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Parma Heights council adopts multiple ordinances, approves ARPA agreement and enters executive session
Summary
At a July 25 special meeting, Parma Heights City Council unanimously approved a package of ordinances (including adoption of the National Electrical Code and several weapons-code amendments), authorized applications for NOACA funding, accepted ARPA funds from Cuyahoga County and entered executive session to discuss confidential economic-development information.
Parma Heights City Council met in special session on July 25, 2022, adopted a series of ordinances and resolutions and moved into an executive session to discuss confidential business information related to an economic development applicant.
Clerk of Council Barbara Allen read each item aloud from the agenda; for Ordinance 2022-22 she read: "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1305 OF THE PARMA HEIGHTS CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, AS MAY BE AMENDED BY THE STATE OF OHIO FROM TIME TO TIME." Council President Tom Rounds noted this was "the third reading," and Councilwoman Maruschak moved for passage, seconded by Councilman Stavole. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
The council also considered several amendments to the city's animal-control code (Ordinances 2022-23, 2022-24 and 2022-25), each read by Clerk Allen and listed as second readings on the agenda. Councilman Stavole introduced Resolution 2022-14 authorizing the administration to submit an application to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and, if selected, to execute a contract and expend funds; the council suspended the rules and passed the resolution unanimously.
Council members passed Resolution 2022-15, authorizing the administration to enter into an agreement with Wichert Insurance to secure coverage from multiple carriers; the council suspended the rules and approved the resolution as an emergency. Councilwoman DeSouza introduced Resolution 2022-26 authorizing the mayor to accept American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Cuyahoga County and to expend those funds; the council similarly suspended the rules and voted unanimously for passage.
The council approved Ordinance 2022-27 (amending Section 672.01, definitions) and a set of weapons-related emergency ordinances: 2022-28 (amending carrying concealed weapons provisions), 2022-29 (amending unlawful transactions in weapons), and 2022-30 (amending prohibitions on brass knuckles, blackjacks, switchblades and similar weapons). Each ordinance was read by Clerk Allen, the council voted to suspend the rules where noted, and each measure passed with all voting members recorded as "Aye."
Late in the meeting Councilwoman DeSouza moved, seconded by Councilwoman Maruschak, "to move into Executive Session" to discuss "confidential business information of an applicant for economic development assistance." The council adjourned to executive session at 7:07 p.m., returned at 7:38 p.m., and then adjourned the public meeting at 7:40 p.m.
No public debate or public-comment record appears in the minutes for these items. The minutes list Mayor Gallo and department directors (finance, law, safety) as present but do not record additional statements from them in the public record. The minutes also note Councilwoman Durichko was excused.
Next steps: the minutes reflect final passage of the listed ordinances and resolutions at the July 25 special meeting; the executive-session discussion concerned confidential economic-development information and no public outcome from that session is recorded in these minutes.
