Walton Hills – Village Council unanimously approved nearly half a million dollars in infrastructure improvements during Tuesday night’s special meeting, with officials emphasizing all projects will be fully reimbursed by outside agencies.
The council passed four key resolutions totaling $452,865 in additional budget appropriations, with Mayor Donald Kolograf and Village Engineer Joe Gelotti stressing that none of the expenditures will impact the village’s bottom line.
Infrastructure Projects Move Forward
Council authorized $200,000 for Chagrin Valley Engineering to conduct the village’s annual sanitary sewer study. The project receives 75% funding from Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s member community infrastructure program, with Cuyahoga County covering the remaining 25%.
The study includes dye testing, video inspection, flow metering and system modeling to prevent sewage backups in residents’ homes.
“It’s a proactive study to make sure we don’t have any problems before we actually do experience a problem,” Gelotti explained.
A separate $77,865 storm sewer repair project on Alexander Road received approval, with 100% reimbursement coming from NEORSD’s community cost share program. The work addresses a completely non-functioning storm sewer causing drainage problems for residents.
Council President Raymond Weeden noted the urgency of the Alexander Road project, saying it “is negatively affecting our residents over there.”
Road Resurfacing Grant Application Approved
Council authorized Mayor Kolograf to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission for funding to resurface Andras Drive, Connelly Drive and Rauland Drive. The application deadline is September 11, requiring immediate action.
Gelotti identified these as “the three worst roads that we have that aren’t already funded or being taken care of in some other manner.” If approved, the project would be completed in 2027 with the village requesting 50% grant funding, approximately $250,000 of the estimated $500,000 total cost.
Property Acquisition Funding
The village allocated $150,000 for Northfield Road sidewalk property acquisitions, with 90% reimbursement from ODOT highway safety funding and 10% from county ARPA money already earmarked for the project.
Tax Incentive Review
Council accepted recommendations to continue NPK’s community reinvestment agreement after the company demonstrated compliance with its obligations during the 2024 tax year review.
Resident Concerns Addressed
A resident raised visibility concerns about an intersection with overgrown bushes that force drivers to pull into the street to see oncoming traffic. The resident asked whether the village has ordinances related to obstructed views at intersections. Officials indicated they would address the matter with the property owner.
Another resident praised village maintenance crews for promptly cleaning concrete staining that occurred during Logan Drive resurfacing work.
Recreation Committee Report
Councilwoman Diane Canzoni, chair of the Recreation and Community Life Committee, reported strong participation in village programs including pickle ball, senior trips and the Parker summer program. The committee is planning Halloween and Christmas events, with details to be published in the village journal.
The committee also heard a presentation about upgrading baseball fields and developing a tournament revenue program, though Canzoni noted the proposal requires additional meetings and planning.
Highway Patrol Truck Inspections
Council President Weeden inquired about Ohio State Highway Patrol truck inspections on Alexander Road after residents reported activity. Mayor Kolograf confirmed inspections have not yet occurred but are planned.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
