[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6486667,"mediaKeyId","5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb","parentId",5489749,"title","Votes at a glance: Shaker Heights City Council actions July 28, 2025","audioSeconds",1065,"startMs",1129000,"endMs",2194000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb&start=1129&end=2194","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb/thumbnail_1129000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486667/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Shaker-Heights-City-Council-actions-July-28-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486667-306ba9235795168c800beeaab5f9c8ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770513975&Signature=egB4yMUTuL93zSZCruklSMmsdRv8pvPdhtbDe5pKDddk7LLY~3Z0GoGUKmZzUUFZE4yZ~PmBiaehUR85ihKEoKcf9L-bXszuR4RJ-dU-cEGP2g2grWq~8voYq5F~jteY6F0-gMKmteNiViUIMNjTQn~VFy5YZDzZk1uv6tEE~qgNoLNECwIo~j3AnpBe3~oBQxe9AeTNX4DEt4HuNXSAijH8bUf0Jjm66HRFFgBRzYF14fH6MH6rukBwRTz2dd~6hS~UPQ9YkbS3WF~b0HUel85dmWAcOfq-z9pJio1oeSrpWcrZEpOnpAgHkgq65w~S9smM8AzJxv8rETCYIEZ6YQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Shaker Heights","date","2025-07-28T00:00:00Z","article","Shaker Heights City Council took a series of votes July 28, approving amendments, appropriations and contract changes across several council agenda items. The actions below summarize motions, movers, outcomes and available vote records from the meeting.

• Suburban Maintenance & Construction contract amendment (Lee Scottsdale nuisance property) — Agenda Item 3: Council authorized a $40,000 amendment to the contract with Suburban Maintenance and Construction Inc. to bring the total contract to $150,000 for a pedestrian canopy, traffic-signal maintenance and perimeter-fence rental at 3756 Lee Road (Lee Scottsdale Building). Moved by Mr. Claytor; seconded by Ms. Anne Williams. The clerk recorded unanimous approval on suspension and enactment.

• IAFF Local 516 labor agreement — Agenda Item 4: Council approved the 2025–2027 labor agreement with firefighters and paramedics as an emergency ordinance. (See separate article for full details.) Moved by Mr. Claytor; seconded by Ms. Carmela Williams; unanimous.

• Vision Fund forgivable loan to RDL Architects — Agenda Item 5: Council approved a $225,000 vision fund forgivable loan to RDL Architects to assist with build-out of office space at the Arcadia mixed‑use development and to secure a 10‑year lease in the Van Aken area. Moved by Mr. Claytor; seconded by Ms. Anne Williams; unanimous approval on suspension and enactment.

• Conditional Use Permit confirmation (adult day support center, 3689 Lee Road) — Agenda Item 6: Council confirmed the Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of a conditional use permit for an adult day support center serving up to 20 adults with developmental disabilities, Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–2 p.m., with four staff and pickup/dropoff provided. Moved by Mr. Claytor; seconded by Ms. Bixenstein; unanimous.

• Public art contract amendment (Van Aken District shade structure) — Agenda Item 7: Council approved a $5,670 contract amendment for fabrication and installation of a public-art shade structure, bringing the total to $90,270. Moved by Mrs. Deacon; seconded by Mr. Claytor; unanimous.

• Lee Road mural grant appropriation — Agenda Item 8: Council appropriated an additional $5,000 from the general capital fund to accept an OAC ArtRise grant for two Lee Road murals, as recommended by the Planning Department and Public Art Task Force. Moved by Ms. Campator; seconded by Ms. Carmela Williams; unanimous.

• Sewer capital fund appropriation (Winslow–Avalon study and design) — Agenda Item 9: Council appropriated an additional $238,750 in Fund 402 (sewer capital) to cover the city’s match for a $477,500 Winslow–Avalon sewer study and design project; the project is a 50/50 cost split with the sewer district. Moved by Ms. Anne Williams; seconded by Mr. Claytor; unanimous.

• Then-and-now certificates (various payments) — Agenda Item 10: Council authorized execution of then-and-now certificates for three items (two sewer damage reimbursements and one invoice where the PO was created after billing). Moved and approved unanimously.

All recorded roll calls in the meeting for enactment votes showed unanimous approval by the attending council members. No item in this list resulted in a failed vote at the July 28 session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Shaker Heights - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved multiple items on suspension/enactment and set an ordinance for first reading. Actions included a contract increase for nuisance-property mitigation, several appropriations and approvals for economic development and public-space projects, a conditional-use permit, and routine expenditure certifications.","taxTitle","Shaker Heights City Council, Shaker Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",69171,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486672,"Shaker Heights staff report much larger rooftop solar yield after engineering review; recommends non‑domestic panels",180,3220000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb&start=3220&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb/thumbnail_3220000.jpg","/articles/6486672/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-staff-report-much-larger-rooftop-solar-yield-after-engineering-review-recommends-nondomestic-panels","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486672-5177835edfbf78c53c4733d7b3707895/orig.mp4?Expires=1770513975&Signature=UxGHYYNLrGr3sjDLzrMpubR65WQN~6F-pMlEFFupWr9J32kSYyxrwddCEOPhxdBAaE~3IqhpX-61SHzh7naJ5M43K0Cz9Yytuv1wOpqn2I~P8VmuRHCZII9emfrBOlCJtrZcr2ngmQR2Y-DDwsk3562aal-2uuRam5ggz~mbXZR4TiKm16tRGvfz4Hx433DKhy9M~oAIkGor1hOSWOtRp4cODYMbKMGDS~dQbK5Jmhb2YF1kGkKvDtIyCVnoxKFvQuZVbEzd7ieTMJ8qYctcuMRt-lfq8uKDJo2ZwIl3NFQ2gB9eQZXVcwq1OMyM0T1zL0ETcvagbtccOJ6tE0hSmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and consultants briefed Shaker Heights City Council on July 28 on progress for a rooftop solar installation at the city service center, reporting a larger-than-expected system size, stronger returns and a recommendation to use non‑domestic-sourced equipment.

Consultant Mr. Peters said a post-contract engineering review increased the planned system from roughly 460 kilowatts to about 550 kilowatts at the same contract price, a roughly 17.5% increase in generation. That increase should raise the array’s coverage of the facility’s electrical load from about 46% under the earlier design to roughly 72–77% and reduce the estimated payback period from about 19.8 years to about 16.1 years, with a projected internal return near 4.8%.

Peters said Compass Energy and the administration recommend non‑domestic panel content because of better pricing, availability and perceived long‑term supply reliability; the team will document sources and provide required procurement documentation to support tax-credit compliance. Giraffe Financial is supporting the city’s direct-pay federal tax-credit application. City staff said the roof replacement is underway and that Compass has proposed a “max roof” configuration that uses about half of the developer contingency to mount the maximum feasible array. That option requires a larger transformer (estimated $20,000–$50,000) not covered by the contractor but currently within the city’s built-in appropriation contingency of $95,000, staff said.

Public Works noted a larger transformer could be useful for future electrification of service-center equipment. Council members asked about roof access and repairability; staff said panels can be removed for roof work and that coordination between the roof contractor and solar installer is expected. No council action was required; staff said work continues on schedule and emphasized the team’s effort to secure federal tax-credit eligibility.","Officials said engineering increased the planned rooftop system from 460 kW to 550 kW, raising estimated generation to about 72–77% of the service-center load, shortening payback to about 16 years; staff recommended non‑domestic panels due to cost and supply considerations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486677,"Shaker Heights approves three-year firefighter contract with pay increases, paid parental leave and reduced workweek",565,1292000,1857000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb&start=1292&end=1857","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb/thumbnail_1292000.jpg","/articles/6486677/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-approves-three-year-firefighter-contract-with-pay-increases-paid-parental-leave-and-reduced-workweek","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486677-6d186aaf1a2dab1529e9fabb61efe868/orig.mp4?Expires=1770513975&Signature=QBqWlFrEXE~GqyIlfcFOrCDkgfQI3vWgfQEfQ8NWahplUSGHGa10sFlpaFtaPhwJRf4ZmS-3u9Vmn2jPRbCfrwO44SRAlw4WEu4Tpl3fTfFu3R-iabKXjtbGfuipIP29LGVUDtulxtuuRsttwFA6HqsVJ3YEARrnnYVgi-j9Aj0PaTaMUpmjHRq9JOpLae0P7MIKRfNUFsssFb~pcXNefw4Ssy1StJ-lccwOAesMRN7XhanzyypBlblnhJv65dVYGfsLCLg1IV5pxS8ubD-eiP6Dh7NmK1bA1HAz99fm45nTG77P-2Eb36OdIQjUFyO8RvMeWIY7T45N7EF1ON3vmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shaker Heights City Council unanimously approved a three-year labor contract July 28 with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 516 covering 2025–2027, adopting wage increases, new benefits and work-rule changes the administration said will cost roughly $901,000 over the contract term.

Fire Chief Sweeney told council negotiations began in January after the previous contract expired Dec. 31, 2024; the parties went to fact-finding and mediation before reaching a tentative agreement June 26 that the union membership ratified July 17. The contract provides a 3.5% pay increase for each of 2025, 2026 and 2027 and rolls the $3,000 paramedic pay into base pay. Chief Sweeney said the total three-year fiscal impact is approximately $901,000, with a 2025 shortfall of about $286,000 relative to the budgeted 2.25% increase.

The agreement adds six weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave effective Jan. 1, 2026 (described by the chief as roughly 12 tours of duty or 12 24‑hour shifts), requires annual medical fitness exams specific to firefighter hazards, and reduces the standard workweek from 50 to 48 hours in 2027 — a change the chief said yields about four additional days off per year per firefighter. The contract also provides time-and-a-half pay for firefighters who work New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Council members expressed strong support for the contract, praising the department’s service and the inclusion of parental leave and health programs. Finance Director Potts cautioned the full budget impact will become clearer after other union contracts — notably police — are settled; he noted the city had budgeted a 2.25% floor and will address remaining gaps during the budget process.

Council moved and unanimously approved the contract on suspension and enactment at the July 28 meeting.","City Council unanimously approved a three-year labor agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 516 that includes 3.5% annual raises, a $3,000 paramedic pay roll-in, six weeks paid parental leave, annual medical fitness exams and a move to a 48-hour workweek by 2027.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486682,"Shaker Heights council advances landscaping ordinance to first reading after residents raise native-plant concerns",250,814000,1064000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb&start=814&end=1064","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5489749-fcb4e4804988e1b1378b0c61add773bb/thumbnail_814000.jpg","/articles/6486682/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-council-advances-landscaping-ordinance-to-first-reading-after-residents-raise-native-plant-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486682-b4e956592511a14e76508e91c2b4ef76/orig.mp4?Expires=1770513975&Signature=Qb15HnPsOVwR34xzoBlN-s9oR7Qbswn-a5x11zAQ7lAs0VQAuHXFmK65VlnOEfHNQOccWNILqBXGKRNQ8BgObdvlTfZ-5F85G3OkW3RWgnwADY5-Z24IIPnl2N5orSVl4g4twt1s51Q-OBh30fKaM2docriRkk8MWLtTSWvEoeF8i6O8oJi44pd0oFBd2WvNtz1CtKa~jQ5g5SOgdO2tYPR2qjFAckRBUXS85vLxC5f6JGri87fIV55G2ePl-TdLHf3DtV3dwr7gCGCpa8hOGDAwoT6maf7heyMI0Vrfh9A5TWKvUV3VKHhHX91ZLpBUx-cXeNFIe3cjqRU0nPH3yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shaker Heights City Council voted July 28 to place a package of amendments to multiple sections of the city’s codified ordinances related to private-property landscaping and tree lawns on first reading, giving staff and committees additional time to review language and gather public input.

The measure would amend sections across the administrative, general offenses, traffic, building and housing codes to update and harmonize definitions and enforcement language for landscaping on private property and the use of tree lawns in the right of way. Law Director Gruber told council the package removes a previously proposed “managed natural landscape” policy after receiving opposition and instead focuses on clarifying and aligning existing code language.

Council members and members of advisory boards praised the rewrite as responsive but asked for refinements. “We’d like to not move on this on first reading and be able to take it to the sustainability committee at our Aug. 14 meeting,” said Council Member Bixenstein, speaking for the Sustainability Committee and citing submitted comments from a Stormwater and Green Space subcommittee member. Council Member Moore, chair of the Tree Advisory Board, urged clearer wording for the term “overgrown,” noting native plants often grow taller than conventional ornamental plantings and may be managed, not neglected. Moore also recommended the code make explicit that native gardens are sometimes left unpruned through winter to support insects and birds and suggested identifying target months (March–April) for seasonal maintenance.

Public comment submitted in advance by Kathy Smacklow highlighted the ecological value of taller native plants, leaf litter and exposed soil for pollinators, and asked the city to avoid treating ecosystem-supporting plantings as code violations. Gruber confirmed the changes are intended to make the building, housing and public-works codes consistent and said the administration removed earlier policy language because it provoked opposition from multiple sides.

Council members asked for input from Public Works on enforcement logistics. “I would be curious to eventually hear from our leadership in Public Works … about how easy it would be to enforce it,” said Council Member Kaus. Public Works representatives said the department receives complaints daily and investigates them; they cautioned the revised language will be harder to enforce than a more prescriptive approach and staff will work with departments to develop consistent application.

After comments, Council Member Moore moved to place the ordinance package on first reading; Mr. Claytor seconded the motion and council approved the motion to set first reading so committees and the public can review the updated language in coming weeks. No final substantive policy change or enforcement action was adopted at the meeting.","Council voted to place an omnibus set of landscaping ordinance amendments on first reading after public comment urged protections for native gardens and council members asked for committee review and clearer definitions for terms such as \"overgrown.\"","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Shaker Heights City Council actions July 28, 2025

Shaker Heights staff report much larger rooftop solar yield after engineering review; recommends non‑domestic panels

Shaker Heights approves three-year firefighter contract with pay increases, paid parental leave and reduced workweek

Shaker Heights council advances landscaping ordinance to first reading after residents raise native-plant concerns