Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights 10-19-2015

OCTOBER 19, 2015

  • Public comment—Issue 53, Home-based businesses, Boulevard Neighbors 
  • Liquor license opposed
  • NeuroWave loan
  • CDBG application
  • Noble Road resurfacing

 Council member Mary Dunbar was absent.

Public comments

Issue 53 – Two citizens spoke in support of Issue 53, the income tax rate increase. Julian Rogers of Compton Road urged citizens to vote for the issue and commended the due diligence and transparent communication of city staff and council. Judith VanKleef of Mayfield Road said that vital services were in jeopardy of being cut if the tax increase does not pass.

Home-based businesses – Jason Boarde of Yorkshire Road, owner of Burnt Toast Farms and Studio, asked council to consider revising the city code to reflect current values of the community regarding home-based businesses. He referred to “regressive” sections of the city code that prohibit business in a yard and that regulate hours, employees, parking, and other aspects. Resident Steve Warner, who would like to start a home schooling support and tutoring business in his home, also asked council to look at the current rules. He feels that respectful, unique home businesses could contribute to community pride and image. Tom Gibson of Wilton Road supported the previous two speakers, praising their creativity. Gibson, who noted his history with multiple civic organizations and boards, and who currently runs the Oxford Permaculture gardening project, said that the main hope for the future lies with artisans.

Boulevard Neighbors – On behalf of Boulevard Neighbors, Paul Greenberg of Euclid Heights Boulevard commended the city for street improvements and clean-up of debris in that neighborhood. He also commended the fire department for swift containment of a house fire on Colonial Drive. However, he pointed out that 3344 Beachwood Avenue, long slated for demolition, still stands.

Liquor license opposed

Council passed a motion opposing an application to the Ohio Department of Liquor Control for a new permit for Art Petroleum, 2603 Noble Road. Councilman Jason Stein, who made the motion, noted that Police Chief Jeffrey Robertson objects because the neighborhood has been saturated with existing permits. Council Member Jeff Coryell also noted that residents of the neighborhood are sensitive to the number of alcohol businesses there.

NeuroWave loan

Council authorized a second amendment to the Commercial Revolving Loan Agreement with NeuroWave Systems, Inc. The city had authorized an addendum to this agreement on April 3, 2013, which extended the term of the agreement from sixty months to eighty-four months in exchange for a personal guarantee on the loan of $30,000 by NeuroWave’s chief officer. The company now requests that the agreement be amended again so that payment for the balance due may extend over the term of ten years, rather than a single lump sum, in exchange for payment of principal and interest at an interest rate of one percent. The loan would no longer be a forgivable loan. 

CDBG application

Council heard a first reading of a resolution authorizing application for Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) funding for the year beginning January 1, 2016. The city has conducted hearings and has participated in extensive discussions with the Citizens Advisory Committee and citizens regarding the activities to be accomplished in the 42nd year of this program. 

Noble Road resurfacing

Council member Kahlil Seren reported news from the Cuyahoga County Council (for which he works) that the Board of Control approved funding for the resurfacing of Noble Road in 2016.

Leaf collection

Council member Melissa Yasinow announced that leaves will be collected in November. Each street will be collected twice, either the first and third or the second and fourth weeks of the month on the day after refuse collection, weather permitting. The city website has a map detailing the schedule area by area.

County public health services

Council renewed the agreement with the Cuyahoga County General Health District for public health services to the city and its residents at a fee of $180,794 for one year, commencing January 1, 2016. These services have been in place for many years. The cost will be the same as the previous three years.

Nuisance abatement changes

Council heard a first reading of legislation amending the nuisance abatement chapter of the city code, which establishes procedures for the city to correct or eliminate issues created by problem properties. The proposed amendments have been made to strengthen current nuisance abatement procedures.

LWV Observer: Blanche Valancy.

Please note: YouTube videos of Cleveland Heights City Council meetings may be accessed at youtube.com/clevelandheightsoh

These meeting summaries are abstracted from LWV observers’ written reports. The summaries have been edited and prepared by Anne McFarland, Charlene Morse and Maryann Barnes. To receive e-mail postings of full reports, send an e-mail to mbarnes9515@gmail.com or join through Google groups using “lwv-chuh observer reports” as a search phrase.

These reports contain member observation and selected highlights of public meetings and are not official statements of the Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland. This disclaimer must accompany any redistribution of these reports.

 

Read More on Cleveland Heights
Volume 8, Issue 12, Posted 10:45 AM, 11.16.2015