Cleveland Heights City Council meeting highlights 9-19-22

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022, regular meeting

 

  • Public comments
  • Clerk of council report
  • Council actions
  • Lead-safe legislation 
  • Council member comments
  • Committee of the whole

 

Present were Mayor Kahlil Seren, Council President Melody Joy Hart, Council Vice President Craig Cobb, and Council Members Tony Cuda, Gail Larson, Anthony Mattox, Jr., Josie Moore, and Davida Russell. Also present were Addie Balester, clerk of council, and William Hanna, law director. The meeting ran 46 minutes.

Public comments

A resident expressed support for the proposed lead safety legislation receiving a third reading this evening.

A parent/youth hockey coach pleaded for the community center to resume making ice on both rinks this five-month season. He supported his request with documentation for cost savings. 

Three young people asked that the city intervene in the practice of some in the Orthodox Jewish community of killing live chickens as part of their preparation for the Day of Atonement.

Clerk of council report

Clerk of Council Addie Balester announced a liquor permit transfer request for Hunan Coventry, 1800 Coventry Road.

Council actions

On first reading, council:

  • Made a routine 2022 budget adjustment to appropriations and expenditures.
  • Approved funds for operating expenses, specifically to obtain software for the clerk of council.
  • Amended the dates of the lease agreement with WXZ CPV LLC for the Taylor-Tudor Buildings
  • Authorized the Ohio Department of Transportation to provide bridge and culvert inspection services within the city.
  • Authorized application for funds from the Urban Forestry Assistance Program of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the purchase, installation, and care of trees and other urban vegetation.

On second reading, council:

  • Accepted the property tax rates from the county budget commission.
  • Approved a request to the county fiscal officer to advance taxes for the 2022 tax year to the city and to enable receipt of the funds more often than the usual two payments. This would make budgeting easier for the city. 
  • Authorized a switch in recycling service provider to Waste Management of Ohio. Ms. Moore noted that the new contractor will accept a broader list of items to recycle. The contract is for two years. New educational materials will be developed.
  • Proclaimed October 2022 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Lead-safe legislation 

Council heard a third reading, but no vote, of legislation to add a lead hazards provision to the certificate of occupancy for rental properties. During the committee of the whole, council discussed the time needed before implementation, as the housing department is inadequately staffed. The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition can provide technical support and training, but no funding. ARPA funds may be used, but these are limited. Real estate agents have questions about their accountability. Ms. Larson and the committee will meet with the law department to strengthen this ordinance.

Council member comments

Ms. Larson spoke about moving forward with the lead safety legislation. 

Ms. Russell spoke about breast cancer and domestic violence months and the 227 ARPA surveys collected over the weekend.

Ms. Moore’s committee met today and discussed anti-idling legislation and “No Mow May.” She announced Sept. 22 as “Car Free Day” and urged citizens to register to vote.

Mr. Mattox announced a public ARPA meeting on Sept. 21.

Mr. Cuda responded to the animal rights concerns of residents, urging that animal rights not religion, should be emphasized in this discussion.

Ms. Hart said that Sept 20 is National Voter Registration Day.

Committee of the whole

Discussion of the lead safety legislation is described above. 

Council discussed legislation for an appraisal gap funding program for infill housing mortgages. This program would help borrowers with mortgages on new homes that are built in areas where the existing homes are appraised lower, thus making banks less likely to approve the requested mortgage amount. The ordinance needs revision before being presented for a vote.

The Administrative Services Committee will draft charter review legislation, beginning at their meeting Sept. 28.

Council went into executive session along with an attorney to discuss possible litigation.

LWV Observer: Blanche Valancy.

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

Read More on Cleveland Heights
Volume 15, Issue 11, Posted 2:11 PM, 10.31.2022