Cleveland Municipal Service and Properties Committee Meeting - April 20, 2026

The Municipal Service and Properties Committee met on Monday, April 20, 2026, to consider three ordinances and receive two presentations. The meeting covered a new speed table contracting program, landscaping maintenance for downtown malls, a state highway messaging system, an update on police district energy upgrades, and the city's grass cutting program for vacant lots.

Discussion Items

Ordinance 1406-2025 – Speed Table Installation Program

• The Director of Public Works presented a departmental request to contract with outside vendors for speed table installation due to increased demand and limited internal capacity. The program is funded at up to $1.1 million per year from ARPA and councilmatic discretionary funds, with a two-year contract term.
• Council members raised concerns about equitable distribution of money across all 15 wards, noting that only six wards were listed as initial funding sources. The director clarified that the list was not final and that funds would be allocated based on traffic studies and council input.
• Councilwoman Gray and others requested improvements to speed table visibility, including reflective posts and advanced signage.
• Councilman Harsh offered an amendment to require written notice to the Clerk of Council for any cooperative purchases, which was seconded and approved.
• Councilman Shaw initially proposed limiting the contract to one year to encourage in-house capacity building but withdrew after clarification that the contract is supplemental and that internal crews will continue to install speed tables.
• The ordinance was approved as amended.

Ordinance 226-2026 – Landscape Maintenance at Malls B and C

• The Director of Parks and Recreation requested authority to pay Downtown Cleveland Inc. $77,000 for 2025 landscape maintenance services at Malls B and C. The work had previously been handled by Group Plan Commission, which dissolved and transferred responsibilities.
• Councilman Casey questioned why council members cannot use discretionary funds for similar landscaping in their wards, and Councilman Polensek requested clarification on the city's total contributions to Downtown Cleveland Inc. and the special improvement district.
• Councilman Shaw asked about the usage of the malls by third parties and whether the city receives rental fees. The director confirmed third parties pay permitting and labor fees.
• Councilman Jones requested copies of all contracts with Downtown Cleveland Inc. and an executive summary, which the director agreed to provide.
• The ordinance was approved.

Ordinance 353-2026 – ODOT Dynamic Messaging System

• The Director of Public Works presented an ordinance to consent to ODOT installation of a dynamic messaging system, queue warning lights, and detection cameras on I-90 and SR 176. The city would accept gifts and grants and record necessary rights-of-way.
• Councilman Harsh proposed an amendment to Section 6, making ODOT solely responsible for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the new devices. ODOT representatives present confirmed agreement.
• Councilman Casey raised concerns about surveillance capabilities, noting cameras record video stored for 72 hours and could potentially be used for license plate identification. The ODOT representative stated cameras are high-mounted and not designed for zooming in on plates.
• After debate, the amendment was approved. The ordinance passed with a vote of 5 in favor and 2 opposed (Councilman Casey and Councilman Shaw voted no).

Presentation: Police District Energy Savings Performance Contract (Leopardo)

• The Director of Capital Projects and Leopardo representatives updated the committee on a $21 million design-build contract to improve all five police districts. The project is funded through guaranteed energy and procurement savings under Ohio Revised Code 717.02.
• Leopardo reported that work is one-third complete, with new boilers installed, exterior masonry and concrete repairs done at Districts 1, 4, and 5, and HVAC replacements underway. Solar arrays are being installed, and interior renovations are scheduled for late spring/summer.
• Procurement savings identified so far include $38,000 annually in apparel, $34,000 in shooting targets, $100,000 in janitorial supplies, and a projected $4 million in telecom consolidation.
• Director of Safety noted improved morale and recruitment benefits from the upgrades.
• Council members praised the progress and requested a follow-up tour.

Presentation: Grass Cutting Program (Vacant Lot Abatement)

• The Director of Public Works presented the seasonal grass cutting program, explaining the process under Ordinance 209 for abating nuisances on vacant lots (grass over 8 inches, noxious weeds, refuse).
• The program operates on a 7-week cycle, with 22 full-time employees, 57 seasonal workers, and about 90 contract employees. Approximately 27,000 parcels are serviced annually.
• Councilwoman Gray asked about cleanup logistics after tractor cuts and about vines growing onto private fences. The director stated the city will address such issues on city-owned lots case by case.
• Councilman Jones criticized the quality of cuts and proposed a shift to a contractor-based model with performance metrics. The director responded that the city is gradually moving toward more contractor use but warned against abrupt system shocks.
• Councilman Casey requested that tractors blow grass back into lots instead of into streets.
• The presentation was informational; no vote taken.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 1406-2025 (speed tables) approved as amended.
• Ordinance 226-2026 (malls maintenance) approved.
• Ordinance 353-2026 (ODOT messaging system) approved as amended, with a 5-2 vote.
• The committee received updates on police district improvements and the grass cutting program; no action required.