City Approves Documentary Deal Despite Council Opposition
Garfield Heights Authorizes $29,300 Agreement with Viewpoint for National TV Feature
The Garfield Heights City Council approved a controversial $29,300 agreement Monday night with Viewpoint to participate in a national documentary series titled “Discover America: Great Places to Live, Visit, and Start a Business.” The ordinance passed 5-2, with Councilwomen Collier and Mack voting against the measure.
The agreement includes a 3-5 minute educational segment to air on public television stations nationwide, a one-minute commercial segment for primetime networks, and a 5-6 minute corporate profile for city use. Mayor Matthew Burke defended the expenditure as essential marketing material, saying executive producer contacted the city after researching Garfield Heights’ transformation from fiscal emergency to thriving community.
Burke explained the city was already considering hiring New Image Media for professional video production and the documentary opportunity provides marketing materials at “probably half of what it would normally cost.” The mayor emphasized the need for quality promotional content to attract retail businesses and attend the International Convention of Shopping Centers in Chicago.
Councilwoman Collier requested her name be removed as co-sponsor before the vote, though she did not state her reasons publicly.
Transportation Boulevard Extension Project Moves Forward
Major Road Project Could Receive $30 Million in State Funding
Mayor Burke announced significant progress on the long-stalled Transportation Boulevard extension to Rockside Road, describing it as potentially the biggest development for the city. The project has been delayed for years but gained momentum when Boyas Excavating agreed to apply for Ohio’s All Ohio Future Fund.
The mayor revealed that Lee Boyas committed to pursuing the $30 million funding application, honoring his late father’s vision for the road connection. Burke negotiated right-of-way transitions and secured support from both Cuyahoga County and the state.
An economic impact study commissioned by Cuyahoga County found the project would benefit the entire region, making it eligible for state funding. Burke expressed confidence in working with state officials to secure the financing, comparing the project’s importance to the $660 million allocated for Cleveland Browns stadium development.
The three-quarter mile extension has faced numerous obstacles over its lengthy planning process, but Burke called the current progress “unbelievable” with all stakeholders finally aligned.
Council Moves Fireworks Ordinance to Committee
City Considers Complete Ban on Consumer Fireworks
The proposed ordinance to completely ban consumer fireworks in Garfield Heights was moved to legislative committee for further review. The measure would prohibit all consumer-grade fireworks within city limits, going beyond state law that allows fireworks on designated days.
Mayor Burke acknowledged receiving only five or six genuine complaints about fireworks from the city’s 29,800 residents. He expressed uncertainty about enforcement effectiveness, noting that people continue using fireworks regardless of legal status, and police cannot arrest violators under current law.
The mayor referenced Cleveland’s experience, where the city opted out of state fireworks legislation but still faced problems with hundreds of people lighting fireworks on Miles Avenue despite the ban. Burke emphasized concerns about police officers being blamed for enforcement challenges when violations continue regardless of legal restrictions.
The committee will review the ordinance before bringing it back to full council for consideration.
GOVERNMENT
Council Approves Police Union Contract Through 2027
Three-Year Agreement Includes Wage Increases and Benefit Adjustments
City Council unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association covering patrol officers through December 31, 2027. The three-year contract, valued at approximately $100,000, includes various wage and benefit provisions.
Mayor Burke commended the police union and administration for working together to reach the agreement, praising patrol officers who “put their lives on the line every day.” The contract follows the city’s charter requirements for wage surveys and includes provisions for overtime, holidays, and various police-specific benefits.
The agreement was processed as an emergency measure, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage.
Infrastructure Projects Receive Approval
Water Line Replacement and Vehicle Purchase Authorized
Council approved accepting Ohio Public Works Commission funding for the Multi-Street Reconstruction & Waterline Replacement Phase 8 project. The initiative will improve Shady Oak Boulevard, Henry Street, McCracken Road, and East 93rd Street with waterline replacements, street reconstruction, and storm and sanitary sewer repairs.
The city secured a 30-year, 0% interest loan totaling $1,465,950 through the OPWC funding program. The project aims to improve health and safety for area residents and businesses.
Additionally, council authorized purchasing a 2025 Chevy Tahoe for the police department fleet at a cost not exceeding $55,000 from Preston Chevrolet Kia. Mayor Burke explained that equipment from damaged vehicles is transferred to new units to save city money.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Speed Bump Program Shows Success, Expansion Planned
Only One Complaint Received on Initial Installation
Mayor Burke reported strong community support for the city’s speed bump program, with only one complaint received from all installations. The mayor and Council President Johnson conducted door-to-door surveys on Dressler Street, finding four of five residents supported the traffic calming measures.
Police Chief confirmed additional speed bumps are planned for Martin Luther King Boulevard and Maple Row area, though wider streets require additional components. The mayor expressed interest in purchasing 40 additional speed bumps next year, noting the significant cost difference between $1,200 speed bumps and $12,000 speed tables.
A resident requested consideration for the Martin Luther King and Maple Row intersection, citing traffic safety concerns. The location is included on the secondary installation list pending approval of additional purchases.
Neighborhood Disturbance Issues Addressed
Ward 1 Residents Report Ongoing Problems with Street Activities
A Ward 1 resident reported continuing problems with late-night activities including fireworks until 1:30 AM, street barbecuing, and loud music at vacant properties. The resident, age 78, described calling police six times since July 4th for various disturbances involving two problem households.
Councilwoman Collier confirmed she is working with Police Chief and the law director to address the situation. Plans include resident meetings with police and formal letters to property owners regarding the disturbances.
The resident praised police response times while expressing concerns about young people carrying firearms and creating unsafe conditions for elderly neighbors and food delivery drivers.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Highland Park Development Faces Setback
Empac Announces Departure After Tariff Concerns
Mayor Burke announced that Empac, the first company to move into Highland Park (formerly City View Shopping Center), will be leaving Garfield Heights. The company cited federal tariff uncertainties and market conditions as factors in their decision to consolidate operations with their Boston facility.
Despite the setback, Burke emphasized that the city continues receiving numerous business inquiries and phone calls from potential developers. He noted that Empac never utilized job growth incentives offered by the city, effectively returning the benefits to taxpayers.
The mayor stressed that Highland Park was challenging to develop initially due to negative perceptions, but the city’s improved reputation is now attracting business interest.
Economic Development Initiatives Continue
Home Repair Grant Program Shows Strong Demand
The city’s exterior home repair grant program received approximately 90 qualified applications but funding limitations allowed only 66 grants to be awarded. Mayor Burke thanked council for supporting the initiative and expressed satisfaction with recipient responses.
The mayor outlined plans to potentially refurbish the grant fund for next year using proceeds from land bank property sales designated for economic development. This would allow previously unsuccessful applicants to reapply for assistance.
Burke emphasized his dual role as economic development director, noting he performs these duties without additional compensation, saving the city approximately $280,000 annually in potential salary costs.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Arthur Treacher’s Promotion Demonstrates Community Partnership
Mayor Assists Local Business with Half-Price Fish Dinner Event
Mayor Burke reported spending five hours at Arthur Treacher’s Sunday, helping promote their half-price fish dinner special. The event served 112 single fish dinners at $5 each, providing affordable meals to community members.
The mayor emphasized his commitment to supporting local businesses in his role as economic development director, noting that other businesses have already contacted him seeking similar promotional assistance.
Burke highlighted this hands-on approach as part of broader efforts to help Garfield Heights businesses succeed and attract new retail establishments to the community.
MEMORIAL
Former Councilman Chuck Donovan Remembered
Public Viewing Scheduled for Wednesday, August 14
The council observed a moment of silence for former councilman and council pro tem Chuck Donovan, who passed away August 9th. Mayor Burke remembered Donovan as “an American hero” who consistently attended meetings despite illness and contributed generously to city employee events.
Burke described Donovan as someone willing to debate issues but always supporting the city’s interests. Despite controversial moments during their seven and a half years serving together, the mayor emphasized Donovan’s generous nature and dedication to public service.
Public viewing will be held Wednesday, August 14, from 3:00-6:30 PM at Bendrosca Funeral Home, with services following.
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