By Emily Chesnic
As the end of 2020 nears, the City of Macedonia is beginning to prepare the budget for 2021.
President of Council Janet Tulley said City Council and the administration are beginning the budget process to have the financial plan in place before the start of the new year.
At the Oct. 9 regular Council meeting, she said the goal is to have the first reading for the fiscal document at the Nov. 12 meeting, with the date for the second reading yet to be determined.
“The target is to have the third reading and the budget adopted on Dec. 10,” said Tulley.
City Council is not meeting the second Thursdays in November and December, in observation of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, so the Council President confirmed the importance of working now to get the budget – including the city’s five-year capital plan – approved before the end of the year.
The budget governs the day-to-day operations in the city, and the public needs time to review it and then get their questioned addressed, Tulley said.
Before the start of the next regular meeting of City Council, Director of Finance John Veres will share, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 22, the state of the city’s current budget. Tulley said Council, Mayor Nick Molnar and city department heads also will begin to talk about the five-year plan on Oct. 22.
Meetings continue to be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and can be accessed live through Macedonia’s website, www.macedonia.oh.us.
City Projects
Additionally, at the regular meeting, ongoing city projects were discussed with City Council.
Molnar said Macedonia’s community room is beginning to be “put back together,” following a flooding incident in early September. Tile is replacing the previous flooring, he said. Insurance money is covering the cost of the work, added Molnar.
Parks and Recreation Director Jason Chadock said areas of the Macedonia Family Recreation Center will be closed soon, just for a brief time, so upstairs flooring can be replaced. Additionally, he is obtaining quotes from vendors for the repairs needed for the hot tub area, he told City Council.
Service Director John Hnottavange said the city continues to take pride in its parks and will be adding a tree line this month along state Route 82, near the Manor House. He also said six dog waste stations will be added to the parks, and rubbish containers will be replaced to better keep wildlife out, too.
In addition, concerning projects in Macedonia, City Engineer Joe Gigliotti said bids will be opened Oct. 23 for the city’s catch basin project at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 9080 Shepard Road. The city is installing a catch basin on site to alleviate flooding issues in the area. Molnar said those who reside near the project will be notified before the work begins.
Mike Menhart Proclamation
“We greatly appreciate his many contributions throughout the years,” Molnar said of Menhart.
He has served Macedonia on City Council, the Charter Review Commission, the Community Reinvestment Housing Council, and in numerous other ways, states the proclamation. Most recently, Menhart served on the Civil Service Commission.
“He is a dedicated individual,” Molnar said of Menhart. “We wish him the best in the future.”
Leaf Collection
Macedonia soon will start picking up leaves, said Molnar. The annual leaf collection process will begin Oct. 26.
“It is important what gets put into the piles. Only put out leaves,” he said.
Stones and other materials could break the city’s machines if placed with the leaves, said Molnar.
Hnottavange also requests that all leaves be placed on the edge of lawns and not in the streets or around mailboxes and fire hydrants.
Residents should view the city’s website to see when crews will be collecting leaves in their neighborhoods throughout the fall.
Filing Deadline
Veres announced at the Oct. 8 meeting the filing deadline for the tax refund program is Oct. 15.
“Get the refund application in by the deadline so we can process your refund,” he said.
Halloween
Despite the pandemic, trick-or-treating will take place in the city, on Halloween night, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m. Those who wish to participate should put their porch lights on. Molnar urges everyone to follow the social distancing requirements to make it a safe evening.
Chadock reported his department is planning a Halloween event on Oct. 24, which will include candy and a drive-thru photo opportunity, with further details to be forthcoming.
Chadock also announced the city is holding a photo contest for Halloween, with the winner to receive a free, one-year membership to the Macedonia Family Recreation Center. Those who wish to take part should submit a photo to the city showcasing their “haunted yard.” The “surprise judges” for the contest soon would be announced, he said.
Issue 20
At the meeting, Molnar continued to urge the public to support Issue 20, appearing on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. He said the renewal levy, which was established in 1980, is needed for the operation of the city. If the issues fails, two police officers, two firefighters and two service workers would have to be laid off, he said.
“We need this levy to keep our safety forces strong,” Molnar said.
Executive Session
There was no new legislation to vote on at the Oct. 8 regular meeting, which ended with an executive session. Councilman Jeff Garvis announced the executive session would take place. He said the executive session was being held to discuss a personnel matter, which could include talking about the appointment or dismissal, complaints against, and/or discipline of a public employee or official.
