MUNI CENTER CONTRACTS
APPROVED
At its March 11th meeting Council enacted---following a single reading---Resolution 4-2014, accepting Lawler Construction’s bids for replacing City Hall’s HVAC system and for Police/Fire building improvements and water infiltration remediation.
The agenda did not list the final sum for that work, but prior discussion indicated that the contracted work would end up costing around $321,000.
As always, that figure doesn’t reflect additional work and/or change orders that may result once the projects are underway.
Showing what an optimist he is after this year’s long and still-continuing winter, Mayor Scott Coleman recommended immediately acting on the Resolution:
At its March 11th meeting Council enacted---following a single reading---Resolution 4-2014, accepting Lawler Construction’s bids for replacing City Hall’s HVAC system and for Police/Fire building improvements and water infiltration remediation.
The agenda did not list the final sum for that work, but prior discussion indicated that the contracted work would end up costing around $321,000.
As always, that figure doesn’t reflect additional work and/or change orders that may result once the projects are underway.
Showing what an optimist he is after this year’s long and still-continuing winter, Mayor Scott Coleman recommended immediately acting on the Resolution:
“The lead time for ordering the (HVAC) equipment is 6 to 8 weeks. Hopefully we can have it installed in time to have the summer months nice and cool around here (City Hall).”
Council President Cathy Murphy agreed:
“Three readings means delaying one month. One month is a long time…At 3 public meetings we discussed this topic. We tried to address everyone’s concerns.”
The “everyone” that Murphy referenced was everyone on Council.
Specific information about the projects was never publicly disseminated---even though the city maintains both a website and a FACEBOOK page where the contract specs could have been posted.
And, although Council discussed the contracts 3 times, it is worth noting that only one of those meetings----the March 11th Council meeting---was opened to public comment.
Council enacted the Resolution as soon as the public comments portion of the meeting was closed.
I certainly don’t mean to suggest that there is anything wrong with the contracts or with Council’s decision to award the contracts to Lawler. Even if there was...
Specific information about the projects was never publicly disseminated---even though the city maintains both a website and a FACEBOOK page where the contract specs could have been posted.
And, although Council discussed the contracts 3 times, it is worth noting that only one of those meetings----the March 11th Council meeting---was opened to public comment.
Council enacted the Resolution as soon as the public comments portion of the meeting was closed.
I certainly don’t mean to suggest that there is anything wrong with the contracts or with Council’s decision to award the contracts to Lawler. Even if there was...
How would I (or any member of the public) know?
What is troubling are the repeated instances of suspended readings
and rush-approvals of contracts, the details of which are not fully and/or
timely shared with the public....
and the fact that residents are being deprived of any real opportunity to weigh in on and/or ask questions about the deals, in public, before Council approves them.
and the fact that residents are being deprived of any real opportunity to weigh in on and/or ask questions about the deals, in public, before Council approves them.
It’s a troubling trend that seems to have gotten worse---much worse---over the last few years.
HEADS UP RESIDENTS: SIDEWALK
MONITORING/REPAIR PROGRAM RESUMES
Residents are responsible for keeping the sidewalks in front of their homes in good condition.
It’s been 3 years since the city had its contract engineer assess the condition of city sidewalks.
Residents are responsible for keeping the sidewalks in front of their homes in good condition.
It’s been 3 years since the city had its contract engineer assess the condition of city sidewalks.
Resumption of the sidewalk program means that residents who are cited this spring must either reimburse the city for repairs or arrange to make the repairs themselves.
The good news for residents is that the city pays for any damage caused by
sidewalk trees.
In 2011, the last time the program was implemented, the city ended up picking up $ 85,000 of the $ 128,000 total sidewalk repair tab.
COUNTY AIRPORT RECOMMENDATION IN:
NO EXPANSION
Council President Cathy Murphy reported at the February 25th Council meeting that the Environmental Assessment Study ended up recommending improvements at the nearby county airport that did not include expanding beyond the airport’s current footprint.
In 2011, the last time the program was implemented, the city ended up picking up $ 85,000 of the $ 128,000 total sidewalk repair tab.
COUNTY AIRPORT RECOMMENDATION IN:
NO EXPANSION
Council President Cathy Murphy reported at the February 25th Council meeting that the Environmental Assessment Study ended up recommending improvements at the nearby county airport that did not include expanding beyond the airport’s current footprint.
Take that, former Cuyahoga County Commissioners!
Murphy commented:
“That’s great news for us. There will be no tunnels and no road relocation. The footprint won’t be enlarged. Public input was listed as one of the 3 top factors in selecting (the recommended) Alternative 23.”
MAYFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY CONTRIBUTION
As it has in previous years, the city recently made a donation on residents’ behalf to the Mayfield Historical Society.
The Society operates a historic home and museum in Mayfield Village.
Last year donations were used to bring hot water heat to the home’s lower level.
On the agenda this year: fixing/replacing the roof.
Over 400 local school children visited the home last year, catching a tangible glimpse of past life in the Hillcrest area.
A NOISY AND NOISOME RACKET
Philips Medical Systems on Miner Road is a thriving business and a welcome member of our community---except when it drives Miner Road residents to madness by running a loud and noisome diesel generator for days on end.
Philips experienced significant electrical problems recently, which jeopardized its business computer systems.
Fortunately---or not depending on where you live---Philips has a backup diesel generator, which is big enough and has enough output to keep its computer systems running.
Nearby residents were notified in early March about the emergency and told that Philips would be running the generator for a day or two, while it fixed the problem.
As it has in previous years, the city recently made a donation on residents’ behalf to the Mayfield Historical Society.
The Society operates a historic home and museum in Mayfield Village.
Last year donations were used to bring hot water heat to the home’s lower level.
On the agenda this year: fixing/replacing the roof.
Over 400 local school children visited the home last year, catching a tangible glimpse of past life in the Hillcrest area.
A NOISY AND NOISOME RACKET
Philips Medical Systems on Miner Road is a thriving business and a welcome member of our community---except when it drives Miner Road residents to madness by running a loud and noisome diesel generator for days on end.
Philips experienced significant electrical problems recently, which jeopardized its business computer systems.
Fortunately---or not depending on where you live---Philips has a backup diesel generator, which is big enough and has enough output to keep its computer systems running.
Nearby residents were notified in early March about the emergency and told that Philips would be running the generator for a day or two, while it fixed the problem.
Unfortunately for Philips and nearby residents, the ”day or two” turned into a lot more than a day or two.
Former Councilman John Nawarskas, a Miner Road resident, addressed the issue at
the March 11th Council meeting:
“Residents received a (reverse 911) call from Fire Chief Turner telling them that the generator would be on for 24 to 72 hours. It ran 170 hours, nonstop.
I don’t know if any of you were on Miner Road when it was running. It was very noisy…Twice a (diesel) tanker truck came to fill it up..
Other companies have the same kind of generators. When they go on, there is no noise. I understand that the noise can be controlled…
Besides the noise, there is a large stack that points directly towards Miner Road and my house. It emits fumes that can be toxic. It’s very obnoxious to say the least. It’s 300 feet away and it’s still too close.
I ask the administration and Council to work with Philips. I understand they are apologetic. What I don’t understand is why it (the generator) can’t be muffled because it can be muffled.”
Council President Cathy Muprhy responded, telling Nawarskas:
“They made a good faith effort. We’ll see where it goes and we’ll keep you updated.”
PRESIDENTIAL SILLINESS
Council meetings usually begin with reports from department heads: Police Chief Cook, Fire Chief Turner, Service Director Thom Evans, etc., etc.
President Cathy Murphy paused the March 11th Council meeting right before Evans’ report.
She produced a brown bag from the floor near her feet and started wrestling with its contents.
When she had finished, Murphy sat at the Council table attired in a knit hat, ski googles and winter gloves.
She then asked Evans:
Council meetings usually begin with reports from department heads: Police Chief Cook, Fire Chief Turner, Service Director Thom Evans, etc., etc.
President Cathy Murphy paused the March 11th Council meeting right before Evans’ report.
She produced a brown bag from the floor near her feet and started wrestling with its contents.
When she had finished, Murphy sat at the Council table attired in a knit hat, ski googles and winter gloves.
She then asked Evans:
“Could you tell us what’s happening tomorrow?”
A snow storm was predicted for the next day. Another snow storm. Once again.
Evans replied confidently that he and his team had it covered.
GREENSPACE GRANT
Things are looking good as far as the grant application filed by Claire Posius of the Cuyahoga County Soil & Water Conservation District.
The grant money would be used to buy a two-owner, wetlands sensitive 12 acre parcel that sits along Bishop Road, adjoining city parkland.
Apparently the grant application was preliminarily ranked #4, with 10 projects likely to receive funding this year.
Things are looking good as far as the grant application filed by Claire Posius of the Cuyahoga County Soil & Water Conservation District.
The grant money would be used to buy a two-owner, wetlands sensitive 12 acre parcel that sits along Bishop Road, adjoining city parkland.
Apparently the grant application was preliminarily ranked #4, with 10 projects likely to receive funding this year.
The question remains, however, whether the grant will be for the full purchase price and, if not, whether the city will be willing to pony up some funds to protect and preserve the area for future generations to come.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB!
It turns out Highland Heights Happenings isn’t the only entity celebrating an anniversary this month.
The Highland Heights Garden Club---an award winning group whose members beautify our city each year----just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
That’s quite a landmark….one well deserving of mention.
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB!
It turns out Highland Heights Happenings isn’t the only entity celebrating an anniversary this month.
The Highland Heights Garden Club---an award winning group whose members beautify our city each year----just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
That’s quite a landmark….one well deserving of mention.
Congratulations, Highland Heights Garden Club and garden club members!
