Utilities Committee - June 25, 2026

The Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee convened on June 25, 2026, to discuss multiple ordinances related to utility services, infrastructure projects, and a moratorium on data center development. Key procurement actions included approval of contracts for hosting and technical support of the Bright City lighting system with ST Engineering Telematics Wireless Limited, renewal of contracts for Oracle customer care and billing system hosting with Kendra Inc., and contracts for utility locating services and laboratory equipment essential for water quality testing. Capital improvement projects discussed included a $15 million estimated rebuild of the Pleasant Valley pump station and a $23 million transmission water main renewal and corrosion prevention program. The committee also addressed amendments requiring written notice to the clerk of council for purchases made through cooperative processes. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposed three-month moratorium on standalone data center permits to allow time for zoning code updates and infrastructure impact assessments. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted concerns about energy consumption, water usage, job creation, environmental impacts, and community benefits related to data centers. The committee emphasized the need for a balanced approach to support economic development while protecting residents and infrastructure. Additionally, First Energy presented a three-year rate plan involving substantial capital investments to improve electrical infrastructure, which was met with scrutiny regarding past corporate controversies and service reliability. The moratorium ordinance was approved as amended, with plans for a working group to further study data center impacts and zoning definitions.