Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sustainability Composting Recycling topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor's report: University Heights pilots curbside compost drop-off, cites recycling gains and Tree City plans
Summary
Mayor Michael Brennan, through Deanna Bremer Fisher, reported on a six-month compost drop-off pilot with 264 signups so far, a rise in recycling tonnage after curbside automated pickup, upcoming Tree City USA hosting in 2028 and other sustainability events.
Deanna Bremer Fisher presented Mayor Michael Brennan's report at the May 5 University Heights City Council meeting, summarizing recent sustainability initiatives and community events.
Fisher said the city has launched a six-month pilot drop-off composting program running through Oct. 31; 264 households had signed up before postcards were mailed. Fisher noted the pilot was funded by a grant she wrote, with Rust Belt Riders providing collection service through a Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District grant.
Fisher also highlighted the April 20 Sustainable Home Fair, a successful Arbor Day tree planting April 30 involving Canterbury Elementary, and an increase in recycling tonnage. The city recycled 16.67 tons in September 2024 and 43.07 tons in April 2025 after switching to curbside automated recycling, which Fisher described as 'over 2 and a half times more.'
University Heights is slated to cohost the Tree City Awards in 2028 as the city approaches what officials expect will be its 50th consecutive year as a Tree City USA. Fisher thanked staff, volunteers and partner organizations including Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, Heights Libraries, Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, and John Carroll University for supporting the events.
Fisher also announced staff and personnel updates: Chuck Steinle began as assistant service director after 17 years in the service department; Dennis Kennedy retired as finance director on April 30 but was rehired on a short-term basis to help transition to the next director.
Fisher asked council to note an agenda item to extend the lease for Suite 105 at 2245 Warrensville Center Road for one year with no rent increase; she said that suite houses economic development and HR offices and provides the city's only modern, ADA-accessible confidential meeting space.
