MINUTES OF THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

MARCH 14, 2019

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission (County Planning) was called to order by Chair Kenneth Surratt and the roll call showed a quorum was present.

MINUTES
On a motion by Mayor DiCicco, seconded by Mayor Sellers, the minutes of the December 13, 2018 meeting were duly adopted by unanimous vote with Mayor Gammella abstaining.

Councilperson Simon arrives after the meeting minutes vote.

CHAIR’S REPORT
In his remarks, Mr. Surratt welcomed Mayor Gammella as a new Board Member. He advised that Cuyahoga County Housing Legislation was passed two weeks ago to implement a six- year $30 million program that will improve housing conditions; these programs will happen in conjunction with the Land Bank. Additionally, the County Department of Development is slated to receive one million dollars annually, beginning in 2020, to focus on home repair and low income mortgages. The Department of Development is currently gathering data that will help define these programs.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Susan Infeld, Interim Director, gave an overview of County Planning’s projects with an explanation of how the agency interfaces with County departments, other County agencies, and municipalities. She also mentioned outreach efforts of the agency to continue a varied mix of projects.

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
The floor was opened for nominations for Board Chair.  Councilperson Simon nominated Mr. Ken Surratt, with a second by Mayor Bobst.  With no other nominations from the floor, the nominations were closed.  The vote was unanimous to elect Mr. Surratt as Chair.

The floor was opened for nominations for Board Vice-Chair. Mayor Bobst nominated Councilperson Simon, with a second by Mayor DiCicco.  With no other nominations from the floor, the nominations were closed.  The vote was unanimous to elect Councilperson Simon as Vice-Chair.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY GREENWAY PLAN
Mr. Michael Mears, Senior Planner, gave a presentation about the Cuyahoga County Greenways Plan. This is a regional network of on-street and off-road routes for the use of pedestrians and bicyclist. The development of the plan is nearly complete, and the final plan will be published in the very near future.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Ms. Jennifer Karaffa, Fiscal Officer for the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, gave an updated financial report. During the financial report, Ms. Infeld added that the 2019 grant program will soon commence. This program has $150,000 to be used for planning studies of various types; not just master plans, but also zoning updates, corridor studies, recreation plans, etc. A letter of explanation will be sent to municipalities in early April 2019.

OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business

NEW BUSINESS
No New Business

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
No Comments from the Public

EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion was made by Councilperson Simon, seconded by Mayor Bobst, to move into executive session. A roll call vote was taken and voted affirmative to speak of the open Executive Director position.

The board came out of executive session on a motion made by Mayor Gammella, seconded by Mayor Brennan. All voted unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mayor Byrne to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mayor Bobst. All voted unanimously.

The next meeting to be held will be April 11, 2019.