A Message From Mayor Daniel Fritz

Dear Residents,

We continue to see improvements in terms of numbers and the subtle lessening of restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our work is not over and we strongly encourage all residents to consider one of several options available for receiving the vaccine. The recent opening of the mass vaccination site located at the Wolstein Center has many residents emailing and reaching out to my office stating that the process has been efficient and well organized. As I stated in a previous newsletter, I understand some may be hesitant. If you fall into that category I would encourage you to reach out to your personal physician. He or she can provide you with up to date information that is far more beneficial than one can access on social media or fringe websites. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health continues in their efforts to organize these vaccination sites and they continue to partner with local Mayors in terms of messaging and updates.

I would like to thank ODNR Officers Scott Denamen and Matt Madgar for taking the time to meet with residents this past month. Over 50 residents attended our ZOOM Meeting on Coyotes. The Village has made the recording available on our Facebook page and Village website. Additionally, the Village has purchased multiple copies of suggested reading material that these Officers highly recommend. A copy of “Coyote America” by Dan Flores can be loaned out to any resident by contacting Sherri at Village Hall 440.248.1188. In the end, the Officers explained that coyotes are here to stay. They are present in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. In fact, coyotes are present in many major cities including Central Park in New York City. While these animals rarely pose a danger to humans, they can pose a danger to small pets. This behavior is more frequent during the mating and birthing season which runs from January through March. There are some steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood that these animals maintain a presence in one’s yard. In addition to the ZOOM recording we have compiled a written summary that you may find useful. This summary can be found on our website and a shortened version is provided in this newsletter. A reminder that it is not permissible to hunt these animals in our Village and that the discharge of a firearm is strictly prohibited anywhere in the Village.

Members of our Parks Commission, chaired by resident Bill Janke, recently had an opportunity to review plans for our new pavilion at Forest Ridge. Commission members had some wonderful input and the conceptual drawing will now move to our Facilities Committee where further input will be collected. We are excited at the potential for community gatherings at this location and will continue to keep you all updated as developments take place.

I would like to welcome two new members to the Village’s Green Commission. Residents Carol Feltoon and Jennette Irish Glass were recently sworn in. They will help to further our efforts associated with proper recycling, composting, community events and other environmental issues. This Commission continues to help us reach our goal of being the leader in environmental stewardship.

Lastly, the recent passage of our 2021 budget has some aggressive goals associated with our Road Program. This year we will be spending $1,055,100 on road improvements. We will also be bidding out repairs on the two main retaining walls in our Village located at Miles and Bentleyville Roads and on upper Giles. I would like to thank members of Village Council for all of their hard work related to the passage of our budget. I would also like to thank our Village Treasurer Prashant Shah and his Assistant Marcia Bossart for their continued focus on the financial health of this wonderful Village. We all continue to work as a team to ensure that improvements are made after carefully being vetted under our conservative budgeting practices.

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