The Independence Post - May 2023

Numbers Council

IMPORTANT CITY

David Grendel, Vice Mayor 216.678.0250 grendeld@independenceohio.org

John DiGeronimo 216.538.1243 digeronimoj@independenceohio.org

Tom Narduzzi 216.318.0383 narduzzit@independenceohio.org

Anthony Togliatti 216.308.1367 togliattia@independenceohio.org

James P. Trakas 216.524.2114 trakasj@independenceohio.org

Dale Veverka 216.407.8657 veverkad@independenceohio.org

Chris Walchanowicz 216.272.5854 walchanowiczc@independenceohio.org

Debi Beal Clerk of Council 216.524.1008 beald@independenceohio.org

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

1st & 3rd Thursday each month, 3 PM Norman Casini Chairman

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

1st Thursday each month

Mark Kwiatkowski Chairman

COUNCIL

2nd Tuesday each month, 5:30 PM caucus (may vary), meeting follows.

PLANNING COMMISSION

1st Tuesday each month, 5:30 PM caucus, meeting follows.

David Grendel Chairman

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

3rd Thursday each month, 5:30 PM caucus, meeting follows.

Mark Moreal Chairman

Cover photo courtesy of Amber Veverka

The Independence Post is a publication of the City of Independence.

Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz A MESSAGE FROM

Dear Neighbors,

We have been fortunate to have some unseasonably warm days this spring which has added to the season’s sense of renewal and excitement!

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 4. Every year the pastors of our local churches come together to plan a full day of events to allow the City, residents, and business community to participate and pray for our nation.

Parents, I hope you will attend a free Internet Safety presentation at Independence High School on Thursday, May 4 from 6-8 PM. Nationally recognized expert and TEDx Presenter Jesse Weinberger will explain how technology impacts children’s lives from the time they are toddlers and how online predators target innocent children. Grandparents are also welcome!

Mark your calendar! The City’s drive-up, drop-off Recycling Day is Saturday, May 6 from 9 AM to Noon at the Independence Fieldhouse.

Gregory P. Kurtz, Mayor kurtzg@independenceohio.org

Vern Blaze Finance Director

Gregory J. O’Brien

Law Director

Robert Butler

Police Chief

Steve Rega

Fire Chief

Jessica A. Hyser

Economic Development Director

Donald Ramm

City Engineer

Anne Lynch City Planner

Michael Gero

Building Official

Alla Lora Communications Director

Sincerely,

Angela T. Zidanic Clerk of Courts

Emily Thomas Community Services Director

Tom Walchanowicz

Parks & Recreation Director

Ron McKinley Service Director

David Snyderburn

Technical Services Director

Bridget Day Kozub

Human Resources Director

Dennis Zdolshek

Procurement Coordinator

City Hall General Email address cityhall@independenceohio.org

To my mother Dolores and all the loving and hard-working moms in our community, Happy Mother’s Day!

Events SEASONAL

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Thursday, May 4

7 AM: Independence High School/ Middle School Flagpole

• Leader: Ashley Tengler, Campus Life

• 6001 Archwood Rd., Independence, OH 44131

• 330.241.7794

10 AM: Cornerstone of Hope Center

• Leader: Maria Miravalle

• 5905 Brecksville Rd., Independence, OH 44131

• 216.524.3787

11:30 AM: Independence Civic Center

• Theme: Prayer for the City, Residents, and Business Community

• Leaders: Clergy of Independence Churches

• 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131

• 216.524.7373

NOON:

Church Bells will ring, reminding all to stop and pray.

2023 THEME:

Pray fervently in righteousness and avail much

In 1952, Congress established the National Day of Prayer as an annual event celebrated on the first Thursday of May. On May 4, there will be events throughout the day at various locations around the City of Independence. Residents, students, and business people are encouraged to participate and pray for our nation and region at one or more of the events listed here.

5:30 PM: Memorial on Public Square (next to Old Town Hall)

• Theme: Prayer for Essential Workers, Health Care Workers, First Responders, and Military

• Leader: Pastor Michele Thompson, Chaplain for Independence

Police and Lead Pastor at Rockside Church

• 6652 Brecksville Rd., Independence, OH 44131

Monday, May 29

9 AM: Assemble on the Public Square

9:30 AM: Service begins at the Veterans Monument

Procession down Brecksville Road to Maple Shade Cemetery for a graveside service.

After the services, join your friends and neighbors at Discount Drug Mart to enjoy the sounds of the Independence High School Marching Band and a hot dog cookout from 11 AM to 1 PM.

All cookout donations benefit the I.H.S. Marching Band.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES & PROCESSION

Events SEASONAL

RECYCLING DAY

Saturday, May 6, 9 AM - Noon

Independence Fieldhouse, 6354 Selig Dr.

*Must show proof of residency & separate items for proper disposal.

Drive-Up & Drop-Off:

DONATIONS:

Canned Goods (St. Michael):

• Non-expired canned goods for the Independence Pantry

Books (Cuyahoga County Public Library):

• New or used books

Used Eyeglasses (Cleveland Sight Center):

• Non-damaged glasses

Old Flags (American Legion Post 129):

• Worn, torn, old flags

Clothing (Volunteers of America):

•Used or new clothing

Household Items (Habitat for Humanity):

• Clean, usable furniture (all kinds)

• Tools

• Kitchen supplies and appliances

• Kitchen counters

• Sinks/toilets

• Vanities

• Light fixtures and other electrical supplies

• Plumbing materials

• Artwork

SHREDDABLE MATERIALS (Absolute Shredding):

• Paper and sensitive documents

E-WASTE:

Electronics (RET3):

• Computers/laptops

• Tablets/e-readers

• Monitors (CRTs, LCD, LED flat-screens)

• Keyboards, mice, and cords

• Printers

• Cell phones

• Telecom/networking equipment

• Video games

• Stereo equipment

• Electronic equipment batteries

• Ink and toner cartridges

• DVD (DVDs or players)

• CD players

Sponsored by:

PLASTIC FILMS (Giant Eagle):

• Any package with “How2Recycle” label

• Shopping, food storage & produce bags

• Product overwrap

• Newspaper bags

• Bread bags

• Dry cleaning bags

• Air pillows

• Case wrap

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW): Service Department (storage for county):

• Oil based paint

• Solvents

• Used motor oil

• Automotive fluids

• Aerosols

• Lawn and garden products

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Pool chemicals

• Household cleaners

• Propane tanks

• Cable boxes

• Media players

Non-acceptable:

• Medical electronics

• Household appliances

• Smoke detectors

• Items containing Freon and Mercury

Bulbs & Batteries (Home Depot):

• CFLs

• LED

• Rechargeable batteries

Holiday String Lights (Cleveland Metroparks Zoo)

Fluorescent Tubes (Batteries Plus Bulbs):

Fluorescent tubes (4ft)

“The

Development ECONOMIC

ROAD TO READINESS 2023

Career readiness begins with students’ educational experience in school. Preparing students at an early age to develop the skills needed to identify opportunities, secure employment, and grow within a job increases the chances for success.

In March, the City’s Economic Development team organized a “Road to Readiness” event for Independence primary, middle, and high school teachers, counselors, principals, and administrators. Economic Development Director Jessica Hyser led the day-long program, bringing educators and business leaders together to learn about today’s dynamic and changing workforce and the indemand skills companies seek when recruiting.

Jacob Duritsky, Vice President of Strategy and Research at Team NEO, kicked off the event at the Civic Center. He shared wage and job trends from Team NEO’s Aligning Opportunities Report, which offers datadriven insights into the region’s talent demand/supply gap. Team NEO is a non-profit economic development organization servicing 18 counties.

Educators spent the day visiting multiple local businesses across various industries, including construction, finance, hospitality, research and development, and manufacturing.

They started at Precision Environmental, where they had a roundtable-style discussion about the construction field and the paths students can take to become a journeyman or work their way up to a role in management. Next, they traveled to MAI Capital, a financial management company, to learn about the skills needed for a career in wealth management and investment advisory.

Lunch was also an educational stop at Melt Bar & Grilled, where the group learned about careers in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Matt Fish, who founded the first Melt restaurant in 2006, shared his insights into the food and beverage industry and the paths to success.

After lunch, the group visited two East Pleasant Valley Road businesses: ROE DENTAL and CSA Group.

ROE DENTAL is a technologically advanced dental laboratory that provides on-site job training. The company designs a wide range of dental products including crowns, bridges, arches, implants, aligners, and more. CSA Group specializes in consumer product testing, inspection, standards development, and certification. CSA representatives discussed their global organization’s scientific, engineering, and environmental career opportunities.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and participants said they looked forward to bringing back many ideas to their classrooms.

Special thank you to the leaders at:

Keith Laschinger Executive Director Cleveland Builds

Joe DiGeronimo Vice President

Precision Environmental Co.

Ben Hegedish Superintendent

Sheryl Luoma

Math Teacher

Jennifer Lewis Science Teacher

Jennifer Mackey Science Teacher

Independence Local Schools

John DiGeronimo, CPA Vice President

Precision Environmental Co.

Photo at bottom:

Korner KIWANIS

Saturday, May 13

9 AM - Noon

Registration at 8:30 AM

Fishing begins at 9 AM

Elmwood Pond

Bring your children to the annual Kiwanis Fishing Derby! The pond will be freshly stocked with perch, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Bring your own rods, buckets, and bait and dress for the weather. Prizes will be awarded to the three largest fish in each category. There will also be a general drawing – each child will get a raffle ticket at registration. The Outdoor Pool concession stand will be selling refreshments.

FREE registration begins at 8:30 AM at the north side of the Outdoor Pool building.

Save The Date!

INDEPENDENCE

KIWANIS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

Friday, August 25

Briarwood Golf Club

2737 W. Edgerton Road, Broadview Hts., Ohio

• Mission to support Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

• Outing sponsors & golfers needed

Raffles, baskets, 50/50, sideboards & more!

Includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 18 holes of golf, golf cart, and a gift of appreciation.

MORE INFO TO COME!

Look for future flyers

300 CLUB

March Raffle

Winners:

$100 David Young

$75 Susan Toronsky

$50 John Shallcross

Back by Popular Demand! FALL CHICKEN BARBECUE

Sunday, September 10

11 AM-2:30 PM

Rain or shine, while supplies last!

Elmwood Park, Kiwanis Pavilion

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Independence will be donning their aprons to fire up the grills and barbecue chicken for a wonderful fall event. Enjoy delicious, barbecued chicken while supporting Kiwanis charities that aid projects for children!

Meals Include:

• BBQ Chicken

• French Fries

• Corn on the Cob

• Coleslaw

• Dessert

• Beverages

Join your family and friends at the Kiwanis Pavilion to eat or take your meals to-go! To purchase advance tickets, contact Chuck Soeder (216.633.0600), John Kapusta (216.219.8639) or IndependenceKiwanisBBQ@gmail.com

Review BUNNY TRAIL

The City’s annual Bunny Trail was held on Saturday, April 1, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Independence. Due to rain, the event was moved inside the Civic Center but was egg-cellent nonetheless! Over 350 little bunnies hopped along the trail collecting goodies for their baskets before taking a photo with the Easter bunny! Thanks to our amazing Independence families, more than 200 canned goods and nonperishable items and nearly $300 was donated to the St. Michael food pantry!

Meeting NOPEC/PUCO

WHAT’S YOUR BEST ENERGY OPTION?

NOPEC has served the City of Independence for more than 20 years and currently serves over 220 member communities in 17 counties. Their buy-inbulk approach allows them to negotiate for lower energy rates and better terms and conditions. Our current contract extends into 2024.

Last fall, NOPEC automatically rolled back Standard Plan electricity customers to their default supplier – First Energy - because they had lower rates.

As a result, the City decided to explore becoming its own government energy aggregator to determine if there were better options for residents. The City notified NOPEC because our current contract expires in 2024. The City never left NOPEC.

In April, NOPEC sent two letters to residents that looked similar but were about two different energy programs – electricity and natural gas – with two separate deadlines.

In its April 3 letter, NOPEC told residents they would automatically be enrolled in its Standard Program for electricity with an initial six-month, fixed rate of 6.45 cents per kWH from June through December, 2023, if they did not opt out by May 2, 2023.

This is considerably less than the 10.2 cents that residents would pay if they opted out by May 2, and stayed with First Energy.

On April 13, NOPEC mailed a second letter to residents telling them they would be automatically be enrolled in NOPEC’s natural gas program if they did not opt-out by May 10. NOPEC’s initial fixed, three-month natural gas rate will be $4.25 per McF (1,000 cubic feet) from June through September 2023.

No one is obligated to stay with NOPEC.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) provides a regularly updated Apples to Apples comparison chart (energychoice.ohio.gov/ ApplesToApples.aspx) for customers to compare rates for electricity and natural gas and choose from certified suppliers.

NOPEC has a Customer Care Center that operates 24/7 to answer customer questions: 1.855.667.3201. Information is also available on their website: nopec.org.

Customers have many options when it comes to choosing a natural gas or electricity provider, and with the many choices comes some confusion.

That’s why the City is hosting a public meeting with representatives from the PUCO to discuss Energy Choices: What’s the Best Option For You? on Wednesday, June 14 at the Civic Center from 6:30 – 7:30 PM.

Register online or call 216.524.7373.

The registration deadline is June 12.

Department POLICE

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

If you see something or someone suspicious – don’t wait! Call the Police Department at the non-emergency number 216.524.1234, unless there is a life-threatening emergency (in which case call 911). Be clear when you call and describe the suspicious activity and/or person. Police prefer that you leave contact information when you call in case follow-up and more details are required.

BELOW ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR:

• Someone you don’t recognize wanders along a sidewalk looking up driveways.

• A person goes door-to-door but does not have a uniform or credentials.

• Someone drives slowly or aimlessly up and down a street.

• A person abruptly changes their behavior upon being seen.

Suspicious behavior looks different to everyone. If something makes you feel uneasy, know that your Police Department is here to help!

SRO FITNESS

Our two School Resource Officers (SROs) continue to develop connections with Independence students. Officers Jim Green and Troy Keegan are active within the schools, coming up with a variety of programs that make a positive impact whenever possible.

SRO Keegan created a workout program for students and staff at the middle school. The 30-45 minute workouts promote healthy living.

Keeping our kids safe is the goal, but the relationship between police and the students is the key to safety. The students need to know that they can trust our officers and if they “see something” they learn to “say something” to someone they know.

Department BUILDING

GARAGE SALES AND USED VEHICLE SALES

The City of Independence Ordinances for Used Vehicles and Garage Sales require residents to register with the Building Department.

SALE OF USED VEHICLES

Residents can get a permit to sell a used vehicle on their property at the Building Department or on the website. The resident must provide proof of residency and ownership of the vehicle, such as a title. A permit to sell a used vehicle is valid for 30 days, and there is no fee.

GARAGE SALES

Residents must complete a registration form at the Building Department. There is no fee, nor is a permit issued.

• No person shall conduct a garage sale in the City more than twice per calendar year.

• The sale period shall not be more than three successive days.

• The sale shall be held on a Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday.

• The sale shall be held only between 9 AM and 6 PM.

The information needed to register:

• Address of the sale.

• Name and phone number of the owner or contact person.

• Dates and times of the sale.

The Building Department is open weekdays 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM to issue permits.

Contact the Building Department by phone 216.524.1019, email building@independenceohio.org, or visit www.independenceohio.org/Departments/Building for more information.

INDEPENDENCE CITY-WIDE

June 22, 23, 24

Thursday & Friday 9 AM-4 PM, Saturday 9 AM-2 PM

To participate as a seller, sign up today! Online at www.independenceohio.org, call 216.524.7373, or email cs@independenceohio.org

Registration Began Monday, April 24.

Registration ends Wednesday, June 14.

Department FIRE

GRILLING SAFETY TIPS

Fire in the grill under hot dogs and burgers is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. To keep you and your family safe while grilling, follow these general guidelines:

GENERAL GRILLING TIPS

• Use propane and charcoal BBQ grills outdoors only.

• Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grates, heat plates, and trays.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

PROPANE GRILLS

Before you use your grill:

• Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.

• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for potential (gas) leaks. To do that:

• Use a brush or spray bottle to apply a light soap and water solution to the hose.

• Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).

• If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.

• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

• If the leak doesn’t stop, call the Fire Department immediately.

When the grill is on:

• If you smell gas as you are cooking, turn off the gas tank and burners.

• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

• If the smell continues after turning off the gas tank and burners, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately.

• Do not move the grill.

CHARCOAL GRILLS

There are several ways to get charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel. There are also electric charcoal starters which do not use fire (be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use).

You can also use starter fluid:

• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

• Keep charcoal starter fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

When you finish grilling with a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing them in a metal container.

Department SERVICE

DUMPSTER RENTAL

Correction: Residents may rent dumpsters by request only. Five (5) and ten (10) yard dumpsters are available starting in April (weather permitting) until October. Dumpsters are not available year-round.

Dumpster rentals are for three consecutive days. Dumpsters are dropped off on Fridays only and picked up on Mondays only.

A dumping fee will be charged to the resident depending on the contents and size of the dumpster. All dumpster rental fees must be paid in advance.

DUMPSTER CONTENTS/SIZE SIZE FEES: General and Construction Material: 5 yard $50 General and Construction Material: 10 yard $100

YARD WASTE COLLECTION

Yard waste collection began on Monday, April 3 on residents’ regularly scheduled rubbish days.

Yard waste consists of leaves, grass, shrub clippings, plant material, branches under one inch in diameter, etc. All yard waste must be placed away from or on the opposite side of your trash and recycling carts. Yard waste may be placed in one of the following:

• City yard waste Toter cart

• Purchase from the Service Department: $95 (cash, check, or credit card)

• Standard 35-gallon garbage cans not weighing more than 50 lbs.

• Open cardboard boxes (no larger than (2’ x 2’ x 2’)

• Open 35-gallon paper yard waste bags*

* PLASTIC BAGS OF YARD WASTE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

The Service Department does not pick up LOOSE GRASS CLIPPINGS or LEAVES from tree lawns. The leaf truck does not operate in the spring.

CHIPPER SERVICE

Chipper service is available year-round. Branches that are more than one inch in diameter should be neatly piled at your tree lawn in lengths four feet or less with cut ends facing the road. Branches less than one inch in diameter may be placed with your other yard waste.

Residents must call the Service Department at 216.524.9191 to request chipper service.

MAPLE SHADE CEMETERY

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 removed if deteriorated at the direction of the Sexton. The Flower Removal Schedule:

• March 1 – all Christmas decorations are 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.

• November 1 – All decorations will be removed to make way for the Christmas wreathes.

Veterans Emblems and flags will be placed on graves the last week in May. The removal of emblems and flags will be done AFTER July 4th.

FLORAL POLICIES:

Fresh cut flowers are encouraged throughout the year. Only 1 to 2 arrangements may be placed on any space at one time.

For safety reasons, plant hangers of any kind, glass containers, vases, adornments, etc. are prohibited in the Cemetery and will be removed by the Sexton.

CEMETERY HOURS:

Maple Shade Cemetery is open for visitation from sun-up to sundown 365 days a year. Anyone found on Cemetery property during other times will be considered trespassing and will be prosecuted according to law. Any person who trespasses on graves, injures or damages trees, shrubs, or plants, or who defaces monuments, buildings, or enclosures will be prosecuted according to law.

RECYCLING

1. Leave recyclables loose – not bagged. Plastic bags do not belong in your recycling bin or cart. Plastic bags get tangled in the sorting machines at the recycling facilities and cause major problems for the recycling process. Plastic shopping bags can be recycled at many retail locations, including Discount Drug Mart, Giant Eagle, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Marc’s, Target, and Walmart stores.

2. Make sure it’s clean and empty. Rinse residue from cartons, containers, bottles, and jars or any other recyclable that may contain food particles. Greasy pizza boxes are not accepted.

3. Keep it dry. When it comes to paper and cardboard, keeping it dry is imperative for the recycling process. Please flatten all cardboard boxes.

4. Don’t wishcycle. Think you can throw everything into your recycling bin, and it will get sorted out at the recycling plant? Think again. ONLY recycle these core items: cartons, glass bottles and jars, paper, boxes, and plastic bottles and jugs.

Combine only these five core items in your home or curbside recycling container. Keep them loosethere is no need to bag them.

• CANS (ALUMINUM & METAL): Empty and rinse.

• CARTONS: Empty and rinse. Replace the capit’s too small to be recycled by itself!

• GLASS BOTTLES & JARS: Empty and rinse.

• PAPER & BOXES: Flatten cardboard items and cereal boxes to save space.

• PLASTIC BOTTLES & JUGS: Empty and rinse. Replace the cap.

Items placed in curbside collection for recycling should be empty, clean and dry. Plastic bottles and jugs include items with an opening or neck narrower than the body.

LOGS AND STUMPS

Logs and stumps may be placed on your tree lawn on your regular rubbish day. Logs and stumps weighing less than 50 pounds may be left whole. Logs and stumps weighing more than 50 pounds must be cut into manageable pieces for Service Department employees to lift.

NEEDLES AND SHARPS

Check with your health care provider or health care facility to see if they have a take-back program for needles. If not, used needles and syringes from self-injections may be placed in the regular trash if certain precautions are followed.

These precautions are designed to protect sanitation and waste industry workers from being stuck by a needle.

• Place used needles and syringes in a rigid plastic container with a sealable lid such as a Sharps container or a plastic laundry detergent bottle with a screw top.

• Seal the lid with tape.

• Write “Caution: Sharps” on the container.

• Place the container in your regular trash.

• Do not place the container in with your recyclables.

CLOTHING

Do not include clothing and fabric in your curbside recycling. Cloth is a tangler that will tie up the sorting equipment at the recycling facility.

Donate usable clothing, fabric, and other textiles to a charitable organization. Good, usable clothing can be dropped off at a collection bin or store that is operated by local charities.

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY RUBBISH, RECYCLING, AND YARD WASTE PICKUP

The Service Department will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day. If your regular rubbish day is on Monday, your rubbish, recycling, and yard waste will be picked up on Tuesday, May 30. All other pickup dates remain the same this week.

News CITY COUNCIL

Council Meeting April 11, 2023

MAYOR GREGORY P. KURTZ’S REPORT

The first item on tonight’s agenda is an ordinance allowing people to operate a “street legal” golf cart on Independence streets if it is properly licensed and equipped. For a golf cart to be street legal, it must have functioning headlights and brake lights, seat belts for all passengers, a windshield and windshield wiper, a horn, turn signals, a rearview mirror, and a valid license plate. Also, people cannot drive golf carts on any public street with a speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. Safety is of utmost importance, and that’s why all golf carts would need to pass an inspection by the Independence Police Department before owners can apply for license tags at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Another public safety-related ordinance I support is Ordinance No. 2023-29, which would authorize the City to purchase a 25 Getac body-worn camera system for the Police Department that will interface with the IPD’s current dash cameras. Lt. Mark Buehner secured a $60,000 grant to pay for part of the system that will include cloud storage. We must equip our brave law enforcement professionals with the technology they need to serve, protect, and stay safe when responding

Independence is a vibrant community that carefully balances quiet, charming neighborhoods with bustling business districts. The city’s collaborative nature and superior location attracts and maintains a robust business community — which in turn provides the foundation for safe, harmonious living with an abundance of high-quality services and amenities for its residents. Whether it’s your home, headquarters, or place of work,

INDEPENDENCE WORKS HARD to instill an experience that never leaves you.

to accidents, disturbances, and any other potential violation of the law.

Finally, since 2000 NOPEC has served as the City’s utility aggregator for natural gas and electricity. Last year when electricity costs were soaring, NOPEC returned customers to their default supplier, First Energy. As a result, the City began to explore becoming its own government electricity aggregator.

On February 14, 2023, Council approved Ordinance 2023-10 to notify NOPEC that the City would not renew the contract with NOPEC next year. This would allow the City adequate time to research other aggregators to find options that would be in the best interest of our residents.

Since then, the City Council rescinded Ordinance 2023-10 to allow NOPEC to re-enroll residents and restart their service in June 2023.

In late March, First Energy announced the cost of electricity would go up to 10.2 cents per kilowatt hour (kWH) in June. On April 3rd, NOPEC announced that residents who re-enroll by May 2 would have an initial six-month fixed rate of 6.45 cents per kWH.

People have many options when it comes to utilities, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. However, knowledge is power, and the City will host a free educational meeting presented by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) titled Energy Choices: What’s the Best Option For You? on Wednesday, June 14, from 6:30 - 7:30 PM at the Civic Center. Register online or call Community Services at 216.524.7373.

Happy Mother’s Day, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 29, starting at 9 AM on Public Square.

FINANCE DIRECTOR VERN BLAZE’S REPORT

After a relatively slow start to the year regarding the amount of legislation on the Agenda for Council’s approval, things are picking up again this month

with 19 Ordinances on this evening’s Legislative Agenda.

Of those 19 Ordinances, 18 are finance-related, and 16 of those 18 are requesting the Council’s approval of just over $1.7 million in spending and investment.

Money, finance, and public tax dollars are central to making almost everything happen in running the City. Receiving and receipting in tax and other revenue starts the process going, and then paying it out in operating expenses, capital and infrastructure investments, and debt service payments brings those public tax dollars full circle. If you want to know what’s happening in the City, spend some time in the Finance office.

Assisting the Mayor, Council, and Department Directors with properly allocating those public tax dollars is one of the greatest value-added, central roles the Finance office fulfills. How the City’s financial resources are allocated dictates which services and amenities are provided to the community, in what manner, and in what quantities.

Ultimately, those services and amenities, how they are delivered, and how effective they are, play a significant part in defining who and what Independence is as a community. The Finance office does not take its central role in that important equation lightly.

While on the topic of money, finance, and public tax dollars, the community is reminded that the Independence Local School District has a Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal and Increase) on the May 2, 2023, Primary Election ballot.

The exact language of the ballot issue is as follows:

Shall a levy renewing $4,252,863 and providing an increase of $3,000,000 be imposed by the Independence Local School District for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the Independence Local School District in the sum of $7,252,863 and a levy of taxes to be made outside of the ten-mill limitation estimated by the County Fiscal Officer to average 13.96 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $453 for each $100,000 of the County Fiscal Officer’s appraised value, for a period of ten years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025?

To help clarify what that very long sentence is asking, of the $453 in property taxes per $100,000 of property value that would be generated by this Proposed Tax Levy (in addition to the other property taxes paid that also accrue to the school district, as approximately 55 cents of every dollar of property taxes paid in Independence goes to the school district), current property owners are already paying approximately $251 of that $453. The increased portion would result in approximately $202 in property taxes being paid for every $100,000 in property value.

Therefore, on, say, a $300,000 property in Independence, a property owner is already paying approximately $753 per year on the current Tax Levy ($251 times 3). If passed on Tuesday, May 2, the Proposed Tax Levy would result in roughly an additional $606 in property taxes paid each year by that property owner ($202 x 3) for property taxes first due in the calendar year 2025.

Standing Committee Reports

David Grendel FINANCE

The Planning Commission meeting for April was canceled due to a lack of applicants.

On First Reading, I support the passage of Ordinance 202329, which authorizes the Mayor to execute such documents as are necessary to purchase 25 GETCA body-worn camera systems with accessories for the Police Department in a total amount, including cloud storage, not to exceed $56,231.14. The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services will reimburse the full amount expended on this project.

I also support Ordinance 2023-41, which authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Change Order to the 2022 Asphalt Road and Maintenance and Repairs Contract with Ronyak Paving for additional asphalt work in an amount not to exceed $775,467. Included in this additional work is the Civic Center parking lot resurfacing

News CITY COUNCIL

Council Meeting April 11, 2023

project. Don Ramm and his Engineering Department have been busy as nine pieces of legislation on the April agenda have come from his department.

Service Director Ron McKinley has also been extremely busy with three significant purchases (leaf vacuum, two vehicle lifts, and two Epoke salt spreader boxes) being placed on tonight’s agenda.

The result of our initial Strategic Planning Workshop has narrowed Council’s focus in 2023 to two pressing facility issues facing the City: the facility needs of our Service Department and the adequacy of our Police Department offices and operations at City Hall. On April 4, City Council and the Administration took an extensive tour of the Police Station. The next workshop will involve an extensive tour of the Service Department facilities. Both issues are in the early stages, but they will receive an intense review from City Council as well as the City’s Administration.

Finally, I wish our residents take the time to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday, May 2, at our Civic Center. The Board of Education has placed an issue on the ballot, and I urge all eligible voters to take the time to study the request and vote according to their conscience.

John DiGeronimo

ECONOMIC GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

At the April Council meeting, Council approved over $2 million of anticipated expenditures. The majority of these purchases are related to repairs and maintenance of our City streets and infrastructure of approximately $1.6 million and new equipment for the Service Department of approximately $320,000, respectively.

On March 23, City and Independence Local Schools representatives spent the day meeting with local businesses and touring their facilities. The program aims to expose educators to current workforce opportunities and gain insight into various career paths

for our students. Similarly, the businesses learned about our local schools’ high quality of education and opportunities to partner with the schools. I would like to recognize Economic Development Director Hyser for her efforts in getting this program off the ground. If you know of a local business that would like to partner with the schools to develop student work opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact the Economic Development Department.

With the passage of Ordinance 2023-14, we have added some commonsense parameters around the use of golf carts and created an inspection program overseen by our Police Department. With the safety of our residents being paramount, there was discussion on the effect of introducing more golf carts to our city streets. My position is that we should be working to create a network of safe streets where people are comfortable traveling by whatever means they prefer.

With the spring weather arriving, I encourage everyone to spend time outside, walk our sidewalks, and check in on neighbors.

Tom Narduzzi SAFETY/RULES & ORDINANCES

Good evening, everyone. Tonight, on the agenda is Ordinance 2023-14, an ordinance amending Part Three of the Traffic Code Title 10, bicycles, motorcycles, and snowmobiles by adding new Chapter 376 - Golf Carts as the Codified Ordinances of the City of Independence. I will not be supporting this ordinance this evening. After three Safety Committee meetings, my thought is still the same because of Pleasant Valley, Rockside Road, and Brecksville Road (Rt 21). I believe it is a huge safety issue for these golf carts to be driven during rush-hour traffic or any other time of the day. I don’t believe the City is set up to be a golf cart community. If we had infrastructure so these carts could be driven on the sidewalk, that would be a different story, but we don’t. The maximum speed for golf carts on streets is 20 miles an hour - that is a State requirement. Pleasant

Valley and Rt. 21 are 35 miles an hour roadways. With these roadways consisting of semi-tractor trailers, dump trucks, and many distracted drivers because of cell phones, I believe this is a huge safety concern. That’s why I will not be supporting this ordinance tonight. Also on the agenda is Ordinance 2023-44, an ordinance authorizing the retention of Guide Studio, Inc. for professional services to assist the Economic Development Department with implementing the City’s 2023 community signage and wayfinding program. This ordinance, to me, is not just putting up new signs. We are trying to sell the City. If you have a business and try to promote yourself, you market it. Basically, the City is trying to market our community. You must stay on top of the competition and make the City more desirable and easier to maneuver around than the next city. For those of us who have lived here all our lives, it’s easy for us to get around. We know where everything is, but for those who visit our City, it is not as easy for them to find particular locations in our four different business quadrants of Rockside Road, or even on our campus, which has many separate entities in it, such as the Building Department, City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station, the Library, multiple sports fields and also the high school and middle school. Updating our signage would make it a more effortless experience for visitors to our campus area.

Anthony Togliatti COMMUNITY SERVICES

As City Council’s representative to the newly created Hemlock Trail committee, I plan to assemble a group of resident volunteers soon and hold the committee’s first meeting. If you are interested in donating your time to this committee, please get in touch with me at togliattia@independenceohio.org.

Tonight’s agenda contains legislation authorizing funding for the continuation of a wayfinding and signage plan that was initiated back in 2020. In December of 2020, City council passed two pieces of legislation - one to develop a new “brand” for the City and another to “assist the City with wayfinding and placemaking.” The development of the new brand was awarded to Akhia

Communications in the amount of $76,185, and the wayfinding and placemaking was awarded to Guide Studio for $32,100. This $108,000 has resulted in a City logo with an updated liberty bell, new colors, and typeface. And now that a new City logo has been developed, all City materials must be updated to represent this new “brand”, including signs throughout the City.

Tonight, Council has authorized an additional $30,000 to Guide Studio to “assist with implementing the City’s 2023 community signage and wayfinding program.” However, this additional $30,000 does not include any actual signs, just the plans for the signs. So, since 2020 the City has authorized $138,000 to develop a new City brand and develop a plan for new signs displaying the brand. Tonight’s legislation allows Guide Studio to prepare designs for banners to be placed along Rockside Road at an estimated cost of $26,000 and designs for all new signs in our City park at an estimated cost of $146,750. So, to sum it all up, these park signs and Rockside Road banners are estimated to total $311,035.

In addition to this amount, the City Economic Development Director informed City Council to expect to spend $250,000 per year for the next few years to update signs throughout the City. This additional spending includes a plan to “color code” the Rockside Road business district. The plan is to align a different color to each quadrant of the Rockside Road district so people can find their way easier along Rockside Road. For example, let’s say the northwest quadrant of Rockside Road is given a blue color, so people looking to go to the Longhorn Restaurant would be going into the blue district.

I have a very difficult time understanding how color coding the areas on Rockside will make it easier for people to find their way when the majority of people traveling into a new area utilize GPS to guide them to their destination. I truly believe this is a complete waste of money, and I simply cannot support this legislation when we continue to delay road projects due to a lack of funding to complete the projects. Again, I urge City Council to focus our spending on actual needs as opposed to unnecessary wants.

News CITY COUNCIL Council Meeting

April 11, 2023

James P. Trakas UTILITIES

& SEWERS

Good evening, Mayor Kurtz, Vice Mayor Grendel, Finance Director Blaze, members of Council, and citizens of Independence. There will be a utilities-themed Council Workshop at City Hall on Monday, April 17, at 3 PM. Topics will include community energy aggregation, among others. The Tree Commission will meet on Thursday, April 19, at 4:30 PM at City Hall to discuss various grant opportunities to support the tree program and further define the vision for the community.

The April meeting of Council includes many contracts and purchases related to utilities, improving the efficiency of the Service Department to respond to citizen needs and inspection contracts for sewer and street projects.

Council approved the ability for golf carts to be properly inspected and licensed and be able to drive on city streets except for Rockside Road and Pleasant Valley Road east of Brecksville, just like bicycles. With an increasing interest in golf carts, the City hopes they can legally and safely traverse the streets with vehicle traffic.

Our first-ever purchase of body cameras for our Police Officers will help for more transparency in policing and can settle any allegations made towards our officers.

Council met with Mayor Kurtz early this month to discuss Strategic Vision-related projects in support of the 2023 Strategic Plan. The two top items for consideration are space considerations for the Police Department and Service Department. Council toured the Police Department, built in 1981 for a smaller force. I asked that the next meeting on this topic consider the finances of any renovated or new facilities because nothing happens without money. Council will have to prioritize these types of projects and the associated costs and the costs of not acting before making any decisions.

With the advent of technology and gear requirements, as well as just the workflow of

an effective and safe police department, there is no doubt in my mind that an upgrade is needed, whether it be a renovated building or a new building, and if new, where it should be located. Until the finances are evaluated, the rest is moot. Borrowing bonds for any of these priorities will be necessary, as cash does not exist for a project of this size.

NOPEC has been the City’s energy aggregator since 2000. Its mission is to be an energy supplier that provides competitive energy cost savings to resident and small businesses through a buy-in-bulk approach. NOPEC has negotiated energy -electric and natural gas- contracts on behalf of Independence and several hundred other communities in Ohio since 2002. Over the past two years, with the tumult in the energy marketplace, costs skyrocketed. NOPEC chose to inform customers that First Energy Corporation could provide electricity to NOPEC cities at a better price than NOPEC’s negotiated rate supplier. Thus, NOPEC rolled back Independence and all its other customers back to First Energy. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio investigated NOPEC’s ability to provide electric rates to communities like ours. Ultimately, the PUCO believed that NOPEC acted in the consumer’s interest, and their investigation stated that NOPEC did everything right.

It was in this environment that Independence decided to investigate becoming its own aggregator of energy or working with another aggregator. It will allow Independence to shop around for the best electric and natural gas rates for our residents. Earlier this month, NOPEC announced that residents who re-enrolled could get a fixed 6.42 cents per kilowatt rate from June to December, which is much better rate for consumers than First Energy can deliver.

Independence will still interview potential aggregators and ensure that whoever serves as our rate negotiator, our residents get the best energy deal possible. High rates are here to stay for a while, so the best deal we can achieve, the better off we all are. I hope that made sense.

The Independence Board of Education placed a renewal levy combined with a proposed

increase in property taxes for operations on the Tuesday, May 2nd ballot. Polls at the Civic Center will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Please evaluate the issue and vote in this special election.

City Hall is saying goodbye to two long-time employees. Gayle Rudary and Monica Motylinski have served the citizens very well over the years. Monica is the voice of City Hall, and Gayle has been involved in many aspects of the city administration. Gayle also brought the idea of military service banners to our community. Both have been truly outstanding employees who have served the people very well. Good luck in retirement.

I close with a quotation relevant to our young country during the American Revolution, which commenced April 19, 1775, from the Republic’s 3rd President and author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson: “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

Dale Veverka STREETS & SIDEWALKS

Ordinances 2023-35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 are for inspection services from various inspection firms. We had only an individual contractor attempting to inspect projects. A number of years ago Council, along with the City Engineer, met to weigh the advantage of having a variety of options when it came to inspection services. Council reviewed the qualifications of the various firms and developed a list of appropriate companies. Hopefully, in the future, Council will be made aware of the qualifications of firms we are asked to approve in ordinances.

I will be supporting Ordinance 2023-42 with Catts Construction for concrete work throughout the City. It is excellent that we are focusing on maintaining the needs of the City’s infrastructure.

I will not support Ordinance 2023-44 for wayfinding in the City. It is unclear how long the project will continue and how much it will ultimately cost. This ordinance strikes me as more of a want than a real need in that most individuals use GPS as a way of locating the addresses of businesses.

The City recently expended $15,000 on an extensive due diligence report on the Concordia property. There are some concerns, but obviously not enough to dissuade four of my colleagues from supporting the purchase of the property. I am confused as to why the Independence Board of Education property (Land Lab/former Nike site) was included in the report. This property is not contiguous to the church property, and thusly a strange item to be included in the due diligence report.

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather!

Clarification: The City engaged Haley & Aldrich to prepare a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for the Concordia Church property. The purpose of the Phase I ESA is to assess whether “recognized environmental conditions” (REC), historical RECs (HREC), and controlled RECs (CREC) are associated with the subject property or nearby. One facet used to determine the presence of RECs requires the utilization of an Environmental Database Report search for any past site histories within a 1-mile radius of then site. The US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) database search yielded a site assessment report on the Former Nike CL-48 Site (the current Independence Local Schools Board of Education Site.) Given the site’s close proximity to the Concordia property, the consultants included it within the historical findings in their report. This is typical and required of Phase I ESA reports to ensure the end-user is aware of any possible environmental risks.

Chris Walchanowicz

PUBLIC LANDS & BUILDINGS

Hello, fellow residents. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. After electricity costs soared last year, the City decided to look into becoming its own electricity aggregator. City Council passed legislation in February to let NOPEC know of our decision. It turns out there was some misunderstanding about the process. Independence never left NOPEC, and our current contract runs through June 2024. NOPEC reached out to residents in April letting them know they would automatically be re-enrolled effective June

News CITY COUNCIL Council Meeting

April 11, 2023

2023. Residents also had the option to opt-out and stay with First Energy or go with another supplier they feel has better rates. If you have any questions, feel free to email me, and I will help.

After several months of safety meetings, Chief Butler was able to put together Ordinance 2023-14, allowing residents to have their golf carts inspected by the Police Department and then have the ability to get a license plate for their cart. I suggest that anyone who owns a golf cart read the ordinance so you are aware of some of the restrictions we put in place. For example, golf carts are not permitted on Rockside Road or Pleasant Valley Road east of Brecksville Road.

I am extremely excited about Ordinance 2023-29 for police body cameras. I have been requesting body cameras for our officers since Chief Kilbane was still here. Body cameras protect our officers in so many ways. They are a vital tool for them.

Our pavilion by the Annex building is finally getting a facelift. The pavilion was originally built in 1975. By Memorial Day, it will have a new look.

There was a lot of legislation coming out of the Engineering Department, mostly inspection companies, for all our road projects. There were also two items for asphalt and cement maintenance contracts.

I hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather this week. Stay safe and healthy.

Directors’ Reports

Michael Gero BUILDING OFFICIAL

The Building Department is using electronic plan review submittal for commercial projects. It reduces the amount of paper used and the length of time for plan review. Feel free to use email or call should you have any questions.

Over the last month, the Building Department sent nine (9) sets of construction drawings

for plan review. Twenty-one (21) commercial permits were issued, and 39 commercial construction inspections were performed. Plans were approved for alterations to a hotel on Jefferson Drive. An occupancy was issued for a 13,130 sq. ft. tenant build-out on Rockside Woods Blvd. North.

The Department also issued 52 residential permits and performed 45 residential construction inspections. Plans were reviewed and approved for a new single-family dwelling on Hemlock Road. Six (6) new dwellings are currently under construction in the City. Please get in touch with the Building Department to discuss any potential projects you may be considering.

As spring approaches, inspectors will be out and actively addressing issues to improve the appearance of our community.

Don Ramm CITY ENGINEER

The Engineering Department reports the following activities for last month:

A total of 18 permits were issued:

• One (1) Change-of-Grade Permit was issued for a new garage structure.

• Fourteen (14) Right-of-Way Permits were issued:

• Twelve (12) for telecommunication installations.

• One (1) for a new residential gas service installation.

• One (1) for a commercial development utility tie-in.

Three (3) Sanitary / Storm Sewer Permits were issued.

• One (1) to install storm and sanitary lines for a new garage structure.

• One (1) to install a storm sewer line for a commercial development.

• One (1) for a residential storm line replacement.

The Engineering Department prepared for and attended a resident “update” meeting on April 10 to present details regarding the Kleber Court Reconstruction Improvements projects. The

project is scheduled to commence on June 5 and run through September.

Osborn Engineering submitted preliminary engineering plans for the Longano Drive Reconstruction Improvements project. These plans are currently under review.

The Department collaborated to prepare and to submit the City’s Annual EPA Report for 2022 to the Ohio EPA. This report is in connection with our National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for the City which details a summary of last year’s storm water program.

A reimbursement request was submitted to Cuyahoga County in connection with their 2022 County Road Preventative Maintenance Reimbursement Program. $11,500 was requested for pavement marking performed on Pleasant Valley and Rockside Roads.

A reimbursement request was submitted to and received in the amount of $164,379.42 from Cuyahoga County in connection with their 50/50 County Road Maintenance Program. The work was Rockside Road Resurfacing (from Brecksville Road east to the Valley View Corporation Limit) that was performed during the Fall of 2021 / Spring of 2022.

We were notified on March 6 by Cuyahoga County that our 2023 County Road Preventative Maintenance Grant request was selected for funding in the amount of $47,500. The work includes pavement crack sealing on E. Pleasant Valley Road and full and partial-depth pavement repairs scheduled this year for Rockside Road.

Catts Construction has been performing concrete curb & gutter repairs in the Dalebrook Estates in connection with the 2022 Concrete Road Maintenance and Repair Contract Ordinance 2023-42 on tonight’s agenda authorizes Change Order No. 1 with Catts Construction to increase their contract funding in the amount of $523,134.

Lastly, six (6) ordinances on tonight’s agenda authorize 2023 construction inspection contracts with qualified consulting firms to assist the Engineering Department to oversee a few

million dollars’ worth of capital infrastructure construction and maintenance activity throughout the City.

Emily Thomas COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR

As part of National Volunteer Month and Volunteer

Appreciation Week, Community Services had the honor and privilege to recognize 32 individuals who gave their time, talent, and resources, accumulating over 785 hours serving our community at various City programs, activities, and events in 2022. Thank you to all our volunteers who truly make Independence the heart of Cuyahoga County!

As we continue to offer our ongoing regular programs, activities, services, and events, we are gearing up for a busy spring and summer and want to ensure you save the dates for the following:

• Summer Playground & IDEA Camp Registration began, Monday, April 24

• National Day of Prayer – Thursday, May 4

• Memorial Day Services & Procession – Monday, May 29

• Summer Concert Series & Farmers Markets Begin – Friday, June 9

• City-Wide Garage Sale – Thursday, June 22 –Saturday, June 24

• Independence Day Celebration – Monday, July 3

• Home Days – Friday, August 4 and Saturday, August 5

At the start of the new year, we launched our monthly e-newsletter, the Community Services Community Corner! As a complement to the Community Spotlight, the Community Corner will contain the most up-to-date information about Community Services programs, activities, events, and more!

The Community Corner will be sent on the second Monday of every month with a bonus e-newsletter the week of Home Days. You were automatically subscribed if you had a valid e-mail address associated with your Civic Center account. If you would like to be added

News CITY COUNCIL

Council Meeting April 11, 2023

to the e-mail distribution list, please contact Community Services at 216.524.7373 or via e-mail at cs@independenceohio.org.

We look forward to receiving your comments, ideas, and feedback to ensure the Community Corner truly serves you!

Steve Rega FIRE CHIEF

On April 6, the Independence Fire Department swore in two new part-time firefighters/ paramedics. I want to congratulate Andrew Rakityan and Ryan Arnold on becoming members of the department. They both grew up in the area and are Cuyahoga Heights High School graduates. I look forward to working with both of them. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honors and remembers fallen heroes May 4 – 7 by “Lighting up the Night.” On these evenings, they have asked that fire departments, businesses, homes, and other prominent landmarks across the country be lit with red lights to show their support. So, if you happen to drive by the Independence Fire Department on these evenings, it will be displaying red lights in support of this event.

Tom Walchanowicz PARKS

& RECREATION

DIRECTOR

As we transition into the spring weather, our staff has been busy getting our outdoor facilities prepped, cleaned, and ready for one of the busiest times of the year! The high school baseball and softball teams and the travel league programs are practicing and playing games. Our spring soccer program is in full swing, and our new 3-year-old kick-start soccer program has had a great registration with over 20 children enrolled!

I want to remind everyone that the deadline to register for our summer little league program is approaching quickly, and we will be hosting coaches’ meetings and team selection around

the third week of April. We also have a couple of new programs that currently have open registration: the new youth kickball program and our adult co-ed softball program. Both programs will begin in early summer!

A reminder that we are having a big sports card show at the Fieldhouse the weekend of April 15-16. This show will have over 300 tables which will all be sports-related.

We sold a record amount of 103 tables for this past Kiwanis Community Garage Sale and were able to raise $ 1,195 for the Dorothy Ornas Scholarship Fund! Thanks to everyone who participated in this sale!

Finally, another reminder that we currently have registration open for all our summer outdoor pool programs and activities! Also, we have registration for pickleball lessons that will begin in May. Please sign up early so you don’t get shut out. You can easily sign up for most of these programs from the comfort of your home via your computer or smartphone.

Thank you!

Robert Butler POLICE CHIEF

I am pleased to announce that T.J. Ungvarsky, Corey Cutler, and Michael Bruvarny have all completed their field training (FTO) program. While each of these officers bring a long resume of police service, our department takes its time to ensure they know our community’s expectations. These three have excelled during their training, and I am confident they will represent our department well while on patrol. Lieutenant Murphy and Sergeant Sedlock run the FTO program, and I thank them for their diligence.

IPD continues to keep a focus on training. Law enforcement is a community. It is important that we learn from each other. Officer Collise completed CIT, all Sergeants completed the FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Institute, Officer Likes completed Domestic Violence Instructor training, and Lieutenant Martin and Officer Shirk completed BJJ (Brazilian Ju Jitsu)

Instructor training - just to name a few recently. We are blessed to have so many talented and knowledgeable officers in our ranks, and it is even better that they have a passion for continuous learning.

Great job to all the officers who have completed training this year and all those who are signed up for future classes.

Ron McKinley SERVICE DIRECTOR

Spring cleanup has started, and landscape crews are cleaning up various areas in the City for flower planting, irrigation repair, and flower basket arrangements. Compost deliveries began in April and will continue until July 1. If any resident wants compost delivered to their home, please get in touch with the Service Department.

Catch basin cleaning occurred in March on Oakwood Drive and in April in the Chestnut Woods Development.

Maple Shade Cemetery Burials: There were four (4) burials in March and four (4) burials as of April 11.

Collection Totals:

• Chipper: 364 stops (March), 98 stops (as of April 11).

• Rubbish: 248.60 tons (March), 56.67 tons (as of April 11).

• Recycling: 57.92 tons (March), 14.90 tons (as of April 11).

• Household Hazardous Waste: 203 items (March).

• Metals: 56 items (March).

• During the month of February, 5,920 pounds of metal was dropped off at the county facility.

Dave Snyderburn TECHNICAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

This evening, Council passed legislation to reconstruct the pavilion near the Annex and tennis courts. The Technical Service Department will facilitate the renovation

which is scheduled to be completed the third week of May, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Work includes:

• Replacing deteriorated posts.

• Removing and replacing shingles and wood decking.

• Installing a new metal roof. The pavilion will provide shelter from the elements for many years to come.

Colors are back in bloom, and spring is here. Enjoy!

LEGISLATION

ORDINANCE 2023-14 An Ordinance amending Part Three of the Traffic Code; Title Ten –Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Snowmobiles by adding new Chapter 376 – Golf Carts of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Independence. Enacted 6 yes/1 no (N).

ORDINANCE 2023-29 An Ordinance authorizing the purchase of twenty-five (25) GETAC bodyworn camera systems, with accessories, for the police department. (In an amount not to exceed $48,631.14 and authorizes the additional monthly charge of $25.32 for GETAC cloud storage, for each of the 25 GETAC body-worn camera systems, in a total annual amount not to exceed $7,600.00, and with the total cost to not exceed $56,231.14). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-30 An Ordinance authorizing the purchase of materials, goods, and services for improvements to the outdoor pavilion (Fire Station) (rev. 1). (In a total amount not to exceed $22,994.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-31 An Ordinance authorizing the purchase and delivery of a leaf vacuum for the Service Department. (In an amount not to exceed $74,301.76). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-32 An Ordinance authorizing the purchase, delivery, and installation of two rotary 12,000 lb. capacity vehicle lifts for the Service Department. (In a total amount not to exceed $15,180.08). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-33 An Ordinance authorizing the purchase and installation of two Epoke Salt Spreader Boxes for the Service Department. (In a

News CITY COUNCIL

Council Meeting April 11, 2023

total amount not to exceed $237,481.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-34 An Ordinance authorizing the creation of Fund 217 Opioid Remediation for the purpose of accounting for revenue and expenditures associated with the OneOhio Opioid Settlement Distributions. Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-35 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of ACM Construction Management LLC to provide general construction engineering and inspection services to the Engineering Department (2023). (In an amount not to exceed $50,000.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-36 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of Environmental Design Group to provide general construction engineering and inspection services to the Engineering Department (2023). (In an amount not to exceed $50,000.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-37 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of Quality Control Inspection, Inc. to provide general construction engineering and inspection services to the Engineering Department (2023). (In an amount not to exceed $50,000.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-38 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of Greenman-Pederson Inc. to provide general construction engineering and inspection services to the Engineering Department (2023). (In an amount not to exceed $50,000.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-39 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of CT Consultants, Inc. to provide general construction engineering and inspection services to the Engineering Department (2023). (In an amount not to exceed $50,000.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-40 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of DLZ to provide general construction engineering and inspection services to the Engineering Department (2023). (In an amount not to exceed $50,000.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-41 An Ordinance authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the City’s 2022 Asphalt Road Maintenance and Repairs Contract with Ronyak Paving. (In an amount not to exceed $775,467.00, and for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,856,435.15). Placed on Second Reading without objection.

ORDINANCE 2023-42 An Ordinance authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the City’s 2022 Concrete Road Maintenance and Repairs Contract with Catts Construction Company, Inc. (In an amount not to exceed $523,134.00, and for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,698,231.75). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-43 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of South Shore Utility Locating, Inc. for protective services relative to the City’s underground conduit system. (For a period of one year, beginning March 1, 2023 and ending February 29, 2024, for a total amount not to exceed $22,000.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

ORDINANCE 2023-44 An Ordinance authorizing the retention of Guide Studio, Inc. for professional services to assist the Economic Development Department with implementing the City’s 2023 Community Signage and Wayfinding Program. (In an amount not to exceed $30,000.00). Enacted 5 yes/2 no (To, V).

ORDINANCE 2023-45 2023 Annual Appropriations Ordinance. Enacted 6 yes/1 no (To).

ORDINANCE 2023-46 An Ordinance authorizing the purchase and delivery of a new fleet of copiers to replace the City’s existing copiers in all City departments. (In a total amount not to exceed $71,316.00). Enacted 7 yes/0 no.

& Wayfinding Looking for Prize Donations

HOME DAYS

We are excited to share some of these updates with the business community, our residents, and their guests.

Today, communities nationwide and locally are looking to differentiate from their neighboring communities when attracting and retaining businesses. Now, more than ever, it is also about businesses attracting and retaining their employees and customers who bring much-needed revenue to provide the level of services our residents and visitors have come to expect.

The Economic Development team utilizes every tool in its toolbox. In talking with businesses located along the Rockside Road Corridor, it became clear that the City could make it easier for people to find businesses and make Rockside Road less intimidating to navigate, especially for people who are not familiar with our community. Our customer service is a key distinguisher that makes Independence a premier community to live and work. The City engaged Guide Studio, Inc, a local expert in placemaking, to conduct a wayfinding analysis. Their analysis identified some challenges as well as recommendations to enhance the customer experience, including the scale and context of the City’s current signs; the pedestrian experience, which is key to many of our businesses and their employees; and finding destinations and connectivity. This work timed well with the City’s updated branding. In the next few months, you will see aspects of the multi-phased new wayfinding and placemaking program rollout–first along Rockside Road and then around the City Campus.

a. Guide Studio

Preliminary design concepts