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Nordonia High School robotics achieves state championship, dog leash law advances
The Macedonia City Council held its work session and regular meeting Thursday, June 12, covering multiple ordinances and recognizing local student achievements.
Government
Council Honors Championship Robotics Team Macedonia recognized Nordonia High School’s Team 8713 robotics squad for their outstanding 2025 season. The team, which started just four years ago with four students, now has 11 members and finished 13th out of 54 teams at the Buckeye Regional. They competed against teams from the tri-state area and countries including Turkey and the Dominican Republic. The team was selected for playoffs and later competed in the Ohio State Championship where they were part of the winning alliance.
Road Resurfacing Contract Approved Council unanimously approved a $197,737.82 contract with Karvo Companies for Phase 2 of Ledge Road resurfacing from the railroad bridge to North Bedford Road. City Engineer Joseph Gigliotti explained the project was split into phases to maximize outside funding – using OPWC funds for Phase 1 and county permissive license tax funding for Phase 2.
Energy Grant Authorization Passes Council authorized accepting approximately $29,000-$30,000 in NOPEC Energized Community grants for energy efficiency projects. The funds will help cover costs for new lighting installation on the second ball field at Longwood Park.
Employee Pay Scale Updated Council approved adding a “Seasonal Clerk” position at Paygrade 2 within the Finance Department, providing flexibility for intern-type positions during peak periods.
Fireworks Insurance Requirement Increased The minimum insurance requirement for fireworks exhibitors increased from $1 million to $10 million, aligning with current city practices and state fire code standards.
Dog Leash Law Advances to First Reading Council moved forward with an ordinance requiring dogs to be on leashes when off their owner’s property. The measure will continue through summer for public input before final consideration in August. Councilwoman Jessica Brandt explained the current law only required dogs to be “under control” but didn’t mandate leashes, creating enforcement challenges in dense neighborhoods.
Resident Vinny Milianta spoke against the proposal during public comments, arguing it penalizes responsible dog owners whose pets might step onto tree lawns while walking.
Outdated Fireworks Regulation Removed Council rescinded a 1999 emergency ordinance requiring fireworks shells to be fired from trenches, as the safety practice is no longer recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.
Public Safety
Former Officer Alleges Contract Breach Former Macedonia Police Patrolman Jordan Petsche addressed council claiming the city breached a January settlement agreement regarding his resignation status with the Ohio Attorney General’s office. Law Director Mark Guidetti disputed the claims, stating the required correspondence was sent in January and Petsche’s attorney was notified.
Petsche also raised concerns about police department turnover, claiming 14 officers have resigned from approximately 24 patrol positions since current leadership took over three years ago.
Emergency Response Excellence Highlighted Fire Chief Brian Ripley and Police Chief Vince Yakopovich praised the dispatch center’s performance. All 911 calls are answered within five seconds on average, exceeding the state requirement of 95% answered within 20 seconds. The department handled multiple emergency calls this week including two house fires.
New Police Officer Hired Austin Hayes joined the police force as a fresh academy graduate and is currently in field training.
Administration
Parks Director Transition Underway Mayor Nicholas Molnar announced Parks and Recreation Director Jason Chadock has resigned. The position was quickly posted with interviews scheduled for Friday. The June Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was postponed until July due to the transition.
Staff Updates Human Resources Director Annette Smith announced hiring HR Payroll Specialist Mandy Pallotta. Public Service Director Daniel Wilson reported hiring 10-12 seasonal workers and posted a full-time position following a recent resignation.
Solicitor Complaints Rising Council discussed increasing complaints about aggressive door-to-door solicitors, including incidents involving elderly residents and violations of the no-knock list. Chief Yakopovich suggested strengthening penalties for supervising companies rather than just individual solicitors. Current regulations require solicitation to end 30 minutes after sunset, which council members felt was too late.
Overnight Parking Reminder Mayor Molnar reminded residents to contact police before graduation parties or other events where guests may need to park overnight on streets, as city ordinance typically prohibits this.
