Macedonia Council Advances Key Inn Demolition, Starts Notice for Fairlane Drive house

Macedonia City Council took two steps Thursday night toward removing problem properties. Members passed a resolution to seek bids for demolishing the Key Inn. They also began the legal process to tear down a vacant house on Fairlane Drive. Two ordinances were held so the wording can be changed. The Oct. 8 meeting began at 7:30 p.m. Council approved the Sept. 24 minutes. No one spoke during public comment. Key Inn demolition heads to bidding Council passed Resolution 66 on first, second and third readings by title. The measure authorizes the building commissioner to prepare plans, bids and specifications. It also allows the mayor to advertise for bids to demolish the Key Inn at 311 E. Highland Road. The vote follows council’s earlier approval of the demolition, which we covered in Macedonia Approves Hotel Demolition, Advances Drive Through Law . Mayor Nicholas Molnar said the city is nearing the finish line after a long road. He said the city is legally in position to move ahead, though other steps remain. He urged council to support the resolution. During the work session, city officials said passing the resolution could help with grant applications. City departments have been working to secure grant money. The cost is expected to be placed on the tax duplicate, so the city would be repaid over time. Officials noted the city might not recover its full share. Fairlane Drive house gets demolition notice Council voted to declare an emergency and authorize a notice under Codified Ordinance 1385.11. The notice states the city’s intent to demolish the buildings at 8246 Fairlane Drive. The motion carried. Building Commissioner Nino Monaco said the house has been a problem for as long as he has worked for the city. The tenant moved out about a year ago, and the electricity was shut off. A sump pump no longer works, so the basement is filling with water. A strong odor made it hard for staff to enter the home. The fire department supplied a drone, which allowed photos to be taken inside. Monaco described the conditions as very bad. Neighbors on both sides have complained that the smell keeps them off their decks. The city has tried to reach the owner without a response. It has also been mowing the grass, so it already has money invested in the property. Three estimates collected Monaco shared three demolition estimates of $9,200, $15,000 and $18,643. He recommended the lowest bidder, which has already torn down several properties in the city. Law Director Mark Guidetti said the motion only authorizes the statutory notice. The notice will go to the owner and to the lender, since a mortgage exists. Council would then return after at least 30 days to authorize the demolition. Drive through bypass lane ordinance held Ordinance 48 would amend Section 1171.08 to require a separate bypass lane next to drive through lanes. The rule would be known as Megan’s Way Out. The draft calls for a bypass lane at least 10 feet wide. The Planning Commission recommended approval Sept. 23 after expanding the definition of a drive through facility. We reported on that vote in Macedonia Denies 7-Eleven Training Center, Backs Drive Through Law. In the work session, council discussed grandfathering existing businesses. Members said they do not want to cause problems for current owners. Guidetti said five other communities have passed or are considering similar rules. Three include some retroactivity. One applies the rules when a renovation equals 50% of a property’s tax value. Members asked what should count as a trigger. They suggested changes to the drive through itself or work that needs Planning Commission approval. They also want to make sure simple repaving is not treated as a major renovation, since the city wants owners to keep paving. Guidetti will draft amended language and email it to council. Members agreed to skip the third reading and amend the ordinance at the next meeting. Molnar said he has spoken with the family, who want to attend when the vote happens. He will let them know once council is ready. Contractor permit ordinance held for clearer wording Ordinance 61 updates the homeowner exemption in Section 1361.13. It requires a homeowner to file an affidavit with the building commissioner describing the work. Anyone employed in the residential construction trade would also have to follow contractor registration rules. Council members said the affidavit is fine. Their concern was the wording of the code. One member said it could be read as barring a relative who is an engineer from helping with electrical work. Members said they understand the intent but want the language to be clear to anyone reading it. Monaco said the work happens in two steps. Council passes the legislation first, and then the city develops the form. He said five or six other cities are doing something similar. Guidetti agreed to take another pass at the language, and council held the ordinance. Mayor highlights service building progress Molnar said the n