The PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here.
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The PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here.
Elyria, Ohio State of the City The Smart Re-development Process: Managing Our Way Out of Decline and Into a Brighter Future 2015: A Year Of: Re-thinking… Re-focusing… Re-inventing… Returning… Right-Sized and Ready for a Brighter Future By Elyria Mayor Holly C. Brinda, MPA February 9, 2016 “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts the sail.” -William A. Ward 2015 Trends in Elyria: What They Mean… • Severely-limited local revenues is limiting core basic services and slowing forward progress; we must increase the General Fund. • We will not regain our peak population and therefore we must shrink. • We have a surplus of older housing stock and vacant lots that we must transform. • We have businesses and industries that want to grow that are land-locked, so we must free-up land and develop infrastructure. 2015 Trends in Elyria: What They Mean… • 80% of new jobs will come from existing businesses and industries, so we must focus on keeping what we have, and removing barriers to growth before they become barriers. • Young professionals are locating in contiguous communities that are offering more up-scale housing and more quality of life amenities; Elyria must offer more upscale mixed-use residential and quality of life opportunities. • Cities in the county with more favorable economic circumstances, a higher skilled and educated population, higher expectations and more buildable land have more bargaining power and distinct business attraction advantages with investors over Elyria; so we must capitalize on our strengths and change the way we do business. 2015 Trends in Elyria: What They Mean… • Losing Bendix despite offering aggressive incentives, as well as conversations with other businesses, is causing the City to carefully examine how business is being conducted in the County. • The traditional model of inter-municipal competition in Lorain County where there is no anti-poaching policy or agreements between and among municipalities and other economic development entities to help protect invested home cities that have already incentivized businesses with taxpayer money is detrimental to Elyria and the entire county. • Midway Mall and the midway area are over-commercialized so we must help guide downsizing and more mixed-use re-development. 2015 Trends in Elyria: What They Mean… • Downtown is at a tipping point for reinvestment and we must capitalize on the opportunity and our many assets to create a place capable of attracting upscale professionals from neighboring communities. • Even with major crime down, Elyria’s reputation for crime is a deterrent and we must increase our police force. • The lack of a comprehensive transportation system is preventing Elyrians from connecting with jobs and commerce throughout the region and we must address county-wide and regional transit issues. “Some changes look negative on the surface, but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” -Eckhart Tolle The Good News…Elyria is Responding to the Challenges - Strategically • In our planning we are capitalizing on our significant assets for rebuilding: a river, two waterfalls, and magnificent parks; a historic downtown; a Midway area at the nexus of three major highways; strong education, healthcare and manufacturing sectors; diversity and more. • We have a new Economic Development Plan and are making strides working with the existing business community and others to remove barriers to growth and encourage reinvestment in Elyria. The Good News…Elyria is Responding to the Challenges - Strategically • We have completed the JumpStart Elyria market analysis and re-development strategy for downtown and the Midway area and are working with over 30 community partners to leverage redevelopment projects. We are also working with new asset managers at Midway Mall to help develop a right-sizing and public financing strategy for the property. • We are beginning to implement mix-use business (and eventually residential) development downtown to attract more residents and visitors, including young professionals from neighboring communities. The Good News…Elyria is Responding to the Challenges - Strategically • We are linking federal HUD investment and other grant funds to strategic initiatives in the city designed to (1) acquire residential properties on or near the riverfront for future upscale development; (2) target neighborhood revitalization efforts to build synergy with other investments including school construction, parks redevelopment, downtown revitalization and transportation; and (3) incentivize some neighborhoods in industrial areas to keep emptying to create more space for business expansion and improve residents’ quality of life. The Good News…Elyria is Responding to the Challenges - Strategically • We are working with the Lorain County Metro Parks to link green space, bike trails, and area parks and downtown and other parts of the city. • We are advocating for an Anti-poaching policy and agreements with other county municipalities and economic development organizations. The Good News…Elyria is Responding to the Challenges - Strategically • We are working with the county to expand transportation options at the Lorain County Community and Transportation Center. $9 million has been assembled to return passenger rail, but county operating obstacles remain and the lack of transit is a focus. • We are addressing financial and service delivery concerns through ongoing efficiency measures, increased accountability and a request to voters on March 15 to temporarily increase the city’s income tax for five years by .5 percent. The Financial Realities: • The General Fund has been on a significant decline since 2006. • There is no money to address the $4.3 million of General Fund capital improvements needs to replace aging equipment, vehicles, or building and grounds maintenance. • In the last 18 months 50 positions have gone unfilled, either through layoffs, attrition or consolidation – including 32 fulltime positions. Total General Fund 32,000,000 31,000,000 30,000,000 29,000,000 28,000,000 27,000,000 26,000,000 25,000,000 24,000,000 The Financial Realities: • This decline is caused by the repeal of the Inheritance Tax, decline of Local Government funds from the state, and the expiration of stimulus funds Inheritance Tax 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0 Local Government Funding (from State) 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0 To Remedy the Financial Crisis… • Elyria City Council has placed a .5% temporary income tax increase on the March 15 ballot. • Issue #6 will generate $6.2 million per year, and will be used for resurfacing and repair of residential streets, additional police officers and equipment, park improvements, economic development including a fiber optic system to help retain and attract businesses. Improving the City’s Efficiency Working Smarter To Do More With Less (32 fewer fulltime employees) Major Efficiency/Cost-Saving Initiatives in 2015 • All collective bargaining member wages were frozen in 2015 • Employees agreed to a 15 percent increase in healthcare contributions effective 1/1/16 • Saved additional $223,474 in electric savings by shopping market Improving the City’s Efficiency Working Smarter To Do More With Less (32 fewer fulltime employees) Major Efficiency/Cost-Saving Initiatives in 2015 • Began lease agreement with Lorain County Metro Parks to assume operations and maintenance of Cascade and Elywood Parks • $2.3 million in cost-efficiencies/savings were also made through 2014 by: rebidding contracts, joining energy cooperatives, reconfiguring/combining departments, not filling positions, improving employee safety and wellness programs, eliminating longevity for new hires and more… Improving the City’s Efficiency Working Smarter To Do More With Less Technology Upgrades A Major Focus • Completed final phase of New World Systems public administration software upgrade that eliminated 12 software platforms and unified the city under one main system. • Upgraded main network connection equipment • Introduced a new online payment site and IVR System for Public Utilities • Installed a new ExecuTime and Attendance System • Rolled out tablets for Building Inspectors • Migrated the Police Department to County-Wide New World Software Platform Improving the City’s Efficiency Working Smarter To Do More With Less Technology Upgrades A Major Focus • Installed Fiber-Optic backbone to connect several buildings • Implemented EMS Health Charting Software on all fire department computers in partnership with UH Elyria Medical Center to assist with training and disaster preparedness • Added a network monitoring system to minimize down time • Streamlined phone system in Public Utilities • Many more related upgrades Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future 2015 Business Development – Construction/Expansion Projects • Ohio Metallurgical – new treatment and finish buildings. Creates 15 new jobs . Cost of construction $750,000 • American Hood – building addition for production and storage. Cost of construction $200,000 • LifeCare Ambulance – new ambulance storage garage and remodeled dispatch/service area. Cost of construction $400,000 • Discount Drug Mart – alterations, new pharmacy and drivethru. Cost of construction - $800,000 Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future 2015 Business Development – Construction/Expansion Projects • Valley of the Eagles – Clubhouse renovations. Cost of construction estimated $200,000 • Marsh Landing Apartments – three new buildings. Cost of construction - $1,700,000 • Urgent Care Medical Facility at Chestnut Commons – new building. Cost of construction $225,000 • LCCC Health Science Building – infrastructure update including removing old lab rooms. Cost of construction - $1,500,000 Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future 2015 Business Development – Construction/Expansion Projects • Retail Building Chestnut Commons – builds 8 new tenant spaces for retail and restaurant use. Cost of construction estimated $400,000 • Ridge Tool - fire protection upgrades. Cost of construction estimated $250,000 • 3M Corporation – exterior wall upgrades. Cost of construction estimated $250,000 • UH EMH Karen Mole Cancer Center – facility upgrades. Cost of construction estimated $500,000 Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future 2016 Business Development – Major Construction/Expansion Projects • Law Building, 11 West Avenue. New Building. Estimated Cost of Construction $250,000 • McDonalds, Broad Street Downtown. New Building. Estimated cost of construction $3,000,000 • Restaurant, 525 Broad Street. Building renovation. Estimated cost $70,000 • Building Renovation, 563 Broad Street. Estimated cost $100,000 Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future 2016 Business Development – Major Construction/Expansion Projects • Taco Bell, Chestnut Commons. New Building. Construction cost $800,000 • Petco & Dollar Tree, Chestnut Commons. Construction cost $600,000 • Courtyard by Marriott, Midway Area. Construction cost $3,000,000 Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future 2015 Business Development – Other New Businesses Downtown • • Moore Counseling & Mediation Services • • Black River Archery • • Elyria Arts Council • • Lorain County Urban League– • Attorneys Simonoff, Kobasher, Oliver, Pinsky, Smith • Heartfelt Home Healthcare • AVL Security and Tactical • Elegant Assets • Inside/Outside Pilates • Page Plus Wireless To The Moon and Back Photography Limelight Recording Studio Invest Elyria Wicked Deluxe Studio Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future 2015 Business Development – Other New Businesses • Block Advisors – Midway Area • Grammies Primitive Treasures – Midway Mall • Express Employment Professionals – N. Abbe Road Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future Other Economic Development Plan Progress: • Partnered with Crains Cleveland Business and MAGNET to sponsor the 2015 (M) Power Manufacturing Assembly at the Knight Center in Akron • Worked with Taylor Street industries to improve water flow and pressure. • Made contact with 27 businesses • Presented business incentives to 6 companies • Developed working relationships with Mall asset managers Moving Towards a Brighter Economic Future Other Economic Development Plan Progress: • Completed commercial business district market analysis and redevelopment plan and began implementation • Met with 5 developers to discuss potential downtown and Midway projects • Created the Elyria Downtown Growth Partnership • Marketed the City through Cable Channel 12, Elyria Magazine, Website, blog and Facebook updates, Business Ambassador Program Moving Toward a Brighter Economic Future General Industries Update: • Completed the grant-funded $200,000 Phase II Environmental Assessment – final report still pending • Verbal report indicates some sub-surface concerns that can be managed if properly contained • Applied to use remainder funds for ($30,000) to conduct asbestos remediation on the site – approved and about to begin • In the legal process of acquiring the property to be placed in the Elyria Community Improvement Corporation – which will allow the city to apply for additional remediation funding from the State. • The total surface clean-up costs are estimated at $460,000 Photo Courtesy of the Chronicle Telegram JumpStart Elyria Market Analysis and Redevelopment Plan Downtown Recommendations: • Position Elyria as a unique regional destination with a focus downtown and surrounding environs. • Concentrate development efforts in the downtown to buildings along Broad Street • Convert 2nd and 3rd street to twoway between Chestnut and East Avenue JumpStart Elyria Market Analysis and Redevelopment Plan Downtown Recommendations: • Provide a more substantial connection along W. 3rd Street between the future Riverbend Senior Cottages, Downtown and Cascade Park • Provide more wayfinding and gateway opportunities to attract visitors and residents • There is market capacity for 30-40 downtown residential lofts and new office infill potential along Broad Street near Ely Square Downtown Progress to Date • The new Downtown Growth Partnership is being formed and will meet in March to prioritize projects for the next two years. Longterm projects include: a downtown entertainment district, business incubator space, a food hub, loft apartments, and expansion of the arts. • The City has applied for over $600,000 in grant funds to improve downtown, including streetscape improvements; a Pioneer Plaza that creates a joint space for arts, culture and a Farmer’s Market; and a bicentennial mural project. • The $3 million Middle Avenue replacement project is almost complete and the renovation of 3rd Street will begin this spring. Downtown Progress to Date • An investor has purchased four of the most challenged buildings downtown and is renovating two of them now. One will open as a restaurant in late March of this year. • The new Elyria Arts Council is open with an art gallery, art classes and many unique items to purchase at 336 Broad Street. • The City has provided tax incentives for Riverbend Cottages, a new senior housing development on W. 3rd street within walking distance of downtown. Downtown Progress to Date • McDonalds will be rebuilding on Broad Street in 2016. • A new Law Office is being constructed and LifeCare Ambulance expanded on West Avenue. • In all, 18 new businesses and organizations located downtown in 2015. Midway Recommendations • Provide the incentives and framework to reconfigure the commercial area in Midway Crossings to create a distinctive mixed-use area with connections to the Metro Parks and surrounding areas. • Establish a Tax Increment Financing District to help the Midway Mall area right-size and attract new development. • The Midway area will sustain 140 new multi-family apartments with excellent accessibility. • There is potential for new flex office product at between 30,000 – 40,000 square feet, with possibilities for logistics operations Midway Progress to Date • The City has reached out to both the Mall management and asset management companies, as well as individual buyers of various properties in the Mall that are owned by individual companies. • The City is currently in conversation with these parties and has offered to help coordinate a joint effort to shrink and reconfigure the property and offer public financial incentives to help make it happen with the intent of leveraging the best, highest use of the properties. Photo Courtesy of the Chronicle Telegram Cleveland Street Recommendations • Convert Cleveland Street from four lanes of through traffic to two through lanes with a two-way left turn lane and improve the streetscape. • Reconfigure the intersection of Cleveland Street and East Bridge Street to allow for more pedestrian activity and better link it to the downtown Cleveland Street Recommendations • Work to make the Bendix Commercial Vehicles site along Cleveland Street as attractive as possible for another tenant or developer. • Provide wayfinding and gateway opportunities to encourage Cleveland Street patrons to the downtown area. Cleveland Street Progress to Date • The city has applied for federal funds to replace and improve the signalization at the intersections of SR57 and Cleveland Street. • The City has approached Bendix about next steps to help prepare the property for future occupancy of redevelopment. Bendix has stated they are not ready to have that conversation. “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” -Benjamin Franklin Universal Adoption of a Lorain County Business Attraction and Anti-Poaching Protocol The protocol seeks to establish a commitment by the mayors, managers, trustees, commissioners, and economic development organizations of Lorain County to: • Not actively pursue the re-location of a business located in another community in the county that has not indicated a desire to re-locate. • In the event that a business residing in a different participating community contacts the mayor, manager, trustee, or economic development director of the undersigned community – or Team Lorain County staff, county commissioner, county economic development staff, or Lorain County Port Authority directly or through a representative, to discuss possible relocation, we agree to follow the following protocol: o Advise the business that we want to assist them meet their needs so that they are successful. o Ask the business whether it has advised the community in which it is currently located, that it is considering a re-location and, if not, whether it objects to our advising the home community of the inquiry. If the home community has not been advised, and the business does not object, we will promptly notify the mayor, manager, or trustees of the home community in writing of the inquiry. Universal Adoption of a Lorain County Business Attraction and Anti-Poaching Protocol o We will not publicly propose or offer incentives to the business in support of a re-location until either the business verifies that it has notified the home community of the possible re-location or we have given that notice. o We will advise the business, if asked, that Lorain County may condition the awarding of county incentives and assistance on the receipt of consent from the community in which the business is located. o We will agree to discuss the possible re-location with the mayor, manager, or trustees of the affected home community if asked by those officials. o Without making any commitment to revenue share, we agree to have a discussion about the possibility of a revenue sharing agreement with the mayor, manager, or trustees of the affected home community if asked by those officials. Universal Adoption of a Lorain County Business Attraction and Anti-Poaching Protocol o If a company in one community approaches another community about incentives for moving, if the company employs 200 workers and was thinking of expanding to 250 with the move, the community of relocation, the county, and the Lorain County Port Authority would only be allowed to offer incentives on the 50 additional jobs. o In the event that a business with operations in one or more participating communities contacts a participating community to indicate that it is considering consolidating its operations in the contacted community, that community shall treat the situation as it would a potential re-location and follow the protocol outlined above. o In the event that the County or Team Lorain County learns that a business is considering relocating or consolidating operations from one or more participating communities to a non-participating community or communities, the County or Team Lorain County shall have the responsibility to execute the protocols listed above. o The County and Team Lorain County strongly encourage all Lorain County communities to participate in this agreement. The County and Team Lorain County reserve the right to consider participation in this agreement in evaluating applications for incentives and other services. Making Elyria Safer: 2015 Elyria Police Department Major Accomplishments • 9 out of 10 major crime categories have DECREASED comparing 2014-2015 • The Detective Unit investigated 677 major cases and closed 43%, resulting in 390 arrests • The Narcotics/Neighborhood Impact Unit conducted two major drug investigations that resulted in 55 arrests; the Unit made a total of 240 arrests in 2015 • $646,000 of illegal drugs were confiscated, 7 rifles, 24 handguns, and $170,020 in drug-related currency. Making Elyria Safer: 2015 Elyria Police Department Major Accomplishments 9 out of 10 major crime categories have DECREASED comparing 2014-2015 Percent Difference, 2015 from 2014 10.00% 2015 2014 Difference Homicide 1 4 -75.00% Kidnapping 6 7 -14.29% Robbery 74 88 -15.91% Forcible Rape 24 31 -22.58% Aggravated Assault 48 50 -4.00% -40.00% Simple Assault 748 706 5.95% -50.00% Burglary/B&E 386 417 -7.43% Larceny 1232 1402 -12.13% MV Theft 78 105 -25.71% Counterfeit/Forgery 33 44 -25.00% 0.00% -10.00% -20.00% -30.00% -60.00% -70.00% -80.00% Making Elyria Safer: 2015 Elyria Police Department Major Accomplishments • The department received the AAA Platinum Safety Award for sustained improvements in traffic safety • Strides made towards CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) accreditation adopting national standards and best practices – 7% in country accredited • The Elyria Police Auxiliary donated 2764 hours of public service • New joint grant-funded Police Recruitment initiative between Elyria and Lorain Law Department Accomplishments • • • • • Handled 13,687 criminal cases 9,827 traffic cases 2,921 non-traffic criminal cases 954 felonies 736 individuals received advocate services in criminal cases • Collection division filed 268 criminal tax complaints and 52 civil tax complaints Making Elyria Safer: 2015 Elyria Fire Department Major Accomplishments • Total emergency responses increased by 166 over 2014 to 3,541 with a front-line fire staff reduction of 9 firefighters • Fire losses increased by $1,299,698 over 2014 totaling $2,121,564 Making Elyria Safer: 2015 Elyria Fire Department Major Accomplishments • Emergency medical responses increased by 168 over 2014 totaling 2,223 responses, including 266 motor vehicle accidents – even with protocol changes • 2,748 fire hydrants were inspected, tested and repaired as needed • SCUBA divers assisted Water Pumping with inspections, repairs and maintenance Making Elyria Safer: 2015 Elyria Fire Department Major Accomplishments • D.O.S.E. (Direct On Scene Education) to address high infant mortality rate provides public training on safe sleeping habits in partnership with the Elyria Health Department & University Hospital Elyria Medical Center (UH) – cribs also offered • 150 citizens were certified in CPR working with UH and American Heart Association • Education sessions were held for the general public and businesses in the areas of Infant Car Seat Installations, fire extinguisher classes, safe habits in the home Improving Elyrians Quality of Life Public Health Highlights • Focus on reduction of infant mortality through the Cribs for Kids and Safe Sleep Campaign • Provided monthly NARCAN clinics and education and training for NARCAN kits to 122 persons Improving Elyria’s Infrastructure Major Roadway Accomplishments: SR 57/49th St. Bridge - $22 million • Reconfiguration of State Route 57 and the 49th Street Bridge: 80 % complete • Will improve high crash zone • Improve access to Midway Mall, hotels and other retail • Open up 140 acres for further development Improving Elyria’s Infrastructure Major Roadway Accomplishments: Replacement of Middle Avenue - $3.6 million • Re-building of Middle Avenue from Broad Street to Oberlin Road: construction began in 2015 • Pavement repair, new asphalt surface, new curb, raised boulevard, new traffic signals, crosswalks, bike lanes and street lighting • To be completed in summer of 2016 Improving Elyria’s Infrastructure Major Roadway Accomplishments: • Lake Avenue from Oak Street to SR113: $325,465 • Design of improvement for SR 57 from Ohio Turnpike to SR 113 • 39 pavement repairs: $49,000 • Removal of 589 tons of road debris with street sweeping: $172,000 • Traffic study to make improvements at SR57/Chestnut Ridge – to be completed summer 2016 Improving Elyria’s Infrastructure Other Major Accomplishments: • New lining of sanitary sewer for Roosevelt Avenue from Ohio Street to Poplar: $95,660 • 29 emergency sewer repairs • Water Main improvement projects replacing pipes on 11 streets in the Furnace Street area, 5 streets on the south side and the Pikewood Manor area: $2,722,304 Improving Elyria’s Infrastructure Other Major Accomplishments: • Development of a Storm Water utility to being in mid2016 to address EPA unfunded mandates • Modification of two wastewater tanks to store an additional 1,800,000 gallons of wet weather flow that would otherwise flow into the Black River: $510,000 • The City is awaiting approval from the US and Ohio EPAs on its Comprehensive Wet Weather Control Plan and associated capital improvement projects for the plant and sanitary sewer collection system. Other City Accomplishments • Street Department maintained 518 streets, 151 cul de sacs. • The Water Pumping Plant received a $30,000 grant from the EPA for the detection of harmful algae blooms and purchased an 8” pump to get plant up and running in the event of frazil ice plugging raw water lines. • The Wastewater Treatment Plant began conversion of two intermediate settling tanks to wetweather holding tanks. Strengthening Elyria’s Neighborhoods Addressing Nuisance Properties/Maintaining Property Values • 35 nuisance residential properties were demolished for a total of 185 in 36 months; 62 additional properties are awaiting demolition • 7,319 residential and commercial property inspections were made • 1,540 property owners representing 3,410 units registered in the new Rental Property Registry Strengthening Elyria’s Neighborhoods • • • • Rehabilitation Efforts/Block Watch Efforts Over $600,000 in HUD Community Block Grant funding was used for ADA improvements, $167,844 in federal housing rehabilitation funds were provided to residents for emergency home repairs $250,000 in CHIP (Community Housing Impact & Preservation) funds was just awarded to the city to rehabilitate 6 homes in 2016-2017 12 Community Block Watches work with EPD and Mayor’s Office to address safety & other issues Strengthening Elyria’s Neighborhoods Community Gardens from Vacant Lots • • • • • • West Avenue Sumner Street Furnace Street Second Street Louisiana Avenue North & Chestnut Streets • Rush Street Strengthening Community Equal Opportunity/ADA • Sponsored the 30th Annual Martin Luther King Celebration and continue to promote equal opportunity in all areas Improving Elyrians Quality of Life Parks and Recreation Matters • 1,400 youth participated in 41 sports and sports clinics • Offered donor-funded summer camps to 760 children and youth • 99 Adult Volleyball Teams, water color, swimming and skating classes • Over 1,000 adults 55 and over enjoyed exercise classes, shuffleboard, walking, yoga, swimming and pickle ball • Hosted 60 Elyria softball teams and the MC Madness Tournament with 86 teams and the ASA Girls State Tournament with 60 teams in June Improving Elyrians Quality of Life Parks and Recreation Matters • Hosted the over 25,000 people for the Great American Picnic and Fireworks Show at West Park • Initiated the Parks Master Planning Process to rethink park usage in the future • Worked with the Lorain County Metro Parks to transition the care of Cascade & Elywood Parks to the County. Strengthening Elyria’s Neighborhoods FIX ELYRIA Cat Project • A grant-funded Trap/Neuter/Spay Partnership between the City of Elyria and Friendship APL has resulted in humane outcomes and better lives for nearly 500 cats and kittens in 2015 Thank You 2015 Community Reinvestment Sponsors and Donors Camps, Concerts, Fireworks, Holiday Lights Improving Elyria’s Quality of Life Kind Donors Make it Happen – Over $100,000 in Philanthropic Contributions! • The 2015 Great American Picnic and Fireworks Show • 12 Summer Concerts in Ely Square • Free Summer Camps for 760 children and youth • The Cleveland Pops Orchestra Concert • Expanded Holiday Lights programming at Finwood Estate and Downtown Join Mayor Brinda and Her Senior Staff for Community Conversations 2016 Quarterly Community Forums March 24, 2016 – 7:00 – 8:30pm – Northwood Middle School Cafeteria June 23, 2016 – 7:00 – 8:30pm – West Park Recreation Center September 22, 2016 – 7:00 – 8:30pm – South Park Recreation Center December 15, 2016 – 7:00 – 8:30pm – East Park Recreation Center Morning Coffee with the Mayor The last Thursday morning of every month (Except July & August) - Midway Mall Food Court: 9:00 – 10:00am Mayor’s Night In The first Monday evening of every month (Except July & August & September Labor Day where Mayor’s Night In will be held Tuesday, September 6 ) - Between 5:30 – 6:30 in the third floor conference room – Elyria City Hall Learn More About Your City Watch Cable Television Channel 12 Visit the city website at www.cityofelyria.org Visit the Elyria Citizen Page on Facebook Volunteer with the Mayor’s Office on Volunteer Engagement (M.O.V.E.) at 440-326-1402 Join the City of Elyria and Our Partners For A Year of BICENTENNIEL PREPARATION Elyria Bicentennial Commission Organizing Meeting February 25, 2016 7:00 – 9:00pm – Elyria City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor Elyria City Hall – 131 Court St. AGENDA Bicentennial Overview: Mayor Brinda and Honorary Chairperson Bill Bird of the Lorain County Historical Society • Volunteer and Break Down into Committees: • Legacy Projects Committee • Year-Long Events Committee • Historical/Education Committee • Arts and Culture Committee Marketing Publicity Committee Volunteer Committee • Fundraising/Revenue Committee Key to the City of Elyria Second Annual Award Recipient Presented to: Greg Willey & The Friendship Animal Protective League For working as a partner with the City of Elyria in the FIX ELYRIA PROGRAM to save lives and provide more humane options and homes for over 400 cats and kittens in Elyria in 2015