City

Vote by Mail opens on April 1, 2014.  Board of Elections Director Pat McDonald says, “the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is encouraging voters to take advantage of this safe, reliable, and convenient method of voting in the May 6th Primary Election.  Voters may also track their ballot on our website: www.443vote.com  to confirm their ballot has been received by the Board of Elections.  Vote by Mail/Absentee ballots are the first ballots to be tabulated when the polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Night.”

Continued:

The May 6th Primary Election will include candidates for U.S. Congress, Governor, and statewide offices, the Ohio House and Senate, County Executive, County Council (in odd numbered districts), judicial seats, Democratic Central Committee, and issues.

To avoid lines on Election Day, and to allow extra time to study the ballot, all registered voters may Vote by Mail. Vote by Mail ballot applications are available at the Board of Elections website: www.443VOTE.com, by calling the Board of Elections at 216-443-VOTE (8683), and at all public libraries.

The voter registration deadline is April 7th.  Voters who have moved or changed their name since they last voted need to complete and return a new Voter Registration Card.

It is important for all voters to be prepared to cast their ballots.  Sample ballots are available on the Board of Elections website: www.443VOTE.com.

Voters who are interested in serving as poll workers may call 216-443-VOTE (8683) or apply on-line at: www.443VOTE.com.

Question:  There are adults and sometimes teenagers selling door-to-door in my neighborhood.  I don’t want them knocking on my door.  How can this be stopped? 

Answer from Officer Fred Stoldt, Patrol Division:  Door-to-door peddling and soliciting may be legally conducted within the City of Euclid and there are approximately 20 laws that address these requirements.

The first ordinance that would directly answer this question and should provide for your request would be ordinance - 757.13 Peddling Forbidden Where Sign Prohibits.  If you display in public view a sign which reads “No Peddlers”, “No Solicitors” or similar statements, even a lawfully permitted solicitor is forbidden to knock on your door or ring your bell.  Premade signs may be purchased through local retailers for a small cost and affix easily to your front door without being too obtrusive. 

Continued:

Tuesday, February 18, 2014 marked the end of one era and the beginning of another for the Euclid Fire Department (EFD). Chief Tom Cosgriff, who served the residents for over 33 years, retired.  This necessitated the promotion of a new chief and other officers within the EFD. 

As Mayor, it is my responsibility to yearly report on the State of the City.  As I prepared my report, I reviewed the finances, various departments, and community services and projects over the past 12 months. I am pleased and optimistic by the progress and growth we have made in many areas this past year, although as far as we have come, our work is not yet complete. That is why 2014 will be our most important year yet. There may be less than two years left in my term as Mayor, but it is my full intention to make every day count. My goal is to position the city for success for many years to come.

It has been a long, cold winter and it’s only February! I am proud to say that our city crews have done an excellent job in keeping the streets clear. I appreciate the numerous phone calls and emails I have received from residents and businesses commenting on the great job our Service Department has done this winter with the frequent snow and frigid temperatures.

The main streets along with the hills, curves, bridges and school zones are the crew’s first priority. The secondary roads, followed by side streets are then cleared. Please remember not to park cars in the street when 2 or more inches of new snow has fallen until the street has been plowed. Keeping cars off the street will allow crews to clear the roads safely and completely. Cars parked on the street during a Parking Ban are subject to being ticketed.

There have been occasions when we feel that we must inform residents of current situations with our garbage and recycling collection. We also like to update residents on certain issues that may be occurring in their specific neighborhood, such as a water main break, hydrant flushing, power outages, etc. During these times we use our Euclid Connect System. This system is a reverse 911 system where we place calls to you to inform you of these situations. If you DO NOT already receive calls from City Hall, please go to the City website at www.cityofeuclid.com and click on the "Register to Euclid Connect box" in the left-hand corner to register. If you do not have access to a computer, please contact my office at 216-289-2751 and we can get you registered.

Euclid Police Department presents this one night self-defense program offered by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.  Instructors are sheriff’s deputies and martial arts experts. This program provides tools to assist in protecting yourself, teaches skills to prepare yourself, focuses on awareness and actions, and will teach you how not to appear helpless while developing trust in your intuition. This self–defense program is FREE and open to women, men and children over ten years old. Please call the Community Policing Unit at 289-8449 if you or your family plan to attend. 

• S.A.V.E. Program
• Thursday, Feb. 27th
• 7:00—9:00 p.m.
• Shore Cultural Centre
• 291 E. 222 Street

Kate McLaughlin is the Community Policing Specialist at the Euclid Police Department.

Question: On cold mornings, I heat up my car by letting it run while parked in the driveway, and I’m inside my house staying warm. Is this illegal?

Answer: This is actually a very good question and of course, this time of year, a timely one. The short and legal answer to it is "yes."  Euclid Codified Ordinance 351.06(a) titled, “Unattended vehicles; Duty to lock ignition, Remove key, Set Brake, Etc.”  reads, "No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, effectively setting the parking brake, and, when the motor vehicle is standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. The intent of the law when placed on the books was to prevent anyone not privileged to have control over the vehicle to take/steal the car.  Even to this day, the City of Euclid does experience cars being taken in this scenario. Crime prevention good behavior would suggest that you take your morning beverage with you to your car, bundle up very warmly and sit in your auto while warming it up. The extra couple of minutes you take will assure that your vehicle will be right where you left it when you started/parked it. 

Ralph J. Doles, Jr., Executive Officer, Traffic Division Commander 

Question: During storms and cold weather, sometimes my electricity goes out. Should I call 911?

Winter is here and the cold and snow that comes with it. And when the snow does fall, you can be certain city crews will be out in full force clearing the streets.  ODOT crews will also be nearby since they have recently opened a new 27,000 sq. ft. maintenance garage on the corner of Babbitt Road and St. Clair Ave.  

Election results are in. The Ward 4 Councilman is Kristian Jrosz.  In Ward 6, the Councilman is Patrick Delaney and in Ward 8, the Councilperson is Laura Gorshe. Elected and running unopposed were Council President Kristen Holzheimer Gail; Stephana Caviness to Ward 1 and Madeline Scarniech in Ward 2. School Board:
Angela M. Lisy. The Charter change, Civil Service Commission won 4628 to 1,665 votes.

Soon the City of Euclid will be distributing new trash and recycling carts to residents for curbside collection. City Council recently approved a new contract with Kimble Companies for both trash and recycling collection. Under the new contract, Kimble will supply all households with a 96-gallon trash cart and a 64-gallon recycling cart.

Residents are encouraged to place all trash into the cart, but the contract also allows for unlimited trash pickup, so they can have additional cans or bags on the tree lawn as well. The recycling cart is much larger than the current bins now in use which will be more accommodating for many residents. Both carts are very easy to handle and maneuver. I am confident residents will be very pleased with the change. The new Kimble contract is expected to save the city more than $500,000 over the next four years. The new carts will be distributed with an instruction sheet in early 2014.   

Fall is here and unfortunately those beautiful leaves are now falling. City crews are working hard to keep up with leaf collection. Crews work their way from one end of the city to the other and then, start over. Please Be Patient! Cold and wet leaves are harder to collect and, on occasion, clog the vacuum delaying the collection process. Collection will be completed in early December and after that you can bag leaves and put them curbside with your trash collection. If you want to know where the leaf collection crews are working, go to www.cityofeuclid.com and on the homepage click on Leaf Collection.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mayor Bill Cervenik

Mayor Cervenik, members of City Council and guests joined together at 4:00 pm on October 3, 2013 for an historic grand opening and ribbon-cutting event of the first phase of construction related to the Euclid Waterfront Improvements Plan at Sims Park, at 23131 Lake Shore Boulevard, Euclid, Ohio.

This exciting project enhances the Sims Park portion of the lakefront with a new handicap- accessible trail leading to the waterfront and a substantially larger new fishing pier.  The pier officially opened to the public for the first time following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

“This project, along with future phases, will increase public access to the lakefront for the entire region, drawing people to Euclid’s Waterfront District to fish, recreate and enjoy Lake Erie. In fact when the Waterfront Improvements Plan is fully implemented, nearly three-quarters of a mile of the shoreline will be opened up to public access from Sims Park to approximately East 248th Street. We also encourage the lakefront visitors to take advantage of the variety of nearby Downtown Euclid shops and great restaurants, while they are in the area,” stated Mayor Bill Cervenik.

The new pier, which replaces a former pier constructed in the 1970’s, includes a wider deck, a custom designed shade pavilion and a fishing platform protected by a stone breakwall. The extension of the pier nearly doubles its length to reach shoreline waters deep enough to fish. The project also includes specially-designed lower railings to allow handicap-accessible fishing. “Together these improvements offer another option to get to the water’s edge to enjoy one of the City’s greatest assets, Lake Erie. Not only will you be able to fish from the new pier, but this is also one of few locations where you can experience incredible sunsets and views of the Sims Park and the greater Cleveland shoreline, particularly east into Lake County,” said Mayor Bill Cervenik.

The fall weather, with its cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery, is a great time of the year to be outdoors and enjoy the season on foot. Throughout Euclid there are numerous walking areas in our parks and also in the neighborhoods. In fact, Cleveland Magazine gave the city a 100% rating for having sidewalk lined streets. 

The Recreation Department’s Passport to Euclid program sponsors a series of 1 hour walks (1.5-2 miles) through the city’s eight wards once a week on Saturday mornings. The series of guided walks allows you to venture out of your own neighborhood and see what the other areas of Euclid are all about. Learn about Euclid history and hear updates concerning future projects. Meet your neighbors and make new friends. Walks are 1.5-2 miles in length and begin at 8:30am as follows:

October 5        Heroes Park, Hero Drive off Euclid Avenue

October 12      Lakeshore Christian Church, 28010 Lakeshore Blvd

October 19      Bethlehem Community Church, 24490 Euclid Avenue

October 26      Forest Park Junior High School, 27000 Elinore Avenue

The new walking paths in Sims Park, 23131 Lakeshore Blvd., offer an up-close view of Lake Erie and our new fishing pier.

The paths throughout the Euclid Creek Reservation, part of the Cleveland Metro Parks off of Highland Road, are particularly beautiful this time of the year and feature wooded hillsides running the length of the park. Whether you just want to take a leisurely stroll or a fast-paced walk or jog, Euclid has many options throughout the city. For more information on the Passport to Euclid or other recreation programs, call 216-289-2700 ext. 3955.

I hope to see you in the neighborhood.

Your Mayor,

Bill Cervenik

Well, the summer of 2013 is winding down. The children are back at school, the pools are closed, and the days are getting shorter. The leaves will be changing our trees into colorful pieces of art, and the temperatures will continue to fall.  But summer sure did go out with a bang. 

On August 30th, the Critical Mass bicycling group visited the City of Euclid in grand fashion. Traveling from downtown Cleveland, approximately 750 bicyclists pedaled in mass to the Shore Cultural Centre, where they dismounted and enjoyed some cold beverages and good food. It was a an unforgettable sight to see them being safely escorted down Lakeshore Boulevard by the Euclid Police Department, as they waved to bystanders and shouted their motto, “Happy Friday.”

It was a great opportunity to showcase Euclid to many people that have never been here before. From their comments, they were very impressed.

Saturday afternoon, the Cleveland AFL-CIO held their First Annual Labor Day Picnic at Memorial Park, complete with good food, beverages, family activities and music.  It is the Organization’s intention to hold this picnic in Euclid for years to come.  Over one thousand people attended and they expect the event to grow in the years to come.  It is open to the public, and we should all mark our calendars for next year. 

The summer of 2013 was filled with family, fun and recreation, including a new Dog Park, Basketball Courts and Splash Park.  These new additions complement the many facilities, activities and parks that make summer in Euclid lots of fun.  We are always sorry to see it go, but we know that summer will return again next year.  We will be welcoming in the autumn season on October 3rd with the dedication of the new fishing pier at Sims Park.  The gathering will begin at around 3:00PM and all are invited and encouraged to attend. 

As always, God Bless and remember to be thankful for what has been given us.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new University Hospitals Euclid Health Center was held on Tuesday, June 25th.  Slated for completion in 2014, the new one story, $11 million medical office building will be 24,000 square feet and adjacent to its current building at East 185th & Lakeshore Boulevard. The fourteen doctors that practice at the facility serve approximately 70,000 patients each year. It is my hope that this investment by University Hospitals will encourage additional economic development along the East 185 corridor and beyond. 

Bluestone Business Park has announced the construction of their first building at the 82 acre site on East 260th Street.  Construction of a 103,000 square foot building will become the home of Remedi Senior Care of Ohio Northeast, LLC., a state of the art pharmaceutical distribution company, bringing 135 new jobs to the City of Euclid. Remedi will occupy approximately 34,000 square feet of the new building, with the remaining space available for additional businesses.

The Euclid Apartments, (formerly Oaks of Euclid) celebrated the grand opening of their new Leasing and Activity Center at 27181 Euclid Avenue. The apartment’s owner, Dominium, is proud of their investment which also includes a three-story indoor playground, a new fitness center and significant improvements to the outside playgrounds. 

These three projects demonstrate significant confidence in the vibrancy and strength of the City of Euclid. We will continue our efforts to attract new investment in our Community. When you add the opening of the new Spray Park, Dog Park and the new Basketball Courts at Memorial Park, it has been a very busy, productive and fun summer.  And coming soon, the new Fishing Pier at Sims Park. 

As always, God Bless and enjoy what has been given to us.

Mayor Bill Cervenik

Facilities represent a renewal on Euclid Avenue.

Oaks of Euclid Apartments, located at 27061 Sidney Drive in Euclid, has installed a three-story indoor playground as part of its new leasing and activity center (located along Euclid Avenue). When final construction on the building is completed later this month, the leasing and activity center will be the central hub of activity for current and future residents of the apartment community.

“We are extremely excited to install this three-story indoor playground and wrap up construction of this stunning leasing and activity center; in our company’s forty plus year history, we’ve never taken on a project quite like this,” said Mark Moorehouse, Dominium senior vice president and partner. “The center will represent a multi-million dollar investment on Euclid Avenue that we expect will have a positive impact throughout the neighborhood and the entire community.”

The transformation at Oaks of Euclid began when Dominium of Minneapolis, Minn. – a nationally recognized apartment community owner, developer and management company – took control of the property. The renovation at Oaks of Euclid also includes refreshed apartments, new landscaping, a new basketball court and hoops, and new outdoor playground equipment, picnic area and grills.

In addition to its three-story indoor playground (handicapped accessible and with slides, tunnels, and climbing activities), the leasing and activity center features a complete workout and fitness center for residents. And prospective residents and leasing agents will be able to take advantage of the latest technologies, such as iPad interfaces, to streamline and simplify the leasing application process while at the new center.

“Our on-site professional management and ten-person, 24-hour maintenance team are here to support residents with top-notch service,” added Moorehouse. “It’s important to add that we are long-term owners and managers, and we are committed to being part of the Euclid community for many years into the future.”

On recent morning in Euclid, the sound of a large excavator rolling off its trailer filled the otherwise quiet street of Drakefield Avenue. The 24-ton machine pulled in front of a dilapidated house that had been left uninhabitable by a severe fire. In a matter of hours, the building was reduced to a pile of rubble.  

Many adolescent summer schedules center on watching television, Tweeting and trips to McDonald’s. However this summer the Euclid City Pool Lifeguards have kept it healthy with multiple summer fitness challenges. Sponsored by Euclid resident Karen Steigerwald, the guards have been encouraged to “Peddle to the Pools” and “Go the Extra 500.” These challenges encourage the guards to ride their bikes to work and swim more than their 500 yard lap requirement each week. The guards can participate in one or both of the events. Each guard keeps track of his or her bike/swim record on an honor system and prizes are awarded every three weeks to the top three guards.

The first round of these competitions began in June at the start of the summer pool season. For the “Peddle to the Pools” competition, the winners included Amy Steigerwald, Chris Munz, and Sam Phillips. In total, the three guards biked 164.5 miles, and that’s just between the top three. In the “Go the Extra 500” challenge, the top three winner included Amy Steigerwald, Kwame McGee and Michelle Connavino. Together they swam a total of 560 laps. Each of the winners in both categories got to pick a gift card from a range of places such as Dick’s, Subway, Panera, I-Tunes and even gas cards.

Karen Steigerwald, the organizer of this idea, is a registered nurse at Hillcrest Pediatric Emergency Room. Karen is always looking for a way to keep today’s youth active and healthy. “I see many children who are overweight and extremely unhealthy at my job. I wanted to encourage all of the Euclid guards to make a change this summer and do something active.” Since many of the lifeguards live in the city of Euclid , Karen sees no reason why they cannot bike to work. “I believe that lifeguards are role models for younger children at the pool. If they see the lifeguards swimming and biking maybe they will follow their lead.” The final round of “Peddle to the Pools” and “Go the extra 500” is currently in progress and will continue until the end of the summer.

Amy Steigerwald is a Senior at Lake Catholic High School, a Euclid Memorial Pool Lifeguard and has lived in Euclid all her life.

During the month of July, Euclid and cities around Euclid were hit by a terrible storm that left houses flooded and damaged. The storm also left a percentage of the houses to be emptied by the residents and the city. The storm has also left a percentage of residents homeless.

The storm has been one of the worst storms in years to hit Ohio. The city’s officials from Wickliffe and Willowick and Euclid are saying if your house was flooded to go to the nearest shelter. The American Red Cross disaster relief unit and the United Way have been helping residents any way they can including helping remove property from their homes and setting up shelters for people who got flooded to stay and have a warm meal. 

Jesse Keffer is a 6th grader at FPMS who was a reporter for the school newspaper and is a songwriter who plays the clarinet and alto saxophone in the band, and is a Boy Scout in Troop 161,  Euclid, Ohio.

The city of Euclid has several new brand new attractions that will make it a great place for a “staycation” this summer.  There is a new spray waterpark at the Indian Hills playground, in the southwestern area of the city. It will be a fun change from the more tradition swimming pools, with many different places and ways to play. 

The baseball/softball field has been updated, and there are picnic tables for just hanging out, making this a great place to spend a summer day with your whole family.

New basketball courts are open at Memorial Park. Along with regular open court times, there will be instructional programs, and youth leagues, offered as character-building opportunities for Euclid’s families.

Last but not least are the new walking paths at Sims Park, which will provide a beautiful walk as well as exercise. The paths connect with the new fishing pier that is taking shape along the shore. Both pier and paths are ADA compliant and will be a peaceful and breathtaking way to take in the natural loveliness of Lake Erie, in all of its moods.

Mayor Bill Cervenik commented in his article in the last Euclid Observer, “I hope you enjoy strolling along the new walking paths throughout Sims Park and the soon to be completed fishing pier.  Sitting on a park bench and watching the sun set over Lake Erie is something you don’t want to miss seeing this summer.  I hope to see you in the neighborhood.”

Check the city of Euclid's website for more information: www.cityofeuclid.com.

The Euclid Senior Center isn't just for ‘old’ people!! There is a myth floating out there that Senior Centers are for “old” people. I often ask people what “old” means, and they say it is people who are at least five years older than themselves, whether they’re 70, 80, 90 or beyond. I guess it’s a matter of perspective.

The use of the term “senior” for centers which focus on programming, services and activities for older adults has been debated for years. What do we call ourselves so that young retirees feel as welcome in our facility as do the older ones?

No matter what the name, if you haven’t been to our Euclid Senior Center recently, then you’ll be surprised at what is offered. It’s not just for the frail, passive person any more. Our senior center reflects the values and preferences of our Euclid community.

Our primary mission is to provide activities, transportation, field trips, educational and entertainment, information and referral resources and a nutrition program for people age 60 and over. The goal is to assist older adults to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible. We also offer the activities to anyone who is 50 and over.

Some of our activities include, Yoga, Line Dancing, Art Class, Beading, Tai-Chi, Bingo, local field trips, arts and crafts, sewing, knitting, pinocchle, Bridge, just to name a few. We are always open to new ideas!

Dear Friends:

Summer is here and it’s now time to enjoy spending time outdoors. There are many activities being offering and events taking place throughout the city. Here are a just few you won’t want to miss:

• City pools will be opening on June 10th  and along with them is the new Spray Park at Indian Hills playground. This is the first such facility in the City of Euclid and a great alternative to the traditional neighborhood pool, especially for families with young kids. The park also has picnic tables, lounge chairs and an updated baseball field.

• Passport to Euclid Walking Program - June 1-November 9,  on Saturday mornings  from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Meet your neighbors, make new friends. Walks are done at a leisurely pace and are 1.5-2 miles in length. Call the Euclid Recreation Dept. for more details at 216-289-8114, option 8.

• 2nd annual Euclid Wind Festival takes place on Saturday, June 22, from 11 am – 7 pm on the grounds of Shore Cultural Centre at 291 East 222 St. This year’s festival expands on last year’s popular lineup of fun, food and activities for all ages. A variety of artists, musicians and community environmental partners will be on hand.

• Touch a Truck – Monday, June 17th 1-3 pm outside of the Euclid Public Library, 631 East 222nd Street.  Kids of all ages will love to see the big, city vehicles up close and personal and are welcome to climb inside and see how they work.

• Euclid Pond and Garden Tour – Saturday, June 29 from 6-10 pm and Sunday, June 30 from 1-6 pm. Come and view beautiful ponds and gardens that your neighbor’s around Euclid have to showcase. Tickets for self-guided tour $5.00. Purchase tickets at Euclid City Hall, Recreation Dept or at Briardale Greens Golf Course.

I hope you enjoy strolling along the new walking paths throughout Sims Park and the soon to be completed fishing pier.  Sitting on a park bench and watching the sun set over Lake Erie is something you don’t want to miss seeing this summer.  I hope to see you in the neighborhood.

Your Mayor

Bill Cervenik

Dear Friends,

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons for home buying. To assist people who are considering buying a home, the City of Euclid is sponsoring a Housing Fair. The Euclid Housing Fair will be held on Sunday, May 19th from 1 – 5 pm at the Henn Mansion, 23131 Lake Shore Blvd. The Housing Fair will highlight homes available throughout Euclid, city services and amenities. Local realtors, banks and city, county and neighborhood leaders will all be on hand to answer questions. Participants are invited to take a free tour on Lolly the Trolley for a curbside view of some of the available homes throughout a variety of neighborhoods. For more information on the Euclid Housing Fair call the Euclid Planning and Development Department at 216-289-8140.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies on Monday, May 27th. Morning graveside ceremonies will be held at 7:45 am at Euclid Cemetery and 8:15 am at St. Paul Cemetery. The parade will begin at 10 am and will be followed by a service at the Veterans Memorial next to Euclid Library.

Happy Spring,

Mayor Bill Cervenik

Dear Friends,

I think it is finally safe to say that the winter weather is behind us and we can now look forward to a beautiful spring and summer. Warmer weather also is a time for many to begin home repairs and renovations. EDCOR (Euclid Development Corporation) has made over 1500 low interest loans to homeowners in the City of Euclid. This Program provides a 3% low interest home improvement loan to income-eligible residents. EDCOR also offers a down-payment assistance program for income eligible first-time home buyers. For more information, contact the EDCOR office at 216 289-4625

As residents clean up and beautify their yards after the long winter, Euclid’s Streets and Parks departments will also be doing the same. The city provides an opportunity for businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, and families to clean up and maintain a particular area within the City through the Adopt-A-Spot program. After beautifying the adopted spot, the group makes a minimal commitment of periodically picking-up litter, pulling weeds, and basic maintenance of the spot.  The adoption is recognized on a sign posted close to your spot. Adopt-A-Spot offers a means for you to make Euclid a better place to live and play. For more information about Adopt-A-Spot please call my office at 216-289-2751.

Thank you for making Euclid a great place to live and work.

Happy Spring!

Mayor Bill Cervenik

Join Euclid Police Officer Ed Bonchak for a cup of coffee and a friendly discussion as he addresses the questions asked by patrons or those placed in a "Cop Box."

Goodbye Winter,  Hello Spring and Summer, and welcome to the following additions to the Euclid Community.

Basketball Courts at Memorial Park:

Now under construction are the new basketball courts located in Memorial Park. These courts will be a welcome addition to supplement programs offered by our Recreation Department. The courts will be used for instructional programs, youth league and open court pick up games. Various mentoring and character-building programs will be offered to the youth of our community in conjunction with their use of these courts.

Dog Park at Babbitt Road and St. Clair:

After years of discussion, Euclid’s first Dog Park will be opening in early spring at Sportsman Park next to the RTA Park-N-Ride at Babbitt and St.Clair. There will be a separate fenced-in area for both large and small dogs that will allow our four-legged friends to socialize and exercise without being on a leash. Outdoor furniture and other amenities will also be available for the comfort of their two-legged owners. 

Walking paths and pier at Sims Park:

The new paths provide passive, yet invigorating exercise opportunities. These paths will also be connected to the soon-to-be constructed phenomenal fishing pier.  

The fishing pier and paths, which are ADA compliant, will be a dramatic addition to our lakefront, providing a venue for all to enjoy Lake Erie’s amazing sunrises, sunsets and natural beauty. 

Thank you all for making Euclid a great place to live. Stay safe and remember to be thankful for what has been given us.

What has four legs and finds people hiding in attics and crawl spaces, recovers hastily tossed guns and discovers narcotics by the pound during routine traffic stops? These are just a few examples of how working dogs have made Euclid safer over the last few years. 

Now a local citizens group is recognizing Euclid’s K9 officers and their police officer handlers past and present for their efforts. On January 14, in a private ceremony, The Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association presented a plaque to the Euclid Police Department honoring the eighteen K9 officers and handlers who have served the city since 1974, when Heidi, a German Shepherd, became the city’s first K9. 

Mike Janson, Euclid Police Sergeant and supervisor for the K9 Unit, said, “Being a K9 handler is a tremendous commitment for the officer and their family. The dog and handler need to bond, select a trainer and participate in ongoing training. It’s a ton of hard work.”

Janson said, “To me it’s the most rewarding and frustrating part of law enforcement because they are animals. I wish we could talk to each other. They are pretty darn smart. You usually have to trust the instincts and training of the dog.”

He added that the dogs’ sense of smell is 1,000 times stronger than that of humans. Which means they can track, recover evidence and generally make the environment safer for the officers they work with. 

As Mayor, it is my responsibility during the month of February to report on the state of the City. As I review the finances, various departments, and community services and projects, I am optimistic about the progress and growth we have made in many areas, especially during this time of economic recession.

Municipalities throughout Ohio have had a reduction in funding received from the State o fOhio and we expect to continue to receive less funding this year and in the future. Therefore it is more important than ever for my administration and I to be aggressive in working to attract new businesses to the community. I am happy to report that several new companies are locating to Euclid and that several of our current manufacturing companies are expanding their facilities. Not only does this mean new jobs and revenue coming into the city, but I am hopeful it is a positive indicator that the economy is getting stronger. 

One major accomplishment that I am very proud of is the Waterfront project. The ADA accessible walking trails throughout Sims Park and along the lakefront have been completed. The construction of the fishing pier will be finished this spring.

You can read my State of the City report on our city website at www.cityofeuclid.com. The report not only overviews 2012, but details our plans and goals for 2013.

Hello, Euclid! The Euclid Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal would like to take a moment of your time to remind you to be safe during this festive season. In order to protect yourself, your family, and your home we’d like to warn you of three factors which pose an increased fire risk during the holidays: decorative lighting, live Christmas trees, and unattended candles. 

   “Used properly, these can be important family traditions,” says Marshal Flowers, “and while Christmas tree fires are not common, when they occur, they often become deadly.”

            According to the National Fire Protection Association, one third of holiday fires are electrical failures. Never use lights with damaged sockets or wires. Check each strand before putting them up because they may have been damaged in storage. If you find damage to sockets or strands, place them in the garbage. Again, do not use damaged lights. Replace burned-out bulbs with bulbs of the same wattage as indicated on the tag of the light set.

DECORATIVE LIGHTING SAFETY TIPS

1. Purchase lights that have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label and only use the lights according the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Outdoor lights are specifically labeled for outdoor use. Outdoor lights should be fastened securely and placed on a ground fault interrupter circuit. 
3. Do not connect too many light sets together and never use extension cords that are worn or cracked. Do not run them under rugs or over sharp objects.
4. Turn off the lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS

1. Live Christmas trees should be as fresh as possible. Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk, and place the tree in a sturdy stand; water it daily. When the tree becomes dry remember to discard it promptly.
2. One in five holiday fires occur because a heat source is too close to the tree. Locate the tree as far away from heat sources as possible. Never place lighted candles on or near the tree. In addition, do not place candles anywhere near the tree; they may fall if knocked over by a pet or child. 
3. Do not block your primary or alternative escape routes with a tree, decorations, or presents.

The Euclid Fire Department encourages all citizens to have a working smoke alarm installed on each level of the home.  Please remember to have a home fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. We want you and your family to enjoy the holidays. If you need our services, please call. We’ll be there! Stay safe, and thanks for your time. 

Will Anderson is the Platoon Chief of the Euclid Fire Department.

Dear Friends:

As the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season is here and for most it is a time to visit with family and friends, enjoy great food, reflect on the past year and exchange gifts. As I get older, I have come to appreciate that one of the most special and lasting gifts cannot be found in a box. It is the gift of spending time with our loved ones.  Sharing memories and family stories can be some of the best gifts we can give and receive. Let others know what the season means to you and how much you appreciate having them in your life.  

And what about neighbors, co-workers and others who don’t have anyone to share the holidays with?  We can give them the gift of a visit, a meal or plate of cookies, or simply spend time together sharing conversation or enjoying a card game or movie.  The gift of our time is priceless and cherished. 

What will you remember most from this holiday season? The stuff you received as gifts, or the time you spent with the people you care about?

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Seniors and Fire Safety

This article is designed to inform seniors and their caregivers about fire safety. It’s a fact that older adults, those ages 65 and greater, die in home fires far more often than the rest of the population. However, this first of a three part series will help you retire fire by taking care of yourself and influencing others (such as your neighbors, friends and family) about fire safety.

According to the 2000 United States Census, in Euclid, there were 9,657 households with a person at least 65 years old.  This represents almost 40% of all Euclid households! Additionally, nearly 20% of Euclid’s population is age 65 or over. The EFD is committed to providing our seniors and their caregivers with accurate data that will help protect them from the dangers of fire. 

The topics in this issue will cover how to prevent smoking fires, electrical fires, and home heating fires. 

Preventing Smoking Fires: According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of fire death in the home of a senior is caused by smoking. Other contributing factors include heating equipment such as space heaters, and cooking equipment. 

Smokers are seven times more likely than non-smokers to be fire victims. Smoking materials are the #1 cause of home fires that kill seniors. If you or others in your home smoke, prevent fires before they start. The best practice is to not smoke in your home. Other tips include the following:

It is my great honor to share the opportunity to host Swami Shree Yogi Satyam of India along with Dr. Zena Bedessee and supporters of Truth and Non-violence on October 2, 2012, at the Irish-American Club East Side (22770 Lakeshore Blvd. Euclid OH 44123) at 7:00 p.m., to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday, the “International Day of Non-violence.” Seminars to be held from Tuesday October 2nd to Saturday October 6th explore Kriyayoga Meditation, practiced by Mahatma Gandhi, as a way to understand how Non-violence helps society.

The special opening program at 7 p.m. on October 2, Gandhi’s birthday, will cover “how to understand Gandhi and how to follow his philosophy effectively.” Additional classes will then be held twice a day from October 3rd to October 5th at 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., with a final summary of the entire seminar on Saturday Oct. 6th from 8-11 a.m. Newcomers are welcome to attend any seminar being offered, and all classes are FREE and open to the public. Each seminar class covers new material, and consists of a mix of lecture and guided Kriyayoga Meditation simple and effective for anyone of any background, gender, or faith.

Swami Shree Yogi Satyam is making a special trip to the United States to lead the seminar classes in Euclid and greater Cleveland. Mr. Satyam is a master of Kriyayoga Meditation, the same practice of Mahatma Gandhi, who was initiated by Paramahansa Yogananda of India in 1935.

Voters in all of Cuyahoga County’s municipalities will cast ballots for President, U.S. Senate and Members of Congress, Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives, County Prosecutor and County Council members, judicial candidates, State Board of Education seats, the Brook Park Charter Review Commission, as well as local and state issues.

It is important for voters to be prepared to cast their ballots.  The voter registration deadline is October 9th.  Voters who have moved or changed their name since they last voted need to complete and return a new Voter Registration Card. After a voter has registered they will receive a post card that lists their ward, precinct, and voting location.

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge is pleased to inform constituents that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a new strategy to achieve cost savings that no longer includes the closing or consolidation of approximately 3,700 retail facilities throughout the nation. USPS confirmed that the Post Office branch at  21551 Euclid Avenue in Euclid and five other postal facilities in the 11th Congressional District that were on the proposed closing list, are spared from the chopping block.

While postal authorities withdrew their plan for closing facilities for the time being, they clearly stated they reserve the right to propose closings in the future if new cost-cutting measures fail to control their deficit. Without changes, such as buy-outs and reductions in the workforce through attrition, reduced hours at rural post offices or consolidation of mail processing facilities, the Post Office says it will continue to lose $25 million per day. However the single greatest contribution to the Post Office debt is a requirement that they "pre-fund" retirement benefits for employees 75 years into the future ($5.5 billion annually), a mandate imposed on no other business or government agency in the nation. This has resulted in large overpayments that Congresswoman Fudge says can and should be addressed by Congress.

“While, I am pleased that USPS will seek a new direction to achieve fiscal solvency without closing much needed facilities in our district, I urge them to do more. USPS must keep first class and Saturday delivery, maintain service standards and preserve health care and retirement benefits for its employees to adequately service our communities," said Congresswoman Fudge. "Postal facilities are a vital engine of economic activity in our community and accessibility is a crucial factor for businesses and residents, especially postal patrons with limited mobility or access to the internet such as the elderly, the disabled and low income residents."

USPS facilities no longer considered for closing in the 11th Congressional District:
·     Collinwood Station
·     East Cleveland Branch
·     Euclid Branch
·     Glenville Bratenahl Branch
·     Newburg Station
·     University Station

On May 8, Ward 1 Councilman David Gilliham submitted his letter of resignation to Mayor Bill Cervenik. It read in part, “After a careful assessment of personal and private priorities, I have decided to resign…. My last day will be June 30th…. I would like to thank the voters of the City of Euclid for their support in the past and I wish Euclid the best in the future. It was an honor and a privilege to serve this city….”

According to the Euclid Charter, City Council has 30 days to fill the vacancy. If it does not, the authority to fill the position moves to the Mayor. It gets a little dicey at this point for two reasons. First, there may not be anyone both qualified AND interested enough to apply for the position. Second, Ward 1 was specifically drawn to favor African-American representation on Council. That may pose a problem for Council. If you are new to Euclid, here is the background.   

Ward 1 sits in the southwest corner of Euclid. It along with the entire 8-ward system was created in 2007 to comply with the Remedial Order issued by Judge Kathleen O’Malley in the Dept of Justice lawsuit against the City of Euclid. Prior to 2007,Euclid had 4 Wards and 4 At-Large seats plus an At-Large Council President.

City residents can register their contact information and preferences to receive urgent notifications and important updates

The City of Euclid has launched Blackboard Connect, a mass notification system that enhances communication and emergency preparedness. The first community-wide test call was held on May 8, 2012.

Euclid implemented Blackboard Connect to stay connected to residents and efficiently provide them with direction in the event of severe weather or other urgent situations. Using Blackboard Connect, officials can record and send personalized voice messages to home phones, businesses, local agencies and mobile phones in just minutes. The service also can send email, text messages to mobile phones and posts on Facebook, RSS feeds and Twitter channels. Messages can also be sent to TTY/TDD devices for people who are hearing-impaired.

“We want to make sure residents receive the information that matters most to them, whether it is an urgent safety notification or an update on a recreation program,” said Bill Cervenik, Mayor of Euclid. “With Blackboard Connect, we have the ability to send important, tailored notifications to residents quickly and efficiently.”

Spring is here and with Summer not far behind, the City of Euclid will be filled with many events and programs for all to enjoy.  The Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 10:00 am on Monday, May 28th starting at East 228th St. and Lakeshore Blvd. and travels to the Veteran's Monument on East 222nd St. where a service is held to honor our Veterans who sacrificed their lives so that the United States and other countries could enjoy freedom.

Ah Spring! Flowers are blooming. Grass is growing. This month there’s a Rain Barrel Sale at the Historical Society, a Book Sale at the Library, a Flea Market at Henn and the Tribe’s Home Opener. People are clearing out garages, prepping grills and sprucing up yards.

The exterior appearance of a property says a lot about a neighborhood. It says more about the owner. So you’re pulling weeds, trimming shrubs, picking up trash while you walk the dogs or stroll the streets and you’re cutting grass.

You work hard to keep up your house and your yard. You cut your grass as needed and time allows. So it’s frustrating when the property up the street or next door has ankle-high grass, falling down gutters and trash strewn about. You are not alone. This is perhaps the Euclid Housing Department’s busiest season. Vacant properties, empty lots, negligent landlords and lax owners abound in this city.

The City of Euclid has six inspectors plus Housing Manager Charlie Drazetic. Each inspector has a territory. As time permits, the inspectors do pro-actives on the external conditions of a property. Housing also has a point person for grass complaints (and it’s not your councilperson). Loraine Zupancic handles all grass complaints. The City of Euclid requires grass be maintained at 6 inches. Now we all get behind in life and grass cutting can fall into that category. So be considerate. But if you know there’s flagrant, consistent abuse on a particular property, call Loraine. Give her the correct address. She’ll assign the property to the appropriate Housing Inspector to check and if warranted, to cite. The property owner has 48 hours to cut the grass. After that, the City sends a crew and the owner is billed $150. If they don’t pay, the property gets assessed. If a house is an exterior nuisance, Loraine can probably handle that as well. Loraine Zupancic’s direct line is 289-8165.

The City of Euclid faces various challenges, but if the Administration, City Council, and residents commit to working together, “there are endless possibilities for our future.”

That was a general theme of Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik’s annual “State of the City” message, delivered after the Feb. 6 City Council meeting. However, the specifics painted a clearer picture of the city’s recent successes as well as the hurdles and opportunities that lie ahead.

A good portion of the mayor’s remarks dealt with economic development.

“In 2011, the City of Euclid made great progress in sustaining and growing the local economy,” Cervenik stated. “The Community Services and Economic Development Department assisted nearly 20 companies in locating or expanding their business in Euclid…. Approximately 150 jobs have or will be added to the city and over 400 jobs were retained through these efforts.”

Happy New Year!  With winter in full swing, most of us are looking forward to warmer weather and the chance to get outside.  Until then, the EFD would like to share some tips with you that will protect your home or business, and possibly save your life.  Please keep the following safety tips in mind when using your fireplace or wood burning stoves:

• ·        Allow enough clearance between a wood burning stove and combustible materials such as walls, floors and ceilings.
• ·        A wood stove should be placed on an approved stove board to protect your floor from heat and hot coals.
• ·        Make sure the flue is open before lighting a fire, and never close the flue while a fire is still smoldering.
• ·        Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire.
• ·        The immediate area in front of a fireplace (approximately 3 feet) should not have a rug, carpet, or exposed wood flooring.
• ·        When lighting a gas fireplace, strike your match first then turn on the gas.
• ·        Burn only dry, seasoned wood and dispose of the cooled ashes in a closed metal container outside and away from your home.
• ·        Never leave a fire burning unattended in the fireplace.

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