Cleveland Heights Special Council Committee of the Whole February 22, 2025

The City of Cleveland Heights City Council held a special Committee of the Whole meeting on February 22, 2025, primarily focused on reviewing and recommending amendments to the city charter. The council discussed various charter provisions including election procedures, nomination petition signature requirements, recall processes, and the structure and appointment of the charter review commission. Significant attention was given to ensuring democratic participation, clarifying legislative and executive powers, and improving procedural clarity. The council also deliberated on the balance of power between the mayor and council, the process for appointing charter review commission members, and the publication and notification requirements for initiatives and referendums. The Law Department was tasked with reviewing the proposed amendments, with the goal of finalizing recommendations for the November ballot. Discussions also touched on salary adjustments for council members, non-discrimination policies, and the potential adoption of ranked-choice voting to enhance democratic representation.