Council Meeting Highlights (2/28)

Feb 28, 2022

Cleveland (February 28, 2022) – City Council held its regular Monday meeting tonight, both in person in Council Chambers and through live streaming. The next council meeting is March 7.

Here are highlights:

Condemnation of Russia: Council passed a resolution, co-sponsored by all of council, condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calling on continued and increased sanctions against Moscow.  (Res. No 235-2022)

New Cleveland Landmark: Council passed legislation designating the Slovenian Workmen’s Home as a Cleveland Landmark, sponsored by Councilman Mike Polensek. (Ord. No. 1077-2021)

Legislation for West Side Market Changes:

Council introduced two pieces of legislation sponsored by the administration to make changes at the West Side Market, including one piece that would cap rental rate increases, expanding lease options and allowing sales of alcohol. (Ord. No. 223-2022)

The legislation would:

• Hold rents at their 2020 levels and cap annual rent increases to no more than a 3 percent increase in future years.
• Allow vendors to enter leases for up to three years with one, three-year option to renew. Currently, the city does not allow leases for longer than one year at a time.
• Permit short-term leases, which would allow the West Side Market to consider daily pop-up events and seasonal vendors.
• Charge prepared food vendors the same rate as traditional vendors (butcher, meat, vegetable).
• Repeal a city ordinance that prohibits the sales of alcohol at the West Side Market.

Once introduced, the legislation is scheduled to be referred to Directors’ of Public Works, Finance, and Law for reviews before coming to council committees - Municipal Services and Properties and then Finance Diversity Equity and Inclusion before going to a full vote of council.