Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Municipal Service and Properties Committee met on Monday, October 26, 2026, to consider eight ordinances covering parks, public works, and capital projects. Key discussion items included an Olympic Torch Relay host agreement, a controversial proposal to purchase Miles School for Fire and EMS administration, and multiple road resurfacing projects. The committee held the Miles School project while advancing several other infrastructure items, though a split vote occurred over a joint road resurfacing project linked to the planned Browns stadium relocation.
Olympic Torch Relay Host Agreement (Ordinance 1176-2026): Director of Parks and Recreation presented a proposal to enter a host agreement with the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The torch relay would be a single-day event in early May 2027, covering up to five miles in Cleveland. Council members Casey and Shaw expressed strong support, with Shaw suggesting a route through Rockefeller Park and the Cultural Gardens.
Signal Support Pole Requirements Contract (Ordinance 1284-2026): Public Works sought authorization for a two-year requirements contract to replace aging signal support poles (~35 poles at ~$620k). Councilman Harsh successfully introduced two amendments requiring written notification for cooperative purchases and removing vague language on appropriation accounts. Commissioner Mavic confirmed the city can perform these replacements.
Fire Truck Collision Repair (Ordinance 1281-2026): An emergency ordinance authorizing a non-competitive repair contract ($301,379) for a fire engine damaged in a collision. The vehicle was under warranty, mandating repairs by the manufacturer. Councilman Casey questioned insurance status, confirming the city is self-insured and seeking full restitution from the at-fault driver.
Vehicle Donation for Workforce Development (Ordinance 1280-2026): Public Works will donate 2-3 retired city fleet vehicles annually for three years to Roadworthy Inc., a nonprofit providing transportation for workforce training. Councilman Starr described the program as supporting youth job access. Councilman Shaw requested the committee obtain the nonprofit's financial records (e.g., 990 form) before proceeding.
Miles School Purchase / Fire & EMS Admin Building (Ordinance 1242-2026): Capital Projects proposed a $4.5 million renovation of the former Miles School (purchased from CMSD for $975k via a sale-leaseback) to house fire and EMS administrative offices. This item generated the most opposition. Councilman Casey strongly opposed, calling it a potential "disaster project" reminiscent of the South High School renovation, citing distance from downtown and union opposition. Councilwoman Hudson questioned the EMS restocking plan and urged more direct union consultation. Councilman Shaw requested testimony from fire chiefs before a vote. The committee chair held the piece for further discussion.
Brook Park Road Resurfacing (Ordinance 1205-2026): A multi-city project with Brook Park and Parma to resurface Brook Park Road. Cleveland's share was $394,000. The discussion was highly political. Councilmen Casey and Shaw opposed the expenditure, viewing it as a subsidy for the Haslam Sports Group's planned stadium in Brook Park. Councilman Harsh supported it as necessary regional infrastructure upkeep separate from stadium politics. Councilwoman Gray supported it, deferring to the ward councilman. A motion to place the item on a path to approval was successful on a split voice vote (2-1).
Shaker Boulevard Resurfacing (Ordinance 1240-2026): A $10.6 million project addressing speeding (over 50% of drivers over the limit), crash safety (150 crashes in five years), and pedestrian/bike infrastructure. The project includes separated bike lanes and speed tables. Extensive community engagement (15 events, 300+ survey responses) was noted by the city and supported by council members Gray and Shaw. The item was approved as amended.
State Road Resurfacing (Ordinance 1241-2026): A $2.485 million project to resurface a critically deteriorated 0.46-mile stretch of State Road in Old Brooklyn. Councilman Harsh expressed strong support and reserved ward funds for traffic calming safety improvements to prevent speeding on the newly smoothed road. The item was approved as amended.
Morning. Um calling the municipal service and properties committee to order. Uh today is Monday uh October twenty sixth, twenty twenty-six. Madam Clark, can you please call a row? Here. Here. Thank you. Uh the first uh piece we're gonna kick off this morning is gonna be from uh parks and recreation. Uh ordinance number eleven seventy six, twenty twenty-six by council members Bishop Palency Griffin. There's a departmental request. Emergency ordinance authorizing the mayor and or appropriate directors to enter into a host agreement with the Los Angeles organizing committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games twenty twenty-eight. All right, Director, uh, could you um brief us on this piece? Yes, thank you. Uh Councilman Bishop. Um, to the chair. Um, we have an exciting opportunity um to be a part of the historic um Olympic Games, which will take place in Los Angeles in October. I'm sorry, in um uh twenty twenty-eight. This will be the Olympic Games and also the Paralympic Games. The Olympic Flame is planning to travel across all fifty states. Showcasing cultural written and richness and civic pride. Uh Cleveland has been selected as the final stop in Ohio before the torch makes its way to the next state. Uh there will be four stops in Ohio. Um, this ordinance would authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles uh organizing committee for the twenty twenty-eight games. This relay would be no more than five miles. It would be scheduled on one single day in early May of 2027. And then we would work with the Olympic Committee, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to put it all together, but today we are seeking legislative authority to enter into an agreement to begin this process. All right, Director, the lead on this is the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission or is it the city of Cleveland? The lead on this would be uh partnership between the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the City. Okay. Um is there any dollar amount involved in the city for the city? So uh there would be no uh actual dollar amount, there would be in-kind amounts, which would be to cover the cost of the services provided, which would be um uh road closure and any security and any other tents, chairs, um, any events set up. Okay, director, are there any indication about how many folks will attend this event? Is there is do they have a kind of estimation? Guesstimation. This is actually very unique. It's the first time that the Olympic torch will be coming across the United States and touching all 50 states. It has a unique opportunity to draw thousands of visitors. Uh we have a number of Olympic athletes and paralympic athletes um in our region who I'm sure would be um participating and have uh fan base that would like to see this opportunity. All right, uh, is there any questions from the committee? Uh Councilman Harsh. Thank you, Mr. Chair, through the chair. Um 4501 626320. Uh section three says the cost will be paid from that fund.