University Heights

MAY 16, 2011

• Homeland security budget reduced
• Top it Off Pizza
• Karvo Paving Company
• Rock salt
• IRS fine
• Recycling Day May 28
• Grass notices

MAY 9, 2011

This was a special meeting held due to a lack of quorum at the May 2 meeting.

• McDonald’s development plans
• Emergency operations plan
• University Square parking garage

All council members were present.

Four of seven part-time council seats in University Heights will be on the November ballot. The job description includes attending 20 scheduled council meetings a year, and forming council committees.   

At a council meeting on June 20, students and faculty of John Carroll University requested that the University Heights City Council change the use conditions for Shula Stadium. JCU asked the council to allow the football field to be used more regularly for varsity, club, and intramural athletics, and to allow local schools to use this facility.

The current use conditions, which JCU agreed to in 2002, allow for one night football game per year and prohibit the use of stadium lights and speaker systems after 9 p.m. JCU asked permission from council to allow stadium lights to remain on until 11 p.m., to allow for more varsity and club practice times, intramural games, and the sharing of the facilities with local schools.

JUNE 6, 2011

• Veterans’ names
• Community gardens
• Pool passes
• Continental Cup
• Top if Off Pizza.
• High school football at JCU
• Fire department services
• Human resources manager
• PayPal
• Public records official
• License bureau
• Gas and water lines

APRIL 18, 2011

• Sunshine law training
• Piggyback tax
• McDonald’s traffic study.
• Vital statistics for the city
• Business revolving loan program
• Rain garden
• Bond notes
• Funds to pension funds
• Yard waste pickup
• Housing inspections
• “Make a Difference Day”
• Reaching Heights concert

MAY 2, 2011

• Pool passes
• Cedar/Taylor merchants
• Business Expo 2011
• Police retirees honored
• McDonald’s development plans
• Votes delayed due to lack of quorum
• Resurfacing program
• Emergency operations plan
• Pumper truck
• Yard waste
• Increase in fees
• Pool and slide
• Intersections narrowed

It’s June, early in the month. Snow jackets and flannel bed sheets are put away. Summer clothes take their happy posts at the front of the closet. It is time to face the music—bathing suits come out of hiding.

APRIL 18, 2011

APRIL 4, 2011

• Senior transportation
• City newsletter
• Late hours at city hall
• Pool passes
• Resident surveys
• Yard clean-up.
• South Taylor community garden
• Gesu basketball champions
• Bushnell Road/Northwood Road project
• Dysart, Glendon, and Traymore roads
• Reassigning bandwidths
• Tree planting

MARCH 21, 2011

• April is spring-cleaning month
• Gesu 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball team
• Sweepstake Terminal Cafes moratorium
• 2011 budget
• Council supports HB114 amendment
• Refuse truck repairs
• Pool chlorine purchase
• Council planning session
• Fireworks 
• Garbage study

Senior Gatherings continue on Thursdays at the University Heights Library. The following topics have been announced for May:

Imagine you’re in a time machine and Cecil B. DeMille is shooting a new epic film. It takes place in small-town Americana and it’s the story of a Memorial Day Parade. Advance promotions are calling it an extravaganza in four parts: Parade, Veterans Honor Ceremony, S. Belvoir Street Fair and The Famous Hot Dog Stand.

You guessed it. University Heights is the small town. The parade is the 45th University Heights Memorial Day Parade. It has drama and lots of action. Parts are heartwarming and others are breathtaking. There is even some romance and heartbreak. Some folks would add "thrilling" to describe the time-honored tradition of politicians marching in Memorial Day parades.

FEBRUARY 22, 2011

• Closing of trauma center
• Merchants association
• City services survey
• Black History celebration
• Payments owed the Port Authority
• Leadership Effectiveness Retreat
• Sidewalk cleaning

MARCH 7, 2011

• Sun Press article
• City services survey
• Recognition of service
• B’Nei Torah special-use permit
• Sweepstakes terminal cafes

As part of a new policy, the University Heights Fire Department is giving away free state-of-the-art smoke detectors at the fire house 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All University Heights residents can pick up detectors at the station, which is next to City Hall, on Silsby Road at Warrensville Center Road. 

Senior Gatherings continue on Thursdays at the University Heights Library. The following topics have been announced for April:

Being lost is not always a bad thing. My mother was an intrepid global traveler. To her, getting lost meant adventures along the way. Along comes GPS. The only problem with a GPS system is you need a destination. Without one, it may as well be a baloney sandwich.

JANUARY 18, 2011

• State of the City address
• New service director
• Senior services manager
• TIF repayment plan
• Board of Zoning Appeals case
• Political signs

FEBRUARY 7, 2011

Councilman Kevin Patrick Murphy was excused.

• Community garden committee
• 2011 budget
• McDonald’s traffic study
• Wiley School parking area
• Kollel proposal
• Road asphalt
• Senior transportation
• New dump truck
• Increase in revenues

It is a puzzle. It appears that a new slogan may be added to the legislative lexicon when it comes to describing the decision-making process of the University Heights City Council: Death by Delay.

Most issues that come before this legislative body are routine; but some are not. The old adage—“Salesmanship begins when the customer says no”—is also true for legislators. Their ability, inclination and statesmanship are revealed when issues have voters supporting opposite outcomes.

Complex issues before council in 2008 are still with us in 2011.

As part of a new policy, the Fire Station is giving away free state-of-the-art smoke detectors at the Fire House 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All University Heights residents can pick up detectors at the station, which is on Silsby Road, next to City Hall at Warrensville Center Road. 

Some people have been shy about having the Fire Prevention Department come into their homes to install the devices. But the new policy is designed to make sure there are no reasons left not to have them. Mayor Susan Infeld, Fire Chief John Pitchler and Fire Prevention Captain Steve Ineman want every house and apartment to have these life-saving detectors.

March 3 @ 2:00 p.m. - Dr. Oz says, “improve health, reduce stress, stay young,” with Tai Chi by certified instructor Linda Sylte of University Heights.

March 10 @ 2:00 p.m. - Sunny Simon, vice president, newly formed Cuyahoga County Council, its mission and objectives for development.

It’s January and it’s snowing. How do you know if the snow parking ban is in effect in University Heights? Our city has a dedicated snow parking ban telephone line. Call 216-932-5900 any time of day or night to find out. If it is, you must remove your vehicle from University Heights streets or you may be ticketed and towed.

Some childhood memories are like the cozy blanket and cup of hot chocolate that make us feel comfy on chilly, dull grey winter afternoons. I discovered that saying three small words, “Memorial Day Parade,” to University Heights neighbors brings smiles to their faces. You can just see their minds beating a path to the treasure chest of memories of past parades.

JANUARY 4, 2011

• New service director
• Revocation of variance
• Juvenile board assignments
• Right turns on red
• Property tax overpayments
• County grant funds
• Regional Income Tax Agency
• Senior transportation
• Council workshop
• State of the Schools address

DECEMBER 20, 2010

• McDonald’s traffic study
• Used dump truck available
• Honorees Jennifer Thomas and Detective Lt. Edward Schmidt
• JCU 125th year anniversary banners
• Pedestrian controls to crosswalk
• Property owner to come before council 

My first year as mayor was a busy one. I reduced City Hall staffing by six percent; reassigned employees to create workflow efficiencies; appointed a part-time manager of senior services; appointed a full-time finance director; updated the website and joined Facebook; established late-night hours on Wednesdays during summer; cut the cost to produce the community newsletter; cut costs for towels, linens, cleaning and office supplies, and phone services; produced a new service department policy booklet; eliminated erroneous billing from the Illuminating Company; and established appropriate fund accounting for the city’s books. There was also the cleanup of financial issues from 2008-2009.

Snow is flying, but think summer. Marching bands, hot dogs, flags, and the University Heights Memorial Day Parade will kick off the summer of 2011. The parade committee is now forming and wants you to join.

DECEMBER 6, 2010

• Resident suggests health care savings and art exhibit
• Sun Press article creates good financial news
• Cuyahoga County Board of Health services
• Ashurst Community Garden fund
• Building permit fees
• Recycling services
• Funds for fire truck generator
• Police pension fund
  

University Heights has uncovered nearly $2.5 million dollars in financial "irregularities" starting in 2008. This is not the final total. The city may still face additional charges until all payment agreements are finalized. These irregularities, mismanagement and negligence amount to more than $240 for each registered voter in University Heights.

NOVEMBER 15, 2010

• Sewer and water rate increase
• Senior services
• City in arrears
• Results of “garbage study”
• Traffic calming for Vernon and Lansdale
• Tax Incentive Review Council
• Quiznos returns to Cedar Center
• Traffic study for proposed McDonalds

Residents of Tyndall Road in University Heights have been gathering together to celebrate their holidays in mid-December for about 32 years. It is a tradition kept alive by always including the newest neighbors on the street.

This year was special. The newest neighbors own only the land, so far. Their home will be the newest house in University Heights when construction begins this spring.

NOVEMBER 1, 2010

• Disrespectful behavior at a council meeting
• Guest speakers
• Senior transportation
• New Year’s Day observance
• Depreciable asset threshold
• Flood control ordinance
• Fund transfers
• Code updates for ORC sections
• Unused sick time
• Bellefaire building demolition
• High school games at JCU
• Reimbursement from Cleveland Water
• GAAP
• Acting service director

OCTOBER 18, 2010

• Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Leaf pickup
• TIF Accounting error
• Clear Wireless LLC
• Legal observance of New Year’s Day
• New flood insurance maps
• Moratorium on sweepstakes terminal cafes
• Cuyahoga County Municipal Energy Program
• Cleveland First-Suburbs Development Council

New volunteers signed up for the University Heights Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) at the Nov. 3 meeting in University Heights City Hall. Mayor Susan Infeld expressed her appreciation to the current CERT volunteers and new members for the support they give to their city.

Am I the only one, or have you also seen a large increase in the number of COWs in University Heights? More than 20 have been spotted so far this year. No, these are not the barnyard variety. These are a certain kind of legislative meeting. COW is the acronym used by city council on its e-mail notices to refer to Committee-of-the-Whole meetings.

The University Heights Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT) was among the first in Cuyahoga County to organize, following the events of September 11, 2001. FEMA created a uniform nationwide emergency response structure intended to respond to natural or manmade disasters. 

For 28 years I took you for granted. I never gave a thought to any of your city services. The only time I went to city hall was to pay for a special pick-up. Career, interests and far-flung family was my focus. The frequent flyer miles just kept adding up. I knew more about the layout of Hopkins Airport than the streets of University Heights.

OCTOBER 4, 2010

• Cuyahoga County council candidates forum
• International Walk to School Day
• Budget line items
• Tax incentive review council
• Cuyahoga County Municipal Energy Program
• City receives an award
• Snow-removal vehicles
• Seniors program
• Website contractors and permits listings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

• County council district 11 forum
• Rain garden on Ashurst Road
• City must repay county auditor
• Workmen’s compensation coverage lapses
• South Euclid Community Center rentals
• Hazardous waste
• Purvis Park pool
• KFC and Hollywood Video
• Waterline replacement
• McDonalds’ restaurant

All council members were present.

Donna, the camper across the way, was curious. She came over and invited us to join her clan for dinner when, at dinnertime, she saw that I was still trying to start my campfire. In fact, I had just started burning my little twigs, but all the wood was damp from earlier rains and I had not brought lighter fluid, as Donna had. She saw my effort and said "That will never start! You don't have enough wood on it." She then proceeded to take the pieces of bark I had segregated and dump them on my twigs, completely killing off my little fire. Thanks Donna.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2010

• Condition of vacant homes
• Transitional use permit question
• Rain garden on Ashurst
• JCU’s request for administrative space
• Nuisance assessment
• 2008 payment not made
• Ash borer infestation

SPECIAL MEETING – AUGUST 23, 2010

• JCU zoning decision appeal
• Eastside Departments Group Enforcement
• Garage and residential sales

The annual City Beautiful Commission awards ceremony will be held in University Heights City Hall, Council Chambers on Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. A total of 24 homes were selected by the commission this year for recognition in the 2010 Beautiful Home Awards.

Each year, nearly 3,000 people in the United States die in home fires. Over half of these deaths occurred in homes with no, or nonworking, smoke alarms. These are the grim statistics from the National Fire Protection Association.

Do you have a smoke detector in your home? Is it in good working condition?

If senior adult residents of University Heights want to keep the services they have come to expect from our city, they need to pay attention to what some councilmen are saying. 

On July 26, several members of council proposed to create the new position of economic development director. The position would add up to $80,000 plus benefits to the city's payroll each year, taking a significant bite out of the city's tax revenues.

JUNE 21, 2010

• Concerns about McDonald’s
• Purvis Park pool
• Take-out pizza at Heights Jewish Center
• City services for seniors

All council members were present.

When I moved to University Heights 29 years ago, the bowling alley at Cedar Center was where we spent time with friends and relatives, met new people and had a lot of fun.

Everyone agrees, the neglected and rundown commercial space on Warrensville Center Road needs to be spruced up, rented or replaced. But neighbors are not pleased with McDonald’s moving in.

Everyone agrees, the neglected and rundown business space on Warrensville Center Road needs to be replaced. But some neighbors are not pleased with McDonald’s moving in.

On July 1, University Heights Planning Commission recommended to City Council to approve the McDonald’s project. Citizens Opposed to McDonald’s met on June 15 to discuss their rights as property owners in the neighborhood around the proposed site and attended the July 1 meeting.

JUNE 7, 2010

• Senior services coordinator
• Ashurst Road vacant lot
• City Beautiful Commission
• McDonald’s restaurant
• ROTC office for John Carroll University
• City Hall hours
• John Carroll University green initiatives
• City Hall roof repair
• Four-wheel utility vehicle bid
• Yard nuisance abatement
• County land bank
• Intercity police services
• New fire pumper truck

May 17, 2010

• Green space on Ashurst Road
• Opposition to opening of McDonald’s
• Certificates of recognition
• Gesu Church and Parish Center
• Ken Fisher hired
• Resurfacing of Belvoir Blvd.
• Flushing of fire hydrants

Council member Susan Pardee was excused.

It may be time for council to authorize a comprehensive zoning study in this, the most densely populated city in the area.

Since its inception, the University Heights zoning code is a patchwork in progress. Patchworks are just that, a mix of odds and ends with no consistency, cohesiveness or strength because so many stitches are needed to hold it together. That may be fine for a blanket, but not for our city.

University Heights resident and Democrat, Phil Robinson, is running for the Cuyahoga County Council seat in District 11. The district includes Beachwood, Euclid, Lyndhurst, Richmond Heights, South Euclid and University Heights. The primary election is Sept. 7.

“For our region to continue growing, we need a government that can operate in the 21st century,” said Robinson. “My experiences working in the public, private and nonprofit sectors give me a unique perspective on how to modernize our government to meet the challenges of the future.”

Homeowners' increasing investment in repairs and remodeling is considered a leading indicator, one that predicts the future, of an improving economy. By any measure, University Heights homeowners are investing in their homes.

On June 21, Building Commissioner David Menn reported a 20 percent increase in permit applications as compared to the same period in 2009. Menn also reported a 100 percent increase in contractor registrations for the same period.

Don’t wait! The City of Beautiful Homes is seeking nominations for its 2010 awards. Do you or a neighbor have a beautiful garden, back yard or home you are proud of? Don’t keep it a secret, share it with us. Nominate your own or a neighbor’s property for one or more of the 2010 Beautiful Home awards.

APRIL 19, 2010

• Delay in garbage truck repair
• Boarded-up home on Jackson Road
• Partnership with John Carroll University
• Commendation for Robert Perko III
• New smoke detectors
• AAA Flexible Pipe Company awarded bid
• 2010 emergency sewer repairs
• Tree Side Landscaping Company
• Vehicle for refuse collection
• Overpayments for Cleveland water
• Arbor Day tree planting
• Relay for Life

MAY 3, 2010

McDonald’s on Warrensville Center Road

Saybrook rain garden

Ashurst road meeting

2010 yard nuisance abatement program

Waterline replacement

Flushing of hydrants

Registration of vacant and foreclosed homes

Councilman Steven Bullock was absent.

“Do not wait until you are thirsty to dig a well,” says an old Chinese proverb. This proverb assumes thirst is a human condition, water comes from wells, and digging wells is hard work. Not work you want or can do when it is too late. In other words, plan for the future. 

What is the plan for University Heights 5, 10 or 15 years from now? We know we will have to replace garbage and fire trucks, repave streets and repair water lines. Do we have a plan? Have we decided the priorities? Do we know how this plan for the future will be financed over the next 5, 10 or 15 years?