Cleveland City Council meeting recap

A heated exchange over freedom of speech temporarily interrupted Monday’s Cleveland City Council meeting, prompting Mayor Kevin Brooks to call a recess and consult with the city attorney.

During public comments, resident Misty Parks confronted Brooks over remarks she claims he made about political messages displayed on her vehicle. When Parks began discussing national political issues, Brooks interrupted her, questioning whether her comments were appropriate for a city council meeting.

Parks challenged the mayor’s authority to restrict her speech, prompting Brooks to call a recess and meet privately with City Manager Joe Fivas and City Attorney John Kimball.

When the meeting resumed, Brooks invited Parks back to the podium, explaining that, under the city charter, comments must be limited to matters on the council’s agenda or within its jurisdiction.

Parks continued her remarks, criticizing government officials and raising concerns about proposed data centers.

Later in the meeting, council members questioned Kimball about their authority to restrict profanity and disruptive behavior during public comments.

Kimball explained that while citizens have a right to address their local government, the mayor has authority to maintain order. He also said the council could establish reasonable rules governing public participation.

Councilman Bill Estes suggested treating the incident as an isolated occurrence rather than immediately adopting new restrictions. No changes to public comment rules were approved.

Cleveland City Council also voted unanimously Monday to fund a new traffic signal at the intersection of North Lee Highway and Sequoia Drive, following an appeal from Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson.

Lawson appeared during the council’s work session, expressing concerns about dangerous traffic congestion near North Lee Elementary School.

He said the school has approximately 470 students, but only about 55 ride buses, creating significant traffic backups during afternoon pickup.

The county is already developing a new access road around the school to move waiting vehicles off public streets, with construction expected to be completed before the next school year.

Council members agreed, voting to fund the signal while ensuring the intersection’s design accounts for future development and potential turning lanes.

The motion also included provisions allowing the city to seek reimbursement through the Hardwick Farms tax increment financing agreement.

Cleveland has also secured approximately $600,000 in grants for downtown improvements and roadway safety.

City Manager Joe Fivas announced a roughly $300,000 downtown improvement grant that will help businesses make exterior improvements, including repairs to awnings, windows, and building facades. Funding will also support downtown signage and landscaping.

A separate $300,000 federal Safe Streets and Roads grant will fund a comprehensive traffic safety action plan.

The study will examine traffic volumes, crash data, and dangerous intersections throughout Cleveland, helping the city prioritize improvements and qualify for additional federal funding.

Officials hope to complete the safety plan by July, potentially opening the door to millions of dollars in future transportation grants.