Jonathan Bender

This Drinking Water Source Protection Plan for the City of Ravenna outlines strategies to minimize contamination threats and water shortages to Lake Hodgson, the city's primary drinking water source. Key focus areas include preventing recreational spills, addressing failing septic systems, managing transportation-related hazards, and mitigating pollution from oil and gas infrastructure and non-point sources. The plan also details contingency measures for chemical spills and water shortages, alongside public education initiatives and continuous water quality monitoring. The overarching goal is to ensure the provision of safe and high-quality drinking water to the community at the lowest possible cost, establishing activities to minimize threats and planning for future expansions and emergencies.

This Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-range roadmap for Ravenna City, guiding future development and policy decisions up to 2050. Key strategic pillars include fostering a vibrant downtown through placemaking and quality design, encouraging future development and revitalization of existing areas, implementing a flexible land use approach, and strengthening community services such as Police, Fire, Parks, Schools, and Social Services. The plan aims to address community challenges, promote coordinated growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

The Planning Committee meeting addressed several key items. A grant award from the Ravenna United Fund was discussed to assist with Safety Town flooring replacement. The committee discussed a resolution to support negotiations with Norfolk Southern for property near Osborne Park, aiming to unify the park and allow for future development. The final appropriations for Sunbeau Valley Farm were reviewed, involving funds from the General Fund, Park CI Fund, and RLF funds. The committee discussed ongoing community education efforts and upcoming steps toward placing a 0.25% income tax levy on the May ballot, including the potential inclusion of City Hall in the plan. The Comprehensive Plan was presented, serving as a blueprint for future zoning and land use.

The Utilities Committee Meeting included discussions on several key items. The committee reviewed the authorization to enter into a contract with JBL Roofing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant roof replacement, but the item was not moved forward. A transfer of funds to the Waterline Project was supported to address the poor condition of a section between the railroad tracks and Lake Avenue along Freedom Street. The committee also discussed a contract with Fioritto Construction, LLC for water projects, including improvements on Jones Avenue to alleviate flooding. The new water tank construction was noted to be underway with painting preparations.

The Streets & Sidewalks Committee Meeting included discussions regarding the removal of bricks from S. Sycamore St and including the project in the 2026 paving project. Progress was discussed on relocating power line poles on West Main Street, and resident concerns were raised about dead animals being left along streets. Leaf pickup scheduling and communication improvements were also discussed.