Garfield Heights public meetings in 2025

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The Garfield Heights Board of Control met on Dec. 8, 2025 to review bids for the MLK Jr. Blvd Sewer Separation Project, Phases 2 and 3 covering S. Parkway and Thornhurst Avenue reconstruction. The engineer’s estimated base cost is $2,682,538. After evaluating six bids, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder was identified as Fabrizi Trucking with a total of $2,522,967.80, including the optional alternate. No bidding irregularities were found.

• Engineer’s base cost estimate: $2,682,538 for combined reconstruction
• Bid alternate #1 (CIPP sanitary lateral lining) priced at $159,300
• Lowest responsive bidder: Fabrizi Trucking – $2,522,967.80 (base + alternate)
• Six bids received; no unbalanced bidding or irregularities observed
• Project schedule: start 02/02/2026, completion 10/09/2026

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The Garfield Heights City Council is adopting an updated Ohio Fire Code and declaring it an emergency. It is also approving a memorandum of understanding for two school resource officers, finalizing appropriations for current expenditures for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and authorizing contracts for the Thornhurst sewer separation and South Parkway reconstruction projects. Additional actions include adopting a new employee handbook, designating certain parcels as public purpose, contracting for external financial statements, and authorizing grant applications for aging services and violent crime reduction.

• Ordinance 97-2025: Amend Section 1501.01 to adopt the updated Ohio Fire Code (1998 edition) as an emergency measure.
• Ordinance 98-2025: Approve a memorandum of understanding for two School Resource Officers, with the school district covering 50% of costs.
• Ordinances 99-2025 and 100-2025: Make final appropriations for current expenditures for FY2025 and FY2026.
• Ordinance 101-2025: Authorize a contract with City Engineers – OHM Advisors for the Thornhurst Sewer Separation project and payment of costs.
• Ordinance 102-2025: Authorize a contract with City Engineers – OHM Advisors for the South Parkway Reconstruction project and payment of costs.

The council voted 6-0 to excuse Councilman Kelley from the December 8 meeting. It also voted 6-0 to approve the minutes from the November 24, 2025 meeting. No other actions were voted on during this session.

• Excused Councilman Kelley from meeting (6-0)
• Approved minutes of Nov 24, 2025 meeting (6-0)

Committee & Board Meeting Agendas

The Board of Control is meeting to consider bids for the MLK Jr. Blvd Sewer Separation Project, specifically Phases 2 and 3. The project involves roadway reconstruction, sewer installation, and sidewalk replacement on S. Parkway Drive and Thornhurst Avenue.

• Bids for S. Parkway Drive and Thornhurst Avenue reconstruction
• Engineer's official estimate of $2,682,538.00 for combined base bid
• Lowest responsive bidder identified as Fabrizi Trucking at $2,522,967.80 (Base Bid + Alternate #1)

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Garfield Heights Planning Commission will consider two applications at its December 3, 2025 meeting. One requests lot consolidation for parcels 543‑39‑054 & 543‑39‑053 on Valley Ranch Drive to build a new home (U‑1 Single Family). The other requests demolition of a back porch and addition of a kitchen, bath, closet, and den at 5118 East 114" Street (U‑1 Single Family). The agenda also lists the residential meeting fee of $75 and the commercial meeting fee of $150.

• Lot consolidation for parcels 543‑39‑054 & 543‑39‑053 on Valley Ranch Drive (U‑1) – applicant Robert Harmon, represented by Molly Decker of Schumacher Homes
• Remodel request for 5118 East 114" Street (U‑1) – applicant Janine Elamin, represented by Randell Exterior Construction, LLC
• Residential meeting fee: $75.00
• Commercial meeting fee: $150.00

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on December 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 5407 Turney Road lists no agenda items. The board therefore has no specific items to discuss as per the agenda.

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The Garfield Heights City Council is voting on several emergency ordinances, including the adoption of a new Planning and Zoning Code that repeals the 1962 code. Other items include a cybersecurity program, the purchase of a road rescue squad, the sale of a parcel next to Infinity Corporate Centre Drive, and an extension of the moratorium on smoke and vape establishments. A resolution will also adopt the results of the 2025 Transit‑Oriented Development Study.

• Ordinance 87-2025: Adoption of a new Planning and Zoning Code, repealing the existing code
• Ordinance 93-2025: Adoption of a cybersecurity program under Ohio Revised Code 9.64 (emergency)
• Ordinance 94-2025: Authorization for the mayor to purchase one road rescue squad from Penn Care, Inc. (emergency)
• Ordinance 95-2025: Sale of real property adjacent to Infinity Corporate Centre Drive, Parcel No. 542-40-003 (emergency)
• Ordinance 96-2025: Extension of the moratorium on licenses for smoke and vape establishments (emergency)

The council unanimously approved the disposal of the November 10 minutes. Council members voted 7‑0 to postpone the third reading of Ordinance 87‑2025. The cybersecurity program ordinance (93‑2025) was adopted with a 7‑0 vote. Motions to suspend the three‑reading rule and to waive Rule 24 also passed unanimously.

• Disposed November 10, 2025 minutes (7‑0)
• Postponed third reading of Ordinance 87‑2025 to Dec 8 2025 (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 93‑2025 cybersecurity program (7‑0)
• Suspended three‑reading rule for Ordinance 93‑2025 (7‑0)
• Waived Rule 24 for Ordinance 93‑2025 (7‑0)

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Planning Commission will review a request from Siddharth D. Patel for the construction of a new single-story speculative retail building. The proposed project includes three suites and 23 parking spaces.

• Plan approval for a new masonry retail building at 5657 Turney Road
• Proposed building features three suites (two 1122 SF and one 2290 SF)
• Installation of 23 parking spaces, including one van/HC accessible space
• Planting of Arbor Vieta trees adjacent to the residential zone

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Planning Commission will review a request to appear regarding a project at 5657 Turney Road. The proposal involves a retail building with three suites and 23 parking spaces.

• Project review for 5657 Turney Road (PPN: 54526095)
• Proposed retail building with three suites (two 1122 SF and one 2290 SF)
• Plan for 23 parking spaces, including one van/HC accessible space
• Installation of planters and arbor vitae trees per city request

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

City Council will hold a regular meeting to discuss the adoption of a modern Planning and Zoning Code to replace the 1962 version. The body is also considering several ordinances related to infrastructure, equipment leases, and property disposal.

• Ordinance 87-2025: Adoption of a new Planning and Zoning Code and repeal of the existing code
• Ordinance 89-2025: 60-month lease of a postage machine from Quadient Leasing USA, Inc. for $10,477.80
• Ordinance 90-2025: Consent to Cuyahoga County improvements to rehabilitate McCracken Road Bridge 01.36 over Mill Creek
• Ordinance 91-2025: Sale and disposal of municipally owned property no longer needed
• Ordinance 92-2025: Participation in the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District program for the Thornhurst Avenue Sewer Separation Project

The council elected Avery Johnson as President (5‑2) and Rachelle Tonsing as Pro Tem (5‑2). Lottie Overby was appointed Clerk of Council (7‑0) and the October 27 minutes were disposed of (7‑0). Ordinance 87‑2025, adopting a new planning and zoning code, passed on the third reading (7‑0). Ordinance 89‑2025, authorizing a postage‑machine lease, also passed (7‑0) after suspending the three‑readings rule and waiving Rule 24.

• Avery Johnson elected Council President (5‑2)
• Rachelle Tonsing elected Council Pro Tem (5‑2)
• Lottie Overby appointed Clerk of Council (7‑0)
• October 27, 2025 minutes disposed (7‑0)
• Ordinance 87‑2025 (new zoning code) adopted (7‑0)
• Ordinance 89‑2025 (postage‑machine lease) adopted (7‑0)
• Motion to suspend three‑readings rule for Ordinance 89‑2025 passed (7‑0)
• Motion to waive Rule 24 for Ordinance 89‑2025 passed (7‑0)

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The commission will review a request from Royal Companies to add a 3,696‑square‑foot industrial building at 7801 Old Granger Road (U‑11B zone, Ward 3). It will also review Cuyahoga County’s proposal for an approximately 888,000‑square‑foot, three‑story, 1,886‑bed jail and service campus at 5400‑5410 Transportation Boulevard (U‑4 zone, Ward 5). Both items are scheduled for decision at the November 5, 2025 meeting.

• Addition of ~3,696 SF prefabricated storage building at 7801 Old Granger Road, zoning U‑11B Industrial Park, Ward 3 (Royal Companies, represented by Vocon).
• Construction of ~888,000 SF, three‑story, 1,886‑bed jail and service campus at 5400‑5410 Transportation Boulevard, zoning U‑4, Ward 5 (Cuyahoga County, represented by PMC).
• Project includes overhead doors, sheriff’s administration tower, behavioral care center, parking, and renovation of an existing building for a training center; aims for LEED Silver certification.

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Garfield Heights Planning Commission will meet on November 5, 2025, to consider two development proposals: a 3,696-square-foot industrial addition and a 888,000-square-foot Cuyahoga County jail campus.

• Royal Companies seeks approval for a 3,696 SF addition to a landscape storage building at 7801 Old Granger Road
• Cuyahoga County requests approval for an 888,000 SF, 3-story jail campus at 5400-5410 Transportation Boulevard
• Cuyahoga County project includes a Sheriff's Administration tower, Behavioral Care Center, and LEED Silver certification goal
• Public comments can be submitted via written request to the Building Department at least 14 days prior to the meeting

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

City Council is considering a new planning and zoning code and several grant applications for safety equipment and home repairs. The body is also reviewing a resolution to accept $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.

• Ordinance 87-2025: Adoption of a new planning and zoning code
• Resolution 38-2025: Application for $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds
• Ordinance 88-2025: Application for Community Development Supplemental Grant funds for a home repair program
• Ordinance 86-2025: Application for Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Safety Intervention Grant for safety equipment
• Resolution 37-2025: Resolution honoring Coach Darrell Copeland

The council adopted Resolution 37‑2025 honoring Coach Darrell Copeland with a 7‑0 vote. It also approved Ordinance 86‑2025 authorizing the Bureau of Workers Compensation Safety Intervention Grant, also 7‑0. The council suspended the three‑reading rule and waived Rule 24 for that ordinance, each by 7‑0. Ordinance 87‑2025, a new planning and zoning code, was moved to a second reading with a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved Resolution 37‑2025 honoring Coach Darrell Copeland (7‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 86‑2025 to apply for and accept Workers Compensation Safety Intervention Grant (7‑0)
• Suspended three‑reading rule for Ordinance 86‑2025 (7‑0)
• Waived Rule 24 for Ordinance 86‑2025 (7‑0)
• Moved Ordinance 87‑2025 (new planning and zoning code) to second reading (7‑0)

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Garfield Heights Planning Commission meeting on October 15, 2025 will review several zoning applications. Applicants include 1355 McCracken Rd seeking continued U-11B Industrial Park zoning (Ward 2); 9790 Midwest Ave requesting U-11B Industrial Park zoning for a self‑storage development (Ward 4); 13105 Littleton Rd requesting a group home in U1 Single‑Family zoning (Ward 7); and 13213 Broadway Ave proposing consolidation of multiple parcels into two parcels, also zoned U-11B Industrial Park (Ward 1). The agenda also lists meeting fee schedules of $75 for residential and $150 for commercial appearances.

• Zoning request for 1355 McCracken Rd: U-11B Industrial Park (Ward 2)
• Zoning request for 9790 Midwest Ave: U-11B Industrial Park for self‑storage (Ward 4)
• Zoning request for 13105 Littleton Rd: U1 Single‑Family for a group home (Ward 7)
• Parcel consolidation request for 13213 Broadway Ave into Parcel A and Parcel B, zoned U-11B Industrial Park (Ward 1)
• Meeting fee schedule: Residential $75, Commercial $150

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider an appeal by Michelle Marie Hicks regarding a code violation (CO 1311.192) that allegedly discharges water onto a neighbor's yard. The property at 12604 Maple Leaf Drive is zoned U-1 (single‑family use). The appeal was tabled from the September 17, 2025 meeting.

• Appeal of code violation CO 1311.192 for water discharge at 12604 Maple Leaf Drive (U-1 zoning)
• Reference to Ordinance 54-2024, passed August 12, 2024, requiring drainage correction

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The Garfield Heights City Council will consider and vote on Ordinances 81‑2025 through 85‑2025 and Resolution 36‑2025, each declared emergencies. The items include applying for Ohio grant funding for safety purchases, adopting an ADA grievance policy, authorizing a sewer‑separation project on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, amending current appropriations, and accepting a fire‑department fact‑finding report. The resolution would authorize the mayor to join the National Association of State Procurement Officials for cooperative purchasing.

• Ordinance 81‑2025 – authorizes the mayor to apply for and accept Ohio grant funding for safety items
• Ordinance 82‑2025 – adopts an ADA grievance policy and designates an ADA coordinator
• Ordinance 83‑2025 – directs the mayor to contract with OHM Advisors for the Martin Luther King Jr Blvd sewer separation project
• Ordinance 84‑2025 – amends appropriations for current expenditures for FY ending Dec 31 2025
• Resolution 36‑2025 – authorizes the mayor to join the National Association of State Procurement Officials

The council disposed of the September 22 minutes. It then approved Ordinances 81‑2025, 82‑2025, 83‑2025, 84‑2025, and 85‑2025, each with a 7‑yes to 0‑no vote. All ordinances were adopted after motions to suspend the three‑reading rule and waive rule 24 were approved.

• Disposed of September 22 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved Ordinance 81‑2025 authorizing grant funding for safety items (7 Yes‑0 No)
• Approved Ordinance 82‑2025 adopting an ADA grievance policy (7 Yes‑0 No)
• Approved Ordinance 83‑2025 authorizing sewer separation project on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (7 Yes‑0 No)
• Approved Ordinance 84‑2025 amending appropriations for FY 2025 expenditures (7 Yes‑0 No)
• Approved Ordinance 85‑2025 accepting fire department fact‑finding report (7 Yes‑0 No)
• Suspended three‑reading rule for each ordinance (7 Yes‑0 No)
• Waived rule 24 for each ordinance (7 Yes‑0 No)

Committee & Board Meeting Agendas

The Board of Control will consider the bids received for the MLK Jr. Blvd Sewer Separation project. The engineer’s estimate for the base bid is $3,136,474.00, while the lowest base bid is $2,907,877.50 from Tri Mor Corporation. The agenda also includes two bid alternates and an analysis showing Tri Mor remains the low bidder.

• Engineer’s base bid estimate: $3,136,474.00; lowest base bid: $2,907,877.50 (Tri Mor Corp.)
• Bid Alternate #1 estimate: $261,940.00; lowest alternate #1 bid: $213,700.00 (Fabrizi Trucking & Paving Co.)
• Bid Alternate #2 estimate: $232,200.00; lowest alternate #2 bid: $216,630.00 (Great Lakes Crushing Ltd.)
• Great Lakes Crushing Ltd. did not complete page 29 of the DBE subcontractor utilization form
• References cite Tri Mor work on projects in Twinsburg Township and Reminderville

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Garfield Heights Planning Commission will meet on October 1, 2025, to consider four requests: a Conditional Use Permit for a senior living home, a change of use for a former Pizza Hut to medical offices, a land consolidation, and a proposed affordable housing development.

• Conditional Use Permit for Family Home for Older Adults at 8300 Garfield Blvd
• Change of use for former Pizza Hut at 4666 Turney Road to Medical Offices
• Land consolidation of two parcels at 4812 E 88th Street
• Proposed affordable housing development at 12555 Rockside Rd
• Meeting at 5407 Turney Road, Room Council Chamber

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review a variance request for the property at 8300 Garfield Blvd. The applicant, Telemind Primary Health and Wellness, represented by Natajlia Benn, seeks to change the U‑2 zoned parcel to a Family Home for Older Adults serving up to six residents. The board will vote on the request at the October 1, 2025 meeting in the Council Chambers at 5407 Turney Road.

• Variance request to use 8300 Garfield Blvd (U‑2 zone) as a Family Home for Older Adults, max 6 residents
• Applicant: Telemind Primary Health and Wellness; Owner: Natajlia Benn
• Residential meeting fee: $75.00
• Meeting scheduled for October 1, 2025, 7:30 p.m. at Council Chambers, 5407 Turney Road
• Required 10 complete sets of documentation submitted at least 14 days before the meeting

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

At the September 22 meeting the Garfield Heights City Council will adopt a new Council Member Handbook and declare it an emergency ordinance. The council will also authorize the mayor to contract with Ohm Advisors for pavement condition ratings and to purchase a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for the police fleet. Additional resolutions will amend deposit contract eligibility and accept the budget‑commission tax levy rates, both declared emergencies.

• Ordinance 78-2025: Approve the Garfield Heights City Council Member Handbook (emergency)
• Ordinance 79-2025: Authorize the mayor to contract with Ohm Advisors for pavement condition ratings (emergency)
• Ordinance 80-2025: Authorize purchase of one 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe from Preston Chevrolet Kia for the police fleet (emergency)
• Resolution 32-2025: Amend Resolution 40-2021 to add Argent Financial as an eligible institution for interim deposit contracts (emergency)
• Resolution 34-2025: Accept budget commission‑determined tax levy amounts and rates, authorizing necessary levies (emergency)

The council voted 7-0 to accept and dispose of the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes. No other motions were decided; the meeting featured presentations on a community closet and a county disability services program, but no votes were taken on those items.

• Approved disposal of September 8, 2025 minutes (7-0)

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear Case 2025-05, an appeal by Michelle Marie Hicks concerning a violation of Ordinance 1311.192 that alleges water is being discharged onto a neighbor’s yard at 12604 Mapleleaf Drive. The board will decide whether to uphold the violation order and require the property to be brought into compliance. The parcel is zoned U‑1 Single Family Use in Ward 7.

• Appeal of code violation (Ordinance 1311.192) for water discharge at 12604 Mapleleaf Drive
• Violation notice requires abatement by 09/09/2025
• Right to appeal must be filed within 15 days of notice
• Board hearing scheduled for September 17, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 5407 Turney Road
• Parcel zoned U‑1 Single Family Use, Ward 7

Committee & Board Meeting Agendas

The Garfield Heights City Council will hold a work session on September 11, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Council members will review the City Council Handbook. They will also discuss policies for public speaking at regular council meetings. No decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Review of the City Council Handbook
• Discussion of public‑speaking guidelines for regular council meetings

Planning / Zoning Agendas

The commission will review a proposal to develop an affordable housing community at 12555 Rockside Rd, using the Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit program. It will also consider a Conditional Use Permit for 8300 Garfield Blvd to operate a family home for older adults. A change‑of‑use request to convert the former Pizza Hut at 4666 Turney Road into medical offices will be discussed. A land‑consolidation request for parcels at 4812 E 88 Street (PPN 541‑15‑017 and 541‑15‑018) will be considered.

• Affordable housing development at 12555 Rockside Rd (LIHTC program)
• Conditional Use Permit for 8300 Garfield Blvd – Family Home for Older Adults
• Change of use for 4666 Turney Road – Pizza Hut to Medical Offices
• Land consolidation for 4812 E 88 Street (PPN 541‑15‑017 & 541‑15‑018)

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The council approved the August 11, 2025 meeting minutes (7‑0) and moved Resolution 30‑2025 to the front of the agenda (7‑0). It adopted Resolution 32‑2025 honoring local arts programs (7‑0) and passed Ordinance 72‑2025 authorizing the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Tahoe for the police department (7‑0). Members also voted to suspend the three‑reading rule and to waive Rule 24, each by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved August 11, 2025 meeting minutes (7‑0)
• Moved Resolution 30‑2025 to front of meeting (7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 32‑2025 honoring arts programs (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 72‑2025 authorizing purchase of a 2025 Chevy Tahoe for police (7‑0)
• Suspended the three‑reading rule (7‑0)
• Waived Rule 24 (7‑0)

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

Councilwoman Collier moved to dispose of the regular council meeting minutes from July 14, 2025. Councilman Kelley seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously, 7 Yes to 0 No, and approved the disposal.

• Approved disposal of July 14, 2025 council minutes (7-0)

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The council disposed of the May 12 and May 27 meeting minutes without opposition. No written communications or committee reports were presented. Four ordinances were adopted—two authorizing emergency purchases of a truck and a dump body/chassis, one approving a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME, and one entering a grant‑consulting agreement with Millennium Strategies—each passing 7‑0 after waiving the three‑reading rule and Rule 24.

• Disposed of May 12, 2025 regular meeting minutes (7‑0)
• Disposed of May 27, 2025 special meeting minutes (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 49‑2025 to purchase a new 2024 Mack truck (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 50‑2025 to purchase a Henderson dump body and chassis (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 51‑2025 approving a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 52‑2025 entering an agreement with Millennium Strategies for grant consulting (7‑0)
• Waived the three‑reading rule for each ordinance (7‑0 each)
• Waived Rule 24 for each ordinance (7‑0 each)

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The council confirmed a quorum and moved to dispose of the regular council minutes from April 28, 2025. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with seven votes in favor and none against. No committee reports were presented, and the council recognized several staff members, but no further actions were voted on.

• Disposed April 28, 2025 regular council minutes – approved (7‑yes, 0‑no)

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The council adopted Ordinance 36‑2025, authorizing the purchase of sodium chloride (rock salt) for the 2025‑26 season, and waived the three‑reading rule and Rule 24 for it. The council also adopted Ordinance 37‑2025, revising the codified ordinances under the city charter, and waived the three‑reading rule for that ordinance. Both ordinances passed with a 7‑yes to 0‑no vote.

• Ordinance 36‑2025 adopted (7‑yes, 0‑no)
• Waiver of three‑reading rule for Ordinance 36‑2025 passed (7‑yes, 0‑no)
• Waiver of Rule 24 for Ordinance 36‑2025 passed (7‑yes, 0‑no)
• Ordinance 37‑2025 adopted (7‑yes, 0‑no)
• Waiver of three‑reading rule for Ordinance 37‑2025 passed (7‑yes, 0‑no)
• Waiver of Rule 24 for Ordinance 37‑2025 passed (7‑yes, 0‑no)

City Council Agendas / Approved Minutes

The council voted 7‑0 to accept the March 24 caucus meeting minutes. Council members were assigned to introduce Ordinances 25‑2025 through 35‑2025 as listed in the agenda. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 7‑0 vote.

• Approved March 24 caucus meeting minutes (7-0)
• Assigned Councilman Kelley to introduce Ordinance 25-2025
• Assigned Councilwoman Newrones to introduce Ordinance 26-2025
• Assigned Councilwoman Tonsing to introduce Ordinance 27-2025
• Assigned Councilman Smith to introduce Ordinance 28-2025
• Assigned Councilman Kelley to introduce Ordinance 29-2025
• Assigned Councilwoman Tonsing to introduce Ordinance 30-2025
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0)