Signal Cleveland: On Air

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Beach-goers enjoyed the sights as private horse owners from well beyond Northeast Ohio gathered to take a swim at Edgewater Beach in Cleveland this weekend, Friday Oct. 10-12.

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of Oct. 6, 2025

From Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, City of Cleveland Public Health Director Dave Margolius told the Lead Safety Advisory Board that there has been a decrease in the number of children testing positive for high levels of lead in their blood. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Connie Rosemond
Tucker Handley
Maria Shuckahosee
Angela Rush

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Ward 13 Community meeting, Cleveland City Council Notes, Sept. 10, 2025
Lead Safe Advisory Board Notes [1] and [2], Sept. 11, 2025
Mental Health Response Advisory Committee Notes, Sept. 12, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘It’s a part of the new me’: Meet Cleveland Documenter, Angela Rush by Najee Hall
‘It’s time for the next generation to shine’: Meet Cleveland Documenter Gayle Gadison by Najee Hall
‘It’s a great skill set to have:’ Meet Cleveland Documenter, Lori Ingram by Najee Hall
Cleveland expands mental health crisis response teams by Cleveland Documenters
Ohio’s largest community colleges cut programs under Senate Bill 1 by Amy Morona
Recovery Resources’ substance abuse and mental health patients to transition to MetroHealth, in bid to save money by Celia Hack
The federal government is shut down: What’s open and what’s closed in Cleveland? by Frank Lewis
What powers does a new law give a receiver over East Cleveland’s finances? by Signal Cleveland Staff
Monroe Street Cemetery is a graveyard smash with multiple events celebrating Halloween by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of Sept. 29, 2025.

From Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cuyahoga Community College’s Access Learning and Success Committee swears in a new board member and hears of new directions for the college, including offering a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Jamie Harman
Mikayla Coleman

Their work has been compiled this week by The Mighty Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Access Learning and Success Committee, Cuyahoga Community College Board of Trustees Notes, September 2, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How Ohio State’s new free tuition program could impact other public colleges By Amy Morona
Cleveland expands mental health crisis response teams By Cleveland Documenters

Recordings:

Access Learning and Success Committee, Cuyahoga Community College, September 2, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of Sept. 22, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cuyahoga County Council receives legislation related to the CROWN Act. Plus, county council passes legislation banning conversion therapy for minors. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tommy Oddo
Janenell Smith
Julia Brookover
Regina Samuels

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.
The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities Notes, August 28, 2025
Ward 14 Community meeting, Cleveland City Council Notes, September 4, 2025
Ward 5 Community meeting, Cleveland City Council Notes, September 4, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council Notes, September 9, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cold winter and spring chill Metroparks revenues By Cleveland Documenters
Recordings:
Cuyahoga County Council, September 9, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of Sept. 8, 2025.
In this week’s Public Meetings Report, MetroHealth reports increases in self-pay and rebranding of office closures. Plus, how the Metroparks are using AI in their daily operations. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Lena Anglin
Mikayla Coleman

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Board of Park Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks Notes, August 21, 2025
Board of Trustees, MetroHealth Notes, August 27, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cold winter and spring chill Metroparks revenues By Cleveland Documenters
On the go-rilla: Cleveland Zoo gives update on new home for primates By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters
Metroparks tracks visitors’ cell phone data; Mayor Justin Bibb TV and City Hall travel budgets By Nick Castele and Mark Naymik
Recordings:
Board of Trustees, MetroHealth August 27, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of September 1, 2025.

From Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, we’ll take our regular look back at some of the more notable public comments residents have made at local government meetings in the past few months.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM. SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Find fact sheets on Cleveland’s 15 redrawn wards here By Signal Cleveland Staff
CMSD students start school in one week. Here’s what parents and students need to know By Signal Cleveland Staff
Trump administration cancels $156 million in grants for low-income Ohioans to buy solar panels By Jake Zuckerman

Full public comment recordings:

Essie Williams, Cuyahoga County Council, March 25, 2025
Wally Grossman, Cleveland City Planning Commission, April 4, 2025
LaShorn Caldwell, Cleveland City Council, June 2, 2025
Jessica Beam, Administrator, Cleveland Landmarks Commission, July 10, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of August 24, 2025.

From Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council’s Committee of the Whole approves an increase in cost for housing incarcerated persons at the Cuyahoga County Jail. Plus, updates on construction at MetroHealth. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Cassie Park
Ronaldo Rodriguez, Jr.

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Facilities and Planning Committee, Metrohealth Notes, August 13, 2025
Committee of the Whole [Afternoon Session], Cleveland City Council Notes, August 13, 2025
$168M MetroHealth outpatient center set for April 2026 opening By Cleveland Documenters

Signal Cleveland reporting:

City of Cleveland can’t meet its climate goals without clean steel transition from Cleveland-Cliffs, report finds By Celia Hack
What are carbon emissions, and why does Cleveland have a plan to reduce them? By Frank Lewis

Recordings:

Facilities and Planning Committee, Metrohealth August 13, 2025
Committee of the Whole [Afternoon Session] Cleveland City Council, August 13, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of August 19, 2025.

From Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Heights City Council heard from residents concerned about losing Lower Shaker Lake. Plus, there’s an update on the H.O.P.E. Campus residential facility for youth in crisis. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Stephanie Manning
Janenell Smith
Laurie Redmon
Andrew Kenneson

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Community Advisory Committee, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Notes Aug. 1, 2025
Cleveland Heights City Council Notes Aug. 4, 2025
Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services Advisory Board Notes Aug. 6, 2025
“Justice and Journalism: How the Marshall Project is Changing Media”, City Club of Cleveland Forum Notes Aug. 7, 2025
RTA embraces ‘journey mapping’ to improve rider experience By Cleveland Documenters

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Find fact sheets on Cleveland’s 15 redrawn wards here By Signal Cleveland Staff
CMSD students start school in one week. Here’s what parents and students need to know By Signal Cleveland Staff
Trump administration cancels $156 million in grants for low-income Ohioans to buy solar panels By Jake Zuckerman

Recordings:

Cleveland Heights City Council Aug. 4, 2025
“Justice and Journalism: How the Marshall Project is Changing Media”, City Club of Cleveland Forum Aug. 7, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of August 12, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland's Commission on Black Women and Girls discusses the effect of federal layoffs on black women in the workforce. Plus, Euclid City Council votes down redevelopment of office space into apartments. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Ayanna Rose Banks
Antoinette Williams
Tina Scott

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Cleveland commission prioritizes school safety plans for girls By Cleveland Documenters
Condemned Ohio City home may get new lease on life By Cleveland Documenters
Euclid City Council Notes July 21, 2025
Commission on Black Women and Girls, City of Cleveland Notes July 23, 2025
Board of Zoning Appeals Notes July 28, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Shaker Boulevard landlord challenges Cleveland Housing Court’s power over corporate property owners By Nick Castele
‘Clevelanders are not apathetic’: New coalition launches participatory democracy effort to drive local policy change By Frank Lewis
‘God, we make it so difficult’: The struggle to fix lead hazards in Glenville homes and what it means for Cleveland’s efforts to prevent kids from being poisoned By Celia Hack

Recordings:

Euclid City Council, July 21, 2025
Board of Zoning Appeals, July 28, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of August 4, 2025.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, public commenters express their frustrations with Ohio and Cuyahoga County services for the developmentally disabled.

The Documenter whose work contributed to this episode is Marcy Clark.

Her work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Council Notes, July 22, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Six years later, has the Say Yes Cleveland scholarship program lived up to its promise? By Amy Morona
Program that helps people with memory loss looking for more African American families to participate By Celia Hack
Recordings:
Cuyahoga County Council, July 22, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of July 27, 2025In this week’s Public Meetings Report, the Cleveland Metroparks considers a partnership with the Ohio Lottery Commission in an effort to diversify revenue streams. Plus, Garfield Heights City Council tells the state to pay up on marijuana tax earnings. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Annie Maglicic
Stesia Swain
Alicia Moreland.

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Cold winter and spring chill Metroparks revenues Board of Park Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks, July 17, 2025
Garfield Heights City Council tells the state to pay up on marijuana tax earnings Garfield Heights City Council, July 14, 2025
Garfield Heights City Council Notes, July 14, 2025
Board of Park Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks Notes, July 17, 2025
Cuyahoga County Veterans Services Commission Notes, July 23, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland was promised marijuana tax money. Where is it? By Andrew Tobias
MetroHealth lays off 125 employees, facing rising cost of charity care By Nick Castele
Is this union headed for a strike or a new contract? A local program helps high school students role-play collective bargaining By Olivera Perkins
Ohio’s new budget cuts funding for lead safe projects. Here’s what it means for Cleveland By Celia Hack

Recordings:

Garfield Heights City Council, July 14, 2025

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Listen in as Signal Cleveland Reporter Gennifer Harding-Gosnell takes a tour of the Interpretive Center and learns some fascinating details about the Underground Railroad, Toni Morrison and the family of poet Langston Hughes.

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of July 20, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council approves legislation to remove Horseshoe Lake Dam in Shaker Lakes. Plus, 96 residents weigh in on construction of a new Ohio City biergarten. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Anna Truax
Kellie Morris

Their work has been compiled this week by Mary Ellen Huesken. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM. Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Lakewood mayor and council spar over plans to expand city facilities July 7, 2025
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Notes, July 9, 2025
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Notes, July 10, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

New plan for CMSD’s Marion C. Seltzer Elementary School preserves park space and expands Tamir Rice memorial By Michael Indrolio
Black America is in a ‘state of emergency’ due to Trump administration ‘attacks,’ Urban League and supporters say By Olivera Perkins
A new crisis center, co-responder programs – and what else? How Cuyahoga County is spending opioid settlement dollars By Celia Hack

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole [Morning Session], Cleveland City Council, July 9, 2025
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, July 10, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of July 13, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, the Cuyahoga Land Bank says subsidies for renovations may need to increase as many properties are found to be in worse shape than expected. Plus, the Urban Forestry Commission swears in three new commissioners. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

- Emma Sedlak
- Stephanie Manning
- Cassie Park

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga Land Bank says costs are rising to rehab homes that are ‘worse than what we’d expect’ by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters
Build a rain barrel to reduce water bill, keep your garden fresh this summer by LeKesha Parkman and Akron Documenters
Proposed bill and state cuts could be ‘almost like Armageddon,’ Parma state lawmaker says by Cleveland Documenter Rosie Palfy
Cleveland Public Library allotted $1.5M in state money to run Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters
Cuyahoga Land Bank Board of Directors Notes, June 27, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How the Cleveland Urban League bounced back from nearly closing to hosting national conference by Olivera Perkins
Ohio to lose hundreds of millions in SNAP dollars each year after new state, federal rules by Jake Zuckerman
How to collect your unclaimed funds before Ohio gives them away by Frank Lewis

Recordings:

Urban Forestry Commission, July 8, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of July 7, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters covered a recent Ward 7 community meeting. Cleveland police commanders talked with residents about safety issues and the city’s nuisance law. Plus, a state representative sounds a warning about the proposed state budget and Ohio House Bill 335. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Jotoya Gray
Tucker Handley
Denise Lykes
Rosie Palfy

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM, a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station. Show Notes:

Documenters coverage:

Parma City Council Notes, June 16, 2025
Board of Trustees, Cleveland Public Library Notes, June 17, 2025
Board of Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks Notes, June 19, 2025
Ward 7 community meeting, Cleveland City Council Notes, June 24, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Ohio House Republicans float adding ‘draconian’ property tax proposal to state budget; driver’s ed reforms hit the curb By Andrew Tobias

Recordings:

Parma City Council, June 16, 2025
Board of Trustees, Cleveland Public Library, June 17, 2025
Other resources:
Board of Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks meeting presentation

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of June 23, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters attended a community meeting in Ward 6 and heard about the latest fire safety programs available to residents from Cleveland Fire. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Lori Ingram
Kathryn Johnson
Rosie Palfy
Lori Redmon
Jamie Harman

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM, a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Collinwood nursery gets its flowers (and protection from deer) Board of Zoning Appeals, June 16, 2025
Tri-C outlines plan to sharpen workforce strategy and brand Cuyahoga Community College Board of Trustees, June 11, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Ward 6 community meeting, Cleveland City Council Notes, June 10, 2025
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Notes, June 17, 2025
Board of Zoning Appeals Notes, June 16, 2025
Cuyahoga Community College Board of Trustees Notes, June 11, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Reluctantly, local agents sign up to take the heat for Cleveland landlords By Nick Castele
Ohio budget school levy overhaul could whittle down property tax relief for homeowners, limit options for school districts By Michael Indrolio
Here’s how to apply for help to pay your summer utility bills By Olivera Perkins

Recordings:

Ward 6 community meeting, Cleveland City Council June 10, 2025
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, June 17, 2025
Board of Zoning Appeals, June 16, 2025

Other resources:

Cleveland Fire Dept.’s Smoke House trailer

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of June 23, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters cover a Garfield Heights City Council meeting for the first time and hear about safety concerns from both residents and council members. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tina Scott
Christina Easter
Larry Gardner

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.
The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM. SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Safety on Garfield Blvd. a concern for Garfield Heights residents Garfield Heights City Council, June 9, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Garfield Heights City Council Notes, June 9, 2025
Committee of the Whole, Morning Session Cleveland City Council Notes June 2, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘A staple of my childhood’: Judge Jean Murrell Capers Tennis Courts set to be resurfaced this spring By Najee Hall

Legislation:

Ordinance No. 636-2025 - improvements to Rockefeller Park and tennis courts

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole, Morning Session Cleveland City Council June 2, 2025
City Planning Commission, June 6, 2025
Garfield Heights City Council, June 9, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of June 17, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters highlighted several notable items from Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority CEO Jeffery Patterson’s report to the Board of Commissioners at its meeting Wednesday, June 4. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alyssa Holzkloos
Antoinette Williams

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

$21M approved for turning around vacant CMHA units for occupancy Board of Commissioners, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, June 4, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Board of Commissioners, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Notes [1] and [2], June 4, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland ‘No Kings’ rally organizer calls for peaceful protest on Trump’s birthday By Mark Naymik
Cleveland ticketed 277 landlords with failing to prove their units were lead safe. Many have ignored the citations By Celia Hack
How often do 18- to 24-year-olds experience homelessness in Cleveland? By Doug Breehl-Pitorak

Other resources:

Woodhill Homes Timeline of Phases
RTA mural
Elevate the East arts initiative
The Lotus Apartments

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of June 10, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters learn about a new housing market stimulation program for the city’s East Side and attend the Cuyahoga MetroHealth System Board of Trustees meeting for the first time. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Anna Truax
Denise Lykes
Ronaldo Rodriguez, Jr.
Stephanie Manning

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

$1M housing market stimulation proposed for Cleveland’s East Side Community Development and Housing Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, May 19, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Community Development and Housing Committee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes [1] and [2] May 19, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council Notes, May 27, 2025
Cuyahoga County Metrohealth System Board of Trustees Notes, May 28, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

I-X Center could host a new business with 200 jobs — but no more events, Cleveland City Hall says By Nick Castele
State and local health departments grapple with evolving COVID vaccine guidelines By Celia Hack
Ohio’s 2025 sales tax holiday expands to two weeks, will run from Aug. 1 to Aug. 14 By Reegan Davis Saunders and Sue Zake

Recordings:

Community Development and Housing Committee, Cuyahoga County Council May 19, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council May 27, 2025
Cuyahoga County Metrohealth System Board of Trustees May 28, 2025

Other resources:

Community Development and Housing Committee, Cuyahoga County Council agenda
Cuyahoga County Metrohealth System Board of Trustees agenda, meeting book, and president’s report

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of June 2, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listen in as a Community Police Commission committee meeting is shut down by disruption, and Cleveland Heights passes a new antisemitism resolution. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Laurie Redmon
Nena Roy

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Frank Lewis. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM, a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

‘Original gangsters of technology:’ Cleveland Public Library officials tout the system’s high-tech offerings Board of Trustees, Cleveland Public Library, May 15, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Police Accountability Committee, Community Police Commission Notes, May 15, 2025
Cleveland Heights City Council Notes, May 19, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘We need…our own cultural hubs:’ Veronica Thornton leads the charge for Southeast Side arts and culture investment By Najee Hall
Cleveland is considering stricter air pollution regulations. Cleveland-Cliffs, others are pushing back By Celia Hack
Cleveland Community Police Commission restarts search for permanent executive director By Frank W. Lewis

Recordings:

Police Accountability Committee, Community Police Commission, May 15, 2025
Cleveland Heights City Council meeting, May 19, 2025

Other resources:

Cleveland Heights City Council meeting agenda, May 19, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of May 26, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listen in as the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority explains how it collects cash fares. Plus, updates on new railcars. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Cassie Park
Collin Cunningham.

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM, a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station. Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Brink’s contract discussion offers insight into how RTA collects and processes cash fares Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Committees, May 6, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council renews down payment assistance for eligible home buyers Cuyahoga County Council, May 13, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Committees Notes, May 6, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council Notes, May 13, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘We’ll show up wherever we can:’ Cuyahoga County agency supports those who served By Mary Ellen Heusken
Big transit projects making headway, RTA officials say By Gennifer Harding-Gosnell
‘We can save lives:’ how Cleveland and Cuyahoga County plan to tackle violent crime this summer By Nick Castele

Recordings:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Committees, May 6, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council, May 13, 2025

Other resources:

Canon Healthcare press release
Catanese Seafood to sail from Flats to Collinwood NeoTrans Blog, January 24, 2025

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Cleveland Metroparks’ volunteer sniffer dogs Juno Gifford and Argent Alpine show humans how they can help get ahead of spotted lanternflies this season.

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of May 19, 2025In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listen in as Cleveland City Council approves a move for the McCafferty Health Center, and funding for the “Home For Every Neighbor” program. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenter whose work contributed to this episode is Christina Easter.

Her work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Habitat for Humanity and CMHA team up to repair homes in Buckeye-Woodhill by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters

Documenters coverage:

Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, April 28, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Two in five Cleveland adults report depression diagnosis – a significant increase since 2015. Why? By Celia Hack
Cleveland Print Room spends federal arts money just in time to avoid Trump cut by Nick Castele
A new law says Cleveland employers can’t ask about your past salary. Here’s how it will be enforced by Olivera Perkins
Uncounted: Ohio’s failure to track lost pregnancies in jails spurs questions over care by Mark Puente, The Marshall Project, and WEWS News Channel 5, in partnership with Signal Cleveland
Ohio lawmaker wants to require jails to report pregnancy outcomes by Mark Puente, The Marshall Project, and WEWS News Channel 5, in partnership with Signal Cleveland

Legislation:

Emergency Ordinance 468-2025

Recordings:

Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, April 28, 2025

Other resources:

Agenda for the Cleveland City Council Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee meeting on April 28, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of May 12, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters follow the passage of a new law that requires Cleveland employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings and prohibits interview questions about salary history.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Bilal Hakeem
Alicia Moreland

Their work has been compiled by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM, a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Documenters coverage:

Workforce, Education, Training and Youth Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, April 21, 2025
Fair Employment Wage Board Notes, April 24, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

A new law says Cleveland employers can’t ask about your past salary. Here’s how it will be enforced By Olivera Perkins
Sherrod Brown alum John Ryan advises Cleveland fair wage board By Olivera Perkins
Coalition pushes Cleveland City Council to take a stand against wage theft By Olivera Perkins

Legislation:

Ordinance No. 104-2025 on salary disclosure and fair wages

Recordings:

Workforce, Education, Training and Youth Committee, Cleveland City Council, April 21, 2025

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Gene Schwartz, Benny Mostella and D.C. Carnes, friends and bandmates of the late Cleveland blues artist Robert Lockwood Jr., received awards and performed at the Lockwood Music Festival last Saturday, May 3, 2025.

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of May 5, 2025 In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters cover the Cleveland Public Library Board of Trustees meetings for the first time, and attend the swearing in of two new Cleveland Metroparks canine police officers. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tucker Handley
Laurie Redmon
Maria Zajac

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland Metro-barks swears in two new canine officers for police force Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners, April 17, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Work Session Notes, April 15, 2025
Cleveland Public Library Board of Trustees Notes, April 15, 2025
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners Notes, April 17, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Metroparks tracks visitors’ cell phone data; Mayor Justin Bibb TV and City Hall travel budgets By Mark Naymik and Nick Castele
Medical debt relief program helping 161,000 Clevelanders but $1 million unspent By Celia Hack
Ohio closes the book on after-school program By Andrew Tobias

Recordings:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Work Session, April 15, 2025

Other resources:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District agenda and presentations April 15, 2025
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners, agenda and presentations April 17, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of April 28, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland’s Urban Forestry Commission updates plans for a $3.4 million tree-pruning grant and sidewalk repair policy. Plus, the Landmarks Commission denies mayoral candidate LaVerne Gore's request to add vinyl siding to her historic Shaker Square home.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Collin Cunningham
Annie Maglicic
Marcy Clark

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland’s Urban Forestry working to speed up its tree maintenance cycles Urban Forestry Commission, April 8, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Urban Forestry Commission Notes, April 8, 2025
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Notes [1], Notes [2] April 10, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Meet the people who will help shape tree canopy policy in Cleveland By Najee Hall
Where the sidewalk bends: Cleveland commission seeks ways to avoid damaging trees on tree lawns By Frank Lewis and Cleveland Documenters

Recordings:

Urban Forestry Commission, April 8, 2025
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, April 10, 2025

Other resources:

Cleveland Landmarks Commission presentations April 10, 2025
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of April 21, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, a resident addresses Cleveland City Council about not funding Browns stadium projects with public money, while West Park residents expressed their concerns to the City Planning Commission about the Cleveland Clinic’s expansion of Fairview Hospital. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alyssa Holzkloos
Alicia Moreland
Kellie Morris
Caelum Burns

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Fairview Hospital expansion postponed, planning commission addresses residents’ concerns Cleveland City Planning Commission, April 4, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes, March 31, 2025
Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services Advisory Board Notes, April 2, 2025
Cleveland City Planning Commission Notes [1], Notes [2], April 4, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Child abuse expert to join University Hospitals staff By Frank Lewis and Cleveland Documenters
A closer look at Cleveland’s $117 million in ARPA money for housing By Nick Castele
Cleveland’s role in Earth Day? Bigger than you’d think By Celia Hack
‘This law will not be ignored’: State Sen. Jerry Cirino warns Ohio’s colleges to get ready for Senate Bill 1 By Amy Morona

Legislation:

Ordinance No. 425-2025 contract for lead inspections

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, March 31, 2025
Cleveland City Planning Commission, April 4, 2025
Other resources:
City Planning Commission agenda and presentations April 4, 2025

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of April 14, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, the Cuyahoga Land Bank outlines plans to modernize and rehabilitate housing in Cleveland’s Southeast Side and beyond, including a $10 million initiative to create 54 housing units. Plus, CMHA agrees to sell vacant properties to the Land Bank to support revitalization. Hear what’s next for these neighborhoods.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Colleen Boyd
Tina Scott
Maria Zajac

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis, Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Construction and rehab underway for two new housing initiatives through Cuyahoga Land Bank Board of Directors, Cuyahoga Land Bank, March 28, 2025
Span scan plan: RTA to conduct safety inspections of bridges Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, April 1, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Board of Directors, Cuyahoga Land Bank Notes, March 28, 2025
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Notes, April 1, 2025
Board of Commissioners, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Notes April 2, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘No staff, no program’: Cleveland neighborhood nonprofits await news on federal funding from Trump By Nick Castele
A closer look at Cleveland’s $117 million in ARPA money for housing By Nick Castele

Recordings:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, April 1, 2025

Other resources:

Phase I Rehabilitation of Viaduct Bridge - RTA
Project Clean Lake
City of Cleveland Southeast Side Initiative
Cuyahoga Land Bank gets $10M from Cleveland (Legacy Communities Revitalization Program) - NEO Trans Blog March 22, 2024

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of April 7, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, the City of Cleveland’s Department of Public Health along with the City Planning Commission presented legislation to Cleveland City Council to regulate smoke shops in the city through new zoning and compliance measures. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Andrew Kenneson
Ayanna Rose Banks

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cuyahoga County Council backs African Town Plaza project with grant and loan Cuyahoga County Council, March 25, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, March 24, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council Notes, March 25, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

WTF is a TIF? And why are they used for development projects across Greater Cleveland? by Mandy Kraynak
Cleveland police watchdog Marcus Perez out of the job April 10 after just two years by Frank W. Lewis
You can start early voting in Ohio’s May primary tomorrow
Cleveland readies limits on smoke shops that sell cannabis derivatives by Nick Castele
Where to buy legal weed in Cleveland by Frank Lewis
Can legislation help Clevelanders live healthier lives? Tobacco law conversation continues at Cleveland City Council by Candice Wilder

Legislation:

Proposed smoke shop regulation ordinances

Recordings:

Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee, Cleveland City Council, March 24, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council, March 25, 2025

Other resources:

African Town Plaza

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'Lunch With A Doctor' is series for seniors to get real talk from doctors about aging-related health topics. Listen in as Dr. Hoang Phung explains “white-coat hypertension”, how the act of going to the doctor itself can raise your blood pressure.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of March 31, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Ward 9 Cleveland City Council member Kevin Conwell introduced legislation to urge the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to put cameras on buses so police can catch drivers who fail to stop for the bus’s flashing red lights. Plus, RTA’s CEO India Birdsong-Terry and Metroparks’ CEO Brian Zimmerman named projects that could be affected, and some that won’t, by federal funding cuts to their board members. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Bilal Hakeem
Nick Ventura
Lori Ingram
Angela Rush

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Metroparks forecast: fewer federal dollars? Cleveland Metroparks Board of Commissioners, March 20, 2025.

Documenters coverage:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Notes, March 18, 2025
Cleveland City Council Notes, March 18, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council Health, Human Services and Aging Committee Notes, March 19, 2025
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Commissioners Notes, March 20, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Thousands of Cleveland voters’ polling places will change. City Council wants to know why By Frank Lewis and Rachel Dissell
Federal judge restores fair housing funding to Cleveland center By Olivera Perkins
Cleveland on edge waiting for word on federal money for neighborhoods By Nick Castele
Legislation:
Cleveland City Council Resolution No. 333-2025 urging CMSD to install bus cameras

Recordings:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, March 18, 2025
Cleveland City Council, March 18, 2025
Health, Human Services and Aging Committee Cuyahoga County Council, March 19, 2025

Other resources:

Cleveland Metroparks’ CHEERS project

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of March 24, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cuyahoga County Council hears from YWCA executives about the need for services at the Norma Herr women’s shelter. Plus, the latest data on the number of county residents using social welfare benefits like Medicaid and SNAP. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Nina Awal
Alicia Moreland
K. Marie Smith

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cybersecurity, parking tickets, sidewalks: A Cleveland Documenters recap of 2025 budget hearings Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, February 2025.

Documenters coverage:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Committees Notes, March 4, 2025
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Notes, March 5, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council Health, Human Services and Aging Committee Notes, March 5, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘Don’t give up. You have to push yourself.’ Ty’Janeya Gordon named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club by Najee Hall.
Child care costs more than public college for many Ohio families by Olivera Perkins
Ohio is lifting old driver’s license suspensions for unpaid fines. Here’s what to know by Rachell Dissell and The Marshall Project
‘You will lose teachers over this’: Teachers largely oppose CMSD school calendar cuts by Michael Indrolio

Legislation:

Cuyahoga County Council Resolution No. R2025-0095 approving YWCA contract

Recordings:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Committees, March 4, 2025
Health, Human Services and Aging Committee Cuyahoga County Council, March 5, 2025

Other resources:

RTA’s outline of policy changes to implement fare-capping

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Soul Yoga Studio’s Trish Sexstella guides attendees through a beginner-level yoga session set to candlelight and goth music. Learn more in this short Signal Cleveland audio story.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of March 17, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council wraps up its 2025 city budget talks with a tense discussion on the role of the county in helping to combat homelessness in Cleveland. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alfreda Williams
Moneak Jones

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak with additional reporting from Signal Cleveland's Frank Lewis. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland health programs could suffer under federal budget cuts Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, February 21, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2] February 21, 2025
Cleveland City Council Notes, February 24, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How Cleveland’s budget process works By Cleveland Documenters
What costs more, policing or housing? Tell City Council how you would spend Cleveland’s 2025 budget By Dakotah Kennedy
Cleveland promised marijuana tax money. Where is it? By Andrew Tobias
‘I am a girl with a plan’: Meet the new interim mayor for East Cleveland, Sandra Morgan By Najee Hall

Recordings:

Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 21, 2025
Cleveland City Council, February 24, 2025

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Public Meetings Report for the week of March 10, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council wraps up its 2025 city budget talks, hearing from leaders at many of the city’s departments, including the Department of Public Safety, Public Health, and the Cleveland Municipal Court. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to the 2025 city budget wrap-up episodes are:

Bilal Hakeem
Christina Easter
Alfreda Williams
Dean Jackson
Marvetta Rutherford
Angela Rush

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.
The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station. Show notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

‘Woefully inadequate’: Cleveland council members say public safety under-budgeted for some important expenses Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, February 21, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2] February 18, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes February 19, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2] February 20, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2] February 21, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Meet the players behind Bibb’s $2.1 billion 2025 budget By Doug Breehl-Pitorak, Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters
How Cleveland’s budget process works By Cleveland Documenters
Parks, police and turkeys: Cleveland City Council’s ward spending projects By Nick Castele
What costs more, policing or housing? Tell City Council how you would spend Cleveland’s 2025 budget By Dakotah Kennedy
Cleveland promised marijuana tax money. Where is it? By Andrew Tobias

Recordings:

Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 18, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 19, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 20, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 21, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 24, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 25, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, March 3, 2025

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Public Meetings Report for the week of March 3, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council begins its 2025 city budget talks, hearing from Mayor Justin Bibb and leaders at many of the city’s departments, including Port Control, Community Development, and Cleveland Municipal Court. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Bilal Hakeem
Christina Easter
Marvetta Rutherford
Angela Rush

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Documenters coverage:

Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2], February 18, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, February 20, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, February 20, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland Clinic gifts city recreation centers with Pelotons; City Council wraps up budget hearings By Nick Castele
How Cleveland’s budget process works By Cleveland Documenters
What costs more, policing or housing? Tell City Council how you would spend Cleveland’s 2025 budget By Dakotah Kennedy
Cleveland lead paint team tied up with application backlog By Nick Castele
Mayor Justin Bibb discusses potential federal cuts, Browns move in budget presentation to Cleveland City Council By Nick Castele

Recordings:

Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 18, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 19, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 20, 2025
Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, Part II, February 21, 2025

Other resources:

CIRI

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of February 24, 2025 In this week’s Public Meetings Report, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority proposes fare-capping to address fare equity. Plus, new housing for seniors and veterans on Cleveland’s east side is one step closer to final approval from the City Planning Commission. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Andrew Kenneson
Lori Ingram
Marvetta Rutherford

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis, Dakotah Kennedy, and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Division of Children and Family Services pulling fewer families ‘into system’ Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services Advisory Board, February 5, 2025
Emerald Senior affordable housing slated for Cleveland’s East Side Cleveland City Planning Commission, February 7, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Notes February 4, 2025
Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services Advisory Board Notes February 5, 2025
Cleveland City Planning Commission Notes February 7, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Vivek Ramaswamy launches campaign for Ohio governor by Andrew Tobias and Mark Naymik
‘We’re begging them to do something’: Citizens for Property Tax Reform demands action from Ohio legislators in 2025 by Dakotah Kennedy
‘I wanted to be able to help people who look and sound like me’: Motivated and Empowered Inc. set to host boys and teens conference By Najee Hall
Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services sees staffing surge By Najee Hall and Cleveland Documenters
RTA’s $364.9 million 2025 budget taking shape By Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters

Legislation:

Expand property of Lucky Park in Tremont (Ordinance No. 119-2025)

Recordings:

Cleveland City Planning Commission February 7, 2025
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees February 4, 2025

Other resources:

Future Directions
DCFS case audit results
Emerald Senior
CHN Housing Partners
Emerald Senior proposed design
LaSalle Theatre
RTA fare-capping presentation
Title IV Fare Equity

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Listen in as Signal Cleveland Audio Producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell tries to keep up with the elderly at a weekly Senior Walk hosted by the City of Cleveland’s Department of Aging at the Collinwood Recreation Center.

Cleveland's Senior walk winter session ends Feb. 26 but the Senior Walking Club is all year round.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of February 17, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls heard results of a recent survey of Black women across Northeast Ohio showing disparities and other hardships they continue to face in the workplace, healthcare and education. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Emma Sedlak
Kellie Morris
Ronaldo Rodriguez, Jr.

Their work has been compiled this week by Najee Hall, Michael Indrolio, and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is a production of Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station. SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

CMSD spending more money to bus private, charter school students Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education, January 28, 2025
‘A starkly different reality’: Black women in Greater Cleveland report workplace, healthcare and education barriers Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls, January 28, 2025
‘We owe them nothing, so we will tell them nothing’: Advocates seek sanctuary city policies in Cleveland Cleveland City Council, February 3, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education Notes, January 28, 2025
Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls Notes, January 28, 2025
Cleveland City Council Notes, February 3, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Will CMSD change school calendars? The district is doing some homework By Michael Indrolio
Is Cleveland still failing Black women? A local research firm seeks answers By Candice Wilder
Bibb says Cleveland will limit ICE cooperation to violent cases By Nick Castele
What is ICE and what happens to the people it arrests? By Frank Lewis

Recordings:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education, January 28, 2025
Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls, January 28, 2025
Cleveland City Council, February 3, 2025

Other resources:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District busing contract information
Second Step
What ‘Livability’ Looks Like for Black Women Bloomberg, January 9, 2020
Project Noir
What is a ‘sanctuary city’?
DigitalC

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Public Meetings Report for the week of February 10

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cuyahoga County Council’s Community Development Committee heard from the Cleveland Restoration Society about its goal to turn the former home of Olympic athlete Jesse Owens’ into a museum. Plus, support for the local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), who is holding their annual convention in Cleveland this year. Learn more in this week’s episode. The Documenter whose work contributed to this episode is Tina Scott.

Her work has been compiled this week by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is a production of Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station. Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Could the Jesse Owens home become a museum? The Cleveland Restoration Society wants to find out Community Development Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 23, 2025
African American Cultural Garden set to receive $10,000 boost from county; over $2 million still needed Community Development Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 23, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Community Development Committee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes, January 23, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Over 1,000 summer jobs open for Cleveland teens By Michael Indriolo
Olympic Gold medalist Jesse Owens’ Cleveland home slated for landmark status By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters
African American Cultural Garden $2 million short in construction funding By Doug Breehl Pitorak and Cleveland Documenters
Gov. DeWine proposes hiking sports gaming tax to pay for stadium projects, including the Cleveland Browns’ Brook Park proposed dome By Andrew Tobias
Getting rid of federal workers in Greater Cleveland may not be that easy. Here’s why By Olivera Perkins
Stained glass dome at Cleveland’s downtown Heinen’s worth the trip By Mary Ellen Huesken
How did Black History Month start? Let’s go back. By Najee Hall

Legislation:

Cuyahoga County Council Ordinance No. O2025-0001 to prioritize CDC funding

Recordings:

Community Development Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 23, 2025

Other resources:

Cleveland Restoration Society
Ohio Historical Markers
National Museum of African American History and Culture

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Public Meetings Report for the week of February 3, 2025

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cuyahoga County Council committees heard from Providence House about its expansion to Cleveland’s east side, and advanced legislation giving American Rescue Plan Act funds to local nonprofits like the C.R.E.W. Foundation and Dress for Success. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Marvetta Rutherford
Nicole A
Stesia Swain
Laurie Redmon

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is a production of Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Providence House to open East Side crisis nursery in February Health, Human Services & Aging Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 22, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Health, Human Services & Aging Committee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes, January 22, 2025
Education, Environment, and Sustainability Committee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes, January 22, 2025
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Notes, January 23, 2025
Investment Advisory Committee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes, January 24, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Could CMSD shutter school buildings? Officials are looking at options By Michael Indrolio
Cleveland City Council committee withholds $1 million from DigitalC for missing goal By Nick Castele
How Ohio’s privatization of driver’s ed is failing teens in some poor urban and rural areas By Andrew Tobias

Legislation:

Cuyahoga County Council Resolution No. R2023-0257 $100,000 grant to Providence House

Recordings:

Health, Human Services & Aging Committee Cuyahoga County Council, January 22, 2025
Education, Environment, and Sustainability Committee Cuyahoga County Council, January 22, 2025
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, January 23, 2025
Investment Advisory Committee Cuyahoga County Council, January 24, 2025

Other resources:

Providence House East Campus Project Presentation
Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition

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Public Meetings Report for the week of January 24, 2025.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cuyahoga County Council holds its first meeting with new president Dale Miller and lays out council priorities. Plus, $13 million of the $14 million needed to fund the Child Wellness campus has been raised. Learn more in this week’s episode.The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Luna Love
Mildred Seward
Dean Jackson

Their work has been compiled this week by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Repairs after Willson Tower fire will take ‘a couple months,’ says CMHA Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, January 15, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Urban Forestry Commission Notes, January 14, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council Notes, January 14, 2025
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Board of Commissioners Notes, January 15, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Proposed law would ban salary questions on job applications in Cleveland by Olivera Perkins
Joe Jones out as head of Cleveland City Council committee by Nick Castele
Senate Bill 1: Read the proposed higher ed legislation that would give the state more control over Ohio’s universities and colleges by Amy Morona
Cleveland City Council passes new ward maps by Nick Castele
There’s a risk in asking Cuyahoga County for a ‘formal review’ of your property value. Here is what to know by Dakotah Kennedy
CMHA’s Board of Commissioners: Who they are, what they do and how to reach them by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters

Recordings:

Urban Forestry Commission, January 14, 2025
Cuyahoga County Council January 14, 2025

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Public Meetings Report for the week of January 20, 2025In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council approves new ward maps, but takes some criticism from council members and residents. Plus, upgrades coming to RTA Paratransit and rail services. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Regina Samuels
Anna Truax
Ava Carubia
Ronaldo Rodriguez, Jr.

Their work has been compiled this week by Frank Lewis, Dakotah Kennedy and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

36 new bus shelters coming to RTA’s light rail stations in 2025 Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees and Committees, January 7, 2025
Upgrades signaled for RTA’s Paratransit service Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees and Committees, January 7, 2025
Root causes: Cleveland Board of Control OK’s contracts for tree stump removal City of Cleveland Board of Control, January 8, 2025
Cleveland police set for more training for mental health calls in 2025 Mental Health Response Advisory Committee (MHRAC), January 10, 2025

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes, January 6, 2025
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees and Committees Notes, January 7, 2025
City of Cleveland Board of Control Notes, January 8, 2025
Mental Health Response Advisory Committee (MHRAC) Notes, January 10, 2025

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland City Council passes new ward maps By Nick Castele
Cleveland RTA plans to modify Red Line platforms to make way for new train cars By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters
‘That’s my safety’: Paratransit riders express frustration to RTA By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters
Urban Forestry Commission wants Clevelanders to speak for the trees By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters
Cleveland Water officials project rate increases By Anastazia Vanisko and Cleveland Documenters
Specially trained police officers responding to more crisis calls By Stephanie Casanova
Respect and empathy wanted by those likely to use new crisis response in Cleveland By Stephanie Casanova

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, January 6, 2025
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees and Committees, January 7, 2025
City of Cleveland Board of Control January 8, 2025

Other resources:

RTA’s Light Rail Replacement Program
PASS Mobile App presentation
Paratransit replacement vehicle presentation
Major City Projects, Including the Downtown Riverfront Entertainment Complex, Seek Development Tax Credits Cleveland Magazine, November 18, 2024
What is MHRAC?
MHRAC 2024 End of Year Survey Results

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Bibb spoke with Signal Cleveland on Jan. 9 about his 2025 bid for reelection and his stance on working with the incoming administration of President Donald Trump.

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Signal Cleveland takes a listen back at some public commenters who stepped up to the microphone in 2024. What did they have to say?

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Signal Cleveland takes a listen back at some public commenters who stepped up to the microphone in 2024. What did they have to say?

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Listen in as Signal Cleveland gets a sneak peek at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Grand Opening to the public following a 4-year, $150-million transformation that features 2 new wings and a refurbished Visitor Hall.

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Listen in as Signal Cleveland visits ‘Dogs! A Science Tail’ at the Great Lakes Science Center, exploring the biology behind the bond between dogs and humans through our ability to understand and communicate with one another.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of December 16, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council criticizes the city’s seasonal worker policy, including wages and performance. The Department of Children and Family services says higher wages led to a hiring increase with 394 social worker positions filled this year. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Dan McLaughlin
Tucker Handley
Antoinette Williams

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy, Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Hiring and wages of seasonal workers draw the attention of Cleveland City Council Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, December 2, 2024
Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services sees staffing surge Advisory Board, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services, December 4, 2024
With great power comes great responsibility: Spider-Man snags the youth vote in Cuyahoga County mock election Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, December 10, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Notes, December 2, 2024
Advisory Board, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services Notes, December 4, 2024
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Notes, December 10, 2024
Signal Cleveland reporting:
Cleveland paid $17 million to one company for temporary workers in recent years By Rachel Dissell and Cleveland Documenters
Cleveland council members flag low-pay on help-wanted ad for seasonal workers By Mark Naymik
Emergency housing program for Cuyahoga County teens sees success, officials say By Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters
‘It’s on us now’: Greater Cleveland students prepare to vote for the first time By Michael Indrolio

Legislation:

Ordinance No. 1251-2024 to allow selection of a temporary staffing agency for seasonal workers
Ordinance No. 802-2023 Cleveland’s fair wage law

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Part I], December 2, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Part II], December 2, 2024
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, December 10, 2024

Other resources:

What is the American Rescue Plan Act?
Qtr. 3 2024 DCFS datasheets
Cleveland Angels

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Public Meetings Report for the week of December 9, 2024In this week’s Public Meetings Report, the Cleveland Department of Aging’s Age Friendly Home Investment Program, (AFHIP), sees its funding cut in half for 2025. Plus, RTA’s $364.9 million budget for 2025 is set for approval by its Board of Trustees. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Dan McLaughlin
Regina Samuels

Their work has been compiled this week by Najee Hall, Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland Age Friendly Home Investment Program to see cuts in 2025 Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, November 25, 2024
African American Cultural Garden $2 million short in construction funding Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, December 2, 2024
RTA’s $364.9 million 2025 budget taking shape Board of Trustees and Committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, December 3, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Live-Tweets, November 25, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Notes, December 2, 2024
Board of Trustees and Committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Live-Tweets, December 3, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Summer activities for Cleveland seniors By Najee Hall
Cleveland RTA ridership increased for the second year in a row By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters
Legislation:
Ordinance No. 1327-2024 to accept a Cleveland Foundation grant for African-American Cultural Garden funding
Ordinance No. 1323-2024 to permit construction at the Greek Cultural Garden

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, November 25, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Part I], December 2, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Part II], December 2, 2024
Board of Trustees and Committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, December 3, 2024

Other resources:

What is the American Rescue Plan Act?
Lytx DriveCam system

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Public Meetings Report for the week of December 2, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council hears the final results of an ARPA-funded utility assistance program they approved in 2023, and the Community Police Commission puts its final touches on a new drone use policy for Cleveland Police. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Laurie Redmon
Regina Samuels

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

ARPA-funded utility assistance program assists 4,442 Cleveland customers Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, November 21, 2024
‘People should come first and not the state’: Residents sound off on new Cleveland police drone policy Community Police Commission, November 20, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Notes, November 21, 2024
Community Police Commission Live-Tweets, November 20, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland Police drones grounded again pending federal approval of new policy By Rachel Dissell and Frank Lewis
Public utilities relief, outdoor potties on tap during Cleveland City Council budget talks By Dakotah Kennedy
Cleveland’s Community Police Commission put discipline and policy decisions in residents’ hands By Anastazia Vanisko

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, November 21, 2024
Community Police Commission, November 20, 2024

Other resources:

Department of Port Control’s operational review presentation
What is the American Rescue Plan Act?
A new proposed state law could cost Ohio renters more money WOUB Public Media, November 22, 2024
Cleveland Public Power’s Intern-To-Apprentice program

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Listen in as Signal Cleveland visits Cleveland City Hall for Lebanon Independence Day celebrations and learns about how shared power and respect for each other define unity in a very mixed culture, and during troubled times.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of November 25, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council’s Transportation and Mobility Committee gets an update on Hopkins Airport from Port Control officials, including plans for expansion, and how the department wants to reduce job vacancies. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenter whose work contributed to this episode is:
Tim Zelina

His work has been compiled this week by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Transportation and Mobility Committee, Cleveland City Council, November 20, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Transportation and Mobility Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, November 20, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Ugly Cleveland airport hotel to finally get demolished, a message for Mayor Bibb, port boss bonus still stalled By Mark Naymik, Amy Moronoa, and Nick Castele

Recordings:

Transportation and Mobility Committee, Cleveland City Council, November 20, 2024

Other resources:

Department of Port Control’s operational review presentation
City of Cleveland Department of Port Control
Hopkins Airport’s first terminal project takes off Neo-trans blog, October 9, 2024

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Public Meetings Report for the week of November 18, 2024In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cuyahoga County Council reviews over 70 pieces of legislation, much of it to do with distributing ARPA money to community-based initiatives. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Dean Jackson
Nick Ventura

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cuyahoga County Council reviews ARPA spending for dozens of community-based organizations and programs Cuyahoga County Council, November 12, 2024
Cleveland’s New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church set for landmark status Cleveland Landmarks Commission, November 14, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Council Notes, November 12, 2024
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Live-Tweets, November 14, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland’s Friendly Inn celebrates 150 years of community service By Najee Hall
Should Cuyahoga County keep its money in Israel? Residents debate for nearly four hours at county meeting By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Council, November 12, 2024
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, November 14, 2024

Other resources:

Cuyahoga County Council meeting agenda, November 12, 2024
St. Clair-Superior Development Corporation
Community initiatives aim to tackle Cleveland’s home repair crisis The Land, June 6, 2024
Positive Plus
The debate over Israel Bonds at Cuyahoga County Council continues Spectrum1 News, June 21, 2024
New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church

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In this Signal Soundscape, listen in as Signal Cleveland goes on a hike to see the full moon around Mentor’s marsh and nature preserve. We learn how the lunar cycles and dates were used by Indigenous people, and we hear from residents of the area, local screech owls.

Produced by Signal Cleveland audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

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Listen in as Signal Cleveland visits the family home of U.S. President James A. Garfield in Mentor, with a special Halloween story-telling performance by one of Garfield’s favorite authors, Edgar Allen Poe.

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Cleveland and Akron Documenters took time to chat with more than 50 Northeast Ohio residents about the 2024 election. In interviews with neighbors, friends, fellow prisoners and relatives, Documenters asked two main questions:

What issues people wished candidates were talking about more.
What – if anything – might make people feel more connected to this election cycle.

These Cleveland Documenters contributed to this project: Alfreda Williams, Ashley Lubecky, Charlestine Randle-Pride, Florence G. Brown-Isom, Michaylah Burch, Ronaldo Rodriguez Jr., Mildred Seward, Angela Thomas, Marvetta Rutherford, Stacie Simon, Lori Ingram, Colleen Boyd and Tina Scott.

This audio piece was produced by Signal Cleveland audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

This Documenters special project was led by Signal Cleveland's Community and Special Projects Editor, Rachel Dissell.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of October 21, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council hears from city officials in the Department of Public Works and the new Department of Parks and Recreation about this year’s accomplishments and looking ahead to 2025. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Mildred Seward
Alicia Moreland
Stesia Swain

Their work has been compiled this week by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, October 18, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Live-Tweets, October 14, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Live-Tweets, October 15, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Notes, October 18, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘Circular economy’ programs aim to reduce waste and build jobs By Lee Chilcote, The Land
Cleveland to hold public meetings on 2025 city budget By Nick Castele
Cuyahoga County says it has ‘serious solutions’ to address tax relief for seniors struggling to keep up with rising property values By Dakotah Kennedy

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, October 14, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees October 15, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council October 18, 2024

Other resources:

Cleveland City Council resource material on redistricting wards
Cleveland City Council press release on Parks and Recreation split from Public Works

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Public Meetings Report for the week of October 14, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council hears from residents about being crowded out of public comment by special interests, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections hears challenges to voter registrations. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Marvetta Rutherford
Marcy Clark
Mildred Seward
Denise Lykes

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is a production Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland residents talk about being squeezed out of public comment Cleveland City Council, October 7, 2024
Board of Elections cancels challenged voter registrations Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, October 8, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes [1] and Notes [2], October 2, 2024
Cleveland City Council Notes, October 7, 2024
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Notes, October 8, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

What Ohio’s drop–box voting restrictions mean for the November election By Andrew Tobias

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, October 7, 2024
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections October 8, 2024

Other resources:

Cleveland City Council Public Comment page
Black Fork Strategies
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections asks state to investigate Black Fork Strategies for voter registration irregularities - Cleveland.com, July 17, 2023
United Sovereign Americans
Ohio Secretary of State’s Office Directive 2024-21
League of Women Voters lawsuit vs. Frank LaRose HB458
New Board of Elections facility presentation

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Listen in as Signal Cleveland visits the Cleveland Metroparks’ Brecksville Reservation to learn how people lived during the colonial days of America, as guests tried their hand at making apple cider, churning butter, and shooting a bow and arrow on a very rainy Sunday afternoon.

Produced by Signal Cleveland audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of October 7, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland City Council and Cleveland Documenters hear from police officials about street takeovers, and a member of Council warns of public comment being monopolized by special interests. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Mildred Seward
Denise Lykes
Tim Zelina

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell, with an assist by Signal Cleveland’s Nick Castele.

The Public Meetings Report is a production of Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council member warns of public comment monopoly Cleveland City Council, September 30, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes, September 30, 2024
Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, October 2, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Drones, rumble strips and large city vehicles: Cleveland police consider ways to stop street takeovers By Nick Castele
‘The lawyer games have stopped’: Police monitoring team says city is progressing on consent decree By Stephanie Casanova
A catalyst for development or a blow to pedestrian safety: Ward 11 residents debate proposed gas station By Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters

Legislation:

State legislation on stunt driving (House Bill 56)

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, September 30, 2024
Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council, October 2, 2024
Other resources:
Cleveland City Council Public Comment page

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Signal Cleveland paid a visit to the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District's Clean Water Fest on Saturday, September 21 to learn about the water treatment process and meet the people who make it work.

Produced by audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell for Signal Cleveland.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of September 30, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listened in as members of Cuyahoga County Council’s Juvenile Court Advisory Subcommittee discussed areas of concern they felt the subcommittee could most effectively make a difference. Plus, Cleveland City Council shows support for the school district’s upcoming tax levy. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tucker Handley
Antoinette Teasley
Chau Tang
Bilal Hakeem
Kellie Morris, and
Linda Reeves.

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Qualifications for defending kids in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court discussed Juvenile Court Advisory Subcommittee, Cuyahoga County Council, September 17, 2024
‘We vote, you get the paycheck’: Cleveland resident wants results from public officials Cleveland City Council, September 23, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Juvenile Court Advisory Subcommittee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes [1] and Notes [2], September 17, 2024
Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live-Tweets, September 23, 2024
Development, Planning, and Sustainability Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, September 24, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland schools levy to appear on ballots as Issue 49 By Michael Indrolio
Not ‘mini-adult court’: Lawyers lacking qualifications defended 1,200 Cuyahoga County kids By Rachel Dissell, Doug LIvingston, and The Marshall Project
Understanding Cleveland Municipal Court (explainer) By Dakotah Kennedy
Cuyahoga County committee to examine how justice system is working for kids here By Rachell Dissell and Stephanie Casanova
The Cleveland schools tax levy explained By Michael Indrolio
Proposed $100 million Cleveland housing fund would target historically redlined communities By Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Cleveland Documenters

Recordings:

Juvenile Court Advisory Subcommittee, Cuyahoga County Council, September 17, 2024
Cleveland City Council, September 23, 2024
Development, Planning, and Sustainability Committee, Cleveland City Council, September 24, 2024

Other resources:

Rules of Superintendence, Ohio Supreme Court
Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judges

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Public Meetings Report for the week of September 24, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters hear about the city’s plans to sink more resources into opioid overdose preventions & new public comment rules for Cuyahoga County Council meetings. Get more details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alicia Moreland
Courtney Green
Bilal Hakeem
Ashley Lubecky
Regina Samuels.

Their work has been compiled this week by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell, Dakotah Kennedy, and Helen Maynard. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Investment in Israel Bonds takes center stage again as Cuyahoga County Council finalizes public comment rules Cuyahoga County Council, September 10, 2024
Cleveland eyes new EMS response team to support overdose survivors Cleveland City Council, September 16, 2024
A catalyst for development or a blow to pedestrian safety: Ward 11 residents debate proposed gas station Cleveland City Council, September 16, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Council Notes and Live-Tweets, September 10, 2024
Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2], September 11, 2024
Cleveland City Council Live-Tweets, September 16, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Why being homeless is a growing concern for more working-class Clevelanders By Olivera Perkins
Should Cuyahoga County keep its money in Israel? Residents debate for nearly four hours at county meeting By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters

Legislation:

Legislation for zoning changes at proposed gas station site (Ordinance No. 791-2024)
Legislation for reimbursement for solar eclipse event security (Ordinance No. 806-2024)
Legislation approving funding for Law Enforcement Diversion Program (Ordinance No. 807-2024)

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Council, September 10, 2024

Cleveland City Council, September 16, 2024

Other resources:

Cleveland city council could override planning commission to allow gas station on Madison - Axios Cleveland, August 21, 2024
U.S. Census Data for Cleveland wards
Ohio holds about $262M in Israel bonds, state says - Spectrum1 News, April 24, 2024

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Public Meetings Report for the week of September 18, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Documenter Dan McLaughlin’s live-tweets capture all the news from Cleveland City Council’s first meeting back in regular session, including public comments and passed legislation. Get the details in this week’s episode.The Documenter whose work contributed to this episode is Dan McLaughlin.

His work has been compiled this week by Signal Cleveland’s Gennifer Harding-Gosnell, with an assist from Nick Castele. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is a production of Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Proposed Ward 11 gas station, support for New Era Cleveland leader mark public comment Cleveland City Council, September 9, 2024
Cleveland police could assist in D.C. at presidential inauguration Cleveland City Council, September 9, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Live-Tweets, September 9, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Residents asked to share thoughts on ShotSpotter, Cleveland Police response to violent crime By Stephanie Casanova
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb makes moves toward closing Burke Lakefront Airport By Nick Castele
Kids from New Era Cleveland tell adults to ‘get it together’ on gun safety By Dakotah Kennedy

Legislation:

Legislation for zoning changes at proposed gas station site (Ordinance No. 791-2024)
Legislation to authorize Cleveland Police to work inauguration (Ordinance No. 935-2024)
Legislation to approve financing of Ohio City Farm pavilion (Ordinance No. 857-2024)
Legislation to approve applying for tree canopy grant (Ordinance No. 834-2024)

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, September 9, 2024

Other resources:

Despite Objections From City Planning, Councilman Danny Kelly Goes to Bat for Proposed Gas Station on Vacant CVS Property - Scene Magazine, July 16, 2024
Antoine Tolbert, activist indicted on extortion, intimidation, goes 1-on-1 with I-Team - Fox 8 News, August 26, 2024
New Era Cleveland
Ohio City Farm

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Public Meetings Report for the week of September 10, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Documenters provide updates about the Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services Advisory Board, hearing about successes and challenges serving at-risk teens, and listened as the City Planning Commission approved legislation on parking lot lighting requirements. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Nick Ventura
Kellie Morris
Courtney Green
Regina Samuels

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Emergency housing program for Cuyahoga County teens sees success, officials say Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services Advisory Board, September 4, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services Advisory Board Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live-Tweets, September 4, 2024
City Planning Commission Live-Tweets, September 6, 2024.

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Kids average 40-day stays in temporary housing, per Cuyahoga County Official By Anastazia Vanisko, Cleveland Documenters
Five takeaways from Chris Ronayne’s State of Cuyahoga County speech By Nick Castele

Recordings:

City Planning Commission, September 6, 2024

Other resources:

Cleveland Christian Home

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Signal Cleveland talks music with four recent nominees and winners for this year’s Cleveland Music Awards

The 3rd annual Cleveland Music Awards were held at TempleLive Cleveland on Sunday, August 25. Before the awards show, Signal Cleveland sat down with four of the nominated artists to talk music and share insight into the local music scene.

Signal Cleveland’s Gennifer Harding-Gosnell speaks with local artists Charles Reed, Mixed Feelings 216, Rellick, and Stalin Mackamillion and shares some of their best work.

Show Notes:

Links:

TempleLive Cleveland
Cleveland Music Awards

Artist Links:

Milton Blake
Charles Reed
Rellick
Mixed Feelings 216
Stalin Mackamillion
Frida And The Mann
Toby Raps
Apostle Jones

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Public Meetings Report for the week of September 4, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listened in as the City of Cleveland’s Board of Building Standards and Building Appeals reviewed 25 cases addressing Building Code violations, and RTA heard from paratransit riders about their concerns for safety and timeliness. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tucker Handley
Mildred Seward
Stesia Swain

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

‘That’s my safety’: Paratransit riders express frustration to RTA Board of Trustees committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, August 28, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Board of Building Standards and Building Appeals Notes, August 27, 2024
Board of Trustees committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Notes and Live-Tweets, August 28, 2024.

Signal Cleveland reporting:

RTA says ambassadors, social workers provide safer transit rides By Stephanie Casanova
Cleveland boots up new, online 311 complaint system By Nick Castele
Cuyahoga County cities that ban ‘source of income’ discrimination get few complaints. Here’s how to file one By Dakotah Kennedy

Recordings:

Board of Building Standards and Building Appeals, August 27, 2024
Board of Trustees and committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, August 28, 2024

Other resources:

RTA Paratransit Service
RTA Customer Experience Survey 2023 results
What is the Board of Building Standards and Building Appeals?

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Public Meetings Report for the week of August 27, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listened in as the Landmarks Commission debated the use of its new Solar Panel Policy in the city’s Historic Districts, and public commenters express their concerns to CMSD about new proposed state legislation to require school districts to make release time for religion. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Ashley Lubecky
Stacie Simon
Tucker Handley
Dan McLaughlin

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

SHOW NOTES

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

CMSD will reimburse some families $600 to transport kids who don’t attend district schools Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education Business meeting, August 20, 2024.

Documenters coverage:

Juvenile Court Advisory Subcommittee, Cuyahoga County Council notes, August 19, 2024.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education Business Meeting notes and live-tweets, August 20, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘It’s a family to me’: Cleveland’s young immigrants build community through sports (photos) by Michael Indrolio
Questions about voting? We have answers for you by Helen Maynard
Cleveland schools ‘will overcome’ looming budget hole, says CMSD CEO Warren Morgan by Nick Castele

Recordings:

Juvenile Court Advisory Subcommittee, Cuyahoga County Council, August 19, 2024.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education Business Meeting, August 20, 2024.
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, August 22, 2024.

Other resources:

Lifewise Academy

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Public Meetings Report for the week of August 21, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listened in as the City Planning Commission denied approval for a new gas station off Madison Avenue on the city’s West side, and the Cleveland Metroparks’ Board of Park Commissioners approved a new land purchase in Parma that Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman calls “the most strategic land acquisition we’ve done.” Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Mildred Seward
Nick Ventura
Ashley Lubecky
Ayanna Rose Banks
Nani Faye Palmer

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak, Gennifer Harding-Gosnell, and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

RTA’s MicroTransit program in Solon stalls, Aerozone service continues Board of Trustees committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, August 13, 2024.
Cleveland Metroparks moves forward with West Creek Reservation expansion Board of Park Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks, August 15, 2024.

Documenters coverage:

Board of Trustees committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Notes and Live-Tweets, August 13, 2024.
Board of Park Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks Notes, August 15, 2024.
City Planning Commission Notes and Live-Tweets, August 16, 2024.

Signal Cleveland reporting:

‘Biased and deceptive’ or ‘fair and factual’? Issue 1 ballot language dispute is headed to court By Frank Lewis
‘If they wanted to fix it, they could’: State lawmakers could help residents struggling with rising property taxes – but likely won’t By Dakotah Kennedy
On the go-rilla: Cleveland Zoo gives update on new home for primates By Dakotah Kennedy

Recordings:

Board of Trustees committees, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, August 13, 2024.
Board of Park Commissioners, Cleveland Metroparks, (audio) August 15, 2024.
City Planning Commission, August 16, 2024.

Other resources:

Cleveland Metroparks West Creek Reservation
The Albert M. Higley Co.
RTA’s MicroTransit program
RTA’s MicroTransit Program meeting presentation
What is Cleveland’s Aerozone?

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Meet the players, staff and fans of the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Cavaliers’ Hoops After Dark program

The City of Cleveland and Cleveland Cavaliers host an annual summer basketball tournament for men ages 18 to 26 at several city rec centers that also features a half-hour long learning session on life skills development designed for young adults.

In this audio soundscape, Signal Cleveland’s Gennifer Harding-Gosnell hears from players, staff, and fans about what they learn and take away from participating in the Hoops After Dark program. 🎧👂🏿

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Public Meetings Report for the week of August 12, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters sat in on literal and figurative storms as tornadoes and other damaging weather raged through Cleveland last week, and City Council reimburses the Cleveland Browns $3.8M for stadium repairs amidst a possible Browns move to Brook Park. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Bilal Hakim,
Carolyn Cooper
Tina Scott

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland to reimburse Browns for $3.8 million in ‘emergency repairs’ to stadium, Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, August 7, 2024.
Tackling ‘zombie properties’: A $50 million push to bring jobs to Cleveland, Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, August 7, 2024.

Documenters coverage:

Committee of the Whole [Morning Session], Cleveland City Council, Notes[1], and Notes [2], August 7, 2024
Committee of the Whole [Afternoon Session], Cleveland City Council, Notes[1], and Notes [2], August 7, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland asks residents and business owners to fill out storm damage survey By Signal Cleveland
‘This dog doesn’t hunt,’ says Cuyahoga County executive about Browns’ Brook Park plan By Mark Naymik
Cuyahoga County leaders say no to a new Browns stadium in Brook Park By Nick Castele
The Brook Park Browns Stadium proposal would require taxpayers to pay how much? (quiz) By Camille Renner
Reading between the lines of the Browns’ Brook Park domed stadium plans By Nick Castele
Cleveland’s bill for Browns Stadium capital repairs: $28 million over last decade By Nick Castele

Legislation:

Browns’ reimbursement (Ordinance No. 646-2024)
Rec center security contract extension (Ordinance No. 855-2024)

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole [Morning Session], Cleveland City Council, August 7, 2024
Committee of the Whole [Afternoon Session], Cleveland City Council, August 7, 2024
Cleveland City Council, August 7, 2024.

Other resources:

What is a RFP?

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Public Meetings Report for the week of August 6, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, HUD charges CMHA with lead safety violations, a proposed $100 million affordable housing fund that would target historically redlined communities, and a new deal for Bedrock’s riverfront development plans. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alyssa Holzkloos
Tucker Handley
Tina Scott
Chanel Wiley
Marvetta Rutherford

Their work has been compiled this week by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Plans halted for veteran housing on Cleveland’s East Side, Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals, July 29, 2024.
Joint Committee, Cleveland City Council, July 30, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Notes and Live-Tweets, July 29, 2024
Joint Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes[1], and Notes [2], Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Health, Human Services, And The Arts Committee Notes, Cleveland City Council, July 31, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Push for more affordable housing long overdue, Cleveland council members say By Olivera Perkins
Greater Cleveland residents share what ‘affordable housing’ means to them By Dakotah Kennedy
Explaining Cleveland’s bet on a TIF district to raise money for downtown By Nick Castele

Recordings:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals, July 29, 2024
Joint Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part I, July 30, 2024
Joint Committee, Cleveland City Council, Part II, July 30, 2024
Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee, Cleveland City Council, July 31, 2024
Other resources:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report on CMHA
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Cleveland Housing Investment Fund (CHIF)
Southeast Side Promise
Bedrock’s presentation on riverfront development plans
“Shore-To-Core-To-Shore” TIF district

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Celebrating multinational Cleveland at the International Cultural Community BBQ

The City of Cleveland hosted the 2024 International Cultural Community BBQ last Saturday, July 27, at the Michael J. Zone rec center on Lorain Ave., showcasing some of Cleveland’s largest diaspora communities from Latin America and Asia, with free food for kids, plenty of music, and two playoff tournaments for teams of international soccer and baseball players.

In this audio soundscape, Signal Cleveland’s Gennifer Harding-Gosnell talks to Clevelanders from other places willing to share their passions with us.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of July 30, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters watched another tense meeting between Community Police Commission members, and listened in as several agencies asked Cuyahoga County Council for more money to complete projects that serve at-risk youth and people experiencing homelessness. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Ayanna Rose Banks

Angela Rush

Ashley Lubecky

Marvetta Rutherford

Stesia Swain

Their work has been compiled this week by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

MetroHealth eyes $150,000 to fund park upgrades in Clark-Fulton Community Development Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, July 22, 2024
Cuyahoga County Council considers about $1.5 million to fight homelessness Health, Human Services and Aging Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, July 24, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Community Development Committee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes and Live-Tweets, July 22, 2024
Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee, Cuyahoga County Council Notes and Live-Tweets, July 24, 2024
Cleveland Community Police Commission Live-Tweets, July 24, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How often do 18- to 24-year-olds experience homelessness in Cleveland? By Doug Breehl-Pitorak
Norma Herr Women’s Center receives $8 million investment for improvements By WKYC
Cleveland has more layers of police oversight than ever. How are they supposed to work? By Signal Cleveland Staff

Recordings:

Community Development Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, July 22, 2024
Health, Human Services and Aging, Cuyahoga County Council, July 24, 2024
Cleveland Community Police Commission, July 24, 2024

Other resources:

CHN Housing Partners
Cuyahoga TAY
EDEN, Inc.
Norma Herr Women’s Shelter
Murtis Taylor Human Services System
Who is the Cuyahoga County Council?

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Downtown Cleveland’s new Museum of Illusions takes visitors on a path through interactive and Instagram-ready exhibits that use tools like light and perspective to play with the senses and fool the mind through a series of optical illusions.

In this audio soundscape, Signal Cleveland’s Gennifer Harding-Gosnell talks to museum visitors who braved the "Vortex Tunnel" to get their reaction to the optical illusion and its effect on their brains and bodies. 🎧📻👇🏽

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Public Meetings Report for the week of July 22, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters watched another tense meeting between Community Police Commission members, and saw new public comment rules play out at Cuyahoga County Council. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Laurie Redmon,
Christina Easter,
Chalsie Cloud, and
Aaron Skubby.

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cuyahoga County residents undeterred by new public comment rules Cuyahoga County Council, July 16, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Council Notes and Live-Tweets, July 16, 2024
Cleveland Community Police Commission Notes, July 17, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Need a refresher on Ohio government? This free online course is for you By Frank Lewis
Push for more affordable housing long overdue, Cleveland council members say By Olivera Perkins
Should Cuyahoga County keep its money in Israel? Residents debate for nearly four hours at county meeting By Dakotah Kennedy

Legislation:

New temporary public comment rules for Cuyahoga County Council meetings

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Council, July 16, 2024
Police Policy Committee, Cleveland Community Police Commission, July 17, 2024

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All are welcomed to the event at Sts. Peter and George Coptic Orthodox Church in Westlake.

Members of the Christian Egyptian community from around Northeast Ohio gathered at the Sts. Peter and George Coptic Orthodox Church in Westlake to celebrate their rich culture.

Coptic was the primary language of Egypt prior to the arrival of Arabs to the region, spoken from the 5th century to around the 1400s, when language use shifted to mostly Arabic. Coptic is still the language of the Egyptian Christian Orthodox Church and is used in hymns and prayers.

In this audio soundscape, Signal Cleveland’s Gennifer Harding-Gosnell hears from church members and other attendees about why the Egyptian Festival is important to them. The soundscape features George Girgus chanting in the Coptic language.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of July 15, 2024

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listen in on Cleveland City Council’s first of two summer sessions on Wednesday July 10, where the Council approved a loan to Dave’s Market in Shaker Square, and paying for upgrades to public safety technology. Listen to learn more.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Carolyn Cooper
Tina Scott
Barbara Phipps
Emma Sedlak
Marvetta Rutherford

Their work has been compiled this week by Signal Cleveland’s Anastazia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Dave’s at Shaker Square set for an upgrade Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, July 10, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Morning Session] Notes and Live-Tweets, July 10, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Afternoon Session] Notes and Live-Tweets, July 10, 2024
Cleveland City Council Notes, July 10, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland to replace outdated police radios and dispatch system By Nick Castele
The Cleveland schools tax levy explained By Michael Indrolio
Turning lemons into lemonade: A 12-year-old CEO is making a name selling the classic summertime treat By Najee Hall

Legislation:

Dave’s Markets loan approval (Ordinance No. 721-2024)

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Morning Session], July 10, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council [Afternoon Session], July 10, 2024
Cleveland City Council, July 10, 2024

Other resources:

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress website
What is a CBA?
Ohio Means Jobs website

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Public Meetings Report for the week of July 8, 2024

🏫🎒In this week’s Public Meetings Report, we focus on the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education business meeting on Tuesday, June 25. At the meeting Documenters listened in as friends and family of the late Cleveland educator and civil rights activist, Arnold Pinkney discussed his legacy. Pinkney passed away in 2014. Earlier this summer CMSD renamed their East Professional Center building in Pinkney’s memory.

Also, Documenters caught CMSD CEO Warren Morgan’s presentation on disproportionate absenteeism and suspensions among Black students and students with disabilities across the district. Get the details in about five minutes in this week’s episode. 🎧📻👇🏿

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tucker Handley
Emma Sedlak

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Fewer CMSD students missing school, but gaps persist for Black students and students with disabilities Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Board of Education business meeting, June 25, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Board of Education business meeting Notes and Live-Tweets, June 25, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Tell us about your FAFSA experience By Amy Morona
Cleveland parents say ‘quality of classroom instruction’ and safety are top concerns By Michael Indrolio
How much tuition will cost new students at Ohio’s public four-year colleges this fall By Amy Morona

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Council, June 18, 2024
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Trustees, June 20, 2024

Other resources:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District website
K-12 students learned a lot last year, but they're still missing too much school story on NPR
College Now Greater Cleveland

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🛼🪩The City of Cleveland's Zelma Watson George recreation center features a roller skating rink, open all year round, to residents of all ages and skill. The rink hosts many different themed skate nights, and Tuesday is a discount night, where admission is just $3.

United Skates of America puts on many of the themed skate events held at the rink, including a 'Throwback Thursday' skate featuring music from the '80s, '90s, and '00s.

In this Signal Cleveland soundscape, audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell talks with roller skaters and other local residents at the City of Cleveland's Zelma Watson George recreation center to hear what they love about skating at this rink. 🎧📻👇🏽Show Notes:

Schedule and events at the Zelma George Roller Skating rink
Flyer for "Throwback Thursdays" at the Zelma George Roller Skating rink
Showtime's Skate Studio
Curvy Roll 2024, a citywide family and adult skating event, August 29-September 2, 2024.
Curvy Roll's first Annual Community Skate Fest, August 30, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. All ages from 3 years old and up are welcome.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of July 2, 2024

🎆Happy Independence Day! The Cleveland Documenters team is taking a much needed break from local government meeting coverage this holiday week. But, Documenters have plenty to tell you about what happened in last week’s meetings.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters learned about the “magic bubblers” the Cleveland Metroparks hopes will reduce bad bathroom smells. Also, Cuyahoga County Council passed 16 resolutions, including approval to pay for road repairs and homeless youth services. Learn more in this week’s episode. 👂🏿📻🎧

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Lori Ingram
Emma Sedlak

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Should Cuyahoga County keep its money in Israel? Residents debate for nearly four hours at county meeting Cuyahoga County Council, June 18, 2024
Cleveland Metroparks looks to banish bad bathroom smells with ‘magic bubblers’ Cleveland Metroparks Board of Trustees, June 20, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Council Live-Tweets, June 18, 2024
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Trustees Notes June 20, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How often do 18- to 24-year-olds experience homelessness in Cleveland? By Doug Breehl-Pitorak
Cleveland parents say ‘quality of classroom instruction’ and safety are top concerns By Michael Indrolio
Hitchcock Center for Women breaks ground on $28 million expansion By Nick Castele

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Council, June 18, 2024
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Trustees, June 20, 2024

Other resources:

Cuyahoga County Council June 18, 2024 meeting agenda
How a New Approach Is Helping Cleveland Students Find a Passion for STEM Education, Cleveland Magazine
Cleveland Metroparks website

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The Veterans Memorial Bridge that connects downtown to the near West Side was open for exploring on Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22. Visitors learned about the bridge’s history as a main thoroughfare for streetcars in the early 20th century while being treated to an art show combined with live music and dance performances.

In this podcast episode, Signal Cleveland audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell talks to visitors on the bridge about what they love about the event, and what ideas they have for the county and city government about how to develop the area for resident use. 👂🏿👇🏿

Show Notes:

Contact Cuyahoga County with input or to register for upcoming group tours
Signal Cleveland's photo gallery of the Veterans Memorial Bridge event

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Public Meetings Report for the week of June 17, 2024🥵It is way too hot in Cleveland this week. But, Cleveland Documenters have been beating the heat by keeping a cold eye 👀 on local government meetings in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters sat in on a packed Cleveland Landmarks Commission meeting where they heard concerns about the “destabilizing effect” of demolitions in historic Glenville and Miles Park neighborhoods, and about a new Mandarin and Spanish immersion school in the Jefferson neighborhood. Get the details on this and more in about five minutes in this week’s episode. 🎧📻👂🏿The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Sarah Kinley
Carolyn Cooper
Nick Ventura

Their work has been compiled this week by Signal Cleveland’s Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Demolitions denied for three homes on Cleveland’s East Side, Cleveland Landmarks Commission, June 13, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Landmarks Commission, Notes [1], Notes [2] and Live-Tweets, June 13, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Commission created to improve quality of life of Black women and girls officially launches By Candice Wilder
Cleveland eyes more lax zoning laws for weed dispensaries By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters

Recordings:

Cleveland Landmarks Commission, June 13, 2024

Other resources:

Welcome Home Ohio program
Global Ambassadors Language Academy

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Highlights from public comment at Cleveland City Council before they head out on summer break.

🏛️📢Cleveland City Council holds public meetings most Monday nights, where laws are passed, condolences and congratulations are given to notable members of the community…. AND residents are given the opportunity to speak directly to Council through public comment.

"Most Mondays nights" because right now Cleveland City Council is taking its annual summer break from regular Monday meetings. Council's last regular meeting was on Monday, June 3. It's next regular meeting will be held Monday, September 9th. That means for 14 weeks residents will not have an opportunity to make an in-person public comment at a Cleveland City Council meeting. (Council has said they will be accepting written public comments via its website all summer long.)

For this special edition of the Public Meetings Report we highlight a few of the many public comments made at Cleveland City Council before they headed out on break. From gratitude to city staff, ideas to better use city-owned vacant lots, to support for the city flag from the great-granddaughter of the "Betsy Ross of Cleveland." Give a listen and hear what folks stepped up to the mic to say! 👂🏿🗣️Show notes:

Cleveland City Council’s online form to sign up for public comment
Signal Cleveland’s Guide To Public Comment
Public Comment CLE, the website where all public comments given at Cleveland City Council meetings are transcribed.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of June 10, 2024

A cyber attack shut down Cleveland City Hall earlier this week. Meetings at City Hall were canceled, including a few meetings Cleveland Documenters were looking forward to covering (looking at you, Board of Zoning Appeals 😢💘). But, Documenters didn't miss much else, including a marathon set of Cleveland City Council meetings ahead of their 14 week summer recess.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, highlights from the over 50 pieces of legislation Council discussed and decided on that day. Documenters caught some council members' concerns that state laws could create a monopoly of recreational cannabis dispensaries, and saw council increase the amount of campaign contributions council members can accept. Get the details in about five minutes in this week’s episode.The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Laurie Redmon
Sarah Kinley
Robyn Heard
Lauren Hakim
Shayla Ivezzy
Prerna Agarwal
Tina Scott
Stésià Swain

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy and Anastazia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced bySignal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland’s Commission on Black Women and Girls seeks more members Commission on Black Women and Girls, May 29, 2024
Cleveland’s plan to send police to presidential nominating conventions awaits council action Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, June 3, 2024
Cleveland official warns of weed monopoly created by Ohio law Cleveland City Council, June 3, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Commission on Black Women and Girls Notes and Live-Tweets, May 29, 2024
Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, June 3, 2024
Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2], Live-Tweets [1], Live-Tweets [2], June 3, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Commission created to improve quality of life of Black women and girls officially launches By Candice Wilder
Cleveland eyes more lax zoning laws for weed dispensaries By Dakotah Kennedy and Cleveland Documenters

Legislation:

Legislation to approve sending Cleveland Police to assist other cities for DNC and RNC [Ordinance No. 630-2024]

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole Part I, Cleveland City Council, June 3, 2024
Committee of the Whole Part II, Cleveland City Council, June 3, 2024
Cleveland City Council, June 3, 2024

Other resources:

City of Cleveland Department of Community Development
City charter code establishing Commission for Black Women and Girls
Commission for Black Women and Girls, May 29, 2024 meeting agenda

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Public Meetings Report for the week of June 4, 2024

😎School's mostly out for the summer, and Cleveland City Council is on on it's 14 week break from regular meetings (and from in-person public comment). But, council managed to squeeze in a few big things before they left, including some late in the season Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) hearings.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters sat in on Cleveland City Council’s CDBG hearings to learn how the city plans to use around 28.3 million dollars in federal grant money to improve and increase affordable housing. They also caught an uncommon apology to city residents from a Department of Community Development official. Learn more in this week’s episode.👇🏿🎧📻

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Marvetta Rutherford
Stesia Swain
Marian Bryant
Tina Scott
Ayanna Rose Banks

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

How will Cleveland spend $28 million in federal grants? Council members have questions Community Development Block Grant hearings, Cleveland City Council, May 28, 2024
Cleveland official says residents owed ‘a lot of apologies’ for city programs’ slow response Community Development Block Grant hearings, Cleveland City Council, May 28, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Community Development Block Grant hearings Day 1 Morning Session Notes and Live-Tweets, Cleveland City Council, May 28, 2024
Community Development Block Grant hearings Day 1 Afternoon Session Notes and Live-Tweets, Cleveland City Council, May 28, 2024
Community Development Block Grant hearings Day 2 Morning Session Live-Tweets, Cleveland City Council, May 29, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Community Development Block Grants: What are they? How do they work? (Video) By Cleveland Documenters
Cleveland nearing decision on whether to close Burke Lakefront Airport By Nick Castele and Mark Naymik
FAFSA fiasco: Delays threaten futures of Northeast Ohio colleges, students By Amy Morona

Recordings:

Community Development Block Grant hearings Day 1 Morning Session, Cleveland City Council, May 28, 2024
Community Development Block Grant hearings Day 1 Afternoon Session, Cleveland City Council, May 28, 2024
Community Development Block Grant hearings Day 2 Morning Session, Cleveland City Council, May 29, 2024

Other resources:

City of Cleveland Department of Community Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

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“Community” was the overarching theme as the free “Carnaval In The Land” brought Hispanic and Latino traditions to a downtown Cleveland audience.

💃🏽All Clevelanders were invited to US Bank Plaza on Saturday, May 25, to celebrate and learn about the traditions of many of the city’s Hispanic and Latino communities at “Carnaval In The Land,” hosted by Cleveland Play House. Party goers took dance lessons and saw how screen-printing works. They ate ethnic dishes like jerk chicken and ginger curry chickpeas, and experienced music and costumes that represented nations in Central and South America.

For this audio soundscape, Signal Cleveland audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell talked with attendees and organizers at the “Carnaval In The Land” to learn how “community” is important to them. 🎧📻👇🏽

Check https://signalcleveland.org/carnaval-in-the-land-showcases-clevelands-hispanic-and-latino-culture-at-playhouse-square-photo-gallery/ from this event.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of May 29, 2024.

😎Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, summer is unofficially here! Cleveland City Council just wrapped up itsCommunity Development Block Grant hearings, and is about to take their 14 week summer break from regular meetings. Cleveland Documenters, on the other hand, won’t be taking any breaks.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters got an update on the new Primate Forest coming to the Metroparks Zoo, and the end of the Euclid Beach Mobile Home Park. Plus, the Cleveland Landmarks Commission discusses a new window policy for residents in the city’s historic districts. Learn more in about five minutes this week’s episode. 👇🏿🎧📻

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Regina Samuels
Lena Anglin
Nick Ventura

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastasia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

On the go-rilla: Cleveland Zoo gives update on new home for primates Cleveland Metroparks, Board Meeting, May 16, 2024
Two-week art exhibit planned for Tremont’s Lincoln Park Cleveland Landmarks Commission, May 23, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Metroparks Live-Tweets, May 16, 2024
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Notes and Live-Tweets, May 23, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

The Wrap Up: Demolition underway at Euclid Beach Mobile Home park as residents receive buyout packages and move out By Olivera Perkins
‘Helping pets is helping people’: Neighborhood Pets is collaborating with human services organizations to address gaps in aid By Frank Lewis
Greater Cleveland residents share what ‘affordable housing’ means to them By Dakotah Kennedy

Recordings:

Cleveland Landmarks Commission, May 23, 2024

Other resources:

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Primate Forest announcement
Gorillas & Heart Disease: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Leads Fight For Treatment & Prevention Ideastream, June 26, 2018
Primate Forest update presentation
Euclid Beach Park
Cleveland Landmarks Commission
Midnight Art Club
Midnight Art Club installationconcept plan

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Public Meetings Report for the week of May 20, 2024

🏫The school year is almost over and the days are heating up. Meanwhile the Cleveland Police Department is preparing for the annual rise in Cleveland summer violence. Cleveland's young people also have neighborhood violence on their minds.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, Cleveland Documenters listened in as Cleveland kids stepped up to the mic at Cleveland City Council to address gun violence. Plus, Documenters sat in as Karl Racine, lead monitor for Cleveland’s Police Monitoring Team updated members of City Council on the city’s progress on the consent decree. Get the details in less than five minutes this week’s episode. 🎧📻👇🏿

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Joy Beamon,
Ayanna Rose Banks
Karima McCree-Wilson

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

‘I don’t feel safe in my neighborhood’: Cleveland kids address gun violence Cleveland City Council, May 13, 2024
‘Characterized by stagnation’: Cleveland City Council hears consent decree update Cleveland City Council Safety Committee, May 15, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, May 13, 2024
Cleveland City Council Safety Committee Notes, May 15, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How Cleveland City Council spends its share of casino money By April Urban
Cleveland helps seniors with lawn care: How the program works By Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Cleveland Documenters
‘Running in place’: Cleveland Police Monitoring Team says the department is not making progress By Stephanie Casanova

Legislation:

Legislation to approve funding for senior lawn care program (Ordinance No. 555-2024)
Legislation to approve funding for violence interrupters (Ordinance No. 525-2024)

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, May 13, 2024
Cleveland City Council Safety Committee, May 15, 2024

Other resources:

New Era Cleveland
Public Comment CLE
Cleveland Department Of Aging Chore Services Program
Federal Monitor’s Semi-Annual Report, April 2024

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Public Meetings Report for the week of May 13, 2024

👩🏿‍🌾🌱It is officially garden season in Cleveland. While many of us have been weeding and making room in our garden beds, the city of Cleveland has been making room for a different kind of weed. 🥦

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, we hear about changes to Cleveland zoning laws that would allow recreational cannabis dispensaries throughout the city. Plus, Cleveland takes steps to enforce the ‘Art Modell Law’ as the Cleveland Browns contemplate moving to Brookpark, and Cudell residents continue their campaign to save Cudell Commons Park. Learn more in less than five minutes in this week’s episode. 🎧📻👇🏿

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Laurie Redmon
Regina Samuels
Ayanna Rose Banks
Lori Ingram
Sarah Kinley
Robyn Heard

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastasia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland eyes more lax zoning laws for weed dispensaries Cleveland City Planning Commission, May 3, 2024
Cleveland residents sound off in support of Cudell Park Cleveland City Council, May 6, 2024
RTA considers spending $1.2 million to continue EZfare mobile ticketing Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, May 7, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Planning Commission Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live-Tweets, May 3, 2024
Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, May 6, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Notes, May 7, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Ohio voters back Issue 2 allowing adults to carry and use recreational marijuana By Stephanie Casanova
Cleveland Browns huddle with state lawmakers to show off Brook Park stadium plans By Nick Castele and Mark Naymik
See which common jobs pay middle-class wages in Greater Cleveland By Olivera Perkins

Legislation:

Legislation to approve zoning law changes for recreational marijuana sales (Ordinance No. 529-2024)
Legislation approving enforcement of ‘Art Modell Law’ (Ordinance No. 391-2024)

Recordings:

Cleveland City Planning Commission, May 3, 2024
Cleveland City Council, May 6, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, May 7, 2024

Other resources:

‘Judge clears way for CMSD to proceed with new school on Cudell park’ News report from Ideastream
Friends of Cudell Commons Park group page
Art Modell Law
EZFare mobile ticketing app
EZFare contract renewal presentation

View Details

The Five O’Clock Lounge in Lakewood hosts over 50 ‘Zombies’ for Greater Cleveland Food Bank Benefit

The walking dead of all ages left their graves for the 19th Annual ‘Zombie Walk’ from the Five O’Clock Lounge and down the Lakewood side of W. 117th St. on Saturday, April 27. The price of admission included canned goods to benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Signal Cleveland sent Audio Producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell into the fire - and chainsaws - to see what all the horror’s about.

**No reporters were injured during the making of this recording.

Show Notes:

Greater Cleveland Food Bank
19th Annual Zombie Walk event page
Video coverage by Fox8 News

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of May 6, 2024.

As the Cleveland Cavaliers learn what it’s like to make it to the second round of the NBA playoffs again, Cleveland Documenters keep learning how to make local government more accessible for you. Among other things, at last week’s Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee meeting they learned about proposed increases to Cleveland water and sewer rates, a lease renewal for a Collinwood Cleveland Public Power facility, and that the Cleveland Department of Public Utilities is “significantly behind” on replacing sewer pipes. Gt the details in 5 minutes on this week’s Public Meetings Report podcast.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alfreda Williams
Alicia Moreland

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastasia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland Water officials project rate increases Utilities Committee, Cleveland City Council, May 2, 2024
Jesse Owens’ home one step closer to Cleveland landmark status Development, Planning, and Sustainability Committee, Cleveland City Council, April 30, 2024
Bellaire-Puritas senior apartment project wins final approval Cleveland City Planning Commission, April 19, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee Notes and Live-Tweets, May 2, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How to apply for help with your sewer or water bill By Signal Cleveland Staff
Cleveland health department plans to keep expanding its mobile services By Candice Wilder and Cleveland Documenters
Cleveland City Council to vote on ‘Art Modell’ ordinance By Nick Castele

Legislation:

Legislation approving SOPEC contract renewal (Ordinance No. 386-2024)

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee, May 2, 2024

Other resources:

What is Community Choice Aggregation?

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of April 30, 2024

Residents of Cleveland and nearby suburbs come to Cleveland City Council’s Monday night regular meetings to make a public comment on an issue that affects them most: from pedestrian safety and police reform, to housing barriers and communities feeling left out of neighborhood development plans.

In this week’s Public Meetings Report, we highlight five local commenters who stepped up to the mic at Cleveland City Hall and shared their thoughts with City Council and the public.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Cleveland City Council’s online form to sign up for public comment
Signal Cleveland’s Guide To Public Comment
Public Comment CLE, the website where all public comments given at Cleveland City Council meetings are transcribed.

View Details

Nearly half a million children go missing in the United States every year, a fear that looms in many parents’ heads.

On June 17, 2023, this fear came true for the family of 16-year-old Cleveland resident Keshaun Williams.

William's mother, Sherice Snowden, sat down with Cleveland Documenter Marvetta Rutherford to talk about the process of looking for a missing child.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of April 22, 2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the playoffs again. Meanwhile, Cleveland Documenters aren’t playing any games at these local government meetings. Last week, they caught a Cleveland City Council meeting packed with info to share with you, including residents speaking out against plans to build a new school building at Cudell Park, Council’s 14 week summer break plan, and complaints Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s hiring of his college roommate Phillip McHugh as public safety advisor. That and more in this week’s episode… in less than five minutes. Give a listen.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Regina Samuels
Aaron Skubby

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Anastasia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council sets its months-long summer break Cleveland City Council, April 15, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, April 15, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland plans to keep transforming rec centers into community resource hubs this summer By Candice Wilder
Cleveland mayor’s rough week: Council members square up against Bibb over safety hire, lakefront By Nick Castele

Legislation:

Legislation approving Cleveland City Council summer meeting schedule (Ordinance No. 409-2024)

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, April 15, 2024

Other resources:

Judge clears way for CMSD to proceed with new school on Cudell park (Ideastream.org)

View Details

Spring has officially spring here in Cleveland. While many of us were looking for the extra strength Claritin, Documenters were busy making local government meetings clearer. Last week, they learned about Cleveland Metropolitan School District plans for three new school-based health clinics and for streamlining English language arts curricula across schools. Plus, Second New Hope Baptist Church is approved for landmark designation. And, the Landmarks Commission hears a plan to require some city developers to encourage their residents and employees to use public transportation. Get the details in around five minutes in this week’s episode. The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Charlestine Pride
Regina Samuels
Marvetta Rutherford, and
Lena Anglin.

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Anastasia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

More CMSD school-based health clinics planned for students and families Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Board of Education, April 9, 2024
Second New Hope Baptist Church nominated as a Cleveland landmark Cleveland Landmarks Commission, April 11, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Board of Education Notes and Live-Tweets, April 9, 2024
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Notes and Live-Tweets, April 11, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Follow Cleveland’s stimulus spending with this ARPA project tracker By Nick Castele
Integrated Health Initiative for Cleveland Schools aims to establish school-based community health clinics By Paul Rochford
Cleveland State eyes major overhaul of iconic Rhodes Tower By Amy Morona

Recordings:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Board of Education, April 9, 2024
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, April 11, 2024

Other resources:

Recommended English Language Arts Curriculum for grades Pre-K- 6
Recommended English Language Arts Curriculum for grades 6-12
Curriculum presentation
Cleveland City Planning Transportation Demand Management draft

View Details

The Signal Cleveland Community Listening Team listens and engages with Greater Clevelanders to make sure the news we're publishing reflects community expertise. Hear from members of the team and our community reporter here and on air at WOVU 95.9 FM.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of April 1, 2024

🌙🌑☀️The moon may have blotted out the sun for a bit this week. But, Cleveland Documenters kept the sunlight on local government meetings. This week, Documenters learned about GCRTRA getting rid of its smelly train seat fabric, Lee-Harvard residents asking for more input on their neighborhood master plan, and Cleveland City Council has questions about hate crimes in the city. Get the details in less than five minutes in this week's episode!

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Barbara Phipps,
Charlestine Pride,
Prerna Agarwal,
Janelle James,
Christina Easter
Stesia Swain

Their work has been compiled this week by Signal Cleveland’s Doug Breehl-Pitorak, Dakotah Kennedy, and Anastazia Vanisko.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station. Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Clevelanders talk community input, safety, Cleveland City Council, April 1, 2024
Greater Cleveland RTA may bid farewell to its smelly cloth seats Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority committee meeting, April 2, 2024
No uptick in hate crimes across Cleveland, police chief says, Cleveland City Council, Safety Committee, April 3, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, April 1, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Committee meeting Notes and Live-Tweets, April 2, 2024
Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes and Live Tweets, April 3, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

New program aims to help Cleveland renters living in homes in tax foreclosure By Olivera Perkins

Legislation:

Legislation authorizing 3D-printed housing pilot program

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, April 1, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority committee meeting, April 2, 2024
Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council, April 3, 2024

Other resources:

Public Comment CLE
Lee Harvard Master Plan
Cleveland Ohio Southeast Residents Organization
RTA Vinyl Seat Presentation
RTA approval for purchase of new trains

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of April 1, 2024

It was a busy night for Documenters at Cleveland City Council’s meeting Monday night, March 25th. Council members introduced legislation to approve two new pilot programs aimed at tackling poverty and homelessness, listened to residents’ concerns on public safety, and passed a resolution to support a ceasefire in Gaza. Plus, Signal Cleveland audio producer Gennifer Harding-Gosnell walks into a bar to hear Clevelanders plans for the eclipse! Get the details in this week’s show.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Marquesa Stephens
Ayanna Rose Banks

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

‘We are trying to change the trajectory of our city’: Cleveland may fund 3D-printed houses to curb homelessness Cleveland City Council, March 25, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, March 25, 2024
Signal Cleveland reporting:
New program aims to help Cleveland renters living in homes in tax foreclosure By Olivera Perkins
‘Not going to apologize for my tears’: Ohio Senate hears about Cleveland housing barriers in 8-hour testimony By Dakotah Kennedy
Cleveland City Council passes Gaza ceasefire resolution after sustained protests at meetings By Nick Castele

Legislation:

Legislation authorizing 3D-printed housing pilot program

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, March 25, 2024

Other resources:

BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
United Way of Greater Cleveland
Universal basic employment could be answer to ending generational poverty, Cleveland City council member says Story By NewsChannel 5
Public Comment CLE

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of March 25, 2024

As Clevelanders prepare for an onslaught of eclipse watchers, Documenters were steadily watching local government meetings. Among the things they caught: Cleveland City Council approving the 2024 General Fund Budget, Cleveland Metropolitan School District contemplates moving to a single calendar, and Samaria Rice and other Cudell residents voice support for preserving Cudell Park Learn more in less than five minutes in this week’s show.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alfreda Williams
Ayanna Rose Banks
Barbara Phipps
Regina Samuels

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council finalizes 2024 budget Cleveland City Council, March 18, 2024
‘We want to work together’: Residents address CMSD officials about preserving Cudell Park Board of Education meeting, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, March 19, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council, Notes and Live-Tweets, March 18, 2024
Board of Education, Cleveland Metropolitan School District Notes and Live-Tweets, March 19, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland finally removes ugly jersey barriers from Public Square By Nick Castele
Cleveland voters sound off after primary that saw low turnout By Najee Hall
Cleveland’s Community Police Commission put discipline and policy decisions in residents’ hands By Anastazia Vanisko
Cleveland’s Civilian Police Review Board decides on discipline in misconduct cases By Dakotah Kennedy

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, March 18, 2024
Board of Education, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, March 19, 2024

Other resources:

UNICEF stats on children killed in Gaza
Tamir Rice memorial at Cudell Park
Court case to stop construction at Marion C. Seltzer Elementary
The Land reporting on construction at Cudell Park

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Public Meetings Report for the week of March 19, 2024

Spring has sprung here in Cleveland… sort of. While most of us have been hopefully squinting our eyes for glimpses of tree buds (and sunlight), Cleveland Documenters have kept their eyes closely focused on local government meetings. Last week, Documenters learned about a shortage of CMSD bus drivers, troubles with the Cleveland Community Police Commission’s community grants program, and an expansion at The Winery at Chateau Hough.

Learn more in this week’s episode!

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Barbara Phipps
Marvetta Rutherford
Nina Awal
Stesia Swain
Lakeisha Smith
Christina Easter

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland police commissioners discuss using a third party to work on grants Community Police Commission, March 11, 2024
CMSD principal talks successful teacher looping; district faces transportation gaps Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Work Session, March 12, 2024
Winery at Chateau Hough set for expansion Cleveland Board of Control, March 13, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Budgets and Grants Committee, Cleveland Community Police Commission Notes and Live-Tweets, March 11, 2024
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Notes and Live-Tweets, March 12, 2024
Cleveland Board of Control, Notes and Live-Tweets, March 13, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland’s 2024 budget agreement includes additional money for parks, council wards By Dakotah Kennedy
Cleveland schools to reach for more revenue from 32 properties By Nick Castele
Cleveland empowerment center giving survivors new hope By Najee Hall

Recordings:

Budgets and Grants Committee, Community Police Commission, March 11, 2024
Board Work Session, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, March 12, 2024
Cleveland Board of Control, March 13, 2024

Other resources:

News Channel 5 coverage of nationwide bus driver shortage
What is a parcel?
Neighborhood Solutions, Inc.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of March 13, 2024This week, Cleveland Documenters got a bit of a break from Cleveland City Council meetings. Much of council was in Washington D.C. for the National League of Cities’ 2024 Congressional City Conference. But, Documenters learned plenty from last week’s Cleveland City Council meetings. Including a Safety Committee meeting where council members discussed the effectiveness of ShotSpotter, curbing illegal trash dumping, and a program to offer free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to Cleveland residents. Get the details in 5 minutes in this week’s podcast!

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Carolyn Cooper
Dan McLaughlin

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council members get ShotSpotter update, question its effectiveness Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council, March 6, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Safety Committee Notes and Live-Tweets, March 6, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Childbirth is killing Black moms in Ohio. Cleveland advocates are seeking solutions. By Candice Wilder
Where and how Cleveland distributed $2.9 million to help seniors with home repairs By Dakotah Kennedy
ShotSpotter: A primer By Doug Breehl-Pitorak

Legislation:

Legislation for free smoke and carbon monoxide detector program

Recordings:

Safety Committee Recordings [1] and [2], Cleveland City Council, March 6, 2024

Other resources:

SoundThinking, creators of ShotSpotter
Cuyahoga County Environmental Task Force (ETF)

View Details

Many residents of Cleveland and nearby suburbs come to Cleveland City Council meetings to make a public comment on an issue that affects them most: from housing and neighborhood nuisance concerns, to those affected by violence and conflict in the Middle East.

In this podcast episode, we highlight four local commenters who stepped up to the mic at Cleveland City Hall and shared their thoughts with City Council and the public.

Show Notes:

Cleveland City Council’s online form to sign up for public comment
Signal Cleveland’s Guide To Public Comment
Public Comment CLE, the website where all public comments given at Cleveland City Council meetings are transcribed.

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of March 4, 2024

The 2024 General Fund budget hearings, where Cleveland City Council members discussed how the city should spend about $778 million of public money, came and went in the blink of an eye – at least compared to recent years.

Cleveland Documenters and Signal Staff followed along for all 30-odd hours of budget hearings. From a tree maintenance backlog to struggles with the city’s Exterior Paint Program, in this episode, we explore some additional budget items Documenters noted in their recent coverage.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Prerna Agarwal
Dan McLaughlin
Alicia Moreland
Tina Scott
Barbara Phipps
Carolyn Cooper
Chanel Wiley
Marvetta Rutherford
Robyn Heard
Aaron Skubby
Emma Sedlak

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council General Fund Budget Hearings

Day 1- February 20, 2024 Live Tweets [1] and [2]
Day 2-February 21, 2024 Live Tweets [1] and [2]; Notes [1] and [2]
Day 3-February 22, 2024 Live Tweets; Notes [1] and [2]
Day 4- February 23, 2024 Live Tweets [1] and [2]; Notes [1] and [2]

Signal Cleveland reporting:

The City of Cleveland’s Paint Program Could Use a Fresh Coat as Residents Cite Costly Labor and Slow Voucher Approval Process By Doug Breehl-Pitorak
City Council and Mayor Justin Bibb to hash out changes to Cleveland’s budget By Signal Cleveland
How Cleveland’s budget process works By Cleveland Documenters
2024 City of Cleveland budget coverage and resources By Signal Cleveland
Urban Forestry Commission wants Clevelanders to speak for the trees By Dakotah Kennedy
What we learned from Cleveland’s 2023 Community Development Block Grant hearings By Cleveland Documenters
Legal Aid, paint program, tree maintenance: A Cleveland Documenters catchup on 2024 budget hearings By Doug Breehl-Pitorak

Recordings:

City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 1, Part 1, February 20, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 1, Part 2, February 20, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 2, Part 1, February 21, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 2, Part 2, February 21, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 3, Part 1, February 22, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 3, Part 2, February 22, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 4, Part 1, February 23, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 4, Part 2, February 23, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 5, February 26, 2024

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
What is the “General Fund”?
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Legal Aid’s presentation to City Council
City of Cleveland Exterior Paint Program.
What is a “CDC”?
Community Development Block Grant video explainer

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of February 26, 2024

Cleveland Documenters covered all five days of the City of Cleveland and Cleveland City Council budget hearings for 2024, learning about council members’ frustrations with the Community Police Commission, changes to improve waste collection services, and what actually is a “TIF.”

Plus, we talk with a few Cleveland residents about how they like to see the city’s money spent.The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Dan McLaughlin
Alicia Moreland
Prerna Agarwal

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Documenters' General Fund budget hearings live-tweets:

Day 1 (February 20, 2024): Morning Session @_prernaagarwal / Afternoon Session @CoffeeDocuments
Day 2 (February 21, 2024): Morning Session @GenniferwithaG_ / Afternoon Session @DDutchCreative
Day 3 (February 22, 2024): Morning Session: @dmcbillion
Day 4 (February 23, 2024): Morning Session @CleDocuDenise / Afternoon Session @RobynHeard_

Signal Cleveland reporting:

How Cleveland’s budget process works By Cleveland Documenters
Signal Cleveland’s budget hearing blog
Cleveland health department budget focus is on increasing salaries and retaining staff By Candice Wilder
Cleveland City Council debates Community Police Commission budget ask By Dakota Kennedy

Recordings:

City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 1, Part 1, February 20, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 1, Part 2, February 20, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 2, Part 1, February 21, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 2, Part 2, February 21, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 3, Part 1, February 22, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 3, Part 2, February 22, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 4, Part 1, February 23, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 4, Part 2, February 23, 2024
City Budget Hearings, Cleveland City Council, Day 5, February 26, 2024

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Budget Estimate 2024

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of February 21, 2024

Before diving into the city’s budget (the hearings are going on now), Documenters were busy learning about other government happenings. Last week, they detailed hold-ups with the Community Police Commission’s grants program, a call for City Council to engage more with police oversight agencies, and plans for CMSD budget cuts.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tucker Handley
Ayanna Rose Banks
Carolyn Cooper
Prerna Agarwal
Chardon Black, and
Barbara Phipps.

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council member voices support for Gaza ceasefire resolution Cleveland City Council, January 29, 2024
Activist calls on Cleveland City Council to be ‘more engaged’ with police oversight agencies Cleveland City Council, February 12, 2024
Members of Cleveland police commission talk grant program challenges Budgets and Grants Committee, Cleveland Police Commission, February 12, 2024
CMSD CEO Warren Morgan lays out deficit reduction plan for schools Board of Education, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, February 13, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, February 12, 2024
Budget and Grants Committee, Community Police Commission Notes and Live-Tweets, February 12, 2024
Board of Education, Cleveland Metropolitan School District Notes [1], Notes [2], February 13, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Community Police Commission calls on city to rescind recent police commander promotions By Frank W. Lewis
Cleveland’s Community Police Commission put discipline and policy decisions in residents’ hands By Anastazia Vanisko
CMSD’s $168 million budget hole: Cleveland schools propose cuts to out-of-school programs, layoffs in central office By Nick Castele

Legislation:

Legislation approving plans for International Food Solutions

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, February 12, 2024
Budget and Grants Committee, Community Police Commission, February 12, 2024
Board of Education, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, February 13, 2024

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Citizens For A Safer Cleveland
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Draft Reduction Plan

View Details

The Public Meetings Report for the week of February 5, 2024

Documenters closed out January gathering details about summer job opportunities for Cuyahoga County teens, a Cleveland City Council member’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and more than $10 million in contracts for fire hydrants. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council member voices support for Gaza ceasefire resolution Cleveland City Council, January 29, 2024
Application opens for paid summer jobs for Cuyahoga County teens; officials talk barriers to eligibility Workforce, Education, Training and Youth Development Committee, Cleveland City Council, January 30, 2024
Cleveland Board of Control approves $10.7 million for fire hydrants Cleveland Board of Control, January 31, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets, January 29, 2024
Workforce, Education, Training and Youth Development Committee, Cleveland City Council Notes, January 30, 2024
Cleveland Board of Control Live-Tweets, January 31, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland’s Board of Control votes to spend taxpayer money. What is it? (Explainer) By Abbey Marshall
Cleveland City Council bans ‘frivolous or repetitive’ public comments in new rules By Nick Castele
What’s in Cleveland’s new ‘Residents First’ housing codes By Nick Castele
Huntington Bank withdraws application to close Buckeye Road branch By Olivera Perkins

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, January 29, 2024
Workforce, Education, Training and Youth Development Committee, Cleveland City Council, January 30, 2024
Cleveland Board of Control, January 31, 2024

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Eligibility requirements for YOU summer work program
YOU 2024 program presentation
YOU summer work program application
Coolest Cuts Beauty and Barber Studios
City of Cleveland Land Bank side yard expansion program
The Land’s article on Coolest Cuts
Blaine Griffin’s statement on a Gaza ceasefire resolution
What is a resolution?
Protocol for disruption of City Council meetings

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of January 29, 2024

January may be winding down, but local government action is picking up. Last week, Documenters gathered details on a new program to make daycares lead safe, continued demands for a Gaza ceasefire resolution, and updates on RTA ridership levels. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Natalie Bryan
Dorothy Ajamu
Prerna Agarwal
Kellie Morris
Ayanna Rose Banks, and
Aaron Skubby.

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership wShow Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

New lead safe program focuses on Cleveland daycares Cleveland City Council Caucus, January 22. 2024
Clevelanders again call for a Gaza ceasefire resolution, say council members’ inaction will cost reelection support Cleveland City Council, January 22, 2024
Cleveland RTA ridership increased for the second year in a row Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, January 23, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Caucus Notes and Live Tweets, January 22, 2024
Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweets - January 22, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live-Tweets - January 23, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

New chat service guides people facing felony charges through the legal process By Stephanie Casanova
Cleveland City Council bans ‘frivolous or repetitive’ public comments in new rules By Nick Castele

Legislation:

Legislation to approve new public comment rules

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council, January 22, 2024
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, January 23, 2024

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Starting Point
Starting Point’s Lead Safe Child Care Program
Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition
City of Cleveland Strategic Planning presentation
University Circle Police beef up patrols around Palestinian-owned business after reports of harassment WEWS-TV5
Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH)
RTA’s economic report

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of January 22, 2024

❄️Before the snow hit last week, Documenters caught a flurry of local government action, including Fourth Amendment concerns with the Cleveland police ShotSpotter policy, about $1.4 million set for community-based justice efforts in Cuyahoga County, and $1.35 million moved forward for an adult guardianship program. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tina Scott
Christina Easter
Marcy Clark
Stésià Swain
Barbara Phipps
Tim Zelina

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

About $1.4 million teed up for community-based justice efforts in Cuyahoga County, Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 16, 2024
Cuyahoga County needs more guardians for adults, advocate says Health, Human Services & Aging Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 17, 2024
Cleveland ShotSpotter policy may violate Fourth Amendment rights, work group says Community Police Commission, Police Policy Committee, January 17, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee Notes and Live Tweets, Cuyahoga County Council, January 16, 2024
Community Police Commission, Police Policy Committee Notes and Live-Tweets - January 17, 2024
Health, Human Services & Aging Committee Notes and Live-Tweets, Cuyahoga County Council, January 17, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

ShotSpotter in Cleveland: What To Know
New chat service guides people facing felony charges through the legal process By Stephanie Casanova
Recordings:
Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 16, 2024
Police Policy Committee, Community Police Commission, January 17, 2024
Health, Human Services & Aging Committee, Cuyahoga County Council, January 17, 2024
Other resources:
HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Cleveland Community Police Commission
Court Community Service Inc.
Community Corrections Program
Applewood Centers Inc.
What is a general police order (GPO)?
Cleveland’s search and seizure policy
Community Police Commission agenda - January 24, 2024
Cuyahoga County Council
Cuyahoga County Corrections Planning Board
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s FAQ on the guardianship program

View Details

Documenters returned to covering local government meetings last week, and they kicked off the year by notching a major milestone: 1,000 local government meetings covered in just over three years!

On the way to that community feat, Documenters detailed plans for Clevelanders to weigh in on tree maintenance and parking concerns at a planned development in Glenville. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Joanna Tomassoni
Dan McLaughlin
Elan Eichler
Chau Tang
Tucker Handley
Marvetta Rutherford
Barbara Phipps
Ayanna Rose Banks

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

SHOW NOTES:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland public commenters renew call for a Gaza ceasefire resolution Cleveland City Council, January 8, 2024
Residents urge board to reject parking plan at new University Circle development Board of Zoning Appeals, January 8, 2024
Urban Forestry Commission wants Clevelanders to Speak For The Trees Urban Forestry Commission, January 9, 2024

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council meeting Notes and Live-Tweets - January 8, 2024
Board of Zoning Appeals Notes and Live-Tweets - January 8, 2024
City of Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live-Tweets - January 9, 2024

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cuyahoga County unveils alternative to housing children at Jane Edna Hunter office building by Nick Castele
How Cleveland City Council balances the city’s year-end checkbook by Dakotah Kennedy
Cleveland City Council receives letters for and against Gaza ceasefire resolution by Nick Castele
Take our Signal Cleveland affordable housing survey
Board of Control Explainer

Legislation:

Ordinance establishing the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore TIF District
Recordings:
Cleveland City Council - January 8, 2024
Board of Zoning Appeals - January 8, 2024
Urban Forestry Commission - January 9, 2024

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
City of Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission
Urban Forestry Commission
Burten Bell Carr Development
Slavic Village Development

View Details

🎉2024 is well under way! But, we wanted to spend a little more time with 2023 and the resident voices we heard at Cleveland City Council. For this edition of the Public Meetings Report, we’ll continue our look back at highlights from the more than 200 public comments residents have made at Cleveland City Council last year.

Some residents come to Cleveland City Council’s Monday night meeting to speak about issues that directly affect them and their communities. Others come as part of an organization they represent or work for. The residents in this week’s show came to speak about support for apprenticeship programs, bans on flavored tobacco products, long-term effects of gun violence, and council’s rules for public comment itself!

To subscribe to this podcast and more from Signal Cleveland, just search for “Signal Cleveland” wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

How residents sounded off at Cleveland City Council in 2023, pt. I
The Wrap Up: This year in public comment at Cleveland City Council by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell
PubCommentCLE - transcripts of all public comments
Sign-up form to give public comment on Cleveland City Council’s website.
Signal Cleveland’s guide to public comment

View Details

With most local government meetings on hiatus for the holidays, Cleveland Documenters are getting a much needed break. In the meantime, we thought we’d take the opportunity to look back at the more than 200 public comments residents have made at Cleveland City Council this year.

Some residents come to speak about issues that directly affect them and their communities. Others come as part of an organization they represent or work for. In this week’s episode, we share 4 public comment highlights. Tune in for part 2 next week!

Show Notes:

The Wrap Up: This year in public comment at Cleveland City Council by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell
PubCommentCLE - transcripts of all public comments
Sign-up form to give public comment on Cleveland City Council’s website.
Signal Cleveland’s guide to public comment

View Details

🎉Documenters covered their last local government meetings of 2023 in recent weeks. Some of that coverage has touched on: the case to make Olympian Jesse Owens’ home a Cleveland landmark, a continued decline in applications to certify Cleveland properties as lead safe, updates on a temporary housing solution for kids in Cuyahoga County’s care.

With Documenters coverage done for the year, there won’t be a Public Meetings Report next week. But stay tuned for two special editions in the new year, followed by a return to meeting highlights in mid-January.

Thanks for reading and listening along with us this year as we collectively built our civic muscle.

P.S. Catch up on all Documenters coverage on Documenters.org.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alyssa Holznagel
Jada Hobson
Carolyn Cooper
Daniel McLaughlin, and
Dean Jackson.

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Kids average 40-day stays in temporary housing, per Cuyahoga County Official Advisory Board, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services, December 6, 2023
Olympic Gold medalist Jesse Owens’ Cleveland home slated for landmark status Cleveland Landmarks Commission, December 14, 2023
Cleveland’s lead safe application rate continues to dropLead Safe Advisory Board, December 14, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Advisory Board, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services meeting Notes [1], and Notes [2] - December 6, 2023
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, Notes and Live-Tweet thread - December 14, 2023
Lead Safe Advisory Board Notes - December 14, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cuyahoga County unveils alternative to housing children at Jane Edna Hunter office building by Nick Castele
How Cleveland City Council spends its share of casino moneyby April Urban
City Mission prepping for the holidaysby Najee Hall

Legislation:

lead safe ordinance

Recordings:

Cleveland Landmarks Commission -December 14, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services
T-Suites
Cleveland Christian Home
Cleveland Landmarks Commission
PowerPoint Presentations from the Cleveland Landmarks Commission meeting
JesseOwens.com
Lead Safe Advisory Board
Lead Safe Auditor’sDecember report

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of December 4, 2023

Cleveland City Council spent December 4 wrapping up its business for 2023, and Documenters kept tabs on the nearly 10-hour day. Documenters discovered Council members’ concerns that a job creation program could undermine living wages, and the maximum age for Cleveland Police trainees raised to 54 years old.

Get the details in this week's episode of the Public Meetings Report.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Barbara Phipps
Dorothy Ajamu
Marvetta Rutherford
Karima McCree-Wilson
Timothy Zelina
Anna Truax
Pearl Chen
Chanel Wiley

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland job creation program could undermine living wage, officials say Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, December 4, 2023
No Gaza ceasefire resolution from Cleveland City Council in 2023 Cleveland City Council, December 4, 2023
Housing for veterans slated for Union-Miles Board of Control - December 6, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - December 4, 2023
Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2] and Live-Tweet Thread - December 4, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control Notes [1], Notes [2] - December 6, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

What is prevailing wage and how does it work in Ohio? by Dakotah Kennedy
Poverty and segregation remain key challenges for Cleveland, says retiring healthcare policy expert by Candice Wilder
How Cuyahoga County picks attorneys to represent children accused of crimes by Stephanie Casanova and Rachel Dissell

Legislation:

Legislation to change the city’s job creation incentive program
Legislation to raise the maximum age for new Cleveland police recruits to 54 from 39 years old
Legislation to approve $4.5 million in funding for social workers for the Department of Public Safety’s co-response program

Recordings:

Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council, Morning and Afternoon Sessions - December 4, 2023
Cleveland City Council - December 4, 2023
Board of Control - December 6, 2023

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of November 27, 2023

The snow didn’t keep Documenters from making it to City Hall to cover your local government meetings last week. They covered public commenters sharing the local impact of Israel’s war on Gaza, Cleveland City Council members gearing up for redistricting, and a new bespoke police boat.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Kellie Morris
Christina Easter,
Lakeisha Smith
Daniel McLaughlin

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council proposes changes to public comment Cleveland City Council Caucus meeting, November 13, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council, caucus meeting Live-Tweet thread - November 27, 2023
Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet thread - November 27, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control Notes and Live-Tweet thread - November 29, 2023
Lead Safe Advisory Board Notes - September 14, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Understanding Cleveland’s ward boundaries (Explainer) by Abbey Marshall
College student with kids in Cleveland? Here’s how to apply for affordable housing that offers help juggling it all by Amy Morona
Two Cleveland City Council members say they felt ‘unsafe’ at meeting. Another cautions not to minimize ‘real pain’ of protesters by Stephanie Casanova

Legislation:

Legislation approving enterprise zone agreement for International Food Solutions

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council - November 27, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control - November 29, 2023
Resident opposition to chicken-processing plant on E. 55th Street, Cleveland City Council Development, Planning and Sustainability (Zoning) Committee - February 7, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Arab American Voter Project
Public Comment CLE
SAFE Boats
Neighborhood Recreation Resource Centers
Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of November 27, 2023Residents disrupted Cleveland City Council’s Monday, November 20th meeting with chants demanding Council call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Public comment was once again dominated by remarks about the conflict overseas. Two commenters spoke about money to help prevent homelessness being tied up at the city level. A Council member spoke about her recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border and how it has changed her perspective.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are Timothy Zelina and Chau Tang.

Their work has been compiled this week by Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Meeting Brief:

Cleveland City Council, November 20, 2023 - Residents disrupt Cleveland City Council meeting to demand a ceasefire by Dakotah Kennedy

Documenters’ coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - November 20, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Two Cleveland City Council members say they felt ‘unsafe’ at meeting. Another cautions not to minimize ‘real pain’ of protesters by Stephanie Casanova
Cleveland City Council proposes changes to public comment⁠ by Dakotah Kennedy

Meeting Recording:

Cleveland City Council - November 20, 2023

Other Resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of November 20, 2023

🦃🍗The holiday season is upon us! While many of us are getting ready to fill up on turkey, mashed potatoes, and some Midwestern jello “salad,” city officials have been filling up their legislative plates.🍽️

During last week’s round of meetings, Documenters covered proposed changes to public comment, and plans to jumpstart investment in Cleveland’s Southeast side.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Alicia Moreland
Tucker Handley
Christina Easter
Marcy Clark
Michaylah Burch
Prerna Agarwal
Marvetta Rutherford

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Their work has been compiled this week by Anastazia Vanisko and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council proposes changes to public comment Cleveland City Council Caucus meeting, November 13, 2023
Residents speak about Israel’s war on Gaza; affordable apartments coming to Clark-Fulton Cleveland City Council, November 13, 2023
Cleveland plan to build affordable housing on vacant lots approved Cleveland Board of Control, November 15, 2023
New electric sign approved for Orchard STEM School in Ohio City Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals, November 13, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council, Caucus meeting Live-Tweet Thread - November 13, 2023
Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - November 13, 2023
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - November 13, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - November 15, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland City Council eyes tighter rules for public comments by Nick Castele
Cleveland City Council deal cancels medical debt for 16,000 residents by Candice Wilder
What is prevailing wage and how does it work in Ohio? by Dakotah Kennedy

Legislation:

Legislation approving Blanket Mills project funding

Recordings:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals - November 13, 2023
Cleveland City Council - November 13, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control - November 15, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Cleveland Board of Control explainer
Southeast Side Promise Initiative

View Details

As lots of attention went toward last week’s city and statewide elections, Documenters kept up with local government happenings. Here are some items they picked up on: a reminder of higher water bills in 2024, a worker-owned laundry facility in Glenville buying land, and approval for child care service at a Cudell home. Learn more in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Ayanna Rose Banks
Dan McLaughlin
Alyssa Holznagel
Emily Anderson

Their work has been compiled this week by Rachel Dissell and Doug Breehl-Pitorak. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Plans for Tremont apartments, Cudell child care move forward Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals, November 6, 2023
Evergreen Cooperative Laundry buys Cleveland Land Bank lots Cleveland Board of Control, November 8, 2023
Cleveland Water customers set to pay slightly more in 2024 Cleveland City Council, Utilities Committee, November 9, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Live-Tweet Thread - November 6, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control Live-Tweet Thread - November 8, 2023
Cleveland City Council, Utilities Committee Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - November 9, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

FAQ: Form-based code, a zoning reform plan coming to Cleveland by Frank Lewis
Cleveland City Council eyes tighter rules for public comments by Nick Castele
Going to the mat for Cleveland’s youth by Najee Hall
Waitlist for housing voucher program opens Nov. 13. Do you qualify? By Dakotah Kennedy

Legislation:

Legislation to raise city water rates

Recordings:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals - November 6, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control - November 8, 2023
Cleveland City Council, Utilities Committee - November 9, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals meeting presentation
What is a city zoning code?
What is a variance?
Evergreen Cooperative Laundry
What is fair market value?
Water distribution - how it works: Cleveland Water
Apply for help with your water or sewer bill

View Details

Last week, Documenters covered a job training program for high schoolers with Cleveland Public Power, pro-Palestinian protests at Cleveland City Council, and a new fee for car-sharing services at Hopkins Airport. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Aaron Skubby
Tina Scott
Jada Hobson
Ayanna Rose Banks
Alicia Moreland
Regina Samuels

Their work has been compiled this week by Rachel Dissell, Anastasia Vanisko, and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Protesters chant in support of Palestinians, halt council meeting Cleveland City Council, October 30, 2023
Cleveland adds fee for vehicle-sharing services at Hopkins Airport Cleveland Board of Control, November 1, 2023
Paid positions available for CMSD students interested in the trades Utilities Committee, Cleveland City Council, November 2, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - October 30, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - November 1, 2023
Utilities Committee, Cleveland City Council, Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - November 2, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

The dome bringing peace to the Central community by Najee Hall
Police monitoring team wants Cleveland Community Police Commission to end public arguing by Stephanie Casanova
Adding to Cleveland’s civil rights history, forgiving utility bills and Shaker Square landlord update by Mark Naymik, Nick Castele and Olivera Perkins
Issue 2 would allow Ohio adults to smoke marijuana, though questions about long-term health effects remain unanswered by Candice Wilder

Other reporting:

Construction launches on Buckeye-Woodhill Transformation Project on Buckeye Road - Cleveland.com, September 16, 2022
Powering through: meet the first woman to complete Cleveland Public Power’s lineworker apprentice program - The Land, April 21, 2023

Legislation:

Legislation to approve Woodhill Homes redevelopment

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council - October 30, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control - November 1, 2023
Utilities Committee, Cleveland City Council - November 2, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Public Comment CLE
Applicationfor Intern to Apprentice Program, Cleveland Public Power

View Details

Many residents of Cleveland and nearby suburbs come to Cleveland City Council meetings to make a public comment on an issue that affects them most: from the dangers of vape products marketed to children, to those directly affected by violence and conflict in the Middle East.

In this episode, we’ll highlight four local commenters who stepped up to the mic at Cleveland City Hall and shared their thoughts with City Council and the public.

Show Notes:

Cleveland City Council’s online form to sign up for public comment
Signal Cleveland’s Guide To Public Comment
More from Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters on the first year results of public comment
Public Comment CLE, the website where all public comments given at Cleveland City Council meetings are transcribed.

View Details

Last week, Documenters covered more public comments criticizing elected officials’ statements on Palestine and Israel, questions about potential violations of the consent decree, and low wages for Department of Public Health employees hindering the hiring of more staff.

Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Kellie Morris
Alicia Moreland
Alyssa Holznagel
Tucker Handley
Dan McLaughlin
Ashley Lubecky
Christina Easter

Their work has been compiled this week by Rachel Dissell, Anastasia Vanisko, and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Residents support Cleveland Palestinian community, city electrical workers win raises Cleveland City Council, October 23, 2023
Cleveland’s health department needs more nurses, low pay makes hiring harder Cleveland City Council, Health, Human Services and The Arts Committee, October 23, 2023
Police oversight agencies want to examine new labor contract Community Police Commission, October 25, 2023
Cleveland council members concerned ‘problematic’ ordinance could silence groups Cleveland City Council, Safety Committee, October 25, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - October 23, 2023
Cleveland City Council Health, Human Services, and The Arts Committee Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live-Tweet Thread - October 23, 2023
Community Police Commission Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - October 25, 2023
Cleveland City Council Safety Committee Live-Tweet Thread - October 25, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland renews contract with Peacemakers Alliance after deal lapses by Nick Castele
Blaine Griffin makes a bet on the politics of No by Nick Castele
How Issue 2 proposes to help small businesses in the marijuana industry by Olivera Perkins
Walking and Talking: Cleveland residents sound off on Issue 38 by Najee Hall

Legislation:

Proposed ordinance to change language in city laws to match state legislation changes

Recordings:

Health, Human Services, and The Arts Committee, Cleveland City Council - October 23, 2023
Cleveland City Council - October 23, 2023
Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council - October 25, 2023
Community Police Commission - October 25, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Mayor Justin Bibb’s Oct. 7 statement in support of Israel
Public Comment CLE
Department of Aging Home Repair Resource Guide
Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance

View Details

In his Walking and Talking series, Signal Cleveland Community Reporter Najee Hall talks to Clevelanders from various neighborhoods about relevant topics.

On this segment of Walking and Talking, Najee chats with Cleveland residents Ross DiBello, Leonard DiCosimo and Aaniyah Kemp about Issue 38, participatory budgeting.

View Details

Documenters have detailed a lot in their recent coverage, including words of support for Palestinians, progress toward an Erieview Tower revamp, and updates on Cleveland police staffing. Get the details in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Karima McCree-Wilson
Marcy Clark
Christina Easter
Timothy Zelina
Lauren Hakim

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak, Anastasia Vanisko, and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland police provide staffing, budget updates Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council, October 11, 2023
Public commenters support Cleveland’s Palestinian community Cleveland City Council, October 16, 2023
Makeover planned for downtown Cleveland’s Erieview Tower Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee, Cleveland City Council, October 17, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Safety Committee Notes - October 11, 2023
Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - October 16, 2023
Cleveland City Council Development Planning and Sustainability Committee Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - October 17, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Understanding Cleveland Municipal Court (Explainer) by Dakotah Kennedy
How Issue 1 could change access to abortion in Ohio by Candice Wilder
What is the Council Leadership Fund, the political action committee opposing Issue 38? By Nick Castele
Legacy of service powers pastor’s faith based community center by Najee Hall
Typical workers in Ohio are making less than they did in 2019 by Olivera Perkins

Legislation:

Legislation approving Erieview Tower project

Recordings:

Safety Committee, Cleveland City Council - October 11, 2023
Cleveland City Council - October 16, 2023
Development Planning and Sustainability Committee, Cleveland City Council, October 17, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Mayor Justin Bibb’s Oct. 7 statement in support of Israel
CAIR-Council on American-Islamic Relations
Public Comment CLE

View Details

Public Meetings Report for the week of October 16, 2023

Last week, Documenters captured push back on purchasing Garfield Heights land for new county jail, a participation decrease in Cleveland’s MomsFirst program, up to $500,000 granted for upgrades to the Brenda Glass Trauma Center, and CMSD’s school board’s upcoming vote on new sign-up rules for public comments. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Marcy Clark
Tim Zelina
Chanel Wiley
Janenell Smith
Alicia Moreland
Aaron Skubby
Tina Scott, and
Marvetta Rutherford.

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak, Anastasia Vanisko, and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Participation in Cleveland’s mother support program down, Human, Health Services and the Arts Committee, Cleveland City Council, October 9, 2023
Cleveland’s Brenda Glass Trauma Center set to get $500,000 grant, Cleveland City Council, October 9, 2023
Residents ask for community investment, not another jail, Cuyahoga County Council, October 10, 2023
Walk-up public comments at CMSD board meetings may end, Board meeting, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, October 10, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live Tweets - October 9, 2023
Cleveland City Council Human, Health Services and the Arts Committee Notes and Live Tweets, October 9, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Notes, October 10, 2023
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Meeting Notes and Live Tweets, October 10, 2023

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Issue 2 would legalize recreational marijuana- here’s what that means by Stephanie Casanova
The Follow Up: What criteria does the mayor use in selecting candidates for appointment to the Cleveland school board? by Paul Rochford and Cleveland Documenters
I have a felony conviction. Can I vote in Ohio? by Paul Rochford
Issue 38: How residents would pitch People’s Budget ideas and vote for them by Anastazia Vanisko
Issue 38: How much residents would have to spend and what the People’s Budget could pay for by Anastazia Vanisko
Issue 38: Who would run a People’s Budget process? by Anastazia Vanisko

Other reporting:

Northeast Ohio has a head start in spending millions of opioid settlement money (Crain’s Cleveland Business, July 17, 2023)

Legislation:

CMSD legislation for Student records Project
Legislation approving grant to Brenda Glass Trauma Center
CMSD property tax advance

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council - October 9, 2023
Cleveland City Council Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee- October 9, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council - October 10, 2023
Cleveland Metropolitan School District - October 10, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Brenda Glass Multipurpose Trauma Center
Presentation on senior living development in Detroit-Shoreway
MomsFirst
Cuyahoga County Council
Black Lives Matter Cleveland.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
CMSD public comment proposed new rules
CMSD public comment online registration form
2023 CMSD Board of Education member application.

View Details

Last week,Documenters captured higher fines and possible jail time for parents and guardians whose children violate curfew, council members’ plans to review public comment rules, Community Police Commissioners debates about hiring a lawyer, and a call for law enforcement to use the county diversion center. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode. The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Barbara Phipps
Jada Hobson
Kareema McCree-Wilson
Dean Jackson
Lakeisha Smith
Alicia Moreland

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Anastasia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Police commission debates hiring an independent lawyer, Community Police Commission, September 27, 2023
Jail time on the line for parents under updated Cleveland youth curfew, Cleveland City Council Safety Committee, September 27, 2023
$3.5 million approved for Cleveland police helicopters, Cleveland City Council, October 2, 2023
Not enough police use Cuyahoga County Diversion Center, official says, Cuyahoga County Council Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee, October 3, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Community Police Commission Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - September 27, 2023
Cleveland City Council Safety Committee Notes [1], Notes [2] - September 27, 2023
Cleveland City Council Notes [1], Notes [2], and Live-Tweet Thread - October 2, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee Notes - October 3, 2023

Related Signal Cleveland reporting:

The Follow Up: How many 311 callers need language translation in Cleveland?
Cleveland’s Southeast Side czar on turning around disinvested neighborhoods
FAQ: Issue 1, the proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure reproductive
Mayor Bibb backs Issue 2, anti-violence ideas requested, Cuyahoga County jail site turf war
Tri-C seeks modest tax increase through Issue 5 on November ballot
Council OKs plunging Cleveland into darkness in April 2024

Legislation:

Original youth curfew law, passed 2007
Legislation on police helicopter maintenance

Recordings:

Community Police Commission - September 27, 2023
Cleveland City Council Safety Committee - September 27, 2023
Cleveland City Council - October 2, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee - October 3, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Cuyahoga County Council
Cuyahoga County Diversion Center
Oriana House
Diversion Center Board
Cleveland Community Police Commission

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In his Walking and Talking podcast series, Najee Hall, community reporter with Signal Cleveland, talks to Clevelanders from various neighborhoods about different topics.

On this segment of Walking and Talking, Najee chats with three Cleveland residents: Asia Jones of Collinwood, Brendan Heil of West Park, and Chardon Black of Mount Pleasant about Issue 38, Participatory Budgeting.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of October 2, 2023

Somehow, it is October. September sped by and closed with some noteworthy happenings at local government meetings.

Last week, Documenters covered public commenters being cut off at Cleveland City Council, approval of a site for a new Cuyahoga County jail, and permission to tattoo in Edgewater. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode. 📻

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Public commenters cut off at the mic, Cleveland City Council, September 25, 2023
Second time’s the charm for Have Fun Tattoo in Edgewater, Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals, September 25, 2023
Purchase of land for new county jail in Garfield Heights approved, Cuyahoga County Council. September 26, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Notes [1] and Notes [2]- September 25, 2023
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Notes [1] and Notes [2] - September 25, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - September 26, 2023

Related Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland City Council backs off plan to tap taxpayer dollars in fight against participatory budgeting (Signal Cleveland, September 18, 2023)
A $3.5 billion plan to transform downtown Cleveland (Signal Cleveland/Cleveland Documenters, September 28, 2023)
Building new Cuyahoga County jail in Garfield Heights could pose transportation issues for inmates, court operations (Signal Cleveland, July 26, 2023)
The fight over who controls Cleveland’s tax dollars: the People’s Budget debate, explained (Signal Cleveland, September 25, 2023)

Legislation:

Senate Bill 158
Legislation approving the purchase of new county jail site in Garfield Heights

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council - September 25, 2023
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals - September 25, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council - September 26, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
Cuyahoga County Council
Cuyahoga County Jail Coalition

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Fall is officially here, which means we can sip on a pumpkin spice latte with no shame even if it’s nearly 80 degrees. And, nothing goes better with pumpkin spice than some Documenters coverage, of course!

Last week, Documenters captured higher parking rates, public comments urging Cleveland City Council to ban the sale of flavored tobacco, and County approval for $40,000 to community groups. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode. 👇🏿📝The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Carolyn Cooper
Christina Easter
Tina Scott
Marvetta Rutherford
Hannah Morgan
Stésià Swain
Tucker Handley

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Anastasia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Metered parking in Cleveland neighborhoods capped at $5 per hour

Cleveland City Council Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

September 18, 2023 * Decisions on two East Side group homes delayed

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals

September 18, 2023 * Residents call on Cleveland to ban flavored tobacco

Cleveland City Council

September 18, 2023 * Cleveland, Cleveland Heights up for affordable housing funds

Cuyahoga County Council Community Development Committee

September 18, 2023 * New ‘Residents First’ rules for Cleveland landlords

Cleveland Planning Commission

September 15, 2023 * ⁠More Cleveland police receive crisis intervention training Mental Health Response Advisory Committee, Training Subcommittee

September 14, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Notes and Live-Tweet Thread- September 18, 2023
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - September 18, 2023
Cleveland City Council Notes and Live-Tweet Thread - September 18, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Community Development Committee Notes - September 18, 2023

Related Signal Cleveland reporting:

New bus ads light fire under Cleveland City Council on flavored tobacco ban (Signal Cleveland, September 25, 2023)

Legislation:

Parking rates legislation
Legislation for funding specialized court dockets
Proposed legislation to remove menthol and vape product sales

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee - September 18, 2023
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals - September 18, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Community Development Committee - September 18, 2023
Cleveland City Council - September 18, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland City Council
City of Cleveland parking rates presentation
Cleveland Municipal Courts
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals
Signal Cleveland’s Guide To Public Comment
Cuyahoga County Council

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Signal Cleveland's Public Meetings Report for the week of September 18, 2023

Last week, Cleveland Documenters covered news about a $30,000 grant for Neighborhood Pets in Slavic Village, an update on cybersecurity for the Board of Elections, and identity theft insurance available for city employees. Check out what we learned in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Tim Zelina,
Mildred Seward, and
Joanna Tomassoni.

Their work has been compiled this week by Doug Breehl-Pitorak and Anastasia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cuyahoga County Board of Elections - September 11, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council - September 12, 2023
Board of Control - September 13, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Notes - September 11, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Notes - September 12, 2023
Board of Control Notes - September 13, 2023

Related Signal Cleveland reporting:

Veterans advocate Walter Collins on ‘invisible’ war wounds and rallying community support: Beyond the Comment by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell
Cleveland City Council backs off plan to tap taxpayer dollars in fight against participatory budgeting by Nick Castele
“Hope at the door”: Greater Cleveland Congregations combines old-school canvassing with data analysis to reach “depressed” voters by Frank W. Lewis
Central family healing the community together by Najee Hall
ADAMHS Board working with FrontLine on non-police response pilot program by Stephanie Casanova

Legislation:

Legislation removed from budget proposals and referred back to committee by Cuyahoga County Council (found on pg. 86)
Legislation on public improvement funding with playgrounds

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Board of Elections - September 11, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council - September 12, 2023
Board of Control - September 13, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
Cuyahoga County Council
Ohio’s online voter registration form
Neighborhood Pets
Cleveland Board of Control
What is a land parcel?
Civic Builders LLC
Cleveland Land Reutilization Program
How does Cleveland's Board of Control spend taxpayer money?
R.J. Platten Contracting Co.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of September 11, 2023 The Cleveland Documenters team was in Chicago this week for a summit celebrating the civic power being built by people in more than a dozen cities that now have Documenters programs!

Here in Cleveland, we have a few bits from recent public meetings to share, including a contract approved to continue replacing outdated water service lines, and a call to have health professionals, not police, respond to mental health crises. Check out what we learned in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Janelle James
Ayanna Watkins
Jenna Thomas
Tina Scott
Mildred Seward
Stesia Swain

Their work has been compiled this week by Signal Cleveland’s Rachel Dissell and Dakotah Kennedy. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Board of Control - August 30, 2023
Mental Health Response Advisory Committee Community Engagement Committee - August 31, 2023
City Planning Commission - September 1, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Board of Control meeting Notes [1], Notes [2] and Live-Tweets (Cleveland Documenters, August 30, 2023)
Mental Health Response Advisory Committee Community Engagement Committee Notes and Live-Tweets (Cleveland Documenters, August 31, 2023)
City Planning Commission Notes and Live-Tweets (Cleveland Documenters, September 1, 2023)

Related Signal Cleveland reporting:

Specially trained police officers responding to more crisis calls by Stephanie Casanova
The basics of how bail and bonds work (Explainer) by Rachel Dissell, Ilica Mahajan and The Marshall Project
Bail reform in Cuyahoga County (Timeline) Rachel Dissell, Ilica Mahajan and The Marshall Project
Cuyahoga County judges vowed to reform the bail system. Here’s what happened by Ilica Mahajan, Rachel Dissell and The Marshall Project

Legislation:

Legislation approving lead and galvanized piping replacement

Recordings:

Board of Control - August 30, 2023
City Planning Commission - September 1, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland Board of Control
Mental Health Response Advisory Committee
City Planning Commission
Cleveland Land Bank
CareforCLE
Cleveland City Planning Commission website

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In his Walking and Talking podcast series, Najee Hall, community reporter with Signal Cleveland, talks to Clevelanders from various neighborhoods about their experience with violent crime.

In this episode, Jerrod Amir Shakir of the Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood and CJ Hood of Downtown Cleveland give their view on the increasing violence in Cleveland and what they believe can be done to help stop it.

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As the Latin American population grows in Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio, the Latine community is organizing to showcase their rich cultures and histories at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

Colombia will be the first Latin American country represented in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. But it won’t be the only Latine garden for long. Mexican and Peruvian organizations are following suit.

Audio story by Signal Cleveland reporter Stephanie Casanova. Produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

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Public Meetings Report for the week of August 28, 2023

School is back in session – and back on the agendas of some local government agencies. Last week, Documenters covered $2.1-million to Cleveland schools for a career planning program, a new sign-up process for public comment at Cleveland school board meetings, and a demolition related to the Irishtown Bend project. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode!

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Barbara Phipps
Dan McLaughlin
Kellie Morris, and
Marvetta Rutherford.

Their work has been compiled this week by Cleveland Documenters’ Doug-Breehl-Pitorak and Anastazia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Meeting - August 22, 2023
Board of Control - August 23, 2023
Cleveland Landmarks Commission - August 24, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Meeting Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, August 22, 2023)
Board of Control Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, August 23, 2023)
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, August 24, 2023)

Related Signal Cleveland reporting:

Forging a future: PACE takes CMSD students out of the classroom and into the workforce - (Signal Cleveland, June 14, 2023)
Fight over key property in Irishtown Bend redevelopment has cost the public more than $1.6 million - (Signal Cleveland, January 23, 2023)

Reporting:

Cudell residents upset that new school construction will mean loss of trees, green space - (The Land, August 22, 2023)

Recordings:

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Meeting - August 22, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control - August 23, 2023
Cleveland Landmarks Commission - August 24, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board Meeting New Public Comment Sign-Up Form
Cleveland Board of Control explainer
CMSD PACE Program
Cleveland Landmarks Commission
Certificate of Appropriateness
Ohio City Farm

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To better understand the effect of crime on everyday Cleveland residents, Najee Hall, community reporter with Signal Cleveland, talked to Clevelanders about the issue of crime.

In this episode of Signal Cleveland: On Air, Hall talks to Indica Ford who lives in Lee-Harvard neighborhood.

She tells us the story of how her neighborhood has been impacted by violent crime and what it means to have a strong community support.

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Signal Cleveland's Public Meetings Report for the week of August 21, 2023

Five Documenters covered a 12-hour day at Cleveland City Council on Aug. 16. Council wrapped up its second summer session by taking action on 60-plus pieces of legislation. It reviewed more than half of them that day, including $10-million for home repair loans, $7.3-million for middle neighborhoods, and $3.5-million for emergency repairs at Browns Stadium, plus a plan to raise parking rates in the city. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Lauren Hakim
Stesia Swain
Barbara Phipps
Marian Bryant
Kellie Morris

Their work has been compiled this week by Cleveland Documenters’ Doug-Breehl-Pitorak and Anastazia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

The Public Meetings Report is produced by Signal Cleveland and Cleveland Documenters, in partnership with WOVU 95.9FM “Our Voices United,” a Burten, Bell, Carr community radio station.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council Committee of the Whole - August 16, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland City Council Committee of the Whole Notes and Live-Tweet Thread [Morning Session], Notes[1], Notes[2] [Afternoon Session] (Cleveland Documenters, August 16, 2023)
Cleveland City Council Notes - (Cleveland Documenters, August 16, 2023)

Related Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland to scrap parking requirements near frequent public transit stops - (Signal Cleveland, August 17, 2023)

Legislation:

Legislation authorizing funds for Cleveland Browns Stadium repairs
Legislation authorizing ARPA funds for home repair loans
Tabled legislation on parking system and rates

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council Committee of the Whole - August 16, 2023

Other resources:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Middle Neighborhoods Investment Program presentation to City Council
Parking System Enhancement Project presentation to City Council

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Cleveland Documenters and Signal Cleveland talked to nearly 30 parents and caregivers to find o how Cleveland's school choice process is working for them.

Most Cleveland parents appreciated the option to choose the school that was the best fit for their child. But barriers remained for some. A big obstacle parents shared was having reliable and safe transportation to get a student to the school they wanted to attend. Story by Signal Cleveland's Paul Rochford.

Show notes:

For more on Cleveland’s history of school choice and information on how parents and caregivers can navigate picking a school check out the rest of our series on Cleveland school choice:

Cleveland school choice through the decades (Timeline). A history of Cleveland school choice.
Choosing a Cleveland school (Explainer). Know the steps for picking, researching and enrolling in a Cleveland public school.

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In last week’s meetings, Documenters covered unapproved changes happening at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, a $1.2-million contract for armed security at rec centers and outdoor pools next summer, and a 14-unit apartment building in Little Italy moved forward by the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode. 📻

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Joanna Tomassoni
Stesia Swain
Nani Faye Palmer
Marvetta Rutherford
Jenna Thomas

Their work has been compiled this week by Signal Cleveland’s Doug-Breehl-Pitorak and Anastazia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals - August 7, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control - August 9, 2023
Cleveland Landmarks Commission - August 10, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, August 7, 2023)
Cleveland Board of Control Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, August 9, 2023)
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, August 10, 2023)

Recordings:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals - August 7, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control - August 9, 2023
Cleveland Landmarks Commission - August 10, 2023

Other Info:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cleveland Landmarks Commission
Cultural Gardens Federation
How does the Board of Control work? (Explainer)
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals
Term to know: zoning code
Term to know: parcel

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Last week Documenters caught the details on some big funding discussions. Their coverage included Greater Cleveland RTA’s approval of a $56,000 raise for CEO India Birdsong Terry, Cuyahoga County Council’s first public hearing on a sales tax extension to fund a new jail, and up to $2 million to address homelessness in Cuyahoga County. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cuyahoga County Council, Committee of the Whole - July 24, 2023
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees - July 25, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Health, Human Services, And Aging Committee - July 26, 2023
Cleveland Community Police Commission - July 26, 2023

Documenters coverage:

Cuyahoga County Council, Committee of the Whole Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, July 24, 2023)
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, July 25, 2023)
Cuyahoga County Council Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, July 26, 2023)
Community Police Commission Notes and Live-Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, July 26, 2023)

Signal Cleveland reporting:

New Cuyahoga County jail in Garfield Heights could pose issues by Stephanie Casanova
Are Cleveland Community Police commissioners paid? By Rachel Dissell and Anastazia Vanisko
A look at young adult homelessness in Cleveland by Doug Breehl-Pitorak

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Council, Committee of the Whole - July 24, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee - July 26, 2023
Community Police Commission - July 26, 2023

Other Info:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Cuyahoga County Council
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Community Police Commission

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Before the world hit peak “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” hours, local government officials were deep in meeting mode. Here are some things Documenters covered for this week’s episode: Cuyahoga County loans $1.7 million to a Meijer grocery store project, Cleveland City Council discusses a half-billion-dollar internet infrastructure proposal, and security workers at a county building’s desire to unionize.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cuyahoga County Council - July 18, 2023
Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee - July 18, 2023

Reporting:

Shazam! Can comic books slay the high functional illiteracy rate in Mt. Pleasant? (Freshwater Cleveland, January 28, 2020)
New birthing center coming to Hough neighborhood (Cleveland Documenters, May 22, 2023)
Cleveland plans major broadband internet expansion to narrow digital divide (Signal Cleveland, May 5, 2023)

Legislation:

Legislation to approve SiFi Network agreement

Recordings:

Cuyahoga County Council Economic Development and Planning Committee - July 17, 2023
Cuyahoga County Council - July 18, 2023
Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee - July 18, 2023

Other Info:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Presentation by SiFi Networks
SiFi NetworksWhat is fiber-optics?
Cuyahoga County Council

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Documenters were back in action last week, and so was Cleveland City Council. In their first meeting since June, council members heard more than 50 pieces of legislation. Documenters also covered a tense Community Police Commission meeting and learned more about the Urban Forestry Commission’s plans to increase Cleveland’s tree canopy. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode!

The Documenters whose work contributed to this episode are:

Andrew Kenneson
Breana Smith
Chau Tang
Tim Zelina
JB Bergin
Christina Easter
Emma Sedlak
Stesia Swain, and
Marvetta Rutherford

Their work has been compiled this week by Cleveland Documenters’ Doug-Breehl-Pitorak and Anastazia Vanisko. The Public Meetings Report is produced by Gennifer Harding-Gosnell.

Learn how to become a Cleveland Documenter here. The next Cleveland Documenters orientation is Thursday, September 21, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission - July 11, 2023
City Council Meeting - Jul 12, 2023
Cleveland City Council, Committee of the Whole - July 12, 2023
Community Police Commission - Jul 12, 2023

Reporting:

University Circle Inc. looks to boost revenue for nonprofit’s police force, (Signal Cleveland, April 19, 2023)

Legislation:

Ordinance on Parental Leave
Union-Miles Veterans’ Housing Ordinance
University Circle Special Improvement District Resolution

Recordings:

Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission - Jul 11, 2023
Cleveland City Council, Committee of the Whole - Jul 12, 2023
Community Police Commission - Jul 12, 2023
Cleveland City Council meeting - Jul 12, 2023

Other Info:

HOW TO BECOME A CLEVELAND DOCUMENTER
Chasing Justice LLC
Explanation of Redlining
Community Police Commission
City of Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission
City of Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission meeting presentation
Cleveland Tree Coalition

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With Cleveland City Council on a summer break, we thought it would be a great time to re-visit some of the comments made by residents this year on the issues that matter most to them. In this episode, hear your neighbors’ words to Cleveland City Council on funding for food insecurity, the effects of gentrification on the black community, and more.

Show Notes:

Full Comments Highlighted in the Show:

Turkessa Tenney, May 15, 2023
Mahsoull Ali, March 13, 2023
Robert Rice, March 6, 2023

Read and watch all public comments at pubcomment.org

Cleveland City Council website’s public comment registration

Signal Cleveland Civic Resources Page

Cleveland Documenters' Guide to Public Comment at Cleveland City Council

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The Public Meetings Report for the week of July 5, 2023

In the last couple weeks, Documenters have covered government bodies going through some changes. The Board of Zoning Appeals is down two members after one member’s retirement and another’s appointment as interim director of Economic Development. Eric Gordon attended his last CMSD board meeting as the district’s CEO. And learn about a new feature to our weekly Public Meetings Report…all in this week’s episode!

Show notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals (parking tax) - June 26, 2023
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals (board members) - June 26, 2023
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education - June 27, 2023

Reporting:

All Signal Cleveland reporting on the Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Mayor Justin Bibb appoints two new faces to the Cleveland School Board, reappoints three current members (Signal Cleveland, June 27, 2023)
Outgoing CMSD chief Eric Gordon says ‘hidden Cleveland’ still holding back students (Signal Cleveland, June 29, 2023)
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education Live Tweet Thread (Cleveland Documenters, June 28, 2023)
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Notes (Cleveland Documenters, June 12, 2023)
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Notes (Cleveland Documenters, June 26, 2023)

Legislation:

CMSD Food Supply Purchase
Cleveland Parking Occupancy Tax Legal Code

Recordings:

Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals - June 26, 2023
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education meeting - June 27, 2023

Other Info:

Cleveland City Zoning Code
Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals
Mayor Bibb appoints Terri Hamilton Brown as Interim Director of Economic Development - Press Release, City of Cleveland, June 20, 2023

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With Cleveland City Council on a summer break, we thought it would be a great time to revisit some of the comments made by residents this year on the issues that matter most to them. In this episode of Signal Cleveland’s Public Meetings Report, hear your neighbors’ words to City Council on women’s reproductive rights, the new CentroVilla business development project at W. 25th St. and Clark Avenue, and more.

Show Notes:

Full Comments Highlighted in the Show:

Juan Molina Crespo, May 22, 2023
Mary Ellen Szamborski, April 17, 2023
Andre Dailey, February 27, 2023

Public comment resources:

Read transcriptions and watch every public comment made at Cleveland City Council this year at Public Comment CLE, a website created by Ohio City resident Angelo Trivisonno.
A guide to public comment at Cleveland City Council from Cleveland Documenters and Signal Cleveland.
Register to make a public comment at a Cleveland City Council meeting at Council's website.
Find more of Signal Cleveland's civic resources here.

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School’s out for summer, and so is Cleveland City Council. The legislative body wrapped up its spring session with a day-long committee meeting on June 5. Right after, council held its last Monday night meeting until Sept. 18 (council has just two days of meetings over its summer break). It was the final chance for people to make public comment to council for 15 weeks. Documenters caught comments about supporting unionized public library workers and preventing gun violence. And they tracked 30+ pieces of legislation. Hear the highlights in this week’s episode.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland City Council’s marathon session before its summer break
Public commenters ask council to help stop Cleveland gun violence

Cleveland Documenters reporting:

Documenters’ Coverage: Cleveland City Council Committee of The Whole - June 5, 2023:
Morning Session Notes
Morning Session Tweets
Afternoon Session Notes
Afternoon Session Tweets
Documenters’ Coverage: Cleveland City Council meeting - June 5, 2023:
Notes
Tweets

Legislation:

Ordinance to fund home lead investigations
Legislation including increases to parking rates
Ordinance to fund downtown riverfront improvements
Ordinance to upgrade parking meters a $5-million dollar plan
Ordinance on community benefit agreements
Recently passed legislation on funding violence prevention

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council Committee of The Whole meeting: Morning session - June 5, 2023
Cleveland City Council Committee of The Whole meeting: Afternoon session - June 5, 2023
Cleveland City Council meeting, June 5, 2023

Other Info:

Cleveland City Council
Cleveland City Council Committee of The Whole meeting agenda, June 5, 2023
Community Benefits Agreements, or “CBAs”

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Last week was packed! Documenters covered an update from the Consent Decree Monitoring Team and a discussion about affordable housing. They also captured a city decision to switch some electricity accounts away from FirstEnergy, just in time to avoid a steep rate increase this summer. Check out the details in this week’s episode… in less than five minutes!

The Public Meetings Report podcast is produced by Signal Cleveland, Cleveland Documenters and WOVU 95.9 FM.

Hosted by Lawrence Caswell.

Show Notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland committee members discuss options for building more affordable housing
Cleveland City Council learns about city’s police monitor
Forgivable home-repair loans approved for Cleveland’s southeast side
Cleveland swaps electric providers head of FirstEnergy rate hike

Signal Cleveland reporting:

Cleveland prepping $15 million investment for Southeast Side (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)
“Tales To Demystify: Not Welcome Here” comic series by John G
Cleveland to join new electric aggregator, but delays could cost FirstEnergy customers (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)
Live Tweet Thread, Electricity Aggregation Program Public Hearings
Live Tweet Thread, Utilities Committee
Cleveland’s Board of Control Votes To Spend Taxpayer Money. What is it? (Signal Cleveland, November 2022)

Legislation:

Ordinance to allot $5 million to Habitat for Humanity
Ordinance to remove the former juvenile justice center’s landmark status
Ordinance to create a home repair and rehabilitation loan program for the Southeast Side.
Ordinance to allot $5 million to develop commercial corridors on the Southeast Side
Ordinance to approve $5 million to prepare vacant sites for development
Ordinance approving $5 million to begin development on the Irishtown Bend Park
Ordinance to allot $3 million to design the North Coast Connector along the lakefront
Board of Control Meeting Agenda
Board of Control Electric Provider Swap Resolution

Recordings:

Cleveland City Council Committee of the Whole meeting, May 31, 2023
Safety Committee meeting, May 31, 2023
Development, Planning, and Sustainability Committee meeting, May 30, 2023
Cleveland Board of Control meeting, May 31, 2023

Other Info:

Cleveland City Council
Cleveland Police Monitoring Team
2015 federal consent decree.
The Cleveland Police Monitoring Team’s latest progress report
Community Police Commission’s summary on the monitoring team’s latest report

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Documenters are hard at work covering all the information being packed into Cleveland City Council’s final meetings before their summer recess. Last week, Documenters captured debates about the effectiveness of funding home-repair loans, and plans for development on the city’s Southeast Side. That and more in this week's episode.

The Public Meetings Report podcast is produced by Signal Cleveland, Cleveland Documenters and WOVU 95.9 FM.

Hosted by Lawrence Caswell.

Show notes:

Signal Cleveland meeting briefs:

Cleveland prepping $15 million investment for Southeast Side (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)
New birthing center coming to Hough neighborhood (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)
Cleveland approves $50 million for site readiness fund (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)

Signal Cleveland reporting:

FAQ: The People’s Budget charter amendment and ballot initiative in Cleveland (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)

Legislation:

Ordinance to fund Birthing Beautiful Communities
Ordinance for revitalization of commercial corridors on Southeast Side
Ordinance to fund clean-up and site readiness of vacant lands for business
Ordinance to approved funding of home repairs and rehabilitations in Southeast Side neighborhoods
Site Readiness proposed Ordinance

Meeting recordings:

Cleveland City Council meeting, May 22, 2023
Cleveland City Council Zoning-Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee meeting, May 23, 2023
Cleveland City Council Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, May 22, 2023

Other info:

Birthing Beautiful Communities
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Cleveland City Council news and resources
City’s presentation on Southeast Side revitalization

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In this audio recording of her article titled, “Tri-C celebrates new president Michael Baston and fundraising campaign with six-figure party,” Signal Cleveland’s Higher Education reporter Amy Morona breaks down the “Baston Bash” at Cleveland Browns Stadium where Tri-C’s foundation spent $127,629.

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With spring in full swing, the bees are buzzing. And last week, Documenters had no shortage of encounters with B’s -- the Browns, Burke, and ballots, that is. They covered those topics and more, including plans for an East Side lakefront trail. Plus, a Cleveland City Council committee paused a proposal for street resurfacing. Check out the highlights in this week’s episode.

The Public Meetings Report podcast is produced by Signal Cleveland, Cleveland Documenters and WOVU 95.9 FM.

Hosted by Lawrence Caswell.

Signal Cleveland Meeting Briefs:

A battle for Ohio ballot initiatives and the cost of Browns Stadium
Residents support Irishtown Bend, question spending tax money on stadiums: Cleveland public comments
Cleveland officials discuss plans for repaving streets, rehabbing parks
Cleveland City Council discusses unions for airport concession workers

Reporting:

Cleveland Proposes 12 Weeks Paid Family Leave for City Workers (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)
Ohio Republicans approve August election that could thwart abortion-rights push in state (CNN, May 2023)
Proposed Ohio abortion-rights constitutional amendment clears another hurdle, signature-gathering can begin (Cleveland.com, March 2023)
The public cost of Cleveland Browns stadium: hundreds of millions and counting (Signal Cleveland, May 2023)

Legislation:

Ordinance on road resurfacing ARPA money
Ordinance on lakefront trail construction

Recordings:

Full Cleveland City Council Meeting, May 15, 2023
Full Municipal Services and Properties and Finance Committee Meeting, May 15th, 2023
Full Transportation and Mobility Committee Meeting, May 17, 2023

Other resources:

How to follow legislation through Cleveland City Council (Guide)
Econsult Solutions

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As the weather heated up, so did the discussions Documenters covered in last week’s public meetings. Cleveland City Council talked about new rules for Community Benefits Agreements. They also spent almost half of a five-hour Safety Committee meeting debating how much control they should have over the proposed Neighborhood Safety Fund. Catch the details in this episode!

The Public Meetings Report podcast is produced by Signal Cleveland, Cleveland Documenters and WOVU 95.9 FM.

Hosted by Lawrence Caswell.

Meeting Briefs

Residents ask Cleveland to support accessible housing
Cleveland City Council talks community benefits of new construction
Violence interrupters urge committee to support new safety fund
Committee learns about plans for vacant Cleveland schools

Reporting

Cleveland City Council Wants To Forgive Unpaid Water and Electric Bills

Legislation

Ordinance on Community Benefit AgreementsNeighborhood Safety Fund

Meeting Recordings:

Full City Council Meeting Recording
Full Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meeting Recording
Full Safety Committee Meeting Recording

Other Info:

Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)
Tax Abatements Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Cleveland City Council survey on new construction in your neighborhood

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Documenters captured lots of action in public meetings last week. Residents advocated for veterans housing. Cleveland City Council debated a proposal to create a $10 million neighborhood safety fund and decided to cut civic participation from the list of things the city would spend federal stimulus money on. That and more in the week’s episode!

The Public Meetings Report podcast is produced by Signal Cleveland, Cleveland Documenters and WOVU 95.9 FM.

Hosted by Lawrence Caswell.

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