9# This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

This Week in Shaker©

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

Founded April 14, 2003

Volume 8, Number 9 Monday, March 15, 2010

Jane Wood, Editor Street and Alley, Proofreaders

This Week in Shaker will usually be emailed once a week, on Sunday or Monday,
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 12 pages.

News Briefs

The library has applied for a grant from the Ohio State Extension program to “plant a small orchard” at Bertram Woods branch. It has also applied for a grant to “partner with existing community garden groups” and to expand the “collection and programs in related subjects.” Meanwhile, the Community Life (Recreation) Department intends to create an orchard “on Kenyon lot. NSP [Neighborhood Stabilization Program] grant funded.”
According to the minutes of the Library Board of Feb. 9, the library and the City are “moving forward with the Shaker Library Fest banners to be put up during Shaker Fest in April” on Lee Road and Chagrin and possibly on Warrensville and Shaker. TWIS does not know what “Shaker Library Fest” is; “Shakerfest” is organized by the school district.
Superintendent Mark Freeman told the Board of Education* last week that the district is “losing minority teachers and staff at a greater rate than hiring” and said it is continuing to “beef up” efforts. He said frozen salaries made it more difficult to “get people to relocate.” Board member Jennifer Mearns said she would be interested in knowing what outreach efforts are being made.
The “Housing Council,” whose purpose is to review properties that have residential tax abatement, meets tomorrow (Tuesday). Members are Council members Brian Gleisser, Nancy Moore and Lynn Ruffner; Marguerite Bibb, Phil Calabrese, Matt Lehman and Julie Voyzey.
According to the Board of Education minutes of its Feb. 10 “special meeting,” the Board discussed “personnel, including succession planning” in executive session. The minutes do not reflect what was said at the “special meeting,” although there was a “consensus to table any further discussion about alternative schools.”
The Fire Department is planning an open house later this year.
The Community Life (Recreation) Department intends to create a new playground for 2-5-year-olds on Menlo Road, and Chelton Park playground is to be expanded this year, according to the Community Life (Recreation) Department “action plan.” The Ashby Tot Lot will be cleaned up and refurbished. All are “NSP grant funded.”
The Architectural Board of Review this morning (Monday) will consider an “exterior alteration to enclose the parking garage” at 20521 Chagrin Blvd. CTL is the property owner.
Ronald Fry of CWRU will present preliminary findings from “Imagine Shaker” at 7 p.m. tonight at the High School. Fry’s contract is for $43,500, which includes the services of someone at CSU as well as CWRU grad students. It is not clear how much implementing a “strategic plan,” which is to be written beginning this summer, will cost.
As of last week, about 30 students had signed up for the International Baccalaureate program.
School Board members Norman Bliss and Jennifer Mearns are forming a committee to look at business practices.
The Board of Education* last week accepted a bid of $51,145 from American Office Services for the “Middle School lock repainting project.”
At the Board of Education* meeting last week, the treasurer’s report included this: “The encumbrances . . . are . . . higher than the prior year . . . [and] are attributable primarily to timing. On a budget basis, total expenditures are $518,513 below budget, but encumbrances are $757,648 above budget, resulting in a net unfavorable budget variance of $239,135.”
The Community Life (Recreation) Department plans to give monthly “e-rec updates” to PTO and community association presidents this year.
The Finance Committee this morning (Monday) will consider a development agreement with Library Court Senior Housing.

· The Communications and Outreach Department now reports to the Community Life and Health Committee. After meeting for the last time in October 2004, the Communications and Outreach Committee ceased meeting altogether in 2005. At that time, Council Member Brian Gleisser was the chair, and he and former Mayor Judy Rawson sent out a letter saying they would no longer schedule regular meetings of the committee, but would call on members as specific questions needed discussion.

According to the Feb. 25 minutes of the Community Life and Health Committee, which TWIS did not attend, traffic to the City’s web site from “prospective residents” is down.
The Communications and Outreach Department is looking at the “hiring, training and development of a new Community Information Representative to work with school-age family prospects and to identify and establish new relationships with growth businesses which may be hiring new executives and prospective residents.”
The Community Life (Recreation) Department will meet with representatives of Laurel School regarding a “new collaboration” for this year.
Street resurfacing bids are due March 19; bids for T-shirts and uniforms are due March 26.

*Norman Bliss, Freda Levenson, Jennifer Mearns, Peter Robertson, Annette Sutherland

Survey Results Show Levy Has 50-50 Chance of Passing

Results of a telephone survey (the survey itself was not made available to TWIS) taken of 400 registered voters in January by the TRIAD Research Group, which has surveyed Shaker residents in the past, indicate the following (http://www.shaker.org/surveys):

· It will be important to remind voters that the money will be used for classroom instruction and programs.

· Voters need to know about the schools’ financial situation.

· 3/5 of voters think the schools have cut spending, but most think the cuts have only been minor.

· The dollar cost of the school levy is a negative for voters in the district.

· If voters think the Shaker schools need more money, they are very likely to support the levy.

· The Shaker schools should target early voters.

· The School Board received a good credibility rating.

· Slightly more voters said the quality [of education] is worse today than said it is better, while a third think it is the same.

· 6 out of 7 voters continue to say they are informed about the Shaker Heights schools.

· Need and affordability are both significant reasons for voting against the levy.

· The Shaker Heights schools continue to receive very good ratings. Nearly all of them either stayed the same or improved since 2006.

The report also said, “Our experience has shown that for a levy to have a good chance of passing, the initial level of support must be 55% or higher while the percent opposed must be 30% or lower. This is because surveys measure what people say they will do and not their actual voting behavior. The first vote results obtained here of 55/30 are right at that threshold, indicating that this levy has about a 50/50 chance of being successful.

“In addition, a significant portion of the support is ‘soft’ or ‘weak’ . . . one focus of the levy campaign must be to strengthen and reinforce the support of the For voters, especially the Weak For voters.”

According to TRIAD, the “overall purpose of the survey was to update voters’ attitudes towards the schools and assess the chances of passing a levy this year.”

In 2006, the results were very similar. The headline in TWIS read, “School Survey Indicates Levy Has
Less Than 50/50 Chance of Passing.” The levy passed.

The survey cost $21,600; it cost $21,300 in 2006.

Students Describe Minority Student Conference

Six minority students (3 young ladies and 3 young men) spoke to the Board of Education* last week about what they learned at a minority achievement conference in Chicago last fall and also gave their impressions of life at Shaker High.

Among other things, they told the Board it is “really hard to move up from CP [college prep] to Honors or AP” classes and suggested they were not encouraged to try as hard. One young lady said, “Shaker refers to CP as Colored People’s classes.” She added that it was difficult for a lot of students to “push themselves when we realize we won’t be supported in classrooms. Counselors need to take a larger role.”

Another young lady said she noticed the difference between CP and AP classes: “Students don’t expect them to be as hard [and] teachers don’t expect you to work as hard.” She characterized CP classes as “babysitting” and said achievement is “being pushed farther down. CP classes are positive,” she said, but “[students] should be expected to do the basics.” She said she knew teachers didn’t enjoy those classes, either.

The Board was interested in their remarks and asked a number of questions, including whether or not the district was providing enough resources. Board president Norman Bliss said he looked forward to learning more about “MAC [Minority Achievement Committee] Scholars” and asked the seniors what their college plans were. All said they were waiting to hear from colleges to which they had applied.

In September 2005, TWIS visited a number of classrooms at Shaker High. At that time, the AP and Honors classes were mostly Caucasian, and appeared to be doing more difficult work. Students in college prep classes seemed less engaged. Also at that time, academic advisor Mary Lynne McGovern, who is also the MAC Scholars advisor, told TWIS that aside from a few “general level” science classes, all courses were described as “college prep” (available in grades 9 - 12), “honors” (available in grades 9 - 12) or “advanced placement” (available in grades 11 - 12, plus history and math in grade 10).—TWIS Vol. 3, Issue 32, Sept. 5, 2005.

*Norman Bliss, Freda Levenson, Jennifer Mearns, Peter Robertson, Annette Sutherland

Council Takes No Action on Deer

After City Council* last week heard about deer from an employee of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and from Greg Miller of the City’s outsourced animal control service, it decided there wasn’t much to do about the problem here, if there is one. Miller told them you can do “different things” to slow deer down, but those “won’t solve the problem completely.”

According to Mayor Earl Leiken, the matter was under discussion because he and members of City Council had “heard from a number of residents expressing concern over the number of deer” in the City. He said, “Each of us has seen deer,” noting that sightings have come with “increasing regularity” and that he was concerned about traffic collisions.

However, after an hour’s presentation that included a PowerPoint on “White-Tailed Deer Biology and Management,” Council members agreed the deer situation in Shaker Heights is not that severe.

Scott Peters of ODNR said the state’s deer population has increased from 17,000 in 1970 to 700,000. The animals are eliminated through a variety of measures, including deterrents and controlled hunting, he said. He mentioned Solon and Pepper Pike, which have significantly more deer than Shaker, and noted that Shaker Heights is “not adjacent to any community that is doing controlled hunting.” He said sharp-shooting, which Solon originally used, costs approximately $500 per animal. He said Pepper Pike was the only city in Ohio using “trap and euthanize,” which costs about $400 per deer.

Miller said in 2008 and 2009, Shaker had 11 reports of deer, and so far this year, there has been 1 report, for an injured deer. “15 years down the road,” he said, there could be up to 20 accidents a year from deer, noting that with the speed limit at 35 mph, there could be significant damage to the car, but little likelihood of injury to a person. He also said Lyme disease was a “big issue to the east of us,” but not here. According to a Public Works Department spokesperson, there were 5 dead deer in Shaker Heights in 2006, and each year there has been a “small increase.”

Two residents spoke about the problem, one saying she had reported an injured deer on Fernway Road, but had difficulty reaching anyone, and another who lived on Rochester Road who said she thought all the Shaker Heights deer lived in her yard.

Last fall, TWIS emailed Public Works Department director Bill Boag, asking if the City were considering a policy on deer. He responded as follows: “We are currently monitoring the situation and working with ODNR and our Animal Control people on Shaker’s deer population and will continue to do so. At this time, they do not feel that Shaker’s deer population requires us to develop a special policy.”

That query was prompted by a deer sign on Shaker Boulevard, noted by a TWIS reader, who recently suggested another sign be placed on South Park near the Nature Center. According to Boag, the deer signs “went up during the second half of 2008.”

Leiken said the City will continue to monitor the situation.

A story in the Plain Dealer in January discussed “deer culling:” http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/01/no_deer_culling_this_year_in_s.html

The minutes of the Solon City Council meeting of April 20, 2009 (posted online) said Solon would co-sponsor a seminar regarding options for deer-proofing gardens. There was no discussion at last week’s meeting of anything similar for Shaker residents.

*Jim Brady, Al Foster, Brian Gleisser, Nancy Moore, Lynn Ruffner, Earl Williams, Rob Zimmerman

6 Nuisance Abatement Properties Recommended

The Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, which met last week (TWIS did not attend), has approved* the following 6 properties for nuisance abatement (last year at this time, 13 were approved; 27 were approved the year before that, and 44 the year before that). Of these, 3 are vacant, 4 are in foreclosure and 3 are owner-occupied. None is a rental. Estimated cost of repairs does not include the City’s 22% service charge. Funding for the work will be through bonds sold to the Cuyahoga County treasurer.

17933 Chagrin, single unit in a duplex owned and occupied by Billy Goodman. Tax value: $64,800; estimated cost of repairs: $7,250

22700 Holmwood, single-family, owned and occupied by Mark D. Ross. Tax value: $225,200; estimated cost of repairs: $11,350

17026 Kenyon, single unit in a duplex owned by Michelle Jones of Chicago. Tax value: $124,600; estimated cost of repairs: $6,725

3666 Menlo, two-family owned by Ella Rowdy, now deceased. Tax value: $123,300; estimated cost of repairs: $850

3451 Milverton, single-family owned by Greggory [sic] Perrin; tax foreclosure is pending with $15,883 owed. Tax value: $113,900; estimated cost of repairs: $850

3722 Normandy, single-family owned and occupied by Jeanne Madison. Tax value: $133,600; estimated cost of repairs: $5,000

Estimated total cost if all work is done by City contractors is $32,025 (last year it was $193,650; the year before that it was $545,490; and the year before that it was $800,955). Upon completion, property owners will be charged for the total cost of the work, plus the 22% “administrative fee.” If payment is not made in 30 days, the City will file a lien against the property.

*Legislation was enacted in 2005 that allows the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee to recommend nuisance properties without the approval of City Council. Council, however, awards contracts for the work to be done.

City Seeks Funds for Lomond Sewer Design

City Council will be asked to approve $55,000 to design the Lomond Boulevard sanitary sewer improvement project (from Lindholm to Strandhill), as recommended by the Safety and Public Works Committee last week. (TWIS did not attend that meeting.) It is on this morning’s (Monday’s) Finance Committee agenda.

The City’s “consulting engineer” (GPD Group) would design the project, which would replace approximately 3,000 of lineal feet of existing 12” and 15” sanitary sewers with 18” sanitary sewers because the existing sewer does not have enough capacity.

The project would also eliminate the existing “over/under” sewer system on Lomond as well as the combined manholes in the replaced section. The City would also replace approximately 100 house service laterals and test tees.

Last fall, the City applied for and was denied $1,050,770 in grant funding for the sewer project from the Ohio Public Works Commission. The Public Works Department thinks it has a better chance of getting a grant if the design is complete and the project is “shovel-ready.”

School Board Adopts Revision to

‘School Ceremonies and Patriotic Observances’ Policy

The Board of Education* last week approved a revision to a policy on “school ceremonies and patriotic observances” that eliminates the following 2 sentences:

· “Recognition should be given to national secular holidays through educational activities.”

· “Students who legitimately exercise their rights shall not interfere with the conduct of the ceremonies and observances.”

The revision also includes substituting the words “education and observance” for “study and celebration” in the following sentence: “The values of our national heritage, our traditions, our national observances and our respect for multi-cultural contributions to our society are emphasized through…….”

The policy was originally adopted Feb. 14, 1989, and revised Dec. 12 of the same year.

*Norman Bliss, Freda Levenson, Jennifer Mearns, Peter Robertson, Annette Sutherland

Wrapping up the Budget

This Week in Shaker concludes its examination of the budget of City departments. All information has been taken from the 2010 Preliminary Budget produced by the Finance Department and approved by City Council in December (estimated revenue and expenditures have changed and are reflected below, if possible) and from the 2009, 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 second time since TWIS has been presenting these budgets, there is no detailed information on salaries and wages, just a lump sum for each department.

2010 revenue: $37,707,413 (general fund) 2010 expenditures: $38,956,866 (general fund)

2009 revenue: $36,412,374 2009 expenditures: $38,489,751

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

The series concludes with the Mayor’s Office, City Council and the Court. Previous issues focused on the Building, Communications and Outreach, Community Life (Recreation), Finance, Fire, Health, Housing Inspection, Human Resources, Information Technology, Law, Neighborhood Revitalization, Planning, Police and Public Works Departments and the CAO’s office.

Mayor’s Office

Total Budget: $217,202

(2009: $229,676)

(2008: $224,684)

(2007: $200,200)

(2006: $197,300)

(2005: $187,700)

(less $9,700 in revenue)

(2009: $9,630)

(2008: $8,000)

(2007: $7,900)

(2006: $6,300)

(2005: $3,400)

Salaries: $137,900; 145,356 last year

Mayor $75,000 (2009, 2008: 75,000) (2007, 2006, 2005: 63,000)

Exec. assistant ? (2009: ?) (2008: 61,129) (2007: 57,690) (2006: 55,800)

(2005: 51,500)

Student intern (12 wks) not listed (2009: not listed) (2008: 3,500) (2007: 3,210)

(2006, 2005, 2004: 3,200)

Benefits $52,100 (2009: 57,129) (2008: 55,905) (2007: 47,400)

(2006: 46,400) (2005: 37,600)

Longevity* not listed (2009: not listed) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 400)

Merit raises not listed (2009: not listed) (2008: 1,450) (2007, 2006: 1,400)

(2005: 400)

Travel $3,594 (2009: 3,594) (2008, 2007, 2006: 3,000) (2005: 4,000)

Training $165 (2009: 165) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 500)

Employee relations $6,456 (2009: 6,456) (2008: 5,000) (2007, 2006: 4,500)

(2005: 5,500)

Special services $100 (2009: 100) (2008: 500) (2007, 2006, 2005: 300)

Communications $600 (2009: 600) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 1,000)

Advertising &

printing $1,869 (2009: 1,869) (2008: 2,500) (2007, 2006, 2005: 3,000)

Miscellaneous

contractual serv. $6,920 (2009: 6,920) (2008: 8,200) (2007, 2006: 7,600) (2005: 9,100)

Office supplies $3,070 (2009: 3,070) (2008, 2007, 2006: 2,300) (2005: 3,300)

Operating supplies $2,158 (2009: 2,335) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 1,500)

Minor equipment $500 (2009: 500) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 2,500)

Equipment maint. not listed (2009: not listed) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 200)

Vehicle maint. $220 (2009: 220) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 100)

Fuel $1,304 (2009: 1,305) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 500)

Vehicular supplies $46 (2009: 48) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 100)

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

City Council

Total Budget: $142,346*

(2009: $131,016)*

(2008: $136,141)*

(2007: $134,000)*

(2006: $131,600)*

(2005: $135,200)*

Salaries: $105,100; 105,100 last year

7 members $63,000 (9,000 each; not noted in budget)

(2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 50,400)

Merit increases not listed (2009: not listed) (2008: 3,141)

Benefits $22,200 (2009: 22,747) (2008: 22,200) (2007: 22,200)

(2006: 21,500) (2005: 21,200)

*Some clerical help is charged to this budget.

Travel $3,298 (2008: 307) (2008, 2007, 2006: 1,400) (2005: 3,400)

Training not listed (2009: not listed) (2008, 2007, 2006: 700)

(2005: 4,200)

Employee relations not listed (2009: not listed) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 1,200)

Special services not listed (2009: not listed) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 1,600)

Advertising &

printing $1,322 (2009: 1,322) (2008: 3,900) (2007: 1,600)

(2006, 2005: 3,900)

Miscellaneous

contractual services $4,450 (2009: 4,455) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 5,100)

Office supplies $6,376 (2009: 9,666) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 3,500)

Rentals $200 (2009: 200)

Municipal Court

The Shaker Heights Municipal Court covers the Cities of Shaker Heights, University Heights, Beachwood, Pepper Pike and Hunting Valley.

The following budget was prepared by the Finance Department and approved by City Council.

Total Budget: $2,287,581

(2009: $2,694,064)

(2008: $2,217,134)

(2007: $2,330,900)

(2006: $2,211,500)

(2005: $2,165,500)

(less $2,977,300 in anticipated revenue)

(2009: $2,899,609)

(2008: $1,920,050)

(2007: ?)

(2006: $1,585,700)

(2005: $1,462,200)

Salaries: $1,666,600; 1,739,685 last year

Judge* ? (2009: ?) (2008: 112,500) (2007, 2006, 2005: 107,450)

Clerk of Court* ? (2009: ?) (2008: 93,016) (2007: 92,233) (2006: 89,200) (2005: 84,300)

Chief Magistrate* ? (2008: 116,164) (2007: 112,367) (2006: 108,700) (2005: 102,700)

Magistrate II not listed (2009: ?) (2008: 107,870) (2007: 104,350) (2006: 98,500)

(2005: 93,100)

Magistrate I (2010: 2, 1 p/t;

2008: p/t)* ? (2009: ?) (2008: 11,517) (2007: 11,417) (2006: 11,100) (2005: 10,100)

Chief bailiff ? (2009: ?) (2008: 88,533) (2007: 85,650) (2006: 82,900) (2005: 78,300)

Magistrate mediator

(p-t) not listed (2009, 2008: not listed) (2007: 34,400) (2006: 33,300) (2005: 32,000)

Mgr. of inf. systems not listed (2009: not listed) (2008: 78,250) (2007: 77,590) (2006: 75,100)

(2005: 71,000)

Chief probation officer* ? (2009: ?) (2008: 67,480) (2007: 65,270) (2006: 63,100) (2005: 59,700)

Probation officer (4) ? (2009: ?) (2008: 192,896) (2007:154,680-3) (2006: 147,300)

(2005: 141,600)

Probation officer (p/t) not listed (2009: ?) (2008: not listed) (2007: 16,990) (2006: 16,500)

(2005: 15,900)

Deputy bailiff (III) (2) ? (2009: ?) (2008: 113,590) (2007: 112,620) (2006: 107,400)

(2005: 103,000)

Deputy bailiff (II) (1;

2 in 2009) ? (2009: ?) (2008: 44,350) (2007: 43,970) (2006: 41,500)

(2005: 40,200)

Deputy bailiff I (3 p/t;

2009: 2 p/t) ? (2009: ?) (2008: 42,602) (2007: 46,660) (2006: 44,800)

(2005: 38,100)

Administrative mgr.

(2; 2 in 2009;

1 in 2008) ? (2009: ?) (2008: 55,380) (2007: 54,910) (2006: 51,800)

(2005: 50,300)

Spec. proj. mgr

(p-t in 2008) not listed (2009: ?) (2008: 3,000) (2007: 6,840) (2006: 13,300)

(2005: 27,000)

Chief dep. clerk/ acting

mgr/systems mgr. not listed (2009: ?) (2008: 58,190)

Accounting mgr. not listed (2009, 2008: not listed) (2007: 56,280) (2006: 54,500) (2005: 51,500)

Admin. secretary not listed (2009: ?) (2008: 42,210) (2007: 40,830) (2006: 37,600) (2005: 37,700)

Deputy clerk (‘office sup.’

in 2010; 2009: 2) ? (2009: ?) (2008: 80,335) (2007: 93,550) (2006: 89,400) (2005: 85,600)

Deputy clerk II (9) ? (2009: ?) (2008: 356,198 ) (2007: 188,940-6, 1 p-t) (2006: 202,300)

(2005: 195,300)

Deputy clerk II (3) not listed (2009: ?) (2008: not listed) (2007: 122,890) (2006: 118,900)

(2005: 115,400)

Student interns (p/t) ? (2008: 8,030) (2007: 8,040) (2006: 6,200) (2005: 6,200)

Acting judges ? (2009: ?) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 10,000)

Deputy bailiff (p/t) not listed (2009, 2008: not listed) (2007: 5,100) (2006: 4,900)

(2005: 4,800)

Legal intern (2 p/t) ? (2009: ?) (2008: not listed) (2007: 34,600) (2006: ?) (2005: 25,000)

Clerk typist (2 p-t) not listed (2009, 2008: not listed) (2007: 10,810) (2006: 10,800)

(2005: 10,800)

Data entry/typist not listed (2009: ?) (2008: 13,738)

Student intern (p/t) not listed (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006: not listed) (2005: 4,200)

Chief deputy clerk

(info systems mgr.) not listed (2009: ?)

Executive asst. ?

Magistrate (p/t) ?

Deputy clerk I (2) ?

*The County pays 40% of the benefits for these positions; the City pays the remainder (in 2009, this was also true of ‘Magistrate II’ and chief bailiff; chief probation officer is new this year; for the judge, in 2008, State paid $47,750, County paid 40%, and City paid 60% of remainder).

Benefits $615,200 (2009: 649,364) (2008: 609,300) (2007: 549,600)

(2006: 538,200) (2005: 501,800)

Longevity* not listed (2009: not listed) (2008: 13,500) (2007: 11,100) (2006: 11,200)

(2005: 11,200)

Sick leave conversion not listed (2009: not listed) (2008: 6,000) (2007: 5,200) (2006: 5,000)

(2005: 4,800)

Merit increases not listed (2009: not listed) (2008: 5,000) (2007: 5,220)

(2006: 5,300) (2005: 5,300)

The following do not include indigent driver alcohol treatment, housing case services, court computer, clerk’s computerization, court community service fund, alternate dispute resolution fund, court security project or indigent driver interlock.

Travel $4,764 (2009: 6,500) (2008: 6,000) (2007: 10,900) (2006: 9,400)

(2005: 10,900)

Training $2,250 (2009: 5,900) (2008: 5,000) (2007: 8,100) (2006: 8,100)

(2005: 9,600)

Employee relations $2,500 (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 2,500)

Communications $2,195 (2009: 2,200) (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005: 2,500)

Rents & leases $9,457 (2009: 10,000) (2008: 9,900) (2007: 7,700) (2006, 2005: 5,500)

postage machine, copiers

Special services $3,000 (2009: 3,000) (2008: 3,500) (2007: 41,500) (2006: 44,000)

(2005: 34,500)

interpreters, appraisers, temporary help

Equipment maint. $2,833 (2009: 3,000) (2008: 6,000) (2007: 16,000) (2006: 14,000) (2005:19,000)

Advertising &

printing $16,500 (2009: 16,500) (2008, 2007, 2006: 18,500) (2005: 19,000)

Miscellaneous

contract. serv. $4,703 (2009: 11,400)

Miscellaneous not listed (2009: not listed) (2008, 2007, 2006: 4,000) (2005: 4,500)

Office supplies $36,672 (2009: 47,000) (2008: 45,800) (2007: 61,000) (2006: 9,000)

(2005: 57,500)

postage, miscellaneous

Operating supplies $5,742 (2009: 4,900) (2008: 9,000) (2007, 2006, 2005: 18,000)

Repair & maint supp. $974 (2009, 2008: 1,500) (2007, 2006, 2005: 2,500)

Minor equip. $6.978 (2009: 7,000) (2008: 4,000) (2007, 2006, 2005: 10,000)

Bus. & commun.

equipment not listed (2009, 2008: not listed) (2007: 75,000) (2006: 15,000)

(2005: 50,000)

Additions &

improvements $0 (2009, 2008: 3,000) (2007: 83,000) (2006: 8,000) (2005: 6,000)

not detailed

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

According to the Court’s annual report, “Shaker Heights requested that the court raise costs to cover a greater portion of the expense of its operations from those who find themselves ‘using the court’—unsuccessful litigants and defendants . . . court costs were raised an average of $50 per case beginning in March 2009 . . .”

Real Estate Report

As of yesterday (Sunday), Realtors had listed 210 single-family houses for sale* (excluding condominiums and townhomes) in Shaker Heights, as follows:

$100,000 - $199,000: 75 (62 last issue)
$200,000 - $299,000: 49 (49 last issue)
$300,000 - $399,000: 28 (28 last issue)
$400,000 - $499,000: 18 (18 last issue)
$500,000 - $599,000: 14 (14 last issue)
$600,000 - $699,000: 6 (5 last issue)
$700,000 - $799,000: 5 (5 last issue)
$800,000 - $899,000: 5 (5 last issue)
$900,000 - $999,000: 1 (1 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 16 (21 last issue) houses priced under $100,000, for a grand total of 226.

As of Friday, there were 23 foreclosure sales pending (including 3 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.]

*195 last issue

**23 last issue; addresses include 14017 Ashwood, 3376 Avalon, 3714 Avalon, 3656 Chelton, 22450 Douglas, 13800 Fairhill, 22375 Fairmount, 22549 Fairmount, 3702 Hildana, 3619 Lindholm, 3613 Ludgate, 3697 Menlo, 3728 Menlo, 3427 Milverton, 18512 Newell, 3616 Pennington, 3567 Riedham, 22320 South Woodland, 3597 Strandhill, 3741 Sudbury, 3627 Sutherland, 17 Sutton Pl. and 3333 Warrensville. [Editor’s note: This week’s foreclosed properties include those listed for Sheriff’s sale on March 15, 22 and 29 and April 5, 12 and 19. 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.]

Following Up . . .

· Teacher Retirements: George Harley (English, High School); Ellen Kelly (English, High School); Eugene Kotmel (technology, High School); Mary Louise Cesa (health, Middle School); Lyman Lawrence (social studies, Middle School); Sondra Saddler (Middle School); Gary Raymont (Boulevard); Renata Griffin (Fernway); Theodosia Husband (Lomond); Norris Ross (Fernway); and Brenda Spivey (Boulevard), all effective at the end of the school year.

ADVERTISING

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

Posted Sunday, March 14, 2010 7:31 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

Filed under: Real Estate, Market Conditions, For Sale, Open Houses, Seller Information, Cleveland Ohio Homes for Sale, Peter Greiner Realtor, homes for sale, For Sale in Shaker Heights Ohio, Shaker Heights Ohio real estate, This Week in Shaker, Shaker Heights homes for sale, Shaker heights ohio realty, shaker heights, ohio, Ohio Real Estate

2 Story For Sale in Beachwood

1st Floor Bedroom

• 1,835 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $239,900 - Great New Home

Beachwood, Cuyahoga County

Property information

Posted Tuesday, March 09, 2010 2:42 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

Filed under: Real Estate, For Sale

37# This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

This Week in Shaker©

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

Founded April 14, 2003

Volume 7, Number 37 Monday, November 2, 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 4 pages.

News Briefs

650 Gold (http://www.650gold.com/), 16933 Chagrin Blvd., is a new occupant of the Shaker Towne Centre strip shopping center.
Election Day is tomorrow (Tuesday). Running for Council (vote for 3) are Brian Gleisser, Richard Pace, Isaac Powell, Lynn Ruffner and Rob Zimmerman; running for Board of Education (vote for 3) are Norman Bliss, Drexel Feeling, Jennifer Mearns and Annette Sutherland.
The League of Women Voters’ web site (http://shakerlwv.org/) has posted links to videos of City Council and Board of Education candidates’ opening statements made at a recent forum.
Walgreen’s has been granted another liquor permit allowing it to sell beer “only in original sealed containers for carry-out only” and wine and “certain pre-packaged mixed drinks in sealed containers for carry-out” at 16400 Chagrin Blvd., across from the Main Library. It previously received a similar permit for 20200 Chagrin Blvd.
RTA is going before the Architectural Board of Review this morning (Monday) for a “door alteration” to accommodate a snow removal machine at its substation at the end of the Van Aken line.

Fiber Optic Cable May Be
Coming to a Right-of-Way Near You

City Council* last week approved granting a license to Northeastern ITS to install underground conduit and fiber optic cable in the City’s right-of-way (median strips and tree lawns) that would enter Shaker from Cleveland Heights in Fairmount Boulevard near Eaton, go to Warrensville Center Road, turn south down Warrensville and turn east on South Woodland to Sulgrave Road and the Beachwood border.

According to a memo from chief counsel Bill Gruber, “There will be 3, 5’x 8’ hand holes used in the route through Shaker Heights. They will be labeled as Northeastern ITS, LLC along with an 800 contact phone number.”

The memo noted that Northeastern “does not intend to serve any customers in the City (or in the County at this time.)”

Gruber told Council the cable was “just passing through the region.”

The City will receive no fee from Northeastern, according to Gruber, who said the company will pay for a permit only. There will apparently be little disruption, “mostly directional boring” and “some trenching.” The cable will be installed “through a number of communities in the County.”

Council member Jim Brady (councilmanbrady@gmail.com), who also raised questions about fees and construction issues, said, “We don’t really have a choice.”

*Jim Brady, Al Foster, Brian Gleisser, Nancy Moore, Lynn Ruffner, Earl Williams, Rob Zimmerman

Following Up . . .

Coventry Pointe Condominiums: The Architectural Board of Review will do a preliminary review of the development this morning. The website TWIS cited last week no longer mentions this project. The condos are proposed at the corner of Shaker and Coventry, on the north side of Shaker, directly across Haddam Road from Moreland Courts. Coventry Pointe, LLC, bought the property at 14001 Coventry Rd. in 2008 for $240,000.
Van Aken Cut-Through: City Council* last week approved eliminating the vehicular cut-through of the Van Aken median strip just west of Farnsleigh Rd. as requested by RTA. The existing pedestrian access will be maintained. According to a memo from the Planning Department, a recent study concluded that “even a 1-way, un-signalized crossover is in the ‘catastrophic’ hazard rating level.” Although the memo says, “The City Planning Commission approved the case with the condition that there be less parking and more landscaping” than the original proposal, 10 new parking spaces will be added on the south side, which may be used by RTA riders and apartment building residents. 5 of the existing 7 trees will be saved. [Ed. note: In 1990, the City modified 2 existing cut-throughs and created a third on Warrensville Center Road between Farnsleigh and South Woodland.]
CVS: City Council* learned last week that recent survey and title work revealed that the City owns “a small strip of land along Chagrin Boulevard adjacent to the westerly portion of the [proposed CVS] site.” According to a memo, “This strip is not needed by the City, and we desire to quit-claim this long, narrow piece of land to CVS” without competitive bidding. According to Economic Development Department director Patrick Campbell, the property is “in no man’s land” and “only came to our attention within the last 6 months or so.” He said the property had been “reserved for road widening, which will never happen.” [Ed. note: The widening of Chagrin Boulevard from Farnsleigh Road east to I-271 occurred in the late 1980s, when the City asked the Ohio Department of Transportation to add a lane to Chagrin between Farnsleigh and Warrensville Center as part of the ill-fated Van Aken project; in the early 1990s, a new traffic lane was added in front of Shaker Towne Centre, “rebuilding a better transition from 4 to 2 lanes between Avalon and Normandy,” according to the January/February 1991 issue of Shaker Magazine; 3 left-turn slots were also added. During the widening of Chagrin between Lee and Avalon, wiring for electric utility lines and the street lighting system was to have been installed underground.] “A development agreement for this development will be brought to Council for action next month,” the memo said. “The development agreement will allow the City to collect Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues on this new investment.”
JCU Student Housing: City Council* last week placed on “second reading” an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would limit the expansion of student housing in the City. According to a memo, John Carroll University has purchased 4 apartment buildings in the Fairmount Circle area of the City “and the University is believed to be in the process of purchasing a 5th . . . In addition, 2 of the 4 buildings are being rented through the University’s Student Life office, and students living in the apartment buildings are being offered meal plans through the University.” Mayor Earl Leiken told Council that “discussions [with JCU] are continuing.” The amendment will go to Council 1 more time, and a public hearing is scheduled Nov. 9.
Outside Legal Counsel: City Council* last week approved increasing the “maximum potential hourly rate to $225/hr. for specialized legal services.” The “standard rate will remain at $175/hour.”
Library Court Apartments: Plans will be re-submitted to the Architectural Board of Review this morning. As noted last week, a public hearing (site plan review) will be held by the City Planning Commission on Wednesday.
IT Budgets: According to an email from School District treasurer Bryan Christman, “The combined budget for both the IT and the Data Processing divisions for 2009 totaled $1.42 million, including a combined $426,000 for salaries and wages.” Christman told TWIS that figure includes all telephone costs, including monthly telephone bills; it does not include benefits. As reported last week, the City spends $342,320 and the library spends $260,204, including salaries and benefits, on IT. Library director Luren Dickinson emailed that $144,300 of the library’s IT costs are for membership in CLEVNET, a consortium of libraries in 9 northern Ohio counties. Membership fees are expected to be less next year.

*Jim Brady, Al Foster, Brian Gleisser, Nancy Moore, Lynn Ruffner, Earl Williams, Rob Zimmerman

Real Estate Report

As of yesterday (Sunday), Realtors had listed 229 single-family houses for sale* (excluding condominiums and townhomes) in Shaker Heights, as follows:

$100,000 - $199,000: 80 (77 last issue)
$200,000 - $299,000: 53 (57 last issue)
$300,000 - $399,000: 29 (27 last issue)
$400,000 - $499,000: 19 (20 last issue)
$500,000 - $599,000: 14 (14 last issue)
$600,000 - $699,000: 7 (8 last issue)
$700,000 - $799,000: 7 (7 last issue)
$800,000 - $899,000: 4 (5 last issue)
$900,000 - $999,000: 4 (4 last issue)
$1,000,000 - $1,999,000: 7 (7 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 254.

As of Friday, there were 29 foreclosure sales pending (including 8 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.]

*228 last issue

**29 last issue; addresses include 16625 Aldersyde, 17623 Chagrin, 3536 Daleford, 3663 Daleford, 22450 Douglas, 3598 Glencairn, 22700 Holmwood, 3450 Ingleside, 3292 Milverton, 3585 Normandy, 3601 Normandy, 17600 Parkland, 3618 Rolliston, 20306 Scottsdale, 18231 Sherrington, 3348 Sutton, 3367 Sutton, 15610 Van Aken #10, 15610 Van Aken #27, 15820 Van Aken, 15820 Van Aken #103, 16100 Van Aken #402, 19101 Van Aken #522, 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 Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Dec. 7. 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/

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.

Posted Sunday, November 01, 2009 1:47 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

Filed under: Real Estate, For Sale, For Rent/Lease, Cleveland Ohio Homes for Sale, Peter Greiner Realtor, homes for sale, For Sale in Shaker Heights Ohio, Shaker Heights Ohio real estate, This Week in Shaker, Shaker Heights homes for sale, Shaker heights ohio realty, shaker heights, ohio, Homes for sale in Beachwood

#36 This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

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.

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 1:12 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

Filed under: Real Estate, Cleveland Ohio Homes for Sale, Peter Greiner Realtor, homes for sale, For Sale in Shaker Heights Ohio, Shaker Heights Ohio real estate, This Week in Shaker, Shaker Heights homes for sale, Shaker heights ohio realty, shaker heights, ohio, Ohio Real Estate

35# This Week In Shaker Heights, Ohio

This Week in Shaker©

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

Founded April 14, 2003

Volume 7, Number 35 Monday, October 19, 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.

Corrections and Clarifications

A reader has advised TWIS that an address was incorrect on last week’s Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s web page (it has since been corrected). Up for Sheriff’s sale is 16625 Aldersyde Rd., not 16225. TWIS regrets the Sheriff’s error and is pleased it was fixed.

Regarding the item about the Walgreen’s liquor permit, chief counsel William Gruber has advised TWIS that “City Council has no authority to approve or disapprove liquor permits. Council has only the ability to object to a liquor permit on fairly narrow grounds under State law and request a hearing.” As noted in the previous issue, TWIS did not attend the Council meeting at which the liquor permit was discussed.

News Briefs

The school district paid Landau Public Relations $10,500 in September, for, according to treasurer Bryan Christman, “an internal communications audit.” Last year, the City entered into a $10,000 contract with Landau for “crisis communication assistance.” At that time, TWIS could not determine when the contract was signed or its duration (Vol. 6, Issue 20, May 26, 2008).
School superintendent Mark Freeman told the Board of Education* last week that Title I is “in jeopardy.”
Following a lengthy power point presentation on “financial planning and budgeting,” the Board of Education* last week approved a 5-year financial forecast (June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2014) that assumes approval of a property tax levy “with a projected yield equivalent of at least 9.9 mills in 2010 and again in 2012,” among other things. The forecast for 2009 – 2013 is on the school district’s web site.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning’s Finance Committee agenda includes “authorizing the employment of outside legal counsel at a rate of up to $225/hour” and authorizing a license agreement to install conduit and fiber optic cable in the City’s right-of-way.
The Board of Education* last week approved policy revisions on incapacity of treasurer, incapacity of superintendent and evaluation of instructional programs, and placed on “first reading” policy revisions on fiscal management goals, annual budget and appropriation measures, long-term financial planning, inventories and prohibition of student harassment and bullying.
According to the Public Works Department’s “action plan,” a fence behind City Hall will be repaired in second half of the year.

*Norman Bliss, Drexel Feeling, Freda Levenson, Peter Robertson, Annette Sutherland

Board of Ed Offers Suggestions for ‘Fact Book’; Achievement Gap Re-Surfaces

At its meeting last week, the Board of Education* talked with Dale Whittington, director of research and evaluation; Bernice Stokes, director of elementary education; and James Paces, director of curriculum; about the “Accountability and Fact Book”** and made some suggestions as to what might be added.

Whittington told the Board she uses multiple sources, including the report card, to gather data. She said the “Fact Book” has been in existence for 10 years, and last year she began meetings “to determine how to enhance it.” She passed around a summary to Board members, but not to members of the audience.

Whittington would like to add the following:

demographics by school
foster care information
kindergarten readiness
results of a test everybody takes (TWIS does not know its name)
a summary of the “school climate” survey

Paces and Stokes suggested adding a category related to the homeless.

In her presentation, Whittington noted “there is a group that bounces back and forth [between public and private schools] that is almost impossible to keep track of.” She said she looks at “continuous enrollment.”

While Whittington and superintendent Mark Freeman were receptive to Board members’ suggestions, Freeman noted that the “Fact Book” might not be the appropriate place for some of them.

Board member Freda Levenson had several suggestions: looking at “how kids are doing in AP” and how that enrollment affects the International Baccalaureate program as well as how the IB program affects college admissions; tracking languages and the effect of Chinese; and an “inventory of technology,” i.e., “who has the Internet at home.” Regarding the last suggestion, Whittington said, “Self-reporting is not always accurate.”

Board member Peter Robertson wanted to know how many students have taken an AP course or a language as well as the number of people accessing the “progress book” (a password-protected online grade book for grades 5-12 that parents can view), and Freeman said, “[We] can get some feeling about this.”

Another suggestion was to “look at the numbers in enrichment classes” (before students are placed in honors or AP classes), as well as “how many kids” have been identified as gifted and talented.

Board member Annette Sutherland asked about tracking parent involvement, and Freeman responded by saying, “The data is not going to be clean.” He noted, however, that it was “important to look at it.” This was an example of something he did not think should be in the “Fact Book.”

Sutherland also asked about “data on the lowest achieving” students—“factors to help us identify kids most at risk.” Freeman said, “Teachers and principals pay attention” to how kids do on standardized tests versus how they do in class. He said, “[We] might be able to answer that some other way. To track [it] in the ‘Fact Book’ might be difficult. Let us think about that awhile.”

Levenson wanted to know how many students travel or study abroad. “Are we doing a good job of making international experiences available?” was the question she would like to see included. Freeman said, “My guess is we have a changing trend here.”

Board member Norman Bliss suggested “[we] continue to be sensitive to the needs of all students.”

Board president*** Drexel Feeling asked how the effectiveness of certain programs is tracked.

At the end of the meeting, when it was time for public comment, resident Dan Hoffman proposed a “pilot program to reduce the achievement gap in elementary schools.” He said it would cost about $30,000 ($107 per month per child) for 30 youngsters to be enrolled in a “Kumon” (http://www.kumon.com/?gclid=CNPHr6aovZ0CFQ4MDQodwiWljQ) reading program. “Try it and see what the results are,” he said.

Feeling responded by saying there are a number of programs in place right now. Freeman said the district has a program with very young children, “very similar to what you are talking about” and noted that 2/3 – 3/4 of the children that get help “are no longer in the system by 4th grade. We need to look at this globally and regionally,” he said, noting that it was a “complex problem” and that Hoffman was “right on target. We’ve got to get all school districts to do it,” he said.

In a letter to Feeling dated Oct. 5, Hoffman wrote, “The Education Secretary Arne Duncan is touring with Al Sharpton and Newt Gingrich pushing a $4.3 billion program for ‘Successful School Strategies.’

“A compelling new study has just been released from Stanford University entitled, ‘How New York Charter Schools Affect Achievement.’**** It definitively shows that they are shrinking the achievement gap between low-income minorities and more affluent whites. It reports that, ‘On average, a student who attended a charter school in all of the grades K through eight would close about 86% of the Scarsdale-Harlem Achievement Gap in English.’ Similar, but even better results occurred in Boston and Chicago’s charter schools. This is being accomplished with a per-pupil spending of about 61% of that of surrounding public schools.

“This is why President Obama and Education Secretary Duncan are pressuring states to become more ‘Charter-friendly.’

“In the face of these conspiring events, it is amazing that the Shaker schools’ Fact Book shows no measure or trending of the achievement gap in Shaker except what the state reports on achievement tests. How do we know what works, and how well—and what doesn’t, and why?”

In his letter, Hoffman advocated for an “achievement gap task force,” something he has mentioned to the Board before.

*Norman Bliss, Drexel Feeling, Freda Levenson, Peter Robertson, Annette Sutherland

**Includes information on the school district’s diversity, attendance, achievement, stability, staff experience and environment

***The Board of Education presidency traditionally rotates among its members; all will serve as president at some point. The same is true of the City’s vice mayor.

****The principal investigator for “The Effects of New York City’s Charter Schools on Student Achievement”— http://www.nber.org/~schools/charterschoolseval/— was Caroline Minter Hoxby, a 1984 graduate of Shaker High (http://www.hoover.org/bios/hoxby.html).

Public Works Department Stats as of June 30

660,990 pounds of debris hauled
1,183 mowing and yard cleanup nuisance letters sent; contractor cut 473 [lots], City cut 710
City has 299 hanging baskets
Sidewalk plows sent out 19 times in 2009
2,378 tons of brush collected
4,123 tons of salt used at 35 “ice and snow events” from January - April; “in the 2009 calendar year January 1, 2009 through the final snow on April 7, 2009 we started with an estimated 1000 tons of salt we purchased an estimated 5,000 tons of salt. We have used an estimated 4,000 tons of salt with 2,000 tons (estimated) stock pile remaining.”
1,094 misses by rubbish crews; 969 misses because residents “not prepared”
290.84 tons of residential mixed paper, 625.73 tons of cans, plastic and glass and 60.71 tons of “white goods” recycled
1,325 trees pruned on 33 streets
484 trees planted in 2005 pruned
430 trees identified for removal
513 trees planted in spring; 218 were ash tree replacements, 295 part of annual program
10 bare root trees (7 different species) planted in spring
trees on 29 center strips and islands mulched
241 ash trees removed
460 catch basins cleaned in Onaway and Boulevard, 400 by contractor and 60 by City; 27 catch basins repaired
4 manhole restorations completed; 27 others inspected
440 lineal feet of sewer mains “root-cut”
dye testing performed at 4 locations; 521 laterals cleaned, 31 repaired
109,200 linear feet of sewer mains cleaned
31 test tees raised or replaced
25% of streets rated [for repairs]; remainder will be rated by end of year
85 sinkholes repaired
10 laterals and 8 curb drains repaired
10 streets received large area repair
67 CWD [Cleveland Water Department] openings repaired; “at the end of the 2nd quarter there are 6 CWD openings that will need to be attended to next quarter”
360 tons of hotmix asphalt applied to streets; “during winter months cold patch will be used to fill potholes concentrating first on the mains and reported problem areas whenever weather permits”
Bioaugmentation program bid in late May/early June; “completion will be around the end of September. Continue to implement the other components of the plan for Marshall and Green Lakes in conjunction with DBWP [Doan Brook Watershed Partnership] when appropriate.”
Fuel used: unleaded - 44,178.45 all city usage, average price was $2.07 per gallon; diesel - 42,440.65 all city usage, average price was $1.94 per gallon
$44,136.35 received at vehicle and equipment auction

Following Up . . .

· Library Courts: Plans will be re-submitted to the Architectural Board of Review Oct. 19.

· CVS: Plans will be re-submitted to the Architectural Board of Review Oct. 19.

· New School Position: TWIS reported in Vol. 7, Issue 6 (Feb. 16, 2009) that the school district will hire a new “director of planning and development” to “provide leadership in strategic planning and curriculum.” At the February meeting of the Board of Education, president Drexel Feeling said a job description had been developed and that the new person “would help alleviate stress” on the administrative staff. The new “central office senior administrator,” as Feeling described the position, would help “build a leadership structure” and help with “new initiatives.” Posted on the school district’s web site Feb. 9, the position is now “on hold,” according to communications director Peggy Caldwell.

· Safe Routes to School: The Planning Department will apply for up to $500,000 in grants from the Ohio Department of Transportation for projects that will include crosswalk striping and updated signs at intersections surrounding Boulevard, Onaway, Woodbury and the Middle School as well as ADA ramps at those intersections; countdown pedestrian signals at Warrensville/Shaker, Warrensville/South Woodland and South Woodland/Woodbury/ Southington; school zone flashers at South Woodland/Woodbury/Southington; and a traffic study of the Warrensville/Shaker/Fayette intersection. A consulting engineer is determining cost estimates.

· Sewers: Hildana and Ludgate projects scheduled for completion mid-November.

· Water Lines: Chesterton and Onaway to be installed this year by Cleveland Water Department.

Real Estate Report

As of yesterday (Sunday), Realtors had listed 231 single-family houses for sale* (excluding condominiums and townhomes) in Shaker Heights, as follows:

$100,000 - $199,000: 81 (75 last issue)
$200,000 - $299,000: 55 (57 last issue)
$300,000 - $399,000: 28 (27 last issue)
$400,000 - $499,000: 20 (21 last issue)
$500,000 - $599,000: 13 (13 last issue)
$600,000 - $699,000: 9 (9 last issue)
$700,000 - $799,000: 8 (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: 6 (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 (29 last issue) houses priced under $100,000, for a grand total of 256.

As of Friday, there were 29 foreclosure sales pending (including 4 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.]

*227 last issue

**25 last issue; addresses include 3312 Aberdeen, 16625 Aldersyde, 17450 Aldersyde, 17460 Chagrin, 17623 Chagrin, 3356 Daleford, 3536 Daleford, 3663 Daleford, 3598 Glencairn, 22700 Holmwood, 3612 Ingleside, 3651 Latimore, 3618 Menlo, 3292 Milverton, 3455 Milverton, 3585 Normandy, 17600 Parkland, 3618 Rolliston, 3714 Sudbury, 3348 Sutton, 3367 Sutton, 15820 Van Aken, 16100 Van Aken #402, 2705 Warrensville, 3271 Warrensville #2A, 3279 Warrenville #2-8B, 3519 Warrington, 17408 Winslow and 17705-07 Winslow. [Editor’s note: This week’s foreclosed properties include those listed for Sheriff’s sale on Oct. 19 and 26 and Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 23. 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 ;medical office building, 3645 Warrensville: http://www.loopnet.com/Ohio/Shaker-Heights-Commercial-Real-Estate/

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Sunday, October 25, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, 3450 Lee Road

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Co-Sponsored by Moreland on the Move Community Association,

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Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 1:15 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

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Townhouse For Sale in The Village

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28 This Week in Shaker Heights

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

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

Posted Sunday, August 16, 2009 7:42 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

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Posted Monday, July 13, 2009 1:17 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

Filed under: Real Estate, For Sale

Blog 20 # This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

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

Classical Comes to America

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

Posted Sunday, May 24, 2009 4:25 PM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

Filed under: Real Estate, Market Conditions, For Sale, Open Houses, Cleveland Ohio Homes for Sale, Peter Greiner Realtor, homes for sale, For Sale in Shaker Heights Ohio, Shaker Heights Ohio real estate, This Week in Shaker, Shaker Heights homes for sale, Shaker heights ohio realty

Price Reduced on 3170 Sycamore Road in South Taylor & Lee

South Taylor & Lee, Cleveland Heights - Announcing a price reduction on 3170 Sycamore Road, a 1,616 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $110,000 - Nice value.

Property information

Posted Friday, May 08, 2009 11:54 AM by Peter Greiner | 0 Comments

Filed under: Real Estate, For Sale

13# This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

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.