By Emily Chesnic
The City of Macedonia’s safety services officially are moving to the 800 MHz frequency system for upgraded dispatch operations – a move that has been in the works for quite some time for the increased safeness of the community.
At the Sept. 24 regular meeting, City Council approved legislation for the replacement of the city’s dispatch equipment and software; to upgrade radio equipment to accommodate the 800 MHz system; and to enter into an agreement with B&C Communications for the installation of the new radio equipment in the city’s dispatch center.
Macedonia officials said the price tag for the new system – about $600,000 – will be paid for by borrowing $575,000 over five years and with available cash on hand through the city’s safety service fund. Mayor Nick Molnar thanked voters for approving a ballot issue in recent years, which is allowing the city to afford the needed upgrade.
Of the new system, which he was instrumental in securing, Fire Chief Brian Ripley said, “this is going to benefit the day to day operations of the police and fire departments in the city. It is an expensive venture, but it is a very necessary step in today’s world.”
City Councilman Jeff Garvas said upgrading from the city’s dated radio system has been “long overdue.”
“I am thrilled that we are doing this. Almost every community in our county is on it already,” Garvas said of the 800 MHz system. “Sagamore Hills, our neighbors, are coming on it, too.”
With the purchase, the city is getting an additional four-year warranty on the new software and hardware, as well, to best protect the expensive investment, said Molnar.
Ripley said it will take up to 8 weeks for the city to receive the new equipment, with a few additional weeks needed to implement the system.
The city’s older radios will be given to the Service Department, allowing safety services to be able to communicate directly with plow drivers during inclement weather events now, freeing up dispatchers’ time, he said.
Among the other benefits of the upgrade, Ripley said communications will improve between police and fire, especially from areas it has been difficult to communicate from in the past, including Florence Drive and sections of Interstate 480.
“This system will serve the community well for many years to come,” Ripley said.
Molnar thanked the fire chief for the work he put in to bring the large purchase into fruition.
“It will keep us safe and will serve as a better means of communication,” the mayor said of the new system.
Also, at the regular meeting, City Council approved legislation to specifically punish repeat offenders found not following the state-established school bus safety guidelines in Macedonia. The adopted ordinance amends the section of the city’s codified ordinances concerning “stopping for school buses.”
City Law Director Mark Guidetti has said the legislation allows 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.
Councilman Vini Ventura, who helped draft the new legislation, said other communities are taking the same action as the “vast majority of offenders are found to be repeat offenders.”
Council, additionally, at the meeting, confirmed the appointment of Jason Hack to the Parks and Recreation Commission. City Councilwoman Jessica Brandt said Hack would be a wonderful addition, bringing professional experience and a love of sports and recreation to the commission.
Trick-or-Treating
In other city news, it was announced that the typical festivities for Halloween, including the party at the fire station and pancake breakfast, are cancelled this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, Molnar confirmed trick-or-treating would take place in Macedonia on Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Those wishing to participate should do so by turning on their porch lights, he said. Macedonia, Sagamore Hills, Northfield Center and Northfield Village collaborated, agreeing to hold traditional Halloween Trick-or-Treating Oct. 31, said Molnar. Visit the city web site for more information on trick-or-treating, including how to practice social distancing while going door-to-door, said the mayor. It also was announced that the Parks and Recreation Department is working to create a “COVID-friendly” event to celebrate Halloween in the community, with information on the activity to be released to the public soon. Ripley added a decision has not yet been made concerning this year’s “Santa delivery” in the community, but he is hopeful it will occur in December.
Issue 20
Also, in community news, city officials encouraged voters to pass Issue 20, an operating levy renewal, appearing on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. Molnar said the renewal, which is not an increase, is needed to protect Macedonia, specifically the quality of life in the community. Passage of the five-year levy, first approved in 1980, would keep the city’s current level of staffing and maintain programs already in place. Molnar said the levy, at a 1.11-mill rate, has been renewed seven times and costs about $3 a month on a $100,000 home.
“We rely on it to keep our operations whole,” he said of the renewal.
