Family of Megan Keleman Thanks City as Drive-Through Bypass Lane Ordinance Is Adopted
Macedonia City Council on Oct. 22 adopted Megan’s Way Out, requiring bypass lanes at new drive-through facilities. Council also passed stricter rules for underground drilling in the right of way and narrowly approved changes to the homeowner exemption for building permits.
All five council members attended: Jessica Brandt, Sue Cummings, Matt Ferraro, Dave Finley and Council President Jeff Garvas. Mayor Nicholas Molnar presided. Members approved the Oct. 8 minutes, and no one spoke during public comment.
Megan’s Way Out Becomes City Law
Ordinance 48-2026 honors Megan Keleman, 25, of Stow. She was killed in 2024 while trapped in a single-lane drive-through at a Taco Bell in Stow. Her parents, Nick and Kelly Keleman, have since pushed for bypass lanes in cities across the region and statewide.
New drive-through facilities in Macedonia must now include a bypass lane at least 10 feet wide. Drivers must be able to leave the line and exit the property. The lane must also let police, fire and EMS vehicles pull alongside a car in line during an emergency. Clear signs must mark the lane.
The rule covers any business with a drive-through lane, not just banks, pharmacies and restaurants. The Planning Commission recommended that broader definition in September. Drive-throughs that pass through a building, such as some beverage carryouts, are exempt.
Before the final vote, council amended the ordinance one more time. Law Director Mark Guidetti said the changes remove retroactive application to existing businesses. Instead, an existing drive-through must comply only when renovation or redevelopment exceeds 50% of its value. Repaving a parking lot alone will not trigger the requirement.
Molnar thanked the family and council for their long work on the measure. Council passed it by voice vote. The mayor then presented the family with a keepsake in Megan’s memory that includes a copy of the ordinance.
One of Megan’s parents told council that Macedonia is their hometown. The family hopes other communities follow and that the requirement eventually becomes state law. Stow and Cuyahoga Falls passed similar rules in 2025. State Sen. Casey Weinstein introduced a statewide Megan’s Way Out bill that year.
New Rules for Underground Drilling
Council passed Ordinances 67-2026 and 68-2026 on the same night they were introduced, suspending the usual three readings. City Engineer Joe Gigliotti said the city has paused right-of-way directional drilling since the June 25 gas explosion in Twinsburg Township. That blast destroyed three homes and damaged dozens of others after a fiber contractor struck a gas line.
Ordinance 67 rewrites Chapter 905, which covers excavation permits. Gigliotti said the city did not always receive adequate drawings in the past. Applicants for gas, fiber, electric or telecom work, or any drilling or boring, must now submit plans prepared by a licensed surveyor showing every underground utility.
Other key requirements include:
- 3 feet of horizontal and 18 inches of vertical clearance from existing utilities
- Potholing at every utility crossing, plus every 50 feet along parallel lines
- No drilling if utilities are unmarked or mismarked
- A dedicated spotter with a remote kill switch for the drill rig
- Restoration of landscaping and sidewalks within seven days
- Both a cash deposit and a bond, held until restoration is complete
The permit fee rises from $50 to $100 per application and may be waived for residents. Gigliotti said emergency repairs are exempt.
Ordinance 68 updates Chapter 929 on utility corridors so it lines up with the new excavation rules. Fiber installers will still need a permit and may need a development agreement with the city. Potholing is now required wherever fiber crosses water, sewer, electric, telecom or gas lines.
Homeowner Permit Change Passes 3 to 2
Ordinance 61-2026 amends the homeowner exemption from contractor registration rules. It passed 3 to 2 on a roll call vote. Brandt, Ferraro and Garvas voted yes. Cummings and Finley voted no. No reasons for the opposing votes were stated during the meeting.
Council first amended the ordinance to its latest version. During the work session, those changes were described as confirming that homeowners may always pull permits for their own homes, even if they work in the trades. A signed acknowledgment form replaces a notarized affidavit. The latest version also removes the building commissioner’s discretion to waive the chapter’s requirements.
Anyone else working on the property who is employed in a residential construction trade must register as a contractor. The exemption also applies to owners doing work on property they rent out.
Assistant Building Commissioner Todd Allen said the language clarifies the difference between a homeowner and a tradesperson. It also lets the city tell homeowners about bond protection they would get by hiring a registered contractor.
Mayor’s Report
Molnar said he and Parks and Recreation Director Peter Eckendorf have chosen a candidate for an open Parks and Recreation Commission seat. He expects to present the appointment at the next meeting.
Reinecker’s Bakery was named business of the month. Molnar praised the family for its support of the city, saying they bring food to first responders after difficult incidents without being asked.
“They come with a tray of food to feed our first responders, no questions asked,” he said.
He also asked residents to keep leaves out of the street and gutters. Leaves washed into storm drains can clog them and flood homes. Collection is running ahead of schedule thanks to upgraded equipment, he said.
Trick or treat is Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Breast Cancer Awareness Month merchandise remains available at council meetings, with proceeds going to cancer research.
Department Reports
Service: Director Daniel Wilson said HVAC and plumbing at the new service building are about 50% complete. Office drywall and concrete work are nearly finished, and the salt barn is complete. Crews have collected about 141 yards of leaves so far, and pickup schedules are on the city website.
Engineering: Gigliotti said ODOT has scheduled full asphalt resurfacing at the Highland Road and Valley View Road intersection for next week. Drivers should expect delays.
Parks and Recreation: Eckendorf said Haunted Manor drew unexpectedly large crowds. The Longwood Manor Historical Society decorated the inside of the house, and Premier 1 Pool and Patio was the title sponsor. Winter Fest is Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with ice slides, reindeer, Santa and fireworks. Sponsorships are available.
Finance: Director John Veres said the city is still accepting Macedonia resident refund requests from residents with RITA extensions, even though the July 15 due date has passed.
Building: Allen said framing and rough inspections at the Holiday Inn Express are nearly complete. The four-story wood frame hotel is about four months behind schedule and is expected to be finished around February. Fire crews toured the building so they know its layout.
Fire: Assistant Fire Chief Paul Celinski said Santa will ride a fire truck through Macedonia Dec. 7 through 9. Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, a reminder to change smoke detector batteries and review home escape plans. Celinski also thanked Cummings and her husband. On Monday they found a neighbor’s fence burning near a large pine tree. They called 911, checked that nearby homes were empty and helped neighbors fight the fire with a hose and an extinguisher before crews arrived.
Police: Chief Vince Yakopovich said the police hiring list has 20 candidates and interviews are underway. A dispatcher entry exam was held during the meeting, with about 16 of 19 applicants taking it. Civil Service is expected to certify that list Oct. 27.
Committee Reports and What’s Next
The Parks and Recreation Commission held its last meeting of the year. It plans to apply for an award for the paved path around the park. The commission will move to meeting every other month, starting Jan. 20 at 6 p.m.
The Finance Committee meets before the Nov. 12 work session.
Council may also soon see a Planning Commission exception tied to a 115.6 acre wetland gift that will eventually come to the city. Read more: Wetland Preserve Moves Forward, Burlington Sign Sent Back and Tacos Mexicanos Withdraws in Macedonia
Watch the City of Macedonia Council Meeting Video Here
FAQs
What is Megan’s Way Out in Macedonia?
It is Ordinance 48-2026, which requires new drive-through facilities to have a bypass lane at least 10 feet wide. Drivers can exit the line, and emergency vehicles can reach cars waiting in it.
Does Megan’s Way Out apply to existing drive-throughs in Macedonia?
Only when a property undergoes renovation or redevelopment worth more than 50% of its value. Repaving a parking lot alone does not trigger it.
Who was Megan Keleman?
She was a 25 year old Stow woman killed in 2024 while trapped in a single-lane drive-through in Stow. Her parents started the Megan’s Way Out effort for bypass lanes.
Why did Macedonia change its directional drilling rules?
The city paused right-of-way drilling after the June 25 Twinsburg Township gas explosion. The new rules require surveyed plans, potholing at utility crossings, a spotter with a kill switch and bonds for restoration.
When is Winter Fest in Macedonia?
Winter Fest is Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with ice slides, reindeer, Santa and fireworks.
