CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland City Council has upheld Mayor Frank Jackson's veto of legislation banning use of social media to summon unruly and violent "flash mobs."

The council, which unanimously approved the legislation last month, reversed course and voted 14 to 2 Wednesday not to override Jackson's veto, his first since taking office in 2006. Only sponsor Zack Reed and Jeff Johnson voted yes.

The council adopted the legislation July 20, at a special meeting during summer recess. Reed said he wanted to head off the kind of trouble experienced by cities across the country, including some Cleveland suburbs.

His legislation would have prohibited use of cell phones and Internet sites like Facebook and Twitter to incite disturbances. Violations, which would follow disorderly conduct and other charges, would be a misdemeanor, punishable by a $100 fine on the first offense.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio said the measure was unconstitutional; city lawyers said it was unnecessary because Cleveland has other laws to punish violent and rowdy behavior.

Previous Plain Dealer coverage

Mayor Frank Jackson quashes new social media ordinance aimed at killing flash mobs (

Tell us what you think about flash mobs: Regina Brett (

Cleveland's social media ordinance threat to cycling safety, enthusiasm: Other Voices (

ACLU seeks repeal of Cleveland social media ordinance (

Cleveland City Council targets social media to curb flash mobs (

Council had to act Wednesday -- its first meeting since July 20 -- but did not discuss the question until hours before the deadline. Reed and Council President Martin J. Sweeney squared off at a morning caucus, each saying the other should have initiated debate.

Jackson has offered to work with the council on alternatives. Reed said he hoped to meet soon with Jackson's representatives.

"This is an issue that is clearly affecting our cities, our nation, our world," Reed said. "We can no longer put our heads in the sand."

Council also created a local historic district on the edge of University Circle, giving the city tight control over demolition and exterior renovation on 240 properties within the zone. The neighborhood, once home to Cleveland's industrial elite, is full of stately old mansions, many now converted to offices.

Johnson proposed the designation after Mt. Zion Congregational Church, at East 108th Street and Magnolia Drive, moved to tear down two houses that it has used as offices and meeting space.

Council also approved issuing up to $70 million in bonds to pay for improvements at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Included are a crosswind runway that planes will use when winds shift, renovation of the fa ade and ticket lobby, and electrical improvements intended to avoid a power failure like one that hit the airport in January 2010.

Follow Thomas Ott on Twitter @thomasott1