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The Cleveland Observer is dedicated to keeping residents informed about legislative activities under review. By reporting on ordinances and resolutions during their initial stages, the Observer enables community members to engage with their Council members, providing feedback or expressing support before final decisions are made.
How Your Tax Dollars are Being Spent
Cleveland City Council introduced a series of ordinances and resolutions during its meetings the last four weeks.
These measures address a range of issues, including infrastructure improvements, public safety, community development, and economic growth. After their first readings, the legislation was referred to the appropriate city departments and committees for further scrutiny before advancing toward final passage.
The legislative process involves multiple steps to ensure transparency and accountability. Following the first reading, each ordinance or resolution undergoes detailed review by city departments and committees. This is followed by a second reading and additional discussion during the Council of the Whole meeting, where members debate and refine the proposals before a final vote.
First Reading
January 31, 2025: Emergency Ordinances
Ord. No. 104-2025
Unlawful Discriminatory Salary Practices
Sponsors: Mayor Bibb; Council Members Santana, Slife, Howse-Jones
Summary: Prohibits employers from inquiring about a job applicant’s salary history to address wage disparities. Mandates salary transparency in job postings.
Funding Amount: Not specified.
Ord. No. 105-2025
Lease Renewal at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Sponsors: McCormack, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Authorizes the Director of Port Control to renew a lease with PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc. for office space supporting wheelchair operations and ground services at the airport.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Ord. No. 106-2025
Marketing & PR Services for Cleveland Hopkins and Burke Lakefront Airports
Sponsors: McCormack, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Renews a contract with Recess Creative, LLC for marketing, promotional, and public relations services for both airports.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Ord. No. 107-2025
Lease Agreement for Aviation Services at Cleveland Hopkins Airport
Sponsors: McCormack, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Approves a triple-net lease for PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc. for office and storage space at the airport to support ground handling and maintenance operations.
Funding Amount: Determined by independent appraisal
Ord. No. 112-2025
Lease Amendment for Menzies Aviation
Sponsors: McCormack, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Modifies an existing lease with Menzies Aviation to include provisions for locating and repairing disabled vehicles under FAA guidelines.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Ord. No. 113-2025
Establishment of a Neighborhood Development Subfund
Sponsors: McCormack, Kelly, Hairston
Summary: Creates a Neighborhood Development Subfund to support community development initiatives through Community Development Corporations (CDCs).
Funding Amount: Allocations determined annually
Ord. No. 119-2025
Expansion of Lucky Park
Sponsors: McCormack
Summary: Authorizes the purchase of land from St. Theodosius Orthodox Christian Cathedral to expand Lucky Park and amend an agreement with Tremont West Development Corporation for park maintenance.
Funding Amount: $90,000
Ord. No. 121-2025
Airport Capital Improvement Plan Amendments
Sponsors: McCormack, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Amends Ordinance 1365-2023 to include additional airport improvement projects, including Taxiway Victor expansion and wildlife fencing upgrades.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Ord. No. 122-2025
Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant
Sponsors: Polensek, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Authorizes the City to apply for and accept a $15,000 grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to purchase firefighter turnout gloves.
Funding Amount: $15,000 (plus $3,000 City match)
Ord. No. 123-2025 – Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Sponsors: Polensek, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Allows the City to apply for and accept a $246,761.20 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for three air compressors and 35 multi-gas meters for the Fire Division.
Funding Amount: $246,761.20 (plus $24,676.12 City match)
Ord. No. 126-2025 – Amendment to DigitalC Broadband Contract
Sponsors: Kazy
Summary: Modifies terms of the contract with DigitalC for the Citywide Broadband Network Project, adjusting the performance metric for internet service expansion.
Funding Amount: Not specified
First Reading Emergency Ordinances Read in Full and Passed. Rules suspended
Ord. No. 108-2025
Pat Joyce Fund 5K Permit
Sponsors: Slife
Summary: Approves the issuance of a permit for the Pat Joyce Fund 5K, scheduled for July 26, 2025, and managed by Run the Land. The race will take place on Rocky River Drive, Amber Drive, Claire Avenue, Marquis Avenue, Lucille Avenue, Dartmouth Avenue, West 165th Street, and West 169th Street, with street closures as determined by the Cleveland Division of Police.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 109-2025
Pete Leneghan 5K Permit
Sponsors: Spencer
Summary: Grants a permit for the Pete Leneghan 5K event on September 13, 2025, managed by Hermes Sports & Events. The race route includes Herman Avenue, West 65th Street, West 69th Street, Father Caruso Drive, Lakefront Bikeway, West 58th Street, and West 45th Street, with street closures as needed.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 114-202
Cleveland Public Theatre Adult Education Program
Sponsors: McCormack, Spencer
Summary: Authorizes an agreement with Cleveland Public Theatre to provide an Adult Education Program using funds from Wards 3 and 15 Casino Revenue.
Funding Amount: $20,000 ($10,000 from Ward 3, $10,000 from Ward 15)
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 115-2025
Cleveland Public Theatre Student Theatre Enrichment Program
Sponsors: McCormack, Starr, Griffin, Conwell, Kelly, Maurer, Spencer, Slife
Summary: Allocates Casino Revenue Funds from Wards 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, and 17 to support the 2024 Student Theatre Enrichment Program, offering youth theatre education.
Funding Amount: $50,000 ($10,000 from Ward 3, $5,000 each from Wards 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 17; $10,000 from Ward 15)
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 116-2025
Famicos Foundation Food Card Distribution Program
Sponsors: Jones, Howse-Jones, Polensek, Conwell, Hairston, Kelly, Santana, Kazy
Summary: Authorizes an agreement with Famicos Foundation for a Food Card Distribution Program funded by Neighborhood Equity Funds from Wards 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 16.
Funding Amount: $172,500 ($50,000 from Ward 1, $20,000 from Ward 7, $5,000 from Ward 8, $25,000 from Ward 9, $50,000 from Ward 10, $2,500 from Ward 11, $15,000 from Ward 14, $5,000 from Ward 16)
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 117-2025
Famicos Foundation Beautification and Litter Program (Ward 7)
Sponsors: Howse-Jones
Summary: Allocates Ward 7 Casino Revenue Funds for Beautification and Litter Program in partnership with Famicos Foundation, supporting community cleanup initiatives.
Funding Amount: $37,900
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 118-2025
Famicos Foundation Beautification and Litter Program (Ward 10)
Sponsors: Hairston
Summary: Allocates Ward 10 Casino Revenue Funds for Beautification and Litter Program in partnership with Famicos Foundation.
Funding Amount: $19,200
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 124-2025
Collinwood Senior Health and Wellness Walkers Club
Sponsors: Hairston
Summary: Amends Ord. No. 1063-2024, adjusting the start date of the Collinwood Senior Health and Wellness Walkers Club agreement with Famicos Foundation.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 125-2025 – Buckeye Summer Health and Wellness Series
Sponsors: Griffin
Summary: Amends Ord. No. 1070-2024, adjusting the start date of the Buckeye Summer Health and Wellness Series agreement with Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 127-2025 – Jefferson-Puritas West Park Development Corporation Agreement
Sponsors: Kazy
Summary: Amends Ord. No. 1331-2024, clarifying the agreement name for a Ward 16 Casino Revenue Funded Safety Series Expo.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
Ord. No. 151-2025
Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls Activities
Sponsors: Howse-Jones, Gray
Summary: Authorizes the Director of Finance to allocate funds for food, beverages, and mementos for activities, events, and training sessions hosted by the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Vote: Passed unanimously (16-0); Absent: Kelly
February 7, 2025: Emergency Ordinances
Ord. No. 156-202
2025 City Budget Appropriations
Sponsors: Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: This emergency ordinance appropriates funds for the daily operation of municipal departments for the fiscal year January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. It allocates $805.6 million from the General Fund, alongside additional appropriations from Special Revenue, Debt Service, Internal Service, and Enterprise Funds. The ordinance ensures financial provisions for all city departments, including Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, and Public Health.
Funding Amount: $2,123,353,193
Ord. No. 157-2025 – Public Art Installations for Recreation Centers & Fire Station
Sponsors: Spencer, Howse-Jones, Bishop, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Authorizes the Director of Capital Projects and City Planning to enter into contracts with Svona Studio LLC, Lauren HB Studio LLC, and Kistler Studio LLC for designing and installing public art at the Clark Recreation Center, Sterling Recreation Center, and the new Fire Station No. 26. The final artwork designs will be approved by the City Planning Commission to comply with Cleveland’s Public Art Program.
Funding Amount:
Clark Recreation Center: $80,000
Sterling Recreation Center: $87,813
Fire Station No. 26: $148,000
Total: $315,813
First Reading Emergency Ordinances Read in Full and Passed. Rules suspended
Ord. No. 158-2025 – Youth Football & Tutoring Program (Ward 4 Casino Revenue Funds)
Sponsors: Gray
Summary: Authorizes an agreement with Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. to provide funding for the Reddog Nation – Youth Football and Tutoring Program.
This program will use Ward 4 Casino Revenue Funds to support local youth development through structured athletic and academic activities.
Funding Amount: $5,000
Ord. No. 159-2025 – CHN Believe in Home 5K Permit Approval
Sponsors: Slife
Summary: Grants approval for the CHN Believe in Home 5K event scheduled for August 9, 2025, managed by Hermes Sports & Events. The race will begin at Saint Joseph Academy, travel along Rocky River Drive and Riverside Drive, and include street closures as determined necessary by the Cleveland Division of Police.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Ord. No. 160-2025 – Job Creation Tax Incentive Agreement (Canon Healthcare USA, Inc.)
Sponsors: Hairston, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Approves a Job Creation Income Tax Incentive Agreement with Canon Healthcare USA, Inc., supporting job creation efforts in Cleveland. The agreement grants a 50% income tax withholding credit for five years, contingent on the creation of at least 50 new full-time jobs.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Ord. No. 161-2025 – Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement for 105th Cedar Partners, LLC
Sponsors: Hairston, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Reinstates and extends the Enterprise Zone Agreement No. CT9501 NF 2017-028 with 105th Cedar Partners, LLC to provide a 9-year, 60% tax abatement for real property improvements at 10500 Cedar Avenue. This measure aims to support job growth and office space development in the Cleveland Area Enterprise Zone.
Funding Amount: Not specified
February 14, 2025: Emergency Ordinances
Ord. No. 176-2025
Amendment to Waste Disposal Contract
Sponsors: Bishop, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Authorizes the Director of Public Works to amend the contract with Lorain County Landfill, LLC for additional waste disposal services, including handling and disposal of municipal solid waste loads with a radioactive signature.
Funding Amount: $1,300 per load
Referred To: Directors of Public Works, Finance, and Law; Committees on Municipal Services and Properties; and Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ord. No. 177-2025 – Amendments to Municipal Court Employee Compensation
Sponsors: Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Amends Ordinance No. 194-2021 to adjust salary ranges for various Municipal Court employee classifications, including Deputy Bailiffs, Clerical Staff, and Administrative Assistants.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Referred To: Directors of Human Resources, Finance, and Law; Committee on Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ord. No. 178-2025 – Carter Road Lift Bridge Rehabilitation
Sponsors: McCormack, Bishop, Griffin (by departmental request)
Summary: Authorizes the Director of Capital Projects to hire consultants for the preliminary design, final design, and construction services for the Carter Road Lift Bridge rehabilitation. Allows the City to apply for and accept grants and loans from state and private sources for the project.
Funding Amount: To be determined by grants and bond funds
Referred To: Directors of Capital Projects, Finance, and Law; Committees on Municipal Services and Properties; and Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ord. No. 186-2025 – Illegal Distribution of Tobacco and Nicotine Products
Sponsors: Conwell, Griffin, Santana, Kazy (by departmental request)
Summary: Amends Section 607.15 of the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland to prohibit the sale of tobacco and alternative nicotine products to individuals under 21 years of age, aligning with state and federal law. Imposes fines and penalties for violations.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Referred To: Directors of Public Health, Finance, and Law; Committees on Health, Human Services, and the Arts; and Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ord. No. 187-2025 – Tobacco Retail Licensing Program
Sponsors: Conwell, Griffin, Santana, Kazy (by departmental request)
Summary: Establishes a local licensing system for tobacco retailers, requiring permits, age verification, and compliance inspections to reduce underage tobacco sales. Creates a Tobacco Enforcement and Education Fund to support enforcement and public awareness initiatives.
Funding Amount: Permit fees and fines to be determined
Referred To: Directors of Public Health, Finance, and Law; Committees on Health, Human Services, and the Arts; and Finance, Diversity, Equity, and InclusionFirst Reading Emergency Ordinances Read in Full and Passed
Ord. No. 179-2025 – Ward 4 Community Awareness Campaign
Sponsors: Gray
Summary: Authorizes the Director of Community Development to contract with iFilm, Inc. to enhance public resource communications through the Ward 4 Community Awareness Campaign.
Funding Amount: $8,500 (Ward 4 Casino Revenue Funds)
Vote: Passed (14-0); Absent: Gray, Santana, Spencer
Ord. No. 180-2025 – Donut Worry Run Happy 5K Permit Approval
Sponsors: Spencer
Summary: Approves a permit for the Donut Worry Run Happy 5K on October 18, 2025, managed by Hermes Sports & Events. Establishes the race route and authorizes necessary street closures.
Funding Amount: Not specified
Vote: Passed (14-0); Absent: Gray, Santana, Spencer
Ord. No. 181-2025 – University Settlement Hunger Center
Sponsors: Starr, Maurer
Summary: Approves an agreement with University Settlement, Inc. to fund the Hunger Center, providing food distribution to local residents using Wards 5 and 12 Casino Revenue Funds.
Funding Amount: $44,200 ($22,100 from Ward 5, $22,100 from Ward 12)
Vote: Passed (14-0); Absent: Gray, Santana, Spencer
