Parma Heights council approves vehicle sales, extends police contract and authorizes emergency fuel purchase

Parma Heights City Council met Oct. 24 and unanimously approved several measures including a resolution to dispose of obsolete city vehicles, an extension of the city's agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police and an emergency ordinance to purchase petroleum fuels and lubricants.

Council President Tom Rounds called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and the body first approved the Oct. 11 meeting minutes. Clerk of Council Barbara Allen read each resolution and ordinance by title before votes.

Recreation Director Allen said the city's first annual "Creatures on the Commons" Halloween event was "well received" and estimated attendance at "between 500 - 600 people." Program Coordinator Madi Bacci ran an Owl Walk that drew 57 participants; Allen said the department is planning a tree lighting, Breakfast with Santa and additional winter activities and has asked the Service Department to install a nesting box for owls.

"We estimated attendance between 500 - 600 people and we anticipate that this will continue to grow each year," Recreation Director Allen said. Councilmembers praised the event and asked that sponsors be formally thanked; Allen said donors were acknowledged on social media and the mayor's office would follow up with letters.

Safety Director Heffernan reported staffing additions and operational concerns: "Two firefighters and one police officer have been hired for the city, they will begin on Monday, the 14th," Heffernan said, and added the city has been "getting a ton of calls from the residents regarding the overnight parking" and is evaluating an app or online system to reduce the calls' administrative burden on staff.

Service Director Robert Sepik outlined public-works schedules: "Leaf collection will begin this next Monday, October 31st," he said, and noted yard-waste pickup by Republic continues through November. Sepik also announced a campaign sign drop-off and community shredding on Nov. 12 (9 a.m.–noon), bulk collection on Nov. 23 and the final household hazardous waste collection of the season on Nov. 26 (9 a.m.–noon) at the service garage.

Mayor Marie Gallo told council the Senior Center "served and delivered 1,259 meals over the last two weeks," said Ready Notify signups are strong and noted a seniors trip to Amish Country with about 70 attendees. She said the 2023 budget and capital improvements for the pool, police vehicles, an ambulance and service equipment were discussed at caucus; the city is awaiting an insurance renewal and the North Royalton Jail contract, which may appear on a future agenda.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2022-36 (authorize disposal of obsolete city vehicles via GovPlanet/IronPlanet): third reading; motioned by Councilwoman Durichko, seconded by Councilman Stavole; vote: 7–0, approved. Director Sepik confirmed vehicles are sold at auction and proceeds return to the General Fund.

- Resolution 2022-38 (extension agreement between City of Parma Heights and the Fraternal Order of Police/Ohio Labor Council, Inc., waiving statutory waiting periods under Ohio R.C. 4117.14(G)(11), declared an emergency): motioned by Councilman Haase, seconded by Councilwoman DeSouza; rules suspended and vote: 7–0, approved as an emergency.

- Ordinance 2022-34 (2023 appropriations): read by title (first of three readings); no final vote on passage at this meeting.

- Ordinance 2022-35 (expenditure and procurement for petroleum fuels and lubricants; emergency): motioned by Councilman Stavole, seconded by Councilwoman Walsh; rules suspended and vote: 7–0, ordinance passed as an emergency.

Council also moved into an executive session to prepare for collective bargaining strategy, returned to public session at 8:04 p.m., heard no public comment and adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m.

The council's next procedural steps include subsequent readings of the 2023 appropriations ordinance; other items noted in the meeting's reports (insurance renewal and the North Royalton Jail contract) may return to a future agenda.