Fairview Park council approves emergency resolution to seek county planning grant to update master plan

Fairview Park’s City Council unanimously approved an emergency resolution Feb. 3 authorizing the city to apply for a Cuyahoga County community planning grant to update its municipal master plan. The council dispensed with procedural requirements and voted to place Resolution 25‑03 up for final passage the same night.

Councilwoman King moved to suspend the charter provision that would normally require three readings; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote. Councilwoman Waring then asked that the purpose of the grant be explained for the public record. Mayor Bill Schneider summarized the grant’s intent, saying the award “will allow us to update our master plan,” noting the document had not been revised since 2013 and that “the county will offset 80% of the cost of the planning process so we only pay the 20%.”

Councilors voted unanimously to finalize the emergency resolution. Council members cited the short time window for the grant application and the desire to retain planners familiar with previous city projects. The resolution authorizes city administration to file application materials with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission and to execute related agreements if awarded.

The measure takes effect immediately for the purpose of applying for grant funds. City staff said they will proceed with the application and follow county timelines; council did not record any separate appropriation or contract award that evening.

Next steps: staff will submit the application to the county planning commission and return to council with any award details, proposed consultant agreements and a timeline for the master‑plan update.