Residents press Council on rec director departure, C&Y building safety and camera privacy

Residents used the public‑comment periods at the June 30 meeting to press Council for details about a range of local matters, including the departure of the Community Center director, the condition of the C&Y building, camera privacy and municipal maintenance practices.

Nancy Meade asked whether Mike Armstrong’s departure as Community Center Director was related to a contested exchange at a prior meeting about fee schedules and an auditor review. Mayor Benjamin said, "I did not ask him to resign, nor did the Village fire him. He made the determination to step away," and declined to expand on the personnel matter at that time. Ms. Meade asked for public records (contract, job description, operations and financial policies and communications between Council members and Armstrong) and Law Director David Matty asked her to expedite the request so the Mayor can respond.

On building safety, Mayor Benjamin said the Building Commissioner inspected the C&Y building, found numerous violations and the Village plans to contract a Fire Marshal for further inspection; owners would have 30 days to correct violations or the Village would move to nuisance abatement, which can include the Village performing corrections and recovering costs later.

Resident Mr. Orel raised questions about Flock license‑plate cameras and whether the Memorandum of Understanding grants Bratenahl ownership of the data. He said the MOU left data ownership "pretty gray." Mayor Benjamin acknowledged privacy concerns and said he had asked the Police Chief to review policies similar to what Shaker Heights adopted and would bring a policy to Council for consideration. Lieutenant Soric said other jurisdictions are wrestling with the same issues and that Bratenahl has a policy in place and posts guidance on social media.

Mr. Orel also challenged sidewalk and boulevard grass cutting frequency and costs, and said he had reported incorrect mulching technique to the Shade Tree Committee; service staff said they would follow up. On fireworks, Mayor Benjamin and Lieutenant Soric said consumer novelty fireworks (sparklers, novelties) are generally allowed while larger commercial grade fireworks are not, and they plan to post guidance and send an email to residents.

Council did not take formal action on these public comments during the June 30 meeting, but the Mayor said several items will be followed up by staff and returned to Council as appropriate.