Thread by @DocumenterK

Hi, I'm Keith and I'll be live-tweeting today’s Monday, May 3, 2021 Cleveland City Council's Caucus Meeting starting at 1:00 PM for #CLEDocumenters @cledocumenters @NeighborUpCle

Join us at 1:00 PM & watch today's Cleveland City Council's Caucus meeting here.

Notice of Cleveland City Council's Caucus meeting can be accessed here,

cityofcleveland.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M…

Cleveland City Council's Caucus meeting agenda can be accessed here,

cityofcleveland.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&…

Cleveland City Council's Caucus meeting is live and a roll call has happened.

Ward 13 Council Member and President Kelley acknowledges why they are here today,

"We are here to deal with a vacancy in Ward 5 after the resignation of Phyllis Cleveland. At this point, I would like to call on Council Woman Cleveland for her to make a recommendation"

Pat Britt interjects,

"I have to read her Letter of Resignation:

I here submit my letter of resignation from Cleveland City Council, effective today May 3, 2021. This has been a difficult decision as I loved serving in this body, working every day to improve Ward 5 ...

Pat Britt continues,

"I have gained so much from every council member and staff I have worked with. This has been an experience of a lifetime for me. ... Sincerely, Phyllis E. Cleveland."

To hear the complete letter, please watch the video.

Council President Kelley requests to hear from Ward 5 Council Member Cleveland.

Ward 5's Cleveland states,

"I have the distinct pleasure of introducing to some of you this young lady and is the person I recommend to replace me - Delores Grey. ... She is more than capable."

Council Members reflect on Phyllis Cleveland.

Ward 6 Griffin @GriffWard6Cle reflects, "I am happy for her, but I am also sad. ... At no time did Phyllis relent from being a protector of this Council. We've got a huge loss. Phyllis was very smart. ...

Ward 6 Griffin @GriffWard6Cle continues,

"I've had the privilege of sitting next to the smartest kid in class. I am also happy that Phyllis gets to recommend someone like Delores Gray. ... I will be texting and calling you Phyllis.

Ward 6 Griffin @GriffWard6Cle continues,

"I feel like I am losing a great friend but gaining a great colleague.

I now have a cautionary tale to the public. I want them to understand this. These jobs are tough and are difficult. It is not just glam and glory.

Ward 6 Griffin @GriffWard6Cle continues,

"It is rough rigorous work. I quote my guy Basheer Jones about the awesome responsibility when you are responsible for 25,000 or more people that you have to advocate for on a day-to-day basis. Phyllis Cleveland did that & did it well."

Ward 2's Council Member Kevin Bishop @KBishopCLEWard2 reflects,

"I had to hold back tears when I heard you were stepping down from Council. ... I have a personal hall of fame as members of Council & you are in it. I will miss you."

Ward 10's Council Member Anthony Hairston @HairstonCCC10 reflects,

"I just want to echo my other colleagues. ... I wish you good health. Your wealth of knowledge is impeccable. You along with Polensek gives us historical knowledge. ... You will be missed."

Ward 1's Council Member Joseph Jones @CleveJoeJones reflects,

"You have certainly been a person that has been cool, calm, and collected. When you shared your comments, wisdom came with it. .. Thank you for your service."

Ward 15's Council Member Jenny Spencer @jennyspencercle reflects,

"You helped to guide me and counsel me at all the right moments. It's been a pleasure to get to know you. I plan to be in touch unless you change your phone number, you will be hearing from me."

Ward 12's Council Member Anthony Brancatelli @TBrancatelli states,

"You

Ward 8's Michael Polensek reflects,

"I had the opportunity to serve with many dedicated people and you were dedicated. We are a band of brothers and sisters. We argue and we disagree, but we are a band. We all know it's a great responsibility."

Ward 8's Michael Polensek continues,

"I want to say to Phyllis I appreciate your dedicated service."

Ward 8's Polensek inquires if the appointment is interim or permanent.

Council President says it is not interim.

Ward 3's Kerry McCormack @KerryMcCormack1 reflects,

"She gave me a book on how to be a successful elected official and I never gave it back to her but I will make it up to her by giving it over to Mrs. Gray. I know that Cleveland will still be around. ... See you soon."

Ward 16's Brian Kazy @kazy_brian comments,

I've seen a lot of institutional knowledge leave but with Phyllis Cleveland she is their combined knowledge. ... She is a mentor, a role model, and more of us should take that philosophy that she counseled with."

Ward 13 Member and President Kelley chimes in again,

"Phyllis has been my friend. I'm going to miss you but you can't get away. So with that, Mrs. Gray has been recommended by Cleveland. Before we take a caucus vote, I want to give her the opportunity to introduce herself."

Delores Gray has the floor and introduces herself, her credentials, and her history.

A unit roll vote occurs for Delores the appointment of Delores Gray. 12 votes Yay. Ward 8's Mike Polensek for Nay.

Ward 6's Griffin moves to nominate Delores Gray. It is seconded.

Ward 12's Brancatelli moves to close nominations. It is seconded.

County has voted and approved Delores Grey unit vote.

Ward 13 Council President begins to adjourn meeting but is asked by Ward 7's Basheer Jones @basheerj he asks, "Where are we at with the public comments ordinance?"

Council President Kelley responds, "Ms. Tilly and John James has forwarded me their research. We are going to call a meeting of the Rules and Operations Committee then we will make a recommendation to Council. That will take place either this week or next."

Today’s, Monday, May 3, 2021, Cleveland City Council's Caucus Meeting is adjourned at or around 1:50PM.

Phyllis Cleveland officially resigned, recommended a successor by the name of Delores Grey, council reflected, a unit vote passed, & there was an update about public comments.

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
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*Delores Gray, not Grey