Roll Call 

All commissioners were present:

• Yvette Ittu, president
• Bruce Rinker, vice president (attended virtually) 
• Dan Moore, vice president

Also present was Rosalina Fini, Chief Legal & Ethics Officer, offering insights from the organization’s leadership perspective

The meeting began promptly at 8 a.m. Here is the meeting agenda.

The meeting minutes from the Aug. 21  meeting were approved.

Financial report was given by CFO Wade Steen

Construction spending

During August, the parks saw about $10 million in construction costs, reflecting continued investment and improvements across the system. At the new sailing center, about $800,000 was spent, while Metroparks spent about $680,000 on the Hinckley Lake Dam Rehabilitation. 

Property taxes

Property tax collections are down $1.5 million (1.6%) compared to 2024, a notable shift from projections that anticipated 1% to 1.5% growth this year. This decline is largely due to record-high delinquency rates across the county. Efforts are underway by the county to address this, including tax lien sales and more aggressive collection strategies. On a brighter note, the Cleveland Clinic made $350 million worth of property subject to property taxes, which could boost future revenue.

Zoo operations

Despite some weather-related revenue dips, expenses increased by only 2.9% year to date, keeping costs largely under control despite inflation and rising healthcare expenses. 

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Golf courses

Year-to-date, golf revenue is up 1.4%, with courses like Mastick Woods and Shawnee Hills performing better than last year. Even heavily construction-impacted courses such as Seneca are holding their own, demonstrating resilience during upgrades.

Enterprise operations

Revenue dipped slightly due to some closed operations, but Steen praised management for their effective cost control and fiscal discipline, highlighting the team’s ability to navigate challenges while maintaining financial stability.

New business/CEO’s report

During the new business and CEO’s report portion of the meeting, the board reviewed and approved a series of key action items, bids and contracts, as seen on the agenda.

Some business approved included:

• The 2025 Budget Adjustment No. 8 and the authorization of the 2026 tax levy amounts and rates were approved to ensure ongoing financial stability and project funding.
  
  
• The board also adopted the updated Dignity and Respect for All Policy, authorized submission of a grant application for the Harrison Property acquisition in Hinckley Reservation, and awarded two contracts to Great Lakes Construction Co. for work at Irishtown Bend Park and the Lakefront Reservation.
  
  
• In addition, the board reviewed and approved tabulations and awards for various bids, RFPs, co-ops, and single-source purchases, including an amendment to RFP #6499 for comprehensive banking services, awarding a bid #6958 for roadway, parking lot, and trail asphalt improvements, awarding RFP #6967 for cash logistics, and awarding a single-source purchase of a benchtop gas analyzer for the zoo. Purchases under by-law provisions and construction change orders were also approved, along with vouchers and payroll (Resolution No. 25-09-133) and approval of Arborwear only (Resolution No. 25-09-134).

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Cleveland Metroparks 2025 Reservation Plan Updates

Presented by Metroparks Chief Planning and Design Officer Sean McDermott

• In 2025, Cleveland Metroparks is updating master plans for Brookside Reservation, Garfield Park, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Washington Reservation, and West Creek Reservation. These updates occur roughly every 10 years to ensure plans reflect community needs, environmental sustainability and improved accessibility. The planning model includes community input.
  
  
• For Brookside Reservation. Metroparks is focused on circulation improvements, trail connectivity, playground and picnic upgrades, and enhanced access to the zoo. Updates at West Creek Reservation include expansion into the former Parmadale property (“High Point Park”) with new trails and a pavilion, while Washington Reservation added nine acres with ongoing sewer construction through 2027. All parks will host community engagement activities to gather feedback on ideas and priorities.
  
  
• During the presentation, Board President Yvette Ittu asked about project timelines, and McDermott emphasized transparency and completing projects in a timely manner. 

Property tax concerns and plans to address them

Metroparks Chief Operating Officer Joseph Roszak said property tax delinquency remains a critical challenge, with significant implications for 2026 budget planning. To maintain financial stability and ensure commitments to key projects, hard budget decisions may be necessary. At the same time, the Metroparks team is exploring new revenue streams, including a potential revisit of facility reservation fees, to help offset shortfalls and support ongoing operations.

Public comments 

During public comment, the only speaker was Marty Lesher of Olmsted Township, who voiced concerns over the Metroparks’ rising project expenses and questioned how the Cleveland Metroparks can remain sustainable under tight budget conditions. She also raised skepticism about the Irishtown Bend Project, suggesting it could attract the wrong crowd.

These notes are by Documenter Mikayla Coleman.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalcleveland.org  with “Correction Request” in the subject line.