The Garfield Heights City Council approved a comprehensive package of ordinances during their July 14 meeting, including infrastructure projects, regulatory updates, and budget measures totaling over $13 million in various initiatives.

Speed Bump Pilot Program Launches

Mayor Matthew Burke introduced a new speed management solution featuring recycled rubber speed bumps manufactured by local company Inoplast. The removable bumps, costing approximately $1,200 each compared to $11,000 for traditional speed tables, will be deployed based on police-identified problem areas.

The speed bumps can be installed and removed seasonally, with 14-inch rebar spikes securing them to asphalt. Police Chief and safety forces confirmed the design accommodates emergency vehicles while effectively reducing traffic speeds.

Bar Moratorium Extended

Council unanimously passed a 180-day moratorium on new bar, tavern, and alcohol-oriented establishment licenses. The measure, sponsored by Councilman Clifford Kelley and Mayor Burke, allows the city to review zoning codes and public safety strategies following the passage of Issue 14 in November 2024.

Major Infrastructure Projects Approved

Several significant infrastructure ordinances received approval:

Multi-Street Reconstruction Phase 9 – Council authorized engineering services contracts with OHM Advisors for $145,000 (Part A) and $99,000 (Part B) to oversee waterline replacement and street reconstruction on East 85th Street, East 110th Street, Park Heights Avenue, Orme Road, and Hathaway Road.

McCracken Road Repairs Phase 2 – A $53,000 engineering contract was approved for repairs between Henry Street and East 126th Street, funded through a Cuyahoga County 50/50 grant.

Sewer Projects – Ordinances were passed to secure Ohio Public Works Commission funding for the I-480 sanitary sewer crossing project and the Maple Road/East 126th sewer separation project.

Regulatory Updates

Council updated tobacco sale regulations, raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 and expanding licensing requirements for electronic smoking devices. The city also adopted the International Property Maintenance Code and updated residential building codes to current Ohio standards.

A six-month extension of the cannabis moratorium was approved, with an exemption for the existing Terrasana dispensary.

Budget and Tax Matters

The council approved disposal of surplus municipal property through online auction and adopted the 2026 tax budget. Resolutions were passed urging the state to release cannabis excise tax funds to host municipalities and opposing House Bill 335, which would eliminate inside millage authority.

Police Department Expansion

An amended ordinance increased police department staffing from 39 to 40 patrolmen to provide a School Resource Officer for the middle school, with updated salary schedules reflecting collective bargaining agreements.

Community Development

The city received authorization to apply for Community Development Block Grant funds up to $150,000 for continued park improvements under the Parks Master Plan implementation.

Public Input

During citizen comments, resident Rhonda Craig thanked the mayor for addressing sidewalk clearing on Martin Luther King Street, allowing children to walk safely to school. She also praised Councilman Smith for assisting a resident in need.

Valerie Walker raised concerns about commercial development on Forestdale Drive, prompting discussion about land bank procedures and zoning issues. Officials committed to scheduling community meetings with property owners to address resident concerns.

MLK Street Project Update

Mayor Burke provided an update on the long-delayed Martin Luther King Street sewer project, citing recent approval of an easement from Cleveland City Council. The project is now expected to begin in September or October, pending final legal documentation between the cities.

Tags: garfield heights, city council, speed bumps, infrastructure, bar moratorium, tobacco regulations, cannabis, police staffing, community development, sewer projectsRetry

JD

in the article explain Issue 14 – do not mention resident names commenting, just say residentEdit

Garfield Heights Council Approves Speed Bumps, Moratorium on Bars

Infrastructure improvements and regulatory measures highlight July 14 meeting

The Garfield Heights City Council approved a comprehensive package of ordinances during their July 14 meeting, including infrastructure projects, regulatory updates, and budget measures totaling over $13 million in various initiatives.

Speed Bump Pilot Program Launches

Mayor Matthew Burke introduced a new speed management solution featuring recycled rubber speed bumps manufactured by local company Inoplast. The removable bumps, costing approximately $1,200 each compared to $11,000 for traditional speed tables, will be deployed based on police-identified problem areas.

The speed bumps can be installed and removed seasonally, with 14-inch rebar spikes securing them to asphalt. Police Chief and safety forces confirmed the design accommodates emergency vehicles while effectively reducing traffic speeds.

Bar Moratorium Extended

Council unanimously passed a 180-day moratorium on new bar, tavern, and alcohol-oriented establishment licenses. The measure, sponsored by Councilman Clifford Kelley and Mayor Burke, allows the city to review zoning codes and public safety strategies following the passage of Issue 14 in November 2024. Issue 14 was a voter-approved zoning code update that gives the city new authority to review and modify its land use regulations and licensing practices.

Major Infrastructure Projects Approved

Several significant infrastructure ordinances received approval:

Multi-Street Reconstruction Phase 9 – Council authorized engineering services contracts with OHM Advisors for $145,000 (Part A) and $99,000 (Part B) to oversee waterline replacement and street reconstruction on East 85th Street, East 110th Street, Park Heights Avenue, Orme Road, and Hathaway Road.

McCracken Road Repairs Phase 2 – A $53,000 engineering contract was approved for repairs between Henry Street and East 126th Street, funded through a Cuyahoga County 50/50 grant.

Sewer Projects – Ordinances were passed to secure Ohio Public Works Commission funding for the I-480 sanitary sewer crossing project and the Maple Road/East 126th sewer separation project.

Regulatory Updates

Council updated tobacco sale regulations, raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 and expanding licensing requirements for electronic smoking devices. The city also adopted the International Property Maintenance Code and updated residential building codes to current Ohio standards.

A six-month extension of the cannabis moratorium was approved, with an exemption for the existing Terrasana dispensary.

Budget and Tax Matters

The council approved disposal of surplus municipal property through online auction and adopted the 2026 tax budget. Resolutions were passed urging the state to release cannabis excise tax funds to host municipalities and opposing House Bill 335, which would eliminate inside millage authority.

Police Department Expansion

An amended ordinance increased police department staffing from 39 to 40 patrolmen to provide a School Resource Officer for the middle school, with updated salary schedules reflecting collective bargaining agreements.

Community Development

The city received authorization to apply for Community Development Block Grant funds up to $150,000 for continued park improvements under the Parks Master Plan implementation.

Public Input

During citizen comments, a resident thanked the mayor for addressing sidewalk clearing on Martin Luther King Street, allowing children to walk safely to school. The resident also praised Councilman Smith for assisting a resident in need.

Another resident raised concerns about commercial development on Forestdale Drive, prompting discussion about land bank procedures and zoning issues. Officials committed to scheduling community meetings with property owners to address resident concerns.

MLK Street Project Update

Mayor Burke provided an update on the long-delayed Martin Luther King Street sewer project, citing recent approval of an easement from Cleveland City Council. The project is now expected to begin in September or October, pending final legal documentation between the cities.