Cleveland City Council met and announced Monday evening that they will be offering a $25,000 reward to the individual who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the parties responsible for the arson of Councilman Joe Cimperman's home. Cimperman's Tremont area home caught fire last Monday, and was later ruled to have been an arson.

Council President Martin J. Sweeney has begun gathering funds in support of the Cimperman family. So far he has raised $5,000, and is pledging $25,000, which will go to fund the reward City Council is now offering.

The fire at Cimperman's home last week was ruled arson after it was determined that a liquid accelerant was used to start the fire on the second-floor porch of the house. Cimperman and his family resided on the second floor, while they had tenants living below on the first floor. Both the Cimpermans and the tenants below were able to escape the blaze unharmed.

Another act of vandalism was committed against Cimperman over the weekend. His wife's car was broken into and encircled with dog feces.

A fund has been set up to help the family. Those interested in helping out can make a check out to the Cimperman Family c/o Tremont West Development Corp., 2406 Professor Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113.

Anyone with information in this case should call the Cleveland police or Crime Stoppers immediately.