Anthony L. Togliatti Mayor

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1 Anthony L. Togliatti Mayor City of Independence, Ohio 6800 BRECKSVILLE RD INDEPENDENCE, OHIO (216) FAX (216) TO: Council Members City Directors FROM: Mayor Anthony L. Togliatti DATE: RE: STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING: My thanks to all of our dedicated Councilmembers for coming together last Saturday, January 5 th, to review the results of Council s strategic goals for 2018 followed by a discussion of the goals and objectives they would set for Council also had the opportunity to have some open dialogue regarding a number of other agenda items pertinent to improving communication with various bodies while also evaluating some of the City s current policies. I would also like to thank City Engineer Don Ramm and Building Official Michael Gero for their presence to update Council on various issues, policies and projects and of course to Council Clerk Debi Beal for taking time out of her weekend to be there as well. The 3 ½ hour session was very productive and presented Councilmembers the occasion to talk openly about many topics which can sometimes get pushed back due to other priorities month to month. PLANNING COMMISSION: The January Planning Commission Meeting was held on Monday, January 7 th at 5:30 pm as a result of the New Year Holiday falling on the first Tuesday of the month last week. One item appeared on the Agenda: Quarry Lee Estates - represented by Donald Bohning & Associates for a proposed major residential subdivision consisting of 12 sublots.

2 At the request of the Planning Commission, the applicant reconfigured two of the 12 sublots prior to a vote of the Commission to place this item on the January Council Agenda. The vote was as follows: 4-1; Lytkowski NO. JANUARY COUNCIL MEETING RESULTS: The Legislative Agenda for the January 8 th Council Meeting held this past Tuesday contained six (6) pieces of legislation on First Reading. Four (4) of those Ordinances were Enacted unanimously (7-0). Action on the remaining two (2) Ordinances was as follows: Ordinance accepting the bid of Fabrizi Trucking & Paving Company, Inc. for the Rockside Woods Boulevard North Road Extension Improvements (Part A) and the Brecksville Road Improvements (Part B) construction contract and declaring an emergency, was left on First Reading and Councilman Asseff s name will be added as an Introducer. Ordinance authorizing the approval of a Preliminary Plan for Quarry Lee Estates was also left on First Reading. A special thank you to Reverend Joy Parker, new Pastor of the Independence United Methodist Church for joining us and for providing the opening prayer before our Council Meeting. RESIDENT MEETING SCHEDULED: A meeting has been scheduled on Tuesday, January 22 nd at 5:30 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers for residents who may be affected by the Rockside Woods Boulevard North Road and Brecksville Road Improvements Projects. This is an informational meeting to go over the parameters of the upcoming work, and in particular, how the project will impact resident property frontages on Brecksville Road, as well as to explain the City s need to acquire both permanent and temporary right-of-way along Brecksville Road to facilitate the construction of the improvements. TECHNOLOGY IN THE WOOD SHOP AT INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL: Today s shop classes are much different than in the past. The national enthusiasm for instruction in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) has breathed new life into shop classes by blending traditional academic learning with hands-on experiences and practical skills many employers and colleges want. Independence Local Schools are working to meet that need by offering industrial technology courses. 2

3 The technology and engineering course at Independence Middle School engages students by working with CAD (computer aided design) programs and Vex Robotics that students build and program. Students can also gain handson experiences with pneumatics and mechanism trainers, in addition to using traditional woodworking equipment in the completion of projects. At Independence High School, students continue their pursuit of industrial technology by completing more intense individual projects and utilizing advanced science, technology, engineering, and math skills. The two class offerings are Technology/Engineering, and Wood/Construction Service. Approximately 85 students take those classes a year. This year, the Industrial Technology Program received an exciting addition of a computer numerical control (CNC) router. The CNC router will allow students to design and produce products that are of professional quality. Currently, students Robert Artrip and Luke Clymer are producing memorabilia plaques with the Independence logo on them made from the original bleacher boards at the former high school (current middle school). These plaques will be sold as a fundraiser for the Industrial Technology and Athletic Departments. POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN DISPLAY: If you did not get down to the old C and B Garage on Brecksville Road, next to Carlos Barber Shop, to see the amazing train display this year never fear, it will be back next year! What started as a window display for the holidays with a Christmas Train donated by Clerk of Court Angie Zidanic, has blossomed into a winter fantasy full-fledged train display. This year s 3

4 window which grew to include 6 trains donated by Angie, was once again expanded with the City s purchase of the Polar Express Train which was enhanced with a perfect backdrop and scenery replicated from the actual movie. This year s display was also made interactive as the public viewers could push a big red button under the window to make the trains go! Technical Services employee Paul Kershner did a phenomenal job creating this year s display which he put together on his own time and to Paul s delight was enjoyed by so many on-lookers. One thing for sure, no matter what age you were this delightful window display made everyone feel like a kid again! The following news clip was the lead story on Christmas Eve at 11:00 pm on Channel 5: UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS: Allison Rose Foundation Fundraiser Founders Event is scheduled for Saturday, January 26 th, 2019 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Embassy Suites located at 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd. For more information about this organization or to register for the January 26 th event: A Utilities Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 29 th at 3:00 pm in the Council Caucus Room at City Hall. A Streets and Sidewalks Committee Meeting will follow the Utilities Meeting on Tuesday, January 29 th at 4:00 pm in the Council Caucus Room at City Hall. A Public Lands and Building Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 5 th at 4:30 pm in the Council Caucus Room at City Hall. 4

5 The Cuyahoga Valley Chamber has set the date for their 3 rd Annual Taste of the Valley for Thursday, February 28 th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Holiday Inn, Rockside. Ticket prices are as follows: o Adults $25 in advance, $30 at the door o Children (under 13) $10 o Seniors (60+) $15 Come sample some of the delicious food our local restaurants and caterers have to offer. Not only will this be a fun event for you and the family, it is a great opportunity for advertising and networking. This event is open to the public and all proceeds go to benefit the Chamber s Annual Scholarship Fund. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Following are some highlights of recent activity, updates, events and/or statistics from various departments: The Engineering Department Reported- (Week ending December 21) Four (4) Permits were issued: o A Landscape and a Grade Permit were issued for a new dwelling at 6114 Elmarge Dr. o A Plumbing Permit and a Change of Grade Permit were issued for a property on Treelawn Dr. A topographic site plan for a new home was approved for 6114 Elmarge Dr. Engineering attended the kick-off meeting with Bridge Engineers from B&N for the Old Rockside Road Bridge Replacement Project which was held for various governmental stakeholders at the Cuyahoga County Sanitary Office. Work on the Hemlock Creek Trail Project has been currently suspended through the winter but will resume early next year. The date is dependent upon the weather. A Bid Opening was conducted on Friday, December 21 st for the Rockside Woods Boulevard Road Extension Improvements (Part A) and the Brecksville Road Improvements (Part B) Project. Two Bids were received and evaluated. A Resident Notification went out to the residents on E. Pleasant Valley Road (between 77 and Brecksville Road) advising them of the upcoming installation of fiber-optic cable scheduled. The Engineering Department coordinated with Engineers and Supervisors from the Cleveland Water Department relative to the numerous water main breaks experienced on lower Brookside Road and Bramley Roads. o Coordination efforts took place with Catts Construction to make road restorations and repairs. 5

6 The City Engineer also coordinated with Geotech Services, Inc. to install a catch basin connection and a short stretch of 12-inch storm sewer to serve a new house construction on Elmarge. Forms were submitted to the Northeast Ohio Area-Wide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) for transportation improvement projects in town, and slated for Fiscal Years The Police Department Reported- (Week ending January 4) Misdemeanor Arrests Felony Arrests Traffic Citations OVI Arrests The Fire Department Reported: (Week ending January 4) Week YTD EMS Incidents Fire Incidents Mutual Aid: o Engine Responses 0 0 o Squad Responses 0 0 Accident Reports The Clerk of Courts Reported- (end of month comparison with prior year) Calls for Service Dec., 2017 Dec., 2018 Tickets Written Traffic Cases Criminal Cases 16 3 OVI Cases 0 3 Felony Cases 1 0 Parking Cases 2 1 Fine & Costs Collected $23, $36, Check to City $17, $26, The Recreation Department Reported- (Week ending January 4) Saturday December 29: o The East Tech Alumni Basketball Tournament was held at the Fieldhouse using 2 courts for 2 hours. Total rental was $ Sunday, December 30: o The Fieldhouse was closed as no bookings were scheduled. Monday, December 31: o The Civic Center hours for New Year s Eve were 6:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday, January 1: 6

7 o New Year s Day hours at the Civic Center were 8:00 am to noon. Total attendance was 91 people. Wednesday, January 2: o The Kubota utility vehicle was taken in for service for front wheel hub issues. o A list of outstanding items which still needed to be addressed around the campus grounds and facilities was compiled. o Recreation staff set-up, operated, and took down the City s inflatables for the Children s Holiday Camp at the Fieldhouse. Thursday, January 3: o Recreation staff removed 100 ft. of brick sidewalk at the Liberty Playground area in preparation for stamped concrete. o Some asphalt repairs were completed around the City Campus parking lots. o Staff cleaned and buffed the hardwood floors in the Civic Center. Friday, January 4: o Table and Chair deliveries for the weekend: 2 tables and 24 chairs going to 2 resident homes. o Staff formed the sidewalk area leading from the Kiwanis Pavilion to the Playground area. o Fire alarms were tested/serviced throughout the high school/fieldhouse by a school contractor. The Technical Services Department Reported- (Week ending January 4) Completed a number of winter maintenance items at the outdoor pool. Replaced a few leaking valves, replaced a sump pump, and installed a new copper fill valve. Installed a new boiler at the Park Maintenance building. The exterior door repair and replacement project at the Fire Station is complete which included all new glass and weather stripping on all exterior doors along with the polishing of the hardware. Completed 28 Work Orders over the Holiday Season. The IT Department Reported- (Week ending January 4) The IT Department closed 24 Helpdesk Tickets this week and responded to 67 calls including 1 after-hours call. In addition to Helpdesk issues, weekly project highlights include: o New thin client image including security and program updates. o Added three (3) departments to the new production print server. o Resolved issues with Building-Engineering NAS Drive. o Set-up new tablet for use in IFD Squad. o Reconfigured surge protectors and power cords in attic of IFD. 7