Mayor talks mask mandate, ‘right in/right out’ project
By Emily Chesnic
“Yes, you should have a mask on, but no, the police should not enforce it,” says City of Macedonia Mayor Nick Molnar.
During his report, at the July 23 regular meeting of City Council, Molnar discussed Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent order, requiring Ohioans to wear a mask while in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The mandate went into effect July 23 at 6 p.m..
Prior to DeWine’s official order, Macedonia was asked by Summit County Public Health to enact legislation that would have put the city in a position to enforce a mask mandate, said Molnar.
Macedonia had not moved forward with the requested legislation because having it in place could take the police department’s attention away from more pressing situations in the community, said the Mayor.
“If we were getting calls to our 911 system, these would tie up our officers and would cause a big problem down the road. It is just not feasible for us to enforce,” he said of the mask mandate.
However, if a business needs the police department to respond to an incident regarding people refusing to leave a property, upon being asked to do so because they are not wearing a mask, that establishment can call for help, explained Molnar.
“This is the extent of what the police would do,” he said during the work session, held just prior to the regular meeting. “It is a touchy subject. Society is torn on this subject right now.”
The Mayor said it is Summit County Public Health’s duty to enforce the governor’s mask mandate. He encouraged those with concerns in the city to contact Public Health at (330) 923-4891.
Molnar also recommends if someone sees someone else in the city not wearing a mask to remember that some individuals are medically exempt from wearing one.
“I would like everyone to wear a mask, but please don’t approach those we are not wearing them,” he said.
Molnar said, regarding COVID-19 and the mask mandate, “This is all for our safety. We need to be cautious with this thing. It is very dangerous.”
In reference to the mask mandate, Police Chief Jon Golden said Macedonia is responding in the same manner other police departments are in Summit County. He affirmed his department would step in when businesses have customers not wearing masks and refusing to leave their establishments.
Also, during his report, Molnar shared “great news” with Council. He said the “right in/right out” project in the city would begin July 27 and cause “minimal traffic delays.” Motorists would be informed when longer delays may happen during the project’s construction period, which is expected to last a few months, said city officials.
The project consists of the construction of a “right in/right out” access drive, off of Route 8, which will provide a right entrance into and a right exit out of the Macedonia Crossing/Golden Link Shopping Center area, said Molnar. The new access drive will be located between the Chipotle and Culver’s.
“This is a very safe method to get people in and out of that area,” said the Mayor.
He added the access drive would allow the city’s emergency services to access the area more quickly, as well.
Also, at the meeting, Molnar announced the city’s new Recreation Director, Jason Chadock, assumes the role on Aug. 3.
“We are excited to have him,” said the Mayor.
Councilmember Jessica Brandt said a tentative Parks and Recreation Board meeting is set for Aug. 19 at 6 p.m., with the location still to be determined. She said the new director would take part in the meeting.
The following also took place at the regular meeting, which was held virtually:
Public Hearing
At the start of the meeting, a public hearing was held regarding a proposed ordinance approving the plan of operation and governance for the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council’s (NOPEC) Natural Gas Aggregation Program for the purpose of jointly establishing and implementing a gas aggregation program as a NOPEC Member II.
NOPEC officials took part in the public hearing to explain the pending legislation, which would allow customers, especially new Macedonia residents, wanting to opt into the gas aggregation program, to do so sooner than they can currently. Approving the plan of operation and governance would expedite the process that now can take several months to accomplish, explained Nicole Harris of NOPEC.
“This doesn’t interrupt the program, it just improves customer service,” she said.
Legislation
• Council adopted an ordinance to create funds able to house federal COVID-19 relief money. The approved legislation allows Macedonia to receive federal funds through House Bill 481 and a second source of relief funds through Summit County.
Director of Finance John Veres told Council the COVID funds could be used to cover the cost of pandemic related supplies, including hand sanitizers. However, he said there is a “gray area” concerning if the funds could be used to cover police and fire wages for COVID-19 related activities. The U.S. Senate is meeting next week to clear up the “gray area” of the CARES Act, said Veres.
• Council also approved an ordinance to acquire property at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 9080 Shepard Road. Molnar said the city is purchasing the land for $1 for the purpose of installing a catch basin on site to alleviate flooding issues in the area. He said the project has been in the works for a lengthy period.
Once in possession of the property, the city will seek public bids for the construction, said City Engineer Joe Gigliotti.
• Additionally, Council authorized a contract with NES Corporation for the resurfacing of Highland Road.
The Mayor said the city received five sealed bids for the project, with NES being the lowest and best bidder, with the bid being $253,861. He said a portion of the project would be paid with grant funding.
“Many who travel this road will be happy when this is completed because it is a little rough at this point,” Molnar said.
• Also, Council approved a motion officially to accept a donation of live plants, valued at $250, from Home Depot. The plants already were placed at City Hall and in the parks.
Department Reports:
Fire Chief Brian Ripley
Fire Chief Brian Ripley announced crews are starting to perform hydrant flushing in the city. After flushing takes place in an area, the water may turn brown. Ripley advises letting the water run until it is again clear.
City Engineer Joe Gigliotti
City Engineer Joe Gigliotti announced Summit County would be looking into an “historic sewage overflow problem” in the community this fall, at no cost to the city or residents. He said virtual public meetings likely would take place so residents know more about the inspections they would be doing in the area, specifically along streets and on properties located uphill from Berkshire Drive.
Service Director John Hnottavange
Service Director John Hnottavange announced a recent shredding event held at Longwood Park, through Summit ReWorks, was a success.
He also applauded work taking place at the Veterans Memorial Park, by the Veterans Committee.
Hnottavange said the concrete has been laid for the walkways and grading work and the mulching of flower beds also are taking place.
