2026.07.21 Council Meeting

[00:00:09][music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] Uh, I'm not going to read all the uh usual rules and procedure, but to say that all of those things remain in effect and ask the clerk to please call the role.

[00:03:42]>> Good evening everyone. As a reminder to all in attendance, this meeting is being recorded and livereamed on the county's YouTube page. Also, as a reminder to all meeting attendees seeking parking validation for today's meeting, please be sure to scan the QR code located on the back table near the chamber's entrance to claim your discount. If you do not already have a Metropolis account, you will need your license plate number to set up the account in advance of receiving your discount.

[00:04:09]Please be sure to complete this prior to the end of today's meeting as the QR code will be removed at the conclusion of the meeting.

[00:04:18]Calling the role, Mr. Jones.

[00:04:22]Okay, Mr. Jones is absent at the moment.

[00:04:24]Miss Turner is absent at the moment. Mr. Hower >> here.

[00:04:29]>> Miss Simon here.

[00:04:30]>> Mr. Kelly >> here.

[00:04:31]>> Mr. Sweeney >> present.

[00:04:33]>> Mr. Castleberry. Mr. Gallagher.

[00:04:35]>> Mr. Schleer here.

[00:04:37]>> Miss Conwell >> present. Council President Miller >> here.

[00:04:40]>> You have a quorum.

[00:04:42]>> Thank you very much. And I would ask everybody in attendance to please rise and join me in the pledge of allegiance.

[00:04:51]>> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. [clears throat] One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

[00:05:06]>> Let the record reflect that. Miss Turner is in attendance.

[00:05:10]>> Thank you very much. And next on our agenda is the silent meditation. I would ask everyone to please take a moment and reflect on whatever is on your hearts this evening.

[00:05:35]Thank you very much. Uh, next we have public comment. Has anybody signed in?

[00:05:49]>> Matthew an good evening. Matthew on district 7. Uh, good to see you. Uh, I'd like to speak on funding and the parade of levies that is likely to face voters over the next 10 months. Um, one thing that I think is worth remembering is that RTA is already committing to a long overdue transit levy likely being put before the voters in May of 2027, uh, which is already an election that is less likely to be governed by partisan trends given that very few candidates are going to be on the ballot at that time in this county.

[00:06:22]um or uh consider that November of 2027, when neither Cleveland's mayor nor council are on the ballot either, is also likely to produce the kind of electorate that might not lean as heavily on political and institutional endorsements of a potential HHS levy.

[00:06:35]Right? So, bigger picture between the HHS and the MRD levy and all sorts of other things that might come before uh various school districts, going to be a lot of requests uh for money of county voters, all for important and necessary services, but in ways that don't necessarily seem to be talking to each other. and I hope council considers uh especially the effects of the RTA levy likely to go before the voters in May of next year. Um I live and work downtown as you know. I put my life on the line of my bike quite a bit. Um but I still get on a bus or train probably six to eight times a week. Um and I get gladly pay the fair but the fairbox recovery rate for RTA is low as it should be.

[00:07:07]Many of these buses are empty but many are also full. The best correlation I can find is that the fullest routes tend to be the ones that run in straight lines and run frequently. I made these points to RTA at their last public meetings a couple months ago, but they have many routes at this point that zigzag between neighborhoods and don't really serve anybody because they're trying to do two jobs rather than just one. Um, I will note that better bus service, um, they're talking about potential 10-minute headways, which are very important for somebody to want to ride the bus without having to check a timet. It doesn't necessarily relieve a case worker's case load, but it may help them avoid the burden of increased parking garage costs. Um, I will note that Hamilton County passed a transit levy in part last year by promising general road infrastructure improvements near transit stops. RTA is considering this and I wonder if there's a way for the county to sort of work in that synergy as well. County could also always save tens of millions of dollars per year through decarcerating the jail, but I know that none of you are judges or prosecutors in this county. So, in some I worry about the possible effects of putting HHS and RTA up simultaneously next year. I hope you will consider putting it up this year. Thank you, Lou.

[00:08:15]Good evening everybody. First I want to thank uh Mr. Michael Gowen, the uh director of uh job and family services, the county part and also the center for the community solutions. For us to have this uh health and human services levy with increased amount to uh put on the ballot is very important because we have been betrayed by the state government for decades and now even federal government has changed the policies. The new proposed proposed uh federal granting rules includes if you are already awarded doesn't matter you are a social service agency public transit uh authorities or even a government entities if a politicians don't like what you do even not related to your programming your grant can be taken away even after re awarding 6 months 9 months or whatever afterwards. So, I definitely uh thanks Mr. uh Schlleer for that.

[00:09:23]However, when we mention public transit, GCTA already decided to put their levy on May uh in May uh but there is no countywide election. They probably have to pay a big fee and go through lots of hurdle in order to have a special election. So, I wish the county administration and the county council would support GCRTA to even try if GCRTA is willing to put on the levy also in November. We do need a access public transit access for our county residents to go to those health and human services. Health Yeah. and human services. If I believe we will win the levy on the health and human services when you when you can fund these services better, you do need to make sure people have the access to it.

[00:10:20]Thank you.

[00:10:22]>> That concludes the public comment portion for today's meeting.

[00:10:26]>> Thank you very much for the public comments. The next item on the agenda is the approval of minutes for the June 23rd, 2026 Committee of the Whole and Regular Meeting and the July 7th, 2026 Committee of the Whole and Regular Meeting. Do I have a motion?

[00:10:44]>> So moved.

[00:10:45]>> Second.

[00:10:46]>> It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes. All those in favor say I.

[00:10:51]I. Any opposed? The minutes are approved dur under the council president's announcements. First of all, I would like to uh introduce a distinguished visitor, Christine McIntosh, who is a candidate for county council in district 11.

[00:11:13]And uh >> let's give her a little [applause and cheering] raise.

[00:11:20]And also I would like to say that according to Caitlyn Durban's very well-written article in cleven.com, the Gateway board met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and they identified $ 52 million in needed repairs to the ballpark and the arena. Of these, 7.7 million can be funded from savings on other projects and deferrals. These prepares cover the pedestrian ramps and four elevators at the ballpark.

[00:12:01]In addition, 37.3 million is needed to repair the arena audio visual system, 6 million for the air handling units of the ballpark, and 1 million to repair concrete in the main concourse. But except for the 7.7 million, there are no funding sources for these capital repairs. Most of the syntax has been bonded out for repairs already completed.

[00:12:33]The county and the city of Cleveland are the underlying owners of the ballpark and the arena and we have contractual obligations through our leases with the sports teams. It is way cheaper to maintain these facilities rather than to let them run down and have to build new after 25 to 30 years. And I just want to say that this is an urgent matter that needs our our continued attention, city and county, to find a long-term solution.

[00:13:09]Councilman Sweeney.

[00:13:10]>> Uh thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for allowing me to talk during your uh president comments. I couldn't share it anymore of the importance of Gateway.

[00:13:19]And let me reiterate, it's Gateway.

[00:13:21]Gateway is created in ordinance number uh 20260004 uh being sponsored by Councilman Calagher and I'm going to add my name to it is the sports facility reserve fund that we didn't have an opportunity to talk about today. And when we do have an opportunity to talk about today, I want to have uh our dedicated staff to come up and just refresh my memory how Gateway was started, what Gateway is about, so we can emphasize the importance of staying in compliance and meeting our obligations from the Gateway board that was um put together many years ago to deal with the syntax and deal with Gateway. And it was an extraordinary effort by the current leaders to pull this off. But when they put in the funding stream, they made a miscalculation without putting the escalators and we're dealing with it today. So what I see as the importance of ordinance number 20260004 is a possible revenue stream as the syntax at two or four is a possible revenue stream. The sales tax is a possible revenue stream and there's been other streams that have been talked about but we cannot this is a hot topic for a month three weeks ago and you know how we are as the county. I mean HHS let me come.

[00:14:55]We have the parking coming. Whatever the next big deal is, the next crisis, we cannot afford for the current reality and in the future to not deal with this in 2026.

[00:15:10]Let me stress it's gateway in the arenas that is uh we're talking about. So, Mr. President, I thank you for bringing up.

[00:15:18]I'm going to stay focused on this and I commend Councilman Gallagher or Chairman Gallagher for uh leading the effort in regards to this ordinance as a possible funding stream to meet our obligations with Gateway. And on a note, the city of Cleveland are true partners in this and with the city of Cleveland and the county both dedicated to making this work, I believe we can be successful, but it's not going to be easy. Thank you, Mr. President.

[00:15:44]>> Thank you very much. Next on the agenda is announcements by the county executive.

[00:15:52]>> Uh thank you council president, members of council. Given the uh start time and the length of things, I'll be very brief. I only want to uh uh congratulate uh treasur's office. Brad Chromis and Victoria Barry were uh honored on behalf of the entire department uh this week by the National Association of County Officials for Fiscal Management and specifically the taxpayer assistance program. They got a national award for their innovation in that. So hats off to to Brad and Victoria and the team at the treasur's office. That's all. Council President, >> thank you very much.

[00:16:27]>> Council President, I would like the record to reflect Mr. Jones is in attendance. Thank you very much. Uh legislation introduced by councel consideration of a resolution of council for first reading adoption under suspension [snorts] of the rules. Do I have a motion to suspend the rules requiring referral to committee and three readings?

[00:16:50]>> Mr. President, I move to suspend the rule.

[00:16:52]>> Second.

[00:16:53]>> It's been moved and seconded >> to suspend the rules. All those in favor of the suspension say I. I I any opposed? The rules are suspended.

[00:17:04]>> Resolution 2026208 providing for the appointment of Coutura El Pleasant as research and policy analyst to serve the council of Kyhoga County.

[00:17:16]>> Move to adopt.

[00:17:17]>> Second.

[00:17:19]>> Good afternoon, council members. Trevor Mel County Council staff. Uh the resolution under first reading adoption is the appointment of Coutura Pleasant who's in the audience today. Uh this position uh has been vac was has been vacant since last September from uh when Lavine Ross became the director of homeless services. As a reminder, we uh posted this position. Council received 58 applicants. Uh conducted phone screening of 14 of those 58. Um then council members in two separate um rounds, round one and two, um interviewed a total of six candidates and um recommended Coutura to uh receive this appointment. Uh she has an MPA from Cleveland State University. So I would add that I participated in the interviews and we had uh several people who would have been quality per candidates for this position but uh Coutura really uh uh impressed me as a highly qualified person. Uh Councilman Kelly.

[00:18:25]>> Thank you, Mr. President. I haven't had the opportunity yet to meet Miss Pleasant, but I'm looking forward to doing so. Great. Council President, one uh one other note. If uh if approved today, she will start on August 10th.

[00:18:37]>> Okay.

[00:18:38]>> That's an auspicious day. That's our 41st wedding anniversary.

[00:18:44]So uh uh hearing no further discussion. All those in favor say I.

[00:18:52]>> I. Any [clears throat] opposed?

[00:18:54]>> Resolution is adopted. Consideration of resolutions of council for first reading and referral to committee.

[00:19:03]>> Resolution 2026209 awarding a total sum not to exceed $25,000 to the Kyhoga County Prosecutor's Office Animal Crimes Unit for the abused and neglected animal health restoration fund from from the district 11 ARPA community grant fund.

[00:19:22]refer to the Education, Environment, and Sustainability Committee.

[00:19:28]>> Resolution [cough and clears throat] 2026 0210 awarding a 911 consolidated shared services fund grant award in the amount not to exceed $3 million to the city of Northolmstead for the purpose of the Northolmstead's Regional Dispatch Center Project.

[00:19:48]referred to the public safety and justice affairs committee committee reports and consideration of resolutions for count of council for second reading.

[00:19:59]Each of these items after being read into the record will move to the August 4th, 2026 council agenda for consideration for third reading adoption unless otherwise noted by the clerk.

[00:20:13]>> Resolution 2026 0167.

[00:20:17]No legislative action was taken.

[00:20:25]Resolution 2026169 providing for the submission to the electors of the of the county of Kyahoga, an amendment to article 16 of the county charter to provide that the sheriff be elected quadrrenially commencing at the two 2028 countywide general election and providing for the qualifications and powers and duties for the office of the sheriff.

[00:20:51]Resolution 2026 0170 providing for the submission to the electors of the county of Kyahoga, an amendment to article 2, section 2.03 and article 6, section 6.04 04 of the county charter to require that county council confirm the county executive's removal of members of boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities as are one created by or pursuant to the charter or two as are provided by general law to be appointed by boards of county commissioners.

[00:21:25]Resolution 2026 0195 providing for the submission to the electors of the count of the county of Kyhoga an amendment to article 2 section 2.03 article 6 section 6.04 and article 12 section 12.09 09 of the county charter to provide that appointments by the county to certain boards and commissioners be equally divided between the council and the county executive and to further provide that for certain appointments regard reg I'm sorry requiring council confirmation if the council fails to act on an appointment of the county executive within 60 days such appointment shall be deemed rejected without further action by the council >> committee report and consideration of a resolution of council for second reading adoption under suspension of the rules.

[00:22:20]Is there a motion to suspend the rule requiring three readings?

[00:22:24]>> Mr. President, I move to suspend rules.

[00:22:26]>> Second.

[00:22:27]>> It's been moved and seconded to suspend the rules. All those in favor of the suspension say I. I. Any opposed? The rules are suspended. Resolution 2026 0183 adopting various changes to the Kyhoga County non-bargaining classification plan. Move to adopt.

[00:22:48]>> Second.

[00:22:49]>> Mr. President, uh I sat in for Mr. Sweeney on this. We heard this in committee fully vetted it and the recommendation is passage.

[00:22:59]>> Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of adoption say I. I. Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:23:09]Consideration of resolutions of council for third reading adoption.

[00:23:15]>> Resolution 2026 0164 awarding a total sum not to exceed $10,000 to Kyhoga Community College for the purchase of a mini excavator for the utility technician program from the district 3 ARPA community grant fund.

[00:23:30]>> Move to adopt.

[00:23:31]>> Second.

[00:23:32]>> Thank you. Um I'm going to turn this over to the sponsors. Um I can say this was heard in in committee and this this excavator will be used for workforce training.

[00:23:43]>> Um madam chair or miss Simons Councilman Sweeney did step away but he did ask me to say a couple words on you know he this was vetted in the committee and he was asking for support on this.

[00:23:54]>> Yes. Thank you.

[00:23:56]>> All those in favor of adoption say I.

[00:23:59]>> I. [clears throat] >> Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:24:03]Resolution 2026 0184 awarding a total sum not to exceed $10,000 to Treatment Works, Inc. for the purpose of fixing and updating plumbing from the District 3 ARPA community grant fund.

[00:24:17]>> Uh this item was >> uh I would like to make a motion to adopt.

[00:24:24]>> Second.

[00:24:25]>> Okay.

[00:24:27]>> Any discussion?

[00:24:28]>> Uh this item was heard in committee. Uh, Councilman Sweeney is supporting one of his CDC's. As for my colleague support, >> all those in favor of adoption say I. I.

[00:24:38]Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:24:41]Resolution 2026 0185 awarding a total sum not to exceed $10,000 to the Tmont West Development Corporation for the purpose of installing a concrete seating area and gathering space within the dog park at Clark Field Project from the District 3 ARPA Community Grant Fund.

[00:25:03]>> Second.

[00:25:04]>> Uh this item was also heard in committee. I ask for my colleague support.

[00:25:08]>> All those in favor of adoption say I. I >> I any opposed resolution is adopted >> consideration of a resolution of council for fourth reading adoption >> resolution 2026 0155 determining to proceed with submitting to the electors of Kyhoga County the question of an additional 2.25 25 mil tax levy for the operation of community programs and services authorized by county boards of developmental disabilities for the acquisition, construction, renovation, financing, maintenance, and operation of developmental disabilities facilities or for both of such purposes in accordance with section 5705.222 of the Ohio Revised Code.

[00:25:58]>> Move to adopt.

[00:25:59]>> Second. This is the uh final proc pro part of the process in submitting the uh 2.25 mil levy for the departmental de disabilities board. Uh if there is no further discussion, all those in favor say I. I.

[00:26:20]>> I. Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:26:25]Consideration of an ordinance of council for first reading and referral to committee.

[00:26:32]>> Ordinance 202600010 repealing section 207.02 of the Kyhoga County Code and amending chapter 708 of the Kyhoga County Code to dissolve the Kyhoga County 911 Consolidation Shared Services Fund Review Committee.

[00:26:51]Refer to the public safety and justice affairs committee committee report and consideration of an ordinance for second reading.

[00:27:02]>> Ordinance 20260009 enacting chapter 810 of the Kyhoga County Code to establish the community benefits advisory committee.

[00:27:13]>> Uh there is a proposed substitute.

[00:27:17]>> Good afternoon Trevor Mlair again.

[00:27:18]Council staff. Uh during the committee, the committee requested a proposed substitute be prepared for second reading. The proposed substit substitute does a couple minor uh technical changes. Uh but the significant change is it changes the appointing structure of the proposed committee. Uh currently the legislation reads that the county executive would appoint four members and then one would be um jointly appointed by the executive. What the proposed substitute does is change it to two members appointed by the county executive. Two members shall be appointed by the county council and then a joint appointment and then it also staggers those terms. So, uh, to, uh, Mr. Mleier, this sounds more like the substitute on on the on the other piece of legislation at at the end of the agenda regarding the administrative appeal.

[00:28:23]>> I got ahead of my skis. I'm sorry. Yes, I gave you the wrong proposed substitute. I apologize. [laughter] Had the wrong ordinance. I am not Trevor. So, uh I will do the uh substitute for this piece of legis.

[00:28:35]>> Cynthia, can you Thank you.

[00:28:36]>> Yeah. Cynthia Mason, council staff. Um council members, before you is a proposed substitute for consideration that brings forth three amendments to the current legislation of the establishment of the community benefits advisory committee ordinance. These amendments were recommended by the committee members at the July 13th Community Development and Housing Committee. All of these changes are outlined in section 810.04 of the legislation. The first amendment adds an additional item to the menu of community benefits that encourages developers to first seek out local contractors and subcontractors during the procurement process.

[00:29:14]The second and third change uh or I'm sorry, the second change is to the review by the community benefits advisory committee to include county council as well as the county executive to receive a copy of the community benefits plan submitted by the advisory committee. The third amendment is that the community benefits agreement and the advisory committee's recommendations shall be included with the legislation when an economic development package is presented to council. So, those are the three amendments before you for consideration.

[00:29:44]>> Would the sponsor like to make a motion to accept the substitute?

[00:29:48]>> Uh, make a motion to accept the substitute.

[00:29:51]>> I'll second the uh the question is on acceptance of the substitute to make it the version before the council. Is there any discussion, >> Mr. President?

[00:30:03]>> Yes, >> I do. Just one thing. Um, I want to thank the sponsor for bringing this forward. I'm going to be speaking with the sponsor in between now and our meeting to have one more amendment to enhance um number seven, the environmental sustainability um sentence to add um a provision to that.

[00:30:22]>> Yep.

[00:30:23]>> So, >> okay.

[00:30:24]>> FYI.

[00:30:25]>> Okay. Uh all those in favor of accepting the substitute say I.

[00:30:32]>> I. Any opposed?

[00:30:34]>> The substitute is accepted. It becomes the version before the council and this item as substituted will move to the August 4th, 2026 council agenda for consideration for third reading adoption legislation introduced by executive consideration of resolutions for first reading adoption under suspension of rules. Is there a motion to suspend the rules requiring referral to committee and three readings?

[00:31:05]>> Mr. President, I move to suspend the rules.

[00:31:07]>> Second.

[00:31:07]>> It's been moved and seconded to suspend the rules. All those in favor of the suspension say I.

[00:31:14]>> I. Any oppose? The rules are suspended.

[00:31:18]>> Resolution 202611 amending the 2026 2027 bienial operating budget for 2026 for special revenue funds by providing for additional fiscal appropriations, appropriation transfers, and cash transfers.

[00:31:35]Move to adopt.

[00:31:36]>> Second.

[00:31:37]>> Um the question the question to the to OBM is uh before you regarding uh the cash transfer uh and its response. Um this resolution makes routine budget adjustments to several special revenue funds to ensure departments have the resources needed to continue operations. So, it includes $565,748 for the Veterans Services Fund, which is the leftover commission's 2025 surplus.

[00:32:10]Uh 70 uh,66 in new state grant funding for rapid rehousing and homeless services with no local cash match required. 50,000 for the domestic relations court's legal research fund to cover software and service contracts funded by filing fee revenues uh $93,535 from uh Cleveland Foundation uh climate action leadership grant um which also has no local match. Uh the resolution also authorizes the July Adams subsidy transfer from the Health and Human Services levies consistent with the existing subsidy um agreement. So these are routine fiscal adjustments that align appropriations with available grant funding, dedicated revenues, and previously approved subsidy agreements.

[00:33:08]I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

[00:33:12]All those in favor of adoption say I. I.

[00:33:16]Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:33:21]>> Resolution 2026212 amending the 2026 2027 biianial operating budget for 2026 by providing additional fiscal appropriations from the general fund and health and human services levies.

[00:33:36]>> Move to adopt. Second. Uh the question to OBM is in front of you regarding whether or not this is a new program along with its answer. Uh this resolution provides $40,995 um in appropriation increase for the domestic relations court to continue translation services for domestic violence forms through the end of 2026.

[00:34:03]The funding is supported 75% by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services and 25% by the general fund. We will be discussing this more in finance next week. But to keep things moving, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution this evening.

[00:34:22]Thank you.

[00:34:23]>> All those in favor of adoption say I. I.

[00:34:26]Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:34:30]Consideration of resolutions for first reading and deferral to committee.

[00:34:34]>> Resolution 2026 0213 confirming the county executive's appointment of Mary R. Sherby to serve on the Kyhoga County Community Improvement Corporation Board of Trustees for an unexpired term ending January 1st, 2027.

[00:34:52]>> Refer to the Human Resources Appointments and Equity Committee.

[00:34:56]Resolution 2026214 confirming the county executive's appointment of Emily Montilone to serve on the Cleveland Kyhoga County Workforce Development Board for the term July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2029.

[00:35:12]refer to human resources >> resolution 2026 0215 confirming the county executive's appointment of Patricia Newell to serve on the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging Board of Trustees for an unexpired term ending December 31st, 2026.

[00:35:31]>> Refer to human resources.

[00:35:33]>> Resolution 2026 0216 confirming the county executive's appointment of Wayne D. Hudson to serve on the alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services board of Kyhoga County for a 4-year term ending June 30th, 2029.

[00:35:50]>> Refer to human resources.

[00:35:53][sighs] Resolution 2026217 declaring that public convenience and welfare requires the resurfacing of various avenues, boulevards, roads, and streets located in various municipalities in connection with the 2027 2028 50/50 resurfacing program.

[00:36:13]Total estimated project costs 17,664,950.

[00:36:19]and finding that special assessments will neither be levied nor collected to pay for any part of the county's cost of said improvements.

[00:36:27]>> Refer to the public works procurement and contracting committee.

[00:36:31]>> To the chair, would you please add my name?

[00:36:34]>> Please add the council person's name.

[00:36:36]>> Kelly also, please.

[00:36:37]>> And Kelly, Miss Mr. Chair, can I add Castleberry as well?

[00:36:43]>> And Castleberry.

[00:36:50]and Hower >> and Hower. Okay.

[00:36:53]>> Slapper.

[00:36:54]>> Slapper.

[00:36:58]>> There Jones as well.

[00:37:00]>> Jones as well.

[00:37:05]Resolution 2026218 authorizing an amendment to a contract with Microsoft Corporation for Microsoft Unified Enterprise Software Installation, configuration, training, and support services for the period December 6, 2024 through September 1st, 2026 to extend the time period to September 1st, 2027 and for additional funds in the amount not to exceed $1,19,5854.

[00:37:34]forence effective September 2nd, 2026.

[00:37:39]>> Refer to the Council Operations, Information, Technology, and Public Transportation Committee. Resolution 2026219 authorizing a contract with Medical Mutual of Ohio in the amount not to exceed 2,919,182 for stop-loss insurance services for Kyhoga County and Kayhoka County benefits regionalization program participants for the period January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2026.

[00:38:14]refer to human resources appointments and equity committee.

[00:38:21]Resolution 2026220 authorizing amendments to contracts with various providers for real estate appraisal services in connection with the sheriff sale for the period September 1st, 2017 through August 31st, 2026 to extend the time period to December 31st, 2029 to amend section 3 expense reimbursements to change the mileage rate from 0.655 655 per mile to 0.725 per mile effective upon signatures of all parties starting September 1st, 2026 >> referred to the public safety and justice affairs committee.

[00:39:05]>> Resolution 2026 0221 authorizing an amendment to a contract with Maximus Human Services, Inc. for the Ohio Works First program for the period January 1st, 2023 through June 30th, 2026 to extend the time period to September 30th, 2026 to amend budget terms and for additional funds in the amount not to exceed 1 million 20 excuse me 1 million uh $20,6206 effective July 1st, 2026.

[00:39:39]refer to the Education, Environment, and Sustainability Committee.

[00:39:44]>> Resolution 2026 0222 authorizing an amendment to a contract with the Centers for Families and Children for the Ohio Works First Program for the period January 1st, 2023 through June 30th, 2026. to extend the time period to September 30th, 2026 to amend budget terms and for additional funds in the amount not to exceed 1,29,73549 effective July 1st, 2026.

[00:40:16]>> Refer to the Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee. Resolution 2026223 authorizing a contract w to to with Catholic Charities Corporation in the amount not to exceed $1,340,000 for success coaching services for eligible Ohio Works First applicants and management of the incentive payment system in connection with the benefit bridge program for the period July 1st 2026 through June 30th 2027.

[00:40:49]refer to the Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee.

[00:40:54]>> Resolution 2026 0224 authorizing an amendment to a master contract with various providers for emergency assistance services. for the period September 1st, 2024 through August 31st, 2026 to extend the time period to August 31st, 2027 to change the terms and for additional funds in the total amount not to exceed 1,575,000 effective September 1st, 2026. Beer to Health and Human Services.

[00:41:28]>> Resolution 2026225 authorizing an amendment to a master contract with various providers for operating support of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

[00:41:40]Approved permanent housing services for the period July 1st, 2024 through June 30th, 2026. To extend the time period to October 31st, 2027. to amend various terms to change a vendor's name and for additional funds in the total amount not to exceed 2,812,354 and it's effective July 1st 2026 >> refer to health human services and agent committee [sighs] >> resolution 2026226 authorizing the acceptance of a grant award from US Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount not to exceed I'm sorry, [clears throat] excuse me, in the amount of $2,121,35 for continuum of care coordinated entry system in connection with the fiscal year 2025 continuum of care homeless program competition grant and it's for the period August 1st, 2026 through July 31st, 2027.

[00:42:46]>> Be sure to the health and human services Get some water real quick.

[00:42:56]Resolution 2026227 authorizing an amendment to a contract with Youth Opportunities Unlimited for single comprehensive case management and employment program, [clears throat] excuse me, uh provider services for young adults for the period July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026 to extend the time period to June 30th, 2027 and for additional funds in the amount not to exceed $6,475,025.

[00:43:32]>> Refer to the [clears throat] Education, Environment, and Sustainability Committee. Committee reports and consideration of resolutions for second reading. Each of these items after being read into the record will move to the August 4th, 2026 council agenda for consideration for third reading adoption unless otherwise noted by the clerk.

[00:43:57]Resolution 2026 0198 amending the 2026 2027 biianial operating budget for 2026 by providing for additional fiscal appropriations from the general fund and health and human services levies.

[00:44:12]Resolution 2026181.

[00:44:15]No legislative action was taken on this item. Resolution 2026182.

[00:44:22]No legislative action was taken on this item. Resolution 2026202 authorizing an economic development placebased mixeduse loan in the amount not to exceed $2 million to Erie View Tower Hotel LLC or their designate to facilitate the redevelopment of the Eerie Tower and Galleria located at 1301 East 9th Street in the city of Cleveland.

[00:44:52]Resolution 2026207 determining to proceed with submitting to the electors of Kyhoga County the question of a renewal with an increase levy for the purpose of supplementing general fund appropriations for health and human or social services in accordance with sections 5705.191 and 5705.25 25 of the Ohio Revised Code >> Committee reports in consideration of resolutions for second reading adoption under suspension of the rules. Do I have a motion to suspend the the rule requiring three readings?

[00:45:34]>> Mr. President, I move to suspend the rules.

[00:45:36]>> Second.

[00:45:37]>> It's been moved and seconded to suspend the rules. All those in favor of the suspension say I. I. Any opposed? The rules are suspended.

[00:45:48]>> Resolution 2026 0199 making an award on requisition 16331 to Professional Service Industries, Inc. in the amount not to exceed 2,395,610 to provide testing and inspection services for the construction of the new Kyhoga County Corrections Services Campus.

[00:46:11]>> Move to adopt.

[00:46:12]>> Second, Mr. Mr. President, this was heard in committee and recommendation was uh adoption.

[00:46:19]>> All those in favor of adoption say I.

[00:46:22]>> I. Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:46:27]On the next two items at the administration's request, we're only going to do the second reading today and it will be uh scheduled at a at a future time for for third reading adoption. Resolution 2026200 fixing the 2027 water storm and sanitary sewer maintenance and sewer rich treatment rates for county sewer district numbers 1 1 2 3 5 8 9 13 14 18 20 21 22 24 and 25 in accordance with section Ohio Revised Code sections 6117.02.

[00:47:16]>> This item will move to a future council meeting for consideration for third reading adoption.

[00:47:23]>> Resolution 2026201 approving and confirming the 2027 water storm [snorts] and sanitary sewer maintenance and sewage treatment assessments for county sewer districts.

[00:47:36]Again, numbers 1 18 2 3 5 8 9 13 14 18 20 21 22 24 and 25 in accordance with Ohio Revised Code section 6117.02.

[00:47:53]>> This item will also move to a future council meeting for consideration for third reading adoption.

[00:48:03]Resolution 2026 0203 making awards to various municipalities in the total amount not to exceed 1,457,826 for various projects or programs in connection with the fiscal year 2026 special competitive municipal community development block grant program for the period July 1st 2026 through June 30th 2027.

[00:48:31]Is there a motion to adopt?

[00:48:35]>> Second.

[00:48:37]>> Uh, this is additional round of CDBG funding for several different different municipalities across Cow County. And even though district 10 is not included, I still ask for my colleague support.

[00:48:48]>> All those in favor of adoption say I.

[00:48:51]>> I. Any opposed?

[00:48:53]>> Resolution is adopted.

[00:48:55]>> To the chair, would you please add my name?

[00:48:58]>> Please add the council person's name.

[00:49:01]Thank you.

[00:49:03]Resolution 2026204 authorizing an amendment to an agreement with the Metro Health System for the Metro Health System Select North, I'm sorry, for the Metro Health Select Network Health Benefit Plan for the County employees and their eligible dependents for the period January 1st, 2016 through June 30th, 2026 to extend the time period to June 30th, 2027 to update the term in exhibit B1 and exhibit C and for additional funds in the account not to exceed $1,800,000 and it's effective January 1st, 2026.

[00:49:44]>> Move to adopt.

[00:49:45]>> Second, >> Mr. President, uh sitting in again for Mr. Sweeney. Uh the committee heard this, vetted it, and recommendation is adoption.

[00:49:56]>> All those in favor of adoption say I.

[00:49:58]>> I. Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:50:02]Resolution 2026206 declaring the necessity of submitting to the electors of Kyhoga County the question of a renewal of an existing 4.70 mil levy with an increase of 2.5 mills for the purpose of supplementing general fund appropriations for health and human or social services for 10 years in accordance with sections 5705.191 5705.25 25 and 5705.03 of the Ohio Revised Code.

[00:50:36]>> Move to adopt.

[00:50:37]>> Second.

[00:50:39]>> This item is the first item of a two-step process in uh putting the uh question of the renewal with increase for the HHS levy on on this November's ballot. Passage [snorts] of this item uh does not itself put the levy on the ballot. It requires uh passage of the second piece which is expected to be considered for third meeting adoption at the next council meeting on August 4th.

[00:51:13]Is there any [clears throat] further discussion?

[00:51:16]Hearing none, all those in favor of adoption say I. I. I.

[00:51:21]>> Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:51:24]Consideration of resolutions for third reading adoption.

[00:51:32]Resolution 2026 0178 adopting the 2026 update to the economic development plan in accordance with section 7.05 of the Kyhoga County Charter and section 8001.01 of the Kyhoga County Code.

[00:51:49]>> Move to adopt. second.

[00:51:52]>> Uh I believe there is a substitute.

[00:51:56]>> Paul Herdic, Department of Development, working with council staff. We prepared a substitute. The only difference between the plan we submitted to council June 1st and the substitute is we've added to this an assessment of progress on last year's plan and an explanation of how that assessment of progress led us to make revisions this year. Uh the the attachment is in the handout being distributed to you. Again, I want to make clear there's no change in the plan itself as it was submitted to council on June 1st.

[00:52:29]>> So the changes in attachments provides more information.

[00:52:33]>> Yes, council president.

[00:52:34]>> Okay. Uh I'll make a motion to accept the substitute. Is there a second?

[00:52:40]>> Second.

[00:52:41]>> It's been moved and seconded to accept the substitute.

[00:52:47]All those in favor say I.

[00:52:50]>> I. Any opposed? [clears throat] The substitute is accepted >> through the chair. Please add my name.

[00:52:56]>> Please add the council person's name.

[00:52:59]>> Thank you.

[00:53:00]>> And [clears throat] the question before the council now is to uh approve the resolution on its merits as substituted for final passage.

[00:53:12]>> Second.

[00:53:13]>> Uh >> so Mr. President, does this resolution provides the required annual updates to the Department of Development's economic development plan as required by article 7 of the county charter? And I ask for my colleague support.

[00:53:28]>> Can I ask, Mr. Chair, what uh through the chair to the director, what has changed since the last uh economic development plan?

[00:53:36]>> Um, counciloman [clears throat] >> started out with five year and >> yes, councilwoman, this is an annual update. There are very minor changes. We did actually send along an AI generated uh summary of the changes which essentially if I may summarize even further states we believe we're in the right course. We've um tweaked a little bit which year we're going to do certain things but there's been no change whatsoever in the fundamental direction.

[00:54:01]We still have the same four pillars of our economic development strategy and we believe that um we need to continue to stay the course.

[00:54:12]All those in favor of adoption say I.

[00:54:15]>> I. Any opposed? Resolution is adopted.

[00:54:19]>> Resolution 2026 0192 authorizing an incentive agreement with Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. in the amount not to exceed $2,500,000 in support of expanding its operations including remodeling and buildout of existing facilities located at 200 Northville Road in the city of Beford, Ohio. Effective upon signatures of all parties for a period of 8 years.

[00:54:46]>> Move to adopt.

[00:54:47]>> Second.

[00:54:49]>> Mr. President, this legislation approves a loan package to Hikma Pharmaceuticals for an expansion of their current Bedford, Ohio facility. This expansion will bring a muchneeded economic boost to the city and the region. I ask for my colleague support.

[00:55:07]>> All those in favor of adoption say I. I.

[00:55:10]Any opposed? Resolution is adopted and uh please add my name if you would please.

[00:55:22]Committee report and consideration of an ordinance for second reading.

[00:55:28]Ordinance 2026005 was held in committee.

[00:55:37]>> Consideration of an ordinance for third reading adoption.

[00:55:42]Ordinance 20260006 enacting section 205.11 of title 2 county organization of the Kyhoga County Code to establish the Kyhoga County Administrative appeals board as an independent body to hear and decide appeals from the administrative enforcement actions of county departments and agencies.

[00:56:06]>> Good evening, council members. Trevor Mler, council staff. I'll try this one more time. uh your packet as a proposed substitute. During the committee, the committee requested some changes to the makeup of the board. Uh the proposed substitute includes a couple technical amendments, but the biggest change is the appointing authority to the board.

[00:56:28]There will be five members under the current uh ordinance. All five would be appointed by the county executive. The proposed ordinance would change it to two members will be appointed solely by the county executive, two members appointed by the county council, and then one joint appointment that would be confirmed by council. It also will stagger those terms.

[00:56:51]>> Is there a motion to accept the substitute?

[00:56:53]>> Some moved.

[00:56:54]>> Second.

[00:56:56]>> So, uh I would like to uh to speak against the proposed substitute. Uh this this proposal has the same two fundamental problems that we saw in the charter amendment that we discussed earlier today. Uh it it provides uh appointees solely by the council for which the uh the council would have to set up its own separate appointments process and members of the public interested in being appointed would have to go apply through both the administration and and the uh the council's process. It also provides no cross check and under the current proposal.

[00:57:50]The executive nominates and and the uh uh the council confirms. But what's proposed here is that the council would make its appointments with no no check from the administration and the executive would make it its appointments with no check from the council. And the current proposal is for four members to be appointed by the executive with confirmation by council and for the chairperson to be appointed jointly by the executive and the council. Is that correct?

[00:58:29]>> The current proposal would have the chair uh appointed by the county executive subject to council confirmation. The current version in front of you without the proposed substitute.

[00:58:39]>> Okay. So uh so I uh I recommend against the substitute. Is there any further discussion?

[00:58:47]>> Absolutely. Council President, this matter was heard in committee, education, environment, sustainability.

[00:58:53]We spent a lot of time in committee talking about this particular um provision and this new ordinance in this board that will enable the consumer affairs department to enforce and have teeth its um ordinances. So this is really important and the council committee thought it it's only fair that this new board have this constitution of appointments from council and the executive and a joint appointment and that was the what was voted out of committee.

[00:59:26]And I think this makes sense because it's a new it's a new board. um it's not something that's already been in effect and we want to move forward with having at least this one board have have a makeup with some council appointments.

[00:59:46]Is there any further discussion?

[00:59:50]uh I would actually uh support the joint appointment for chair but not not the other part but I don't want to complicate matters by uh by uh trying to amend the substitute on the floor. So I'm just going to ask if there is any further discussion.

[01:00:11]>> Yes.

[01:00:12]>> Go ahead to I was wondering could we have more discussion on this? Is this urgent? I don't I don't think well I don't know if there's anything pending right now with the consumer affairs that it's necessary to get this done tonight but I just want to point out that the council president's concern in the committee was um mainly that it would set a precedent for um Councilman Sweeny's ordinance which I don't see that being the case. I think we have enough um ability each of us to have the discretion and scrutiny um to make distinction between this new board and and Councilman Sweeny's ordinance. So that was really the president's objection.

[01:00:50]>> So uh I did make that as as a point, but I do oppose it for this board as well.

[01:00:58]So on it on its merits by itself, >> I don't think we need a vote on this now. I mean timewise, we have um Director Harris here. Um, is there anything urgent? We're not ready to cite people to have to >> council president Cheryl Harris, director of consumer affairs is here. It is a companion piece to legislation that council adopted believe at the last council meeting, but I would let the director speak on the urgency if it needs to be approved tonight.

[01:01:32]>> Sorry. Um, Director Harris >> [laughter] >> That's okay. I'm serious. Um, we don't have anything urgent. We are um I mean that that needs to be done tonight. But I do want to say that um we are hopeful that we can get the review board passed before uh the board goes on break because it's going to take a process to get it up and running and we do. But then again, we've been waiting for a few years as well. So, >> no, it's okay. So, you mean you want to get this passed before we go on break, right? We have one more meeting.

[01:02:08]>> That would be awesome.

[01:02:09]>> Okay, I think we can do that.

[01:02:11]>> So, uh what I would suggest is if if the person who uh made the motion and the second on the substitute would would withdraw those motions >> withdrawn.

[01:02:25]And uh and we will just hold this item in council for the next meeting and and uh this is just one little point and we can work this out in two weeks and and uh and and come back with something for for the next council meeting. So with without objection, we're going to hold this item till the next council meeting.

[01:02:52][snorts] And uh next is miscellaneous committee reports starting with Councilman Kelly.

[01:02:59]>> Thank you, Mr. President. Economic development has no items coming before it.

[01:03:09]>> Operations will meet Tuesday, July 28th at 3.

[01:03:13]>> Health and Human Services on July 29th at 1:00.

[01:03:21]>> Any other? Just want to confirm uh was uh item 217.

[01:03:27]I'm sorry. What referred to committee to public works?

[01:03:32]>> You had some items I thought.

[01:03:33]>> Yeah. Well, in general items referred to >> you had the 50/50 program.

[01:03:38]>> 50. Gotcha. So, we will have our next public works committee meeting to um address the items that were referred today.

[01:03:46]>> Uh finance and budgeting. will meet on Monday um the 27th 1 p.m. to go over the second quarter uh report.

[01:03:55]>> Community development and housing will not meet this Monday.

[01:03:58]>> Environment, education will meet Wednesday at 3 >> and there will be committee of the whole on uh on August 4th. Uh is there any miscellaneous business?

[01:04:11]>> Know what time?

[01:04:12]>> Uh no, but hopefully later than today's.

[01:04:16]Okay. Uh, madame clerk, can you add my name to um uh 08 um 10 1516 an ordinance uh 0202 and then I just like to share that um a couple months ago we had a um international exchange fellow um an Figurado um from Sri Lanka. Um, she sent me a picture yesterday of her baby girl that was born back on uh May 30 uh 3rd, Johanna, and she's a beauty.

[01:04:55]So, I have a couple of items. I would first like to uh highly commend council person Schlapper and Conwell for the excellent work that they did today in running significant portions of the committee of the whole meeting. And I would also like to note that as we all know this is will be our last round of committee meetings before our summer recess. So, I would encourage chairpersons uh unless there's uh a reason not to or or an uncertainty to uh to recommend legislation for second reading suspension so that it doesn't have to sit over the over the fiveweek break. Anything else? Hearing none.

[01:05:46]Thank you very much everybody for your time and attention on a very long day.

[01:05:50]Discount.