July 2024

CITY OF FAIRVIEW PARK

MAIN STREET CONNECTION

Greetings!

Congratulations! We made it! Summer is here! Kids are out of school, the temperature is above 80 degrees, and vacations are on the horizon.

On that note, there are more children outside playing, people bike riding, and block party road closures. Please be extra cautious when driving.

While we do live in a safe city, residents can help reduce crime. Always lock your car, remove valuables from your car, lock your home and make sure you close your garage door when not in use. Whether gone for a day trip or out of town, never post that fact or photos from your trip on social media until your trip is over. Thieves love to know you have left your home unattended.

Due to the high temperatures, air conditioners are working overtime. The increased load on the power grid takes its toll and may result in power outages. Make sure to have a power outage plan that includes charged cell phones, working flashlights, and battery backups.

If your home is ever without power, or you just need to cool down, the City's Gemini Recreation Center and Senior Center operate as cooling centers.

Gemini Recreation Center 21225 Lorain Road

5:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday-Friday

8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday

Fairview Park Senior Center 20769 Lorain Road (Behind City Hall)

8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday-Friday

If your kids want some summer fun, check out our Splash Pad at Morton Park (22301 Morton Ave). The Splash Pad is open daily 11:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M., weather permitting, until September 1, for residents only.

City Council will recess for the months of July and August, special meeting dependent.

Have a great summer everyone!

Sincerely,

Mayor Bill Schneider

GEMINI CENTER UPDATE

Information regarding the Gemini Center Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project is available on the City's website. This information will be updated monthly to keep residents informed on the progress of this project.

HERITAGE HOME PROGRAM AND THE HOUSING ENHANCEMENT LOAN PROGRAM

The Heritage Home Program (HHP), a program of the Cleveland Restoration Society, is operating in Fairview Park. The HHP offers guidance and low-cost financing, with interest as low as 2%, to homeowners for home improvements and maintenance projects. While there are some restrictions on qualifying projects, homeowners can use the loans for many projects, such as basement waterproofing. Please see the program website for details. 

There are additional programs already available for low cost financing through the County, such as the Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP). Eligible properties must have a property tax value under $250,000 to qualify. Please visit their website for details.

SEWER INFORMATION

WOODSTOCK AVENUE SEWER PROJECT

The Woodstock Avenue Sewer Project is expected to start this year. The City has received $3.5 million from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Total cost of the project is $4,891,000. The project includes the removal of existing 24” and 30” storm sewer and replacement with new 30” HDPE (High Density Polyethylene Pipe); removal of existing 10” and 12” VCP (vitrified clay pipe) sanitary sewer and replacement with new 15” PVC sanitary. The roadway on Woodstock Avenue will be significantly impacted, but we will make sure that residents are informed and well advised leading up to the start of construction.

REGIONAL EQUALIZATION FACILITY

The Regional Equalization Facility project has received a federal grant for $1,152,000 to design a stormwater retention tank. The City will continue to update residents about this project.

NEW SEWER FLOW MONITORS

The sewer flow monitors were installed at important intersections in the city to identify areas of strong inflow and infiltration in areas serviced by the Rocky River Waste Water Treatment Plant. The monitoring is complete and the data will be available in a month.

HOME VISITS

A very popular program, Home Flooding Visits, will continue. Residents that are interested in having the City Engineer visit their home to review best practices to help mitigate flooding should call 440-356-4411 to schedule your appointment. There are a limited amount of dates and times available in July.

SEWER CLEANING

The Service Department uses the Sewer Jet to clean catch basins, storm sewers and sanitary sewers in the City of Fairview Park, weather permitting. Please click here for a report on what streets the Sewer Jet has been working to clean the sewers.

CITY PROJECTS

Click here for information about the projects listed below.

• Morton Park Courts
• Brookpark Road Paving
• West 227 Street Bridge Replacement
• Bain Park Erosion Project
• Woodstock Avenue Sewer Replacement Project

• Stanford Avenue Sewer & Water Main Replacement
• Fairpark Drive Water Main Replacement
• West 220 Bridge over I-480
• Lorain Road Bridge Over Metroparks

LORAIN ROAD BUSINESS DISTRICT

REVITALIZATION PLAN

The Cuyahoga County Planning Commission has completed the Lorain Road Business District Revitalization Plan. The Plan is intended solely for use as a reference guide for future development along Lorain Road.

WASTE COLLECTION

SCHEDULE AND SERVICE GUIDE

Yard waste and bulk items (maximum of 6 items per week) are collected every week. Yard waste can be placed in plastic bags or loose in a trash container marked "Yard Waste". Bags and cans must not exceed 35 pounds. Small branches must be cut and bundled not to exceed 4 feet in length and no heavier than 35 pounds.

Click here to view the 2024 schedule for rubbish, recycling, bulk item, yard waste, leaf, and special recycling collections.

Click here for the Trash, Yard Waste, Recycling and Bulk Waste Service Guide provided by Republic Services.

RECYCLING RIGHT

You may have questions about recycling and the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District ("District") has the answers. The District team has complied the answers to the recycling questions that they hear regularly from residents. Engaging with the public is one of the most important things that the District does because it allows the District to clear up confusion about recycling, settle family debates about certain items, and encourage better habits for waste reduction and recycling.

Click here for answers to the top questions the District receives.

Visit the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District's website for more information about recycling.

The City is proud to support all of the local businesses in our community. Click here to see a list of local businesses. 

EAT LOCAL

Please click here for a list of restaurants in Fairview Park.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Independence Day is Thursday and the police department understands both the fun and the frustration that comes from the use of fireworks for the holiday.

Our local fireworks ordinance reflects State of Ohio law, which allows the use of consumer grade (1.4g) fireworks during specific holiday periods throughout the year. You can only set off fireworks on your own property or another private property with the owner's permission.

Legal firework use in Ohio is cleared for the following days:

• New Year's Day
• Chinese New Year
• Cinco de Mayo
• Memorial Day weekend
• Juneteenth
• July 3, 4, 5 and the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays before and after
• Labor Day Weekend
• Diwali
• New Year's Eve

All other days you will be in violation of the law and may violate other ordinances (e.g. disturbing the peace) depending on when the fireworks are shot off. 

What you CANNOT do?

• You cannot set off fireworks in your yard while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and anyone found guilty will be convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor. You could face a disorderly conduct violation, as well.
• It is illegal to ignite fireworks on another person's property without their permission.

What safety tips should you follow?

• Do not allow children to play with fireworks.
• Set fireworks off outside in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves and other flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Make sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Do not have any part of your body over the firework while lighting it.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and keep unused products away from where you are igniting them.
• Do not light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time, never throw them at anyone and never carry them in your pocket. 

Our officers will be out on patrol for the holiday and we will enforce noise violations occurring after 11:00 P.M. in accordance with city ordinance 509.10 – Disturbing the Peace. We will also investigate complaints involving the use of fireworks by individuals under 18 or on property other than one’s own private property.

The use of fireworks brings inherent risk and we encourage everyone to seek out one of the many professional fireworks displays in the area this year.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Mural in the fire station

Chief Tony Raffin and the entire Fairview Park Fire Department extend their heartfelt thank you for the incredible mural members of the Fairview High School Art Department painted at the fire station to commemorate the department's one hundred year anniversary.

The art department’s artistic talents have truly transformed the space into a vibrant celebration of the fire department's history and service to the community. The mural not only captures the essence of the department's journey over the past century, but also serves as a constant reminder of the dedication and bravery exhibited by our firefighters throughout the years. The artists' attention to detail and creativity have brought the fire department's story to life in a way that words cannot express.

The fire department is deeply appreciative of the time, effort, and passion that each member of the Fairview High School's art department dedicated to this project. It is evident that their commitment to excellence and artistic integrity shines through in every brushstroke.

Once again, the department is very grateful for this remarkable gift. The mural will be cherished and admired by all who visit our station. The artists' hard work and talent have made a lasting impact on our entire community.

PROGRAMS AT THE GEMINI CENTER

The Parks and Recreation Department offers programs for people of all ages. Visit the Recreation Department's page on the city website for information about the all the programs and additional events at the Gemini Center.

SENIOR'S FARMER MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

The Senior Center staff will be available on Wednesday, July 3 from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. to assist Fairview Park residents in applying for the coupons.

There will be no distribution of paper coupons for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The Ohio Department of Aging is modernizing the program.

The Ohio Department of Aging partners with Area Agencies on Aging to offer a new SFMNP. Please click here to read the press release. Participants receive benefits to be redeemed for Ohio grown fresh vegetables, fruits, cut herbs, and honey.

The SFMNP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA). The WRAAA institution is an equal opportunity provider.

You are eligible for the Ohio Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program if you are:

• 60 or older
• Live in Ohio
• A household with income at or less than 185% of the federal poverty level ($27,861 or less for a 1 person household, $37,814 for a 2 person household)

A link to application can be found by clicking here. Please visit our website for FAQ’s.

90+ LUNCHEON

The City will honor our Fairview Park residents who are 90+ years old with a FREE lunch ($12 for guests) on Wednesday, July 17 at 12:00 P.M. Lunch will be catered and sponsored by Avenues. RSVP required by Wednesday, July 3. Call 440-356-4437.

TACO TUESDAY

Join us for Taco Tuesday on July 30 at 12:00 P.M.! For $8.00 you will get three hard or soft tacos, Spanish rice, refried beans, and water. Classic toppings such as lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, onion, sour cream, and taco sauce will be provided. All proceeds will benefit the Senior Center.

SENIOR SCOPE AND CALENDAR

VAN TRANSPORTATION

Click here for information regarding van transportation.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COALITION

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition will be meeting Wednesday, July 3 at 6:30 P.M. at City Hall in the Dunson Room. All are welcome!

PROTECT TREES FROM THE HEAT

Doug MacMillan, STAC Member

Summer in Fairview Park can be hot, as we recently experienced. Your trees can’t take a dip in the pool when it gets hot, and they really don’t care for ice cream. So how can you as a homeowner help your trees cope?

With the heat extremes we can experience — and the duration of these extremes — it is important to look at the effects in the tree canopy. Too much heat for extended periods of time can cause trees to lose water faster than they can absorb it. When that happens, trees show stress with drooping branches, browning leaf tips, small or unusually shaped leaves, or even dieback of branches (particularly high in the center of the tree crown). Weak or young trees can die from excessive heat. So, what can you do?

WATER! Set your hose at the base of the tree and let it dribble for over an hour (or two hours for bigger trees) every third or fourth day as long as the heat wave lasts. If you have not already done so, apply a 2 to 4 inch thick mulch layer around the drip line of the tree. This helps reserve the watering you are doing. If you planted a tree this spring, watering every other day during the heat wave cannot hurt. And do not despair, in 6 months we could be shoveling snow.

Thanks in part to Ben Heusinkvelt, certified Arborist for Arbor Day Farm and The Arbor Day Foundation for their input.

And do not forget about the City’s Adopt-A-Tree Program where you buy the tree and the City will deliver, plant, mulch and stake it in your tree lawn.

MOST VALUED TREE NOMINATIONS

STAC is accepting nominations for the Most Valued Tree program. Nominate your favorite tree by completing the nomination form.

APPLY TO BE A MEMBER OF STAC

If you love trees as much as the STAC does, there is currently one open position on the committee. If you have any questions about the STAC, please reach out to Doug MacMillan, Chair, at macdad6544@yahoo.com. If interested, please send a letter of intent to the Clerk of Council, Liz Westbrooks, at liz.westbrooks@fairviewpark.org.

SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The Shade Tree Advisory Committee holds public meetings on the second Thursday of every month. Please join us in the Dunson Room at City Hall for our next meeting July 11, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

FAIRVIEW 'FIRSTS'

Tracing Fairview Park History, Chris H. Gerrett

Like many communities, it is common to acknowledge who the first mayor, police chief, and fire chief were. Then there are the less known, yet interesting, ‘firsts’. Here are a few ….

The first method of sharing important information was to post it in public places, such as poles on Lorain Road at the intersections of Story Road, Wooster Road, and West 220 Street.

The first mayor’s salary was $50.00 per year. The first marshal’s salary was $2.00 per day while on duty. The first tax money collected by the village was 113 years ago and totaled $170.63. The first legal service was provided by G.O. Willett, Esq. a simple phone call (central-1496) away, and his first fee to the village was $50.00.

The first permit to sell alcohol applied to peddlers and others who sold beer, vino, and spiritous liquors in public places. The permit cost $15.00 and was valid for one year. And just in case you are wondering, the first liquor permit was issued to J. Dietrich.

The first vehicle regulation required a lamp or lantern on all modes of transportation to be attached to the front of vehicles, horses, carts, bicycles, sleds, or sleighs and visible at least 200 feet away. The first bicycle laws required all bicycles to be ridden on the right side of the street, and a bell or gong had to be sounded any time the rider approached a street crossing. Last but not least, the first speed limit in the village was set at 15 mph. 

GARDEN CLUB

The Garden Club meets most second Tuesdays of the month in the Dunson Room at City Hall at 6:30 P.M. to socialize and the meeting begins at 7:00 P.M. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 9. All are welcome. Garden Club updates can be found on the Garden Club's Facebook page.

GREEN TEAM