City Council

Council Minutes February 24, 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: Mr. Claytor (arrived at 7:11 p.m.) Mrs. Kaus Mr. Malone Mrs. Moore Ms. Anne Williams Ms. Carmella Williams Ms. Bixenstine Council Members Absent: None * * * * Video of this meeting may be found here through February 24, 2028. * * * * Confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Russell Lamb to the Board of Zoning Appeals/City Planning Commission for a new six-year term expiring December 31, 2030. Planning Director Joyce Braverman stated that Board of Zoning Appeals and City Planning Commission members are appointed for six-year terms. Appointments are made by the Mayor and confirmed by Council. Jack Boyle’s term expired on December 31, 2024. He served two terms, for a total of twelve years, and was term limited. This item confirms the appointment of Russell Lamb to fill the vacancy of Jack Boyle. Mr. Lamb is a Boulevard neighborhood resident and principal and founder of Allegro Real Estate Brokers and Advisors. This recommendation is for Mr. Lamb to serve for a six-year term expiring December 31, 2030. Mayor Weiss added that Mr. Lamb has been a member of the community for quite some time with an extensive background in real estate, zoning and planning matters. We will miss Mr. Boyle but we are glad to have Mr. Lamb joining us. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that she has fond and positive associations with Mr. Lamb. She asked if Allegro still owns the south side of Chagrin, and if yes, does that constitute a conflict of interest. Director Braverman stated that the buildings are not owned by Allegro but an affiliate of Allegro that Mr. Lamb is a principal in, and this was discussed with the Law Department. Mr. Lamb would have to recuse himself on any matter where those buildings would need a variance or conditional use permit. It was moved by Mr. Malone, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Russell Lamb to the Board of Zoning Appeals/City Planning Commission for a six-year term expiring December 31, 2030. Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried * * * * It was moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the minutes of the special meeting of January 7, 2025, be approved as recorded. Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried * * * * It was moved by Mrs. Kaus, and seconded by Ms. Anne Williams, that the minutes of the special meeting of January 21, 2025, be approved as recorded. Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried * * * * It was moved by Ms. Bixenstine, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 27, 2025, be approved as recorded. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 26  Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine 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. 25-13, by Mrs. Moore, accepting a proposal and authorizing a personal services agreement with Rust Belt Riders, without competitive bidding, in an amount not-to-exceed $70,710 for a one-year period, for the Citywide Food Waste Collection and Composting Program, and declaring an emergency. Sustainability Coordinator Michael Peters stated that this item requests approval for the City-wide food waste collection, composting program. We first started collecting food waste in 2009. That has resulted over the last three years collecting over 600,000 pounds each year of food waste. In the last year we were up well over 600,000 pounds with a 12% increase due in part to the success of the Lomond community composting pilot program. This pilot program was to determine whether we could expand into a City- wide composting program and was done with the help of the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District which paid for the program with the first year. Based on the success of that program the Sustainability Committee has requested that it be expanded City-wide starting in April 2025. An allocation of $75,000 was added to the 2025 operating budget for this purpose. This expanded program means that all five elementary schools would have a drop off site, continuing at Lomond Elementary School, as well as adding a site at the main library for geographic diversity across the City. The library site would also be a pilot for a container program with 65-gallon plastic bins, and a padlock to open them to combat contamination. The containers at the library site would have a metal enclosure that would be opened with the same code as the others or with an app. That would provide additional beneficial data helping to determine how often the bins are used, how full they are, and other items to identify efficiencies and potentially cost savings. There are no other vendors offering food waste collection services in the region so staff is requesting the waiver of competitive bidding for this purchase. In addition MetroStor is the only vendor identified for the containers and recommended by Rust Belt Riders for software integration with the app and registration. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules as part of the contract with Rust Belt Riders is a continuation of the service we currently have and because there is a lead time to order the bins from MetroStor in time for Earth Day on April 22. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 27 Mayor Weiss asked about the costs to be paid to Rust Belt Riders and separately to MetroStor. Mr. Peters clarified that the amount of $73,607 listed in the memo that was distributed is the cost for the entire City-wide composting program as well as the MetroStor containers. The actual amount includes City facilities and to cover the costs through April 22 with a total amount to Rust Belt Riders of $70,710 and $9,997 to MetroStor. Council member Ms. Bixenstine stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Sustainability Committee. They are excited and enthusiastic about the expansion of our composting program. The pilot has been a great success and it supports our sustainability efforts and the City’s initiatives of being green. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee and asked why it is so critical to reduce the methane produced in landfills through the addition of food composting. Mr. Peters stated that when we include food waste into our municipal waste stream it goes into a landfill that is covered. That removes oxygen from the decomposition process which creates methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. When we decompose food waste in the presence of oxygen as in a compost pile, you eliminate methane being produced as well as producing compost, putting carbon back in the soil. Council member Mr. Malone asked whether the charges are per pickup or per container. He also asked about the communication efforts to residents for this program. Mr. Peters stated that we are charged per pickup per container. We are forecasting three containers at each of the six sites with a weekly pickup. The containers have ultrasonic sensors which allow us to monitor how full they are to determine if we need fewer or more bins at a site. We have the ability in the contract to move bins around without any additions to maximize the value. He has been working with the Communications and Marketing Department to have materials available in advance of the April 22 date and looking at alternative methods of marketing to the community in addition to typical channels like the Shaker Life magazine and social media, working with the school district to do promotions, as well as marketing at multifamily properties to make sure they are also aware of this. It will work as the Lomond pilot project with registration through Rust Belt Riders. Council member Ms. Bixenstine stated that we are also partnering with the library and working with neighborhood associations. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that although a form of food composting program began in 2009, it was not until three years ago that the City looked at encouraging food composting sites in all the elementary schools. That took the combined effort of a lot of volunteers to articulate the program with Rust Belt Riders. From there we now have a City-wide composting program. It is very unusual to see progress that fast. This will figure significantly to our LEED recertification for next year. She thanked Mr. Peters and everyone involved in these programs. It has really made a difference and we can see the results. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 28 Council member Mr. Claytor stated that he would like to further discuss the advertising to residents especially in multifamily properties. Mr. Peters stated that he would welcome him at a Sustainability Committee meeting for more conversation. Council member Ms. Bixenstine stated that a member of the Sustainability Stormwater and Greenspace Subcommittee lives in The Diplomat where they will be advocating for composting. They would like to expand it so Mr. Claytor’s thoughts would be welcomed and appreciated. 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. 25-13 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-13 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-14, by Ms. Carmella Williams, authorizing an amendment to the five year contract with Flock Group, Inc. for installation of an additional eleven Flock Safety solar- powered Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, and software, maintenance and other services, in the additional amount of $116,900 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $204,550, and declaring an emergency. Police Commander Tim Kohanski stated that this item requests authority to purchase additional Flock cameras and to amend our current contract with Flock. On May 26, 2023, the City entered an agreement with Flock for 60 months at an amount of $87,650. The recurring costs for the 7 cameras is $17,500 per year. The Shaker Heights Police Department currently has 7 Flock cameras installed at the locations described in the memo distributed for this item. They have proven their worth and have been instrumental in alerting officers to suspicious vehicles, stolen vehicles, persons with warrants, etc. These alerts from the Flock cameras have significantly increased the safety and security of the City of Shaker Heights demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology. One of the main goals of the Flock camera is a crime displacement tool. The goal is to move crime and criminal elements away from where the cameras are located. Every major entry way into the City should have a Flock camera, which would require 11 additional cameras at a cost of $37,150 for the first year, and $33,000 for each additional year until the Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 29 expiration of the contract in 2028. The Safety and Public Works Committee asked about the frequency and the hits on the Flock cameras. In January 2025 there were over 500 hot list alerts. They also asked about privacy issues and if Flock sells information to a third party. Flock does not own and shall not sell customer data. The Finance Committee asked if neighboring communities have Flock cameras. There are Flock cameras in the area throughout Cuyahoga County which is important for when our detectives are investigating a crime, a missing person, or an incident. If we have a license plate number or vehicle description the detective may input that information and check the database not only through Cuyahoga County but throughout the country in cities that have Flock cameras sharing them with our department. It is a very valuable tool. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so that the 11 additional cameras may link up with our current 7 cameras. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. She also noted that there was a request for information and education for the public so they understand what the Flock cameras are. She asked if some of the data they are collecting could be included in the report the Police Department is preparing. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. There was a comment about the public perception that somehow these technological tools such as the Flock camera are there to catch people doing something wrong, which is more important than the crime deterrent function. She asked if the location of the cameras will be made known. Police Chief Wayne Hudson stated that the Flock cameras are a crime disbursement tool. The cameras are not built to watch cars passing through. The only time they receive an alert is if input is entered into the database. If someone has dementia and wanders off in a vehicle, they may take the license plate information and enter it into the system which will alert them if it goes through an automatic license plate reader (ALPR). It is not made for surveillance. It only provides information based on what is entered in the system. Once all the cameras are installed their location will be available on our website and the City will issue a press release. If criminal elements want to steal a car and come into Shaker they will know they should find another jurisdiction because we have ALPR cameras. Council member Mr. Claytor asked about the 500 hot list alerts, if they are related to an infraction, and if they resulted in any arrests. He also asked about interactions where the alerts have been in error. Chief Hudson stated that not all alerts end with an arrest. An input may be for a warrant for some reason. Depending on the alert they may not respond on that issue. Recently there was a stolen vehicle taken during a felonious assault so they dispatched cars to look for it. Not everything on the hot list ends in an arrest. Regarding errors, there was an alert on a stolen vehicle and the owner recovered the vehicle but did not report it to law enforcement so it was flagged. Council member Mr. Malone stated that if we are already getting 500 hits he expects it will exponentially increase with the addition of 11 more cameras, and asked how the Chief will prioritize responses and if we are notifying partners in other communities. He also asked about a not-owned hot list. Chief Hudson stated that the priority for Flock alerts is the same for normal calls for service. It must be a felonious assault, person with dementia, immediate threat, crime in progress, etc. before they are dispatched. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 30 Commander Kohanski stated that an officer or detective in creating a report may create their own hot list. A not-owned hot list may be created by another agency which was not originated by our City. A protection order or restraining order may not illicit a stop but it could be a good investigative tool if there was a report taken and the person was in the area where they are not supposed to be in violation of the order. Chief Hudson stated that each officer will have access to the system in their car but he does not expect to need additional officers to review or respond to the alerts. Council Member Ms. Carmella Williams asked given the information targeted is based on license plate numbers that involves human input of those license plate numbers, does the Police Department have data on the accuracy rate of the readers. Commander Kohanski stated that with the Flock cameras, the officer will verify that information with dispatch when they stop a vehicle. They give dispatch the plate number who will verify that it matches what they see. It was moved by Ms. Carmella Williams, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-14 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Ms. Carmella Williams, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that Ordinance No. 25-14 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-15, by Mr. Claytor, authorizing a contract with DEX Imaging for the purchase of 17 printer/copiers at a total cost of $103,452.11, plus service for a period of up to seven years at the DEX service rates, and declaring an emergency. Information Technology Director Frank Miozzi stated that this item requests authorization to enter an agreement for copiers. Last fall the capital budget adopted included funds to purchase copiers from the Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 31 same manufacturer that we currently utilize. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules to expedite the order and delivery of new equipment before the current contract expires at the end of March. Council member Mrs. Kaus stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the Administration Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved 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. 25-15 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-15 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-16, by Mrs. Moore, authorizing a contract with Breezeline for the purchase of 1Gbps dedicated fiber internet service with 13 IP addresses for a sixty month period, at a total cost of $51,959.40, and declaring an emergency. Information Technology Director Frank Miozzi stated that this item requests authorization to enter a contract for internet service and waiving formal competitive bidding. Switching internet service providers is an extremely challenging process because of the effort involved in updating IP servers and email reputation filtering, etc. Whenever we change IP addresses there are many things that could happen. There are significant advantages in sticking with the existing service provider. Staff also looked at the state contract for internet service but the existing service provider is presenting the City with an offer that presents significant savings over the state contract. For this reason approval is sought to enter a new contract with Breezeline. The new service increases our current service level three-fold so we will have a significant benefit in speed. Internet service is becoming an increasingly more critical service for everyone. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 32 This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so the City can provide notice to the vendor in advance of the expiration of the existing contract with our intent to continue the service. Council member Mrs. Kaus stated that this item was reviewed and approved by the Administration Committee. They appreciated the research by staff into the state contract and the significant savings to the City by entering a contract with the current provider. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance committee. Council member Mr. Claytor asked if employees who work remotely utilize home wi-fi or use a hot spot and if this change will affect that process. Director Miozzi explained that all their connections occur over this internet connection, but staff are using their home wi-fi to get on the internet. Once they are on their own internet the connection is made through this to us, which increases the service to those employees. 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. 25-16 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-16 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-17, by Mr. Claytor, authorizing a contract with Cargill Inc. for the purchase of 1,000 tons of rock salt as an urgent emergency without competitive bidding, in the total not to exceed amount of $78,500, and declaring an emergency. Public Works Director Ramona Lowery-Ferrell stated that this item requests the purchase of salt in preparation for the snow and ice season. We are part of a consortium with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) which saved us a considerable amount. For the 8,200 tons that were initially purchased under that agreement we paid $49.98 per ton. Due to the weather and ice storms, like many Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 33 other communities, we need to purchase additional salt. This request is to purchase an additional 1,000 tons at a rate of $78.50 per ton as we are unable to procure it at the current ODOT rate. This item was not reviewed by the Safety and Public Works Committee because of the short timing needed to make a decision. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. They were sorry to hear we needed more salt, but thanked crews that have worked their best at all hours of the day and night to keep roads clear and residents safe. Council member Mr. Claytor asked if staff anticipates increasing our purchasing levels through ODOT when we approach the coming budget season so we are prepared for 2026. Director Lowery-Ferrell stated that it is difficult to predict the weather and another issue is having capacity for storage. When the weather was mild and we had too much salt it was temporarily stored at the northern end of the City Hall parking lot to avoid a charge by the vendor for holding it. It is a gamble. They are looking at ways to build capacity at the Service Center to help with those situations, but we can only purchase what we have the capacity to store. 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. 25-17 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-17 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-18, by Mrs. Moore, authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City and Greenman-Pederson, Inc. (GPI), for additional work needed to complete the professional construction administration and inspection services for the Van Aken Pedestrian Improvements Project, at an added cost not-to-exceed $25,422, which will bring the total contract amount to $64,345.32, and declaring an emergency. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 34 Public Works Director Ramona Lowery-Ferrell stated that this item requests an amendment to the contract for inspection services for Van Aken pedestrian improvements. We received funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for this project including landscaping, lighting, bike racks, and side walk enhancements. Unforeseen additional work is needed to complete the project at an added cost not-to-exceed $25,422. However, some of that cost is refundable so the actual cost to the City will be $5,479.13. The work is on Tuttle Road south of the future RTA comfort station with the intent to bridge the Van Aken district and the Shaker Plaza. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules so they may complete the project when the weather permits. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved 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. 25-18 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mrs. Moore, and seconded by Mr. Claytor, that Ordinance No. 25-18 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-19, by Mr. Claytor, authorizing an agreement with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) for payment to the City for the City’s maintenance of the grounds adjacent to the Rapid Transit rail lines along Shaker Boulevard and Van Aken Boulevard, for the year 2025, in the total amount of $282,169.68, and declaring an emergency. Public Works Director Ramona Lowery-Ferrell stated that this item requests authorization to enter into an agreement with RTA for the City’s maintenance of the grounds adjacent to the rapid transit lines in the amount of $282,169.68. In 1975 the City of Shaker Heights entered into an agreement to transfer its rapid transit system to RTA. An addendum to the agreement was then executed in 1982 as it relates to Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 35 maintenance of grounds adjoining the rails and right-of-way by which the City reserves the right and obligation to perform maintenance. The City continues to maintain snow removal, salting, grass cutting, tree trimming, mulching as well as street sweeping for this area. Council member Ms. Anne Williams stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously supported by the Safety and Public Works Committee. Responses to the questions asked were provided in the memo distributed for this item. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. Council member Mr. Malone stated that he is happy to know the retaining wall will be fixed in 2026. He asked about the trees planted along the Blue Rapid Line right-of-way and if their maintenance is the City’s responsibility. Council member Mrs. Moore believes the trees were purchased through a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the contractor provided a two-year warranty, and that they will be maintained by the City. 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. 25-19 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Carmella Williams, that Ordinance No. 25-19 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * Ordinance No. 25-20, by Mr. Claytor, authorizing a personal services contract with Coventry Land Company, LLC, in a total not-to-exceed amount of $53,842, for professional sustainability consulting services for the period March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026, and declaring an emergency. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 36 Chief Administrative Officer Jeri E. Chaikin stated that about eight years ago Council began funding sustainability consulting services in the General Fund Budget. Through a robust competitive process Michael Peters of Coventry Land was the successful choice. Council has been voting to renew the contract annually. The composting program and strong work by the Sustainability Committee have provided numerous accomplishments in the sustainability area being led by Michael Peters and the Sustainability Committee. This item is requested as an emergency with a suspension of the rules as the current contract ends on February 28. Council member Ms. Bixenstine stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Sustainability Committee. Mr. Peters has been instrumental in a number of important programs, not only composting, but our current efforts with regard to rooftop solar for City buildings, the Grow not Mow initiative, etc. Although he lives in Spain he makes himself available as demonstrated by joining Council by Zoom tonight at 1:00 a.m. his local time. Council member Mrs. Moore stated that this item was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. She added that all of the City’s directors are fantastic, highly skilled, and never hesitate to help Council understand issues or questions involved in any agenda item or business of the City. It has also been their pleasure to work with Michael Peters and few people could do his job from Spain. It is a privilege to have him in our employ. It was moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three different days be suspended and Ordinance No. 25-20 be placed upon its final enactment. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Motion Carried Moved by Mr. Claytor, and seconded by Ms. Bixenstine, that Ordinance No. 25-20 be enacted as read. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Claytor, Mrs. Kaus, Mr. Malone, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Anne Williams, Ms. Carmella Williams, Ms. Bixenstine Nays: None Ordinance Enacted * * * * 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 stated that no comments were received on other items by email or phone. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 37 The Mayor invited members of the audience and those participating via Zoom the opportunity to “raise their hand” to provide public comment. Whitney Cornuke of 2865 Brighton Road stated that she feels Council should prioritize a new rink as part of the recreation plan. Growing up she skated in 15 City ice shows and as an adult she visits the rink 5 days-a-week with her children. They have benefitted from the City’s Learn to Skate program, participated in the annual ice show and compete with the Shaker Figure Skating Club. She believes the rink is important to the community because skating is the embodiment of getting back up when you fall down. It teaches grit, resilience, courage and the reward of hard work. For her it is a joy to glide across the ice. Having a rink in Shaker allows hundreds of children to benefit every season through the affordable Learn to Skate program. The rink is a gathering place for people from across Shaker to connect. We also have an extensive hockey program. In addition we have Friday Night Skate. She has reconnected with people from high school at Thornton Park which has given her the chance to know them better. The rink is a unique asset that sets Shaker apart from surrounding communities. We hosted the Ohio State Skating Championships with 30 teams from around the state here to compete. Her child competed on the Shaker team made up of 27 skaters, the largest in the state, and Shaker placed first in several categories and third overall. The Shaker Heights High School is the only public high school to have figure skating as a varsity sport. However, the state of the rink is abysmal. The roof leaks. The ice is not regulation size. The bleachers are old and rickety. The locker rooms are the same as they were 25 years ago. She feels the payoff of building a new rink goes well beyond the financial return on investment and it is an incredibly important resource for Shaker. She asked Council to invest in something that makes Shaker special, that promotes community, and that betters the individuals who use it. Angela Robinson of 23225 Laureldale Road stated that at the time she moved here the City had a levy on the ballot. If the levy didn’t pass the rink, senior transportation, and backyard trash pickup would go by the wayside. She voted for the levy and thought she would check out the ice rink. She signed up her child for the Learn to Skate program who is now a graduating senior. This year will be her 11th ice show. She has done 6 years of synchronized skating and competed in high school championships. Her younger daughter has also participated in Learn to Skate. It has been their community. Their club is the fourth largest in the State of Ohio. The reason why people join is not because of the facility, but because they have a large sense of community. People come for the ice show, fall picnic, end of the year banquet and the kids grow up together. Because her kids skated she volunteered with the board and she hopes people support enlarging our rink and program. Some of our students are travelling to other rinks which have the size for synchronized skating. Mayor Weiss stated that the City is in the midst of strategic planning for recreation. The final report and recommendations should be done in April. Many people have provided input and participated in focus groups to provide feedback and it is appreciated. Eric Garvin of 3690 Lynnfield Road stated that his daughter grew up on the ice and loves it. She started with Learn to Skate where he would watch her classes. Skating provides different things for different people. If the City develops a recreation center, it would be a shame not to have at least one regulation size ice rink. Ryan Mayhugh of 2851 Litchfield Road stated that he participated in Learn to Skate as a child and played hockey. His children now play hockey. The youth hockey program is very strong with about 140 families. Friday Night Skate has about 100 kids on the ice from all walks of life. Many of the hockey games are Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 38 sold out and at the same time people are visiting local businesses. It also provides activity in the winter months. Thornton Park is toward the end of its life span and they are renting ice at Garfield Heights because they are at capacity with youth hockey. A new facility would be a huge opportunity. He hopes that the locker rooms will also be addressed as the recreation plan moves forward. Haley Peters of 17408 Lomond stated that she is the cofounder of Feral Friends of Shaker dedicated to improving the lives of stray and feral cats in our community. In the last six months she and her cofounder have worked tirelessly to address the growing feral cat population in Shaker Heights. Shaker Animal Control does not provide services for cat related needs for residents. Through her efforts they have trapped, neutered and returned, rescued, rehabilitated and/or re-homed over 40 cats and kittens at her own personal expense or through generous donations. She asked for Council’s support in launching a City-wide program called PAWS (Program for Animal Welfare in Shaker) that will allow them to do more. It is a comprehensive community driven initiative designed to humanely manage the feral cat population while promoting responsible pet ownership and fostering a culture of compassion for animals. PAWS is modeled after successful programs where collaborative efforts between local governments, veterinarians, and community organizations have significantly reduced feral cat populations and improved animal welfare. A comprehensive approach involving neighboring cities is essential for long term success. She has begun conversations with organizations in the greater Cleveland area to explore regional partnerships to create a unified strategy that addresses the issue across our communities rather than isolation. PAWS community trap, neuter and return (TNR) program is a humane approach to trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, and returning them to their colonies. TNR has been proven to stabilize and reduce feral cat populations over time. With City funding and subsidized TNR costs this program can be accessible to more residents and volunteers. They can serve as a pet resource hub by partnering with local veterinarians to offer discounted spay/neuter and vaccination services to residents. The hub will also serve as a central resource for information on low cost pet care, adoption services, and responsible pet ownership. Data collected can inform future animal welfare and City planning efforts. They also propose implementing educational programs in schools to teach students about the importance of humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership. Additionally they will expand their outreach through social media campaigns and community events. They mean to aim for policies that support pet friendly rental housing making it easier for residents to keep their pets and establishing designated feeding and shelter centers to better manage feral cat colonies. By strengthening their collaboration with local shelters and vet clinics they can streamline rescue and rehabilitation efforts and expand their fostering network to provide temporary homes for rescued animals. The full implementation of PAWS will require funding from City grants and local sponsors as well as partnerships with businesses and community organizations. The benefits far outweigh the costs. By reducing the feral cat population, increasing access to affordable pet care, and fostering community engagement, PAWS will create a more compassionate and sustainable environment for both people and animals in Shaker Heights. To make PAWS a reality she requested access to a temporary animal housing facility the size of a garage where they can safely house and care for rescued animals while they await services to allow them to expand their efforts and save more cats. She would also like support in presenting PAWS to the Safety and Public Works Committee for further discussion and collaboration. She believes the program aligns with the City’s goal of community wellbeing and sustainability. She hopes to make Shaker a leader in animal welfare and a model for other communities in northeast Ohio. * * * * There being no further business before Council, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 39  _________________________________________ DAVID E. WEISS, Mayor _________________________________________ JERI E. CHAIKIN, Clerk of Council Council Meeting February 24, 2025 Page 40