Medina Council Passes Nine Ordinances, Hears from Youth Theater Group

Medina City Council approved nine ordinances at its July 14 meeting after hearing presentations from young performers with Medina County Showbiz who emphasized the importance of arts funding in the community.

The youth theater group brought three cast members from their upcoming “High School Musical” production to speak about how the free program has impacted their lives. The performers sang a selection from the musical before council.

Regan Aldridge, a recent Brunswick High School graduate and 2025 Medina County Showbiz scholarship recipient, told council the program has been a “safe space and second home” while encouraging support for local arts.

Major Ordinances Approved

Council unanimously passed several significant measures including:

Infrastructure Projects:

• Authorized agreement with Cunningham & Associates for engineering design services for the Uptown Loop Multipurpose Path Phase 1, extending from Broadway to North Harmony
• Approved emergency engineering agreement with Euthanics Inc. for East Smith Road Reconstruction Phase 2
• Accepted appraisals for five easements needed for North Huntington Street project Phase 3

Budget and Services:

• Approved $12,000 annual contribution to Medina County SPCA for animal control services
• Increased Recreation Center day pass rates by $2 for regular passes and $1 for special circumstance passes to offset rising operational costs
• Passed budget amendments for fiscal year 2025

Community Development:

• Authorized memorandum of understanding with Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority for environmental review of The Lafayette project at 881 Lafayette Road
• Approved insurance check endorsement for chip grant rehabilitation project at North Huntington Street

Fire Department Response

Mayor Dennis Hanwell reported on a June 28 fire at Birch Hill apartments that destroyed electrical meters and wiring, forcing residents to relocate by July 15. The fire department’s 24-7 staffing enabled a seven-minute response time.

Management collaborated with the city to return security deposits and one month’s rent to assist displaced residents.

Recreation Center Updates

Parks and Recreation Director reported the Recreation Center will close July 28-August 1 for annual cleaning during council recess. Men’s and women’s main locker rooms remain closed for renovations through August 13.

Summer Events

Upcoming activities include farmers markets Saturday mornings, community band concerts Fridays at 8 p.m., Art in the Park July 20, Ladies Night Out July 24, and Wings and Wheels at Medina Airport August 2.

Safety Reminders

Council member Regi Haire noted increased presence of electric skateboards, scooters, e-bikes and motorized unicycles in the community, urging drivers to remain alert for these devices on streets and sidewalks.

Council begins six-week summer recess and will reconvene in late August.