Contents

From the Mayor & City Council

Traveling Memorial Wall

Summer in the City

City earns prestigious national award

City hires new Athletic Director

MIDDLEBURGHEIGHTS.com

Mayor Starr announces new libraryState-of-the-art facility will anchor “Middleburg Commons” development.

Mayor Starr announces new library (Continued from cover)

DATED MATERIAL Do Not Delay

Mayor Gary W. Starr is pleased to announce that the Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) Board of Trustees has approved plans to move forward with the construc-tion of a new Middleburg Heights Branch. It will replace the library’s current Middleburg Heights Branch located at 15600 East Bagley Road.

The new library will be built on the south side of Bagley Road, across from the Community Center, and will be a prominent feature of the future “Middleburg Commons” public green space.

Mayor Starr is excited about what a new library will offer the community.

“Modern libraries in this digital age are even more important than ever before,” said Mayor Starr. “They are the cornerstone of a healthy community. Our new Middleburg Heights 21st century library will be a direct connection to the entire world.”

Residents can look forward to the new facility being an exciting concept that meets the needs of traditional users while attracting new users.

While offering familiar and traditional library services (a broad-ranging, well-stocked selection of books, magazines and other reading materials),

it will incorporate a forward-thinking, user-centric approach that embraces new technology and forms of communication, and maximizes the user experience. By providing users more reasons to come, gather and stay (such as state-of-the-art digital connectivity and offerings, and a full range of programming and activities) the library will serve as a true hub for the community, a place that is not only relevant to people’s lives, but practically indispensable.

Physically, Mayor Starr says the library will have a traditional brick and stone exterior, and a design that maintains continuity with City Hall and the Community Center. It will be situated on the campus-style setting of “Middleburg Commons,” an area that will offer green spaces, walking paths, gardens, and places for small gatherings. It will also connect via walkway to Big Creek Parkway, making it the latest jewel in the “Emerald Necklace.”

“This master plan will be one of a kind, not duplicated anywhere in the state,” says Mayor Starr. “It fits in with the strategic plan we announced back in 2009.” The Mayor cites the new library as an example of his “promises made, promises kept” approach to city leadership.

The Mayor expressed his gratitude to CCPL Executive Director Sari Feldman and the CCPL Board of Trustees for their commitment to building the new facility.

In the coming months, residents can look forward to participating in community dialogue sessions that the library will host to gather input about what users would like to see in the new branch. Adult learning opportunities and, in particular, technology training and computer access are just a few of the items being discussed.

According to Mayor Starr, residents will be able to enjoy their brand new library and surrounding campus by the end of Fall 2017. For current and future library patrons, it’s exciting news indeed.

Future site of “Middleburg

Commons”

(Continued on back page)

Presort Standard U.S. Postage

PAIDCleveland, Ohio

Permit No.1

The city’s annual celebration of summer takes place Wednesday through Saturday, June 22–25, at Southland Shopping Cen-ter! The four days of family fun include live music, amusement rides, midway games and food stands, a parade, fireworks, a car show and more. The parade steps off Friday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m.

Summer in the City! Popular festival offers four days of family-friendly fun.

our communit y newslet ter

HeightsCity of

Middleburg

HappeningsNo. 31 Summer 2016

15700 E. Bagley Road • Middleburg Heights, OH 44130440-234-8811 • fax 440-234-9011 • middleburgheights.com

C I T Y O F

Middleburg Heights a c i t y fo r a l l s ea son s

(Continued inside)

City earns prestigious national award 20th straight year of recognition for excellence in financial reporting.

State Auditor Dave Yost presents excellence award to Finance Director Jason Stewart and his department.

SPECIAL NOTE: This article would not be complete without a special word of thanks to Larry Szymanski for his years of service. “His efforts touched the lives of thousands of people in a positive way. All of us at the city wish him well in the next exciting phase of his life!” Mayor Starr commented.

In 2015, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the city of Middleburg Heights. The Certificate is a prestigious national award recognizing conformance to the highest standards for preparation of state and local government financial reports. Middleburg Heights earned the award for the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.To be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a governmental unit must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized CAFR, whose contents conform to program standards, generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.Also in 2015, the city’s excellent record keeping qualified it for the Auditor of State Award with Distinction, which is presented to local governments and school districts upon the successful completion of a financial audit.Entities that receive the award must receive a “clean” audit report, meaning the audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, questioned costs, ethics referrals, or any other financial concerns.“Taxpayers expect accurate financial records from their local governments,” said Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost. “The city of Middleburg Heights’ dedication to accountability is evident.”

City hires new Athletic DirectorUniversity of Notre Dame Intramurals Administrator replaces retiring Larry Szymanski.

Athletic Director Kerry Kemp

Traveling Memorial Wall will be on display July 18-24The city of Middleburg Heights and the Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, which will be on display July 18-24 (the week of the Republican National Convention) at the “Middleburg Commons” (Craigmere and Bagley Rd.).The AVTT Wall is an 80 percent scale version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Across its 360-foot length the Wall contains every single name etched on the original. At its apex, the Memorial is an impressive eight feet tall. This is the largest replica of its kind!The mission of this veteran-owned project is to travel the nation to honor, respect, and remember men and women who served, and to pay specific tribute to those who gave all in that service. Since the Tribute is mobile,

it allows people to honor and respect veterans and active military personnel without having to travel great distances to do so.Remembrance, education, and respect are the main focuses of AVTT. The Wall is a way to honor our nation’s heroes one community at a time.The Wall is made available for visitations by the general public at no charge.The AVTT is not government sponsored or affiliated, but funded through sponsorship fees, merchandise sales, and donations. AVTT is contracted by The Texas Freedom Tribute (TFT) an IRS designated 501 C3, to provide The Wall, crew and expertise. Donations or support to AVTT’s mission via TFT are qualified charitable tax deductions. For more information visit www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com

American Veterans Traveling Tribute memorial wall

The Mayor’s office and Recreation Department are thrilled to announce the hiring of Port Clinton, Ohio, native Kerry Kemp as athletic director for the

city of Middleburg Heights. Kemp has been a staff member at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, since 2009, working as Assistant Director of Intramural Sports for RecSport, a unique recreational sports program that helps Notre Dame students, faculty, staff and retirees enhance their physical and mental abilities.“Kerry is not only an admini- strator, but an innovator,” said Mayor Gary W. Starr. “He brings a proven record of accomplishment: developing athletic programming for thousands of participants, supervising staff, overseeing capital improvements, and dealing with a diverse population.” “We were impressed with Kerry’s lifelong passion for athletic pro-gramming and his commitment to pushing his abilities further ahead,” said Recreation Director Jeffery C. Minch. “We’re confident his enthusiasm and dedication will take our already excellent program to an even higher level.”Kemp officially joined the Middleburg Heights’ staff on May 9 of this year.

2) An ongoing healthy business environment

Turning to the business environment, Mayor Starr said that businesses are investing millions of dollars in Middleburg Heights for several reasons: the city’s location and access to transportation, forward- thinking economic incentives and policies, city government’s skilled eight-member planning and design committee, and the ongoing stability of the city’s finances, which enables the city to provide quality services to support business. New businesses are coming to the city, and others are expanding, which provides new job opportunities.

3) A bright financial outlookThe Mayor described the city’s financial outlook as continuing to be bright. He explained that Middleburg Heights has long had a plan to weather economic calamities – recessions, stock market collapses, home value fluctuations, etc. – and through skillful financial management the city maintains its stability. Unlike many cities, Middleburg Heights has not had to run deficits, lay off employees, cut services or increase taxes.

Mayor Starr provided several details around the city’s stable finances, including healthy cash reserves, self-funded health insurance, and aggressive business development and job retention efforts. He said the city’s credit rating according to Moody’s Investors Service is a Superior AA1 rating, the highest in its history. Out of 943 cities in Ohio rated at the time, Middleburg Heights ranked #14, which put the city in the top 4 percent in the state.

Continued increase in real estate property valuation, a steadily decreasing and manageable debt burden, and low tax rates are three reasons why Middleburg Heights continues to enjoy exceptional financial success.

Mayor Starr summarized by saying, “As your Mayor, working with City Council, I have established a record for prudent spending, balancing budgets, low taxes, a high credit rating, and no cuts in city services, and at the same time I have provided a remarkable quality of city services to the residents and businesses of Middleburg Heights.”

From the Mayor City Counci l Repor t

Mayor Starr gives State of the City address Shares successes, vision for Middleburg Heights’ future in 3-point plan.

Mayor Gary W. Starr

Summer in the City – ScheduleWednesday, June 22, 2016: 5:00-11:00 PM

5:00-11:00PM Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions

5:00PM Classic and Collector Car Show

7:00-9:00PM Kid’s FunTime - Face Painting & Balloon Sculpting

7:30-10:30PM The Element - Jazz, Rock, Motown, Modern - Main Stage

11:00PM Event Closes for the Day

Thursday, June 23, 2016: 5:00-11:00 PM5:00-11:00PM Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions

5:00PM Cleveland Fitness Club Demonstration

7:00-9:00PM Kid’s FunTime - Face Painting & Balloon Sculpting

7:30-10:30PM Redneck Incorporated - Main Stage

11:00PM Event Closes for the Day

Friday, June 24, 2016: 5:00-11:00 PM5:00-11:00PM Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions

5:30PM Parade Staging

6:30PM Parade Step-off

7:30PM Midway Ribbon Cutting

7:30-9:00PM Kid’s FunTime - Face Painting & Balloon Sculpting

8:00-10:00PM Juke Box Heroes - The Best of the 80’s - Main Stage

11:00PM Event Closes for the Day

Saturday, June 25, 2016: NOON-11:00 PM | Fireworks NightNoon-11:00PM Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions

1:00PM Parkway Dance Performance

2:00PM Cleveland Fitness Club Demonstration

2:00-7:00PM Kid’s FunTime with Face Painting, Balloon Sculpting, Stilt Walkers

3:00PM Miss Middleburg Heights Pageant (Community Center)

3:00-4:00PM Cleveland Sports Teams Mascots and Cheerleaders

4:00PM Pasta, Doughnut, and Pie Eating Contests

7:30-10:00PM Midlife Chryslers with Michael Stanley - Main Stage

8:30PM Miss Middleburg Heights Pageant Winner Announced (Main Stage)

10:00PM Fireworks at Dark

11:00PM Close of EventAll concerts are free and open to the public! No tickets required. No cover charge.

Summer in the City! (Continued from cover)This year’s variety of live music offers a different style each day of the festival, with everything from Motown and jazz to pop and Southern rock. Other activities and events include dance performances, fitness demonstrations, face painting and balloon sculpting for kids, and eating contests. The Miss Middleburg Heights pageant sees the winner crowned on Saturday.

Beginning June 1, amusement ride discount vouchers can be purchased at the Community Center for $12 (a $3 savings off of the regular gate price). The sale will continue until 5 p.m. Friday, June 17, or until the vouchers are sold out. Availability is limited, so don’t delay. Admission to the festival itself is free. All festival concerts and performances are also free and open to the public.

Free parking is available at Southland Shopping Center, except in areas that are marked off for the festival. For safety reasons, parking on the streets is prohibited during the festival.

Mayor Gary W. Starr says community response to the festival continues to be overwhelmingly positive. He thanked the City officials and City Club members – Anthony Crea (chairman), John Grech, Charles Bichara, Jeff Minch, Jim Mihu and Dan Sage – who work so hard to create this wonderful event for residents to enjoy.

Last year’s festival drew about 26,000 visitors. Organizers anticipate at least that many this year. Beginning June 1, amusement ride discount vouchers can be purchased at the Community

Center for $12 (a $3 savings off of the regular gate price). The sale will continue until 5 p.m. Friday, June 17, or until the vouchers are sold out.

Discount ticket vouchers available

Councilman at LargeRaymond G. Guttmann [440] 234-1040If you, a loved one or a friend are age 60 or older, or disabled, and you “Need

a Ride,” call the Senior Transportation Connection (STC) at 1-800-983-4782 to register. You must call at least three days in advance to schedule your trip. The fare is $2.00 each way. STC offers door-to-door van service for shopping, adult day service, medical appointments and personal errands. It accommodates any mobility need, including wheelchairs. Middleburg Heights has partnered with STC since 2008 to provide customer-focused, accessible and affordable transportation for our residents. Total trips for April 2016 were 378. That included 54 shopping and group shopping trips, 79 personal trips and 84 medical trips.See you at “Summer In The City,” June 22-25!

Ward 1 CouncilmanBill Meany [216] 789-3709Many residents are concerned about unwanted wildlife in their yards, especially deer.

Eliminating food sources will help. Remem-ber, it is illegal to purposely feed, bait or provide access to food to any wild animal or waterfowl. Bird feeders are permitted, but not to the extent that they attract other wildlife. For more information, call our animal control officer at (440) 234-2216.Middleburg Heights has been designated a “Tree City USA” for 20 straight years! This year’s tree program, in addition to our regular tree lawn program, will include 18 shade and flowering trees along the west side of Stroud Boulevard, creating a tranquil, park-like setting and a natural sound/visual barrier.The new Bagley-Fry Road Mixed Use Redevel-opment Area is moving forward. Phase 1 will include a new street off Fry Road, just north of the railroad tracks.

Ward 3 CouncilmanMichael Ference [216] 433-1059From projects involving the Pearl Road corridor, to the eventual repaving of Smith

Road, exciting things are underway. We appre- ciate our residents’ patience regarding these projects, as they do take time and planning.We’ve also had conversations about the YWCA property on Smith Road, with public hearings being held about a possible project involving special needs housing there. The Big Creek Parkway sewer upgrade program moves into Phase 2 this year with sealing of public sewers, connections and manholes. Several streets in Ward 3 will see some repaving this summer. I have been working directly with several of our residents to manage situations involving a variety of code and upkeep issues. I invite any resident in Ward 3 to contact me with any questions. It’s my pleasure to serve you.

Councilman at LargeDavid Bortolotto [216] 571-3641Our City is known as the West Side mecca of medical facilities, having Southwest

General Health Center, University Hospitals, MetroHealth Family Medical Center, Regency Hospital, and the Cleveland Clinic.

Ward 2 CouncilmanMatthew G. McGregor [216] 407-6366 It’s been an exciting time for the City and residents of Ward 2. We received news

that the Cuyahoga County Library system has decided to build a new library at the “Middleburg Commons” area on the corner of Bagley Road and Craigmere.Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce will host the Traveling Vietnam War memorial wall display at “Middleburg Commons” in mid to late July, coinciding with the Republican National Convention in downtown Cleveland.The city continues to address the streets and

Ward 4 CouncilmanJohn Grech [440] 243-6486Throughout this year, I have represented City Council on the Executive Committee

for the Traveling Vietnam Wall. As a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, I am extremely proud that our city will be hosting the Wall this July. The planning process for bringing the Wall to Middleburg Heights started last year. Many residents and businesses have contributed to the substantial volunteer efforts required to make this not only a success for the city, but, more importantly, to truly honor the brave men and women who protect our freedom. I encourage everyone, along with their families, to visit the Wall. It will be displayed at the “Middleburg Commons” from July 18 to July 24, and will provide a great opportunity to learn about and pay tribute to the heroes, both past and present, who serve our country. I hope to see you there.

Council PresidentMatthew Castelli [440] 668-6505As Chairman of the Finance Committee, I’m happy to report that the financial

health of our city continues to be strong despite the loss of nearly $1 million from the state. The City relies primarily on local income tax collections to fund services for residents and businesses. Our location, progressive economic incentives, zoning policies and economic development efforts have enabled the city to create or save over 6,500 jobs since 2006. Many projects are underway or planned for the near future. Construction of the new Sunnyside Audi, Home 2 Suites by Hilton, and the Residence Inn by Marriott are examples. Construction is also underway to install a new roadway to facilitate the expansion of Quadax, Inc., bringing 200 new jobs to the city.

Middleburg Heights also features five skilled care and assisted living facilities; three surgery centers; and 24 medical office buildings. There are several medical training institutions, such as Heritage College and the Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage, as well as holistic alternative medicine.In addition, numerous support services specializing in the medical field are located here. They not only serve residents here, but patients around the world. Our progressive zoning policies, teamed with a responsive and experienced City Council and Mayor, make it easy to do “healthy” business in our city.

sidewalks that are most in need of repair. Bids are being accepted and construction will com-mence soon. Mr. Herron, our service director, can provide you with a complete list of streets.Finally, the City Club will host our annual Summer in the City festival in June, with a parade, bands, games and rides. We hope to see everyone there.

Last month Mayor Gary W. Starr presented his annual State of the City address at the Community Center. He focused on three main topics: 1) the vision for the “Middleburg Commons” area on Bagley Road, 2) a business update, and 3) a city finances update.

The Mayor cited evidence proving that “Middleburg Heights continues to be a prosperous, vibrant and livable city where people want to live and businesses want to invest their hard-earned money.”

The Mayor began his remarks by listing several attributes of a successful city. They included stable finances, safety, jobs, quality services, an award-winning community center, collaborations, and vision.

Looking ahead, he said 2016 is shaping up to be another record-setting year both for business and community development and for the dollars invested in the city.

1) The vision for “Middleburg Commons”

Mayor Starr outlined the plans for creating “Middleburg Commons,” a key component of his Middleburg Heights 20/20 plan for the future. The property to be developed is located across from City Hall, beginning on the south side of Bagley Road, from Craigmere to Big Creek Parkway. The total area will comprise nearly 33 acres.

The Mayor said once the city acquires the existing homes that are on the property, development can begin. This will include the creation of public parks and green space, the construction of a state-of-the-art library by fall of 2017, and a new police station. The Mayor envisions that this beautiful setting will be a popular and vibrant community hub.