Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights 3-14-22

MARCH 14, 2022 - special meeting on ARPA consultant

Present were, Council Vice President Craig Cobb, and Council Members Tony Cuda, Josie Moore, Davida Russell, and Anthony Mattox, Jr.as were Susanna Niermann O’Neil, city manager; Amy Himmelein, clerk of council and finance director; and William Hanna, law director. Mayor Kahlil Seren and Council President Melody Joy Hart were absent. The meeting was 17 minutes long. 

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Consultant

The only agenda item was a first reading of the resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Guidehouse Inc. for consulting services related to the use of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Fees are not to exceed $250,000.

Council member comments

Comments and questions were limited to the resolution and related ARPA funding matters.

Council members queried about 1) What portion of ARPA funds would the consultant assist; 2) the consultant’s experience; 3) billing details; 4) Council’s role in allocating ARPA funds for specific programs; and 5) risks to the city of non-compliance with U.S. Treasury ARPA guidelines. Council members asked to meet with the consultants.

Ms. Russell reported that the March 13 meeting of Noble and Taylor area residents and businesses to recommend use of ARPA funds designated for those areas was well-attended and generated many ideas that will be communicated to the Council Finance Committee. 

Committee of the whole

The entire meeting was devoted to interviewing the city administrator candidate, Joseph E. Sinnott. Mayor Seren introduced Mr. Sinnott, noted that 50 applications for the position had been received, and described the interviews conducted thus far. Mr. Sinnott described his municipal government experience. Council members asked about city relationships with the business community, climate change and environmental sustainability, fostering trust, promoting equity, developing a positive work culture, his experience with large projects, relationship with council, housing code enforcement, financial reserves and debt management, communication, and responsive municipal services.

LWV Observer: Jill Tatem.

Meeting packets, legislation, and other information can be found on the city website at: https://www.clevelandheights.com/1142/2021-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

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 2:59 PM, 04.18.2022