January 2022 | Issue 14
From My Desk to Your Inbox

I welcome 2022 with great enthusiasm. It is encouraging to see economic growth and development in our city with businesses expanding, new businesses coming into the city, and of course, the new aquatic and community center breaking ground soon. Currently under construction in the Eastgate Shopping Plaza is the EVgo Charge station. With the ever-growing popularity of alternative fuel and electric vehicles, I am happy to report that our city will now have a charging station option for our residents and visitors.
 
In early February, Chief Fred Bittner will be retiring after 33 years of public service. Under Chief Bittner’s leadership, the police department achieved CALEA accreditation, a highly sought after and prestigious accreditation that stands as a mark of public safety excellence. The article below highlights the Chief and his service to Mayfield Heights.
 
This year, I hope you take advantage of the many programs and classes the city offers. Two of our popular offerings from the fire department are the smoke detector program and CPR classes. See details below on these popular programs available to our community.
 
As I look ahead to this exciting year, I hope 2022 brings new opportunities and growth to the residents and businesses of the City of Mayfield Heights. We are a strong city with great people and growing businesses. We have a lot to look forward to this year.

Stay warm and stay healthy,
Anthony DiCicco, Mayor/Safety Director
Here's What's Happening at City Hall
From the Mayor's Office

Diversity & Inclusion
The City of Mayfield Heights is building collaborative intersections with academic resources, city operations, city businesses, and surrounding communities in recognizing, respecting, and valuing all shared contributions and experiences towards cultivating a cohesive and vibrant community. 

Economic Development
Weatherhead 100 Winners
Congratulations to the following Mayfield Heights businesses featured in the December Crain's Cleveland Business for being chosen as Weatherhead 100 winners. The Weatherhead 100 awards recognize the fastest-growing companies in Northeast Ohio as being the best example of leadership, growth, and success in the region. 

Weatherhead 100
Ancora (# 13)
APEX Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center (# 35)

Weatherhead 100 Centurion
Park Place Technologies (# 2)



Job Creation & Retention Grant Program
The City of Mayfield Heights offers a Job Creation & Retention Grant Program to eligible businesses that are creating new full-time or full-time equivalent jobs. The annual grant payment is based on a percentage of the yearly payroll withholding taxes generated by the new positions. The grant program application can be found here.

Ohio Department of Development Loan Programs for Minority & Women-owned Businesses
Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program - this program offers loans at or below market rate. The minimum loan amount is $45,000 up to a maximum of $500,000. Loans are repaid within ten years for equipment and machinery and 15 years for owner-occupied real estate. Qualifying businesses must be 51% ownership and control by women or be certified as a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE).

Ohio Micro-Enterprise Loan Program - This program has a 0% interest rate for a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $45,000. Loans will be repaid within five years for permanent working capital and seven years for equipment. Qualifying businesses must be certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE).

Click here for more information on these and other Ohio Department of Development loan programs.

OhioMeansJobs.com
The OhioMeansJobs.com. website helps job seekers find work, and business find their next employee. The website now has more than 2.2 million resumes posted by people looking for a new job. Currently, there are more than 249,000 jobs posted, including more than 144,000 that pay more than $50,000 per year. Additionally, the employer page offers business resources such as tips on hiring veterans, people with disabilities, and restored citizens. Check out OhioMeansJobs.com for more information.
From the Building Department

Construction Updates
Park Place Technologies at 5910 Landerbrook Drive submitted plans for a 35,000 sq. ft. lower-level expansion for training, conference rooms, and other amenities.

Hillcrest Hospital at 6870 Mayfield has many ongoing improvement projects. Plans for the Lozick Cancer Pavilion have been approved. Initially, only the site and foundation plans were approved. The pavilion is scheduled to open in 2023.

Krispy Kreme at 6289 Mayfield Road submitted and paid for all permits. A general contractor has been named, and the existing structure (Dito's) will be demolished soon.

New Business
Floorz at 1509 Golden Gate-Plaza (formerly Performance Bicycle) will open soon. Floorz is a national franchise company that markets all-inclusive flooring materials.
From the Fire Department

Smoke Detector Program
The Mayfield Heights Fire Department Smoke Detector Program offers free photoelectric smoke alarms and installation for residents who live in the city and own the property. The alarm installation can be a new or a replacement install for detectors over ten years old. Alarms will not be installed as part of a point of sale inspection. For more information or to schedule an install, please contact the Fire Department at 440-442-2626 ext. 295.

CPR Classes
The Fire Department is hosting Basic Life Support (HCP) and Heartsaver AED classes this year. for more information and to register for a class, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 440-442-2627.
From the Police Department
Chief Fred Bittner to Retire February 2022

After 33 years of public service, Chief Fred Bittner will be retiring in February 2022. Chief Bittner has served as Chief of Police since 2013. Under Chief Bittner's leadership, the police department attained the gold standard in public service, CALEA Accreditation. The CALEA Accreditation program seal is reserved for use by those public safety agencies that have demonstrated compliance with CALEA's high standards in policy evaluation and operations.

Under Chief Bittner's tenure, he oversaw an expansion project for the police department which added a report writing room, equipment room, and carport. Being an advocate for community policing initiatives, Chief Bittner implemented the Community Operations Bureau, which comprises three officers who focus on community outreach projects. Thank you, Chief Bittner, for your excellence in leadership and dedication to the Mayfield Heights Police Department and the community. 
Promotions
Lieutenant Donavin Paquette

Donavin Paquette was promoted to Lieutenant on December 14, 2021. Lt. Paquette has been a vital part of he Community Operation Bureau team. Lt. Paquette is alos a member of the Span Drug Enforcement Unit, a Juvenile Officer, and holds a master's degree in Justice Administration. 
Sergeant Anthony Rotunno

Detective Anthony Rotunno was promoted to Sergeant on December 14, 2021. Sgt. Rotunno has investigated some of the most serious cases, including homicides that have occurred in Mayfield Heights over the past 10 years. 
Patrolman John Hanish

Patrolman John Hanish was moved to the Detective Bureau. Pt. John Hanish has served as a field training officer for several years and will make an outstanding addition to the detective bureau.  
Overnight Parking Ordinance
Do you know that parking on city streets between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM is prohibited? One of the reasons for the overnight parking ordinance is that it allows nightshift patrolling officers to identify suspicious vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the overnight parking ordinance ensures vehicles are not left abandoned on roadways for long periods. If you need to park your vehicle in the street overnight, contact the police department’s non-emergency number at 440-442-2323 or register your vehicle here.

Winter Driving Safety Tips
Prepare for winter driving by having the right gear in your vehicle. Do a vehicle inspection and ensure your tires, wipers, and lights are operational. Know where your snowbrush is and clear all snow from your windows, roof, and lights before driving. Keep an extra hat and pair of gloves in your vehicle in case you break down. If you get into a fender bender, try to pull safely off the side of the roadway or into a parking lot before exiting your vehicle.
From the Parks & Recreation Department
Needy Family Program
In December, gifts and food were delivered to 27 local families thanks to the generous donations to the Needy Family Programs. Donations from the Fill the Cruiser event at Walmart, City Hall Administration, and Staff, The Brennan Family, Chick-fil-A, Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital, Crooked River Cross Fit, GPD Group, the Mayfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Merge Church, Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Rini Family, State Industrial Products, Story Church, and 1-888-OHIOCOMP helped provide a happy holiday for families in need in the area. A special thanks to the Mayfield High School Service-Learning class and the Mayfield Heights Police Department, pictured above, for delivering the food and gifts to all the families.

Santa Breakfast Highlights
On December 11, 2021, the Parks & Recreation Commission hosted Breakfast with Santa. 67 children and their families enjoyed a pancake breakfast, took a picture with Santa, listen to storytime with Mrs. Claus, and rode on a train. A fun time was had by all! Thank you to the Parks & Recreation Commission for all their hard work to make the event so special for everyone.
Drive-Up Dinner Event