OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Cleveland City Council Meeting Summary - October 27, 2025

City Council Meetings — Monday, October 27, 2025
BodyCleveland, Ohio
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateMonday, October 27, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:25:00

Transcript — Verbatim
8:39

Let's get started.

8:41

Good evening, everyone.

8:53

Clerk, please call the role.

8:55

Griffin, Bishop, Conwell, Gray, Harston, Harsh.

9:03

House Jones.

9:04

Jones.

9:05

Casey.

9:07

Kelly.

9:08

Moorer.

9:08

Polensic.

9:10

Santana.

9:11

Present.

9:11

Slife.

9:12

Spencer.

9:14

Star.

9:15

Welch.

9:17

You have porn, Mr.

9:18

President.

9:18

Thank you.

9:19

I mean, ma'am.

9:20

Everyone rise for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:38

And to the Republic for which it stands.

10:01

No person with purpose to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting shall do any act which obstructs or interferes with the due conduct of such meeting.

10:11

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

10:16

Disruption, 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 lawful meeting.

10:29

Such disruption may constitute a misdemeanor and violation of section 605.04.

10:37

Anyone who disrupts this lawful meeting in violation of the codified ordinance commits misdemeanor and is subject to prosecution.

10:46

The following is the first and only warning.

10:48

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

11:01

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

11:13

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

11:22

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

11:27

Again, this is the first and only warning.

11:30

Madam Clerk, dispense with the journal.

11:36

By councilmember Kelly.

11:44

Excuse me.

11:45

Seconded by Councilmember House Jones.

11:48

Thank you.

11:49

We will now move to public comment.

11:51

Council members, if you could turn your chairs to face the speakers, and we're going to start with Sabrina Otis from Ward, Cleveland.

12:00

Topic Unified Cleveland representing no one and being paid by no organization.

12:06

Ms.

12:06

Otis.

12:08

Good morning.

12:09

I mean good evening, everybody.

12:12

Um I first want to wish everyone who's running for office best wishes, because after next week, I will be pushing for a new grassroots.

12:19

That if you're re-elected or a welcomed new elector, some standards of principle will be happening.

12:26

Meaning, if you're a council person within your ward, there's the expectation that three things in the first 100 days that are completed substantial that benefit your residents and your residents only, not the city.

12:41

Which brings me to the next point.

12:46

You recently made a statement on the news, and you talked about how we this residents of Cleveland don't like change.

12:54

That's not true.

12:55

Or you wouldn't be in your chair.

12:57

However, what we are seeing are deals that are being made in back rooms without forethought of the residents of Cleveland, not the economy of the city, but the fourth author of residents, especially CS meet the CMS D students.

13:11

Let me explain.

13:18

Under the renovation, 30 million dollars.

13:20

And the original construction debt is 32.9.

13:26

Which, if you do the math out of a hundred meal, leaves 9.1 million dollars as a profit.

13:32

I don't know how we squeeze in 25 mil for the lake front.

13:36

Um, I don't know where that's coming from.

13:38

But if you take in consideration that during the Browns regularly scheduled losing seasons, um, they generate 10-11 million dollars every year.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Food Systems█████████████████17%
Procedural████████████12%
Community Engagement███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Zoning Regulations█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Education████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Cleveland City Council Meeting - October 27, 2025

This meeting brought together the Cleveland City Council to handle routine legislative business, address the impending 2025 US government shutdown and its impact on SNAP benefits, and hear public testimony regarding the Browns' stadium settlement, public safety, and local zoning issues. While most agenda items passed unanimously, the session featured significant debate regarding the speed and feasibility of directing city funds to local food banks to support residents facing a potential loss of federal nutrition assistance.

Consent Calendar

  • Dismissal of the previous journal was approved via unanimous motion by Councilmembers Kelly and House Jones.
  • Multiple ordinances and resolutions were read for first and second readings, covering landmark designations (East Ohio Gas Co. Building, St. Aloysius Church), affordable housing loans for Penrose Holdings, safety tech contracts for the Public Safety Department, food card distribution agreements, and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Condolence resolutions for Cynthia Haynes and Sister Stephanie D. Cheney were adopted.
  • Congratulatory and recognition resolutions were passed for various community groups, individuals, and anniversaries.
  • Resolution 1377-2025 condemning the 2025 US government shutdown and urging bipartisan action was unanimously passed (14 Yea).
  • Resolution 1385-2025 regarding Civil Service eligibility lists was adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Sabrina Otis (Unified Cleveland): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed Browns settlement terms, stating the community gains nothing while the city incurs debt. She suggested the city should charge the Browns at least $30 million annually in water fees to generate wealth for residents.
  • Unidentified Speaker (supporting Conwell/Bibb): Expressed full support for Mayor Bibb and Councilman Conwell but criticized the handling of the Browns situation, urging public protest against the NFL. They expressed concern that Councilman Conwell was targeted for violence due to his race and stated they wanted him protected.
  • Daryl Houston (Battelfton Heights): Expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Mayor's management, stating he is "systematically destroying this city." He condemned the loss of revenue from the NFL and the closing of the Greyhound bus station, demanding the Mayor address lead contamination in schools within 12 months.
  • Noah Toomer (Cleveland Pro Soccer Group): Stated strong support for keeping the North Coast Yard as a recreational community space on the lakefront. He argued that future development plans should not move this community programming to the suburbs.
  • Mark Thomas (New Era Cleveland): Expressed support for a boycott of Race Fuel gas stations and highlighted concerns regarding human trafficking of undocumented immigrants at those locations. He also noted instances of disrespect toward his family during a trial involving these stations.
  • Kelly Slifek (Love Project Movement): Expressed support for the "Love Project" and noted administrative confusion regarding her representation but stated her intent to speak on public safety and prosecutorial issues.
  • Bit Fawzi Bador: Expressed full support for acquiring the 100-22 Madison Avenue site for a fire station and stated strong opposition to it becoming a gas station, claiming 39 out of 40 community members opposed the gas station proposal.
  • Michelle Hicks: Expressed full support for the adoption of the "Dignity at Work Act" to protect workers from bullying and harassment.
  • Josiah Quarlis (NEAC): Expressed support for not funding the Haslums, support for the Tamir Rice Butterfly Garden designation, and strong concern regarding the closure of the North Point facility and the need for lead testing at Rainbow Terrace. He also criticized Millennium Group's management of Rainbow Terrace.

Discussion Items

  • Snap Benefits and Government Shutdown: Councilmembers Richard Starr, Anthony Harrison, Stephanie House Jones, and others raised an urgent concern regarding the 2025 US government shutdown. Councilmember Starr stated the shutdown will "get real" for many residents, specifically those in Ward 5 with a median income of $15,751, predicting a lack of funds for food assistance.
  • Food Bank Funding Mechanism: Councilmembers Starr and Harrison expressed a desire to transfer discretionary funds to the Cleveland Food Bank but noted a barrier: the Food Bank requires upfront spending before reimbursement.
  • Discretionary Fund Proposals: Councilmember Starr proposed transferring funds from council discretionary accounts to a dedicated food fund. Councilman Conwell and Councilman Palensic agreed, suggesting a city-wide food drive and the transfer of up to $200,000 to support food banks. Councilwoman Spencer called for a project team to coordinate with Community Development and the Mayor to bypass administrative delays.

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinance 1354-2025 & 1357-2025: Passed to designate the East Ohio Gas Company Building and St. Aloysius Church as city landmarks.
  • Ordinance 1362-2025 & 1369-2025: Passed to authorize forgivable loan agreements and tax increment financing for Penrose Holdings for affordable senior housing and the Warner Swayze projects.
  • Ordinance 1367-2025, 1368-2025: Passed regarding contracts for Flock Safety and MTAC Company for public safety and utilities infrastructure.
  • Ordinance 1370-2025 through 1374-2025: Passed to rename Go Beyond Inc., authorize technology training and food card distribution agreements, and approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Council.
  • Ordinance 1072-2025: Passed (13 Yea, 1 Nay) to amend the contract with Osborne Engineering Company regarding the Lakefront Pedestrian Bridge Connector.
  • Ordinance 1307-2025: Passed to rename Herman Park as Judge Raymondale Pianca Park.
  • Resolution 1097-2025: Passed (15 Yea) to lower the speed limit on Lake Avenue between West 117th and Detroit Avenue to 30 mph.
  • Council Rules Debate: Following a comment by Councilmember Starr regarding the government shutdown, Councilwoman Spencer expressed discomfort and reminded members of Rule 6 (Professionalism) and Rule 22 (Right of Floor), urging colleagues to maintain civility. Councilman Joe Jones supported Starr's right to speak truth to power, contrasting the current environment with historical precedents.
  • Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 10, 2025.

Meeting Transcript

Let's get started. Good evening, everyone. Clerk, please call the role. Griffin, Bishop, Conwell, Gray, Harston, Harsh. House Jones. Jones. Casey. Kelly. Moorer. Polensic. Santana. Present. Slife. Spencer. Star. Welch. You have porn, Mr. President. Thank you. I mean, ma'am. Everyone rise for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands. No person with purpose to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting shall do any act which obstructs or interferes with the due conduct of such meeting. Members of public are invited to speak only under the rules set by this council. Disruption, 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 lawful meeting. Such disruption may constitute a misdemeanor and violation of section 605.04. Anyone who disrupts this lawful meeting in violation of the codified ordinance commits misdemeanor and is subject to prosecution. The following is the first and only warning. If this meeting is disrupted, I will I will gavel a half to the proceedings and the direct the assembled officers to escort any person participating in the disruption out of the chambers. Once persons participating in the disruptions are outside of our 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 participated in the disruptions have left the chambers and the chamber doors are closed. Disruptors will not be allowed back in the chambers after the meeting resumes. Again, this is the first and only warning. Madam Clerk, dispense with the journal. By councilmember Kelly. Excuse me. Seconded by Councilmember House Jones. Thank you. We will now move to public comment. Council members, if you could turn your chairs to face the speakers, and we're going to start with Sabrina Otis from Ward, Cleveland. Topic Unified Cleveland representing no one and being paid by no organization. Ms. Otis. Good morning. I mean good evening, everybody. Um I first want to wish everyone who's running for office best wishes, because after next week, I will be pushing for a new grassroots. That if you're re-elected or a welcomed new elector, some standards of principle will be happening. Meaning, if you're a council person within your ward, there's the expectation that three things in the first 100 days that are completed substantial that benefit your residents and your residents only, not the city. Which brings me to the next point. You recently made a statement on the news, and you talked about how we this residents of Cleveland don't like change.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com