Bedford Begins Summer Concert Series, Tinker Creek Bridge Work

BEDFORD – Bedford City Council addressed several key municipal issues during their June 2 meeting, including a $2 monthly garbage collection rate increase and the purchase of life-saving medical equipment.

Garbage Collection Rates Rise

Council unanimously approved a $2 per month increase in refuse collection rates to keep pace with rising costs. City Manager Michael Mallis explained the city has been “almost kind of chasing” the increasing costs of waste management services.

The rate adjustment, passed through Resolution 2625-25, will be assessed to properties and certified to the county auditor for collection alongside property taxes.

Safety Equipment Investment

In a separate unanimous vote, council authorized the purchase of 20 LifePack CR2 AED devices from Stryker Medical Devices. The $48,000 purchase will be funded entirely through opioid settlement funds, avoiding any impact to the general fund.

City Manager Mallis said the devices will replace aging units and expand coverage to police cruisers, the Ellenwood Center, community pool, and other city facilities. “While it’s important to update the devices that are reaching their end of life, it’s also important that we install some of these at additional locations,” Mallis said.

Infrastructure Updates

Council also approved several street lighting improvements and a contract with Cargill for rock salt purchases. The salt contract, at $61.40 per ton, represents an increase from the previous year’s $48 per ton rate.

The city committed to purchasing 3,600 tons with flexibility to adjust between 80% and 140% of that amount based on winter severity.

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Presentation

Nicole McKenna Johnson, president and CEO of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, addressed council about services available to Bedford residents. The center provides free 24/7 crisis support, trauma-informed therapy, victim assistance, and prevention education for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking.

Johnson noted that Cleveland ranks as the third-highest city for human trafficking due to highway access, and highlighted a recent operation that rescued nine women and six children downtown.

Council Reports

Several council members provided updates on community events and concerns:

• The municipal pool is scheduled to open June 7
• Summer concert series begins June 5 at the public commons
• Union Street will close for two weeks for utility bridge installation over Tinker Creek
• Fourth of July parade preparations are underway
• Speed bumps will be installed in each ward in coming weeks

Councilman Tony Longino announced his retirement from Beachwood Police after 40 years in law enforcement, marking the end of his career as a resource officer.

Memorial Day Recognition

Mayor Stanley Koci and council members praised the Memorial Day parade organization, noting it was the city’s 168th or 169th consecutive Memorial Day observance dating back to just after the Civil War.

The meeting also included recognition of former Bedford firefighter Chris Liebing, who passed away May 24. Liebing served the department from 1988 until his retirement and was remembered as “one of the best guys on the department.”

The next council meeting is scheduled for July 7.