Bedford City Council Approves Water, Sewer Rate Increases, Building Set For Demolition

Bedford – Bedford City Council approved water and sewer rate increases during its September 16 meeting, passing along costs from Cleveland Water and investing in EPA-mandated infrastructure improvements.

The council unanimously passed three utility-related ordinances on third reading. Water rates will increase based on Cleveland Water’s rate hike to the city. Sewer rates will see a 10% increase to fund upcoming Environmental Protection Agency compliance projects.

City Manager Michael S. Mallis explained the sewer increase supports extensive infrastructure improvements required by the Ohio EPA. The city has proposed a first-phase scenario focusing on projects with the greatest impact in the first decade, particularly upgrades to the headworks facility where all wastewater enters the treatment plant.

The city continues negotiations with Ohio EPA, with discussions scheduled for this week and next.

Council also maintained the 30% utility discount for disabled persons and senior citizens with household incomes of $38,820 or less.

Infrastructure Updates

The Bedford Commons expansion project nears completion and is expected to come in under budget. A ribbon cutting is planned for early October. The city also celebrated progress on two county land bank partnership projects – new home construction at 65 Talbot and upcoming demolition of the long-vacant property at 97 Northfield.

Fire department hydrant flushing continues citywide, with repairs coordinated through the water department when issues are identified.

Police Equipment Purchase

Council authorized purchasing a 2020 Ford Mustang from South Bloomfield for the police traffic unit at approximately one-third the cost of a new equipped vehicle. The department recently sold its motorcycle unit and will use those proceeds plus budget savings to fund the purchase.

Memorials

Mayor Stanley Koci offered condolences for two recent losses – Oakwood Village Mayor Gary Godshock, who died suddenly over the weekend, and former Bedford Police Chief Jim Cooper, who passed September 2. Cooper’s celebration of life will be held September 20 from 12-4 p.m. at Cernis Bar.

School District Report

Bedford City Schools Supervisor Marian Armstrong reported the district received a three-star overall rating on the state report card, with particularly strong performance at the high school level. The high school earned 3.5 stars with a 96.8% graduation rate, up from 87.1% last year and well above the state average.

Public Input

Resident questions addressed the status of moratoriums on certain businesses in downtown Bedford. City Manager Mallis clarified that only vape shops currently face a standing moratorium, while beauty salons and similar businesses require conditional use permits through the planning commission process.