The Ravenna City Council Committee of the Whole met Oct. 22 to review and advance multiple ordinances addressing city operations, infrastructure improvements and funding matters.
Council President Rob Kairis presided over the meeting, with members Christina West, Paul Moskun, Cheryl Wood, Amy Michael and Matt Harper in attendance. Tyler Marovich was excused from the meeting.
The committee approved several significant funding measures for public safety. The council moved forward with accepting a $33,895 grant from FEMA for turnout gear for the fire department, which requires a 5% city match. Michael, who chairs the Public Health and Safety Committee, noted the grant provides additional funds for necessary equipment.
The council also authorized the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for the police department. Michael said the money was already allocated in the budget and the vehicle includes advanced safety features, including drone capabilities.
Infrastructure improvements dominated much of the discussion. Harper, chair of the Streets and Sidewalks Committee, presented plans for South Sycamore Street, which is scheduled for the 2026 paving levy program. The historic brick street is in poor condition, and the committee discussed options for removing the bricks while potentially preserving railroad tracks and some brick elements for historical significance.
Harper said residents have expressed interest in repurposing good bricks from the project for walkways or other uses throughout the community. The committee discussed leaving the rails in place and potentially filling the area between them with salvaged bricks to maintain the street’s historic character.
The committee advanced a major stormwater project on Jones Avenue with Fiorito Construction. The total project cost is approximately $939,948. Moskun said the project would be completed in segments, potentially starting in late fall or winter depending on weather conditions.
In utility matters, the committee approved transferring $120,000 from the water tank project to fund water line improvements on Central, Freedom, Spruce and Walnut streets. Moskun said the improvements are necessary due to multiple water breaks in these areas.
The committee also moved forward with technology improvements, including contracts with Revise for website upgrades and GOGov for a mobile app that will allow residents to report issues like potholes directly to the city using their smartphones.
A resolution of necessity to place a 0.25% income tax levy on the May ballot was advanced for full council consideration. The measure will receive multiple readings to allow for public input before the filing deadline.
All items approved by the committee will be placed on the consent agenda for the regular council meeting, except for the stormwater project and income tax levy resolution, which will receive additional discussion.
Related: Ravenna Police Reports: Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Drug Possession
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