Here is the video for the City Council meeting:
https://youtu.be/xXwS3uz6yZI
In the Work Session, we discussed:
- Criminal Activity Nuisance appeals and where they should be handled. The reason it was back on the agenda was because we needed to add a line to the ordinance that covers what the Board of Building Standards and Appeals saying that this falls under their duties. But, now with the ACLU lawsuit, I am not sure where this discussion will go or what actions will be taken.
- The fine for trash cans and trash being left out on tree lawns too long. BPD is looking at a possible solution that would allow for these types of issues to be better monitored. We are waiting to hear back on that.
- Looking at overhauling the ordinance on signage in the City. This first came up as we were looking to tighten up the ordinance in terms of window lights in Downtown. A review of Bedford’s sign ordinance for that discussion showed that parts of the current ordinance are dated, convoluted, ambiguous and difficult to interpret. We are looking to streamline it and update it. We will be modeling our signage ordinance after Aurora’s ordinance on signage. We will be looking at the proposed new ordinance next council meeting.
In the Regular Session, we voted on:
- Banning window framing lights in Bedford Downtown. (passed 6-1)
- Updating the City’s credit card policy to make it compliant with recent State law changes. (1st reading)
- Better defining who can get compensation for overtime and how much they can accrue. (1st reading)
- A motion to re-appoint Laura Hulett to the Board of Zoning appeals. Would you like to join a Board for the City? The City is currently accepting resumes for all of the Boards. If interested, please send your resume to Lorree Villers at lvillers@bedfordoh.gov or mail it to 165 Center Rd., Bedford, OH 44146 (accepted)
- A motion to approve plans for a seafood restaurant to go in at 339 Columbus.(accepted)
- A motion to deny permission for a group home at 172 John due to failure to turn in plans.(accepted)
In the Reports:
- K-9 Mike passed away unexpectedly. He was with us for 5 years. His very first week, he saved a girl’s life in the MetroParks. K-9 Mike will be missed. Please keep Sargent Futo and his family in your thoughts.
- Ohio BMV will be relocating to Meadowbrook. There will be $300K invested in the space.
- Xellia got FDA approval to start producing a new version of a drug they produce and will be expanding the building. There will be $60 million investment in the building to expand the line.