Bedford City Council Meetings - 2026

Bedford City Council reviewed several city business items during the January 20 meeting, including ambulance service fees, planning and zoning decisions, public safety equipment, engineering services, stormwater compliance, and cannabis tax revenue.

Council approved prior meeting minutes and moved forward with an ordinance updating ambulance service fees, which city officials said had not been updated since 2016. Council also accepted a Planning Commission decision denying a proposed group home at 63 Greencliff Drive after the applicant did not appear before the commission, and approved a zoning permit for Keldric Companion to open an adult day center at 140 Solon Road.

Several ordinances were approved, including agreements for stormwater permit assistance, engineering services, financial audit services, police and fire equipment purchases, and vehicle purchases. These included new police vehicles, police cruiser equipment, fire department turnout gear, and a responder vehicle.

Council also discussed snow removal, salt storage, waterline breaks, stormwater/catch basin issues, traffic concerns, the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, and concerns related to cannabis tax revenue. One cannabis-related ordinance directing revenue into the city’s General Fund passed, with one council member voting no.

During citizen comments, residents raised issues about snow cleanup, group home oversight, youth facility questions, and downtown sidewalk/bridge snow removal. One resident also praised a city snowplow driver for helping clear vehicles during a snowstorm.

The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

Bedford City Council approved the minutes from the January 20 work session and regular meeting, then moved forward with several city business items, including updated ambulance service fees, a NOPEC energy grant, and equipment for the Service Department.

One major item was an ordinance updating ambulance service fees. City officials said the rates had not been updated since 2017 and were below current recommended rates. The new fees are tied to ambulance billing and insurance-based reimbursement.

Council also approved accepting a NOPEC grant for energy-efficiency projects and approved the purchase of a new asphalt hotbox trailer for the Service Department. The equipment replaces an older 2001 unit and is used for road and asphalt repair work.

Reports and discussion included snow parking rules, sidewalk clearing, water main repairs, stormwater and infrastructure concerns, the city’s community survey, and updates connected to Bedford’s master planning work. Council also discussed board and commission vacancies, ward meeting dates, and ongoing economic development matters.

Several local issues came up during council reports, including Baye Market court updates, Taft Park, speeding concerns on side streets, the Northfield Road bridge/waterline issue, and possible funding for a bike path connection between Downtown Commons and Viaduct Park.

During citizen comments, residents raised concerns about snow removal, sidewalk safety, ambulance billing, the former high school building situation, resource closet/community support services, and youth/community needs. One resident also thanked the city for finally getting a long-standing building issue addressed.

The meeting reflected a mix of routine approvals, public service updates, infrastructure concerns, and resident questions about safety, snow cleanup, city services, and future planning. 

Bedford City Council approved the minutes from the February 2 work session and regular meeting, then reviewed several planning, infrastructure, public safety, and city service items.

Council accepted a Planning Commission decision denying a zoning permit for an assisted living facility at 194 Columbus Road after the applicant failed to appear at the Planning Commission meeting. Council also approved a zoning permit for a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system at 708 Hight Street.

Several ordinances moved forward, including updates to the city’s codified ordinances, a contract with Axon Enterprise for police body cameras, dash cameras, Tasers, and related equipment, and a contract with Senior Transportation Connection for transportation services for Bedford seniors.

Council also discussed traffic and infrastructure projects, including upgraded downtown crosswalk signage through a NOPEC-funded project, the upcoming Union Street Bridge closure, traffic signal work near Broadway Avenue, and planned gas line replacement work by Enbridge.

Another major item was the Greencroft infrastructure project, involving waterline replacement and resurfacing work. City officials noted the project is expected to move forward in 2026.

Reports included updates on the Bedford Master Plan meeting, Parks and Recreation programming, property tax concerns, Baye Market court updates, speeding complaints, stormwater and sewer concerns, board and commission vacancies, and local community events.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Bedford City Council approved the minutes from the February 17 work session and regular meeting, then discussed several city service, infrastructure, planning, and public safety items.

One major item was a proposed 10-year emergency dispatch services contract with the City of Twinsburg, set to begin January 1, 2027. City officials said the arrangement would replace current dispatch services and could create long-term savings while keeping 911 access the same for residents.

Council also reviewed a proposed process for filling board and commission vacancies, including public notices, application deadlines, interviews, and appointments. The goal was to make the process more organized, transparent, and consistent.

Another large discussion involved the Cuyahoga County Unified Zoning Code Project, which is looking at ways communities could modernize or align zoning rules. The packet included examples related to parking, housing, single-family zoning, zoning maps, and development standards.

Reports included updates on the Union Street Bridge closure, the Bedford Master Plan survey, possible impacts from property tax changes, House Bill 92 involving delinquent water and sewer charges, sewer concerns on Justin Street, speeding complaints, Charles Street parking issues, voting location changes, Baye Market court updates, and neighborhood property concerns.

During citizen comments, residents asked about the Union Street Bridge project, Charles Street parking issues, and whether the proposed dispatch change would affect how residents call for emergency services. City officials said residents would still call 911 or the non-emergency number as usual.

The regular meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

Bedford City Council approved the minutes from the March 2 work session and regular meeting, then continued discussion on a proposed emergency dispatch services contract with the City of Twinsburg.

Council reviewed several planning and zoning items. A proposed group home at 58 Charles Street was denied after concerns about the property’s status and occupancy. Council also approved a zoning permit for a food production and research facility at 225 Northfield Road, which officials said had approvals from the FDA, Board of Health, and Fire Department.

Several vehicle purchases were approved, including a 2026 Ford Explorer for the Service Department, two pickup trucks for the Service Department, and a pickup truck for Parks and Recreation. Council also approved additional appropriations related to leftover grant and donation funds.

Reports included updates on Solon Road reconstruction funding, a possible new salt storage facility near Willis and Taylor, the Bedford Historic Downtown Connectivity Project, NOACA grant funding, the city’s 2026 event calendar, board and commission openings, chipper service starting in April, and ongoing sewer, stormwater, and bridge-related concerns.

Council also discussed a possible temporary utility billing classification for multi-family properties under renovation, as well as the possible liquidation of several city-owned properties.

During citizen comments, a resident praised the city’s leaf pickup crew but raised concerns about the proposed move of emergency dispatch services to Twinsburg. City officials said the dispatch change was still being reviewed and discussed.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

Bedford City Council approved minutes from the March 16 work session and regular meeting, along with the March 23 special council work session.

One major item was the proposed emergency dispatch services contract with the City of Twinsburg. Council removed that item from the agenda so the city could continue reviewing ways to improve dispatch services and address rising costs before moving forward.

Council approved a Board of Zoning Appeals decision allowing a shed to be built at 903 Hight Street. Several contracts and ordinances also moved forward, including property and liability insurance renewal, IT service updates with Simplex-IT, firewall security services, a Service Department truck purchase, Fire Department hose equipment, and playground equipment through GameTime.

The city also moved forward with property-related items, including purchase agreements for several parcels and action involving the property at 38 Henry Street. Council also discussed city-owned property, Cleveland Metroparks connections, and possible focus areas such as Viaduct Park, Tinkers Creek, and Hutchenson Park.

Reports included updates on chipper service, Cleveland Water work near Northfield Road, Community Development Block Grant funding, coyote information programming, ward meetings, board and commission interviews, traffic and speeding concerns, sewer issues, storm damage, bridge detour signage, and cleanup behind Al’s Electric.

During citizen comments, residents raised concerns about investors contacting homeowners, neighborhood rental issues, Greencroft Park playground work, and the dispatch services proposal. One resident also thanked council for taking more time on the dispatch issue and asked downtown merchants to continue helping with trash cleanup.

The regular meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Bedford City Council approved minutes from the April 6 work session and regular meeting, along with the April 16 special council work session.

A major item was approval for the city to apply for special Community Development Block Grant funds through Cuyahoga County. City officials said the funding could support projects such as road resurfacing, senior-related improvements, and work connected to the Greencroft resurfacing project, including waterline and playground-related improvements.

Council also approved contracts for six replacement fire hydrants through Ferguson Waterworks and UV bulbs for the wastewater treatment plant’s disinfection system through MRS Distribution. The UV bulbs are needed for Ohio EPA requirements at the plant.

A large part of the meeting focused on storm recovery. City officials reported storm-related damage throughout Bedford, including damaged vehicles, possible sinkholes, culvert concerns, catch basin cleanup, road damage, and damage to city facilities. Officials said police, fire, service crews, and city staff had been working through the cleanup and inspections.

Council members also warned residents to be careful with contractors and solicitors after the storm and to make sure anyone doing work is properly registered with the city. Residents were encouraged to check their property, contact insurance companies, and report concerns to city officials.

Other updates included Arbor Day plans, board and commission appointments, Baye Market’s next court date, damage at Taft Park and the Bedford Historical Society, and Child Abuse Prevention Month recognition.

During citizen comments, residents raised concerns about a pushy security system solicitor, damaged roads, sinkhole and culvert issues, a dumpster near an empty South Park property, and signs being placed in public right-of-way areas.

The regular meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.