Strongsville council suspends rules and approves package of purchases, budget and pavement program

Strongsville City Council on March 3 voted unanimously to approve a slate of ordinances and resolutions that the administration said are needed to fund routine operations and capital work for 2025.

The council approved an ordinance to purchase six 2025 Dodge Durango police vehicles through an Ohio Department of Administrative Services contract, with a not-to-exceed total of $421,360. Council also authorized the disposal of one used Police Department vehicle (a 2001 Chevrolet cargo van) and accepted a $1,000 donation from Swagelok Company for police equipment, education and training.

Council authorized the mayor to apply for Cuyahoga County Community Development Fund assistance for repairs to the recreation center and the senior center, and directed the city to advertise for bids for the 2025 pavement reconstruction program; staff said the program is intended to cover nine streets, with two additional streets contingent on a Ward 3 water-main repair. The council adopted the city’s 2025 appropriation ordinance and approved an amendment to the Codified Ordinances (section 266.13) concerning departmental rules and regulations.

All measures were passed under suspension of the usual waiting period and adopted in roll-call votes. The recorded vote for each adopted ordinance and resolution was seven in favor, zero opposed. The council had excused one member for the evening.

Details on key items

• Police vehicle purchase — Ordinance No. 2025-23: Authorizes purchase of six 2025 Dodge Durango police vehicles via the state contract (Ohio Department of Administrative Services). City finance staff certified funding; the ordinance was adopted after a motion to suspend and adopt. Not-to-exceed amount stated in the meeting: $421,360.

• Disposal of obsolete vehicle — Ordinance No. 2025-24: Authorizes donation of a 2001 Chevrolet cargo van to the Southwest Enforcement Bureau and declares an emergency to expedite the transfer.

• Donation acceptance — Resolution No. 2025-25: Accepts a $1,000 donation from Swagelok Company for use by the Strongsville Police Department for equipment, education, and training.

• Cuyahoga County community development application — Ordinance No. 2025-26: Authorizes filing an application for Community Development Fund assistance for repairs at the city recreation center and senior center and authorizes acceptance of funds if awarded.

• 2025 pavement reconstruction — Resolution No. 2025-27: Authorizes the mayor to advertise for bids for the 2025 pavement reconstruction program. Staff said the initial scope is nine streets, plus two additional streets after a Ward 3 water-main repair.

• 2025 appropriations — Ordinance No. 2025-28: Makes appropriations for city expenditures for 2025 and repeals ordinance No. 2024-169.

• Departmental rules amendment — Ordinance No. 2025-29: Amends Section 266.13 of the Codified Ordinances regarding departmental rules and regulations.

• Conditional objection to permit — Council recorded a conditional objection to an application for a D5 liquor permit for Lucky 11 LLC, 20995 Royalton Road, based on building-code noncompliance; the objection is to be withdrawn if the building department confirms compliance.

What happens next

The mayor and finance director are authorized to take steps described in the ordinances and resolutions, including executing purchases and advertising solicitations. The council did not debate most items at length; several were presented by committee reports or department directors and approved under suspension and adoption to meet administrative timelines.