LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights
MAY 5, 2025, regular meeting
- Mayor’s report
- City council reports
- Directors’ reports
- Agenda items
- Council committee reports
MAY 5, 2025, regular meeting
University Heights brand ambassador Cooper the Chicken was given free rein to book bands for the 2025 Summer Concert Series. This year’s lineup will feature return appearances from some of the bird’s favorite bands.
With the familiar comes the new—all shows will feature promotional giveaways, including new concert schedule T-shirts, and the wildly popular stuffed-Cooper doll.
All concerts will be held at Walter Stinson Community Park, with the exception of University Heights Symphonic Band (UHSB) shows which will take place at Hamlin Quad on the campus of John Carroll University (JCU). All shows will start at 7 p.m.
Boaterhead (June 26): Since sailing into The Walt in 2021, Boaterhead has become one of Northeast Ohio’s most in-demand bands—so much so, we needed to schedule them 18 months in advance.
This Juneteenth, University Heights will celebrate freedom with some old friends.
No strangers to the city, Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band have previously performed as part of the city’s Summer Concert Series and Fall Fest.
This year, Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band will headline the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, at Walter Stinson Community Park. Known for its uplifting blend of roots reggae and island soul, the band will take the stage at 7 p.m., closing out a day of festivities that runs from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The University Heights Juneteenth Celebration is presented in partnership with Dollar Bank.
"It means a lot to me to be included in a program that acknowledges and celebrates a part of our history that some would rather see ignored or erased,” Jones said.
APRIL 7, 2025, regular meeting
MARCH 31, 2025 special meeting
MARCH 18, 2025, regular meeting
As it has for decades, this year’s University Heights Memorial Day Parade will commemorate those lost in service to our country, and celebrate the freedoms they fought for and left behind for us to enjoy.
This year’s theme is “Look Up.”
The parade will once again step off from Silsby Road, west of City Hall, at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day (Monday, May 26), with a ceremony immediately following.
It’s the longest-running eastside parade in Cleveland. The city of University Heights has proudly held its annual Memorial Day Parade since 1966 (with the exception of 2020 when it was canceled due to the pandemic).
“This is not only the oldest and largest parade on the eastside, it’s also the best,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan.
University Heights residents have adapted to the new curbside recycling program and now can take the next step—composting.
Through a Special Project Grant from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, all residents can now compost food scraps free of charge at Walter Stinson Community Park during a six-month pilot program with Rust Belt Riders (RBR) that begins May 1 and runs through Oct. 31.
Once the pilot is completed, the city of University Heights will analyze the results and make a recommendation to either discontinue the program or include it in the 2026 municipal budget.
Food scrap collection bins are located at the Saybrook Road-side of Walter Stinson Community Park.
Is there a home renovation project on your to-do list this spring? Learn how your home can become more energy efficient, less costly to operate, and more sustainable at the second annual University Heights Sustainable Home Fair.
The event will take place on Sunday, April 27, 1–4 p.m., at the Wiley School building, 2181 Miramar Blvd. It is free and open to the public.
Bring the whole family to enjoy games and crafts with recyclable materials.
In his 2025 State of the City address on March 5, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan painted a picture of progress, resilience, and community unity, while urging residents to remain hopeful and forward-looking in the face of today's challenging global landscape.
“Look up,” Brennan told an audience of residents, city officials, and local leaders, borrowing from the tagline of this summer’s new “Superman” movie.
This year’s theme was a call to lift one’s gaze beyond negativity, isolation, and divisiveness, encouraging residents to reflect on the city’s strong sense of community and its commitment to a brighter future.
MARCH 3, 2025 regular meeting
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 47 minutes.
FEBRUARY 18, 2025 regular meeting
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 for 76 minutes.
In the not-so-distant future, it may become a whole lot easier to get around town by bike or on foot.
Over the last year, University Heights, Cleveland Heights, and South Euclid have been working in conjunction with a team of consultants to develop the Heights Regional Transportation Plan (ATP). The plan seeks to ensure that travelers of every sort can make their way between our three communities with greater comfort, safety and enjoyment.
An Active Transportation Plan is all about access. Specifically, it is about providing greater access to our transportation networks so that a variety of users may use them with comfort and ease.
FEBRUARY 3, 2025, regular meeting
JANUARY 21, 2025 regular meeting
As a candidate for mayor in 2017, Michael Dylan Brennan promised he could lead University Heights to “reach new heights.”
In less than two terms, “every goal has been met,” Brennan said. “The things I came here to do, I have done. The things that remain that I have started are well underway and will be done.”
Brennan informed UH City Hall directors and chiefs on Jan. 14 that he will not be seeking a third consecutive term as mayor in 2025.
In his time in office, Brennan said, he has not held back: “You see that in our record and results.”
John Carroll University students are taking crucial action to combat hunger in Northeast Ohio with the return of “Blizzard Bash” on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Beachland Tavern.
All proceeds of the annual charity concert series will benefit the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.
The students aim to break last year's record of donating more than 12,000 meals through the power of music.
“Hunger doesn’t end in December, the time of giving is truly year-round,” said Zachary Sinutko, events director for WJCU 88.7 FM.
First reviews of the new University Heights curbside recycling program are in, and residents are crushing it. Not only are residents recycling, they are recycling right.
Under the former recycling program, the city was paying $105.92 to have a ton of recycling collected.
Under the new program, residents are recycling so well that, in January 2025, Waste Management will rebate the city $16.75 per ton of recycling.
An audit from Oct. 1 through Dec. 4 of last year shows that University Heights residents are taking advantage of the new opportunity to recycle cardboard boxes, with cardboard making up 28.76% of all materials recycled.
DECEMBER 16, 2024, regular meeting
JANUARY 6, 2025, regular meeting
DECEMBER 2, 2024
John Carroll University’s (JCU) transformative Gateway North project, a mixed-use retail and residential complex, has taken a significant step forward with approval from University Heights City Council on Dec. 16. The project—which will be located at Fairmount Circle, bordered by Warrensville Center Road, John Carroll Boulevard, and Milford Road—is designed to enhance the student experience, add modern student-living accommodations, and provide vibrant retail options for the community.
Standing five-stories tall, the Gateway North development will feature retail on the first floor, including a specialty grocer and space for a restaurant, with student-living accommodations located above.
NOVEMBER 18, 2024, regular meeting
A super time was had by all at the 2024 University Heights Civic Awards on Nov. 13. The city celebrated its Superman origins with the event’s “A Better Tomorrow” theme, while it recognized people who are working hard to make University Heights an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
The theme is a shout out to Superman’s new motto, “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow.” The creators of the Superman comic book, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, both lived in University Heights.
John Carroll University (JCU) graduate and Channel 19 News reporter Rachel Vadaj returned for the second consecutive year to host the event.
NOVEMBER 4, 2024, regular meeting
OCTOBER 21, 2024, regular meeting
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024, special meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney and Brian J. King were excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran about one half hour.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024, regular meeting
This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 6–13. Join your friends and neighbors at the University Heights Fire Station on Oct. 6, noon to 3 p.m., for the annual University Heights Fire Department Open House.
Have fun, while learning how to keep your household safe from fires. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you,” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country.
University Heights is gearing up for a night of celebration and recognition as the annual Civic Awards returns on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The event will honor those who have made significant contributions to the community.
To recommend a UH resident for recognition, send an e-mail to info@universityheights.com by Oct. 15.
The Civic Awards—free to all—will again take place at the Jardine Room on the campus of John Carroll University.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2024, regular meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Threse Marshall was 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 three hours and 20 minutes.
AUGUST 27, 2024, special meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was 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 50 minutes.
The music lineup at the 2024 University Heights Fall Fest would delight Donny and Marie Osmond. It will be a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll—plus a touch of a unique fusion of klezmer and Motown.
Get ready for a day of eclectic musical delights at Walter Stinson Community Park. The Shootouts will headline the event, with special guests Audiophile CLE and Yiddishe Cup. Music begins at noon on Sunday, Sept. 29, on the Susan K. Infeld Gazebo stage.
Fall Fest will also include over 75 artists and vendors, activities for kids, and food trucks.
The Shootouts are known for their energetic fusion of Americana, honky tonk, roots rock and Western swing that Shootouts fans often refer to as “country music for people who don’t like country music.”
The Heights Tree People are “branching out” to University Heights! (See what we did there?)
Based next door in Cleveland Heights, Heights Tree People is a volunteer organization that supplies and plants trees for free in local front yards. They believe planting and caring for trees in Heights neighborhoods is an act of love—for our people, for our communities, and for our planet.
Trees provide many benefits to the people they live among, helping to make us healthier, happier, and safer. People who live near trees are physically healthier, report higher rates of happiness, and experience less stress and anxiety. Trees also dampen noise pollution, and well-placed shade trees can reduce utilities bills by up to 25%.
In advance of the upcoming general election, political yard signs are starting to pop up across University Heights. Here are some things to know, or be reminded of, to help get through Nov. 5:
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Threse Marshall was 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 15 minutes.
JULY 10, 2024, special meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas and Law Director Bradric T. Bryan. The meeting ran for one hour.
This July, University Heights City Council unanimously passed two items: the acceptance of the bid for new recycling carts, and the revised TIF ordinance that authorizes the Port Authority to issue new bonds for redeveloping University Square.
“Both are big deals,” University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said. “Both are victories for the city.”
Ordinance 2024-46 establishes Tax Increment Financing for the University Square redevelopment project. This amends an earlier agreement and paves the way for the long-awaited redevelopment plan by developers Brad Kowit and Gregg Levy.
Many people came together to create the space now known as Walter Stinson Community Park in University Heights. However, nobody deserves more credit than former University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld.
While The Walt has many features, including a playground, exercise equipment, native flowers, and a track, the heart of the park is the gazebo—and that’s why city leaders chose to name it after Infeld.
The gazebo was technically renamed after a council vote last December, and a plaque unveiling was held on July 11 prior to a summer concert.
JUNE 26, 2024, special meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was present virtually but not voting, 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 five minutes.
JUNE 17, 2024, regular meeting
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 for three hours and 50 minutes.
JUNE 3, 2024 regular meeting
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.
MAY 20, 2024 regular meeting
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.
MAY 6, 2024 regular meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. John Rach was not present. 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, 20 minutes.
APRIL 15, 2024 regular meeting
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.
University Heights’ 2025 Beautiful Home Awards nominations are underway. Throughout the summer, and no later than Sept. 15, residents are invited to nominate homeowners who exhibit an outstanding investment in their property in a variety of award categories.
The Beautiful Homes Committee, a group of residents appointed by the mayor, reviews the nominees, and winners are announced at the annual University Heights Civic Awards in the fall. With the exception of current committee members, anyone can nominate a house for consideration, as long as it’s not for sale. Self-nominations are also welcome.
“For more than 60 years, University Heights has recognized homeowners who have done an outstanding job in maintaining their homes, enhancing the city’s neighborhoods, and enabling a sustainable and vibrant community,” said Deanna Bremer Fisher, chief of staff for the city of University Heights.
The University Heights Memorial Day Parade not only commemorates those we lost in service to our country, it celebrates the freedoms we enjoy.
This year’s parade will again step off at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 27, with a memorial ceremony immediately following. This year’s theme is “A Better Tomorrow.”
The city of University Heights has proudly held an annual Memorial Day Parade since 1966 (with the exception of 2020, when it was canceled due to the pandemic). It is the longest-running east-side parade in Greater Cleveland
“This is not only the oldest and largest parade on the east side, it’s also the best,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “The community is invested in the event. They want it to be successful, and it is.”
More than 2,500 gathered at Walter Stinson Community Park on April 8 for the total solar eclipse.
University Heights and the Heights Libraries, in cooperation with Destination Cleveland, hosted “A Black Out to Remember” to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, as University Heights was in the path of totality.
Party guests enjoyed the spectacular show in the sky, as well as children’s activities, Odd Dog Coffee, and music provided by disc jockeys Zachary Sinutko and Emily Davala of WJCU 88.7 FM.
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan shared good news about University Square and curbside recycling, and proposed a year-round recreation facility, in his 2024 State of the City Address on April 11 at the University Heights Library.
University Square update. Early in his speech, Mayor Brennan recapped the recent news about University Square:
“Look. Perseverance and teamwork got this deal done. It doesn’t happen without that. As the old sayings go, ‘politics is the art of the possible,’ and ‘politics is about relationships.’ None of that happens without the relationships we have cultivated together: our team at City Hall, our partners in county government, and the school district, and our city council.”
APRIL 1, 2024 regular meeting
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 for about two and three quarter hours.
MARCH 18, 2024 regular meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Brenda Mockbee, city engineer. The meeting ran for one hour and 55 minutes.
With Notre Dame College closing at the conclusion of this spring semester, John Carroll University (JCU) is one of nine local institutions of higher learning to step up to support affected students.
JCU has entered into an agreement to serve as a teach-out partner. For all Notre Dame students who qualify, JCU will offer automatic admission, no lost credit, and net price matching.
“We are deeply saddened by Notre Dame College’s announcement of their upcoming closure,” JCU announced on its website, www.jcu.edu. “Our deepest condolences are with all who love this institution, which has served a mission of Catholic higher education in our community for more than a century.”
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said the loss of Notre Dame College is felt not just in South Euclid, but in University Heights as well.
“Being a neighboring community of South Euclid, Notre Dame College is practically in our neighborhood,” Brennan said.
On March 11, a new patrol officer joined the city of University Heights.
Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan (at right in the photo) had the honor of swearing in Jamar Watkins (at left) as the city's newest patrol officer.
Patrol Officer Watkins is a lateral transfer and began work immediately.
MARCH 4, 2024 - regular meeting
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 - regular meeting
Join Cooper the Brand Ambassador and Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan at The Walt for a Solar Eclipse Party.
The city of University Heights is teaming up with Heights Libraries and Destination Cleveland to host an eclipse-viewing event at Walter Stinson Community Park on April 8.
Details will be announced in early March.
University Heights is home to the oldest and largest Memorial Day Parade in Greater Cleveland. With planning for this year’s event kicking off in early March, it’s not too early to get involved.
The 2024 UH Memorial Day theme is “A Better Tomorrow.”
Artist Robin VanLear will once again offer workshops for parade participants who want to work on creative costumes or vehicle decorations. To get things started, VanLear will offer a free Information & Brainstorming Session Wednesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m., in her studio at Coventry PEACE Campus, 2843 Washington Blvd.
At the introductory session, VanLear will meet with group leaders to discuss themes, brainstorm ideas, and identify needed materials.
February 5, 2024- regular meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for about 2.75 hours.
JANUARY 16, 2024 - regular meeting
Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Threse Marshall was excused. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for one hour and 53 minutes.
Say goodbye to the old and hello to the new—University Heights City Hall is on Threads.
As of Jan. 1, city government officially abandoned the toxicity of X (formerly Twitter) in favor of Threads. Via this additional social media platform, UH plans to share positive news with residents, as well as Northeast Ohio.
Launched in 2023, Threads is the latest app from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The platform looks a lot like Twitter, with a feed of text-based posts, in addition to photos and videos.