Cleveland Heights Council Committee of the Whole July 13, 2026

The City of Cleveland Heights Council Committee of the Whole met on July 13, 2026, to discuss several community and administrative issues with a strong focus on procurement and budget-related topics. Key procurement discussions included the upcoming urban deer management program, where the city is considering contracting vendors to cull up to 200 deer this winter, with budget planning for 2027 underway. The city is exploring vendor options used by neighboring municipalities, with cost estimates around $2,000 annually for turnkey services. Additionally, updates on capital improvement projects were provided, including the progress on the Denison Park splash pad, tennis court resurfacing at Kean Park, and the skate park construction aiming for completion by late 2026. The city is also applying for a competitive NatureWorks grant to replace playground equipment at Cumberland Park, with an estimated project cost of approximately $150,000. Budget allocations for park benches and picnic tables replacement were noted for 2027. The meeting also covered the short-term rental ordinance update, focusing on registration, enforcement, and a proposed 3% transient occupancy tax, with ongoing discussions with Airbnb for tax collection agreements. The council reviewed zoning code updates, including conditional use permits, nonconforming uses, and historic landmark regulations, with plans for further workshops and public hearings. No formal votes were recorded during this session, but several action items related to procurement and budget planning were identified for future council consideration.