CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- At the June 12 Chagrin Falls Village Council meeting, pedestrian safety was discussed, road construction bids were accepted and the new playground surface was finalized.
In opening remarks, Police Chief Amber Dacek praised the operations and behavior of the attendees and residents involved with the 2023 Blossom Time festival. The police chief said there were no major incidents during the annual celebration.
The safety committee, led by Councilman Brian Drum, discussed future plans for adding temporary planters by crosswalks on Main Street to enhance pedestrian safety.
In addition to the temporary planters, the committee is also looking into the possibility of adding a crosswalk at the intersection of Bell and Vincent by the Federated Church.
Village Council passed legislation to replace the culvert on Locust Lane. The village approved a bid from Marks Construction for the stormwater improvements. Council stated that the bid from Marks Construction was lower than the approved price tag for the project.
Village Council also passed an ordinance establishing that a bonded rubber surface will be used at the new Riverside Park playground.
Councilman Michael Corkran voted against the legislation, citing concerns with the bonded rubber surface temperature in the summer heat.
He also questioned the testing standards of the subcontractor installing the new playground surface, specifically not having the surface IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) certified to certain ASTM standards.
A spokesman from DWA Recreation stated that a third party will test the bonded rubber surface after installation to ensure that the surface was properly installed.
Finally, Village Council passed a resolution allowing the village to apply for federal grant money to improve the slope stabilization of Vincent Street.
During the final portion of the meeting, the council heard public comments from Molly Gebler, managing partner of the Inn of Chagrin, about the possibility of establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) downtown.
A DORA would allow patrons to purchase alcohol from an on-premises liquor permit holder and leave the premises with the drink and continue to consume it while in the designated area.
Council stated that it would review the idea with the police department and discuss the idea of the DORA in future committee meetings.
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