Macedonia City Council on Jan. 23 took several formal actions, including adopting an agreement for indigent defense coverage, approving a partnership and payment arrangement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for an intersection project, authorizing the 2025 sidewalk program bidding, authorizing demolition notice at 316 East Highland Road, and appointing Matthew Ferraro to a council vacancy. Ordinance number 80 was held for a later second reading.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 5-2025 (Chapter 929; fiber-optic infrastructure): Adopted as an emergency ordinance and posted according to law; one abstention was recorded in the meeting (see separate article on the ordinance for details).

- Ordinance 6-2025 (agreement with Summit County Public Defender’s Commission): Adopted. The ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute an agreement providing representation for indigent persons charged with violations of local ordinances. Director Gudetti described this as an annual housekeeping measure to provide counsel for cases that could involve jail time.

- Resolution 7-2025 (Highland Valley View Road intersection, PID 113161): Passed. The resolution authorizes the director of transportation to proceed with the project and enables the city to make its financial contribution to ODOT. Staff said ODOT will bid and administer the construction and that the project remains scheduled for summer 2025; ODOT’s bid schedule was stated as Feb. 27 and staff said the city’s payment was needed by mid-February (a date cited in discussion was Feb. 14).

- Resolution 8-2025 (2025 sidewalk program): Passed. Council authorized plans and advertising for bids; about 390 properties were identified for possible replacement and homeowners may self-perform with a free permit by June 1 or have the work contracted by the city and placed on a three-year interest-free tax assessment.

- Motion to issue demolition notice pursuant to Macedonia codified ordinance 13 85.11 for property at 316 East Highland Road (BP building): Approved. Council authorized issuance of notice and said the structure has been vacant and a community nuisance; staff said demolition and removal will follow required notice and assessment procedures.

- Council appointment: Matthew Ferraro was nominated and elected by roll call to fill a council vacancy with a term ending Dec. 31, 2025. Roll call recorded votes in favor by Miss Brandt, Mister Finley, Mister Garvis, Mister Ventura, and others; the appointment motion and second were recorded and the roll call returned a majority in favor.

- Ordinance 80: Held for second reading.

Procedural notes: Several items were described in staff presentations as routine or housekeeping (for example, the public defender agreement). The Highland Valley View Road project will be administered and bid by ODOT under a partnership agreement; staff said the city must make its payment before ODOT’s bid date. The demolition notice references Macedonia’s codified ordinance 13 85.11 as the legal basis for proceeding with notice.

All actions were taken during the Jan. 23 regular council meeting; items requiring further procurement or cost details will return to council for final approvals where noted.