Macedonia, OH – The Macedonia City Council convened on Thursday, September 11, 2025, for a series of important meetings, including a Finance Committee meeting, a Work Session, and the Regular Council Meeting. The Finance Committee meeting began at 6:00 p.m., immediately followed by the Work Session, with the Regular Council Meeting commencing at 7:30 p.m. All meetings took place in the Council Caucus Room, with the City Council meeting also livestreamed through YouTube.
Attendees and City Officials The meetings were presided over by Mayor Nicholas Molnar. Attending Council Members included Jessica Brandt, Matt Ferraro, Dave Finley, Jeff Garvas, and Vini J. Ventura. Also present were Clerk of Council Jon Hoover and Law Director Mark Guidetti.
City Department Directors and Commissioners present included Service Department Director Daniel Wilson, Engineer Department Director Joseph L. Gigliotti, Parks & Recreation Department Director Peter Eckendorf, Finance Department Director John Veres, IT Department Director Kyle Collins, Building Department Commissioner Nino Monaco, Human Resources Department Director Annette Smith, Fire Department Chief Brian Ripley, and Police Department Chief Vince Yakopovich. Assistant Building Commissioner Scott Allen was also present. Chaplain O’Brien led the invocation.
Finance Committee Meeting Highlights The Finance Committee discussed the 2026 Capital plans for the Police, Fire, Service, and City Hall departments, as well as the Family Recreation Center and Streets. Discussions also covered the 2026 Debt.
Key capital expenditure discussions included:
• Police Department: Plans for a 911 system upgrade (starting in 2026 with $20,000 annually), MDTS, and continued funding for future body and dash cam replacements. Chief Vince Yakopovich mentioned that a grant for the third year of body cams was just applied for. The computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system was a significant point of discussion, with the city exploring Axon’s platform which would integrate existing systems. A potential delay to 2027 was noted for this “big ticket item”. Lieutenant Costello was highlighted for finding a deal on a new SRO (School Resource Officer) vehicle, saving the city $20,000. The current SRO car, a 2017 Ford Fusion, is in need of replacement due to wear and tear.
• Fire Department: 2026 was described as a “take a breath year” for major purchases, with rescue squads, a fire engine, and air packs planned for 2027-2029. Director Kyle Collins was working on upgrading the station audio system due to poor sound quality from the digital 800 radio system. Two new squads are on order, one for Sagamore and one for Macedonia, with delivery dates in late 2026 and early 2027.
• Service Department: Plans include setting aside money for two single-axle trucks in 2026 for purchase in early 2027, and acquiring one more leaf vacuum and two boxes to complete the city’s fleet of four leaf machines.
• Manor House: $250,000 was set aside for a slate roof replacement, though Council Member Dave Finley suggested it might be less.
• Service Center Complex: Groundbreaking for this new facility is anticipated by the end of 2025, with funds being encumbered for a cash down payment and future payments.
• Monument Signs: Plans to complete monument signs in Sugar Bush, the Recreation Center, and the “four corners” intersection (Northfield and Valley View Road, and the mall area) by 2027.
• Family Recreation Center: Discussions included annual allocations for exercise equipment, the potential purchase of a Kabota utility vehicle for new trails, and ongoing renovations to family change rooms and administrative offices. Notably, the “awkward” family change room space may be reimagined, potentially involving an extension of the second floor. Funding for ball field netting to catch foul balls, totaling $450,000, has already been encumbered, a project advocated by Parks & Recreation Commission member Stacy Suji. The Mayor also mentioned exploring options for new bathrooms at Sugar Bush and the north soccer fields.
• Streets & Storm Sewer: The annual growth program includes Shepard Road in 2026, with Twinsburg contributing 20%. The Highland Road-State Route 8 intersection improvement project faces delays due to a new federal requirement to hire a third-party design engineer. The storm sewer budget anticipates 100% reimbursement for most projects, except general maintenance.
Highland Road-State Route 8 Intersection Improvement Project: Delays and Next Steps The Highland Road-State Route 8 Intersection Improvement Project has encountered significant delays due to a new federal requirement for projects utilizing federal grant funds. This new rule mandates that the city hire a third-party design engineer to oversee the selection process for the project’s design engineer, a change from previous practice where the city engineer could directly handle the project. This requirement is expected to push the project back by half a year to a year. Although money had already been borrowed for this project, spending on engineering was halted once the city became aware of the change in federal rules.
To address this, the City Council approved a motion authorizing the Mayor to accept a proposal from Stephen Hovancsek & Associates, Inc. to act as the city’s representative in the quality-based selection process for the project. This action fulfills the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) requirement for a quality-based selection process. Despite these delays in the design engineer selection, ODOT and its contractors are scheduled to begin an initial phase of work on September 15th, continuing until mid-October before suspending for the winter and resuming in the spring.
Regular Council Meeting: Legislative Actions The Regular Council Meeting commenced with Roll Call, Invocation by Chaplain O’Brien, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Nicholas Molnar. Minutes from the August 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting were approved.
No public comments were received in person this evening. However, Clerk of Council Jon Hoover read two letters of correspondence from the August 14th meeting. One was from Janice Meredith thanking the Fire Department for professional courtesy, and the other from Vinnie Milianta expressing opposition to Ordinance No. 40-2025. Additionally, a new letter was read, sent to Chief Brian Ripley from Harry and Susan Klein of Willow Lane, thanking the Fire Department for their efficiency in battling a trash fire on August 20th.
Motions for Additional Legislation (Senior Programs) A motion was made to waive the 48-hour notice rule and add three additional pieces of legislation to the agenda. Law Director Mark Guidetti confirmed these were the annual senior programs: snow removal, refuse collection subsidy, and gutter cleaning. The Council voted to add these items and proceed with their readings.
Motions and Other Legislative Actions A motion was made and carried to authorize the Mayor to accept the proposal from Stephen Hovancsek & Associates, Inc. to act as the city’s representative in the quality-based selection process for the Highland Road-State Route 8 Intersection Improvement Project. Law Director Mark Guidetti explained that this fulfills an ODOT requirement for a quality-based selection process, where the city engineer can bid as well.
Mayor’s Report Mayor Nicholas Molnar began his report by paying tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11th, highlighting the beam from the 9/11 site at City Hall and a prayer service led by Father Jeffrey from St. Barnabas. He announced that Issue #38 on the ballot is for the city’s levy renewal with no increase, emphasizing Macedonia’s ranking in the top 15 for lowest taxes in Northeast Ohio. He urged residents with questions about this critical renewal for police, fire, and service staff to contact City Hall.
Mayor Molnar also reported on the progress of the new Service Building, with 19 groups expressing interest in construction, now narrowed down to four finalists. He anticipates seeing groundbreaking this year in 2025 before the end of the year. He provided updates on development projects, noting the Holiday Inn Hotel breaking ground near Girl Scout Way, and the National Church Residence (Divinity Landing) in Valley View having its foundations laid and elevator shaft nearing completion. He also addressed concerns about the former Key Inn, which is now shut down but tied up in legal proceedings, assuring the community that the city is actively monitoring the site. Finally, he shared that Nights Inn has approached the city with plans to demolish one building and rebuild a new facility/hotel, and when that’s complete, they will knock down the other. This project is anticipated in the fourthcoming year, with the city working to rectify issues there.
Committee Reports Council Member Jessica Brandt reported on the Parks & Recreation Commission’s August meeting, the first with new Director Peter Eckendorf. Quarterly meetings may increase due to new staff. The next meeting is October 15th at the Rec Center. Council Member Vini J. Ventura reported on the Finance Committee’s first of three meetings, covering 2026 capital plans and debt. The second Finance Committee meeting, focusing on the 2026 operating budget, is scheduled for September 25th, 30 minutes before the Work Session.
Department Reports
• Service Department (Director Daniel Wilson): Thanked Council for approvals and welcomed new employees Alex Towolski and Seth Zastville. He noted the ongoing progress of the grueling but worthwhile Service Center meetings and the elevator project, which is moving well and expected to be completed before September 18th.
• Engineer Department (Director Joseph L. Gigliotti): Updated on the Highland Valley View Intersection project, with ODOT’s contractor starting work on September 15th until mid-October, resuming in spring. He also mentioned Summit County’s “Summit Connects” fiber optic line installation on Route 82 and Firestone, the start of work on the Longwood Park Trail, and the completion of Ledge Road paving between North Bedford and the railroad bridge.
• Parks & Recreation Department (Director Peter Eckendorf): Reported on the Longwood Park Trail and two projects at the Rec Center: family locker room renovations on the first floor and administrative office projects on the second floor. He announced Fall Fest on September 27th at Longwood Park, featuring fireworks. The event is exclusive to Nordonia School District residents, employees, and MacRec members, with individuals under 18 requiring adult accompaniment.
• Finance Department (Director John Veres): Confirmed the continued processing of Macedonia resident RITA refunds for those with extensions.
• IT Department (Director Kyle Collins): Reported on major projects including additional storage and backup infrastructure, and phone system replacements.
• Building Department (Assistant Commissioner Scott Allen): Assistant Commissioner Scott Allen, who comes from Summit County, provided updates on several key developments.
- He noted that the Holiday Inn Express has started breaking ground, with the department keeping a close eye on every phase of its construction.
- The National Church Residence (Divinity Landing) project in Valley View now has its foundations in, with the elevator shaft nearing completion, and concrete pouring expected in a few weeks before framing begins.
- A spa will also be moving into a space at 500 E Aurora Rd. next to Sephora.
- Concerns were previously expressed by nearby residents over losing privacy due to tree removal at Divinity Landing.
- The Valley Reserve subdivision is moving along, with underground utility work expected to continue until the end of November.
- The sidewalk repair program is in full swing, with an estimated 25,000 square feet of concrete to be replaced by the end of the program. Area C, around Firestone Lane and Lton, has been completed, and work is now moving into Brookshshire, Brook Point, and Long Brook (Area D), covering about eight different areas in total.
• Human Resources Department (Director Annette Smith): Announced the city’s annual employee health fair on September 18th in the City Hall basement, with 21 vendors. She thanked her team for their hard work in organizing the event.
• Fire Department (Chief Brian Ripley): Spoke about the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11 and the long-term suffering of many who served at the site, emphasizing the fire service’s commitment to remembering them.
• Police Department (Chief Vince Yakopovich): Announced that contract dispatcher Adam Hedges would be joining full-time on September 20th. He also urged caution for visitors using the Route 82 exit at the City Center due to the Summit Connects construction, advising patience and attention to oncoming traffic.
• Law Department (Director Mark Guidetti): Added a note on officer discretion, reiterating that it is based on experience, training, and the most effective way to enforce an ordinance, often involving conversations rather than immediate citations, with the ultimate goal of preventing harm.
New Business and Adjournment Council Member Jessica Brandt took a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of Melissa Hunter (formerly Melissa Grankkey), a significant friend of the city who was instrumental in passing two critical levies that transformed Macedonia financially. She highlighted Hunter’s dedication to the city, her family (including her third child, Bryce), and her later efforts in Sagamore. Council Member Brandt also used the opportunity to address September as Suicide Awareness Month, urging anyone needing help to call 988. Mayor Nicholas Molnar echoed these sentiments, praising Melissa’s impact on the community and denouncing recent divisive and hateful rhetoric he observed on social media, particularly in light of recent tragic events.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:08 p.m..
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Detailed Overview of Resolutions and Ordinances Discussed and Adopted
The Council then proceeded with several resolutions and motions:
• Resolution No. 57-2025 (Emergency Resolution Authorizing Police Vehicle Trade-In): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Dave Finley and seconded by Council Member Matt Ferraro. This resolution authorizes the trade-in of a 2017 Ford Fusion police vehicle to Serpentini of North Olmsted for $30,500 towards the purchase of a new Dodge Durango, saving the city $20,000. Chief Vince Yakopovich explained the need for a dedicated SRO vehicle and the advantageous deal found by Lieutenant Costello.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Resolution No. 57-2025 passed.
• Resolution No. 58-2025 (Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding for Job Creation and Retention): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Matt Ferraro and seconded by Council Member Dave Finley. This resolution supports the Mayor entering into an updated agreement with Summit County and other communities to prevent business “poaching”. The threshold for significant revenue loss, triggering revenue sharing, increased from $3.5 million to $4.5 million in annual payroll (inflation-adjusted). Mayor Nicholas Molnar emphasized that participation is crucial for maintaining eligibility for Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding points, which are essential for road work projects.
◦ Vote: All in favor, except for one “Nay”. Resolution No. 58-2025 passed.
• Resolution No. 59-2025 (Accepting Tax Levies and Certifying to Summit County Fiscal Office): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Jessica Brandt and seconded by Council Member Vini J. Ventura. This “housekeeping” resolution accepts the tax amounts and rates determined by the Summit County Budget Commission.
◦ Vote: All in favor, except for one “Nay”. Resolution No. 59-2025 passed.
• Resolution No. 65-2025 (Emergency Resolution for National Opioid Litigation Settlement): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Jessica Brandt and seconded by Council Member Matt Ferraro. This emergency resolution authorizes the Mayor to approve a national opioid litigation settlement, including Purdue Pharma, L.P. and the Sackler Family, allowing the city to participate in receiving funds from the estimated $6.5 billion settlement. Law Director Mark Guidetti noted that participation is necessary to have a chance at receiving funds.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Resolution No. 65-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 40-2025 (Dogs & Cats Running at Large): Offered for its third reading by Council Member Jessica Brandt, this ordinance sparked extensive discussion. The amendment requires dogs to be leashed (20 feet or shorter) when off the owner’s premises and includes an exception for military and police dogs. Concerns were raised by residents, including Vinnie Milianta (from prior correspondence), about the clause regarding unauthorized entry onto another’s property. Law Director Mark Guidetti and Chief Vince Yakopovich clarified that officers would use discretion, much like speed limit enforcement, and that the ordinance provides a necessary tool for addressing serious dog complaints when warnings are insufficient, or a situation escalates. Council Member Jessica Brandt also indicated a plan to propose changing the park’s leash law to reflect the new 20-foot standard if this ordinance passed.
◦ Vote: Council Member Jessica Brandt (Yes), Matt Ferraro (Yes), Dave Finley (No), Jeff Garvas (Yes), Vini J. Ventura (Yes). Ordinance No. 40-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 51-2025 (New Residential Driveways and Parking Areas): This ordinance, which would require new residential driveways and parking areas to be constructed of hard-surface material, was held at its second reading to allow more discussion by the Planning Commission. Assistant Building Commissioner Scott Allen noted the Planning Commission wanted more time.
• Ordinance No. 53-2025 (Emergency Ordinance for Divinity Landing TIF): Offered for its second reading, this emergency ordinance declares improvements to certain real property parcels as a public purpose, enabling service payments in lieu of taxes (TIF) for infrastructure improvements around the Divinity Landing property. Finance Director John Veres stated this TIF would capture funds for infrastructure improvements that would have otherwise gone to the County. Mayor Nicholas Molnar clarified that Divinity Landing is a 55 and over facility, not “senior living” or “budget living” as some rumors suggested. Notification has been sent to the Nordonia Hills City School District and the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. The Mayor also noted that the Holiday Express project had broken ground, and another TIF would be on the agenda soon for a first reading. The Council looked for passage of this ordinance after the second reading.
• Ordinance No. 55-2025 (Recreational Vehicle Parking in Residential Districts): This ordinance was proposed to amend regulations regarding the parking of recreational vehicles (RVs) in residential districts, specifically to lengthen the window of time (May 1 through September 30) where RVs may be parked visible from the street. Council Member Jeff Garvas voiced reservations, citing concerns about unsightliness and potential view obstructions, and the fact that many residents have already made efforts to store RVs behind their homes. He emphasized the need to hear from residents on both sides. Chief Vince Yakopovich noted that police already use discretion when responding to complaints about RVs parked in driveways, often finding owners are preparing for a trip. The ordinance was held at its first reading to allow for further public discussion, and if advanced, would need to be referred to the Planning Commission due to its nature as a zoning change.
• Ordinance No. 56-2025 (Peddlers, Solicitors, & Canvassers): This ordinance aimed to amend Chapter 761 of the City’s Codified Ordinances to address issues with peddlers, solicitors, and canvassers, including regulations on registration, prohibited activities, and enforcement. Council Member Vini J. Ventura brought up numerous resident complaints about solicitation. Council Member Jessica Brandt questioned if outright banning was possible, to which Law Director Mark Guidetti explained that such a prohibition could lead to constitutional challenges. The ordinance was held at its first reading, with a note that there had been some “hiccups” and further deliberation was needed.
• Ordinance No. 60-2025 (Authorizing Purchase of Case 621G XR Wheel Loader): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Jeff Garvas and seconded by Council Member Jessica Brandt. This ordinance authorizes the purchase of a “Case 621G XR” wheel loader for the Service Department from Southeastern Equipment Company through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program for $216,788.15. Director Daniel Wilson noted it replaces a 10-year-old loader primarily used for salt loading.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Ordinance No. 60-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 61-2025 (Authorizing Purchase of Leaf Vacuum Loader and Containment Bodies): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Vini J. Ventura and seconded by Council Member Dave Finley. This ordinance authorizes the purchase of a “Titan Pro Plus” leaf vacuum loader and two “Spartan-Style” leaf containment bodies from MacQueen through the Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program for $177,711.45. Director Daniel Wilson confirmed this completes the replacement of the city’s old leaf machines.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Ordinance No. 61-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 62-2025 (Authorizing Contract for Storm Sewer Replacement): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Dave Finley and seconded by Council Member Matt Ferraro. This ordinance authorizes a contract with Grade Line, Inc. for storm sewer replacement at 371 East Aurora Road, following Engineer Director Joseph L. Gigliotti’s recommendation of Grade Line, Inc. as the lowest and best bid at $143,420. The project is funded entirely by NUSD funds and involves replacing an old rusted storm sewer pipe in the tree lawn in front of the Aldi grocery store.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Ordinance No. 62-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 63-2025 (Amending Ordinance No. 74-2024 for Current Expenses): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Vini J. Ventura and seconded by Council Member Jessica Brandt. This ordinance amends current expenses and other expenditures for 2025, reflecting adjustments due to increased estimated income tax revenue and new hires in police and fire departments. Finance Director John Veres noted the income tax is up 7-9% this year. The amendment also included appropriations for a permissive license tax from the county, used for projects like Mudge Road fees. Director Veres explained that these amendments adjust estimated resources and appropriations, including increases for new police and fire hires, and grant money for items like body cameras. He also clarified the process for moving unspent funds into planned capital purchases for future years.
◦ Vote: All in favor, except for one “Nay”. Ordinance No. 63-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 64-2025 (Amending Recreational Vehicle Parking in Residential Districts): Offered for its first reading by Council Member Jeff Garvas and seconded by Council Member Vini J. Ventura. This ordinance aims to reflect recent changes concerning RV parking and would only be advanced after Ordinance No. 55-2025 (the previously mentioned RV ordinance) is passed. It was held at first reading, as it serves to incorporate amendments from another ordinance related to RV parking.
• Ordinance No. 66-2025 (Senior Snow Removal Program): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Jessica Brandt and seconded by Council Member Matt Ferraro. This ordinance provides for a senior snow removal program for the 2025-2026 winter season. Law Director Mark Guidetti noted a slight increase in the snow plowing contract from $18.50 to $19 per bush.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Ordinance No. 66-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 67-2025 (Refuse Collection Subsidy for Senior Citizens): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Jessica Brandt and seconded by Council Member Vini J. Ventura. This ordinance provides for and authorizes a refuse collection subsidy for senior citizens.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Ordinance No. 67-2025 passed.
• Ordinance No. 68-2025 (Senior Gutter Cleaning Program): Offered for all three readings by Council Member Dave Finley and seconded by Council Member Jessica Brandt. This ordinance authorizes an agreement with Value View Property Maintenance LLC for a senior gutter cleaning program for the 2025 fall season.
◦ Vote: All in favor. Ordinance No. 68-2025 passed.
Finance Director John Veres clarified that these senior programs are for residents 65 and over or those with a disability and under a certain income threshold. Council Member Jeff Garvas highlighted the long-standing positive impact of these programs.
