City Officials Also Address School Bus Safety Concerns During May 13 Meeting
Seven Hills City Council unanimously approved a $400,000 settlement with Specialized Construction Incorporated during their May 13 meeting, ending a dispute over unpaid funds from the 2021 and 2023 streetscape projects.
The settlement, which was negotiated by the city’s law department, will save the city approximately $50,000 according to Law Director Eric Moore, who explained that the agreement resolves outstanding payment issues from the projects.
“The releases have been circulated,” Moore stated during the Finance Committee meeting, noting that the matter had been “resolved for a lump sum of $400,000.”
Councilman Castanzo thanked the law department for their aggressive approach to the negotiations. “For a very long time it seemed like we came out on the short end of the stick with some of this stuff,” Castanzo remarked. “I appreciate his aggressiveness on this a lot.”
The ordinance was added to the evening’s agenda as an emergency measure and was passed unanimously after council members suspended the rules to allow for an immediate vote.
Resident Raises School Bus Safety Concerns
During public comments, resident Nino Serretti of 6841 Drexel Drive addressed council about a “deeply disturbing and dangerous situation” that occurred at a school bus drop-off in the city on the previous Friday.
Serretti described an incident where a driver in a maroon SUV ignored a school bus’s flashing lights and stop sign, nearly hitting a child and an adult on the curb. He added that the same driver later confronted and verbally threatened the bus driver.
“This reckless behavior didn’t just violate traffic laws, it put lives at risk,” Serretti said, adding that the bus driver reported several vehicles failed to stop that day.
Serretti urged council and city leadership to “act decisively” by potentially increasing enforcement around bus routes, launching a public awareness campaign, and exploring tools like stop-arm cameras or street surveillance at key intersections.
“Our children should never have to dodge danger just to get home from school,” Serretti stated. “Let’s not wait for tragedy to force our hand. The time to act is now.”
Zoning Board Appeals Decision
As chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Serretti also addressed council regarding a recent reversal of the ZBA’s decision in the “Zambour” case. He expressed concern about the precedent being set when “almost immediately those laws were ignored.”
Serretti emphasized that ZBA decisions are based on “the spirit and intent of the newly written laws” rather than sentiment. He specifically commended Council members Kelly, Martin, and Snitzky for understanding “the ZBA’s role and the importance of applying consistent law-based standards.”
Upcoming Community Events
Community Services Director Tony Terry announced several upcoming events during the committee meeting, including:
- Memorial Day parade (elected officials were asked to respond if they wish to participate)
- Summer concerts beginning June 12
- Senior breakfast scheduled for May 14
- Home Days preparations are underway, with opportunities for advertisements and donations for baskets
The next scheduled meetings include Planning, Zoning and Economic Development, Finance, Civil Service and Personnel, and Rules, Ordinances and Ethics on May 27, while Public Works, Police and Safety, and Community Services will next meet on June 10.
Following brief comments from council members, primarily expressing support for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
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