April 19, 2022 | Volume 172
Welcome to the
City of Richmond Heights, Ohio
e-newsletter
MAYOR'S MESSAGE FOR "A BRIGHTER TOMORROW"
Old ways won't open new doors. Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. If you surround yourself with people who motivate and inspire you, you wake up every morning with determination then you can fall asleep with satisfaction. Working with a productive team brings me great satisfaction that we are moving the City into "A Brighter Tomorrow"!

This week's e-newsletter is packed with details on all our events, meetings, and useful information for our community. I look forward to seeing all of you at one or all of the events.

Yours truly,
Mayor Kim A. Thomas
April is National Minority Health Month, and this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) and its partners are highlighting the important role individuals and organizations can play in helping to reduce health disparities and improve the health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

The theme for this year’s National Minority Health Month is Give Your Community a Boost! The theme focuses on the continued importance of COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as one of the strongest tools we can use to protect communities from COVID-19, which has disproportionately affected communities of color. CDC data show that some racial and ethnic minority groups — particularly Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native people are at increased risk of getting sick, having more severe illness, and dying from COVID-19. Give Your Community a Boost! also supports the many other efforts happening in communities across the country to advance health equity.
RHPD took a police report on April 18, 2022 involving someone posing from a bank and requesting the person send money to a Bitcoin account. This is a COMPLETE FRAUD. Banks do not operate that way. Please warn family members and friends. If someone makes an attempt, please call the police department at 216-486-1234 and report it.
CALLING ALL CONTRACTORS! ELECTRICAL PLUMBING, HVAC, GENERAL, FIRE, SEWER - DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE CITY'S BUILDING DEPARTMENT AND BECOME PART OF OUR "PERMITTED CONTRACTOR DATABASE??? Homeowners trust and look for licensed contractors to make repairs improvements to their homes or property. Many of those repairs and improvements will require a permit. A building permit serves as formal and legal permission to start a project and that submission of plans etc. meets the adopted building and zoning codes. Call the City of Richmond Heights Building Department at 216-383-6312 for more information on how to become a registered contractor with our City and to be added to our database. Homeowners can then go to our website or click on the link Permit-Contractor Database to find a City registered, licensed contractor in our City. PLEASE NOTE ALL LICENSED CONTRACTORS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH OUR CITY TO PERFORM ANY WORK.
HOMEOWNERS, PLEASE NOTE A representative of IGS Energy, an electric supplier company, recently received a permit from our Police Department allowing her to go door-to-door to talk with residents about electric supply to their houses. The IGS representative is knocking on doors now because the City’s electric aggregation program contract ended last December. The City is in the process of reviewing proposals for a new electric aggregation program contract and we expect to make a decision within the next month. Homeowners will then be sent information regarding joining the electric aggregation program or selecting their own electric supplier. The IGS representative must wear a photo ID card, provided by the Police Department, clearly identifying herself and that she works for IGS Energy. Solicitors are only permitted to go door-to-door between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Any questions or issues, please call the Police Department non-emergency number at 216-486-1234.
SOLICITORS PERMIT - The City of Richmond Heights requires that all solicitors register with the Richmond Heights Police Department prior to going door to door within the City. Once a solicitor is registered with the City, they will receive a photo ID card, which they must always carry on them while soliciting. Solicitors are permitted to go door-to-door between the hours of 9 a.m. & 7 p.m. If you are unsure if a solicitor has registered with the City, please ask to see their City-issued photo ID, which will include the person’s name, the company name they are working with, and the expiration date.
If you encounter a solicitor who does not have a City of Richmond Heights photo ID, give the police department a call at the non-emergency number (216) 486-1234. Provide the dispatcher with a description of the solicitor, the name of the company they are working for, and their direction of travel so an officer can locate the solicitor and advise them of the City Ordinance 741.21.
***Residents, we welcome you to stop by the police department between 8 a.m. & 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, when the Clerk is in the office, to pick up a FREE “NO SOLICITING” sticker for your front door.
MARCH EMPLOYEES
OF THE MONTH
Tom DiLellio - Finance Dept.
Lt. Jason Buss - Fire Dept.
Officer Joe Klepac - Police Dept.
Tim McConnaughy - Service Dept.
Now Hiring for full-time and part-time positions as well as Boards & Commissions:
The beautification of our special city is
a team effort.
Please do your part by avoiding littering. 
It is also against the law and
subject to a 
$500 penalty.
ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT THE CITY'S AGGREGATION PROGRAMS FOR ELECTRIC AND GAS?
Visit the "Popular Links" page on our City Website for links, phone numbers, and information on our aggregation programs as well as other utilities, storm water and sanitary sewers, Cuyahoga County and Regional connections, and so much more!
DO YOUR PART ON FRIDAY, APRIL 22ND, AND TAKE SOME TIME TO CLEAN UP LOCALLY. IF YOU SEE IT, PLEASE PICK IT UP, AND DISPOSE OF IT PROPERLY.
EarthDay.org's theme is "Invest in Our Planet". The difference between Earth Day and Arbor Day is that while Earth Day recognizes humankind's negligence regarding the environment and aims to take steps to correct the imbalance, Arbor Day, while similar in purpose, is one day dedicated to the planting of trees, which in turn lowers the carbon footprint. Click on EarthDay.org's Tips link to discover 52 ways to Invest in Our Planet.
ARBOR DAY IS FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH
Celebrate with your "Tree City" in Community Park located at 27285 Highland Road at 1:00 p.m. for our annual tree planting and recognition ceremony. Richmond Heights has been a member of Tree City USA at the Arbor Day Foundation and recognized as a "Tree City" for over 23 years.

The Arbor Day Foundation is celebrating its 50th year and has planted and distributed nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries around the world to fight global issues facing humankind.
SHRED DAY &
RICHMOND HEIGHTS KIWANIS
FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT THE
GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK
SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH
9:00 a.m. - NOON
RICHMOND HEIGHTS CITY HALL

The Richmond Heights Kiwanis Club will be collecting food and cash donations for the Harvest for Hunger Food Drive. This is a drive-thru and drop-off paper and document shredding event. For everyone’s safety, please unload your bags and boxes out of your vehicle. There is a limit of five (5) bags or boxes per vehicle.

Richmond Heights Kiwanis Club members will be on hand to collect non-perishable food donations or cash or check donations to benefit the Cleveland Food Bank. A $1.00 donation can provide four or more meals to those in need. PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF ITEMS PRIOR TO APRIL 30TH 
NEWS, EVENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Special memories were made and fun was had by all who attended the Richmond Heights Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 9th.
Mayor Thomas and Chief Tom Wetzel shared food and fellowship with our friends at the M.A.C.E. Mosque on April 17th. We appreciate their kindness and friendship. Pictured left to right: Chief Wetzel; visiting Imam Dr. Moussa Salama (Heart surgeon); Mayor Thomas; Dr. Ahmad Banna (Cardiologist) and his wonderful wife Dr. Boushra Ward ( Pediatrician ); and Mohammed Fahmy (one of the kindest men you can meet).
Visit your new local Richmond Heights Branch of Cuyahoga Libraries located at
449 Richmond Road and check out all they have to offer.
BRANCH HOURS
Mon – Thu 9 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Fri & Sat 9 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Sun 1 – 5 P.M.
Anticipated Construction Schedule as of March 2022 (Subject to Change)
Check out the Belle Oaks “Scope of Project” website here
  • Sitework/Mall Demolition: Commences in Spring 2022
  • Leasing Center: Construction begins June 2022; Opens February 2023
  • Phase I Apartment Buildings: Construction begins Spring 2022, Opens June 2024
  • Meijer’s Store: Construction begins February 2023, Store Opens May 2024
Customers of First Energy experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the company as soon as possible to set up affordable payment arrangements or obtain assistance before electricity shut-offs for non-payment resume on April 15th. Individuals interested in learning more about utility assistance programs can do so in two ways:
  •  Visit the First Energy Bill Assistance web page at www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist and to see available programs based on income and household size.
  • Contact the dedicated customer service team Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1-800-589-3101
Again, winter utility disconnection moratoriums will soon be lifted so it is extremely important those in need contact First Energy as soon as possible.
Legal Aid secures justice and resolves fundamental problems for those who are low income and vulnerable by providing high quality legal services. Legal Aid is free - they never charge clients for services.
VOTE BY MAIL IN THE MAY 3, 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION 

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is reminding voters that the May 3, 2022, Primary Election is less than a month away and it is encouraging people to Vote-by-Mail. Voters who wish to Vote-by-Mail must complete and submit a ballot application as soon as possible to allow plenty of time for processing and ballot mailing.

To request a Vote-by-Mail ballot application, visit: www.443vote.us or call 216-443-VOTE (8683). Vote-by-Mail ballot applications are also available at all public libraries.
Ever wonder what it would be like to help conduct an election? People are needed on Election Day to help staff the polls, transport ballots and materials, and maintain political balance. Be a part of history, support democracy, and have fun by becoming an Election Day Worker. Starting pay is $220.
Your community needs you! Click on this link or call 216-443-3277 for more information.
For the first time, the City of Richmond Heights has partnered with HERITAGE HOME PROGRAM to provide residents with FREE technical assistance and advice for repairs, remodeling, and low interest financing programs for homes 50 years or older. The program operates in all of Cleveland and 38 cities in Cuyahoga County. They estimate there are 2,062 homes in Richmond Heights that are eligible for their services. For more information, visit their website, call 216-426-3116 or email hhp@heritagehomeprogram.org
To promote and organize community educational programs and projects with an emphasis on environmentally friendly living. The Highland Heights Green Task Force is a 501(c)(3) non-profit who serves Greater Hillcrest Communities & beyond. Their campaign for 2022 is “Climate Change and What We Can Do”. Meetings are held at the Highland Heights Community Center located at 5827 Highland Road 1st Wed of the month at 7:00 p.m. Check out their events by clicking on the link above or here.
PANTRIES

RICHMOND HEIGHTS MOBILE PANTRY
EVERY 3rd THURSDAY FROM
 10:00 A.M. - NOON AT RICHMOND HEIGHTS UPPER SCHOOL
Enter from Richmond Road 
MACE MOBILE FOOD PANTRY EVERY 4th THURSDAY FROM 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. located at the M.A.C.E. Islamic Center, 26901 Chardon Rd. They distribute a variety of produce and food with a drive-through service.
Please wear a mask!
CC’S CUPBOARD PET FOOD PANTRY located inside the K-9 Kingdom, 26700 Highland Rd. the 1st Saturday of each month. Please use side door. They provide pet food & supplies to animal rescues and struggling pet owners. Imagine having to decide between feeding yourself, your children, or your pets. This should not be an issue. Sadly, it is a very real issue for many. That is how CC’s Cupboard came to be. Kelli, at K-9 Kingdom, donated a back room for the pantry and with help from friends and family alike, our non-profit was started.
SENIORS CORNER
WESTERN RESERVE AREA AGENCY ON AGING is conducting a Community Needs Survey. Please take a moment to fill out the survey by clicking on the link above or here.
WRAAA provides, advocacy, assistance, answers on aging and Disabilities while serving older adults and individuals with disabilities in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.
FREE BINGO NOW ON MONDAY'S will take place at the Kiwanis Lodge from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. on the first, second, and third Monday of each month. Win Prizes! Call the Recreation Department at 216-383-6313 for more information. Sponsored by the Recreation Department.
NOW ON MONDAYS
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
JOIN DJ JAMMIN' JOEL on the 4th MONDAY of the month from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
at the Kiwanis Lodge.
He will be spinning old-time hits to dance or sing your socks off to. Light refreshments.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP ON AGING (CPA) Community lunch program locations:
 *Mondays: Richmond Hts. Kiwanis Lodge & Lyndhurst CC
*Tuesdays: Frozen entrée drive-through at Lyndhurst CC
*Wednesdays: Highland Hts. CC ONLY (NEW SITE)
*Fridays: Highland Hts. CC
The number for all Cafe’ Services reservations is 216-970-0347. You will still call 216-650-4029 for weekly meal/box orders and you will still call 440-473-5138 for program reservations/questions. Click on this link for current Cafe’ Services offerings or link for April 2022 menu; Go directly to CPA’s website here to see all they have to offer our Seniors; View their April Newsletter here; or sign up for their monthly newsletter to be delivered directly to your inbox here.
APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH WITH CPA!
Throughout Community Partnership on Aging's 40+ year history, they have always known how important their corps of faithful volunteers have been to the functioning of their agency. And never more than now! As CPA continues to reopen its programming and expand new opportunities, the need is greater than ever. Whether you are coming back or looking for a new way to make a difference, CPA has a place for you! To learn more about where you can help, contact Lauren Lanham (Volunteer Coordinator) at 216-291-3903 or lanhaml@communitypartnershiponaging.org.
Age Well. Be Well. with University Hospitals
University Hospitals is dedicated to meeting the health and wellness needs of today's older adults.  In addition to the many specialized clinical services they offer, UH has established the Age Well. Be Well. free membership club to help keep adults 55+ active and socially engaged. Download their calendar for current health screenings and education opportunities. Once a member, they will send you the calendars as they are updated. If you are not yet a member, click here to register.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY SENIORS AND ADULT SERVICES The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) empowers seniors and adults with disabilities to age successfully, by providing resources and support that preserve their independence. DSAS is the mandated provider of Adult Protective Services (APS) in Cuyahoga County and provides home-based care services, benefits assistance, outreach, and senior center programming while advocating for the needs of the County's older adults. DSAS strives to keep seniors safe, supported, and independent, so they can live their best lives.
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION (STC) Senior Transportation Connection (STC) provides coordinated, efficient, and affordable transportation to seniors and adults with disabilities throughout Cuyahoga County. STC serves individuals who have mobility challenges due to age, lack of access, disability, frailty, or inability to drive. More than 12,000 registered riders live in 36 zip codes covering 75% of Cuyahoga County. Two-thirds of passengers use a wheelchair, walker, or other aid to mobility. STC will take you to a medical appointment, including dialysis, rehabilitation and treatment, senior centers meals and programs, grocery shopping, personal service appointments, and social opportunities. We’ll take you places so you can remain independent, healthy, and connected to the community. Click here to learn more or call 216-265-1489 to register.
Check the City’s Event Calendar for detailed meeting information or the entire website at www.richmondheightsohio.org
FACE MASKS ARE NOW OPTIONAL, BUT ENCOURAGED, TO ENTER ANY CITY BUILDINGS
APRIL 19, 2022
Recreation Board
6:00 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Safety Committee
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Finance Committee
8:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

APRIL 26, 2022
Committee of the whole
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

City Council
8:15 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 3, 2022
Audit Committee
6:45 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Planning & Zoning Committees
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Service & Recreation Committees
8:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 10, 2022
Committee of the whole
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

City Council
8:15 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 17, 2022
Recreation Board
6:00 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Safety Committee
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Finance Committee
8:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 24, 2022
Committee of the whole
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

City Council
8:15 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 30, 2022
CITY OFFICES CLOSED
TO OBSERVE
 MEMORIAL DAY


All current system users are encouraged to re-register on the new system (CodeRed) to enable the new functionality including targeted weather alerts.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Like and follow our Fire Department, Police Department and our Recreation Department on their Facebook pages for up to the minute news and events.

Connect with any department in the City
by following this link to an easy-to-fill-out form on the City Website.