An Akron Metro RTA bus which began running in June to connect Summit County riders to stops in Cuyahoga County is nearing the end of the line with some residents.
Residents have swamped the Council and Mayor Nicholas Molnar with complaints since the bus began operating in Macedonia.
“They are not happy,” Council person Janet Tully said on July 13 at the regularly scheduled Council meeting. Tully was referring to residents who have called her with a stack of complaints.
Complaints range from poorly designed bus stops, bus drivers traveling on local streets without prior residential input, and bus drivers making left-hand turns where a signal is not located.
“So, the question I’m getting is what input did we provide?” Tully asked. “And why didn’t we have a public hearing?”
According to Law Director Mark Guidetti a public hearing in Macedonia was not required.
“We were just as surprised to learn about it as the residents were,” Guidetti said.
Guidetti said the company [Akron Metro] held public meetings and discussed the issue for two months but Macedonia was not notified.
“They [Akron Metro] are operating under the ORC [Ohio Revised Code], long story – short,” Guidetti said.
Tully called the situation “sad.” One of the major problems is the lack of parking around the bus stops and low ridership, she added.
“I have not yet seen one rider,” Tully said. “I don’t think it will last.”
Guidetti recommended residents contact Akron Metro to complain.
According to the mayor, he has also complained several times.
According to Molnar, Akron Metro wants to complete a ridership study on the route. He estimated it might be another few months before anything could be done.
Molnar said he sympathized with the residents.
“I hear it. I’m with them. I understand it,” Molnar said. “If they are having problems, they can call me because I’m the one dealing with it.”
However, complaints are currently the only recourse.
“Unfortunately, they are within their rights to legally do what they did, and we couldn’t stop them,” Molnar said. “I’m not happy about it either.”
Budget records preliminary top numbers
Budget numbers have yet to be finalized but according to a preliminary report from the State, Macedonia is managing its green – well – in the green.
According to Finance Director John Veres, the Ohio Auditor of State implemented color coordination into its fiscal reporting in 2015.
“We received our preliminary financial health indicator report,” Veres said. “There are 16 categories they’ve color rated. This is the first time ever we’ve received 16 green-positive outlooks in the report.”
Mayor Nicholas Milano called the positive financial outlooks a strong demonstration of fiscal responsibility.”
Council member Janet Tulley agreed.
“Thanks to all the directors,” Tulley said as Veres bumped knuckles with fellow directors, Police Vince Yakopovich and Fire Chief Brian Ripley. “It takes everyone.”
Veres gave credit to members of the financial team and all city employees.
A finance meeting has been scheduled before the September 28 Council meeting.
Legislation:
- An ordinance passed amending section 909.04 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Macedonia relative to weeds.
- An ordinance passed authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Macedonia, in conjunction with the Village of Glenwillow, the Village of Oakwood, and the City of Twinsburg, to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Intersection Improvement Project, PID Number 1131765, at Richmond/Broadway/Ravenna/Shepard Roads, with the City of Twinsburg as lead applicant.
- A resolution passed confirming the reappointment by the Mayor, of Matthew Ferraro, to the City of Macedonia Board of Zoning and Building Code Appeals.
- A resolution was passed confirming the reappointment by the Mayor of Sam Pilate to the City of Macedonia Board of Zoning and Building Code Appeals.
- A resolution was passed authorizing the Mayor to apply for funding from the Ohio Association of Regional Councils through the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study for the Federal Congestion and Quality Funding assistance.
