Shaker Heights Real Estate, Peter Greiner Realtor

37# This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

Peter Greiner — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:47:00 GMT

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.

#36 This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

Peter Greiner — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:12:00 GMT

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 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.]

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

35# This Week In Shaker Heights, Ohio

Peter Greiner — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:15:00 GMT

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 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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Townhouse For Sale in The Village

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The Village, Beachwood

Property information

28 This Week in Shaker Heights

Peter Greiner — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:42:00 GMT

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 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

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Property information

Blog 20 # This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

Peter Greiner — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:25:00 GMT

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

Price Reduced on 3170 Sycamore Road in South Taylor & Lee

Peter Greiner — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:54:00 GMT

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

13# This Week in Shaker Heights, Ohio

Peter Greiner — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:44:00 GMT

This Week in Shaker©

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

Founded April 14, 2003

Volume 7, Number 13 Monday, April 6, 2009

Jane Wood, Editor Street and Alley, Proofreaders

This issue has 7 pages.

News Briefs

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

Looking at the Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Life (Recreation) Department

Total Budget: $3,314,073

(2008: $3,467,934)

(2007: $3,365,600)

(2006: $3,247,700)

(2005: $3,882,400)

(2004: $3,783,100)

less $1,921,625 in anticipated revenue

(2008: $1,920,500)

(2007: $1,923,655)

(2006: $1,889,700)

(2005: $2,270,400)

(2004: $2,291,400)

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

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

Thornton Park

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

Business services

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

Thornton Park/facility

maintenance

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

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

Program manager

(seniors/events/

playgrounds/youth/

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

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

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

Customer service

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

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

(renamed “senior

administrative asst.”)

Youth program

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

Assistant program

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

Senior adult program

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

Assistant senior adult

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

(school aged child

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

School-age child care

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

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

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

Registration

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

Thornton Park/facility

maintenance

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

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

Grounds/facility

maintenance worker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sick leave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special services

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

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

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

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

Advertising &

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

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

(2005: 14,000)

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

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

(2005: 2,200)

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

(2005: 1,400)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total of both: $13,437

Summer band

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

(2005: 300)

Other special

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

(2005: 1,600)

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

Thornton Park

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

Advertising &

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

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

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

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

Misc. operating

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

(2005: not listed)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleveland Heights Rental Rent/Lease on 5-2432 Kenilworth Road in Cedar & Fairmount

Peter Greiner — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:40:00 GMT

Cedar Fairmount, Cleveland Heights - Announcing a rent/lease on 5-2432 Kenilworth Road, a 2,045 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 3 story. Now MLS® $1,500 USD Monthly - Includes Maint. fee.

Property information

Cleveland Heights Ohio condo 2432-5 Kenilworth Road in Cedar Fairmount

Peter Greiner — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:20:00 GMT

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

Property information

11# This Week in Shaker Heights Ohio

Peter Greiner — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:39:00 GMT

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

Founded April 14, 2003

Volume 7, Number 11 Monday, March 23, 2009

Jane Wood, Editor Street and Alley, Proofreaders

This issue has 6 pages.

News Briefs

According to the Police Department’s “2008 action plan—4th quarter update,” the Chief is “investigating the possibility” of a regional special operations team.
The Architectural Board of Review will meet with the Landmark Commission this week to discuss new playground equipment and storage structures at Plymouth Church.
According to the City’s web site, Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland is offering the two-family at 17423 Winslow Rd. to a firm or person who can rehab and restore it. Proposals are due April 3.
City Council tonight (Monday) will consider hiring Parsons Brinckerhoff, Baker and Bialosky + Partners as consultants for the “Intermodal Transportation Center Program Plan for the Warrensville/Van Aken redevelopment area..” The fee is not to exceed $88,748. A second proposal was received from “Bowen (with Urban Engineering)” at $84,100. The City will be reimbursed $79,375 from a $70,000 grant from NOACA and a $9,375 grant match from RTA, the project’s co-sponsor. The City’s grant match is $9,373.
The City intends to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation cooperative purchasing program for rock salt for next winter. It is not clear how much that will cost.
Bids are due April 3 for the nuisance abatement and pavement marking programs.

City to Sell Parking Lot Behind Commercial Buildings

at Corner of Chagrin and Avalon

The Finance Committee last week (TWIS did not attend) authorized “an option for the sale of City-owned land (public parking lot) at the southwest corner of Chagrin and Avalon Roads to Bluewater Capital Partners.” City Council tonight (Monday) will be asked to approve “a Purchase Option Agreement with Bluewater Capital Partners, LLC for the sale of six City-owned parcels at the price of $10,000 to facilitate redevelopment, authorizing the disposition of City-owned property without competitive bidding, and declaring an emergency.”

Bluewater Capital Partners is, according to a web site, “a real estate investment holding company and a general partner in real estate private equity funds.” Its 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 Shaker Towne Centre strip shopping center.

The southwest corner has 3 commercial buildings with a parking lot behind them, according to Economic Development Department director Patrick Campbell. TWIS could not find out precisely what Bluewater/Allegro intends to do with the parking lot.

Last year Council voted to increase the “subordination limit”* for the City’s mortgage on the 7 commercial properties purchased by Crescendo Properties in 2006 from $2 million to $2.6 million and extended the term of the City’s promissory note and mortgage on them for an additional year (TWIS, Vol. 6, Issue 3, Jan. 21, 2008, and Vol. 6, Issue 44, Dec. 1, 2008).

A memo last year from Law Department director Margaret Cannon and Economic Development Department director Patrick Campbell said, “This change would move the scheduled payoff date from Dec. 31, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2009.”

Before Council extended the term of the promissory note and mortgage, this paragraph appeared in the Jan. 21, 2008, TWIS: “Before additional construction financing can be borrowed in excess of the original $2 million, the developer’s construction lender has stipulated that the City of Shaker Heights must raise its seller-financing purchase money mortgage subordination limit from the original $2 million to a new subordination limit of $2.6 million. The original purchase money mortgage obtained by the City was for $560,000. Exterior storefront renovation credits for all 7 buildings will result in the principal balance of that mortgage being reduced to $315,000 in early 2008. This adjusted principal plus accrued interest will be due and payable to the City at the end of 2008.”

*A “subordination limit” means the City’s claim is subordinate to that of the construction lender’s, and if there is a default, the City would be second in line.

Police Will Sell K-9

If approved by City Council tonight (Monday), K-9 “Bohdy” will be sold to Worldwide Canine, Inc., for $2,500. The Finance Committee last month approved spending $14,105 for a replacement.

According to the Finance Committee minutes of Feb. 17, “D. Scott Lee, Chief of Police, stated that the Police Department identified a problem with one of the K-9s which had been donated to the department a few years ago. This breed of dog is a high-drive dog, and through training and evaluation we have discovered although it is a good dog, the drive is so high that it has problems obeying commands. This does not fit our goals and objectives for the K-9 program for the City of Shaker Heights. Staff is requesting replacement and the K-9 has been removed from service.”

The minutes also said, “Council member [Nancy] Moore asked if this purchase is part of the 2009 capital budget. She then asked about donated funds for the K-9 program. Jeri E. Chaikin, Chief Administrative Officer, stated that it will be added to the 2009 capital budget. Most of the K-9 replacements are made as part of the annual cycle of the capital budget. Chief Lee stated that any donated money that was not spent was released back into the capital budget.”

City Council must approve the sale of any item for more than $2,000.

ABR, CPC Fees to Go Up

The Finance Committee last week (TWIS did not attend) approved raising fees for the Architectural Board of Review and the Board of Zoning Appeals/City Planning Commission. It is on tonight’s (Monday) Council agenda.

According to a memo from Planning Department director Joyce Braverman, “Not all fees will be increased. For those proposed to be updated, this amounts to a 50% increase. It is a 17% increase for all fees, or an additional $3,700/year.”

The last fee increase, in 2006, raised fees 29% for the ABR, and 32% for the BZA/CPC, the memo said. “The current proposal includes increases to existing fees, clarification of items/fees, a new category of fees for Architectural Board of Review and one new fee category for Board of Zoning Appeals/City Planning Commission,” the memo said.

According to the memo, “Total fees received in 2008 were $21,375, and after the increase it is expected total fees will be $25,095.”

Staff approvals will go from $10 to $15, conditional use permits, variance appeals and CPC reviews will go from $125 to $150, zoning “admin” modification and zoning compliance letters will go from $10 to $15, zoning resubmissions (new fee) will cost $25, sunroom/porch alterations will go from $75 to $100, window/door changes from $50 to $75, signage fee will go from $50 to $75, resubmissions will go from $25 to $40 and multiple reviews (new fee) will cost $25.

Law Department’s 2008 Wrap-Up

The Law Department’s end-of-the-year report was given to the Finance Committee last week. Highlights are as follows:

230 contracts prepared, 63 for Public Works and 167 for all other departments
891 pre-trials scheduled
“Charges issued from this office were: 66 felonies; 117 misdemeanors; 197 housing summonses; and 11 building summonses. There were 131 felony charges, 48 misdemeanor charges, and 345 housing summonses issued in 2007.”
3 prosecutor hearings conducted
“25 Housing Code violation cases were scheduled for pre-prosecution hearings, with 3 cases in

compliance and 19 cases in progress.”

1 Building Code violation case was scheduled for a pre-prosecution hearing
134 certificate of occupancy cases were scheduled for pre-prosecution hearings
28 commercial occupancy permit cases were scheduled for pre-prosecution hearings
202 citizen inquiries
Legislation: nuisance abatement ordinance changes, EMS fee increases, deposit and investment of City funds amendments, regulation of domestic animals amendments; second amendment to development agreement for south side of Chagrin. “Third Amendment, Mortgage, and Note prepared for signature on December 17, 2008. Submitted to County on September 11, 2008. Awaiting determination.”

Police Department 4th Quarter Stats

Highlights of the Police Department’s statistics for the 4th quarter of 2008 are as follows:

44% clearance rate for Part I* crimes
16 cases sent to County Grand Jury
31 cases sent to County Juvenile Court
108 adult Part II** cases were investigated; 91.7% were cleared
49 juvenile Part II cases were investigated; 81.6% cleared
3 confidential/intelligence investigations
397 hours of surveillance
11 arrest warrants prepared; 1 search warrant executed
45 hours processing evidence
Approximately 18,500 pieces of property/evidence in property room; 479 pieces taken in, 454 released; 4,000 pieces destroyed; 1 signed forfeiture order received
28 juveniles sent through community diversion program; 6 referred to other agencies
1 gun registration
9 domestic violence cases
15 juveniles cited for walking in the streets
13 bicycle warning letters sent
19 bicycles impounded
8 traffic complaints
78.5 hours “doing selective enforcement at high-accident intersections that resulted in 62 citations being issued”
37 letters sent for violations of the criminal activity nuisance ordinance
Assisted Housing Inspection 9 times
72 “priority 1” calls for service; 3,262 “priority 2” calls; 2,335 “priority 3” calls; 1,245 “priority 4” calls; 172 “priority 5” calls
Mutual aid received 2 times; given 29 times
92 “neighborhood problems” (not crime-related)
1,034 incident reports
215 accident reports
253 arrests made for criminal activity (adults); 140 juveniles
124 summonses issued
215 traffic accidents investigated
120 citations issued for traffic accidents
1,959 traffic citations issued (excluding accidents)
102 DUI arrests
432 radar citations
1,149 parking citations (excluding meters); 0 meter citations
24 abandoned/unregistered vehicles “corrected”
8 traffic complaints; 56 citations issued on traffic complaints
62 citations issued on “selective traffic enforcement”
319 prisoners booked into jail; 17 prisoners in “outside” facilities; 2 prisoner complaints; 7 prisoners received emergency medical assistance
492 public records requests processed
59 officers completed taser training
5 citizen complaints: “2 officers received additional training in hope of correcting the areas of concern”
4 crime prevention meetings conducted; average attendance: 18
28 “citizen education contacts”
3 home security surveys; 0 commercial security surveys
15 emergency repair (traffic signals & signs) calls
11 posts/56 signs erected or replaced

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

** Damage to property, juvenile offenses, drugs and all other crimes not listed as Part I

Fire Department Year-End Review

Highlights of the Fire Department’s end-of-the-year statistics are as follows:

837 homes canvassed; 342 homes surveyed (for smoke detectors)
1,970 hours EMS training
177 “jump squad” EMS calls
564 commercial/multi-family inspections. “Inspections were behind due to the EMS training in January and February and staffing shortages due to budgetary overtime restrictions.”
16 hydrants have defects; 7 are out of service; 300 flow tests performed
8 new CERT* members trained

*Community emergency response team

Real Estate Report

As of yesterday, Realtors had listed 247 single-family houses for sale* (excluding condominiums and townhomes) in Shaker Heights, as follows:

$100,000 - $199,000: 74 (70 last issue)
$200,000 - $299,000: 73 (69 last issue)
$300,000 - $399,000: 21 (21 last issue)
$400,000 - $499,000: 32 (31 last issue)
$500,000 - $599,000: 19 (19 last issue)
$600,000 - $699,000: 8 (7 last issue)
$700,000 - $799,000: 4 (4 last issue)
$800,000 - $899,000: 4 (4 last issue)
$900,000 - $999,000: 4 (3 last issue)
$1,000,000 - $1,999,000: 7 (6 last issue)
$2,000,000 - $2,999,000: 1 (1 last issue)
3,000,000+: 0 (0 last issue)

In addition, there are 36 (36 last issue) houses priced under $100,000, for a grand total of 283. There are also a number of rentals, including a Shaker Glen townhome.

As of Friday, there were 30 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.]

*235 last issue

**31 last issue; addresses include 16625 Aldersyde, 17710 Chagrin, 3600 Chelton, 3615 Chelton, 3616 Chelton, 3365 Colwyn, 2631 Coventry, 2824 Coventry, 3650 Daleford, 13800 Fairhill #110, 13800 Fairhill #414, 22376 Fairmount, 22525 Fairmount, 23501 Hazelmere, 3686 Hildana, 2537-9 Kendall, 2870 Litchfield, 18133 Lomond, 3564 Normandy, 20933 Shelburne, 21800 South Woodland, 14 Sutton Place #14, 29 Sutton Place, 3039 Van Aken, 15610 Van Aken #23, 15610 Van Aken #28, 19101Q Van Aken, 19801 Van Aken #4, 3158 Warrington and 19213 Winslow. [Editor’s note: This week’s foreclosed properties include those listed for Sheriff’s sale on March 23 and 30 and April 6, 13, 20 and 27. 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.]

Price Reduced on 3592 Lytle Road in Sussex

Peter Greiner — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:37:00 GMT

Sussex, Shaker Heights - Announcing a price reduction on 3592 Lytle Road, a 2,144 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 3 story "Tudor". Now MLS® $214,500 - .

Property information