Council President Avery Johnson made an impassioned plea to voters during Monday night’s council meeting, emphasizing the importance of experience in city leadership ahead of today’s election.
Johnson, representing Ward 4, highlighted recent accomplishments including ongoing infrastructure projects and community events while warning against candidates without government experience.
Infrastructure Projects Move Forward
The council passed three significant ordinances advancing major infrastructure work:
Police Fleet Expansion
- Authorized purchase of 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for $53,763 from Preston Chevrolet Kia
- Part of three-vehicle purchase plan for police department
Sewer Separation Projects Advance
- Approved engineering contracts with OHM Advisors for two major projects:
- Maplerow & East 126th Sewer Separation Project ($274,000 engineering costs, $2.34 million total)
- I-480 Sanitary Sewer Crossing Project ($226,400 engineering costs, $2.08 million total)
- Both projects funded through Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District programs
- Designed to eliminate basement flooding and improve water quality
Health Services Contract Renewed
Council authorized a two-year contract with Cuyahoga County General Health District for 2026-2027, totaling $565,839. The per capita rate increases from $8.96 in 2026 to $10.04 in 2027.
Technology Services Agreement
Approved monthly technology services contract with ADDO Data Services Ltd for up to $6,250 per month to support municipal IT operations.
Community Recognition
Arts Program Honored Resolution 30-2025 recognized Arts Reaching Kids (ARK), founded by Regina Foster in 2021. The program, which began at Freedom Ministries and now operates at Holy Spirit Church, offers classes in drumming, dance, sewing, and other arts to children and adults.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Resolution 31-2025 recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th as World Suicide Prevention Day, highlighting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Community Events Announced
Block Watch Meeting September 25 at 7 p.m. at St. Monica’s Pavilion
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Johnson’s comments focused heavily on what he described as the city’s fiscal stability and lack of scandals during his tenure, contrasting this with challengers who he said had not attended council, planning board, or zoning meetings.
He specifically mentioned major development projects, including a “billion dollar project” on Transportation Boulevard at Bridge View, arguing that experienced leadership is needed for such initiatives.
The council meeting highlighted ongoing infrastructure investments and community programs while underscoring political tensions ahead of the upcoming election.