In a pivotal meeting on November 10, 2025, the Garfield Heights City Council convened after an eventful election period to address a sweeping legislative agenda focused on city modernization, infrastructure development, and community health projects. With all council members and the mayor recently reaffirmed in office, the meeting served as both a reaffirmation of ongoing priorities and an acceleration of transformation initiatives across the city.
This comprehensive article explores the key legislative actions taken during the session, the political shifts within the council leadership, and the broader implications for Garfield Heights residents. From zoning code reforms to sewer upgrades and civic engagement highlights, the council’s business sets the stage for a transformative year ahead.
A New Council Term Begins with Shifts in Leadership
The meeting opened with the ceremonial swearing-in of the City Council, followed by leadership selections. Ward 4 Councilman Avery Johnson was re-elected as Council President with a 5-2 vote. In a more contested process, Councilwoman Rachelle Tonsing of Ward 5 was elected as Council Pro Tem after several failed nominations and tie votes. Council Clerk Lottie Overby was reappointed through a unanimous roll call.
Mayor Matt Burke addressed the chamber, expressing gratitude for his re-election and emphasizing the importance of local leadership in times of national uncertainty. “I’m deeply honored and humbled by your trust and confidence,” Burke said, referencing recent struggles at the federal level regarding SNAP benefits. Highlighting the city’s proactive role, he commended Garfield Heights for urging state officials to protect essential support programs.
Zoning Reform Moves Closer to Completion
Chief among the legislative priorities was the continued consideration of Ordinance 87-2025, a sweeping overhaul of the city’s Planning and Zoning Code. Co-sponsored by Mayor Burke and all council members, the proposed code modernizes land use regulations for the first time in over 60 years. Developed through years of collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission and local stakeholders, the overhaul aligns with Garfield Heights’ 2022 Community Master Plan.
The new zoning code aims to promote clarity, facilitate new housing, streamline commercial development, and enhance quality-of-life standards. In alignment with the passage of Issue 14 during the May 2025 election—which removed the requirement for land use changes to be subject to voter ballot—the proposed code will empower the Planning Commission to guide such changes within legal parameters.
While a final vote has yet to be held, the ordinance moved to a third reading, indicating a likely approval in the coming session scheduled for November 24, 2025.
Strategic Infrastructure Investments Backed by Council
The council passed several critical infrastructure-related ordinances aimed at modernizing public services and improving safety:
– Ordinance 90-2025: This measure approves the city’s consent to the rehabilitation of McCracken Road Bridge, a Cuyahoga County-led project spanning Mill Creek. The ordinance outlines the funding, maintenance responsibilities, and cooperation needed for the $1.36 million improvement. The bridge serves residents of both Garfield Heights and Maple Heights, underlining regional collaboration.
– Ordinance 92-2025: Another significant project approved involves the Thornhurst Avenue Sewer Separation Project. To reduce basement flooding and separate combined sanitary and storm sewers, the city will pursue funding from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s (NEORSD) Community Cost Share Program. This ordinance authorizes the mayor to apply for grants and oversee project execution.
– Ordinance 89-2025: The city also approved a five-year lease for a Quadient iX-5 Series mailing system to be deployed at the Civic Center. This improvement replaces the city’s outdated Pitney Bowes system and ensures compliance with new U.S. Postal Service indicia standards while reducing operational delays for city correspondence. The $174.63 monthly lease includes maintenance and installations through a state term pricing agreement.
Accountability and Fiscal Transparency
Each ordinance involving expenditures included certification by the city’s Fiscal Officer, verifying appropriations from the General Fund or relevant accounts. The transparency builds trust in the city’s ability to responsibly fund necessary improvements while maintaining a balanced budget.
Ordinance 91-2025: Decluttering Municipal Assets
To support efficiency, the council passed Ordinance 91-2025, approving the sale or recycling of obsolete municipal computer equipment through an online auction site. The Garfield Heights Municipal Court determined the electronic devices, including outdated Dell laptops and OptiPlex desktops, were no longer viable for public use. Their transfer to RET3, a Cuyahoga County-approved e-cycling partner, reflects the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Celebrating Local Leadership and Honoring Impact
One major highlight of the evening came with the reading and unanimous passage of Resolution 37-2025, a tribute to Coach Darrell Copeland. Recognized for over two decades of service coaching youth in Garfield Heights, Copeland received standing ovations from council and attendees alike. He was especially celebrated for leading the Garfield Heights Middle School football team to several undefeated seasons and Lake Erie League championships.
“This was just about the time where I was saying, ‘Garfield don’t need me anymore.’ And tonight proved me wrong,” Copeland said emotionally, surrounded by family, students, and colleagues. Mayor Burke also honored Copeland’s impact on his own family and promised to present a framed copy of the resolution memorializing his contributions.
Rising to Meet Community Needs
The meeting also focused on addressing social equity, particularly food insecurity and youth programming. Councilwoman Stacey Collier (Ward 1) highlighted Holy Spirit Church’s efforts to expand food pantry access in response to federal SNAP disruptions. She further spotlighted local programming like Art Reaching Kids, a multi-generational initiative offering free vocational and arts education to residents.
Meanwhile, Councilwoman Tenisha Mack (Ward 2) detailed her successful annual “Spread the Warmth” winterwear drive, which delivers coats and clothing to local families in need. Plans for a November 20 Ward 2 community meeting were also announced.
What Lies Ahead: Community Growth & Civic Responsibility
Council members closed the night with calls for continued civic engagement, including robust voter turnout in future elections. Several emphasized the need to center “the main thing”—the wellbeing of Garfield Heights residents—over personal agendas or political divides.
As Garfield Heights continues to undergo development in line with its Master Plan and capital improvement strategy, this November meeting demonstrated a city ready to meet the future with deliberate planning, resident engagement, and strong leadership.
Stay tuned for our follow-up article, where we delve deeper into the impact and implementation plan of the new zoning code and the expected transformation it will bring to Garfield Heights’ neighborhoods and businesses over the next decade.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
