Montlack retires from CH City Council; new members to be sworn in Jan. 3

Cleveland Heights Council Member Ken Montlack

At the final 2011 meeting of the Cleveland Heights City Council, Council Member Ken Montlack was honored for his 24 years of service.

“Over the years, Ken has always looked for solutions to any issues that our city has faced,” said Mayor Ed Kelley. “His goal has been to make our Cleveland Heights community the best that it could be.”

During his six terms, which spanned the administrations of four Cleveland Heights mayors, Montlack chaired all six of the council committees. “On each committee he has done his best for our community,” said Kelley, who went on to highlight Montlack’s key contributions to each.

For his part, Montlack downplayed his achievements. “I was an excellent eater,” he joked when asked about his service. None of the accomplishments he mentioned went without tribute to someone else who had helped him along the way. “I chaired the planning and development committee when it was easier for cities to help spur redevelopment,” he said. “Working with the mayor, council and staff, we helped spur the redevelopment of the city, including new housing units, upgrading of existing housing, and redevelopment of mixed-use commercial areas, such as Coventry and Cedar Lee.”

Montlack was instrumental in the founding of the First Suburbs Consortium, a coalition of 19 suburbs that work to maintain the vitality of inner-ring, built-out suburbs, including Cleveland Heights. Montlack said he will continue to volunteer with the group, serving on its development council and housing committee.

Montlack said he decided not to run for a seventh term because he believed it was time for new perspectives on council. “The newly elected council members are very involved and aware of the issues facing our city,” he said. “They will do well.”

“In all of my years, it has always been all about the residents,” said Montlack. “As long as we have people who understand the issues and are committed to our community, we will thrive.”

Council Member Jason Stein said, “His wisdom and humor will be missed. Ken's ‘fingerprint’ on Cleveland Heights will continue to be seen for years to come.”

“Anyone who knows Ken would describe him as intelligent and committed. He understands the issues and is the ultimate consensus builder to get things done,” said Kelley. “He made a difference and we are grateful for [his] years of dedicated service.”

Newly-elected council members will be sworn in at the first Cleveland Heights City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3.