[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",6231629,"mediaKeyId","3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9","parentId",3429034,"title","Fire chief warns residents: call 911 first as private ambulance group creates confusion","audioSeconds",327,"startMs",5173000,"endMs",5500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9&start=5173&end=5500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9/thumbnail_5173000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6231629/Ohio/Fire-chief-warns-residents-call-911-first-as-private-ambulance-group-creates-confusion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231629-0e1e666ba1df815b332096e03d52f169/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037153&Signature=VeFvQQDhEsImuvUJrT7uKWIfbmQyqrXhQ8Ymp32BQfgoRjQbZrUvtHLJ1bBgpupq2vcpucDcKQPjyQ8DpJndBpKbNgLFzpjgOfejXpQX1~S0PA~SQzAJ1bCrzJ~~YIdB0dbdjQfm3f~RpLrvFSfrHgmYLAJmrVRNMs1hesgehCD8RvaUzhyrm0h~rwjOZ-AxrEKXLzeTre8kTzDl8qQgYJ2N9GpVkvcwuvb~8WFKgGxyJc5lRXJAKg~7XVzbVPeL3rzJoNb22meJkTnQQ6EDWZ-A-JHJD-ebPfnNCtpR7QGlS~JNx05enf05JRg3FmUSAhPNdGLaME2ipfhFAFTjeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of University Heights OH","date","2025-05-21T21:04:06.193Z","article","The University Heights fire chief told the safety committee on April 7 that the city’s fire department provides rapid, integrated emergency response and urged residents to call 911 first after reporting instances where a private volunteer ambulance’s involvement has caused delayed fire notifications.

In a prepared memo read into the record, the fire chief summarized the department’s 85‑year history and capabilities: department members are certified paramedics and hold specialized certifications (fire prevention, technical rescue, tactical medicine). The chief said the department’s average emergency response to incidents in University Heights over the last decade is about four minutes (turnout plus travel) and that the city participates in a next‑generation 911 (NG911) regional dispatch system that routes cell calls directly to the correct local dispatch center and provides simultaneous multi‑agency dispatch and medical pre‑notification.

Why it matters: the chief said seconds matter in emergencies and cited cases in which a private volunteer ambulance operating in the city caused confusion and delayed fire department notification because residents did not call 911 first. The memo said the private group’s presence had already led to incidents where the fire department was not immediately notified, increasing the risk of slower definitive care.

The chief recommended a simple public instruction: “Call 911 in an emergency.” The memo emphasized that UHFD, backed by regional mutual aid and NG911, can dispatch appropriate fire and EMS resources immediately and that ad hoc or private responders can unintentionally fragment emergency notification.

Committee members heard that the dispatch center provides emergency medical dispatch guidance and pre‑notification to responders, and that the regional NG911 capability — which not all counties have — helps ensure local routing and faster coordination. The chief closed by asking council and staff to encourage residents to use 911 for all emergencies so the city’s integrated response can function without delay.

No formal action was taken; the presentation was an informational briefing and the committee thanked the chief for the update.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Safety - April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","University Heights fire chief briefed the safety committee on department capabilities, NG911 routing, and concerns that a private volunteer ambulance operating in the city has sometimes delayed fire department notification; the chief urged residents to use 911 in emergencies.","taxTitle","University Heights City Council, University Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",71902,"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},6231633,"Committee refers fireworks zoning ban and permit rules to council; members ask for resident notice and standalone forum",765,3755000,4520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9&start=3755&end=4520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9/thumbnail_3755000.jpg","/articles/6231633/Ohio/Committee-refers-fireworks-zoning-ban-and-permit-rules-to-council-members-ask-for-resident-notice-and-standalone-forum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231633-ac0e625db88a6ddd937fdbb79ee2f679/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037153&Signature=lgnS4H482MBPGrIZesg9ZwyZw96EVLui-zhkYNZMITAWam6HYxzjhoCasSvs~1Ki0l8K9mgg6oJvhnNbJ-75At0pTEo2YmDr7HNs6DaMudUeT3dR1DJPU-00MqiFz6ILcrsxjpuNrSJ7-OIZWfO~NLi7OZXGxitbblnbKlGavj2QY0TyljfX-a5IBw7FBJ5AUqelo0KCgKvtzfepoQZPlO27WbA-UX7UVs2HfFWa9M1vwbAXXiLzLYzqExQULgYcWvXMfXkcLED9p5o0SeGgaf6~GCaCbg1ZvqWGngjIdFXG-T19R2JdvLyUx80Js9wW50LsGYHBT7A3NAchFZAuQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The University Heights safety committee on April 7 voted to refer a proposed zoning ordinance that would prohibit fireworks manufacturing, distribution, storage and retail sale to the next city council meeting, and discussed companion fire‑code language governing public fireworks displays.

The draft zoning ordinance (identified in the meeting as establishing section 12‑80‑14 of the zoning code) would bar fireworks plants, storage warehouses and retail sales within city limits because of safety and density concerns. A companion proposal would add procedures and permit fees to the city fire code (chapter 16‑15) so that permitted displays — handled by state‑licensed pyrotechnic vendors — could be reviewed and authorized by the fire and police chiefs under the State Fire Marshal’s permitting process.

Why it matters: since Ohio’s 2022 House Bill 172 changed state fireworks rules, the committee has repeatedly revisited local controls to address safety, zoning and the storage/distribution of fireworks. City staff said the zoning ban is intended to prevent storage and wholesale activity in a dense residential city; the fire‑code companion would allow properly permitted, professionally conducted displays when safety criteria are met.

Officials and councilmembers also discussed operational and community impacts. The police and fire chiefs told the committee that the practical site available for a large display would likely be John Carroll University and that the State Fire Marshal controls the permit process. Committee members expressed concerns about notifying neighbors of any permitted display, citing resident complaints after recent shows (noise, PTSD triggers and impacts on pets). The committee agreed that if displays are to be considered, residents living near the proposed site should be notified and given an opportunity to comment.

Law department staff described the pair of ordinances as companion pieces: the zoning language would bar sale, storage and wholesale distribution in the city; the fire‑code language would govern permits for displays and give fire and police chiefs authority to approve or deny events based on safety criteria. A law director representative said the draft ordinances have been under discussion since 2022 and were updated for the current review.

Action and next steps: the committee referred the zoning ordinance (12‑80‑14) to the next council meeting. Members asked staff to organize a stand‑alone safety meeting or town hall to allow focused resident comment and to consider formal notice to neighbors if a permit application were to be considered. Staff also noted a vendor contacted the city in February seeking approval for an early‑June display aligned with John Carroll’s alumni weekend; a typical campus show runs about five minutes and would likely require state and local approvals.

Community concerns: several councilmembers and residents said unannounced fireworks create recurring noise that can trigger PTSD, upset animals, and disturb sleep. One member suggested written notice and use of the city’s non‑emergency alert system and mailings to ensure neighbors without internet access receive advance notice. The committee did not adopt a resident‑notification provision in ordinance text at this meeting but asked staff to consider ways to solicit resident feedback before council action.","Safety committee advanced a zoning ban on manufacturing/storage of fireworks and discussed fire‑code permitting for displays; members requested resident notification and proposed a standalone safety meeting or town hall to gather community input before council acts.",{"_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},6231638,"Committee tables expansion of residential permit parking near schools and campus",827,2885000,3712000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9&start=2885&end=3712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9/thumbnail_2885000.jpg","/articles/6231638/Ohio/Committee-tables-expansion-of-residential-permit-parking-near-schools-and-campus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231638-fe12b76d6b1bc4d4d950c606e48bdf32/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037153&Signature=Li9XH65FTjsbMQh4P2ST57YWzbvQ4~uIKUDseIog8jNk2GpzvrAgoaA809JRUA7stDrfJUIxKzd4TAJF90UVg-CmfstpXlsX546xui~~NiuwaINae4ni42QO-qaS3WoL28PzCMVRHMjMd2qusq2PVRRMfOalQetZMeJIIvd-TzHgbxKGZ58w-cyF4mOq6nBGwNRr~OPX9X92LLutVVmL1shE1XnFjViKgbRHl4~J3zK3IkkwsSRYj4MW7MD6kEj-iUFT2XH-lxFuOYDWJUc9dGop-qtE513xk4k-OdsFC9vYGqcobvNHPAY682g3vliXXFi9-Ldcc5lwuzaJdJ~ejA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University Heights safety committee members on April 7 discussed a proposed expansion of the city’s residential permit parking program to additional streets near local schools and John Carroll University but decided to postpone action until enforcement and towing/fine changes are evaluated.

Councilmember Cooney proposed adding several streets to the permit program and reengaging residents to determine whether they want permits and guest accommodations. He said he conducted on‑the‑ground observations, took photos and a minute‑by‑minute account at school drop‑off times and “there was no safety concern” on the dates he reviewed. Cooney asked the committee to consider expanding permit coverage on streets including University Parkway, Milton Road, Bromley Road, Carroll Boulevard, South Boulevard (between Fairmont and Silsbee), and Miramar.

Why it matters: residents on nearby streets have complained about daytime and overnight parking spillover from campus and school traffic. Permit parking would reserve street parking for residents and guests, but some councilmembers and other speakers said permit programs can create tradeoffs for other taxpayers and may not solve the underlying causes.

Council debate focused on whether enforcement of towing and fines should be tightened before enlarging the permit program. Several members — including the vice mayor and Councilmember Weiser — said they preferred to see the results of enhanced towing/fine enforcement first. Weiser expressed a broad policy concern about long‑term resident permit programs, saying such programs can effectively restrict public street parking and raise equity questions for taxpayers.

Cooney summarized his goal as reengaging neighborhood residents to allow lawful resident parking without imposing penalties on invited guests; he said the program would give residents “the opportunity to park there where they do not get a ticket.” Critics said resident permits had not solved parking problems in the past because students and other non‑residents continued to park illegally in restricted zones.

Action and next steps: the committee tabled the residential permit parking expansion for now and asked staff to prioritize enforcement options under agenda items 1 and 2 (towing and fines). Committee members agreed to return to the question later if enforcement adjustments do not address the problems.

Community details: Cooney listed streets under consideration and noted proximity to local schools (Garrity and other school sites) and the anticipated impacts from John Carroll’s Fairmont Circle development. No formal ordinance language was adopted at this meeting; the item was deferred.","Councilmembers debated expanding the residential permit parking program to additional streets near schools and John Carroll University, heard field checks and resident concerns, and opted to table the proposal pending results from enforcement changes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6231643,"Safety committee debates towing for repeat parkers and higher parking fines",2481,203000,2684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9&start=203&end=2684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429034-8093e6d82434b72b7f6ad90a3cc46ca9/thumbnail_203000.jpg","/articles/6231643/Ohio/Safety-committee-debates-towing-for-repeat-parkers-and-higher-parking-fines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231643-ebee03a0036f3a53e495f3ef7787846c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037153&Signature=m6obGZqUq7und7pNu08NskxjP2aHmEbg8wW0Lxz3RSv~IMz3Ho9a8wROMFtz-jj~jZ3CV~0VBN5IV6a1aRMQ8bOFVcg0vvslE5Td4Dn1Mjb2Dra6pqjF19lCYDmnl5izXomTtBVQncwMd5x3lP~NM~hP20iARMygdjClpvZ-4f9avrs~McXFXU467GqH31xEdZbAOhMXK5UejEoFNTua~Hk4u8jy~LaeRlsNaRa9JlEe6wNQahJp7a4ru7bQz94uEgOnkFMEsf3uI4~CnWWxATBEGrRmqRdAY5xPR-IbD9ZgcXox3qhS1xryXKRpMAB8whXTQMfT5jj~9KWT6gyaXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University Heights safety committee members on April 7 discussed proposed changes to code language that would allow impounding vehicles after repeat parking violations and considered raising parking fines.

The committee focused on amendments to “code section 40407(a)(1) and (a)(10)” and related impound and release language and the separate parking-penalties proposal in code section 452.999. The police chief warned that a six‑month “look back” to identify people with two or more violations would generate a large administrative list; a test run produced roughly 1,000 matching entries. Committee members asked staff to pursue options to limit that burden before sending towing language to council.

Why it matters: city officials said tickets alone have not stopped repeat illegal parking around John Carroll University and other areas. The proposed changes would let officers impound vehicles when a registered owner has two or more parking citations (paid or adjudicated) within a six‑month period or when a vehicle has two outstanding citations. Supporters said stronger consequences could deter chronic violators; opponents warned of disproportionality if people who already paid tickets were towed.

Police operations and administrative limits came to the fore. Police reported the current tow list based on two outstanding unpaid citations typically contains 20–40 vehicles; extending the search to a six‑month window that includes paid/adjudicated citations would create roughly 1,000 data points to review. The department said the current tote/record is shared as a read‑only file accessible to officers, and that making a searchable, field‑usable list would require changes to reporting systems and workflow.

Chief Rogers told the committee, “with just a 6‑month look back period … that generates approximately 1,000 data entry points that we have to consider and go through to try to generate a parking toll list.” He warned officers would need an integrated, searchable system in their cars to use such a list efficiently.

Committee members offered alternatives to reduce administrative burden: raise the threshold from two to three or more offenses in six months to target higher‑frequency offenders; start the list prospectively (e.g., begin compiling on a future date) to avoid an immediate, large retrospective workload; or raise fines instead of expanding towing. One councilmember said, “If you pay 2 tickets, but you still decided you're gonna keep parking illegally, that's telling me you want your car towed,” while others cautioned that towing a vehicle after the owner had paid prior tickets would be unusual and possibly disproportionate.

Officials also noted practical constraints: the city’s existing towing contract and ordinance authorize the director of public safety to designate motor vehicle pounds; United Towing has been the contracted vendor for many years. Printing new tickets with revised fine amounts will require court proofing and could take weeks to months; staff said they have a significant inventory of existing tickets to resolve. Tow response for nonblocking parking removals typically ranges around a half hour, though priority calls for accidents get faster service.

Action and next steps: the committee did not advance the towing amendment to council at this meeting. The chair withdrew a motion to move the towing item to council and asked police and the law department to bring back options at the next safety committee meeting, including: (1) operational approaches to produce an integrated, searchable tow/report list; (2) modeling the effect of changing the repeat‑offender threshold (2 vs. 3+); and (3) ticket/printer timing. Separately, the committee voted to refer the parking penalties amendment (code 452.999) — which would set a $75 fine if paid within 30 days and $150 for later payment — to the next city council meeting for consideration.

The committee also heard that enforcement alone has not yet resolved the problem in areas adjacent to John Carroll University; some members said university parking policy and off‑campus shuttling agreements should be pursued in parallel. Police agreed to return with technical options to manage the data and a clearer operational plan before council consideration.

The committee expects further staff reports and revised drafts at its next safety meeting before taking any final legislative action.","University Heights safety committee considered amendments to the towing/impound rules and an increase in parking fines, heard operational limits from police, and deferred a final decision on towing while referring a fines proposal to city council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fire chief warns residents: call 911 first as private ambulance group creates confusion

Committee refers fireworks zoning ban and permit rules to council; members ask for resident notice and standalone forum

Committee tables expansion of residential permit parking near schools and campus

Safety committee debates towing for repeat parkers and higher parking fines