Special City Council Meeting – September 15, 2026

This special meeting of the Cleveland Heights City Council was called to consider two ordinances related to the Kane Park Restrooms Renovation Project. The council unanimously approved both pieces of legislation, authorizing a contract amendment and an appropriation adjustment funded entirely by reallocated ARPA dollars. Discussion focused on project scope, ADA compliance, cost estimates, and frustrations over last-minute document delivery.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made. Councilwoman Stone briefly noted that public comment is typically allowed at regular meetings but not at special meetings, though she expressed willingness to permit it if requested; no public testimony was given.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 174-2026 – Contract Amendment for Kane Park Restrooms Renovation: Director Gonzalez (via Teams) presented the project, highlighting that the restrooms are “very old and ancient” and in need of a complete facelift. He emphasized that the primary goal is ADA compliance, noting that the city has faced lawsuits and payouts for non-compliant bathrooms in the past. The scope includes replacing toilets (12 new toilets, 13 urinals, 15 sinks), adding four exterior ADA-compliant drinking fountains, replacing three dozen light fixtures, installing new hollow metal doors, stainless steel partitions, epoxy floors, painting, and masonry refinishing. The total maximum contract amount is $1,011,054, fully covered by ARPA funds.
• ARPA Funding Reallocation: Councilwoman Cohen questioned the reallocation of ARPA dollars from other programs (e.g., the exterior home repair program) that were closed due to full expenditure. Finance Director Brodzinski explained that savings from completed ARPA projects (which came in under budget) provided the surplus, and that this project was prioritized because it is easier to execute and avoids using general fund dollars. Councilman Cobb requested a future itemization of all ARPA spending at Kane Park and other parks.
• Project Design and Cost: Councilwoman Stone asked whether council had ever seen the actual designs. Director Gonzalez noted that the initial cost estimate was $250,000 based on available ARPA funds, but the actual design-build contract was awarded for $475,000 in 2024. Over the past 19 months, the city worked with the design-builder to finalize scope and decided to go beyond bare ADA compliance to include quality finishes. Plumbing costs were higher than expected due to demand, but were renegotiated down by about 7.5% ($75,000). Vice President Larson asked about plumbing infrastructure improvements; Law Director Hannah confirmed the pipes were aging and the project will enhance them.
• Ordinance 175-2026 – Appropriation Amendment: This companion legislation adjusts appropriations to fund the project. Vice President Larson expressed frustration that the legislation was not received until 11:15 AM on the day of the meeting, but she voted yes to meet the ARPA spending deadline of December 31, 2026. Council President Kuda echoed frustration about repeated last-minute document delivery.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Ordinance 174-2026: Passed unanimously (6-0). Roll call: Vice President Larson (aye), Councilwoman Stone (aye), Councilwoman Cohen (aye), Councilman Cobb (aye), Councilman DeWitt Foy (yes), Council President Kuda (aye). Councilman Posh was absent on vacation.
• Vote on Ordinance 175-2026: Passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes).
• Next Steps: The project must be completed by December 21, 2026, and funds paid out by December 31, 2026, to meet the federal ARPA deadline. The council reiterated the importance of avoiding any return of funds to the federal government.