May 2023 | Issue 29

From My Desk to Your Inbox

As we slowly move into the spring season, residents are offered the opportunity to join in the city's many outdoor activities. The Park and Recreation Department is busy gearing up for spring and summer activities, and there is something for everyone. Registration has opened for children's day camp, soccer, baseball, safety town, and more! Also, registration has opened for adult activities such as bocce leagues, pickleball, softball, and tennis. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the city's many programs and activities.

Spring brings a sense of renewal and revitalization, and we have several projects underway. First and foremost, the Aquatic and Community Center project, which will be Mayfield Heights' crown jewel, is making significant progress. The opening of the pools is slated for late June or early July, with the rest of the facility to open a short time later. The city's investment in the facility will benefit residents for years to come. Cameras were repaired at Oakville Park for added safety and security. Road and sidewalk repairs have started, and some have been completed. Collectively, the projects attest to our commitment to invest in the city's future.

We are all anxious to go outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather. The pleasant weather that comes with spring is a perfect time to inspect your home and address any issues.

The city offers two excellent programs to help residents with home repairs and maintenance. The Heritage Home Program provides low-interest loans to homeowners whose home is 50 years or older for home improvement projects. Please call 216-426-3116 to speak to a Heritage Home staff member for more information.

The CARE Program offers residents 60 years or older assistance with home projects such as window cleaning or yard clean-ups. Contact the program at 216-970-0599 to confirm if you are eligible.

Spring is a busy time for many. Enjoy your favorite activities and all the city has to offer!

Anthony DiCicco, Mayor/Safety Director

From the Mayor's Office

Human Resources

Best Wishes for a Happy Retirement

Douglas Suydam

Police Lieutenant

Retirement May 17, 2023

Lt. Douglas Suydam is retiring after 30 years of service in the Mayfield Heights Police Department. Doug began his career with the department in January 1993. He served a total of eleven years in the Detective Bureau throughout the course of his service. Doug advanced through the ranks of the department and was appointed as Executive Officer in 2012, executing high-level project support and executive tasks. He was assigned as Executive Lieutenant in 2022. Doug is an amazing leader and mentor in the department who demonstrated his commitment to the citizens of Mayfield Heights with honor and distinction. The Mayfield Heights Police Department and the community are better because of Doug's service.

Economic Development

Small Business Economic Development

Cuyahoga County offers economic development opportunities for small businesses. Here are some of the options provided.

● Lending Programs – Commercial loans

● GAP Financing

● Technical Assistance – e.g. , Tax Credits

● COVID Relief – STIMULUS Grant Program

● SkillUP 2.0 – Training Plans/Programs

Contact Cuyahoga County at 216-443-7000 to learn more about the available programs.

The Ohio Department of Development has many resources to help business owners prepare for a strong future. Here are some of the resources, and most of them are offered at no cost to businesses.

Small Business Development Centers: SBDC.Development.Ohio.Gov

Minority Business Assistance Centers: Minority.Ohio.Gov

Ohio APEX Accelerators: Find.GovContracts.Ohio.Gov

Manufacturing Extension Partnership: MEP.Development.Ohio.Gov

Export Assistance: Development.Ohio.Gov/ExportAssistance

From the Fire Department

Annual Report

The Fire Department's Annual Report is now available to read. Chief Elliott explains, "It is once again with great pride that I present to you the activities, run data, statistics, and accomplishments of the personnel who serve on the Mayfield Heights Fire Department.

Read the report here.

Recreational Fires

The Ohio Fire Code, Ohio Revised Code, and City of Mayfield Heights Ordinances allow for small recreational fires on residential property under the following conditions:

1. The fires are fueled with seasoned firewood, natural gas, or other clean burning fuel with emissions that are equivalent to or lower than those created by burning seasoned firewood.

2. The fires are for recreational purposes only, such as cooking, pleasure, warmth, or similar purposes. Burning of yard waste, landscape waste, or garbage is not allowed.

3. The fuel area for the fire shall be less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

4. The fires are to be constantly attended to with a fire extinguisher or other means of extinguishment (such as a garden hose) readily available.

5. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, e.g. homes, sheds, fences, or decks. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

6. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.

Although recreational fires are allowed on residential property, Mayfield Heights Fire Department requests that you be courteous and respectful to your neighbor as some individuals have sensitivity to smoke due to an underlying health condition.

Extinguishment authority

The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the permit holder, another person responsible, or the fire department of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation. For additional information, contact the Mayfield Heights Fire Prevention Bureau at 440-442-2626, ext 286

From the Parks & Recreation Department

Help Wanted

Lifeguards Wanted

If you are 15 years or older (seniors are welcome!) and would like to work at a premiere aquatic center this summer, we want you! Lifeguard certification is necessary, however, we will train you!

Apply here.

Concession Stand Help Wanted

We are looking for someone to run the concession stand at the new Aquatic Center this summer. Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department for details at 440.442.2627.

Adult Activities

Ohio Amish Country

Click here for details.

June Drive up Dinner

Click here for details.

Silver Shooter Bocce

Click here for details.

Summer Pickleball

Click here for details.

Adult Tennis Programs

Click here for details.

Green White Modern Illustration Sport Tournament Poster.jpg

Unity Days Bocce Tournament

Click here for details.

We have come a long way!

We still have a way to go, but our goal is to open the Aquatic Center pools by June 30th(9 weeks away)! Keep your eyes open for updates as we get closer to our opening date goal. Watch the video to see how far we have come!

time lapse site photos of the Aquatic and Community Center project

From the Building Department

Property Maintenance

As the weather begins to warm, we spend more time outside. Therefore, explaining the city’s property maintenance program is essential. Property maintenance enforcement refers to the regulations and laws governing the upkeep and maintenance of buildings and properties. These regulations are in place to ensure that the properties are safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing for all occupants and visitors. Property maintenance enforcement typically covers structural integrity, plumbing and electrical systems, fire safety, sanitation, waste disposal, and yard maintenance. Violations of property maintenance regulations can result in fines and legal action. Therefore, it is essential for property owners and managers to stay up to date on these regulations and to take proactive measures to maintain their properties to avoid said penalties and legal issues. The typical notice of violation has a 30-day compliance window; shorter timeframes may be issued depending on the level of danger the violation poses. We ask that every effort be made to comply within this timeframe. As a department, we are sympathetic to our residents’ needs and issues and understand that, sometimes, 30 days isn’t enough time. In these cases, we strongly urge you to contact the building and request additional time. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis. This program intends to keep Mayfield Heights an attractive place to live.

The city offers two programs to help residents with home repairs and maintenance:

The Heritage Home Program provides low-interest loans for home improvements to homeowners whose home is 50 years or older. Contact the Heritage Home Programs for more information at 216-426-3116.
The CARE Program offers residents 60 years or older assistance with home projects such as window cleaning or yard clean-ups. Contact the program at 216-970-0599 to confirm if you are eligible.

From Community Partnership on Aging

Please visit the CPA website for more information on programs and activities or call 216.291.3902.

Community Education Programs

Presented by the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter

10 Warning Signs

Wed. | May 24 | 1:00 PM

Healthy Living for

the Brain & Body

Wed. | June 28 | 1:00 PM

Programs take place at the

Highland Heights Community Center

5827 Highland Road

RSVP to Zakiya at 216.848.0595.

Tech Talk

Are you Curious about Facebook?

CPA's Liz will share everything you need t know about joining Facebook.

Facebook Park 1

Learn how to register, connect with family and friends, and create and share posts.

Wed. | May 24 | 1:00 PM

The program takes place at the

Euclid Community Center Rec Room

1 Bliss Lane

To register, call 216.291.3902

From the Finance Department

Mayfield Heights Earns a Aa2 Rating from Moody Investors Services

Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a Aa2 rating to the City of Mayfield Heights $24 million General Obligation Aquatic and Community Center Bonds, Series 2023. The anticipated sell date of the bonds is the week of May 15^th. For the residents interested in investing in these bonds, please contact our underwriter, Raymond James, or the Finance Department.

From the Police Department

Dispatch Center

The Police Department dispatch renovation project is complete. The new dispatch center has the latest technology, including upgraded radio communication, new 911 equipment, and additional monitors for surveillance cameras. The dispatchers have the capability to see every officer's live location on a map and have live views of traffic on Mayfield Road and I-271. The Police Department is also working to incorporate additional live feed cameras around the city so that dispatchers can monitor for safety and reduce crime.

Citizens Academy for Teenage Students

The CATS Academy will take place on May 20^th and 21^st at the Police Department. High School Students will learn what it is like to be a police officer and meet many of our officers. They will get an opportunity to learn about patrol, the detective bureau, SWAT team, and community service. Lunch will also be provided. For more information, contact the Police Department's Community Operations Bureau at 440.442.2323.

Law Enforcement Police Memorial Event in Cleveland May 19^th

The Mayfield Heights Police Honor Guard will be participating in the Memorial Service at Huntington Park on Friday, May 19^th. The Honor Guard will be raising the flags and conducting the rifle salute to fallen officers. The event begins with a parage at 10:30 am from Lakeside and East 12^th, continuing to Huntington Park. The memorial service will begin at appoximately 11:30 am.

Welcome to K9 Maverick

The new Police K9 will be hitting the streets in Mayfield Heights on May 1^st. Maverick is a Belgium Malinois and will be led by his handler Officer Mike King. Maverick is trained in tracking, narcotics, and suspect apprehension. Maverick will also be present at many community events throughout this year. He will be sworn in at the council meeting on May 8^th at 7:00 pm

Mark Your Calendar

Annual Shred & Recycle Day

Saturday, May 13th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at a new location- City Park Parking Lot off of Chelmsford (behind Nick Mayer Lincoln). Mayfield Heights residents only.