Garfield Heights City Council Approves Fire Department Equipment, Union Agreement at June 9 Meeting

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Garfield Heights City Council unanimously approved several key pieces of legislation during its June 9, 2025 meeting, including emergency fire department equipment purchases and a new union contract, while residents expressed concerns about traffic safety and problem establishments.

Fire Department Equipment Approved

Council approved two ordinances for fire department equipment purchases funded by Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District grants at no cost to the city. Ordinance 49-2025 authorizes the purchase of a 2024 Mack MD742 truck for $87,527 through M&K Truck Centers. Ordinance 50-2025 approves a Henderson Mark E dump body and chassis for $66,200.

Chief of Staff Jeff Jerome explained both purchases will come through NEORSD Community Cost Share funding and be bought through state bid contracts.

Union Agreement Reached

Council approved Ordinance 51-2025, a three-year collective bargaining agreement with Local 2729 and Council 8 AFSCME covering January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. Jerome thanked Law Director Milko Cecez for his work during four months of negotiations, calling it a resolution they’re proud of.

Grant Consulting Contract

Council authorized Mayor Matthew Burke to enter an agreement with Millennium Strategies LLC for grant consulting services at $3,500 monthly. Jerome said other communities receive more grant funding and this company will help identify additional opportunities. The month-to-month contract allows the city to exit if not getting value for the investment.

Hockey and Traffic Safety Grants

Council accepted a $1,500 Roger Sharrer Grow Hockey Program grant to support youth hockey programs at the recreation center. Council President Avery Johnson noted the hockey money helps open the pool in summer and efforts are underway to increase minority participation.

Resolution 24-2025 authorizes applying for Ohio Department of Public Safety grants for impaired driving and selective traffic enforcement programs, funding additional police patrols during holidays.

Home Repair Program

Council approved Resolution 25-2025 for seven residential roof replacements through the Home Repair Assistance Grant Program. Jerome said 130 applications have been received with a June 25 deadline, urging residents to apply soon as the process takes about a week.

Resident Concerns Over Safety

Multiple residents raised serious safety concerns during public comment. A Garfield Boulevard business owner criticized a new trail project, saying drainage installations near a beauty shop and daycare create dangerous conditions for elderly customers and children. Mayor Burke said the project is led by Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Metroparks with minimal city involvement, but promised to review safety concerns.

A South Highland resident described how her son was seriously injured in a vehicle accident and recently attacked by multiple juveniles, leaving him with a concussion. She criticized police response and called for action on dangerous speeding on South Highland.

“My son life could be taken,” she said, describing cars traveling at highway speeds on residential streets. Mayor Burke acknowledged the problems and said he and Johnson looked at speed tables during their recent Washington DC trip, but noted residents previously voted down a camera program that would have funded such improvements.

Showcase Bar Update

A Vernon Road resident asked about the status of Showcase Bar following a recent shooting. Jerome said the bar lost its liquor license May 30 for tax non-payment but paid Thursday and received documentation Friday allowing weekend operation. The city is objecting to license renewal and negotiating to potentially restrict hours to daytime operation only.

Council Reports

Ward council members provided updates on community activities. Councilwoman Stacey Collier thanked Holy Spirit Church for providing activities for Ward 1 youth and noted basketball hoop placement challenges for children unable to safely travel to the recreation center.

Councilwoman Tenisha Mack announced a Ward 2 community meeting July 19 from 4-5 p.m. and encouraged residents to address grass cutting complaints.

The meeting was attended by Mayor Burke, Council President Johnson, and council members Collier, Mack, Mark Smith, Rachelle Tonsing, Clifford Kelley, and Jennifer Newrones. Acting clerk Jennifer Sopus filled in for Clerk of Council Lottie Overby.