University Heights

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:

• The Summer Concert Series, including shows at Walter Stinson Community Park and at John Carroll University
• Tennis lessons
• Yoga Tuesdays at The Walt
• Family Movie Nights at The Walt

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.

Cleveland’s Breakfast Club and Yiddishe Cup will conclude the University Heights Summer Concert Series this month at Walter Stinson Community Park.

An '80s-music cover band, Cleveland’s Breakfast Club will play Aug. 8. Yiddishe Cup (aka Funk A Deli) will bring its klezmer/funk/rock show to The Walt on Aug. 15. Both shows start at 7 p.m.

Cleveland Hot List voted Cleveland's Breakfast Club "Best Local Band." The group has opened for acts that include Coolio, Nelly, Bret Michaels, and Lita Ford.

Carlos Jones and the Plus Band are mainstays on the Greater Cleveland concert circuit. They’ve drawn huge crowds at Wade Oval Wednesday, Edgewater Live, and the Tri-C Jazz Fest.

Jones and his band make their University Heights debut on Aug. 1, at 7 p.m., at Walter Stinson Community Park. If Facebook RSVP’s are to be believed, city officials are expecting more than 2,000 people to attend.

Carlos Jones has been entertaining audiences for more than 35 years throughout the eastern half of the United States, first as a member of the roots reggae group I-Tal, and then with the legendary First Light, before pursuing a solo career with his current group—the Peace, Love, Unity Syndicate (aka “The P.L.U.S. Band”).

After a successful inaugural event last year, National Night Out returns to University Heights on Aug. 6, 5–8 p.m., at Purvis Park.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places in which to live.

This year’s University Heights event will offer free food, music, inflatables, games and finger painting. Police and fire department vehicles will be on hand, and residents will have opportunities to meet police officers and dispatch center staff. Everyone who attends will be eligible to win door prizes.

University Heights Mayor and Safety Director Michael Dylan Brennan invites all residents and business owners to the city's annual Community Safety Meeting on Aug. 13, 6–7:30 p.m., at the University Heights Library on Cedar Road. Light refreshments will be served.

Fire Chief Robert Perko, Police Chief Dustin Rogers, City Prosecutor Michael Astrab, and Law Director Luke McConville will make presentations to the community, and then take questions from the audience.

Among other topics, Perko will discuss the newly reinstated fire prevention bureau, while Rogers will discuss the city’s annual crime report.

Cooper the Chicken, the brand ambassador for the city of University Heights, is now on Instagram. He can be followed at “cooperchicken.”

In his role as brand ambassador, Cooper celebrates all things University Heights—from parades and concerts, to lemonade stands and local businesses.

Cooper originated as a nameless stuffed toy chicken wearing a T-shirt bearing the new University Heights logo, distributed at last year’s University Heights Civic Awards. A “Name That Chicken” contest soon followed, with the name “Cooper” being submitted, independently, by Clare Nolan and Jackson Lovato.

"E.T.," "Captain Marvel," and Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band are all coming to Walter Stinson Community Park, aka The Walt, as part of the continuing “Best Summer Ever” celebration in University Heights.

Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-fi movie "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" will be shown under the stars at The Walt on Tuesday, July 2. Pre-movie entertainment will be provided by RW Magic. All children in attendance dressed like a science fiction character will receive a University Heights frisbee.

Local favorites Otis and the Shoreway Saints will bring their rock show of originals and covers to The Walt on July 8. The eight-piece band will play original songs from its three studio albums, as well as covers from the 1960s through the present.

The crime rate continues to drop in University Heights, in part due to the hard work of the University Heights Police Department (UHPD).

Serious “Part I” crimes dropped by 32 percent in 2018, according to the UHPD’s annual report, as presented to UH City Council last month. Adult and juvenile arrests fell 12 percent.

The 33rd B’nai B’rith Health Run, planned for Sunday, July 28, will showcase Walter Stinson Community Park in University Heights. Both registration and the award ceremony will take place at the park's gazebo, at 2307 Fenwick Road.

Both the 1-mile and 5K events start at the park’s entrance on Saybrook Road and end at its Fenwick Road entrance. The 1-miler has overall winners and youth division winners, while the 5K has overall winners plus winners in 13 age groups.

Participants receive a tie-dyed T-shirt with registration.

Help is on the way for University Heights residents who need assistance keeping their homes in good shape and up to code.

Thanks to a unanimous vote by UH City Council, low-income residents and seniors are now eligible to receive up to $2,500 to pay for needed repairs to the exteriors of their homes. Residents who are issued a citation ordering that a repair be made may apply for the grant. Homeowners would be required to match the grant at 10 percent.

“Making needed home repairs can be a financial burden, so I hope this grant program will be helpful to our homeowners,” Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said.  “This is another big step in our strategy to maintain and improve our city’s housing stock.”

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan has endorsed a proposed countywide ban on single-use plastic bags of the sort associated with grocery and other retail stores. Brennan’s comment came in the context of news that Cuyahoga County Council is considering banning single-use plastic bags throughout Cuyahoga County.

Writing on a community Facebook page, Brennan stated: “I was initially skeptical of a ban, but understanding that there is a connection between plastic in the water and plastic shopping bags, and knowing that there are alternatives (both canvas bags and renewable paper), I would favor a ban. Such a ban would be most effective on the state level, or barring that, the county level. I understand Councilmember Sunny Simon has been working towards that on the county level.” [Brennan is not endorsing a ban on single-use bags in University Heights only.]

MAY 20, 2019

• Public comments
• Regional dispatch center
• Property maintenance grant program
• Tennis court rebuild
• Fire safety inspection
• Parks and Recreation District zoning change
• Inspections fee schedule
• Yard nuisance abatement
• Warrensville mid-block crossing
• Road striping
• A&S Animal Control
• Non-bargaining employee ordinances repeal
• Purvis Pool new payment system

Present were Mayor Michael D Brennan, Pamela Cameron, Phil Ertel, John Rach, Michele Weiss and Mark Wiseman. Steven Sims arrived at 7:10. Vice Mayor Susan Pardee was absent. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville, Finance Director James Goffe and Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7:05 to 9:30 pm

Surf Rock, Bruce Springsteen songs, and traditional patriotic anthems will be featured in June as part of the University Heights Summer Concert Series.

The series kicks off on June 13 at Walter Stinson Community Park (2313 Fenwick Road, University Heights) with a surf rock show by the Kahuna Kings and the Lava Ladies. “The Kahuna Kings are a fun throwback,” said University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan. “They’re a retro party dance band. They’re the perfect lead-off band for our summer concerts.”

The band’s album, Who Wants to Party with The Kahuna Kings, is available at www.thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases.

The first 100 kids in attendance at the concert will receive a free University Heights beach ball.

APRIL 15, 2019

• Mayor’s report
• Mayor’s Municipal Future Committee
• Fair housing ordinance clarification
• UH City Beautiful Corporation
• New zoning category
• Traffic signal repair
• Fire safety and EMS equipment
• Department and committee reports

Present were Mayor Michael D Brennan, Pamela Cameron, Phil Ertel, John Rach, Michele Weiss and Mark Wiseman. Vice Mayor Susan Pardee and Steven Sims were absent. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville, Finance Director James Goffe, and Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7:05 to 8:45 p.m.

Summer kicks off in University Heights on May 27 with the annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade honors those who gave their lives in service to the United States, and also celebrates the sacrifices that our veterans made.

“Memorial Day signals the beginning of summer. For many of us, it is so much more than that,” said Rachel Mullen, the new special projects coordinator for University Heights. “It is a time to reflect and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.”

In July 1944, Mullen’s great-uncle was killed in France fighting the Nazis during World War II. “While my uncle died before I was even born, I was very aware of his sacrifice,” she said. “Like many Gold Star Families, this loss is one felt for generations.”

Earth Day is April 22. For the owners of Fairmount Cleaners, every day is Earth Day.

Steve Grace runs Fairmount Cleaners with his son Adam. They know that dry cleaning has a reputation for being damaging to the environment. That’s why they take steps to make their business as environmentally friendly as possible.

“Customers in the Heights have always been eco-sensitive,” Steve said. “We’re on the same page as our customers, and we are always making environmental improvements.”

Fairmount Cleaners’ solvent of choice, SOLVONK4, is now bio-based, and has been awarded the USDA BioPreferred product label. SOLVONK4 is the first and only bio-based solvent in the dry-cleaning industry.

MARCH 18, 2019

• Public comments
• Mayor’s comments
• Tobacco sales to minors
• 2019 Budget
• UH City Beautiful Corporation
• Grants received
• City-issued credit cards
• Cuyahoga County Employment Collaborative

Present were Mayor Michael D. Brennan, Vice Mayor Susan Pardee, Pamela Cameron, John Rach, Steven Sims, Michele Weiss and Mark Wiseman. Phil Ertel was excused. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville, Finance Director James Goffe, and Clerk of Courts Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7 to 9:25 p.m.

On March 19, University Heights City Council unanimously passed legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco and vaping products to 21 years old.

In doing so, University Heights became the 21st local government in Ohio to pass such legislation. Later that same evening, Lakewood became the 22nd.

Councilwoman Michele Weiss introduced the legislation in response to the increase in vaping. “The vaping epidemic has moved our country back decades in the fight against nicotine addiction,” she said. “I feel this ordinance is a prime example of why I ran for office—to make meaningful impact in the community for the betterment of our residents.”

Prior to the vote, council heard from Rick Novickis, director of Environmental Public Health Services at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, and Wendy Hyde, the Tobacco 21 director for Ohio and Michigan.

“Since more than 95 percent of addicted smokers start before the age of 21,” Novickis said, “implementing legislation like this will help minimize the number of kids who will actually start smoking.”

MARCH 4 2019

• Public comments
• Mayor’s comments on city finances
• Rededication of the community park
• Sale of nicotine products
• 2019 budget
• Finance update
• Fences
• Storefront improvements
• Chicken houses

Present were Mayor Michael D Brennan, Vice Mayor Susan Pardee, Pamela Cameron, Phil Ertel, John Rach, Steven Sims, Michele Weiss and Mark Wiseman. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville, Finance Director James Goffe, and Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7 to 8:48 p.m.

FEBRUARY 20 2019

• Public comments
• Harvey Schabes, BZA appointment
• Storefront improvement program
• 2109 Taylor Road a public nuisance
• 2307 Saybrook Road purchase
• 3958 Silsby Road purchase
• Supplemental temporary appropriations
• Infrastructure projects
• Hazardous waste and paper shredding

Present were Mayor Michael D. Brennan, Pamela Cameron (at 8:20 p.m.), Phil Ertel, John Rach, Steven Sims and Mark Wiseman. Vice Mayor Susan Pardee and Michele Weiss were absent. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville, Finance Director James Goffe and Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7 to 8:25 p.m. when council adjourned to executive session for real estate matters.

Rebranding continues in University Heights as the city has unveiled a redesigned website, intended to be more user friendly. The new www.universityheights.com is updated with the new city logo, new colors, new fonts and new photographs.

Launched on Feb. 13, the UH website includes new features, such as “contact us” forms and overnight parking requests.

In his first State of the City address, University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan celebrated accomplishments from 2018, addressed challenges facing the city, and looked to an ambitious future agenda.

“The State of our City is strong,” Brennan told those assembled in the Jardine Room on the campus of John Carroll University. “Working together, we will reach new heights.”

Brennan restored the city’s safety forces in 2018, starting with the fire department. Under Fire Chief Robert Perko, the UHFD has made equipment improvements, and reopened the Fire Prevention and Education Bureau.  Understaffed for years, the department has now achieved a safe minimum staffing level.

Heinen’s Grocery Store is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2019. For 60 of those years the family-owned grocer has served the residents of University Heights.

Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan presented Jeff Heinen a proclamation declaring Friday, Feb. 15 “Heinen’s Day” in University Heights, at Heinen’s 2180 South Green Road location.

Heinen’s story began in 1929 when local butcher Joe Heinen pioneered the city’s first supermarket by selling traditional grocery items alongside hand-butchered meats.

JANUARY 22, 2019

• Mayor’s comments
• Fair Housing Commission appointment
• Board of Zoning Commission appointments
• Change to inspection permitting fines
• County solid waste management plan
• Temporary supplemental appropriations
• Fair housing violation complaint
• Online parking system
• Service department updates
• Upcoming infrastructure projects
• Change in council meeting locations

Present were Mayor Michael D. Brennan, Vice Mayor Susan Pardee, Pamela Cameron (arrived at 7:30), Phil Ertel, John Rach, Michele Weiss and Mark Wiseman. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville Clerk of Council and Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7 to 8:30 pm.

University Heights Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan will give his first "State of the City" report to residents on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., at the Jardine Room on the campus of John Carroll University.

In his speech, Brennan will review 2018 accomplishments, and look ahead to plans for 2019.

Thanks to Clare Dolan, 13, and Jackson Lovato, 9, the University Heights chicken has a name.

Of all the swag items bearing the University Heights logo for sale at UH City Hall, the most popular by far is the plush chicken. Inspired by the recent local ordinance allowing residents to keep chickens, the chicken proudly models the new city logo on his dark blue T-shirt.

In a few short months, the chicken has become the unofficial city mascot; but, the chicken needed a name. Thus, city officials invited local kids to “name that chicken.”

Due to the federal government shutdown, U.S. Coast Guard families are among those not receiving paychecks. The USO of Northern Ohio is teaming up with local governments, including University Heights, to collect specific items during the shutdown, to assist local Coast Guard families.

University Heights City Hall is now a drop-off location. During regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), you may assist Coast Guard families by dropping off the following items: non-perishable foods, personal hygiene products, household cleaning items, laundry soap and supplies, baby diapers, paper products, grocery gift cards and gas cards.

DECEMBER 17, 2018

• Public comments
• Mayor’s comments
• Guide Studio proposal
• Council assignments changes
• Ladder truck financing
• Supplemental appropriations and expenditures
• Community improvement updates
• Contract with Solon jail
• Delinquent property taxes
• Movement to amend the U.S. Constitution

Present were Mayor Michael D. Brennan, Vice mayor Susan Pardee, Pamela Cameron, John Rach, Michelle Weiss and Mark Wiseman. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville and Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7 to 8:42 p.m.

University Heights city officials recently approved the order for a new ladder truck.

“We’ve been living on borrowed time, and the increasing risk was unacceptable,” UH Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan said. “The new truck will help our fire department with their life-saving mission.”

At a UH City Council meeting on Dec. 3, Fire Chief Robert Perko explained how a tragedy was narrowly averted at a recent Tullamore Road fire.

In that fire, a resident was on the third floor of her home, when fire broke out on the second floor. “When the woman ran down the stairs to escape, she quickly decided to go back to the third floor and await the fire department, because the fire blocked her path,” Perko said.

NOVEMBER 19, 2018

• Mayor’s comments
• Storefront renovation grant
• Current financial reports
• Fund transfers
• Department of Housing and Community Development
• Call to amend the US Constitution
• Electronic parking permission process

Present were Mayor Michael D. Brennan, Vice Mayor Susan Pardee, Pamela Cameron, Phil Ertel, Steven Sims, John Rach and Mark Wiseman. Also present were Law Director Luke McConville, Finance Director James Goffe and Clerk of Council Kelly Thomas. The meeting was held from 7 to 9:40 p.m., at which time council went to executive session.

University Heights native Gabriel Sidney Brown is back in Northeast Ohio, and he’s brought the cast of “Les Misérables” with him.

The Broadway Series production of “Les Misérables” will run at the Palace Theater in Playhouse Square (www.playhousesquare.org) through Nov. 18.  Brown will perform as Feuilly, and he is the understudy for Marius.

On Nov. 1, Brown stopped by University Heights City Hall, where he was presented with a proclamation from Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan.