The Macedonia City Council convened for their regular meeting on April 24, 2025, approving several key municipal programs and equipment purchases while recognizing community achievements and discussing upcoming projects including the long-awaited Ledge Road paving.
City Operations and Equipment Upgrades
The Council unanimously approved participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) road salt contract for the 2025-2026 winter season, authorizing the purchase of up to 4,000 tons of salt. Service Director Daniel Wilson explained this was an annual housekeeping measure, with the city obligated to purchase at least 85% of the contracted amount.
A new Vac-Con Jetter trailer-mounted sewer cleaning equipment was approved for purchase at $103,250 through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program. Service Director Wilson emphasized the critical need for this equipment to maintain the city’s storm sewers, noting that staff had previously struggled with inadequate tools. “It is a trailer mounted jeter for cleaning pipes up to 24 inches… I was always amazed we didn’t really have one here when we are responsible for keeping storm sewers flowing,” Wilson told the Council.
Council members clarified for residents that this equipment would only be used for city-maintained storm sewers, not for sanitary sewers which are maintained by Summit County.
The Council amended ordinances to allow an additional Fire Lieutenant position specifically when one is assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau. Fire Chief Brian Ripley explained this was necessitated by the retirement of their former inspector and would only be filled when a lieutenant transfers to the bureau.
Two vehicles from the Fire Department were approved for auction: a 2000 Ford Excursion with 183,000 miles and a 2014 F-350 pickup truck. Chief Ripley noted that the Excursion “is older than most of my staff at this point” and had been relegated from shift commander car to city use only, while the pickup truck used for plowing during blizzard conditions was suffering from extensive rust damage despite being a 2014 model.
Community Recognitions and Historical Preservation
Mayor Nick Molnar issued a proclamation recognizing Macedonia as a 2024 Tree City USA recipient from the Arbor Day Foundation, with celebrations planned for April 26. The proclamation highlighted the city’s “continued commitment to growing and protecting its urban canopy” and praised the Parks and Recreation Department, city staff, volunteers, and residents who have worked to protect, plant, and preserve trees throughout Macedonia.
The Mayor added personal comments about the beauty of the white flowering trees currently blooming along Crow Drive, encouraging residents to view them: “This is the most beautiful thing when you see that in a residential neighbor with the mature trees and the beautiful white flowers around them.”
Deborah Makowski, president of Longwood Manor Historical Society, presented a detailed annual report highlighting the organization’s activities. She outlined acquisitions including items belonging to Colonel Long, period furniture pieces, linens, and historical artifacts related to President Nixon’s visit to Macedonia. The society hosted seven open houses, an annual ladies tea, participated in Memorial Day events, and collaborated with the Macedonia Recreation Department on seasonal events like Haunted Manor and Halloween celebrations.
Makowski reported that the society added $2,594.75 to their bank account and maintains liability insurance through Westfield Insurance. She noted the manor updates included monthly maintenance checks, furnace replacement (thanking the city for covering this expense), and specialized bulb purchases for upstairs bathrooms using grant money.
The society expressed gratitude for the city’s support, particularly highlighting Mayor Molnar’s assistance with tree clearing and the new brick signage. “We are very appreciative of the cooperation received from Jason Chadock, director of parks and recreation, and Samantha Edgar, marketing and special events coordinator, and the support of the city of Macedonia administration and service department,” Makowski stated.
Council approved a $500 appropriation to the Historical Society of Old Northfield for preservation of Macedonia historical items. Councilor Brandt explained this continues support provided in the past two years and noted the society had reported 18 new members joining this year: “We felt that it’s a worthwhile cause for us to help support… considering their budget was zero before.”
Upcoming Events and Infrastructure Projects
Interim Director Samantha Edgar announced that Food Truck Thursdays began April 24 and will continue through August on the last Thursday of each month at the MacRec parking lot. Springfest is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, with park cleanup activities from 9am-noon followed by the main event from 10am-4pm. The Parks and Recreation Department is actively hiring summer staff, including camp counselors.
Director Joe Gigliotti provided updates on road projects, announcing that the long-awaited paving of Ledge Road between North Bedford and Shepard Road is scheduled to begin the week of May 12. He clarified that the smaller section of Ledge between the old railroad bridge and North Bedford Road would be paved separately later in the year. Additionally, ODOT will be paving Route 82 west of Route 8 beginning the week of May 19, primarily affecting Northfield Center and Sagamore Hills areas.
Commissioner Nino Monaco reported that the city has begun sending out mailings for the 2025 sidewalk program. The letters outline the process, timeframe for completion, and payment options. Monaco highlighted that the new fee structure is “much, much lower than expected,” with one resident telling him “the price that we quoted him for replacing it was cheaper than the cost that he had for leveling it.”
Department Updates
Service Director Wilson noted that the new salt trucks are finally arriving after a two-year wait. These hook lift trucks have interchangeable beds that can be used as dump trucks, V-boxes, or flatbeds. He also reminded residents that the mulch and brush pile at 9000 Valley View Road remains open for the next two Saturdays from 7:30am to 3:30pm and weekdays (Monday through Friday) during the same hours.
Fire Chief Ripley announced that the city building will be lit red from April 27 through May 4 in recognition of National Firefighters Day and the “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters” event. He also reported that the hydrant crew has completed hydrant flushing throughout Macedonia and is now moving to Northfield Center.
Police Chief Yakopovich reported that the Civil Service Commission has approved an entrance examination for hiring emergency dispatchers, with advertisements coming soon on the city’s website.
Community Correspondence
The Clerk of Council read a heartfelt letter from David Molnar, son of former Councilmember Nicholas Molnar who passed away on March 28. The letter expressed gratitude to the Macedonia Fire Department for their care: “Over the last several years your squad has been frequent visitors to 9158 Tanglewood, helping my dad after falls, taking him to the hospital for a variety of other reasons for which you’ve been called.”
The correspondence noted that his father had “lived on Tanglewood Road for nearly 66 years,” had “served on city council for 20 years, and was proud to call Macedonia home.” The letter thanked the department for their dedication not only to the Molnar family but to all Macedonia residents.
Other Business
Mayor Molnar concluded his report by urging residents to drive safely: “Please don’t drive distracted. Put the phones down and drive the car.”
Councilor Jan Tulley shared a personal experience involving an accident and subsequent barrage of unsolicited calls from insurance companies, lawyers, and doctor’s offices. Tulley has contacted state officials, including Senator Rogner and is pursuing legislation to address this issue. “I suggest that anybody that gets in a motor vehicle accident do not put your cell number on the police report. Put the number to the state attorney general’s office. Let them take all the calls,” Tulley advised.
