Garfield Heights City Council Meeting Addresses Infrastructure, Transparency Concerns

The Garfield Heights City Council convened at 7:00 PM on October 14, 2025, with all seven council members present. Council President Avery Johnson presided over the meeting, which began with an invocation by Councilwoman Collier and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Legislative Actions

Council passed six pieces of legislation unanimously (7-0 votes on all items):

Ordinance 81-2025 – Authorized the mayor to apply for and accept grant funding from the Public Entities Pool of Ohio program for purchasing safety equipment. Chief of Staff Jeffrey Jerome noted this would bring additional funding to the city.

Ordinance 82-2025 – Adopted an ADA grievance policy and designated an Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator for the city. Law Director Milko Cecez explained this formalizes the city’s ADA procedures as part of ongoing efforts to modernize city operations.

Ordinance 83-2025 – Authorized an agreement with city engineers OM Advisors for the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard sewer separation project. Councilwoman Stacey Collier noted this project has been in development for approximately four years.

Ordinance 84-2025 – Amended appropriations for current city expenditures for fiscal year 2025. The finance department conducts these updates two to three times per year.

Ordinance 85-2025 – Approved a fact-finding report issued by Margaret Nancy Johnson regarding negotiations between the city and the International Association of Firefighters Local 340.

Resolution 36-2025 – Authorized the mayor to join the National Association of State Procurement Officials, allowing the city to access additional cooperative purchasing agreements and obtain items at state bid rates.

Reports from City Officials

Mayor Matthew Burke thanked residents who attended the recent Neighbors on Duty meeting and the Fall Family Fun Day, noting the large turnout and children’s enjoyment of activities like the hayride.

Chief of Staff Jeffrey Jerome briefly summarized each piece of legislation and requested council’s support.

Law Director Milko Cecez explained that the ADA ordinance is part of the city’s ongoing modernization efforts, following previous updates to ethics laws, the council handbook, and public records policies.

Citizen Comments

A resident spoke during the citizen comment period, addressing concerns that some council members have discussed eliminating the citizen comment section of council meetings in private conversations.

The resident emphasized:

• Their family’s six-generation history in Garfield Heights dating to 1940
• Their work representing seniors, youth, and the Martin Luther King Street Club
• Their view that removing citizen comments would contradict democratic principles and the city’s recent “make your voice heard” messaging
• Their commitment to continue speaking on community issues through council meetings or alternative platforms
• That they and their family provide community service without seeking personal attention

Council President’s Response

Council President Johnson addressed these concerns, clarifying that:

• Council is not proposing to eliminate citizen comments
• They are considering consolidating two existing comment formats into one for efficiency purposes
• This would not prevent residents from addressing issues that remain unresolved after contacting their council member or city departments
• No formal committee discussion has occurred on this matter yet
• The intention is efficiency, not silencing community voices

Johnson emphasized that council created a handbook to define members’ authority, duties, and responsibilities to residents, as part of ongoing transparency efforts.

Ward Reports

Ward One (Councilwoman Stacey Collier) – Announced a forthcoming community meeting and reminded residents about the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for October 15 at 7:00 PM. She encouraged residents to visit the city website for agendas or contact her directly.

Ward Two (Dr. Tenisha Mack) – Announced her 6th annual winter clothing giveaway on November 6 from 1:30-3:30 PM at 495 Turney Road, distributing free coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. She also announced the Ward Two Community Club meeting on November 20 at 6:30 PM at the Garfield Heights Library. Dr. Mack recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and thanked the 75 people who attended her recent breast cancer awareness walk.

Ward Three (Councilman Mark Smith) – Reminded residents that early voting has begun and that Election Day is November 4, 2025.

Ward Five (Councilwoman Rachelle Tonsing) – Explained how residents can sign up for meeting notifications through the city website’s “How Do I” section. She announced a blood drive at Marymount Hospital on October 30 from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM and promoted the city’s first “Horror in the Heights” Halloween outdoor lighting contest, with nominations available through events@garfieldheights.com.

Ward Six (Councilman Clifford Kelley) – Thanked attendees of the recent Neighbors on Duty meeting, particularly highlighting the county scam squad presentation. He noted this would likely be the last meeting of 2025 due to winter weather, with planning underway for 2026 events.

Ward Seven (Councilwoman Jennifer Newrones) – Announced the Ward Seven blockwatch meeting on Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 PM at St. Benedict’s cafeteria, open to all residents.

Additional Announcements

Council President Johnson:

• Recognized a resident from 102nd Street, a 30-year resident who passed away on October 7, 2025. The mayor and council prepared a proclamation for the family.
• Thanked residents who attended the fall festival at city hall, noting strong attendance across all wards and positive response from children and families.
• Expressed excitement about Ward Four’s upcoming activities, including a planned Christmas party.
• Clarified the city’s position on citizen participation in response to concerns raised during public comment.

Meeting Conclusion

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. At adjournment, Councilwoman Collier attempted to make additional comments but was reminded by President Johnson that the council comment period had already concluded. The motion to adjourn passed with one dissenting vote.

Throughout the meeting, council members wished President Johnson a happy birthday.