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.

 

 



 



It's Time....The Case for Lakefront Development

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF POSTS ON EUCLID'S LAKEFRONT
DEVELOPMENT PLAN.  PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR FUTURE POSTS ON THIS TOPIC.  FIRST, A LOOK BACK


I CAME ACROSS A "POSITION" PAPER ON LAKEFRONT DEVELOPMENT, FROM THE YEAR 2000.  EXCERPTS ARE BELOW.  

At the dawn of a new century, Euclid faces significant challenges.  City vision and leadership is essential for seeing these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for renewal.  A significant portion of that renewal rests upon these twin pillars:  Conversion of the Americana Apartments into condominiums and the construction of a marina.

Euclid's Challenges

 

According to Euclid's Master Plan Update of 1996, only 142 homes are valued over 150K.  Market studies show that potential demand for upscale housing at a minimum of 700 homes.  The exodus of wealthier residents rests primarily on this critical shortage of high value housing.  Today, only 55% of Euclid dwellings are owner occupied.  The City Master Plan update of 1996 describes high density apartment complexes as "have{ing} little remaining long term viability."  In other words, they are obsolete.  It is no surprise that reducing rental units is a clear goal of the Update.

 

Marina Project Interest

 

A Marina constructed at the Americana will spur the conversation of the Americana.  Marina interest stretches back to 1966.  Then spokesman for the Ohio Natural Resources Department explained that "{George} Voinovich has been one of the leading proponents of a marina for the City."  Mayor Kenneth Sims and Ohio Natural Resource Director Fred Moor and Ohio Division of Watercraft Chief Paul Sarossy "are impressed with Euclid's sincerity to have this recreational facility due to the interest exhibited in the project by Mayor Sims and Recreation Director Red Orr."

 

Regarding the Americana the minority owner, the Simon family is on record favoring the conversion of the American into condominiums as being good for Euclid.  Even more critically, there is a market for conversion according to the 1998 Danter Company report.

 

The Wealth Effect

 

The Americana/marina project significantly increases both City and School revenues without tax rate increases.  Conversation of the Americana means higher valued residential units, meaning that folks with a higher income would purchase them.  This leads to higher taxes, and, more disposable income

that can then be spent in downtown Euclid.

 

The  Keystone: Marina Development

 

Back in 1966, Mayor Sims and ONRD Director Morr discussed Mr Voinovich's marina concept.  Mr. Morr dismissed it: without a breakwater, no marina was possible.   At that time, no local money was available to pay for breakwater construction.

 

But, today, money is available through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).  Under TIF, private investment in the Americana Creates the additional property tax revenues for the breakwater/marina.

 

Making It Happen: Steps for City Leaders

 

Americana conversion and marina development provides the (partial) answer for Euclid's challenges.  No other plan proposed is as comprehensive in scope and dramatic in impact.  Yet, the first step for City leaders is one of attitude.  It seems our public leadership sees every Americana/marina challenge as an insurmountable obstacle.  No developer will ever step forward; no developer will take a risk in

Euclid's future with City Hall believing in that future.  It is time for City leadership to step out of the shadow of doubt and negativity and into the sunlight of conviction and possibility.  By doing so, they will ensure a renaissance on the lake shore, and, secure the promise of Euclid's future

 

 

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Today, the Americana is known as Harborcrest, and, the Horizon House is now Waters Edge.  Both are owned by the K&D Group which still has interest in our lakefront project.   The challenges Euclid faced when I wrote this paper still exist today.  And, the benefits of real lakefront development holds the same potential for Euclid today, as it did back in 2000.   More in coming posts.

 





 



 





Words from Dr. King

Non Violence and Non Existence

 

In our hyper partisan world, politics, race, ethnicity and religion far to often are used to divide us.

Such labels are used to smear, attack and, even negate the other person, the other idea, the very nature of those we do not agree with.

 

Dr. King eloquently spoke to universal truths that are applicable now, as when first spoken

50 years ago.  They are really timeless truths that stretch back to the dawn of time.



 

The following quotes were in a wonderful article in the News-Herald,
Saturday, January 19, 2013.

 

Bernice King, Dr. King's daughter recalls her fathering telling her, "The choice is no longer between violence and nonviolence, but, nonviolence and nonexistence."

 

And, from a 1960 audio interview, Dr. King had this to say about non-violence:  "I would...say that it is a method which seeks to secure a moral end through  moral means, and it grows out of the whole concept of love, because if one is truly nonviolent that person has a loving spirit, he refuses to inflict  injury upon the opponent because he loves the opponent."

 

Words to, think about.  It is up to each and, every generation to breathe life into these ancient truths, just like Dr. King did all those years ago.

 

Be well.

 

Daryl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2013 Updates

Happy New Year!

 

Here is a brief update on some issues from 2012, and a look ahead to things I hope to work on for 2013. 

 

Green infrastructure:   As you might recall from the Feb, 17, 2012 post, the City of Euclid is under an EPA Consent Decree to improve our Waste Water Treatment System.  I believe that green infrastructure can help reduce the total costs of the improvements.  These costs are estimated at about 150 million dollars. Last year City Council passed a series of rate increases to fund the improvements.  Strand and Associates have begun the system evaluation for possible green infrastructure applications that can possibly save the rate payers millions of dollars.

 

Tax Review Committee:  From that 3/26/2011 post, I believe that a thorough review of our tax structure is badly needed.  I am happy to say that the Resolution sponsored by myself, Council President Gail and the Mayor, to establish a review committee should be implemented this coming spring.

Old Highland Neighborhood Connector:  I love hiking in the Euclid Creek Reservation.  As mentioned in "Euclid Watershed Update, Spring 2012, one day, I hiked up Old Highland Road and,thought "fixed up and made safer, this would make a great park connector for the folks in the Georgetown Neigbhorhood.  Working with Ward 1 Councilperson Caviness, our goal is to secure Metro Park/State funding for this project

Shore/City LED Lighting Initiative:  Last spring, I set up a tour for Administration members of Nela Park, the home of GE Lighting.  I wanted the Administration to see the improvements in LED technology and, how that can be applied to City building and lighting.   This past December, the GE Team came out for a tour of Shore.  The result is a proposal for LED lighting upgrades to the exterior and auditorium lights.   Payback for the investment in the Shore LED lighting proposal is about 2-4 years.   I had the pleasure of discussing the GE proposal to the Shore Board, and, they are excited about the opportunity.   This certainly can be a part of Shore's capital plan.   I am working with Service Director Bock to evaluate other City buildings.

Marina Project/I-90 Project:  The marina is critical to Euclid's Future.  Breakwalls are expensive to build.  Reducing the costs of the breakwall can save significant money.  Breakwalls are basically stone pyramids designed to block wave action.  Waves are bad for boats docked in marinas.   In my discussions with marine engineers over many years, they suggested that concrete rubble from road reconstruction projects could be used for our breakwall.  Back in 2008, Council passed a resolution asking ODOT to support the donation of concrete rubble to help build the breakwater.  The City missed out on the demolition of the old Chase Brass plant, and, the old Cleveland Convention Center

Ward 5 Councilman Pat McLaughlin is attempting to secure the concrete bridge deck of the 50 year old I-90 innerbelt bridge.  This is a wonderful and complicated initiative that if successful will bring the marina one step closer.  I wholeheartedly support Pat's initiative with advise, support and advocacy with our County and Port Authority officials.

Euclid Hens:  My guess is that this will draw the most comment! Urban agriculture is a growing trend throughout the country.  This also includes the raising of livestock and chickens.  I have discussed this concept with the City Law Department for the past several years now.  Communities like Beachwood, Cleveland, Cleveland Hts, Richmond Hts. allows the practice.  Councilman O'Hare and McLaughlin also are interested in this trend.  We had legislation drafted to allow the practice.  The main points of the legislation was to set the number of hens by home lot size, control the size of the coops, and, address concerns about noise and smell.



But, after a committee meeting, clearly the idea of allowing the raising of hens (no roosters) in the City is a passionate one.  I suggested that instead of simply passing the proposed legislation, the the City first embark on a pilot project:  allow 4-5 residents to raise hens based on the proposed law to see exactly what the impact might be.   This is under review as we speak.

Urban Forestry:  Over the years, I have had the honer of working on the Euclid Shade Tree Commsion.  It has been a personal goal to make Euclid a greener City.  Many years ago now, with the help of former State Representative Kenny Yuko, we ended mowing in the I90/Euclid Spur area.
Eventualy, an urban forest will replace what was simply mowed grass.  I also convinced the City Administration to end mowing along the Marginal, from 260th to Babbit.  This spring, I will be planting a mixture of maple, beach and oak trees in this area to speed along the reforestation.  If they "take" I will continue the initiative in the Spur area.

Of course there are always neighborhood issues that are just as important that require attention.  So, let me know what you are seeing in your neighborhood!

 

And, let me know what you think.

 

 





Another Rubber Stamp Council?

On August 8, the Euclid City Council voted 4-3 to purchase the old Alexander's property in downtown Euclid for $900,000.   This land is needed for Federal mandated improvements to Euclid's sewer system.

Yet, on Monday, August 27, the Council will debate this matter further.  Confused?  Let me explain.

Councilpersons Jones, Scarniench and myself voted against purchasing the land.  While the land is important to the project and needs purchasing,  the Cervenik Administration botched the entire presentation to Council.

When the City purchases property, an appraisal of the property is required.  Normally, that appraisal and, other supporting documentation is presented to City Council for review BEFORE  Council votes on the purchase.

Here examples of how the process should, and, has worked in the recent past

December, 2009 E 248th Street Sewer Project:  A lakefront parcel next to the Normandy was needed for a storm water outfall pipe.  Owned by the K&D Group, the final purchase price was $400K.   Council received both the appraisal and supporting explanations from the Administration well in advance of the meeting, allowing time for ample questions.   This purchase most closely resembles
the Alexander's purchase

June, 2010, St. Roberts Parish Purchase:   Bought for 674K, the City is "landbanking" the property to capitalize on future marina development.  The vote in June was the culmination of two months of CONFIDENTIAL e-mail exchanges between the Administration and City Council.

November,  2010 Lakefront parcel purchase.   The two other lakefront parcels were purchased from the K&D Group for 470K.  This brings the City in control of property between the Normandy and
HarborCrest.  At the same time, K&D donated to the City of Euclid a strip of shore line property that is important for future lakefront development. 

In each case, the Administration provided the Council with appraisal information, include copies of the actual appraisal, and detailed explanations explaining the appraisal, the need for the land, and reasoning behind the price.  With this information, Council can ask questions, and raise concerns
BEFORE voting on the legislation.
 

The Broken Process

 



For the Alexander property purchase, the City Council received zero supporting documentation from the Administration.  No appraisal, no explanation, just the legislation.    Now mind you, we have the same Mayor and Law Director, the same team that did it correctly a few years ago.  They know full well that Council would have questions on the appraisal and the price.

When you are going to spend 900K of the public's money, more information should be provided, not less.  When asked why the appraisal was not provided to Council prior to the meeting, Law Director Frey blustered that "no one on Council asked for it."  This is a very poor excuse for  the unwillingness of the Cervenik Administration to provide basic information, information that was  given in the past. 

Instead, Law Director Frey read certain portions from the appraisal to Council.  Being read too on the floor of City Council prevents any real questioning, and, insight or penetrating. thought: this only leads to poor decision making.

Yet, instead of owning up to the mistake, Mayor Cervenik complained about the Council not communicating with the Administration.  Well, its not like the appraisal information just became available in August.   The appraisals were completed in January. In reviewing communication from the Administration I can find nothing updating the Council on the appraisal process, or, the negotiations to obtain the property.  This was far different, than, say, what occurred when we were looking at the St. Roberts purchase.

The City Council has no obligation to bail out the Administration's poor preparation.   But, perhaps they figured they had the votes and did not have to prepare.   The majority of Caviness, Gail, O'Hare, and Mclaughlin provided the approval based on their trust of the Administration. 

Trusting the Administration  is nice.  Verification of that trust is better for the public!

Notice that I have not mentioned if the price of 900K is a fair one.

Without any supporting documentation, the Council should not even have begun to consider if the purchase price was right, wrong, low, or high.  Given how poorly this process was, my "no" was easy to cast.

So, why the meeting on Monday?  Two days after the vote, Mr. Frey did provide the appraisal of the Alexander property.   That led to many of my colleagues having all sorts of questions.   Imagine that!
I felt that it is important, the the public at least hear the reasoning behind the purchase price:  all of which should have been discussed before any vote was ever taken.

While it is unlikely, there is still time to make your voice heard.  The purchase legislation does not go into effect until 30 days after its August 8th passage.

The meeting is Monday, 8/27, Euclid City Hall, at 7:00pm