Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz's Weekly Update for January 5, 2024

Swearing-In Ceremony Held

For Mayor, Finance Director, City Council

The City of Independence held its biennial swearing-in ceremony for the incoming City Council on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Under the current City statute, elected officials must take the oath of office in person.

Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judges Sergio DiGeronimo administered the oath of office to me and Finance Director Vern Blaze. Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judge Deborah Nicastro swore in Vice Mayor Anthony Togliatti, and then newly elected Councilperson Kevin Day and re-elected City Councilpersons John DiGeronimo, Tom Narduzzi, Jim Trakas, Dale Veverka, and Chris Walchanowicz.

I also swore into office Amanda Sharrer as the City's new Clerk of Council.

Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judge Sergio DiGeronimo

administers the oath of office to me.

I was joined by my mom, Dolores, and wife, Lyn.

L-R: Judge Sergio DiGeronimo administers the oath of office to Finance Director Vern Blaze.

L-R: Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judge Deborah Nicastro congratulates Vice Mayor

Anthony Togliatti

after swearing him into office.

L-R: Judge Deborah Nicastro swears in City Councilpersons

Kevin Day, Chris Walchanowicz, Tom Narduzzi, Jim Trakas,

Dale Veverka, and John DiGeronimo.

You're Invited To The Inaugural 2024 Celebration!

You are cordially invited to attend the Inaugural 2024 Celebration honoring my inauguration, and those of Finance Director Vern Blaze, and City Council.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 6 PM at Embassy Suites By Hilton Cleveland Rockside. Please call the Finance Department at 216.524.9713 to purchase tickets and make your reservations. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, January 12, 2024.

Legislative Review

Read the Legislative Review for the January 9, 2024 City Council Meeting by clicking here.

Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals Add Members

L-R: New members of the

City’s Planning Commission

include Joe Moeller

and Bill Gutermuth.

L-R: Councilperson Chris Walchanowicz, and Mark Moreal, Chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals, welcome

new member Noelle Ostrowski.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Video Captures Festivities

If you haven't seen the video featuring the December 2, 2023 City's Tree Lighting on our YouTube channel, you can watch it above.

I think you'll agree we kicked off the recent holidays and new year in grand style!

New Platform Launched

For City's Alert Phone Calls

Starting this week, the City is moving from the SwiftReach phone advisory system to Rave Alerts.

Residents signed up for the service should continue to receive my Friday calls starting Jan. 5, 2024.

If you have canceled your home landline and/or would like to add cell phone numbers for people at your residence, please call City Hall at 216.524.4131.

Please include your name, address, and old and new phone number(s).

New Year's Resolutions

Can Change Behaviors

If you made New Year’s Resolutions for 2024, you’re not alone.

While many people believe they likely won’t achieve their resolution goals, those who make resolutions then are 10 times more likely to change their behavior than people who don’t make resolutions.

The top resolutions for 2024 are to improve fitness, finance, and mental health, according to a survey conducted by Forbes Health.

Popular resolutions include:

● Improved fitness (48%)

● Improved finances (38%)

● Improved mental health (36%)

● Lose weight (34%)

● Improve diet (32%)

Weekly Finance Review

Read Finance Director Vern Blaze’s Financial Updates for January 5, 2024 here.

How To Subscribe

If you know someone who would like to subscribe to Mayor Kurtz’s Weekly Updates, please ask them

to email their name to: cityhall@independenceohio.org.