Council approves settlement for firefighters’ union

Attendees:

Find the agenda and other materials for this meeting here. 

Public comment took place before the meeting. Notable topics  raised included gun violence, racial inequities faced by the African American community in terms of property taxes and energy prices, and the harsh treatment of palestinian prisoners.    

The business portion of the meeting began promptly at 2:23 p.m.

Roll call was taken followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 All Cincinnati City Council members were present:

• Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, vice mayor
• Victoria Parks, president pro tem 
• Anna Albi
• Jeff Cramerding
• Mark Jeffreys
• Evan Nolan
• Meeka Owens
• Scotty Johnson
• Seth Walsh

 The minutes from the previous meeting were approved and filed without objection. 

Mayor Aftab Pureval introduced two resolutions before beginning addressing the business items of the meeting. 

Item 4: 

Council Member Seth Walsh, along with the mayor and all council members, introduced a resolution recognizing the Lincoln Ware Walking Club for 25 years of promoting health and community engagement in Cincinnati. The resolution, submitted by City Solicitor, Emily Woerner, expresses the appreciation of the mayor and council for the club’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of city residents.

Walsh invited the Lincoln Ware Walking Club to the front to present the resolution, highlighting their work in encouraging the community to walk together each Saturday since June in Winton Woods. He also noted that it is the longest Black-led walking club in the nation.

Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney recognized how large the walking club has grown and emphasized the sense of community it fosters, providing a meaningful place to gather on Saturday mornings while promoting health. Kearney also commended Lincoln, who, alongside her husband, successfully completed the entire 107-mile walk from Cincinnati to Columbus. She congratulated them on this accomplishment.

Council members congratulated the Lincoln Ware Walking Club and noted the positive influence they have had on the community by improving health and creating a welcoming space that fosters connection.

The resolution was passed.

Item 5: 

Item 5 was a resolution recognizing Frank “Bo” Wood III for his leadership, creativity, and commitment to using his platform to positively impact Cincinnati. Wood died in July at age 83.

The resolution, submitted by the city solicitor, highlighted his media innovations and his role in creating the Riverfest fireworks celebration, and expresses the appreciation of the mayor and council for his contributions to the city.

Walsh invited Frank Wood’s son and wife, Pete and Karen, to the front to present the resolution. Pete offered a few brief remarks in response to the resolution.

Pureval then invited comments from council members. Kearney and Council Member Scotty Johnson acknowledged the hard work and impact of Frank Wood, congratulating his family members. 

Council Member Anna Albi shared memories of growing up in Cincinnati and attending the Labor Day fireworks, recalling how her father always searched for the best view, trying every tactic possible. She thanked Pete and Karen for the memories the event created with her family and said it gave her a reason to brag about Cincinnati. “Thank you for making my childhood so special,” she added.

Council Member Evan Nolan reflected on how meaningful it is that one of Cincinnati’s greatest traditions, the Riverfest fireworks, is free and open to all. He noted that people travel from miles away to attend, creating a true celebration of community that has continued since his own childhood. He thanked the Wood family for their role in making this legacy possible.

Council Member Jeff Cramerding highlighted the innovation of WEBN under Frank Wood’s leadership, noting it was one of the first FM stations in Cincinnati and among the first in the country to compete with AM stations like WSAI. He also gave special recognition to the Fool’s Day Parade as another memorable contribution.

Pureval then called for the passage of the resolution as a rising vote in honor and respect of the late Frank “Bo” Wood III. 

The resolution was passed. 

Pureval noted that items 1-3 and 6-22 are as indicated. 

He then presented two motions: 

Item 23: 

Item 23 was a motion directing the city and the Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48 to create a new leave code specifically for follow-up appointments related to an employee’s prior occupational cancer diagnosis. The balance is on file with the Clerk’s Office.

Item 24: 

Item 24 was a motion authorizing the city administration to settle the lawsuit and subsequent appeal related to the Labor-Management Agreement between the City of Cincinnati and the firefighters union. The motion further directs that the financial impact of the settlement be covered through Fiscal Year 25 closeout funds.

Item 23 was discussed. 

Cramerding, drew on his background as a public sector labor lawyer, and emphasized the importance of collective bargaining in resolving disputes. “Our city employees are critically important, they make the city run, and public safety is our number one priority,” he said.

Kearney thanked the mayor, City Manager Sheryl Long, and Johnson and Walsh for their leadership. She said a coding issue had previously forced firefighters to use sick leave for cancer treatments. “This is just a technical thing that had to be fixed,” Kearney said. She also noted the importance of prevention, sayingow early screenings at no cost are vital. “We appreciate our firefighters. You deserve all of this and more.”

Council Member Meeka Owens expressed gratitude to both the administration and the union for working together through negotiations. She emphasized that the outcome demonstrates Cincinnati’s commitment to supporting first responders and reflects efforts that go beyond what other cities have done.

Walsh raised concerns about the state-mandated process that requires initial rejection of cancer claims, cautioning it could undermine employee trust. Council Member Mark Jeffreys echoed the concern, noting the 30-day rejection period can be especially difficult for employees. Both he and Nolan emphasized the value of respectful dialogue between the administration, union and council in resolving the issue.

Item 23 was passed. 

Item 24 was discussed. 

Long explained the background of the case, outlining the administration’s approach to recent contract negotiations with both the fire and police unions. Firefighters received across-the-board raises of 5-4-3 percent over three years along with enhanced health benefits, making them among the best compensated in Ohio. Police received the same base raises, but due to challenges with recruitment and retention, their contract also included a new “Police Officer 2” grade with higher pay for experienced officers.

The fire union argued that the “me too” clause in their contract entitled them to the same additional benefits granted to police. An arbitration ruling left the matter unclear, prompting the city to appeal due to budgetary concerns. Long emphasized the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while also acknowledging the importance of compromise with the union to reach resolution.

Albi and others thanked both the administration and the union for their time and efforts, stressing the need to balance employee well-being with the city’s financial stability. Mayor Pureval personally thanked Local 48 representatives for their advocacy and public service, reaffirming council’s commitment to resolving the matter fairly.

Item 24 was passed. 

Item 25: 

The city manager introduced an ordinance authorizing the payment of $438.16 from the Clerk of Council General Fund non-personnel operating budget to Cincinnati Copiers Incorporated, dba ProSource, for printer and copier services provided from June 1 through June 30, 2025. The payment is supported by a then-and-now certificate from the director of finance. 

Item 25 was brought into suspension

Item 25 was passed. 

Item 26: 

Long  introduced an ordinance authorizing herr to execute a development agreement with Atrium Tower One, L.P. and Acabay Atrium Two, L.P. The agreement pertains to the redevelopment of the Atrium One building at 201 E. Fourth St. in the Central Business District into approximately 200 residential rental units. The city’s assistance includes rebates of a portion of service payments in lieu of taxes related to a proposed 30-year property tax exemption for improvements, as well as rebates tied to a previously authorized tax exemption.

Item 26 was brought into suspension.  

Cramerding said this is another significant development for Cincinnati, emphasizing that office-to-residential conversions downtown are helping address the housing crisis and creating a vibrant urban core. He highlighted that this project represents an investment of $102 million and adds 200 new units to the downtown area.

Walsh said the developers previously completed the Mercantile project downtown, which has seen successful lease-ups. He praised the Mercantile project as a creative preservation and restoration effort.

Nolan and Council Member Mark Jeffreys pointed out that when combined with other recent conversions – including Carew Tower, Mercantile, and Macy’s – the city has added over 1,100 new residential units downtown. They emphasized these projects are reshaping the central business district into a thriving residential community, and set the stage for the upcoming downtown development plan.

Nolan and Albi noted that while housing development is needed across all neighborhoods, investor interest downtown demonstrates strong demand for urban living. They expressed excitement about the new units helping address that demand.

Albi also praised the city for leading in office-to-residential conversions and highlighted the appeal of Cincinnati’s amenities and vibrant community. She credited strong leadership and vision for making projects like Atrium possible.

Kearney added that the development includes mixed-income units and thanked the developers for ensuring inclusive housing opportunities downtown.

Item 26 was passed. 

Item 27: 

Long introduced an emergency ordinance establishing a new capital improvement program project account, “Fleet Replacements – Obsolete,” to acquire automotive and motorized equipment using proceeds from the sale or subrogation of obsolete equipment. The ordinance also authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $49,192.90 from the unappropriated surplus of the miscellaneous permanent improvement fund to the new account. 

Item 27 was brought into suspension. 

Item 27 was passed. 

Announcements:

Pureval concluded the business portion of the agenda and sought announcements from Long.

Long highlighted the 2025 Community Shares Giving Campaign, noting that city employees raised over $37,000 to support social justice, environmental, and animal welfare organizations—the second-highest total in the campaign’s 27-year history. She also announced the winner of the “City Cutest Pet” contest: Finch, a senior pit bull rescued in Walnut Hills, with proceeds benefiting Cincinnati Animal Care.

Kearney introduced and recognized new personnel, including Anthony J. Covington, the city’s designated clerk of council, who is training to take over from the retiring clerk, Melissa Autry.

Albi observed the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, honoring families affected by homicide and noting recent city efforts to provide trauma-informed support to youth impacted by gun violence.

Nolan promoted “Demo Day” for the Paved the Way Innovation Lab, an initiative in partnership with the University of Cincinnati exploring new ways to identify and repair potholes in the city.

Johnson acknowledged the city’s ongoing efforts to prevent violence and support affected communities while criticizing state and federal inaction on gun control, emphasizing the contrast between local initiatives and broader national policy.

Pureval adjourned the meeting.

These notes can be found on documenters.org.

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