Committee backs Digital C funding, scraps old fiber deal and approves a set of utilities contracts
May 14, 2026 | Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
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The City of Cleveland utilities committee on June 20 cleared several measures, including authorization of payments to Digital C for household Internet subscriptions and digital‑adoption services, repeal of a 2023 fiber development agreement with Sci Fi Networks Cleveland LLC, and emergency contracting for proprietary water treatment valves.
Digital C funding and oversight: the committee approved ordinance 6232026 to fund approximately $2.35 million for new household Internet subscriptions and $2.0 million for digital-adoption services for 2025 under a five‑year performance contract. Staff described recent internal-audit site visits and a plan for quarterly review. The chief said the city will pair internal audit with its urban analytics team to provide automated, data-driven quarterly reporting. "We're gonna have to trust her ... that she's gonna help you guys through this and guide everybody in the right direction," the chair said in acknowledging staff oversight plans.
Council members pressed Digital C and staff over prior changing performance numbers and asked for customer-satisfaction surveys to be included in quarterly reports. Josh, a Digital C representative, said the organization welcomed additional time to clarify questions and appreciated the committee’s cooperation.
Repeal of prior fiber agreement: the committee also approved ordinance 6302026 to repeal the 2023 development agreement with Sci Fi Networks Cleveland LLC, which staff characterized as dormant and unlikely to proceed. City staff said repealing the prior contract clears the way to pursue other broadband partners while preventing an unvetted contractor from trenching in the city right-of-way without permits.
Other approvals: the committee approved an emergency requirements contract (5512026) with North Coast Process Controls Inc. for proprietary actuator valves used across the water distribution system, budgeted at roughly $200,000 annually; staff said the specialty valves are proprietary and replacement would otherwise void warranties. The committee also approved 624‑2026 related to lead-line removal funding and an ordinance to construct bicycle and pedestrian improvements with a CMAQ grant (12182025), which includes fleet EV charging for refuse trucks (not public-facing chargers).
Public comment: Reverend Pamela M. Pinkney urged the committee to redirect resources to help seniors, disabled people, veterans and single parents facing rising utility costs and to favor competitive bidding so small and women-owned businesses can compete. The chair responded that the utility world contains proprietary suppliers but said the council shares the concern about equity and will continue outreach.
Votes at a glance: ordinances 624‑2026, 5512026, 12182025, 06202026 (solar projects) , 6302026 and 6232026 stood approved by the committee; the clerk was instructed to sign up the ordinances for further processing.
Next steps: staff will provide quarterly performance updates on Digital C, additional design details and community engagement plans for bike/ped projects, and follow-up briefings as procurement and contract work proceed.
Digital C funding and oversight: the committee approved ordinance 6232026 to fund approximately $2.35 million for new household Internet subscriptions and $2.0 million for digital-adoption services for 2025 under a five‑year performance contract. Staff described recent internal-audit site visits and a plan for quarterly review. The chief said the city will pair internal audit with its urban analytics team to provide automated, data-driven quarterly reporting. "We're gonna have to trust her ... that she's gonna help you guys through this and guide everybody in the right direction," the chair said in acknowledging staff oversight plans.
Council members pressed Digital C and staff over prior changing performance numbers and asked for customer-satisfaction surveys to be included in quarterly reports. Josh, a Digital C representative, said the organization welcomed additional time to clarify questions and appreciated the committee’s cooperation.
Repeal of prior fiber agreement: the committee also approved ordinance 6302026 to repeal the 2023 development agreement with Sci Fi Networks Cleveland LLC, which staff characterized as dormant and unlikely to proceed. City staff said repealing the prior contract clears the way to pursue other broadband partners while preventing an unvetted contractor from trenching in the city right-of-way without permits.
Other approvals: the committee approved an emergency requirements contract (5512026) with North Coast Process Controls Inc. for proprietary actuator valves used across the water distribution system, budgeted at roughly $200,000 annually; staff said the specialty valves are proprietary and replacement would otherwise void warranties. The committee also approved 624‑2026 related to lead-line removal funding and an ordinance to construct bicycle and pedestrian improvements with a CMAQ grant (12182025), which includes fleet EV charging for refuse trucks (not public-facing chargers).
Public comment: Reverend Pamela M. Pinkney urged the committee to redirect resources to help seniors, disabled people, veterans and single parents facing rising utility costs and to favor competitive bidding so small and women-owned businesses can compete. The chair responded that the utility world contains proprietary suppliers but said the council shares the concern about equity and will continue outreach.
Votes at a glance: ordinances 624‑2026, 5512026, 12182025, 06202026 (solar projects) , 6302026 and 6232026 stood approved by the committee; the clerk was instructed to sign up the ordinances for further processing.
Next steps: staff will provide quarterly performance updates on Digital C, additional design details and community engagement plans for bike/ped projects, and follow-up briefings as procurement and contract work proceed.
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