Clinic Officers Given Increased Authority

The February 2, 2015 Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Council President and Ward IV Councilwoman Mary Louise Madigan. The first order of business was to excuse Councilman Tom Bullock (At-Large) who was absent.

Next, Council reviewed a Public Safety Committee report from Councilman Bullock. The report described two meetings held to discuss a proposed ordinance that would allow Cleveland Clinic officers to operate with limited, but extended policing powers within their facilities in the city. Information was provided showing that similar agreements are already in use in Cleveland, Euclid, Mayfield Heights, Garfield Heights, Independence, and Avon. The report also states that a number of questions from Council were addressed, but no information into the content of those questions was included.

Before voting on the ordinance, Councilman Sam O'Leary stated that he would not be supporting the passage of the ordinance. He said he was present at the first of the two committee meetings held on the topic and he was not convinced by Chief Easthon of Cleveland Clinic, nor by Chief Malley of Lakewood that the agreement being sought is with the best interest of the residents in mind. He felt uncomfortable that Chief Easthon said that this was part of a push to get similar agreements passed by all the communities in which they operate facilities, and that it is primarily a cost-saving measure, not a safety issue. He questioned the need for full enforcement officers in whatever future facility Lakewood ends up with, with the downgrading of Lakewood Hospital, especially since many other doctors offices and medical facilities operate without their own private police force. He also wondered why the Clinic couldn't achieve the same effect by hiring more Lakewood Police officers, a practice in which is already in place. As for the reporting of crimes, he is unconvinced by the information which he has seen that the that the city and the public would be notified in a timely manor. The reporting standards also seem vague and not up to par with what is expected by the City's Police Division.

Councilman David Anderson (Ward I) also made a statement. He said he appreciates a lot of the points Councilman O'Leary makes, however he felt most of his concerns were abated and answered in the second meeting. His main concern was how the intersection between Clinic and City officers would work, but he felt it had been adequately answered.

Councilwoman Madigan said that she agreed with Councilman Anderson and has full faith in the assessment by the Police Department and the Chief.

Council proceeded to pass the ordinance with 5 for and 1 against.

Next, Director of Public Works, Joe Beno, asked Council to consider an ordinance that would update current practices in notifications of deficient sidewalks. The City has a new system that streamlines inspections, notification letters, and citations, however the current ordinance requires specific notification types that are out of date and inefficient.

Council referred the ordinance to the Public Works Committee for consideration.

With no further agenda items, Council President Madigan adjourned the meeting at 7:57 P.M.

Christopher Bindel

I have been a Lakewood resident my entire life and have been covering the Council meetings for the LO since March of 2009. I am a Mayoral appointee to the Citicens Advisory Committee, a Council appointee to the Board of Zoning Appeals, I am on the Board of Directors for Pillars of Lakewood, and president of Eaters of Lakewood.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 4:51 PM, 02.17.2015