1 Public Square • Willoughby, OH 44094 • 440.951.2800
by sboyd
The Lake County Department of Utilities will be conducting dead-end fire hydrant flushing in the city of Willoughby starting on 6/24/19 and continuing through 7/3/19. Signs will be posted in the areas that are to be flushed.
Residents are warned not to do laundry on days that hydrants are to be flushed. Discolored water may occur, and can be flushed from the cold-water tap.
Click here to view the schedule.
Post expires at 8:40am on Thursday July 4th, 2019
by sboyd
The Lake County Health District will be spraying for mosquitos in Willoughby on Thursday, June 27th.
Click here for more details.
by sboyd
Fire Hydrant Operational Testing
On or about April 1, 2019, the Willoughby Fire Department will begin flushing fire hydrants throughout the City of Willoughby. The flushing will take place Monday through Thursday of each week, weather permitting. The flushing program is projected to last approximately six weeks.
The hydrant flushing program is designed to ensure that the hydrants are in proper working order and that adequate water is available for firefighting purposes.
Residents who experience cloudy or rusty water should allow the cold water to run until clear.
by sboyd
Summer will bring us outside to enjoy the weather, our homes, city parks and the many events planned in Willoughby. This month I thought I’d pass along a few reminders for the summer season.
Please note that we are requesting all pets be leashed on public properties. Also, remember to clean up after your pets. As we maintain our homes and yards, remember that all yard waste and grass clippings must stay on your property or can be removed by our refuse hauler, Waste Management. Grass clippings should be placed in lawn bags or containers provided by Waste Management. Please remember to sweep or blow your grass clippings away from sidewalks and streets. More information on Waste Management is below. Also, we have city ordinances that limit construction start times to 7:00 am on the weekdays and 8:30 am on the weekends.
For convenience, below is a list of the different service providers for Willoughby:
Waste Management: Our current trash removal contractor also picks up larger items such as furniture and appliances as well as grass clippings and yard waste. For any questions relating to trash pickup and recyclables, please call Waste Management at 1-866-797-9018. Also, more information on trash pickup can be found on the City’s website at https://willoughbyohio.com/service-department/refuse-collection/. Please remember that trash pick-up occurs one day later after Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
First Energy: Our electric and streetlight provider can be reached at 1-888-544-4877 and through the City website at https://willoughbyohio.com/service-department/. Please contact them for power outages as well as streetlight repairs. For streetlights, the pole number or the street address nearest the pole is required. Also, links to Ohio Dominion, NOPEC, AT&T, Spectrum and the Lake County Department of Utilities can be found on our website.
Lake County General Health District: The LCGHD can be reached at 440-350-2543 and their website is https://www.lcghd.org/. This organization provides many services for our residents, including restaurant kitchen inspections, reporting, and monitoring of infectious diseases in Lake County, animal bite reporting for rabies control, and mosquito spraying. Lake County’s birth and death records are archived at the LCGHD and they are actively involved in the opioid epidemic with Project Dawn (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone). This is a community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution program.
Finally, we ask that if you observe suspicious vehicles, people or activities, please report these to our Police Department at 440-953-4212. Our safety forces rely on resident involvement and we have a shared responsibility to look after our neighbors.
We wish everyone an enjoyable and safe summer!
by sboyd
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING, FACT SHEET AND REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
E. 364TH, E. 365TH & HARVARD STORM SEWER REPLACEMENT
The City of Willoughby will hold a Public Meeting on Thursday, May 30 2019, at Willoughby City Hall, 1 Public Square, Lower Level, Willoughby, Ohio 44094, at 7:00 PM.
The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss and seek public comment on the proposed E. 364th, E. 365th & Harvard Storm Sewer Replacement Project to be constructed in the City of Willoughby in the rights-of-way of E. 364th St., E. 365th St., Harvard Ave. and an adjacent existing easement.
Project Description, Location and Purpose
The project involves replacement of the existing storm sewers on East 364th Street, East 365th Street and Harvard Avenue. The project includes construction of approximately 7,790 feet of storm sewer ranging in size from 6 inches to 36 inches; 17 storm manholes; 29 inlet basins; service connections; 8,500 square yards of drive and pavement replacement; 27,600 square yards of sidewalk replacement; 1,362 feet of heavy sewer cleaning; pre-construction video documentation, storm sewer abandonment, restoration and other incidentals. The project is located between Vine Street and Stevens Boulevard in the Corporation Creek Drainage Basin in the City of Willoughby. The project will be constructed by the City of Willoughby as part of its storm sewer system and the City’s 2016 Storm Water Plan in which the project was identified as “High Priority.” The purpose of the project is to replace existing failing storm sewer infrastructure.
As noted above, the purpose of this project is to replace existing failing storm sewer infrastructure. This is consistent with the recommendations of the City’s 2016 Storm Water Plan, in which the project was identified as “High Priority”. The sewers were constructed in the early 1950’s and have never been rehabilitated. The existing sewers are not functioning as originally designed and need to be upgraded to current standards. The project will provide immediate health and safety benefits to eliminate basement flooding up to a 10-year storm
event. The project is a 100% replacement of the existing storm sewer system in the project area. The existing system is the source of repeated basement flooding in the immediate project area.
Potential Environmental Impacts
The site of the proposed project, as noted above, is located between Vine Street and Stevens Boulevard in the Corporation Creek Drainage Basin in the City of Willoughby. The proposed project involves replacement of the existing storm sewers on East 364th Street, East 365th Street and Harvard Avenue. The proposed project facilities will be constructed within the existing right-of-way of those streets. The new storm sewers on East 364th Street will discharge to the new existing Stevens Blvd. Storm Sewer. The new storm sewers on East 365th Street and Harvard Avenue will discharge to the Nason storm water retention basin adjacent to S.R. 2 in the City of Willoughby The entire project area is within fully developed municipal subdivisions. The proposed project, for the most part, will not impact sensitive features. However, due to the proximity of the proposed storm sewer replacement to trees in the right-of way, several trees will need to be removed during construction.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING &FACT SHEET
On East 364th Street, it is anticipated that no trees will be removed. On East 365th Street, it is anticipated that three (3) tree lawn trees will need to be removed, including a 15” diameter tree and two approximate 8” diameter trees, all located in the tree lawn area of the street. On Harvard Dr., it is anticipated that eleven (11) tree lawn trees will need to be removed, including a 15” diameter tree and ten approximate 8” diameter trees, all located in the tree lawn area of the street. Following construction, the City arborist will make recommendations for the replacement of the tree lawn trees that are removed during construction. Trees will be removed between October 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 to prevent any potential impact on endangered bat species, as recommended by the funding agency, the Ohio EPA, Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance, as part of its environmental planning review.
In regard to environmental resources, there are no streams or wetlands on the site to be used for this project. Accordingly, the project will not disturb any aquatic resources. The site, as noted above, is in an existing disturbed developed area. The project site is not in the ODNR Coastal Zone Management Area, as delineated on the Coastal Zone Management maps. Further, a review of the Flood Insurance Rate Map for the entire project area of East 364th St., East 365th St. and Harvard, Image 39085C0093F.png, shows that the entire project area footprint is not located in the floodplain. The area shows as “Minimal Flood Hazard.”
The project will not impact any surface water resources, groundwater resources, agricultural
land, air quality or aesthetics of the area.
The endangered species list of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service was checked. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lists the following animal species in Lake County – Bats, including the Indiana Bat and the Northern Long Eared Bat; Birds – Kirtland Warbler, Piping Plover and Rufa
Red Knot; Mussels – Snuffbox. The noted species will not be impacted by this project. The endangered species list was also checked for plant species. There are no known Plant Endangered Species in Lake County, the area in which the project is located.
The closest known historical/ archeological site in the vicinity of the proposed project site is the Reeve Village, located near the mouth of the Chagrin River, which is approximately four miles from the proposed project site. The closest known historical architectural site in the vicinity of the proposed project is Historic Downtown Willoughby, which is approximately 2 miles from the project site.
Some additional construction traffic, noise and dust will be generated during construction of the improvements. Standard construction techniques will be specified to prevent erosion during and after construction and will also be used to control noise, dust, odor and traffic during the course of construction. Standard construction safety practices will be followed during construction to protect both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The impact on the surrounding area during and following construction should be minimal. In addition, a positive environmental effect of the project, in conjunction with other improvements to the storm sewer system, will be the reduction of storm water damage due to present inadequate storm sewers.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING &FACT SHEET
Page 3
Costs, Funding and Sewer Rates
Total construction costs submitted with the WPCLF Construction Loan Application for the City of Willoughby E. 364th, E. 365th & Harvard Storm Sewer Replacement Project are presently estimated at $2,116,131.55, including estimated capitalized interest. The 20year interest on the principal amount at 2.12% is $491,258.20. When bids for the project are received in June, 2019, the loan will be recalculated based on the interest rate for August, 2019. The loan is presently scheduled for award in August.
Costs not covered by the Construction Loan include property acquisition costs, a portion of the construction costs covered by a grant and loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) construction loan fee. There are no property acquisition costs. The project is being constructed in the public right of way and in
an existing City of Willoughby easement in which a discharge sewer pipe to the Nason Retention Basin will be located. As noted above, property acquisition costs are presently estimated at $0. The presently estimated OWDA Loan Fee is $7,348.00. In addition, an OPWC grant and loan for this project will cover $400,000.00 in project costs. The total of $407,348.00 in non – WPCLF loan funds is being paid from the City’s Sewer Account and the OPWC. Accordingly, the total estimated project cost, including the 20year loan interest is $3,014,737.75.
For purposes of securing an Ohio EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund loan to finance the subject project, the City has pledged its Sanitary Sewer Funds to pay for the debt service for the project loan. As part of that commitment, the following information demonstrates the City’s ability to do so.
The current Sanitary Sewer rate for all user classes located in the City of Willoughby is $3.65/ccf plus a quarterly administrative charge of $8.25 per sewer account per quarter. Willoughby’s average residential customer uses 18.558 ccf per quarter, based on 2018 usage. The average annual sewer bill for a residential user is $304.00. Willoughby does not anticipate an increase in sewer rates to pay for the construction loan for this project. However, as explained below, the City will be executing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake County Commissioners to pay for the debt service for the WPCLF and OPWC Loans for this project. Also, however, the city is presently conducting a rate review in anticipation of other sanitary sewer projects anticipated in the next several years, the cost of which will require an increase in sewer rates, based on anticipated increases in both O,M & R costs and an increase in debt service costs . This was verified by the projection of increases in debt service and O,M&R costs shown on the Projection of Revenues and Expenses submitted with the WPCLF Loan Application for the subject project. Accordingly, it is fair to say that future Willoughby rate increases are not needed to pay for this project, since project funding is anticipated to be paid from another source.
Although the City has pledged its Sanitary Sewer funds to pay the debt service on the construction loan for the referenced project, the City has also entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lake County Commissioners, dated August 7, 2014, in which the County and the City have agreed to carry out their mandated responsibilities in fulfillment of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). That permit authorizes discharges of storm water from a “municipal separate storm sewer system” (MS4) under OEPA Permit Number 3GQ0068*BG. Under the MOU, the City has become a member community of the Lake County
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING &FACT SHEET
Page 4
Stormwater Management Department (LCSMD) and, as such, the City may utilize the services of the LCSMD for all six minimum control measures mandated by EPA, as well as work with the LCSMD for funding assistance to maintain and upgrade the storm sewer infrastructure within the community. This work can include, but is not limited to, storm sewer cleaning and repairing, watershed studies, infrastructure improvements that reduce flooding and improve the quality of storm water runoff. As noted above, the City and the County plan to enter another MOU that provides for the LCSMD to pay the debt service on both the WPCLF construction loan with OEPA-DEFA and the 0% interest loan with the OPWC, noted above. The details of the draft MOU will be finalized by the City and the County following receipt of the bids for the subject project in June, 2019 and the award of the WPCLF construction loan for the subject project in August, 2019.
In regard to homeowner costs, the source of pledged repayment for debt service and other project costs for the subject project for the City of Willoughby is sanitary sewer rates, as supplemented by a pending MOU with the Lake County Commissioners for funding for the project’s debt service through the Lake County Stormwater Management Department. There will be no other charges, including assessments, tap-in fees or other charges to pay for this project. In addition, the project is the construction of replacement storm sewers. There will be no additional costs to the residential user for inside plumbing and/or lateral connections needed as a result of this project.
Please contact James Sayles, P.E., Willoughby City Engineer, at CT Consultants, Inc., 8150 Sterling Court, Mentor, Ohio 44060, Phone Number – 440-530-2348, if you want more information or care to comment on this project.
Environmental Review: The Ohio EPA will make available for public review an environmental report on this project. Upon its release, the document may be viewed at Willoughby City website address, https://www.willoughbyohio.com or Ohio EPA’s website at: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/defa/ofa.aspx (“Documents Available for Review and Comment” – WPCLF Documents for Review and Comment”) and at Willoughby City Hall’s office address, Willoughby City Hall, 1 Public Square, Willoughby, Ohio 44094 If you would like to receive either an electronic copy via e-mail or a paper copy of the document via U.S. mail upon its release, please contact Linda Merchant-Masonbrink of Ohio EPA at either l.merchant-masonbrink@epa.ohio.gov or (614) 644-3656.
by sboyd
The DTW Rib Burn off returns for the 8th year for two days of great food and live music! Click here for more information on the event.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Beginning at 4:30 AM Saturday, May 18th through Midnight Sunday, May 19th:
* Erie Street at Vine St/Mentor Ave
* Euclid Ave at Sharpe Ave.
* River Street to City Hall parking lot
* East Spaulding Street
* Third Street – Closed from the apron of the mail carriers parking lot to Erie Street
* Second Street – Closed from the apron of Texture Salon to Erie Street
* West Spaulding – Closed from the apron of Willoughby Library to Erie Street
Notes:
Detour: Use Clark Street from Vine Street to Sharpe Ave. to Euclid Ave. to bypass DTW.
No truck traffic permitted on Clark Street, please proceed to Beidler Rd.
River Street will open for limited access to Willoughby United Methodist Church at approximately 2:00 PM on Saturday (or after the Market closes).
No left turn onto Mentor Ave. from Todd Field parking lot.
by sboyd
by sboyd
The snow is finally gone, and May marks the beginning of the Spring-Summer seasons. This month we celebrate Memorial Day on May 27th, an important holiday that commemorates the men and women who have given their lives while serving our country in the military. The first Memorial Day was celebrated in 1868 and was meant to honor those that died during the Civil War. I’ve always coupled this holiday with the observance of our country’s birthday on July 4th. Both are days meant to honor a country built on acceptance, tolerance and cooperation.
My family represents the true spectrum of current political thinking. Some are liberal and some are conservative. I’m sure this is the case with many other families. Our get-togethers are usually peaceful and uneventful, but occasionally, can become exciting when personal/political views are discussed. To date, we have not solved any social, economic or political challenges. However, the fact we can have open and frank discussions about issues is important. Also, the ability to consider alternate points of views is significant.
As we enter this year’s election season, and as the presidential campaign unfolds (two-plus years before that election), it is a great time to practice the art of listening, considering and understanding. This task is challenging at the Federal level, less so at the State level, but can be easily achieved here in our hometown. We are blessed to live in a community with residents of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and aspirations, as well as strong connections to family and friends. We are also a city that cherishes relationships. This is the framework that fosters open dialogue. That is if we are willing to hear and understand.
With the warmer weather and the beginning of our summer events, it is a great time to reconnect with our neighbors and our community. It is the perfect season to talk and listen.
As we celebrate a country founded on acceptance, tolerance and cooperation, and the men and women who gave their lives protecting these foundations, hopefully, we can all work to practice the art of communication. Like my family, we will never agree on some things, but we can share a meal, enjoy each other’s company and be comfortable knowing our opinions may never align. More importantly, we can accept this as perfectly normal and acceptable.
Please remember our first summer event, the 2019 Rib Burnoff, is Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th. Also, our Memorial Day Parade will be on Monday, May 27th in Downtown Willoughby, with a second ceremony at our Plains Road Cemetery in north Willoughby shortly thereafter.
Enjoy the Spring!
by sboyd
The City of Willoughby will make available for public auction:
(1) Trailer: 2003 Pace 7′ x 14′ enclosed and (1) Vehicle: 2004 Chrysler 300
Place: EBAY (internet auction)
Seller: City of Willoughby
Dates: April 22 – May 2, 2019
Approximate Start Time: Starts at 12 pm
Those interested can view the trailer and/or vehicle by appointment. Call (440) 953-4212 and ask for Police Administration.
Item 1: TRAILER (Min Bid $500)
This trailer was purchased new and used lightly. It has been outside regularly. It was purposed as a Mobile Command Post and equipment transport for our Emergency Response Team. The roof has had some work to seal leaks. The roof vent has been replaced at some point. The tires have been replaced and are in good condition. There is some rust on the wheels and fading but overall this trailer is in good condition.
VIN: 40LUB14253P087543
Manufacturer Name: Pace – Indiana
Model Year: 2003
Item 2: VEHICLE (Min bid $500)
This vehicle was a forfeiture and we have no prior information on maintenance or repairs. The vehicle was driven and the road test indicates no significant issues with the engine or transmission. Known current defects are noted on the auction listing.
The known current defects are as follows:
The brakes function but due to extended time in impound they are rusty and should be serviced.
Tires have tread but have signs of dry rot (cracking)
Checked for operation and appear to be in working order:
Stereo Cruise Control Power windows Door locks Power seat(mostly works)
Trunk release Heat/AC
Decoded VIN: 2C3HE66G04H692083
Destination Market: Canada Make: Chrysler Manufacturer Name: FCA Canada
Model: 300 Model Year: 2004 Plant City: Brampton
Series: LH Vehicle Type: PASSENGER CAR Plant Country: Canada
Body Class: Sedan Doors: 4 Engine Number of Cylinders: 6
Displacement (L): 3.5L V6 SOHC 24V Fuel Type: Gasoline
Engine Manufacturer: Audi Transmission: Automatic (Front Wheel Drive)
Seat Belts Type: Manual Other Restraint System Info: Active Seat Belt.
Front Air Bag Locations: 1st Row (Driver & Passenger)
by sboyd
Wes Point Park Gazebo Concerts – 2019
June 20th – August 29th* at 7 pm
June 20th – Out of Eden – A 6 piece tribute band who have replicated the music and vocal harmonies of the Eagles, Don Henley and Joe Walsh. All of The Eagles classic songs are performed!
June 27th – Jersey – A Bruce Springsteen tribute band with 7 of the area’s finest musicians playing The Boss’ greatest hits.
July 11th – Velvet Shake – The Velvet Shake combines Top 40 pop with rock and club hits. Voted one of the top cover bands in Cleveland, their high energy stage presence and diverse repertoire is guaranteed success for a great show! Playing hits by popular artists such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Pink, Rhianna, Carrie Underwood, Journey, Bruno Mars, No Doubt and many more!
July 18 – The Chardon Polka Band is not your average polka band! They are a group that brings new life and energy to this traditional music. While the group has an extensive catalog of traditional polkas, they are not afraid to bring their own tunes into the mix along with polka-pop covers of artists like Justin Bieber and Lady GaGa; the band loves pleasing crowds anywhere and everywhere.
July 25 – Sumrada – A local favorite! They have been performing at festivals, clubs, wedding receptions, corporate events, and fundraisers for over 30 years. The band was voted #1 for “Best Music” in 2010 – 2013 and “Best Wedding Band” for 2014 – 2017 on the Cleveland Hot List.
Aug 1st – Pieces of Eight featuring the Lakeside Brass – Classic Rock tribute band well known to Northeast Ohio. Eight veteran musicians with a dynamic horn section highlight the rest of the lineup of guitars, keyboards, and drums.
August 8th – Monica Robins and The Ninja Cowboys – Playing all current Top 40 Country music and standards from all eras, The Ninja Cowboys are “Cleveland’s Country”. They came together to meet the rising demand for contemporary country music and will have you dancing and singing with all of your country favorites!
August 15th – Majestic – An energetic interpretation of the ’80s and ’90s lineup of Journey – based off of Journey’s very successful Escape tour, Live in Houston 81′. With over 2.5 hrs of Journey hits, Majestic will have compelling fans singing along to every song!
August 22nd – Abbey Rodeo – A crowd favorite with a song list that covers many genres including Rock, ’60s, Beatles, Rockabilly, Pop, Surf, Folk, Bluegrass, Blues and more!
August 29th – The Diamond Project is a premier Neil Diamond cover band dedicated to performing a true replication of the musical stylings of a live Neil Diamond concert.
Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnic baskets (no alcohol is permitted). Ice cream is available for purchase at all concerts thanks to the Willoughby Senior Center Board of Trustees.
*no concert on July 4th