LORAIN — Lorain City Council’s September 2 meeting tackled a packed agenda, advancing major infrastructure projects, approving agreements for the cleanup of the former St. Joseph’s Hospital site, and sending a package of proposed public safety ordinances to committee for further review.
The meeting stretched several hours, with lively debate from residents and detailed updates from city officials on funding, priorities, and future plans.
Safety Ordinances Sent to Committee
Mayor Jack Bradley outlined a new three-part public safety package aimed at improving neighborhood conditions, curbing violence, and supporting Lorain Police with stronger enforcement tools:
- Weapons and Explosives Update — Expands penalties for illegal firearms and fireworks, elevating some violations to first-degree misdemeanors.
- Sleeping Restrictions — Prohibits sleeping on sidewalks, streets, doorways, and vehicles in designated areas.
- Parental Responsibility Ordinance — Holds parents or guardians accountable if minors repeatedly violate curfew or other local laws.
The proposals drew mixed feedback from residents, some urging stronger enforcement while others warned against criminalizing homelessness and youth behavior without offering more services.
Rather than rushing a vote, Council referred all three measures to the Police/Fire/Legislative Committee, which will meet Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. for deeper discussion and public input.
St. Joseph’s Hospital Cleanup Moves Forward
Council unanimously approved two measures tied to the long-vacant St. Joseph’s Hospital property on West 21st Street:
- A subrecipient agreement with the Lorain County Land Bank to manage a $6.5 million state brownfield grant for cleanup and demolition.
- A professional-services contract with Verdantas LLC to oversee environmental planning, design, and bidding.
Mayor Bradley clarified that the property is in foreclosure due to $1.7 million in unpaid assessments and is scheduled for sheriff’s sale. The city expects the Land Bank to assume ownership, clearing the way for demolition and redevelopment.
Lorain’s required financial match, about $1.6 million, will be covered through in-kind services and previously documented costs, meaning no new local funding is needed. Demolition bids are expected later this year, with visible site work likely beginning this fall.
Council Approves Sewer and Water Upgrades: $50M+ Program
Council also approved seven ordinances authorizing the city to move forward with the first phase of a multi-year wastewater and infrastructure program that officials estimate could ultimately exceed $50 million.
Phase One Loan — About $27.5M
- Rehabilitation of the Pearl and Tacoma Pump Stations
- Wash-water tank retrofits at the Water Purification Plant
- Grinder installation at the Black River Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Construction management contracts for oversight
- Jaeger Road Pump Station modernization
Phase Two Loan — Coming Soon
City officials said a second loan request, expected to total roughly $27 million, will support additional plant-level upgrades and broader system improvements. That application will be submitted later this year.
How It’s Funded
Much of the cost will be financed through the Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) and the Water Resource Restoration Sponsorship Program (WRRSP), which may provide partial loan forgiveness to reduce the long-term financial burden on the city.
“These investments stabilize our system and prepare us for future growth,” said Council President Joel Arredondo.
Other Council Actions
- Fireworks Ordinance: An update to Chapter 549.11 remains on regular order, moving to a second reading later this month.
- Campana Park Naming Rights: A proposed contract with Superlative Group to manage naming-rights deals was sent to committee for further review.
- Nuisance Abatement Costs: Council approved assessments for removing debris and junk from several properties.
- Technology Upgrades: Contracts were approved with Tyler Technologies for payment processing and Dell Technologies for Microsoft 365 licensing.
- Purdue Pharma Settlement: Council authorized participation in the opioid settlement, ensuring Lorain will receive funding for addiction-related services.
- Liquor Permits: Action on a D-5 permit for 1804 E. 28th Street was delayed until the next meeting to allow for neighborhood input.
Public Comment Highlights
Ten residents addressed Council, with opinions split on the safety ordinances and other issues:
- Several speakers urged service-first approaches to homelessness rather than increased citations.
- Others supported tougher penalties for fireworks, weapons, and youth curfew violations.
- Residents also raised concerns about city spending, redevelopment priorities, and transparency.
Council members thanked residents for their input and encouraged continued participation, noting that committee meetings later this month will be critical for shaping final proposals.
What’s Next
- Police/Fire/Legislative Committee: Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. — safety ordinances review
- Parks and Recreation Committee: Sept. 22 — summer recap and park updates
- Finance Committee: Oct. 13 — quarterly budget review
