Macedonia Council Meeting 8-13-2020
By Emily Chesnic
Council Approves Continuation of Programs to Help Seniors
Macedonia Service Director John Hnottavange appreciates the city can continue to aid seniors in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the Aug. 13 regular meeting, City Council approved legislation so senior residents can receive assistance through three programs remaining in place.
“The pandemic has increased the need for the programs, and I am happy we have them,” Hnottavange said.
The closure of the Macedonia Senior Center, due to the pandemic, is allowing the city to divert center funding to the programs designed to help senior citizens with low income, said Mayor Nick Molnar.
Council first approved an agreement with Valley View Property Management for a senior gutter cleaning program for the fall of 2020. Molnar said the program provides seniors under a certain income level with a gutter cleaning service. Last year, the city paid $2,800 to offer the program, he said.
Next, Council adopted an ordinance to provide for the senior snow removal program in the city for the 2020-21 winter season. Like the gutter cleaning program, this program aids seniors in need – through an application process – with the removal of snow, said the mayor. Last year, the city spent $5,330 on the program, he reported to Council.
The third measure approved by Council authorizes a refuse collection subsidy for senior citizens. This program, which assists seniors in financial need with trash removal, cost the city $12,000 last year, said Molnar.
The mayor said he knows seniors in the community greatly appreciate the city having the three programs in place.
Also, regarding serving senior citizens in the city, Molnar applauded those who volunteer to transport meals to those who are shut-in and in need of the program.
“A great deal of effort goes in to help those in desperate need,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough for donating their time to help others.”
Shopping Center Access Drive Update
The mayor said the city’s “right in/right out” project began at the end of July.
The project consists of the construction of a “right in/right out” access drive, off Route 8, which will provide a right entrance into and a right exit out of the Macedonia Crossing/Golden Link Shopping Center area. The new access drive will be located between the Chipotle and Culver’s.
Molnar said the project is moving along quickly and the “pavement is down.”
The traffic flow around the construction area has been “good,” said City Engineer Joe Gigliotti.
State Route 8 is reduced to one lane for the safety of the crew and motorists in the area, he said.
State Route 8 southbound, just north of state Route 82, will be reduced to the one lane until the work is finished, said Gigliotti.
In September, motorists will be able to enter the shopping area right from Route 8, which will help alleviate traffic congestion and move traffic safely in and out of the plaza, said Molnar.
The city said has received some inquiries concerning the safety of the project, said the mayor.
About the project, the engineer further explained, “there will be a deceleration drop lane for vehicles traveling southbound on state Route 8, as the approach the new access drive. This deceleration lane will be approximately 200 feet long. This will allow ample time for vehicles to move over and slow down before turning into the shopping center. Compare this to traveling southbound on state Route 8 and hitting the green line at state Route 82. For those wanting to make a right hand turn on Route 82, in this circumstance, there is no deceleration lane available. Some motorists choose to use the berm area. The new access drive provides a far safer condition.”
Public Hearing
At the start of the meeting, another public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to approve the plan of operation and governance for the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council’s (NOPEC) Natural Gas Aggregation Program for the purpose of jointly establishing and implementing a gas aggregation program as a NOPEC Member II.
Council went on to approve this measure, which will shorten the process for new residents and new customers to join the gas aggregation program, said Charles Ramer of NOPEC. The legislation will allow individuals to opt into the program much easier, he said.
Ramer explained NOPEC, founded in 2000, is a non-profit energy aggregation representing about 550,000 residential and small business customers in 174 communities in 10 Northeast Ohio counties. He said NOPEC has represented Macedonia for about a decade. As a non-profit, NOPEC buys electricity and natural gas in bulk, then passes the savings and benefits on, said Ramer.
Ballot Issue Reminder
During the regular meeting, Councilwoman Janet Tulley reminded residents the city has an issue on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot.
“This is a renewal and not a new tax,” she said. “This is one of the foundations to help us fund the community, and we would appreciate a ‘yes’ vote.”
Voters will see on the ballot a 5.07-mill, five-year renewal tax levy, which generates about $650,000 annually for the city.
Department reports:
Fire Chief Brian Ripley
Fire Chief Ripley reported crews still are performing hydrant flushing operations around the city and are making good progress.
He also said his department is experiencing a high call volume and specifically is seeing an increase in calls related to COVID-19.
“It still is out there,” he said of the coronavirus. “Wear yours masks and practice good personal hygiene.”
Finance Director John Veres
Finance Director Veres announced he “went to the market for the refunding of bonds.” He said the city would receive a fixed rate, around 1.23 percent, for refunding the last 10 years of the bonds, saving the city about $450,000 during remainder of the bonds.
Service Director John Hnottavange
Service Director Hnottavange said, as the baseball season comes to an end, that the fields have been well maintained this summer.
He also said sprinklers are being installed at the Veterans Memorial Park and grass soon would be planted, as hydroseed for the project has been donated. Grass will not be planted in the area where the restrooms will be built in the future.
“I am happy with the progress there,” he said.
Recreation Director Jason Chadock
Recreation Director Chadock, who assumed the role on Aug. 3, said he is working on a maintenance work list to address “smaller” projects. He said two “big projects” he is eyeing are the replacement of flooring on the second floor of the recreation center and a hot tub project.
“I am excited to now be here with you guys,” he told Council.
Other Meeting News
• Molnar highlighted that Ohio State Waterproofing is constructing a warehouse area and office at 393 E. Highland Road in Macedonia. The mayor said he appreciates Ohio State Waterproofing for expanding its operations in the city despite the ongoing pandemic.
• Gigliotti said legislation likely would be put together in September so the city can go out for bid on the catch basin project at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 9080 Shepard Road. Molnar said the city would like to take steps to move the project along quickly. The city is installing a catch basin on site to alleviate flooding issues in the area.
• City officials heard a presentation on the Akron Zoo, which focused on the zoo’s economic impact on Summit County and the educational programs it offers the area. Also announced: the zoo’s “Community Days” for the City of Macedonia will be Sept. 12-25. Residents can get free tickets for admission online, starting Aug. 29. More information on “Community Days” and how to obtain tickets can be found at www.akronzoo.org/2020-