By Emily Chesnic
The City of Macedonia is taking steps to have the parking lot at the Macedonia Family Recreation Center, 1494 E. Aurora Road, re-paved and some more handicap parking spots possibly added.
At the March 11 regular meeting, City Council authorized City Engineer Joe Gigliotti to prepare plans, bids and specifications for the parking lot project and Mayor Nick Molnar to advertise for bids.
“This lot has needed attention for quite some time and I am happy to say we can fund it and take care of it,” said Molnar.
Residents have contacted the mayor, asking if more handicap parking stalls could be designated at the center. Molnar said the city may have the ability to provide the additional parking spaces as part of the project. He said the center currently only has a few spots for handicap parking close to the front door.
“The added handicap parking would be a benefit to the folks who utilize the facility,” he said.
The city would seek bids for the repaving work and alternate bids for the repaving and creation of more handicap parking stalls, said Gigliotti. He told Council the city likely would pay around $300,000 for the repaving. He was not sure how much extra it would cost to add the additional parking spaces.
Finance Director John Veres said the city would use money in the Capital Improvements Fund for Public Lands and Buildings to pay for the project.
Gigliotti said the center would move its scheduled August closure to May to coincide with the paving project.
Recreation Director Jason Chadock said the May closure would keep facility members from having to maneuver around a construction zone and allow time for indoor maintenance improvements to be done at the center. During the closure, he said members could take advantage of the outside fitness opportunities that will be offered.
Collective Bargaining Agreement
Also, at the meeting, Council approved ratifying the collective bargaining agreements for police sergeants and patrolmen for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 with the Ohio Patrolman’s Benevolent Association (OPBA).
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the process, but Molnar told Council he is happy they can move forward for three years without having to go through negotiations.
The sergeants and patrolmen will receive a 2 percent pay increase for 2020, a 2 percent pay increase in 2021, and a 2 percent pay increase in 2022, the mayor said.
Dog Waste Ordinance
At the meeting, Council also approved legislation concerning the proper disposal of dog waste in the community.
Last month, Council introduced the ordinance – a recommendation made by the police department’s prosecutor – addressing dog waste deposited on private property.
Law Director Mark Guidetti said the legislation will require a pet owner, when off his or her own property, to remove droppings from private properties, public streets, sidewalks, pathways, parks, and public facilities.
If found in violation of the ordinance, someone could now be charged with a minor misdemeanor and a fine of up to $150, he said.
Police Chief John Golden said his department will do what it can to enforce the ordinance.
Permit for Snowmobiles and Other Vehicles
Additionally, at the meeting, Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s codified ordinances relative to the operation of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, and all-purpose vehicles.
Guidetti said the existing ordinance was added a few years ago, and it is being revised to clarify that a permit to operate a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle is only good for one year. After a year, a vehicle owner must reapply for a permit, he said.
Mayor’s Report
In his report, Mayor Nick Molnar announced Panda Express, a fast-food, Chinese restaurant, is looking to locate at the site of the former Golden Corral Buffet location, 8261 Golden Link Blvd.
“They are interested in the building and would be new to the city,” said Molnar. “People talk about wanting different things in the community.”
In addition, he told Council there is interest in the former Pizza Hut building in the community, with the city to know something more about what is going to locate there next month.
“Things are wrapping up for a tenant for the building,” he said.
Molnar also said work on the new Raising Cane’s is going well, with the drive-thru chicken fingers restaurant to open in late May.
In his report, the mayor also announced the city is working with Nordonia Hills City School District on a creative art mural project near the railroad bridge on state Route 82, westbound.
“There is just a big, blank canvas there now,” he said.
Some concepts for the mural are being discussed now and the project likely could be done in the next couple of months, said Molnar.
The mayor additionally said the city has obtained a Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council grant to switch to LED bulbs to reduce electricity usage and bring about financial savings in the city.
Also, Molnar said shade structures now are being erected at Longwood Park, with a drainage project also taking place on the property. He said concrete will be put down and bleachers added at Field B, as well.
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