Council also considering ending collection of new water extension surcharges
CUYAHOGA FALLS — The City of Cuyahoga Falls is looking to utilize renewable sources of energy, partnering with an Ohio consulting firm for professional services related to future energy-efficiency projects.
At the June 14 meeting, City Council introduced legislation to contract with Go Sustainable Energy LLC, of Worthington, for a cost of $75,000 to review requests for proposal submissions from solar vendors regarding the project as the city investigates the possibility of putting solar panels in its facilities and purchasing the generated power.
Council also introduced two pieces of legislation to stop collecting new water extension surcharges in two water districts. While the city owns and operates a water system serving the residential, commercial and industrial users of the city, it no longer has the need to collect extension surcharges in the Northeast High Pressure Water District and Woodridge Sanitary Sewer District, according to the proposed ordinances.
Additionally, Council introduced legislation to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Second Street and Northland Avenue and to contract with Thompson Electric Inc., of Munroe Falls, for the project, as well as a resolution to allow Mayor Don Walters to apply for and accept a grant or loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for the replacement of water mains on Oakwood Drive from Graham Road to Monroe Avenue.
Also during the meeting, Council approved the following legislation:
• an agreement with the Ohio Rail Development Commission and CSX Transportation for grade crossing warning device improvements and implementation of a four-quadrant light and gate system quiet zone at the Bailey Road/CSX railroad crossing;
• the appropriation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID-19 funds of $233,720;
• a cooperative agreement with the City of Akron to share the cost of engineering and construction to resurface portions of Riverview, Akron-Peninsula and Smith roads and Portage Trail;
• applying for Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds programmed by the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study to resurface Broad Boulevard between State Road and Second Street; and
• a community reinvestment area agreement with Parfait Properties LLC.
In community news, Community Development Director Diana Colavecchio announced a South State Road Business District meeting would take place June 26 at 6 p.m. in the Hopewell Room at The Natatorium, 2345 Fourth St. The meeting is open to the public.
Also, the city is hosting a Juneteenth event June 19 at noon at the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel, 2420 Oakwood Drive. Juneteenth is an annual holiday commemorating the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery. John and Emily Hansparker, a formerly enslaved couple, are buried in the cemetery in unmarked graves. Speakers, including Councilwoman Mary Nichols Rhodes (D-Ward 4), will focus on the importance of honoring African-American history.
Council will meet for committee meetings June 21 to discuss pending legislation and for a regular meeting June 28, both at 6:30 p.m. at The Natatorium, located at 2345 Fourth St.
