DATED MATERIAL Heights Middleburg

City hires
new Athletic
Director
University of Notre Dame
Intramurals Administrator
replaces retiring
Larry Szymanski.
The Mayor’s office
and Recreation
Department
are thrilled to
announce the
hiring of Port
Clinton, Ohio,
native Kerry
Athletic Director Kemp as athletic
Kerry Kemp
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 administrator, 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 programming 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.
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.
City of
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CITY OF
Middleburg Heights
a c i t y f o r a l l s e a s on s
Middleburg
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Happenings
15700 E. Bagley Road • Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
440-234-8811 • fax 440-234-9011 • middleburgheights.com
our communit y newslet ter
American Veterans Traveling Tribute memorial wall
Traveling Memorial Wall will be
on display July 18-24
The 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
City earns prestigious national award
20th straight year of recognition for excellence in financial reporting.
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
State Auditor Dave Yost presents excellence award
and local government financial reports.
to Finance Director Jason Stewart and his department.
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.”
Contents
From the Mayor
& City Council
DATED MATERIAL
Do Not Delay
Mayor Starr announces new library
Summer in the City
Traveling Memorial Wall
(Continued from cover)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.
City earns prestigious
national award
No. 31 Summer 2016
Mayor Starr announces new library
State-of-the-art facility will anchor “Middleburg Commons” development.
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 construction 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, wellstocked selection of books, magazines
and other reading materials),
Future site of
“Middleburg
Commons”
City hires new
Athletic Director
MIDDLEBURGHEIGHTS.com
Summer in the City!
Popular festival offers four days of family-friendly fun.
The city’s annual celebration of summer
takes place Wednesday through Saturday,
June 22–25, at Southland Shopping Center! 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.
(Continued inside)
(Continued on back page)
City Cou nc il Rep or t
From the Ma yo r
Mayor Starr gives State of the City address
Summer in the City – Schedule
Shares successes, vision for Middleburg Heights’ future in 3-point plan.
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.”
Mayor Gary W. Starr
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.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016: 5:00-11:00 PM
5:00-11:00PM
5:00PM
7:00-9:00PM
7:30-10:30PM
11:00PM
2) A n 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, forwardthinking 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 outlook
The 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.”
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.
Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions
Classic and Collector Car Show
Kid’s FunTime - Face Painting & Balloon Sculpting
The Element - Jazz, Rock, Motown, Modern - Main Stage
Event Closes for the Day
Thursday, June 23, 2016: 5:00-11:00 PM
5:00-11:00PM
5:00PM
7:00-9:00PM
7:30-10:30PM
11:00PM
Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions
Cleveland Fitness Club Demonstration
Kid’s FunTime - Face Painting & Balloon Sculpting
Redneck Incorporated - Main Stage
Event Closes for the Day
Friday, June 24, 2016: 5:00-11:00 PM
5:00-11:00PM
5:30PM
6:30PM
7:30PM
7:30-9:00PM
8:00-10:00PM
11:00PM
Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions
Parade Staging
Parade Step-off
Midway Ribbon Cutting
Kid’s FunTime - Face Painting & Balloon Sculpting
Juke Box Heroes - The Best of the 80’s - Main Stage
Event Closes for the Day
Saturday, June 25, 2016: NOON-11:00 PM | Fireworks Night
Noon-11:00PM
1:00PM
2:00PM
2:00-7:00PM
3:00PM
3:00-4:00PM
4:00PM
7:30-10:00PM
8:30PM
10:00PM
11:00PM
Midway Games, Rides, Food, Attractions
Parkway Dance Performance
Cleveland Fitness Club Demonstration
Kid’s FunTime with Face Painting, Balloon Sculpting,
Stilt Walkers
Miss Middleburg Heights Pageant (Community Center)
Cleveland Sports Teams Mascots and Cheerleaders
Pasta, Doughnut, and Pie Eating Contests
Midlife Chryslers with Michael Stanley - Main Stage
Miss Middleburg Heights Pageant Winner Announced
(Main Stage)
Fireworks at Dark
Close of Event
All concerts are free and open to the public! No tickets required. No cover charge.
Discount ticket vouchers available
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.
Council President
Matthew Castelli
[440] 668-6505
As 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.
Councilman at Large
Raymond G. Guttmann
[440] 234-1040
If 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!
Councilman at Large
David Bortolotto
[216] 571-3641
Our 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.
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.
Ward 1 Councilman
Bill Meany
[216] 789-3709
Many residents are concerned
about unwanted wildlife in
their yards, especially deer.
Eliminating food sources will help. Remember, 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 Redevelopment Area is moving forward. Phase 1 will
include a new street off Fry Road, just north
of the railroad tracks.
Ward 2 Councilman
Matthew 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
sidewalks that are most in need of repair. Bids
are being accepted and construction will commence 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.
Ward 3 Councilman
Michael Ference
[216] 433-1059
From projects involving the
Pearl Road corridor, to the
eventual repaving of Smith
Road, exciting things are underway. We appreciate 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.
Ward 4 Councilman
John Grech
[440] 243-6486
Throughout 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.