Cleveland Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cleveland Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Council Code of Conduct and Legislative Process
Resolution 202-2026, a code of conduct for council members, was up for its second reading. It sets behavior standards for the city's elected leaders.
Senior home repair loan program equity
Council approved $400,000 more for the Home Repair Resource Center's exterior repair program — up to $8,000 per homeowner for households at 80–120% of area median income. Funds come from ARPA dollars already earmarked, and there's already a queue of homeowners waiting.
Declining city fund balances in Q3 2026
The unencumbered General Fund balance is about $17.5 million, roughly $2.5 million under the $20 million target, partly from an unanticipated workers' comp payment. Council is being warned to scrutinize every new spending request that draws from Fund 101.
Bulk trash pickup policy
A resident said the refuse task force recommended against changes to bulk pickup, but the color-calendar system makes it hard to dispose of furniture; she proposed an on-demand portal with roughly 25 allowances a year.
Board and Commission Vacancies
There's one open seat on the Transportation and Mobility Committee and three on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board that council needs to fill.
AI use in city government
Council wants to bring in an AI expert — possibly at the retreat — to train council and staff. Members discussed using Microsoft Copilot as a secure platform, policies for confidential vs. public records, and AI-searchable legislative history.
Chapter 111 rules revision
Council is rewriting the rules that govern how it operates: who can call special meetings, whether Zoom attendance counts for quorum, how a council president could be replaced, and whether council can act only through ordinances and resolutions. The MOU controversy of past years loomed over the debate.
Cain Park operating deficit
Cain Park went from a $900,000 transfer last year to roughly breaking even this year — nearly a million-dollar swing. A full revenue and expense review is promised during the budget process.
ARPA spending at 86% with Noble corridor investments detailed
With 89% of $30.8 million spent, about 11% of ARPA money remains, some of it unencumbered and likely headed to Cain Park restrooms. Council member DeWitt-Foy pressed for something — possibly lighting or maintenance — for the Cedar Fairmount and Lee Road districts that got nothing from the original business assistance allocations.
2026 Tax Levies and Appropriations
The council was scheduled to consider accepting the Budget Commission's tax rates and certifying levies to the county, plus an ordinance amending 2026 appropriations. These set the city's property tax rates and spending adjustments for the year.
2026 City Appropriations Ordinance
An amended ordinance adjusting the city's 2026 spending plan was up for second reading. These mid-year tweaks keep department budgets aligned with actual needs.
Semi-annual city administrator report
The city administrator's report showed real progress: 38 streets repaved this year versus 13 last year, tripled pothole crews, more snow plows, the Denison splash pad open, and audits caught up with a bond rating reinstatement hoped for in early 2027. Residents were most dissatisfied with roads and code enforcement in the city's satisfaction survey — and the 2027 budget is being drafted with that in mind.
Unexpected expenses straining the 2026 budget
The city's finances look healthier than last year — spending exceeded revenue by about $1.7 million through July versus $6.6 million at the same point in 2025. Court fine reporting is behind due to a system transition but should catch up by end of September.
Building Department Permit Volume
Building official Eric Elmi reported Cleveland Heights issues about 3,300 permits a year — more than Lakewood's 2,700 and double Beachwood and South Euclid. Council asked for historical trend data to help with budget planning.
Moving committee records off personal Gmail and Google Drive
Several committees keep agendas, minutes, and contact inboxes on personal Gmail accounts and private Google Drives. Council wants everything moved to city systems and posted publicly for open-meetings compliance.
Administrative Code Review
Council wrapped up its line-by-line review of the city's legislative procedures chapter, flagging outdated language — gendered pronouns, 1950s-era copy requirements, and an expenditure-approval provision that may conflict with a newer charter amendment — for the law department to redraft.
Declining resident satisfaction survey results
A scientific survey found satisfaction dropped significantly in 66 of 69 areas since 2020. Street maintenance and code enforcement are the top priorities residents want fixed, and 57% aren't satisfied with the value they get for their tax dollars.
ARPA Funds Update
88% of the city's federal pandemic money is spent, with the rest due out by year-end. Council flagged the slow-moving surveillance camera project and asked whether popular home-repair programs should become permanent budget items.
Crossroads rental registration settlement
A court found the city's $100 rental registration fee unlawful, and the city is paying out about $554,000 to settle rather than litigate further. Legislation to remove the fee while keeping landlord registration requirements comes to council June 15.
ADP payroll conversion
The city switches to ADP payroll and timekeeping on July 24, 2026, after years of delay. Three parallel pay runs are planned, with staff training in June.