LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights

by League of Women Voters Greater Cleveland - Heights Chapter

OCTOBER 7, 2024, regular meeting

Public comment
Mayor’s report
Council action
Committee of the Whole

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren and Council Members Tony Cuda (president); Craig Cobb; Gail Larson; Anthony Mattox, Jr.; Jim Petras; and Jim Posch. Davida Russell attended by Zoom due to illness and was thus unable to vote. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Danny Williams. The meeting ran for about 50 minutes

Public comment

Two individuals spoke about the Coventry PEACE Building, thanking council for the resolution to save the building and Tuesday’s planned council meeting with the library board. They mentioned the reuse of closed school buildings, the good things happening in the building, the fact that the structure belongs to the people, and the need of current tenants to extend their leases while they work on a long-term solution.

A resident spoke about the citation he received for parking a food trailer at his home, against city code. He asked for some latitude saying the trailer is new and not an eyesore and would be expensive to store elsewhere. This was referred to the law department and also the Housing and Building Committee to consider future legislation, as the dynamic around home-based businesses has changed in the years since this code was enacted. The planning commission will also look into this.

A Cleveland resident asked about the city’s vision for the underutilized ice rink and the possibility of an ice skating club that all skaters could join.

Lou Radivoievich thanked all involved for the Happy 5K Run, which raised a great deal of money for youth sports scholarships.

A 90-year-old resident spoke eloquently about how the utility company’s hired tree-trimmers “desecrate” trees when clearing utility wires. The mayor agreed he is also concerned but not sure what municipal authority there is. He will look into it. Mr. Cuda suggested connecting the speaker with the Heights Tree People.

Mayor’s report

The mayor read into the record sealed bids for the Dennison Park pickleball courts and the Hampshire sanitary sewer overflow project. He requested and received council’s permission to open bidding for the South Taylor sanitary sewer overflow project and Dennison Park turf replacement. He thanked all volunteers and staff for the Happy 5K Run, which drew 650 participants, and congratulated Cain Park on the performance season. He spoke about his recent trip to the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Summit in Washington, DC, sponsored by Every Town for Gun Safety.

Council action

On first reading, council authorized an agreement with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the acquisition of a Case Model 721G Articulated Wheel Loader for the public works department streets division, for $269,632.48.

Council proclaimed October 20-26 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Ms. Larson commented that no level of lead is safe for people and that Cleveland Heights’ commitment to lead abatement includes $1 million in ARPA funds.

On first reading, council amended a professional services agreement with SAFEbuilt Ohio, LLC. to increase the previously approved amount of $50,000 to $100,000. The city’s need for SAFEbuilt’s professional services has increased, because the city is short on building inspectors.

On first reading, council authorized an agreement with Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC, for a new Marauder Pumper and related equipment through the Houston-Galveston Area Council cooperative Purchasing Program at a price not to exceed $1,059,255.

On second reading, council confirmed the mayor’s appointments of Kory Clark to the Community Improvement Corporation, India L. Birdsong Terry to the Community Improvement Corporation, Audrey Hudak to the Lead-Safe Advisory Board, Morgan Mackay to the Lead-Safe Advisory Board, and William Fadel to the Community Improvement Corporation.

Three legislative items were presented on first reading only (no vote):

An ordinance, entitled “Driving while texting,” which states no person shall operate a motor vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicular traffic while using, holding, or physically supporting with any part of the person's body an electronic wireless communications device. There are several reasonable exceptions.
A resolution to increase the annual compensation of Clerk of Council Addie Balester to $67,100, effective January 1, 2025, contingent upon her successful completion of the IIMC’s CMC Program (International Institute of Municipal Clerks, Certified Municipal Clerk). The clerk of council will continue to receive the same benefits provided to other full-time non-bargaining unit city employees.
A resolution to encourage Heights Libraries to work toward a solution to preserve the PEACE Campus Building as a hub for arts and culture. Council and the Heights Library board planned to meet at 6 p.m. the following evening.

Council member comments

Mr. Cobb urged residents to look at the resumes of all the appointees confirmed this evening to see how well credentialed they are. They work for no compensation, and he thanks them for their contributions.

Ms. Larson said the Finance Committee met to analyze data about current lender activity in predominantly African American neighborhoods. She read a statement about the invasion of Israel one year ago on this date and her continued hope for peace.

Mr. Mattox congratulated Cain Park for a $390,000 grant award from the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) to renovate the outdoor arts and recreation services at Cain Park. He thanked Representative Shontel Brown for her assistance in this. Read more in the city’s e-newsletter: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Cleveland-Heights-City-News-Friday--September-27--2024.html?soid=1115396448413&aid=UNvzXCU8Zwg

Mr. Petras said the Housing and Building Committee will meet to focus on tenant/landlord matters and short-term rental rules. He and Mayor Seren met last week and primarily discussed housing issues. He announced there will be tree planting at the PEACE Park 1-4 p.m. for the next several Sundays. He commended the Happy 5K Run for raising funds. He noted the anniversary of the war in Israel and Gaza.

Mr. Posch said the Public Safety and Health Committee is working on street safety and the deer problem.

President Cuda spoke about the Happy 5K and the FutureHeights Music Hop.

Committee of the Whole (COW)

There was a lengthy executive session, an update on ARPA funds distribution, a review of this evening’s legislation, and consideration of Mr. Posch’s proposed process for talking through grievances. A date will be scheduled in December to discuss and work on his proposal, called Collaboration to Determine Unified Expectations. The next COW meeting will continue discussion of the Charter Review. Budget meetings will be in November.

LWV observer: Blanche Valancy

Meeting packets, legislation, and other information can be found on the city website at: https://www.clevelandheights.gov/1625/City-Council-Agendas-and-Minutes

Videos of council meetings can be viewed on the “City of Cleveland Heights, OH” YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ClevelandHeightsOH