Chris Bates

The FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Cleveland Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization outlines the strategic allocation of federal transportation funds for highway, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit projects. This fiscally constrained plan, developed in cooperation with state and local agencies, focuses on regional priorities and performance targets to enhance safety, improve infrastructure condition, reduce congestion, boost system reliability, facilitate freight movement, promote environmental sustainability, accelerate project delivery, and ensure robust transit asset management and public transportation safety.

The City Council meeting addressed several key items. During the hearing of petitions and communications, a request was made for updating access to historical meeting minutes and agendas on the city website. The consent agenda included the authorization to participate in a Document and Information Lifecycle Service contract with Iron Mountain Information Management, LLC, the approval of a contract extension with Highway Markings, Inc., and the authorization for an actuarial study from TCRS regarding Cleveland Utilities Authority separation. Furthermore, the Council discussed a proposal with Blue Line Solutions, LLC concerning automated photo enforcement services for school zones, ultimately deciding to await the MTAS study data and staff recommendations before taking action on enforcement zones. Other business included approving change orders for the Jim Sharp Park project, declaring an Explorer vehicle surplus for fire department training, and confirming that Cleveland Utilities will reimburse the City for the TCRS actuarial study cost.

The meeting agenda included the approval of minutes from January 20, 2026, and a CDBG Public Hearing for the FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan. The Consent Agenda involved consideration of preliminary and final plats for various properties related to zoning districts like IL Light Industrial, PUD 50, PUD 73, PUD 33, R-2, and PUD 26. Old Business covered consideration of a plan of service, a resolution to annex, and an ordinance to zone approximately 42.5 acres along Dalton Pike, as well as an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance regarding cluster mailboxes. New Business included administrative zoning requests and a request to amend PUD 41. Extensive discussion took place regarding the rezoning request for property on Holloway Rd. from IH Heavy Industrial to PUD, focusing heavily on architectural standards, specifically allowing vinyl siding on three sides to promote housing affordability, and potential traffic mitigation requirements like a turn lane. An ordinance amendment concerning minimum square footage for units in Mixed-Use Business Corridor (MUBC) zoning was approved, along with another ordinance to add regulations for cluster mailboxes in new developments, which sparked discussion about parking requirements and location within cul-de-sacs.

The meeting included the approval of several resolutions, such as authorizing the purchase of equipment through a cooperative agreement, accepting new city streets in the Belcourt Landing subdivision, and submitting federal funding requests for the 3rd Street SW Multimodal Corridor project and the Cleveland Advanced Transportation Command Hub (CATCH). The council also authorized participation in a driver safety matching grant program, discussed change orders for the Cherokee restoration project, and confirmed several appointments to the Parks Advisory Board.

The City Council meeting included several significant actions. A proclamation declared Monday, February 9, 2026, as "Cleveland Middle School Blue Raider Wrestling Day" to honor the state championship teams. Public hearings were held regarding a proposed plan of service and annexation resolution for approximately 33.07 acres concerning Lake Mantooth, both of which were subject to staff readiness concerning zoning integration. The Council approved the final passage of Ordinances 2026-06 (abandonment of ROW) and 2026-07 (amendment to Zoning Ordinance regarding multi-family structure square footage). Resolution 2026-18, authorizing an application for the Rescue Squad Grant Program for the Fire Department, was adopted. New business involved the final passage of Zoning Ordinance 2026-05 establishing PUD 73 for Holloway Road property. Resolutions 2026-16 and 2026-17 concerning the annexation plan of service and annexation itself for the Wilkinson/Brock Rd property were both accepted. Resolution 2026-19 authorizing the development of a BUILD grant application for a Downtown Connector project was approved. Approval for Resolution 2026-15 regarding an agreement with Blue Line Solutions, LLC for automated photo enforcement services was delayed until the February 23 meeting to allow for further contract review.