March 2021 | Issue 5
From My Desk to Your Inbox

It’s hard to believe Spring is right around the corner. Spring is a time for hope and excitement in the City. It is also a time for planning outdoor sports and summertime activities, all of which you can read about in the 2021 Spring and Summer Recreation Activity Guide below. The Recreation Guide will give you a glimpse of the fun happenings we have planned for residents of all ages. For more information on programming and activities in the Recreation Guide, contact the Recreation Department at 440-442-2627.
 
To continue to keep you in the know, I’m excited to report the feasibility study for a new community center and a new pool was presented to City Council at the February 22 Council of the Whole (COW) meeting. These plans are conceptual but will give you a great view of what’s to come. To watch the presentation, click the link below.
 
Spring also is the time where road work begins around the city. The Marsol Road underpass project starts this week and will run proximately 4-6 weeks depending on the weather and project pace. Detour signs are posted. Read more below along with other road work news.
 
This month we kick off a new video series that sends me on the road to visit local businesses and places around the city while bringing you news, events, and business highlights. The first of the video series focuses on one of our longest-standing restaurants, which is timely as we celebrate Restaurant Appreciation Month. Look for the Driving with DiCicco series this month on our social media pages and city website.
 
As we enter Spring, I hope you get a chance to get outside and enjoy the longer and brighter days. Remember to turn your clocks ahead on Sunday, March 14 at 2:00 AM.

Have a great March!
Anthony DiCicco, Mayor/Safety Director
What's happening in March?
2021 Road Program
The City is currently bidding on multiple projects and will start work once the weather is clear and snow is no longer in the forecast. The 2021 Road program includes Worton Blvd., the Ashcroft area, and Gates Mille Blvd.
 
Mainline Dye Testing
As soon as the weather clears, mainline dye testing will begin in the Marnell and Ascot area. Residents will receive information on the project prior to the start of work.
 
Genesee Road Restoration
Genesee Road restoration will begin as soon as weather permits.

Marsol Road Underpass Closing
Construction on the Marsol Road underpass is scheduled for March 8 till April 7 (dependant on weather and project pace), Detour signs will be posted. Additional work will be completed in the last two weeks of April while the underpass is open. Expect traffic delays during that time.
Just in Time Staffing is relocating from Mayland Shopping Center to 6165 Mayfield Road.

Kogan Dental Building is scheduled for preliminary site approval for its 8,400 square foot medical office building at 300554 Cedar Road at the March 15 Planning Commission (PC) meeting. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) will hear the variances requests for the Kogan Dental Budiing at the March 9 meeting.

Starbucks is scheduled to start construction the first week of April at the old Sonic Site at 5836 Mayfield Rd.

McDonalds has submitted site approval plans to the Architectural Board of Review's (ABR) March 18 meeting. Plans include an addition to the building and site improvements.

Krispy Kreme submitted plans for site approval to the ABR for 6261 Mayfield Road (Old Dito's site).
From Community Relations...
March is Restaurant Appreciation Month In the City. Eat local and save your receipt of $10 or more to a contest for a basket of restaurant gift cards. Click on the picture below for details.
Attention Restaurant Owner/Managers let the city advertise your restaurant during Restaurant Appreciation Month. Contact Tammy Clines for more information.
Spring/Summer Recreation Activity Guide is now available in digital format. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic and how it might impact programming this year, the Spring/Summer Recreation Activity Guide will not be mailed. Please note some programs or activities may not have complete information, due to the awaiting of further state guidelines. Updates on programs and activities can be found on the Parks and Recreation webpage and Facebook page. Registration for many programs, including Day Camp, begins March 8. Please call 442-2627 to register. If a program is canceled due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, full refunds will be issued.
Feasibility Study
The Feasibility Study for the Community Center and the pool was presented to City Council by the GPD Group on February 22 at a Committee of the Whole meeting.
2020 Annual Report
The 2020 Fire Department Annual report is now available. The annual report is pack with great information. Read the 2020 Fire Department Annual Report here.
New Police Officer
Ptl. Shondor Thomas was sworn in by Mayor DiCicco on February 10 and began his training on February 15. Ptl. Thomas comes to Mayfield Heights with several years of experience from the Shaker Heights Police Department. Police applicants who apply at Mayfield Heights must have at least one year of full-time experience from another police agency. This allows the department to conduct thorough background investigations to ensure that the officers have a history of reputable service and experience. Welcome Ptl. Thomas!

ParkingRestrictions
During periods of snowfall that exceed two inches, snow bans may go into effect prohibiting parking on residential streets. Additionally, parking is prohibited on all city streets between the hours of 2 AM-6 AM. Failure to pay parking ticket fines may result in your vehicle being impounded or a registration block that prohibits you from renewing your license plates until the fines are paid
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House Bill 404 Extends Expiration Date of Driver Licenses, Identification Cards, and Vehicle Registrations
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Ohio House Bill 404, which extends the expiration date of driver licenses (DL), identification cards (ID), and vehicle registrations beyond December 1, 2020. Now, if a customer's expiration date on their DL, ID, or vehicle registration is March 9, 2020, to April 1, 2021, the expiration date has been automatically extended and will remain valid until July 1, 2021.
Many of the services Ohioans rely on at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) can be accomplished online at www.OPlates.com.

Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a factor in almost 10% of fatal accidents in the United States. Mayfield Heights Codified Ordinance 331.42(a) states that no person shall drive a motor vehicle on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicular traffic while using a handheld electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication, or to dial, answer, talk on or listen to such device. Motor Vehicle accident fatalities increased significantly in Ohio in 2020. Please do your part to reduce distracted driving incidents. Mayfield Heights PD responded to 709 traffic crashes last year and thankfully, none of them involved fatalities. 
The Regional Income Tax Agency handles all municipal income tax reporting and filings for the City of Mayfield Heights. RITA has a team of agents to help you with tax preparation and answer your questions. You can also file your income tax right on their website. Contact RITA at www.ritaohio.com or 1-800-860-7482.