Mayor's Report

Mayor’s Report as printed in the Willoughby Times:

With the continued rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, we are encouraged that we may begin to return to normalcy over the summer. With the approaching warmer weather, we’d like to provide a few updates and reminders.

Yard waste pick-up began as of April 1st. Pick up will be the same day as your trash collection and yard waste needs to be in brown, 50lb kraft bags or a container marked “Yard Waste”. Items such as branches can be bundled in 4-foot lengths but should not exceed 30lbs.

Also, with the beginning of our lawn maintenance season, please remember not to blow grass clippings into the street. These clipping can find their way into our storm sewers, possibly causing sewer back-ups. Those living near steep slopes, usually along the river, are asked not to throw clippings over the edges as this may cause erosion. Disposing of grass clippings along public rights-of-ways or utility easements is also not permitted.

As we venture outside with our pets, please remember that dogs must be on a leash at all times, and don’t forget to pick-up after your pets.

We are happy to announce the long-awaited repaving of Lakeshore Boulevard will begin in July and the repaving of Route 84 starts in early April. Both of these road improvements are ODOT sponsored, and please check our website for any traffic and project updates.

The Downtown Farmers Market begins on May 1st and is held each Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm through October. This market is sponsored by The Heart of Willoughby. The Lakefront Market and Flea, sponsored by the Willoughby Lakefront Business Association, is scheduled to begin in June and is held each Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm through September.

With the guidance provided by the State and the Lake County General Health District, we are planning our traditional summer events and activities. We are also making plans to open one and possibly both pools this summer. Over Memorial Day weekend, we will open Osborne Park Pool for recreational swimming. The Euclid Avenue Pool will not open to the public immediately due to the severe shortage of lifeguards. We will use this pool as a training site for lifeguards with the hope to open the Euclid Avenue Pool by late June.

The city has a formal process for solicitor permits. The process includes an application and background check for anyone applying for a permit. It also requires a city-issued photo ID to be worn outside of his/her clothing and be visible at all times. A list of approved permits and details of the permit process is available on the city’s website. We encourage our residents to notify the Willoughby Police Department to report anyone not wearing the city-issued identification.

Finally, we hope the better weather and continuing good news about the pandemic will bring us back together to enjoy the great summertime activities our city offers.