Northfield council discusses Magnolia Park parking, stormwater flooding and tire dumping

Police Lieutenant Brian Zajac relayed a resident complaint that on-street parking near Magnolia Park during events is preventing safe driveway exits. Councilperson Jenn Domzalski proposed sending a letter to visiting teams' league officials asking attendees to park tight to the curb and avoid blocking driveways. Service Department Superintendent Jason Walters said he is exploring options to provide additional parking in a nearby lot or on park property, and Councilperson Alan Hipps cautioned against converting recreational space into parking.

Walters also described ongoing stormwater flooding problems stemming from a June 23 storm and said he and Engineer Rich Wasosky are developing options to mitigate those issues. Walters reported that the County Health Department has been notified about tire dumping in a stream and is taking steps to address the dumping. Council did not authorize major new Service capital spending this year due to present economic conditions.

In related public-safety maintenance updates, Fire Chief Jason Buss said the department completed its hydrant flushing for the year and that Cleveland Water replaced 13 hydrants in the village with new-style models that cannot be painted. Chief Buss advised council that the new hydrants allow faster hose connections and asked council to approve replacement of the village's old storm siren; the council later authorized the siren purchase in a separate motion.