City will be collecting bids for Valley View drainage project
By Emily Chesnic
Editor’s note: see city council meeting video at the end as well as the planning and the BZA meetings videos from the same week.
By Emily Chesnic
Nine handicap parking spaces are being added by the front door of the Macedonia Family Recreation Center, fulfilling a request often made by residents.
At the April 22 regular meeting, City Council approved a $223,385 contract with Perrin Asphalt, of Akron, to repave the lot and designate more handicap spaces at the center, 1494 E. Aurora Road, with the work to begin mid-May.
While the facility will shut down for a week for the repaving, it may be open for the second week of the project, with arrangements still in the works, stated Recreation Director Jason Chadock.
Council also approved an approximately $750,000 contract for the repairs of streets as part of the city’s 2021 road program. City Engineer Joe Gigliotti said the city will resurface Iroquois Trail, from Apache Run to Shoshone Trail; Iroquois Trail, from Shoshone Trail to Shepherd Hills Boulevard, which includes a concrete curb component; Red Bush Lane; and Atterbury Drive this year.
He said the road program will begin in late May and take about 90 days.
Also, Council authorized Gigliotti to prepare plans and advertise for bids for the Valley View drainage project, which will take place at the south end of the community to correct standing water issues on Valley View Road.
Gigliotti said the area is flat, lacking catch basins and storm sewers, currently.
“The proposed work will consist of installing a new storm sewer and catch basin drainage system along the side of Valley View Road,” he explained. “This new system will capture surface water from the road and direct it to the south by use of the new storm sewer. It will then empty into an existing creek, thus eliminating the standing water problem.”
Gigliotti said the City of Hudson permitted Macedonia to drain the proposed storm sewer into the creek in Hudson.
By installing the new drainage system, he said some of the existing, steep ditches will be re-graded to increase safety in the area.
Gigliotti noted the entire project would be reimbursed by North East Ohio Regional Sewer District community cost share funds.
Clerk of Council Hired
Additionally, at the meeting, Council filled the vacant clerk of council position.
Council President Jan Tulley said the city received “quite a few” applications for the part-time position, interviewing several candidates before selecting Jonathan Hoover for the opening. She said Hoover, is looking forward to working for Macedonia, will begin April 29, working a maximum of 24 hours a week and for $22 an hour.
Former clerk of council Amanda Trzaska vacated the position in February. Tulley thanked the city’s law department for performing the clerk of council duties following Trzaska resignation.
Retirement Recognition
Mayor Nick Molnar recognized Andrea May for her years of service with the City of Macedonia. At the meeting, he read a certificate of appreciation that will be presented to May for her more than 20 years of service, as she wore “many hats” through the years and “made a significant difference” in numerous departments, serving most recently as an accounts payable clerk. She will retire May 7 to spend more time with grandchildren, take day trips, enjoy walks and her home, said the mayor.
Energized Community Grant
Also at the meeting, the mayor announced the city would use an energized community grant to upgrade the lighting at the Macedonia Family Recreation Center. Council voted to enter into agreement with the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council to accept the grant, which will allow LED lighting to put up in the center.
Dumpsters Available
The mayor announced dumpsters are now in place for residents only to use. Molnar said residents may dispose of non-hazardous materials while the dumpsters are in the community, allowing for household spring cleanup projects. The dumpsters now are located at City Hall, off the Route 82 driveway. They will remain in place until May 2.
Other Meeting News:
• Council approved a realignment of staffing at the recreation center, with the restructuring being a budget-neutral decision, as a realignment has not taken place in 20 years.
• Council confirmed the appointment by the mayor of Michelle Krysinski as the Macedonia representative to the Summit County Board of Health to fill a vacancy.
• Council approved canceling the regular meeting of June 24, July 8 and Aug. 26, allowing for a summer break.
• Molnar announced May 9-15 as Police Week in Macedonia, coinciding with National Police Week.
• The Earth Day community cleanup was announced for April 24, with trash to be picked up, weeds pulled, and flower beds mulched to help beautify the community.
• The fire department announced it tentatively would go live with the 800 MHz radio system on April 27
Council Meeting Video
April 19, Planning Meeting
April 21, BZA Meeting