North Olmsted council adopts Mall Area overlay, approves EQ Basin easement and debt-collection agreement

The North Olmsted City Council on June 10, 2025, adopted a package of ordinances and resolutions, including a new Mall Area Mixed Use Overlay District, an easement for electrical service at the EQ Basin property and a contract with the Ohio Attorney General to pursue delinquent Mayor’s Court accounts.

Council President Louis Brossard called the special meeting to order at 8:22 p.m. After committee reports, the Council voted 6-0 to adopt Ordinance 2025-21, creating Chapter 1150 of the Planning and Zoning Code to establish the Mall Area Mixed Use Overlay District. Councilman Limpert, who moved adoption, thanked the Economic Development Director for work on the legislation.

The Council also approved Resolution 2025-51, authorizing the Director of Recreation and Public Engagement to advertise for bids for structural modifications at Springvale Ballroom and allowing the Mayor, after Board of Control approval, to enter a contract with the lowest and best bidder; the resolution passed 6-0. Council later suspended the three-reading rule and adopted Ordinance 2025-60, granting an easement to Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company for installation and maintenance of electric service at the EQ Basin property, also by a 6-0 vote.

On a separate suspension and vote, the Council adopted Resolution 2025-63 to authorize a delinquent debt collection agreement with the Office of the Ohio Attorney General to collect unpaid fines, fees and court costs for North Olmsted Mayor’s Court; Finance Director Copfer moved to adopt and the measure passed 6-0. Council members noted the arrangement is similar to an existing contract the city has for emergency-services collections.

Other items advanced or introduced included the first reading of Ordinance 2025-61, a $76,667.53 purchase agreement with RCN Technologies for guest wireless service at the recreation center and Springvale Golf Course; Resolution 2025-62 to hire Bricker Graydon LLP for legal work on a New Community Authority (first reading); and Ordinance 2025-64, a first-reading repeal of Chapter 559 (Alarm Systems).

The Council also approved procedural measures: by a 6-0 roll call it relieved Ordinance 2024-94 from committee and substituted new language, placing it on second reading; and excused Councilman Shymske’s absence. The agenda concluded with an executive session to discuss property purchase; Council adjourned the special meeting at 9:07 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2025-21 (Mall Area Mixed Use Overlay District): adopted 6-0 (mover: Councilman Limpert; second: Councilwoman Gilchrist). - Resolution 2025-51 (Springvale Ballroom bids): adopted 6-0 (mover: Councilwoman Hemann; second: Councilman Scarl). - Ordinance 2025-60 (Easement to Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company for EQ Basin): adopted 6-0 (mover: Councilman Limpert; second: Councilwoman Gilchrist). - Resolution 2025-63 (Delinquent Debt Collection Agreement with Ohio Attorney General): adopted 6-0 (mover to adopt: Finance Director Copfer; second: Councilman Limpert).

What it means

Adoption of the Mall Area overlay gives the city a new zoning tool intended to allow mixed-use development in the mall area; the Council approved the measure without recorded opposition. The easement for electrical service removes a utility barrier for the EQ Basin project and the agreement with the Attorney General allows the city to use state collection resources for delinquent Mayor’s Court accounts. Several procurement and administrative items were introduced or advanced and will return for further council action as required by ordinance and rule.