Macedonia Council Supports Coming Clean On Car Wash Moratorium

The council voted on May 11 to place a temporary 12-month moratorium on new applications to the City of Macedonia for car washes.

The ordinance was introduced and passed to allow time for community input on the flood of washes.

“If we don’t open the conversation, I don’t feel like we are listening to the people who live in our community,” Mayor Nicholas Molnar said. “That’s essentially what we are trying to do. We hear you. We want to open the conversation up.”

Four or five car washes are operating within the 10-square mile radius of Macedonia, Molnar added.

At least two public comment sessions will be scheduled to get public input, according to the Council.

Similar ordinances were passed implementing 12-month moratoriums on tire stores and mattress companies.

Council Proclaims Appreciation

Mayor Nicholas Molnar described himself on May 11 as a “huge basketball fan.”

His excitement for the game and pride in local sports was apparent at the Council meeting when he proclaimed May 11, 2023 “Nordonia Knights Boys Basketball Day in recognition for the team’s season record of 19 wins and 6 losses which advanced the boys to district finals for the first time in a decade.

The team was not the only winners on the court.

Seven of the eight seniors received all-conference scholar awards. And the team compiled a 3.52-grade point average.

“The Stow game with them, when they went into triple overtime – that game was absolutely amazing,” Molnar said. “I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.”

Molnar described the Stow game as one of the most exciting he had ever seen.

“And I’ve been to a lot [of basketball games,]” he said. “So that was awesome.”

Council also recognized National Police Week with a proclamation.

The members of the law enforcement agency of the City of Macedonia play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms, Molnar said.

It’s important for residents to know the duties and sacrifices of our law enforcement agencies, Molnar said.

It is also important that law enforcement agencies recognize their duties to safeguard life and property.

Law enforcement agencies are tasked with protecting residents against violence and disorder
and the innocent against deception and weak against depression.

“Wherein the men and women of the Macedonia law enforcement agency of the City of Macedonia increasingly provide a vital public service and whereas we will observe the week of May 15 through the 21st as National Police Week,” Molnar read.

Molnar dedicated May 15, 2023 as Peace Officer Memorial Day “in honor of those law enforcement officers, who through their courageous deeds have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty. Let us recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.”

Council also issued a proclamation declaring May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Legislation:

• An ordinance providing for submission to the electors of the City of Macedonia amendment to Section 11.01 of the Charter regarding the composition of the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals was left on second reading.
• An ordinance providing for submission to the electors of the city of Macedonia amendment to Article XIII of the Charter regarding parks and recreation was left on second reading.
• An ordinance authorizing participation in the Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program and further purchasing a new AMR-60 automated rotary power mower from M-Tech for use by the Service Department, passed.
• An emergency ordinance establishing a moratorium for 12 months on the applications for and the granting of permits or other authorizations relating to car wash establishments within the City of Macedonia, passed.
• A resolution confirming the appointment of Christine Messe to the City of Macedonia Planning Commission passed.
• An emergency ordinance ratifying the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Macedonia and the Teamsters Local 436 for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, passed.
• An emergency ordinance authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract with Silco Fire & Security for the replacement of the City Hall dry fire suppression system, was passed.
• An emergency ordinance establishing a moratorium for 12 months on applications for the granting of permits or other authorizations relating to tire stores and establishments within the City of Macedonia, passed.