The City of Willoughby

1 Public Square • Willoughby, OH 44094 • 440.951.2800

Mayor’s Report – April

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These past weeks have been challenging for the City of Willoughby. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has quarantined most of us, and the governor has placed significant restrictions to keep us safe and control the spread of this virus. We have been in constant communication with the Lake County General Health District, and we are receiving daily updates. Chief Ungar and our fire department are briefed and ready to help manage the situation throughout this time. We encourage our residents to check with our Lake County General Health District at https://www.lcghd.org/2019-novel-coronavirus-ncov/, the Ohio Department of Health at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/, and, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov. These are the most reliable and accurate sources for information regarding COVID-19.

The City is also taking precautions to manage this pandemic. For the safety of our community and employees, we have suspened public interface at City Hall and closed the Senior Center. City Hall employees are working alternating shifts or from home during regular operating hours, but the buildings will not be open to the public. We’ve postponed all events, trips, activities and programs scheduled through our Senior Center and Parks and Recreation Department at least through early May to adhere to the Stay At Home order. Our buildings and grounds personnel have initiated an aggressive daily disinfectant policy as have our police and fire departments.  While we are exercising these measures, we want to assure our residents that essential city services such as police, fire and service will continue.

We are also encouraging our residents to continue to support our businesses by “buying local.” It is an incredibly difficult time for Willoughby businesses, and they need our help. Over the next weeks, I am asking that you join me in helping local businesses throughout our community when you can.

The coronavirus pandemic has been challenging, but I am encouraged how our community has responded during the crisis. Businesses have voluntarily curtailed hours of operation, allowed work from home, and eliminated unnecessary meetings. The use of technology has been an essential asset in enabling this. Our residents have shown the spirit of community by volunteering to help others, and these incredible acts of kindness and show the heart and spirit of Willoughby.

Over the next weeks, I ask everyone for patience, understanding, and cooperation as we continue to navigate this challenging situation. I am confident that we will get through this and return to normalcy.

Resident Yard Waste Drop Off

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Republic Services has modified waste collection services to protect their employees. As a result, only trash and recyclables placed in their respective Republic containers will be collected. No bulk items or yard waste will be collected until further notice.

Beginning Monday, April 6th, Willoughby residents can drop off yard waste and bulk items free of charge at the Armory Building (4180 Grove Avenue). This location will be open Monday through Friday, 8 am – 3 pm until regular Republic service has been restored. DROP OFF CLOSED ON FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH as City Hall is closed in observance of Good Friday. 

Important notes:

  • Residents must show proof of residency through car window (i.e. Driver’s license or utility bill)
  • No landscapers or contractors
  • Yard waste must be in compostable paper bags or in trash cans. NO PLASTIC BAGS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
  • Tree debris must be cut to 4’ lengths and bundled with twine
  • There will be no curbside pickup by the city. Residents must deliver to the Armory Building
  • Bulk items will also be accepted but no whole house clean-outs
  • Residents will be expected to unload material into a loader bucket for the safety of our employees

Click here to for the service modification notice from Republic Services.

 

2020 Census

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The U.S. Census is a once-in-a-decade chance to track the shifts in population across our country. The goal is to count every person once, only once, and in the right place. More than $675 billion in federal funds is distributed to communities across the country based on Census data. That data is also used by businesses to decide where to open up shop, by first responders to develop emergency preparedness plans, and by community leaders to drive initiatives. New in 2020, you have the option to respond online, by mail or by phone.

Take the census 

Important Dates

Click here to view the full timeline of important dates.

  • March 12 – 20: Invitations to respond mailed to homes | View Sample Letter
  • April 1: Census Day
  • April 1 – July 31: Census takers follow up with households that have not yet responded

Helpful Resources

Rain Event March 2020

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Plant Bypass Location:

WE-WPCC

221 Erie Road

Eastlake, OH

At Outfall located in Lake Erie 1500′ from shore at 41-40.717  81-26.714

Date:  March 28, 2020

Start:  2:00 pm

Stop:  4:07 pm

Flow:  0.052 MG

Wet weather – 0.86″ of rain over 13.25 hours

Plant Bypass Location:

WE-WPCC

221 Erie Road

Eastlake, OH

At Outfall located in Lake Erie 1500′ from shore at 41-40.717  81-26.714

Date:  March 29, 2020

Start:  2:46 am

Stop:  8:02 pm

Flow:  11.970 MG

Wet weather –  2.04″ of rain over 35.75 hours

East Island Overflow

At Chagrin River (East Channel) Outfall at 41o40’41″N  81o25’45″W

Date:  March 29, 2020

Start:  3:16 am

Stop:  6:18 am

Flow:  0.245 MG

Wet weather – 1.66″ of rain over 26.5 hours

East Island Overflow

At Chagrin River (East Channel) Outfall at 41o40’41″N  81o25’45″W

Date:  March 29, 2020

Start:  12:14 pm

Stop:   2:46 pm

Flow:  0.137 MG

Wet weather – 0.37″ of rain over 0.75 hours after 1.66″ of rain over 35.25 hours

 

No Republic Pick-up on Tuesday, March 31st

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Attention TUESDAY PICK-UP CUSTOMERS

Due to circumstances beyond their control, Republic will not be collecting tomorrow (Tuesday, March 31st). They will be collecting all Tuesday customers on Wednesday, April 1st. Those normally picked up on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will all be serviced on their respective collection days.

As a reminder, there will be no yard waste or bulk/loose collection. If you have any questions, please contact Republic at 216-441-6300

Daniels Park closed due to flooding 3.29.20

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Daniels Park is currently closed due to flooding. Please avoid creeks and ditches with high water as currents are very strong under what might be a calm surface.

Also, please avoid roads where flooding is occurring as manholes can become dislodged and dangerous for cars and pedestrians. When floodwaters recede,  our Service Department will be out checking for damage.

Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Republic Temporarily Modifies Service

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To limit exposure to their employees, Republic Services will not be hand-picking any garbage left at the curb effective March 30th. All garbage and recyclables must be placed in containers. Yellow Republic Bag Service will continue during this time. Also, the start date for yard waste collection is postponed. Thank you.

Letter from Republic Services

City of Willoughby/ COVID-19 Update 3.25.20

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City of Willoughby/COVID-19 Update | To protect the safety of our staff and comply with Governor DeWine’s stay at home order, city employees have started alternating shifts or working from home. Employees critical to carrying out essential city services will still report to City Hall, yet City Hall remains closed to the public. Police and Fire Departments continue to respond to all emergencies quickly and have implemented additional safety precautions for their team.

Our goal is to maintain quality and timely services to the best of our ability during this unprecedented public health event. In doing so, we must also provide a safe working environment for our employees and visitors while adhering to the various public health protocols currently in place. Below is an overview of how to access City services during this time:

PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND PLAN REVIEWS – BUILDING DEPT.

The Building Department will continue to accept permit applications, plan reviews, etc. through electronic means. Submissions should be formatted in the most common document types (Word, .PDF, etc.).  Building Department staff will work with applicants by phone or email to process payments either by credit card or check. Inspectors/Plan Reviewers will communicate directly with the applicant(s) if there are any questions or concerns regarding the submission of construction documents. Inspections will only be performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays in compliance with the Ohio Board of Building Standards which requires inspections to be performed within 3  working days.

There may be times when electronic communication is not possible. In those situations, please call to schedule an appointment. These appointments will be based on degree of necessity as determined by the Chief Building Official.

Email addresses for submittals:

Plans/Permit Applications: emartin@willoughbyohio.com

Boards/Commissions: vgrinstead@willoughbhyohio.com

Building Dept. phone: (440) 953-4118

WATER BILLS

Payments for water bills can be placed in the drop box located outside of City Hall. Checks or money order only.

PROGRAMS, SWIM PASSES, SUMMER CAMP – PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT.

Spring and Summer registration has been suspended until further notice. Please visit the Willoughby Parks and Recreation Facebook page or the website for updates.

SEASONAL APPLICATIONS

Applications for seasonal employment (for all departments), can be emailed to parksandrec@willoughbyohio.com or place in the drop box outside of City Hall.

QUESTIONS/ CONCERNS/ SERVICE REQUESTS:

For questions regarding a specific department, please see the directory below or visit https://www.egovlink.com/willoughby-oh/action.asp to send an email.

City Hall Main Number 440-951-2800
Building Department 440-953-4118
Service Department 440-953-4115
Parks and Recreation 440-953-4200
Senior Center 440-951-2832
Finance 440-953-4102
Buildings and Grounds 440-953-4195
Boards and Commissions Secretary 440-953-4334
Clerk of Council 440-953-4121
Law Department 440-953-4129
Community Development 440-953-4191
Mayor’s Office 440-953-4190

We  appreciate your cooperation and patience during this time. Updates will be posted on our website and the City’s Facebook Page.

Zoning Code Update

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WILLOUGHBY ZONING CODE UPDATE

The City of Willoughby’s Planning and Zoning code establishes the rules and regulations regarding the design and use of buildings, permitted uses in the various zones, development standards and regulations, zoning maps, and the development review process.  Such items include parcel size, building heights, density, setbacks, parking, landscaping, fencing, and other aspects of property development and use.

Since 2017, members of City Council and Planning Commission from two different administrations have met in work sessions focusing on amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code, to maintain consistency between the comprehensive plan and city ordinances. These amendments involved adding or removing definitions as needed, removing any outdated language, updating development procedures and maps and cleaning up terms throughout the code to make the document more user-friendly. The overall goal of the update is to promote orderly growth and guide future development while continuing to protect and promote public health, safety, comfort, convenience, economy, aesthetics and general welfare.

The Zoning Code amendment was approved by City Council on February 18th, 2020 and effective as of March 19th, 2020. The Map Amendment was approved by City Council on March 3rd, 2020 and effective on April 2nd, 2020.

Zoning Code Amendments

Map Amendments

 

Solicitors Permits – On Hold

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Due to the public health protocols currently in place for Coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Willoughby will not be issuing any door-to-door Solicitor Permits until further notice. Additionally, current permit holders have been notified to cease door-to-door canvassing at this time.

Mayor’s Report