dr. Warren Morgan to discuss the plan. - Technology Issues: Multiple council members expressed frustration with the new audio system, noting an "echo" and poor acoustics that hindered listening to public comments. Key Outcomes - Emergency Ordinances Passed (Unanimous Vote: 14-0): - Ordinance 1108-2025: Extended the lease for Justice Center space with Cuyahoga County (Tabling approved). - Ordinance 1507-2025 (amended): Updated rules regarding the use of city credit cards. - Ordinance 25-2026: Acceptance of a State Justice Institute grant for continuity of operations. - Ordinance 26-2026: Funding for the Stop Violence Against Women Act Program. - Ordinance 27-2026: Designating Mount Moriah Baptist Church as a Cleveland Landmark. - Ordinance 28-2026: Option to lease city-owned property at 4242 Lorraine Avenue. - Ordinance 34-2026: Amtrak right of entry for the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway station (with ADA improvements). - Several Ordinances (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 71) authorizing various contracts, purchases, and transportation improvements (Detroit Road Bridge, East 66th Street, CUY Memorial Bridges). - Legislation Rejected/Reserved: Councilman Slife and others added their names to Councilman Davis's condolence resolution regarding Renee Nicole Good. - Committee Scheduling: Scheduled Safety Committee meeting for Wednesday to discuss "Tanisha's Law" and police staffing levels. - Transparency Action: Councilman Slife directed the Transportation Committee to hold four hearings on the Burke Airport closure to analyze costs, obstacles, and community impact before any vote.

The Committee on Finance, Equity, and Diversity met on January 12, 2026, to discuss and vote on Ordinance 1507-2025. The primary agenda item was an emergency amendment to the codified ordinances regarding the use of city credit cards. The amendment sought to institute backup credit cards for key officials to ensure uninterrupted travel and operational payments, explicitly authorize payments for arbitration and third-party neutrals, and refine travel coordinator protocols. The meeting also featured extensive discussion regarding the city's transition to electronic invoicing, streamlining the disbursement of discretionary funds, and ensuring compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Consent Calendar - Ordinance 1507-2025 (as amended): Approved unanimously. The ordinance amends Section 171.40 of the Codified Ordinances to allow the Clerk of Council and Travel Coordinator to hold backup credit cards, adds "or other third party neutral" to payment authorities, and clarifies the role of the travel coordinator. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilman Richard Starr: Expressed strong concern regarding the current reimbursement process for council operations and discretionary funds. He argued that requiring non-profits and CDCs to front-load money is inefficient, noting that funds are already allocated in the budget but locked in a manual, multi-step legislative and contracting process that delays payments for weeks or months. He proposed a streamlined workflow where legislation approves funding for a specific purpose, the city pays the vendor directly after the event, and documentation is pre-encumbered in the system. - Councilman Mike Palency: Expressed deep concern regarding the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance of the city's financial partners. He specifically questioned whether Huntington Bank, the primary issuer, meets its CRA obligations to support local mortgages and lending. He demanded verification that all financial institutions doing business with the city are in full compliance before continuing business relationships. - Councilman Conwell: Stressed the frustration of personal financial outlays due to reimbursement delays, citing specific instances where he spent thousands of his own funds to ensure city business was completed. While acknowledging the need for documentation, he requested a specific timeline for the new electronic invoicing system rather than vague assurances, and urged the finance department to provide regular progress reports. Discussion Items - Backup Credit Cards & Arbitration Payments: The Director of Finance explained that the amendment is necessary because certain vendors refuse checks and cash. He confirmed that backup cards are a reinstitution of a prior procedure. Council members questioned if "third party neutrals" allows for the payment of large law firms (e.g., Jones Day). The Director clarified the amendment is strictly for arbitration fees (e.g., labor negotiations) involving fees of usually a few thousand dollars, not for general legal contracts or services exceeding $50,000. - Credit Card Limits and Usage: Councilman Starr requested a breakdown of credit card limits. The Director provided the following limits: City Council ($53,120, under Clerk Patricia Brett), Law Department ($15,000), Port Control ($10,000), Finance/Admin ($5,000), Purchasing/Supplies ($10,000), Housing Court ($5,000), City-wide Travel ($200,000, held by Travel Coordinator Andre Reynolds), IT ($10,000), Mayor's Office ($5,000), and Public Safety ($5,000). It was noted that all cards except those for the courts are issued by Huntington Bank. - Electronic Invoicing System: The Director outlined a plan to implement a new electronic invoicing system to replace manual processes, aiming to speed up payments to vendors. He stated vendors can upload invoices and banking information, allowing for a centralized system. Implementation is expected to take six to eight months, with a full rollout targeted for the end of 2026. Council President emphasized that despite digitalization, pre-encumbrance of funds and strict documentation remain mandatory to ensure checks and balances. - Discretionary Funds and Wards Adjustment: Council members discussed the discrepancy in funds between the 17-ward and 15-ward council structures. The Director acknowledged the need to reaggregate funds and assign ownership to the new wards, promising to work with council staff to update the accounting system. Councilman Harsh expressed willingness to lead operational discussions on streamlining the legislative intake and contracting process for discretionary funds. - Interest and Accountability: Councilmembers asked about the risk of interest charges and fraud. The Director assured the committee that cards are paid in full every month to avoid interest. Regarding fraud or dissatisfaction with services, the city can dispute charges through the bank, which is described as a more robust safeguard than checks or debit cards. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 1507-2025 approved unanimously. - Finance Department Directive: The Finance Director committed to providing Councilman Starr with the cardholder agreement detailing limits and to meeting with council members to discuss streamlining discretionary fund disbursements. - CRA Verification: Councilman Harsh (CRA Board Representative) confirmed Huntington Bank was rated "Outstanding" for CRA compliance in 2025 and offered to formally review the city's status with the board. - Process Review: The Finance Department agreed to reaggregate funds to align with the new 15-ward structure and to establish an automated reporting process to reconcile discrepancies between the City Council's records and the Finance Department's records regarding Neighborhood Equity Funds (NEF) and other accounts. - Timeline Acknowledged: The Finance Director provided a tentative timeline of 1-2 weeks to select a vendor for the electronic invoicing system, with a full system implementation expected by the end of 2026.

The committee convened to hear updates from the Music School Settlement regarding a major capital expansion project and from the Division of Health Equity and Social Justice regarding equity initiatives, federal funding challenges, and programmatic improvements. Presenters provided detailed statistics on student demographics, financial aid, and community impact, while council members expressed strong support for the organizations' missions and requested deeper dives into specific health disparities and funding mechanics. Consent Calendar - Routine introductions of the newly appointed committee team. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public (alumnus) expressed that the Music School Settlement teaches character and curiosity, having learned there as a child in the late 90s. - Councilman Austin expressed full support for the Music School Settlement project as a "must-have" for sustainability, stating that without growth and innovation, an organization cannot last. - Councilman Jones expressed deep concern regarding infant mortality in the 44128 (Lee-Harvard) zip code, characterizing past conditions as "third world" and expressing a need for a fundamental improvement and a direct working relationship with the Health Department to address systemic barriers facing the African American female population. Discussion Items Music School Settlement Capital Project - Project Overview: The Settlement presented plans to rehab the historic "Grease House" (built 1912) on their University Circle campus to increase instructional space by 50% (from 28 to 42 rooms) and build a state-of-the-art technology lab. The new addition will feature specialized acoustic separation for jazz, rock, and pop, and will be named the "Jack Joseph and Morton Mandel Music House" following a $3.3 million gift from the Mandel Foundation. - Accessibility & Financial Aid: Director of the Settlement emphasized that 44% of students received financial aid last year, with discounts up to 90% based on federal poverty guidelines. A new Community Engagement Manager has been hired to increase visibility. - Community Engagement: The technology lab will be open to the general public for music software and sound editing training. The organization also highlighted its Suzuki program, which involves active parent engagement, and its Creative Aging program, which combats isolation in seniors. - Council Feedback: Councilman Austin praised the project and offered to facilitate a meeting to discuss potential city assistance for the capital campaign, noting the importance of municipal endorsement. Division of Health Equity and Social Justice - Equity Framework: Commissioner Wills presented the division's work in implementing the "racism is a public health crisis" resolution, utilizing Health and Equity Assessments (HEAs) to review city policies across four categories: neighborhood/built environment, economic mobility, health/public health, and social/community supports. - Federal Funding Challenges: The Commissioner expressed concern regarding potential impacts of federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP work requirements, particularly on the HIV treatment population (5,000 beneficiaries in Cleveland). A "war of paperwork" regarding reapplications (every six months) is anticipated. Additionally, conflicts between federal presidential orders regarding gender inclusivity and municipal laws are being reviewed by the law department, causing a lag in finalizing HERSA (Mom's First) contracts. - Program Highlights: - Mom's First: A home-visiting program for pregnant women and infants, now facing potential reporting constraints regarding gender recognition due to federal compliance issues. - Community Hubs: The Health Department is leveraging existing community partners (libraries, schools, ministers' groups) to navigate benefit application barriers. - Infrastructure: Work is ongoing to increase language access (beyond the language line) and improve physical accessibility in City Hall buildings. - Civic Engagement: The committee discussed the formation of the "CIVIC" (Cleveland Infant Vitality Group) to address infant mortality, modeled after Cincinnati's "Cradle Cincinnati" initiative to standardize equitable care for Black women and babies. - Council Feedback: - Councilman Jones requested specific data on infant mortality improvements in the 44128 zip code since 2017 and asked for a comparative analysis of barriers preventing African American women from accessing care. - Councilwoman House Jones commended the Division of Health Equity for its intentionality in team training (using CliftonStrengths, communication styles, and empathy training), stating the team operates at a "level of excellence" and urged the city to replicate this model. Key Outcomes - Music School Settlement: The committee acknowledged the organization's $10.1 million in raised funds for the $12 million project. The city is not currently a direct funder but Councilman Austin offered to explore city involvement in the capital campaign. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin April/May 2026 with a Fall 2027 opening. - Health Department Reporting: The Commissioner committed to publishing the 2024 Annual Report (using the "Clear Impact" database) prior to the Mayor's Budget message in February 2026. The report will include geographic breakdowns of infant mortality and other health indicators. - Future Directives: A separate meeting is scheduled to address the "CIVIC" initiative for infant mortality in the Lee-Harvard area and to review the city's lead program status and resources with the Community Development Department at the next meeting. - Team Development: The Health Department's approach to mandatory team training (standard operating procedures, soft skills, and technology) was recognized as a best practice model for city-wide staff development.

The Cleveland City Council Public Safety Committee convened on December 4, 2025, to hear public testimony and debate Ordinance 1198-2024, known as "Tanisha's Law." The legislation proposes the creation of a standalone Department of Community Crisis Response to codify unarmed care response teams and integrate mental health dispatch. A significant divide emerged between the ordinance sponsors (Council Members House Jones, Slife, and Mauer), who advocate for an immediate, city-housed department to ensure accountability and dedicated funding, and the Administration (Director of Public Safety Wayne Drummond and Assistant Director Jason Shachner), who supports the intent of care response but opposes creating a new department, citing a need for further data analysis and structural efficiency. The meeting concluded with the committee chair directing the Administration to provide proposed amendments and relevant data before a final vote is scheduled. Consent Calendar - No specific consent calendar items were individually detailed or voted upon in this transcript excerpt; the focus remained entirely on the public hearing for Ordinance 1198-2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Anderson (Tanisha Anderson's uncle): Expressed that his family was not in agreement with previous responses to the tragic death of Tanisha Anderson. He stated a desire to listen to the proceedings and find "common ground" regarding Tanisha's Law. - Pete Van Lear (Concerned resident and former Policy Matters advocate): Expressed full support for Tanisha's Law, arguing that police are understaffed and better suited for violent crime. He criticized the current pilot program for being limited to 988 calls (which he noted people do not know) rather than 911 calls, and argued that outsourcing the program makes it unaccountable to the city. - Stephanie Ash (Licensed Social Worker and NASW board member): Expressed full support for codifying the new department to ensure sustainable infrastructure, dedicated funding, and accountability to the people, rather than relying on third-party providers. - Josiah Quarrels (Director of Organizing at Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless): Expressed full support for the legislation, arguing that the current Adams Board pilot operates as a "black box" without community control. He emphasized the need to integrate care response with 911 dispatch to meet residents where they are conditioned to call, and stated that waiting for a call-type analysis is unnecessary and delays action. - Administration Submission (Read by Chair): The Administration expressed support for the intent of the legislation but stated opposition to the creation of a new department and the immediate advancement of the legislation before a call-type analysis is completed. They argued that no other city has codified such a department and that the current structure allows for necessary flexibility. Discussion Items - Legislative Goals and Structure: Council Members House Jones, Slife, and Mauer explained that the legislation aims to create a Department of Community Crisis Response to ensure dedicated funding, accountability, and integration with 911 dispatch. They noted that while they support a call-type analysis, they believe it should run concurrently with staffing the department, not delay it. - Administration's Position: Director Drummond and Assistant Director Shachner stated that the current Co-Response Program (CIT officers paired with licensed clinicians) is the "gold standard" and that the department is not under their current management. They proposed that any future care response should likely be housed under EMS or existing divisions to avoid duplicative bureaucracy, insisting on the necessity of a call-type analysis before structural changes. - Consent Decree Clarification: Councilwoman Moore presented a letter from the Department of Justice clarifying that the consent decree does not prevent the use of non-police responses when appropriate, contradicting earlier administrative concerns. However, Councilman Slife noted that diverting away from police entirely could create compliance metrics issues requiring years of new data. - Program Limitations and Training: Questions were raised regarding the current capacity of the seven Co-Response teams, with Director Drummond stating they respond to approximately 15.6% of CIT calls live, while the majority of their time is spent on follow-ups. Council Member Casey and others questioned whether current training hours (24 hours at academy, 4-8 hours annually) are sufficient, noting the tragic history of cases like Juan Ortiz in 2010. - Disagreement on Amendments: Councilman Starr and others expressed frustration that the Administration had drafted amendments but refused to share them in writing, hindering potential compromise. Director of Public Safety acknowledged they had ideas but stated they were not legally objectionable, only structurally different. - Financials and Personnel: The Administration confirmed the seven clinicians are third-party employees (not City staff) of Murta Saylor and Frontline Services. The sponsors proposed a first-year budget of approximately $800,000, funded by repurposing vacancies and future general fund allocations. Key Outcomes - Administrative Directive: The Committee Chair directed the Administration to formally submit the proposed amendments they had drafted in writing to the three sponsors for review. - Data Request: The Committee requested the Administration provide detailed documentation including: the budget and salary bands for the seven clinicians, job descriptions for the clinicians, assignment data of co-response teams by district, and the total cost of the current contract with the Adams Board. - Timeline for Action: The Chair declared that the legislation would not be delayed until the first quarter of 2026 and stated that the committee would take action sooner, giving the Administration the choice to collaborate on amendments or face the legislation as drafted. - Sponsorship: Ordinance 1198-2024 remains sponsored by Council Members House Jones, Slife, and Mauer, with the Committee moving to finalize the process in early 2026.

This meeting of the Cleveland Civil and Utilities Committee addressed the exclusion of the Harvard Road Refuse Landfill in Slavic Village from the Cuyahoga County's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) sub-agreement. The primary focus was the 129 million EPA grant designed to install solar projects on brownfields, and the resulting conflict between Cleveland Public Power (CPP), Cuyahoga County, Slavic Village Development, and developer CEP Renewables. While the city and county finalized a sub-award for two other Cleveland sites (West 11th and Koltoff Road), they determined the Harvard North site was infeasible due to unresolved technical interconnection costs, scope challenges, and site control issues. The committee heard testimony regarding the ongoing environmental hazards at the landfill, the failure to reach a sub-agreement in time for engineering studies, and the need for further inter-departmental coordination to address the landfill's condition. Consent Calendar - No items listed; the meeting proceeded directly into public comment and discussion items. Public Comments & Testimony - Lou (Slavic Village/Slotwood Resident): Expressed frustration and anger regarding a perceived lack of transparency, stating that funding opportunities for the neighborhood are repeatedly pulled without explanation. The speaker stated they have no idea who made the decision to exclude the solar project and criticized the lack of resident participation in future decision-making. The speaker expressed strong position that the city has failed the community and that the solar project is vital for the city's energy independence. - Crystal Sierra (Planning Director, Slavic Village Development): Stated that the community's support for the CPRG project was predicated on the project addressing the landfill's environmental hazards (rock piles, methane) and bringing the site out of receivership. The speaker expressed opposition to the city dropping the Harvard site, arguing that the reasons cited by CPP (cost, time, site control) were not resolved prior to the exclusion. She stated the community deserves an apology and explanation, emphasizing that the landfill continues to be an active environmental and health hazard for residents. - Shauna Sanders (Executive Director, Slavic Village Development): Joined Crystal Sierra in advocating for the community and residents' rights regarding the landfill's future and the need for transparency. Discussion Items - Cuyahoga County (Mike Foley, Administrator): Confirmed that the County won the CPRG grant in partnership with the City of Cleveland and CEP Renewables. The speaker explained that the Harvard North site was excluded because the City of Cleveland (via CPP) refused to include it in the sub-agreement due to feasibility concerns. Mr. Foley stated that the County is attempting to reallocate the 5 megawatts originally assigned to Harvard to other County sites (like Brooklyn and Euclid) or potentially a 2-megawatt project on the Harvard South (Garfield Heights) side of the landfill. He expressed position that the County is not trying to compete with CPP but seeks cooperation, though he acknowledged frustration with the delays caused by negotiations regarding the sub-agreement. - Slavic Village Development (Crystal Sierra): Detailed a timeline of the landfill's abuse, including BMB Wrecking's rock crushing operations and methane leaks. She argued that the City's reasons for dropping the project were "intentionally obscure" and failed to address the immediate dangers to residents. She stated that even if the solar project had proceeded, it would not have removed the waste (a "toxic landfill" remains), but it would have taken the site out of receivership and stopped the active nuisances. - Cleveland Office of Sustainability (Director O'Keefe): Acknowledged that sustainability could have engaged Slavic Village earlier in the process. The Director stated the City is disappointed to miss the Harvard project but could not pursue a project deemed non-compliant or unfeasible. She confirmed the City is committed to working with Slavic Village and other departments (Housing, Public Health, etc.) to holistically address the environmental issues at the landfill that remain. - Cleveland Department of Public Utilities (Director King and Commissioner Danielson): Argued that the exclusion of the Harvard site was necessary due to complex federal regulations (PERPA) regarding interconnection, the shift in the federal administration, and the time constraints of the grant. Commissioner Danielson stated unequivocally that the project's cost, scope, and time risks made it unfeasible, threatening the success of the entire grant and CPP customers. Director King explained that the delay was due to legal and technical definitions of "interconnection" rather than administrative inaction, resulting in an engineering conclusion that the cost (potentially millions) was not covered by the grant. - CEP Renewables (Mike Wise, Senior Counsel): Clarified that the project would not perform a complete cleanup (removal of waste) but would cap the landfill, remove rock piles, and take the site out of receivership, assigning ownership to CEP or West Creek Conservancy. Mr. Wise expressed a position that they are willing to proceed with a 2-megawatt project on the South side of the landfill with city assistance, even without interconnection to CPP, emphasizing that they want CPP to be a winner in future projects. - Councilman Polencick: Expressed confusion and concern regarding the city's lack of aggression in addressing the rock crushing operations and dust issues for nearly two decades. He requested an aggressive approach from the administration to the Department of Health and Building and Housing to stop the ongoing hazards. He asked if the 129 million grant could be used for site capping, to which the County clarified the landfill is already capped but maintenance is ignored. - Councilwoman Moore: Questioned the narrative that the project was dropped solely due to technical feasibility, highlighting a June 13th letter she produced which indicated a dispute over a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) was preventing the sub-agreement. She asserted that the City did not perform necessary engineering studies on the Harvard site because the sub-agreement was not finalized in time. She expressed that Slavic Village was "caught in the middle" of the dispute and feels the neighborhood is owed an apology. She emphasized that the technical questions regarding interconnection remain unsolved in Cleveland and urged the committee to fix these underlying issues for future projects. Key Outcomes - Project Exclusion: The City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County agreed to exclude the Harvard North Landfill from the CPRG sub-award. The remaining grant funds (approx. 129 million total, with 20 million allocated to Cleveland) will be utilized for projects at the West 11th Spring Road landfill and the Koltoff Road Landfill, which are under City control and do not require complex interconnection studies. - Feasibility Determination: Commissioner Danielson directed that the Harvard project is technically infeasible under current federal guidelines and cost structures, citing interconnection costs potentially running into millions of dollars and undefined scope. The project is considered a "loss" for the Slavic Village neighborhood due to being "out of time" and lack of completed engineering. - Future Action Directives: - Director O'Keefe directed the Office of Sustainability to continue working with Slavic Village Development to address the environmental hazards at the Harvard Landfill. - Councilman Polencick urged the administration to take an aggressive approach to stop rock crushing and dust issues, recommending the involvement of the Department of Health. - The County and CEP Renewables indicated a continued interest in developing a smaller (2-megawatt) solar project on the South side of the Harvard landfill (Garfield Heights side) if they can secure city permitting and resolve site ownership via West Creek Conservancy, but this is outside the current CPRG agreement. - Unresolved Issues: The committee noted that the underlying legal and technical disputes regarding interconnection definitions (PERPA) and the process for future utility cooperation were not fully resolved, leaving concerns that similar issues may hinder future projects.