Council Meeting Highlights

Apr 07, 2025

City Council held a regular meeting in person today in Council Chambers, which was also live-streamed. Council's next meeting is April 14th. Here are tonight’s highlights:

Summer Jobs for Cleveland's Youth: Council approved legislation, sponsored by Councilmembers Jasmin Santana, Kerry McCormack, and Council President Blaine A. Griffin, to amend the existing contract with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU). The amendment includes a $500,000 increase in funding to support the recruitment of up to 150 additional youth participants and the hiring of four additional job coaches for 2025. It also authorizes the exercise of the contract’s renewal option.
In 2024, more than 1,200 Cleveland youth were employed through YOU programs. With the additional funding, the contract amount for the renewal period will increase to $1,499,337, bringing the total contract value to $2,498,674. Ord. No. 383-2025

Recognizing April 2025 as Reentry Awareness Month: Council approved a resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones and unanimously supported by all members, recognizing April 2025 as Reentry Awareness Month.
Each April, the U.S. Department of Justice observes “Second Chance Month,” highlighting the critical role individuals, communities, and organizations play in supporting the safe and successful reintegration of those returning from incarceration. Locally, the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry traditionally hosts “Reentry Week” to bring attention to the challenges faced by people reentering society after imprisonment.

This year, the Office of Reentry is expanding its efforts by declaring the entire month of April as Reentry Awareness Month. Council acknowledges the importance of collaboration with local governments and community partners to raise awareness, dispel myths, and promote understanding—helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives and reclaim their futures. Res. No. 431-2025

Cleveland Teen Saves Family: Councilman Brian Kazy presented a resolution and extended the city's congratulations to 16-year-old Tyler Sowden for his heroic actions on March 28. Upon hearing a family’s cries for help, Tyler quickly retrieved a ladder from his home and rushed to the scene. He used the ladder to assist a woman in escaping from a burning home with her 10-month-old baby and a 10-year-old child.
Council also recognized two Cleveland police officers - James Bellomy and Kerry Adams -who, while on their lunch break, noticed the fire and sprang into action, rescuing an elderly man and his dog from the neighboring home that had also caught fire.

National Library Workers Day in Cleveland: Councilmember Jenny Spencer presented a resolution to representatives of the Cleveland Public Library, officially designating Tuesday, April 8, 2025, as “National Library Workers Day” in Cleveland. The resolution urges all residents to acknowledge the dedication of library workers, make use of the invaluable resources libraries provide, and show appreciation for the vital role libraries and their staff play in strengthening our communities and enriching the nation.

Last month, Council passed a resolution, sponsored by all of Council, for National Library Workers' Day. Res. No. 443-2025

Glenville Tarblooders Basketball Team: Councilman Kevin Conwell celebrated the Glenville Basketball Team that made it to the OHSAA boys basketball state finals for the first time in school history. The team came down to the Council meeting. While the Tarblooders didn't win, everyone expects them back next year.

Introductions  

Legislation was introduced to authorize the city to enter into a lease of space at the Northern Ohio Blanket Mills building at 3466 St. Rocco’s Court for a term of ten (10) years, for the public purpose of establishing and operating a health care clinic. Ord. No. 468-2025

A resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones, was introduced to recognize National Black Maternal Health Week April 11 - April 17, 2025, and declaring this week Black Maternal Health Week in the City of Cleveland; and honoring the efforts of Black-led organizations driving systemic change in maternal health, and committing to supporting initiatives that promote equity, healing, and thriving communities. Res. No. 469-2025