[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6094987,"mediaKeyId","2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652","parentId",2841307,"title","Finance committee authorizes DEFA loan applications and bid advertising for multiple sewer and storm projects; approves legal services agreement","audioSeconds",474,"startMs",1968000,"endMs",2442000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652&start=1968&end=2442","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652/thumbnail_1968000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6094987/Elyria/Lorain-County/Ohio/Finance-committee-authorizes-DEFA-loan-applications-and-bid-advertising-for-multiple-sewer-and-storm-projects-approves-legal-services-agreement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094987-b218ecaf3db14a71b9dd2e277de86bc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164436&Signature=jFqskxBPjXG7Hb2avV0njcqzMBuFnmgRjb4H8EUe9nndycBhG71hw~mDldPa3BJdgxwpOZZcUCkm6oOa~qKxX5pqUwao8smi02WekHk4NNZ9H17OgpJpa5ziwp2jOIpDhkFnS~S8pRS-5B~1ot6TRAMyBKnusRKf7bEGEqYUHk4S2ZrqGJPdPAMQI7Yr0LVv7FYTS7sqzp~5EWM-PZgKFTyt~03EhU2K0u5myCEgvNdGER5ZyZuKaoABVwClmiOPk3-2dHRX07Iuu2s8icEXE~xQiKkfVpaept1OLEyMFHhG0IsQWLmh8DZt5oyTReQ0MEMT520NQfxjlAu9s2yaIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Elyria, OH ","date","2025-04-02T02:19:39.217Z","article","Elyria’s Finance Committee on March 31 authorized several borrowing and procurement steps aimed at repairing and upgrading the city’s wastewater and storm infrastructure and approved a professional legal-services agreement for ongoing litigation.

The committee approved ordinances authorizing the mayor to apply for loan agreements through the Ohio Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance (DEFA) for two projects: the Gulf Road Pump Station project (formerly referred to as the Windward siphon project), a project staff described as roughly $4.5 million in scope; and the Lowell Street sanitary sewer extension project, described as a $1.7 million project to extend and upsize sewer lines toward the Open Door Church and adjacent areas. Engineer Schneider told the committee that required easements for the Gulf Road work had been secured.

The Gulf Road project was described as an emergency repair to replace a failing siphon and install a pump station to move flow to the wastewater system. Schneider said the siphon was “in very, very poor condition” and that the city does not expect grant forgiveness for the DEFA funding; staff requested emergency clauses to keep in time with the loan and bid cycles. The committee voted in favor of applying for the loans and requested emergency treatment so bid and loan schedules could be met.

The committee also authorized the mayor to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for:

- the Gulf Road pump station project (bid advertising and award authorization),
- the 2025 emergency sanitary and storm sewer repair contract (the permanent budget included $350,000 for this effort), and
- the 2025 street-sweeping program (annual solicitation).

Engineer Schneider said the city’s existing emergency sewer repair contract was largely exhausted and that the department budgets $350,000 in 2025 for that work. On street sweeping, Schneider said increased bidder competition over the past two years has driven prices down; committee members noted occasional poor performance by prior contractors and discussed enforcement for vehicles parked during sweep notifications.

The committee approved a professional services agreement with the law firm Squire Patton Boggs for legal work relating to the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas case State v. DVR Commercial Realty LLC and the City of Elyria. Law Director Derry said the firm offered a blended government rate of $575 per hour covering partner, paralegal and IT costs and recommended a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 for 2025. The ordinance authorizing a contract and the emergency clause passed on a voice vote.

The committee also approved a resolution and ordinance declaring several city-owned items unfit for municipal use and authorizing their disposal: a 2008 Sterling truck, a 2012 trailer described in the referral as a vac trailer, and 24 large planter pots. The committee report included weights and model years; the items were ordered to be disposed of “by the best means possible.”

Several committee motions were carried by voice vote. The committee recorded no roll-call tallies in the transcript; motions were followed by unanimous “Aye” responses on multiple items.

Ending: The actions authorize loan applications, advertise for construction bids, authorize contract awards and establish procurement steps; applications to DEFA will proceed and bid publications will follow emergency scheduling to preserve loan/bid cycles.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Joint Community Development & Finance Committee Meeting 03/31/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Elyria’s Finance Committee on March 31 authorized loan applications to Ohio’s DEFA for major sewer projects and approved advertising for related construction bids, while also approving a legal services agreement tied to city litigation.","taxTitle","Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",4371,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094977,"Committees table municipal clerk salary increases after extended debate on authority, budget and retroactivity",994,3310000,4304000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652&start=3310&end=4304","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652/thumbnail_3310000.jpg","/articles/6094977/Elyria/Lorain-County/Ohio/Committees-table-municipal-clerk-salary-increases-after-extended-debate-on-authority-budget-and-retroactivity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094977-c8a3da2e9c103c68467a4e32ed747ed1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164436&Signature=P4WnjiLCACl4dCle8yRaoFqX1OozBRZUsXm3typHZW4kvrC7aGPoVG9qpA-xHy1T7l4c3I0IcYl98N6FDXb3j2rJ-FeqcJYKCdiDOPZ~~Li56qi9K6G8joC8umfiVhDl~kINpR999SFdTEUvOLIARWA16ySoh-kM-UhnjXk64mh1r4VSaMJ12qQqd2AO7xuOxfBQUy4IKgunhwe0ntJVhsDHh9MvV4Sq4dWl4VZSBoy-tXmYHGDENjHMYnEdHmjdVmRxlltVCDwfUuKi5eF32aScOp3xFsxzRnZrSDlnAKZIzuxuPdphyxSJT6LM3dK4~CLhvuNQi1vXFPFSb~6lrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A contentious discussion over municipal clerk compensation ended with the Finance Committee voting on March 31 to table action on a salary ordinance after an extended exchange about statutory authority, budget impact and retroactivity.

The municipal clerk of Elyria submitted a letter invoking Ohio Revised Code §1901.31(H) to set compensation for deputy clerks. The letter proposed increases effective Jan. 1 of 2025 (6%), 2026 (5%) and 2027 (4%). Committee members said the request arrived on a revised agenda and asked for time to evaluate budget impacts and the relationship to an ongoing citywide salary study.

Law Director Derry told the committee the Revised Code gives the municipal clerk authority to set clerk-office salaries but cautioned that the city budget still governs what can be paid. Derry said the clerk’s statutory authority has been upheld in other municipalities but added there are potential legal challenges if council were to refuse; a mandamus action is a possible, although not certain, outcome.

Council members voiced a range of concerns: some said the clerk’s office had declined to participate in a salary study, others said the increases approximate AFSCME bargaining results and argued that non‑represented employees should not automatically receive parity without union representation and dues. Finance Director Pawlowski provided an estimate in committee that a 6% increase for the entire municipal court would cost about $143,000 for one year and that the clerk’s office share would be roughly $70,000 for one year; committee members asked for a clearer, itemized fiscal estimate.

Committee members ultimately moved and seconded a motion to table the matter to a later date to allow the law director and finance staff time to provide additional legal options and budgetary figures. The motion to table carried on a voice vote.

Ending: The clerk’s letter and proposed multi‑year increases will return to committee after the law director and finance staff provide further guidance on legal options, budget impacts and whether council may limit action to 2025 only.","A contentious Finance Committee discussion on March 31 over proposed municipal clerk deputy pay raises — which the clerk set under Ohio Revised Code §1901.31(H) — ended with the committee tabling the salary ordinance to request more legal and budget analysis.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094982,"Elyria committee forwards Elyria Economic Development Committee recommendations for municipal income‑tax reimbursements",210,1036000,1246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652&start=1036&end=1246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652/thumbnail_1036000.jpg","/articles/6094982/Elyria/Lorain-County/Ohio/Elyria-committee-forwards-Elyria-Economic-Development-Committee-recommendations-for-municipal-incometax-reimbursements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094982-9309a97c6cdb3000f1daf48c83621358/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164436&Signature=TKu-y6PbAUfOxZFcTCb~xB6nmePBRhM952lcj8Ji5aRiZV9jkRrg-GYtydB04XxLd4QHZAWhBXNGzLPDv2ieb4iHlI~bP4W37pwmHdvG7uHSsh5-H78VAbomDu6kWiJOHnH7gZ35aiOqsqbJb4t2yf2C2yM3-LgtP6RTFKsZcXiY17Ug8q0JEAPwTlf5fnEAe3UyRGV8tdnvshhgjjWqtoJNW2ZHQlFJ613lVwiaFK5flRkdu8X06g1ZD2-5cnAP4fyXz6vzQ-EwB0y2EfYy2kj-xMz2cOhG690ylIkgbbQJ5QK~F-JrJ5ChV4T1ZSaLsD57JCh4ELd3sf8~keBKfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Development and Finance committees on March 31 considered the Elyria Economic Development Committee’s annual review of municipal income-tax reimbursement agreements tied to job creation. The EEDC had met March 17 and reviewed six company files; staff told the committee five of the six companies met the recommended performance thresholds and should receive the contracted reimbursements, while one project remains on hold pending future action.

The percentage of increased income-tax withholdings reimbursed to each company varies according to previously negotiated contract terms; staff told the committee the percent generally ranges around the negotiated amounts but did not list specific percentages for each company in the committee discussion. The committee noted a typographical omission on the agenda packet for one company, Nelson Stud Welding, and confirmed that the intention is that the agreement for Nelson Stud Welding “should continue.”

A committee report was read and legislation was prepared to adopt the EEDC recommendations; the Community Development and Finance committees approved forwarding that legislation to council by voice vote.

Ending: The committees authorized an ordinance to be drafted that would adopt the EEDC’s March 17 recommendations and forward it for formal council consideration.","The Elyria Economic Development Committee reviewed six companies and recommended reimbursements for five; Finance and Community Development committees approved forwarding legislation to adopt the EEDC’s recommendations on March 31, 2025.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094992,"Elyria holds first public hearing on 2025 CHIP application; owner-occupied rehab recommended",889,125000,1014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652&start=125&end=1014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2841307-b2312bab18ecacd72887b71c2932a652/thumbnail_125000.jpg","/articles/6094992/Elyria/Lorain-County/Ohio/Elyria-holds-first-public-hearing-on-2025-CHIP-application-owner-occupied-rehab-recommended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094992-3c9c23fb06052a5b27e3dab4d5dd6cc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164436&Signature=TNd~SU~LKdm6P2ykjn-4poaayGrauaKbZSdUrs9waqxJwhlR3R5fIDvcEyhJ58FxHwMYfXzPjlpesgVipERouB4n~V98CZF3MnVqmg9QfsO1bWWI-jarzYOidWpilswQvtRy3zB4yp9afDwgl8-9G-roF2S2BWz8BED1n5ZYY7mtPhCIRydS~YrHnb7548sYdFXk1U6RNjvAFbjaqwJERwBE0Hrcc7z817rv7kzxNE-OQu17ZByVELP~AGPzut-ALovwlRWLhtQRhb0ZPdt763nPhXjlzIgukTZOzGNpqLtc5aafPzkDrELZjaBnJvf-D~TK~doQEtTTUfZkWWS03Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elyria’s Community Development and Finance committees held a joint public hearing on Monday, March 31, 2025, on the city’s application for the 2025 Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program, with staff saying the application is due June 18 and asking the committees to treat the application as an emergency to meet the deadline.

The CHIP program uses state HOME funds to support housing activities such as owner-occupied rehabilitation, rental rehabilitation, homeownership assistance and tenant-based rental assistance. Community Development Manager Mona Almaybaiad said Elyria typically receives about $250,000 and that the city plans to prioritize owner-occupied rehabilitation and funding for administration pending the next public hearing.

The manager told the committee that owner-occupied rehabilitation can cover major systems — “electrical, plumbing, heating systems, roofing, walls, and floors” — and that under CHIP the maximum available per owner-occupied unit is $85,000, compared with the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars that typically provide up to $20,000 per household. “The CHIP grant can provide up to 85,000 dollars to address multiple issues in the home,” she said.

The manager also described other CHIP activities and why Elyria has historically avoided rental rehabilitation: rental rehab requires a 15-year affordability period, ongoing income verification for tenants and a repayment requirement to the state if an income-qualified tenant is not in place for an 18-month window. “...the rental rehabilitation part of it is...a risky program for the city to apply for,” the manager said, noting monitoring and potential paybacks as principal concerns.

On tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), the manager said the program subsidizes monthly rent for income-qualified households so tenants generally pay no more than 30% of adjusted gross income and that Elyria has in the past partnered with the Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority on TBRA. She said the city previously allocated $15,000 for a TBRA effort but providers used only $5,000 of that amount.

Council members pressed staff on paperwork and monitoring requirements. Council member Mrs. Saworka asked whether staff capacity exists to manage the documentation and income verification required for long-term affordability monitoring; the manager said the city would likely recommend funding administration and private owner-occupied rehabilitation at the next hearing and that rental rehabilitation would not be recommended at this time.

Council member Mrs. Mitchell asked whether the $85,000 ceiling applies per home. The manager confirmed that $85,000 is the current maximum per owner-occupied unit but noted the city would not necessarily award the maximum amount to every household, adding that at $85,000 apiece a $250,000 allocation would fund only two homes.

Questions also addressed lead service lines and plumbing: staff said county lead-remediation funds exist and recommended residents pursue that funding where appropriate, though CHIP funds can also address lead issues within a home.

The committees held the first public reading and established a second public hearing for May 27, 2025, with final consideration slated for the City Council meeting on June 2, 2025.

The manager said staff will return May 27 with a final list of activities the city intends to include in the application. No formal appropriation or award was approved at the March 31 hearing.

Ending: The committees will reconvene the CHIP discussion at a second public hearing on May 27, then consider final action June 2; staff asked the committees to treat the application as an emergency to meet filing deadlines.","City staff told a joint Community Development and Finance committee on March 31 that Elyria will apply for about $250,000 in 2025 Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) HOME funds, will prioritize owner-occupied rehabilitation, and will hold a second public hearing May 27 before final action June 2.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance committee authorizes DEFA loan applications and bid advertising for multiple sewer and storm projects; approves legal services agreement

Committees table municipal clerk salary increases after extended debate on authority, budget and retroactivity

Elyria committee forwards Elyria Economic Development Committee recommendations for municipal income‑tax reimbursements

Elyria holds first public hearing on 2025 CHIP application; owner-occupied rehab recommended