Recent events involving the Cleveland Police Department led to an overflowing audience at Tuesday’s Cleveland Board of Aldermen meeting.

Two residents had made arrangements to be placed on the agenda.

Cornelius Redmond was on the agenda to speak about the TASER incident that occurred in July and Sheila Rodger was on the agenda to speak about an incident that occurred in her yard.

However due to the subject matter, both Redmond and Rodger were asked to speak in executive session.

Redmond asked that in the future if the board would notify him of the procedure before hand as to whether or not the information he would like to discuss would be in open session or executive session.

According to the board’s attorney Jamie Jacks, at the time Redmond made his request to speak before, the city had not received an intent to file suit for the wrongful death of 30-year-old Jermaine Williams, which merited holding anything in regard to the matter in executive session.

At the close of the meeting as the aldermen were given the opportunity to give their final remarks, Alderman Robert Sanders said, “To all the citizens that came out tonight, I have had an opportunity to speak to some of you one-on-one and some in a group. I want you to know that I’m listening.

“When you all elected this board, you said that you believed that this would be one of the best boards the city of Cleveland has ever had,” said Sanders. “Keep believing that.

“We will be open with you and we will remain approachable,” he said. “I don’t have all the answers but I will find them.

“Just continue to believe in this community and support it,” said Sanders.

“I would just like to add on to what Robert has said,” said Alderman Maurice Smith. “I realize your concern and share your pain.

“Please understand that because of the legality of the matter we can’t discuss it with you,” said Smith. “But please know that everybody is concerned.”

“Absolutely, I totally agree with that,” said Mayor Billy Nowell.

Resident Robert Johnson asked if the board was going to answer any questions from the community members present.

However, because of the legality of the TASER incident that occurred in July, the board members were not able to answer any questions from members of the community.

As the board began discussing whether or not there was a need to go into executive session, a member from the audience, Synobia Jackson, asked Nowell, “Why don’t you address the community mayor? We’ve heard from Robert and Maurice. When are we going to hear from you?

“We feel like you should address the community mayor,” said Jackson.

“I am just as concerned as everybody else,” said Nowell.

“Can you address us now,” said Dextric Williams, the oldest brother of Jermaine Williams.

Nowell said because there is a potential lawsuit pending against the city and two of its officers, he is not able to address the community at this time.

“You don’t have to discuss the case,” said Darryl Williams. “We just want to hear from you.”

Nowell said that he will address the public at the proper time.

Jacks said she has advised the mayor and members of the board not to discuss the matter because it is still under investigation and there is a pending legal matter against the city.

“We are not asking that they discuss the case,” said Williams. “But can you address us, can you express your condolences to the community?”

Alderman Kirkham Povall asked Nowell to setup a meeting with the community and maybe arrange for some of the aldermen to be in attendance as well.

Nowell said he is just as concerned as everybody but will wait until a later date and a more appropriate time to address the community.

The board did go into executive session to discuss legal matters, personnel and to allow Redmond and Rodger speak.

However Rodger had left the meeting.