JANUARY 3, 2012
All council members were present.
DECEMBER 19, 2011
Council member Kevin Patrick Murphy was excused.
In the past four years, University Heights City Council has kept a watchful eye on the city administration, exercising the checks and balances of government, as they should. This will change with the 2012 council.
Many on the new council, along with the mayor, have close ties to one another and to Jeffrey H. Friedman, an attorney. Most members are supported and/or endorsed by both the mayor and Friedman.
Councilman Phil Ertel was absent.
NOVEMBER 21, 2011
Mayor Susan Infeld was absent.
Jan. 12, 2 p.m.
Lisa Cellura, outreach educator for Cleveland Sight Center, will present the award-winning video, “Hope & Cope–Living with Macula Degeneration.”
The City of University Heights recognized several residents at its Dec. 5 city council meeting. Patrolman Kyle Nietert was honored as Public Servant of the Year. Anita Kazarian was named Citizen of the Year.
Nietert was the first responder to a burning home, occupied by the Seltzer family, on July 9. A proclamation from the city said that Nietert “displayed selfless action” in saving the family and that his actions “serve as a shining example of heroism and courage to a grateful community and an inspiration to all of us.” Nietert was in attendance Dec. 5 to accept the honor.
Senior baby boomers and disabled homeowners can save on their real estate tax bill, thanks in part to former Ohio Democratic governors, John Gilligan and Ted Strickland.
NOVEMBER 7, 2011
All council members were present.
OCTOBER 17, 2011
Council Members Frank Consolo, Kevin Patrick Murphy were excused.
Dec. 1 at 2 p.m., Judson Manor Ballroom, 1890 E. 107th Street at Chester Avenue
Mary Vanhoozer, concert pianist in the doctoral program at Cleveland Institute of Music, and a scholarship student in Judson Manor’s intergenerational initiative, will perform Maurice Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin” and Cesar Franck’s “Prelude, Chorale et Fugue.”
Born and raised in University Heights, Kevin Patrick Murphy did not always envision a life of public service for himself. But as the old saying goes, “Mother knows best.”
From grade school to college to his career with the Cleveland Indians, and now his run for University Heights City Council, Dan Hanna has been a part of Cleveland for his entire life.
OCTOBER 3, 2011
Councilman Kevin Patrick Murphy was excused.
Steven Bennett is a candidate for University Heights City Council again after a two-year absence. He served on council for more than 10 years prior to running for mayor in 2009 – a race he lost to the current mayor, Susan Infeld.
The smell of paint reminds many people of tedious chores. To Al August, a candidate for University Heights City Council, the smell of paint means hard work and dedication.
After a two-year break following 26 years of service on City Council, former vice mayor Adele Zucker is back with more passion than ever, running for council again.
“I’m a Cleveland guy. I love the city and I want to help,” says Conor McLaughlin, 29, a newcomer to the political scene in University Heights.
Steven Sims is a member of University Heights City Council, and says he is running for re-election because he cares about this community and the residents in it.
Thomas Cozzens walked into the room with an air of confidence that struck both college students and members of the University Heights community who showed up early for the City Council Candidates Forum at John Carroll University on Oct. 4.
“I think they need me”, says Pamela Cameron when asked what she thinks of the current University Heights City Council.
University Heights residents connect with one another when they walk their dogs, shop in local markets or greet their neighbors. They also connect when they volunteer their time, energy and talent to one of the many organizations that serve our city.
This year, two volunteer groups—the City Beautiful Commission (CBC) and the Memorial Day Parade Committee raised more than $5,800 for the city. Under the leadership of former Councilman Steve Bennett, CBC reorganized itself into a vibrant and successful volunteer group. They raised a record $1,632 from their most recent fundraiser.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
All council members were present.
Will you plunk on Election Day? The instruction on the election ballot will read “For Member of Council-at-Large (Vote for not more than four).” Not more than four? That means you have options—you may vote for none, one, two, three or four candidates.
The bullet tactical-voting strategy, or “plunking,” as University Heights politicians call it, is when a voter casts a ballot for just one candidate, despite having the option to vote for more than one. By plunking, a voter helps his or her preferred candidate while withholding votes from potential rivals.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2011
Council member Frank Consolo was absent.
A speaker series for seniors continues on Thursdays at the University Heights Library. The following topics have been announced for fall. All talks begin at 2 p.m.
AUGUST 10, 2011
University Heights is sponsoring a series of free concerts in this summer. Performances are on Thursdays on the lawn of Wiley Middle School at 2181 Miramar Boulevard. July concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
July 7 Blue Lunch Band & Family Fun Night (jazz and blues; plus activities for kids and parents to enjoy together)
At a council meeting on June 20, students and faculty of John Carroll University requested that the University Heights City Council change the use conditions for Shula Stadium. JCU asked the council to allow the football field to be used more regularly for varsity, club, and intramural athletics, and to allow local schools to use this facility.
The current use conditions, which JCU agreed to in 2002, allow for one night football game per year and prohibit the use of stadium lights and speaker systems after 9 p.m. JCU asked permission from council to allow stadium lights to remain on until 11 p.m., to allow for more varsity and club practice times, intramural games, and the sharing of the facilities with local schools.
JUNE 6, 2011
Four of seven part-time council seats in University Heights will be on the November ballot. The job description includes attending 20 scheduled council meetings a year, and forming council committees.
MAY 16, 2011
MAY 9, 2011
This was a special meeting held due to a lack of quorum at the May 2 meeting.
All council members were present.
It’s June, early in the month. Snow jackets and flannel bed sheets are put away. Summer clothes take their happy posts at the front of the closet. It is time to face the music—bathing suits come out of hiding.
APRIL 18, 2011
MAY 2, 2011
APRIL 18, 2011
Imagine you’re in a time machine and Cecil B. DeMille is shooting a new epic film. It takes place in small-town Americana and it’s the story of a Memorial Day Parade. Advance promotions are calling it an extravaganza in four parts: Parade, Veterans Honor Ceremony, S. Belvoir Street Fair and The Famous Hot Dog Stand.
You guessed it. University Heights is the small town. The parade is the 45th University Heights Memorial Day Parade. It has drama and lots of action. Parts are heartwarming and others are breathtaking. There is even some romance and heartbreak. Some folks would add "thrilling" to describe the time-honored tradition of politicians marching in Memorial Day parades.
Senior Gatherings continue on Thursdays at the University Heights Library. The following topics have been announced for May:
APRIL 4, 2011
MARCH 21, 2011
Senior Gatherings continue on Thursdays at the University Heights Library. The following topics have been announced for April:
Being lost is not always a bad thing. My mother was an intrepid global traveler. To her, getting lost meant adventures along the way. Along comes GPS. The only problem with a GPS system is you need a destination. Without one, it may as well be a baloney sandwich.
As part of a new policy, the University Heights Fire Department is giving away free state-of-the-art smoke detectors at the fire house 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All University Heights residents can pick up detectors at the station, which is next to City Hall, on Silsby Road at Warrensville Center Road.
MARCH 7, 2011
FEBRUARY 22, 2011
It is a puzzle. It appears that a new slogan may be added to the legislative lexicon when it comes to describing the decision-making process of the University Heights City Council: Death by Delay.
Most issues that come before this legislative body are routine; but some are not. The old adage—“Salesmanship begins when the customer says no”—is also true for legislators. Their ability, inclination and statesmanship are revealed when issues have voters supporting opposite outcomes.
Complex issues before council in 2008 are still with us in 2011.
FEBRUARY 7, 2011
Councilman Kevin Patrick Murphy was excused.
March 3 @ 2:00 p.m. - Dr. Oz says, “improve health, reduce stress, stay young,” with Tai Chi by certified instructor Linda Sylte of University Heights.
March 10 @ 2:00 p.m. - Sunny Simon, vice president, newly formed Cuyahoga County Council, its mission and objectives for development.
As part of a new policy, the Fire Station is giving away free state-of-the-art smoke detectors at the Fire House 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All University Heights residents can pick up detectors at the station, which is on Silsby Road, next to City Hall at Warrensville Center Road.
Some people have been shy about having the Fire Prevention Department come into their homes to install the devices. But the new policy is designed to make sure there are no reasons left not to have them. Mayor Susan Infeld, Fire Chief John Pitchler and Fire Prevention Captain Steve Ineman want every house and apartment to have these life-saving detectors.
JANUARY 18, 2011
Some childhood memories are like the cozy blanket and cup of hot chocolate that make us feel comfy on chilly, dull grey winter afternoons. I discovered that saying three small words, “Memorial Day Parade,” to University Heights neighbors brings smiles to their faces. You can just see their minds beating a path to the treasure chest of memories of past parades.
My first year as mayor was a busy one. I reduced City Hall staffing by six percent; reassigned employees to create workflow efficiencies; appointed a part-time manager of senior services; appointed a full-time finance director; updated the website and joined Facebook; established late-night hours on Wednesdays during summer; cut the cost to produce the community newsletter; cut costs for towels, linens, cleaning and office supplies, and phone services; produced a new service department policy booklet; eliminated erroneous billing from the Illuminating Company; and established appropriate fund accounting for the city’s books. There was also the cleanup of financial issues from 2008-2009.
JANUARY 4, 2011
DECEMBER 20, 2010
It’s January and it’s snowing. How do you know if the snow parking ban is in effect in University Heights? Our city has a dedicated snow parking ban telephone line. Call 216-932-5900 any time of day or night to find out. If it is, you must remove your vehicle from University Heights streets or you may be ticketed and towed.
Snow is flying, but think summer. Marching bands, hot dogs, flags, and the University Heights Memorial Day Parade will kick off the summer of 2011. The parade committee is now forming and wants you to join.
University Heights has uncovered nearly $2.5 million dollars in financial "irregularities" starting in 2008. This is not the final total. The city may still face additional charges until all payment agreements are finalized. These irregularities, mismanagement and negligence amount to more than $240 for each registered voter in University Heights.
Residents of Tyndall Road in University Heights have been gathering together to celebrate their holidays in mid-December for about 32 years. It is a tradition kept alive by always including the newest neighbors on the street.
This year was special. The newest neighbors own only the land, so far. Their home will be the newest house in University Heights when construction begins this spring.
DECEMBER 6, 2010