OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Cleveland City Council Meeting Summary: February 2, 2026

City Council Meetings — Monday, February 2, 2026
BodyCleveland, Ohio
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateMonday, February 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:14:22

Transcript — Verbatim
5:00

So what are you gonna do?

5:18

Here's Camwell, that's 12.

5:25

Madam Clerk, please call the road.

5:27

Griffin.

5:28

Here.

5:29

Bishop, Conwell, Davis, Gray, Harsh, House Jones, Hudson, Jones, Casey, Polencick, Santana, Shaw, Slife, Star.

5:50

You have a core, Mr.

5:51

President.

5:52

Thank you.

5:52

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

6:05

Thank you.

6:06

I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the United States.

6:12

For which it stands one nation under God.

6:19

Thank you.

6:21

I'll make the following statement.

6:23

This meeting of Cleveland City Council is a lawful meeting under Section 605.04 of the codified ordinances.

6:29

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.

6:38

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

6:42

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.

6:54

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

6:59

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

7:08

The following is the first and only warning.

7:10

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

7:21

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

7:30

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

7:40

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

7:44

Again, this is the first and only warning.

7:47

Madam Clerk, please dispense with the journal.

7:53

By council member House Jones that the reading of the minutes of the last meeting be dispensed with the journal approved.

7:59

Seconded by Councilmember Davis.

8:02

Thank you.

8:03

We'll move the public comment, and I want to make sure that everyone is aware.

8:12

We know we had weather uh cancellations last week.

8:15

Uh so I made the decision to allow anybody who signed up last week.

8:20

This is their week uh to have public comment.

8:22

Okay.

8:23

We'll get back to normal beginning on Wednesday.

8:26

The first person that I'm gonna ask all council members if you could turn around to acknowledge the speakers and make sure the speakers that you acknowledge your time of three minutes.

8:34

The first speaker is Daryl Houston.

8:36

He's from Bedford Heights.

8:38

The topic is city issues.

8:40

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

8:43

Mr.

8:43

Houston, you had the floor.

8:44

Uh good afternoon, everybody.

8:46

Uh, first of all, I just want to take a moment of silence for the young youth that we've lost already this year.

8:59

Thank you.

9:01

Um I'm gonna come down here until the end of February.

9:07

And after the end of February, I'm gonna take a break.

9:10

Um there's some constitutional things that's going on down here, and I like to see them addressed.

9:18

Uh, I think there's no one in this room has more skin in the game than me.

9:23

I spent 16 years wrongfully in prison on a 33 to life sentence.

9:27

I studied for what I'm here to do.

9:30

There's no one more superior about what's going on down here in the city of Cleveland than Mr.

9:35

Houston.

9:36

He spent 16 years trying to figure out how he got wrongfully in prison by the city of Cleveland.

9:43

Okay.

9:48

I did that on purpose.

9:50

I made sure that I met each and every last one of y'all personally just to see what you guys temperament was and what you guys were really about down here.

10:00

And to see some of the things that took place almost 36 years to this day, still taking place in this city.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Immigrant Rights███████████████15%
Public Safety████████8%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Public Health Awareness██████6%
Homelessness█████5%
Public Utilities█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Cleveland City Council Meeting Summary: February 2, 2026

The Cleveland City Council convened on February 2, 2026, to execute the passage of Tanisha's Law, approve numerous emergency ordinances and resolutions, and address public concerns regarding public safety, ICE enforcement, and economic issues. The meeting featured robust public testimony supporting police reform and opposing federal immigration enforcement actions, alongside routine administrative approvals. The Council unanimously voted to pass legislation creating a Department of Community Crisis Response and adopted resolutions opposing state-level ICE cooperation mandates.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes: The journal of the previous meeting was dispensed with as requested by Councilmember House Jones, seconded by Councilmember Davis.
  • Oaths of Office: Approved for Nicole Carl Carlton, Sherry Ullery, Shalena Williams, Ryan Puente, Jessica Trevasano, Michael Culp, and Jason Shram.
  • License Transfers & New Licenses: Approved transfers of ownership and new license applications for various liquor establishments across multiple Wards (3, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14).
  • Condolence Resolutions: Adopted resolutions of condolence for numerous deceased residents including Fannie Ella Hollive, Dolores Day Webster, Mamie Jarrett Stevens, Isaac Smith, and others, with additional members added for Alex Pretti, Robert O'Malley, and John O'Boyle.
  • Congratulatory & Recognition Resolutions: Adopted resolutions congratulating individuals and recognizing honorees, including UIC honorees and BEL honorees, as well as a recognition for the Breakthrough School Ribbon Cutting.
  • First Reading Emergency Ordinances: Passed 14-0 the following ordinances:
    • Ordinance 89: Easement exchange with Urban Bridges.
    • Ordinances 90-93: State transportation improvements (South Waterloo Rd, Van Aken Blvd) and right-of-way permits.
    • Ordinances 93-94: Renewal of contracts with Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Air Force One Inc.
    • Ordinances 95-96: Landmark designations for Beachland Ballroom and Wellman Seaver Morgan Company Building.
    • Ordinance 97-98: Demolition reimbursement and tax increment financing for Westinghouse Redevelopment.
    • Ordinance 103-105: Grants for "Mom's First," Westinghouse energy district project, and digital forensics equipment.
    • Ordinances 109, 117, 119: Moral claims, fiscal appropriations, and food access navigators grant.
    • Ordinance 122: Cleveland Downtown Connector Trail project.
    • Ordinance 131: Bond proceeds reimbursement.
    • Ordinances 74-88, 100-108: Emergency permits for various 5K runs and charity events managed by Hermes Sports and Events throughout 2026.
    • Ordinance 110: Reimbursement of expenses for Council members.
    • Ordinances 111-113: Home repair, food card distribution, and community safety workshops grants.
    • Ordinance 118: Amendment to Food Distribution Program agreement.
  • First Reading Emergency Resolutions: Passed 14-0:
    • Resolution 85: Objection to C1 liquor permit at 3890 West 140th St.
    • Resolution 107: Condemnation of First Energy's request to PUCO regarding power outages.
    • Resolution 114: Strong opposition to Ohio H.B. 2642, H.B. 281, and S.B. 172 (ICE cooperation legislation), with Councilmember Harsh joining as a sponsor.
    • Resolution 115: Objection to C1 liquor permit at 756 1/2 East 200th St.
    • Resolution 116: Withdrawal of objection to liquor agency contract at 3232 East 93rd St.
  • Second Reading Emergency Ordinances: Passed 14-0:
    • Ordinance 1198: Enacted Chapter 147 creating the Department of Community Crisis Response (Tanisha's Law).
    • Ordinance 1541: Lease amendment for Flats East Management regarding boat docking fees.
    • Ordinances 25-26, 33: Grants for continuity of operations, Stop Violence Against Women Act, and waste collection equipment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Daryl Houston (Private citizen, former wrongfully incarcerated):
    • Expressed full support for the immediate accountability of the Mayor and Cabinet, stating they are "complicit" for failing duties.
    • Stated opposition to the current administration's leadership and expressed support for a city-wide recall effort against the Mayor and specific council members.
    • Expressed concern regarding the loss of Black lives in the last 30 days and the lack of compassion from officials.
    • Demanded action on a specific utility pole repair issue at his business.
  • Brenda Bickerstaff (Representing Citizens for Safer Cleveland):
    • Opposed current police practices, stating her brother was killed by police and that the consent decree has not resolved these issues.
    • Expressed support for police reform legislation as "well overdue and well needed."
    • Called for new legislation to protect U.S. citizens from ICE interactions, specifically requesting a city ordinance to prevent ICE from approaching citizens.
  • Dale Snyder (Representing Road Gold Inc.):
    • Supported the housing plan's language and targeting of homelessness.
    • Proposed that the city utilize waterfront property opportunities to lock in economic advantages for residents in the context of a "K-shaped economy" where AI is widening the wealth gap.
  • Josiah Quarles (Representing Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless):
    • Expressed full support for the passage of Tanisha's Law and commended the community and council for the effort.
    • Held the view that the legislation represents a testimony of community collaboration and the ability to solve problems when humanity is centered.
  • Terry Wong (Private citizen):
    • Expressed strong opposition to the Pay-for-Park system, stating it creates five-year debt without public consent and discourages business growth.
    • Recommended (and supported) offering free parking downtown and in Ohio City for five years as a better fiscal and community alternative.
    • Highlighted that pedestrian activity drives business growth better than punitive pricing.
  • Paige Zotowski (Representing Phase Veterans Against the War, Cleveland Liberation Center):
    • Expressed support for the Tanisha's Law legislation.
    • Strongly opposed U.S. military aggression against Venezuela and the actions of ICE, describing them as war crimes and unconstitutional.
    • Called for the city to stand against federal ICE operations and protect immigrant neighbors.

Discussion Items

  • Tanisha's Law Adoption:
    • Councilwoman House Jones delivered an extended statement of gratitude to the Anderson family, legal experts, community organizers, and the administration for their partnership in passing the law.
    • Councilman Shah acknowledged the need for the Council to accept responsibility for initial language changes regarding liability, emphasizing that accepting mistakes is necessary to move forward.
    • Councilman Casey commended the tenacity of the Anderson family and the perseverance of the Council in securing accountability.
    • Councilman Slife and Councilman Conwell praised Councilwoman House Jones for championing the policy and expressed admiration for the collaborative effort.
  • Burke Lakefront Airport Hearings:
    • Councilman Slife announced the schedule for the second of four hearings regarding the future of Burke Lakefront Airport, planned for the following Wednesday.
    • Councilman Slife emphasized the goal of ensuring economic benefits for all Cleveland residents if the airport closes or is restructured.
  • Implementation of Tanisha's Law:
    • Councilman Shah reiterated the need to follow best practices nationally, suggesting the program may not be administered strictly under public safety, and confirmed the Mayor's invitation for community input on implementation.

Key Outcomes

  • Tanisha's Law Enacted: Ordinance 1198 was passed 14-0, creating the Department of Community Crisis Response to provide alternatives to police response for mental health crises.
  • Opposition to ICE State Legislation: Resolution 114 was passed 14-0, strongly opposing Ohio House Bills 2642, 281, and Senate Bill 172, which mandate cooperation with ICE enforcement.
  • Condemnation of Power Outages: Resolution 107 was passed 14-0, condemning First Energy's request to PUCO to extend outage restoration timelines and calling for a full investigation into power reliability.
  • Event Permits: 15 emergency ordinances (Ordinances 74-88, 100-108) granting permits for various 5K runs and charity events for 2026 were passed 14-0.
  • Next Steps:
    • A second hearing on the Burke Lakefront Airport closure/restructuring is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m.
    • The community is invited to participate in the implementation planning for Tanisha's Law.
  • Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

So what are you gonna do? Here's Camwell, that's 12. Madam Clerk, please call the road. Griffin. Here. Bishop, Conwell, Davis, Gray, Harsh, House Jones, Hudson, Jones, Casey, Polencick, Santana, Shaw, Slife, Star. You have a core, Mr. President. Thank you. Will everyone please rise for a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the United States. For which it stands one nation under God. Thank you. I'll make the following statement. This meeting of Cleveland City Council is a lawful meeting under Section 605.04 of the codified ordinances. 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 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 gather 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 outside 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 council 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, please dispense with the journal. By council member House Jones that the reading of the minutes of the last meeting be dispensed with the journal approved. Seconded by Councilmember Davis. Thank you. We'll move the public comment, and I want to make sure that everyone is aware. We know we had weather uh cancellations last week. Uh so I made the decision to allow anybody who signed up last week. This is their week uh to have public comment. Okay. We'll get back to normal beginning on Wednesday. The first person that I'm gonna ask all council members if you could turn around to acknowledge the speakers and make sure the speakers that you acknowledge your time of three minutes. The first speaker is Daryl Houston. He's from Bedford Heights. The topic is city issues. He's not representing anyone, and he's not being paid by anyone. Mr. Houston, you had the floor. Uh good afternoon, everybody. Uh, first of all, I just want to take a moment of silence for the young youth that we've lost already this year. Thank you. Um I'm gonna come down here until the end of February. And after the end of February, I'm gonna take a break. Um there's some constitutional things that's going on down here, and I like to see them addressed.

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