Committee approves NEORSD easements and utility repair and conservation agreements

The Finance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee on May 11 approved a trio of utilities measures affecting waterways, sewer repair coordination and low‑income household utility conservation.

Ordinance 453‑2026 authorizes deeds of easement to the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) across city property along the Mill Creek Corridor for the Karouche Basin restoration. The director of public utilities described the easements as a donation to NEORSD to allow restoration and streambank erosion work on a project estimated at $67,000,000; staff said they would continue outreach to affected wards and that construction is expected to continue through 2031.

Ordinance 455‑2026 authorizes a two‑year repair agreement with Cuyahoga County for storm and sanitary sewer repairs the county performs and the city reimburses. The division of water said it budgets roughly $60,000 annually as a contingency to reimburse county costs when city work damages outside infrastructure.

Ordinance 804‑2025 authorizes agreements with CHN Housing Partners to provide energy, water and sewer conservation services for low‑income homeowners; the director said the city budgets about $900,000 per year for these affordability services and that CHN has provided the services in partnership with the department.

Staff described outreach commitments to neighborhoods and said the easement and repair authorizations are intended to improve regional water infrastructure and help low‑income residents manage utility burdens. The committee approved all items as presented.