Cleveland City Council approves emergency ordinances for filming and community programs

The Cleveland City Council convened on April 21, 2025, to address several key legislative items, including emergency ordinances and resolutions. The meeting began with the first reading of emergency ordinances, starting with Ordinance 5 35 20 25, introduced by Council Member Griffin. This ordinance authorizes the clerk of council to enter into an agreement with Shoestring Productions for the temporary use of the council chamber for filming scenes of a movie.

Next, Council Member Cromwell presented Ordinance 5 36 20 25, which authorizes the Department of Public Safety to partner with the Famicos Foundation to enhance safety and security in Ward 9 through the use of Neighborhood Equity Funds. Following this, Council Member Spencer introduced Ordinance 5 37 20 25, allowing the Department of Public Health to collaborate with Thrive for Change to implement a community overdose prevention and outreach program funded by Ward 15 Casino Revenue.

A motion to suspend the rules and place these ordinances on final passage was made by Council Member Moore and seconded by Council Member Santana. The council voted unanimously, with 16 members in favor, to adopt the emergency ordinances.

The meeting continued with the introduction of Resolution 5 38 20 25 by Council Member Griffin, which sets the summer schedule of council meetings for 2025. Additionally, Resolution 5 39 20 25, co-sponsored by multiple council members, recognizes April 22, 2025, as Earth Day in Cleveland. Another resolution, introduced by Council Member House Jones, objected to the transfer of liquor permits to a new location at 3704 Superior Avenue.

Once again, a motion to suspend the rules for these resolutions was made by Council Member Moore and seconded by Council Member Santana. The council voted unanimously to adopt these resolutions as well.

The meeting proceeded to the second reading of emergency ordinances. Ordinance 2 28 20 25, amended by several council members, aims to update sections of the codified ordinances related to criminal activity and nuisances. Ordinance 3 30 20 25, also presented by council members Polencic and Griffin, authorizes the Department of Public Safety to engage Case Western Reserve University for professional services related to data collection and analysis for the police department.

Lastly, Ordinance 3 78 20 25, introduced by multiple council members, authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to contract with the Northeast Ohio Muni Football League to conduct a citywide youth football program.

Council Member Moore moved to suspend the rules for these ordinances, which was seconded by Council Member Santana. The council again voted unanimously to pass the legislation.

In summary, the meeting was marked by the adoption of several emergency ordinances and resolutions aimed at enhancing community safety, recognizing Earth Day, and supporting youth programs, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing pressing local issues.