Madame Clerk, please call the role to you.

Griffin.

Here.

Bishop.

Conwell.

Gray.

Hairston.

Harsh.

House Jones.

Jones.

Here.

Casey.

Kelly.

Morrer.

McCormick.

Polynxic.

Santana.

Slife.

Spencer.

Star.

You have a core, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Well, everyone please rise for a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Yeah.

I'll make the following statement.

This meeting of Cleveland City Council is a lawful meeting.

Under section six oh five.

Members of the public are invited to speak only under the rules set by this council.

Disruptions, including but not limited to speaking out of turn and making loud noises and loud utterances, are in violation of the rules and interfere with the due conduct of this lawful meeting.

Such disruptions may constitute a misdemeanor and a violation of Section 605.04.

Anyone who disrupts this lawful meeting in violation of the codified ordinances, commits misdemeanors, and is subject to prosecution.

The following is the first and only warning.

If this meeting is disrupted, I will gavel a halt to the proceedings and direct the assembled officers to escort any person participating in the disruption out of the chamber.

Once persons participating in the disruption are out of the chambers, the officers will close the doors and the disruptors will be handled as directed by the director of public safety.

The council proceedings will not begin again until those that participated in the disruption have left the chamber and the chamber doors are closed.

Disruptors will not be allowed back in the chamber after the meeting resumes.

Again, this is the first and only warning.

Madam Clerk, dispense with the journal.

By councilmember Conwell that the reading of the minutes of the last meeting be dispensed with the journal approved, seconded by Councilmember McCormack.

Thank you.

And once again, all of the speakers, please acknowledge your time.

When you see the yellow, that means to wrap it up.

When you see the red, that means that it is time to abruptly start, stop, and I will uh end your comments.

First, we have Daryl Houston from Bedford Heights.

He's here to talk about city issues.

He's not representing anyone and not being paid by anyone.

Mr.

Houston, you have the floor.

Could we make sure his mic is on Hello?

Is this mic on?

Hello?

Hello?

All right, speak one more time.

Could someone get this mic uh going?

Where we got going on with the mic.

The date y'all need a hot mic, huh?

Is there a switch?

Are any of the mics or the other mics working on the other mics working?

Oh neither testimony.

Hello.

Okay.

In the back, could we test the mic in the back?

Mr.

Kelly, Mr.

Harsh.

Anybody?

Could we just give them this mic or what do we need to do?

We'll come all the way out.

Or can we just give them this mic?

Is that one working?

What a damn city, huh?

If we could hold on for one second while we get uh the mic situation squared away.

Is uh more is that mic back uh councilwoman more or councilman Kelly is your mic, is any mic back there working?

Hello, hello all right.

Is uh say that again.

Is that no?

I don't have to still not any.

It won't come in here if I talk to the young lady.

Okay.

Oh, okay.

It won't reach.

Wow, what a night.

We all have been on vacation, so we'll just uh say that.

There we go.

Ah taxpayers dollars.

All right.

Are you ready?

Please you had the floor.

Okay.

Um ready?

Okay, go ahead.

Um I hope everyone had a great summer.

Uh, I had a great summer uh studying uh what you guys are supposed to be doing down here.

So uh today uh I want to acknowledge one of your colleagues, uh Richard Starr, for the way he uh dealt with Garden Valley incident and the way he's continuing to deal with that, and I was prepared today to give him a thousand dollars, but I didn't know the bylaws, and he just informed me that I have to put in a check.

So I will be giving Richard Starr a thousand dollar check for his outstanding work in Garden Valley and his leadership with his youth.

I believe this young man represents the generation that we stand for today.

Okay, so that's that's part of my statement.

The second part of my statement is that I want to go on record and I want to say that I've been pulling public records, and there's two of your colleagues' records that are terribly incomplete and terribly mismanaged when it comes to taxpayers' dollars, okay?

And I'm asking for a formal investigation on these two individuals.

If you want me to say their names, I will.

I believe they both know who they are, but their public records are trash.

They're not following any bylaws, and I cannot track taxpayers' dollars by the way they're turning their paperwork in.

I've put a formal uh request in with uh Mark Griffin for some more paperwork that I'm waiting on right now.

But the two gentlemen that I'm talking about is Brian Casey.

You don't have an office and you build taxpayers office supplies.

I don't know how you did that, and I want you to explain that.

So I want that investigated.

Same thing with Michael Palenzi.

Everything that I read on his public records is incomplete.

I can't find what I'm looking for.

It's not there.

And I know it's policies and procedures for these things.

So I'm bringing it to Blaine Griffin's attention and Mark the director, Griffin's attention, that I want these two gentlemen investigated, and I do not believe that neither one of these guys can pass an audit, a personal audit.

Okay?

When we're talking about taxpayers' dollars, we ain't watching all the taxpayers' dollars.

On two administrations, we just lost $620 something dollars.

That was on Frank's administration and on Mr.

Beards' administration.

And when we talk about tax dollars, who's really watching our tax dollars?

Because you guys are down here blowing a lot of tax dollars.

And we had two years of rollover budget, 22 and 23.

You guys are fooled down here with money.

Why is it not getting to the community and why is it not going to the place it needs to go to?

And why is Kinsburn Bridge looking like it's ready to fall down?

And why is Luke Easter Park a disaster out of the whole county?

Okay.

Let's own up to some of our responsibilities because you guys getting your tax period, y'all getting our money.

Y'all getting paid off our money, but y'all ain't doing no job.

And I want something done.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, we have Miss Brenda Bickerstaff.

Miss Bicker staff is from Ward 9.

She's here to talk about the Joe Jones allegations.

She's representing citizens for a safer Cleveland and not being paid by anyone.

Speaker Staff, you had the floor.

Good evening, everyone.

I got some issues about the investigations.

First of all, the council is using the law firm of McDonald's and Hopkins, which was a firm for city council in a firm that's connected to the former mayor Frank Jackson.

Frank Jackson didn't like Joe Jones.

So if it was a conflict, even though the law director said that's not I disagree, they should have got another firm.

So it wouldn't be no issues.

See, this is how people get wrongfully convicted when you go through a court of law when it's a criminal case.

So right now, I'm a publicly, I've already did it in writing to the law department, Rebecca.

I want 149.43 of the revised code.

I want the full entire investigator file that I should be able to have as a registered voter and a citizen of Cleveland.

He is a politician that was elected by the people, and I have a right as a citizen to review and inspect that investigation.

Now, if you can't give it to me, Mr.

Griffith, set a date, and I come down here and I review it with you.

But I want to see that investigation.

I have a right to see that.

Now you guys are sitting here looking and not paying attention.

This is where people come to you, Mr.

Slife, and say, hey, I was probably convicted of this crime and I did 23 years in prison.

I got a lot of clients like that.

Kevin, you know about that, Kevin.

People are saying that all the time when it was not a fair and due process.

I understand this is not a court, but you're using it as a court gesture, though, on the things that you're doing.

I just want to see the information.

I got a right to see that information.

And this is my motto.

Leave Joe Jones alone.

Leave Joe alone.

Leave Joe alone.

And you guys are all upset, Mr.

Griffin.

And you can turn away.

You're upset because he backed issue 24.

And you don't think I know that, but I do.

Have a good day.

Thanks for listening.

I want that information.

Thank you.

Next, we have Reverend Pamela Pinckney and Reverend Pamela Pinckneys from Cleveland to talk about community concerns.

And she is representing Pamela 2028, the People's New Party.

She is not being paid by anyone.

Good evening, everyone.

Good evening, everyone.

I'm a preacher.

I like response.

I like life in the room.

I'm Pamela, 2028, United States of America presidential candidate.

And I'm here today because we don't need uh just a great America.

We don't need mere change.

We need a hopeful, whole America.

Representing heaven right here on earth with America doing the good works.

Some of the good works.

Let's start out there.

We need to change our football team to the overcomer so we can get some victory around here.

Good works.

Our Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operators are working 8, 10, 12 plus hours with no brakes.

We need to change that.

That's inhumane.

The disabled people do not have fair and equal opportunities on our public transportation.

That must be corrected to be good work.

We must not have marginalization.

We must change the, we must have a new trajectory, and we have to change the city, this state, this county, and this nation into another direction.

We're not gonna have marginalization and racial profiling on our transportation system.

And I want to know what happened with the shooting that took place on the red line because there's no fares being paid on the red line for a new trajectory, Mayor Bibb and council and community.

Dave Supermarket on Shaker Square needs an update.

The black employees and customers are not being conveniently treated in that store.

Funding allocations must be completed through legislation to redirect the sale, trade, manufacture, and production of guns and drugs so we have homes and not halfway houses.

It is unreasonable for me to report abuse, receive negative labels, and no justice, while a white female reports abuse and receives not only a law, but she receives a law even in her death.

Greatness implies that one life is more important than another.

Change is not yet complete.

Every essential need must be met.

So join me.

My number is 216-466-2872.

Let's make America hopeful, like heaven right here on earth.

Let's make America, Ohio, Cleveland.

Let's make it found to be doing the good works.

It's too many angry people.

Let's come together.

We have too much in common.

Let's not be working so hard on our differences.

Let's make America hopefully like heaven, right here on earth.

Let's make America find doing the good works.

And let's see if we can work together.

Thank you, Council President, and have a blessed evening, everyone.

Thank you, Reverend Pink.

Next, we have Edward Zajesky.

Who else is from Ohio City?

He wants to talk about the West 25th Street bus lanes.

He's not representing anyone and not being paid by anyone.

Edward, you had the floor.

Everyone have a business.

All right, good evening.

I'm here tonight to speak in favor of the proposed bus lanes on West 25th, going from Detroit all the way to Brooklyn Center.

I say this as a resident of Ohio City with family, uh, small kids.

I know there has been a lot of discussion about this, and I'm asking the city to prioritize the interests of residents and public transit riders over those of private businesses.

The purpose of public transit is to get people where they need to go quickly and efficiently.

Happened to me today when I was walking to get a cup of coffee at 7 45 this morning.

This isn't the first time it's a pattern.

I know there are some of the business owners that are trying to use safety and pedestrian safety to kill this project.

The only thing that will help the residents of Ohio City is to give us actual working public transit and to make sure that it can connect us all the way, you know, from the west side.

There are hundreds of riders that take this bus route every single day.

The biggest risk to pedestrians are cars.

It's time to pick people over cars.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next we have Chris Martin.

Chris Martin is from Ohio City.

He's here to talk about matters of public concern.

He's not representing anyone and not being paid by anyone.

Mr.

Martin, you had the floor.

I'm here to talk about power.

Hard, soft, monetary, political power.

When I ran for my seat on the Central Committee, I introduced myself to my neighbor, Sam McNulty.

I think he thought I was cute because I had recently made a rhyming public comment here at this microphone.

I thought it was cool then that this rich bar owner knew who I was.

I'm ashamed to say, in other words, I was enthralled by his power.

I kinda imagined all the things I could accomplish if I just had a rich, powerful friend like Sam McNulty.

Now, less delusional.

I'm here invoking his name as a rich and powerful dick.

And he's been trying to swing it around lately to protect street storage for private cars.

In other words, he's using his power to protect his class interest at the expense of thousands of working Clevelanders who rely on public transit.

I don't believe McNulty's faux concern about pedestrian safety.

His recent letter to the editor, which opens and closes with a call to preserve street parking, belies his real interest.

In any case, RTA is included in their 25 Connects plan several layers of pedestrian protection.

Speaking for myself, I am more hopeful about those measures than I am on continuing to rely on the ludicrous claim that car parking is itself a pedestrian safety measure.

Take, for example, the crosswalk at Market Avenue between the Chase Bake Branch and West Side Market.

This is my most commonly used crosswalk in the entire city.

So often, cars parked adjacent to that crosswalk block traffic's view of me.

Crossing the street.

Putting people over cars includes putting people over car parking.

And particularly in this case, it means putting working people's interests ahead of the rich and powerful.

Sam McNulty is rich and powerful.

Sam McNulty gave to Mayor Bibbs re-election campaign and supports the mayor's former employee for City Council.

Sam McNulty, however, is wrong on this issue.

Mayor Bibb should not let McNulti's power prevent him from doing the right thing by putting people over cars.

Next we have Diabdar Issa, Ward 11, to talk about the Madison Avenue and West Boulevard development.

And Diar Issa is representing the Coalition for a Better Cleveland and not being paid by anyone.

You had the floor, sir.

Uh good evening, Council Members, Mayor Bibb, and other attendees.

My name is Diab, a proud Ward 11 resident, and I hope you all had a great summer.

This is definitely an exciting time in local activism and politics.

We are really getting into the thick of it now.

Let's immediately jump back into where we left off before the summer recess.

In regards to the former CVS site on the corner of West Boulevard and Madison Avenue, the state of it's absolutely appalling.

This false dichotomy of a gas station versus abandoned building needs to stop, which is thus painting the gas station as a savior to an otherwise abandoned lot.

This is not the highest and best use.

Pictures and videos do not do it justice.

You just have to see it with your own eyes.

Well it needs to be done is simple with three points.

If Danny Kelly genuinely supports a firehouse at this location, I plead with you to table ordinance number 791 hyphen 2024 now.

The Bib administration must also hold the property owner accountable for the poor condition and appearance of this property through adherence to city code.

Had this been any other business, what citations have already been issued?

If none were issued here for its condition, why?

The Bib administration should also finalize the real estate negotiation to acquire this property with the use of eminent domain.

Also, the city's answer to Shaker Madison's brief hasn't been filed, so that's something else we need to ensure is done.

Kelly polling the legislation removes a huge barrier to the city acquiring the land.

Right now, the owner has much less incentive to negotiate or compromise.

Again, Kelly, Kelly's spot zoning must be tabled.

We need to ensure the pedestrian retail overlay is protected once again.

The push for the fire station represents the highest and best use, and is consistently something the community has been advocating for.

It's in alignment with the common plan, uh the commons plan, rather, and the community's interests.

With the fall re-election season underway, now is the time for a maximum leverage.

Our goal is concise, focus is clear, crisp, and it's doable.

The city, along with community backing, has the power to get this done, and we should not accept anything less.

This isn't something we should shelve until January 26th.

Having it be someone else problem.

The time is now.

Danny Kelly, before you shift your focus to your campaign to run in Ward 12, can you please do right by the residents of Ward 11?

Can we get this done?

Thank you, and that is my time.

Next we have Ben Heidi from Kudeo to talk about the Cleveland flag, the real Cleveland flag, and uh he's representing the real Cleveland flag, and he's not being paid by anyone.

Ben, you had the floor.

Good evening, Council President, members of council here.

Uh, I really did enjoy meeting many of you at community events over the summer.

Uh, it reminds us that leadership isn't just about decisions made in this chamber, it's really about showing up across the city for the communities you represent.

Tonight I'm here to present three alternative alternate versions of the Cleveland flag.

Uh, we don't think these are just designs, they're really reflections of Clevelanders who have shaped this city.

Uh on the original, we have red and blue.

This these are symbols of patriotism.

So building off of that idea, these next flags uh expand it.

So the first one we have is called Progreso y Prosperidad.

So this is a symbol of belonging here.

What we've done is we've made uh the Cleveland City symbol uh city motto in Spanish here.

This unites our Spanish speaking communities under a unified banner.

The next one we have is called Pride Progress in Prosperity.

Uh this is uh our LGBT version, and it really brings visibility to uh LGBT Clevelanders.

Uh, and if adopted, uh would be a civic version of a pride flag.

And then the last one we have we call Power Progress and Prosperity.

Uh this one honors our black Clevelanders, their legacy, their leadership, and their ongoing contributions to our civic culture.

If adopted, this would be the first civic flag in the country officially dedicated to the largest ethnic minority of 65 major American cities.

This isn't just symbolic, this is a historic moment.

Cleveland has a chance to be the first.

Uh, there is precedent for this.

Cities like Salt Lake City, Boise, Idaho, both with states with limiting uh unofficial flags on government property, have created different versions of their flag to incorporate into city codes.

So some using that template, we could do the same.

Let's make these flags official because Cleveland isn't just one story, it's many, and our flag should be able to show that.

Thank you.

Next we have Brittany Smith.

Uh, even though we're going to be acknowledging the uh young ladies uh through Councilwoman Stephanie House Jones to a presentation, but Brittany Smith is on the agenda, or does she want to wait until the presentation?

Okay, so Miss Smith is going to wait until the presentation.

Uh next we have Fauzi Badour, uh, Ward 11, Madison Avenue and West Development, West Boulevard Development, and he's not representing anyone and not being paid by anyone, Mr.

Bad.

Good evening, Council Mayor Bibba.

Uh I'd like to congratulate those of you who made it in September primary going into November.

Asking the challenges to stay in this race.

But I'm here to talk to Danny Kelly.

My councilman now.

I'm resident of Ford 11.

I'll be resident of Ford 11 in next year.

I'll be represented here by council lady named Nikki Hudson.

Danny, I know you're good person.

I know you have good heart.

You're down to our person.

I'm speaking to you heart to heart from my heart.

This location, 100 to 2 Madison Avenue.

It wasn't made, was never made to have gas station in there.

It's next to a park, next to a school, next to another school, next to daycare, next to fire station.

Let's make commitment.

Table that issue.

Tell the community we go in.

We're between September primary and November election.

They will tell the community this issue is dead.

Let's let's make let's make a lines.

You br you ask those guys, if they want to sell it, to ask for reason price, and we'll brush our mayor bib.

Even if we have to brush our mayor bib, I know he doesn't need a brush to buy the to acquire the property.

This has is a place for fire station, and you agree with that, but you can't you can't let the gas station go away.

Let this gas station die.

This is not a place for gas station.

We appreciate, I mean, a good stand for this.

I mean that location is where kids were.

And you know that we cut we count everything before, so please table that uh issue.

Let it die.

Uh Mayor Bibb.

I mean we said hundred times that we know who you are.

You're a good loyal kid of Cleveland, a son of Cleveland, and a man of Cleveland and the mayor of Cleveland.

Acquire that broadband.

Put the fire station in there.

We're with you.

Whether whether you buy it with reasonable price, I don't know what they asking, I do know what you offer it, or acquire it through eminent domain.

We need a fire station in there.

We don't need gas station in there.

Thank you very much.

Next we have Matthew on.

Matthew on is from Ward 3, and he's here to talk about the West 25th Street bus lanes, and he's not representing anyone and not being paid by anyone.

Mr.

An, you had the floor.

Good evening.

Uh my name is Matthew on Old Ward 3, New Ward 5.

I live downtown, but in many ways, Ohio City is my neighborhood.

I spend lots of time on 25th, but I don't ride my bike on 25th.

Part of why is because I don't feel safe cycling there.

I don't say this lightly.

I've commuted by bike for 17 years now.

I've been in full speed collisions, two separate collisions in 2024, one totaled my bike, one tore my MCL.

But I was also hit by a car on West 25th in 2022.

I was riding south when somebody tried to turn left from Carroll to go north.

As they peeled out, I managed to swerve and only get tapped by the car, but it could have easily been much worse.

Part of why is the cars are parked all the way to the corner on 25th, making it impossible for this car to see me until they actually got into the traffic lane.

Those cars were parked illegally, but they likely would have not even tried to park on 25th if there were no parking lane.

That lane is responsible not only for crashes, but also for slow traffic up and down 25th.

As illustrated by that crash, parked cars lead to shorter viewsheds on cross streets.

Cars that drive the speed limit are risking a collision any time somebody tries to turn out.

And the process of parallel parking blocks the traffic lane while folks pull in and out.

And finally, because people expect to see stopped cars, it gives drivers license to double park illegally on the street.

Even when that is temporary, it slows down other traffic on the street, including buses.

I also take the bus.

The 51 is the only reasonable frequency bus that goes to the southwest suburbs where my parents live.

51, like all buses on 25th, crawl slowly because cars are not only parked but double parked on the street.

The double parking also leads to more concern while I'm cycling, as those cars are more likely to have a door open and hit me if I am passing too closely.

Now I've been very intentional using the words collision and crash rather than accident because bad road design is not an accident.

We know what works to make our streets safer, including a street like West 25th.

A comprehensive UCLA study of bus lanes replacing parking lanes in LA, mostly in districts similar to West 25th, showed three consistent things over a 14-year study period.

Number one, reducing fatalities, number two, reducing severe injuries, and number three, reducing collisions that involved pedestrians.

These are the reasons that opponents are invoking right now against these bus lanes, but those reasons actually support this change.

And of course, the economic impact of transit-friendly changes are consistently shown by studies to be positive.

If we wanted to make 25th safe, instead we would turn the whole street from Lorraine to Bridge into a busway with no cars allowed.

There are zero driveways on that stretch of 25th that private cars need access to, and truck turnouts would be easy to reserve for business access.

The bus lane proposal is actually a compromise proposal from a pedestrian safety standpoint.

We were promised people over cars in 2021.

Cosmetic changes have happened, slick press releases have happened, but make no accident.

We can do better for our pedestrians and our residents.

And so I urge these bus lanes to be implemented as quickly as possible.

Thank you.

That concludes public comment.

Madam Clerk, please share communications.

File number 1058 2025 from Denise Van Lear, Executive Director, Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation.

Notice of intent to apply to Ohio Housing Finance Agency for multifamily funding programs for the development known as Innovation Square Phase 2.

File number 1059 2025 from Joseph T.

De Cesar, Development Specialist, Frontline Development Group.

Woda Cooper Development.

Notice of intent to apply to Ohio Housing Finance Agency for multifamily funding programs for the development known as Gateway 66.

File number 1060 2025 from Mark E.

Whipkey, Chief of Asset Management, Cleveland Housing Network Housing Partners.

Notice of intent to apply to Ohio Housing Finance Agency for multifamily funding programs for the development known as Erie Square Preservation.

File number 1062 2025 from Mark E.

Whipkey, Chief of Asset Management, C uh CHN Housing Partners, Notice of Intent to apply to Ohio Housing Finance Agency for multifamily funding programs for the development known as McGregor Lakewood Independent Living.

File number 1063 2025 from Michael Bowen, President Revitalization Strategies Group.

Notice of intent to apply to Ohio Housing Finance Agency for multifamily funding programs for the development known as Stephen Howe Apartments Homes at 1000 Lakeview Road.

From the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, file number 1061 2025 regarding a transfer of license application at 150 20 Puritus Avenue Ward 16.

Thank you.

Resolutions of condolence by Councilmember House Jones for George Hood by Councilmember Starr for Gail J.

Gwynn by Councilmember Bishop for Margot Anderson by Councilmember House Jones for Alberta Graves by Councilmember House Jones for Alise Johnson or Alice Johnson.

By Councilmember Conwell for Barbara Bird, by Councilmember Griffin for Charles Williams, by Councilmember Bishop for Annie Mae Maxwell, by Councilmember Palencick, for Donna Foster, by Councilmember Griffin, for Danielle Stevens, by Councilmember Casey for Mother Naomi Miles, by Councilmembers Starr and Griffin, for Sharon Lavon Hunter Glassby, by Councilmember Hairston, for Cynthia Rose Bryant, by Councilmember Hairston, for Gerald Wayne Bryant, by Councilmember Griffin, by Council Members, Griffin Conwell Palencick and Harrison for Gregory Earl Wheeler Senior, by Councilmember Griffin, for Mickey Clayton, by Councilmember Hairston, for Joe Davis Senior, by Councilmember Hairston, for Edna Lee Crenshaw, by Councilmember Palencyc, for Harriet Thomas, by Councilmembers McCormack and Slife, for Jerome Jerry Somerville, by Councilmember House Jones, for Herman Craig, by Councilmember Jones, for Bernice Davis, by Councilmember Casey, for James Robert Prock, by Councilmember Griffin, for Howard Anthony Thompson, by Councilmember Conwill, for Senisa Doyle, by Councilmember Griffin.

Oh I'm sorry.

That was just one.

That's all for condolences.

Thank you.

Are there any other condolence resolutions?

Councilman Carrie McCormick.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

If you could please hold the number out for Congresswoman Mary Rose O'Cara.

And if anyone wants to join me on that.

So noted.

Is there any uh objection to all council members being added to that resolution for former councilperson as well as Congress uh person Mary Rose O'Carther?

Seeing no objections, may all council members be added to that resolution.

Thank you.

Uh Councilman Michael Palencick.

Mr.

Chairman, I didn't hear, but I want to make sure we held out a number for former Councilman Mike Clamako.

Didn't hear that.

I'm glad that you brought that up.

I had that on my agenda to talk about next.

Okay, and I like the number held off from Michael Troja as well.

Thank you.

Okay, thank you.

So noted.

Uh are there any other condolence resolutions?

Councilwoman uh Jasmine Santana.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Can you hold out a number for Reverend Reverend Edgar Neves?

So noted.

Madam Clerk, can you hold a number out for Mike Gibbons?

Mike Gibbons, former Senate candidate, businessman Mike Gibbons.

So noted.

Are there any other condolence resolutions?

Seeing no other condolence resolutions will all rise for a moment of silence.

Thank you.

Are there any congratulatory resolutions?

Congratulations House Jones, if you can make your way up.

Congratulatory resolutions, please.

Resolutions of congratulations by Councilmember Griffin for Caesar.

By Councilmember Jones for Second New Hope Baptist Church.

By Councilmember Slife for John R.

Costco.

By Councilmember McCormack for Daniel Freesons.

By Councilmember Conwell for Judge Gene Merle Capers Tennis Courts.

By Councilmember Griffin for I'm sorry.

Would you want me?

Go ahead.

Okay, go ahead.

By Councilmember Griffin for City of Cleveland Division of EMS on their 50th anniversary.

By Councilmember Griffin for Dr.

Hiro Hero Fujimaki.

Hero Fuji.

I'm sorry.

Hero Fujimaki.

Fujimori.

Right.

By Councilmember Palencick for Nicole Carlton.

By Councilmember Griffin for East 89th Street, rising ribbon cutting.

By Councilmember Palencick for Deacon Pete Travelick.

By Councilmember Bishop for Pastor Kathy, I'm sorry, Pastor Kathy Thomas Herenco.

By Councilmember Griffin for Batuki Restaurant Grand Opening.

By Councilmember Santana for the La Distancia Grand Opening by Councilmember Palencick for James C.

Miller by Councilmember Griffin for Pastor Cedric D.

Veal by Councilmember Griffin for Policy Matters Ohio by Councilmember Slife for Edna Edna Orasco Retirement by Councilmembers Gray and House Jones for National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day.

Resolutions of recognition by Councilmember Starr for the Cleveland Guardians by Councilmember Casey for Logan Bastion Eagle Scout by Councilmember Conwell for K9 Companions by Councilmember Santana for Diane Morgan by Councilmember Santana for Betty Joe Palmer by Councilmember Griffin for East High School class of 1975 on their 50th anniversary by Councilmember Santana for Building Hope in the City by Councilmember Santana for National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week by Councilmember Griffin for Sherelle Hardy by Councilmember Starr post for post-it on the corner by Councilmember House Jones for Pastor Dante L.

Thompson by Councilmember Griffin for Baldwin Water Treatment Plant on their 100th anniversary by Councilmember Griffin for Sunita Lynn Williams by Councilmember Conwell for Alumni of Columbia Elementary School FDR Junior High School Reunion.

Thank you.

This is uh clothing uh insecurity week and councilwoman uh House Jones would like to do a presentation.

Well, good evening every it is okay.

Well, good evening, everybody.

Um, on behalf of myself and councilwoman Gray, uh, we were actually reached out uh to by Miss Brittany Smith, who is the founder of Cleveland Pearls, uh, which stands for Positively Empowering and Restoring uh Lady Self-Esteem as an organization dedicated to young girls um within our city, and when she reached out to me to let me know that today um was the National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day.

I wanted to at least recognize the work of Cleveland Pearls.

Um, our young ladies we know are dealing with a lot and really bringing awareness of some of the things and the challenges they are experiencing.

And so now, without further ado, I want to bring up Miss Smith and the young ladies from Cleveland Pearls to kind of talk about more about this today and the work that they're doing to spread their awareness.

So, Ms.

Smith.

Thank you, good evening, everybody.

Um, so my name is Brittany Smith again.

Good evening to council um and the bid bib administration.

Uh, my name is Brittany Smith, and I'm the founder and executive director of Cleveland Pearls, and I'm so excited to be here tonight on a day that we are recognizing as National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day.

So, a few grassroots organizations across the nation.

We're working to push the importance of clothing and security within our communities.

And so I'm here tonight filled with immense gratitude and excitement.

And on behalf of our entire community and the young people that we serve, especially, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you.

So, your decision to officially recognize September 15th as National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day is a monumental step forward for our city.

It's not just a proclamation, it's a powerful statement that Cleveland sees and cares about the silent struggle that so many of our youth experience.

For the past few years, our work has been centered on the idea that clothing is so much more than just fabric, it's about dignity, confidence, and self-worth.

It's a way for a young person to feel ready to show up for school, for an interview, or to a special night out.

Through our Pearls Closets, our main closet in the Malachi Center, our closets that are in partnership with Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

We've worked hard to provide young people with the access to quality and decent clothing that they need.

We have seen firsthand smiles and renewed confidence that perfectly fit that perfect that a perfectly excuse me fitting outfit can bring.

But this work is not done alone.

I want to take a moment to thank our partners and other organizations across the city who show up every day for our young people, helping to fight clothing insecurity.

It's a collaborative effort, and because of your tireless dedication, all of us are making that impact.

So by recognizing this day, you know that you are not just acknowledging a problem, but you're acknowledging the potential with every single one of our young people.

You're validating the idea that a single piece of clothing can be the start of a whole new story for a young person who has experienced things like house fires, trauma, life changes, or family crisis.

So again, thank you so much for your leadership, for your belief in our mission here at Pearls, and for your continued support as we all work together to rewrite the stories of our young people here.

Thank you very much.

Let's give them another round of applause as they head out.

Thank you.

All right, Madam Clerk, please move to the uh special part of the agenda.

Resolution 1091 2025 by Councilmember Griffin censuring Councilmember Joseph T.

Jones for violating council's workplace violence policy and standards of of conduct of standards of conduct policy and formally condemning Councilmember Jones's continued inappropriate and unprofessional workplace behavior.

Thank you.

I'll read the resolution in its entirety and then I will give further instructions.

Resolution 1091-2025 reads as follows.

Whereas on May 19, 2025, during an interaction with a council staff person, Councilmember Joseph T.

Jones threatened three times in a row to kill that staff person.

And whereas that evening during a council meeting, despite other available seats, including his own assigned seat, Councilmember Jones sat next to a staff person with whom he was directed to have no contact due to his previous inappropriate behavior against that staff person.

And whereas outside investigations of the above two incidents found that Councilmember Jones threatening remarks and his intimidating behavior by sitting in direct vicinity of the staff person he was to have no contact with likely violated council policies.

And whereas this council hereby determines that such conduct is disorderly and violates council's workplace violence policy, which prohibits violent acts such as threats of bodily harm, intimidation and bullying, and violates council's standards of conduct policy, which summarizes expected behavior and standards of professional conduct in the workplace and sets forth prohibited conduct, including harassment, abusive or threatening behavior, creating a hostile work environment, and bullying.

And whereas the recent incidents have left the involved staff members anxious, stressed, and concerned about their safety and the safety of their family members.

They are concerned about continued harassment and retaliation, and they have sought counseling.

And whereas the above incidents are not the first time Councilmember Jones has exhibited inappropriate and unprofessional behavior in the workplace.

Last year, Jones was disciplined and corrective measures taken because of six separate complaints of harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, and bullying against council staff that an outside investigation found likely violated council's sexual and non-sexual harassment policy and workplace violence policy.

And whereas Jones unprofessional and inappropriate behavior has adversely impacted workplace morale, employee confidence, and office integrity.

And whereas this council does not tolerate violence in the workplace and remains committed to maintaining a safe work environment that is free from threats, bullying, intimidation, and harassment.

Therefore, be it resolved by the council of the city of Cleveland that this council hereby censures Councilmember Joseph T.

Jones for violating council's workplace violence policy and standards of conduct policy and formally condemns Council Member Jones' continued inappropriate and unprofessional workplace behavior.

This is not a moment that anyone on this body wish to arrive at.

As the leader of this council and in partnership with Clerk Britt, we have a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of this institution, its members, and staff.

We have a duty to exercise and enforce the rules that we as a body voted on in January 2022.

We have a responsibility to show support for and belief in the people who have made complaints against Councilman Jones.

For more than a year, Clerk Britt and I have exercised what is known as progressive discipline in our efforts to address the repeated inappropriate behavior of Councilman Jones.

This was not a swift or rash decision.

Recognizing this is a sensitive topic and an employment matter, we retained the services of an external law firm to objectively investigate the series of allegations levied against him last year and to provide us with recommendations to address those allegations.

Last year's investigation found all allegations to be credible.

As a result, we exercised progressive discipline and took the following steps.

We provided Councilman Jones with a written reprimand for his behavior in July 2024.

We required him to attend group workplace behavior and leadership accountability training, which he completed.

We required him to attend a series of individual behavior training, which he completed.

We removed him temporarily at the time from committee assignments.

And I also want to say that all council received training at the same time, simultaneously, to make sure that we all work together to try to hold ourselves accountable.

This past February, Council updated its sexual harassment and workplace violence policies after that training and after those engagements.

We also enacted a standards of conduct policy.

All of you, including Councilmember Jones, signed off on receipt of those policies.

All 17 members, including Councilman Jones.

We now have a written disciplinary process for members of council, which you all have acknowledged receipt.

I have followed and will continue to follow those policies and processes in this and all employment matters.

Throughout this entire process, Councilman Jones was made aware in no uncertain terms that any continued inappropriate behavior would lead to this very moment, a public vote of censure.

This was in the formal letter that was given to Councilman Jones in July 2024.

Despite these clear warnings and the disciplinary steps taken, the behavior continued.

Most recently in May, with two new allegations in violation of Council's workplace violence policy and standards of conduct policy.

As a result, we are here today because the actions of Councilman Jones has left us no other choice.

This vote is not about personal animosity or political difference.

It is about accountability.

It is about ensuring that our conduct as representatives of this city meets the high standards of our constituent that our constituents deserve.

But most importantly, imagine if it was you, your spouse, your family member, or somebody else who actually had to experience this, and what would you actually do?

So once again, thank you for this consideration.

The following will apply.

If any councilperson would like to make comments, I am allowing only two minutes for any council member if they would like to.

It is optional if any council member wants to make uh regarding just this topic.

Uh, we are allowing two minutes only for any council member that would like to state anything.

And then, secondly, uh Councilman Jones has an opportunity to make a statement, and I will be very generous with uh time with Councilman Jones.

I have afforded him four minutes uh to make any statements that he would like, and uh we will go from there.

After that, we will call a public role, beginning with me, and then alphabetically, we will then uh you will all be called individually to vote yes or no uh for yay or nay for this censor.

So, that being said, are there any comments that any council members uh would like to exercise two minutes in order to make any statements?

Go on, Councilman Richard Starr would like the floor.

Councilman Starr, you have the floor, two minutes.

I just say, Council President, you just spoke for about five minutes and giving us two, but I understand.

Um, ladies and gentlemen, um I wholeheartedly believe that workplace environment should always reflect professionalism.

Today I want to share my sincere thoughts regarding my decision to vote no on the proposal concerning Joe Jones.

My respect for each member of this council and significant work we accomplished together is profile.

After careful considerations of the implications of this vote, I find that opposing the censorship of Joe Jones is the right choice.

We must focus on the broader context in which we operate.

The current state of accountability within our council concerns me deeply.

Morale amongst the team has reached a low point.

This marked the third action that has been taken by council leadership regarding the same allegation, and it feels less like constructive action and more like reactionary response.

We must reflect.

Should anyone repeatedly seek satisfaction satisfaction through punitive measures?

Joe Jones has already faced serious consequences, including losing committee chairmanship and being barred from voting during hearing committee hearings.

After these actions, I had hope that we would move forward.

However, this situation now feels like double jeopardy, which is troubling.

The proposal for censorship strikes me as a more punitive than substantive.

We need to focus on solutions that foster lasting positive change rather than those that appear reactionary.

We have more pressing issues to tackle.

I've seen council staff hesitate to process essential contracts, leading to delays in serving our community.

In war five, we have discretionary funds ready to support the residents, yet they remain untapped due to inaction.

Staff have expressed fears of personal repercussions, which should never overshadow our commitment to public service.

I recognize that the decision may not resonate with everyone, but this choice transcends personal biases or political stance.

As a member of this Cleveland City Council, it is my duty to make informed decisions that truly benefit our community.

No matter the challenge they may present.

Let's not forget on September 9th, over a thousand people, the most in any ward voted for War of One to send Joe John to the general election.

In closing, council president, there have been past incidents involving previous council members, including cases of sexual harassment that resort in it that resorted in settlements and others facing federal theft charges.

Yet no one sought to censor them.

In 1976, Lonnie Burton told a member to kiss my without delivering that punchline, but was suspended without pay.

This year, a member of this body called a citizen a punk you know what.

Said the protesters who were doing what many of our ancestors had to do to fight injustice.

He called them disgusting and they make me sick.

Called a citizen a punk you know what while standing on this floor in the people's house.

Ain't nobody talking about censoring that or no suspension of that, and nothing was done.

I just want you all to understand today it is Joe Jones.

Tomorrow, it could be any one of us.

Are there any other comments?

Any other comments from the floor?

Any other comments from the floor?

Seeing no other comments uh from the floor, Councilman Joseph Jones, would you like to have any comments?

And Councilman Jones have asked for more time.

Thanking God who has established my footpath in this thing called life.

And the journey that we all must go through in life is to make sure that we come out to be great people at the end of this thing.

But while we are in it, we have to give God all the praise and all the honor and all the glory.

Because without him, we wouldn't have this chamber, we wouldn't have the rhythm of our heartbeat, nor the oxygen that flows through our lungs, and he who establishes all things, I give the praise and honor and glory to.

How can I help the citizens in my neighborhood?

So I wanted to start out with that because that's where I get my strength and draw my strength from.

A great and amazing God.

And the devil's gonna do what the devil's gonna do because he's got a job too to start discord, chaos.

But what this council has to fundamentally look at is how we protect both the staff and the members, the staff and the members.

And we just pledge, and I pledged all my life to the flag, and we pledged every day when we come here every Monday, justice for all.

There's no due process here.

There is not the opportunity to face your accusers and be able to have an opportunity to have someone who's impartial to hear both sides of the story.

So that is the reason why we need to have in city council a human resource department, not to be targeted because someone alleges you've done something, and then a law firm that clearly has conflict of interest, not only in one area, but several areas, even leaking information in the first time that all of this happened.

So this is more than what you can come to realize, my colleagues, and I hope you had the opportunity to read a nine-page letter that breaks that down.

Now I know some of you I've talked to, you said this is all about my vote is about business.

This is strictly business.

And I get that because that's the way the politics is sometimes.

Humbled by this moment, but resolute in my belief that every one of us deserves fairness, transparency, and due process.

What is happening to me is not just about Joe Jones.

It is about whether any member of this body can be silenced, stripped of their duties, and have their war punished without the safeguards we would all demand of ourselves and of this thing that we call democracy here in terms of city government.

Yes, I made a joking remark that was ill-phrased and regrettable.

It was never meant as a threat, and witness one himself admitted.

He did not initially see it as one.

But to twist a joking remark into grounds for censure while ignoring the testimony of an independent witness who was there and witnessed it at the time, who said it was not delivered in anger, and we all laughed and joked, and I don't understand what just has happened.

The second allegation that I set next to someone that I was told to avoid was entirely an inverted, and it's on film.

Anyone can pull up the council piece and see it.

And even the report itself that you council members have of the law firm concedes there was no intent.

Yet somehow, these moments have been magnified into grounds of censure.

So I ask you, would you want to be censored?

Your name tarnished, your family traumatized, your community traumatized, you don't have any legal representation provided for you by the city of Cleveland.

You have no legal representation from the council to help you in this ordeal.

You just left by yourself.

We believe it.

It was said, you've done it, that's it.

Slam the hammer.

That's what this is all about.

So I asked, would you like to be censored?

Would you like for your ward to be stripped?

Even though the report said the incidents that had happened, found mitigated and can be excusable.

Would you want to be denied the transparency, legal representation representation, and fairness that we owe each other and to our citizens?

And while we cannot dismiss concerns about workplace conduct, we must also recognize that our city faces urgent challenges.

Poverty, public safety, is a major issue, housing, infrastructure, and rebuilding trust in the citizens of the city of Cleveland that our city can deliver quality city services and improve the conditions and lives of the residents who live in this great city.

To spend tens of thousands of taxpayers' dollars and weeks of time on what are almost misunderstandings.

It is not the people of Cleveland elected us to do.

This is not what they elected us to do.

Our constituents expect us to focus on their lives, their neighborhoods, their futures, not to make an example out of one of our own without due process, cause, and justice for all that we've just pledged here tonight, and as we pledge every night.

In conclusion, I regret this distraction that this has caused and I reaffirm my commitment to professionalism, to training, and respect, but I cannot accept the measures that punish Ward One residents and silences my voice without fairness, without due process.

And in a way, none of you who are sitting here right now would not accept that for your child, for your mother, your father, your brother, your sister, your cousin to be tarnished in a public way and not have due process.

My colleagues, I ask you, reject this censure, stand for fairness, let us turn our focus back to the pressing work that truly matters for the people of Cleveland and to the citizens I represent.

I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve as your councilman.

I'm committed and dedicated to making sure that you are super served, that you have the resources you need.

When you make those phone calls, I'm the one fighting for you and picking up that phone and walking door to door and giving you everything that I got.

So I want to say to you, I'm privileged and honored to have the opportunity to represent you as councilman, and as long as God gives me the rhythm of my heart and the air that goes through my lungs, I'm going to continue to fight for you because that's what I do every day when I come down.

Thank you, Councilman.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

Madam Clerk.

Please adhere to the instructions.

Please call the road.

And make sure that everybody knows is it A, yay or no.

This is on the suspension.

This is on the suspension of the rules.

On suspension of the rules by Councilmember Conwell that the rules be suspended and the legislation just read be placed on fine.

I'm sorry.

That's the wrong one.

That's the wrong one.

So this is on the suspension of the rules.

Griffin, Bishop, Comwell, Gray, Hairston, Harsh, House Jones, Jones, Casey, Kelly, Moore, McCormack, Polensick, Santana, Slife, Spencer, Star.

16 YAs.

Call to Row.

This is on censure.

Griffin.

Yes.

Bishop.

Conwell.

Gray.

Harsh.

House Jones.

Jones.

Casey.

Kelly.

Moorer.

McCormack.

Polensic.

Santana.

Slife.

Spencer.

Star.

14 years, two nays.

Thank you.

The censor vote carries.

And Madam Clerk, we'll continue to the regular item of business.

Please proceed to first reading emergency ordinances referred for administrative review and committee review.

Ordinance 1068-2025 by Council Members Bishop and Griffin by Departmental Request.

Authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to accept a donation from changeover or its designee to allow and accept improvements to two tennis courts located at Harmony Park as a gift to the city.

Ordinance 1072 2025 by Council Members Bishop and Griffin by Departmental Request to amend the fourth whereas clause in sections 1, 3, and 4 of Ordinance 549-2025 relating to an amendment to a contract with the Osborne Engineering Company to provide additional services relating to the North Coast Connector Project, also known as the Lakefront Pedestrian Bridge Connector.

Ordinance 1073 2025 by Council Members Bishop, Hairston, and Griffin by Departmental Request, authorizing the mayor and the commissioner of purchases and supplies to sell certain city-owned property no longer needed for the city's public use, located at the terminus of Byrne Avenue to Greg Sindell for the purpose of consolidation with exist with existing land to be used for green space and garden development.

Ordinance 1078-2025 by Councilmember Palency by Council Members Palencick Bishop and Griffin by Departmental Request to amend the title in Section 1 and 11 of Ordinance 671-2025 relating to giving consent to the co to Cuyahoga County for the resurfacing of NEF Road and to supplement the ordinance by adding new section 6A relating to pedestrian facilities.

Ordinance 1079-2025 by Council Members Griffin and Harrison to amend Section 1 of Ordinance 250 2025 exempting certain property parcels from tax abatement policies under ordinance 482-2022 as amended relating to community reinvestment area.

Ordinance 1081-2025 by Councilmember Griffin by Departmental Request authorizing the Director of Finance on behalf of Cleveland Municipal Court to apply for and accept a grant from the Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County to expand access to evidence-based supervision and treatment services for defendants of four specialized dockets and authorizing the director to enter into one or more contracts with various agencies, entities, or individuals to implement the grant.

Ordinance 1082 2025 by Councilmembers Palencick and Griffin by Departmental Request authorizing the Directors of Public Safety and Finance to enter into one or more contracts with Heritage Health Heritage Health Solutions Inc.

for medical building services for inmates and prisoners for the departments of public safety and finance for a period of one year with two one-year options to renew exercisable by the Director of Finance.

Ordinance 1083 2025 by Councilmember Starr designating former Cleveland Fire Department Engine Company 26 Station House as a Cleveland Landmark.

Ordinance 1084 2025 by Councilmember Spencer designating the Tamir Rice Butterfly Memorial as a Cleveland Landmark.

Authorizing the Clerk of Council to enter into a requirement contract without competitive bidding with weekly's mail mailing service for mailing services with proprietary list for a period of one year with three one year options to renew exercisable by the clerk of council.

Ordinance 1086 2025 by Councilmembers McCormack and Griffin by Departmental Request, authorizing the purchase by one or more requirement contracts of industrial and building related supplies, materials, equipment and services needed for maintenance, repair, and operations of facility of facilities, including installation if necessary for the Department of Port Control for a period of one year with three one year options to renew, exercisable by the Director of Port Control.

Ordinance 1108 2025 by Councilmembers Palencick and Griffin by Departmental Request, authorizing the Director of Public Safety to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with Cuyahoga County for the lease of certain space located on various floors of the Justice Center to extend the term for one additional year beginning October 2nd, 2025, with a one-year option to renew, exercisable by the Director of Public Safety.

Thank you.

First reading emergency ordinances to be passed.

Ordinance 1069 2025 by Councilmember Griffin by Departmental Request to amend Section 49 of Ordinance 194 2021 as amended relating to salaries for various classifications.

Ordinance 1070 2025 by Councilmember Griffin approving the collective bargaining agreement with communications workers of America, local 4340 to amend Section 23 of Ordinance 194-2021 relating to salaries for various classifications.

To amend sections 37, 39, 43 of ordinance 194-2021 as amended relating to salaries for various classifications.

Authorizing the Director of Department of Economic Development to enter into agreement with DDD QS DBA Tar Blooders Sports Barbershop Project through the use of Ward 9 Neighborhood Equity Funds.

Thank you.

Read the motion to suspend the rules.

By Councilmember Conwell that the rules be suspended and the legislation just read be placed on final passage, seconded by Councilmember McCormack.

Thank you.

Call the road.

Thank you.

Call to roll on passage.

Griffin, Bishop Conwell, Gray, Hairston Harsh, House Jones, Jones, Casey, Kelly, Moore, McCormack, Palency, Santana, Slife, Spencer Starr.

15 years.

Thank you.

First reading.

Emergency resolutions refer for administrative review and committee review.

Resolution 1095 2025 by Council Members House Jones, Bishop, and Harrison by Departmental Request, declaring the intent to vacate a portion of Packard Court.

Resolution 1096 2025 by Council Members Bishop and Harrison by Departmental Request, declaring the intent to vacate a portion of East 81st Street.

Resolution 1097 2025 by Council Members Spencer, Bishop, and Griffin by Departmental Request.

Requesting the Director of Transportation of the State of Ohio and declare a reasonable and safe prima facia speed limit of 30 miles per hour for Lake Avenue between West 117th and Detroit Avenue.

Resolution 1098 2025 by Councilmember Griffin by Departmental Request, requesting the County Fiscal Officer to make advances during the year 2026, pursuant to Section 321.34 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Resolution 1099 2025 by Councilmember Griffin by departmental request, accepting the amounts and rates as determined by Cuyahoga County Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county fiscal officer.

Thank you.

First reading emergency resolutions to be adopted.

Resolution 1066 2025 by Councilmember Bishop objecting to the transfer of ownership of a C1 C2 liquor permit at 38 at 3868 East 131st Street.

Resolution 1067 2025 by Councilmember Bishop objecting to the transfer of ownership of a C1 liquor permit to 3879 East 123rd Street.

Resolution 1071 2025 by Councilmember Harsh objecting to a new C1C2 liquor permit at 4189 Ridge Road.

Resolution 1100 2025 by Councilmembers KZ McCormack Santana Polencick and Moore declaring the month of September as National Service Dog Month.

I'm sorry, as National Service Dog Month in the City of Cleveland to recognize service dogs and the adults and children with disabilities in our community that they support.

Resolution 1101 2025 by Councilmember House Jones recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week observed September 15th through the 21st 2025 in the City of Cleveland and honoring and thanking the Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland for its ongoing commitment to supporting families in need.

Resolution 1102 2025 by Councilmember Griffin objecting to the transfer of ownership of a C1C2 D6 liquor permit at 3230 East 93rd Street.

Resolution 1103 2025 by Councilmembers House Jones and Gray recognizing the September recognizing September 15th as National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day 2025.

Resolution 1104 2025 by Councilmembers Conwell and Griffin recognizing September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

Resolution 1105 2025 by Councilmember Starr supporting Cuyahoga County's Crown Act legislation.

Resolution 1106 2025 by Councilmember Conwell withdrawing objection to the transfer of ownership of a C1 liquor permit at 540 East 15th Street Streets 10810 11 113 115 and repealing resolution 224 2025 objecting to said permit.

Thank you.

First reading read the motion to suspend the rules I'm sorry, okay.

By councilmember Conwell that the rules be suspended in the legislation just read be placed on final passage, seconded by councilmember McCormack.

Carterow.

Griffin, Bishop Conwell Gray, Hairston Harsh, House Jones, Jones, Casey Kelly, Moore, McCormack, Polencyc, Santana, Slife, Spencer Starr.

15 YAs.

Call to roll on adoption.

Griffin Bishop Conwell Gray Hairston Harsh, House Jones, Jones, Casey Kelly, Moore, McCormack, Palencick, Santana, Slife, Spencer Starr.

15 YAs.

Thank you.

Second reading.

Emergency ordinances to be passed.

Ordinance 803 2025 by Councilmembers McCormack, Bishop, and Griffin by departmental request, authorizing the directors of parks and recreation and port control to enter into an amendment to the existing lease agreement with the Board of Park Commissioners for Cleveland Metropolitan Park District for Rivergate Park and to add additional city owned property to the leased premises.

Ordinance 964 2025 by Council Members Harsh, Bishop, and Griffin by Departmental Request.

Giving consent of the City of Cleveland to the Director of Transportation for the State of Ohio by replacing the eastbound I-480 entrance ramp at Ridge Road and to authorize one or more agreements necessary to make the improvement.

Ordinance 970 2025 by Councilmember Griffin by Departmental Request to make additional appropriations of 1,800,000 to the Special Revenue Fund.

Authorizing Director of Finance to pay his moral claims the sum opposite the names of the claimant claimants.

Ordinance 990 2025 by Council Members Bishop and Griffin by Departmental Request.

Authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to apply for and accept a grant from Cleveland Guardians Charities for the Baseball and Softball Summer Youth Program.

Ordinance 991 2025 by Councilmembers Bishop McCormack Palencic Spencer and Griffin by Departmental Request authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to apply for and accept a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry for the ODNR State Urban Forestry Resilience Grant to perform young tree training.

Trimming training.

Read the motion to suspend the rules.

By Councilmember Conwell that the rules be suspended and the legislation just read be placed on final passage.

Seconded by Councilmember McCormack.

Carter.

Griffin, Bishop Conwell, Gray, Hairston Harsh, House Jones, Jones, Casey Kelly, Moore, McCormack, Palency, Santana, Slife, Spencer Starr.

15 Yes.

Carterola Passage.

Griffin Bishop Conwell Gray Hairston Harsh, House Jones, Jones, Casey Kelly, Moore, McCormack, Polensic, Santana, Slife, Spencer Starr.

I'm sorry.

Oh, Councilwoman Spencer.

Thank you.

Please mark me as a recusal on 803.

Thank you.

14 years, one recusal.

On all others, 15 years.

All right.

Thank you.

We'll move to introductions.

Do we have any introductions?

Any introductions?

Any introductions?

Don't see any introductions.

Do we have any announcements?

Any announcements, Councilman Casey, don't you want to make an announcement about the public works or you not want to?

Okay.

Any other announcements?

Councilman.

Anyone else?

All right.

Any miscellaneous.

Any miscellaneous Councilman Kerry McCormick.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

I just first want to congratulate Chief Tom McNair on being promoted as well as Director of Bordeaux Small and Economic Development.

So I just wanted to give them congratulations.

I had the opportunity, Mr.

Chair, to work with both of them, more so uh with Chief McNair.

But I think those mayor, those were great choices to lead the city uh into the next four years.

Uh Mr.

Chairman, I rise tonight um to remember the life uh of a giant in our community.

Uh Congresswoman and former councilwoman Mary Rose O'Carr.

Uh Mr.

President, as the first uh female Democrat elected to the U.S.

House of Representatives from the state of Ohio, as well as a former member uh of this body and a lifelong resident of Carroll Avenue in the heart of Ohio City.

Uh Mr.

Chair, I used to, I still do, but I can remember over the years uh going to my block clubs in the community, and when she would walk in, Chairman, people would flock to her.

They'd want a couple minutes of her time to talk to her, to get her advice, to discuss an issue that might be going on in the community.

As I reflected today, too, Mr.

Chair, uh, I remember fondly on how I would be summoned to her office.

And uh, Chairman, I know in your community and communities across this city, um, there are community leaders that when they call you, you go.

And I would be summoned into her office, Mr.

Chairman, and I would sit across from her big desk.

It looked like it came right out of her congressional office.

Maybe it did, came right out of congressional office.

And literally, we would sit there for hours discussing the community, things she was really happy I was doing, things she could have she did thought I wasn't doing the wrong way.

She would give it to me straight uh on whatever the issue was.

Uh, but Mr.

Chair, I would leave uh that meeting with uh a lot of advice, um uh a list of issues to do in the community, and always a list of senior citizens to call.

She genuinely cared about a lot of people, but those senior citizens, uh, who she had a soft spar in her heart to make sure whether it was someone that needed help with their property taxes or they needed a new roof.

Um, years later, they still called her.

So um, and then two chair, I you know, one of the wonderful institutions in Ward 3 is the May Dugan Center.

She was a founder of the May Dugan Center, Mr.

Chairman, but also an advocate for the center over the years.

Um, and I think about a time when chair, we had just earmarked, I think it was like ARPA dollars or something for the center.

It's almost 500,000, well deserved.

They do incredible work for uh folks that need it in our community.

And as I was leaving the podium, she said, We're coming back for more money, yelled it in front of the entire group, uh, and they did.

And so she was excellent, chair at when there were folks out there that needed to be fought for, when there were places like the May Ducan Center that needed an advocate, uh, when there were voices uh in Congress that needed to be had, Chairman uh she uh was that person, was not a perfect person.

She and I did not agree on every issue, and sometimes she let that know known in the community, but I'll tell you that uh we are a better city because of her, and uh you know, I think she will go down in history as a giant uh not only on the near west side, the city of Cleveland uh and the country, Mr.

Chairman.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Surely a huge loss that I know a lot of people share that loss, so thank you.

Councilman Michael Pelesi.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman, honorable mayor, my colleagues, the clerk.

I too want to rise and uh commend the mayor for the new appointments that he's made.

I look forward to working with his folks.

I also want to thank the administration.

Uh on Saturday, we had our Waterloo Arts Festival from 12 to 7.

And I gotta tell you, besides the weather being perfect, we had thousands and thousands of people show up on Waterloo Road.

What a wonderful event.

No problems, no issues.

Young people with little kids and strollers and walkers and older folks in wheelchairs and just a great mix of people from all over the city and especially the Collwood and Glenville neighborhoods, Euclid Park, Euclid Green, Nottingham.

Just a wonderful turnout.

So I wanted to say to the mayor and his team who helped us put that together.

I appreciate it.

I would be remiss as well if I didn't mention about Mike Clamako, longtime dedicated member of this body who passed, uh I believe about uh a little about two weeks ago, um, who cared so greatly about his west side community, was very proud of his Italian heritage.

He demonstrated that constantly, he tried to work together with everybody in his body, and um, he moved out west to be closer to his children, and I want um all of us to remember his dedicated service.

But talking about Mary Rose use of Mary Rose, um let me say this.

Um Mary Rose was a legend, and what's important to be said about her, and she said this to me, it seems like not that long ago, that she would sit down, and I'm gonna say this because it tells us a whole lot of where we're at in this country today, that she would sit down with Lou Stokes, George Voinovich, and other Republican congressional folks from Northeast Ohio, and they would sit down and discuss all of the issues and things that they needed in their districts, and they would discuss those in great detail.

And Vornovich would tell her what he needed.

Lou Stokes would tell them what he needed, and it would go back and forth.

And what was amazing, she said to me, she said when they left that room, they made a pledge that they would support each other's projects and work together.

Look at the country we're in today, where it's conflict, it's adversarial, it's butting heads, it's trying to destroy the other side of the aisle.

I I long myself as an American, I long for that again when people can sit down across the aisle and work together for the best interest of this of our city, our state, and our country.

I think about the projects that her and Lou brought back to Northeast Ohio.

Unbelievable when you look at the projects.

And then I sponsored the legislation locally.

But that's all gone.

That's all gone.

And somehow we got to get back to that.

So I want all of us to remember her commitment to this council.

She was a dedicated member along with Mike, and we shall miss them greatly.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman, and my honorable colleagues.

Thank you.

Are there any other miscellaneous?

Seeing no other miscellaneous, Madam Clerk.

There are no absences to excuse.

Thank you.

That concludes this meeting.

Council has adjourned to the next regular meeting on September 22nd, 2025,