Cleveland Municipal Services Committee Approves Neff Road Project and 2025 Capital Improvement Plan Bonds - September 29, 2025

The Municipal Services and Properties Committee of Cleveland City Council met on September 29, 2025, to consider a resurfacing project on Neff Road and a series of bond ordinances for the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The meeting began with a discussion and vote on Ordinance 1078-2025, followed by a detailed presentation on the proposed shift in the city's borrowing strategy to align debt issuance with actual project execution. Councilmembers debated the new approach, vehicle purchases, and oversight measures before approving multiple ordinances with amendments.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 1078-2025 – Neff Road Resurfacing (County Project): Director of Capital Projects explained the county-led Neff Road resurfacing project, which includes under-bridge improvements (railings, concrete, sidewalk work) estimated at about $50,000. Councilman Casey offered an amendment capping the cost of the amended scope at $65,000, which was approved. Councilman Harrison noted the poor condition of the bridge pillars and expressed satisfaction with progress. The ordinance passed as amended.
• 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Bond Strategy: Director of Capital Projects presented an updated CIP, explaining that the original $76 million plan is being split into two parts: $36,044,000 to be funded in 2025 (with executed contracts or purchases), and the remainder ($36.5 million) carried over to 2026. This shift is part of a new approach to borrow only what is needed for executed contracts, reducing debt service costs. Finance Director estimated using cash on hand and then reimbursing through bonds at year-end. Councilman McGray and others questioned the legality of reimbursing the city via bonds and the use of reserve funds; Finance Director confirmed bond counsel approval. Councilman Starr raised concerns about oversight, leading to amendments requiring written notice to the Clerk of Council for cooperative purchases and limiting contract terms to two years.
• Vehicle Purchase Amendments: Assistant Director Chambers revised vehicle lists to reflect removal of issuance fees. Light vehicle total changed from $3 million to $2,690,000; heavy vehicles from $2 million to $1,290,000. Amendments by Councilman Starr updated these figures in the ordinances.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 1078-2025 (Neff Road): Approved as amended. The scope of the under-bridge improvements shall not exceed $65,000.
• Ordinance 846-2025 (Public Facilities): Approved as amended. Amendments included inserting file numbers, limiting contract terms to two years, and requiring written notice to the Clerk of Council for cooperative purchases.
• Ordinance 847-2025 (Recreation Facilities): Approved as amended. Similar oversight amendments added.
• Ordinance 848-2025 (Roads and Bridges): Approved as amended. Similar oversight amendments added.
• Ordinance 852-2025 (Heavy Vehicles): Approved as amended. Total funding set at $1,290,000; oversight requirements added.
• Ordinance 853-2025 (Light Vehicles): Approved as amended. Total funding set at $2,690,000; oversight requirements added.

All ordinances passed with aye votes; no roll call was recorded. The committee adjourned after approving the last ordinance.