Evaluation of the EPD

The Euclid City Council's approved 2014 budget for the Euclid Police Department totals $11.5 million dollars.  That comes to about 30% of all General Fund expenditures that the City Council approved for 2014.




In approving that budget, you, the public, should expect that City Council does conduct some level of scrutiny of the EPD, or, any department to make sure that you are getting the best level of service for the money available.



Within the government structure of the City, the Police and Fire Chief reports to the safety director, which in Euclid is the Mayor.  City Council should have little roll in the day to day operations of any City Department.  As a part time body, we neither have the time, or expertise to carry out day to day management functions.




This is why from time to time, the Council (and Administration) may invite in experts to advise on the management of various City Departments, or, aspects of those departments.   Private firms and state agencies have been invited over the many years to do everything from auditing of City books, to advising on the management of City Departments, to conducting energy audits.  In some cases we have turned the functions of government entirely over to private firm:  trash collection is an example, but, the operations of the Golf Course, and, Shore Cultural Center are also examples.




Why do this?  Simply, governments may not have the expertise to do all of these things to the best it can be done.


Back in 2011, the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police was brought in to evaluate the functioning of the Euclid Police Department.


The background:  In 2011, a series of incidents and issues exploded across the media and at City Council revealing deep seated legal, command and morale issues within the department.  For those of you that remember, it is quite painful:  theft from the EPD property room; county investigation of said theft; suicide of an officer; auto towing lot issues; Fraternal Order of Police vote of "no confidence" in the then Chief Jim Repicky; FOP meetings with City Council.  


All of these things shook the very confidence in the one agency that we need the highest level of trust in.


City Council was blindsided by all of this.   While some of us did hear about potential issues within the Department, in 2010 we were assured by Chief Repicky that the issues were minor, and, that they were being addressed.   Council placed our trust in the Chief, and was burned, meaning that you, the residents were also burned.


In response to all of the turmoil, In Early June of 2011 Mayor Cervenik brought in the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) to review department organization and operational procedures.   Throughout June and July of 2011, OACP conducted interviews with police officials, Council members, and, conducted anonymous surveys of police officers.  During this process, Chief Repicky retired.


In October of 2011, the OACP came back with their report:  a total of 42 recommendations that were classified as "strategic." meaning that they had a direct impact on effectiveness of the force.  While too numerous to list here, many had to do with the culture of the department.  (Please contact me if you want a list of the recommendations).  In addition, OACP provided a summary of comments made by EPD patrol officers. 


In short, the OACP laid out a blue print to rebuild the EPD into a better workplace, and, better police force.


Since 2011, City Council has been given a few updates in which the current Chief, Tom Brickman, seems evasive and, defensive on just how much progress has been made in implementing the OACP recommendations.


Given the past, some members of City Council wants an independent verification on what progress is actually being made.


To that end, on February 18th, City Council passed 5-4, Resolution 019a-14, directing the Administration to invite the OACP to return, and, give the community a progress report.


Here is, in part, how the resolution reads:




1) The OACP made several recommendations for both organizational and operational improvements
2)  City Council desires to build upon the progress made with the EPD since 2011
3)  City Council desires current EPD officers and staff have the opportunity to express their
     opinions, suggestions and concerns for the continual betterment of the department.
4) It is sound management practice to periodically check on implementation progress through an
     impartial organization
5) That a preliminary meeting be held with OACP with the Administration and Council to develop
     the proper scope of services.




The reaction of both the Mayor and Police Chief Brickman were negative.  Not simply negative but, rather defensive, and, in some instances, belligerent.  In fact, the Mayor used his executive power to veto the resolution. 




Why?  What is the harm in having an outside agency, the same one that was here in 2011 come back and report to the community the progress made at EPD?  If everything is truly well, then all the better for the community.  If there is additional work to be done, then, lets get at it.




Back in 2011, the Mayor wanted to make sure that EPD's practices were in alignment with "Best Police Practices" across the state.   Today, he does not seem to want this.  This simply raises suspicions as to what is really going on.




Chief Brickman wants the Council to simply trust the command staff of the Department that all is well, or that progress is being made  The Council did this once before, and, was burned.  We can not allow this to happen again.  Another way to look at it is City Council does not have the expertise in police organizations to know what, if any, progress has been made, what questions to ask, or even what should be best practices.




That's why Councilpersons Gorshe, Delaney, McLaughlin Scarniench, and, me, strongly believe that independent experts, the OACP should be brought back for an impartial look at the Euclid Police Department




Therefor, on Monday, March 3, the City Council will consider overriding the Mayor's veto. 

February, 2014 - The Month of Decision

February 2014, News and Notes

Below are some items that you may not be aware of, but, will have large impacts on the City in the coming days ahead:

County Jail Takeover Delay:  The deal with Cuyahoga County to take over the operation of the Euclid Municipal Jail have been delayed.  While potentially only a legal glitch, never the less, the hoped for County takeover date of April 1 will surely be missed.   Both the Euclid City Council, and, the Cuyahoga County Council must vote on this agreement.  For Euclid, the agreement would take an obsolete building that is expensive to run, costly to fix up and turn it over to the County.   The benefits for the County, and, the County taxpayer will be for the County Council to decide.

Any delay for Euclid will mean more spending on jail operations than planned, meaning a potentially even tighter squeeze on the 2014 budget.

Lake Front Development:  JJR, the City's consultant on the Euclid Lakefront Development Project will be in town this week to discuss progress on the next phase.  As you might recall, in October of 2013, the City dedicated the opening of the new, extended pier.  The Administration views the next phase of the project to be the restoration of the Central Beaches and, the construction of the Boardwalk.  This area is roughly between Sims Park and 238th.  Some believe that the next phase must include tangible planing for the lakefront marina.  As discussed in previous blogs, only the marina portion of the project leverages the tens of millions of dollars in private investment in new, upscale housing that the City needs.   And, there folks is where the decision will be: do we look at lakefront development as simply a recreational investment, or, as an investment in economic development?  As I have always said, in Euclid, lakefront development IS marina development.

Water Water Treatment System: As I wrote back on Feb. 17, 2012, there are many strategies that can help reduce the cost of the federally mandated improvements to our waster water treatment system.  The current improvements agreed to by Euclid amount to between 130 and 150 million dollars.  That's not small change, especially in Euclid, which is seeing declining population and, growing poverty.  As I wrote almost two years ago, Green Infrastructure initiatives might be a way to reduce the costs of the necessary improvements.  Unfortunately, I must report that as of today, the Administration is showing virtually no movement to explore, or, to embrace methods that are being used all over the nations to reduce storm water infiltration and, inflows.  By rejecting this approach, the rate payers in the Euclid Waster Water Treatment System could very well, be spending millions and millions of dollars that could be saved.   I will be working to find out if those savings are out there.

New Trash  and Recycling Program:  This week will see the roll out of the new trash and recycling program.  Delivery of the new trash and recycling carts begins Monday, Feb 3rd.   While the roll out has been well covered through mailings and such, what is still under development are "exceptions" to the program.  Given the large size of the carts, I've received many calls from elderly folks concerned about wrestling with the larger carts.  That's of great concern especially during the winter.    The Administration promises to address those matters as the program comes on line.  The Council will make sure that happens.  Finally, for those that take newspapers to the Abitibi locations in support of your favorite charity, you can still do this.

That's probably enough for now.  More to come shortly on other pressing matters facing the City.  And, as always, let me know what you thing,

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Euclid Kiwanis 5th Annual Sweetheart Bowl-A-Thon.  February 8th, Wickliffe Lanes, 30315 Euclid Ave, 

2:30-5:30pm

Council Considering Automated Recycling

The Kimble Proposal

 

Faced with a failing recycling program, and, a City Council reluctant to buy another recycling truck, the Administration reached out to Kimble for a possible solution.

 

Kimble came back with a proposal to extend their current contract, and, add the collection of recyclables.  Here are some of the basics

 

*Current contract set to expire in Feb, 2015 would be extended thru Dec 31, 2019.

*Recycling pick up added to the contract

*Automated pick up of both trash and recycling. 

* Each "stop" would be provided at no cost with a single 96 gallon trash cart, and, a 67 gallon

  recycling cart

*Unlimited trash pick up would remain.

* The City would no longer receive any money from recyclable material collected as we currently do.

 

The Administration estimates cost savings of about 100K per year over the life of the contract. 

 

The trade off is that the City would waive its ability to potentially secure a better deal through competitive biding until the end of the decade.

 

Is the Trade Off Worth It?

 

Lets take a look at some of the assumptions of the Administration:

 

500K Savings over the life of the Contract:   There are two parts here:  First, the City must increase its recycling from the current 1650-1700 ton level to beat the cost of the current contract.  If we do not there is virtually no savings the first year, and, a 31K savings the next year.   Second, any savings after the second year is pure speculation based on future market conditions that are hard to project.

 

Extending vs. Bidding:  At our Sept. 11 2013 Executive Committee Meeting, Mr. Johnson of Kimble indicated that the City would secure a better price over our current contract, if going out to bid today, and, that could hold true if we went out to bid a year from now.  With or without the extension, Kimble wants the City's business.  And, we should note that the City awarded the current contract to Kimble via competitive bidding.

 

Increasing Recycling Tonnage:   Our current program failed to do this.  The entire  contract extension savings depends on it.  Through the larger containers and, some education, the Administration believes that our recycling tonnage can rise from 1650 tons, to almost 3800 tons.  There is some evidence that switching container size can increase tonnage collected.  South Euclid and Independence have show increases in switching from bins or bags to large containers.  Solon is also showing an increase in their pilot program as reported in the Plain Dealer. 

 

The Current Program:  The Administration claims that the current program can not continue without another truck.  Yet, for the first three months of the program (Dec, 2010 - Feb, 2011) we did just that.  Trough roll off bins and, our own dump trucks it is possible to carry on for the short term.

 

 

The Real Issue - Preventing Waste from Entering the Landfill

 

 

Extend the contract?  Bid out?  City pick up?  Private hauler pick up?  All important questions, but, none of them answers the question of what is the City's plan to keep waste out of the landfill.  The landfill is where real savings can be had.  Yet, we have no plans, only an idea about better educating our residents.

 

Here are some select recycling rates for Cuyahoga County communities provided by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District:

 

Euclid: 24.58%   Cleveland Hts:  66.98%  South Euclid: 45.78%    Lakewood: 50.15%

Richmond Hts: 37.62%  Independence: 58.17%

 

Raising our percentage will save the City money.  And, the only way to do this is to actually develop a  City of Euclid plan that at its core develops a culture of recycling.

 

Who collects the recyclables will only change the financial results modestly, if at all. 

 

Now, who has done such planning?  Cleveland is currently in the development of a "Resource Recovery Plan."  Austin, TX and Philadelphia already have comprehensive recycling plans.  They have developed the culture that makes their programs work.  In fact, Austin have moved from just recycling to  a total "materials management" program where trash is what remains once the community reduced, reuse, recycle and compost.   Well, maybe for Euclid, a small step first! 

 

Euclid should, however, embark on landfill reduction planning exercise.  There are many resources and organizations that can help with such a task.  While this might cost  some money, the results would be a real plan for reducing landfill tonnage that will save the City money.

 

Once completed, and, adopted, then, the City will have a clear direction just how our trash and recyclables can best be collected.

 

But it all starts with building a  Culture of Recycling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

 



Euclid Recycling - About to Change?

Euclid's Current Recycling Program

 

Euclid's current recycling program is a money loser.  Started in December of 2010, Mayor Cervenik's highly touted "no cost" program could very well be dumped at the next Council meeting.

 

As I noted in my earlier blog on the subject (see October 8th, 2010 post)  the current program rested on assumptions that were far too optimistic.

 

Under our current contract, Euclid saves money by recycling in two ways:  1)Euclid receives payment for the actual amount of materials recycled.  2) Every ton recycled is a ton that the City does not pay for in landfill tipping fees (a tipping fee is the amount charged per ton at the landfill)

 

The initial costs to launch the current program were as follows:

 

1) Personnel :  3 hires costing about $112,000 per year

2) Yellow bins:  $80,000

3) New Recycling Truck  $ 92.000. 

4) Used truck - for back up  $32,000

 

The used truck was purchased two months after the launch of the program in December, 2010.

 

Problems with this program were apparent from the first presentation in the fall of 2010.

 

Long time residents recall that Euclid has engaged in several different types of recycling: curbside bins, bi-weekly, curb side blue bags, to central dumpster collections.  Each was terminated due to costs and City budget pressures.

 

The Administration convinced a majority of Council that the cost problems could solved.  If the residents recycled more materials than they had in the past, the City would save enough money. 

 

This is the real key to saving the City money:  keeping stuff out of the landfill

 

Mayor Cervenik explained that he was fully confident that recycling tonnage would rise from the historic average of 2600 per year, to close to 4000 tons per year.   To reach these goals, the Administration promised a City wide educational campaign.

 

From the Mayor's first proposal in mid-September 2010 until final Council passage on October 4th, 2010 was about three weeks.  In short, this was rammed through with plenty of questions on the rosy Administration assumptions on the amount expected to be recycled, the educational aspect, and, the use of a Federal Grant to cover first year costs.

 

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the City of Euclid used a one time, federal Energy Efficient Community Block Grant to cover about $112,000 in 2011 salary expenses.  The City obtained this grant in the amount of $296,000 in 2009.  The grant is described in Federal literature as "empowering local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long term goals of energy independence and leadership on climate change"  Salaries are a one time, short term use of the money.

 

From the very first month of the program, the actual tonnage of recycling materials collected has fallen far short of the rosy scenarios bought by Council.  In fact, according Administration figures, the City is only collecting about 1700 tons of recycling per year.  Because of this shortfall in collections, the per annual losses of the program are rising, from a loss of about 60K per year to a projected 100K per year in 2013 to 125k next year.

 

One of the reasons for this is the lack of any credible education program.  Council was promised that it would have input, and, could see the program before it was unveiled.  We are still waiting.

 

The final straw that has pushed the Administration for an overhaul of the program is the continual break down of the used recycling truck.  Deemed a money saving purchase a few years ago, it has been a money pit.  Instead of putting additional money into endless repairs, the City Administration wanted the Council to purchase a new truck for $122,000.

 

Council balked at this expense leading to the current Administration proposal: extending our trash hauling contract with Kimble and, including the pick up of recycling materials.

In short, a program touted as a way to earn money trough recycling less than three years is now destine for the dump.

 

So, what comes next?  Stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



 



Council's Moment of Decision

This next week will see important City Council Committee meetings that will have a major impact on the City's Direction for years to come.

The topics are grouped into two categories:  Financing for the renovation of the Euclid City Jail complex, and, the extension of the Trash and Lighting Fees.

While they are separate issues, they absolutely linked together.  Here is how.

 

EUCLID CITY JAIL

The current City Jail was obsolete from the moment it opened in 1989.  Since that day, the taxpayers of Euclid have lost around 1 million dollars a year on an annual operating basis  (see April 24, 2011 post for more details). 

Finally a solution is at hand: for about 4.7 million dollars, the City can renovate the jail complex creating a facility that is far more efficient.  In other words, fewer corrections officers will be needed meaning a substantial savings for the taxpayers of Euclid.  Even though the estimated costs of the project have risen from about 3.2 million to 3.8 million in April, 2013 to now, 4.7 million, the savings are still substantial.  Administration estimates indicate that annual savings will be between 700K and 800K per year.

To finance the project the City will sell short term notes, and eventually will roll the notes into longer term debt.  Current estimates are that to service the debt will require about 200K per year.  Therefore, the jail renovations should be paid for from the operational savings in running the jail.

So, what should be done with the additional savings from a renovated jail?

TRASH AND LIGHTING FEES

 

In 2010, the Council voted to implement trash and lighting fees to prevent City layoffs.   Since then, changes to the State budget have further put a strain on City finances first felt during the recession.

 

Now, those fees are up for an extension vote again.   The Administration is proposing to continue both fees.  The trash fee would remain at $9.00 dollars per month ($7.00 for seniors and the disabled).  The lighting fee millage is proposed to go up from 1.34 mills to 1.55 mills.  The increase in millage is to compensate for the fall in property valuations

 

 

COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION

 

1)  Tax relief for the residents: cut the trash and lighting fees

 

2)  Hire more police, fire, or, other City personnel to enhance services

 

3)  Council could approve more money for road paving, equipment purchases, park and
     recreational improvements, etc.
 

4)  Finally, Council could allocate the savings to a major redevelopment project such as the Lakefront
     Marina Project

 

Assuming that the City sees the full savings from the jail project, making the right investments will set the course of the City for the next several decades.

 

THE PRIME CHALLENGE FACING EUCLID

 

As reported by Moody's in March 2013, "The City's demographics have weakened in recent decades.  The City's population has fallen from 71,522 in 1970 to 48,920 in 2010.  Data from the American Community Survey  ( 2006-2010) showed the City's per capita income and median family income to be at 80.5 %  and 82.4% of US levels, respectively.  These statistics reflect a decline from Census  2000 data which showed per capita income and median family income to be at 91.1% and 90.5% of the US respectively"

 

In other words, the City is shrinking and, getting poorer, meaning it is harder and harder to provide services everyone deserves and expects.

 

WHAT DO I RECOMMEND FOR THE JAIL SAVINGS?

 

 

1) Service the debt on the jail renovations (of course).

 

2) Keep the trash fee at current levels.  Keep the lighting fee at the current 1.34 mills.  While hardly

    a windfall for Euclid Property owners, it does acknowledge the City's improving industrial

    economy.

 

3) The rest of the jail savings I believe should be invested into the Lakefront Marina  project. Additional design and engineering work must be completed before actual construction of the breakwaters can begin.   But, more importantly, it has been shown time and again that such a lakefront amenity  can leverage 10's of millions of dollars in private investment.   Such investment would be in new and, renovated housing, restaurants and, will spur retail investment in our downtown.  The size of the private investment will generate significant new tax revenues.  This will allow for improved City serves throughout the community.

 

Of course, what I am proposing can be tweaked and modified.  But, lets not just settle for the status quo, as, Euclid can not afford that anymore.  Let the debates begin!

 

 

Executive and Finance Committee Meeting, Wednesday, June 12, 6:30PM., Euclid City Hall

 





 



 Euclid Pond and Garden Tour,
Saturday and Sunday, June 29 & 30th

 

For more information, call 216-289-8598 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Will Hens Be Our Friends?

On Monday, April 15th, the Euclid City Council will consider Resolution 269-13, the Hen Pilot program.  Sponsored by Councilmen Langman, O'Hare and McLauglin, the pilot is designed to determine if allowing folks to raise hens in their backyards can work in Euclid.

More and more urban and suburban residents are taking an interest in how their food is grown and raised, wanting more locally grown, and fresh foods.  The practice and hobby of raising hens has also taken hold across the county.  Cities such as Boston, Atlanta, Los Angels, New York, Orlando and Chicago allow the practice in some form.  Right here in North East Ohio, communities such as Cleveland and Cleveland Hts.  have allowed their residents to participate in this growing trend   For many urban and suburban residents fresh eggs are the very symbol of independence from the "industrial food complex" believing freshly laid eggs to be tastier and better for you.

The trend has reached Euclid, as over the past few years, as members of the community have asked if raising hens it allowable.  Currently the practice is not, although it was allowed up until 1981.

As with any idea, Council is charged with weighing the pros and cons.  The challenge here for Council is this:  Can the property owner enjoy raising hens WITHOUT causing harm to their neighbors?

If I have learned anything in all my years on Council is that issues always have something to teach.

Not knowing much about raising hens and, any potential issues, the resolution sponsors reached out to Cleveland's Blue Pike Farm, a thriving urban farm on E 72nd Street; the Cuyahoga  County - OSU Agricultural Extension Service that provided practical experience and expertise on backyard hens;   Residents of Cleveland Hts who opened their yards for a Council tour of backyard hens in the Heights.   And, the insights of Council members of Cleveland Hts.

And, of course, Council also had committee meetings to discuss the program, and, to hear concerns of the Euclid residents.

The Pilot Program Resolution is the result of all of all of this work.

Here are the program highlights:

1)  One Year Program:  Success or failure, the program ends after one year.  Success is defined as
 no complaints, and, no regulatory burden on the Administration.

2)  Limited Participation.  Only up to 5 owner occupied home are allowed during the pilot.  This allows for easier program monitoring.

3)  4 Hen Limit:  No turkeys, geese, ducks, roosters: to noisy.  No slaughtering allowed.

4)  Application Required:   Interested home owners must fill out the application form and pay their $25.00 application fee.   Application must include a basic site plan for the coop, or shed, and the enclosed outside "run."  A garage or deck is not an acceptable option for housing hens.  Basic rules include a 5ft set back from the property lines, and, a 6ft ht on any new coop.   The "run"
can not be an existing perimeter fence, but rather, an inner fence that allows the hens secure access to the yard.  The Building Commissioner will review the plans.

5 ) Neighbor Permission Required:  Applicants must obtain permission from each adjacent neighbor, and, the neighbor immediately behind them.  This is, perhaps the most important part of the program:  it gives neighbors veto power:  no permission, no hens.  In our research, farm animal ordinances in other communities can cause problems because neighbors are caught off guard, by the appearance
of the birds.

Ultimately, if a hen program works in Cleveland, or Cleveland Hts, or wherever, it does not mean that it will work in Euclid.  This is why we believe that the Pilot Program is the best way to go.  It will give us the real world experience right here in Euclid to provide us the answers most us are looking for.

 

Euclid City Council - March 4th Agenda

Here are some comments on the March 4th, City Council Agenda.

Office of Neighborhood Engagement



 

Council wants to create and manage a pilot program called The Office of Neighborhood Engagement.  The principal goal of the new position is clear and simple:  to offer proactive support to existing and new neighborhood and business associations.

The Need:  From experience,  it is often true that folks turn to their Councilperson as a last resort to resolve issues.  Many times, these neighborhood concerns have existed for quite a while.  The resident may have contacted the City about this or that issue with little, or an unsatisfactory response.  So when they approach the Council, many times they are very frustrated and upset.   All members of Council gladly weigh in to help resolve issues every day.  The frustration is that this is a reactive way to address problems, and, concerns, especially since many of the same issues occur throughout the City:  neighbor issues, overnight parking, loud music, housing issues toname a few.

The Solution:  Be proactive!  Starting with our current neighborhood groups, provide information on City Services, issues, and solutions, and, thus, better meet the needs of all of our residents.   Currently, the City has no one position that is charged with working directly, and, reaching directly into our neighborhoods and small business districts.  The Office of Neighborhood Engagement would do just that: reaching out to residents, neighborhood groups and smaller retail areas.  Just as important, this position would reach out across Administration Departments, to offer up solutions for neighborhood concerns.

Can it work?  I believe so.  Other communities such as Cleveland Hts. have a similar program.  There, they have community outreach programs based in each neighborhood.  They work hand in hand with their council members.  As I have said over the course of the many years, you, the resident are our "eyes and ears."  The more feedback we get from you, the better job your government will do.  This new position can get the Council more, and, better information from which we can make better decisions.

Euclid's current program:  Yes, there is a Community Policing Program based within the Euclid Police Department. As reported in the 2011 Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), the current specialist is involved primarily with police based issues, such as juvenile diversion, Police Athletic League, domestic violence diversion programs, etc.  While the formation of new neighborhood groups is part of the current position, once formed the Specialist has no real contact with the groups, unless there are specific issues.  This limits the ability of the current position to consistently reach out into our neighborhoods   And, as the report recommended, perhaps the solution for the Police Department is training multiple officers, if not the whole Department, on community policing methods.

What is Council's Roll?  We will supervise the position during the pilot phase.  This is to make sure that the pilot process goes as we envision it.  Yes, that means that the Administration is not entirely on board with the concept.   As for the effect on Council, this should have no effect on what I have done for all these years:  answer your questions, and, address your concerns.  In fact, the new position can offer support on Council based initiatives, such as community gardens, enhanced recycling, and, enhanced block watch efforts,vacant property issues, and, more.

Conclusion:  The proposed Office of Neighborhood Engagement will offer information, and support Council on issues that are grounded in the everyday community issues.   The Office of Neighborhood engagement should make the whole council better, and, that is to your benefit.

Council will discuss this new position in committee before approval.

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  Dog Park Tales - the Final Chapter?

 

After 20 years time, Euclid is finally on the door step of building a Dog Park.  As you might recall from an earlier post (Dog Park Tales - 5/15/2011), attempting to build a dog park somewhere in Euclid has been a 20 year journey.  The latest, and, hopefully, last chapter will see construction begin on the Dog Park later this spring.  The location is on St. Clair, just west of the RTA Park-N-Ride lot.

From 4 years ago, the Dog Park Committee looked at this site as a potential location, but, since the RTA owns the property, and, there are drainage issues there, it was not the first choice of the committee.  However, thanks to Councilman Van Ho and, the Administration, the RTA and the City were able to hammer out an agreement for the lease of this property.  The City has pledged to spend up to 20K for construction of the park, including drainage, and, fencing.  The term of the lease is for 5 years, with an annual rent of $3,125.00 per year. 

 

While long overdue, I am happy to see this park come to the City.  And, I know somewhere, former Councilpersons Gudenas, Miller, McTighe and Gruber are pleased, too!

 

Let me know what you think, and, please complete the poll on the potential for a downtown McDonalds.