Not all 27 of Cleveland's Firehouses need repairs, but several have been long-scheduled for major rehabilitation, or replacement.
Budget issues aside, some members of the city council feel the work should be at least close to completion, but when it was learned that the Parks Department is only now putting out bids - 18 months after taking the task from the Safety Department, the disgust erupted, prompting a boisterous give-and-take between Ward 17 Councilwoman Dona Brady, and Parks and Recreation Director Michael Cox.
DONA BRADY: "So I want to know what is going on, and where is the money, and where are the repairs?"
MICHAEL COX: "We're in the process of bidding all the contracts... all of the repairs and renovations out... by this fall."
DONA BRADY: "You know how long I heard that this has been going out going out going out going out going out? It better BE out!!"
Other council members cited firefighters using their own cash for building upkeep, and living in horrendous conditions.
Councilman Zach Reed demanded answers about the Bartlett Avenue station in the Kinsman Neighborhood, which he said inspectors would condemn, were it any owner `other' than the city....
COUNCILMAN ZACK REED: "That station right now should be closed down - Period. No man or woman should be working in a building of that magnitude... period."
Bids for roofing, went out Tuesday.
Plumbing, cement, and general contracting bids will follow - but the work is still months away.
The council demanded updated reports by year's end on station improvements.
