City Also Advances Road Projects And Renews Senior Programs During Aug. 27 Meeting
Macedonia City Council opened its Aug. 27 meeting with a proclamation honoring a police dispatcher, then gave first reading to legislation known as Megan’s Way Out, an ordinance requiring new drive through facilities in the city to include a bypass lane. Council also authorized road grants, renewed several senior service programs and ratified a labor contract during the session.
Council Honors Dispatcher For Life Saving Call
Mayor Nicholas Molnar opened the meeting with a proclamation recognizing Macedonia Police Dispatcher Rebecca Elias for her role in a June emergency call. Elias helped guide a caller to a missing three year old autistic child who was later found safe in a swimming pool. The mayor said he had listened to the call and described her composure as remarkable.
“I love doing my job. I love serving the city that I also live in,” Elias told council.
Fire Chief Brian Ripley and Police Chief Vince Yakopovich each praised the city’s dispatch staff, saying the department is fortunate to have a highly trained team. Both officials noted that dispatchers often serve as the first point of contact during the most frightening moments of a caller’s life.
Family Pushes For Drive Through Safety Ordinance
Nick and Kelly Keleman of Stow addressed council in support of Ordinance 48, which would amend the city’s zoning code to require a bypass lane next to any new drive through lane. The couple has been advocating statewide for the change since their daughter, Megan Keleman, was killed in 2024 while trapped in a single lane Taco Bell drive through in Stow.
Kelly Keleman told council her daughter had no way to escape once the situation escalated. Nick Keleman said he was on the phone with Megan when the attack occurred and believes a second lane would have allowed her to get away.
The couple is also pushing state lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 264, a statewide version of the law known as Megan’s Way Out. They said several other Ohio communities, including Ravenna, Akron and Twinsburg, are considering similar measures.
Council voted to refer the Macedonia ordinance to the Planning Commission for review before a final vote. Molnar said he does not expect opposition and plans to attend the Planning Commission meeting personally.
Council Approves Labor Contract And Pay Change
Following a closed door executive session, council ratified Ordinance 50, a three year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 436 covering 2026 through 2028. Council members said negotiations concluded smoothly and called the agreement reasonable for both sides.
Council also passed Ordinance 49, which raises the pay grade for the city’s communications and records supervisor position from Grade 8 to Grade 9.
Road Projects Move Forward With Grant Applications
Council approved three resolutions authorizing grant applications through the Ohio Public Works Commission. The city will seek outside funding to resurface North Bedford Road, a mile and a half stretch between State Route 82 and Ledge Road. Engineer Department Director Joe Gigliotti said the road has become rough and is due for repaving.
A second resolution allows the city to enter a consent agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of State Route 8 from Macedonia Commons Boulevard north into Northfield Village. Construction is scheduled for 2028, with the city responsible for 20 percent of the cost, an estimated $230,000.
Council also authorized a grant application to reconstruct the south end of Empire Parkway near Highland Road, where officials said heavy truck traffic has damaged the roadway. The project includes building a turnaround at the road’s dead end.
Separately, council approved a $191,255 contract with Grade Line Inc. for phase two of the Iroquois Trail drainage project, which will replace undersized storm sewers along the trail.
Senior Programs Renewed For Fall And Winter
Council renewed a trio of senior assistance programs for residents who fall under a set financial threshold. The measures cover snow removal at $22 per visit, a subsidy for trash collection and a gutter cleaning program through Gutters and Beyond. Officials said the gutter program is capped at 15,000 dollars total.
Mayor Highlights Grants And Upcoming Projects
Molnar reported that Macedonia received two state grants secured with help from State Representative Steve Demetriou. The funding includes 125,000 dollars for pickleball courts at Longwood Park and 65,000 dollars for accessibility improvements to the park’s playground.
The mayor also said the city’s new service building is on track for completion by the end of the year, and noted that Miniso, a new retail store, recently held a soft opening that drew a strong crowd. He also thanked staff for a successful employee health fair and senior expo held in recent weeks.
Department Reports Cover Parks, Safety And Growth
Parks and Recreation Director Peter Eckendorf said Longwood Park’s netting and fencing project is complete and credited Veterans Fence for the work. The recreation center will close for its annual shutdown beginning next week, during which crews will resurface the lap pool, perform deep cleaning and add 12 new treadmills. The center is set to reopen Sept. 8 with new scheduling software.
Assistant Building Commissioner Todd Allen said the city has completed several occupancy inspections in the last 30 days, including one for Diamond Dogs, a new baseball training facility expected to open soon. He said a Buffalo Wild Wings Go is also nearing completion, along with the Divinity Landing apartment project, a 54 unit complex on Valley View Road that is aiming for occupancy approval soon.
Fire Chief Ripley addressed a chemical incident at Royal Chemical that prompted a shelter in place order north of Route 82. He said the incident was benign from a public safety standpoint and urged residents to rely on official city channels rather than social media for updates. Chief Yakopovich echoed that message and said the department is currently hiring additional dispatchers and patrol officers.
Meeting Schedule Adjusted For Fall
Council set dates for three finance committee meetings this fall, to be held before regular work sessions on Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. Council also voted to cancel its Nov. 26 and Dec. 24 meetings due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
