The Cleveland City Council on Monday unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase sanitation fees for individuals living in apartments and reduce the fee for homeowners and businesses.

Also, the council passed a motion that the city of Cleveland end red light camera enforcement as of March 31.

That comes after the firm that supplies the cameras said it was not making any money on the operation.

On the sanitation fees, City Manager Janice Casteel explained that people living in apartments currently pay $1.97 a month for sanitation services, whereas homeowners pay $7.04. With the ordinance, homeowners’ and businesses’ sanitation fee would be reduced from $7.04 to $6.95 each month, and those living in apartments would have an increased sanitation fee to match that of homeowners.

Though the fee would put everyone on equal footing with regard to monthly sanitation fees, not everyone felt the change was necessary.

“It’s hard for me to believe that $7.04 per residence is justifiable in this manner,” said audience member Dennis Smith. “When we moved in (an apartment), waste services were included.” Mr. Smith said he does not live in an apartment, but pays the bills for his wife, who does live in an apartment in Cleveland. He said it seemed the city was trying to double-dip into his wallet.

To Mr. Smith’s comments, Council Member Richard Banks suggested touching base with the landlord about an appropriate adjustment in rent.

During the meeting, Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland swore in the Cleveland Police Department’s newest officer, Walter DeWitt Rogers, and the council approved the consent agenda, which included the following:

Resolution No: 2010-22 - 2009 Tax Refund; Robert Fisher ($57.00).

Resolution No: 2010-23 - 2009 Tax Refund; William Reynolds ($4.00).

Resolution No: 2010-24 - 2009 Tax Refund; Walter Bargin ($335.00).

Resolution No: 2010-25 - 2009 Tax Refund; Joe Rodgers & Associates Realty ($287.00).

Resolution No: 2010-26-2009 Tax Refund; Southern Heritage Bank ($226.00).

Resolution No: 2010-27 - 2009 Tax Refund; Estate o f Richard Hogan ($124.00).

Resolution No: 2010-28 - Authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Cleveland Housing Authority for the provision of supplemental police services.

Resolution No: 2010-29 - A resolution for Congressman Zach Wamp listing the top projects requiring federal assistance.

Resolution No: 2010-30 - A resolution for Senator Lamar Alexander listing the top projects requiring federal assistance.

Resolution No: 2010-31 - A resolution for Senator Bob Corker listing the top projects requiring federal assistance.

Appointment - Naming Henry Craig as the first alternative to replace Bob George.

Other business that occurred included a resolution honoring Bradley Central High School and Cleveland High School wrestling programs for finishing in first and second place in the Division I AAA Dual Wrestling Tournament over the last three years.

The Cleveland City Council will meet again on Feb. 22 at 2 and 4 p.m.

daniel@danielkbrantley.com