[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6259832,"mediaKeyId","3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444","parentId",3137151,"title","Planning commission recommends three rezonings; public hearings set May 19","audioSeconds",138,"startMs",658000,"endMs",796000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444&start=658&end=796","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444/thumbnail_658000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6259832/Ohio/Planning-commission-recommends-three-rezonings-public-hearings-set-May-19","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259832-f8c64501b1bb29fe1626cd4077f06ce9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151339&Signature=RkkZyO5GgPhYPIa5W~pivRZrFzIGQs8LMiWdvAF5tF53QKGSV-VC3ntno31aSK8Rp5fC15ZysiWhldG9U8dV8N0Ut9eHIK9XNkixFAKdqhIf7bl0Gg-zLUDQexOGblPpL44qQXg4LtscNqdBqNcg45NYBQEGVIYPTHHN75LnCm1DNV8N1ldREddzWV04HL2dROXwcb0KikIMjki2mk0SVRzrI1cY24E5EikjU4NpTnCoh-26cJdPxPtLdcGDDXjJXmcn38MS4nmP~19xwRXsWZP6a8cnzHCsKapOBCd1ROZdmtT6PwSaaPw0bYe1dcV~2u-HLfYP52T5HjqTsFtJIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lorain OH","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Lorain City planning commission recommended that City Council approve three separate rezoning requests and notified council that public hearings on those items will be held Monday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Why it matters: Zoning changes can affect land use, housing density and commercial development in the affected neighborhoods; the public hearings give residents an opportunity to comment before council acts.

What was recommended

- ZCA2-24: Rezone parcels 0202012106001, 0202012106002 and 0202012104052 at 3301 Meister Road from R-1B (moderate-density residential) to R-2 (transitional residential district). The applicant is Range Max Properties, LTD.

- ZCA1-2025: Rezone parcel 0500001000299 at Oak Point Road from PUD (planned unit development) to B-1 (neighborhood commercial). The city of Lorain is listed as the applicant.

- ZCA2-2025: Rezone parcel 0202005112017 at 1510 Cooper Foster Park Road from R-1A (low-density residential) to B-2 (general commercial). The city of Lorain is the applicant.

Each item was recommended by the planning commission and scheduled for a public hearing on Monday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m.

What council members said: The clerk recorded the planning commission recommendations and scheduled hearings; no substantive council action was taken at the May 5 meeting beyond receiving the commission’s recommendations and scheduling the hearings.

What’s next: Public hearings on May 19 at 5:30 p.m. will allow residents and stakeholders to speak; council will consider the commission’s recommendations after the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lorain OH, City Council Regular Meeting 04/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The city planning commission recommended that Lorain City Council approve three rezoning requests; public hearings are scheduled for May 19 at 5:30 p.m.","taxTitle","Lorain City Council, Lorain, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",76365,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259836,"Council approves appropriations ordinance that includes $50,000 for Main Street program; members seek clearer oversight",171,2737000,2908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444&start=2737&end=2908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444/thumbnail_2737000.jpg","/articles/6259836/Ohio/Council-approves-appropriations-ordinance-that-includes-50000-for-Main-Street-program-members-seek-clearer-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259836-e704e851c9b6aa1839f2d8176b6a815c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151339&Signature=Px6PDadpIDf2nHZndDMMv6USRuk2dm~KmpSfrCvBkA0CGyv~BFVuDj-ODxPU9euNVKeo5vEUxZ9DdNESWF6aI4D7MDYUqRvevdJk4qHCRchhvOk5eLtmqIoA-56i69~D-1~cBhg~Fs-2lCAstloEcOVCpwCLL2ac~9P7vQndVXCIkY6JKnrzsdOEALcYBZ5HmHpk866Xv85hEXdGk19T7w0rH2voZW~YsYsUtiibuvk9w1y7KS3IOPh6OV0wFCFOVltGOn-umf9xeqQdt0cxUsEetqv9RnPch-4-KP8LV7mrRh6ka4KdpCbBzLL51SF21zVIg82Jz-uwM6qGtHnd6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lorain City Council on May 5 approved an appropriations ordinance for 2025 by an 8–0 vote with one abstention (Miss Duvall). During discussion, council members asked for more detail and assurances about how a $50,000 appropriation for Main Street downtown activities would be tracked and reported.

Why it matters: The appropriation increases available funds for local programs and operations; councilmembers raised concerns about transparency and whether the appropriation was addressed during the usual budget process.

What council discussed

Councilmember Mister Nunn noted the $50,000 for the senior center shown from a UDAG account was correctly appropriated on Dec. 16 and raised questions about a separate $50,000 allocation discussed for Main Street. A staff member (identified in the record as working with the administration) described a draft agreement with Main Street Lorain that would establish deliverables and oversight for the funds.

The staff explanation said the $50,000 would support a range of downtown activities and operating needs, including a snow‑removal contract, beautification (flowers and planters on Broadway), a dedicated staff person (full- or part-time) for daily trash removal and maintenance tasks, downtown marketing, a downtown business enhancement grant, and programming such as Second Saturdays and a cookie crawl. The administration said this year’s agreement would require deliverables and reporting, unlike prior general-fund donations to Main Street.

Council concerns and direction

Councilmembers pressed staff on whether the appropriation was simply “backfilling” departmental budgets after the budget process and asked that future grant or service agreements be brought to council with clear parameters. Councilmember Mister Nunn said the appropriation should be transparent so the public does not assume projects are already under way.

Councilmember Miss Seville said she would abstain from voting because she serves on the Main Street design committee; the clerk recorded one abstention (Miss Duvall) and the final vote was 8–0 with one abstention.

What’s next: The administration said it will draft an agreement with Main Street Lorain that specifies deliverables and reporting and will provide oversight; council’s finance committee will continue quarterly budget updates and oversight.","Council passed an appropriations ordinance that the administration said includes $50,000 for Main Street downtown activities; councilmembers asked for clearer deliverables and oversight of how those funds will be used.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259840,"Council refers utilities billing procedures to committee after councilmember and public concerns",72,561000,633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444&start=561&end=633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444/thumbnail_561000.jpg","/articles/6259840/Ohio/Council-refers-utilities-billing-procedures-to-committee-after-councilmember-and-public-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259840-dd3ea2970f67c7b60a3df8322684e1f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151339&Signature=h4MqD~e1E7FOW1Z0SpWXe38dt0dzH5xRottHa4oZCbSUTtWw0SK98G9Oj7E4uYo3PQg6obwfHHtFOpKgN~feRMYqdALJGHr1Ql3Nzku4Kx25XUPElJKAF0wvka7X53aAGvJlTHNZAZwUbO0ENi2mc1ZAajBVLwdtUXMDvtlA5sgVgjBCoFdM4br~v~trHY3-ahhQwnkTLVHJuEn43cde4fVAeuVG2jIW--i4hoUUBAXtFG7eiR22KweCXZOcIarS2vudRCVaEuJsQBqRRomn0gTzBZlpvDNWBUi8b56GzJaICfkC-CEv1t47r0W7eOvFpmTPM6hg5TVVFASEEtsDZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lorain City Council on May 5 voted unanimously to refer discussion of the utilities billing office’s administrative procedures to a committee after councilmembers and residents raised concerns about changes to payment options and collection processes.

Why it matters: The billing procedures affect water service customers and how residents can make payments — including whether partial payments are accepted, how payment plans are handled and where cash payments can be made.

Councilmember concerns and public comments

Councilmember Miss Minkowski said members of the Sewer and Water Advisory Board and several residents “very, vocally disagreed with Mister Carbonaro’s information and his recommendations to city council with regards to the billing office and the administrative procedures thereof.” She added, “we are here to provide service to the residents of the city, not just so as what is convenient for a particular office.”

Councilmember Miss Seagal asked whether customers were barred from making partial payments on water bills and whether there was “any way around that,” noting partial payments can help prevent accounts from becoming delinquent. Councilmember Mister Nutt said partial payments usually require that the customer be on a payment plan and would need to call in to enroll.

Administration response and next steps

Mayor Bradley said the administration would have Utilities Director Joe Carbonaro appear at a committee meeting so council could hear his recommendations and provide input. The mayor also told council there is a new kiosk in the water department “that indicates that now we can accept credit card payments but also cash payments,” and that cash payers can use the kiosk or go to the window.

Councilmember Mister Thornberry moved to send the matter to the utilities committee; the motion carried unanimously.

What council asked staff to clarify: Councilmembers pressed for clarity on whether partial payments and payment plans are permitted, how customers enroll in plans, and whether the kiosk and cash payment options address access for residents who prefer or need to pay in cash.

What’s next: Utilities Director Joe Carbonaro will be scheduled to appear before the committee to present the billing-office procedures and proposed administrative changes and to answer council questions.

Quotes above are taken verbatim from council remarks at the May 5 meeting.","Council directed the matter of billing office procedures and payment options to a committee after councilmembers and members of the public questioned a change limiting partial payments and discussed new kiosk payment options.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":80,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":83,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259846,"Council passes multiple grant acceptances, procurement and appropriations; several items sent to later readings",459,3196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137151-2b69768188ba81956f576908dad20444&start=2737&end=3196","/articles/6259846/Ohio/Council-passes-multiple-grant-acceptances-procurement-and-appropriations-several-items-sent-to-later-readings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259846-56ba422df5364aef61ce23c9b75508cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151339&Signature=AcFw6~2iFp1X1iVA~DRTJsBrFxbsXmwFkLikv4kgEDdakJWCpuhnRGBI2e1UPSlMUVz9U-U7mEHeDIL9oIODl-UBhDxUffrfxm1v5HDhgl6v1ajE4sk8WVQN-cbDlmriDkXGTXl1sOJdGq~3A2pUHSayNK4Wi-DkYjg2c3tGROUJtXiNGSGsX-sQKNZaYZFc0m0yfu-4JpLplKn5ug9-BmUkQChONfcUvcSgovxvplUOzHrffEo8dE3yFNZPKkrp2VaaeD3GVwzUUPPXf8GDdECbeAS5xCPGFPPhGyht7kiX~dwsE-mQb1J508aMGIp-VRYoUKm0fjJRHubfL-ectg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lorain City Council on May 5 approved a set of ordinances and resolutions that accept grant awards, authorize contracts and adjust appropriations while sending several other measures to later readings or committee review.

The most substantive votes included adoption of an ordinance accepting a climate pollution reduction grant through NOACCA, authorizing the police chief to apply for ODNR marine patrol funding, accepting a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant awarded by the Ohio attorney general, and authorizing purchases and contracts for utility meters and road and traffic projects. Council also passed an appropriations ordinance to adjust the 2025 budget.

Why it matters: The adopted measures enable the administration to pursue external grant funds and to move forward with equipment purchases and projects that the city says are intended to improve traffic monitoring, public safety and utilities operations. The appropriations vote adjusts city spending levels and includes funding the administration described as supporting downtown Main Street activities.

Key outcomes (votes at a glance):

- Ordinance (Item 10c): Ratified acceptance of NOACCA’s climate pollution reduction grant. The council suspended rules and passed the ordinance unanimously. (Introduced by Councilmember Thornberry.)

- Ordinance (Item 10d): Authorized the police chief, via the mayor, to apply for and receive Ohio Department of Natural Resources 2025 Marine Patrol Assistance Program funding; council suspended the rules and passed the ordinance unanimously.

- Ordinance (Item 10e): Authorized the mayor and law director to accept the 02/2025 Victims of Crime Act grant as awarded by the Ohio attorney general; council suspended the rules and passed the ordinance unanimously.

- Ordinance (Item 10f): Authorized the safety-service director to enter a contract without competitive bid with Neptune Equipment Company for purchase of utility meters and supplies; council suspended rules and passed the ordinance unanimously. A council member asked why there was no competitive bid and was told the company provides meters compatible with the city’s existing reading equipment.

- Ordinance (Item 10g): Authorized the safety-service director to contract with the lowest and best bidder for the SR‑58/Leavitt/Tower Blvd traffic signal improvement project; council suspended rules and passed the ordinance unanimously.

- Ordinance (Item 10i): Authorized contracts for rehabilitation of certain roadways in connection with Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Round 38 contracts A and B. Council suspended rules; the ordinance was passed with one dissenting vote (Miss Kempton). During discussion, councilmembers and staff spoke about bond sales and the city’s local share, which was described in the meeting as the city’s portion of an $822,000 sum for that project.

- Ordinance (Items 10l–10n, 10p, 10q, 10r): A set of ordinances assessing demolition, litter removal, noxious-weed abatement, purchasing sodium chloride under the ODOT contract, and paying specific invoices invoking the then-and-now certification under Ohio Revised Code §5705.41 were all passed after suspension of rules, each by unanimous vote as recorded.

- Ordinance (Item 10s): An appropriations ordinance to cover current expenses and expenditures for 2025 was passed 8–0 with one abstention (Miss Duvall). Discussion prior to the vote included questions about a $50,000 appropriation for Main Street downtown activities and general questions about departmental budgets.

- Ordinance (Item 12, third reading): An ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to forgive certain home loans was passed on third reading with one dissenting vote (Mister Thornberry).

Sent to additional readings or committees:

- Resolution (Item 10a): A resolution creating a sustainability and economic growth initiative was moved to committee for further review; sponsors noted it is a framework and that a pending NOACCA grant would fund stakeholder work. Council voted to send it to committee unanimously.

- Ordinance (Item 10b): A resolution to apply for ODOT congestion mitigation and air quality funding (video detection/traffic monitoring technologies) failed to have rules suspended (one dissent); it will go to second reading.

- Ordinance (Item 10h): Contract with GPD for design of the LOR/Broadway corridor project did not have rules suspended and will go to a second reading.

- Ordinance (Item 10k): A three‑year agreement with Clarity Cloud USA (formerly Camino Technologies) for professional services did not have rules suspended and will go to second reading.

- Ordinance (Item 10o): An ordinance to remove special assessments for certain properties was referred to a second reading; a councilmember (Mister Nutt) said he would abstain on that item when it returns.

What council members said: Several votes were brief and carried without discussion. Where council engaged, questions centered on compatibility of purchased meters with existing read equipment, the city’s local share for OPWC road projects and the process for applying for state grants versus returning to council for acceptance when awarded.

What’s next: Measures passed that require grant execution or contracting will proceed through the administration for implementation. Items moved to second or third readings and committee referrals will be scheduled for further council consideration or committee review.

Votes and motions in this article are summarized from Council meeting remarks and roll-call outcomes recorded on May 5.","Lorain City Council adopted a package of ordinances and resolutions including grant acceptances for a climate pollution reduction program and marine patrol, equipment purchases for utilities, and an appropriations ordinance; several other items were referred to later readings or committees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission recommends three rezonings; public hearings set May 19

Council approves appropriations ordinance that includes $50,000 for Main Street program; members seek clearer oversight

Council refers utilities billing procedures to committee after councilmember and public concerns

Council passes multiple grant acceptances, procurement and appropriations; several items sent to later readings