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December 2023| Issue 36

From My Desk to Your Inbox


 

The holidays are an excellent time to look back with gratitude and celebrate the coming year enthusiastically. In the past year, we accomplished much, and although we faced a few challenges, I want to commend our community for their support. Our collective efforts have made the city a better place. We’ve come together to address issues, implement positive changes, and support one another.


I assure you that my commitment to this city and its residents remains steadfast. We will continue to work diligently in 2024 to enhance the quality of life for all who call Mayfield Heights home.


Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Stay safe during winter, and look out for neighbors who may need extra support. Spread holiday joy by helping our police department “Fill the Cruiser” on Saturday, December 9th. Police Officers will collect non-perishable food items outside Marc’s and Aldi’s in the Eastgate Shopping Plaza between 11:00 and 3:00 p.m.


Let us all step into the coming year with optimism, knowing we can achieve remarkable things together.


I extend my warmest regards and best wishes to everyone in our city.

Anthony DiCicco, Mayor/Safety Director

Mayor's Office

Human Resources

Welcome to the Team

Jeremy Rowan

Economic Operations Director


The evolving needs of our City and businesses make paramount the role of economic development. It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Jeremy Rowan as our new Economic Operations Director. With a proven track record and twenty years of municipal experience in the field, Jeremy will play a pivotal role in reshaping this position and the economic landscape of our City. 


Jeremy has a strong educational background, holding a Master of City and Regional Planning and a Master of Arts Public Policy Management from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design with an Urban Studies concentration from the University of Massachusetts. He is a certified Project Manager and a Certified Planner and an Economic Development Finance Professional. His speaking engagements have included topics related to planning in land-locked suburbs and the viability of aging office districts.


We are confident that Jeremy’s vision and dedication will contribute significantly to the success of our City and the prosperity of our businesses, both existing and those on the horizon. We welcome him to our City!

From The Fire Department

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Holiday Safety Tips


  • Avoid using lit candles. Consider using battery-operated flame-less candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles. If you do use lit candles, read more information about candle safety. 
  • Do not leave holiday lights on unattended. If you leave your home or office, turn your holiday lights off until you return.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Check the wires periodically – they should not be warm to the touch.
  • Don't block exits. Ensure trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exitway. 
  • Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
  • Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace. This can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
  •  All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you use a metallic or artificial tree, ensure it is flame-retardant.
  • Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
  • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2" from the base of the trunk.
  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
  • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
  • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • When you purchase an artificial tree, please be sure it is labeled fire-retardant.
  • Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the house. 

Finance Department

RITA Update


As we begin to look to close 2023, it may be time to review your tax withholding for the year. The Regional Income Tax Agency handles all municipal income tax reporting and filings for the City of Mayfield Heights. They have a team of agents that can answer your questions or aid with tax preparation, as well as helpful information and filing capabilities on their website. RITA can be reached at www.ritaohio.com or 1-800-860-7482.

The City's Budget Process


State law requires all cities to adopt a balanced budget by March 31 every year. For the last several years, Mayfield Heights has adopted the budget before the new year begins. The process for the 2024 Budget began in September 2023. A proposed budget was presented to Council on November 13, 2023. A budget hearing was held by the Council's Finance and Audit Committee. The budget is reviewed throughout the year, with periodic amendments presented to City Council for their consideration.

Police Department

Fill the Cruiser


On Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., members of the Police Department, along with our Auxiliary Police patrol, will be on hand in the Eastgate Plaza lot collecting nonperishable goods, toys, and monetary donations for needy families within our City. Look for the Cruisers outside the front doors of Aldi and Marc’s, along with a drive-up/drive-off location in the lot.

Shop with the Safety Forces


On Thursday, December 14th, a group of promising students from Lander School and Mayfield Middle Schools will travel by bus to Chick-fil-A to enjoy breakfast before heading to the Target Store for a shopping spree! The students will receive a $100 gift card to purchase gifts for themselves and their family members while shopping with our police and fire department personnel. This annual event continues to be one of our favorites and allows us the opportunity to work with students in our community and enjoy a happier holiday!

Captain Paquette Graduates from the FBI National Academy


On December 7, 2023, Captain Donavin graduated from the #288 session of the FBI National Academy located in Quantico, Virginia. The FBI National Academy is a program of the FBI Academy for active U.S. law enforcement personnel and also for international law enforcement personnel who seek to enhance their credentials in their field and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. 


Captain Paquette is the seventh graduate since 1972 from the Mayfield Heights Police Department to graduate from this prestigious academy. While there, Donavin excelled at college graduate-level courses, including National Security Intelligence, Behavioral Analysis, and Critical Incident Leadership, amongst others within the 10-week academy. Congratulations Captain! Looking forward to your newly acquired knowledge and continuing leadership at the department!

Stepping up Patrols for the Holiday Season


This holiday season, the police are stepping up patrols around all of our retail locations. The public is needed to assist us in this area. If you see something suspicious, please contact or flag down an officer to assist. 


While shopping, do not leave packages in your car in plain sight. Carry your purse/handbag close to your body; never place it in your shopping cart. Stay alert and safe this holiday season. 

Building Department

Type of Permit

Number of Permits

Year to Date

Permits Issued

100

859

Inspections

112

1390


Point of Sale Inspections

65

515

Point of Sale Applications

17

242

Contractor Registrations

26

648

Certificates of Occupancy

1

27

Rental Applications

45

401

Rental Inspections

35

455

Complaints

3

115

Community Partnership on Aging (CPA)

Preparing for the Winter Weather


Winter has come to Cleveland! Now is the time to prepare for inevitable winter storms. In the event you are homebound for a few days because of the weather, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • Have enough food and water to last for about three days. Food should be non-perishable and ready to eat without heating. Keep a manual can opener handy in case the electricity goes out.
  • Refill your prescriptions and OTC medications to have at least a one-week supply.
  • Keep plenty of hygiene and first aid products on hand
  • Create a paper list of important phone numbers to keep in a convenient place
  • Have a carbon monoxide detector in your home and change the batteries annually
  • Keep a flashlight with extra batteries handy in several rooms
  • Keep several layers of warm clothing and blankets on hand for warmth should the power go out
  •  Buy a portable radio with batteries so you can monitor local weather reports
  • Have things on hand to keep you occupied, such as books, puzzles, games, etc.
  • 

Talk with your neighbors in advance of the winter weather. Is there someone on your street you can call if you need assistance with snow removal? Do you have a friendly neighbor who can check on you if you become snowed in? It’s a good idea to get everything ready before the first flurries hit; that way, you can sit back and watch the snow fall instead of scrambling to buy the last jug of water at the store. 

Did you know there is a new section on our website called Senior Hub?



The Senior Hub is designed as a resource center for news, services, and activities offered to Mayfield Heights residents through the Community Partnership on Aging (CPA) and the Parks & Recreation Department. Check out the Senior Hub today!

Service Department

Plows Throw Snow


Now that the snowy season is upon us, please remember while shoveling or blowing your driveways, not to push or throw any snow in the city street. Our plow crews do not push snow in your apron intentionally. Our priority is clearing the roadways for the safety of our residents and the business community.

Mailbox Damage


The city is not responsible for damaged mailboxes. If your mailbox is taken down by one of our snowplows, the Service Department will make any necessary repairs to the existing mailbox or install a temporary mailbox to ensure that you get your mail properly.  We do not make any special accommodations for custom or specialty mailboxes.

Refuse Reminders


  • Fall leaf collection ends December 15th, weather permitting. Once leaf collection ends, leaves must be bagged and put on the lawn for trash collection.


  • Upholstered furniture or mattresses must be wrapped in plastic for Kimble or the city to pick them up.

Parks & Recreation Department

Adult Programs

Yoga on Thursday with Sue Details.

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Indoor Evening Pickleball Details.

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Bus Trip: Dueling Piano Christmas Party


Kick off your start to the Christmas season with our JKL TOURS CHRISTMAS PARTY at Windows on the River. After a wonderful plated lunch, we’ll take in the high-energy fun of The Dueling Piano Christmas Party, provided by Todd and Andy. 


These two amazing pianists play their pianos (in addition to a trumpet and harmonica) in a fast-paced 90 minutes of fun. These master piano artists will take requests, and there is lots of audience participation, so come ready and prepared to sing along (at our last party, there was even impromptu dancing!) Imagine 150 seniors singing and swaying to "Sweet Caroline," having fun with lots of laughs. Plus, we'll have party games with an Ugly Sweater, Most Holiday Spirit, and the Biggest Grinch Costume contests! This trip usually sells out, so don't get left behind for this great start to the holidays. 

For more information and  to Register 
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Youth Programs

Rookie Sports Club Youth Basketball Details.

Mayfield Heights Youth Skill Training Details.

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Mayfield Township Historical Society

Mayfield Township Historical Society membership drive

Did you know that the Mayfield Township Historical Society is THE historical society for Mayfield Heights?


The historical society was formed in 1976 to preserve artifacts, documents, and other materials about the original Mayfield Township, established in 1819. In the 1920s, the Township broke into the communities of Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Mayfield Heights, and Mayfield Village, and a small eastern portion of Lyndhurst. The Historical Society gathers the history from all 4 of these communities. 


The Bennett-VanCuren Historic House is their Museum and was built in 1847 by Jacob Bennett, the local blacksmith. The house was saved from being torn down at its former location on the N.E. corner of S.O.M. and Wilson Mills Roads and moved in 1987 to its present location, 606 S.O.M. Center Rd. The house is open for tours on Monday from 10:00 am-1:00 pm or by appointment by calling 440.461.0055. Donations for tours are $3 for adults and $1 for children. 


Volunteers restored the house into 11 rooms that reflect the time periods of the settling of Ohio after it became a state in 1803. This includes replicas of an 1805 one-room log cabin, tool room, 1887 print shop, 1890 one-room schoolhouse, the 1847 living room, parlor, nursery/toy room, 1882 hearse room, the 1870 dining room and bedroom, and the 1930 kitchen. The Museum also has an extensive historical reference and genealogical library for public use, and the Mayfield Quilters have their quilting room where you can join them on Mondays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm to quilt with them or learn how to quilt from them.


Each year, Mayfield School District 3rd Graders and local parochial schools tour the Museum as part of the current Ohio curriculum.


Monthly Historical Meetings with interesting local speakers are held on the second Wednesday of October, November, February, March, April, and May at the Mayfield Village Community Room, 6621 Wilson Mills Road, at 7:00 pm. and are open and free to everyone. 


Membership is $15 single, $25 family, $50 contributing, $500 lifetime, and runs from January through December.  


We are always seeking volunteers to help with curating the collection, research and answering inquiries, light yard work, becoming a docent, social media and marketing, collecting current history and interviewing local residents, scanning print material into the collection, hospitality, and baking cookies for meetings, programming speakers and so much more. If you can help us out, please call 440.461.0055 and leave a message.

 

The Mayfield Township Historical Society

606 S.O.M. Center Rd

Mayfield Village, OH 44143

440.461.0055 house phone

440.487.3133 emergencies

[email protected]

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Nextdoor

Here is a fun recap of the Holiday Lighting Ceremony from November 29, 2023

Please Note

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City of Mayfield Heights | www.mayfieldheights.org

6154 Mayfield Road | Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

440.442.2626

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