Cleveland Law Library Weblog

Nancy A. Fuerst Elected New Cuyahoga CP Administrative Judge

As they do every November pursuant to local rule, the Judges of the Common Pleas Court for Cuyahoga County have elected a new Administrative Judges. This year, it is Judge Nancy A. Fuerst, whose term will begin on January 1, 2010. 

Contracts for Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center Approved

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Cuyahoga County has approved $29 million in contracts for construction of a new Juvenile Justice Center. Approval had been delayed based on allegations of corruption in the bidding process, but some of the work on the Center has already begun, with the hope of opening in 2011. The PD indicates that the County postponed its vote until receiving a clean bill of health from a former federal prosecutor the County hired to review all of the bid, appraisal and contract documents. Interestingly, the PD column ends by stating that the County changed its bid process in the last few weeks despite the fact that the contracts were also cleared as part of a large federal investigation.

Cuyahoga County Landbank and Website Are Up and Running

The Cuyahoga County Landbank, which began operations on July 22, 2009 now has a website that is up and running at http://www.cuyahogalandbank.org/ The Land Bank's official title is the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation (CCLRC), as authorized by Ohio's General Assembly and approved by Cuyahoga County this May. The self-proclaimed purpose of the Land Bank is to "help return vacant and abandoned properties in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to productive use." Its goals include revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting economic growth, and creating jobs. It can acquire and demolish abandoned buildings to remove nuisances. The Land Bank can also deconstruct buildings for re-use and recycling and encourage urban agriculture.

Cuyahoga County Jail Overflowing with Inmates Awaiting Trial

The Cuyahoga County Jail is overflowing with inmates awaiting trial.  According to the Plain Dealer, some judges have as many as 61 inmates awaiting trial. Ohio Revised Code Section 2945.02 contains time limits for trying criminal defendants.

Ohio Judges Create Manual on the Local Budget Process

The Ohio Judicial Conference has issued a Manual on the Local Budget Process to help judges deal with local funding authorities about budget issues. The Manual helps to explain what is considered "reasonable and necessary" for the operation of the courts and provides advice to judges who end up in "budget squabbles." Specifically, the Manual provides guidelines and techniques for communication between judges and county commissioners and outlines a process for mediating conflicts.

Law Library VP Appointed as Cuyahoga County Grand Jury Foreperson

Judge David Matia of the General Division of Cuyahoga County's Common Pleas Court recently appointed the Cleveland Law Library's Vice President, Carla Tricarichi, as 1 of 3 grand jury forepersons. In this role, she will lead grand jury deliberations to determine whether there is probable cause that a felony has been committed in Cuyahoga County. Mrs. Tricharichi is in private practice at her own firm, where she handles employment matters and workers compensation issues. Mrs. Tricarichi was the President of the Law Library from 2003-2006.

Two Cuyahoga County Public Health Agencies Will Merge By July 1st

What Cuyahoga County residents now know as separate boards for alcohol/drug addiction and mental health will soon be merged into a single Board to be known as the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County. This new Board will become official on July 1, 2009 and will contract with providers to deliver public mental health, alcohol and other addiction services to County residents. The new Board's consolidation plan is available on the Internet. According to Crain's Cleveland Business, the new Board will have a combined budget of $166 million and 83 staff members.

State Auditor Issues Performance Audit of Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office

The Ohio Auditor of State has issued a Performance Audit that is not too welcome news for the staff of the Cuyahoga County Recorder's office. The report suggests that the local office wastes over $1 million a year and employs too many employees who make more than their counterparts in other Ohio counties. The report makes specific recommendations for reducing the number of staff, consolidating job functions, reducing wage increases, creating a staffing plan and job descriptions, and implementing a formal hiring process. Former Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Lillian J. Greene, who is the new County Recorder, will certainly have her work cut out for her implementing appropriate changes pursuant to this report. Click here to read the State Auditor's Press Release, and click here to read an article about the report from Crain's Cleveland Business.

Ohio Completes Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced yesterday that it has completed a "Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System," also known by the acronym SACWIS. This web-based system will be used by all of Ohio's child welfare workers to determine eligibility, conduct case management, and administer adoption, foster care and child protection serivces. Interestingly, Cuyahoga County was the last county to connect to the network that began with Muskingum County in August of 2006. The system, which is the first of its kind in the nation, will be available 24x7 and will connect all of Ohio's child welfare agencies with agencies in 26 other states that are already using the system.

Local Law Firm Sues Over Use of Its Name on the Internet

A large law firm based in Cleveland has sued BlockShopper.com (a source for online real estate news) for alleged trademark infringement over use of the law firm's name when two (2) firm lawyers bought expensive condos in Chicago, Illinois. According to a news article from Cleveland.com, the law firm does not want any connection to be made between its firm and the news source, whether by an online mention or a hyperlink to the firm's website. BlockShopper.com counters that it has the right to post public information under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution. Interestingly, the article indicates that Cuyahoga County real estate information will soon be available on the news source's web site. Both the Cuyahoga County Recorder and Auditor already provide detailed, real property information online.