The Community Connection March Edition

March 2022 | Issue 15

From My Desk to Your Inbox

Spring is right around the corner. That means the city is getting ready for a busy season of activities, events, and the groundbreaking for the new aquatic & community center. It's an exciting season of new beginnings for our city.

As the weather patterns shift this time of year, potholes become more noticeable. Please make sure you report potholes to the Service Department at 440.442.2629 when you see them. The faster they are reported, the quicker they are repaired. For more information on potholes, see below.

Neighborhood Watch meetings will restart due to the drop in COVID -19 cases. Neighborhood Watch is a great way to meet your neighbor and get briefs on what's going on in the city. Take advantage of joining Neighborhood Watch this year. See the Police Department report below for more information.

Have a great March, and don't forget to turn your clock forward on Sunday the 13th at 2 AM.

Anthony DiCicco, Mayor/Safety Director

Here's What's Happening at City Hall

From the Police Department

NEW POLICE OFFICER

Patrolman Vincent DeRose was sworn in on March 3rd. Vincent elected to transfer to the Mayfield Heights Police Department with almost two years of full-time experience in another department. Based on his previous work history and character, we are confident that he will be a great addition to our department.

Our Citizens Police Academy started on March 2nd. Fifteen community members, who either work or live in Mayfield Heights, participate in the academy. The academy has been a great success over the past eight years. Not only do residents get to meet our officers and learn about our department, but they also become friends and advocates for our department. Some of them graduate and become an auxiliary police officer

We are incredibly excited to announce that neighborhood watch meetings are back in person! Please keep an eye on the Police Department's Facebook page and your email for meeting details. If you are not a current member and wish to join Neighborhood Watch, visit the Police Department Neighborhood Watch page.

SCAMS AND FRAUD

With the increase of scams and frauds over the past month, it is vital to talk to family members about preventing these crimes, especially the elderly, who are statistically more likely to become victims. Common scams include individuals calling a victim claiming they need to access your computer for a computer-related issue. Once they gain access, they will lock you out of it and require payment to repair it. Many scams involve gift cards. If someone is requesting payment in the form of a gift card, it is more than likely a scam. No government agency will call and pressure you to pay money by phone, including the police, IRS, or social security. Once the money is sent by wire or through a gift card, tracking the funds is difficult as they are often distributed overseas. Do not become a victim, and take the time to talk to your elderly family members about these scams. Please visit The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information page on scams alert for more information.

From Community Partnership on Aging

THE IMPORTANCE OF COGNITIVE FITNESS

Our brains need a regular "workout" to stay fit. Sign up for this FREE Webinar & learn ways to build your cognitive fitness. Thursday, March 24, 6:30–7:30 pm via Zoom Part of the JFSA Brain Health & Wellness Series Click here to register.

FIRST ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Are you experiencing financial hardship? Contact First Energy as soon as possible to set up affordable payment arrangements or obtain assistance before electricity shut-offs for non-payment resume on April 15. Visit the First Energy Bill Assistance to see available programs based on income and household size, or contact the dedicated customer service team Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm, at 1-800-589-3101.

From the Fire Department

REGIONAL ENTRY-LEVEL

FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC EXAM

Mayfield Heights is part of eight-city regional testing in May. Applicants will have a chance to take one test and be placed on the eight department eligibility lists. The regional exam will take place on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 700 Beta Drive in Mayfield Village. The online application fee is $65. Traditionally, application fees for one city are between $25-$50 for one exam. I/O Solutions of Illinois will be facilitating the exam. Applicants who pass the exam and meet each city’s requirements could be placed on eight eligibility lists. Click the icon for more information.

From the Finance Department

The Regional Income Tax Agency handles all municipal income tax reporting and filings for Mayfield Heights. They have a team of agents that can answer your questions or aid with tax preparation, as well as helpful information and filing capabilities on their website. Visit the RITA website at www.ritaohio.com or 1-800-860-7482 for more information.

From the Parks & Recreation Department

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 28TH

Resident Registration for Day Camp, Teen Camp, swim lesson, and pool pass purchases open on Monday, March 28 at 8:30 A.M., at City Hall. Proof of residency is required at the time of registration.

PAVILION RENTAL

Reservations for park pavilions are now being taken in the Parks & Recreation Department through October 1. Proof of residency is required, and there is a $50 rental fee. Call 440.442.2627 to reserve a pavilion or for more information.

RED DEVIL SOCCER REGISTRATION

Red Devil soccer registration is now open for Mayfield School district residents. Click here for more information.