COMMUNITY FORUM on Shared Services/Merger Draft Final Report: Monday, November 18, 7pm, Orange High School

Please visit the City website here or read the image below.

TONIGHT: Pepper Pike & Orange School District Candidates & Issues Night

The Pepper Pike Civic League Candidates & Issues night is tonight, Tuesday, September 17, at 7pm at Brady Middle School. There are six school board candidates between two races plus three county-wide levies. Lots to learn about - please share this information and attend.
 

TONIGHT: Pepper Pike Community Band at 7:00pm

Greetings!

Just a few quick reminders:

1. Tonight (Monday, July 15) at 7pm please come out to the Pepper Pike Park behind City Hall on 28000 Shaker Boulevard for the wonderful music of the Pepper Pike Community Band. All the details are here.

2. If you're feeling particularly civic, you can join us after the concert for the re-scheduled monthly Planning & Zoning Commission meeting which will start at 7:30pm (this is a correction) tonight in the Council Chambers.

3. Applications are being accepted through tomorrow, Tuesday, July 16 at 12 NOON for the open Orange School Board seat. Please read here for all the details and consider applying or asking and encouraging anyone you know whom you believe would be a good candidate to please apply.

4. Have you asked anyone to run for Pepper Pike City Council yet? Have you thought about running? Petitions with the requisite number of signatures to get on the November 2013 ballot are due by 4pm on Wednesday, August 7. Please contact the county Board of Elections with any questions (check here for contact information).

5. Don't get purged! Please check here to make sure you are not on the list and if you are, follow up with the Board of Elections. Tomorrow, July 16, is the deadline.

I sent out this email on Thursday, June 6, 2013, after seeing the electronic billboard at our southern end of Lander Road (by the Chagrin and Pinetree circle). The City has also sent out the information and it's on the website.

Greetings!

Due to a desire to have more residents utilize the City-wide City-generated electronic communications, you've not received many emails from me personally recently. And hopefully by now you have visited and used the new website which launched at the very end of December 2012 (see here), and have signed up for the City communications (see here) and have had a chance to sign up for the Code Red alert system (see here about the program and here to sign up).

However, I also appreciate the comments I've received that have noted the decrease in frequency of these emails and this is a bit of an attempt to re-connect a little more often without duplicating what you receive from the City.  And with that in mind, please take note of this information regarding the road work that will start this Monday, June 10, 2013 on Lander Road in Pepper Pike. This information is directly from the website (see here):

Lander Road Reconstruction Project 2013 - 2014

June 4, 2013

Work Schedule for  the  Lander Road Reconstruction Project

2013

Phase I  -  Cedar Rd. to Fairmount Blvd.:  June 10th through July 26th
Phase II  -  Fairmount Blvd. to Shaker Blvd.:  July 29th through September 13th
Phase III  -  Shaker Blvd to South Woodland Rd.:  September 16th through November 15th

2014
Phase IV  -  South Woodland Rd. to Chagrin Blvd.( does not include Lander/Chagrin Circle):  April 1st through May 15th

These timelines are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, i.e. weather conditions.

I'd urge you to please contact City Hall if you have any questions (I called the engineer myself yesterday to get a refresher on exactly what the plan was/is).

Have a great June and be ready for the Community Band season:

Summer 2013 schedule of performances 

Pepper Pike Park - Monday, July 15 at 7:00pm

Pepper Pike Park - Monday, August 5 at 7:00pm

Pepper Pike Park - Sunday, August 25 - Part of the Ice Cream Social

Never hesitate to be in touch if you have questions, comments or concerns, would like to be removed from this email list or want to have someone added to it (please feel free to forward at will).

Very warm wishes on this drizzly, cool day!

Jill

Asking candidates about their commitment to public engagement

From my day job:

Many political candidates don't just have a fear of commitment. They have a fear of engagement. But with 2013 being a local government election year, voters should pull no punches in putting the question about committing to public engagement to the people who want their votes. Contrary to the immortal words of the ultimate Meatloaf song, we can't just sleep on it. We want to know: what's it gonna be, yes or no?

So often, we clamor to know how a candidate will vote on an issue he or she hasn't yet faced. We provide hypothetical circumstances that we want them to imagine are real. Sure, plenty of politicians pick and choose issues about which they will shake their fist and blurt out a reliable yes or no (consider how few elected folks waffled on the Affordable Care Act; most knew what they wanted, the issue was whether they'd vote for what came before them). But mostly, we've come to accept as routine a refusal to comply with such a demand. It's truly rare to see courage rear it's head and and expose itself through the voice of a political wannabe as he or she, instead, silently calculates the local vote count that can be earned by resisting commitment.

Now, with the fear of engagement, there is hope. At least, I have hope.

Read about why I have hope here and add you thoughts in the accompanying conversation.

Do you Pinterest? Should candidates or electeds?

The White House just started a Pinterest account which you can see here. (Here's a primer on Pinterest.) And more and more, public servants and government entities are using Pinterest.

I started a Pinterest for a day job project I ran for about 16 months and I started a personal one to catalogue bucket list items and presents I could show my husband for Chanukah (yes, really - probably TMI there).

I'm kind of an early adopter of sorts and don't mind failing if something just isn't doing it for me. What do you think?

Pepper Pike website soft launch is here! Please check it out & offer input

Happy New Year!

As Mayor Bain mentioned in his December 2012 resident communication (which you can read here), we are now rolling out the new website for the City. The URL (web address) remains the same: http://pepperpike.org

Many thanks to the resident members of the Communications Committee (Tom Andrzejewski, Valeri Furst, Beth Robbins and former Councilman Cleve Svetlik), the Council members of the Committee (Scott Newell and Bob Freed), the Mayor and the City staff - especially Katy Zippert - who have all played and will continue to play a role in making this overhaul happen.

The first part of the soft launch emphasizes improved functionality. The next phase will focus on copy editing and updating content. Your input on any and all aspects, large or small, are invited and desired. You can respond by email, call or use the feedback form on the City website (here).

Thank you as always and have a fabulous 2013.

CHANGE IN TRICK OR TREATING in Pepper Pike and other communities

PLEASE NOTE: TRICK OR TREATING WILL BE HELD IN PEPPER PIKE ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2012 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.

According to this online item from the Sun News, Moreland Hills, Orange Village and Bentleyville will have the same day and times as Pepper Pike.  Hunting Valley will not be changing their original hours, according to the same article.

I've been left notes on my Facebook page that Beachwood will be on Sunday also but from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Please everyone stay safe. I cancelled something for this evening that would have taken me to Broadview Heights just to be on the safe side, with all the wind.

Which Political Subdivisions Are At Risk for Bankruptcy?

I've been getting a lot of questions and comments lately about municipalities and bankruptcy. As some readers may recall, in 2010, I pressed our then-finance director to please address just what bankruptcy in a municipal setting is all about (I should add that there was extreme reluctance from pretty much all corners to entertain such a question but that's another story - my point was that people needed to be aware of what we were looking at when we looked over the cliff). I never believed that I would contribute to any decisions that would in fact lead Pepper Pike into bankruptcy, but as a former director of risk management, this is what you do - you need to know.

My responses, this year, have all been that there are many circumstances that must exist for bankruptcy to end up being the option chosen by (or forced on) a municipality and that the examples we're seeing in the news are not comparable to Pepper Pike, for many reasons, despite any similarities people may seem to recognize. This article which I just read today, "Surviving California Municipal Bankruptcies," is a good primer on just how it happens, and how it can be prevented.  And I've kept an eye on this community for a while - San Carlos - because I listened into a shared services webinar they did a few months ago about all the steps they've taken to maintain service provision and not go near bankrupt.

With the switch to Beachwood for Pepper Pike dispatch starting yesterday, we're well on our way to learning from examples like San Carlos - and that's a good thing.

UPCOMING! Health Fair in the Park, Community Meeting about New Library, Candidates & Issues Night

1. From the City's website:

You're Invited to the CITY OF PEPPER PIKE'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR - SATURDAY, JULY 21 - 9 AM - 1 PM

WHERE: Pepper Pike Park

WHAT: Join University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center for a fun day of activities to help the City of Pepper Pike become "the healthiest place to live". Featuring the official kick-off of Mayor Richard Bain's "Biggest Winner" health challenge, we'll celebrate a new era of health and wellness through out our community. Click "more..." to view the University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center and the City of Pepper Pike Health Fair flyer for more information!

You can find the flyer on this page of the City website.

2. From the Cuyahoga County Public Library (see full flyer here):

WHAT: Community Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, July 26, 2012, 6:00PM
WHERE: Pepper Pike Learning Center, 32000 Chagrin Boulevard, Pepper Pike 44124

We Want to Hear from You!   The public is invited to attend a community meeting regarding the new Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library.  Library representatives will give a brief presentation,  followed by a Q&A.
EVENT HELD at ORANGE CITY SCHOOLS

3. From the Pepper Pike Civic League:

WHAT: Candidates & Issues Night

WHEN: Thursday, September 20, 2012, 7:00-9:00PM
WHERE: Brady Middle School, 32000 Chagrin Boulevard, Pepper Pike 44124

Listen: Economic Pressures on Local Governments

I know a few local folks who might have a few things to say about that topic, featured this morning on the Diane Rehm show. You can listen there once the podcast is up or now if it's not yet 11am on Tuesday morning.

And if they really want to get provocative, how about asking the guests how many local electeds will call the fines and fees they're imposing or increasing, whether the service is provided by a private contractor or not, a new tax, given the Supreme Court's health care act ruling last week. 

Here's the description:

Stockton, Calif., is the largest U.S. city to declare bankruptcy, and others could follow. A panel joins Diane to discuss economic pressures on local governments and the push for privatizing public services.

Guests

Michael Nadol, managing director, Public Financial Management, former deputy Mayor, Philadelphia, adjunct professor of competitive government, University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government.

Kim Rueben, public finance economist, The Urban Institute, Washington, D.C.

Harris Kenny, policy analyst, Reason Foundation

Kerry Korpi, director of research and collective bargaining, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

New 15,000 sq foot Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library coming to Pepper Pike

Read all about it here - it will be next to the Orange Senior Center. What do you think? What do you want? What don't you want? How should the old space be utilized - or not?

Chagrin Solon Sun on New Pepper Pike City Council Member

You can read the full piece here. Council approved this appointment at its May 23, 2012 meeting. Thanks to everyone who indicated interest in the position. I hope those folks and more will consider running for office next year when four seats will be at stake.

TONIGHT: Dispatch discussion; TOMORROW: Work Session, Council Vacancy Selection Process Discussion

Many of you hopefully received the May 2012 schedule of events from Katy Zippert at the City (if you did not, you should get your email on the City distribution list so you can get that and similar updates - just email Katy at kzippert@pepperpike.org or go to the City website and click on the "Join Email List" button).

Just in case you did not, and since the topic of the City's dispatch services has been around for literally a few years now, I'm guessing many of you will be interested in hearing the Mayor when he provides information on four options to the Council tonight. I've not received any materials related to any of the options yet but you can read this Chagrin Solon Sun story from yesterday and see that they will be: keeping it in Pepper Pike, going with Beachwood, going with Lyndhurst or going with the Chagrin Valley Council of Governments dispatch services center. If you are interested in this topic, now is the time to come and hear what is being proposed and be sure to give us input.

Likewise, tomorrow night (Weds.), more information about the process related to filling the vacancy of Councilwoman Paulette Morganstern, who resigned effective May 1, 2012, will be forthcoming. If you are interested in hearing about that and/or contributing comments, questions or concerns, I would advise that you attend that meeting as well.

Tonight and tomorrow's meetings are at the City Hall and start at 7:30pm. Tonight's is about Dispatch only, tomorrow is a work session so there will be other business as well.

On Roads, Infrastructure and Safety

The Pepper Pike Road, Infrastructure and Safety Committee is a new committee. Its first meeting was on 4/4/12 and its next is Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 7:30pm.  This column from Bloomberg News encompasses a whole lot of thoughts, in general and specifically, that I have had on the far-reaching subjects with which this committee is expected to deal. 

At the first meeting, Councilman Tony Gentile (the council rep on the committee, serving with three residents) asked that Council consider, in regard to weighing what work if any should be done to Lander Road, "What do we want Lander Road to be?" 

When I first heard the question (I was in the audience), I smiled, thinking, "What an existential question!" But in the Bloomberg piece, the authors concludes his discussion of problems and solutions with, "Beyond all these things, rising standards would help. We should expect our streets to shine, and if they don’t, we should hold the politicians responsible."

My first instinct is always to go to the taxpayers - what do you want Lander or any other road in the City "to be?" And do they need to "shine" - or something more? Something less?

Councilwoman Steps Down, Residents May Submit Letter of Interest, Qualifications

Last night, long-time City Councilwoman Paulette "Cookie" Morganstern submitted a letter of resignation.  The Chagrin Solon Sun just published the news here.

Morganstern has served on council for more than 26 years. She cited as the reason for her resignation her intention to spend more time in Arizona, where she and her husband, Stanley, own a home. Stanley Morganstern resigned from the Orange Board of Education in January, stating his Ohio-based law practice was winding down.

I value and valued Paulette as someone with immense, invaluable institutional knowledge about Pepper Pike.  Her departure will leave a vacuum of practical, direct experience from years with the city government during which no one else left on Council served (Rick Taft being the next most senior council member with about 13-14 years of experience).  I wish her the absolute best of good times ahead wherever her choices take her.

For those residents who are interested, or if you would like to please pass this information along:

Paulette Morganstern's current term expires at the end of 2013. Council is authorized by the city charter to appoint a replacement within 45 days to complete her term.

Residents who wish to be considered for the position are asked to submit a letter explaining their interest and qualifications by May 10 to Mayor Richard Bain at City Hall, 28000 Shaker Blvd., Pepper Pike, OH 44124.

Thank you again to Paulette for all these years of public service and if you have any questions, comments or concerns, as always, don't hesitate to be in touch.

Give input on Cuyahoga County Public Library & County Metroparks

A chunk of your property taxes goes to Cuyahoga County and two of the entities that receive a portion are the County Public Library and the Metroparks. (You can see more specific information here at the City's website or call the City and ask for the Finance Department.) Both those entities have opportunities for you to provide input:

Cuyahoga County Seeks Library Input provides details about where, when and the subject of the input they're collecting.  It does not appear that they'll be at the Orange branch but they will be at Solon & Mayfield.

Metroparks Seeks Public Input at South Chagrin indicates that there's a meeting this evening at North Chagrin Nature Center and one next Thursday evening at South Chagrin's Look About Lodge if you're interested. Both run from 5:30-7:30pm.

Congratulations to Jennifer Cohen, new Orange School Board member

From the Orange Schools website:

The Orange City School District Board of Education announced today that it has selected Ms. Jennifer Cohen to serve the remainder of the term vacated by Mr. Stanley Morganstern. That term expires December 31, 2013. She will be sworn in at the Board meeting on February 13, 2012.

Cohen is a 13 year resident of Orange Village where she and her husband reside with their three children, who attend Orange Schools. She has served on the board of the Orange Schools Foundation for five years, including the last three years as Co-President and grant committee chair. She is currently on Orange High School’s After-Prom committee and is a hospitality co-chair. Cohen is a volunteer with the OHS swim team and with Stagecrafters theater group through Orange Community Education and Recreation.

She has worked for 25 years in Human Resources Management and currently is the Professional Personnel Director for The Jewish Federation of Cleveland. She has a Bachelors of Science degree from The Ohio State University. She is involved in numerous community organizations.
“Jennifer is an excellent addition to the Orange Board of Education,” said Mr. Sam Steinhouse, Orange Board of Education President. “Her personal and professional experience will definitely be an asset to our schools.”

Cohen was one of 16 residents who applied for the open seat. Morganstern stepped down from the school board effective January 16, 2012. He cited the winding down of his Ohio based law practice and his plans to spend most of his time in Arizona as the reason for his resignation. 

I served with Jennifer on the Orange Schools Foundation and am sure she will do a great job.  Good luck to her and the board as they proceed.

MEETING CHANGE; Mayor's Letter to Residents; Appointments & Elections

Just sent out:

Good afternoon and my apologies for another email this week, but it's focused!

1. There will be NO Road & Safety/Finance Planning Meeting on the second Wednesday of this month, a meeting that was scheduled for Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30pm. 

Instead, there will be a Council Work Session on Thursday, February 9 at 7:30pm, at City Hall, open to the public.  No agenda yet that I've seen and I'm not quite sure where on the website it will go, but it should be under "Government" and then "Meetings and Minutes" once it is available and posted.  Notice is also on the City website here.

2. I've attached to this email the Mayor's first letter to residents. You can also read it here.  If you have trouble opening it, I would suggest contacting the Clerk of Council or the Mayor's office (Sheila Brett-O'Connor at 216-896-6128 or Barb Hennen at 896-6125 ).

3. At last night's Special Organizational Meeting, the following appointments or elections were made:

Law Director: Stephen Byron, Ice Miller law firm
Treasurer: Tony Gentile
Clerk of Council: Sheila Brett-O'Connor
Council Member to City Planning Commission: Rick Taft
Road & Safety Committee Chair: Scott Newell
Finance Chair: Jim LeMay
Communications Chair: Jill Miller Zimon
City Beautification Chair: Gail Mayland
Elector to City Planning Commission: Bill Melsop

Editorial Cartoon re: The Brainards

From last week's Chagrin Solon Sun: