LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights
JUNE 3, 2024 regular meeting
- Public comment
- Mayor’s report
- Directors’ reports
- Council actions
- Committee reports
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 two hours and 34 minutes.
Public comment
A resident noted how traffic concerns on other streets were address, but similar issues on her street were not. She expressed concern as to whether addressing these issues reflected political favoritism on the part of the mayor.
A resident spoke regarding lessons learned from the mayoral recall process. Residents have expressed fear of retaliation if they sign the petition or otherwise openly oppose the mayor.
Ms. Marshall read a letter received from a resident, who expressed dismay that rerouting the Memorial Day parade this year appeared to display classism and separatism by excluding parts of the city. The parade and Memorial Day activities have been a community activity and tradition enjoyed by many, but this year was different.
Mayor’s report
The mayor summarized the Memorial Day activities and upcoming summer activities such as the Juneteenth celebration, summer concerts, and yoga in the park. City Hall has raised the Pan-African flag in honor of Juneteenth and the Pride flag for Pride Month. In July, homeowners will receive home value reappraisals from the county. He provided comments at the ribbon cutting for the remodel and expansion of the Noble Neighborhood library. On Sunday, June 9, there will be a bike ride through the community with the mayor and council member Brian King.
Directors’ reports
Finance. The 2023 audit has been completed and final report will be filed by the June 30 deadline. Tax collections are proceeding well.
Fire: Fire department members received citation for delivery of a baby boy. Hydrant flushing and spring maintenance continue.
Service: No bids were received for the Kubota utility vehicles so they will seek a rebid. Training for new employees is in process.
City Engineer: Pavement marking program has commenced. Getting bids for the tennis court work has been difficult with companies indicating the price was too low for the work to be done.
Communications/Civic Engagement: The three-pronged approach to communicate the recycle bin program seems to have worked based on the number of people who have opted in.
Council actions
Council recognized June 2024 as Pride Month in the City of University Heights.
Council approved a resolution to clear the debt and liens on University Square parcels to allow redevelopment of the property to go forward. This is the first step in the process and council will be provided with additional information and documents prior to voting on the next steps. Council passed a motion to amend this item to reflect value of the outstanding principal as last known from August 2023.
On first reading, council adopted the Alternative 2025 Tax Budget
An ordinance to create the University Heights Parking Garage Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) and a related amendment regarding the appointment of officers, was tabled. A new version will come out at the next meeting.
Council voted not to dissolve the existing CIC, the University Heights City Beautiful Corporation.
On second reading, council authorized all actions necessary to accept Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) 2024 Energized Community Grants.
Council authorized soliciting requests for qualifications (RFQs) for an owner’s representative for the University Heights Municipal Complex Project. Before authorization, the mayor objected to updating square footage in the 2022 GDP report based on research done by council members, claiming that they are not experts. Council members countered that they worked with the departments most impacted (Fire and Police); toured the facilities in other cities; based their recommendations on need, budget, and the land available; and had a lay committee that comprised architects, engineers, and developers. They claimed the GPD report is beyond the scope of the city’s budget. Ms. Weiss conceded that the square footage numbers weren't binding.
Council declared 2239 Barrington Road and 4337 Baintree Road to be public nuisances.
Council appropriated a $10,000 increase to cover the total 2024 Juneteenth Celebration Expenses with Ms. Weiss and Mr. Rach voting no. The budget had been discussed and set at a March 4 meeting with the expectation that Mr. Engelbrecht would not come back and request additional funds, as had been done last year. One of the costs discussed was overtime for safety and services. These items are accounted for in the budget for those departments but should be reviewed for specific amounts spent for this event.
Council authorized seeking bids for recycling carts.
Committee reports
Community Outreach Committee. Membership on the Technology Advisory Commission is for two-year terms, which should coincide with the municipal elections. This was missed for the last two election cycles so should be addressed before the commission can meet again. There is a process for nominating and confirming members. Mr. King asked council to submit nominations.
Economic Development Committee. Zone Co update will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Services and Utilities Committee. A joint Services/ Utilities and Building committees meeting will be scheduled before summer.
LWV observer: Tanis Swan
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