Tuesday, February 12, 2013
At the last public safety committee, council members asked for a cost-benefit analysis. That discussion — and more — continued on Monday night.
City officials are considering a move that would switch the city’s recycling collection to an automated process. Think big trucks and blue bins. But some city council members still have a few concerns about the proposal — particularly the idea of a parking ban on pick-up days. At the last public safety committee, council members asked for a cost-benefit analysis. That discussion continued on Monday night. In an effort to streamline waste collection — and save money in the long run — city officials are eyeing a plan to begin distributing plastic recycling containers to residents this year. City officials hope to switch the method of garbage collection to recycling through an automated process. But, if approved, the plan would be implemented…
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Lakewood City Council’s housing committee looks at adjusting process that collects fees from landlords.
Correction: Dru Siley, the city’s director of building and housing, suggested that that the city not trend toward a license fee from the 12-month date of purchase. Lakewood City Council is once again fielding complaints from some landlords about the city’s $180 annual housing license fee. The issue comes before council about twice a year — once in January and once in July. That’s because those are the times of the year the licenses are renewed. Council’s housing committee discussed some changes to the payment cycle on Monday night. Per city ordinance, rental property owners must pay a licensing fee for each property they own in Lakewood. Sometimes, when a property changes hands mid-year, the owners have to pay twice in a year. “We’re …
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
There are still three union contracts that have yet to be finalized.
Last month, officials at Lakewood City Hall reached deals with four of the seven collective bargaining units in Lakewood. And on Monday night, Lakewood City Council approved the one-year contract extensions. There are still three union contracts that have yet to be finalized: Police, fire and corrections officers (there’s only one member of that union). Council president Brian Powers said he was a little concerned about “kicking the can down the road,” but added that he understands that the financial forecast for the city is still a little cloudy. “I think this is the right thing for the year,” he said. “We’ll punt for a year, and then we’ll go for it.” The collective bargaining agreements expired at the end of 2012. The unions involved …
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The plan was approved as part of the 2013 budget earlier this week.
Lakewood is moving forward with plans to issue recycling bins to residents, replacing the blue bags currently used. The plan was included in the 2013 budget approved Monday. Chris Perry, unit manager of refuse and recycling in the city, said he hopes the switch will contribute to a “big boost” in recycling. Mayor Michael Summers does, too. The city has to pay landfill fess, but gets money for recyclables. Summers told Patch in early December that the program would cost the city money up front, but could eventually save Lakewood as much as $100,000 per year. Summers said the details for the plan still have to be determined. The city needs to do some tests, like seeing how many bins fit on one tree lawn, when the weather improves. The …
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The budget could still change during the year—here are a few factors to watch.
On Monday night, Lakewood City Council approved the city's 2013 budget. The budget includes about $33 million in expenditures in the general fund, which outlines spending for the general government, public works, public safety and human services across the city. Lakewood Patch pointed out in November that the city will have less to work with in 2013—the projected budget is more than $2 million less than the city’s 2012 budget. But the budget is a fluid document, one that can change at any point throughout the year. The version passed on Monday simply creates a framework. So what are some of the variables in the budget? Jennifer R. Pae, director of finance, said the city would be watching proposals at the state level, like House bill 601…
Lakewood City Council passed the increase as part of the 2013 budget on Monday.
Water and sewer bills will be going up for residents in 2013, as Lakewood City Council passed the increased fees during its meeting on Monday. Jennifer R. Pae, director of finance, said the water fees will increase by 3 percent and the sewer fees will increase by 10 percent. One reason for the increase is that people are using less water. Mayor Michael Summers told Patch earlier this month that the decrease in usage doesn't lessen the cost to maintain the system—costs have to go up to make up the difference. Additionally, the city plans to replace water meters at businesses and homes, Pae said after the meeting. Council passed the increases as part of the budget for 2013 at its final meeting of the year on Monday. For more on the 2013 …
Thursday, December 6, 2012
At-large councilwoman Monique Smith points to successful marketing campaigns in places like Mentor and Shaker Heights — as well as Gordon Square and Kamm's Corners — as examples.
Lakewood City Council is considering a measure that would spend as much as $10,000 from the city’s 2012 economic development fund to pay for a new marketing strategy. “For many residents, Lakewood is a community that is known to have many unique and attractive qualities that led us to choose this city as our home,” said at-large councilwoman Monique Smith in a letter penned to council. “Still, too often it seems as though these qualities remain unknown to many outside of our community. It’s time to do more to get the word out about what makes Lakewood great, and, in the process, support our local businesses, schools and housing market.” Smith pointed to the successful marketing campaigns in places like Mentor and Shaker Heights — as well …
Public safety forum slated for Dec. 13 to discuss the issue.
Lakewood City Council is eyeing a measure that would take the state’s ban on texting and driving a step further. While the ordinance remains in council’s public safety committee, city officials want to get some feedback from the public. A public hearing is set to take place in the No. 2 lecture hall at Lakewood High School at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. The event is open to the public. Ward 1 city councilman David Anderson recently introduced the measure that would, among other things, make texting and driving a primary offense for adults. That means, should the proposed city ordinance pass, that police could stop motorists just for texting while driving. Right now, the state law makes texting and driving a primary offense for minors only. "…
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Available posts include the Audit Committee, Civil Service Commission and Planning Commission.
The city of Lakewood is looking for a few good volunteers. More specifically, city council is seeking out volunteers are a few city advisory boards and commissions. The only requirements for service? According to a news release, those interested must be Lakewood residents; have the desire to serve in a volunteer capacity; and provide the time necessary. Lakewood City Council makes appointments throughout the year as the terms for boards/commissions end. Some of the current openings include posts on the city's audit committee, board of Zoning Appeals, civil service commission, Lakewood Tree Task Force and the city's planning commission. The submission deadline for those upcoming vacancies is 5 p.m. Nov. 30. Want to apply? Click here. …
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Along with the mayor, six out of seven Lakewood City Council members sign a resolution opposing a “one-size fits all” tax code on Ohio cities.
Lakewood made its position on House Bill 601 very clear on Monday night. Lakewood City Council passed a resolution stating opposition to the proposed state law that would “gut the home-rule guarantees of the Ohio Constitution by imposing a state-mandated tax scheme on local governments.” Along with the mayor, six out of seven of council members opposed the house bill. Ward 3 councilman Shawn Juris did not sign the resolution, however he said he also opposes House Bill 601. At-large councilman Brian Powers said that House Bill 601 would take away the city’s ability to enforce the “local tax laws that we have levied on ourselves.” “We believe that House Bill 601 is being marketed as a tax uniformity bill, but is in reality a Trojan Horse …
Barbara Greene
8:11 am on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Here's an idea. Most streets have one-side-only parking: have everybody puts their trash and recycling cans on the other side. No cars in the way of automated pickup. People would have to put their addresses on their cans, but it seems like a logical solution. more ›