Hiram council advances paid-parking code changes, schedules public hearing on implementation

Hiram Village Council voted on Sept. 10 to remove Ordinance 2024-22 from the table and approved amendments to the village code that clarify the parking violations bureau and enforcement procedures, moving the project forward toward implementation.

Council President Chris Szell led the effort to bring the ordinance back for action and said the changes are intended to "clean up" the code language and establish the administrative framework for enforcement. The removal-from-table motion passed 5-1 (no: Mr. Frato-Sweeney). Council then voted to approve the ordinance on second reading and to suspend the rules and adopt the measure as an emergency; the procedural votes recorded 5-1 tallies, with recorded 'no' votes varying across the separate procedural actions.

The ordinance and the broader pay-to-park proposal are tied to a vendor package and an enforcement contract distributed to Council as part of a T2 Systems whitepaper, described in Council materials as a 34-page contract and implementation plan. Council members were urged to review the full packet before a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m. in Council chambers, where residents will be able to comment on details of rates, permits and enforcement.

Council Member Mr. Frato-Sweeney said his opposition stemmed from concerns about permitting options and the lack of a discounted monthly permit for frequent parkers. "I want to see a discounted permit for maybe monthly parking," he said, arguing that the permit structure should be considered before locking in enforcement details. Mr. Szell and other supporters described the ordinance as housekeeping to implement policies Council previously approved in principle and to create the necessary administrative language for a violations bureau.

Mayor Anne Haynam said the village has informed nearby Hiram College of the proposal and that college representatives have requested notice and details in advance. A separate contract resolution with T2 Systems remains on the table and will be discussed at future meetings; Resolution 2024-29 authorizing a contract with T2 Systems was listed as tabled during the Sept. 10 meeting.

The council discussion on Sept. 10 focused on procedure and code language; the substantive implementation choices—rates, permit types and operational details—are scheduled for public comment at the Sept. 25 hearing and further council action in October. The ordinance as amended on Sept. 10 was advanced; staff and council members will distribute materials and take constituent questions ahead of the hearing.