Utilities Committee - October 8, 2026

The Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee met on October 8, 2026, and considered four ordinances. Ordinance 1037-2026 would remove the $3,500 cap on utility easements, which the department said was outdated and could force costly project redesigns. The committee approved an amendment striking the requirement that easement value be determined by the Board of Control; fair market value would still be established through appraisal, with the director retaining authority to execute easements. The ordinance, as amended, was approved. Ordinance 1038-2026 was approved to seek bids for a two-year requirements contract for Cleveland Public Power electrical test equipment, maintenance and repair labor and materials, and related training. The department cited a $100,000 budget estimate; it explained that the prior contract was about $571,000 because equipment had required replacement. The committee also discussed Ordinance 1135-2026, authorizing an RFP for cafeteria services at 1201 Lakeside, for two years with two one-year renewal options. The current vendor was identified as Take a Break Quick Catering, and vegetarian offerings were raised as a desired service feature.

The committee approved, as amended, Ordinance 688-2026, authorizing easements for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Big Creek Storage Tunnel project at Emory and Estherbrook parks. The easement proceeds include $220,400 for Emory Park and $56,400 for Estherbrook Park; the district also agreed to add $450,000 to Emory Park restoration funding. The tunnel is part of the district’s approximately $350 million Project Clean Lake program, funded through district ratepayers. A further amendment concerning district-funded project completion by December 31, 2032, was discussed and accepted by voice vote. Members also discussed the project schedule, park restoration, and the district’s use of eminent domain when voluntary agreements cannot be reached.