Garfield Heights council unanimously extends vape moratorium, joins ambulance supplemental program, approves budget and insurance measures; honors local child‑c

Garfield Heights City Council on March 24 voted unanimously on a set of emergency measures — extending the city's moratorium on smoke and vape establishments, authorizing participation in the Ohio ambulance supplemental payment program, amending appropriations for 2025 and approving the city's liability/property insurance renewal — and passed a resolution honoring a local child‑care provider.

The council also heard routine department reports about upcoming community events, a new online permitting portal and staffing updates from the service and fire departments.

The votes marked swift action: each ordinance and the resolution were considered by title, the three‑reading rule was suspended, Rule 24 waivers were approved, and each measure passed on a recorded roll call vote of 5‑0.

Why it matters: the ordinances take immediate procedural and fiscal steps. The moratorium keeps the city's pause on new smoke and vape shop permits in place while the council reviews policy; the ambulance program ordinance enables the city to pursue federal reimbursement mechanisms for ambulance runs through a contractor; the appropriations ordinance adjusts the city's 2025 spending plan; and the insurance ordinance renews general liability and property coverage for the city.

Council action and key votes

- Resolution 16‑2025: Council honored Aaliyah Loves for her child‑care work and contributions during Women's History Month. Motion to move the resolution earlier on the agenda and to read it in full was made by Councilwoman Tanisha Mack and seconded by Councilwoman Stacy Collier. The council suspended the three‑reading rule and adopted the resolution by roll call (Mack: yes; Johnson: yes; Tunzing: yes; Newrones/Narone: yes; Collier: yes). Outcome: adopted, 5‑0.

- Ordinance 21‑2025 (moratorium extension): "An ordinance extending the city of Garfield Heights moratorium on the issuance and processing of all license permits and vape establishments or shops" was considered by title, the council suspended three readings and waived Rule 24, and adopted the ordinance by roll call (5‑0). Outcome: adopted, 5‑0.

- Ordinance 22‑2025 (Ohio ambulance supplemental payment participation): "An ordinance authorizing and directing the mayor or his designee to enter into an agreement with Public Consulting Group to participate in the Ohio ambulance supplemental payment program" was considered by title, the council suspended three readings and waived Rule 24, and adopted the ordinance by roll call (5‑0). Outcome: adopted, 5‑0. During reports, Chief of Staff Jeff Jerome said the fire chief requested council support for this ordinance to allow the city to receive reimbursement for ambulance runs at no cost to the city. Jerome said, "The Chief asks us—ask your support on that this evening." (Jeff Jerome, Chief of Staff)

- Ordinance 23‑2025 (appropriations amendment): "An ordinance to amend appropriations for current expenditures for the city of Garfield Heights, Ohio during the fiscal year ending 12/31/2025" was considered by title, the council suspended three readings and waived Rule 24, and adopted the ordinance by roll call (5‑0). Outcome: adopted, 5‑0.

- Ordinance 24‑2025 (insurance renewal): "An ordinance authorizing and directing the mayor or his designee to enter into an agreement with the Public Entities Pool of Ohio to provide general liability and property insurance to the city" was considered by title, the council suspended three readings and waived Rule 24, and adopted the ordinance by roll call (5‑0). Outcome: adopted, 5‑0.

Discussion, reports and community items

Chief of Staff Jeff Jerome summarized department reports and event notices. From the service department, Mark Sikon announced a hazardous waste roundup and shred event scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon; residents may drop off items at the service garage during the two weeks prior, Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; the service garage phone number given was 475‑1107. Jerome said the city is hiring part‑time patchers to address potholes left by winter.

From the fire department, Jerome reported that a 2024 engine entered service on March 5, 2025; a firefighter will be sworn in on March 26; and several retirements are expected later in the year. Jerome relayed the fire chief's request that council support Ordinance 22 so the city can seek federal reimbursement for ambulance runs.

From the building department, Jerome announced the city will go live with the CitizenServe permitting portal on Monday, March 31; to prepare, the building department will be closed Friday, March 28 for final installation.

In miscellaneous business, Councilwoman Stacy Collier (council pro tem) reported on Ward 1's volunteer Easter egg drive: "So far, we have 3,048 candy filled eggs," she said, noting the goal is 6,000 and that last year's count was 4,000. Collier said the Ward 1 Easter egg hunt will be held at Forestdale Park the Saturday before Easter and asked for donations of baskets and giveaway items.

Other community notices included a Marymount produce drive on March 26 (noon–2 p.m.), a Ward 1 community meeting March 31 at 6 p.m. at the Garfield Heights Library, a Ward 7 block watch March 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Benedict's cafeteria, and a senior center bake sale and Easter celebration April 5 (10 a.m.–noon). The city is hiring seasonal and part‑time recreation staff including lifeguards, concession stand workers and office clerks; candidates can apply online or in person at the Garfield Heights Rec Center.

Honoree remarks

The council read Resolution 16‑2025 honoring Aaliyah Loves for her work in child care. The text states Loves has 27 years in child care, started a business seven years ago and operates Leah's Learning Center at 4949 Turney (Tourney) Road, which the resolution says has served the community for two years. After the resolution passed, Aaliyah Loves said, "I really appreciate being recognized. I've been doing this since I was 19 years old. This is all I've ever wanted to do." (Aaliyah Loves, honoree)

What the meeting did not do

The council took no new policy votes beyond the ordinances listed above and did not direct staff to undertake additional studies during the session. No public comments were recorded.

Next steps and implementation

Ordinances adopted as emergencies take immediate effect as allowed by law; staff will proceed with administrative steps to execute agreements referenced in the ordinances (for example, the city's agreement with Public Consulting Group for ambulance program participation and the insurance contract with the Public Entities Pool of Ohio). The building department will transition to CitizenServe beginning March 31 as announced.

Votes at a glance (summary)

- Resolution 16‑2025 — Honor Aaliyah Loves. Adopted (roll call 5‑0). - Ordinance 21‑2025 — Extend vape/smoke shop moratorium. Adopted (roll call 5‑0). - Ordinance 22‑2025 — Authorize agreement to enter Ohio ambulance supplemental payment program (Public Consulting Group). Adopted (roll call 5‑0). - Ordinance 23‑2025 — Amend 2025 appropriations. Adopted (roll call 5‑0). - Ordinance 24‑2025 — Enter agreement with Public Entities Pool of Ohio for liability/property insurance. Adopted (roll call 5‑0).

(Procedural notes: for each ordinance and the resolution the council voted to consider by title, suspended the council's three‑reading rule and waived Rule 24 before final roll call adoption.)