Cleveland City Council Plans Follow-Up On Firefighters' Complaints

The chair of Cleveland City Council’s safety committee said he plans more hearings after the firefighters union complained of poor conditions in stations and other problems.

Leaders of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 93 told council last week that too many vehicles are not in good condition. They also said there are problems with the fire stations, too.

Councilman Matt Zone, who chairs the safety committee, said he hopes that Cleveland’s forthcoming capital budget will put money toward fixing city-owned buildings.

“I am hopeful and optimistic in the next two to three years that we can deal with all of these basic issues like cockroaches, and backed-up sewers, and leaky roofs and doors that don’t shut and close properly,” Zone said in an interview.

Zone said he wants to hear from Chief Angelo Calvillo, but hasn’t scheduled the hearing yet. The union took a vote of no confidence in the chief this year.

In a statement, Mayor Frank Jackson’s office said the city is working to address maintenance problems and add staff to the fire investigative unit.

“Many of their concerns concerning capital and maintenance issues have already been addressed or are currently being addressed by the Department of Public Safety,” the statement read. “The City is confident in Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo’s capabilities and his commitment to the safety of the citizens of Cleveland.”