Cleveland City Council Mayor's Appointments Committee Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Mayor's Appointments Committee considered three appointments: Eddie Taylor to the Port of Cleveland Board, Bonita T. Win to the Gateway Economic Development Corporation, and reappointments of Yasir Hamdala and Stephanie Morrison Herbeck to the Cleveland Community Relations Board. Discussions centered on board member accountability, funding strategies, community relations, and strategic planning. Votes were taken on two of the three appointments.

Appointment Consideration: Eddie Taylor – Port of Cleveland Board

• Background: Eddie Taylor, President and CEO of Taylor Oswald (an insurance agency), resides in Solon, Ohio, not Cleveland. He was nominated after conversations with outgoing board member Darrell McNair and the administration.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Councilman Pallinsik emphasized the need for better communication between the port and council, and for the port to serve Cleveland neighborhoods. Taylor agreed that communication is key.
  • Councilwoman Santana asked about his background; Taylor stated he is an entrepreneur and his firm is the largest Black-owned insurance agency in Ohio. He has a contract with the city through his partner, Oswald Companies, though not directly.
  • Councilman Casey raised concerns about the port's previous vote to eliminate prevailing wage on funded projects and asked if Taylor would re-evaluate that decision. Taylor said he would be open-minded and vote his conscience, but did not commit to a specific position.
  • Councilman Shah pressed for commitments to affordable housing, fully publicly financed projects, and restoration of prevailing wage. Taylor agreed in principle but refused to commit to absolutes without knowing deal details, stating he would not make promises on unknown facts. Shah expressed concern, indicating he could not vote in good conscience without hard commitments.
  • Councilwoman Haigwood asked about Taylor's time commitment and vision. Taylor said he would prioritize the board and sees success in generational impact, neighborhood benefit, and measurable improvements in quality of life.
• Conflict of Interest: Councilman Casey noted Taylor's company has a contract with the city. The chair decided to request a formal opinion from the Ohio Ethics Commission before proceeding.
• Outcome: No vote was taken. The committee postponed consideration pending the ethics opinion.

Appointment Consideration: Bonita T. Win – Gateway Economic Development Corporation

• Background: Bonita T. Win (Chief T Win), COO of the City of Cleveland, has been serving on the board since the resignation of a prior member. She is a reappointment for a five-year term expiring June 2027.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Councilman Casey asked about attendance; Win said she attended all quarterly board meetings and most special meetings. She confirmed she is a city employee and did not contribute to the mayor's campaign.
  • Win stated that Gateway's capital improvements are funded by the sin tax, but collections are declining due to reduced smoking/drinking. She anticipated a funding shortfall starting in 2027.
  • Councilman Casey asked about a new community authority (NCA) as an alternative funding source. Win explained that property owners (i.e., Gateway) could opt into additional fees, such as on parking or concessions, which would be passed to users but not impact owner margins. She emphasized that the NCA is a tool, not a tax.
  • Councilman Shaw noted the net worth of team owners (Dolan family ~$4.6-5.6B, Dan Gilbert ~$32.5B) and argued they should cover all costs, not taxpayers. Win agreed that the city's priority is to avoid using general funds.
  • Councilwoman Haigwood pressed for a sustainability plan by September 2026, not December, to allow thorough council analysis. Win agreed and noted ongoing conversations about a sin tax increase, which would require state legislation and a ballot vote.
  • Councilman Casey clarified that no conflict of interest exists for a city employee serving on the board, as the code of regulations requires at least one city employee member.
• Outcome: The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend the appointment to the full council.

Reappointment Consideration: Yasir Hamdala and Stephanie Morrison Herbeck – Cleveland Community Relations Board

• Background: Both are incumbents. Hamdala has served over 20 years; Morrison Herbeck has served for several years and is slated to become board chair. The board oversees the Community Relations Department (CRD).
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Councilwoman Santana asked about the board's strategic plan and how it measures success. Morrison Herbeck said she was not aware of a formal plan but noted that the department provides monthly reports. Hamdala described his role as a bridge between the community and City Hall, working on the ground to de-escalate issues and provide services.
  • Councilman Pallinsik asked the greatest challenge. Hamdala cited politicians making public statements without consulting the CRB, which can escalate tensions. Morrison Herbeck cited the proliferation of guns and the need for community engagement, noting the CRD's small staff.
  • Councilman Shaw asked about the board's focus on intra-community relations (e.g., between racial/ethnic groups) separate from police relations. Hamdala described efforts to bring law enforcement and community leaders together at mosques to address ICE concerns. Morrison Herbeck noted that the board has historically focused on community-police relations but acknowledged the need for deeper inter-community work.
  • Councilman Casey praised both nominees but raised a concern about Morrison Herbeck being a city employee receiving a stipend for board service. He requested a legal opinion on whether that is permissible.
  • Councilwoman Haigwood criticized the lack of published data on interracial/intergroup relations, as required by the board's duties. She stressed the need for measurable goals beyond just showing up at events. Both nominees acknowledged the need for improvement.
• Outcome: The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend both reappointments to the full council.

Key Outcomes

• Eddie Taylor (Port of Cleveland): No vote; consideration postponed pending Ohio Ethics Commission opinion on conflict of interest.
• Bonita T. Win (Gateway): Approved unanimously (5-0) for reappointment.
• Yasir Hamdala and Stephanie Morrison Herbeck (Community Relations Board): Both approved unanimously (5-0) for reappointment.
• Next Steps: The committee will not meet on May 5 (Election Day) but will meet on May 19 to consider two new Community Relations Board appointments and on June 2 for any remaining mayor's appointments. Attendance records will be required for all future reappointments.