Public Meetings - Cleveland, Ohio

The Safety Committee of the Cleveland City Council met on September 23, 2026, to discuss and vote on several ordinances, including the P.A.S.T. juvenile diversion program, expansion of EMS clinical agreements, a federal grant for public safety radios, and a state grant for illegal dumping enforcement. The committee also debated policies on AEDs, illegal dumping penalties, and staffing levels. Multiple amendments were adopted, and directives were issued for further research and data collection. Discussion Items Ordinance 906-2026: P.A.S.T. Juvenile Diversion Program - The ordinance authorizes a pilot program to divert low-level juvenile offenders from formal charges. Council members expressed concern over low referral numbers, especially from the 5th District, and noted that only 10 referrals were made in the first month (as mentioned by the chair). The program requires parental consent, which some members noted as a barrier for at-risk youth without familial support. Director Drummond and staff explained that officers' discretion is limited; they must follow existing laws and policies. Examples of qualifying offenses include misdemeanor theft, public disturbance, and curfew violations. Councilwoman Hudson asked about alternatives for youth without parental consent, and the chair suggested exploring court-appointed guardians or state-level legislative changes. Councilman Starr offered an amendment to require quarterly reports from the Director of Community Relations to the Clerk of Council and all council members. The amendment was seconded by Councilman Slife and passed unanimously. The ordinance was approved as amended. Ordinance 745-2026: EMS Clinical Agreements - This ordinance amends Section 135.47 to expand EMS clinical agreements beyond Cuyahoga Community College to include other educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and vocational centers. Commissioner Wheeler explained that this will allow partnerships with Premier EMS Training Academy and others, increasing training opportunities. The committee discussed EMS staffing: currently 291 personnel with a class of 20 starting soon, nearing full staffing of 315 budgeted positions. The chair asked about brownouts (unit closures) and coverage; the director stated that dynamically stationed units cover affected areas. Councilwoman Hudson raised the topic of AEDs after a public comment at the previous council meeting. Discussion ensued about AED costs ($800 to $10,000), their placement in city facilities, and the feasibility of mandating them in senior facilities. Councilman Jones shared personal stories and pushed for legislation requiring AEDs in senior buildings. Councilwoman Hudson noted that staff is already working on the issue. The ordinance was approved as read. Ordinance 907-2026: Radio Grant - The ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to apply for and accept a $1,031,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance for the purchase of 151 mobile radios for police, fire, and EMS vehicles (about 19% of the 778 mobile radios needing replacement). The grant is part of congressionally directed spending through Representative Chantel Brown. No local match is required. The committee noted a missing dollar amount on the administrative report; the law department was asked about the omission. Councilman Slife offered an amendment requiring the director to provide written notice to the clerk of council for any cooperative purchases, which was approved. Councilman Jones praised grants coordinator Dawn Hartzog and urged the administration to develop succession plans for key staff. The ordinance was approved as amended. Ordinance 910-2026: Dumpster Grant - The ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to accept a $17,579 grant from the Ohio Attorney General's Office for the "Shine a Light on Dumping" program. The funds will purchase nine new cameras (seven trail cameras and one pole-mounted live-feed camera) to double the current inventory of eight working cameras for illegal dumping enforcement. No local match is required. Sergeant West of the Environmental Crimes Task Force described the cameras as state-of-the-art with motion activation and night vision. Council members discussed the frustration with illegal dumping, especially from suburban haulers. The chair asked for data on prosecution and conviction rates; the director provided statistics for 2021-present: 756 cases created, 138 felony charges referred, 16 misdemeanor charges referred, 8 citations, 206 total criminal charges/citations, but noted that final dispositions are tracked by the prosecutor's offices. Councilman Jones requested a meeting to discuss camera deployment and potential use of Neighborhood Equity Funds. The committee also discussed vehicle seizure for dumping offenses; the chair asked the law department for clarification on seizing vehicles with liens. Councilman Slife offered an amendment similar to the previous one (cooperative purchase reporting), which was adopted. The ordinance was approved as amended. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 906-2026 (P.A.S.T. program) approved as amended (quarterly reporting requirement). - Ordinance 745-2026 (EMS clinical agreements) approved as read. - Ordinance 907-2026 (radio grant) approved as amended (cooperative purchase reporting). - Ordinance 910-2026 (dumpster grant) approved as amended (cooperative purchase reporting). - The director was directed to review existing illegal dumping laws and propose amendments regarding increased penalties and vehicle seizure. Staff was asked to provide data on prosecution and conviction rates for illegal dumping over the past three years. - The committee will continue discussions on mandatory AEDs in senior facilities and potential legislation. - The chair requested that the administration develop a succession plan for key grant-writing staff.

The Aviation Committee of the Cleveland City Council met on September 23, 2026, at approximately 2:54 PM to discuss airport operations, including a $6.5 million baggage system upgrade, coordination with the planned Brook Park stadium development, and social media outreach for Port Control assets. The committee approved a consent item and received updates from airport leadership. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 924-2026 – Approved as amended (no further details provided). The clerk noted that the legislative portion was closed following approval. Discussion Items - Baggage System Upgrade (CTEC Consortium): Assistant Director Kramer explained that the $6.5 million project involves upgrading control systems and software for the checked baggage handling system at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The system currently handles approximately 10 million annual passengers, and the upgrade is intended to improve efficiency and reliability while the airport develops a larger, modernized facility (expected completion around 2032). The technology is funded by CTEC, a consortium of the airport's signatory airlines that collectively fund operations and maintenance of the baggage system. Councilman Jones requested a list of CTEC representatives and inquired about minority participation among the consortium members and employees. The director agreed to provide the list. - Brook Park Stadium Traffic Impact: Councilman Casey asked about coordination with NOACA regarding the Phase I infrastructure for the Brook Park stadium (targeted to open in 2029). Assistant Director Kramer confirmed regular meetings with the stadium team to avoid conflicts. Councilman Casey questioned a NOACA study claiming that during peak game events, additional travel time to the airport would only be 30 seconds. He expressed skepticism and urged the airport to conduct its own traffic modeling. The director noted that more detailed roadway planning is forthcoming. - Airport Parking for Non‑Airport Events: Councilman Casey confirmed with the director that no agreements have been reached to allow airport parking or land use for events at the Brook Park stadium. He warned of potential impacts and the need for a plan to prevent airport operations from being disrupted. - Social Media for Port and Burke Lakefront Airport: Councilman Casey praised the social media presence for Hopkins but noted that the Port of Cleveland and Burke Lakefront Airport receive less attention. He suggested educational pieces highlighting economic development and the Women's Aviation Museum at Burke. The director acknowledged the comment and said the strategy is evolving as the future of Burke becomes clearer. - Clarification on NOACA Study: Councilman Johnson sought clarification on the 30‑second figure. Councilman Casey explained it likely refers to travel from some point off‑airport to the terminal, based on typical weekday game scenarios (not Sundays). Both councilmembers emphasized the need for the airport to develop its own modeling. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 924-2026 was approved as amended. - The director will provide the committee with a list of CTEC consortium representatives. - Airport staff will conduct its own traffic modeling to assess impacts of stadium events on airport access. - The airport will consider expanding social media content to include the Port and Burke Lakefront Airport. - No agreements have been made to allow stadium parking on airport property; the committee flagged this as a potential issue to monitor. - The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The City Council met on September 22, 2026, to consider and approve zoning changes for two Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) high schools: Lincoln West High School and Glenville High School. The meeting also included a routine approval of an earlier ordinance. No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Ordinance 935-2026 – Received final approval with no discussion or public comment, allowing the project to proceed to building code review. - Ordinance 936-2026 (Lincoln West High School) – Xavier Bay of the Zoning and City Planning Department presented a proposal to rezone parcels owned by CMSD from two-family to civic form-based code to facilitate the long-awaited redevelopment of Lincoln West High School in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. Bay noted that the school would not be able to proceed under current zoning due to strict setback requirements, and that form-based code would eliminate the need for Board of Zoning Appeals variances. Councilmember Harsh expressed strong support, noting the community has waited 20 years for a new Lincoln West and praised form-based code as a practical tool. The rezoning only applies to CMSD-owned parcels. - Ordinance 937-2026 (Glenville High School) – Bay presented a similar rezoning of CMSD-owned land south of St. Clair Avenue from mixed one- and two-family to civic form-based code. Councilmember Marsh asked whether any residential properties were included; Bay confirmed the rezoning covers only park and school space. Bay added that the Glenville project has not yet completed the City Planning Commission’s design review process, and he explained how design review works in form-based code districts. No other questions were raised. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 935-2026 – Approved (vote not recorded but no objections). - Ordinance 936-2026 – Approved (vote not recorded; unanimous support). - Ordinance 937-2026 – Approved (vote not recorded; unanimous support). - Both zoning changes will allow CMSD to proceed with redevelopment of the two high schools, with Lincoln West expected to return for final City Planning Commission approval. The meeting was adjourned shortly after.

The Cleveland City Council met on September 21, 2026, and began with the recognition of championship AAU basketball teams, followed by public comments on a range of community concerns, passage of numerous emergency ordinances and resolutions, and discussions on the Rainbow Terrace explosion and fatherhood initiatives. Public Comments & Testimony - Daryl Houston (Bedford Heights) questioned Councilmember Conwell's activism and accountability, criticizing conditions in his ward and alleging disrespect from a city staff member. He stated he will not accept further disrespect. - James Box (Ward 6, Truth Ministries/Black Guard) reported that a city employee, Joaquin Simmons, threatened him with physical violence after his previous public comment. He called for the resignation of Angela Woodson and Jacke Simmons from the Department of Community Relations, citing a pattern of corrupt behavior. He denied ever requesting city funding. - Tyresha Thompson (Ward 9) apologized for her previous tone and requested help connecting her "Building Strong Individuals" program to the right resources, asking council to either assist or point her in the right direction. - St. James Singleton (Ward 9) called for collective effort among government, citizens, and church. He offered his skills in trades and said he runs programs for both youth and adults. He criticized officials for giving false hope and not returning calls. - Linda G. Corbin McKenzie (Ward 15, West Park) spoke about dangerous deteriorating trees on West 168th Street that are falling on homes and fences of seniors and veterans. She said she had not received a promised response from the Parks and Recreation Department after 13 days. - Sabrina Otis (DPC co-chair) asked whether council members would do their jobs if they were not paid, noting residents volunteer extensively. She called for the administration to align with citizen efforts and stop treating the city like a dump. - Timothy Summerfeld (Ward 11) urged passage of legislation to increase AEDs across Cleveland. He cited 2025 EMS data: 397 sudden cardiac arrests, only 29 survivors; only 5 received AED treatment before EMS arrival. He compared the toll to the 1908 Collinwood school fire. - Matthew Strazinski (Slavic Village) expressed commitment to investing in the city by purchasing multiple properties. He advocated for a goal of 1 million residents, 33 council members, and a residency requirement for city employees. - Rico Dancy (Black Lives Matter for the Deaf, AC commissioner) called for law enforcement training for deaf and hard of hearing individuals and interpreter services at council meetings. He criticized the mayor for removing Dr. Barry McCall from the RTA board and noted DC police stations have sign interpreters. - Kiana Bell (Garden Valley Neighborhood) demanded answers and accountability for the Rainbow Terrace apartment explosion that injured her children (85% and 75% burns) and killed Cordell Sheffield. She stated 44 families are still waiting, and her family was moved to a previously burned apartment. She asked where the city's heart is. Discussion Items - Councilmember Starr updated on the Rainbow Terrace explosion (June 2025). He said he has contacted the Ohio Attorney General, Congresswoman's office, the mayor's office, and building and housing officials. Despite over a year of work, families still lack answers on the cause. He noted the property is not CMHA but privately owned (Rainbow Terrace, owner in Detroit). He received a public records request from Cordell Sheffield's attorneys. He pledged to continue seeking help for the 41 displaced families. - Councilmember Conwell spoke on his fatherhood initiative, noting 25,000 dads participated in a recent walk. He called for sustaining the momentum with school programs like "Dads for Donuts" and linking fathers to employment. He announced forming a fatherhood group at Glenville High School. - Councilmember Jones expressed concern over the Rainbow Terrace situation, asking for a fire department report. He recalled a previous explosion on Federal Avenue that was resolved quickly. He vowed to dig deeper and work with Councilmember Starr. He also commended public speakers and urged leaders to help young people. Key Outcomes - All first and second reading emergency ordinances and resolutions were passed unanimously (14-0) after suspension of the rules. These included: - Ordinances authorizing agreements for forensic testing, food service at Carl B. Stokes Building, succession planning, vehicle/equipment purchases, and various bond issuances (totaling over $70 million for streets, parks, buildings, and equipment). - Ordinances allocating casino revenue funds for neighborhood festivals and food cards. - Resolutions withdrawing objections to liquor permits, objecting to a new permit, and urging the Ohio General Assembly to pass HB 303 (community energy pilot program). - Resolutions for tax levies and advances. - Councilmember Gray moved to excuse Councilmember House Jones; seconded by Councilmember Palencick; approved. - Safety Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM. - The next regular council meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2026.

The Committee of Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion met on Monday, September 21, 2026, to consider a series of legislative items spanning property leases, capital improvements, public health fees, human resources contracts, and public utility procurements. All ordinances and resolutions were approved, several with amendments and some after brief discussion. No public testimony was heard. Discussion Items - Ordinance 456‑2026 – Authorized the Director of Community Development to lease a parking lot at 1301–1325 Chester Avenue (adjacent to the former Greyhound bus station) to Playhouse Square for 10 years at $25,000/year, with an option to purchase at an appraised value of $1.6 million. Councilman Harsh commended the deal as beneficial to taxpayers. Approved. - Ordinance 769‑2026 (as amended) – Authorized a green infrastructure and parking lot improvement project at Gordon Square Arts District (Alger Court, north of Detroit Avenue). The city will contribute $522,000 from the 2026 capital improvement plan for resurfacing, and a Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District grant of up to $250,000 will fund bioretention cells, plants, and pervious pavement. Councilwoman raised maintenance concerns; the city’s agreement with a neighborhood CDC covers ongoing upkeep. Approved as amended. - Ordinance 905‑2026 – Amended food shop license fees and categories for 2027. Approved. - Ordinance 909‑2026 (as amended) – Accepted an Ohio Department of Health grant for local tobacco prevention and control. An amendment requires the Director of Public Health to provide written notice to the Clerk of Council for any cooperative purchases. Approved. - Ordinance 466‑2026 (as amended) – Authorized a contract for COBRA administration (up to $49,000 annually for three years). Councilman Casey questioned the cost just below the $50,000 threshold; the Director noted 785 terminations in 2026, 203 active COBRA cases, and 62 currently active. Approved as amended. - Ordinance 750‑2026 (as amended) – Authorized a contract for a comprehensive training and professional development program (up to $100,000). Approved as amended. - Ordinance 751‑2026 (as amended) – Authorized an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) contract (up to $250,000). An amendment requires a report to Council before the first renewal. The Director noted the contract is $50,000 less than previous due to shifting training costs. Councilman Starr recognized Wellness Manager Kelly Smith for her work. Approved as amended. - Ordinance 752‑2026 – Authorized a contract for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) administration for one year with three one‑year renewal options. Approved. - Ordinance 903‑2026 – Authorized requirement contracts for proprietary equipment and services for the Division of Water ($600,000/year). Approved. - Ordinance 913‑2026 – Housekeeping ordinance correcting duplicate code numbering. Approved. - Ordinance 929‑2026 – Authorized a four‑year contract with Cleveland Water Alliance for water quality detection buoys in Lake Erie ($300,000/year). Approved. - Ordinance 932‑2026 – Authorized requirement contracts for electrical transmission and distribution system maintenance for Cleveland Public Power ($1 million/year). Approved. - Ordinance 933‑2026 – Authorized contracts for SCADA and PCCS control system maintenance for the Department of Public Utilities ($1.5 million/year). Approved. - Ordinance 934‑2026 – Authorized a two‑year contract for underwater diving inspection and repair services for the Division of Water ($600,000/year). Approved. - Resolution 1029‑2026 – Requested the county fiscal officer to make advances on property tax payments in 2027. Approved. - Resolution 1030‑2026 – Accepted the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission’s tax levy rates. Approved. - Discussion on Legislative Obligations – Council President and Councilman Casey raised the need for clarification from the Law Director on which items are mandatory (e.g., property tax acceptance) versus discretionary, to help councilmembers understand the consequences of a no vote. Key Outcomes - All 16 ordinances and resolutions were approved unanimously. Several were amended as noted. - Next steps: The committee adjourned and will reconvene at 7:00 PM on the same day (full City Council meeting).

The Health, Health and Human Services Committee with the Arts met on September 21, 2026, chaired by Councilman Conwell. The committee considered multiple legislative items, including food shop license fee updates, a tobacco prevention grant, and a land swap with Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) involving the J. Glenn Smith Health Center. A presentation on 311 operations was also delivered. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilman Conwell opened with remarks on fatherhood initiatives and the importance of engaging fathers in children's education. He proposed integrating health and arts through "social prescriptions," allowing doctors to prescribe music lessons or arts activities instead of drugs, citing benefits for cognitive behavior and mental health. - Councilwoman expressed frustration about temporary food vendor permit fees, noting that a one-day event at Edgewater Park cost $130 per vendor, which she described as a "money grab" by the city. She advocated for a one-day permit option. Discussion Items - Food Shop Licenses (Ordinance 905-2026): Director Margolius and staff presented annual fee adjustments based on a state-developed spreadsheet incorporating labor costs, inspections, and other inputs. Fees are similar to prior year, with the largest change being mobile and temporary fees. The mobile fee is set at $400 due to higher risk. Temporary permits are five-day maximum under state law; local fees for temporary permits do not include a state fee. Discussion included staffing (14 field inspectors, one open position), inspection volume (approximately 4,500 inspections per year across 2,800 licensed facilities), and the impact of the new ownership policy requiring full plan review. Councilwoman raised concerns about the cost analysis formula not reflecting future benefit increases. Councilman Joe Jones requested data on all 4,500 inspections and information on inspectors assigned to his ward. - Tobacco Prevention Grant (Ordinance 909-2026): The department accepted continuation funding of $69,250 annually for two years from the Ohio Department of Health to support tobacco prevention and cessation. The grant focuses on building community infrastructure, reducing adult nicotine use, and reducing youth nicotine use. Catrice Minor presented data showing smoking rates in Cleveland dropped from 35% in 2015 to 19% in 2025. The department also engages youth through programs like a poetry slam on menthol tobacco. Discussion included evaluation methods (pretest/post-test, community surveys), partnerships with CMSD, and the rise of THC vaping and marijuana use, which Councilman Joe Jones called a "crisis." Councilwoman noted the city has received approximately $919,338 in state marijuana tax revenue since recreational sales began. An amendment was introduced requiring the director to provide written notice to the clerk of council for cooperative purchases. - Land Swap with CMSD (Ordinance 927-2026): The city proposes to exchange properties to facilitate the construction of a new Glenville High School. The city will transfer the J. Glenn Smith Health Center and two land bank lots to CMSD, and CMSD will transfer the former Walton School (for a new fire station) and Newton D. Baker School (for future housing redevelopment). The city is responsible for demolition costs for the two school buildings (estimated $1.3 million each for Walton and Newton D. Baker), though the city is applying for Cuyahoga County Land Bank grants. Councilman Polensek expressed deep concern over the closure of J. Glenn Health Center, citing a history of broken promises on the Northeast side. Director Margolius stated MetroHealth is committed to staying in Glenville and is exploring a new site, and the city will rent a 4,000 sq ft space for its health services. Councilman Harsh questioned why CMSD cannot fund demolitions, given the mayor appoints the school board. Councilman Conwell requested guarantees and progress reviews. - 311 Update: Director Warren and Assistant Director Formicelli presented year-to-date data through August 2026. Calls received: nearly 127,000 (16% increase over 2025). Service requests: 65,617 (phone and online). Top categories: trash/recycling, building/housing, vacant property. The department has 10 full-time employees, 2 temporary, 2 managers. They conduct community outreach (48 events) and follow-up calls (84.4% resolution rate in August). Discussion included the need for 13 full-time employees, the city detect vehicle using AI to flag issues, and concerns about handoffs between departments leading to unresolved tickets. Councilman Polensek emphasized the need for better operational focus on waste collection issues (five of 14 service types) and urged budget support for staffing. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 905-2026 (Food Shop Licenses): Passed after amendment requiring director to provide written notice to clerk of council for cooperative purchases. - Ordinance 909-2026 (Tobacco Prevention Grant): Passed with amendment regarding cooperative purchases. - Ordinance 927-2026 (Land Swap): Held for further discussion; will be considered in subsequent committees. Councilman Conwell requested a meeting with MetroHealth on October 6 to discuss health center commitments. - 311 Update: No legislation; committee encouraged administration to support staffing increase and address operational issues in waste collection and building/housing response times.

Cleveland City Council's committee convened on September 17, 2026, to consider two emergency ordinances authorizing the Director of Human Resources to contract out administration of the city's federally required COBRA and FMLA benefit programs. The COBRA ordinance passed as amended; the FMLA contract discussion focused on data collection, outsourcing concerns, and a possible future paid family and medical leave ordinance. Discussion Items COBRA Administration — Order No. 466-2026 - The Director presented the request to contract with a vendor (Wax Health, transcribed as "Fax Health") for COBRA administration, which the city must offer when employees separate or drop below the Affordable Care Act's average 30-hour-per-week threshold. - Year-to-date figures: 785 termed employees were COBRA-eligible; 203 selected coverage; 62 are currently enrolled. - Contract cost: $1.45 per enrolled employee per month, not to exceed $49,999 per year, paid from fund number 70 SF200 (as amended). - Council adopted an amendment striking "two one year" and inserting "three one year" in the title and section one, aligning the term with the vendor's FSA program contract. - The Director said the third-party service is industry standard and cost-effective versus hiring full-time staff to do the work. FMLA Administration Contract - The Director requested authorization for third-party FMLA administration; the city recently issued an RFP so the program would not lapse. A council member asked what the city currently pays Sedgwick under the existing contract. - As of May 2025, the FMLA program was consolidated citywide under third-party administration; previously, most FMLA processing was done internally by staff such as leave coordinator Michelle Parker and Ms. Young, who also handle other employee-relations duties. - A council member expressed concern that outsourcing "skills and expertise" and letting outside contractors make eligibility decisions would lead to employee denials with limited recourse. The Director responded that most denials happen because employees exhaust their FMLA leave, and the denial rate is "very low." - A council member requested FMLA data broken down by department, duration, and leave category (self, caregiver, etc.) to assess the impact on city services and inform potential paid family and medical leave legislation. The Director confirmed a full year of centralized data (since May 2025) is available for that analysis. - The chair requested complaint data on delays, incorrect leave balances, and missing paperwork; the Director committed to providing a full breakdown to council. Key Outcomes - Order No. 466-2026 passed as amended: one-year COBRA contract with three one-year renewal options; $49,999 annual cap paid from fund 70 SF200. - Council requested, and the Director committed to, FMLA usage, complaint, and denial data broken out by department, duration, and leave type. - No vote on the FMLA contract is recorded in the available transcript excerpt; council planned to revisit the paid family and medical leave discussion once the consolidated FMLA data is analyzed.

The Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee met on September 17, 2026, to consider seven pieces of legislation related to water main replacement, proprietary equipment, codified ordinance corrections, water quality monitoring buoys, electrical distribution system maintenance, SCADA and plant control systems, and underwater diving inspection services. The committee also heard public comments regarding Cleveland Public Power reliability and announced upcoming public hearings on data centers. Public Comments & Testimony - Craig Eckler, a Ward 6 resident and energy democracy organizer for Cleveland Owns (representing the RCBP coalition), spoke about the July 4th extreme heat and storms that left the near West Side without power. He described the costs to residents (food waste, lost wages, medical concerns) and the emotional toll on a family with a newborn. He commended Cleveland Public Power (CPP), the administration, and council for their response and transparency, but urged continued focus on long-term strategic planning. He left a petition with 140 signatures. - Divia, a Cleveland resident and CPP customer (member of an unnamed community group), spoke in support of CPP, praising linemen for their work and improved messaging since summer. She requested more proactive notice of committee meetings and shared survey results: of 57 respondents, over 50% had lost power for more than 48 hours. She offered to share the data with council members. Discussion Items - Water Main Replacement (Ordinance 758‑2026): The Director of Public Utilities explained that Cleveland Water replaces approximately $10 million worth of water mains annually via public improvement contracts. This ordinance covers the five‑year program for 2027–2028. Approved without further debate. - Proprietary Equipment Contract (Ordinance 903‑2026): The Director justified a direct award to Business Inc. (the sole regional distributor) for proprietary parts used in water treatment and distribution systems. Councilmembers Hudson and Shaw questioned the lock‑in and pricing. The Director noted that the two‑year term allows adjustments for market changes and that competitive bidding would only add a third‑party markup. Approved. - Codified Ordinance Renumbering (Ordinance 913‑2026): A technical correction to fix duplicate section numbers for the suburban water main renewal program and the gifts/awards section. During discussion, the Commissioner reported that about 40 of 60 direct‑service suburbs have signed up for the renewal program. Councilmember Fluence clarified the anti‑poaching agreement (five‑year revenue sharing). The Director agreed to provide a list of participating and non‑participating suburbs. Approved. - Water Quality Buoys (Ordinance 929‑2026): The Director described a four‑year contract with the Cleveland Water Alliance for four buoys that monitor water quality parameters (e.g., oxygen, temperature) in Lake Erie, providing 6–8 hours of advance warning for events like hypoxia or algae blooms. Councilmember Davis expressed support and asked about data sharing (public dashboard exists). Councilmember Palency asked about the “blob” in the lake; the Commissioner stated tests showed zero movement. Councilmember Hudson asked about intake depths and beach water quality; the Commissioner explained that beach testing is separate. Councilmember Shaw asked about long‑term algae prevention; the Director noted treatment capabilities and advocacy through trade associations. Councilmember Gray asked for buoy locations; the Director declined citing security. Approved. - Electrical Transmission Distribution Systems (Ordinance 932‑2026): A two‑year requirement contract for materials, equipment, labor, and services to install, maintain, and repair CPP’s electrical systems. The Director noted it supports staff augmentation for LED streetlight conversion (remaining 4,000 lights) and emergency storm response. The contract will be publicly bid. Approved. - SCADA and PCCS Systems (Ordinance 933‑2026): A two‑year contract for proprietary components (Hawk, RexL, HSQ) and non‑proprietary parts for the Division of Water and CPP. The Director explained that multiple contracts with staggered expiration dates would be consolidated to align terms. Councilmember Davis asked about cybersecurity; the Commissioner confirmed that operational technology (OT) is physically segregated from the internet. Approved. - Underwater Diving Inspection Services (Ordinance 934‑2026): A two‑year requirement contract for inspection, cleaning, debris removal, and minor repairs of submerged water facilities. The Director stated that local vendor Underwater Marine has performed well; response time is a key evaluation criterion. Councilmember Hudson asked about vendor pool size (a handful of responses). Councilmember Palency asked about zebra mussels; the Commissioner said populations have stabilized but shell debris remains a cleaning task. Approved. Key Outcomes - All seven ordinances (758‑2026, 903‑2026, 913‑2026, 929‑2026, 932‑2026, 933‑2026, 934‑2026) were approved by the committee. - The Chair announced three upcoming public hearings on data centers: September 28 at Collinwood Rec Center (6–8 p.m., sign‑up for comment at 5:30), September 29 at Cleveland City Hall (5–8 p.m., rolling public comment only), and October 6 at Gunning Rec Center (6–8 p.m., sign‑up at 5:30). The Chair will present educational material; no final findings will be presented at these sessions.

The Committee on Development, Planning, and Sustainability met on the morning of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to consider Ordinance 456-2026, authorizing a 10-year lease and an option to purchase a city-owned parking lot at East 13th and Chester, adjacent to the former Greyhound bus station, with the Playhouse Square Foundation. The meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes and concluded with unanimous approval. Discussion Items - Presentation by Director Green (Nate): The director outlined the request, noting that the city-owned lot had been previously leased for nine years to another entity with hopes of development, ending May 31, 2026. Playhouse Square Foundation, which recently acquired the adjacent Greyhound station and other real estate, is now the intended lessee. The lease term is 10 years at $25,000 per year, with the lessee responsible for maintenance, security, insurance, property taxes, and an option to purchase the lot for a fixed price of $1.6 million (based on a fair market appraisal). The city has already begun a license agreement with Playhouse Square to operate the lot pending the lease. Director Green emphasized the long-term goal of eventual vertical development on the site, with Playhouse Square as a proven developer of complex projects. - Councilman Starr’s Questions: Councilman Starr, representing the ward, raised concerns about the 10-year lease term without inflation adjustments, contrasting it with the previous shorter-term lease. He asked about the rationale for a fixed 10-year term and whether the city could renegotiate if market conditions change. Director Green explained that the 10-year term provides stability and encourages investment in the lot, and that the $25,000 rent is competitive given the costs the lessee must cover (taxes, maintenance, etc.). Councilman Starr also inquired about future development and the inclusion of a community benefits agreement (CBA). He expressed support for Playhouse Square’s work in the area but stressed the importance of leveraging the property for job creation and community benefits when vertical development occurs. The director confirmed that a CBA would be required. - Committee Support: Other committee members voiced support, noting that the current property valuation of $1.2 million would appreciate 33% to the $1.6 million purchase price, and that the cumulative lease payments and taxes over 10 years represent a good deal for the city. The committee also highlighted Playhouse Square’s role as a major economic engine for Cleveland’s arts and culture sector. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 456-2026 was approved without objection, authorizing the lease and option to purchase with Playhouse Square Foundation. - The lease will commence upon finalization (currently under a license); the agreement includes a 10-year term, $25,000 annual rent, and a fixed purchase option of $1.6 million. - The city will require a community benefits agreement for any future vertical development on the site. - The meeting was adjourned at the call of the chair, with committee members signing the approval document.