Cleveland City Council Safety Committee Meeting - October 8, 2025

The Cleveland City Council Safety Committee met on October 8, 2025, to consider two ordinances, receive updates on drone programs, discuss pursuit policies, and address concerns about council notification of violent incidents. The meeting included testimony from business operators and extensive deliberation.

Ordinance 1082-2025: Heritage Health Solutions Contract for Inmate Medical Billing

Discussion: The ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Director of Public Safety to contract with Heritage Health Solutions for professional services to process medical claims for pre-booking prisoners (individuals arrested but not yet accepted by the county jail). The contract is for one year with two one-year renewal options. An RFP received six proposals; Heritage was selected. Currently, Medical Mutual provided this service but discontinued it; Medical Mutual has been extending the service until a replacement is found.

Key Points:

• Heritage will act as a third-party administrator, repricing bills at Medicaid rate and verifying services (Director Drummond, April Bucci).
• The city is legally obligated to pay medical costs for individuals in its custody (Councilman Slife).
• No city employees will lose their jobs (Director Drummond).
• The contract cost is a $50 fee per claim; the city is responsible for the underlying medical costs regardless of the billing service (Director Drummond).
• Council members requested more detailed legislative summaries (Councilman Starr, Chair Palencick).
• Council requested data on historical costs and number of claims (Councilman Starr).

Key Outcome: Ordinance 1082-2025 was approved as read (voice vote, no objection).

Ordinance 1215-2025 (Substitute): Under Speed Vehicles (Golf Carts) for Business Use

Discussion: The ordinance enacts new sections to allow golf carts (under speed vehicles) on city streets with speed limits ≤35 mph, for legitimate business purposes only. It requires annual inspections ($150 fee), state licensing, compliance with Ohio traffic laws, and gives the Director of Public Safety authority to restrict service areas.

Public Comments & Testimony:

• Chris Taylor (Golf Cart Girl CLE): Supports the ordinance, envisioning point-to-point transportation and tours. He cited a need for mobility options for disabled veterans and to connect entertainment districts. He charges $10 flat fee downtown.
• Bob Polk (Leisure Tours Cleveland): Supports the ordinance as an extension of his bicycle tours, focusing on history tours in Tremont, Ohio City, and downtown. He has an 8-person cart.

Discussion Highlights:

• Councilman Casey raised concerns about potential influx of golf carts on event days and asked about restrictions. Director Drummond and Commissioner Holmes noted the authority to restrict areas.
• Councilman Casey questioned why the ordinance limits to businesses, not personal use. The administration explained it is a controlled introduction.
• Councilman Slife asked about fuel type (not specified), definition of golf cart (Ohio Revised Code defines), and potential impact on parking revenue. Director Mersman responded that it adds mobility options and job creation.
• Councilwoman Gray asked about neighborhood tours and traffic lane usage. Operators clarified they use city streets and stay within downtown and near west side due to battery range.
• Councilman Starr requested data from other cities (Columbus, Cincinnati) – no published reports but informal outreach showed no major concerns.
• Councilman Star introduced an amendment requiring all vehicles to display business name, contact phone number, and email address. The amendment was approved by voice vote.

Key Outcomes:

• Amendment requiring business identification on golf carts (name, phone, email) was adopted.
• Ordinance 1215-2025 was approved as amended (voice vote). Third reading was not waived at the request of Councilman Casey.

Drone Program Updates

Police Drones (Commander Mussel): The division operates nine SkyDO X-10 drones with nine trained pilots. They are centrally located at a 24-hour facility. Recent uses include the Machine Gun Kelly concert, Guardians playoff games, a missing juvenile, and a fleeing suspect (this morning in the 4th district). The drones are up-to-date and maintained under contract.

Fire/EMS Drones (Director Drummond): In early planning stages. Identifying pilots and locations (downtown area initially for highways and lake rescues). Goal to have operational by end of 2025.

Discussion: Council members asked about flight duration, distance, and potential uses for quality-of-life issues (e.g., Luke Easter Park, dangerous dogs). Chair Palencick also noted the three-year delay due to federal monitor and CPC approval.

Pursuit Policy Discussion

Council members expressed grave concern about high-speed pursuits entering Cleveland from suburbs, resulting in fatalities. Chair Palencick cited two recent incidents (one from Euclid, one from two years ago) where innocent bystanders were killed. He advocated for a countywide pursuit policy.

Assistant Law Director Shachner clarified:

• Each municipality has its own pursuit policy; there is no legal requirement to follow another city's policy.
• State law governs authority to pursue across jurisdictions.
• The only way to harmonize is through voluntary agreements.

Councilman Starr called for a meeting of Cuyahoga County municipalities to align policies.

Key Outcome: Council will pursue discussions with county and suburban partners to develop recommendations, though no binding resolution was passed.

Notification of Council Members About Violent Crimes

Several council members (Palencick, Slife, Gray, Starr) expressed frustration that they are not notified of major incidents (homicides, rapes, shootings) in their wards. Director Drummond acknowledged the need for improvement and committed to better follow-through, citing Marcy's Law limitations but promising to improve communication.

Police Headquarters Update

Mark Doolak (Capital Projects) reported:

• Three components: Art Craft building, Cat 4 addition (real-time crime center, fusion center), parking garage (substantially complete).
• Permanent power connection expected by October 15, 2025.
• Substantial completion: Art Craft building mid-July 2026, Cat 4 building June 19, 2026.
• Move-in planned before end of October 2026.

Key Outcome: Council noted progress and looks forward to moving out of the Justice Center.

Additional Items

• Councilwoman Gray raised concerns about smoke shops (deferred to future meeting).
• Committee adjourned.