Recognizing there’s always room for improvement, a new University Heights Charter Commission will spend the rest of 2022 and the first three months of 2023 studying, reviewing, and eventually proposing changes to, the city charter.
University Heights voters will be given the opportunity to vote on any proposed changes in the 2023 General Election.
A science-fiction concert and movie doubleheader, a renowned world music band, and a mashup of Klezmer and Motown will wrap up the 2022 University Heights Summer Concert Series this August.
Aug. 4 – Oregon Space Trail of Doom / "It Came from Outer Space": With a sound that can only be properly described as absolute psychedelic madness, Oregon Space Trail of Doom’s rock and jazz jams recall some of the most experimental of the genre.
After the band's 7 p.m. show at Walter Stinson Community Park, concertgoers are in invited to stick around for a showing of the science-fiction classic movie, "It Came from Outer Space."
The inaugural University Heights Juneteenth Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 19, 1:30–8:30 p.m., at Walter Stinson Community Park.
Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the end of slavery by marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free.
Last year, after Juneteenth became a national holiday, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan called for the establishment of a Citizens Committee to plan for an annual celebration. Geoff Englebrecht swerved out of his lane as the city’s director of Housing and Community Development to help organize the city’s celebration.
“For both visitors and residents, I am hoping they are both educated and entertained during the event,” Englebrecht said. “I believe the Juneteenth celebration will help showcase the city as a great place to visit, and will give residents something they will be able to enjoy and look forward to every year.”
The parade was wiped out in 2020 due to the pandemic. When the pandemic lingered into spring 2021, the parade was postponed until Independence Day.
With the return to normal, the annual University Heights parade will return to its proper place on the calendar, Memorial Day, and take place this year on Monday, May 30.
Beginning at 11 a.m., the parade will travel east on Silsby Road, then head south on South Belvoir Boulevard, before ending at John Carroll University.
This year’s parade will feature crowd favorites, including stilt walkers from Pickup Stix, the rocket car and Batmobile from Euclid Beach Rocket Car, musical entertainment from the Heights High Marching Band, and more.
In his fourth State of the City address, delivered Feb. 9, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan played some greatest hits, before introducing songs from the new album. Or, rather, the newly re-elected mayor of University Heights offered new policy initiatives and events.
Brennan recapped some accomplishments of his first four years, including the creation of an Economic Development Department, the successes of the rebuilt Finance Department, and the new homes being constructed. Brennan said he’s especially proud of how the city “persevered through the pandemic,” while refocusing on racial and social justice.
“It is not a complete catalog,” Brennan said. “It speaks of greatest hits, and doesn’t even explore the deep tracks.”
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan introduced his proposed 2022 budget—the “Putting People First” budget—on Jan. 10. It next moves to UH City Council, for consideration.
“My budget priorities are what University Heights residents have been asking for over the last few years,” said Brennan.
“Residents want us to do something about flooding. They deserve to have roads fixed. And they insist on a modern and sustainable approach to improved recycling. It’s also time to make new city facilities a reality.
“I’ve heard the residents, and their priorities are my priorities—indeed they are the City’s priorities”
The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out most city-sponsored activities in University Heights in 2020. Lingering public-health orders also canceled the city’s annual Memorial Day parade this year. But the city plans to make up for lost time and lost events by hosting its first-ever University Heights Fourth of July Parade.
The July 4 parade will begin at 11 a.m. Recently retired police lieutenant Dale Orians will serve as Grand Marshal.
The event will feature many returning participants from past parades in University Heights, including Judge Frankie Goldberg, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Color Guard, Church of the Gesu members, Steve Ostrow’s Dixieland Band, City Dogs, CH-UH Board of Education members, the University Heights Library, Pickup-stix Stilt Walkers, members of UH City Council, and Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan.
Summer is back, and so is the University Heights Summer Concert Series. “We’re going to avenge the lost summer of 2020 with our greatest and most eclectic lineup in city history,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan.
The 2021 season starts July 1 at John Carroll University, then moves to Walter Stinson Community Park for all remaining shows. All shows begin at 7 p.m.
July 1: University Heights Symphonic Band and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The holiday weekend starts on Thursday night with the University Heights Symphonic Band playing under the stars at the quad at John Carroll University. Fresh off its 50th anniversary, the band will perform patriotic favorites, plus movie soundtrack selections.
On Memorial Day, University Heights residents gathered at Walter Stinson Community Park to commemorate and remember those who have fallen in service to their country.
“Today we remember the men and women that made this nation possible,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan in his opening remarks. “We remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and sanctified with their blood the cause of freedom.”
In the featured address, Commander Rick DeChant reminded the audience of the cost of freedom. “We who survive these heroes must always remember the price they paid,” he said, “and that freedom, indeed, is not free.”
Homebound residents have struggled to get out for their COVID-19 shots. Now, the vaccine is coming to them, courtesy of the University Heights Fire Department and Chief Robert Perko.
The UHFD is teaming up with the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging and local health departments to assist in the administration of the vaccine to homebound individuals in University Heights.
What looked at first to be a possible hate crime in University Heights turned out to be nothing more than a home-improvement project.
Last month, University Heights neighbors feared the worst when a gay-pride flag disappeared from a house on Edgerton Road. They were concerned the theft was a hate crime, and an attempt to intimidate and silence the LGBTQIA+ community.
Charlie Olivio turned to a Facebook discussion board to ask neighbors if they had any video surveillance of someone stealing the pride flag belonging to him and his husband, Tommy Chesnes. Olivio noted that the neighborhood has many homes that fly pride flags, and expressed concern that others may also have fallen victim to a thief.
Neighbors rallied to the couple’s defense, offering encouragement and shared frustration.
For decades, Pete Bernardo dedicated his life to his country, his community, and to John Carroll University (JCU). Bernardo died on May 14, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, JoAnne, and three sons.
“To describe the loss of Pete Bernardo and what he meant to this community is almost beyond words,” University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said. “He was a model of service and dedication to our community and to our country. All of us who worked with him are honored to have done so.”
A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Bernardo was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross and three Purple Hearts for his heroic efforts in the line of duty for the U.S. Army.
A University Heights group is standing together in an effort to end the COVID-19 pandemic once and for all. Their message? “Get vaccinated. Your arm has the power to lift us all up.”
A new public service announcement from University Heights City Hall begins with local nurse and University Heights resident Kat Sigel showing off her post-shot bandage. Also appearing in the PSA are University Heights Symphonic Band conductor Matthew Salvaggio; resident Joanna Homann; M-E Fenn of Odd Dog Coffee; resident Ketti Finneran; school board member Jodi Sourini; Fire Chief Robert Perko and members of the fire department; resident Ron Collier; resident Giovanna Ventre; Libby Stineman from Milk & Cookies; Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas; and resident Gina Ventre.
For one year only, the annual University Heights parade will be held on the Fourth of July.
For decades, every year, University Heights has held Northeast Ohio’s biggest and best Memorial Day parade—and Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said the city plans to bring back the Memorial Day Parade in 2022.
Due to current pandemic concerns, however, it is uncertain if it would be safe to throw a full-fledged Memorial Day parade this year. Chagrin Falls and other cities in Northeast Ohio have decided against holding a parade over Memorial Day weekend. University Heights will err on the side of caution and hold a parade later in the summer.
Despite detours in 2020 caused by the pandemic, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan reported in his State of the City address that redevelopment is within sight, and more than $2.5 million in federal aid is on the way.
In his virtual address, delivered on March 18, Brennan announced, “Summer is back,” and outlined plans for a parade and summer concert series, and the reopening of the Purvis Park pool.
Brennan noted that the breakneck pace of progress in his first two years as mayor slowed in the third year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our focus shifted nearly exclusively to crisis management, public safety, and survival,” Brennan said. “As a result, our work here is not finished.”
On Feb. 16, University Heights City Council approved the site plan for South Taylor Place Condominiums, a new development on Taylor Road in University Heights, just south and southeast of Deslisle Options Center.
The developer, Knez Homes, has proposed a 30-unit townhome development on the site, which it will market and sell to third-party buyers.
The site comprises seven parcels of land, of which three belonged to the city of University Heights, and four to the CH-UH City School District. At its April 7, 2020, meeting, the board of education (BOE) approved Resolution No. 20-04-033, transferring its four parcels to University Heights’ community investment corporation (CIC) at a price of $10.
Being the victim of identity theft is aggravating, time-consuming, and expensive. The University Heights Police Department (UHPD) offers this simple tip to reduce the chances of becoming a victim:
If you carry your social security card in your wallet, UHPD urges you to take it out. Leave it at home in a safe place. There is no good reason to keep it with you on a regular basis. In the unfortunate event that your wallet is lost or stolen, by not carrying your social security card, you can limit the personal information you expose to others.
The University Heights Fire Department (UHFD) is urging residents to make 2021 a healthier and more fire-safe year.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports 83 percent of all fire deaths in the U.S. happen in homes. These preventable fires result in more than three-quarters of all fire deaths, and thousands of injuries.
The UHPD offers the following fire-safety suggestions:
Make sure that your home is protected by working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can wake you up if there’s a fire. “Half of all home fire deaths happen at night, when people are sleeping,” said UH Fire Chief Robert Perko. “Install one on every level of your home, in every bedroom and outside all sleeping areas.”
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said residents are the winners in the new contract agreed to by teachers in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. He said he hopes the agreement will lead to a renewed effort to fix Ohio’s system of funding schools.
At the school board meeting on Dec. 8, Brennan congratulated the teachers’ union and board of education on the new two-year contract. “Everyone at the bargaining table made their points and came away with wins, but the winners overall are the students and families of this district,” Brennan said. “In spite of everything stacked against this district, both sides were tenacious in asserting their valid and competing interests. Now, if we would, let us take that tenacity and join together and redirect it to Columbus.”
Brennan urged both sides to lobby state legislators on school funding.
The University Heights Memorial Day parade, summer concert series, and Fall Fest were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One annual event, however, will not be stopped by the virus, and that is Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan’s annual reading of the poem “The Night Before Christmas” to city hall interns.
The third annual reading will be conducted on Zoom and broadcast over the city’s social media accounts starting at noon on Christmas Eve.
Brennan will read the story to intern Daniel Roche and other special guests, including the city’s brand ambassador, Cooper the Chicken, and former interns.
2020 has been hard on just about everyone. Despite the pandemic and social unrest, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said there was plenty of good to be found in University Heights. “It’s like Mr. Rogers used to say, when things are scary, ‘look for the helpers.’”
Brennan said he chose to announce the recipients of the 2020 University Heights Civic Awards on Thanksgiving to give thanks for those people “who are helping.”
“Due to the pandemic, we couldn’t meet in person for a Civic Awards dinner this year. So, we chose to bring the awards to our residents via social media while they gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families,” Brennan said.
The awards were announced on Thanksgiving via the city’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Walter Stinson Community Park is a popular destination in University Heights. The playground attracts young children. The large open space draws dog walkers. Coffee seekers flock to the park every weekend. And, when we’re not in the middle of a pandemic, The Walt attracts large crowds for Fall Fest, concerts and movies.
The beautiful organic gardens at The Walt also attract all sorts of birds and butterflies. Unfortunately, the gardens also attract a wide variety of weeds.
The weeds have met their match in The Friends of The Walt, a newly created group of neighbors who have volunteered to help beautify the park. (They’re kind of like the Avengers, but without all the high-tech gadgets and elaborate costumes.)
The Friends of The Walt volunteer group formed organically (no pun intended), through the efforts of Eran Shiloh and Emma Shook, after the city organized volunteers to clean the park back in August.
On Sept. 18, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) made recommendations on how Ohioans can participate in trick-or-treating as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city of University Heights urges residents who choose to participate this year to follow ODH recommendations.
Pending any new orders from the state or county boards of health, Trick-or-Treat night in University Heights will take place on Halloween, Oct. 31, 6–8 p.m.
If COVID-19 conditions worsen in Cuyahoga County before Halloween, plans and guidelines may change. Updates will be posted on the city’s website, www.universityheights.com.
University Heights residents now can order, and pay for, special trash pickups online, at www.universityheights.com/special-pickups. “Special pickups” are defined as large, bulky items that cannot be collected as part of regular trash pickup.
Previously, residents had to arrange for special pickups in person, at the city’s building department.
Special pickups are designed for the collection of bulk items that will not fit into the hopper of a rubbish scooter, and large quantities of items. There is a $10 fee for each special pick-up load (the pick-up truck is 0.75 tons or 5 feet by 8 feet), and a two-load maximum per each six-month period. Any rubbish cans left in a special pick-up load will be discarded, with no exceptions.
The kids of University Heights are making their voices heard. Will the Cleveland Indians listen?
Cooper the Chicken, the city’s brand ambassador (please don’t call him a mascot), usually spends his summer at concerts in the park, at parades, at the pool, and even at lemonade stands.
The cornonavirus pandemic ended all of the activities Cooper loves so much. So, when the Cleveland Indians announced its cardboard-fan-cutout program, University Heights employees chipped in $100 so that Cooper could be represented at the baseball games.
For almost a year, Odd Dog Coffee has set up shop at Walter Stinson Community Park on summer and fall Saturdays. Starting in September, it will be at "The Walt" on Sundays as well.
Mary-Elizabeth Fenn and Michael Hancock will offer their usual menu of products out of their mobile trailer, at the entrance of the park, off Fenwick Road. The couple plans to add espresso to the menu, and also sell hand-thrown ceramic merchandise.
Odd Dog Coffee is a sponsor of University Heights City Hall’s “Masks on University Heights” campaign. To promote safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, residents are encouraged to send mask selfies to info@universityheights.com.
Despite the pandemic, the University Heights housing market remains strong. The median housing price in the city made a significant jump in the second quarter of 2020, compared to both the first quarter of 2020, and the comparable second quarter of 2019.
The overall median sale price in University Heights increased by approximately $30,000 between the first and second quarter of 2020.
In the city’s central census tract, the median price increased by roughly $50,000 in the second quarter.
While there were fewer sales in the second quarter of 2020 than in the second quarter of 2019, median prices across University Heights have increased by around $20,000 citywide. Each of the city’s four census tracts have seen increases.
Between July 21 and July 26, there were multiple incidents of graffiti being spray-painted on businesses on South Green Road in the early morning hours.
The graffiti included a swastika and several other offensive images that were painted on multiple buildings, including some owned and frequented by the University Heights' Jewish community.
The University Heights Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the male in the photo to the right of this article. He appears to be an approximately 5-foot-11-inch to 6-foot-1-inch Caucasian male in his early- to mid-20s.
Anyone who has information on the crime, or the identification of the suspect, is asked to contact the University Heights detective bureau at 216-932-8799, or on the non-emergency line, 216-932-1800.
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and Council Member Saundra Berry have appointed the following residents to the city’s Citizen Advisory Committee on Policing Policies:
O’Dasha Blue, Patti Carlyle, Ronald Collier, Indira Gatlin, C.P. “Neil” Gould III, Adrian Hardin, Kate Holzheimer, Joanna Homann, Sheila Hubman, Joshua Hunt, Constance Jefferson, Tyler “Aliah” Lawson, Thekla Long, Paul Miller, Roger Osgood, Crystal Pickus, Sheri Sax, Mike Sears, Vincent Stokes, Priscilla Tate, and Sean Weiss.
Brennan, Berry, UH Police Department Chief Dustin Rogers, UHPD Lt. Mark McArtor, City Prosecutor Stephanie Scalise, and all UH City Council members will serve as ex officio members.
For members of University Heights City Council and Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, enacting an anti-discrimination law pertaining to sexual orientation wasn’t just important. It was personal.
At the June 1 council meeting, Council Member John Rach said he hopes to see other cities follow the lead of University Heights. “I hope this resonates across the country,” Rach said, “so that I, too, one day can work anywhere in the country and not feel the pressure of one day losing my job because of who I am.
“I can tell you as a gay man, in most places across the country, I can be fired for who I am, and that will not be the case in University Heights with this ordinance.”
For the second year in a row, the Pride Flag flies outside of University Heights City Hall.
Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan declared June 2020 to be Pride Month in University Heights via proclamation. The rainbow flag, also known as the gay pride flag, will be flown throughout the month of June to symbolize the city’s celebration of diversity and support for LGBTQIA people.
At its June 1 city council meeting, University Heights considered, on second reading, historic legislation to protect the rights of the LGBTQIA community.
To put it mildly, senior year for the high school Class of 2020 has not gone according to plan. Students should be relishing their final weeks of classes with their friends and teachers. They should be enjoying softball games, concerts, and award ceremonies. There should be "promposals," there should be big commencement ceremonies, followed by graduation parties.
This pandemic derailed so much.
“We here at City Hall can’t fix any of that,” University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said, “but we’d like to do something nice for the Class of 2020.”
All high school seniors living in University Heights are invited to participate in the city’s Senior Spotlight program. UH City Hall staff will produce write-ups on local seniors to share on social media accounts. The features on seniors are also available at universityheights.com/seniorspotlight.
As many seniors as possible will be included in the July issue of Mosaic, the University Heights magazine. One senior, and his or her parents, will appear on the cover of the magazine.
The COVID-19 pandemic won't stop University Heights from remembering those who have died in war this Memorial Day.
As previously announced, the city canceled it's annual parade, and will hold its ceremony online this year. The virtual ceremony will be broadcast on the University Heights YouTube channel on Monday, May 25, at 1 p.m. In addition, the ceremony will also be shown on the UH City Hall Facebook page.
Ohio Secretary of State, U.S. Army Green Beret, and Bronze Star recipient Frank LaRose will be the featured speaker.
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many people to Zoom meetings. Whether it’s a weekly staff meeting, a quarterly book club, or an interview, Zoom has become part of the pandemic culture.
To enhance Zoom meetings with some University Heights civic pride, Zoom backgrounds depicting the city are now available for download on the University Heights City Hall Facebook page.
Backgrounds include Walter Stinson Community Park, John Carroll University (JCU) scenes, the University Heights Library, as well as Bialy’s Bagels, Los Arcos, and Jack’s Deli & Restaurant.
Citing the health risks of holding large events during a pandemic, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan announced on May 14 that all city-sponsored events will be canceled through Labor Day. In addition, he announced that the Beryl E. Rothschild Pool at Purvis Park will not open in 2020.
Among the canceled events in University Heights are:
Elected officials representing University Heights have teamed up with local leaders and business owners on a COVID-19 public service announcement.
“In This Together University Heights” features state Rep. Janine Boyd, WOIO reporter and John Carroll University graduate Rachel Vadaj, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Rabbi Yitz Frank of Agudath Israel of Ohio, Fr. Karl Kiser of Church of the Gesu, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education President Jodi Sourini, Rabbi Raphael Davidovich of the Heights Jewish Center, University Heights Library Manager Sara Phillips, Mary-Elizabeth Fenn and Mike Hancock from Odd Dog Coffee, and Rachel Gross from Bialy’s Bagels.
The PSA encourages residents to maintain social distance, wash their hands, and cover their mouths when coughing.
The University Heights Memorial Day Parade is one of the oldest and largest parades in Greater Cleveland. On April 3, the city's mayor informed the parade committee that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no parade in 2020.
With the stay-at-home order and ongoing need for social distancing, to even plan the parade at this juncture is not feasible, much less holding it.
In lieu of a parade and ceremony, the city will produce a video tribute to its fallen. This tribute will be streamed via www.universityheights.com, and on the city’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel, on Monday, May 25, at 1 p.m.
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan has called for a special meeting of UH City Council tonight, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. At the meeting, Brennan will give a report on the city’s response to COVID-19, and answer questions.
Three proposed ordinances will be considered, in order to respond to the pandemic.
The agenda includes:
Ordinance 2020-17 - Providing for paid emergency leave and allow[ing] the mayor or his designee to temporarily expand the use of existing paid sick leave of absence (on emergency).
Ordinance 2020-18 – Granting them emergency spending authority (on emergency).
Ordinance 2020-19 – Adopting temporary voting requirements during the period of emergency (on emergency).
To join the meeting on Zoom:
Zoom.us/j/753578440
Meeting ID: 753 578 440
Until further notice, all University Heights City Council meetings and Council Committee meetings are being held remotely, via Zoom. Residents can, nonetheless, watch them as they happen.
A schedule of meetings, plus links to view each meeting live, is available at www.universityheights.com/council/agenda-and-minutes/. Also available is a list of past meetings, and links to videos of them.
To view a meeting, go to www.universityheights.com/council/agenda-and-minutes/. Under each listed UH City Council and Council Committee meeting, there will be a "Join Zoom Meeting" link at left.
“Time Out Together” is a University Heights initiative that encourages residents, every evening at 6:30 p.m., to come out of their homes, wave to neighbors, visually check in with one another, ride bikes, walk their dogs, chat across yards, share supplies, and generally provide comfort while safely interacting.
The daily event will begin on Friday, March 20, and continue each evening until the coronavirus epidemic is over.
“Let’s take a few minutes each day to step outside and reconnect,” Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said.
On March 10, the city of University Heights sent out an memo on the coronavirus. In it, the city announced the cancellation of all block parties—including one which had been scheduled for later in the day—and advocated the practice of "social distancing."
The UH directive comes a day after, and in response to, news that three Cuyahoga County residents tested positive for the virus.
According to Mike Cook, communications and civic engagement coordinator for University Heights, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan has been on conference calls with the county, and has been reviewing policies from both the county and the state, in managing the city's response.
University Square’s long-awaited and much-needed makeover could begin as soon as this summer.
“We are on the verge of doing what once seemed impossible,” University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said. “The partnership led by Kowit & Company Real Estate Group is the right local developer for the redevelopment at University Square. They share our vision of something bigger, something better, something beautiful, something worthy of this city, worthy of this community, worthy of University Heights.”
In January, UH City Council approved new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to allow the redevelopment of University Square. The redevelopment plan was made possible through cooperation with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, the Cuyahoga County government, the county prosecutor’s office, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, and bond holders of the original 2001 University Square development.
University Heights Mayor Michael Brennan reported on Feb. 11, in his second State of the City address, that University Heights is "back on the map."
Brennan began his speech by relaying a discussion he had with resident Ari Jaffe, prior to the 2017 election, in which Jaffe asked Brennan if he was considering merging University Heights with a neighboring city. Paraphrasing the conversation, Brennan said Jaffe felt at the time that University Heights was “adrift, without direction, without purpose, without identity.”
In just two years, Brennan said, there’s now an energy in the city.
Saundra Berry was sworn in as the newest member of University Heights City Council at a special meeting on Feb. 12, filling the seat vacated by former council member Mark Wiseman, who resigned on Jan. 13.
Since 2007, Berry has served as Clerk of Courts at the Cleveland Heights Municipal Court. She previously worked at the Ohio Department of Education as director of Cleveland scholarship and tutoring.
Berry brings auditing experience to council, as she served as an auditor for the Cleveland Municipal School District 1983–99. A former math teacher, Berry is a certified public accountant.
Berry earned a master’s in business administration from Atlanta University, and earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Central State University.
Saundra Berry, a longtime University Heights resident with a wealth of work experience, is set to fill the city's vacant council seat.
After a formal vote by UH City Council, Berry will be sworn in during a special meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education building.
Since 2007, Berry has served as Clerk of Courts at the Cleveland Heights Municipal Court. She previously worked at the Ohio Department of Education as director of Cleveland scholarship and tutoring.
Berry will bring auditing experience to council, as she served as an auditor for the Cleveland Municipal School District 1983–1999. A former math teacher, Berry is a certified public accountant.
University Heights City Council has narrowed the field of candidates for the city’s open council seat to five, out of 26 total applicants. Those candidates are Saundra Berry, Andrew Grau, Matthew Kaliff, Cathy Rezos, and Ray Stineman.
The other 21 applicants were: Fredric Bolotin, Harrison Crumrine, Michael Ditzel, Carl Divita, Teresa Drda, Gregory Fleming, Curt Kassigkeit, Eric Mack, Mandy Marton, Evan Minior, Yoyo Moore, James Outman, Stacey Pellom, Frank Pines, Clay Poynter, Edward Reichek, Woody Ridgway, Daniel Roche, Sheri Sax, Randal Slifer, and Vincent Stokes II.
Mark Wiseman resigned from UH City Council on Jan. 13, after accepting appointment as a magistrate to Cleveland Municipal Court’s Housing Division.
University Heights City Council is accepting letters of interest and resumes to fill a council vacancy created by the resignation of Councilman Mark Wiseman, who has accepted an appointment to the Housing Division of the Cleveland Municipal Court as a magistrate. UH Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan accepted Wiseman’s resignation on the morning of Jan. 13.
Vice Mayor Michele Weiss has announced that residents of University Heights who wish to be considered for appointment to the open position are invited to send letters of interest and resumes to City Hall, c/o Clerk of Council Kelly M. Thomas, 2300 Warrensville Center Road, University Heights, Ohio 44118, or e-mail them to kthomas@universityheights.com. Letters of interest and resumes will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24.
It’s a new year, and University Heights residents have new council members and a new vice mayor.
Prior to the first council meeting of 2020, on Jan. 6, a ceremonial swearing-in was held to welcome new council members Barbara Blankfeld and Justin Gould, and to welcome back re-elected members Michele Weiss and John Rach.
Her council peers unanimously elected Weiss as the city’s vice mayor, and UH Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan praised Weiss after her selection.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) is a unique, early-years book-gifting program that mails a free, brand-new, age-appropriate, high-quality book to enrolled children every month, from birth until age 5. The program provides each child with a home library of up to 60 books, and seeks to instill a love of books and family reading from an early age.
According to The Literacy Cooperative, in University Heights there are about 2,700 children, ages 5 and younger, who are eligible for the program. However, the current enrollment in University Heights is only 373 children.
“This is a great program for kids in our community,” Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said. “Check it out for your children.”
This winter, University Heights residents can stay warm while looking cool. The new University Heights city logo scarf, is now available, exclusively at University Heights City Hall, for $10.
The soccer-style scarf prominently features the city's new logo and colors.
The scarf made its debut at the recent University Heights Civic Awards, and is available while supplies last.
There are problems, and then there are good problems. Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan explained his good problem in his welcoming remarks at the 2019 University Heights Civic Awards, held on Nov. 13.
Even after moving the event to a larger banquet room at John Carroll University (JCU), the event completely sold out. “We had to tell people they could not attend this event,” Brennan said. “We had to turn them away because so many people wanted to be here.
“You all wanted to be here because you love this city, and because you are all part of the renewed success of University Heights.”
JCU graduate and Cleveland Indians in-stadium host Gabriella Kreuz hosted the event, and also received an award for her work with her nonprofit organization Love Doesn’t Shove.
Cleveland Indians in-stadium host and John Carroll University (JCU) graduate Gabriella Kreuz will return to University Heights to host the city’s Civic Awards on Nov. 13. The awards dinner will honor several individuals whose efforts are making the city an even better place in which to live, work and raise a family.
Named one of 2019’s “Most Interesting People” by Cleveland Magazine, Kreuz was an All-American cross-country runner at JCU. She is an on-air personality for Fox Sports Ohio and WOIO Channel 19.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., at the Lombardo Student Center’s Jardine Room on the campus of JCU. Tickets are $25 and are on sale now at www.universityheights.com. Prior to the awards ceremony, the Mal Barron Quartet will perform live jazz.
University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan has named Dennis G. Kennedy the city’s new finance director.
Beginning in March 2015, Kennedy served as fiscal officer for Cuyahoga County. His last day with the county was Oct. 18; he’ll begin work at University Heights City Hall on Oct. 23.
“Hiring a finance director with the experience and expertise of Dennis Kennedy reflects on the energy and enthusiasm of our city,” Brennan said. “University Heights has a bright future. We’re reaching new heights, and talented people want to be a part of our city’s success. I look forward to Dennis joining our team here at City Hall.”
Kennedy earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oho Government Finance Officers Association in 2016.
University Heights has a campaign underway to ensure that all of its residents will be counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.
Allocation of federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities is based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors, as measured by the census.
As is their tradition, members of the University Heights Police Department will be ready for Halloween night, Oct. 31, with candy for trick-or-treaters.
Trick-or-treat hours will run from 6 to 8 p.m. that evening. Residents are asked to leave their lights on if they will be distributing candy.
The inaugural University Heights Fall Fest will take place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 1–5 p.m., at Walter Stinson Community Park.
Jersey, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band, will headline the event, with a concert at 3 p.m.
There will be plenty of shopping at Fall Fest, as dozens of local artists and small businesses will have booths at the festival. Vendors include Altemus Leatherwork, Milan’s Bead Company, Dude About Town photography, LeLux Jewelry & Accessories, Judy’s Jewelry Basket, Sunshine on Silk, Milk & Cookies, and Shebaflora.
In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, Chief Robert Perko and the University Heights Fire Department (3980 Silsby Road) invite community members of all ages to their station on Sunday, Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Activities will include fire safety talks, station tours, and food, as well as inflatables and a coloring contest for kids.
University Hospitals will provide health screenings and food, including Kosher options, while the American Red Cross will distribute fire detector batteries.
A former Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor, attorney Stephanie B. Scalise is the new city prosecutor and assistant law director for the city of University Heights. The first woman city prosecutor in the history of University Heights, Scalise replaces Michael K. Astrab, who recently accepted a private sector position.
“Ms. Scalise brings prosecutorial experience, thoughtful temperament, and a strong sense of justice to the position,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “I am delighted she accepted our offer to serve the residents of University Heights.”
Scalise is owner of Scalise Legal Services, where her litigation practice focuses on juvenile law, family law, criminal defense, and appeals. She is an advocate for children as guardian ad litem in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court and the Domestic Relations Court.
The inaugural University Heights City Beautiful 5K Run is planned for Sunday, Sept. 22, with a start time of 9 a.m. Race proceeds will benefit the City Beautiful Community Investment Corporation.
The course starts at Walter Stinson Community Park, and goes through “Logoville”—the streets that form the letter “U” inside an “H,” that inspired the new University Heights logo.
5K awards will be given to the overall female and male runners, and the top three runners in seven age groups. All race participants will receive a T-shirt and post-race refreshments.
For years, University Heights was known as “The City of Beautiful Homes.” While houses in University Heights are still beautiful, the city is now focused on honoring the beautiful people who live inside those homes.
After a decade-long hiatus, the University Heights Civic Awards returned last year, and will once again be an annual event, honoring the people who make University Heights a great place in which to live, work, and raise a family.
If you know someone who is deserving of a Good Neighbor award, e-mail UH City Hall staff at info@universityheights.com. Awards will also be given to Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and city Employee of the Year.