Wade Steen

The Board meeting included recognizing several staff members for their years of service, approving a 2026 budget adjustment, and authorizing financial support for the employee club, Club Metro. Key project approvals and contract amendments involved fire extinguisher inspection services, a grant application for the Hinckley Lake Loop Trail, environmental services for the former Wyrwas property, and construction management/design-build services for the Wood Creek Fish Passage, Gordon Park Improvements, and the Gorilla Primate RainForest Addition at the zoo. Additionally, the Board authorized several competitive process awards related to network cabling, kayak launch construction, mature tree inspection, GPS services, and winter lights event planning.

The Board discussed various financial and administrative matters, including budget adjustments for 2026, the adoption of a revised policy regarding trademark and logo usage, and various professional design service contracts. Action items included awarding contracts for network cabling, park infrastructure projects such as the Rocky River kayak launch and the Mandel Community Trail lighting, and the Gorilla Primate RainForest addition. Additionally, the Board authorized grant applications for trail improvements and recognized long-serving employees upon their retirement.

The Board addressed several financial and project-related agenda items. Key actions included the approval of the 2025 Budget Adjustment No. 4, the establishment of a hearing date for the 2026 Tax Budget, and the adoption of a revised policy regarding designated areas for no swimming or water contact. Significant infrastructure and improvement projects were advanced, including awards for the Garfield Parkway Bridge Rehabilitation, Cleveland Harbor West Pier Improvements, and the Gorilla Primate RainForest Addition. Additionally, the Board authorized agreements for the Baldwin Creek Low-Head Dam Removal, the CUY Lake Link/Franklin Enhancement Project, and an amendment to the Richmond Road Connector Trail project agreement. Other authorizations included contracts for cybersecurity services, zoo event lighting, and a golf booking enhancement system.

The Board addressed several agenda items, including the swearing-in and appointment of a new police officer, and recognized two employees for their years of service. Financial actions included the approval of the 2026 Budget Adjustment No. 1 and amendments to various service agreements, such as the Toast POS system, mobile trailer rentals, surveillance trailer purchases, and police license plate reader fees. The Board also adopted updates to the Codified Rules and Regulations regarding vehicle immobilization. Significant construction and planning initiatives were advanced, including a contract amendment for the Lake Link Trail/Franklin Enhancements, the authorization of grant applications for the CHEERS project and Sagamore Connector Trail, and the approval of a Local Public Agency agreement for the Euclid Creek Greenway Phase 3. Additionally, the Board authorized a project development agreement for the Willow Bend Neighborhood Trail Link, a memorandum of understanding for Edgewater fiber conduit installation, the award of a bid for building demolition, and a contract amendment for the Barge 225 renovation.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and project-related items. Key actions included the appointment of a new police officer, recognition of retiring employees, and the approval of the 2026 Budget Adjustment No. 1. The board authorized increases for several contracts, including police equipment rentals, surveillance trailers, license plate reader service fees, and an amendment to the point-of-sale system agreement. Furthermore, the board adopted revised codified rules and regulations, authorized contract amendments for trail projects and a barge renovation, and approved grant applications for harbor resilience and trail construction. Finally, the board awarded a contract for building demolition.