City Council

Council Minutes January 27, 2025 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Council of the City of Shaker Heights met in a regular session at 7:00 p.m., Mayor David E. Weiss presiding. Council Members Present: Ms. Bixenstine Mr. Claytor (arrived at 7:02 p.m.) Mrs. Kaus Mr. Malone Mrs. Moore Ms. Anne Williams Ms. Carmella Williams Council Members Absent: None * * * * Video of this meeting may be found here through January 27, 2028. * * * * It was moved by Ms. Anne Williams, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 16, 2024, be approved as recorded. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried * * * * The Mayor asked the Clerk of Council to read into the record public comments received by email or phone on any of the agenda items. Clerk of Council Ms. Chaikin stated that no comments were received on agenda items by email or phone. The Mayor invited members of the audience and those participating via Zoom the opportunity to “raise their hand” to provide public comment. No comments were offered. * * * * Ordinance No. 25-03, by Mrs. Moore, Authorizing a contract with CJR Group, Inc. for personal professional state advocacy and government affairs consulting services for the period February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, for a not-to-exceed amount of $60,000, and declaring an emergency. Economic Development Director Laura Englehart stated that this item is to enter a contract with CJR Group who is currently providing state advocacy and lobbying services to the City. The new contract will start February 1, 2025 and last for twelve months at a not to exceed cost of $60,000. Funding is available for this purpose in the 2025 Economic Development Department operating budget. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so that services may continue without interruption at a critical point in our strategy. We are continuing to work with CJR Group because we believe there is good opportunity in the upcoming state biennium budget that occurs every two years. It is an operating budget. We feel confident that we can seek funding for our regional five-City effort First CALL program. We were successful in getting connected to some agencies for that program through our lobbying firm this past year which helped result in a grant for that program. We also worked with CJR Group last year during the capital budget cycle and were successful in obtaining $1 million for park improvements at Horseshoe Lake Park with Doan Brook improvements. We have a strong track record working with CJR Group and historically doing state and federal advocacy. We did a request for proposals (RFP) to select CJR Group in 2021 and are continuing with our ongoing strategy with them at this time. Council member Mrs. Kaus stated that this item was reviewed and supported by the Administration Committee although there was not a quorum. They discussed how there was not a new request for proposals and she feels that is important to make sure we are getting the best bang for our dollars. However, in this particular circumstance in continuing our strategy and having a strong working relationship while being in the middle of talks with state legislators, it is important to continue with CJR Group. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. Between 2009 and 2024 net funding secured by CJR Group was $4.2 million, above and beyond consultant fees. There was an RFP process followed in 2021. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that she supports this item and asked if other communities are engaging with lobbyists or participating with us in this. Director Englehart stated that we are hoping to coordinate with all of the communities and the dispatch center in support of seeking funding. We have not requested any financial support from any of those communities for this lobbying effort, largely because while it is a high strategic priority for us to seek this particular funding, there are also other things that CJR Group is able to do for Shaker Heights alone in terms of tracking additional legislation, particularly housing and property tax legislation, which we expect will be a robust conversation at the state house and senate this spring along with securing meetings for us with state agencies for all City priorities. We are continuing our engagement with them for a number of items, not just one strategy. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-03 be placed upon its final enactment. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 13  Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-03 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-04, by Mr. Claytor, Authorizing a personal services contract with the Cleveland Restoration Society to provide Shaker residents with technical assistance and low- interest home loans for preservation, restoration and renovation through the Heritage Home Program in 2025, in an amount not to exceed $27,060, and declaring an emergency. Economic Development Director Laura Englehart stated that this item is to enter a contract with the Cleveland Restoration Society for an amount not to exceed $27,060 to provide residents home repair technical assistance, and access to low interest home loans to preserve, restore, and renovate their homes. To be eligible, the home must be 50 years of age or older. This has been a very well utilized program and we have been partnering with the Cleveland Restoration Society for nearly 25 years. The Heritage Home program has brought more than $12.5 million worth of loans to homes in Shaker Heights. The full list of homes in addition to loan funding is included in the memo distributed for this item. Funding is available for this item in the 2025 Economic Development Department budget. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules to allow the program to continue without interruption. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee. There were several comments about what great services they provide for our residents. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. In addition to the restoration services, they have increased the value of historic homes by having historic features renovated and not replaced. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-04 be placed upon its final enactment. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 14  Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-04 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-05, by Mr. Malone, Authorizing a personal services requirements contract with Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) to administer home repair grants and programs for City residents for the period January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an estimated amount of $200,000, and declaring an emergency. Economic Development Director Laura Englehart stated that this item is for a contract with the Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) in the amount of $200,000 to administer City-funded home repair grants and provide additional education and home repair technical services. Of the total, $150,000 is reserved as grant funds available to residents for brick and mortar repairs by way of the various City programs, and the rest consists of a base administrative fee of $35,000 for services provided with $15,000 as a 10% per project fee for each completed project. Funding is available in the 2025 Economic Development Department budget. We have seen significantly higher demand for our grant programs in recent years. Historically, the City has provided about $50,000 annually, but in 2023 spending exceeded $79,000. We expect to fully expend the $166,000 in grants Council made available last year when all the final data is compiled. We anticipate that $150,000 in grants will be sufficient for calendar year 2025. The term of the contract will run through June 2026 and expect to request additional funding to be added at the end of the year. HRRC administers the home repair grants on behalf of the City. They also provide hands-on home repair classes, a tool library, contractor recommendations and many other services. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules to allow the projects to continue without interruption. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and enthusiastically supported by the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee. HRRC is an important City partner. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was approved and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 15 Council member Mr. Malone asked if Council appropriated the same amount at the beginning of last year and then added an additional appropriation at the end of 2024 due to the number of projects. Director Englehart stated that at the beginning of calendar year 2024 Council appropriated $111,000 for grant projects. She came back to Council in the summer for additional funding for a total grant amount of $166,000 for home repair grants. They don’t expect to spend as much as they spent last year based on the Housing and Building Department inspection cycles. If that is not the case she will come back to Council. Council member Mr. Malone stated that he appreciates all the work staff is doing. It is striking to look at the data from 2012 to 2022. It was then doubled in 2023 and again in 2024. The demand is there and great that the Administration is responsive. It was moved by Mr. Malone, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-05 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Malone, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-05 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-06, by Mrs. Moore, Authorizing a grant in the amount of $400,000 to the Shaker Heights Development Corporation (SHDC) for costs associated with strategically acquiring, managing, and/or facilitating the rehabilitation of underutilized properties, primarily in the Chagrin-Lee commercial district, and declaring an emergency. Economic Development Director Laura Englehart stated that the City has long been working in partnership with the Shaker Heights Development Corporation (SHDC) to strengthen and revitalize all of our commercial districts in Shaker. One of the ways SHDC partners with the City is to serve as a strategic real estate activity entity. They can acquire, manage and rehab underutilized properties; and put vacant properties back into use. To this end this request is for a grant in the amount of $400,000 to SHDC for those impending real estate opportunities. Council approved in the current budget $400,000 from the Economic Development and Housing Reserve Fund budget for this purpose. This grant will allow us to Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 16 build on some of the success in the Chagrin/Lee commercial district and further advance the Lee Road Action Plan and its implementation. City staff have been working behind the scenes on strategies to implement the first recommendations included in the Lee Road Action Plan. We anticipate by 2027 construction starting on major public improvements in the roadway, sidewalks and streetscape in the entirety of Lee Road, including the Lee Road commercial district. Engineering will start this calendar year and a series of smaller initiatives are also either completed or underway. One example is the parking pilot where a number of property owners worked together last year to close some of their aprons and consolidate their front parking into much more efficient parking that is safer for pedestrians walking by. We are continuing to do all of those improvements as we lead up to the larger construction of the major construction improvements in a couple years. Alongside the major public investments it is critical to encourage reinvestment in the private properties along Lee Road as well. Many commercial property owners and business owners in the Chagrin/Lee commercial district are already reinvesting but there is still a lot of work to do to combat vacancy and disrepair we see. There is potential to rehabilitate strategic properties we potentially acquire and SHDC can uniquely provide those services and is much better positioned than a municipality to directly engage in real estate work. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules to take advantage of immediate real estate opportunities. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was approved and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. Members spoke personally about their support for the collaboration and this partnership. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-06 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that Ordinance No. 25-06 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 17 Ordinance No. 25-07, by Ms. Anne Williams, Authorizing the application for and acceptance of Cuyahoga County OVI Task Force grant funds in the amount of $10,000 from University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHC) for additional traffic enforcement patrols, and declaring an emergency. Police Commander John Cole stated that this item requests authorization to accept an annual reimbursement grant in the amount of $10,000 from the University Hospitals OVI Task Force. This provides reimbursement for some of the personnel and resources to tactically deploy to areas where motor vehicle crashes as well as OVI offenses have occurred throughout the year. The City has had a longstanding relationship with University Hospitals. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was approved and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. It was moved by Ms. Anne Williams, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-07 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Ms. Anne Williams, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-07 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-08, by Mrs. Moore, Authorizing a ten-year personal services maintenance agreement with the Chagrin Valley Dispatch Council (CVD), for the maintenance of the City’s Motorola CAD/RMS/Mobile systems starting January 1, 2024, in the total amount of $301,530, and declaring an emergency. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 18 Police Chief Wayne Hudson stated that in 2023 the City records management system agreement with TAC ended and the City switched to Motorola. This item requests the City enter into a ten-year agreement with CVD to manage the Motorola systems, as they have agreed to maintain the prior annual maintenance costs of $30,153 for the term of the agreement. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules as we are already using these services. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was approved and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. It was moved by Mrs. Moore and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-08 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-08 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-09, by Mr. Claytor, Authorizing the sale for $1.00 of a decommissioned police cruiser from the Shaker Heights Police Department to the East Cleveland City School District, and declaring an emergency. Police Chief Wayne Hudson stated that last year he was contacted by the Safety Director for the East Cleveland School District who was looking for decommissioned police cruisers. They do not have the funds to pay for them and at the time we were going through the process of upgrading some of our fleet. We found three vehicles that would fit their needs, but two of the vehicles will be used by the City’s Public Works Department. This item requests the sale of the one remaining cruiser to the East Cleveland School District at the cost of $1.00. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 19 Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was approved and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-09 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Mr. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-09 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-10, by Mrs. Moore, An Ordinance making appropriations for the current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Shaker Heights, Ohio for the year ending December 31, 2025, amending appropriations in Fund No. 701, Law Enforcement Trust Fund Local and in Fund No. 702, Law Enforcement Trust Fund Federal, and declaring an emergency. Police Chief Wayne Hudson stated that the Police Department receives forfeiture funds from the federal government as partners with certain drug task forces. If money is seized a portion comes to the City. Within three years of receiving those funds the federal government would like to see the funds put toward community use. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules in order to continue to provide safety and security for the City of Shaker Heights. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was approved and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 20 It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-10 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-10 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-11, by Mr. Claytor, Authorizing expenditures from the Local Law Enforcement Trust Fund (Fund No. 701) and the Federal Law Enforcement Trust Fund (Fund No. 702) pursuant to the City’s procurement requirements under the City’s Charter and Ordinances, and to comply with Ohio Revised Code Section 2981.13. Police Chief Wayne Hudson stated that the Police Department receives forfeiture funds from the federal government as partners with certain drug task forces. If money is seized a portion comes to the City. Within three years of receiving those funds the federal government would like to see the funds put toward community use. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules in order to continue to provide safety and security for the City of Shaker Heights. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was approved and unanimously supported by the Finance Committee. Council member Mr. Malone asked Chief Hudson if he had concerns in getting to some of the previously approved projects completed in 2025. Chief Hudson stated that he is confident that they will get most of these projects done. There is a possibility of hiring someone on a contract basis to assist moving forward with some of them. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 21 Mayor Weiss stated that some of the larger, transformational projects may need some additional assistance on a staffing front which will free up others to do the Law Enforcement Trust Fund projects. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-11 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-11 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-12, by Mrs. Moore, Authorizing the execution of Then and Now Certificates by the Director of Finance and the payment of amounts due for various purchase orders, and declaring an emergency. Finance Director John Potts stated that this time of year we have a number of Then and Now Certificates due to the financial system closing and purchase orders not yet created. The transactions are for normal recurring expenditures. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules. It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-12 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that Ordinance No. 25-12 be enacted as read. Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 22  Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Bixenstine, Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Motion for Liquor Permit Croirish Burger JCU LLC 20621 Fairmount Blvd. Law Director William Gruber stated that when the state notifies us that there are liquor permit applications pending the City has an opportunity to object. A number of departments were notified and responded without any objections to awarding this permit by the state liquor control division. Council member Mr. Claytor asked about the former business owner at this location and what happens to the liquor license during a transition. Director Gruber stated that the new owner could request a transfer or apply for a new liquor license. This is a request for a new license. Some cities do not have licenses available because of their size and the number already issued, but getting a new license is not as difficult in Shaker Heights. No objections were voiced by Council. Motion for Liquor Permit Storypoint Shaker Heights 17000 Van Aken Blvd. Law Director William Gruber stated that when the state notifies us that there are liquor permit applications pending the City has an opportunity to object. A number of departments were notified and responded without any objections to awarding this permit by the state liquor control division. No objections were voiced by Council. Motion for Liquor Permit Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado LLC 3530 Warrensville Center Road Law Director William Gruber stated that when the state notifies us that there are liquor permit applications pending the City has an opportunity to object. A number of departments were notified and responded without any objections to awarding this permit by the state liquor control division. No objections were voiced by Council. * * * * Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 23 The Mayor asked the Clerk of Council to read into the record public comments received by email or phone on other items. Clerk of Council Ms. Chaikin summarized comments received by the following persons: RoseGold Carter Greg Bonanno Council member Mrs. Moore stated that the Building and Housing Department response to the complaints from residents has been very impressive about any number of issues and conditions that result in a person not being able to continue to live in their apartment. The issue is not that we don’t provide an immediate and forceful response. The issue is what we as a City can do to proactively help residents in apartment buildings that are aging, in which basic systems have deteriorated to the point of failure during the coldest weather when residents cannot stay in their apartments. She has requested the City Administration to discuss this internally and bring back to Council proactive alternatives to address this issue. Mayor Weiss stated that he recently had a conversation with Building and Housing Department Director Kyle Krewson on how we could find ways to take action in advance of problems. One of the considerations is for property owners to have a pre-existing contract with a maintenance firm when something happens. Council member Ms. Bixenstine stated that she agrees with Council member Mrs. Moore’s comments and what the Administration is doing. She is also interested in hearing responses to some of Mr. Bonanno’s recommendations. The Mayor invited members of the audience and those participating via Zoom the opportunity to “raise their hand” to provide public comment. No comments were offered. * * * * There being no further business before Council, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. _________________________________________ DAVID E. WEISS, Mayor _________________________________________ JERI E. CHAIKIN, Clerk of Council Council Meeting January 27, 2025 Page 24 RoseGold Carter Rental Violence My apartment in the Shaker-Moreland complex lost heat 1.06.2025. The following day, I lost electricity in my kitchen. That issue did not get resolved until 1.13.2025. Today, January 16th, conditions are finally safe enough for me to return home. If it were you or a baby, what is the acceptble amount of time to allow someone to be deprivred of heat during a brutally frigid,Ohio Winter. The management was not proactive in addressing the issue at all. They were non- communicative, dismissive with "the check is in the mail" response. Banyan denied my request for reasonable accomodations so I was forced to stay with friends. While I do have renter's insurance, coverage is only if the boiler freezes, not me. I would like my situation, the building that was vacated on Fairhill & all incidents of heat outages occuring in rental property thoroughly investigated. If the way these situations are indicative Shaker Housing & Building doing their best, then they need to do better. Landlords must be held accountable & no one should have to freeze just because you erroneously believe it's only impacting a few units and not the entire C building. The same level of urgency should apply be it one or many. City Council & the Mayor are well aware of the pervasive problems regarding multi-unit dwellings. Still, after many years, very little has been done to address the issue. It's only to get worse. I implore you to start taking these issues seriously and take action now. Sincerely, RoseGold Carter Greg Bonanno Shaker Square Alliance Dear Council and City Officials, The Shaker Square Alliance has taken note of several incidents involving apartment buildings within the city. We wish to recommend changes to how the city manages livable space for city residents. It appears that the city's only means of becoming aware of issues within a rental unit/property are through point-of-sale inspections and tenant complaints logged with Building and Housing. The former will occur as often as the properties are sold, the latter requires proactive measures on the part of the tenant; some of whom are afraid to speak-up for fear of retaliation from their landlord. These two methods are reactive and not always reliable when trying to understand the current state of code compliance of a property. We therefore provide a few recommendations to the city: • The annual certificate of occupancy should be contingent on an inspection of major building components (examples: roofs, heating/cooling, electrical, lighting, water, gas) • Landlords be required to demonstrate proof preventative maintenance activities based on a schedule set by the city. • Increased inspections to individual units at random. • Cooperation between first responders and Building and Housing (if not already being done); first responders may observe things about units/buildings that might cause concern about livability. • Funds/Loans made available from the city to landlords for capital improvements. We look forward to working with you. Kind regards, Greg Bonanno on behalf of Shaker Square Alliance