Cleveland Heights Council Committee of the Whole May 18, 2026

The City of Cleveland Heights Council Committee of the Whole met on May 18, 2026, to discuss several procurement and budget-related items. Key procurement discussions included the authorization of a $200,000 contract with GDP Group for construction management and inspection services related to the 2026 code vote program, and an agreement with OM Advisors for engineering design services for the Taylor Road TLCI project. The council also reviewed a grant agreement with the Taylor Merchants Association and authorized an agreement with Motorola Solutions for body-worn cameras funded by an Ohio Department of Public Safety grant. Additionally, the council discussed a resolution to install eight DC fast charger electric vehicle charging points at city facilities and the continuation and expansion of the citywide food scrap composting program through Rust Belt Writers Composting LLC. The meeting included deliberations on special assessments for street and parkway improvements, with an emphasis on timely processing and public notification. A significant policy discussion centered on the potential adoption of ranked choice voting, with council members expressing concerns about state legislation (Ohio Senate Bill 63) that would penalize municipalities financially for implementing such voting methods. The council ultimately expressed reservations about placing ranked choice voting on the November 2026 ballot due to legal and fiscal risks. Other agenda items included proclamations for Pride Month, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and National Public Works Week, as well as discussions on public engagement strategies for council members.