Hi, I'm Keith and I'll be live-tweeting today’s Monday, June 7, 2021, Cleveland City Council's Committee of the Whole ("CoW") starting at 9:00 AM for #CLEDocumenters & @NeighborUpCle
Janenell Smith will be notetaking the meeting today.
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Notice of Public Meeting may be accessed by accessing the Cleveland City Council's Legistar; pages 1 through 4 are included in this tweet.
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Notice of Public Meeting pages 5 to 8,
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Cleveland City Council's Committee of the Whole Meeting is live.
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Council President and Ward 11 Councilmember states, "The Council has 32 items on the Calendar."
He notes that Chief Sharon Dumas has requested Ordinances 400-2021 be reviewed first.
Ord 400-2021 is introduced. Access its related documents at the Legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Chief Dumas notes. "This is our payroll and we are extending the terms of our contract. We are in the process of looking at a new payroll system that is much more automated. This one simply extends our current system."
Ordinances 400-2021 stands approved.
Ord 409-2021 is introduced. Access its related documents at the Legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Chief Dumas notes, "For the last 9 years or so we've had Clark Shaffer. This time they will do it directly for 2021. ... It's called the S.O.C, system organizing controls. It is a processing audit. It is an assessment & a report."
Ordinances 400-2021 stands approved.
Ord 411-2021 is introduced. Access its related documents at the Legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Re Ord 411-2021, Chief Dumas states, "This is our continued effort to automate. Integrate with human resource needs, civil service needs. This is just a process. This is our effort to look at what is available to integrate with our systems for more efficiency."
Ordinances 411-2021 stands approved.
Ord 404-2021 is introduced. Access its related documents at the legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Nycle West, "We are looking to expand to be a comprehensive wellness program. ... We are looking to be a holistic wellbeing service to our employees. We want to be able to apply to grants & accept services. ... We need this to reimagine wellbeing in the City for its employees."
Ordinance 404-2021 stands approved.
Ordinance 483-2021 is introduced by Councilmember Kelly by request from Director West.
Note: 483-2021 is not on the agenda and was previously under suspension.
Director West states the legislation will allow the City, "To take advantage of a reduced rate for prescription drug costs through health action council which the City is a member of."
Ordinances 483-2021 will be considered by the full council this afternoon.
Department of Aging is up.
Ord 402-2021 is introduced; access its related documents at the legistar here,
Director Mary McNamara, "This legislation gives me the authority to award contracts for [the Age Friendly Home Investment Program]."
Ward 8's Councilmember Mike Polesensek is seeking data about the program and its implementation in wards. He states, "This is a very important piece of legislation."
Ward 15 Spencer asked several questions and Ward 3 McCormack provided commentary about the program.
Ordinance 402-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 413-2021 is introduced; access it and its related documents at the legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
David Hearne is present and comments, "It is a very effective partnership with the County, the City, and CWRU."
Lisa Matthews and Ward 3 McCormack provided commentary.
Ordinance 413-2021 stands to be approved.
Department of Planning Ordinances
Ordinance 337-2021 is introduced; access it and its documents at the legsitar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
No one from planning is present. Ordinance 337-2021 is pushed to the back of the line.
Department of Safety ordinance(s)
Ordinance 331-2021 is introduced; access it and its documents at the legsitar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Dawn Heartson, "This is administrative cleanup to make sure the correct information is in there."
Ward 6 Grifin states "it's been vetted."
Ordinance 331-2021 stands to be approved.
Department of Finance ordinance(s)
Ordinance 281-2021 is introduced; access it and its documents at the legsitar,
Chief Tracy-Martin Thompson, "Requesting authority to use 2.7 million dollars to implement their transformation of City recreation centers."
Ward 6's Councilmember Griffin states "This ordinance has been vetted."
Ordinance 281-2021 stand to be approved.
Ordinance 354-2021 is introduced; access it and its related documents at the legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Ordinance 354-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 330-2021 is introduced; access it and its related documents at the legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
David Ebersole, "This is a special assessment part of a clean energy loan. ... The idea is that energy improvements reduces costs at an amount greater than a benefit to the owner of the building."
Ward 12's Brancatelli and Ward 3's McCormack fully supports the program.
Ordinance 330-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 405-2021 is introduced; access it and its related documents at the legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
David Ebersole, "This is a 2 year expansion for We Can Code It. It will fund 100 students through their preview camp, which is an introduction to coding, and 20 scholarships for the traditional bootcamp."
Council President Kelly asks a couple of questions about the nature of the program, which are answered.
Ward 12 Brancatelli supports the legislation.
Ordinance 405-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 404-021 is introduced by request from department head Ebersole.
Note: this ordinance was not on the agenda and was previously under suspension.
Note: the ordinance is 484-2021, not 404-2021.
Director Ebersole states, "This is a new development, 4 phase 400-unit housing located just north of Chester and East 90th street."
Ward 12's Brancatelli fully supports this.
The development is in Ward 7. Ward 7's Basheer Jones states, "The community is really excited about this."
Ward 16's Kazy asks questions about the length of the TIFF, its value now, it's value after the project is completed, & the total of the TIFF
Dir Ebersole states, "About 30 years, a million dollar value, and 28 million after the project is completed. The total is 1 million 7.
Ordinance 484-2021 will be considered for the full council later today.
Director Ebersole comments that Ordinance 412-2021 should be reviewed. For whatever reason it was not added to the agenda. Per the director it is time sensistive.
Ward 12 Brancatelli states it is a fully vetted project.
It failed to make the calendar due to timing out of planning.
Council President Kelly inquires if they have the authority to hear this today.
Director of Law confirms it can be a walk on legislation. They will return to Ordinance 412-2021.
Public Utilities Ordinance(s)
Ordinance 214-2021 is introduced; access it and its related documents at the legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Martin Keane reviewed the ordinance and Alex Margevici provided commentary on the legislation.
Ward 16's Kazy confirms it has been fully vetted and recommended for passage.
Ordinance 214-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 230-2021 is introduced; access it and its related documents at the legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Keane, "This is an asset of Cleveland Public Power that is no longer needed for their operations."
Commissioner Jamie DeRose, "CPP has about 3 parcels in Ward 10 about 12,000 square feet in size, appraised around 12,000. It is adjacent to an existing business KD Tools. They approached the City to acquire the property to expand."
Ward 10's Councilmember Hairston comments he and the commissioner visited the business. He is happy they are expanding and are not leaving us. "The parcels are overgrown but happy to see this moving forward."
Ordinance 230-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 239-2021 is introduced at department request
Note: it is not on the agenda.
Director Keane, "The security of our IT infrastructure is paramount. ... This is all for the security. It is critical at this juncture.'
Council President Kelly, "What does this do to what is already in place?"
Director Keane, "It augments our current security. It is called an uninterruptable power supply "UPS". It brings it in house and keeps our customer information secure."
Ordinance 239-2021 stands to be approved.
Council returns to Economic Development Ordinance(s)
Ordinance 412-2021 is introduced at department request.
Note: it is not on the agenda but was previously introduced in this meeting and is considered a walk on.
Director Ebersole, "The TIFF will help to support the redevelopment of the project."
Council President Kelly, "This was just approved by Planning. Tell me why it is time sensitive for today."
Director Ebersole, "Sure, it is a project that is closing later this month." Director Ebersole explains the due to a process involving the deed.
Council President Kelly, "What would happen if we wait until July to vote? Can you assure me this will start before July?"
Director Ebersole shares the project developer wants to start by July but he can't guarantee they will break ground by then.
Ward 12 Brancatelli reflects that time is important and part of it is securing closing of financing. He admits the timing did create a hiccup for review but he supports it.
This is seconded by Ward 3's McCormack. He notes that it went through regular committee process & the developer voluntarily coordinate with the community block club.
"They've been a really good community partner...It's an area of Ward 3 that has not seen a lot of investment."
Ward 1 Jone's chimes in on 412-2021, "What is the total resources? What is their match? How does it affect the area?"
Director, "City will provide 1.2 million dollars. All told it is a 31 million dollar project. It helps connects parts of the City."
Ordinance 412-2021 stands to be approved.
Council reviews Port Control ordinance(s)
Ordinance 407-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Commissioner Khalid Bahhur, "Will allow us to retain the services of a roofing contractor to works on the roofs."
Ward 1 Jones supports the
Ordinance 407-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 408-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Chief Dennis D. Kramer, "This project will help to repair some need structural repairs and enhancements. Deterioration was noticed previously in expansion joints. An assessment occurred that determined it was not immediately a threat but repairs will be needed."
Ward 1's Jones shares his concerns and seeks elaboration on the structural reports. "How long with this last?"
Chief Kramer, "20 to 25 years."
Ordinance 408-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 410-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Ward 1 Jones asks "Why did you not introduce this earlier?"
Kennedy comments, "We are finally seeing some stability after the past years [referencing the pandemic]. We need to get back to normal operations as soon as we can."
Ward 1's Jones, "Is this one vendor or multiple?"
Kennedy, "We are looking to see.
Ward 1's Jones, "Will this be 33 million revenue generated?"
Kenedy, "That was pre-covid assessment, I expect between 21 and 33 million."
Ordinance 410-2021 stands to be approved.
Department of Public Works ordinance(s)
Ordinance 406-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Desiree Powell comments, "We are very fortunate for the funding. While this year has been challenging we have been creative with the funding."
Jeffrey Allen also chimes in & is thrilled to report that families from 8 different countries have reviewed their virtual performances.
Ward 16's Kazy inquires about the funding of CMSD throughout the years. He emphasizes this does not mean he is against the legislation and notes that any question about CMSD funding often leads to accusations of being anti-children.
Ward 16's Kazy asks, ""Why are we giving schools 6 grand for football if they don't have football?"
Ms. Powell responds, "It is 10 grand for schools with a program. Those that do not have football get 6 grand."
Ward 16's Kazy asks the question again,
Ms. Powell states, "Due to it being a long-standing practice so they can support programs they do not normally get and it supplements lower attendance programs like John Marshall has football but expanded to rugby. These funds assist."
Ward 16's Kazy follows up, "In the general budget for CMSD is their funds for extracurricular or does it fall on the parents?"
Ms. Powell, "There is a budget but most of it focuses on transportation."
Ward 16's Kazy requests the general budget funding for extracurricular.
Ward 1's Jones seconds Ward 7's Basheer Jones commentary about needing an education committee,
"I will be the first to motion to re-establishing an education committee so we can understand our schools, their funding needs and spending."
Ward 1's Jones asks, "What was cut from the 2 million budget? We are nowhere near the level of competitiveness with other schools in the region."
Mrs. Powell, "I can only imagine...Our track services are in disrepair...There are no press boxes on turf fields..."
Ward 1 emphasizes the importance of sports, highlighting how they provide outlets for energy filled youth and that it will likely reduce criminal activities.
Ward 9's Conwell chimes in and seconds the value of sports in providing and outlet for youth to grow and mature.
Ordinance 406-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 340-2021 forgot to be introduced earlier and is quickly introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Michael Wickier provides commentary on the legislation and it is supported by Ward 1's Jones.
Ordinance 340-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 207-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Commissioner Jamie Derosa comments that,
"This is 10 year ground lease and this is a house keeping issue due to a lack of property rights on the JFK Rec Center, and current bond rights acquire property rights."
The Executive Summary delves into the project history.
Basically, demolition of the site can occur once property rights are secured as the bonds fund the demolition.
Committee of Ward 2's Kevin Bishop comments the legislation has been vetted.
Chairman of Development and Sustainability and Ward 10's Brancatelli supports this legislation.
Ward 1's Jone support this as well.
Ordinance 247-2021 is introduced; read it & its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Commissioner DeRosa comments, "This will grant an easement to the foundation so there will be no impact on the memorial once the land is transferred to CMSD."
Ordinance 251-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Commissioner DeRosa comments,
It is supported by all respective committee chairs and its ward member.
Ordinance 251-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 309-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Commissioner DeRosa comments the legislation, "is a way to walk around the outside of the library so kids and their parents may read picture books as they walk. "
Ward 14 and Council President Kelly seems to like this idea, "That's interesting!"
It is supported by all respective committee chairs and its ward member.
Ordinance 309-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 338-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Commissioner DeRosa, "There is a new townhouse under construction at Stoke and MLK Jr. BLVD, this ties into that as there is a triangle at Ambler Park It will include a bike repair station and a seating location....It is a 3-year term with year-to-year if termination is needed."
Ward 2's Kevin Bishop totally supports the legislation.
Ward12's Brancatelli full supports the legislation.
Ward 6's Griffin comments, "I've walked the development and it will be a nice enhancement."
Ordinance 338-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 441-2021 is introduced.
NOTE: This is not on agenda and it was under suspension.
Michael Spreng comments, "This give us authority to engage a 3rd party vendor to conduct promotional testing for Division of Police. We have identified the vendor and ask for it to be passed."
Ordinance 441-2021 will be considered later today by the full Council.
Ordinance 979-2021 is introduced; read it and its document at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Matt Spronz comments, "I don't have this in front of me. ... it is a piece sponsored and drafted by counsel and have not reviewed it."
Ward 13's and President Kelly refers to Ward 3's McCormack.
Ward 3's McCormack comments, "This reference is to require safe pedestrian access in construction zones. There is no safe pedestrian buffer around those sites. ... I've spoken to some investors and developers & they said the policy wasn't clear. Clarifying it will be helpful."
Jennifer O'leary is referenced by Ward 13's McCormack as having done much work on the legislation.
Council President Kelly inquires, "[Does the legislation have] mandatory referral to planning?"
Mrs. O'leary "Yes, it does but it did not make it to planning. It was in administrative review for several months in capital projects but has not made it to city planning."
Ward 13's and Council President Kelly indicates this needs to be reviewed by Planning before being approved.
Ward 3's McCormack requests that a clear timeline is introduced so it does not sit for another 6 months.
Director Collier has arrived and shares, "What piece?" He is informed of the legislation.
Ward 17's Slife asks if it is possible to passed later today with administration approval?
Feddy Collier responds, "Administrative approval is possible, if the administration has been approved then it can but the legislation will be reviewed by his legal team."
Ordinance 979-2021 has been held for a later date.
Ordinance 333-2021 is introduced; read it and its related documents at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Spronz comments
It is supported by all respective committee members and ward councilmember.
Ordinance 333-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 334-2021 is introduced; read it and its related documents at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Spronz reviews the repair for East 79th Street including asphalt replacement and new streetlights. Design begins the July of this year and construction to begin in 2023.
Ordinance 334-2021 is supported by all respective committee members and Ward members.
Ordinance 334-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 335-2021 is introduced; read it and its related documents at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Spronz reviews the rehabilitation project of East 140th Street from St. Clair Avenue to Lakeshore Boulevard, which includes asphalt replacement and curbside repairs. Design starts in August of 2021, and March of 2023.
Ordinance 335-2021 is supported by all respective committee members and project associated Ward members (Ward 8's Polensek & Ward 10's Anthony Hairston).
Ordinance 335-2021 stands to be approved.
Ordinance 336-2021 is introduced; read it and its related documents at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Director Spronz reviews the project. Design will be completed in October of 2022 and construction in April of 2023.
Ordinance 336-2021 is supported by all respective committee members and project associated Ward members (Ward 13's Kelly & Ward 16's Kazy).
Ordinance 336-2021 stands to be approved.
Ward 1's Jones, Ward 7's Basheer Jones, & Ward 11's Mooney requests information from Director Matt Spronz related to other projects.
Ward 9's Conwell is still frustrated as he sound like a delayed vocoder machine while he talks.
Ordinance 337-2021 is introduced; read it and its related documents at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
The 3 Free Form zoning projects,
Ordinance 337-2021 stands to be approved.
Council reviews miscellaneous ordinances, it will be quick.
Ordinance 341-2021 is introduced; read it and its related documents at the Council's legistar,
cityofcleveland.legistar.com/LegislationDet…
Also, introduced are Ordinance 448-2021 fixing summer schedule and Ordinance 449-2021 declaring the intent of certain streets, vacating portions of lands.
Note: 448-2021 and 449-2021 are not on the agenda.
Ordinance 341-2021, 448-2021 and 449-2021 stand to be approved.
Ordinance 481-2021 (correct number?) is introduced.
Frank Brickner states, "Allows the city to accept federal fund.
We are trying to connect people with in-demand jobs especially in health care, manufacturing, and IT."
Ordinance 481-2021 is stand to be approved.
Ordinance 482-2021 or (422-2021 or 442-2021?) is introduced.
Note: It is hard to understand Kelley when he speaks fast.
An ordinance to supplement the Cleveland Codified Ordinance of 1976 by enacting new section 101.021 related to open public meetings and hearings.
President Kelley, "The Governor's state emergency declaration will expire and the boards and commissions would like to have the opportunity to continue in some virtual fashion and this will apply to Council as well."
There is an odd squealing that makes everyone chuckle.
"This ordinance will allow us to continue to meet electronically as well."
Council President Kelley notes that since the committee meetings have went virtual public attendance has increased.
Ward 16's Kazy asks, "Could people meet virtually wherever that meeting is being hosted by? For example, this meeting is hosted by City Hall, could that still be considered you're in the City of Cleveland?"
President Kelley, "I don't know."
Ward 15's Spencer notes that Section 1(B) the language permits discretion according to its members whether the meeting is virtual, in-person, or a mixture. Will it be a mixture or will we arrive at one unified path?"
Ward 13 Council President Kelley states, "I don't know...I prefer in person for us but if people are turning in more then we need to provide it. I would like to keep people tuning in as much as possible."
Ward 15's Spencer also reflects on Section 1(D) that the notices to the public of 12 hours is not sufficient.
Council President Kelley recommends it be consistent with State law.
Ward 8's Polensek indicates that this should not be up to the boards to decide. He suggests that these boards are not operating independently and must be in concurrence with the body. There must be uniformity and concurrence with the Council.
OP-ED:
For anyone interested in the future of open access to these meetings via streaming the last ten minutes of this meeting is important.
The Council is considering the future of its streaming and also if possible of its commissions and boards (that it funds).
OP-ED Continued:
Considering Cleveland will receive 512 million dollars from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, this sounds like a great use of some of those funds. Develop and implement a workflow with modern technology that allows streaming of all meetings.
OP-ED Continued:
This could include Council of the Whole, committees, commissions, and boards. This should be mandatory. Not optional. It could include additional cameras for guest speakers.
OP-ED Continued:
Ward 8's Polensek is right, there should be a concurrence of the body for the Council, Boards, and Commissions, and you know THE PUBLIC, We the People.
OP-ED Continued:
You can have the old way with people meeting at the table but there can be cameras on all parties streamed to youtube and archived for all to access. Not just one council of the whole meeting, but all.
Cleveland City Council's Committee of the Whole has adjourned at or around 12:30 PM.
Correction: Ordinances 409-2021 stands approved.
Post Summary
On June 7, 2021 Cleveland's City Council's Committee of the Whole reviewed 40 ordinances.
31 of those ordinances were published in advance and were on the agenda. 29* of the ordinances were permitted to be approved.
One ordinance was held for further review, 979-2020.
* it may have been 30 but I do not see a record for Ordinance 339-2021.
9 of those ordinances were introduced in previous meetings and received approval to be voted on in the Council Meeting later today.
483-2021
484-2021
412-2021
439-2021 (incorrectly reported earlier as 239-2021)
441-2021
448-2021
449-2021
481-2021
482-2021
Use the Search Function of the Cleveland City Council's Legistar to review the aforementioned ordinances and their related documents,
Remember to check out Janenell Smith's recorded notes of this meeting. They should be posted soon on the site,
cleveland.documenters.org/meetings/?alt=…
To become involved and for more meeting coverage, check out documenters.org. Have questions? Think we got something wrong? Send any enquiries on the meeting or these tweets to
@cledocumenters
Or email us at lcaswell@neighborhoodgrants.org
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