Medina City Council approves railroad agreements, property sale, fee updates

Medina City Council approved a series of measures June 8 advancing railroad improvements, authorizing the sale of city-owned property and updating planning, zoning and building fees.

Among significant actions was council's approval of a memorandum of understanding governing maintenance and operation of the Medina rail line shared by the city, Kokosing Materials, Osborne Medina and 1000 Lake Holdings. The agreement includes increases in annual access fees and establishes a cost-sharing arrangement to provide the local match required for a recently awarded $920,000 Ohio Rail Development Commission grant for rail improvements.

Council also approved an agreement with engineering firm Benesch for design work related to the railroad improvement project. City Engineer Patrick Patton said the design costs are eligible for reimbursement through the grant program.

Another action authorized the sale of city-owned property at 410 E. Smith Road to Bradley Hovington of Sweets & Geeks. The city received one bid for the property, totaling $355,000.01. The ordinance allows the mayor to complete the sale.

Council approved the purchase of a used 2024 International container delivery unit truck for the sanitation department at a cost of $98,500. Service Director Nino Piccoli said the vehicle normally would cost between $150,000 and $160,000 new and that an emergency clause was requested so the city could secure the purchase before the truck was sold to another buyer.

The police department received authorization to enter into a 10-year agreement with Axon Enterprise for Taser 10 deployment and related services. Police Chief Ed Kinney said the arrangement replaces equipment nearing the end of its service life and is expected to save money compared with shorter-term agreements. The contract amount is approximately $463,576.

Council also adopted a new planning and zoning fee schedule and approved amendments to building code regulations and permit fees. Planning and Community Development Director Andrew Dutton said most of the fees had not been updated since 2005, while the planning and zoning schedule had not been revised since 2014. The changes include adjustments to contractor registration requirements, permit fees and other charges intended to better reflect current operating costs and software expenses.

Additional legislation authorized fund advances and budget amendments tied largely to the railroad grant and the upcoming U.S. Route 42 resurfacing project. Patton reported that the resurfacing project, which will cover North Court Street from north of Homestead Street to Lafayette Road, is expected to begin later this month and will include new curb ramps and intersection improvements.
Council also confirmed Mayor Dennis Hanwell's appointments of former Councilman Paul Rose as a full member of the Planning Commission and Melissa Lunney as an alternate member.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Beacon Park resident Tim McKiel asked city officials to review maintenance of fire hydrants in his development, claiming they had not been flushed in several years. City officials said they would investigate the matter.

Councilman Chet Simmons was absent from the meeting.