Downtown Sidewalk Improvements – Resolutions 2025-35 & 2025-36

[John]

Two related resolutions are being considered that together move forward the Downtown Sidewalk Improvements project. These cover both the purchase of a pedestrian bridge and the awarding of the construction contract. Normally, resolutions are more stand-alone, but in this case they directly connect.

Resolution 2025-35 – Prefabricated Pedestrian Bridge Purchase

This resolution authorizes the Mayor to purchase a prefabricated pedestrian bridge system from Contech Engineered Solutions LLC at a cost not to exceed $50,000. The bridge is part of the planned Downtown Sidewalk Improvements.

Resolution 2025-36 – Contract Award for Sidewalk Improvements

This resolution awards the construction contract for the project to C. A. Agresta Construction Co., which submitted the lowest and best bid of $134,700. Like the bridge purchase, this resolution is declared an emergency so the project can proceed quickly and safely .

Combined Importance

Taken together, these resolutions represent a significant investment in walkability and downtown safety, totaling nearly $185,000 in infrastructure improvements.

Resolution 2025-35 Full Text

Resolution No. 2025-35

By Mayor Siemborski

A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Purchase Agreement with Contech Engineered Solutions LLC for a Prefabricated Pedestrian Bridge System and Declaring an Emergency.

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WHEREAS, the Village Engineer has received an estimate from Contech Engineered Solutions LLC in the amount of $48,000.00 for a prefabricated Continental Pedestrian Bridge System to be purchased in connection with the planned Downtown Sidewalk Improvements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Village of Gates Mills, State of Ohio, that:

Section 1. The Mayor is authorized to execute an agreement with Contech Engineered Solutions LLC in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 for a prefabricated Continental Pedestrian Bridge System.

Section 2. It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Council concerning and relating to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Council, and that all deliberations of this Council and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Section 3. This Resolution is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate protection of the public health, safety, and welfare, and for the further reason that it is necessary in order to complete the Downtown Sidewalk Improvements at the earliest possible time during this construction season.

Wherefore, provided this Resolution receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of Council elected or appointed thereto, it shall take effect immediately upon its passage and execution by the Mayor; otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.

Resolution 2025-36 Full Text

Resolution No. 2025-36

By Mayor Siemborski

A Resolution Accepting a Bid and Awarding a Contract for the Downtown Sidewalk Improvements; and Declaring an Emergency.

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WHEREAS, pursuant to public advertisement, public competitive bids were received by the Village on August 15, 2025, for a contract for the “Downtown Sidewalk Improvements” (the “Project”);

WHEREAS, C. A. Agresta Construction Co. submitted the lowest and best overall bid of the six entities that bid on the Project;

WHEREAS, this Council believes it is in the best interest of the Village to award the contract for the Project to the C. A. Agresta Construction Co.;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Village of Gates Mills, State of Ohio, that:

Section 1. This Council accepts the bid of the C. A. Agresta Construction Co. as being the lowest and best bid for the Project and authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract for the Project for an amount not to exceed $134,700.00.

Section 2. The Council finds and determines that all formal actions of this Council concerning and relating to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Council, and that all deliberations of this Council and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public in compliance with the law.

Section 3. This Resolution is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate protection of the public health, safety, and welfare, and for the further reason that it is necessary in order to complete the Downtown Sidewalk Improvements at the earliest possible time during this construction season.

Wherefore, provided this Resolution receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of Council elected or appointed thereto, it shall take effect immediately upon its passage and execution by the Mayor; otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.

[John]

Project background

This project has been ongoing for more than three years. Many intelligent and dedicated people have worked very hard to make it possible. They brought together the school, the library, and outside partners to secure grant funding and move the project forward.

I am new to Council, and while I did not originate this project, I truly appreciate the tremendous amount of effort that brought it to this stage. Their persistence and teamwork have made it possible for us to be considering these resolutions today.

[John]

The need for safe access

Because of enrollment growth, the school had to convert its library into a classroom. The students would love to rely on the Cuyahoga County Public Library in our downtown area, but they do not have a safe way to get there. Chagrin River Road is a 45 mph route right before the school, and the current path is uneven and difficult to navigate.

This project creates a safe, predictable connection between the school and the library, giving students access to resources they need while also tying the school community more closely to the heart of the village.

[John]

Funding and obligation

This project has been supported through grants and outside funding, which was made possible by the strong partnerships built around it. Moving forward allows us to honor that work and keep our commitments to those who trusted us with these resources.

If we were to walk away, the funding would need to be returned to the granting agencies and future opportunities would be harder to secure. Staying the course means showing that Gates Mills follows through, which makes it much easier to receive support for other projects down the road.

[John]

Resident concerns and recent meetings

Earlier this year, residents along the planned route received certified mail notices on two occasions. At recent Council meetings, a few voiced concerns about property values, safety, and how sidewalks might affect the character of the Village.

One resident even argued that sidewalks could make the area less safe. That concern gave me the chance to look at what federal research actually says about sidewalks and safety:

• According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roads without sidewalks are more than twice as likely to have pedestrian crashes compared to roads with sidewalks on both sides. FHWA Walkways Brochure
• FHWA also lists walkways as a proven safety countermeasure, noting that well-designed pedestrian facilities improve both safety and mobility.
• In the same FHWA brochure, it is estimated that providing sidewalks separated from the roadway could help prevent up to 88% of “walking along roadway” crashes.

These findings remind us that safety and accessibility are part of what makes a community livable.

For me, this connects directly to the idea of what “character” actually means. The character of Gates Mills is not only about how the Village looks but also about how it feels to live here. A truly welcoming character includes safety, accessibility, and care for residents of all ages and abilities. If sidewalks had been feasible when the Village was founded, I believe our founders would have embraced them as part of building a safe and thriving community.

[John]

Why sidewalks matter to me

It can be hard to understand what life is like when mobility is limited. A wheelchair, a walker, or even temporary recovery from surgery changes everything. Uneven ground and missing sidewalks become real barriers. They quietly shape daily life: events skipped, places out of reach, and opportunities that pass by. So often it is less about choice and more about ability.

My sister used a wheelchair, and my family experienced these challenges firsthand. It would be unconscionable to allow even a single Gates Mills child to feel the way that we often did. I have also faced challenges after a hip replacement, which went as smoothly as possible, yet I still fell on an uneven part of County Line Rd. (try to find an even part) during recovery. These experiences gave me a glimpse of how unlevel surfaces can quietly exclude people.

Sometimes it feels like Gates Mills is against flat surfaces altogether. As someone who joined this community in my 40s, it boggles my mind. Smooth, predictable footing benefits everyone from children in strollers to older residents who want to keep walking safely as well as everyone in between.

I encourage everyone to think about the future. Sidewalks may feel unnecessary now, but a decade of life experience often changes that perspective.

Building sidewalks sends a clear message: every resident belongs here, and our community is designed to support all ages and abilities well into the future.

[John]

The bridge and sidewalk must go together

In recent discussions, some have suggested moving forward with the pedestrian bridge but not the sidewalk. That approach does not make sense. A bridge without a connecting sidewalk serves little purpose, and it would betray the partnerships and agreements that made this project possible in the first place.

The library, the school, and our funding partners all supported this project as a complete system. Splitting it apart would frustrate those partners and leave us with an incomplete solution.

For me, this is straightforward: I will not support the bridge unless the sidewalk is approved first. The two are inseparable, and only together will they deliver the safety, access, and community benefits that everyone worked so hard to achieve.

[John]

Reflections on the last meeting

The most recent Council meeting was, for me, the hardest yet. A few residents spoke against the sidewalk, and some of the arguments showed just how differently we view what makes a community safe.

One resident said his children walk just fine in his own yard, as though that solved the issue. Another claimed sidewalks would somehow reduce safety. Listening to this was frustrating because it ignored the experiences of those who cannot rely on the same level of mobility.

Every family has its own blessings and challenges. I believe gratitude for our own health should be matched with compassion for those who face hurdles we do not. Our role on Council is to think beyond what works for a single household and to consider what allows every resident, of every age and ability, to live and move safely in Gates Mills.

[John]

Funding partners and credibility

The sidewalk and bridge are more than simply a local improvement; they represent partnerships that were built over years with the school, the library, and outside grant providers. These partners stepped forward because they trusted that Gates Mills would follow through on a project that makes sense for the whole community.

If we choose to back away or deliver only part of the project, it would not only disappoint those partners, it would also damage our credibility for the future. Communities that honor their commitments are the ones that continue to receive support and funding for new opportunities.

Following through here shows that Gates Mills is a reliable partner, capable of working collaboratively and carrying projects across the finish line. That reputation will serve us well long after this sidewalk and bridge are complete.

[John]

Looking ahead: school parking opportunity

During our discussions, Council member Sandra Turner (@sandra) raised the idea that the school’s parking lot could potentially be used for downtown overflow parking. Parking has always been limited in the Village, and this suggestion could make a meaningful difference.

The idea only came up this morning, and we have not yet asked the school if they would consider it. I was fully behind Sandra raising the question and would be 100% in favor of exploring the possibility! A sidewalk connection would make this idea much more practical, allowing visitors to safely walk between the lot and downtown.

This is the kind of creative thinking that shows how one project can open the door to other solutions. By completing the sidewalk and bridge as planned, we create the foundation for improvements that go beyond student access and extend benefits to the entire community.

[John]

Closing thought

I have shared a lot of background and my own perspective, but I would really value hearing from others. Please share your thoughts, questions, or concerns about the sidewalk and bridge project.

This forum makes it easy to keep a conversation going. You can reply directly to me, or reply to someone else’s comment if you want to continue the dialogue. That way we can build on each other’s ideas and keep the discussion constructive and connected.

[Ute]

I honestly cannot imagine to have a bridge in town that would totally change the downtown area is that really necessary especially for older people they would in any case not get up the stairs to a bridge and go down and rather cross the street normally there should be other possibilities to take care of the kids? I am all for sidewalks, but not for a bridge.

[John]

I’d like to share my full thoughts on this project and why I believe this discussion belongs here, in public view.

Fellow Gates Mills neighbors,

I’ve shared a lot of my thoughts here because I believe in open conversation. This forum exists so our community can talk honestly, learn from each other, and see how decisions are made. That’s what transparency is supposed to look like.

The Village Council is scheduled to vote on this project on October 21st, which gives us just over two weeks to talk through the details, hear questions, and share ideas. I believe that time is best spent here, in public view, where residents can follow along and participate.

The sidewalk and bridge proposal before us is the result of years of effort by caring, capable people who wanted to make Gates Mills safer and more connected. The project does not rely on Village funds. If we say no, the outside funding goes away, and with it, the bridge and the sidewalk. We would have to return the money that has already been awarded, and the organizations that supported us would lose confidence in our ability to follow through. We would also risk losing the respect and cooperation of the school and the library, both of which have been generous and supportive partners throughout this process. This is not an opportunity that will come back again.

What concerns me most is that much of the discussion is happening out of public view. Dozens of thoughtful ideas are being shared privately, often about safety, speed limits, traffic, crossings, and other ways to protect our residents. These are good ideas, but they deserve to be heard and understood publicly. That is how we move forward as a community.

I’ve encouraged my fellow Council members to move our discussions here to the forum so residents can follow along, but that hasn’t happened yet.

I don’t have every answer, and I won’t pretend to. But we have dedicated Village staff who do, and they can help bring clarity if we ask questions in a way everyone can see. The more open we are, the more informed our decisions become.

To my fellow council members, I hope you will join me in bringing this discussion out into the open. I know we all care deeply about Gates Mills, even if we sometimes see things differently. This forum gives us a way to share our thinking directly with residents, answer questions, and show that every decision we make comes from a place of genuine care for the Village. I would welcome your voices here.

My vote is yes. I’ve said that openly because I believe residents deserve to understand not only how we vote, but why. Even if opinions differ, I hope we can have this conversation together, with respect, with civility, and with the shared goal of doing what is best for Gates Mills.

This is a rare chance to make real progress. Let’s not let it slip away.

— John

[John]

Thank you so much for weighing in! Seriously - I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. It’s easy to feel like I’m talking to myself here, so hearing from residents means a lot.

I think there may be a misunderstanding about what this bridge actually is, and that’s totally fair because it’s not something we’ve visualized well for the community.

This isn’t a big decorative centerpiece or a landmark structure. It’s a small pedestrian bridge - essentially just a walkway over the gully between the school and downtown. Think of it more like an elevated sidewalk section than a traditional bridge with stairs and railings over a river.

Because of Gates Mills’ unique topography (all those hills and valleys we love), there’s a natural ravine that needs to be crossed to create a safe path.

The bridge is designed to be accessible - it will have gentle slopes rather than stairs, so it works for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone who has mobility challenges.

You mentioned you’re all for sidewalks - I’m really glad to hear that! The challenge is that the bridge and sidewalk are a package deal. The funding partners (who are paying for this) see them as one connected system. We can’t really do one without the other.

Does that help clarify what we’re talking about? And if you have other questions or concerns, please keep them coming. This is exactly the kind of conversation we need to be having!

— John

[Ute]

Why is that not up for vote by the villagers?

[John]

That’s a fair question. We have representative government specifically for decisions like this. Routine infrastructure topics would overwhelm the ballot if everything required a vote. This project has already gone through the standard public process, including certified mail notices to affected property owners and multiple council readings. I will personally put the topic up for a vote on Tuesday after it’s final reading.

[John]

I forgot to say thank you for contributing. Tell everyone you know about the forum!