Here is the video for Monday’s Council Meeting:
https://youtu.be/AFDm9YIO4JQ

In the Work Session, we discussed:

  • We finished up discussing if the Criminal Activity Nuisance ordinance appeal needs to be changed. It was decided that we would table this without making any changes to the current arrangement.
  • We continued the discussion of adding a fine to the ordinance that outlines when trash can be placed at the curb and when the trash cans should be in by. The current system only allows for a court appearance citation to be given, as opposed to a fine. This means that if the City cites you for a trash can being left out, you then get a court date, you show up at court and the court determines your fine. This is a rather involved process and full enforcement of the current ordinance could overload the court system with this relatively minor infraction. The argument is also made that because the penalty is so much time after the infraction, that it may not be effective. This discussion will likely continue for a few sessions.
  • Discussing the Board of Zoning appointment. It was decided that Laura Hulett will be re-appointed. 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
  • Continuing discussions about the sign ordinances. The 2 items that sparked this discussion is considering clarifying whether or not window lights are allowed in the Historic District and, if we feel they are allowed by ordinance, should they be allowed and the fact that there is currently a ban on signage that sits in the right-of-way (aka the sidewalk). There was some question about the flags on the sidewalk from business owners, but a review of this part of the ordinance showed that it also bans sandwich boards, easels or any other kind of signage that might sit on the sidewalk. The window part is already being read in Regular session and we will be doing 3 readings. We will be looking at overhauling the sign ordinances to make them clearer and more relevant to modern times.
  • We finalized the decision to hire a videography company to film and post Council meetings. We will be voting on this at the next Council meeting and the following one, the new company will be taking over the video. I will still do reports and distribute to the social masses. 🙂

In the Regular session:

  • Voting on making it so that in order to claim your rebate for joining Bedford Hts Community Center, you would need to do so during the length of your membership. (passed)
  • Voting on banning window outlining lights in the Historic District. (2nd reading)
  • Accepting grant money from NOPEC (passed)
  • Accepting grant money from Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District to fund the Solid Waste Management Plan which pays for things like our shred days. We will also be using the money for new recycling cans Downtown and for educational materials. (passed)
  • Rezoning 17800 Broadway LLC & Qua, Inc. properties to be B-2A. This was apparently an oversight when the area around these properties were rezoned to B-2A. The business that is there has been there for some time and all surrounding properties are zoned as this.

In the reports:

  • We will be using the NOPEC grant on the Gardiner report findings.
  • Ward meeting dates:
    • 3/25 – Wards 1 & 4
    • 4/8 – Wards 3 & 5
    • 4/22 – Wards 2 & 6
  • Recycle grant will cover shred days, decorative recycling cans in BD and educational materials
  • Sign initiative has begun and a committee of city employees will be in charge of directing that initiative
  • City put in for a 50/50 grant from County to cover resurfacing Forbes Rd in conjunction with Oakwood.
  • Instructions on how to use the new tax system is online (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjvC_7WCVnA)
  • Simon’s has purchased the equipment for the interior of the building in Meadowbrook and should begin working on that location soon.
  • Historical Society opens this week. Tours are always available by appointment. Reverse Raffle is currently on sale for the Fly Me to the Moon dinner. See a Historical Society employee or volunteer to purchase tickets.  March 2 is the Dr. Seuss Celebration at the HIstorical Society. It will be from 10AM to 2PM. Admission is free. This is an excellent opportunity to bring kids to the Museum.