By Emily Chesnic
With buses back transporting students to and from school, the City of Macedonia reminds motorists to stay alert and follow existing traffic laws to keep children in the community safe.
“School is back in session. Please be cautious of kids at bus stops,” said Police Executive Lieutenant Vince Yakopovich
If approved, legislation currently being considered by City Council could more severely punish drivers found not following the state-established school bus safety guidelines in Macedonia.
At the Sept. 10 regular meeting, an ordinance was introduced to amend Macedonia’s section of the codified ordinances concerning “stopping for school buses.”
Councilman Vini Ventura, who helped draft the new legislation, said the desire is “to add a little more punch” to the current penalty for someone who fails to stop for a bus, as some drivers recently have been spotted passing buses in the community.
According to Ohio traffic laws, a motorist must fully stop when the red light on the bus flashes. He or she must remain stopped until the school bus light stops flashing, signaling the children are safely off the street and aboard. The law requires drivers to stop in both directions on a two-lane road or two-lane with a turning-lane road. The rule does not apply to divided highways or multiple-lane roadways, however.
Additionally, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles states motorists must slow down when the yellow light on the bus flashes and must stop at a safe distance from the vehicle, stopping at least 10 feet away from the front or back of the school bus.
Failing to stop for a school bus in Macedonia could result in a $500 fine, and, if the amendment soon is approved by Council, a third-degree misdemeanor, as well, said Ventura.
City Law Director Mark Guidetti said the proposed legislation would allow a reoffender, still within one year of the offense, to be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, if found continuing to disobey state traffic laws relative to school bus safety. In addition, if within one year of the first offense, an offender previously convicted of two more traffic offenses, may be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
“We want to add more teeth to this and provide for an escalating offense for people who don’t get the message,” said Ventura.
Also, at the regular meeting, Council authorized City Engineer Joe Gigliotti to prepare plans and specifications and advertise for bids for a contract for the Our Lady of Guadalupe detention pond project.
Gigliotti said the city now is finalizing its acquisition of a portion of property, about 2.9 acres, at the church, 9080 Shephard Road, for the construction of a detention pond on site.
Mayor Nick Molnar said the project is being done to combat flooding happening downhill from the church and will be completed as soon as possible this year.
Also, at the regular meeting, Council approved a measure allowing for crack and seal work to be performed on portions of state Route 82. The project includes restriping the pavement markers, as well, for a total cost of $54,750, said Gigliotti. The work originally was going to be part of the city’s 2020 road program. However, the financial uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the temporary delay of the crack and sealing of Route 82, he said. Because this year’s program resulted in some cost savings, however, money remains in the budget to address Route 82 now, said Gigliotti.
“This is a main road that goes right through town and we want it to stay in good condition,” he said.
Council, at the meeting, also approved applying for funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for the second phase of the Highland Road resurfacing project. Gigliotti said the funding would allow for the resurfacing of Highland from Valley View Road up to the City of Twinsburg border – a project slated for the summer of 2021.
“This road has a high traffic count. Lots of people drive it every day. It is a good candidate for outside funding,” he said.
Mayor’s Report
During his report, Mayor Molnar asked residents to get in touch with the city directly to report an issue, especially if it involves safety in the community. He was made aware recently that an existing pothole situation was being discussed on Facebook, but the matter had not been communicated to city officials directly.
He also addressed rumors on Facebook concerning theft in Macedonia. Molnar confirmed that, during the past “several years,” there has been a “wave of theft in the city.” The theft has included a city-owned lawn mower and Bobcat vehicle and the removal of parts from city trucks, making them unable to function, he said.
“We are looking into these things and can’t comment too much on those,” he said. “We are looking into the who, what, when, where and why.”
In addition, Molnar discussed the Labor Day storm event that resulted in more than 3 inches of rain falling in the city. Macedonia’s community room took on water. He said the damage is being addressed and new flooring would be installed soon to get the room ready to be used again by the community’s senior citizens specifically.
He also encouraged city residents to continue to participate, by filling out received forms, in the 2020 U.S. Census. Molnar is hoping to see 100 percent participation in Macedonia.
Department Reports
Fire Chief Brian Ripley
Fire Chief Brian Ripley told Council hydrant flushing continues to take place in the city.
He also reminded residents the COVID-19 pandemic continues, as Summit County has been moved back into the “red category.” “Covid is still out there. Our department deals with it daily,” he said. “Wear a mask and be careful when you are out there.” Ripley additionally reported Council would be asked at the next regular meeting to approve legislation relating to the upgrade of the department’s radios, allowing for an 800MHz radio system to be put in place.
Recreation Director Jason Chadock
Recreation Director Jason Chadock, during his report, discussed the positive response to the city’s pop-up food truck events. He said a schedule for the “COVID-friendly, socially distant” events is in the works, with four additional food trucks already booked for the fall, including Barrio Tacos and Betty’s Bomb Ass Burgers.
He also reported a vendor soon would be selected for the upstairs flooring replacement project in the Macedonia Family Recreation Center and told Council an issue with the hot tubs also is being addressed.
City Engineer Joe Gigliotti
Engineer Gigliotti announced the city’s “right in, right out” project is done, providing an additional access point to Macedonia Crossing/Golden Link Shopping Center. The new access drive, off Route 8, is located between the Chipotle and Culver’s.
Other Meeting News
• Council approved a proclamation naming Sept. 10, 2020 “Jeff Cole Day” in the city. The proclamation states Cole, who sept 25 years as the executive director of Cable 9/Community Focus, is a positive individual in the community and instrumental in the Nordonia Hills sports community.
. • Council confirmed the mayoral appointments of Matthew Ferraro to the city’s Board of Zoning and Building Code Appeals and Barbara Luczywo to the Parks and Recreation Commission, with the city still having one additional vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Council discussed political signs in the community. In the city, a resident can have one non-commercial opinion sign in place for a duration of one year. Any additional signs in the yard may be put up no sooner than 30 days before an election and must be taken down a week following an election, said city officials. In addition, signs may not be placed in the city’s right-of-way and must be at least 5 feet back from a right-of-way.
