Cleveland Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cleveland Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Legal claims and disputes involving the city
Council met privately with an attorney to discuss legal disputes involving the city — either already in court or expected to be. The specifics aren't public, but litigation can carry real costs for taxpayers depending on how things unfold.
Tiered rental licensing program
The consultants recommended a three-tier rental licensing system that rewards responsive landlords with fewer inspections and lower fees, while problem properties get more oversight and higher fees. Council members expressed strong interest, noting the city currently has mostly enforcement sticks and few carrots.
City Hall elevator repair and maintenance
The City Hall elevator was fire-damaged. The low bid is about $130,000, but council is waiting on an insurance engineer's report. Councilmember Cuda pushed for a long-term maintenance strategy for all city elevators and buildings, and the mayor agreed one is being developed.
Joint legal matters with Shaker Heights
Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights councils met jointly with an attorney to discuss claims or disputes that are in court now or could end up in court. The subject matter was not made public.
Anti-Semitism action plan
A resident asked the city to implement Resolution 120-2025 with deadlines: a social justice committee in 60 days, IHRA definition adoption in 90 days, 2027 budget funding for Jewish heritage programming, and a preservation plan for Taylor Road synagogue.
Overgrown vacant lots on Bainbridge
A resident said vacant lots behind Bainbridge Road homes haven't been mowed and her repeated MAC complaints went unanswered; the mayor promised follow-up.
Suicide prevention awareness
Council proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month; a resident urged attention to men's mental health, noting men are nearly four times as likely to die by suicide.
Street lighting and street improvement assessments
The tree assessment would rise for the first time since 2014 — from $0.45 to $0.60 per half-foot, about $26 a year on an average lot — because costs have outpaced the frozen rate. Council held it for a second reading so residents can weigh in before the county deadline.
Building Code Study RFP
The city is hiring the International Code Council for $105,100 to overhaul building and housing codes that have barely been updated in decades. Residents have long complained about slow housing enforcement, and council wants public input built into the process.
Nuisance Declaration — 3378 Blanche Ave.
Council is finally moving on a problem property that has bothered neighbors for years. If the owner doesn't clean it up within 14 days of the nuisance order, the city can abate it and attach the cost as a tax lien.
Fire Station #2 Generator Replacement
The 1981 generator at Fire Station #2 can't power the whole station during outages and parts are no longer made. The replacement is sized for peak demand with room to grow, costing about $5,000 more than budgeted.
Lead Safe Cuyahoga Grant Funds
Council put off a vote on using state Lead Safe Ohio grant money to remove lead paint hazards at a local home. Members want to answer questions raised in committee before committing grant funds to a contractor.
July 4th fireworks and celebratory gunfire
Noble neighborhood residents asked police to patrol for people firing live ammunition into the air on July 4th, not just fireworks. The mayor agreed a councilmember could raise it with the police chief, and a PSA will cover both fireworks and gunfire.
Smoke detectors and lockbox program
The fire department has installed about 20 residential lockboxes under a roughly $68,000 grant and is restarting its smoke detector giveaway, which collapsed under rising call volumes and COVID. Seniors will be reached through the Office on Aging and printed flyers, not just social media.
Dead animal pickup service gap
Residents near a ravine say dead and nuisance animals are left uncollected, forcing them to pay private companies hundreds of dollars. Council acknowledged the issue and said animal control funding may be considered in next year's budget.
Unsolicited home-buying solicitations
A resident raised a growing problem: seniors getting harassed by unsolicited calls and mail offering to buy their homes. Council will look into whether local legislation or a PSA pointing to state remedies could help.
Juvenile diversion program
The police department's diversion program gives kids who commit low-level offenses a second chance instead of juvenile court. Over two years, 40 youth were served and 32 completed successfully, with records wiped clean. Council discussed expanding it to at-risk kids before they enter the system.
Violence Intervention Program
Police Chief Britton was scheduled to brief the committee on the city's Violence Intervention Program. The briefing could shape how the city funds and coordinates violence prevention efforts serving residents.
Lead paint abatement at residential parcel
Using a state Lead Safe Ohio grant, the city is funding lead-paint hazard abatement at a home on parcel 684-01-117 through certified contractor Green Home Solutions — healthier housing for the household there.
Police radio upgrade for hybrid patrol fleet
The police department is buying new in-car and portable radios for nine 2025 Ford Utility Hybrid Police Interceptors through Chagrin Valley Dispatch — better communications for officers responding to calls.
Auto Shops Enforcement
The city is working to bring auto repair and body shops into compliance with the zoning code, focusing on junk vehicles that eat up service bays. Staff stressed the goal is not to stop residents from using their favorite mechanics.
Kane Park grant and police vehicle grant
Council approved a contract with Hall Public Safety Upfitters to buy and install equipment for police vehicles — routine gear-up for the department.
Fire-damaged nuisance property on Randolph Road
Council declared the fire-damaged house at 3631 Randolph Road a nuisance and authorized cleanup.
Police and fire fleet replacement with hybrid interceptors
A saved federal DOJ grant will buy four hybrid police interceptors, aimed partly at safety at the high and middle schools.