MINUTES OF THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

May 14, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cuyahoga County Administration Building was closed to the public at the time of the meeting. As a result, this meeting was conducted remotely in accordance with State of Ohio HB 197. Interested persons could access the meeting via livestream by using the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsbfP4bYPk4

One email was received for public comment and that person was present today.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission (County Planning) was called to order by Chairperson Mr. Michael Dever at 2:18 p.m. and the roll call showed a quorum was present.

MINUTES

On a motion by Mayor Brennan, seconded by Councilperson Simon, the minutes of the February 13, 2020 Planning Commission Meeting were duly adopted by unanimous vote.

OLD BUSINESS

No old business.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution No. 200514-A
A Resolution Approving with Conditions a Modified Master Subdivision Plan and Preliminary Plan Phase 3 & 4 for The Sanctuary of Olmsted and The Preserve of Olmsted PRD Subdivision located in Olmsted Township.

Anthony M. Valore requested approval of a Preliminary Plan for Phases 3 and 4 of The Sanctuary and The Preserve PRD Subdivision located on John Road in Olmsted Township.

Ms. Meghan Chaney presented the agenda item and noted that the builder Mr. Anthony Valore requested the approval. The property is located in Olmsted Township on the South side of John Road between Fitch and Columbia Roads. Ms. Chaney recognized the representatives from Valore Builders and Pulte Homes as well as Trustee Jeanne Kress from Olmsted Township and Hugh Blocksidge, Chief Section Engineer from the Sanitation Engineering Group of Public Works was on the line to answer any questions.

A history of the project was given by Ms. Chaney and she explained that the Master Subdivision Plan and Preliminary Plan for Phases 1 and 2 for The Sanctuary and Preserves were granted approval by the County Planning Commission in February 2020. The Sanctuary and Preserve consists of five (5) phases, with homes being built by two (2) different home builders, Valore Builders and Pulte Homes. Valore Builders will be designing and building homes on the Sanctuary portion of the development and Pulte Homes will be building on the Preserves portion of the development. Overall, The Sanctuary and Preserves subdivisions will develop one hundred and thirty-six (136) new detached residential sublots to be completed in five (5) phases. Seven (7) new public roads will be created consisting of six thousand four hundred eleven (6,411) lineal feet of street pavement, roughly thirteen thousand (13,000) lineal feet of sidewalk, and five thousand (5,000) lineal feet of walking paths will be created. The thirteen point six-six (13.66) acres of open space will be contained within four (4) separate blocks within the subdivision. Stormwater capture and management features will encompass three-point one-two (3.12) acres throughout the development.

Ms. Chaney stated that Phases 3 and 4 which are subject to review today are in the Preserve portion of the development with homes to be built by Pulte Homes. The Primary Plans propose fifty-seven (57) sublots with twenty-eight (28) sublots in Phase 3 and twenty-nine (29) in Phase 4. These two (2) phases will feature one thousand six hundred eighty-eight (1,688) lineal feet of roadway, three thousand seven hundred twenty (3,720) lineal feet of sidewalk, and one thousand one hundred one (1,101) lineal feet of walking path. Block A is partially contained within Phase 3 and contains three point six seven (3.67) acres of open space and one point six-one (1.61) acres of stormwater management features. Phase 4 contains no open areas of stormwater management features but is adjacent to Block A.

She added that the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission recently reviewed and conditionally approved the subdivision plans for Phases 1 and 2 in February 2020, but subdivision regulations require that each phase within a subdivision be reviewed and applied for as a preliminary plan. In accordance with Section 104.5 of the subdivision regulations the appropriate agencies were asked to review the plans and provide comment on the Preliminary Plans Phases 3 and 4 of The Sanctuary and Preserve subdivision. The Planning Commission Staff has reviewed the Preliminary Plans for phases 3 and 4 of The Sanctuary and Preserves and considered the comments from the reviewing agencies.

Ms. Chaney stated that in accordance with Section 104.8.C of the County Subdivision Regulations, County Planning staff recommends conditional approval of the Preliminary Plan for Phases 3 & 4 of The Sanctuary & Preserve PRD Subdivision subject to the conditions listed in the Resolution.  The conditions listed in the Resolution were in Phases 1 and 2 and the Master Plan for conditional approval and are carried over because the conditions they also exist in Phases 3 and 4 and for consistency. For the most part the applicant has provided proof that progress has been made on most of the conditions, if not all.

The conditions are generally described as follows:

  1. That written approval will be needed from the North Olmsted Wastewater Treatment Plant that they will be able to accept any sanitary sewer flows from this subdivision, currently in process.
  2. The sewer Permit-to-Install application needs to be approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and sent to Public Works, is also currently in process.
  3. Formal legal agreement must be received from The Renaissance agreeing to cap future expansion so that the additional sanitary flow will not overwhelm the system.
  4. During the improvement plan stage, two turns within Phase 3 do not meet the minimum curve radius and will need to be examined closely during the improvement plan phase and fixed if determined unacceptable by Public Works.
  5. Providing more clarity in the improvement plan stage as it relates to Storm Sewer, Drainage, and Stormwater Retention and ensuring proper water management features are provided.
  6. Wetlands have not changed since Phases 1 and 2 and the Master Plan, the applicant must purchase .03 acres of forested wetland credits and 0.2 acres of non-forested wetland credits. The applicant Valore Builders has submitted proof that the purchase of the wetlands has been is completed.
  7. An agreement between the applicant and Olmsted Township regarding wetland setbacks must be reached. Once the wetland setbacks have been agreed to, they need to be demarcated and reflected in updated in the plans.
  8. Declaration of Convents conditions updates to the HOA agreements, currently in process.
  9. Only after all the conditions have been met will the improvement plan for Phases 3 and 4 be formally accepted by Public Works.

Ms. Chaney reviewed a timeline flowchart that is included in the Subdivision Regulations Updates and informs where in the process the plan is currently and after the preliminary plan approval conditions are met.  The preliminary plan approval is valid for a period of two (2) years and during that two (2) year time period improvements have to be constructed and inspected prior to applying for a final plat.

Olmsted Township Trustee Jeanene Kress stated that they appreciate the work of County Planning and understand all the caveats at this point and are comfortable to the move forward. She noted that a lot of goodwill is going on and the Township is excited to see the start of this project.

Mr. Tony Valore also expressed excitement with the project, is working to address all the conditions and plan to have them completed in June. He noted this past Tuesday, the committee in North Olmsted approved the flow capacity into the sanitary for this project, and he thanked everyone involved.

Councilperson Simon stated that she is not comfortable with the conditions and implications on the wetlands. She expressed concern with the stormwater issues in the Township, and this subdivision’s proximity to the mobile park.  She stated it is her position is that she is not comfortable supporting the staff’s recommendation. Specifically, she noted the wetland implication of uprooting a whole ecosystem, the impact on neighborhoods that abut, the water, impacts on the wildlife, and that wetland mitigation is typically done outside of Cuyahoga County. Ms. Chaney answered that this was a highly modified environment with a golf course; the wetlands are not high-quality wetlands.  It was also noted the wetland mitigation was reviewed and being approved by the  U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and seconded by the Soil and Conservation District. County Planning defers to these entities’ expertise and has recommended conditional approval based on these requirements and recommendations.

On a motion by Mayor Byrne, seconded by Mayor Sellers, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by a vote of 10 for and 1, Councilperson Simon, against.

Resolution No. 200514-B
A Resolution Adopting and Recommending Approval to Cuyahoga County Council Comprehensive Amendments to the Cuyahoga County Land Development Regulations Article 1: Subdivision Platting Rules for the Unincorporated Areas of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, commonly known as the Cuyahoga County Subdivision Regulations.

Ms. Meghan Chaney stated that the County Planning Commission requests approval of the updates to County Council and acknowledged individuals to speak on behalf of the updates includes: Trustee Jeanne Kress of Olmsted Township, Trustee John Finley of Chagrin Falls Township (submitted written comment in advance of the meeting), Mr. Dave Marquard Design and Construction Administrator and County Engineer from Public Works.

Ms. Chaney stated that in accordance with Section 711.10 of the ORC, the Planning Commission shall adopt rules to govern the plating of subdivisions of the land falling within its jurisdiction. Cuyahoga County first adopted subdivision regulations in 1941 and those have been amended several times in the past 80 years, the latest amendment occurring in 2010.

She added that Staff Agencies involved in the reviewing the subdivision regulations included County Planning, Public Works, and Soil & Water Conservation District, Cuyahoga County Law Department, and recognized the need to update the subdivision regulations to:

  • Reflect the current form of County Government.
  • Streamline and simplify information regarding submission requirements and procedures.
  • Clarify areas of ambiguity.
  • Provide better defined processes for the review of Improvement Plans.
  • Include new requirements pertaining to environmental standards for developments; and
  • Update and establish fees to recover costs in administering the Subdivision Regulations. Public Works also spends a large amount of time reviewing construction and improvement plans, and so the update will also provide a fee structure to recoup some of those costs.

Ms. Chaney continued by stating that in 2017 the County Reviewing agencies began a comprehensive review to update the Subdivision Regulations. Once the agencies completed their review and edit, the draft was sent to the two (2) unincorporated townships in Cuyahoga County.  Both Olmsted Township and Chagrin Falls Township reviewed and provided comments that are incorporated into the proposed amendments and the document was presented for adoption.

Below are the proposed modifications generally reviewed by Ms. Chaney:

Chapter 101 General Provisions

  • New Section 101.2.E to reflect adoption of Complete Streets Advocacy by the County

Chapter 102 Definitions

  • New and amended definitions to reflect current form of County government and provide clarity in the interpretation and administration of the regulations

Chapter 103 Minor Subdivision

  • As part of overall re-organization, consolidated regulations pertaining to Minor Subdivisions to this Chapter
  • Various amendments to clarify and make more efficient the, application and review processes
  • Added section to clarify that compliance with Township and other applicable regulations is required for Minor Subdivisions

Chapter 104 Major Subdivision

  • As part of overall re-organization consolidated regulations pertaining to Major Subdivisions to this Chapter
  • Added a process chart (flow chart) to graphically illustrate the necessary steps to achieve approval of a Major Subdivision application
  • Various other amendments to clarify and make more efficient the application and review processes
  • Amended Section 104.4 to make the Preliminary Discussion (pre-application meeting) at the discretion of the County Planning Executive Director – currently it is at the discretion of the applicant
  • Added requirement for Hydraulic Analysis to understand and address post-development stormwater concerns
  • Clarified Section 104.6 submittal and review procedures for Improvement Plans and As-Built Plans, including the addition of fees for review of such plans and on-site inspection of construction activities

Chapter 105 Construction of Improvements

  • Various amendments to clarify and make more efficient the inspection, review, and bonding processes
  • Amendments to ensure compliance with Township and Federal regulations and processes

Chapter 106 Design Standards

  • Updated standards to reflect centralized mailbox requirement of the USPS
  • Re-organized standards for street trees as a new Section 106.5
  • Increased the open space requirement from 10% to 20% to align with local requirements

Chapter 107 Administration and Enforcement

  • Sections 107.3.C and D added to reference the fee schedule

Appendix

  • Removed Certifications and Statements from Appendix as it is an administrative resource developed to implement the Subdivision Regulations
  • Added Fee Schedule as an Appendix
  • Added the following fees:
    • Modification to Preliminary Plan Fee of $500
    • Extension to Preliminary Plan Fee of $250
    • Plan Review and Inspection Fees for Public Works Billed at Actual Cost

Next Steps

  • County Planning Commission review and consider adoption and recommendation of approval to County Council
  • County Council review and consider approvalCertified copy of the Subdivision Regulations recorded in County Fiscal Office

Staff of the County Reviewing Entities recommend adoption of comprehensive updates to the Cuyahoga County Land Development Regulations Article 1. Subdivision Platting Rules for the Unincorporated Areas of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and recommendation of approval to the Cuyahoga County Council.

Councilperson Brown asked what the procedure would be if there was opposition at the Council level. She added that Councilperson Gallagher is their district representative and looks at all the details so Councilperson Brown would like to get a head of any potential concerns. Mr. Leininger responded that if this moves for County Council approval and if there are any problems or concerns there may need to be conversations with the Planning Commission but ultimately County Council has authority over the ordinance. He added that depending what the issues are County Planning could help define a process as the issues arise. County Council could set a directive or there could be a back and forth to find solutions for particular issue or provide clarity to an issue. Councilperson Brown stated that she defers to Councilperson Simon for recommendations. Councilperson Simon stated that she cannot predict what will happen with the full body of the Council, but she is in favor of the recommended changes.

Councilperson Simon stated there are often required additional reviews or extensions, and if there should be a fee for that. Mr. Leininger answered that there were a couple of fees added and one is a $500 fee for modifications and $250 for extensions which is not common unless there are economic slowdowns. He added that the fees that Public Works can impose for their reviews and inspections, including reinspection’s, if needed, are at an hourly actual cost of time. Mr. Marquard explained that the fee structure was set up to collect 2.5 % of the estimated cost of the improvements, an amount that typically covers the cost of the plan reviews and site inspections. Public Works currently keeps track of all actual costs and will bill the developer relative to what the costs are. Some fees come right out of the collected fees, but if for some reason the subdivision takes repeated inspections and it surpasses that upfront dollar amount, there is the ability to collect more so that there is recovery of all actual costs incurred to manage the subdivision process.

Cleveland Planning Director Collier asked about the tree component to the revisions. He explained that the City of Cleveland recently passed a tree ordinance, and wondered would street trees be a requirement of developers when infrastructure is put in or is this revision more of an advocacy piece? Ms. Chaney answered that is a requirement, it has always been a requirement and, but the new regulations call it out. Developers will post a performance guarantee with a bond or a letter of credit stating that it will be performed because trees and sidewalks are typically put in after the home is built because of damage during construction. The list of trees to choose from has been updated making sure that they are appropriate trees, relatively native to the region for planting. Director Collier stated that the City of Cleveland had issues where the investment was being made but the trees needed to be replaced after a year or so because they were not surviving. Ms. Chaney explained that the trees are also required to be a certain caliber and width and have three (3) different species of trees so that is not a monoculture as well.

Olmsted Township Trustee Kress stated that Olmsted Township is very supportive of the new regulations and appreciate the collaboration that has taken place with Public Works, County Planning, and all the people involved. Trustee Kress was happy that Mr. Leininger and Ms. Chaney took the time to talk with the Trustees of Olmsted Township about any concerns which were addressed and are comfortable with the changes. She explained that this is a good time to get this done, with all the building in their township.

Chagrin Falls Trustee Finley thanked Ms. Chaney, Mr. Leininger, and Mr. Marquard for all the work done on the County Subdivision Regulations and respectfully ask the Planning Commission to adopt the updates.

On a motion by Councilperson Simon, seconded by Councilperson Brown, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 200514-C
A Resolution Approving Various Amendments to the Bylaws of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission.

Mr. Leininger gave some background on the bylaws. The proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission will be introduced and must be tabled to the next meeting which is currently scheduled for June 11, 2020.  He added that Article 11 of the existing Bylaws states that any amendment that is not mandated by federal, state, or county law cannot be adopted at any Regular Meeting at which it is introduced.

Mr. Leininger stated the current Bylaws were adopted in 2015 and recently, as the result of a vacancy in an Officer position, it was discovered that Officer vacancies could not be filled except at the organizational meeting which can only be held between January 1st and February 28th of each year.  As the Bylaws were being reviewed it also uncovered inaccurate references and inconsistencies with State Law and County Ordinances that have been adopted.

He continued by stating the purpose and intent of the Bylaw’s amendments are to clean up these inefficiencies and correct the references and processes that were not aligned with State Law or County Ordinances. Going through the changes there will be a reoccurring theme of correction to the current form of government in the County.

The following is a summary of the changes discussed:

Article 1 Authority

  • Amended to reflect current form of County government
  • Amended to provide appropriate reference to the Ohio Revised Code and County Code and Ordinance

Article 2 Definitions

  • Amended definitions to reflect current form of County government
  • For clarity, added definitions to define Officers and the ORC (Ohio Revised Code)

Article 3 Powers and Duties

  • Removed references to ORC Section 307.07 designating County Planning as the economic development office for the County – the County Department of Development serves this role
  • Removed reference to ORC Section 307.152 pertaining to the Board of County Commissioners form of government
  • Added reference to County Code pertaining to County Planning

Article 4 Regions

  • Updated reference to current County Ordinance pertaining to this matter

Article 5 Members

  • Various amendments to current applicable County Ordinances
  • Section 5.01 Number of Members; Selection and Appointment aligned with ORC 713.22 and County Ordinance O2015-0005 the process the Cleveland Region member is appointed
    The current Bylaws imply the Mayor of the City of Cleveland appoints the Cleveland Region member:
  • As established by the referenced regulations, the County Executive makes the appointment
  • The Mayor of the City of Cleveland nominates the member to the County Executive
  • Section 5.03 Member Vacancies clarified that member vacancies are filled for the unexpired term

Section 5.04 Alternates

  • Added reference to applicable County Ordinances
  • Amended the process to designate an alternate member in alignment with County Ordinances O2015-0004 and O2015-0005, as well as Section ORC Section 713.22
  • Section 5.06 Expenses clarified that expenses incurred by members and alternates must have prior approval of the Chairperson prior to incurring such expenses

Article 6 Officers

  • Section 6.05 Vacancies amended to allow replacement of vacant officer positions at the next regular meeting for the remainder the officer’s term

Article 7 Meetings

  • Clarified and amended days to mean calendar days, a consistent term versus business days
  • Section 7.03 Voting clarified that member abstaining is not required to state a reason
  • The following amendments were made to Section 7.04 Regular Meetings:
    • Amended the timeframe for agenda items to be submitted by members prior to a Regular Meeting to a minimum of ten (10) calendar days prior to the meeting date
    • Allowed meetings to be moved off-site from the regular place of business provided prior approval of the County Planning Commission is provided
  • Section 7.05 Special Meetings aligned notice requirements with other Sections of the Bylaws
  • Section 7.10 Conduct of Persons Appearing Before the CCPC was added to provide rules of conduct for persons appearing before the County Planning Commission

Article 9 Committees

  • Section 9.01 Establishment amended to define a procedure for the establishment of committees
  • Section 9.02 Abolishment amended to define a procedure for the abolishment of committees 

Mr. Leininger again stated that the County Planning Commission review and table the proposed Bylaw amendments to the next meeting. The Staff will make any changes or corrections as directed by the County Planning Commission and bring the amended Bylaws to the next meeting.

Cleveland Planning Director Collier asked for clarification on the nomination of members as part of Article 5 for better understanding. Mr. Leininger explained that the way that the Bylaws are currently crafted it reads that the Mayor of Cleveland appoints a representative to the Planning Commission. According to the ORC and County Ordinances that the eight (8) region members of the County Planning Commission are appointed by the County Executive. The nuance of the change is that the Mayor of the City of Cleveland will still give a recommendation, but it will go to the County Executive to make the appointment. Mr. Leininger stated that he is willing to have a meeting with Mayor Jackson and Director Collier if there are any further questions.

Councilperson Brown made the recommendation to add a timeframe for public speaking with the caveat that any extension be at the discretion of the Chairperson, the Council has a three (3) minute rule. Mr. Dever agreed that a three (3) minute rule would be sufficient and asked if other board members had any issues with a longer, shorter, or unlimited timeframe for public speaking. Mayor Sellers feels that three (3) to five (5) minutes is sufficient. Councilperson Simon had sent an email before the meeting stating that the public speaking timeframe could not be left wide open and three (3) minutes is a good time. Mr. Dever stated that the consensus looks like three (3) minutes should be added to the bylaws and the conversation can continue at the discretion of the Chair.

 On a motion by Mayor Sellers, seconded by Director Collier, the foregoing resolution was tabled for the next meeting on June 11, 2020, by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 200514-D
A Resolution Approving an Inter-Agency Agreement with the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works to Provide Planning and Technical Assistance.

Mr. Leininger stated that the County Planning staff is requesting approval of an Inter-Agency Agreement with the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works to provide planning and technical services.

The Inter-Agency Agreement is similar to current and past agreements with Departments of Sustainability, Development, and Public Safety & Justice Services. The agreement is requesting provision of planning and technical services in support of Public Works using a task order system currently used for other Public Works vendors. In the past County Planning has worked on GIS mapping, data analysis, pavement condition ratings, Lakefront Public Access Plan, and other similar activities for Public works. The contract is a two-year term beginning June 1, 2020, in an amount not to exceed $300,000. With the approval today the Executive Director will execute the agreement.

On a motion by Mayor Procuk, seconded by Mayor Sellers, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by unanimous vote.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Leininger reported Mayor Procuk has been reappointed to a three-year term ending March 2023 to represent the Cuyahoga Region (Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Independence, Newburgh Heights, Seven Hills, and Valley View).

He welcomed Melisa Fisco, Assistant Law Director, serving County Planning and replacing Stefanie Deka effective February 24, 2020. Ms. Fisco stated she is looking forward to working with County Planning.

Mr. Leininger thanked Spring Semester Co-Ops, Blake Woodruff and Bryson Odum for their time prior returning University of Cincinnati for their academic semester; their last day was this past Friday (May 8, 2020).

He continued by stating the City of Parma City Council adopted the Parma Town Center Strategic Master Plan and that in February County Planning executed and completed a contract (not to exceed $500) to assist City Staff with application review of a proposed mixed use development located in Master Plan boundary.  He thanked Mayor DeGeeter for continuing the relationship to work with the City of Parma.

Mr. Leininger shared that the Census 2020 Self-Response is still open and available and field offices are beginning to resume operations while a modified Census schedule is pending. There is a link on the front page of the County Planning website www.countyplanning.us to view the Census 2020 response rates. Mr. Kevin Leeson is working on a updates showing the current community response rates and Mr. Leininger will be sending that to all the members. He encouraged Planning Commission member to please continue to get the message out as participation is important.

Mr. Leininger gave a budget update explaining that as part of countywide reductions, and as a General Fund Agency, County Planning is working with the Office of Budget & Management on adjustments to the FY2020-21 Budget. A target reduction of 15% in each fiscal year plus a 10-day furlough for non-bargaining unit employees (all of County Planning staff) was requested. Approximately 93% of County Planning’s operating budget is personnel so finding ways to cut the budget without impacting employees is challenging. The following adjustments have been proposed:

  • Hold open budgeted, vacant positions (2 FTEs)
  • Suspend / Reduce Co-Op Program (2 FTEs)
  • Suspend Performance Based Pay Program
  • 10-day furlough effective April 26 continuing for next 21 pay periods
  • Hold release of 2020 Healthy Urban Tree Canopy Grant Program (coordinated with Department of Sustainability and County Executive)

Mr. Leininger also explained that County Planning serves as administrators of the State Infrastructure Program (DOPWIC) and Clean Ohio Conservation Program (NRAC). There could be potential reductions to these programs and its administrative funding which is being considered at the State House and could translate into a loss in revenue to County Planning.

Councilperson Simon stated that she understands that all the departments are targeting 15% reduction in expenses. She added that County Council also understands from hearings with the Executive and the Fiscal Office that these reductions are a recommendation not a mandate. Councilperson Simon wants to make sure that County Planning, as a semi-autonomous department, is not going to be hampered in a long-term way because of reductions.  The adjustments are good practice but not if they’re going to impact County Planning’s future operations- perhaps this is a target not a requirement. Mr. Leininger stated that it was presented as a target and that it will impact County Planning in the short term however that as part of a larger picture the proposal is not crippling.  The adjustments proposed are not meant to be permanent rather just put on hold temporarily. Councilperson Simon did not agree that the cuts should be part of this year as the budget from a Council standpoint and would like to have additional discussion on this at the next meeting. In Councilperson Simons opinion, reductions would be damaging to County Planning’s operating budget. Mr. Dever would like to wait until the next Council meeting after more information comes in the form of federal funding.

Mr. Leininger reported that County Planning is continuing with remote operations and is fortunate that most staff was already working from a laptop environment making the transition to remote operations easier. GIS required the most effort to transition given licensing and remote access security issues but allowed County Planning to continue to advance all its projects, though there have been some delays. Currently County Planning is working with client communities on alternative public involvement strategies in-lieu of mass gatherings of people for presentations, open houses, and information gathering exercises. Most importantly all of County Planning Staff are healthy and safe.

Finally, Mr. Leininger gave an update on the 2020 Community Planning Grant Program that will be released later this month. The 2020 program will build off the 2019 program and continue to offer a full suite of in-kind planning and technical services within the capabilities of County Planning; a minimum of $150,000 in in-kind services available to the County’s 59 communities through a competitive application process.  Communities should not hesitate to reach out if they have projects that need assistance.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

No comments from the public.

Councilperson Simon requested to have a wetland mitigation discussion added to the next meeting for provisions to have to the mitigation occur within Cuyahoga County. She would like to know legally if something can be required in the County for wetland mitigation.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Cleveland Planning Director Collier, seconded by Councilperson Simon, the meeting was adjourned with unanimous vote at 3:30 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 2020.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING ATTENDANCE
May 14, 2020

MEMBERPRESENT
Mayor Pamela BobstYes
Mayor Michael Dylan BrennanYes
Councilperson Shontel BrownYes
Mayor Michael ByrneYes
Mr. Freddie CollierYes
Mr. Michael DeverYes
Mayor Anthony DiCiccoYes
Mayor Michael GammellaYes
Mayor Michael ProcukYes
Mayor Brad SellersYes
Councilperson Sunny SimonYes