Council Meeting Highlights

Nov 10, 2025

City Council convened its regular in-person meeting in Council Chambers, which was also live-streamed. Council email addresses are now .gov. Don’t forget to update your contacts. The next meeting is Nov. 17th. Below are the highlights from today's meeting:

Herman Park Improvements, Later Name Change: Council passed legislation that will result in a renovation of Herman Park. Currently in the conceptual design phase with a preliminary estimated cost of $585,752, with Councilmember Spencer setting aside $200,000 NEF funds for the Herman Park renovation and site improvements.  A tax abatement was awarded to Heirloom Company for its residential multi-family new construction project at 6400 Herman Avenue with a $660,000 voluntary payment in lieu  of meeting affordable housing requirements. Upon the receipt of any Heirloom payments in leu of providing affording housing units the funding will go to the Herman Park renovation and site improvements. Ord. No. 1310-2025

Legislation was recently passed to rename Herman Park to "Judge Raymond L. Pianka Park” once the renovation of the park is complete. Ord. No. 1307-2025
 

Union Agreements Finalized: Council approved seven separate collective bargaining agreements including with:  Service Employees International Union, Laborers International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Ord. Nos 1405, 1409, 1410, 1412, 1413, 1414, and 1415-2025.

Warner and Swasey Redevelopment Moving Forward: Council passed two pieces of legislation, first authorizing the city to enter into a forgivable loan with Pennrose Holding, to provide economic development assistance to partially finance the construction, predevelopment and renovation costs associated with converting two buildings into affordable apartments for seniors and families, and other associated costs necessary to redevelop the properties. Ord. No. 1362-2025

The other is enter into a Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Pennrose Holding to assist with the financing of the Warner and Swasey Projects at 5701 Carnegie Avenue; that will ensure payments to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District; and to declare certain improvements to real property to be a public purpose. Ord. No. 1369-2025
 

Introductions
Legislation was introduced for Council  to enter into an agreement with Western Reserve Land Conservancy d/b/a Thriving Communities Institute to provide professional services regarding signature green space creation, planning and policy, vacant land reforestation, and Reforest Our City program. Ord. No. 1431-2025