October 2024 e-Grapevine

TRUSTEES CORNER

 

October is here, and the vibrant fall colors are starting to decorate Concord. We hope everyone takes time to enjoy the autumn colors!

 

Professionals from the Fire Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting informational talks beginning October 7th, to discuss the Fire Levy that is on the ballot for the November 5th election. Residents will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, hear from safety forces leadership, leaders of Concord Fire Dept. & Lake County Sheriff’s Office about emergency services in our community and gain insights from the Trustees, Fiscal Officer, and Administrator about the levy’s components and the necessity for additional funding. Click here for details of the informational sessions.

 

The Fire Levy, appearing on the ballot as Issue 2, directly funds Concord Township’s fire services. If passed, the levy will also release funds from the Safety Services fund to bolster policing protection provided by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, the Township’s funds are insufficient to cover the rising costs of these essential services.

 

The last levy increase for safety forces in Concord was approved by voters nine years ago in the 2015 election. Since then, the demands on the Concord Township Fire Department (CTFD) have grown significantly. The existing funding is inadequate to maintain the current levels of these critical safety services.

 

“We hope to see residents at the sessions, to discuss and communicate the needs our township is facing regarding the safety and security of our community,” stated Morgan McIntosh.

 

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Sean Supler, Recreation Director, 440-639-4652

Susie Cobb, Administrative Assistant, 440-639-4650

Rachel Lamb, Program Coordinator, 440-639-4651

Indoor Garage Sale

INDOOR GARAGE SALE



Stop by the Community Center to check out tables from over 20 different vendors!


Friday October 11 from 11 AM to 3 PM

Saturday October 12 from 9 AM to 1 PM

Despicable Me 4

DRIVE IN MOVIE NIGHT


Despicable Me 4!


Saturday, October 19 from 7 PM to 9 PM 


Lamuth Middle School

6700 Auburn Rd, Painesville, OH 44077-5948

Fall Fest October 26

FALL FEST

Celebrate the magic of autumn in Ohio at the new fire station on October 26.

OCTOBER CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

10/1 - Library Tuesday - George VI – The WWII King 

10/1 -Adapted Fishing at Girdled Road Reservation

10/1 - 10/22 Chair Yoga (Tuesdays)

10/3 Candidate Forum

10/3 - 10/24 Chair Yoga (Thursdays)

10/7 - Make & Take Halloween Duckies

10/8 Library Tuesday - Battle of Chickamauga

10/9 - 11/13 Jitterbug Dance Beginners and Intermediate



10/14 Old Stone School Columbus Day Tours

10/15 - 11/5 Thrive

10/18 - 11/15 Rookie Sports Club Basketball Ages 3-4 years and Ages 5-6 years

10/24 - 11/21 Kids Dance Classes

Move and Groove, Princess Ballet, Cheer and Hip Hop

10/24 Let's Cook - Coconut Chana Saag

10/25 Adapted Recreation Halloween Dance Party

10/28 Ghost Stories

FALL & WINTER PROGRAMS

Learn all about the many classes and programs available this fall and winter by downloading our program guide!

Download Guide

If you have any questions about programs, please call the us at 440-639-4650

REGISTER ONLINE FOR ALL PROGRAMS!
 

FIRE DEPARTMENT

From the Chief’s Office


As Election Day approaches, we want to remind all Concord Township residents to cast their ballots on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. This is your opportunity to make important decisions that will impact our community, including the Fire Department Operational Levy that will be on the ballot.


To ensure our residents are informed about the levy, the Concord Fire Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a series of informational events where you can learn more and ask questions. It’s important to us that voters are fully informed when they arrive at the polls. Please take advantage of these opportunities to engage with our team and gain a deeper understanding of what this levy means for our community's safety and future.


We strongly encourage you to attend one of these events to learn more about how the Fire Department Operational Levy will impact our ability to provide emergency services and ensure the safety of all Concord Township residents.

Your safety is our top priority, and we want you to be fully informed before casting your vote.

Levy Talk Schedule

2024 Concord Fire Operational Levy Information

Levy Proposal:


o  Requesting a 3.9 mil, 5-year levy for Fire services. 

o  Cost to residents: $137.00 per $100K of 2024 property value Prior to Lake County Revaluation


Funding History

o  No increase in Safety levy funding since voter approval in 2015. 


Fire Department Staffing

o  Current model has not changed since 2006. 

o  Daily staffing: 8-9 firefighters across two stations. 

o  Call volume has nearly doubled, increasing demand on staff. 


Lake County Sheriff’s Office Protection Concerns

o  Current Sheriff patrol - 1 deputy 24/7

o  Reduced policing services started in February of 2024. 

o  New levy – frees up existing Safety Services Levy money to provide more adequate patrols.

o  New Levy will restore 2 Deputies on duty 24/7 in Concord Twp.


Personnel Costs

o  Largest expense for the Fire Department. 

o  Need to attract and retain top-quality firefighters and law enforcement officers


Capital Purchases

o  Fire Department needs: ambulances, fire engines, SCBA gear, radios, heart monitors. 

o  Increased costs anticipated for dispatch services (NextGen 911). 


Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

o  The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) consists of Concord residents who volunteered to thoroughly review the operations budget of both the fire department and the Sheriff’s Office. After their assessment, they unanimously recommended the implementation of a 3.9 mill levy to the Township Trustees to maintain the safety and well-being of the community.

o  Report available on the Township website under “News and Updates”. 


Lake County Property Revaluation Impact:

o  The average 30% increase in property revaluation will result in roughly a 4.5 – 5% increase in your property taxes.

o  While your property value may increase because of the Lake County Sexennial Revaluation, your tax bill will NOT rise in direct proportion to the revaluation percentage.

National Fire Prevention Month

The month of October marks National Fire Prevention month! Concord Township Fire Department will be out in the schools providing important fire and safety education to our school children. Please be sure to ask them about their experience with the fire department.

Smoke Alarms Safety

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. October 6- October 12 is Fire Prevention Week. During the entire month of October firefighters will be visiting Concord’s day cares, pre-schools and elementary schools to teach the importance of having working smoke alarms and the part they play in a safe escape in the event of a home fire.


We encourage you to discuss this messaging with your child. Along with working smoke alarms, having and practicing a home escape plan is an essential preparedness tool.


Visit our webpage for some helpful tools for developing your family’s escape plan.

CONCORD TWP CEMETERY

Karen Warner, Debbie Powall, and Cindy Sadler

cemeteries@concordtwp.com

October Cemetery

Concord Cemetery Fall Clean Up


The cemetery will be performing a fall clean up beginning in November. Please remove any decorations that you wish to keep by the end of October. For more information on allowable decorations please visit https://concordtwp.com/departments/cemetery/ or contact the cemetery department at 440-354-7518.


ZONING DEPARTMENT

The Zoning Commission will be having a public hearing on proposed zoning text amendment on October 1, 2024 at 7pm at Town Hall. Upon conclusion of their hearing, the board will forward their recommendation to the Trustees for consideration.



To view the proposed amendments, please visit the Concord Township website.

SERVICE DEPARTMENT

The Service Department in the month of October will begin wrapping up road repairs and preparing for the winter season. Our crews will continue with repairs while the weather permits. Ditch maintenance, pothole patching and drainage maintenance are some of the activities performed throughout the fall season. In addition, the 2024 road resurfacing projects are also coming to a close. We thank the residents that were affected by the construction for their patience during the projects.

 

The Yard Waste drop off is open at the Service Department Monday – Friday from 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM residents can drop off yard waste in the designated area at the Service Department. The annual Brush Day collections will take place Saturdays October 5th and 19th from 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Residents can drop off brush no larger than 4” in diameter to the Service Department. No lumber, landscape ties, railroad ties, or stumps are accepted. The Yard Waste drop off will also be open on these dates.

 

As the winter months approach, it is time to think about protecting your mailbox from the snow coming off the plow during winter operations. The Snow Barricade applications are available online at the Concord Township website under forms and applications or applications can be picked up at Town Hall. Residents can purchase a snow barricade for a fee of $50 and the Service Department will install it free of charge.


Residents are encouraged to contact the Service Department with any questions or concerns at 440-350-3225 or send an email to the addresses available at concordtwp.com/service. We hope all residents have a safe and enjoyable fall season.

FALL AND WINTER GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER

The Fall & Winter edition of the printed Grapevine newsletter is available for download in the PDF format.

 

Concord Township, Lake County, OH | P: 440.354.7510 | F: 440.354.7511 | www.concordtwp.com

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