Infrastructure funding, municipal facility updates, and economic development dominated the August 3, 2026 Bedford City Council meeting. Council members addressed major upcoming public works projects, voted on essential equipment purchases, and introduced key economic incentive measures to support long-term development in the city.
Waterline Resurfacing and $15M+ Wastewater Plant Upgrade
City Manager Mike Lapchak opened administrative reports with an update on the Green Road waterline and resurfacing project. A contract has been awarded to Cass Construction, with work scheduled to run through December 2026 and final soft restoration extending into spring 2027. Traffic will be maintained throughout construction via flaggers, starting with temporary water bypass lines.
In major wastewater news, the city is soliciting bids for a $15 million+ headworks upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant, with bid openings scheduled for August 28. To support the multi-million-dollar upgrade, Bedford staff successfully secured a $4 million grant—the maximum grant allowable—from the State of Ohio.
To help fund long-term wastewater operations and treatment upgrades, Council gave first reading to Ordinance 55-26, proposing a 5% sewer rate adjustment for 2027. Additionally, Ordinance 54-26 passed its first reading, which adjusts local water rates to pass through a 3.75% increase from Cleveland Water. Council also introduced Ordinance 56-26 on first reading, maintaining the city’s 30% rate discount on water and sewer bills for eligible low-income seniors and residents with disabilities.
Economic Incentives and Long-Term TIF Planning
Council introduced two related measures (Ordinances 60-26 and 62-26) on first reading regarding Hikma Pharmaceuticals’ ongoing expansion. Hikma’s project represents an overall investment exceeding $50 million, including an estimated $8 million in new construction.
- 15-Year Tax Abatement (Ord. 62-26): Proposes a 100% property tax exemption through the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program strictly applied to the new construction portion ($8 million value) of the project. Existing land and structures will remain fully taxed.
- Non-School TIF Structure (Ord. 60-26): Establishes a tax increment financing framework for the post-abatement period (Years 16–30). Once the abatement expires, a portion of local property tax revenues will be directed into a designated municipal fund earmarked specifically for future public infrastructure improvements around the Forbes and Northfield Road corridor. The structure ensures local schools remain fully whole.
Municipal Equipment and Facility Upgrades
Council suspended the rules and passed several emergency ordinances authorizing key municipal equipment purchases:
- Wastewater Vehicle (Ord. 57-26): Approved a contract with Valley Truck Centers for a 2027 Ford F-250 4×4 pickup truck for the Wastewater Department, replacing an aging, rotted 2008 model. Staff will transfer a bed purchased in 2020 onto the new chassis to lower costs.
- Fire Department HVAC (Ord. 59-26): Approved the purchase of a 10-ton Trane rooftop unit from Comfort Systems USA for the fire station’s main floor to replace a failing 23-year-old unit. The replacement leverages on-site equipment and cranes already deployed for storm-damage repairs at City Hall.
- Fire Department Fleet (Ord. 63-26): Authorized the purchase of a 2027 Dodge Durango GT AWD from Montrose Fleet Service to replace a total-loss vehicle in the Fire Department.
- Citywide Street Striping (Ord. 58-26): Awarded a pavement marking contract to Pat Flowers for double-yellow lines, stop bars, crosswalks, and school zones along primary thoroughfares. Officials noted side streets will no longer receive center double-yellow striping, focusing maintenance efforts strictly on main arteries.
Zoning and Planning Approvals
Council unanimously accepted two decisions from city boards:
- Approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation allowing Matthew Gilmore of Bowen Architecture to proceed with building design for the new Ohio Department of Youth Services Juvenile Correction Facility at 17500 Rockside Road. The state facility replaces the aging Cuyahoga Hills facility.
- Affirmed the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decisions to deny requested sideyard setback variances for residential properties at 377 and 389 Hubble Circle.
Grants, Community Updates, and Summer Events
- 34 South Park Demolition: The city applied for $200,000 in Cuyahoga County CDBG/CDSG grants to demolish a long-vacant structure at 34 South Park and construct additional downtown parking.
- Summer Facility Hours: The Ellenwood Center will close August 17–28 for annual deep cleaning and maintenance following summer camp. The municipal pool transitions to weekend-only hours through Labor Day weekend, subject to staffing and weather.
- Liberty Days Success: City officials commended staff, police, and community volunteers for a successful Liberty Days weekend celebration, featuring a 200-drone light show and a charity kickball tournament that raised over $1,000 for local Meals on Wheels.
