LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights
FEBRUARY 18, 2025, regular meeting
- Public comment
- Economic development report
- Council actions
- Council member comments
- Committee of the Whole
Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren and Council Members Davida Russell (vice president), Craig Cobb, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Jim Petras, and Jim Posch. Council President Tony Cuda was excused but attended on Zoom. Also present were Clerk of Council Addie Balester, Law Director William Hanna, and City Administrator Daniel Horrigan. The meeting ran three hours and 18 minutes.
Public comment
Four residents spoke in favor of the sale of city property on Lancashire Road adjacent to the former Unitarian/Universalist building to the non-profit National Church Residences, which will build 70-plus units of senior affordable housing. The only criticism voiced was some concern about the loss of city parking spaces.
A resident criticized the city administration’s inaction regarding selling pool passes for public use of the Cleveland Heights High School pool, despite past promises and legislation to fund lifeguards.
The owners of Rudy’s Pub on Lee Road pleaded for access to the Lee Road garage because scarce parking is hurting their business and those around them.
Jack Valancy, president of the Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries, reported the raising of over $1 million and the Feb. 16 ribbon cutting at the Coventry PEACE Park. He thanked all library staff, volunteers, and donors who made this possible, and the city for its support. He announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign, “Trees for Tommy,” which will raise money to purchase and maintain trees and native plants for the park. These will be planted in the spring and fall.
Economic development report
Brian Anderson, assistant director of economic development, gave an update on the Cedar-Lee fire and the resulting parking garage closure. He said an investigation is ongoing and the city is committed to reopening the garage as soon as it is safe from shifting debris. The side closest to the damaged structure may be boarded [which was contracted later in the week]. He acknowledged the frustration of local businesses and their customers.
He also reported that the discovery of additional work needed has slowed renovation of the Lennox/Surrey garage.
Council actions
On first reading, council established July 2025 as city council’s recess, cancelling the July 7 and 21 meetings. Mr. Mattox voted no.
On first reading, council authorized execution of an agreement with TAC Computer Inc. to provide record keeping software and support for parking and traffic violations software for the public safety department of the division of police.
On first reading, council reappointed Harmony Cross, Mara Layne Schoch, and Saralene Oakley Toombs as members of the Citizens Advisory Committee.
On second reading, council authorized an agreement to sell 1.049 acres of vacant land on Lancashire Road (currently city parking lots) that will become part of a low income senior housing building and parking lot.
On second reading, council authorized the application for and acceptance of Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) 2025 Energized Community Grants.
On second reading, council amended the zoning code. A 15-minute public hearing on this ordinance preceded the Committee of the Whole meeting. The zoning changes amended and updated many regulations regarding private property, zoning complaints, the role of the zoning administrator, inclusive language, and consistent language.
Using a consent agenda, council recognized March 2025 as Women’s History Month, March 8 as International Women’s Day, and March 2025 as Red Cross Month.
Several ordinances were presented with no vote – the first two on first reading, the third on second reading:
- The first would establish salary schedules, position classifications, and other compensation and benefits for officers and employees of the city. It was referred to the Administrative Services Committee.
- A second would authorize an agreement with Cuyahoga County for resurfacing Euclid Heights Boulevard.
- The third was a 2025 budget appropriations ordinance, as amended with a new Exhibit 1 regarding capital requests. It was referred to the Finance Committee.
Council member comments
Mr. Cuda announced that he and Council Vice President Russell will have a public meeting at the community center on Feb. 26, 7 p.m. They will present their shared agenda for 2025 as individual city council members (15 mins) and then will hear from residents (75 mins).
Ms. Larson mentioned the open items that council has requested from the administration for the budget process.
Mr. Mattox announced the free Black history celebration Saturday, Feb. 22, noon to 5 p.m. at the Community Center. He added information about his Community Relations and Recreation committee work, complimented the recent city calendar and Focus magazine, praised city staff for handling the recent storms, and praised the school district, public works, and police departments for providing safety around the high school with Cedar Road closed.
Mr. Petras said the Housing and Building Committee is meeting with the housing advocacy community. He noted that the city has no board constituted to hear from local business owners; he will work on legislation to create one.
Ms. Russell announced meetings with developers and Noble merchants and a merchants’ mixer on Monday Feb. 24, where merchants can learn from each other. She stated she is working on new legislation regarding lifeguards at Heights High.
Committee of the Whole
After reviewing this evening’s legislation, council discussed their review of charter review commission recommendations; there will be two meetings to continue this work with the goal of sending it to the law department, which must prepare ballot language to submit to the board of elections by September. An executive session about real estate prepared members to vote on the Lancashire property.
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