Dawn Calvert

The joint committee convened to address several matters. Key discussion points included the authorization of ordinances supporting a Downtown Façade Improvement Program application for the property located at 605 Cleveland Street, involving requests for grants for painting, tuck pointing, installing ballards, and adding stone veneer. Clarification was sought regarding the dual addresses associated with the property, confirming the grant application covered the entire project site. The Community Development Committee portion adjourned at 6:08 P.M., and the Finance Committee continued separately at 6:10 P.M.

The Finance Committee addressed several matters, including the authorization to certify demolition lien charges for the property at 413 Marseilles Avenue, relating to an outstanding balance of $2,800.00 following an emergency demolition. The committee also authorized a resolution and ordinance to dispose of six obsolete Police Department vehicles that are no longer fit for municipal use. Furthermore, approval was sought for Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Service Agreement with CTI Engineers, Inc., for construction inspection services at the Water Reclamation Facility, involving an additional $218,900 due to specialized expertise required for a large aeration project. The committee authorized an ordinance for the annual contract, not to exceed $130,000, for Legal Services with Bricker, Graydon & Wyatt, specifically for Labor Counsel Susan Anderson. Finally, amendments to the 2026 Temporary Appropriations were approved, including adding $35,000 to the Block Grant Fund (CDBG) and adding $1,446,200 to the Chestnut Commons TIF fund operating & maintenance account to finalize distributions for 2024 and 2025.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several substantive matters. Key discussions included the authorization to certify delinquent and final utility accounts, totaling $14,446.32, to the Lorain County Auditor's Office for collection as liens. The committee also reviewed and authorized an ordinance to accept the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) Energized Community Grant for 2026, valued at just under $99,000, with the Mayor noting potential future use for resident energy efficiency upgrades. There were no amendments to the 2026 Temporary Appropriations requiring action.

The joint meeting of the Community Development and Finance Committees addressed several critical items. Key discussions included bringing all Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreements (CRA 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) into compliance with the updated framework established by Ohio Revised Code, as amended by Senate Bill 33, which streamlines the state pre-approval process. Additionally, the committees authorized the transfer of a real property parcel located on Midway Mall Blvd. from the City of Elyria to the Elyria Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) for subsequent sale and development.

The committee discussed the contract for the purchase of chemicals for the Water Treatment Plant for the years 2026 and 2027, with an emergency clause requested due to potential new municipal customers increasing water production needs. The purchase of chemicals for the Waste Water Pollution Control Plant for 2026 and 2027 was also addressed, also with an emergency clause requested. A discussion commenced regarding the Street Resurfacing Program for 2026, focusing on the street selection process. The discussion covered input from wards, a presentation on the Street Scan Program dashboard data, and the importance of early decisions to allow contractors adequate scheduling.