RAVENNA, OH – Ravenna Fire Department’s aging station is experiencing serious structural and mechanical failures that have already consumed much of this year’s maintenance budget, Fire Chief Mark Chapple told council on October 6.
The most serious problem involved deteriorated sanitary drain lines causing strong hydrogen sulfide odors throughout the station. The drains were so compromised that on-duty crews detected the toxic gas with monitoring equipment.
Harner Restoration Services had to descale and reline the pipes at a cost of approximately $17,500, potentially more after equipment broke during the work requiring a second trip. During the week-long repair, firefighters could not use running water, sinks or showers. The department spent $2,300 to bring in a portable bathroom facility so personnel working 24-hour shifts had to go outside to a trailer for basic facilities.
An oil separator behind the building, which captures debris from fire trucks coming in from calls, has deteriorated and been compromised. The separator needs immediate repair or replacement at an estimated cost exceeding $50,000.
The department has spent $6,000 from its $15,000 annual building repair budget with an additional $4,500 already committed for ongoing needs. Chapple said winter typically brings HVAC heating issues that may push spending over budget.
Other ongoing issues include floor drains requiring professional jetting every three to four months to prevent apparatus bay flooding, two separate HVAC units that don’t properly regulate with each other, and deteriorating support beams at the building’s front posts where rainwater meets the foundation.
On-duty firefighters recently dug out rotted areas, sanded beams, applied rust-prevention paint and recaulked with concrete cement to slow further deterioration. Chapple said firefighters regularly perform building maintenance tasks that aren’t technically their responsibility, trying to save the city money while working in a facility that has outlived its useful life.
On a positive note, the department secured a $33,895 federal grant from the 2024 FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant program for protective equipment. The grant will fund eight sets of turnout gear with a required 5% city match of approximately $1,600.
The department originally requested funding for 10 sets and submitted an addendum to FEMA requesting reconsideration for the additional $8,000. FEMA often reduces individual grant awards to distribute funding among more departments, sometimes providing additional funding later if money remains.
The department’s new Engine Ladder 2314 is ahead of production schedule and may arrive within 18 to 22 months instead of the projected 24 to 26 months. More immediately, the department’s new ambulance should be ready for inspection and delivery this week from Pennsylvania.
Once the fourth ambulance is in service, the department plans to either trade in or sell its oldest unit, a 2015 model. A neighboring community has expressed interest in purchasing it, and the trade-in value estimate came in between $25,000 and $30,000.
The department completed annual pump testing on all fire apparatus in August, with Captain Brad Riley performing much of the pump mechanics work, saving thousands of dollars annually. All ground ladders and the aerial ladder passed annual testing with only one ladder requiring minor welding.
Plans for a new public safety building are moving forward, with legislation expected in October for a combined police and fire facility with city hall addition.
City Finalizes Sunbo Valley Purchase, Plans Task Force
The city is finalizing purchase of Sunbo Valley, with Mayor Frank Seman expecting the deal to close on October 7 pending final recording with the county.
Council President Rob Kairis proposed forming a committee or task force to determine future use of the property. Several individuals and organizations have already contacted the mayor expressing interest, including someone who operates a theater in Kent and puts on concerts and events.
Another proposal came from a former city resident offering to take over and operate the entire facility, though the city recently hired Parks and Recreation Director Chris Bundy.
The mayor reported he was approached about purchasing a house on Brady Lake Road near the Sunbo Valley entrance for $190,000. Seman told them the city doesn’t need additional property at this location, and council members indicated no objection to that position.
Kairis also suggested using a committee structure to plan events at the downtown pocket park, which recently won an award from Celebrate Portage. Council Member Cheryl Wood was recognized for her vision in creating the pocket park.
Resident Seeks Leaf Pickup Schedule for Working Families
Peter Martin, who works full-time outside the city, asked council to publish an advance schedule for fall leaf pickup so working residents can plan when to move leaves to the curb.
Martin said he’s been raising the issue since May, contacting Parks and Recreation Director Jason Lovejoy and Service Director Tim Contant. Both provided reasons why the city couldn’t schedule leaf pickup in advance by ward or neighborhood.
The city operates differently from nearby communities that publish schedules showing which week the leaf truck will be in each area. Without a schedule, working residents who leave before dawn and return after dark can’t plan preparation.
Martin said his tree lawn on East Main Street is mostly dirt and dandelions because fallen leaves smother new grass seed when they sit for three weeks waiting for pickup. He’s spent over $1,000 on grass seed in two years.
Council President Kairis said Service Director Contant previously suggested residents could call on Fridays for the coming week’s schedule, though Martin said city hall staff told him they’re notified the morning of where the truck will be.
Council Member Amy Michael suggested Martin meet with Mayor Seman, who has an open-door policy, noting the issue falls under administrative authority rather than council’s direct control.
Resident Questions Tree Removal on Hazen Street
John Plow asked council why two large oak trees were cut down on Hazen Street near last year’s apartment building fire site.
Plow said he noticed tree removal about a month ago and called Service Director Contant, who stopped the crew from cutting the second tree after the first had been removed. However, when Plow returned recently, the second tree had also been cut down.
The trees were on property not affected by power lines and weren’t obstructing anything. Plow questioned whether the city or the apartment building owner ultimately removed the tree. Council said they would follow up with Contant, who was not at the meeting.
Plow expressed broader concern about tree removal in Ravenna, noting the city never replanted trees on Jefferson Avenue after mistakenly cutting them down during a water line project.
Comprehensive Plan Heads to Council After Two Years
Ravenna’s comprehensive plan is heading to city council after nearly two years of development. The planning and zoning commission voted to recommend the plan on September 30.
The plan will be introduced to council in October with a public hearing scheduled to allow residents to comment before council takes action. The full plan will be published on the city website before the hearing.
The steering committee began work in December 2022. The comprehensive plan will guide city decision-making on land use, development, infrastructure and community priorities over coming years.
Gas Aggregation Rate Decision Postponed
Council postponed a decision on fixing the city’s natural gas aggregation rate after failing to get enough votes to waive the three-reading requirement.
Archer Energy LLC offered a fixed rate of $5.2052 per MCF for June 2025 through March 2027. The current variable rate is approximately $3.40 per MCF.
Council Member Cheryl Wood said she cannot support putting residents into a rate above $5 when the variable rate is much lower and projected to remain in the $3 to $4 range.
Council Member Tyler Marovich argued for predictability of a fixed rate, noting residents could budget more effectively rather than riding market fluctuations over 18 to 26 months.
Three council members voted to suspend the three-reading requirement while four voted against, leaving the ordinance on first reading for November.
Parks Director Focuses on Fall Programming
New Parks and Recreation Director Chris Bundy has been on the job for one month, Council Member Tyler Marovich reported. Recent facility projects include completed roof work on the annex building and garage.
The department launched a new intro to pickleball clinic with the first session starting October 6. A Halloween drive-thru event is scheduled for October 25. All fall programs are open for registration.
West Main School will host its annual Arbor Day tree planting on October 21-22, with two new trees being planted at city park.
Water Projects Praised for Quality Oversight
Council Member Tim Calfee praised Service Director Tim Contant and project overseer Mark Bowen for hands-on management of multiple water line replacement projects underway on the north side.
Calfee said Bowen is present at project sites daily, inspecting work in progress and ensuring proper installation, even correcting minor alignment issues.
About 25% of city streets have been paved or received improvements over the past several years as part of systematic infrastructure upgrades.
City to Switch Emergency Notification System
Council voted unanimously to issue a 60-day cancellation notice for the current CivicReady emergency notification system contract to avoid automatic renewal before exploring a new comprehensive communications platform.
The new platform would provide better integration across city departments and give department heads more options for pushing information to residents. All current notification subscribers will be transferred to the new system with no loss of service.
Most costs will be offset by canceling existing contracts and software subscriptions.
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