Elyria City Council worked through a full agenda on November 17, 2025, approving a zoning change for a multifamily project on West Ridge Road and adopting a series of financial and personnel ordinances before shifting into a Strategic Planning Committee meeting focused on the future of the city’s sanitation rates.
Rezoning Approved for West Ridge Road Project
Council opened with a public hearing on a request to align zoning for a 9.6-acre West Ridge Road parcel with the developer’s existing high-density multifamily designation. The project includes 23 single-story, four-unit residential buildings with private entrances, two private drives, on-site stormwater detention, and access to city utilities. Nearby residents attended and were encouraged to speak with the developer about buffering concerns following the hearing. Council later approved the rezoning.
Administrative Updates: Streets, Banners, Leaves, and City Finances
Safety Service Director Chris Pyanowski reported that the city’s street condition scan is being finalized to reflect the 2025 paving program. He also addressed questions about the popular veterans banner program, noting that leadership changes at the Elyria Veterans Council have slowed decisions on banner placement and future pricing but updates will be released once finalized.
Leaf pickup is ongoing and will continue into December, and the compost site closing date will be confirmed and communicated to council.
Finance Director Ted Pleski reported that income tax revenue is up 6.58 percent compared to last year, though the general fund balance has fallen more than two million dollars since January. He cautioned council to look closely at long-term trends.
Law Director Amanda Deery briefed council on appellate arguments scheduled this week regarding the former Days Inn property and noted that the site’s court-appointed receiver continues to move toward a sale while addressing nuisance violations. She also confirmed that DBR Commercial Realty has not finalized documents in a separate redevelopment agreement involving the Port Authority and Elyria Schools.
Council Approves Routine Financial and Personnel Legislation
Council certified delinquent inactive utility accounts and demolition costs for 330 West River Road and 342 11th Street to the Lorain County auditor. Additional ordinances approved included disposal of surplus city property, amending the 2025 compensation study, authorizing fund transfers, adjusting permanent appropriations, approving wage updates for non-bargaining employees, awarding a Downtown Historic Redevelopment Grant for 353–361 Broad Street, and authorizing a billing services agreement with UtilDoc for utility and stormwater mailings.
Sanitation Rate Study: Committee Backs Keeping Service In-House
After the regular meeting, the Strategic Planning Committee reviewed a new sanitation rate study from REA Business Advisors. The analysis shows rising labor, disposal, and fleet replacement costs outpacing revenue. Without additional increases, the fund is projected to fall into deficit within a few years.
Consultants outlined scenarios, including a multi-year five percent annual increase that would keep the fund positive while allowing the city to gradually replace aging trucks. Recycling costs drew significant discussion, with curbside recycling accounting for roughly a quarter of expenses while representing a small share of collected material.
The committee voted to keep Elyria’s sanitation service in-house and to send rate options to the Finance Committee for further review.d for Monday, November 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Elyria City Hall.