At the July 14 Vermilion City Council Committee meetings, council members reviewed community safety issues, street repairs, potential zoning updates for recreational cannabis, and an amendment to the city’s food truck ordinance.
Public Safety Takes Center Stage
Police Chief Chris Hartung delivered an emotional report on the July 10 domestic homicide on Ferndale Avenue. A woman was fatally shot while holding her infant, and her 10-year-old daughter placed the 911 call. The suspect survived a self-inflicted gunshot and was taken into custody. Hartung praised the professionalism of responding officers, firefighters, and support staff. The case is being handled by the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office.
In other updates, active shooter training will be held at Vermilion High School on July 29 and 30. The annual FOP Steak Fry fundraiser is scheduled for August 30 at German’s Villa.
Fire Chief Bill Brown reported a 39 percent increase in calls compared to the same period last year. EMS calls made up nearly one-third of all responses. He also updated council on department training and plans to recommend a new ladder truck purchase by October.
Crosswalk Urgency Near Garage Bar and VBC
Business owner Bob Stitchick and Vermilion Boat Club representative Shari Kuhn spoke about growing safety concerns at the intersection near the VBC and Garage Bar. Both described close calls involving pedestrians and urged council to consider installing a crosswalk. City Engineer Chris Howard confirmed that the city could install one without ODOT approval, but the project could cost up to $50,000 if flashing signage is included. The administration will work on a design and explore grant funding options.
Sidewalk Ordinance Back in Motion
Council revisited a 2019 resolution requiring Liberty Avenue businesses to install sidewalks. With utility work now complete, Councilman Greg Drew proposed giving remaining businesses 12 months to comply. The updated resolution passed unanimously. Members said exceptions could be made in cases of delays, but agreed that consistent sidewalk access supports walkability and fairness.
Road Project Awarded for Larchmont and Nautical
Council approved a contract with D.L. Smith Concrete for the 2025 Streets Program, which will include work on Larchmont Drive and Nautical Drive. The bid came in at $388,276.30, well below the engineer’s estimate. The work is expected to be completed by October 31. Howard also provided an update on Sunnyside Road Phase 3, where temporary signals are in place. A full closure may be needed later in the summer.
Cannabis Zoning Debated
Council continued its discussion on where recreational cannabis dispensaries or grow facilities might be allowed. Several members opposed limiting such businesses to the east side of the city, while others favored allowing them in B-3 commercial zones as a conditional use. Council President John Gabriel pointed out numerous empty storefronts that could be suitable. No final decision was made.
Ice Cream Trucks Get a Second Look
Administrative Assistant Jody Booker introduced proposed changes to the food truck ordinance to address ice cream trucks, which are currently not allowed to operate in residential areas. The proposed changes would allow them to operate with specific limits, such as speed zone restrictions and noise controls. Council will revisit the draft ordinance next month.
Upcoming Vermilion City Council Meetings
- Monday, July 21 – Regular Council Meeting
- Monday, August 4 – Regular Council Meeting
- Monday, August 11 – Committee Meetings
- Monday, August 18 – Regular Council Meeting
All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex, 687 Decatur Street.
Meeting videos, agendas, and minutes are available at cityofvermilionohio.gov.
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