MACEDONIA, OH — With Mayor Nicholas Molnar traveling for an energy conference, Council President Jeff Garvas presided over a session focused on two major pieces of legislation affecting residential life in Macedonia.
Short-Term Rental Debate (Ordinance 86-2025)
Council held a second reading for Ordinance 86-2025, which currently proposes a ban on short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb. However, the debate shifted toward a permitting model rather than an outright prohibition.
-
A “Solution in Search of a Problem?”: Council noted that Macedonia only has two active STR properties on major platforms. Members expressed a strong hesitation to restrict how residents earn income from their private property.
-
Public Safety History: Police Chief Vince Yakopovich provided a detailed account of an incident from approximately eight years ago. A party at a secluded rental property grew so large it became uncontrollable, resulting in weapons being drawn and damage to the home.
-
Alternative Path: Law Director Mark Guidetti discussed the “Hudson model,” which uses a strict 7-page permitting process including annual fire inspections, occupancy limits (e.g., two people per bedroom plus three), and a 24/7 local contact requirement.
-
Outcome: Council decided to hold the ordinance to allow the Law Department to draft a version focused on permitting and regulation rather than a ban.
Domestic Animal Limits and “Jennie’s Gems” (Ordinance 85-2025)
The council discussed Ordinance 85-2025, which would limit the combined number of dogs and cats on a residential property to six.
-
Ed Neval’s Context: While Ed Neval of the rescue Jennie’s Gems did not speak at this meeting—having previously addressed council on January 22, 2026—his situation remained the primary catalyst for the bill.
-
Expert Support: A letter of recommendation from Scott Peterson, a store leader at Pet Supplies Plus, was read into the record. He praised the rescue for its “unwavering commitment” and high standard of animal health.
-
The Nuisance Factor: Law Director Mark Guidetti noted that despite the owners’ efforts to remediate the property—including ripping up carpet and wood framing—the odor from housing 109 cats remains a significant nuisance to neighbors.
-
The “Third Layer” Concern: Council members voiced concern about adding a third layer of regulation over state and county agencies (Humane Society and Health Department) and emphasized they do not want to “write legislation for one person”.
Infrastructure and Budgetary Actions
-
Ledge Road Storm Sewer (Resolution 8-2026): Council authorized City Engineer Joe Gigliotti to begin plans and bids for a storm sewer project on Ledge Road. The project will replace a dangerously deep roadside ditch and address erosion. It is budget-neutral, funded by NEORSD community cost-share dollars.
-
Indigent Defense (Ordinance 10-2026): Council authorized an agreement with the Summit County Public Defender’s Commission for 2026. The per-case fee for representing indigent persons was set at $250.00.
-
2026 Road Program: Service Director Dan Wilson highlighted that Macedonia has resurfaced 86.2 lane miles since 2015. The 2026 program is moving toward the bidding phase.
Departmental Highlights
-
New Business: Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3) has submitted plans to move into Suite 36 at Macedonia Commons.
-
Service Complex: Groundwork is moving forward on the new Service Center, and staff recently held an all-day “page turn” meeting to finalize construction details.
-
Winter Maintenance: January saw 24.2 inches of snow, well above the 18.4-inch average.
