MINUTES OF THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

July 14, 2022

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission (County Planning) was called to order by Director Dever at 2:00 p.m. the roll call showed a quorum was present.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
No requests for public comment.

MINUTES
On a motion by Mayor Procuk, seconded by Mayor Gallagher, the minutes for the June 9, 2022, the meeting minutes were duly adopted with two (2) abstentions and six (6) yes votes.

Director Huang joined the meeting.

RESOLUTIONS
Resolution No. 220714-A requesting the approval of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program Cost Agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission and the District One (Cuyahoga County) Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC). The NRAC approved the Administrative Cost Agreement at their meeting on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Ms. Alison Ball began with an overview of the history of the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC). The OPWC was created in 1987 under section 164 of the Ohio Revise Code to deliver its statutory programs with the greatest efficiency and highest customer satisfaction while maintaining a high level of transparency and accountability to Ohio’s taxpayers. The OPWC hosts a State Capital Improvement Program that includes grants, loan, and loan assistance (credit enhancement, Local Transportation Improvement Program, Small Government Program, Emergency Program, and the Clean Ohio Conservation Green Space Program (NRAC). The OPWC administers its Infrastructure and Green Space Conservation Grant Programs in conjunction with local control among 19 statewide District Integrating Committees and Natural Resources Assistance Councils; Cuyahoga County is District One.

District One Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) supports the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program to help fund preservation of open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and stream corridors. The Round 2022-2023 funding allocation totals $3,348,212.00.

As the District One Liaison Ms. Ball explained that she would undertake the work and activities set forth in scope of work defined in the Administrative Agreements which include:

• Attend any OPWC-sponsored statewide leadership event as necessary to maintain a level of staff proficiency.
• Provide the District and the OPWC with the transcription of minutes, meeting notices and agendas, and any other necessary support services as required.
• Travel within the District as requested by the District to assist local subdivisions and attend/conduct meetings as necessary.
• Initiate and develop project selection processes under the direction of the District for joint approval by the District and the OPWC that will ensure that the recommended projects meet the requirements of law, rules, and regulations of the OPWC.
• Under the direction of the District, notify and assist all political subdivisions within the District of the opportunity to apply for financial assistance and be considered for the SCIP, LTIP, and Clean Ohio programs.

On a motion by Mayor Brennan, seconded by Mayor DiCicco, Resolution No. 220714-A requesting the approval of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program Cost Agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission and the District One (Cuyahoga County) Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC). The NRAC approved the Administrative Cost Agreement at their meeting on Thursday, June 16, 2022., was duly adopted with one (1) abstention and eight (8) yes votes.

Resolution No. 220714-B requesting the approval of the State Capital Improvement Plan Administrative Cost Agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission and the District One (Cuyahoga County) Public Works Integrating Committee (DOPWIC). The DOPWIC approved the Administrative Services Agreement at its meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.

Ms. Alison Ball explained that the District One Public Works Integrating Committee (DOPWIC) includes the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) which is a combined grant/loan program based on funding from general obligation bonds. As the Revolving Loan Program (RLP) and as SCIP loans are repaid, those funds are set aside for the RLP. The Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP) is a grant program for roads and bridges improvements from funding provided from gasoline taxes. The Small Government Commission which provides grants and loans to villages and townships within the unincorporated areas with population of less than 5,000 are also included with the SCIP program. The Round 2022-2023 funding allocations totals $29,533,000.00.

On a motion by Mayor Gallagher, seconded by Mayor DiCicco, Resolution No. 220714-B requesting the approval of the State Capital Improvement Plan Administrative Cost Agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission and the District One (Cuyahoga County) Public Works Integrating. The DOPWIC approved the Administrative Cost Agreement at their meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2022., was duly adopted with two (2) abstention and eight (8) yes votes.

Resolution No. 220714-C requesting the approval of an amendment to the Inter-Agency Agreement with the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works to provide various technical and planning services for the Cuyahoga County Lakefront Public Access Plan for an additional $75,000.00 in funding, and to extend the contract through June 30, 2023.

Mr. James Sonnhalter gave a presentation demonstrating the next steps for Lakefront focus area funding, engineering, and construction. The four (4) focus areas are Lake Clifton bridge, East 9^th-East 55^th Connector with special emphasis on the Lakewood Gold Coast and the Euclid Beach Connector. The funding summary for Lakewood Gold Coast is $1.2 M committed pending a Coast Management Grant Program (conceptual Alternatives), and FEMA HMGP (data collection, preliminary engineering, BCA analysis, & draft permits). The Euclid Beach Connector has $6.9M of the $11M committed. Other potential funding includes Natureworks (trail construction) and EEAG (erosion – construction) funding.

On a motion by Mayor Sellers, seconded by Mr. Nanni, Resolution No.220714-C requesting the approval of an amendment to the Inter-Agency Agreement with the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works to provide various technical and planning services for the Cuyahoga County Lakefront Public Access Plan by $75,000.00, and to extend the contract through June 30, 2023., was duly adopted as amended with a unanimous vote.

Garfield Heights Master Plan Update
Ms. Rachel Novak presented on the Garfield Heights Master Plan. She began with an overview of all of the community engagement efforts used including online surveys, paper surveys, poster boards, and public meetings/open houses. The most important key finding heard from the community was the importance of improving overall safety and the perception of safety. The next most important finding was an emphasis on home ownership and helping senior homeowners. Respondents were also excited about infrastructure projects but want to ensure that current roadway maintenance is also a priority. Respondents also want to see updates made to the current recreation center, improved maintenance at existing parks and athletic fields, and support the creation of new parks for neighborhoods south of I-480. Lastly, respondents emphasized the importance of enforcing zoning and codified ordinances.

The Garfield Heights Master Plan process started with the Current Conditions, Community Vision, and Goals & Actions. The team is now in the Implementation phase listing partners, priorities, and the responsibilities for undertaking the actions. The last and final phase will be the comprehensive draft Master Plan, a combined and completed document to go in front of the City Council for adoption.

Executive Director’s Report

Staff Updates & Job Postings
Director Cierebiej welcomed the newest Planners, Maureen Riley and Paul Triolo and reported that there was a recent staff resignation; a GIS Specialist position has been posted.

2022-2023 Planning Grants
Director Cierebiej reported that a survey was distributed to Mayors, Planning/Development Directors, and Economic Development Directors on July 8^th, 2022, seeking input on communities biggest planning needs to shape the next round of Planning Grants. Responses due by July 29^th, 2022, and the Planning Grant Application is anticipated to be released in early September 2022. The Planning Grant awards will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2022 with requests for board approval of community agreements expected in first quarter of 2023.

Transit-Oriented Development Zoning Analysis
Phase 1 in partnership with Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), in collaboration with other key stakeholders is eliciting a lot of interest and excitement.  A County initiative with the initial focus on key transit corridors. Those included communities in phase 1. The results of the analysis will be shared with all communities. The virtual kick-off meeting for the key corridors is scheduled for August 4^th, 2022.

Cuyahoga Greenway Partners Outreach
Director Cierebiej reported on an executive session at Merwin’s Warf Virtual to discuss what is on the Countywide trails plan, where are the critical gaps and how to prioritize them. Information sessions for communities and 2022 site visits for elected officials are being scheduled.

Tues. Aug. 23rd 11:00am – 1:00pm for Euclid & South Euclid, Cleveland Wards 8 & 10 (Hosted by Mayor Kristen Holzheimer Gail and Mayor Georgine Welo)

Wed. Aug. 24th 10:00am-Noon for Garfield Heights & Cleveland Ward 12 (Hosted by Mayor Matt Burke)

Thurs. Aug. 25th 1:00-3:00pm for Solon & Bentleyville (Hosted by Mayor Ed Kraus)

If anyone is interested in join a session, please feel free to contact Elaine Price in County Planning to register.

Administrative Updates
County Planning is working to update/amend its Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual and Bylaws that will require board approval when they are updated and complete.

Single Family Zoning, Phase 2 is starting with pilot communities. The First Suburbs Consortium chose Euclid and South Euclid for the program.

Old Business
There was no old business.

New Business
There was no new business.

Adjourn
On a motion by Director Dever, seconded by Director Huang, the Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

Next Scheduled Meeting is for August 11, 2022.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ATTENDANCE
July 14, 2022