Also, Mayor Putting Together Plan to Address Aging City Structures
By Emily Chesnic
Macedonia Fire Department paramedics are being praised for quickly identifying a patient was experiencing stroke symptoms and acting, notifying University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center of the situation immediately, and ultimately, saving a life.
At the March 25 regular meeting of City Council, Fire Chief Brian Ripley applauded the efforts of his crew, as they recently were called to a local business concerning a man possibly having a stroke.
Ahuja also is honoring the department, as well, for assessing the situation speedily, accurately diagnosing the stroke and providing appropriate care.
“Our squad did an amazing job and quickly identified every sign of a stroke. They had Ahuja Medical Center activate their stroke team and did everything they could in route,” the fire chief said.
Ripley’s crew arrived at the scene in about 10 minutes and quickly got the patient to Ahuja where a CT scan was performed.
Ripley said the patient originally had no movement on his left side and could not speak. However, the chief spoke with the patient this week, telling him he could feel the clot being pulled out during the procedure.
“The gentleman now is doing well and is very happy and his family is happy,” he reported.
The patient had been missing work because he was sick but returned to work that Friday when the stroke symptoms came on. Had he stayed home, his family would not have been there to get him help, said Ripley.
“Going to work saved his life,” he said. “I am so proud of our staff.”
Macedonia’s paramedics recently were honored by Ahuja for their efforts, with the hospital presenting them with an “Excellence in Care” award.
“Our paramedics have the training, recognized the problem and saved that man’s life. How amazing and how good of a job they do,” said Mayor Nick Molnar.
Also, at the meeting, the mayor presented City Council with photos, showing the deteriorating conditions of the city’s structures, specifically at the Service Department.
He said four out of the five buildings the city owns are in “desperate need” of repair, with some buildings now becoming a “safety issue.”
Molnar told Council members he soon would provide a presentation to further explain the city’s needs and ideas he has to fund the building projects.
“We have done the best we could with what we have, but you can only patch what you can, and we are at the point of it being a problem,” he said. “We need something new to accommodate us.”
Molnar is confident the city can move forward with plans without asking the taxpayers to fund the work needing done.
“I have no intention going to the voters. I believe there is a funding mechanism to do this. We will be talking about it more in the future,” he said.
Parking Lot Project at Recreation Center
The City of Macedonia is moving forward with plans to repave the parking lot at the Macedonia Family Recreation Center, 1494 E. Aurora Road, and may possibly add handicap parking spots at the facility, as well.
“This lot has needed attention for quite some time, and I am happy to say we can fund it and take care of it,” Molnar has said.
The project is slated to begin in mid-May, as bids for the project are being collected.
Due to the project, the recreation center is moving its scheduled August closure to take place during this time.
Recreation Director Jason Chadock said the project likely would take two weeks, so he is working on a plan to still offer exercise opportunities while the paving takes place, especially between May 17-23.
Permit for Snowmobiles and Other Vehicles
Additionally, at the meeting, Council heard the second reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s codified ordinances relative to the operation of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, and all-purpose vehicles.
Law Director Mark Guidetti said the existing ordinance is being revised to clarify that a permit to operate a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle only is valid for one year. After a year, a vehicle owner must reapply for a permit.
Other Meeting News:
• Council will not hold the regular meeting scheduled for April 8, as it coincides with spring break, and will next convene for a regular meeting April 22.
• Council approved to have Molnar renew a contract with the Ohio Municipal Joint Self Insurance Pool for liability coverage for the second year of the three-year contract.
• Council approved a contract renewal with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, wrapping up negotiations with four of the city’s five unions.
• Council held an executive session at the end of the meeting to continue to talk about a matter regarding a public employee or official, with no action taken on the issue following the session.