trick or treating

w w w. i n d e p e n d e n c e o h i o. o r g
A monthly publication of the City of Independence
A Message From Our Mayor
IN THIS ISSUE
A Message from Our Mayor
1
City Directory 2
City Events 2–3
Inside CIty Hall 3–4
Home Days Art Show 6-7
Service Dept./Fire Dept. 8
Police Dept. 9
Historically Speaking 10
Kiwanis Korner 10
Council Minutes 11
Community Calendar 20
Residents are Invited to
Mayor Kurtz’s
State of the City
Address
Friday, October 3,
9 a.m.
Community/Civic
Center
Dear Resident,
It was great to see so many residents enjoying Fall Fest with family
and friends at Elmwood Park this past weekend. This is just one of many
wonderful special events organized by the City throughout the year that helps
to make Independence what it is – a premier Northeast Ohio community in
Gregory P. Kurtz, Mayor
which to live, work, visit and raise a family.
Another special event coming up is my annual State of the City Address which will be held
on Friday, October 3, 9 a.m., at the Community-Civic Center. Reservations were required in
order to be served breakfast, but attendance is free and open to everyone. So, if your schedule
permits, please attend.
Council and I meet extensively during the fourth quarter of each year to plan for the
upcoming year and beyond, and the primary planning and policy document which results from
that process is the Annual Budget (Annual Appropriation Ordinance).
Visioning, setting policy and planning are a big part of my job as Mayor, but before making
any decisions, Council and I must make sure the results are quantifiable and benefit the entire
Independence community. Once the decisions are made, it is up to the City’s Department
Directors to carry them out and to provide the services to the multitude of stakeholders that
the City serves every day.
Therefore, the video presentation which has been put together for my State of the City
Address focuses primarily on the Department level. This is where the “rubber hits the road,”
and where proper, efficient and effective execution and implementation are critical.
Our department directors and their teams are better than or equal to any local government
service providers. It would be terrific if every resident could be a first-hand witness to the
dedication, passion and great competence of our directors and their team members. So Friday’s
video presentation at the State of the City Address will be the closest we can come to showing
the community all of the departments in action.
One area of results that is very important to any well-run organization is financial
performance. The Auditor of State recently released the City’s 2013 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report (CAFR). Vern Blaze’s column herein this month highlights some of the many
positive financial accomplishments that the City achieved in 2013. I thank Council, Finance
Director Veres, and all of the Departments for the excellent performance and highly desirable
financial results!
I look forward to seeing you on Friday, October 3, and wish
all of the children a safe and Happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
TRICK OR TREATING
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31
OCTOBER 2014
Greg
Order your
IndependenceOpoly
Game today!!!
See page 3
Independence Library Book Sale
Time to Fall Back
Remember to change your clocks back an hour on
Sunday, November 2. Here are some important tasks
beyond changing your clocks.
• Change the batteries on your smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors.
• Reverse ceiling fans.
• Flip or rotate your mattress.
• Schedule a furnace inspection.
• Turn off exterior faucets.
• Seal air leaks around your home.
• Call a chimney sweep.
• Drain your water heater.
Gregory P. Kurtz
6361 Selig Drive | 216-447-0160
Special Preview Night for Friends
of the Library Only
Wednesday, October 8, 6 - 8 p.m.
Public Sale
The sale is sponsored
Thursday, October 9, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
by the Friends of the
Friday, October 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Independence Library;
Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Public Bag Sale
Sunday, October 12, 1 - 4 p.m. and
YOUR CITY DIRECTORY
Mayor
Kurtzg@independenceohio.org
John M. Veres
Michael Kilbane
Finance Director
Veresj@independenceohio.org
Police Chief
Steve Rega
Law Director
Tom Walchanowicz
Gregory J. O’Brien
Fire Chief
William T. Doyle
City Prosecutor
Deborah Nicastro &
Jennifer Weiler
Recreation Director
David Snyderburn
Service/Technical Services Dir.
Mike Gero
Judges of the Garfield
Heights Municipal Court
Building Official
City Engineer
Natalie Buc
City Planner
Gus Katsas
Angela T. Zeleznik-Zidanic
Donald Ramm
Clerk of Courts
Jeff Markley
Amanda Mamick
Purchasing Coordinator
Interim Human Resources Director
Economic Development Director
Vernon Blaze
Finance Coordinator/Systems Analyst
POLICE/FIRE EMERGENCIES 9-1-1
Police Anonymous Tip Line 524-9699
Animal Control 524-3940
Building Department 524-1019
Chamber of Commerce 573-2707
City Meetings 328-1477
Clerk of Courts 524-4131
Community Services 524-7373
Council Clerk 524-1008
Economic Development 524-4131
Engineering Department 524-1374
Finance Department 524-4131
2
COUNCIL MEMBERS
CITY MEETINGS
Anthony Togliatti, Vice Mayor
Recorded Message of City’s
Scheduled Meetings
328-1477
Chair, Streets and Sidewalks
togliattia@independenceohio.org
Phone: 524-3039
Carl Asseff
Chair, Economic Growth
& Development
asseffc@independenceohio.org
Cell: 216-410-6911
David Grendel
Kathleen Kapusta
Fire Department Human Resources Indy FieldHouse Library Maple Shade Cemetery Mayor’s Office Outdoor Pool Police Department Post Office Recreation Department Service Department Senior Services Tech Services Dept. OCTOBER 2014 | A
524-4001
524-4131
524-0088
447-0160
524-9191
524-4131
524-3711
524-1234
524-9614
524-3262
524-9191
524-3035
524-9200
Architectural Review Board
1st & 3rd Wed. each month -8:30 a.m.
Chairman – Norman Casini
Civil Service Commission
1st Thursday each month–7:00 p.m.
Chairman - Mark Kwiatkowski
Council
Chair, Finance
crooksj@independenceohio.org
Phone: 440-838-0833
Chair, Public Lands & Buildings
grendeld@independenceohio.org
Phone: 216-642-0632
Jeremy Rowan
I M PORTAN T N U M B E RS
Web Site: www.independenceohio.org
E-mail: cityhall@independenceohio.org
Jim Crooks
Community Services Director
proceeds support the
library programs for
all ages.
Chair, Community Services
kapustak@independenceohio.org
Phone: 216-538-0616
2nd Tuesday each month – 7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission
1st Tuesday each month
5:30 p.m. caucus, meeting to follow
Chairman - Dale Lytkowski
Board of Zoning Appeals
3rd Thursday each month
5:30 p.m. caucus, meeting to follow
Chairman - Mark Moreal
Council Workshop
4th Tuesday, TBD, City Hall
Robert Wagner
Chair, Utilities & Sewers
wagnerb@independenceohio.org
Phone: 216-642-0920
Patricia Wisnieski
Chair, Safety/Rules & Ordinances
wisnieskip@independenceohio.org
Phone: 524-8104
Debi Beal
Clerk of Council
beald@independenceohio.org
Phone: 524-1008
monthly publication of the
City
Meals on Wheels Program
Community Services Department
at 524-7373
Drivers Needed Periodically
to Deliver Meals
If you can help, please call
Community Services Department
at 524-7373
of I ndependence
SERVICE DEPT.
Containers/Dumpsters
Containers/dumpsters will not be available from October 10, 2014 through
April 2015. Call the Service Department in April 2015 to schedule containers/
dumpsters, weather permitting.
Tents
Tent rental is available from May until October each year. To reserve your tent
for 2015, please call the Service Department starting on January 2, 2015. Payment
for tent rental must be paid at time of reservation. No refunds on cancellation of
tent rental.
Chipper
Chipper service continues throughout the year. When your branches are at the
curb, call 524-9191 to schedule a branch pickup. The chipper picks up branches
that are more than one inch in diameter, anything under one inch is considered yard
waste and is picked up on your rubbish day.
Leaf Pickup
The Bicentennial
IndependenceOpoly
Game is here!!!
Be the first on your block to own a Bicentennial
Independence Opoly Game!!! Orders are being taken
now, and we expect delivery of a shipment of games
this month.
Like Monopoly, this game is for two to six players
and starts with everyone receiving a stash of cash. With
a roll of the dice, the players round the board, landing
on various landmarks, such as McDonald’s, Angie’s
Pizza, Discount Drug Mart, Romito’s Pizza, or the
Bramley House.
Important facts and some history about each
property are written on the reverse side of the deed for
that property. Two kinds of wild cards, “Rockside”
and “Route 21,” bring excitement to the competitive
action.
You and your family and friends can have
lots of fun playing this game and, at the same time,
learning about points of interest and places of business
in our City! This game would make a wonderful
Christmas gift, too.
Place your order at City Hall or the Community
Services Department. The price for the game is $40
and can be paid with a check payable to Friends of
Independence.
3
• Curbside leaf pickup begins the first week in October.
• You DO NOT have to call the Service Department to have leaves picked up.
• Any leaves raked up prior to October must be put into containers or bags,
preferably paper bags, for yard waste pickup.
• Leaves should be raked onto the TREE LAWNS when curbside pickup begins.
• Please DO NOT rake leaves into the STREET. Raking leaves into the street
creates a potential traffic hazard, and leaves washed into catch basins causes
flooding conditions during hard rains and heavy snowfall.
• DO NOT mix yard waste, such as branches, vines, and weeds with the
leaves. These items tend to clog up the vacuum tubes causing unnecessary
delays in the leaf pickup process. Foreign objects, such as rakes, stones, rocks,
etc., will break the vacuum fins disabling the machines.
• Because of the large volume of leaves at certain times, there are no set times
or dates for Leaf Pickup.
Maple Shade Cemetery
For information on Maple Shade Cemetery, please call the Service Department
at 216-524-9191. All cut or artificial flowers, wreaths and other adornments will
be removed according to the schedule listed below. Fresh flowers will be checked
weekly, every Friday, and, if deteriorated, will be removed at the direction of the
Sexton. The Flower Removal Schedule for 2014/2015 is as follows:
• March 1 – all Christmas decorations will be removed to make way for
Easter decorations.
• May 1 – All Easter decorations will be removed to clear the Cemetery for
Memorial Day and summer decorations.
• Veteran’s emblems and flags will be placed on graves the last week in May,
and will be removed after July 4.
• November 1 – All decorations will be removed to make way for Christmas
wreathes.
Floral Policies
Fresh cut flowers are encouraged throughout the year. Only one to two
arrangements may be placed on any space at one time.
For safety reasons, plant hangers of any kind, glass containers, vases, adornments,
etc., are not permitted in the Cemetery at any time. All glass containers, vases,
adornments; etc., found in the Cemetery on gravesites will
be removed by the Sexton.
SENIOR CORNER
Home Health Care
Home health care is care provided to people with Medicare
in their homes in order to treat illness or injury. Medicare
pays for home health care services, but only under specific
circumstances. Medicare will pay for home health care only if
you meet all four of the following requirements:
1. You are homebound. This means you need the help
of a person or equipment to leave your home and it is
extremely difficult to do so.
2. You require skilled care on an intermittent basis. Specifically, you need skilled nursing care or skilled
therapy services that must be administered by a licensed nurse or therapist.
3. Your doctor has signed a home health certification stating that you qualify for Medicare home health
care because you are homebound and need intermittent skilled care. The certification also must state
that you have a plan of care; also that the plan is reviewed by your doctor. As part of this plan of care,
you must have a face-to-face visit with your doctor related to the main reason you need home care
within 90 days of starting home health care or within 30 days after the start of care.
4. You must receive home health care through a Medicare-certified home health agency.
If you meet all four of these requirements, Medicare should pay for the skilled care you receive in your
home.
Medicare’s home health care benefit will cover skilled nursing care, which is defined as services and care
(examples include injections and wound care) which can be performed safely and effectively only by a licensed
nurse.
The home health benefit from Medicare will also cover skilled therapy services, such as physical, speech, or
occupational therapy.
Certain medical supplies provided by the Medicare-certified home health agency, such as needed wound
dressings and catheters, are also covered.
You will continue to receive home health care for as long as you qualify for the benefit, and your doctor will
need to approve a new plan of care every 60 days for the benefit to continue.
Source OSHIIP newsletter August 2014
October is Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8
women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it is found and
treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find
breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
If you are a woman more than 50 years old, be sure to get a mammogram every 2
years. You may also choose to get them more often.
Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family
member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get
mammograms.
4
OCTOBER 2014 | A
monthly publication of the
City
of I ndependence
POLICE DEPT.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Deer Hunting
Fall marks the time of year when increased
deer activity is noticed, and their interaction
with humans and, unfortunately, their vehicles is at a peak. Independence has conducted a very effective
deer management program that has significantly reduced the
number of car-deer collisions, as well as property and vegetation damage caused by deer. In 2007, the number of car-deer
accidents in our city was 113. In 2013, the number had been
reduced to seven, which is an all-time low.
The Police Department carefully inspects hunting areas and
monitors the hunting process to ensure safety and compliance
with all City and state requirements. The Police Chief personally reviews and approves each hunting application. Additionally,
this ordinance strictly prohibits any hunting where there would
be a potential hazard to the safety of persons or property.
A change has been made to the ordinance that takes effect
this year. As part of the permit process, each approved applicant
will be issued two identification number placards. These are
required to be displayed in a clearly visible manner on the front
and back of the hunter while they are traveling to and from
their deer stand (they are not required to be worn while occupying the deer stand).
The ordinance also requires each hunter to report the number of does and bucks harvested at the conclusion of the season.
Even if no deer are harvested, the permit holder must contact
the Police Department to report a zero total. This information
is important so the City can monitor the program’s effectiveness
and accurately report the statistics. Numerous hunters, neglecting to call in their totals, cause an undue additional amount of
work for the Police Department’s clerical staff who then need
to track down the hunters. If a permit holder fails to meet the
requirement of calling in their totals at the end of the season,
they may not be issued a permit for the following season.
Permit Required to Hunt Deer
Deadline to Apply is October 31
The 2014-2015 deer archery season begins on September 27
and concludes on February 1, 2015.
Archery deer hunting permits will again be issued by the
Police Department subject to restrictions of City Ordinance
618.151 and in compliance with all Ohio Division of Wildlife
regulations. Ohio regulations can be found at http://ohiodnr.
com/wildlife/dow/regulations/hunting.aspx.
Permits will only be issued from September 2 through
October 31 and will be good for the entire archery season.
Please call the Police Department at 216-524-1234 if you
have any questions or concerns regarding deer hunting or the
City Ordinance that regulates hunting.
5
Child Safety
• Make sure costumes are flame-retardant so the little ones
aren’t in danger near burning jack-o-lanterns and other
fire hazards.
• Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and falls.
• Use make-up instead of masks which can obstruct a
child’s vision, especially when crossing streets and using
steps.
• Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on
their costumes. They should also carry a flashlight.
• Trick-or-treaters should always be in groups so they
won’t be tempting targets—never let them go out alone.
Parents should always accompany young children.
• Map out a safe route with your
children so that you, as a parent, will
know where they will be. Tell them
to only stop at familiar homes where
outside lights are on.
• Teach them to never enter a stranger’s
home or approach a stranger’s car.
Police will be on patrol. If there is any
kind of trouble, instruct your children
to stop a police car and ask for assistance.
Prevent Animal Bites from Haunting your Halloween
Dogs should not be on leashes with the owner greeting
Trick-or-Treaters. Keep pets inside the home, secured in a
room so they cannot run away or defend their family from
strangely-dressed visitors.
Halloween Treats
Instruct your children not to eat treats until after they
get home and the treats are checked. One way to help keep
them from raiding their treats is to feed them a meal or
snack before they go out. Check all treats at home in a welllighted place and throw away anything that is open or looks
suspicious. Only unopened candies in their
original wrappers should be considered safe.
www. i ndepen d en ceoh io.org
Residents desiring assistance with checking Treat Bags can come to the Independence Police Department the evening of
Halloween.
98th Annual
HOME DAYS
More on Home Days
The Independence Presbyterian Church was overlooked last month in our
list of those to whom we gave thanks. We thank them for the use of their parking lot. Thanks also go to our baking contest judges, Amanda Mamick and
Ricky Casentini.
In addition, Kylie Canteloupe, who sang a song from the movie Frozen, was
incorrectly identified as the granddaughter of Patricia Woodrick. Kylie is actually the great-granddaughter of Mrs. Woodrick.
Thank you, again, to everyone who made our Bicentennial Home Days a
great success!
2014 Art Show Juried Winners
2014 People's Choice Winners
Best of Show
1st Place Photography Rudbeckia by Neil Evans
Best of Show
Spaces by Katie Harroff
Photography Awards
Loving Couple by Patrick Funke
Acrylic 2D
1st place Rudbeckia by Neil Evans
2nd place Carriage of Hope by Melissa
Mendise
3rd place Fire & Ice by Wayne
Mazorow
Epcot After Dark by Margie Mitchner
Painting in Paradise by Roger Kochan
1st Place
Davy by Heather Unger
Sculpture 3D
2nd Place - TIE
1st Place 2D Art Peonies by Pimei Huang
Made Aware of Freedom and Sacrifice
by Melissa Mendise
Photo
The Knight of Love by Michael
Jaszczak
Oil 2D
3rd Place
Living Reefs by Ryan Sobel
Acrylic 2D
Honorable Mention
Roases de Couleur by Tori Kurtz
Acrylic 2D
Wish it Was Warm by Judie Bigge
Fiber 3D
Tiger by Candice Domin
Pencil
2D Art
1st place Peonies by Pimei Huang Watercolor
2nd place Loving Couple by Patrick
Funke - Acrylic
3rd place Living Reefs by Ryan Sobel
- Acrylic
Honorable Mention
Just Beautiful by Phyllis Lawicki Watermedia
Sphere Itself by Ed Rogers - Mixed
Media
A Different Place by Phyllis Lawicki Watermedia
3D Art
1st place Arriba Zebra by Sharon
Markovic - Fiber
2nd place Gourd Birdhouse by Anne D.
Raspey
3rd place Oh My Dots by Cindy Kochan
- Pottery
1st Place 3D Art Arriba Zebra by Sharon Markovic
Honorable Mention
Wish It Was Warm by Judie Bigge Fiber
Summer Beauty by Dawn Fuller Jewelry
Check Out by Alex Gauding - Collage
Gail Jordan HD Art Show Chair
6
OCTOBER 2014 | A
Best of Show Katie Harroff
monthly publication of the
City
of I ndependence
Brecksville Road was filled with
residents who gathered for the Home
Days group photo taken by Pat Shaffer,
of Pat Shaffer Photography, who stood
atop a Fire Department emergency
vehicle to get this terrific photo of the
crowd, including the replica of the old
“Welcome” sign, and the Bicentennial
logo painted on the street.
Pat Shaffer Photography
If you would like a copy of the Home
Days group photo, prices are as follows:
8 x 12 $15
10 x 15 $20
11 x 17 $25
16 x 24 $50
To order a photo, contact Pat
Shaffer, Pat Shaffer Photography LLC,
by calling 216-642-1228 or email
Patshafferphoto@gmail.com.
✂
VETERANS DAY BICENTENNIAL PROGRAM
Mayor Kurtz extends a special invitation to our residents who are Veterans or serving in the
Armed Forces to join us for a special program honoring them.
Sunday, November 9
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Civic Center
Light Refreshments will be served
Free to all Military and their Family Members
Transportation is available to those who qualify by calling 216-524-7373. The deadline to register for transportation is November 1.
If you are a Veteran, a member of the Armed Forces, or know someone who is, please let the Community Services Department know.
• Please complete the form below and return it to Marilyn Senick at the Community/Civic Center by November 1.
• Include a Military photo of yourself to be included in the printed program (it will be returned to you).
Note, if you have previously completed this form, you do not need to fill it out again. However, if you did not previously submit a photo,
please include it now.
Name ___________________________________________________ Telephone No. ____________________________________
Address __________________________________________________ Email address ____________________________________
Branch of Service_______________________________________________________ Rank _______________________________
Time period
Wars and/or
of service _______________________________ places served ________________________________________________________
Military Photo attached?
7
❏ Yes
❏ No
www. i ndepen d en ceoh io.org
INSIDE CITY HALL
Finance Coordinator/Systems Analyst
– Vern Blaze
Two questions that any individual, family, business,
non-profit entity or government can ask themselves each
year to assess financial performance are:
Am I/we better or worse off economically?
◆ The “Big Picture”
◆ What is my/our “Net Worth?” (what we own minus what we owe)
Am I/we better or worse off financially?
◆ Liquidity – Cash rich or cash poor?
◆ The Checkbook – Can I/we pay our bills on time?
The City has completed a Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report (CAFR) annually for a number of years
now. As the name indicates, it is a comprehensive review
of a reporting entity’s economic and financial performance
over a given time period.
The Auditor of State recently released the City Of
Independence’s 2013 CAFR (https://ohioauditor.gov/
auditsearch/Reports/2014/City_of_Independence_13Cuyahoga.pdf ), and within that CAFR, it asks the
question “Is the City as a whole better off or worse off as a
result of the year’s activities?” It then proceeds to provide
some guidance to that question by stating “Over time,
increases or decreases in the City’s Net Position are one
indicator of whether the City’s financial [and economic]
health is improving or deteriorating.”
worse off, clearly, the City Of Independence’s economic
health has improved significantly, not deteriorated, during
the recent past.
Within that Net Position figure, the vast majority of it
is invested in Capital Assets (major assets owned by the
City, such as roads, sewer systems, trucks and vehicles,
buildings and land, equipment, etc.). However, another
metric within the Net Position is the amount of that Net
Position that is Unrestricted. The City’s Unrestricted Net
Position dating back four years is as follows:
Year
Unrestricted Net Position
2013$18,400,388
2012$16,064,345
2011$13,997,009
2010
$ 8,859,361
Not only is the City’s overall economic health strong
and still consistently improving, the unrestricted portion
of the City’s Net Position has more than doubled since
2010.
One component that leads to the City’s Net Position is
its Liabilities, or what it owes. Long Term Liabilities of
the City have been steadily decreasing in the recent past.
The City’s Long Term Liabilities dating back four years are
as follows:
Year
Long Term Liabilities
2013$27,229,557
2012$28,586,425
2011$31,305,509
2010$32,287,694
The City’s Net Position is essentially its “Net Worth,”
or, again, what is left over after what is owed by the City
is subtracted from what it owns. The Net Position of the
City dating back four years is as follows:
More than $5 million in debt reduction (Principal
payback) over the last four years has taken a committed,
Year
Net Position
focused effort, and the results of that committed and
focused effort are clear.
2013$92,396,852
2012$86,595,735
Turning to the City’s financial health (liquidity), one
2011$82,551,191
clear measurement of liquidity is simply measuring how
2010$75,730,003
much cash is on hand. The City’s Equity in Pooled Cash
and Cash Equivalents dating back four years is as follows:
So, by one of the Auditor of State’s key performance
metrics that measures whether or not the City is better or
continued next page
8
OCTOBER 2014 | A
monthly publication of the
City
of I ndependence
FIRE DEPT.
Year
Equity in Pooled Cash and
Cash Equivalents
2013$20,585,281
2012$18,621,523
2011$16,362,506
2010$12,633,127
The final performance metric to be cited herein is simply the
balance in the City’s General Fund. The General Fund accounts
for and reports all financial resources except those required to be
accounted for and reported in another fund. The City’s General
Fund Balance dating back four years is as follows:
Year
General Fund Balance
2013$20,735,274
2012$19,342,568
2011$20,150,854
2010$14,459,686
Performance as noted herein is always the responsibility of many
people. It begins with administrative leadership, starting at the top
with the Chief Executive Officer of the City, Mayor Kurtz, and the
Chief Financial Officer of the City, Finance Director Veres.
Finance Director Veres’ Finance Department Team keeps a
diligent eye on spending each and every day. Department Directors
and their staff teams do the same, ensuring that the public’s tax
dollars are wisely utilized.
And no discussion of such outstanding economic and financial
performance could take place without giving City Council its
rightful due, as Council annually legislates City spending via the
Annual Appropriations Ordinance (the City’s “Budget”). More
specifically, the Finance Committee of Council, chaired and led the
last few years by Councilman Crooks, has provided a yeoman’s effort
in guiding the multiple aspects of the annual budget through the
legislative process.
Residents can be assured that all of your Independence elected
and non-elected public officials are committed to wisely utilizing
the public’s tax dollars, and the economic and financial performance
noted herein is proof positive of that commitment. To borrow
Third Federal’s motto, Independence is clearly – economically and
financially –strong, stable and safe!
9
www. i ndepen d en ceoh io.org
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention week is October 5-11. Every house
should have a smoke alarm on every level of the home and
in every bedroom to provide the earliest possible warning.
• Batteries in smoke alarms should be checked every
month and replaced at least every six months.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced entirely at least
every ten years. At the time of replacement, an
alarm with photoelectric detection is recommended. These are clearly denoted with a “P” on
the packaging.
• Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen and other locations throughout the home.
• Every family should have an escape plan and practice
it once a year.
• If your alarm sounds, leave the residence immediately.
Do not re-enter until fire officials say it is safe.
Prevent Home Garage Fires
Did you know?
•Each year there are 6,000 garage fires that result in an
average of:
■ 30 deaths
■ 400 injuries
■ $457 million in property loss
Of these fires, 93 percent occurred in one and twofamily homes. The leading cause of garage fires is electrical
malfunction. This can be due to shorts in wires, damaged
wires, and overloading electrical outlets.
Keep your home safe by following a few easy tips.
• Store oil, gasoline, paints, propane and varnishes in a
shed away from your home.
• Keep items that can burn on shelves away from
appliances.
• Plug only one charging appliance into an outlet.
• Do not use an extension cord when charging an
appliance.
Garage safety through construction-install
• A 20-minute fire-rated door that is self-closing and
self-latching from the garage into the house.
• A ceiling made with 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board
(or equivalent) if you have living space above the
garage.
• A wall with ½-inch gypsum board (or equivalent) if
the wall attaches the garage to your home.
• An attic hatch cover (fire rated/gypsum board) if you
have attic access from the garage.
• A heat alarm--not a smoke alarm--in your garage.
The heat alarm will sound if the temperature rises
too high.
Courtesy of U.S. Fire Administration www.usfa.fema.gov
Historically
Speaking
By Wes Gaab
This month I’d like to showcase a manufacturing plant that
has been in Independence since 1953. It began as Pemco Products, then Pemco Inc., and now Pemco Medical.
With all the different business places and manufacturing
plants in Independence, why would I select Pemco to write
about? For one thing, it has been in Independence since 1953,
well before Rockside Road and East Pleasant Valley Road started booming. Another reason is this business has been owned
and operated by the same family since 1942. One more reason
that it caught my eye was a special product they manufacture
that sets them apart.
Pemco Inc. was founded in 1942 by William Koteles as a
small jobbing machine shop. Its principal purpose was to aid in
the war effort by making diesel engine parts for submarines. By
1946, Mr. Koteles, or Bill as he is better known to his associates, realized that his growing company was facing a need for
expansion. Under his leadership, the company was incorporated
Kiwanis Korner
The Kiwanis Board approved the following dates for the
2014-2015 year.
October 4, 2014……………………. FALL GARAGE SALE
Old Rec Center
December 14, 2014……………………..SANTA DELIVERY
Liberty Playground
March 22, 2015……….......PANCAKE BREAKFAST (60th)
Middle School
April 4, 2015…………………..EASTER EGG HUNT (44th)
Liberty Playground
April 11, 2015…………………….SPRING GARAGE SALE
Old Rec Center
April 25, 2015…………………… PASSPORT TO FISHING
Old Rec Center
May 2, 2015……………………….FISHING DERBY (47th)
Elmwood Pond/Pool
May 17, 2015……..SPRING CHICKEN BARBEQUE (97th)
Kiwanis Pavilion
July 17, 2015…………………….…..GOLF OUTING (17th)
Astorhurst Country Club
July 31 & August 1, 2015……………..HOME DAYS (58th)
September 2015………………….300 CLUB RAFFLE (3rd)
Public Square
September 13, 2015....FALL CHICKEN BARBEQUE (98th)
Kiwanis Pavilion
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OCTOBER 2014 | A
in December 1946.
From the small backyard
garage on East 131 Street, with
three employees in 1942, the
company moved three times, each
time to larger quarters. The last
one came in 1953 when they relocated to 5663 State Route 21 (Brecksville Road). You probably have driven by
it without even noticing it. It’s just past the bridge over I-480,
opposite Harry’s Steak House and south of the bowling alley.
The Tuttle family farm was located at this site and the hill
out in front was called Tuttle’s Hill. Way before the Tuttles
farmed the area, it was once the most productive Indian village
in Northern Ohio. This dates back to the early 1600s when
1,200 members of the Erie tribe lived there the year round.
Now for my third reason for featuring Pemco Inc. In 1955,
Pemco entered a new field—Surgical Research. It was at this
time that Bill Koteles realized the need for doctors and engineers to work together. Pemco had the space, the equipment,
the skilled labor, and experience needed for research and development of surgical equipment.
Pemco played an important role in the community when
Cleveland, in 1958, became known as the Heart Center of the
World. Surgical heart specialists found a need for a reliable
heart pump.
Pemco engineered the first oxygenator (heart-lung machine)
developed by St. Luke Hospital. The remarkable mechanical
device takes over the function of the human heart and lungs
during open heart operations.
Many other surgical instruments have been developed and
manufactured by Pemco Medical. An expert sales department
was established to handle sales worldwide, including one heart
lung unit to Transylvania. I wonder if it was ordered by a Dr.
Victor Frankenstein.
Over the years, in addition to the heart-lung units, Pemco
has worked with the NASA Space Program, the B.F. Goodrich
Company, General Electric, Brush Manufacturing, Ford Motor
Co., Packard Electric and the Trane Co.
It’s interesting to note that in 1952, the Village of Independence refused to issue a building permit to Pemco Inc.,
even though it met all of the zoning requirements. The Village
wanted to change the zoning to a two-family home district. The
Court ruled against the Village and the appeal which also failed.
Mr. William Koteles passed away in 2003 at the age of 89,
and his son, William J. Koteles, is president at Pemco Medical.
He is not the only Koteles on the payroll, for this is a family
business.
Independence is proud of William Koteles and Pemco Medical which reaches and saves the hearts of many people in many
lands.
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CITY COUNCIL NEWS
nthony Togliatti Carl F. Asseff, M.D
A
Jim Crooks
David Grendel
Kathleen Kapusta
Robert Wagner
Patricia Wisnieski
Vice Mayor CouncilpersonCouncilpersonCouncilperson CouncilpersonCouncilperson Councilperson
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 2, 2014
A Council Workshop was held for a presentation by The Kemper
Group regarding an Assisted Living Market Feasibility Analysis.
COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
Mayor Kurtz called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Present
were Vice Mayor Togliatti and Council Members Dr. Asseff, Crooks,
Grendel, Kapusta, Wagner and Wisnieski. Also present were Law
Director O’Brien, Engineer Ramm, Assistant Service Director Karas,
Recreation Director Walchanowicz, Community Services Director
Buc, Fire Chief Rega, Police Chief Kilbane and Building Official
Gero. Finance Director Veres and Service/Technical Services Director
Snyderburn were not in attendance.
Pastor Jeff Thompson of the Scranton Road Church said the
prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Mayor Kurtz swore in the new Police Officer, Evan Waidley. Police
Chief Kilbane said we conducted a comprehensive search. We had
numerous, very well-qualified candidates, and Evan rose to the top. He
was far and away the guy we wanted to hire. He brings background,
education, experience; and what came out in the hiring and interview
process was his attitude and commitment. I firmly believe he’s a
fantastic addition to our team. He will be a great asset going forward
for the entire City.
Mayor Kurtz asked Patrolman Waidley to introduce his family, and
he did.
Mayor Kurtz said Patrolman Waidley brings a skill set that’s pretty
unique, and different than what we are used to. Mayor Kurtz asked
Patrolman Waidley to tell everyone what he has done for the last few
years.
Patrolman Waidley said for the last five years, I worked for the
HIDA as an intelligence analyst. I did analytical, investigative and
intelligence support for our task forces across the State of Ohio. I
graduated with a degree from Mercyhurst University in Erie.
Mayor Kurtz said he’s worked with our guys before, so that made a
difference. When we talked to them, they told us that you are the real
deal. We are very honored to have you be part of our Independence
family, and this is really a great day for the City of Independence
and the Police Department because we have some very qualified,
confident and really exceptional people in that department, and your
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Mayor Kurtz swore in new Police Officer Evan Waidley at the
September 9 Council Meeting. Mayor Kurtz left, Police Chief Kilbane
center, Evan Waidley right.
son had to rise to that level or he wouldn’t be standing here with this
department and proudly displaying our badge. I am confident that the
guys in the back will give you good guidance and help your career in
Independence. Best of luck, we are always here to help each other.
Patrolman Waidley’s mother pinned his badge on his shirt. Police
Chief Kilbane was excused from the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 12,
2014, the Special Council Meeting of August 26, 2014, and the
Council Workshop of September 2, 2014, were approved.
MAYOR KURTZ’S REPORT
It was a pleasure to swear in new Police Officer
Evan Waidley a few minutes ago! Evan is a very
talented young man and has already in his young
life had a number of experiences that will enable
him to have a very promising future with the City.
Evan is exactly the kind of talent that we strive to
bring aboard when hiring opportunities present
themselves.
Evan’s hiring was precipitated by the recent retirement of longtime
officer Mike Schreiber. Welcome aboard, Evan! Your skills will be
a tremendous asset within the Police Department as well as to the
Community at large.
Today, I along with a few other involved
mayors attended the Ohio Supreme
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Court hearing regarding the appeal of the NEORSD and the
collection of the storm water management fee. Independence, along
with eight other communities, is fighting to keep your tax dollars
in our communities, giving us the ability to manage our own storm
water issues as opposed to allowing your tax dollars to be dispersed at
the discretion of the NEORSD.
Once again, as with just about every monthly Legislative Agenda
this year, tonight’s Legislative Agenda is full, with a full five pages of
Ordinances and Resolutions for Council’s consideration. It is clear
that the legislative body in Independence, City Council, is a strong
partner and check on the Administration, passing numerous spending
Resolutions each month.
I would like to comment on three pieces of legislation for which I
would like to ask Council for their support.
O 2014-39 amending the Codified Ordinances relating to the
Residential Snow Removal Program--the proposed amendments will
make the Residential Snow Removal Program easier to administer,
as well as tighten up some of the issues with the current program
requirements.
R 2014-125--offering an incentive grant to Longbow Research
to locate its approximately $6.5 million payroll company in 13,000
square feet of office space in Independence under a 12-year lease term.
R 2014-126--offering an incentive grant to SIRVA, Inc., to retain
its approximately $16.5 million payroll in 60,000 square feet of office
space in Independence with incentives to increase that payroll by
exercising options to lease additional office space in Independence
over the next three years.
In case you are not aware, we are holding two community
Planning Workshops scheduled for Monday, September 15, and
Tuesday, September 16, both to be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. I
would like to encourage residents to join us for these two important
public meetings as your input is very valuable in this process.
On another note, I encourage residents to make every effort to
attend this year’s Fall Fest & Clambake on Sunday, September 28,
from noon to 4:30 pm. If the weather cooperates again this year, I am
sure it will be another spectacular fall event you won’t want to miss.
Another upcoming event this fall for which I would like to extend
an invitation to you is my State of the City Address scheduled for
Friday, October 3, at 9 a.m. at the Civic Center. This year’s event will
focus on the various departments’ accomplishments and future goals.
Mayor Kurtz asked for a moment of silence for the Nicastro family.
OFFICIALS’ REPORTS
FINANCE DIRECTOR – VERES
Finance Director Veres submitted the following
report. On tonight’s agenda is Ordinance 201436, an amendment to the Annual Appropriations.
A memo is attached to the Ordinance explaining
changes in Estimated Resources as well as changes
to appropriations. I ask for Council’s support of this
amendment.
Lastly I would like to update you on RITA collections through the
first eight months of 2014. Collections for the first eight months of
2014 totaled $17,803,087 which is $381,756 less than the first eight
month of 2013.
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OCTOBER 2014 | A
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
ASSEFF – ECONOMIC GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
Councilperson Asseff reported there are two things tonight. First,
there will be meetings on Monday, September 15, Tuesday, September
16, and Wednesday, September 17. The workshop, part one, will be
at the Civic Center and will go over the Independence growth factors
and economic development. The second one will be at the Holiday
Inn on Rockside Road. It will concern Rockside Road and Seven
Hills. We have the Council information and Planning Committee
meeting luncheon on September 17 at 12 p.m. at the Civic Center.
I encourage all those who are available to come to that. The same
day at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center there will be a combined Council
Workshop with Seven Hills and Independence. I encourage the
citizens to be there at the workshops as well as the combined Council
Workshop on Wednesday.
The second thing we have from Economic Growth &
Development are Resolutions 2014-125 and 2014-126. They are job
retention and creation grants. These bring jobs and money into the
City and are very positive for our economic growth and development.
As you heard tonight, we are taking monies to spend, and it’s these
job retention creations that someday will be saying will bring us the
income for the projects that we want to do.
I will not be supporting Ordinance 2014-41, the sign moratorium.
I sit on Zoning, and I really don’t see a need for that. We balance
those signs to the ordinances or listen to the hardships. I don’t see that
the moratorium is going to add anything to our ability to expunge
from there.
Also, I will not be supporting the Lafayette Resolution 2014-128.
I would have liked to have seen other streets also included, maybe
Number 2 and Number 3, as well as Lafayette. Nothing against
Lafayette, but there are others that are in greater need.
There are two other things I would like to comment on. One, I
would ask the Mayor to delay the State of the City report until after
the election because there are issues on the election that directly affect
to him, and he has the ability to influence voters, not that it would be
directly done; but that there would give that image of that kind of a
thing going on, so I ask him to consider that.
The last one was the Kemper report for which we had the
workshop. I was extremely disappointed in that report. It told nothing
more than I already knew going into that meeting. It had nothing
to do with Independence per se. We spent $5,800 supporting a
company to do its own self-marketing analysis is there a place for
their business here in the City; and they came up with the answer
“yes,” but that place could go to any of the communities surrounding
us in an 8 mile radius. When asked the question, what does it mean
for Independence, there was no answer because it wasn’t done in that
reflective to say how many people in Independence need assisted
living versus the Alzheimer’s. The real question, which was never asked
and truly needs to be asked, is what we can we do for downsizing
the seniors who want to move out of their larger homes or other
homes into senior-type housing; whether it be apartments, condos,
townhouses, row houses, that kind of thing; and that wasn’t addressed.
That really is the critical issue as well not negating the needs of those
who need some assistance.
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CROOKS – FINANCE COMMITTEE
Councilperson Crooks said, on the agenda tonight we have
Ordinance 2014-40, placing on First Reading the adoption of the
Five-Year Planned Capital Plan. Hopefully, with one more meeting
of the Finance Committee which is to take place on September 23,
2014, Council will be in a position to adopt this plan at next month’s
meeting.
We also have on the agenda tonight 2014-36, an amendment
to the City budget. The community might ask why each month it
seems we amend the budget. To be clear, we are neither increasing the
budget tonight, nor do we most of the times that we amend it. There
are approximately 50 funds that are included in the City’s budget,
and each one of those funds has money appropriated to it and from
which money is drawn, transferred or advanced. Some of those funds
include our Municipal Income Tax fund, our Streets fund, our Rainy
Day fund, our cemetery fund; and someone changing it. If one of
the funds has a little bit more money left over than the City needs
at the end of the year, and it can be allocated into a different fund
to absorb an unexpected cost, then we move that money from one
fund to another to fund it. It is not an increase in the overall budget,
and that’s a simplified explanation of what we are doing here tonight
under this legislation.
With regard to Ordinance 2014-35, the proposed change to the
Charter to extend term limits for the Mayor from two consecutive to
three consecutive terms, I made my statements about my opposition
to the issue publicly at the Special Council meeting held on August
26, 2014. The public can review those minutes accordingly if they
wish. I will say this though, to me the need for a change is substantial
to the City Charter, which is essentially our City Constitution, albeit
one obvious or apparent or without refute; and to me a compelling
issue for such Charter change must become evident to me before I will
support the issue.
Finally, Mayor, I have here a record of some minutes from the
Historical Society meeting from actually 37 years ago this month. It
includes names such as Forest Bramley, Tom Walker, Ken Spellman,
Jim Fanaro and the conversation these minutes revolve around the
time that the City had helped to produce the publication The Story
of Independence. I assume that the people who are in audience know
the Bicentennial Committee is helping to update that book, and we
should have a revised edition. At the tail end of these minutes there
was a request from the Historical Society that the City help absorb
some of the costs from the publication, approximately $3,000 in
1977. So, I have been in conversation with the Chairwoman of that
committee and also members from the Historical Society; and I hope
that at some point in the future, they come to us and present about
the status update of how the book is unfolding. Then I would ask
Council to consider setting aside just a small amount of money to
help with the publication of the book.
GRENDEL – PUBLIC LANDS &
BUILDINGS COMMITTEE
Councilperson Grendel said the Public Lands & Buildings
Committee has a few pieces of legislation on tonight’s agenda.
Resolution 2014-72 accepts the proposal of R.E. Warner &
Associates, Inc. as the engineering firm on the Hemlock trail. It is my
understanding that it will be kept on First Reading and referred to the
Public Lands & Buildings Committee. If that is the case, then I would
like to have a meeting set for whenever my fellow committee members
13
can meet. Also, if we can, we can put the cemetery issue on the agenda
at the same time too.
Resolution 2014-123 authorizes payments to Felix Electric Sewer
Cleaning and Action Door for repairs to the Service Department
garage door. That will be approved tonight.
I don’t want to step on Dr. Asseff ’s toes, but I am an enthusiastic
supporter for Resolution 2014-125 and 126. One is a job relocation
creation grant agreement with Longbow Research who will be
moving here from Seven Hills, and the other one is a job retention
and creation grant with SIRVA, Inc. who is already located in
Independence but, hopefully, they will be expanding the size of the
company and adding more employees. These are investments that the
City is making that will produce tremendous dividends. It is a good
return on our investment.
Regarding Resolution 2014-128, that’s whether or not to do the
paving on Lafayette. I just remember in the old days, we would have
meetings, the Streets & Sidewalks Committee would have meetings
because Council is the one that controls the spending on these
issues; and whether there is money available or that we had meetings
and decided which projects the extra money would go to. I know
we, Patti it seems like in the old days, the committees would meet
almost every week or every couple of weeks, and we had a control on
things. If there was money available, we knew a few weeks ahead of
time, we would debate on where that money will go; should it go to
Grandview. Greg, my father-in-law lives there, and I know it is in very
poor shape; but we even had like we did in Public Lands & Buildings,
we took a tour of the worst streets in Independence. So, we knew
by having Dave Snyderburn, we knew which streets really needed
work. That’s what we need to do is to get back to having some more
committee meetings so that we have a little more working knowledge
on these issues and not let the Administration or the Engineer to
drive the bus. We are the ones that are spending the money and
instead of sitting there and criticizing, we should be out front having
these meetings and deciding if money is available. Don, we looked at
Lafayette, we looked at Grandview. This is where the money should
go to. I think it is grabbing the bull by the horns being able to do that.
Councilperson Wagner said that is one of the advantages of
putting it on First Reading because you have a month to look at it.
Maybe we get it tonight to vote on it. I think you are exactly right. I
think we look for all the possible tools and look at them and decide
collectively.
Councilperson Crooks said we used to do a tour of the City; it was
a joint Streets and Finance Committee.
Mayor Kurtz said that’s right. Several people began speaking at
once.
Councilperson Wagner said I’m not opposed to the money being
spent. I want to make sure we all agree on the right way to spend it.
Councilperson Grendel said we have always done that. Towards the
end of the season we would get some purchase prices and everything,
and the money was available. We would have a quick meeting, and we
would have already had our tour and would know what streets to look
at. Maybe next year we could get ahead of the job. When the money
is available, and Don knows the company is coming back; we can act
responsibly to all our residents and be able to make those decisions.
Councilperson Wagner said I would suggest we do it this month.
Councilperson Grendel said we could leave it on First Reading.
Councilperson Wagner said I’m certainly not
opposed to spending money.
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Mayor Kurtz said the problem is we are going to run out of time.
We need time. We are just going to remove it from the agenda.
Councilperson Grendel said I always like to hold a lot of
committee meetings because I think that keeps us sharp on what the
issues are, whether it be Safety or Streets & Sidewalks.
Mayor Kurtz said we will remove it from the agenda. That will
make it easy, no problem.
Councilperson Grendel said Ordinance 2014-35, which was
the one Jim and Bob had commented on was passed on August 26
at our Special meeting after much debate, legal research and time
spent. I am very happy that our informed, intelligent electorate
will have an opportunity to decide the outcome at the ballot box in
November. I look at this as a win-win situation for our City because
no matter the outcome on this issue, Independence will still be on an
outstanding suburb with capable and insightful leadership. No matter
what happens, I have full faith in our residents that they will be well
informed on this. This has come to vote a couple of times in the past,
and they will make the right decision. No matter decision it is, I think
the City will still be in very good shape.
I want to send congratulations to the Independence High School
volleyball team. The girls had a big victory against Magnificat as well
as Cuyahoga Heights, their rival, and Aurora. The Cross Country
team came in first place, the boys did, in a meet earlier in the year.
The football team did win their opener and the quarterback on the
team, Thomas Hockenberry, was the Player of the Week in the Plain
Dealer.
Finally, my heartfelt condolences to the Nicastro family and
Joan Sidor family. John Nicastro and his family, as long as I can
remember, being even two or three years-old, they were probably
our closest friends at that time. They lived on Rockside. I was good
friends with John who was our Police Chief and also Debbie who is
Judge at Garfield Heights. I have known them for probably my whole
life, and their father who was a very good man. He was active both
as a member of the City Council as well as the School Board. My
condolences to that family.
Also, to the Joan Sidor family; Joan is not a resident of
Independence, but she was a music teacher there at the primary
school. Anybody who had children and has gone through the
Independence School system knows very well her program, both the
Christmas and the spring programs. She was a tremendous boost
to our school system. Probably for young parents, that was their
first indoctrination into the schools. The programs she put on were
tremendous presentations. She died way too soon. My condolences
also to her family.
KAPUSTA – COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Councilperson Kapusta said I would like to add to what
Councilperson Grendel said for those two families; but also to
acknowledge our support and sympathy for the Bresson/Malloy
family, the Maloney family, the Powers and the Sparano families. I am
very sorry for your loss.
The Community Services Committee met on August 26. We
had the opportunity to hear a second quarter review from Tom
Walchanowicz, our Recreation Director and Natalie Buc, our
Community Services Director. This was followed by an extensive
discussion of the City’s Snow Removal Program, and you can see the
end product here tonight in that resolution.
Next on the agenda was the City Beautification Ordinance.
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OCTOBER 2014 | A
This had been proposed at the June 10 meeting of Council, and it
was forwarded to Community Services Committee for further review.
This proposed ordinance will be discussed in greater detail at our next
quarter’s Community Services Committee meeting. We thought to
involve some others, such as perhaps approaching the Garden Club
and see if they would be willing to work with us on this effort.
I would like to comment related to our September 2 Council
workshop with Betty Kemper. Obviously, the issue of senior housing
is close to all of our hearts and particularly to my heart having had
the opportunity to work with our seniors for so many years. It was
an informative meeting, but it focused solely on the report that Betty
Kemper was asked to provide. I think that, as Dr. Asseff stated, I am
eager for subsequent Council workshops to explore this critical issue
for our residents in a much broader scope and much greater detail.
This evening I will be supporting Ordinance 2014-39 amending
Section 959.01 of the Codified Ordinances of the City relating to the
residential snow removal. It outlines the unchanged parameters of the
program which include snow removal, once at least four inches has
been determined to have fallen within the City. For those residents
in the program, they are to receive two passes on their driveway for
the purpose of maintaining emergency entrance and egress to the
property. With recommendations from the Community Services
Department, this ordinance amends some of the operational features
of this program. The snow removal program remains a health and
welfare service geared toward residents over 60 years of age and those
who are disabled. The annual cost has been raised to $25 with the
exception of those residents who are low income and would be on
the HEAP program which is the Heating Energy Assistance Program.
For those residents, the fee will be maintained at $15 a year. I would
encourage all eligible residents interested in the program to apply
after the October 1 date. Applications and any questions about this
program are to be submitted to the Community Services Department.
TOGLIATTI – STREETS & SIDEWALKS COMMITTEE
Vice Mayor Togliatti reported that the Planning Commission
granted a lot split and consolidation to two properties on Chestnut
Road at its September meeting. The newly created larger lot will
remain wooded. The Law Director advised the Planning Commission
to recommend a temporary 90-day moratorium on acceptance of
applications or the issuance of any permits for any signs that are not
specifically or expressly permitted in our City’s Codified Ordinances.
This moratorium is on tonight’s agenda as Ordinance 2014-41.
The Streets & Sidewalks Committee has three pieces of legislation
on tonight’s agenda. Ordinance 2014-37 approves the dedication
of Oakmont Circle and Linden Lane. These two streets are part of
the 16-lot extension of the Chestnut Woods Subdivision between
Chestnut Road and Hillside Road. This dedication will allow
permanent parcels to be assigned, which will bring the developer one
step closer to constructing homes on these new streets.
Resolution 2014-119 accepts the bid of R.J. Platten Contracting
Company for the Elmwood Park North Entrance Drive reconstruction
project in an amount of $312,281. This project has been on the City’s
Five-Year Capital Plan for some time and will finally bring all of the
park roads up to an acceptable condition.
Lastly, Resolution 2014-128 is the change order to our asphalt
maintenance contract in the amount of $85,000. This change order
is for grinding and re-paving Lafayette Road. Although this road is in
need of repair, there are 15 other roads in the City that are in worse
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shape. In 2013, the City paid an outside engineering firm to rank all
of the City’s streets that are in need of repair. This road did not rank as
poorly as 15 others.
As Chairman of the Streets & Sidewalks Committee, I have asked
Council to consider prioritization of the roads listed in this change
order. I urge Council to give precedence to the roads in greater need of
repair as ranked by the outside engineering firm and repair the worse
roads first.
WAGNER – UTILITIES COMMITTEE
Councilperson Wagner said, first, I thank the Historical Society
and Patty Crooks for the Corn Roast they hosted this past weekend.
It was a very nice event and attended by many of the residents and
guests; a lot of folks came quite a way for it. It was a great event, and I
thank them.
I would also like to comment on the new turfed field which really
looks spectacular. I think it’s a real showcase for the City. I would like
to comment on one part of that. Interestingly enough, on Saturday
night there was a heavy rain. The following day they had at least three
games played on the field, which we could have never have done on
the old grass field. In fact, CYO has had 10 youth games played on it,
which is kind of a neat showing that we have had two of their home
football games. It is nice seeing the cheerleaders, the band, the football
teams, the youth coming off the field looking clean and being able to
play out there even after a heavy two to three inch rain.
A lot of residents have asked me why Council, why I voted for
Ordinance 2014-35 relating to the term limits for the Mayor. I would
like to answer that. Remember that changes to the City Charter can
only be made by a vote of the City’s registered voters. Recommended
changes to the Charter, which would be placed on the ballot for
the residents to vote on, can be submitted by the Charter Review
Committee which meets every four years, by City Council at any time
or by citizens’ initiative petition which requires a petition signed by
at least 10% of the registered voters in the City’s last election. In this
case, the Charter Review Committee and Council both discussed but
elected not to submit proposed changes to the Charter term limits
for the Mayor. However, residents, as was their right to do, circulated
petitions proposing to change the term limits for the Mayor from
two terms of four-years equaling eight years to three terms of four
years equaling twelve years. The committee obtained the signatures of
more than 10% of the voters on the City’s last general election, which
qualified the petition for submission.
After Council obtained independent legal counsel and after again
thoroughly reviewing the Charter, it was clear to me that regardless
of Council members’ personal opinions for or against the initiative
petition, Council was required by the Charter to submit the initiative
petition to the County to be included on the upcoming ballot to be
voted on by the residents.
Thus, as required by the Charter, I voted to forward the initiative
petition to the County to be voted on by the City’s voters. The City
last voted on term limits in 2002 with 3,374 voters voting. Of those
voters, 1,889 voted to approve term limits of two terms of four-years
equating to eight years. 1,485 voted against those term limits. Thus,
since 2002 the term limits have been and are two terms of four-years,
or eight years. Mayor Ramos left office, and Mayor Kurtz, having
previously served as Mayor for fourteen years, was re-elected as Mayor
in 2008 under two four-year term limits. Thus, the next election will
be the first election under the two term limit which was voted on and
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approved by the City voters.
As is my right, I support the current term limit of eight years
as voted on and approved by the City’s voters in 2002. I believe
organizations benefit from new ideas, priorities, insights, initiatives,
experiences, guidance, changes in leadership style and changes in
the manner of representing the voters. I think public service is about
selfless service, and I firmly believe that term limits help to bring
new opportunities and help keep public service to be about selflessly
serving the voters.
I have heard nothing in discussion about how the long-term future
of the City is best served by twelve years versus eight year term limits.
I believe term limits should be evaluated as part of the process of
governments and not be adjusted to give a special person more time.
As is our democratic way of governments, I respect the rights of others
to hold different opinions. Hopefully, that answers the question as
to why I voted for the initiative petition, but will likely vote against
when it comes up on the ballot.
Senior housing. On September 2, Betty Kemper presented the
results of the study the Mayor asked her to do, focused on two senior
living issues, assisted living and memory care. This study concluded
that an 80-bed assisted living facility with 32-bed memory care
unit would, with a high degree of profitability, be profitable for the
developer to build in Independence or in a nearby community. The
facility would operate on a private pay of about $50,000 to $55,000
a year and would not accept Medicare or Medicaid; so, it would not
be licensed for nursing care. The range of the facility would rely
primarily on a mix of Independence residents and residents in the
radius of about 7 miles from Independence, as well as more distant
populations. The facility would not have associated independent
living or the nursing care component to support transition from
independent to assisted to nursing care transition. This study was
useful in that an experienced business professional carefully researched
demographic and income levels and offered her conclusions. I thank
Ms. Kemper for her careful and thoughtful work reporting and
briefing. I am, however, very cautious about endorsing any standalone
facility which offers no transition options and requires total cash
payment. This limited scope study may address a portion of the senior
housing issue; however, as Mayor Kurtz wrote in 2001 “senior housing
has defied resolution for 30 years”, and of course, it’s now 44 years.
As Mayor Kurtz further said “senior housing is a very complex issue
where no simplistic one-size-fits-all answer is possible.” To date, we
still have no answer. I believe Council must discuss the continuum
range of care needed from private home to independent living, assisted
living, nursing care and focus on economically feasible transition
opportunities from one to another for residents with different
economic needs. Unfortunately, the need to transition from one level
to the next is often unpredictable and rapid to the death of a spouse,
health, injury, and the cost of transitioning from one level to the next
can be great. Again, I believe Council needs to do further work to
identify the needs of the City and explore other means to meet those
needs.
I look forward to the Mayor’s comments at the State of the City
Address; however, I would recommend that they be provided after the
November election so as not to create any false impression by trying to
influence the outcome of the vote in November.
www. i ndepen d en ceoh io.org
WISNIESKI – SAFETY/RULES &
ORDINANCES COMMITTEE
Councilperson Wisnieski said the Safety Committee does not have
any pieces of legislation on tonight’s agenda, but as Safety Chairperson
I congratulate Evan Waidley who was sworn in tonight as our new
police officer.
I also would like to send condolences out to the Nicastro family,
and I would also like to ask for a moment of silence. John Nicastro
was a member of Council for quite a few years. I would like to ask for
a moment silence for our Council colleague.
So, tonight I have just a few comments to make regarding the
initiative petition that was submitted to Council on August 11. It
was considered by some to be delayed unnecessarily or I heard some
question as to why we needed to hire an outside legal election expert.
So, I really just wanted to speak to the timing of this petition, the
process, or the certification of the signatures and the petition wording
and clarity. As far as the timing, Council was given these petitions
really less than 24 hours before our regular Council meeting. Really
we just had 24 hours to review this. Clearly, I don’t think that the
framers of the initial Charter Amendment was intended for an
initiative petition being given to Council without any discussion.
Otherwise, it would have been set up so that the petitions would
directly go to the Board of Elections. Our Clerk of Council was left to
scramble to get ready for our regular Council meeting which already
had 20 pieces of legislation on that agenda. She then also had to make
sure procedurally the petition was handled appropriately.
As far as the process or the certification of the signatures; initially,
we were told the Clerk of Council had the responsibility verifying
the signatures. However, after further investigation and research, it
was determined that the Board of Elections should actually verify the
signatures; and incidentally, 14% of those signatures were invalid.
Just about the petition wording and the clarity; while I am sure
it was never intentional, the wording on the actual petition needed
clarification. In addition, at the time of the meeting, we did not have
the written legal opinion from our Law Department. Subsequently,
City Council voted 7 to 0 to obtain a legal opinion from a company
that specializes in this field. This process now has been fully vetted.
Council voted 7 to 0 to send the legislation 2014-35 to the November
ballot.
Some of my colleagues had mentioned or commented that they
were taken back or completely surprised by the last minute submittal
of the initiative petition. My experience was a little different. I had
residents calling me to let me know that the petitions were being
circulated; and personally I saw postings online. I think what was
somewhat noteworthy is the confusion that some residents had with
the Initiative Petition Committee versus the Bicentennial Committee.
So, I did hear comments as to the overlap in this committee. I
did mention that the Bicentennial Committee has Articles of
Incorporation. They were filed with the State of Ohio by our Law
Department, and there is a section in there, and I will quote this that
“no substantial part of activities of the corporation shall be carrying
on propagate on that or otherwise attempting to influence legislation
except as provided in Section 501H of the code. The corporation
shall not participate in nor intervene, including the publishing or
16
OCTOBER 2014 | A
distribution of statements any political campaign on behalf of any
candidate for public office.” I just want to make mention that the
Bicentennial Committee has strict guidelines for that committee.
It is also interesting that the Initiative Petition Committee had
indicated that the circulation of the petition was a grass root effort.
So, many legal scholars consider the initial implementation of
timelines to be the largest grass roots movement in modern history.
When the voters of Independence initially voted for term limits for
the Mayor, it was for three two-year terms. So, they could serve for
six years; and then they were required to sit out for two years before
seeking re-election to that position. Then it was changed to four year
terms for Mayors; two years were just too short to get things done. So,
now in November you will be asked, should the Mayor be permitted
to serve four-year terms. The Mayor essentially would be able to serve
twelve years consecutively. So, if you are not a fan of term limits, a
yes vote will not change this at all. The election essentially asks the
question, is this really in the best interest of the City of Independence
to extend the term limits for this Mayor and all future Mayors to
twelve years?
Mayor Kurtz asked resident Nancy Hazel if he was remiss in not
letting her speak.
Resident Nancy Hazel of 6904 Highland Drive spoke. Some of
you know me, and others do not. We have been flooded three times
in the past. I have brought with me some letters that I would like you
to read and also some tapes that I would like you to view and also a
written intent for the possible acquisition of our home in the future. Is
it alright if I pass out the items?
Mayor Kurtz said you can do that after the Council meeting.
Mayor Kurtz said two other comments; one, we have removed
Resolution 2014-128 from the agenda without objection.
Mayor Kurtz said the other thing is that in my report I talk about
Evan Waidley and how he will complement the Police Department
in our ability to better serve the residents and those people that come
through the City of Independence.
Councilperson Wisnieski asked, Mayor, was he on our list? Mayor
Kurtz replied, “yes.”
Mayor Kurtz said he was hired because we recently had retired
Mike Schreiber. Many of you worked with or knew Mike Schreiber
for many years. Mike retired, and we wish him the best in his future
endeavors. I believe that Evan will do a great job to offset that loss of
Mike Schreiber being retired.
DIRECTORS’ REPORTS
BUILDING OFFICIAL – GERO
Building Official Gero reported that the Building
Department sent out 12 sets of construction drawings
for plan review and 46 commercial permits were
issued. Plans were approved for three tenant buildouts totaling 14,693 sq. ft. and two tenant alterations
totaling 4,284 sq. ft. Occupancy permits were issued for alterations
to the accessible rooms at Courtyard by Marriot on West Creek and a
7,529 sq. ft. tenant build-out at 6000 Freedom Square.
monthly publication of the
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of I ndependence
The Department issued 48 residential permits. Plans were
approved for a 3,089 sq. ft. dwelling on Mackenzie Drive. An
occupancy permit was issued for a 3,064 sq. ft. dwelling on
Twin Creeks Court. The number of new homes at some phase of
construction is nine, with plans for three new homes currently being
reviewed.
CITY ENGINEER – RAMM
City Engineer Ramm reported that last month
in the Engineering Department three site plans for
new homes were submitted and approved, Sublot 2
Mackenzie Drive, Sublots 81 and 86 in the new phase
of the Chestnut Woods Subdivision. Two right-of-way
permits were issued; one on Pleasant Valley Road to
relocate a fiber optic cable and one to Dominion East Ohio, both in
advance of the reconstruction project.
Six miscellaneous residential permits for driveway replacements,
three residential plumbing permits were issued for repair or
replacement of storm sewers.
We facilitated a resident meeting on Tuesday, August 26, for
the upcoming Beverly Drive reconstruction project. Approximately
20 people attended the meeting. A project update was provided to
the residents. Details of the improvements and timetables for the
work were discussed. Residents were afforded the opportunity to ask
questions and discuss concerns. We hope to finalize the project design
by October, bid it in November, and award a construction contract
early in 2015.
We coordinated with the developer and its contractors, along
with our Law Director, on the dedication and improvements for the
Chestnut Woods Subdivision, Section 3, Phase 3. Ordinance 2014-37
on tonight’s agenda accepts that dedication plat for the subdivision.
Lastly, we opened four bids for the Elmwood Park North Entrance
driveway construction project. Bids were competitive, and two of the
four bids were below the engineer’s estimate. Resolution 2014-119
on tonight’s agenda authorizes a construction contract to the lowest
and best bidder, R.J. Platten Contracting Company in the amount of
$312,281.00. Construction could begin on this project before the end
of the month. The road will be closed to thru traffic for 30 days. All
work should be completed before the end of the year.
We will be honoring our Veterans on Sunday, November 9 from
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. Be sure to register at the
Civic Center for this program.
POLICE CHIEF – KILBANE
Chief Michael Kilbane submitted the following
report. The Independence Police Department proudly
welcomes our newest police officer, Evan Waidley.
After a highly competitive selection process, Evan rose
to the top as the best candidate who will bring some
great background and experience to our team. Evan is
a graduate of Mercyhurst College with a degree in intelligence analysis
and comes to us after five years as an analyst at the High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area Task Force office. He is also a U.S Navy Veteran
and served a tour of duty in Afghanistan as a construction engineer.
Evan will be a valuable addition to our Police Department.
This week marks the anniversary of one of the darkest days in
our country’s history. Please take a moment to remember the victims
of 9-11, especially the firefighters and police officers who made the
ultimate sacrifice on that day.
FIRE CHIEF – REGA
Fire Chief Rega reported that during National Fire
Prevention Week, October 5 through October 11, our
fire personnel will once again be visiting our schools
to educate our young children about fire safety. Fire
Safety and Prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
Many potential fire hazards go undetected because we
simply do not take steps to fireproof our homes. Look for helpful tips
in October’s issue of the Independence Post, as well as on our Facebook
page.
I welcome everyone to visit our Fire Department chili booth at
this year’s Fall Fest on Sept. 28. Last year it was very successful. We
will be selling IFD Bicentennial T-shirts with proceeds going to MDA
and pink “Breast Cancer Awareness” T-shirts to be worn in October
for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, we will once again
have the Spray House setup for kids. They can try their best to put
out simulated flames with a real fire hose. Don’t miss out on the food
or fun!
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR – BUC
Community Services Director Buc reported that
all are invited to attend Mayor Kurtz’s State of the
City Address and breakfast on Friday, October 3, at 9
a.m. at the Civic Center. Please call ahead to make a
reservation.
Be sure to join in the festivities on Sunday,
September 28, for our Annual Fall Fest. Enjoy some delicious food,
including a clambake, entertainment and fun activities for the
children. Please call the Civic Center to order your clambake.
Registration for the September/October trips was held today. In
the first three hours, 62 residents were served with 252 transactions,
and we received $3,682 in revenue. Out of the 252 transactions, 36 of
them were done online for a total of $442.
17
RECREATION DIRECTOR –
WALCHANOWICZ
Recreation Director Walchanowicz reported that
our summer activities and programs for 2014 have
come to an end, and I take this opportunity to thank
all our little league coaches for all their hard work and
dedication throughout the season. Also, I thank all our summer staff
for their help in making our summer safe and enjoyable.
With the unseasonably warm weather lately, we have been able
to squeeze in a few more days of swimming at the outdoor pool
which will officially close tomorrow. The dog swim was held this
past Saturday and, even with the rain, there were almost 100 dogs
participating. We were still able to raise over
$200 which will go to our local animal
www. i ndepen d en ceoh io.org
shelter.
The weight room flooring and equipment project at the Civic
Center is completed, and I thank all the residents for their patience
while this construction took place.
Our fall sports programs are currently underway. You will see a
lot of activities going on in Elmwood Park throughout the week. Our
soccer programs are going almost every day, the flag football program
is held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and this year you will see
some fall baseball and softball being played on the weekends. It will be
a very busy fall season.
The Fieldhouse is beginning to ramp up with the Sunday fall
basketball league and tennis lessons which begin next week. Also
planned for September is a fencing and volleyball tournament.
Regular building hours will not begin until October, as demand
dictates. Please call the Fieldhouse or Recreation Department for exact
hours of operation.
SERVICE/TECHNICAL SERVICES
DIRECTOR ≠ SNYDERBURN
Assistant Service Director Karas reported, as
summer comes to a close, the department is winding
down several summer projects to include construction
of a berm and leachate retention pond at the compost
facility, landscaping tree lawns where approximately
110 Ash trees had been removed, and also repaired the lawns of the
several homes which had backflow preventers installed. In addition,
the department will soon be replanting trees where trees had been
removed.
Over the past several months we took a different approach to
scheduling work assignments by assigning crews to specific areas
of responsibility. We found great success with doing this because
employees took responsibility and pride for their areas and job
assignments. By changing how we schedule, we are able to become
more consistent with landscape maintenance, sewer calls, street
sweeping and asphalt patching. We’ve also become more efficient with
waste, recycling and yard waste removal. This approach in scheduling
worked out fantastically; not only were crews happy about the areas
they were assigned, but they took pride in making sure there areas
looked outstanding and their assignments we completed flawlessly.
Also this past month, we took possession of our new heavy-duty
tandem axle hook lift truck. This truck is a 2014 Mack equipped
with a Swenson stainless steel salt spreader with a pre-wet system.
Also included on this truck is a state of the art Rexroth computer and
hydraulic spreader system. This system will allow for the calibrating
of how much salt is applied to the roads, which should result in a
reduction of salt usage and cost savings to the City. The truck is
parked outside for everyone to see.
codes of the Codified Ordinance; to provide for the adoption of
new matter in the updated and revised Codified Ordinances; and
to repeal ordinances in conflict therewith. Enacted 7 yes/0 no.
ORDINANCE 2014-31 An Ordinance amending Section 1141.10 of
the Codified Ordinances of the City of Independence relating to
special permits for U-3 Use. Enacted 7 yes/0 no.
ORDINANCE 2014-32 An Ordinance approving the Dedication
Plat for the Beverly Drive Extension. Enacted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-111 A Resolution authorizing the purchase
and delivery of a 2015 Ford F-250 Extended Cab Model X2B
Pickup Truck for the Service Department through the State
Cooperative Purchasing Program. (Not to exceed $30,371.50.)
Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-113 A Resolution authorizing the purchase,
delivery and installation of modular offices for the Engineering
Department through the State Cooperative Purchasing Program.
(Not to exceed $26,747.50.) Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-120 A Resolution of intent to appropriate a
permanent public easement across the property owned by Griffin
Capital Corporation, 8001 E. Pleasant Valley Road, Independence,
OH (PPN 564-08-001) and declaring an emergency. (To relocate
public utility services for the roadway widening and improvements.)
Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
FIRST READING
ORDINANCE 2014-36 2014 Amended Annual Appropriation
Ordinance and declaring an emergency. Enacted 7 yes/0 no.
ORDINANCE 2014-37 An Ordinance approving the Dedication
Plat for Oakmont Circle and Linden Lane. Enacted 7 yes/0 no.
ORDINANCE 2014-38 An Ordinance authorizing Change Order
No. 1 to the Lead Appellate Counsel and Joint Representation
Agreement with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. (Not to exceed
$10,000; total not to exceed $30,000.) Enacted 7 yes/0 no.
ORDINANCE 2014-39 An Ordinance amending Section 959.01
of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Independence relating
to Residential Snow Removal for Senior Citizens, Disabled
Persons and Active Military Duty Persons service established;
qualifications. Enacted 7 yes/0 no.
LEGISLATION
SECOND READING
ORDINANCE 2014-40 An Ordinance adopting a Five-Year Capital
Improvement Plan for 2014-2018. Placed on First Reading
without objection.
ORDINANCE 2014-30 An Ordinance to approve the editing and
inclusion of certain ordinances as parts of the various component
ORDINANCE 2014-41 An Ordinance enacting a temporary
moratorium on all signs within the boundary of the City of
18
OCTOBER 2014 | A
monthly publication of the
City
of I ndependence
Independence for 90 days and declaring an emergency. (Except for
political signs defined in Chapter 1151.) Placed on First Reading
without objection.
RESOLUTION 2014-72 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to
enter into an agreement with R.E. Warner & Associates, Inc. for
professional services in connection with the engineering design of
the Hemlock All-Purpose Trail and declaring an emergency. (Not
to exceed $412,343.) Placed on First Reading without objection
and referred to the Public Lands & Buildings Committee.
RESOLUTION 2014-119A Resolution accepting the bid of R.J.
Platten Contracting Company for the Elmwood Park – North
Entrance Drive Reconstruction Project. (Not to exceed $312,281.)
Adopted 7 yes/0 no. Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-122 A Resolution authorizing the amendment
of the agreement with Three Z Supply, Inc. for the purchase
of yard waste processor services for the Service Department.
(Extending the termination date at the same prices as submitted in
2012; total not to exceed $25,000.) Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-123 A Resolution authorizing repairs to
the Service Department building. (Felix Electric Sewer Cleaning,
masonry repairs to a wall not to exceed $7,300; and Action Door,
repairs to garage door not to exceed $803; total not to exceed $8,103.)
Adopted 6 yes/1 no (W).
RESOLUTION 2014-124 A Resolution accepting the amounts and
rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing
the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Fiscal
Officer. Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-125 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to
enter into a Job Relocation and Creation Grant Agreement with
Longbow Research to establish operations within the City and
declaring an emergency. Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-126 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to
enter into a Job Retention and Creation Grant Agreement with
SIRVA, Inc. to expand its operations within the City and declaring
an emergency. Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-127 A Resolution amending Resolution
2014-105 to include funding for the relocation of five signs in
connection with the East Pleasant Valley Road Widening and
Rehabilitation Project and declaring an emergency. (Not to exceed
$42,216.17.) Adopted 7 yes/0 no. Adopted 7 yes/0 no.
RESOLUTION 2014-129 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor
to prepare and submit an application to participate in the Ohio
Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement and/
or Local Transportation Improvement Programs and to execute
contracts as requested. (Improvements to Brecksville Road.) Placed
on First Reading without objection.
19
UPCOMING LEGISLATION
RESOLUTION 2014-53 A Resolution accepting the proposal of
________ for professional services in connection with the DesignBuild portion of the comprehensive upgrades to the front of City
Hall on Brecksville Road.
RESOLUTION 2014-117 A Resolution accepting the proposal of
________ for professional engineering services in connection
with infrastructure improvements necessary to support the future
development of the Oak Tree Boulevard North extension.
RESOLUTION 2014-118 A Resolution accepting the proposal of
________ for professional engineering services in connection with
final engineering and right-of-way plans for the Rockside Woods
Sanitary Sewer Extension.
Mayor Kurtz said thanked everyone for attending. There being no
further business to discuss, the Regular Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Minutes of the Council Meeting(s) are unapproved at the time of this
publication and have been condensed. These minutes will be available in
their entirety at the Clerk of Council’s Office after they have been approved,
and can also be found on our City’s website.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
August 21, 2014
4903 East Sprague Road, Bryan and Randa McGowan – Granted
a variance to permit an accessory building to be located 5 ft. from the
side yard (10 ft. requested, 15 ft. permitted), and a variance of 16 sq.
ft. to permit a 160 sq. ft. accessory building (160 sq. ft. requested, 144
sq. ft. permitted).
5990 West Creek Road, Rockside Center Ltd., Farmers Insurance
– Granted a variance of 15 sq. ft. to permit a 45 sq. ft. wall sign (45
sq. ft. requested, 30 sq. ft. permitted).
7758 Oakhurst Circle, George Chase – Granted a variance to permit
a proposed addition to be located 11 ft. from the side yard (4 ft.
requested, 15 ft. permitted).
PLANNING COMMISSION
September 2, 2014
6406 Chestnut Road, PPN 562-23-015, and 6316 Chestnut Road,
PPN 562-23-014 –Granted approval of a lot split of PPN 562-23015 and consolidation with PPN 562-23-014.
5003 East Sprague Road, PPN 563-23-007, and 5007 East
Sprague Road, PPN 563-23-006 – The request for approval of a proposed lot split of 5003 East Sprague Road and consolidating property
with 5007 East Sprague Road was tabled. www. i ndepen d en ceoh io.org
PRST STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Cleveland, Ohio
Permit No. 2754
6800 Brecksville Road
Independence, OH 44131-5045
Concordia Fall Bazaar - Bake Shop & Café
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Saturday, October 25
6705 Brecksville Road. To reserve a table (deadline 10/16),
call 216-524-2188 or www.concordialcms.biz
Remember to Vote on
General Election Day Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Polls Open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Applications to Vote by Mail are available at City Hall,
Community Services, the Independence Library, and the
Board of Elections – 216-443-3298 or visit
www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us.
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 2014
SMTWTFS
28293012 3
O C T O B E R
5
6
4
9 a.m.-2
p.m. Kiwanis
Community Garage
Sale at Elmwood
Recreation Center
O C T O B E R
9 a.m. Mayor’s
State of City
Address at the
Community/Civic
Center
Architectural
Board of Review
Meeting 8:30 a.m.
City Annex
78910
11
5:30 p.m. Planning Commission
Caucus, Meeting to
follow
Deadline for
the October 15
Architectural Board
of Review Meeting
Deadline for the
October 16 Board
of Zoning Appeals
Meeting
12131415161718
Columbus Day
Federal Holiday
5 – 6 p.m. Mayor’s
Listening Night
7 p.m. Council
Meeting
Architectural
Board of Review
Meeting 8:30 a.m.
City Annex
5:30 p.m. Board
of Zoning Appeals
Caucus, Meeting
to follow
Sweetest Day
19202122232425
262728293031
Deadline for the
November 4 Planning
Commission Meeting
Deadline for
the November 5
Architectural Board
Council Workshop of Review Meeting
TBD
20
Halloween
6 – 8 p.m.
Trick or Treating
1
The City of Independence, 6800 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131-5045 | 216.524.4131