LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights
MAY 20, 2024 regular meeting
- Public comment
- Mayor’s report
- Council actions
- Staff reports
- Committee reports
- Agenda change
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. 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 from 7:05 to 8:39 p.m.
Public comment
A resident claimed that council’s YouTube livestream and recording were unreliable. She said her remarks at the May 6 meeting were missing and that such inconsistency was not unusual. She reread her previous comments regarding Mayor Brennan’s approval of a Facebook post describing the public nature of signatures placed on recall petitions. A second resident said there were residents who owned a corporate audio-visual company who might be able to assist the city with the livestream inconsistencies.
A resident expressed displeasure with the city’s decision to target residents with grass longer than eight inches.
A resident who lives at the intersection of Warrensville and Silsby complained that traffic calming was needed.
Sean Belt, the community member on the CIC (Community Investment Corporation), expressed support to continue the CIC for the purpose of ongoing economic development. He disagreed with the mayor’s assertion that the CIC should be disbanded now that all developable parcels are under development. He said the CIC should continue its work without the influence of council.
Mayor’s report
The University Heights police department provided assistance with other departments in an incident that had resulted in the death of Euclid Officer Jacob Derbin; the mayor eulogized the fallen officer. On May 7, the mayor participated in a joint announcement regarding First CALL, a mental health response program where social workers respond in appropriate situations instead of police. Participating cities in this expanded pilot program include University Heights, Shaker Heights, Richmond Heights, Cleveland Heights, and Euclid. On May 15, the mayor participated in the annual Ride of Silence between John Carroll University and University Hospitals to honor bicycle riders and pedestrians who have been killed or injured in traffic accidents. During the week of May 13, the mayor met with Governor DeWine regarding a program to get eyeglasses to children who need them and also attended the Tree City USA award, which University Heights received for the 46th time. He met with the lobbying group which council had authorized to represent University Heights and reported that Congresswoman Shontel Brown will be advancing the city’s request for storm sewer work funding to the House Appropriations Committee. On May 14, 2024, the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District gave the city a $25,000 grant toward the new opt-in recycling program. A request to authorize acceptance of the grant will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. The 58th Annual Memorial Day Parade will occur May 27 at 11 a.m. On May 21, Mayor Brennan will participate in a panel discussion on the implementation of climate solutions at the climate leadership conference in Cleveland.
Council actions
Council approved a motion to seek bids for pavement marking. Ms. Mockbee said the vendor will only charge for the actual marked footage.
On second reading, council amended the city code remove the admissions tax.
On emergency, council amended ordinances regarding the salary of the senior services coordinator.
Council authorized an agreement with Shaker Heights for maintenance of fire department vehicles by the Shaker Heights mechanic hired for that purpose.
After consulting with Police Chief Dustin Rogers, council amended, on emergency, the traffic code regarding registration of bicycles.
There was a first reading only (no vote) for acceptance of a NOPEC (Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council) grant.
Staff reports
Service Director Allen Pennington reported that 1,450 households have opted in for the new recycling program. State Rep. Juanita Brent has volunteered to have her office send mailings on the issue.
Housing and Community Development Director Geoffrey Engelbrecht reported that a search warrant had been issued for a home on Barrington that has fallen into disrepair. The property manager had not cooperated with requests for inspection. The situation may require the County Board of Health and condemnation. Two properties on Jackson have recently been placarded. A house on Baintree has been declared a nuisance. The lawsuit regarding a deteriorated house on Groveland is proceeding in Common Pleas Court
Ms. Mockbee said that bids for a pickleball court at Purvis Park are out.
Economic Development Director Susan Drucker announced a zoning meeting on June 25 at 6 p.m. to review districts, specifically on Warrensville.
Committee reports
Building/Housing. There was a robust discussion of the combined SafeBilt contract which will continue at the June meeting. Discussion is also ongoing on an AirBnB ordinance.
Recreation: Pool passes for the 2024 season are now available; the pool opens May 25.
Service and Utilities. A meeting will be held June 10 at 6 p.m.
Committee of the Whole: A meeting to discuss the CIC will be scheduled.
Agenda change
Council removed two agenda items regarding the CIC and moved the topic to the Committee of the Whole (COW) for further discussion. Weizer emphasized that COW meetings should be well-publicized for community participation.
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