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Speaking of improvement, special thanks to the members of the Moreland Hills Parks Commission who recently made a very generous donation to provide a three-panel, all-weather messaging station to be installed at Lang Pavilion. Through their hard work, this commission continues to raise funds dedicated to improvements within our parks. Please remember to support their efforts by registering for the annual “Head for the Hills” event this fall.  More information can be found in this newsletter. The event features one of my favorite 5k courses in the Chagrin Valley. Join us as we participate in the hike, walk, run and other activities in Village Park.

Switching gears, I wanted to relate the current status of our solar energy system regulations. Drafted in 2012, the use of solar panels had some restrictions that were less than ideal in terms of incentivizing use. Officials at that time were not against the use of solar, however, the Ohio Building Code did not fully address some important key issues. Many enforcement and regulation issues were left to the local communities to deal with. In an effort to ensure the safety for homeowners and firefighters, who potentially need to operate on the roofs, the Village made the use of solar energy systems a “Conditional Use”. This designation had pros and cons. On the positive side, the more prolonged process provided for a more thorough review that took safety and appearance into account. On the negative side, this process resulted in delays and red tape that were less than ideal in terms of incentivizing the use of alternative energy. When I became Mayor, I made it one of my goals to streamline this process and to hopefully remove the “Conditional Use” designation. That change, however, cannot be made at the sole discretion of the Mayor. Together with our Planning Commission, members of Village Council and under the guidance of professional staff in our Building Department, we have started the process to allow for a much easier application for the use of solar energy systems on one’s home. New language has been drafted, items such as the prohibition of panels on the front of the home have been removed and the new ordinance is currently making its way through our defined legislative process. At the September 7th Council Meeting we will host a public hearing that will allow residents to express support or dissent for this less prohibitive use of solar energy systems. As Mayor, it is my hope that this ordinance will pass and that we continue to incentivize the use of alternative energy sources.

Lastly, we are in the process of updating our Council Chambers with fresh paint, wall repairs, new pictures and other cosmetic improvements. Along with these changes will be the integration of a new audiovisual system that will allow us to livestream our Council Meetings so that residents can watch from home. I believe this is another step toward the transparency that residents desire.

I wish you all the best as we enjoy another summer in our beautiful Moreland Hills.