Amherst City Council adopts emergency ordinances for Lake Street Rehabilitation and mayor's court

The July 14, 2025, regular meeting of the Amherst City Council commenced at 7 PM, with all council members present except for Mr. Dembinski, who was excused. The meeting began with a prayer led by Chaplain Janet, emphasizing community stewardship and public safety amid ongoing environmental challenges.

The council swiftly moved through the agenda, starting with the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings. A motion to accept the consent agenda was passed unanimously.

Next, the council acknowledged the public, but no residents chose to speak on agenda items. The meeting proceeded to the ordinances and resolutions section, where several items were addressed.

Item 6a involved an ordinance to approve current replacement pages to the Amherst codified ordinances. A motion to suspend the rule requiring three readings was made and passed, allowing for immediate adoption. The ordinance was subsequently adopted with a unanimous vote.

Item 6b authorized the mayor to contract with Grama Engineering and Surveying Company for the South Lake Street Rehabilitation Project. Similar to the previous item, the council suspended the three-reading rule and adopted the ordinance unanimously.

Item 6c directed the safety service director to apply for participation in the Ohio Public Works Commission program for state issue 1 round 40. The council again suspended the three-reading rule, leading to the ordinance's adoption without opposition.

The meeting then transitioned to the second reading of ordinances, with Item 7a concerning amendments to the mayor's court being sent to a third reading. Council members discussed potential costs associated with the changes, noting that while there may be expenses, the initiative aims to enhance public convenience.

Item 7b, which amends building fees, was also moved to a third reading without any objections.

The meeting concluded with miscellaneous acknowledgments from the public, but no one chose to speak. The mayor provided updates on the city's electric system, highlighting increased demand due to recent heat waves and encouraging residents to be mindful of their electricity usage.

Overall, the meeting was marked by efficient decision-making and a focus on community welfare, with several key ordinances adopted to improve city infrastructure and services.