Macedonia council adopts salt contract, equipment purchase, personnel change and vehicle disposals

Macedonia’s City Council on April 24 adopted several ordinances and a resolution to fund local history work, secure road salt for the 2025–26 winter season, add storm‑sewer equipment and allow personnel movement within the fire department; the council also authorized disposal of two aging city vehicles.

The measures were passed by voice vote after short presentations by department directors and council members and took effect as emergency or routine measures as read at the meeting.

Councilors appropriated $500 to support the Historical Society of Old Northfield, which provides preservation of historical records relevant to Macedonia. Councilor Constance Bryant said the appropriation mirrors amounts given in prior years and noted the society reported new membership and use of past funds.

Director Wilson described an annual housekeeping item to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) road‑salt contract for the 2025–26 season. “This is just housekeeping, annual thing that we ask for to participate in the ODOT road salt contract, to purchase up to 4,000 tons of salt and at least 85% of that, for the 25–26 winter season,” Director Wilson said.

On equipment, the council approved purchase of a VACCON Jetter through Best Equipment Company Inc. Director Wilson said the trailer‑mounted unit cleans storm pipes up to 24 inches and comes with about 500 feet of hose; staff reported the unit is in stock and will be paid from the stormwater fund. “It is a piece of equipment that the service department could really use,” Wilson said.

The council passed an ordinance to amend codified city rules regarding fire‑department lieutenants so a lieutenant who transfers into the Fire Prevention Bureau may keep rank rather than creating an additional permanent fourth lieutenant. Chief Ripley and staff explained the change is effective only if an existing lieutenant moves into the prevention bureau and is intended to conform that deployment to the collective bargaining agreement.

By resolution the council authorized disposition of two municipal vehicles: a 2000 Ford Excursion (reported at about 83,000 miles) and a 2014 F‑350 pickup that had been used for plowing and sustained heavy corrosion. Jay Fripple described the vehicles as being replaced and said the new replacements are en route.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 23‑20‑25: $500 appropriation to Historical Society of Old Northfield — Passed (voice vote). - Ordinance 28‑20‑25: Emergency participation in ODOT road‑salt contract (up to 4,000 tons; city obligated to purchase up to 85%) — Passed (voice vote). - Ordinance 29‑20‑25: Purchase VACCON Jetter from Best Equipment Company Inc for storm‑sewer maintenance (paid from stormwater fund) — Passed (voice vote). - Ordinance 30‑20‑25: Amend codified ordinances section 153.01 regarding fire lieutenants to allow transfer into Fire Prevention Bureau without loss of rank — Passed (voice vote). - Resolution 31‑20‑25: Authorize disposition of municipal property (2000 Ford Excursion; 2014 F‑350 pickup) under codified ordinance 1.21.05 and Ohio Rev. Code § 721.15 — Passed (voice vote).

Council discussion and clarifications focused on operational details rather than policy changes: directors noted funding sources (the VACCON paid from the stormwater fund), the salt contract is an annual procurement, and the lieutenant amendment is conditional on an internal personnel move. No roll‑call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript; all items were carried by voice vote when put before council.

The meeting included other routine reports and public‑comment items not part of these votes.

Ending: The council adjourned after routine departmental reports and announcements about upcoming paving, community events and hydrant flushing.