Elyria committees approve CRA housekeeping, parcel transfer, liens, contracts and appropriation adjustments

Elyria’s joint Community Development and Finance committees on Monday approved a package of routine but consequential items, including housekeeping changes to the city’s Community Reinvestment Areas (CRAs) to align with Senate Bill 33, a proposed transfer of a parcel near Midway Mall to the Elyria Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), a certified demolition lien, contract authorizations for engineering and labor counsel, and temporary-appropriation adjustments that include a $1,446,200 Chestnut Commons TIF allocation for the Midview Local School District.

Community Development Manager Amabayad described the first major item as “basically a housekeeping update to make sure Elyria's CRA program is current and compliant and ready when council is asked to consider future funding projects.” She told the committee the changes follow Senate Bill 33’s 2023 revisions and do not alter CRA boundaries; the proposal would allow Elyria to complete the local process before sending finalized documents to the state, shortening the timeline for future project approvals. Law Director Deary confirmed the amendments do not change CRA boundaries. The committee voted to draw legislation authorizing an ordinance and requested an emergency clause so the updated framework would be available immediately for incoming projects.

On a separate item, Mayor Brubaker said the parcel identified as 062403000016 near Midway Mall and Lorraine Boulevard—described as the “old Mountain Jacks property”—is the fourth of several parcels related to redevelopment around the mall. The committee approved an ordinance authorizing transfer of the parcel to the Elyria Community Improvement Corporation for subsequent sale and development.

Building Official Farkas briefed the Finance Committee on an emergency fire demolition at 413 Marseilles Avenue, reporting demolition costs of $11,800, $9,000 of which was previously paid by the then-owner; the remaining balance certified to the Lorain County auditor is $2,800. The committee approved a resolution directing the clerk to certify the demolition-related cost to the county auditor.

The Safety Service Director requested authorization to dispose of six police vehicles—three Tahoes, one Crown Victoria and two Ford Fusions—because they no longer are cost-effective to maintain; the committee approved disposal by the “best means possible,” such as online auction (GovDeals).

Engineer Schneider requested amendment No. 5 to the professional-service agreement with CTI Engineers Inc. for construction inspection services at the city’s water reclamation facility, seeking emergency passage for an additional $218,900. Schneider described the RFQ/RFQ-qualifications process used for selecting professional services. The committee approved the amendment.

Director Panelski presented an annual contract to retain labor counsel Susan Anderson through Bricker, Graydon & Wyatt for 2026, with a not-to-exceed total of $130,000; Panelski noted Anderson has represented the city for years and has moved to a new firm. The committee approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter the contract, with an emergency clause requested.

Director Pawlowski outlined two temporary-appropriations adjustments: add $35,000 to operating and maintenance in the block grant fund for received grant monies, and add $1,446,200 to the Chestnut Commons TIF operating and maintenance account so the Midview Local School District is made whole for calendar years 2024 and 2025 after the underlying bonds were paid off. Pawlowski explained the original Chestnut Commons TIF is a 30-year district while the road bonds were 15 years; the committee approved the temporary-appropriations ordinance.

All motions in both committees were carried by voice vote during the Jan. 26 sessions. Committee chairs indicated emergency clauses were requested for several ordinances. The committees adjourned after completing the listed items; ordinances and resolutions approved at committee will follow the city’s usual legislative process.