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A Message From Mayor Daniel Fritz

 Dear Residents,

I think we can all agree to a sense of relief that 2020 is now behind us. Indications are that we have some room for optimism at the start of this new year. As we have all heard, new vaccines by both Pfizer and Moderna show great promise in combatting the effects of the pandemic. As a career Firefighter/Paramedic I am classified as a “1a safety worker” and thus able to receive this vaccine early. By the time this newsletter is printed I should have received my first of 2 injections. I relate this news as I want to strongly encourage all of our residents to take this vaccine once available. I understand that there is some concern related to the speed at which this vaccine was developed. However, all of the healthcare professionals I consulted with have stressed that the vaccine is safe and that they will be receiving the vaccine as soon as they are able. This includes my personal physician and many others who have dedicated their lives to fighting disease. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has some very detailed information regarding the vaccines on their website. If you are conflicted with this decision I encourage you to consult with your physician and to seek guidance from known experts like those at the CDC, Ohio Department of Health and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

In early January, Village Council held it’s Organizational Meeting. During that time, a Council President was elected, Committee members were appointed and a Planning Commission Chair was named. In next month’s newsletter I will relate the results of this meeting. It has been a very busy year for members of your Village Council and you have been well served. We continue to work in strong partnership for the betterment of this wonderful Village. A special thanks to Council President Steve Richman for his hard work this past year.

I am pleased to announce that we have renewed contracts with some of our professional staff. William Hanna will continue to represent the Village as Law Director. R. Todd Hunt will once again serve as legal counsel for our Planning Commission. Additionally, I am pleased to announce that Jeff Filarski will be returning as our Village Engineer. Jeff continues to understand the needs of this village, its infrastructure and challenges which lie ahead. Other staff members are mid contract and will continue to serve in their respective capacities.

Our Service Department worked very hard in December to clear the roads and address all of the storm damage that occurred. This work was not easy. Many of you emailed and called to thank them. In another section of this newsletter, Service Director Ted DeWater explains how our storm plowing routes are determined and what takes place during a severe storm. A reminder to register for CodeRed as we use it for messaging our residents. For example, we issued a CodeRed to advise residents that we were having a special pick-up for winter storm damage. See our website for registration information.

You may have read that the Village has been working with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and the Village of Hunting Valley to preserve 27 acres at the northwest corner of South Woodland and Chagrin River Road. Additionally, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy was instrumental as the Village worked with land owners in another area of the Village in an effort to provide options, other than development, for nearly 50 acres. Former Mayor Susan Renda worked very hard to preserve land in our Village and we continue down that path in partnership with this amazing organization.

Lastly, in 2021 we will break ground on our beautiful new pavilion located in Forest Ridge. Our Engineer and Service Director are finalizing plans and the project will be presented to our Facilities Committee this Spring. Stay tuned for drawings and other information related to this amazing project.