Ravenna Council Weighs Ebike Helmet Rules and New Housing Standards

Ravenna City Council's Committee of the Whole worked through a packed agenda on August 24, tackling everything from ebike safety rules to multifamily housing standards. Council President Kairis led the meeting, with most committee members present except Mr. Moskin, who was excused. Ebike and Scooter Helmet Rules Spark Debate Council Member Harper proposed updating the city's ebike ordinance to require helmets for all riders and passengers under 18, regardless of bike class. Current code only requires helmets for Class 3 ebike operators, which can reach speeds of 28 mph. The discussion grew complicated as members debated whether adults should be exempt from the requirement. Some council members argued the existing rule for Class 3 bikes should stay in place for all ages, while adding the same standard to Class 1 and Class 2 bikes. Others felt enforcement would become difficult if different classes carried different helmet rules. Concerns were also raised about which helmet standards the ordinance should cite. Members agreed to add Department of Transportation standards alongside the existing Consumer Product Safety Commission and American Society for Testing and Materials requirements. Harper said he would draft updated language for the next meeting. The item moves forward as an ordinance but will stay off the consent agenda pending further discussion. Stormwater and Fire Station Projects Advance An ordinance authorizing the mayor to advertise for bids on the 2026 stormwater project cleared committee. The project addresses erosion near the Jones Avenue storm line and adds storm pipe and catch basins on North Scranton Street. Funding comes from stormwater fees the city already collects. Council also approved appropriating additional funds for the cold storage building on Spruce Street after bids came back higher than budgeted. The city will move forward with a steel structure frame instead. Finance Director Lorence explained a separate item, a memorandum of understanding with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, that will help the city draw down federal funds tied to ambulance billing. A related ordinance appropriates another 300,000 dollars for the Chestnut Lift Station project, drawing from a water pollution control loan fund through the EPA. The city has already spent more than 175000 dollars of the original loan amount. Ward Redistricting Timeline Slips The ordinance addressing ward redistricting will stay on the Committee of the Whole agenda for September. Council Member Laudato said she has not yet scheduled the two required public meetings, citing the start of the school year. Those meetings are expected sometime in September, before the committee revisits the item. Laudato also raised concerns about getting redistricting maps posted online for public access, since a prior attempt to save and share a map file did not work as planned. Council members agreed to get help loading the maps onto the city website ahead of the public meetings. Multifamily Housing Space Requirements Move Forward Laudato presented a lengthy proposal to change how the city calculates minimum square footage for multifamily housing, shifting from a flat square footage requirement to a bedroom based model. Under the plan, efficiency units would require 450 square feet, one bedroom units 550 square feet, two bedroom units 750 square feet, three bedroom units 950 square feet, and units with four or more bedrooms 1100 square feet. The proposal ties into the Ohio Housing Finance Agency standards, which could make Ravenna properties eligible for low income housing tax credits. Laudato said the change supports goals in the city's comprehensive master plan while addressing quality of life concerns in existing multifamily units. The conversation also touched on defining what counts as a bedroom and a kitchen, following input from the fire chief about vague existing definitions. Laudato said she wants to protect residents who need access to fair and accessible housing. Council agreed to move forward only with the minimum floor area and bedroom definition changes for now, leaving kitchen definitions and other code sections for a future proposal after Laudato meets with the law director. Design Review Commission Conflict of Interest Rules Adjusted An ordinance addressing the Design Review Commission proposed adopting Ohio Ethics Commission guidance on when members must recuse themselves from votes due to a conflict of interest. Doctor Coffey raised concerns that draft language would have barred a commission member who is also an applicant from participating in discussion at all, not just voting. Council agreed to revise the language so that a member who is an applicant can still present and discuss their project but must recuse from voting. The ordinance also clarifies that if the commission fails to hold a second meeting within two weeks after an initial meeting without quorum, an applicant can appeal directly to council. Other Business Council a