Ravenna Council Moves Forward With Appointed Law Director Plan, $1.1M Paving Program

Ravenna City Council in session on April 13, 2026. During a multi-committee session on April 13, 2026, the Ravenna City Council addressed critical infrastructure needs and significant shifts in municipal governance. The primary discussions focused on securing the city’s safety buildings, advancing local road programs, and a proposal to transition from an elected to an appointed law director to ensure professional continuity in the city’s legal representation. Infrastructure and Safety Services Enhancements The meeting opened with urgent updates regarding the city’s safety infrastructure. Council members discussed the deteriorating state of the police station roof, which has suffered from significant leaks threatening expensive IT and server equipment. A contract with JBL Roofing and Construction was moved forward to perform a roof overlay at a cost of approximately $58,461.53, a figure noted as being nearly half the cost of other competitive bids. In addition to building repairs, the council approved a new dispatch services contract with the NEOMED Police Department. This partnership is expected to bring in a modest but steady call volume of roughly 25 calls per month, helping to utilize the dispatch center’s capacity without overtaxing current staff. Investment in Public Works and Road Safety Streets and Sidewalks Committee Chair discussed the 2026 annual paving program, awarding a $1.1 million contract to Perrin Asphalt. This program is funded primarily through the city’s dedicated paving levy, which generates approximately $1.2 million annually for road and sidewalk repairs. The council also addressed the rising use of electric bikes and scooters in the city. Officials emphasized the need for community education regarding the three classifications of e-bikes, noting that high-speed models (reaching up to 30 mph) require operators to be at least 16 years of age. Proposed Shift to an Appointed Law Director A major portion of the evening was dedicated to the future of Ravenna’s governance. With long-serving Law Director Frank J. Cimino not seeking re-election, the council is exploring a charter amendment to transition to an appointed law director. Proponents argue that an appointed law director would: Widen the Candidate Pool: Allowing the city to recruit highly specialized municipal attorneys who may not reside within city limits or wish to engage in political campaigning. Ensure Accountability: Under the proposed model, the law director would be appointed by the mayor with council confirmation, providing a system of checks and balances. Professionalize Legal Services: Transitioning from a part-time elected official with a private practice to a dedicated or contracted professional could reduce the city’s reliance on expensive outside counsel. While some council members expressed concern regarding the consolidation of executive power, the committee ultimately moved the proposal forward to the Committee of the Whole for further refinement before the June deadline for the November 2026 ballot.