City Council Minutes Report: February 12, 2024

Cuyahoga Falls City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Council committee meetings are held on the first and third Mondays in order to allow councilmembers to publicly discuss pending legislation that will be voted on at regular meetings. The public is free to comment on pending legislation during the allowed time set aside as part of committee meetings.

During the reading of petitions, claims, communications, and reports of city officials the clerk reported the city had received notice from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control for pending transfers of licenses: 

• Liquor license transfer from Shale Group LLC, doing business as Craft Beer Bar to LHM Hospitality Property, doing business as Mickey’s Irish Pub at 1846 Front Street.
• Liquor license transfer from Hasan2 LLC, doing business as Uptown Deli to Westlake Junction Corp., doing business as Uptown Deli at 3205 State Road.
• New license application for Yongan LLC, doing business as Toko Japanese Steakhouse at 400 Howe Ave.

A special meeting of the Committee of the Whole was held to approve the selection of Chris Norfolk as the 12th Police Chief of Cuyahoga Falls. Mayor Walters opened the meeting stating that the interview and testing processes have been completed and the last step in the process was ratification by City Council. Captain Norfolk began his career with the city in December 2001, he reached the rank of Sergeant in 2015, was promoted to Lieutenant in 2018 and Captain in 2020. Walters stated that there is nothing more important in our city than public safety. Chief Davis will retire February 29 and Chief Norwalk will begin his duties effective March 1. When asked about future goals for the department, retention and training are at the top of the new chief’s list, along with embracing investigative technology as the department has already done with FLOCK. Other long-term plans include the possibility of setting up a trade school model with the high school for students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Council voted unanimously in favor of the appointment.

New Ordinances & Resolutions

A-22: An ordinance authorizing the director of public service to enter into a contract or contracts, according to law, for the construction of a new Street Department Warehouse at 3159 Northampton Road. Assigned to the finance committee.

A-23: An ordinance authorizing the director of public service to enter into a contract or contracts, according to law, for the annual resurfacing and/or repair of various streets as described in Exhibit ‘A’ in the City of Cuyahoga Falls and authorizing the director of public service to enter into a contract or contracts for pavement preservation on various streets within the city. Assigned to the finance committee.

A-24: An ordinance authorizing the director of public service to enter into a contract or contracts, according to law, for the replacement of the roofs at the Electric Department, Street Department, Water Treatment Plant, and the Water Stock Room in the City of Cuyahoga Falls. Assigned to the finance committee. 

A-25: An ordinance amending sections 945.02, 945.04, 945.06, and 945.14 of the Codified Ordinances, relating to the City Cemetery. Assigned to the finance committee.

A-26: A resolution expressing support for and urging the passage of the Woodridge Local School District Levy, at the election held on March 19, 2024. Assigned to the public affairs committee.

Reports of Council’s Standing Committees

Finance & Appropriations:

A-16: An ordinance authorizing the director of public service to enter into a contract or contracts, without competitive bidding, with Moody’s of Dayton for well repairs and additional well services. Passed 11-0.

A-17: An ordinance authorizing the director of public service to enter into a contract or contracts, according to law, for the Water Treatment Plant Sand Filter Improvement Project. Passed 11-0.

A-18: An ordinance appropriating Community Development Block Grant carryover funds for calendar year 2024. Passed 11-0.

A-19: An ordinance increasing appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund for the improvement of West Portage Trail, from State Road to Northampton Road. Passed 11-0.

A-20: A resolution of intent to appropriate certain property along State Road, Seasons Road and Wyoga Lake Road. Passed 11-0.

A-21: An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Board to enter into a contract or contracts, according to law, for the Natatorium Pool Surface Refinish Projects. Passed 11-0.