This Week in Shaker©

An Independent E-Letter for the Residents of Shaker Heights, Ohio

Founded April 14, 2003

     Volume 7, Number 36                  Monday, October 26, 2009

Jane Wood, Editor                                                                 Street and Alley, Proofreaders

This Week in Shaker will be emailed every Sunday night or Monday morning,
if news warrants.  Sometimes that schedule changes.
If you like it, pass it on; if you would like to be on the distribution list, email thisweekinshaker@sbcglobal.net. 

This issue has 6 pages.

News Briefs

• The City Planning Commission will discuss “Coventry Pointe development,” proposed at the corner of Shaker and Coventry (on the north side of Shaker, between Coventry and Haddam), Nov. 4.   According to its web site—http://www.blossomhomes.net/communities/view/coventry-pointe—the housing project is being designed by City Architecture* and will have 8 “uniquely designed green floor plans.”  However, “Designs, Pricing and City Approvals are not yet complete.”  One of the contact people is Brian Cook, a member of the Landmark Commission.
• According to the Finance Committee minutes of Sept. 21 (TWIS did not attend that meeting), the City has a new union: the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers of the AFL-CIO, “which is unionizing three grounds and facilities maintenance employees at the Community Life Department.”
• The City has renewed health benefit contracts with both Kaiser and Medical Mutual.  According to the Finance Committee minutes of Sept. 21, “Kaiser had a 42% decrease in premiums for 2010, and Medical Mutual had a 3.1% increase for a total 1.5% increase in our health insurance for next year.  We were budgeting 7.5%.  For the first time in a number of years Kaiser will be cheaper than Medical Mutual.  Next year the monthly employee contribution goes up $5.  The non-bargaining and 1099 Public Works employees have a separate plan design which increased the co-pay and added in a network deductible.  Police and Fire were not interested in participating with the new plan design as was their option [sic] based on their existing contracts.”
• The City’s 9-month revenue for this year is $1,352,084 less than last year; income tax is $548,357 less.  Through Sept. 30, revenues exceeded expenditures by $949,678; October income tax receipts are $369,900 below last year.  According to a memo from Finance Department director Robert Baker to the Finance Committee, “The year-end deficit will reduce the general fund balance to 15% at year end.”

*City Architecture designed Avalon Station, the condominiums at Shaker Towne Centre.

Possible Merger of City, School, Library IT Operations?

According to the Finance Committee minutes of Sept. 21, (TWIS did not attend the meeting), “We have explored opportunities to work with the School District but the schools have a different focus.  This year however, we discussed the Institutional Network.  The Library also has their own IT staff. 

“Martin Kolb asked if the IT operations could be consolidated throughout the entire City.  Council member [James] Brady [councilmanbrady@gmail.com] asked if there were any possible cost savings from consolidating the IT operations.  Director [Frank] Miozzi stated that the School District has two separate IT operations: a business division; and a curriculum division.  He believes a single IT shop could manage all the environments for the different entities in the City, but there are 3 different administrations with different service level expectations.  We will try to see if there are more opportunities to work with the Library IT staff. 

“Council member [Nancy] Moore [Nrmoore@aol.com] stated that this would be an interesting discussion to have with the Joint Finance Committee.  Capital IT is always funded through the bond issues for the School District.”

The City’s 2009 preliminary IT budget (approved by City Council March 23) is $342,320, including staff.  The library’s budget is $260,204; the school district did not respond to the question.

City’s Property Tax Rate is 9.90 Mills

At last week’s Finance Committee meeting, which TWIS did not attend, Finance Department director Robert Baker made a presentation regarding the City’s tax rate.

According to a memo, “The total property tax rate for tax year 2009 (for collection in calendar year 2010) as determined by the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission will again be 9.90 mills.  The City’s property tax rate has remained unchanged since 1993.  The current rate represents a decrease of

1.60 mills from the 1992 tax rate of 11.50 mills.  The City’s property tax rate has not changed since 1993 because the City has not sought a property tax increase to fund operations or issued any new voter approved debt during that time.”

The memo said the City has the following debt:

• Traffic signalization system
• Various street resurfacing projects
• Firehouse
• Shaker Towne Centre and Sussex Areas economic development projects and construction
• Loans from the Ohio Public Works Commission for sewer and waterline projects

According to the memo, “Real property tax revenues for 2009, not including State rollback and homestead reimbursements and tangible property tax revenue, decreased in the second half, but the total real estate revenue for 2009 totaled $7,045,458.

“Final real estate tax revenue estimates for 2010 will not be available until mid-December because the State has not yet provided the County Budget Commission with the House Bill 920 factors.  As a result, it is not possible to precisely project 2009 property tax revenue to be collected in 2010 at this time.”

Police Department Stats (‘Second Quarter’)

Ed. Note: TWIS was not always able to determine what time period is covered in the Department’s report, the first half of the year (January – June) or the second quarter (April – June) only.

• 165 “part 1” crimes* reviewed
• 380 cases investigated; 25 sent to Common Pleas Court; 28 sent to Juvenile Court; 17 sent to Shaker Municipal Court; 45  “prosecution declined or prosecution withdrawn”; 9 had warrants issued; 11 turned over to other agencies; 9 “lacked victim cooperation”; 8 “were unfounded”; 4 sent to Community Diversion Program
• 91 cases “had No Solvability letters sent”; 55 “were unsolved after investigation”; 27 of 127 cases carried over from previous years closed; 0 hate crimes reported; 10 domestic violence cases (all prosecuted)
• 5 intelligence reports initiated
• 2 confidential case investigations initiated
• 533 hours of surveillance
• 5 search warrants
• 0 hours “spent on assisting on housing issues” (Investigative Bureau); however, “the department assisted Housing Inspection 11 times during the quarter with various tasks” (Uniform Bureau)
• 20 juveniles “sent through Community Diversion Program; 3 referred to other agencies
• 16,300 pieces of “property/evidence” in property room; 159 pieces auctioned; 460 pieces destroyed; 1 auction held
• average response time 2:34 minutes; average “priority 2 call” response time 5:12 minutes
• 87 “community policing oriented” calls received during 2nd quarter
• 314 adults, 184 juveniles arrested during 2nd quarter
• 1,079 incident reports filed; 170 accident reports during 2nd quarter
• 11 traffic complaints from residents, 88 citations issued “as a result;” 106 citations and 2 warnings issued as a result of monitoring 3 intersections
• 128 bicycle helmet warning letters
• 91 bicycle registration warnings
• 26 bikes impounded
• 74 letters sent for violations of criminal activity nuisance ordinance
• traffic enforcement numbers up 40% over 2nd quarter last year; speed violations up 176%
• 108 “short forms” issued in lieu of arrest
• 21 prisoners received emergency medical assistance
• 616 prisoners booked into jail in first 2 quarters; 16 in outside facilities
• “Both Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams are currently inactive”
• Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association assisted with 4 City-sponsored events in first half of year; donated 771 hours in support of events and on patrol in first half of year
• 9 complaints from citizens during first half of year
• 12 crime prevention meetings; 10 home security surveys; 2 personal safety programs in first half of year

* Burglary, robbery, auto theft, theft, rape, assault, homicide and arson

Fire Department Stats as of June 30

·         “Jump squad” responded to 54 EMS “incidents” in first half of year

·         1,833 children have received instruction on fire safety “to date”

·         8 hydrants have defects; 26 out of service; 150 flow-tested “to date”

Law Department Stats as of June 30

• Prepared documents for waiver of Van Sweringen deed restrictions for sale of south side of Chagrin parcels to allow consolidation of public parking area into a development parcel
• Approximately 22 hearings were held for Housing Code violations
• 125 contracts reviewed or prepared (21 for Public Works)
• 2 claims as a result of contractor defaults; 1 for sewer backup
• 400 pre-trials scheduled
• 367 trials scheduled
• 25 felony cases filed; 37 misdemeanor cases; 76 housing summonses; 1 prosecutor hearing; 2 building code pre-prosecution hearings
• 46 general citizen inquiries; 4 regarding electrical services; 16 regarding gas service; 3 regarding fair housing
• 67 pieces of legislation prepared for Council; 3 codified ordinance amendments that were enacted
• 2 fair housing complaints
• 5 appeals heard and decided by Board of Appeals

Finance Department Stats as of October 8

• 4,538 purchased orders processed
• 9,800 payments made on invoices
• 239 checks issued for each pay (pay of 10/9/09)
• 258 direct deposits for each pay (pay of 10/9/09)
• 3,610 vendors in City file
• 22 bids completed 2009
• $17.5 million invested (“laddered” investments)
• proposals received from 7 banks; being reviewed (RFP and select banking institutions)
• Shaker Towne Centre urban renewal bonds, “including bond rating,” issued 4/9/09; rated AA+
• $250,000 new nuisance abatement notes issued; “$500,000 paid off; reduce interest rates”

Following Up . . .

• Outside Legal Counsel: The Finance Committee (TWIS did not attend) last week approved a recommendation that fees for outside legal counsel be raised to $225/hr. effective June 1, 2009.  In 1990, according to a memo, “the City increased the hourly rate for outside legal counsel from $150/hr. to $175/hr.”  The memo also said, “As you can see the hourly rate of $175/hour is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the City when specialized legal services are needed.  An ordinance allowing the Mayor and CAO to pay up to $225/hour when an extraordinary legal matter arises would enable the Administration to proceed with hiring outside attorneys within a range of hourly rates, not to exceed $225/hour, without having to seek Council’s approval after the fact.”  The Law Department’s preliminary approved budget for 2009 was $876,768; however, TWIS was unable to determine the budgeted amount for outside legal counsel, either this year or for the last 2 years.  In 2006, it was $125,000.  In 2005, the City paid $431,899 for outside legal counsel (TWIS Vol. 7, Issue 16, April 27, 2009).
• Library Court Apartments: A public hearing (site plan review) will be held Nov. 4 by the City Planning Commission.
• Winslow Road: The Planning Department will submit a grant application to the Cuyahoga County Department of Development for $100,000 for street improvements.  The Landmark Commission and Architectural Board of Review this week will consider a “certificate of appropriateness” for a window replacement at 18401.
• Kingsbury Building: The Landmark Commission and Architectural Board of Review this week will consider “certificates of appropriateness” for awnings and new “signage.”
• Gridley Triangle: The Planning Department will submit a second grant application (see Winslow Road, above) to the County for $100,000 for park improvements.  Just 1 grant will be awarded, and Winslow Road was ranked “first” (it was ranked “second” last year).  Gridley Triangle will be ranked “first” next year.
• Police Digital Management System: The Finance Committee (TWIS did not attend) last week approved a recommendation from the Police Department that the City waive its regular competitive bidding and award a contract not to exceed $100,000 to Linear Systems, which bid $88,703.40, for the Police Department’s digital management project.  The Department was awarded a grant to pay for it.  The other bidder was Foray Technology ($87,210).
• JCU Student Housing:  City Council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Nov. 9.

Real Estate Report

As of yesterday (Sunday), Realtors had listed 228 single-family houses for sale* (excluding condominiums and townhomes) in Shaker Heights, as follows:

• $100,000 - $199,000: 77 (81 last issue)
• $200,000 - $299,000: 57 (55 last issue)
• $300,000 - $399,000: 27 (28 last issue)
• $400,000 - $499,000: 20 (20 last issue)
• $500,000 - $599,000: 14 (13 last issue)
• $600,000 - $699,000: 8 (9 last issue)
• $700,000 - $799,000: 7 (8 last issue)
• $800,000 - $899,000: 5 (5 last issue)
• $900,000 - $999,000: 4 (4 last issue)
• $1,000,000 - $1,999,000: 7 (6 last issue)
• $2,000,000 - $2,999,000: 2 (2 last issue)
• 3,000,000+: 0 (0 last issue)

In addition, there are 25 (25 last issue) houses priced under $100,000, for a grand total of 253. 

As of Friday, there were 29 foreclosure sales pending (including 5 condominiums) and listed on the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s web site.**  In addition to those, there are sometimes foreclosure sales listed by the U. S. District Court.

[Editor’s note:  TWIS has been reporting these numbers since March 12, 2007.]

*231 last issue

**29 last issue; addresses include 16625 Aldersyde, 17450 Aldersyde, 17623 Chagrin, 3356 Daleford, 3536 Daleford, 3663 Daleford, 22450 Douglas, 3598 Glencairn, 22700 Holmwood, 3450 Ingleside, 3612 Ingleside, 3292 Milverton, 3585 Normandy, 3601 Normandy, 17600 Parkland, 3618 Rolliston, 18231 Sherrington, 3714 Sudbury, 3348 Sutton, 3367 Sutton, 15820 Van Aken, 15820 Van Aken #103, 16100 Van Aken #402, 2705 Warrensville, 3271 Warrensville #2A, 3333 Warrensville #204, 3158 Warrington, 17408 Winslow and 17705-07 Winslow. [Editor’s note: This week’s foreclosed properties include those listed for Sheriff’s sale on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.  Foreclosed properties are listed every week until they are sold or withdrawn; the total listed here, therefore, always includes some properties that have been listed in previous issues.] 

The following commercial properties are for sale: gas station, 3746 Lee; Tower East (designed by Walter Gropius), 20600 Chagrin; 3393 Warrensville Center (“redevelopment opportunity”—“The owner will consider leasing, ground leasing, joint venture or selling the property,” which “sits at the signalized intersection of Warrensville Center Road and Farnsleigh Road, across the street from Van Aken Shopping Center”); Kingsbury Building, 3427 Lee (corner of Van Aken); Warren Gardens, 3610 Warrensville; Lewis Electronics, 3536 Lee: http://www.loopnet.com/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-Commercial-Real-Estate/

FEEDBACK

“Thank goodness for Dan Hoffman!  He is one of the few community members still trying to get through to our Superintendent and School Board in regard to the achievement gap.  Instead of the ‘Fact Book,’ what about just facing the facts.  The Administration and School Board still seem to be fixated on AP level students instead of all of the students.  School Board members have come and gone: one is still hanging around after numerous terms and nothing seems to have changed as to how Shaker students rank with our surrounding districts.  Clearly, until there is a change in the administration and school board members, the continuing spin on Shaker’s achievement gap will just be talk and no results.  Don’t Shaker residents wonder why so few residents run for School Board?  Maybe it’s because they don’t realize that the Superintendent actually works for the School Board!   Maybe the Board should take control, reduce the number of administrators, take the savings and focus on the kids that need help and utilize the same amount of resources-and more- that the AP kids get and maybe the achievement gap would close.  Is that too simple?”

                                                                                                                         —Ian W. Freiberg, ’73

ADVERTISING

If you are interested in advertising, email thisweekinshaker@sbcglobal.net for an ad specification sheet.  TWIS does not accept political ads.   All ads will be placed at the end of the newsletter.

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Property information

This Week in Shaker©

An Independent E-Letter for the Residents of Shaker Heights, Ohio

Founded April 14, 2003

     Volume 7, Number 28                   Monday, August 17,  2009

Jane Wood, Editor                                                                  Street and Alley, Proofreaders

This Week in Shaker will be emailed every Sunday night or Monday morning,
if news warrants.  Sometimes that schedule changes.
If you like it, pass it on; if you would like to be on the distribution list, email thisweekinshaker@sbcglobal.net. 

This issue has 3 pages.

Corrections

The Library Board of Trustees did not approve a proposed charge for 4-hour blocks of time for social gatherings in meeting rooms, but did approve it in for non-profits: “For social gatherings there is a $30 per hour, non-refundable fee for a room that accommodates up to 50 people, with an option of reserving two rooms to accommodate up to 100 people, for a fee of $60 per hour.  For non-profit organizations, there is a $20 non-refundable fee for each 4-hour block of time for large meeting rooms and a $10 non-refundable fee for each 4-hour block of time for small meeting rooms.  Small rooms accommodate up to 10 people and large rooms can accommodate up to 100 people.  A $5 fee will be charged for kitchenette use.” 

Ellen Kelly will teach English at the high school and Jeffrey Pattie will teach music at the middle school.  They had previously retired, as had Mary Ann Wonson, who will teach math at the high school.  A public hearing on their re-employment was held in June (TWIS Vol. 7, Issue 19, May 18, 2009).

News Briefs

• 2 members of the Board of Education members will present an update on the schools’ strategic planning process at tonight’s (Monday’s) Council meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.
• 3 members of City Council will provide an update on Lower Lake at tonight’s (Monday’s) Council meeting.
• The Board of Education last week placed on “first reading” 4 updated board policies, on human relations, evaluation of instructional programs, incapacity of treasurer (no changes), and incapacity of superintendent.
• L. David Lawrence has been re-hired by the school district, following a public hearing on re-employment.
• The Board of Education has approved an agreement with RTA regarding 1-year student “farecards,” the cost of which will go up Sept. 1.  However, cards purchased before Aug. 31 “will be honored without requiring any additional fare payment” after Sept. 1.
• On the Architectural Board of Review’s agenda for Aug. 17 is “banners” for Larchmere Boulevard, presented by Lee Chilcote of the Shaker Square Area Development Corporation: http://www.retailspacescleveland.com/shakerneighborhood.htm 
• Suburban Gardens, which owns property on Lee Road and Chagrin Boulevard, will go before the Architectural Board of Review for an “as-built” window alteration at 3591 Lee Rd. and for windows at 16229 Chagrin Blvd. (Kidz @ Play Child Care)

Candidate Watch

According to the Board of Elections web site, as of August 14, the following residents are on the candidate list to run for office in November:

City Council (vote for 3):

Brian Gleisser, 22162 Westchester Rd.

Richard Pace, 22099 Shaker Blvd.

Isaac Powell, 15820 Van Aken Blvd.

Lynn Ruffner, 3715 Warrensville Center Rd., #602

Rob Zimmerman, 23149 Shelburne Rd.

Board of Education (vote for 3): [All 4 have been endorsed by the Shaker Heights Citizens Committee; 75 ballots were cast.]

Norman Bliss, 17402 Van Aken Blvd., 64 votes

F. Drexel Feeling, 19223 Lomond Blvd., 39 votes

Jennifer Mearns, 2896 Claremont Rd., 38 votes

Annette Sutherland, 16817 Aldersyde Rd., 66 votes

Petitions must be filed by August 20.

City Council members whose terms will expire at the end of this year are Brian Gleisser, Lynn Ruffner and Rob Zimmerman.  Continuing members are Jim Brady, Al Foster, Nancy Moore and Earl Williams.

Board of Education members whose terms will expire at the end of this year are Norman Bliss, F. Drexel Feeling and Annette Sutherland.  Continuing members are Freda Levenson and Peter Robertson.

City Council members will earn $9,000 a year beginning Jan. 1; members of the Board of Education have traditionally served without compensation.

Real Estate Report

As of yesterday (Sunday), Realtors had listed 234 single-family houses for sale* (excluding condominiums and townhomes) in Shaker Heights, as follows:

• $100,000 - $199,000: 74 (71 last issue)
• $200,000 - $299,000: 63 (68 last issue)
• $300,000 - $399,000: 27 (27 last issue)
• $400,000 - $499,000: 22 (23 last issue)
• $500,000 - $599,000: 14 (14 last issue)
• $600,000 - $699,000: 14 (7 last issue)
• $700,000 - $799,000: 3 (5 last issue)
• $800,000 - $899,000: 7 (7 last issue)
• $900,000 - $999,000: 3 (3 last issue)
• $1,000,000 - $1,999,000: 6 (6 last issue)
• $2,000,000 - $2,999,000: 1 (1 last issue)
• 3,000,000+: 0 (0 last issue)

In addition, there are 30 (28 last issue) houses priced under $100,000, for a grand total of 264. 

As of Friday, there were 27 foreclosure sales pending (including 2 condominiums and 1 commercial property) and listed on the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s web site.**  In addition to those, there are sometimes foreclosure sales listed by the U. S. District Court.

[Editor’s note:  TWIS has been reporting these numbers since March 12, 2007.]

*230 last issue

**29 last issue; addresses include 3139 Albion, 14012 Becket, 3616 Chelton, 2666 Cranlyn, 3356 Daleford, 3646 Daleford, 3671 Daleford, 22450 Douglas, 22525 Fairmount, 20899 Farnsleigh, 3562 Hildana, 3560 Latimore, 3689 Lee (commercial), 16620 Lomond, 16713 Lomond, 17934 Lomond, 18133 Lomond, 3455 Milverton, 3585 Normandy, 3725 Palmerston, 3684 Riedham, 18721 Scottsdale, 3609-11 Strandhill, 3722 Townley, 16100 Van Aken, 3333 Warrenville #204 and 18412 Winslow.  [Editor’s note: This week’s foreclosed properties include those listed for Sheriff’s sale on August 17, 24 and 31 and Sept. 8, 14 and 21.  Foreclosed properties are listed every week until they are sold or withdrawn; the total listed here, therefore, always includes some properties that have been listed in previous issues.] 

The following commercial properties are still for sale: Tower East (designed by Walter Gropius), 20600 Chagrin; 3393 Warrensville Center (“redevelopment opportunity”—“The owner will consider leasing, ground leasing, joint venture or selling the property,” which “sits at the signalized intersection of Warrensville Center Road and Farnsleigh Road, across the street from Van Aken Shopping Center”); Kingsbury Building, 3427 Lee (corner of Van Aken); Warren Gardens, 3610 Warrensville; medical office building, 3645 Warrensville (will be auctioned Aug. 19); Lewis Electronics, 3536 Lee: http://www.loopnet.com/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-Commercial-Real-Estate/

ADVERTISING

This Week in Shaker©

An Independent E-Letter for the Residents of Shaker Heights, Ohio

Founded April 14, 2003

     Volume 7, Number 20                   Monday, May 25, 2009

Jane Wood, Editor                                                                  Street and Alley, Proofreaders

This Week in Shaker will be emailed every Sunday night or Monday morning,
if news warrants.
If you like it, pass it on; if you would like to be on the distribution list, email thisweekinshaker@sbcglobal.net. 

This issue has 9 pages.

News Briefs

• There will be a public hearing before the City Planning Commission June 2 on a proposed drive-through pharmacy for a new CVS at the southwest corner of Avalon Road and Chagrin Boulevard (17120 Chagrin).  2 drive-though lanes are proposed on the south side of the building near Avalon Road.  The store and drive-through are proposed to be open 24 hours a day.  Developer is the Zaremba Group.  CVS (11,850 sq. ft.) is currently located across the street near Shaker Hardware in the strip shopping center.  The City recently sold the parking lot (6 parcels, described as “not developable”) behind 3 privately owned retail properties on the southwest corner of Chagrin and Avalon, whose ownership was to be merged, to Bluewater Capital Partners (TWIS Vol. 7, Issues 11 and 12, March 2009).  Bluewater’s principal is also the COO of Allegro Realty, which several years ago [as Crescendo Properties] purchased 7 properties to the west of the firehouse on the south side of Chagrin Boulevard across the street from the strip shopping center.
• The fee the mayor charges for performing weddings is likely to increase from $30 to $50 effective June 1, if approved by City Council.  The fee was last increased under former mayor Judy Rawson.
• Street lighting and tree maintenance assessments will continue at the same rate through 2012 (street lighting is .88 per front foot and tree maintenance is $1.16, except for property owned by the City or the schools).
• According to a memo from Finance Department director Bob Baker to the Finance Committee, which met last week (TWIS did not attend), “Through April 30, expenditures exceeded revenues by $192,541 as opposed to 2008 when expenditures exceeded revenues by $1.018.475 [sic].  In light of the possibility of lower income tax revenue over the remainder of the year and the deficit already in the 2009 budget, the administration is reviewing actions that can be taken to deal with the current economic situation and to balance expenditures with the City’s resources.  Based on financial performance to date, it may be necessary for the City to take additional steps this year.”
• The Landmark Commission will meet with the Architectural Board of Review this week to consider “certificates of appropriateness” for Plymouth Church, 2 houses on Winslow Road, and the Kingsbury Building on the corner of Lee Road and Van Aken Boulevard, which has a hole in one of its awnings.  The property is owned by The Circle Group and is currently for sale, according to http://www.loopnet.com/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-Commercial-Real-Estate/.  One of the Winslow Road houses is on the Board of Zoning Appeals June 2 agenda for a variance to garage regulations.
• The Malvern Garden Club plans to “create a community landscaped entrance to the eastern section of Marchmont and Warrensville Center Roads” and “develop further areas of green spaces of the Malvern area that include Courtland Boulevard, the circle of Marchmont and S. Montgomery and the RTA stops on Shaker Boulevard.”

Planning Department:  2009

According to a “work plan” given to members of the City Planning Commission recently, the following activities are on this year’s agenda:

• Warrensville/Van Aken—hire and manage consultants and public process to develop transit program plan; send out RFQ, interview and select engineer for road work and supervise engineering work, which includes right-of-way acquisition and utility work; manage advocacy work in Washington, D. C., for federal appropriations and conduct resident letter-writing campaign; coordinate with adjacent communities (Highland Hills, Warrenville Heights and Beachwood)
• Shaker Towne Centre—parking meter research and bid (future year as budget allows); work with RTA to finalize design and construction planning of new station at Van Aken/Lee; assistance to the Economic Development Department on parking lot, building demolition and review of building renovations on south side; bus shelter installation in conjunction with RTA at Lee/Chagrin
• Stimulus Bill—manage advocacy in Washington D. C., and Columbus
• Greenspace—explore bike lanes on Lee Road in conjunction with EcoCity Cleveland and Cleveland Heights; tree house sign design installation at Horseshoe Lake Park; grant application for new entry sign and trail extension at Horseshoe Lake Park; research and apply for grant for trail extension along South Park Boulevard to Lee Road; explore funding opportunities for a study and implementation of a “lake-to-lake” bike trail
• Neighborhood Initiatives—apply for grants and/or assist Lomond Association with grant applications to implement plan at Gridley Park
• Miscellaneous—manage gas well coordination (“middle school, country club and other sites”);  “give Public Works info for future repairs on Chagrin, Lee and Center Street [sic] streetscape and City signage”; work with Law Department to develop aesthetic code; update sign at community building and options for new sign at Thornton Park; liaison to John Carroll University regarding 5-year plan; manage new ATT lightspeed box locations; local address update for 2010 census
• Historic Preservation—develop program for $30,000 incentive for historic district on Winslow Road; find a non-profit to take over landmark tour; landmark designation for Marshall compound

City to Contract from Different Transportation Company

Because TC3, with which the City has previously contracted for senior transportation services, is going out of business, the Community Life (Recreation) Department would like to contract with Senior Transportation Connection (STC) beginning July 1, if approved by City Council.

According to a memo from Community Life (Recreation) Department director Pam Quinn, STC currently operates a fleet of 24 ADA vehicles.  They currently deliver services under 8 contracts (14 different sites).  There would be the same number of rides each year for Shaker residents.

The memo notes that since the City receives Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging funding, residents will be asked for donations; they will not be required to pay the ride fare.  According to the memo, “STC offers limited weekend service at the present time.  However, their plans are to expand this service in the coming year.”

Quinn noted that “the Community Life and Health Committee reviewed this and recommended approval, but was unable to vote because a quorum was not present at the meeting.”  TWIS did not attend and did not receive an agenda.

Looking at the Budget

This Week in Shaker continues its examination of the budget of every City department, in alphabetical order.  All information has been taken from the 2009 Preliminary Budget produced by the Finance Department and approved by City Council March 23 except where changes and/or more current information have been provided in writing or via email; and the 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 Preliminary Budgets, which may not reflect actual revenue or expenditures. 

The City’s budget is a public record that can be perused in the Finance Department at City Hall or at the Shaker Heights Public Library.

For the first time since TWIS has been presenting these budgets, there is no detailed information on salaries and wages, just a lump sum for each department.  Presumably, that information may be obtained from the Finance Department. 

2009 revenue: $35,650,669 (general fund)    2009 expenditures: $38,489,751 (general fund)

2008 revenue: $38,437,086                           2008 expenditures: $39,121,163

2007 revenue: $37,882,797                           2007 expenditures: $37,597,569      

2006 revenue: $34,893,000                           2006 expenditures: $35,626,000

2005 revenue: $33,678,940                           2005 expenditures: $34,015,200

2004 revenue: $31,201,100                           2004 expenditures: $31,818,000

This issue focuses on the Public Works Department.  Previous issues have covered the Building, Communications and Outreach, Community Life (Recreation), Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Health, Housing Inspection, Human Resources, Information Technology, Law, Neighborhood Revitalization, Planning and Police Departments and the CAO’s office.

Public Works Department

Total Budget: $13,557,775

(2008: $13,652,459)

(2007: $12,849,563)

(2006: $12,883,100)

(2005: $12,818,700)

(2004: $11,682,000)

less $5,708,662 in revenue

(2008: $3,103,354)

(2007: $4,328,829)

(2006: $5,925,000)

(2005: $5,752,850)

 (2004: $4,446,500)

Salaries ($5,189,172):

Director                                              ?      (2008: 113,330)      (2007: 112,370)   (2006:108,700)   

 (2005:  102,800)   

Asst. Director                         ?      (2008:   88,460)      (2007:   83,440)    (2006: 80,000)     

(2005:    77,800)   

City Engineer                         not listed (2008: 72,52)  (2007:   72,060)   (2006, 2005, 2004: not listed)

Bus. Serv. Mgr.                      ?      (2008: 68,000)        (2007:   65,790)    (2006: 69,700)     

(2005:    67,600)  

Project/Const. Mgr.               ?     (2008: 59,631)         (2007:   56,216)    (2006: not listed) 

(2005: 131,800-2)

Purchasing/Inventory

  Superintendent                     ?

Tech. Serv. Mgr.                    not listed (2008: not listed) (2007: not listed)  (2006:  68,000)    

(2005      66,000) 

Sup. of Forestry                      ?      (2008: 70,890)        (2007:   68,580)    (2006:  64,700)    

(2005:    62,800)  

Sup. of Buildings                     ?      (2008: 62,660)        (2007:   62,120)    (2006:  61,300)    

(2005:    63,600)  

Sup. of Streets & Fleet                       ?     (2008: 67,480)         (2007:   64,670)    (2006:  61,600)   

 (2005:    56,300)  

Sup. of Sanitation                    not listed (2008: not listed) (2007: not listed) (2006: not listed) 

(2005:  58,300)   

Sup. of Grounds Maint.          ?     (2008: 53,680)         (2007:   51,920)    (2006:  54,400      

(2005:    52,700)  

Sup. of Sewers                                    not listed (2008: 65,830) (2007:   64,940)    (2006:  59,800)    

 (2005:  58,000)    

 Building Maint. Mech.          not listed (2008: 29,090) (2007:   28,850)    (2006, 2005,: not listed)

Admin. Asst.                           not listed (2008: 38,240) (2007:   36,080     (2006:   34,000)    

(2005:   not listed)

Admin. Manager                     not listed (2008: not listed) (2007: not listed) (2006:   57,200)    

(2005:  51,800)   

Maint. Mechanics (2)             not listed (2008: 88,280)    (2007:   86,540)    (2006:111,600)      (2005:158,500-3)

Equip. Mechanic (2)               ?

Purchasing Manager              not listed (2008: 53,979)     (2007:   56,630)    (2006:   53,200)    

(2005:     49,100) 

Secretary (2)                           not listed (2008: not listed)  (2007: not listed)  (2006: not listed)   (2005:    61,500)

Accounting Tech.                   not listed (2008: 43,260)      (2007:   41,840)   (2006:  42,700)      

(2005:     41,400)

Payroll Clerk                          ? 

Accounting Clerk (3; 2 in

2008)                                       ?                 (2008: 65,143)   (2007:   63,800)    (2006: 31,300-1)  

(2005:     1,300-1)

Cust. Serv. Rep. (3)                ?                 (2008: 107,410)  (2007: 102,210)   (2006: 98,900)       

(2005:     96,000)  

Grounds Maint. Sup.              not listed     (2008:    5,760)  (2007:     5,760)  (2006, 2005: not listed)

Ecology operator (p-t)                        not listed     (2008: not listed)(2007: not listed)(2006: not listed)   

(2005:     15,800)    

Engineering asst.                    not listed     (2008: not listed)  (2007: not listed)(2006: not listed)    (2005:     12,400)      

Elm tree scouts                      not listed     (2008:             0)   (2007:             0) (2006:  8,500)        

(2005:       8,500)    

Labor crew leaders
(5 full-time; 5.05 in 2008)       ?                 (2008: 327,592)    (2007: $303,910) (2006: 233,100)

(2005:   213,300-4.67)

Heavy equip. operators (5 full-

Time; 4.12 in 2008)                  ?                (2008: 245,230)    (2007: ?  )           (2006: 182,200) 

(2005:  225,400-5) 

Class A operators (2 full-time;

3.19 in 2008)                              ?                (2008: 154,450)    (2007:  148,280) (2006:  155,900) 

(2005:   38,500-3) 

Equipment operators (12 full-time

12.50 in 2008)                            ?                (2008: 595,690)     (2007:             ?) (2006: 546,800) 

(2005: 526,600-12.08)

Skilled laborers (2 full-time; 6.75

In 2008)                                     ?                 (2008:  60,920)     (2007: 115,770) (2006: 299,800)

(2005:  302,400-6.84)

Truck drivers (13.50 full-

   time)                                     not listed       (2008: 1,814,580)   (2007: 816,940) (2006: 570,900)

(2005: 630,200-14.91)

Laborers (13.70 full-time)      not listed       (2008:      29,120)  (2007: 926,660) (2006: 549,500)

(2005: 442,600-11.5)

Laborer/truck driver (38)       ?  

Custodians (7 full-time)          ?                     (2008:   253,560) (2007: 246,600) (2006: 226,800)

(2005:   252,800-8)    

Refuse collectors (9 full-

  time)                                      not listed       (2008: not listed)    (2007: not listed) (2006: 376,600)  (2005:   372,800)     

Chief equip. mechanic                        ?                    (2008:    50,050)   (2007: 50,810)     (2006: 47,700)   (2005:     47,600)      

Asst. chief equip. mech.         ?                    (2008:    51,430)   (2007: 49,360)     (2006: 46,300)    (2005:   46,300)       

Yard office coord.                   ?                    (2008:    47,230)   (2007: 48,740)     

(2006, 2005, 2004: not listed)

Mechanics (2 full-time)          ?                    (2008:  100,180)   (2007:  96,700)     (2006: 90,600)    (2005:    345,200-6)

Equip. serv. technicians

  (2 full-tine; 5 in 2008)                       ?                (2008: 236,150)        (2007: 225,620)   (2006: 211,500)   (2005: not listed)    

Perfect attendance                  not listed    (2008: 2 4,360)       (2007:   17,540)        (2006: 16,300)     (2005:      16,700)  

Overtime                                not listed     (2008:241,130)       (2007: 221,550)      (2006: 224,400)   (2005:    231,600)   

Incentive pay                          not listed     (2008:          0)        (2007:  7,560-total)

(2006, 2005: 4,200-Local 1099 only)

Uniform and clothing allow.    $11,179      (2008:   19,400)       (2007: 19,000)         

(2006, 2005: 20,000)                          

Benefits (total)                        $ 2,060,066 (2008: 2,343,510)      (2007: 2,037,775)    (2006: 2,049,300) (2005:  1,956,700)

Longevity*                             not listed     (2008: 55,810)         (2007: 43,920)          (2006: 41,700)      (2005:    42,800)

Sick leave

  conversion                           not listed     (2008: 3,400)           (2007:  2,740)           (2006:  2,200)       (2005:   2,000)

Hospital pay                            not listed     (2008: 1,200)           (2007, 2006, 2005: not listed)

Merit increases**                  not listed     (2008: 14,354)         (2007: 14,004)          (2006:14,900)       (2005:   11,900)

*Non-union employees who have served 5 or more years are entitled to a modest bonus, based on the number of years of service.

**Does not apply to directors, who are eligible for year-end bonuses of up to 10% of their current salaries and received them last year.

There are many categories in this complex, 69-page budget.  Rather than list them all, TWIS presents the following highlights.  (Numbers do not include salaries and wages.)

·         Animal control: $60,000 (2008: $55,000; 2007: $55,000; 2006: $50,000)

·         Park maintenance: $868,004—not broken out in 2009 (2008: weed control $4,000; 2007, 2006, 2005: $4,000; 2008: mulching $2,500; 2007: $2,500; 2006, 2005: $4,000; 2008: top soil $3,000; 2007: $3,000; 2006: $1,000; 2005: $1,500; plantings 2008, 2007, 2006: $6,000, 2005: $8,000)

·         Hydrants: water not listed 2009; (2008: $35,104; 2007, 2006, 2005: $39,000); parts and paint not listed (2008: $5,000; 2007, 2006, 2005: $5,000); maintenance $10,000 (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: $4,300)

·         Refuse collection: Landfill disposal fees $464,817 (2008, 2007: $449,600; 2006: $427,000; 2005: $418,000); grass bags ? (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: $25,000); rubbish containers ?; total for rubbish containers and grass bags: $29,880 (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: $5,000); brooms and shovels ? (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: $1,600); replacement scooters not listed 2009 (2008, 2007,2006: not listed; 2005: $56,000); advertising “flag program” not listed 2009 (2008, 2007, 2006: $10,000)

·         Sidewalk maintenance: Property damage repairs (private property) $299,136 (2008, 2007: $8,000; 2006, 2005: $15,000); sandstone slabs not listed in 2009 (2008, 2007: $2,000; 2006, 2005: $6,000)

·         Ice and snow control: $235,702 for salt and calcium (2008: salt $234,366; 2007: $214,706; 2006: $210,056; 2005: $231,400; calcium 2008, 2007, 2006: $4,800; 2005: $2,300)

·         Public building cleaning: 2009 budget is not broken out (window washing (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: $3,500); carpet cleaning (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: $8,500)

·         Public building maintenance: Public utilities $413,797 (2008: $413,000; 2007, 2006: $488,000; 2005: $409,000); property taxes not listed in 2009 (2008: $32,000; 2007: $102,000; 2006, 2005, 2004:  $26,400)

·         Street repair: Engineering services not listed in 2009 (2008, 2007: $10,000; 2006, 2005, 2004: $20,000); road treatment, curbs & spot repairs not listed in 2009 (2008: $177,000 + $200,000 from capital; 2007: $227,000; 2006: $367,000; 2005: $117,000); curb replacement not listed in 2009,2008, 2007 or 2006 (2005: $50,000); road materials $38,760 (2008, 2007: $51,000; 2006, 2005: $52,000)

·         State highway maintenance: not broken out in 2009; striping (2008, 2007: $8,700; 2006, 2005: $5,300); crack sealing (2008, 2007: $8,700; 2006, 2005: $13,000); salt and calcium $56,200 (2008: see ice and snow control)

·         Storm sewer maintenance: Catch basin cleaning & repair, outfall inspection compliance, tree lawn restoration: $131,450; catch basin cleaning only in 2008 and earlier (2008, 2007: $44,000; 2006: $92,000; 2005: $82,000)

·         Sanitary sewer maintenance: $202,101 for billing/collection, engineering, root control. tree lawn restoration, TV inspection, CMOM repairs, vactor truck contents disposal; billing/collection costs only in 2008 and earlier: (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: $131,200); engineering (2008, 2007: $10,000; 2006, 2005: $15,000); TV inspection and cleaning (2008, 2007: $30,000; 2006, 2005: $50,000)

·         Lakes management: not broken out in 2009 (2008: bioaugmentation for Green and Marshall Lakes $21,500; 2007: $18,000; 2006: $98,000; 2005: $45,000); Horseshoe Lake spillway not listed in 2009 (2007: $110,000); Doan Brook watershed partnership support $13,500 (2007, 2006: $13,500)

·         Tree maintenance: Tree replacement not listed in 2009 or 2008 (2007, 2006: not listed; 2005: $500); elm tree testing $500 (2008, 2007, 2006: not listed; 2005: $500); tree purchases $121,584 (2008: $120,000; 2007: $90,000; 2006: $60,000; 2005: $44,000); hazardous limb removal not listed in 2009 (2008, 2007, 2006: $125,000; 2005: $20,000); contractor tree removal not listed in 2009 or 2008 (2007, 2006: not listed; 2005: $50,000)

·         Private property sidewalk repairs: $299,136 (2008, 2007: $290,000; 2006: $300,000; 2005: $200,000)

·         RTA maintenance: mulching and weed control $8,557 (2008, 2007, 2006: $8,500; 2005: $11,500)

·         Van Aken maintenance: not broken out the same way in 2009; mulching and weed control (2008: $8,100; 2007: $4,000; 2006: $13,600; 2005: $8,600); in 2009 includes topsoil: $27,508 + labor

·         Waterline maintenance: $33,863

·         Solid waste recycling: $93,996 (revenue: $39,500)

·         Brush collection: $508,612

·         Commercial district maintenance: $68,615

·         Leaf collection: $408,444

·         Private tree removal: $7,621

·         Utility openings: $107,642 (revenue: $83,432)

Real Estate Report

As of yesterday (Sunday), Realtors had listed 289 single-family houses for sale* (excluding condominiums and townhomes) in Shaker Heights, as follows:

• $100,000 - $199,000: 82 (80 last issue)
• $200,000 - $299,000: 92 (84 last issue)
• $300,000 - $399,000: 36 (33 last issue)
• $400,000 - $499,000: 30 (31 last issue)
• $500,000 - $599,000: 17 (16 last issue)
• $600,000 - $699,000: 9 (9 last issue)
• $700,000 - $799,000: 6 (7 last issue)
• $800,000 - $899,000: 6 (6 last issue)
• $900,000 - $999,000: 3 (3 last issue)
• $1,000,000 - $1,999,000: 7 (7 last issue)
• $2,000,000 - $2,999,000: 1 (1 last issue)
• 3,000,000+: 0 (0 last issue)

In addition, there are 28 (26 last issue) houses priced under $100,000, for a grand total of 317.  There are also a number of rentals, including a Shaker Glen townhome.

As of Friday, there were 29 foreclosure sales pending (including 3 condominiums) and listed on the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s web site.**  In addition to those, there is a foreclosure sale listed by the U. S. District Court: 24006 Becket (6/22).

[Editor’s note:  TWIS has been reporting these numbers since March 12, 2007.]

*277 last issue

**30 last issue; addresses include 16225 Aldersyde, 3422 Ashby, 14210 Ashwood, 3615 Chelton, 3650 Daleford, 13800 Fairhill #414, 19553 Fairmount, 22376 Fairmount, 2926 Green, 2537-9 Kendall, 16719 Kenyon, 3623 Lindholm, 18129 Lomond, 3593 Ludgate. 3686 Lynnfield, 3469  Milverton, 3158 Morley, 3666 Normandy, 16809 Scottsdale, 18432 Scottsdale, 22850 S. Woodland, 3722 Townley, 15610 Van Aken #23, 18708 Van Aken, 3333 Warrensville Center #503, 3158 Warrington, 3430 Westbury, 3432 Westbury and 22226 Westchester.  [Editor’s note: This week’s foreclosed properties include those listed for Sheriff’s sale on May 26 and June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.  Foreclosed properties are listed every week until they are sold or withdrawn; the total listed here, therefore, always includes some properties that have been listed in previous issues.] 

The following commercial properties are currently for sale: Tower East (designed by Walter Gropius),  20600 Chagrin; Chagrin Lee Square (where Walgreen’s is located), 16400 Chagrin; 3393 Warrensville Center (“redevelopment opportunity”—“The owner will consider leasing, ground leasing, joint venture or selling the property,” which “sits at the signalized intersection of Warrensville Center Road and Farnsleigh Road, across the street from Van Aken Shopping Center”); Kingsbury Building, 3427 Lee (corner of Van Aken); Warren Gardens, 3610 Warrensville; office building, 3530 Warrensville; Lewis Electronics, 3536 Lee; vacant gas station (zoned for auto repair garage), 3746 Lee (corner of Scottsdale): http://www.loopnet.com/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-Commercial-Real-Estate/

Following Up . . .

·         Library Court Apartment Building: A public hearing that was “continued” last month will take place before the City Planning Commission June 2.

·         ADA Improvements: The City has received a $100,000 reimbursable grant for ADA improvements from the Cuyahoga County Development Department; total project cost is expected to be $127,000, and the match is $27,000.  The City did not receive a grant from the County for Winslow Road improvements.

·         Library Strategic Plan: 100% goals have been “reduced to a realistic 90 percentile range and some items on the timeline were extended due to the renovations of the second floor not being completed.”  Among the deadlines that were extended are restroom remodeling and vending machines.  Some objectives have been deleted: “Teen center visits and registrations decreased because of fire code limits; deposit collections at community day cares and pre-schools are already at capacity; objectives relating to Play and Learn and the schools sharing information are beyond our control.”

• Fields: Courtland Oval - both fields have been graded, seeded and mulched; Chesterton - rough grading of the field took place last week; Shaker Blvd. median strip - field has been tilled and was to have been graded and seeded last week.
• $$: The Fire Department will apply for a non-matching grant from the Fireman’s Fund Heritage Grant Award.  The Department has been pre-approved for up to $6,895 to be used towards fire prevention and education programs.

ADVERTISING

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Glorious Chamber Music by Immigrant Composers

Milhaud, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Korngold, Kreisler, Weill

A wave of brilliant European composers came to America, due to the politics of their eras.

This is a performance of their works, by outstanding young musicians.

Sunday, June 7th, 4 pm

Hanna Perkins Center, 19910 Malvern Rd.

Steven Ebel-tenor, Jung Oh-soprano, John Simmons-piano, Eri Nakamura-piano,

Stanislav Golovin-clarinet, Timothy Kanter-violin, Erica Snowden-cello

Call Hanna Perkins Center (216) 991-4472 to order tickets

Malvern Community Yard Sale & Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, June 6, 8A-2P, Hanna Perkins Center, 19910 Malvern Rd.

Rent table space or donate by calling 440-668-5860.

Visit www.malverngardenclub.com

If you are interested in advertising, email thisweekinshaker@sbcglobal.net for an ad specification sheet. All ads will be placed at the end of the newsletter

This Week in Shaker©

An Independent E-Letter for the Residents of Shaker Heights, Ohio

Founded April 14, 2003

     Volume 7, Number 13                   Monday, April 6, 2009

Jane Wood, Editor                                                                  Street and Alley, Proofreaders

This Week in Shaker will be emailed every Sunday night or Monday morning,
if news warrants.
If you like it, pass it on; if you would like to be on the distribution list, email thisweekinshaker@sbcglobal.net. 

This issue has 7 pages.

News Briefs

• Lake Erie Artists is moving from downtown to Shaker Square (13129, northwest quadrant in the Dodd’s Camera space) in late May.  Dodd’s has left the Square at the request of the landlord (Coral Company) to make way for the gallery.
• Mayor Earl Leiken will give a “state of the city” address to members of the Rotary Club at the Cleveland Skating Club April 21.

Looking at the Budget

This Week in Shaker continues its examination of the budget of every City department, in alphabetical order.  All information has been taken from the 2009 Preliminary Budget produced by the Finance Department and approved by City Council March 23 except where changes and/or more current information have been provided in writing or via email; and the 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Preliminary Budgets, which may not reflect actual revenue or expenditures. 

The City’s budget is a public record that can be perused in the Finance Department at City Hall or at the Shaker Heights Public Library.

For the first time since TWIS has been presenting these budgets, there is no detailed information on salaries and wages, just a lump sum for each department.  Presumably, that information may be obtained from the Finance Department. 

2009 revenue: $35,650,669 (general fund)    2009 expenditures: $38,489,751 (general fund)

2008 revenue: $38,437,086                           2008 expenditures: $39,121,163

2007 revenue: $37,882,797                           2007 expenditures: $37,597,569      

2006 revenue: $34,893,000                           2006 expenditures: $35,626,000

2005 revenue: $33,678,940                           2005 expenditures: $34,015,200

2004 revenue: $31,201,100                           2004 expenditures: $31,818,000

This issue focuses on the Community Life (Recreation) Department, which provides events, senior adult activities and recreation programs.   Last week’s issue was devoted to the Building and Communications and Outreach Departments and the CAO’s office.

[Editor’s note: This departmental budget is extremely difficult to follow. The department is divided by geography (Community Building and Thornton Park) and some positions and categories (highlighted) have been eliminated.  Readers who have questions may direct them to the mayor, members of City Council or the Chief Administrative Officer.]

Community Life (Recreation) Department

Total Budget: $3,314,073

          (2008: $3,467,934)

(2007: $3,365,600)

(2006: $3,247,700)

(2005: $3,882,400)

(2004: $3,783,100)

less $1,921,625 in anticipated revenue

(2008: $1,920,500)

(2007: $1,923,655)

(2006: $1,889,700)

(2005: $2,270,400)

(2004: $2,291,400)

Salaries (total: $1,683,955):

Director:                     ?          (2008: ?)           (2007: 92,360)   (2006: 89,300)   (2005: 82,800)

Thornton Park

  facility manager:       ?          (2008:?)            (2007: 75,600)   (2006: 75,200)   (2005:  72,200)

Business services

  manager:                   ?          (2008: ?)           (2007: 72,020)   (2006: 69,700)   (2005:  65,900)

Thornton Park/facility

  maintenance

  supervisor:               ?          (2008: ?)           (2007: 63,900)   (2006: 60,100)    (2005: 57,900)

Outreach worker:       ?          (2008: 56,765)  (2007: 54,900)   (2006: 53,100)     (2005:  49,000)  

Program manager

  (seniors/events/

  playgrounds/youth/

    teen/Safety Town):  ?          (2008: ?)           (2007: 54,800)  (2006: 53,000)     (2005:          0)

Accounting technician: ?        (2008: ?)           (2007: 49,820) (2006: 48,100)     (2005:  46,700)  

Sports coordinator:     ?          (2008: ?)             (2007:47,200)  (2006: 44,700)     (2005:  41,400)  

Customer service

  supervisor:               ?          (2008: ?)           (2007: 46,660)  (2006: 44,700)     (2005: 42,300)    Administrative

  secretary:                  ?          (2008: ?)           (2007: 46,240)  (2006: 44,700)     (2005: 42,300)    

 (renamed “senior

 administrative asst.”)                       

Youth program

  coordinator:                                                    (2007: eliminated)  (2006:      0)   (2005:51,600)   

Assistant program

 coordinator:                                                     (2007: eliminated)  (2006:      0)    (2005:27,800)   

Senior adult program

  manager:                                                         (2007: eliminated)  (2006:      0)    (2005:58,200)   

Assistant senior adult

  program manager:                                           (2007: eliminated)   (2006:      0)   (2005:  31,400)    Program coordinator

  (school aged child

  care/camps):             ?           (2008:?)               (2007: 46,200         (2006:44,700)  (2005:          0)   

School-age child care

  coordinator:                                                     (2007: eliminated) (2006:          0)  (2005:       42,300)  

Skate/swim coord.:     ?          (2008: ?)              (2007: 43,800)      (2006:  46,000)  (2005:      40,800)  

Account clerk:                        ?          (2008: ?)              (2007: 40,850)      (2006:  39,600)  (2005:      37,300)  

Registration

  coordinator:              ?          (2008: ?)              (2007: 40,850)      (2006:  39,500)  (2005:      38,300)  

Thornton Park/facility

  maintenance

  mechanic:                  ?          (2008: ?)                (2007: 34,400)     (2006:  32,100)   (2005:      35,000)  

Secretary:                   ?          (2008: ?)                (2007: 34,300)     (2006:  33,300)  (2005:      30,600)  

Grounds/facility

  maintenance worker

  I (3):                          ?          (2008: ?)               (2007: 83,600)      (2006:   76,100)   (2005:     72,800)   

Day school supervisor:                                                   (2007: eliminated) (2006:           0)    (2005:     45,500)   

Day school teacher II:                                                    (2007: eliminated) (2006:          0)    (2005:     32,200)   

Day school teacher I (3)                                     (2007: eliminated) (2006:          0)    (2005:     77,500)   

Van driver:                                                          (2007: eliminated) (2006:          0)    (2005:     37,400)   

Part-time/seasonal:     not listed (2008: ?)            (2007: 801,600)     (2006: 754,800)  (2005:   931,700)   

Benefits (total):                      514,285    (2008: ?)            (2007: 502,100)     (2006:  481,500) (2005:  649,400)    

Longevity:*                not listed  (2008: ?)           (2007:   11,100)     (2006:    11,000) (2005:     14,800)    

Sick leave

  conversion:               not listed  (2008: ?)           (2007:     3,900)     (2006:     4,100)  (2005:       5,000)    

Incentive pay:             not listed  (2008: ?)           (2007:     2,600)     (2006, 2005, 2004: not included)

Merit increases:**     not listed  (2008: ?)           (2007:   10,200)     (2006:    10,200) (2005:     11,500)     

Senior Adults—$316,895 (revenue $42,745) 2008: $320,093 (revenue $45,000); 2007: $306,900 (revenue $43,535)

Travel:                                                $928       (2008: 200)     (2007:        200)      (2006:   200)    (2005:   200)

Training:                                 $500       (2008: 700)     (2007:        700)       (2006:  700)    (2005:   700)

Employee relations:               not listed (2008:100)     (2007:        100)       (2006:  100)    (2005:   100)

Communications:                    $1969     (2008: 500)     (2007:            0)       (2006:     0)     (2005: 1,300)

Special services

     social serv. consulting:      not listed     (2008: 7,000) (2007:     7,000)     (same in 2006, 2005, 2004)

     bank charges:                    not listed     (2008: 1,300) (2007      1,300)     (same in 2006, 2005, 2004) 

     senior transportation:        $141,300     (2008: 140,000) (2007: 140,000) (same in 2006)             

Maint. of equip.                      blank           (2008: 300)     (2007:        300)    (same in 2006, 2005, 2004)

Advertising &

  printing:                                $        60       (2008:     500)  (2007:        500) (same in 2006, 2005,2004)

Vehicular maint.:                    not listed    (2008: not listed) (2007: eliminated) (2006:       0) 

(2005: 14,000)

Misc.:                                      $    7,345       (2008:    500)  (2007:       500)   (same in 2006, 2005,2004)

Office supplies:                       $   1,151        (2008:    700)  (2007:     1,200)   (2006: 1,200)

(2005: 2,200) 

Operating supplies:                $    3,375       (2008: 1,900)  (2007:     1,900)  (2006:    900)

(2005: 1,400) 

Minor equip.:                          $       699       (2008: 500)   (2007:   500)       (same in 2006, 2005, 2004)

Fuel:                                        $       259       (2008:  500)  (2007:   500)       (2006:    500)  (2005: 6,000) 

Vehicular supp.:                      not listed       (2008: not listed) (2007: eliminated)(2006: 0)(2005: 1,000) 

Community Events—$88,371 (2008: $87,752) (2007: $80,400)

Travel:                                                blank        (2008:       200)          (2007:      200)   (same in 2006, 2005)    

Training:                                 blank        (2008:       300)          (2007:      300)   (same in 2006, 2005)

AutumnFest:                           not listed    (2008:          0)            (2007:          0)   (same in 2006, 2005)

Misc.:                                      $  2,660    (2008:    3,100)

Fireworks:                              not listed  (2008: 12,600)           (2007:  12,000)  (2006: 12,000) (2005:17,000)

Memorial Day:                                    not listed  (2008:     1,500)           (2007:    1,500)  (same in 2006, 2005)

  Total of both:                                    $13,437     

Summer band

  music (Colonnade):              not listed  (2008:      1,000)          (2007:     1,000)  (2006:1,000)

(2005:       300)

Other special

   events:                                 not listed  (2008:             0)          (2007:           0)  (2006:       0)

(2005: 1,600)   

Ice Festival:                            $500        (2008:           500)         (2007:     1,000) (same in 2006, 2005)

Thornton Park

   concerts:                              not listed   (2008:  not listed)        (2007: not listed)  (1,500 was budgeted in 2005)  

Advertising &

   printing:                               not listed    (2008:             0)   (2007:      500)     (same in 2006, 2005)

Misc.:                                      not listed    (2008:         300)   (2007:      300)     (same in 2006, 2005)

Office supplies:                       blank          (2008:         500)   (2007:      600)     (same in 2006, 2005)

 Operating supplies:               $715           (2008:  included above) (2007, 2006, 2005: unknown)

Misc. operating

   rents/leases:                                    not listed     (2008:       3,100)   (2007:   3,100)     (2006:  3,100)

(2005: not listed)

*Employees who have served 5 or more years are entitled to a modest bonus, based on the number of years of service.

**Does not apply to directors, who are eligible for year-end bonuses of up to 10% of their current salaries.

RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS
(Note: These do not include all expenditures in a particular category.)

Administration:           Total operating expenses: $204,810 (2008: $380,134)

Teen programs:          Total operating expenses: $33,670 (2008: $33,523; $2,000 for school district   facility rental)

Summer camps:          Total operating expenses: $173,474 (2008: $191,789; $8,500 for school building rental; $17,500 for transportation; $13,000 for field trips and admissions, $7,425 in 2009; $1,000 for “other” facility rental, blank in 2009)

Adult programs:         Total operating expenses: $ 56,665 (2008: $51,230; $12,000 for adult programming instructors; $4,000 for senior adult programming instructors—both same in 2009)

Safety Town:               Total operating expenses: $12,165, $1,730 to rent facility (2008: $19,109; $1,000 to rent the Shaker Family “resource center;” $1,000 for bus rental)

Tennis:                        Total operating expenses: $32,267 (2008: $46,907)

Field maintenance:     Total operating expenses $104,061 (2008:  $113,635; $4,700 for school district facility rental; $2,000 for truck rental; $15,000 for spring maintenance; $6,000 for fall maintenance; $27,300 for soccer field maintenance; $3,200 for mounds, bases and miscellaneous; $1,300 for storage); 2009: school district facility rental $6,336, nothing else listed

Sports programs:        Total operating expenses: $170,665 (2008: $188,146; $18,200 for school district facility rental; $500 for transportation; $2,000 for camp food; $17,000 for T-shirts and uniforms; $11,500 for miscellaneous supplies); 2009: $19,810 for school district facility rental and transportation, $20,988 for camp food, T-shirts and uniforms and miscellaneous supplies i

Ice rink:                      Total operating expenses:  $785,130 (2008: $827,410; $175,000 for public utilities; $4,000 for operating rents and leases; $8,000 for youth hockey coaches; $10,000 for compressor and cooling tower maintenance); 2009: $186,812 for public utilities, $8,375 for operating rents and leases, $13,547 for youth hockey coaches, compressor and cooling tower maintenance not listed; Zamboni maintenance $1,620, miscellaneous contractual services $54,495

Swimming:                  Total operating expenses: $318,154 (2008: $318,570; $26,000 for public utilities; $1,000 for maintenance of facilities and machinery; $1,000 for maintenance of equipment; $4,000 for pool chemicals; $3,000 for uniforms; $2,500 for training manuals; $92,500 for lifeguards plus benefits); 2009: $47,571 for public utilities, $163 for maintenance of facilities and machinery, $3,331 for maintenance of equipment, $3,935 for pool chemicals, uniforms, training manuals and miscellaneous, $134,786 for lifeguards plus benefits

Youth program:          Total operating expenses: $129,156 (2008: $107,058; $31,116 for seasonal and part-time instructors including benefits; $6,200 for school district facility rental; $4,000 for John Carroll facility rental; $700 for transportation); 2009: $40,143 for seasonal and part-time directors and instructors including benefits, $10,200 for school district facility rental, JCU rental and transportation   

Playgrounds:               Total operating expenses: $39,398 (2008: $61,136; $3,200 for portable toilet rental; $10,100 for Horseshoe Lake playground personnel); 2009: $9,305 plus benefits for Horseshoe Lake playground personnel—seasonal and part-time

School-age child care:            Total operating expenses: $519,858 (2008: $597,813; $51,400 for school district facility rental; $11,100 for transportation; $8,000 for arts and crafts materials);  2009: $60,695 school district facility rental and transportation, arts & crafts materials not listed.

 Other:                        $16,391 ($15,000 in 2008) for the recreation brochure [Editor’s note: The “recreation brochure” is no longer included in Shaker “Life”]; $6,000 for postage ($2,500 for an ice cream cooler at the concession stand in 2008)

Cedar Fairmount, Cleveland Heights  -  Announcing a price reduction on 5-2432 Kenilworth Road, a 2,048 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm condo. Now MLS® $200,000 - New on Market.

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