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Residents press council on Jennings Road safety, utility pole and park cleanup
Summary
Public commenters urged Rossford leaders to address speeding and e-bike safety on Jennings Road, requested removal of a misplaced utility pole on private property, and complained of garbage and marijuana odor at the park; the mayor and staff noted increased patrols and promised follow-up on outreach and concerns.
During public comment at the May 26 meeting, residents raised safety and maintenance concerns focused on Jennings Road and the nearby park.
A resident identifying their address as "264 Jennings" praised the recent Jennings Road work but said a telephone pole remains partly on their property after utility relocation and that the utility company has not removed the old pole despite repeated requests over a year; the resident asked the city to ensure the issue is not forgotten before final payment on the road project is issued. The Clerk and City Administrator responded that the city is limited by utility ownership and cannot remove utility infrastructure without the utility's authorization; staff confirmed a punch list remains for final project sign-off.
The same resident described heavy weekend traffic, e-bikes not stopping at intersections, and safety concerns for children. They also said park areas were left with overflowing garbage and a strong smell of marijuana, and asked for more enforcement and a community safety program for children using e-bikes and scooters.
Tom Ember, who identified himself in the meeting as the mayor, said he observed vehicles and e-bikes traveling faster than the posted limit and suggested the council consider lowering the speed limit in a stretch of Jennings Road (he mentioned a possible 15 mph zone after a local landmark) to enhance safety near the park. Mayor Ember described repeated instances of drivers failing to stop at stop signs and urged council to review the matter.
Council and staff said extra patrols and overtime enforcement have been approved for streets including Jennings, Colony, Eagle Point and Hannam while speed-table work is completed. Staff also indicated they would continue outreach and follow up on the outstanding punch-list items with contractors and utilities; no enforcement schedule or specific deadline was provided at the meeting.
The meeting record shows public concern on three fronts: (1) an unresolved utility pole on private property that residents want removed, (2) traffic and e-bike safety near the park, and (3) park maintenance and litter including complaints about marijuana odor. Council members expressed appreciation for reports of these issues and reiterated that they have authorized increased patrols to address safety.
