Medina City Council approves $20K wellness partnership with Cleveland Clinic

A significant partnership was solidified at the Medina City Council meeting on January 27, 2025, as council members approved an amendment to the wellness services agreement with the Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital. This three-year extension, which will run through 2027, secures $20,000 annually for the Medina Community Recreation Center to enhance wellness-related activities and equipment. Council member Mary Hammel expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, emphasizing its positive impact on community health.

In addition to the wellness agreement, the council addressed public safety concerns by amending crosswalk regulations. Mayor Hamill highlighted the need for clearer laws to protect pedestrians, proposing changes that would require drivers to yield to individuals in crosswalks, even if they are not fully within the crosswalk. This amendment aims to reduce confusion and enhance safety for pedestrians in busy areas.

The meeting also saw the approval of multiple infrastructure projects, including agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the replacement of the Prospect Street Bridge and South Huntington Street Bridge, both funded through significant state grants. The council secured over $1.8 million for these projects, which will improve transportation safety and efficiency in the city.

Further funding was approved for the State Road Reconstruction Project, with an additional $661,000 awarded from the Northeast Ohio Area-wide Coordinating Agency. This brings the total funding for the project to over $1.8 million, moving closer to the estimated $6 million cost.

The council's proactive approach to community development was evident as they authorized requests for proposals for fair housing services and community development block grant applications, ensuring continued support for local initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored Medina's commitment to enhancing public health, safety, and infrastructure, with council members working collaboratively to secure funding and implement necessary changes for the benefit of the community.