City Council Application and Job Description
Cleveland Heights
Summary
Council filled its vacant seat with Sarah Stone, a retired nonprofit/higher-ed executive, 5-1. Several members acknowledged the appointment reduces the council's racial diversity in a diverse city and pledged to build a pipeline of candidates from all backgrounds.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
Council salaries may be a future topic — one member said the city must raise them to attract candidates.
Stone takes office immediately, giving council its sixth voting member.
Residents who hoped the seat would be filled by a candidate of color expressed concern about representation.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Council Committee of the Whole - Oct 5, 2026
Council was scheduled to discuss an application and job description for serving on council. This could affect who runs for office and what's expected of council members.
Council Committee of the Whole - Apr 28, 2026
Council wants to overhaul how it fills council vacancies — a clearer application, a job description of what the role really takes, and discussion of expectations and background checks. The last appointment sparked community debate about candidate qualifications and representation.
Cleveland Heights City Council appoints Sarah Stone to fill vacant seat
Cleveland Heights City Council appoints Sarah Stone to fill vacant seat Cleveland.com
City Council - Feb 17, 2026
Council filled its vacant seat with Sarah Stone, a retired nonprofit/higher-ed executive, 5-1. Several members acknowledged the appointment reduces the council's racial diversity in a diverse city and pledged to build a pipeline of candidates from all backgrounds.
Council Committee of the Whole - Feb 3, 2026
Jim Petras's move to mayor left his council seat open, and council interviewed applicants behind closed doors to fill it. Whoever gets picked will help shape votes on everything from budgets to development.
Administrative Services Committee of Council - Jan 26, 2026
The committee is working through applicants for the open council seat. Interviews are set for February 3 at 5 p.m., with a possible second round on February 9, and an appointment expected soon after.
Council Committee of the Whole - Jan 7, 2026
Eleven people applied for the open council seat, and council is reopening applications for two more weeks before interviewing candidates. The appointee serves a two-year term, so this pick shapes council through 2028.
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