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Drivers on Interstate 480 will know they are in North Olmsted when the Great Northern Boulevard and Columbia Road bridges come into view.
Part of the bridge repair work under consideration calls for fencing on either side of the two bridges to have “North Olmsted” in a modern-design stylized font to serve as a gateway to the city.
City Council’s Streets and Transportation Committee discussed the project at its Jan. 24 meeting. The committee voted 3-0 to send legislation to the full council that would authorize the mayor to enter into a contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the bridge repair. Council was expected to discuss the legislation at its meeting Tuesday evening, which occurred after West Life went to press.
ODOT will pay for the bridge repair while the city will pay for the enhancements, which would include the sign and fencing, which is estimated at $500,000.
Director of Economic and Community Development for the city of North Olmsted, Max Upton, explained how the opportunity arose.
“We were approached last February or March and notified by ODOT they’d be repairing the parapet and replacing the fencing and they gave us the option at that time if we wanted to pursue gateway signage or something more than just your average chain-link fence that we could do so and that it could be a part of this project but anything above and beyond the cost of what a chain-linked fence would be would be the city’s cost,” he said.
The two bridges in North Olmsted are among seven ODOT is to repair in Cuyahoga County starting this spring. Cost is estimated at $6.4 million.
The proposed repairs in North Olmsted would require reduced fencing maintenance based on the unique materials used. The city hired Apexx, a Florida-based architectural firm that specializes in bridge infrastructure Projects to design the sign graphics and fencing.
In other action, the Council’s Public Safety, Health and Welfare committee reviewed and approved legislation that would require the mayor to sign a contract with Motorola to equip the city’s police officers with body cams.
Costs would include $80,000 for the additional equipment, about $1,100 for the 50 body cams, and $36,000-$48,000 depending on the length and terms of the contract.
The legislation calls for the city to seek, receive and spend a $139,569 grant through the State Purchase Program funded by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.
Council’s Recreation, Public Parks and Buildings committee agreed to issue a beer and wine permit for the “Saturday in the Park” concert series this summer in enclosed areas. The legislation, which the committee approved 3-0, agreed to hold the ordinance in committee. The series of concerts, taking place over five Saturdays, begin June 10 and conclude Aug. 12.
Contact this reporter at mcubberley@westlifenews.com or 440-871-5797.
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