Related: Macedonia Advances 2026 Budget With $13.4 Million Service Center Plan
City officials update council on projects, events and community initiatives
MACEDONIA – City officials provided updates on numerous projects and community events during the Oct. 23 city council meeting, including preparations for the new paved trail ribbon-cutting ceremony and improvements to city services.
PARKS AND RECREATION
The city is preparing to cut the ribbon on the new paved trail at Longwood Park. Finishing touches are happening now, including grading and seeding, all in time for the paved trail’s official opening.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Longwood Park, 1566 East Aurora Road. Residents are invited to gather near the lake for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and an inaugural lap of the 1.04-mile trail. All are welcome.
Designed for all ages and abilities, the mixed-use trail supports wheelchairs, strollers, bikes and pedestrians, making it a safe, accessible and scenic route for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors together.
Parks and Recreation Director Peter Eckendorf thanked everyone who helped with the Haunted Manor event at the historic manor house. He praised the appearance of both the grounds and interior, calling it a great event that will continue to build in future years.
The recreation center will celebrate its 25th anniversary, having opened in 2000, with a week of activities from Nov. 10-14 featuring various activities and shared memories.
Council President Brandt provided an extensive report on the October Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. She noted that Eckendorf’s initiatives are moving quickly as he settles into his role. The commission reviewed recent successful events including fall fest, car cruising and the annual facility shutdown.
The commission spent considerable time discussing bicycle rules for the new paved trail at Longwood Park. While bicycles were always intended for the trail, the group specifically addressed e-bikes and scooters. The commission will impose a speed limit for e-bikes and scooters on the path.
Brandt explained that e-bikes serve an important accessibility function, particularly for seniors, providing pedaling assistance rather than just speed. One commission member, a doctor with senior parents in Macedonia, advocated for e-bike access as a way for older residents to enjoy the trail.
The commission also addressed dog leash requirements. Despite a recent city ordinance allowing 20-foot leashes in neighborhoods, the park will maintain its existing 8-foot leash requirement. Brandt explained that trails will have more traffic than residential streets, justifying the shorter leash length. The regulations will be enforced through resident reporting rather than constant police presence.
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. upstairs at the recreation center.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT IMPROVEMENTS
Service Department Director Ray Wilson reported the department is managing two major projects: installing Christmas lights and conducting leaf removal operations. New equipment purchased for leaf collection is proving highly efficient.
Mayor Nicholas Molnar praised Wilson’s work, noting that leaves and snow removal generate the most citizen complaints. He said Wilson’s new system represents a two- to three-fold improvement over previous methods and will free up department resources. The mayor called it the best leaf removal system the city has ever had.
CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Engineering Director Joe Gigliotti reported storm sewer replacement work in the tree lawn area in front of Aldi will begin soon, with periodic closures of the curb lane expected. He noted minimal disruption anticipated for the project.
The assistant Building Commissioner provided updates on the sidewalk replacement program, reporting that contractors were recommended to refrain from removing any sidewalk slabs this week through Halloween to protect trick-or-treaters from falling into open holes. Contractors will concentrate on pouring sections already opened.
The new subdivision development continues progressing with all streets expected to be poured by next week, providing access for electrical and gas companies to run utilities. The building department estimates they will begin digging for a model home after the first of the year. Other major projects including the Holiday Inn and Divinity Landing are beginning to frame up, with one already started on Valley View.
The building department continues training on a new software program that will allow residents to access permit submittals and reviews online while making office operations more efficient with computer-based storage.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Molnar addressed several important community matters during his report. He acknowledged breast cancer awareness month, noting that he and most council members wore pink to show support. The mayor shared a personal connection to the cause, having lost a family member to breast cancer. He praised a city employee who successfully battled the disease and noted that all donations collected would go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. The Human Resources Department organized the awareness activities.
The mayor reminded residents that Halloween trick-or-treating will take place Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., regardless of weather conditions.
Molnar highlighted first responders’ day on Oct. 28, expressing pride in the city’s police and fire departments. He shared a story from the recent safety day swearing-in ceremony, where a woman approached Fire Chief Ripley to thank the department for saving her life. The mayor emphasized the coordinated response of dispatchers, police and firefighters, noting that police often arrive even before fire crews in emergencies.
The mayor urged residents to support Issue 38, a renewal levy that has been in place since the 1960s and typically passes every five years. He stressed the levy’s critical importance for funding safety forces and emphasized it is a renewal that will not cost taxpayers additional money. Molnar asked voters to carefully consider this measure despite broader anti-tax sentiment in social media.
Concluding his report, Molnar strongly urged residents to avoid distracted driving, particularly cell phone use while operating vehicles. He noted several serious accidents occurred during the week that may have been related to phone use. The mayor expressed personal frustration with seeing drivers swerving into lanes while using phones on Routes 82 and 8.
FIRE AND POLICE UPDATES
Fire Chief Brian Ripley announced he spoke with Santa at the North Pole, where he reported snow already falling. Santa confirmed he will visit Macedonia Dec. 8-10 and Northfield Center on Dec. 11. More information will be available through social media.
Ripley reminded residents that time changes Nov. 2 and encouraged everyone to change smoke detector batteries, even in hardwired units with battery backup. He noted that non-hardwired detectors are good for 10 years but should be checked.
Police Chief Vince Yakopovich reported the Civil Service Commission met and certified the civil service list for dispatch applicants with eight potential candidates. The department began interviews this week.
OTHER DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Human Resources Director Annette Smith reported the department is preparing for benefits open enrollment scheduled for late November through early December and handling year-end reporting requirements.
Information Technology Director Kyle Collins informed residents that the tech community formally said goodbye to Windows 10 last week. He strongly recommended home users either sign up for Microsoft’s additional year of support, replace their machines or look for alternative operating systems such as Chrome OS. Collins warned against continuing to use Windows 10 machines without security updates, particularly for banking and sensitive activities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Judge Cynthia Curtin of Stow Municipal Court addressed council, introducing herself to member. Governor DeWine appointed her to the bench shortly after Memorial Day.
She outlined her 35 years of litigation experience, including jury trials, appellate arguments, motion practice, mediation and arbitration. Her background includes representing small businesses, large corporations, national retailers, insurance companies and individuals. She managed her own certified woman-owned law firm and managed litigation in various state and federal courts around the country.
Judge Curtin assured council the court is running smoothly and she works with the prosecutor and defense counsel to keep the docket moving. Her current term ends at the end of the year and she is running this November for a new term.
Council received correspondence from a resident praising the service department’s dedication and hard work after her street light was repaired. The resident stated she is proud to be a citizen of Macedonia.
COUNCIL RECOGNITION
Council President Brandt congratulated the Nordonia girls volleyball team for finishing second in the Suburban League and having a great season. She also recognized the cross country team for completing a strong season. Brandt particularly noted the marching band’s continued excellence since her time in the band during the 1990s, wishing them luck as they advance to state competition.
Longwood Manor to Host Open House This Sunday, Oct. 26, 1-4 p.m.
Longwood Manor Historical Society will host its final monthly tour for 2025 this Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1–4 p.m.
Explore this 100-year-old Tudor Revival-style home and discover the rich history of its original owner, Col. William Frew Long, Macedonia’s first mayor.
Longwood Manor, 1634 E. Aurora Road
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 1–4 p.m. 
