Cincinnati City Council will return from summer recess on Sep. 8.
Here are a few of the ordinances, motions and discussions to expect within the first couple weeks.
Surveillance technology
Council unanimously passed a motion on Sep. 10 requesting an ordinance to put limits on surveillance technology like license plate readers and drones. It's not yet clear whether the eventual ordinance will have majority support, however.
Council member Anna Albi introduced the motion. She says surveillance tech is a "hot topic" and that these tools are important to solving and preventing crime.
"But we need to balance that need with ensuring we're protecting our citizens, frankly, from government overreach and abuse of these very powerful technologies," Albi said, adding this motion is intended to start a larger discussion.
The motion requests a report and presentation from city administration within 30 days with an overview of how the city uses cameras, drones, and license plate readers.
Cincinnati does not use Flock Safety technology, but contracts with Axon for body cameras and license plate readers. The city put out a Request for Proposals about a year ago, indicating the Cincinnati Police Department is undergoing a five-year expansion; the RFP sought quotes for installing 30 to 50 cameras throughout the city. Submissions are under review, according to the city website.
The motion passed this week also requests a draft ordinance that would establish a surveillance use policy, limit data sharing and storage, require an annual "state of surveillance" report, and require City Council approval of related contracts.
Learn more about the motion and Council member concerns: Cincinnati considers restrictions on surveillance technology
Chronic nuisance bars, restaurants and nightclubs
City administration introduced an ordinance during Council's only summer meeting in early August. It would add bars, restaurants and nightclubs to the city's existing chronic nuisance law for multi-family properties.
The measure passed through committee without objection, even after a couple Council members expressed concern about racially biased enforcement against Black-owned businesses.
When the ordinance came up for a full City Council vote later in the week, Council heard public comment from some Black business owners, as well as a representative of the Cincinnati NAACP. Council ended up holding the item instead of voting.
You can learn more about the ordinance in WVXU's previous reporting: Council delays vote on ordinance for city oversight of 'chronic nuisance' bars and restaurants
Council voted Sep. 10 to return the ordinance to the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committe.
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney introduced a motion requesting a report within four months with a deep dive on how the ordinance would be implemented, plus an analysis of bars and restaurants closed within the past three years because of "actions by the city of Cincinnati."
"The analysis should include a determination of whether there is a pattern of racial discrimination and/or a disproportionate impact on establishments that are either Black-owned or have a predominantly Black clientele," the motion says.
The motion was not on the calendar Sep. 10 for referral to committee. A spokesperson for Mayor Pureval's office says it was held at the Vice Mayor's request.
Affordable housing development in Westwood
In early August, City Council delayed a vote on a proposed affordable housing development at the former Western Hills Sports Mall.
The project has support from the Westwood community council, where the site is located. It borders West Price Hill, and that community council opposes it, citing concerns about public safety and concentrating poverty.
Council's Housing and Growth committee heard public comment on the measure. Chair Mark Jeffreys says he delayed a vote to give the city time to develop a broader strategy for the region.
Jeffreys has introduced a motion asking the administration to work with the community councils and the organizations Homebase and Price Hill Will to develop a "proposed framework for developing a medium- to long-term neighborhood investment strategy centered around the proposed LDG development."
Parking lot, garage security ordinance
Multiple versions of an ordinance to increase security requirements in public parking lots and garages could be up for consideration soon.
Earlier this year, Pureval delayed discussion on the original proposal, which was put forward by the city administration. He said several parking operators contacted City Council and the mayor’s office to express concern about costs, especially related to fencing and cameras.
Pureval filed his "B version" of the measure last month.
The original version requires fencing or other barriers around parking lots, and security cameras at every entrance and exit. Pureval's version says lots can have cameras covering the full perimeter instead of fencing. Both versions require more lighting and regular reports to the city about crime.
There will eventually be a "C version" up for consideration. Council members Meeka Owens and Seth Walsh are working on version with additional compromises.
"I am interested in making sure that something offered in the future, potentially, would achieve both of those things — not compromising on safety while also listening to our stakeholders," Owens told WVXU.
It's not clear when the "C version" will be ready.
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