Cleveland Heights City Council Regular Meeting – July 7, 2026

The Cleveland Heights City Council held its regular meeting on July 7, 2026 (the meeting began at 7:35 PM on July 6 and concluded at 8:43 PM). Council took action on a range of legislative items, including street resurfacing updates, water‑main replacement projects, the appointment of an assessment equalization board, and the first reading of an ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The meeting also featured proclamations honoring two departing community contributors, a presentation from a congressional field representative, and public comment on housing code enforcement and surveillance technology.

Proclamations & Honors

• Karen Canidal – Retiring Assistant Director of Planning after 30 years of service (since November 18, 1996). Mayor Petris read a proclamation recognizing her collaborative leadership and dedication to the city.
• Carla Roddenberg and Deborah Van Cleef – Honored for 10 years of the “Heights of Democracy” column in the Heights Observer, which enriched civic dialogue and community engagement.

Guest Presentation

• Jameera MacArthur – Caseworker/Field Representative for Congresswoman Chantel Brown and a Cleveland Heights resident. She outlined constituent services available for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, IRS, passports, and veterans’ affairs, and encouraged residents to submit request forms via chantelbrown.house.gov.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Isaac Mahali (3378 Blanche Ave.) – Alleged the city “framed” him and that his property had been placed on nuisance abatement as retaliation. He claimed false accusations of planning violence were made against him five years ago and complained that no council member had listened to his story.
• Elocy Snodgrass (Coventry neighborhood) – Criticized weak housing‑code enforcement against out‑of‑state slumlords, describing severe living conditions (rodents, water damage). Urged council to make Cleveland Heights a “sanctuary city” for tenants and adopt strong anti‑slumlord legislation.
• Edgar Mitchell – Offered words of encouragement and reminded residents to check on elderly neighbors during hot weather.
• Anthony Miozi (Meadowbrook) – Opposed the city’s contract with Flock (automated license‑plate readers), stating he does not want a private company tracking residents. He asked whether council is reviewing the contract; council president confirmed it is under review.
• Marvin Moskowitz – Spoke in support of preserving the Taylor Road Synagogue as a place of worship and community center, arguing against its conversion into an entertainment venue. He noted the synagogue’s history, recent investments, and potential for future community use.
• Cynthia Trada (Self‑Overlook) – Supported the ADU ordinance (first reading) but urged that code‑compliant ADUs be made administratively approvable (“by‑right”) rather than requiring a conditional‑use process, to better serve families needing quick solutions for aging parents or disabled relatives.

Discussion Items

• Road Program Update – Public Works Director Clinkscale reported that Phase 1 resurfacing (35 streets) is wrapping up; Phase 2 (10 additional streets) will begin in August and be completed before October. Two more streets may be added due to lower‑than‑expected bids. The mayor and council thanked the director for executing a doubled resurfacing budget and highlighted the need for holistic department resources (staff, equipment).
• Building/Housing Code Update – Council passed Resolution 136‑2026 authorizing a contract with the International Code Council to conduct a comprehensive, nine‑month review of Cleveland Heights’ building and housing codes, including community engagement. Councilwoman Stone noted the timing aligns with tenant concerns raised in public comment.
• Cumberland Pool Modernization – On second reading, Resolution 131‑2026 approved a $913,000 professional‑services agreement with DS Architecture LLC (a 10% reduction from the original $997,000 proposal). The contract covers historic preservation of the bathhouse, landscape architecture, and community engagement. Entire cost fits within the FY 2026 capital budget.
• Lead Safe Cuyahoga Grant – Resolution 137‑2026 accepted a Cuyahoga County Board of Health grant for the 2026‑2030 program, prioritizing pre‑1978 homes occupied by children under six or by grandparents providing regular care.
• ADU Ordinance – Ordinance 142‑2026, permitting accessory dwelling units, received a first reading and was referred to the Planning Commission (meeting July 29). Council discussed guardrails (owner occupancy, size/height limits, parking) and the public’s request to make compliant ADUs administrative approvals.
• Deer Management – City Administrator Reese announced a public hearing on Tuesday, July 28, 6–8 PM at City Hall, featuring presentations from ODNR and Cleveland Metroparks, followed by public input. Councilman DeWit Foy noted the hearing is part of a regional approach.
• Nuisance Property – Resolution 138‑2026 declared 3378 Blanche Ave. a nuisance and authorized abatement. The property owner had spoken during public comment earlier in the meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent‑Calendar‑Style Approvals (all passed unanimously unless noted):
  • Approval of minutes from May 18, 2026.
  • Mayor’s request to bid project 2607 (transfer station rehabilitation) – authorized.
  • Eight first‑reading items (Resolutions 135–141, 143) adopted as emergency measures; no recorded opposition.
  • Second‑reading items: Resolution 131‑2026 (Cumberland Pool design) adopted; Resolution 132‑2026 (appropriation amendment) adopted; Resolution 133‑2026 (street‑lighting assessment equalization board) adopted on a roll‑call vote with Councilman Cobb recused; Resolution 134‑2026 (street‑improvement assessment equalization board) adopted.
• Appointments: Eric Zamp and Craig Cobb confirmed to the Tax Incentive Review Council (three‑year terms).
• Referrals: ADU ordinance referred to Planning Commission for review and recommendation, expected back in August.
• Future Meetings:
  • July 13: Committee of the Whole (parks, housing needs assessment, short‑term rental legislation, landmark commission).
  • July 21: Climate and Environmental Sustainability Committee (4 PM).
  • July 28: Deer management public hearing (6–8 PM, City Hall).
  • July 29: Planning Commission meeting (7 PM, Council Chambers) – ADU ordinance.
  • July 29: Transportation Mobility Committee (7 PM).
  • August 17: Next regular City Council meeting (written report from City Administrator).
• Vacancy: Alternate seat on Board of Zoning Appeals – apply by July 24 to fill unexpired term ending December 31, 2028.

The meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.