LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting
APRIL 15, 2024 regular meeting
- Public comment
- Mayor’s report
- Council actions
- Staff reports
- Committee reports
- Other agenda items
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, and Win Weizer. John P. Rach and Sheri Sax were excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for one and three quarters hours.
Public comment
A resident who had previously said council appeared to trivialize the Juneteenth celebration by questioning funding and security apologized for his aggressive tone and comments.
A resident who had spoken at the April 1 meeting in support of the attempt to recall Mayor Brennan reiterated her concerns and said that the mayor was deflecting discussion of citizens’ legitimate issues, blocking some residents from commenting on his social media platforms, and threatening residents with search warrants.
Mayor’s report
The mayor stated the city would hold its first Sustainable Homes Fest on April 19.
Council actions
The Warrensville Center road resurfacing project between Cedar and Fairmount was presented on second reading. Cuyahoga County has approved three firms who may be hired and requested input from the city before the final firm is chosen. Mayor Brennan suggested informing the county that any of the three firms meet the city’s approval. Council approved a motion to this effect.
Council voted to allow the county to select any of the approved engineering firms to work on the Warrensville resurfacing project.
Council passed an ordinance, which was amended to reflect updated cost calculations, allowing WallacePancher Group to perform design and construction administration work in connection with the 2024 street repair program.
Council authorized, on emergency, a routine transfer of funds from the general fund to other funds and a specific transfer for the YABI property.
Council authorized, on emergency, purchase of a new truck for the automated curbside recycling program.
Presented on first reading with no vote, was an ordinance amendment to raise the threshold for council approval of professional contracts from $50,000 to $75,000, to be consistent with newly enacted state law
On emergency, council authorized the mayor to accept the quote for a new generator for the police and fire departments.
Council authorized, on emergency, an attorney engagement letter and fee agreement with James Climer and Mazanec, Raskin & Ryder Co., LPA to represent the mayor and city in litigation brought by an unrepresented individual in an amount not to exceed $15,000.
Council authorized the city’s participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation 2024 road salt contracts.
Council accepted the bid of RS Landscaping, one of two bids submitted, for the 2024 yard abatement program.
Staff reports
Finance Director Kennedy reported that he will be sending reports for the first quarter of 2024 tomorrow.
Service Director Allen Pennington reported that, so far, 904 households have opted in for the automated recycling program.
Chief Robert Perko reported the retirement of the fire prevention officer and the swearing in of a new firefighter with a background in paramedic services.
City Engineer Mockbee said she is still getting up to speed on the city’s issues and is currently working on curb issues and pavement markings.
The meeting tonight was delayed several minutes due to issues with the livestream. Ms. Weizer asked Communications Director Mike Cook whether a new system was needed to make meetings accessible to residents in real time. Mr. Cook expressed his frustration with the delay as well and agreed to act on a suggestion by Vice Mayor Weiss to consult other communities about their technology.
Economic Development Director Susan Drucker reported that, excluding University Square, University Heights had a retail/office space vacancy rate of 5 percent as of April 15. The rate had been 10.3 percent in January. The second floor of Cedar Center South contributes to the vacancy rate as does the Waterstone Building.
Committee reports
At its April 15 meeting, the Building and Housing Committee discussed the exterior inspection letters to be send and the sidewalk examinations.
The Committee of the Whole toured the City of Brooklyn’s municipal center. The committee will meet the first week in May to review RFQs (request for quotes) for the construction of new police and safety offices.
Other agenda items
Wendy Zele, External Affairs Manager of First Energy, introduced herself as the new liaison between the city and First Energy. She reported that First Energy has concluded most of the tree trimming needed to protect its lines, but any resident who has an ongoing problem can contact the call center directly or go to the mayor’s office.
LWV observer: Marilyn Singer
Meeting packets, legislation, and other information can be found on the city website at: https://www.universityheights.com/council/
Videos of council meetings can be viewed on the “City of University Heights” YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA82j5L_CkQxK9cXP_qrXvw/videos