University Heights

Brennan will not seek third term as University Heights mayor

As a candidate for mayor in 2017, Michael Dylan Brennan promised he could lead University Heights to “reach new heights.”

In less than two terms, “every goal has been met,” Brennan said. “The things I came here to do, I have done. The things that remain that I have started are well underway and will be done.”

Brennan informed UH City Hall directors and chiefs on Jan. 14 that he will not be seeking a third consecutive term as mayor in 2025.

In his time in office, Brennan said, he has not held back: “You see that in our record and results.”

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Volume 18, Issue 2, Posted 10:56 AM, 01.14.2025

JCU students host benefit for Hunger Network

John Carroll University students are taking crucial action to combat hunger in Northeast Ohio with the return of “Blizzard Bash” on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Beachland Tavern.

All proceeds of the annual charity concert series will benefit the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.

The students aim to break last year's record of donating more than 12,000 meals through the power of music.

“Hunger doesn’t end in December, the time of giving is truly year-round,” said Zachary Sinutko, events director for WJCU 88.7 FM.

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Volume 18, Issue 2, Posted 12:28 PM, 01.31.2025

UH's curbside recycling gets successful start

First reviews of the new University Heights curbside recycling program are in, and residents are crushing it. Not only are residents recycling, they are recycling right.

Under the former recycling program, the city was paying $105.92 to have a ton of recycling collected.

Under the new program, residents are recycling so well that, in January 2025, Waste Management will rebate the city $16.75 per ton of recycling.

An audit from Oct. 1 through Dec. 4 of last year shows that University Heights residents are taking advantage of the new opportunity to recycle cardboard boxes, with cardboard making up 28.76% of all materials recycled.

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Volume 18, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.31.2025

JCU and UH move ahead with Gateway North project

John Carroll University’s (JCU) transformative Gateway North project, a mixed-use retail and residential complex, has taken a significant step forward with approval from University Heights City Council on Dec. 16. The project—which will be located at Fairmount Circle, bordered by Warrensville Center Road, John Carroll Boulevard, and Milford Road—is designed to enhance the student experience, add modern student-living accommodations, and provide vibrant retail options for the community.

Standing five-stories tall, the Gateway North development will feature retail on the first floor, including a specialty grocer and space for a restaurant, with student-living accommodations located above.

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Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 9:56 AM, 01.02.2025

UH Civic Awards was a 'Super' evening

A super time was had by all at the 2024 University Heights Civic Awards on Nov. 13. The city celebrated its Superman origins with the event’s “A Better Tomorrow” theme, while it recognized people who are working hard to make University Heights an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

The theme is a shout out to Superman’s new motto, “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow.” The creators of the Superman comic book, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, both lived in University Heights.

John Carroll University (JCU) graduate and Channel 19 News reporter Rachel Vadaj returned for the second consecutive year to host the event.

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Volume 17, Issue 12, Posted 2:35 PM, 12.02.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024, special meeting

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney and Brian J. King were excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran about one half hour.

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Volume 17, Issue 12, Posted 1:54 PM, 01.02.2025

Hang out at the UH Fire Station Oct. 6

This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 6–13. Join your friends and neighbors at the University Heights Fire Station on Oct. 6, noon to 3 p.m., for the annual University Heights Fire Department Open House.

Have fun, while learning how to keep your household safe from fires. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you,” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country.

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 12:21 PM, 09.30.2024

Save the date: UH Civic Awards are Nov. 13

University Heights is gearing up for a night of celebration and recognition as the annual Civic Awards returns on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The event will honor those who have made significant contributions to the community.

To recommend a UH resident for recognition, send an e-mail to info@universityheights.com by Oct. 15.

The Civic Awards—free to all—will again take place at the Jardine Room on the campus of John Carroll University.

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 12:03 PM, 09.30.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

SEPTEMBER 3, 2024, regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • City council committee reports
  • Council action
  • Staff reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Threse Marshall was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for three hours and 20 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 2:39 PM, 10.29.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

AUGUST 27, 2024, special meeting

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for 50 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 2:38 PM, 10.29.2024

Fall Fest headliners play 'country music for people who don't like country'

The music lineup at the 2024 University Heights Fall Fest would delight Donny and Marie Osmond. It will be a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll—plus a touch of a unique fusion of klezmer and Motown.

Get ready for a day of eclectic musical delights at Walter Stinson Community Park. The Shootouts will headline the event, with special guests Audiophile CLE and Yiddishe Cup. Music begins at noon on Sunday, Sept. 29, on the Susan K. Infeld Gazebo stage.

Fall Fest will also include over 75 artists and vendors, activities for kids, and food trucks.

The Shootouts are known for their energetic fusion of Americana, honky tonk, roots rock and Western swing that Shootouts fans often refer to as “country music for people who don’t like country music.”

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Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 4:22 PM, 08.27.2024

Free trees available to UH residents

The Heights Tree People are “branching out” to University Heights! (See what we did there?)

Based next door in Cleveland Heights, Heights Tree People is a volunteer organization that supplies and plants trees for free in local front yards. They believe planting and caring for trees in Heights neighborhoods is an act of love—for our people, for our communities, and for our planet. 

Trees provide many benefits to the people they live among, helping to make us healthier, happier, and safer. People who live near trees are physically healthier, report higher rates of happiness, and experience less stress and anxiety. Trees also dampen noise pollution, and well-placed shade trees can reduce utilities bills by up to 25%.

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Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 4:11 PM, 08.27.2024

Four things to know about yard signs

In advance of the upcoming general election, political yard signs are starting to pop up across University Heights. Here are some things to know, or be reminded of, to help get through Nov. 5:

  1. Don’t even think about it. Please accept this gentle reminder that vandalizing or stealing yard signs is against the law, so don’t do it. People have been prosecuted in University Heights for stealing signs.
  2. Yard signs, with the emphasis on “yard.” While residents may place signs in their yards to promote politics or other issues (for example, “Home of a Heights Tiger”), the signs must be placed in the actual yard, not on the tree lawn (or “Devil’s Strip,” if you’re from Akron). This law exists to protect the right of way, so that visibility for drivers is not blocked.
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Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 2:57 PM, 08.24.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights AUGUST 13, 2024, special meeting

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Threse Marshall was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for 15 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 11:00 AM, 10.29.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

JULY 10, 2024, special meeting

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas and Law Director Bradric T. Bryan. The meeting ran for one hour.

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Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 11:00 AM, 10.29.2024

UH moves forward with University Square and recycling

This July, University Heights City Council unanimously passed two items: the acceptance of the bid for new recycling carts, and the revised TIF ordinance that authorizes the Port Authority to issue new bonds for redeveloping University Square.
 
“Both are big deals,” University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said. “Both are victories for the city.”
 
Ordinance 2024-46 establishes Tax Increment Financing for the University Square redevelopment project. This amends an earlier agreement and paves the way for the long-awaited redevelopment plan by developers Brad Kowit and Gregg Levy.

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Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 4:49 PM, 07.30.2024

Park gazebo named for Mayor Infeld

Many people came together to create the space now known as Walter Stinson Community Park in University Heights. However, nobody deserves more credit than former University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld. 

While The Walt has many features, including a playground, exercise equipment, native flowers, and a track, the heart of the park is the gazebo—and that’s why city leaders chose to name it after Infeld.

The gazebo was technically renamed after a council vote last December, and a plaque unveiling was held on July 11 prior to a summer concert.

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Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 4:47 PM, 07.30.2024

University Heights City Council meeting highlights 6-26-2024

JUNE 26, 2024, special meeting

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was present virtually but not voting, Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for five minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 11:41 AM, 08.12.2024

University Heights City Council meeting highlights 6-17-2024

JUNE 17, 2024, regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City council committee reports
  • Council actions
  • Staff reports
  • Police personnel

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for three hours and 50 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 11:47 AM, 08.08.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

JUNE 3, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • Directors’ reports
  • Council actions
  • Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran two hours and 34 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 9:56 AM, 07.10.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

MAY 20, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report 
  • Council actions
  • Staff reports
  • Committee reports
  • Agenda change

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran from 7:05 to 8:39 p.m.

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Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 9:52 AM, 07.10.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting

MAY 6, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comments
  • Mayor’s report 
  • Council actions
  • Staff reports
  • Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. John Rach was not present. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran two hours, 20 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 9:44 AM, 07.10.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting

APRIL 15, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • Council actions
  • Staff reports
  • Committee reports
  • Other agenda items

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, and Win Weizer. John P. Rach and Sheri Sax were excused. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for one and three quarters hours.

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Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 9:40 AM, 07.10.2024

UH welcomes 'Beautiful Home' nominations

University Heights’ 2025 Beautiful Home Awards nominations are underway. Throughout the summer, and no later than Sept. 15, residents are invited to nominate homeowners who exhibit an outstanding investment in their property in a variety of award categories.

The Beautiful Homes Committee, a group of residents appointed by the mayor, reviews the nominees, and winners are announced at the annual University Heights Civic Awards in the fall. With the exception of current committee members, anyone can nominate a house for consideration, as long as it’s not for sale. Self-nominations are also welcome. 

“For more than 60 years, University Heights has recognized homeowners who have done an outstanding job in maintaining their homes, enhancing the city’s neighborhoods, and enabling a sustainable and vibrant community,” said Deanna Bremer Fisher, chief of staff for the city of University Heights.

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Volume 17, Issue 6, Posted 9:03 AM, 05.29.2024

Memorial Day parade celebrates 'A Better Tomorrow'

The University Heights Memorial Day Parade not only commemorates those we lost in service to our country, it celebrates the freedoms we enjoy.

This year’s parade will again step off at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 27, with a memorial ceremony immediately following. This year’s theme is “A Better Tomorrow.”

The city of University Heights has proudly held an annual Memorial Day Parade since 1966 (with the exception of 2020, when it was canceled due to the pandemic). It is the longest-running east-side parade in Greater Cleveland

“This is not only the oldest and largest parade on the east side, it’s also the best,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “The community is invested in the event. They want it to be successful, and it is.”

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Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 1:17 PM, 04.29.2024

Over 2,500 gather at The Walt for the eclipse

More than 2,500 gathered at Walter Stinson Community Park on April 8 for the total solar eclipse.

University Heights and the Heights Libraries, in cooperation with Destination Cleveland, hosted “A Black Out to Remember” to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, as University Heights was in the path of totality.

Party guests enjoyed the spectacular show in the sky, as well as children’s activities, Odd Dog Coffee, and music provided by disc jockeys Zachary Sinutko and Emily Davala of WJCU 88.7 FM.

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Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 10:10 AM, 04.29.2024

UH State of the City addresses University Square, recycling

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan shared good news about University Square and curbside recycling, and proposed a year-round recreation facility, in his 2024 State of the City Address on April 11 at the University Heights Library.

University Square update. Early in his speech, Mayor Brennan recapped the recent news about University Square:

“Look. Perseverance and teamwork got this deal done. It doesn’t happen without that. As the old sayings go, ‘politics is the art of the possible,’ and ‘politics is about relationships.’ None of that happens without the relationships we have cultivated together: our team at City Hall, our partners in county government, and the school district, and our city council.”

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Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 10:03 AM, 04.19.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

APRIL 1, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City department reports
  • Council actions
  • Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan and council members Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Bradric T. Bryan, Finance Director Dennis Kennedy, and City Engineer Brenda Mockbee. The meeting ran for about two and three quarter hours.

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Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 11:49 AM, 04.30.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting

MARCH 18, 2024 regular meeting

  • Public comments
  • Mayor’s report
  • City council reports 
  • Council actions
  • Staff reports
  • Committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; Dennis Kennedy, finance director; and Brenda Mockbee, city engineer. The meeting ran for one hour and 55 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 5, Posted 11:48 AM, 04.30.2024

JCU and UH respond to Notre Dame College's closure

With Notre Dame College closing at the conclusion of this spring semester, John Carroll University (JCU) is one of nine local institutions of higher learning to step up to support affected students.

JCU has entered into an agreement to serve as a teach-out partner. For all Notre Dame students who qualify, JCU will offer automatic admission, no lost credit, and net price matching.

“We are deeply saddened by Notre Dame College’s announcement of their upcoming closure,” JCU announced on its website, www.jcu.edu. “Our deepest condolences are with all who love this institution, which has served a mission of Catholic higher education in our community for more than a century.”

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said the loss of Notre Dame College is felt not just in South Euclid, but in University Heights as well.

“Being a neighboring community of South Euclid, Notre Dame College is practically in our neighborhood,” Brennan said.

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Volume 17, Issue 4, Posted 10:36 AM, 03.28.2024

University Heights welcomes new patrol officer

On March 11, a new patrol officer joined the city of University Heights.

Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan (at right in the photo) had the honor of swearing in Jamar Watkins (at left) as the city's newest patrol officer.

Patrol Officer Watkins is a lateral transfer and began work immediately.

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Volume 17, Issue 4, Posted 10:00 AM, 03.22.2024

Meet you at The Walt for the solar eclipse

Join Cooper the Brand Ambassador and Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan at The Walt for a Solar Eclipse Party.

The city of University Heights is teaming up with Heights Libraries and Destination Cleveland to host an eclipse-viewing event at Walter Stinson Community Park on April 8.

Details will be announced in early March.

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Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 2:52 PM, 02.28.2024

Help plan now for UH's Memorial Day parade

University Heights is home to the oldest and largest Memorial Day Parade in Greater Cleveland. With planning for this year’s event kicking off in early March, it’s not too early to get involved.

The 2024 UH Memorial Day theme is “A Better Tomorrow.”

Artist Robin VanLear will once again offer workshops for parade participants who want to work on creative costumes or vehicle decorations. To get things started, VanLear will offer a free Information & Brainstorming Session Wednesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m., in her studio at Coventry PEACE Campus, 2843 Washington Blvd.

At the introductory session, VanLear will meet with group leaders to discuss themes, brainstorm ideas, and identify needed materials.

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Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 2:50 PM, 02.28.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

February 5, 2024- regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City council committee reports
  • Council actions
  • Staff reports

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for about 2.75 hours.

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Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 11:33 AM, 02.29.2024

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

JANUARY 16, 2024 - regular meeting

  • Mayor’s report
  • Council and staff reports
  • Council actions

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Threse Marshall was excused. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for one hour and 53 minutes.

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Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 11:11 AM, 02.29.2024

UH takes social-media leap to Threads

Say goodbye to the old and hello to the new—University Heights City Hall is on Threads.

As of Jan. 1, city government officially abandoned the toxicity of X (formerly Twitter) in favor of Threads. Via this additional social media platform, UH plans to share positive news with residents, as well as Northeast Ohio.

Launched in 2023, Threads is the latest app from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The platform looks a lot like Twitter, with a feed of text-based posts, in addition to photos and videos.

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Volume 17, Issue 2, Posted 3:49 PM, 01.30.2024

WJCU concert raises money for Hunger Network

John Carroll University (JCU) students hosted a concert on Dec. 1 that raised enough money to provide more than 12,000 meals to those in need across Cuyahoga County.

WJCU 88.7 FM’s “Blizzard Bash” at the Beachland Ballroom was a resounding success. Through the collective support of students, attendees, and performers, this year's concert broke pre-pandemic donation and student attendance records. The outpouring of generosity supported The Hunger Network's ability to provide food and resources to those in need.

JCU students Zachary ‘DJ Z13’ Sinutko, Emily Davala, Hamoud ‘Moody’ Qotaynah, Danielle Turi, and Jayden ‘Jay’ Beddingfield of 808s & Mixtapes organized this year's event alongside WJCU’s NEO Rocks.

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Volume 17, Issue 1, Posted 4:19 PM, 12.16.2023

University Heights City Council meeting highlights

DEC. 4, 2023 - regular meeting

  • Mayor’s report
  • City council committee reports
  • Council actions
  • Staff reports

Board members present were Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was not present. Also present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brenna, Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Luke McConville, and Finance Director Dennis Kennedy. The meeting ran for one hour and 43 minutes.

Sax noted that Cooney has been absent for 41 percent of meetings, but did vote aye to excuse his absence.

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Volume 17, Issue 1, Posted 2:02 PM, 12.29.2023

University Heights City Council meeting highlights

NOV. 20, 2023 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City council committee reports
  • Council actions
  • Committee and staff reports

Board members present were Michele Weiss (vice mayor), Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was not present. Also present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas, Law Director Luke McConville, and Finance Director Dennis Kennedy. The meeting ran for about one hour and 15 minutes. 

Sax noted that Cooney has missed 38 percent of the council meetings in the past year, and that residents count on council members to be present and to vote. No reason was given for his absence. The motion to excuse Cooney passed, with Sax voting against it.

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Volume 17, Issue 1, Posted 2:02 PM, 12.29.2023

Stars shine bright at UH Civic Awards

Music, applause, hugs, and laughter—as well as many University Heights residents—filled John Carroll University’s (JCU) Jardine Room on Nov. 15 for the 2023 UH Civic Awards.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said, “We brought back the Civic Awards in 2018 because it is important to take time to celebrate our community, and give recognition where it is deserved, to amplify and tell the story of the people who make a difference in the community. 

“So much of life is ephemeral and impermanent. We pause to remember tonight, in hopes that we may never forget.”

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Volume 17, Issue 1, Posted 5:45 PM, 11.25.2023

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City council committee reports
  • Actions
  • Oct. 2 minutes

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michele Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer.

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Volume 16, Issue 12, Posted 10:20 AM, 11.28.2023

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / University Heights City Council meeting highlights

OCTOBER 16, 2023 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Mayor’s report
  • City council committee reports
  • Council actions
  • Council Chambers
  • Staff reports 
  • Other agenda items

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer.

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Volume 16, Issue 12, Posted 10:10 AM, 11.28.2023

Reporter and JCU alum to host UH Civic Awards

As an afternoon traffic anchor, host of the Emmy-nominated “Cleveland Now,” and roving reporter for “Friday Night Football Frenzy Game of the Week,” Rachel Vadaj of 19 News is indeed everywhere.

The John Carroll University (JCU) grad will return to campus on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to host the 2023 University Heights Civic Awards. A reception with hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the award ceremony starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. in the Jardine Room.

“University Heights will always be a home in my heart. While I was a student here, I prayed to be where I am today,” Vadaj said. “To be welcomed back by my college town as your host is one of my highest honors.”

Each year, the UH Civic Awards honor those who are working hard to make University Heights an even better place in which to live, work, and raise a family.

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Volume 16, Issue 11, Posted 11:56 AM, 10.30.2023

Hamilton is new UH City Hall receptionist

Lynnesha D. Hamilton. Her name is Lynnesha D. Hamilton. And there’s a million things she hasn’t done, but just you wait. Just you wait.

Staff at University Heights City Hall have been waiting for weeks for a new front desk receptionist to arrive, and on Oct. 16, Hamilton joined the team.

“We love the 'Hamilton' musical puns, and we love the fact that Lynnesha is here,” said Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “More importantly, University Heights residents are going to love having a live person answering the phones and greeting them at City Hall.

“Lynnesha is smart, she works hard, and she’s really personable. We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber on board in this new position.”

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Volume 16, Issue 11, Posted 4:09 PM, 10.21.2023

University Heights City Council meeting highlights 10-2-23

OCT. 2, 2023 - regular meeting

  • Public comment
  • Council chambers
  • Staff reports
  • Council action

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and council members Brian J. King, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney and Threse Marshall were excused. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; and Luke McConville, law director. The meeting ran for two hours and seven minutes, including an executive session.

 

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Volume 16, Issue 11, Posted 1:36 PM, 10.19.2023

University Heights City Council meeting 9-18-23

SEPT. 18, 2023

  • Public comments
  • Mayor’s report
  • City council reports
  • Council action
  • Staff reports
  • Executive session

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and council members Christopher Cooney, Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for about one hour and 20 minutes.

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Volume 16, Issue 11, Posted 1:22 PM, 10.19.2023

University Heights City Council meeting 8-15-2023

AUG. 15, 2023 - special meeting

Present were Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan, Vice Mayor Michelle Weiss, and Council Members Brian J. King, Threse Marshall, John P. Rach, Sheri Sax, and Win Weizer. Christopher Cooney was excused. Also present were Kelly Thomas, clerk of council; Luke McConville, law director; and Dennis Kennedy, finance director. The meeting ran for one hour, 20 minutes.

Council actions

Council approved, contingent upon bond, the Planning Commission’s recommendation for Drees Homes for demolition of the existing home at 2519 Claver Road and a site plan for a new home. A previous developer received a variance but didn’t build.

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Volume 16, Issue 11, Posted 1:27 PM, 10.19.2023

UH's fall festival is back for fourth year

Generous financial support from the Ohio Arts Council, as well as Dollar Bank, will result in more live entertainment at this year’s University Heights Fall Fest.

The fourth annual festival returns to Walter Stinson Community Park on Sunday, Oct. 15, from noon to 5 p.m.

Award-winning singer and songwriter Jason Patrick Meyers will headline Fall Fest this year. Other performers include Wizbang Circus and Heights Poet Laureate Siaara Freeman.

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Volume 16, Issue 10, Posted 10:36 AM, 09.29.2023

'Fire Dog' illustrator to appear at UHFD open house

Paul Combs, the illustrator of the Sprinkles the Fire Dog book series, will read and sign books at the 2023 University Heights Fire Department Open House on Sunday, Oct. 8.

The open house will run from noon to 3 p.m. at the Fire Department, attached to UH City Hall, and will include tours of the station, food, and fun family activities.

Combs will read the book to attendees at 12:30 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. The books Sprinkles the Fire Dog and Sprinkles the Fire Dog 2—Making a Difference will be available for purchase at the event.

The theme of national Fire Prevention Week 2023 is “Cooking safety starts with YOU.” At the open house, attendees will learn about fire safety in the kitchen and at outside grills.

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Volume 16, Issue 10, Posted 10:24 AM, 09.29.2023