City of Cleveland Heights

The Board of Zoning Appeals addressed several variance requests. Calendar No. 3622 regarding 2211 Lee Road involved requests for variances concerning the loss of parking spaces for a new retail use and the required waiting spaces for a drive-thru window; this case was continued to the March meeting pending submission of vehicle turning diagrams and traffic flow information. Calendar No. 3624, concerning a garage with living space at 2094 Lamberton Rd., was granted with conditions relating to setback distances, receipt of a Building Permit, and completion within 12 months. Calendar No. 3625 requested a variance for a swimming pool setback at 2618 Ashton Rd., which was continued to the March meeting upon staff request.

The committee meeting focused heavily on the pricing structure and billing for additional refuse containers, particularly for residents needing a third bin. Discussion involved revisiting the initial recommendations of the Waste and Recycling Task Force, which opposed subscription quarterly fees for extra containers, asserting that such fees should be covered by aggregate funds rather than being billed on a fee-for-service basis to individual taxpayers. Concerns were raised regarding the equity of charging large families extra fees when overall trash volume might not have increased significantly, especially if recycling efforts are high. Testimony from citizens highlighted lack of transparency regarding notification of potential fees and contradictory information received when seeking clarification. Further discussion addressed related operational matters, including the need for better education on recycling to reduce landfill volume and the city's current inability to track the usage of optional third bins. The Director of Public Works noted that the cost to the city for purchasing an extra bin ($61.50) exceeds the current charge ($58) and that implementing quarterly billing would require further discussion and potentially a new rate study considering increased capacity needs and delinquent payments for refuse services.

The regular meeting commenced with Communications from the Mayor, who submitted an application to approve and enact the Cedar Le Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). The Mayor also offered congratulations to retiring Detective Russ Toppen and Parks and Recreation Supervisor D Mari, and recognized the Heights High indoor track team for winning the state championship. An amendment was made to the agenda to remove Resolution 63-2024. The Poet Laureate read selections for National Poetry Month. Public comments included feedback on improving transparency for City Council applications (job description, qualifications, duration) and concerns regarding external garbage containment and lack of grass cutting at specific property addresses. Legislation discussed included recognizing the Lutheran East boys basketball team's state championship, proclaiming April 28th as Workers Memorial Day, supporting federal legislation regarding the Social Security Fairness Act and the Preparing and Retaining All Educators Act, and authorizing a loan for renovation at 2201 North Taylor Road. The Consent Agenda included numerous resolutions recognizing various awareness months and designated days in May 2024 (e.g., Bike Month, Preservation Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Jewish American Heritage Month).

This special committee meeting was convened to discuss the Mayor's recent absence and alleged inaccessibility following a missed community address, which raised concerns about his well-being and ability to perform his duties. The Assistant Law Director provided insight into the relevant charter provision (Article 4 Section 10) regarding the President of Council acting as Mayor when the Mayor is absent or inaccessible, noting the complexity due to the strong mayor form of government. Council members expressed significant concern regarding the Mayor's subsequent public statement, criticizing it as inadequate, deflecting accountability, and failing to apologize for alleged derogatory language and hate speech directed at a community member. The discussion also touched upon the Mayor's wife's alleged past behavior toward staff and the need for improved communication and healing within the community. Council members debated potential actions, including formal resolutions and whether a formal apology or resignation was necessary, while the Mayor maintained that the proceedings were politically motivated and defended his communication choices.

The Finance Committee meeting centered on defining the scope of work for an analysis of mortgage lending activity in underserved neighborhoods of Cleveland Heights, based on a recommendation from the Racial Justice Task Force. The discussion utilized a report on home mortgage lending in Cuyahoga County as a model. Key elements considered for the scope included housing trends, general lending trends, lender-specific activity, and the potential breakdown of data by sub-geographies within Cleveland Heights, possibly utilizing census tracts or areas defined by major streets like Mayfield and Monticello. There was significant discussion regarding incorporating data from a recently completed property condition survey conducted by Western Reserve Land Conservancy and determining the availability of 2023 lending data. The committee also explored whether the City could leverage its deposits within local financial institutions as leverage for discussions on lending practices.