Council Meeting Highlights

Apr 01, 2024

Cleveland (April 1, 2024) - City Council held its regular meeting tonight, both in person in Council Chambers and live streamed. Council's next meeting will be Monday, April 15th. There is no meeting on April 8^th. (Reminder it’s Eclipse Day.) Here are today’s highlights:

Refinancing Debt for Savings: Council approved four pieces of legislation that allows the city to refinance bond debt the city had taken out that can be refinanced at a lower rate over the next three years. The aim is to obtain debt service savings or restructure the City’s outstanding debts for a lower rate. Ord. Nos 315, 316, 317 and 318-2024.

First Step of Hopkins Masterplan Renovation: Council approved the city to go out for $175 million in revolving lines of credit and/or other short-term debt. This debt will be fully paid for by the airlines who agreed to fund first phase of Hopkins International Airport’s master plan at a cost of $175 million. The initial $175 million encompasses limited construction and more detailed planning on the master plan which will ultimately remake and renovate the airport. Ord. No. 319-2024

Introductions:

Restrictions on sports team owners: Legislation was introduced, sponsored by Councilman Brian Kazy, directing the city’s Law Director to fully enforce a state law passed in 1996 - after the Browns announced a move from the city - that puts conditions and restrictions on sports team owners who use tax-supported facilities and receive financial support from the city. The so-called “Art Modell” state law was sponsored by then-state senator Dennis Kucinich in response to the team moving to Baltimore. The Browns lease on the city-owned stadium is up in 2028. Ord. No. 391-2024