Council splits on Huntington Bank Field Emergency Repairs Reimbursement (Ordinance No. 931-2026), 2–2

Amend Lease for CPP Eastside Service Center

0 yes, 0 no

Amend Bright City Lighting System Contract

0 yes, 0 no

Transfer of Municipal Parcels to Industrial-Commercial Land Bank

0 yes, 0 no

St. Jerome Church Landmark Parcel Correction

0 yes, 0 no

St. Mary of the Assumption Landmark Boundary Amendment

0 yes, 0 no

Airport Nuisance Biofilm Treatment Plant Improvement

0 yes, 0 no

State Vocational Planning Center Landmark Designation

0 yes, 0 no

HUD Grant Acceptance for NORA Village Project Phase Two

0 yes, 0 no

Huntington Bank Field Emergency Repairs Reimbursement (Ordinance No. 931-2026)

2 yes, 2 no

Tanmay Shah (no), Michael D. Polensek (no), Kevin L. Bishop (yes), Deborah A. Gray (yes)

Brookpark Road Resurfacing Agreement (Ordinance No. 1205-2026)

0 yes, 3 no

Charles J. Slife (no), Tanmay Shah (no), Nikki Hudson (no)

Ordinance 1205-2026: Brook Park Road Resurfacing Partnership

0 yes, 1 no

Brian Kazy (no)

Ordinance 931-2026: Huntington Bank Field Emergency Repairs Reimbursement

0 yes, 2 no

Michael D. Polensek (no), Brian Kazy (no)

Ordinance 1173-2026: Fire Force Professional Services Contract

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1244-2026: Lead Safe Certificate Program Revisions

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 5901-2026: Waste Collection Citation Fees

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1280-2026: Vehicle Life Cycle Workforce Development

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1281-2026: Sutfin Corporation Fire Truck Warranty Repairs

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1284-2026: Traffic Signal Support Poles Requirement Contract

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1032-2026: West 9th Street Encroachment Permit

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1168-2026: Warren Road Bridge Deck Replacement

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1169-2026: Stokes Boulevard Resurfacing and Road Diet

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1174-2026: St. Clair Avenue Target Speed Pilot Project

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1175-2026: Wade Park Avenue Resurfacing and Roundabouts

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1242-2026: Shaker Boulevard Resurfacing and Safety Project

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1241-2026: State Road Resurfacing Application

0 yes, 0 no

Ordinance 1316-2026: Municipal Salary Classifications Update

0 yes, 0 no

Suspension of Rules for Emergency Legislation

13 yes, 0 no

Passage of Payband Salary Amendments (Ordinance No. 1316-2026)

13 yes, 0 no

Ward 10 Casino Revenue Agreement (Ordinance No. 1325-2026)

13 yes, 0 no

Liquor License Objections (Resolutions 1312 to 1315)

13 yes, 0 no

LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay Host Agreement

0 yes, 0 no

Signal Support Poles Requirement Contract

0 yes, 0 no

Sutphen Fire Truck Repair Contract

0 yes, 0 no

Vehicle Lifecycle Workforce Development Initiative

0 yes, 0 no

Brookpark Road Resurfacing Agreement

0 yes, 0 no

Shaker Boulevard Resurfacing and Safety Improvements

0 yes, 0 no

State Road Resurfacing Project Application

0 yes, 0 no

NORA Village Phase Two

Stenard Avenue and East 53rd Street

Constructing four new townhome recovery housing units utilizing a $1 million HUD grant.

approved · still approved

NORA Village Project

The city is seeking authorization to apply for and accept a HUD grant to partner with the Northern Ohio Recovery Association on the NORA Village project.

Discussed — no decision yet

1293 West 9th Street Encroachment

1293 West 9th Street

A permit request to allow an elevated concrete landing, ramp, and stairs to encroach into the public right-of-way on West 9th Street.

Discussed — no decision yet

Miles School Public Safety Administration Facility

11918 Miles Avenue

Conversion of the former Miles School into a Fire, EMS, and Public Safety administration building with a 30-year CMSD leaseback.

Discussed — no decision yet

Fire and EMS Facilities Modernization Program

All 24 fire stations are slated for repair, with 12 getting additions and 9 marked for replacement due to cancer risks from diesel exhaust. Fire apparatus lead times run about two years nationwide, and most spare engines and ladders are in poor condition.

What it means: Major capital spending ahead for station repairs and replacements; overtime projected 25% over budget.

Raised 2 times this week

Public Safety Division Operational Reviews

The Safety Committee will review operations for various safety-related offices in the city. These reviews help ensure public safety agencies are running effectively and serving residents properly.

What it means: All Cleveland residents benefit from increased oversight and efficiency in public safety offices.

Raised 2 times this week

Public Safety Administration Facility at Former Miles School

The city is proposing to purchase and renovate the recently closed Miles School on the southeast side to house Fire and EMS administrative offices and a youth vocational program. While officials highlight the opportunity to decentralize operations and partner with CMSD, some council members and union representatives have expressed strong concerns about the distance from downtown and project costs.

What it means: Estimated at $3.5 million for renovations plus fixture costs, offset by property acquisition credits.

LA28 Olympic Torch Relay Host Agreement

Cleveland is considering an agreement to host a portion of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games torch relay through the city.

What it means: Local residents, businesses, and visitors who can participate in community-wide Olympic celebrations.

ODOT Transportation and Infrastructure Partnerships

The committee is reviewing multiple state-led highway and street improvement projects, including bridge deck replacement, resurfacing, and traffic safety pilots.

What it means: Drivers, cyclists, and residents utilizing Warren Road, Stokes Boulevard, Wade Park Avenue, and St. Clair Avenue.

Stokes Boulevard and Wade Park Avenue Resurfacing Projects

The committee advanced multiple major street resurfacing projects across the city, including State Road, Shaker Boulevard, and Brookpark Road. These projects incorporate federal and state funding, roadway repairs, and traffic calming features such as protected bike lanes and speed tables.

What it means: Total project costs range from hundreds of thousands to over $10 million across the various corridors, utilizing state grants and local bond funds.

Regional Road Resurfacing and State Infrastructure Coordination

Cleveland is partnering with ODOT and neighboring cities to resurface portions of Brookpark Road, Shaker Boulevard, and State Road, aiming to improve local travel conditions.

What it means: Drivers, cyclists, and neighborhood residents relying on repaired and safer roadways.

Upcoming City Council Legislative Review

City Council members are meeting in caucus to go over upcoming legislation and discuss local policies before they reach the full council floor.

What it means: City residents and stakeholders will benefit from coordinated policy review and discussion.

County Jail Relocation and City Court Renovation Costs

The city is evaluating lease extensions with Cuyahoga County for the municipal court and police division spaces inside the Justice Center.

What it means: Court users, police personnel, and the administration of justice in Cleveland.

Community Development Block Grant Budget Hearings

The council is reviewing legislation to accept and distribute federal housing and community development grants for 2026, funding local programs like CDBG and HOME.

What it means: Cleveland residents and community organizations receiving housing and neighborhood development assistance.

Citywide Speed Tables and Traffic Calming

The committee evaluated multiple ODOT and multi-municipal roadway projects featuring road diets, separated bike lanes, and mini roundabouts on major corridors like St. Clair, Wade Park, Stokes, and Shaker. While city engineers emphasize safety data and crash reduction, some council members questioned the practical impact on traffic flow and bicycle lane utilization.

What it means: Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists utilizing upgraded transportation infrastructure.

Flats Parking and Transportation Access

Residents raised concerns about parking availability and bike path configurations near Irishtown Bend, warning that reduced parking could harm small businesses in the Flats.

What it means: Recreational cyclists and park visitors utilizing multi-modal infrastructure.

Right to Council Eviction Representation Program

Advocates and residents urged council members to address ongoing housing crises, housing code enforcement, and protections for domestic violence survivors under federal housing laws.

What it means: Low-income tenants and housing voucher recipients seeking stable, accessible housing.

Lead Safe Certificate Program and Code Revision

Cleveland is updating its landmark lead-safe rental registry laws to extend certificate cycles, incentivize property improvements like window replacements, and refine local risk assessor licensing standards. The changes aim to balance rigorous child safety protections with workable administrative rules for landlords.

What it means: Rental tenants, children protected from lead poisoning, and property owners receiving extended certificate cycles.

Huntington Bank Field Emergency Repairs

The city is advancing a $1.1 million reimbursement to the Cleveland Browns for emergency capital repairs at Huntington Bank Field. While officials stress this is a binding lease obligation that protects the city from liability and credit rating downgrades, council members and residents expressed deep frustration over using public funds for the stadium given the team's planned relocation.

What it means: Reimburses $1,122,824.02 to the stadium operator from dedicated syntax funds.

Gateway Stadium Financing and Taxpayer Protections

Council members clashed over funding projects connected to the Browns or regional areas following the team's planned move to Brook Park. Frustrations boiled over regarding city priorities, maintenance backlogs, and the impending loss of downtown stadium revenue.

What it means: Suburban municipalities partnering on regional road projects and regional commercial interests.

St. Jerome and St. Mary of the Assumption Landmark Amendments

Lawmakers are considering trimming the official landmark boundaries for two historic church properties in Ward 10. These tweaks help align historical protections with current property configurations.

What it means: Property owners and local stakeholders seeking clear, accurate zoning and preservation boundaries.

Cleveland Hopkins Airport Biofilm Treatment Plant

The airport is planning to install a new treatment system to handle nuisance biofilm and remove outdated gear. This upgrade keeps airport operations running smoothly and meets environmental standards.

What it means: Airline passengers, airport operators, and surrounding communities benefiting from modern environmental controls.

Industrial-Commercial Land Bank Parcel Transfers

Transferring vacant and publicly held parcels into the city's land bank helps avoid mounting property taxes while the city works with developers to bring sites like former schools and parking lots back into productive use.

What it means: Cleveland residents and potential developers who gain access to shovel-ready, cleared parcels for housing and commercial projects.

State Vocational Planning Center Landmark Designation

The State Vocational Planning Center in Ward 8 is up for official historic landmark status to help preserve its architectural and cultural history.

What it means: Preservation advocates and community members invested in local architectural heritage.

NORA Village HUD Grant Allocation

A $1 million federal HUD grant will fund the construction of four new townhome recovery housing units as part of phase two of the NORA Village project.

What it means: Brings $1 million in federal grant funds to Cleveland without requiring local matching contributions.

Police communication with council and public

Multiple council members say they get less information from police than ever — just texts from commanders, no follow-up from homicide. Councilwoman Hudson cited a viral Ward 11 bar incident where indictments came but the public never heard the outcome; members want better, more contextual public communication.

What it means: Council members and residents who need accurate crime information instead of social media rumors.

Traffic enforcement gaps

Council members say residents are demanding speed tables because they see almost no traffic enforcement. The chair has 36 streets requesting speed tables and says requests for enforcement have gone unmet; police say every officer can enforce traffic but calls for service come first.

What it means: Residents on speeding-prone streets if enforcement increases.

Connect and Protect grant delays

A three-year grant awarded in 2023 was supposed to end September 30, 2026, but its biggest piece — mental health dispatchers — still hasn't started because of the city's slow contracting. Councilwoman Howse-Jones called the delay embarrassing and demanded accountability before 2027.

What it means: Residents in mental health crisis once co-response dispatch launches.

School crossing guard staffing

Crossing guard vacancies persist nationwide because the split-shift part-time work suits few people, but council members want the program evaluated and revamped — and want vacancy lists shared so churches and neighborhood groups can help recruit.

What it means: Students walking to school and retirees seeking part-time work with health benefits.

Bright City Lighting System Contract Modification

City officials will review adjustments to a contract with ST Engineering Telematic Wireless Ltd to support system upgrades for the Bright City lighting project. This affects municipal lighting infrastructure and maintenance.

What it means: City residents and neighborhoods receiving improved municipal lighting management and technological updates.

Cleveland Public Power Facility Lease Update

The city is looking to update the lease for the CPP Eastside Service Center, changing the property owner name to Darley Holdings Group LLC and extending the rental agreement. This ensures continued operational space for local utility services.

What it means: Cleveland Public Power operations and local utility customers relying on stable service center locations.

Cleveland Public Power Net Metering and Interconnection

Local solar advocates and organizers testified against recent changes to net metering policies, arguing that reduced credit values hinder community solar adoption and clean energy goals.

What it means: Utility revenue protection during peak demand shifts.

Animal Control and Dangerous Dog Regulation Alignment

Council members and safety officials debated the effectiveness of the city's $212,000 third-party wildlife trapping contract with Freeman. Experts noted that trapping healthy animals creates a 'vacuum effect' that actually increases nuisance wildlife, leading to proposed shifts toward education and deterrence.

What it means: The 2026 contract cost $212,000, with proposed 2027 budget options ranging from $384,000 to over $418,000 depending on repair inclusion.

Cleveland Public Power Strategic Plan & Reliability

CPP presented its new strategic plan focusing on grid reliability, safety, customer service, and vegetation management, while council members pushed for stricter timelines and answers regarding frequent outages.

What it means: CPP ratepayers and residents seeking improved electrical reliability.

Chapter 630 Nuisance Abatement Enforcement

Council members reviewed enforcement data on the city's property nuisance ordinance, which targets problem properties and absentee landlords with escalating fines and tax liens. Officials reported 47 active nuisance properties citywide.

What it means: Fines escalate from $100 per day for failing to submit abatement plans, to $500, $750, and $1,000 for subsequent violations, all attached as tax liens.

CPP Cost of Service Rate Study & Phase II Increases

CPP's Chief Financial Officer presented Phase II of the rate study, proposing incremental rate and fixed-fee increases for 2027-2029 to cover rising operating costs and prepare for a bond sale.

What it means: Raises approximately $6 million in 2027, $7 million in 2028, and $5 million in 2029.