The Community Connection April Newsletter

April 2021 | Issue 6

From My Desk to Your Inbox

I am happy to announce the City of Mayfield Heights created a new diversity and inclusion initiative to address and promote the growing varied demographics of our community. The initiative is meant to enhance awareness and increase collaborations between businesses, employees, and residents, by encouraging recognition, respect, and valuing of diverse perspectives in the workplace and community. One of the first activations of this new initiative can be found in the Police Department with their campaign to bring awareness and acceptance to Autism. See the Police Department's report below for more information.

At Monday’s, April 12^th City Council meeting, Council will consider legislation regarding the appointment of an owner’s rep who will aid in developing the qualification of the architect for the pool and community center project. The owner’s rep will also assist the city in making the final selection of the architect. We anticipate having this phase completed by end of summer 2021. Look for more information in the coming weeks on our social media platforms and the city’s website.

A&S Animal Control manages the animal control service to the city. If you have an animal nuisance problem, please call dispatch at 440-442-2323. Services are provided Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Emergency services are always available for injured or sick animals. The announcement below includes the services provided by A8S Animal Control.

Wishing you a great April!

Anthony DiCicco, Mayor/Safety Director

Here's What's Happening at City Hall

From the City Engineer

Road Work

Worton Blvd. Reconstruction work is scheduled to start on or about July 1, 2021. Prior to the road work, Dominion East Ohio Gas will be lowering service laterals. There will be a pre-construction meeting with residents prior to the start of the road reconstruction.

Gates Mills Blvd. Resurfacing is scheduled during the months of April – June from Cedar Road to SOM Center Road. Once the project begins, updates will be provided.

Sanitary Sewer Dye Testing

Dye testing began on March 29, 2021 in the Marnell and Ascot areas. The field work is being performed by AECOM as a subcontractor to the City Engineer.

From the Finance Department

The IRS is warning taxpayers of an identity theft scam involving fraudulent claims for state unemployment benefits. Learn more.

If you suspect that your personal information has been stolen and/or if you received a 1099-G tax form from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and did not apply for unemployment benefits in 2020, the agency needs to hear from you immediately.

R.I.T.A. Tax Filing Date Extended to May 17, 2021

R.I.T.A. has extended their tax filing deadline to May 17th. There are four easy ways to file your municipal taxes: online, drop box, mail in, or drop off. Contact R.I.T.A. for more information at www.ritaohio.com or 1-800-860-7482.

from the Building Department

Inspector Greg Fort Retiring

Greg Fort will be retiring from the Building Department at the end of May. Greg is a Building and Housing Inspector and has been with the city for over 20 years. We wish Greg the best in his retirement. The city has begun the process of interviewing and hiring a new inspector.

Business News

Guitar Center is moving from the Mayfield Road location to Golden Gate Plaza.

Lakshimi Plaza will be opening soon at their new location 5933 Mayfield Road.

The Joint Chiropractic will soon be opening in Golden Gate Plaza.

Crafty Crab will be opening soon in the former Friday’s location after renovations and alterations are completed.

From the Police Department

CALEA Accreditation

The Mayfield Heights Police Department received an award of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) on March 26, 2021. This prestigious award indicates that our agency is held to the highest standards regarding police policies, training, and community outreach efforts. The department must not only meet the criteria for accreditation, they must also show valid proofs of compliance to be considered for the award.

Autism Acceptance Month

In keeping with the Diversity and Inclusion initiative in the City of Mayfield Heights, an MHPD patrol car has been designated as the Autism awareness and acceptance car for the month of April. Thanks to our sponsors Allstate, Mayfield Heights (Brian Renn and Scott Richardson), and SpreedPro of Warrensville Heights. The specially decaled car is currently on patrol throughout the city. The MHPD recognizes the CDC’s indication that 1 out of 54 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, so to further our diversity and inclusion initiative, many of our officers will attend Autism training in the month of April.

Community Portal

Did you know you can register for overnight parking and vacation watches via our police department website? You can also register your pet's info and photo so we can get your pet home safely in the event they become lost. For more information, visit the police department webpage.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Safety Council, more than 2,800 people in the U.S. die each year by distraction related crashes. To understand more about distracted driver awareness, read the NSC fact sheet, and visit the NSC webstie to take the pledge to drive distraction free.

Speed Enforcement

The MHPD is increasing traffic enforcement on residential streets this spring and summer. For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. The cost of speeding is much greater than just a traffic citation. Please watch your speed and wear your seatbelt.

from the Fire Department

CPR and Special Classes

The Fire Department's CPR Classes and Special Classes in First Aid and Stop the Bleed can be found on the MHFD website page. Register today!

Residential Lock Box Program

The Fire Department installs residential lock boxes. The goal of this program is to assist Firefighters and Paramedics in gaining rapid entry into your home in the event of an emergency, saving time and property by eliminating the need for forced entry. To learn more about the program please call 440-442-2626 ext. 295 or visit the webpage.

Smoke Detector Program

The Smoke Detector Program continues to be a success for the Fire Department. With funds obtained through a fire prevention grant, the Department was able to purchase a supply of photoelectric smoke detectors. Every city resident is allowed up to three detectors to be installed in their home. For assistance with installation scheduling, please call 440-442-2626 ext. 295.

Driving with DiCicco is a new bi-monthly video series with Mayor Anthony DiCicco which highlights special places, events, and news in the City of Mayfield Heights. Enjoy this first video as Mayor DiCicco highlights one of the longest-standing restaurants in the city. Buckle up and enjoy the drive!