City Council Approves Talks with Utilities Union, Moves Forward with Repaving Contracts

The Cuyahoga Falls City Council went into executive session Monday evening shortly after the regular committee meeting began, to discuss entering into a collective bargaining negotiations with local 399 of the Utility Workers of America (AFL-CIO) representing the city’s utility workers. After a 15-minute executive session, the council returned to committee business. The council voted to adopt the ordinance with a 10-0 vote at the end of Monday’s meeting. The terms and details of the discussion were not revealed.   

In other action, ordinances were discussed by committees for Planning and Zoning; Finance  and Appropriations; Public Improvements; and Community Development.

The Planning and Zoning Committee heard details about plans for a 110-unit multifamily construction plan at the Manchester Falls subdivision on Howe Avenue. Amendments to initial plans included upgraded appearances of the garage doors; planting red maples and little-leaf lindens on tree lawns; developing a green space; and making the streets and lanes public roads for safety and to conform to codes such as assuring that lanes are wide enough for firetrucks to safely navigate the roads in an emergency.  

The committee also heard of plans to expand Ultratech Machinery at 318 Remington Rd. with a 20,800-square-foot addition. Owner Donald Hagarty said his company has simply outgrown the existing space, and adding more space will allow the company to handle projects that it had not been adequately equipped to take on. He said the company plans to hire more employees this year.

Those projects will go before the full council at its regular meeting on March 28.

The Finance and Appropriations Committee heard of plans to enter into an energy purchase agreement with the Ecosmart Choice Program, a process that buys electricity generated through renewable sources (wind, solar, biofuel) at a slightly higher rate than conventionally generated energy. Public Utilities Consumer Advocate Becky McCleary said she hoped to attract more customers than the current number of about 250. Ecosmart would replace Nature’s Energy Program.

The Public Improvements Committee heard plans to continue construction of Chart Road from Northampton Road to a point near Keyser Parkway, and also plans to enter into contracts for the resurfacing and/or repair  of streets in Cuyahoga Falls. City engineer Tony Demasi said the city expected to take bids about May 3. He said the recent fluctuation in oil prices could have an effect on the cost of paving. “Oil went above $103 (a barrel) today, so we’re keeping an eye on that.” Oil is a component in asphalt.

Public Service Director Valerie Wax Carr said, “Obviously our intention is to do all of these streets (listed), however, as you know in the past … sometimes when they go out for bid they come in higher than we anticipated and then we have to make some adjustments.” Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to report a pothole at the city’s website or call the hot line at 330-971-8345.

The Community Development Committee heard of plans to contract with Testa Companies Inc. to manage the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which rehabilitates or razes abandoned properties to help stabilize the housing stock in targeted neighborhoods. The planned contract with a local company was well-received by council members.         

The City Council will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 28.