Cleveland Heights City Council Special Meeting – June 26, 2026

The Cleveland Heights City Council held a special legislative meeting on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:33 AM, adjourning at 12:16 PM. The council adopted several resolutions and ordinances, including appointments, contracts, and appropriations, and held first readings on major capital projects. A significant debate occurred over the establishment of a municipal property development committee, particularly regarding notification requirements for council.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 129-2026 (Adopted): Approval of Mayor Petris's appointment of Christina Halstead as Director of Human Resources. Council members expressed strong support, noting her qualifications and the importance of the new HR department following the charter amendment passed last November. The resolution was passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 130-2026 (Adopted): Authorization of a contract with Actors Equity Association for employment of its members in Kane Park Productions. Councilwoman Larson asked about the budgeted amount and the advantages of using equity actors. Mayor Petris explained the rates and professionalism benefits. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Resolution 131-2026 (First Reading): Authorization for a professional services agreement with DS Architecture LLC for engineering and design services for the Cumberland Pool Facility Modernization and Rehabilitation Project. Mayor Petris detailed the selection process: 12 proposals received, ranging from $700,000 to $2.3 million; DS Architecture selected with a reduced price of $913,000. The project timeline targets construction start in August 2027 and opening in June 2028. Councilwoman Cohen requested the full proposal for review before the second reading on July 6.
• Ordinance 132-2026 (First Reading): Amendment to appropriations for fiscal year 2026, including funding for the design firm. The exhibit was not in the packet but was provided by the clerk.
• Resolutions 133-2026 and 134-2026 (First Reading): Appointment of an Assessment Equalization Board to hear objections related to street lighting and street improvement assessments. Councilman Posh asked for context; the law director explained it is statutorily required under Chapter 727, and the board will consist of non-residents of Cleveland Heights (Cuyahoga County residents) appointed by the finance director.
• Second Readings:
  • Resolution 127-2026 (Adopted): Professional services agreement with RFC Contracting LLC for owner's representative services for the Cumberland Pool project, at $132,000 over the project life. Mayor Petris noted the budget will not require dipping into savings.
  • Resolution 128-2026 (Adopted): Appointment of Helen Hertz, Linda Strieski, Corey Clark, India Birdsong Carey, and William Fidel to the Municipal Property Development and Disposition Committee. Councilman Posh praised the members.
  • Resolution 121-2026 (Adopted): Community cost share agreement with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Passed.
  • Resolution 122-2026 (Adopted): Acquisition of a Pelican three-wheel mechanical street sweeper from A and H Equipment. Passed.
• Third Readings:
  • Ordinance 120-2026 (Adopted): Appropriation amendment to fund the street sweeper and the owner's rep contract. Discussion clarified that the $132,000 contract is lower than the appropriation, allowing for potential additional services. Passed.
  • Ordinance 125-2026 (Adopted, roll call 5-1): Establishment of a Municipal Property Development and Disposition Committee, with its composition, purpose, powers, duties, and procedures. A key debate centered on Section 6, which requires the mayor to notify council before referring a specific property to the committee. Mayor Petris argued this requirement impairs the administration's ability to negotiate and is premature before ideas are fleshed out. Councilwoman Cohen and Vice President Larson supported the notification as a safeguard for future administrations. Councilwoman Collins sought to avoid burdening operations. The law director suggested softening the language to "shall endeavor to advise," but Councilwoman Cohen opposed, stating it would gut the purpose. The original language was retained. The roll call vote: Cobb aye, Larson no, Posh aye, Cuda aye, Cohen aye, Stone aye.

Key Outcomes

• Christina Halstead confirmed as Director of Human Resources (unanimous).
• Contract with Actors Equity Association for Kane Park Productions approved (unanimous).
• Owner's representative contract with RFC Contracting LLC for Cumberland Pool approved (unanimous).
• Appointments to the Municipal Property Development and Disposition Committee approved (unanimous).
• Community cost share agreement with NEORSD approved (unanimous).
• Street sweeper acquisition approved (unanimous).
• Appropriation amendments for Cumberland Pool owner's rep and street sweeper approved (unanimous).
• Municipal Property Development and Disposition Committee established (vote 5-1, with Councilwoman Larson opposed).
• First readings held for design contract (DS Architecture), appropriation amendments, and assessment equalization board appointments, with second readings scheduled for July 6, 2026. Council President noted flexibility to delay votes if needed.