Nov. 12: Cuyahoga County Council
Covered by Documenter Dean Jackson (notes)
Cuyahoga County ARPA money on the move
Cuyahoga County Council reviewed more than 70 pieces of legislation at its Nov. 12 meeting. About a quarter of them involve the proposed distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Most of the ARPA-funded measures would support community-based organizations and programs. One piece would give up to $100,000 to the St. Clair-Superior Development Corp. for a home repair program for the area. The City of South Euclid would receive up to $50,000 to fund a deer sterilization pilot program. Up to $10,000 each would be distributed to various social and community services such as a record expungement clinic, a dog park, and personal development programs for students and women of color.
Council read those resolutions for the first time and referred them to future committee meetings for review.
Two ARPA-related resolutions have already been through the legislative process. Council read them a third time, then voted on and adopted them. Positive Plus is set to receive up to $10,000 from the District 9 ARPA Community Grant Fund to use toward programming for crime victims and their families. The Friendly Inn Settlement in Central also receives $10,000 for operational expenses and building repairs from the District 9 fund.
New collective bargaining agreements and more
Cuyahoga County Council also adopted three resolutions regarding collective bargaining agreements for unionized employees. The county reached agreements with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and the Fraternal Order of Police. It also approved an amendment to its agreement with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. The three unions represent around 230 county employees, most of whom work in public safety.
An ordinance was also approved to remove the five-year expiration deadline for Cuyahoga County’s participation in joint energy purchasing programs. The programs allow the county to aggregate energy resources by teaming up with other counties in Ohio to purchase energy from suppliers at competitive market rates. Council President Pernel Jones Jr. said council referred the piece to Council’s Public Works Procurement and Contracting Committee for review.
Israel Bonds remain a priority for commenters
Public comment continues to be dominated by residents’ remarks on Cuyahoga County’s investment in Israel Bonds.
Many commenters thanked council for withdrawing a resolution in June urging against any further purchase of Israel Bonds by the county, saying the move shows support for the local Jewish community. Resident Mark Sack, who said he “put the responsibility for the suffering” on Hamas, also asked council to pass a resolution demanding Hamas release all hostages remaining in Gaza.
Several other public commenters asked County Council to reconsider its $16 million investment in Israel Bonds. Resident Donna Payravi said commenters in favor of the investment “argue to continue using taxpayer money to fund an apartheid state and an ongoing genocide that we are all watching in real time.”
Read the notes from Documenter Dean Jackson:
