Amber Dacek

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the reapproval of the July 22nd and August 5th meeting minutes due to clerical errors regarding approved events. Key discussion centered on the application from Bar Three for Sunday fitness classes in Riverside Park during September and October. There was a discussion regarding potential capacity limits and compliance with social distancing guidelines for such events, although the commission ultimately approved the application, noting encouragement provided previously. Additionally, an application from the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce for a Riverside Park Ghost Walk fundraiser in October was approved after clarifying that storytellers would be positioned at stations to facilitate social distancing and that tickets would be prepaid. The final item concerned a Story Walk project proposed by the Friends of the Library, involving mounting laminated story books in Riverside Park for one to two months as an experiment; this was noted as an update rather than an item requiring formal commission approval as it was proceeding through the Mayor's office.

The meeting addressed proposed changes to permitted uses in the office district, specifically concerning chapter 113502. This item was tabled pending further research. A significant portion of the discussion focused on reviewing and finalizing revisions to an ordinance amending planning and zoning code sections 111103 (subsections a, b, and c) and 1111.10 (subsection g). The commission moved to recommend this finalized ordinance to council. The agenda also included a discussion regarding the rezoning of village-owned parcels of land, with a general consensus to recommend classifying them under the conservation district, noting existing deed restrictions. Further discussion occurred regarding the Grove Hill park land, where agreement was reached that it should be designated as conservation district due to more restrictive deed restrictions.

The meeting centered on the proposed improvements for the alleyway between Maple and Center Streets, addressing deteriorated asphalt and standing water issues. The proposed project involves replacing the asphalt surface with a brick surface edged with a flush concrete curb, lowering the Maple Street apron for easier motorist access, and installing a unique storm water management system utilizing Permavoid (a honeycomb structure) to slowly release runoff. The plan also includes realigning the alley to within the right-of-way boundaries and matching the new brick surface with existing driveway approaches. The estimated project cost is $150,000, with a commitment from residents to donate between $50,000 and $75,000 towards the brick surface upgrade, as the village standard is asphalt resurfacing plus storm water measures. Committee members inquired about future alley improvements and the long-term maintenance and performance of the permeable brick surface and stormwater system, noting that Ohio State University will monitor the system at no cost to gather performance data.

The key discussion items for this meeting include the election of a Chairperson and the adjournment of the meeting. The agenda also lists numerous previous minutes from the Streets & Sidewalks and Safety committees for approval.

The primary discussion focused on proposed revisions to the vicious dog ordinance, comparing it extensively to the Cleveland Heights ordinance. Key points of contention included the definition of 'companion animal' versus 'domestic animal,' with a preference expressed for clarifying or defining the term to apply to all pets. Another point of clarification involved the term 'court's judgment,' suggesting it should be more specific, such as 'judgment of a court of jurisdiction.' The committee also debated the inclusion of cats in the ordinance, noting the absence of current issues with loose cats but acknowledging the need for future options if problems arise. Furthermore, discussions covered the authority of the Chief of Police to designate personnel or kennels for animal impoundment and the mandatory 10-day quarantine period following an attack, which is based on health department requirements, ensuring enough time for potential charges to be filed.