city of cuyahoga falls fighters anonymous tip line: ... the dedicated employees of the city of...
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COMMUNITY REPORT & CITIZEN UPDATE
CITY OF CUYAHOGA FALLSDON WALTERS, MAYOR
"Open for business in the RIVER CITY!"
February 2015
Police & Fire Emergency: 911Crime Fighters Anonymous Tip Line: (330) 971-TIPS / 8477Fire Department, Non-Emergency (Deaf TDD compatible): (330)928-2181|[email protected] Department, Non-Emergency (Deaf TDD compatible): (330)928-2181|[email protected]/Sewer/Electric After Hours Emergency (Deaf TDD compatible): (330) 928-2181
City Hall Main Line: (330) 971-8000 Mayor’sOffice:(330)971-8200|[email protected] and Ground Maintenance: (330) 971-8351City Council: (330) 971-8190CommunityDevelopment:(330)971-8135|[email protected]:(330)971-8180|[email protected]:(330)971-8230|[email protected]:(330)971-8195|[email protected]:(330)971-8160|[email protected]/Prosecutor:(330)971-8190|[email protected]’sCourt:(330)971-5650|[email protected]
Festival Info-line: (330) 971-8373Sanitation Info-line: (330) 971-8015Water Info-line: (330) 971-8134
ServiceDirector:(330)971-8240|[email protected] Operations: (330) 971-8446ElectricServices&Repair:(330)971-8050|[email protected] Tax: (330) 971-8220Sanitation:(330)971-8010|[email protected]/SnowandLeafRemoval:(330)971-8030|[email protected](trafficsignals):(330)971-8020UtilityBillingDepartment:(330)971-8250|[email protected]
Parks&RecreationDepartment:(330)971-8225|[email protected] Golf Club: (330) 971-8416 Downview Sports Center: (330) 971-8418The Natatorium: (330) 971-8080 Quirk Cultural Center: (330) 971-8425 Water Works Family Aquatic Center: (330) 971-8433
EMERGENCY NUMBERS & SAFETY SERVICES
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION
INFORMATION-LINES
SERVICES & BILLING
PARKS & RECREATION
DIRECTORY OF CITY CONTACT INFORMATION
The dedicated employees of the City of Cuyahoga Falls are here to serve you.Neverhesitatetocallinanemergency,orwithanyquestionsorideasyoumayhave.Ifyouarenotsurewheretostart,simplycallourmainlineat(330)971-8000andwe’llbegladtopointyouintherightdirection.
I am pleased to report that business was booming in Cuyahoga Falls in 2014! The Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce joined me in welcoming a wide range of businessestoourcommunitylastyear.Together,weattendedsixteen ribbon cutting ceremonies,settinganewrecord.
When I became Mayor thirteen months ago, Menards was not planningtoopenalocationinCuyahogaFalls.Fortunately,dueto cooperation between business leaders and our diligent team
atCityHall,thesituationwasabletobeturnedaround.Menards will break ground this spring at the site of the old GiantEagleonGrahamRoad.Thisprivateinvestmentof$20Millionwillcreate120newjobs.
Afterovercomingseveralchallenges,weareproudofthesignificantprogressmadewiththePortageCrossingproject.Collaboration and persistence brought forth a Portage Crossing project we can all be proud of, with nine new businessesalreadyopenforcustomersandfivemorebusinessesslatedtoopennolaterthanspring.
An Enterprise Zone Agreement between the City, County, and SGS Tool saved 75 full-time jobs and brought an investment of$10MilliontoCuyahogaFalls.ThevacatedpropertywillsoonbethefuturehomeofHarborCastings,creating 70 new manufacturing jobsandanadditionalinvestmentof$3.3Million:atrue“win-win”situation.
From new local small businesses like the Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium and Sisters Scented Candles, to the national franchises at Portage Crossing and the success with Menards, there is simply no question that we are open for business in the River City!
RegardingCityfinances,Iamhappytoinformyouthatwehavebeenstretchingresourcesanddoingmorewithless.Withthe help and cooperation of City Council, we were able to save taxpayers $1.7 Millioninlastyear’sbudgetalone.
Ibelievestronglyintransparencyandopencommunicationwithresidents.ThisCommunityReport&CitizenUpdateprovideshighlightsofouraccomplishmentslastyear,withanupdateeveryquarter.Also,youmaynowfollowmyofficeonFacebookandvisitmeontheFirstTuesdayofthemonth.
ItisanhonorandaprivilegetoserveasyourMayor,andIamconfidentthat2015willbeanothergreatyearinCuyahogaFalls!
Mayor Don Walters
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR DON WALTERS
Pleasevisitusonlineatcityofcf.com,andfollowusonFacebook@MayorDonWalters.
Police & Fire Emergency: 911Crime Fighters Anonymous Tip Line: (330) 971-TIPS / 8477Fire Department, Non-Emergency (Deaf TDD compatible): (330)928-2181|[email protected] Department, Non-Emergency (Deaf TDD compatible): (330)928-2181|[email protected]/Sewer/Electric After Hours Emergency (Deaf TDD compatible): (330) 928-2181
City Hall Main Line: (330) 971-8000 Mayor’sOffice:(330)971-8200|[email protected] and Ground Maintenance: (330) 971-8351City Council: (330) 971-8190CommunityDevelopment:(330)971-8135|[email protected]:(330)971-8180|[email protected]:(330)971-8230|[email protected]:(330)971-8195|[email protected]:(330)971-8160|[email protected]/Prosecutor:(330)971-8190|[email protected]’sCourt:(330)971-5650|[email protected]
Festival Info-line: (330) 971-8373Sanitation Info-line: (330) 971-8015Water Info-line: (330) 971-8134
ServiceDirector:(330)971-8240|[email protected] Operations: (330) 971-8446ElectricServices&Repair:(330)971-8050|[email protected] Tax: (330) 971-8220Sanitation:(330)971-8010|[email protected]/SnowandLeafRemoval:(330)971-8030|[email protected](trafficsignals):(330)971-8020UtilityBillingDepartment:(330)971-8250|[email protected]
Parks&RecreationDepartment:(330)971-8225|[email protected] Golf Club: (330) 971-8416 Downview Sports Center: (330) 971-8418The Natatorium: (330) 971-8080 Quirk Cultural Center: (330) 971-8425 Water Works Family Aquatic Center: (330) 971-8433
EMERGENCY NUMBERS & SAFETY SERVICES
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION
INFORMATION-LINES
SERVICES & BILLING
PARKS & RECREATION
DIRECTORY OF CITY CONTACT INFORMATION
The dedicated employees of the City of Cuyahoga Falls are here to serve you.Neverhesitatetocallinanemergency,orwithanyquestionsorideasyoumayhave.Ifyouarenotsurewheretostart,simplycallourmainlineat(330)971-8000andwe’llbegladtopointyouintherightdirection.
I am pleased to report that business was booming in Cuyahoga Falls in 2014! The Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce joined me in welcoming a wide range of businessestoourcommunitylastyear.Together,weattendedsixteen ribbon cutting ceremonies,settinganewrecord.
When I became Mayor thirteen months ago, Menards was not planningtoopenalocationinCuyahogaFalls.Fortunately,dueto cooperation between business leaders and our diligent team
atCityHall,thesituationwasabletobeturnedaround.Menards will break ground this spring at the site of the old GiantEagleonGrahamRoad.Thisprivateinvestmentof$20Millionwillcreate120newjobs.
Afterovercomingseveralchallenges,weareproudofthesignificantprogressmadewiththePortageCrossingproject.Collaboration and persistence brought forth a Portage Crossing project we can all be proud of, with nine new businessesalreadyopenforcustomersandfivemorebusinessesslatedtoopennolaterthanspring.
An Enterprise Zone Agreement between the City, County, and SGS Tool saved 75 full-time jobs and brought an investment of$10MilliontoCuyahogaFalls.ThevacatedpropertywillsoonbethefuturehomeofHarborCastings,creating 70 new manufacturing jobsandanadditionalinvestmentof$3.3Million:atrue“win-win”situation.
From new local small businesses like the Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium and Sisters Scented Candles, to the national franchises at Portage Crossing and the success with Menards, there is simply no question that we are open for business in the River City!
RegardingCityfinances,Iamhappytoinformyouthatwehavebeenstretchingresourcesanddoingmorewithless.Withthe help and cooperation of City Council, we were able to save taxpayers $1.7 Millioninlastyear’sbudgetalone.
Ibelievestronglyintransparencyandopencommunicationwithresidents.ThisCommunityReport&CitizenUpdateprovideshighlightsofouraccomplishmentslastyear,withanupdateeveryquarter.Also,youmaynowfollowmyofficeonFacebookandvisitmeontheFirstTuesdayofthemonth.
ItisanhonorandaprivilegetoserveasyourMayor,andIamconfidentthat2015willbeanothergreatyearinCuyahogaFalls!
Mayor Don Walters
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR DON WALTERS
Pleasevisitusonlineatcityofcf.com,andfollowusonFacebook@MayorDonWalters.
MAYOR WALTERS INITIATES RIBBON CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT POLICEMayor Don Walters introduced a blue-and-black ribbon campaign in 2014 to show solidarity between the community and the dedicated women and men who serve us on the Cuyahoga FallsPoliceDepartment.TheribbonswerepaidforattheMayor’spersonalexpense,andareavailablefreeforresidentsatCityHall.Blue-and-blackflagsarealsobeingofferedat-costbyFallsFlag&Banner(1200PortageTrail)at$30each.Pleaseconsidershowingyoursupportforourpoliceofficersbydisplayingaribbonatyourhome.
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY, KENNY KING!FewindividualsintheFallshavetouchedasmanylivesasKennyKing,abelovedlocalfixture.Mayor Walters solicited donations to rent The Falls River Square Pavilion, and to provide food andfunfortheseventiethbirthdayofthe“KingofCuyahogaFalls.”October21,2014wastruly a night to remember, as Kenny King entered the bash to resounding applause and great fanfare.
CITY EMPLOYEES GO ABOVE & BEYOND FOR FALLS FAMILIESOur city employees are proud to serve the people of Cuyahoga Falls every day, but manyresidentsmaynotrealizethattheyalsogotheextramilebydonatingtheirmoneyandtimetowardorganizationsthataffectourcommunityinotherimportantways.The2014LIVEUNITEDcampaignforthelocalUnitedWayreceivedover$14,000indonationsfromcityemployees,whoalsogenerouslydonatedover$3,200lastyeartowardtheCuyahogaFallsCrimeFighterstipline.Employeesalso collected toys and canned goods throughout December for Cuyahoga Falls Good Neighbors, to be donated to the City’s less fortunate families for the holidays.
ThePoliceDepartmentcelebrateditsfifthyearwiththeToysforTicketscampaign,collectingnearly300toysfromdriverswhowereissuedtrafficwarnings.FallsofficersworkedwithlocalbusinessleaderDonSittstovolunteertheirtimeandeffortsfortheShopWithaCopprogram,providingpositiveinfluenceandawelcomegiftforroughly200kidsinneed.
TheFireDepartmentraisedover$20,000fortheMuscularDystrophyAssociation,participatedinanannualCardsforKidsgiftcarddrive,andcollectedcoatsforOperationWarm.
CITY HOSTS MS. WHEELCHAIR U.S.A. 2014 CEREMONYTheceremonytoselectMs.WheelchairU.S.A.2014washeldrighthereinCuyahogaFalls.MayorWalterswashonoredtovisitwiththewinner,YvettePegues,ofGeorgia.Ms.Pegueswasselectedforthenationalhonorbasedonherplatform,“ALegacyofLiterature,”whichhasencouragedhundredsofchildrento“turntheirstormsintostories”bywritingtheirownbooks.Ms.WheelchairU.S.A.issupported by The Dane Foundation and celebrates the achievements ofwomenwithdisabilities.
City Council is the legislative branch of our local government and is comprised of eight ward members who serve two-year terms and three at-large members, electedtofour-yearterms.CouncilmeetingsareopentothepublicandareheldmostMondaysat6:30p.m.atTheNatatorium.PleasefeelfreetocontactyourCouncilmemberswithquestionsorconcernsonanycityissue.You may also contact the Law Department regarding Councilmattersorcitylegislation:(330)971-8190.
Last August, Council President Mary Ellen Pyke joined forces with Mayor Don Walters to take the 2014ALSIceBucketChallenge.Thegoalofour
two city leaders, as well as event participants across the nation, was to support funding research
to help mitigate the debilitating effects of the diseaseALS.Oftencalled"LouGehrig'sDisease,"ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal
cord.Learnmoreatalsa.org.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT & MAYOR HAVE BUCKETS OF FUN IN
SUPPORT OF ALS RESEARCH
Mary Ellen Pyke, President • Jeff Iula, President Pro TemTerryMader,Chaplain•VicPallotta,SergeantatArms
2015 COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATIONWard [email protected]•330-618-3141Ward TwoMary Ellen [email protected]•330-922-0987Ward [email protected]•330-923-6838Ward FourBob [email protected]•330-801-3567Ward FiveVacantasof01/14/15Ward SixGary [email protected]•330-819-9137Ward [email protected]•330-289-7023Ward EightTerry [email protected]•330-920-1060At-large [email protected]•330-310-6040At-large [email protected]•330-926-9855At-large [email protected]•330-929-8429Council Clerk Paul [email protected]•216-269-3086
CUYAHOGA FALLS CITY COUNCIL
Back Row, From Left: Council members Colavecchio, Pallotta, Weinhardt, James, Mader, & Klinger
Front Row, From Left: Council members Rubino, Iula, Pyke, Hummel-Snyder (resigned 1/2/15), & DeRemer
CUYAHOGA FALLS CARES
MAYOR WALTERS INITIATES RIBBON CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT POLICEMayor Don Walters introduced a blue-and-black ribbon campaign in 2014 to show solidarity between the community and the dedicated women and men who serve us on the Cuyahoga FallsPoliceDepartment.TheribbonswerepaidforattheMayor’spersonalexpense,andareavailablefreeforresidentsatCityHall.Blue-and-blackflagsarealsobeingofferedat-costbyFallsFlag&Banner(1200PortageTrail)at$30each.Pleaseconsidershowingyoursupportforourpoliceofficersbydisplayingaribbonatyourhome.
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY, KENNY KING!FewindividualsintheFallshavetouchedasmanylivesasKennyKing,abelovedlocalfixture.Mayor Walters solicited donations to rent The Falls River Square Pavilion, and to provide food andfunfortheseventiethbirthdayofthe“KingofCuyahogaFalls.”October21,2014wastruly a night to remember, as Kenny King entered the bash to resounding applause and great fanfare.
CITY EMPLOYEES GO ABOVE & BEYOND FOR FALLS FAMILIESOur city employees are proud to serve the people of Cuyahoga Falls every day, but manyresidentsmaynotrealizethattheyalsogotheextramilebydonatingtheirmoneyandtimetowardorganizationsthataffectourcommunityinotherimportantways.The2014LIVEUNITEDcampaignforthelocalUnitedWayreceivedover$14,000indonationsfromcityemployees,whoalsogenerouslydonatedover$3,200lastyeartowardtheCuyahogaFallsCrimeFighterstipline.Employeesalso collected toys and canned goods throughout December for Cuyahoga Falls Good Neighbors, to be donated to the City’s less fortunate families for the holidays.
ThePoliceDepartmentcelebrateditsfifthyearwiththeToysforTicketscampaign,collectingnearly300toysfromdriverswhowereissuedtrafficwarnings.FallsofficersworkedwithlocalbusinessleaderDonSittstovolunteertheirtimeandeffortsfortheShopWithaCopprogram,providingpositiveinfluenceandawelcomegiftforroughly200kidsinneed.
TheFireDepartmentraisedover$20,000fortheMuscularDystrophyAssociation,participatedinanannualCardsforKidsgiftcarddrive,andcollectedcoatsforOperationWarm.
CITY HOSTS MS. WHEELCHAIR U.S.A. 2014 CEREMONYTheceremonytoselectMs.WheelchairU.S.A.2014washeldrighthereinCuyahogaFalls.MayorWalterswashonoredtovisitwiththewinner,YvettePegues,ofGeorgia.Ms.Pegueswasselectedforthenationalhonorbasedonherplatform,“ALegacyofLiterature,”whichhasencouragedhundredsofchildrento“turntheirstormsintostories”bywritingtheirownbooks.Ms.WheelchairU.S.A.issupported by The Dane Foundation and celebrates the achievements ofwomenwithdisabilities.
City Council is the legislative branch of our local government and is comprised of eight ward members who serve two-year terms and three at-large members, electedtofour-yearterms.CouncilmeetingsareopentothepublicandareheldmostMondaysat6:30p.m.atTheNatatorium.PleasefeelfreetocontactyourCouncilmemberswithquestionsorconcernsonanycityissue.You may also contact the Law Department regarding Councilmattersorcitylegislation:(330)971-8190.
Last August, Council President Mary Ellen Pyke joined forces with Mayor Don Walters to take the 2014ALSIceBucketChallenge.Thegoalofour
two city leaders, as well as event participants across the nation, was to support funding research
to help mitigate the debilitating effects of the diseaseALS.Oftencalled"LouGehrig'sDisease,"ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal
cord.Learnmoreatalsa.org.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT & MAYOR HAVE BUCKETS OF FUN IN
SUPPORT OF ALS RESEARCH
Mary Ellen Pyke, President • Jeff Iula, President Pro TemTerryMader,Chaplain•VicPallotta,SergeantatArms
2015 COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATIONWard [email protected]•330-618-3141Ward TwoMary Ellen [email protected]•330-922-0987Ward [email protected]•330-923-6838Ward FourBob [email protected]•330-801-3567Ward FiveVacantasof01/14/15Ward SixGary [email protected]•330-819-9137Ward [email protected]•330-289-7023Ward EightTerry [email protected]•330-920-1060At-large [email protected]•330-310-6040At-large [email protected]•330-926-9855At-large [email protected]•330-929-8429Council Clerk Paul [email protected]•216-269-3086
CUYAHOGA FALLS CITY COUNCIL
Back Row, From Left: Council members Colavecchio, Pallotta, Weinhardt, James, Mader, & Klinger
Front Row, From Left: Council members Rubino, Iula, Pyke, Hummel-Snyder (resigned 1/2/15), & DeRemer
CUYAHOGA FALLS CARES
OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN THE RIVER CITY: NEW JOBS & SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTFrom the opening of family-owned small businesses to successfully attracting major national employers to locatein town, business was booming in Cuyahoga Falls in 2014!
> MENARDSwillbreakgroundontheirfirstlocationinNortheast Ohio this spring, bringing 120 jobs and a $20MillioninvestmenttoCuyahogaFalls;
> PORTAGE CROSSING became a reality as doors openedforninenewbusinesses,withfivemoreopeningsscheduledforearly2015;
> RECORD-BREAKING NEW BUSINESSES celebrated grand openings with ribbon-cutting ceremonies attended by the Mayor and local Chamber of Commerce;
> 75 JOBS RETAINED AT SGS TOOL, with a relocation agreementfurtherinvesting$10.1Million;and
> 70 NEW JOBS AT HARBOR CASTINGS will occupy the former SGS Tool site, bringing an additional investment of$3.3Million.
CRIME FIGHTERS TIP LINE HELPS TO SOLVE CRIMESFunded by personal donations from the Mayor, other city employees, and community members, this new hotline provides cash for anonymous tips that lead directly to crimesbeingsolved.Thisproactivetoolisalreadypayingoff,helpingtosolveabombthreatatthehighschool.Know something? Call the tip line today at (330)971-TIPS(8477).
SERVICES DELIVERED DESPITE FIERCE WEATHERRecord snowfall last January kept our dedicated street crewsbusyspreadingover2.3milliongallonsofsaltbrineandnearly12tonsofrocksalt.DuringthedevastatingfloodofMay12,2014,theMayorassembledateamofstaffandfirstresponderstomonitortheunfoldingeventsof the day, and to provide whatever assistance possible to affectedresidents.TheCityacquired$190,000inCountyLand Bank funds to go toward the purchase of homes deemedunlivableduetoflooddamage,andwillalsocreatenew water detention areas to help with neighborhood flooding.
HOMEOWNERS’ WELCOME PACKET MAKES A MARKA warm Cuyahoga Falls welcome has been provided to 110 new homeowners since the inception of this program in Septemberof2014.Newresidents help decrease vacant housing and increase property values throughoutthecity.Weare pleased to now provide new homeowners with an incentive package containingover$2,800worth of free and discounted goods from localbusinesses.Thesenew residents are invited totheMayor’sofficetopersonally receive their welcomepackets.
FINANCIAL UPDATE: DOING MORE WITH LESS TO STRETCH RESOURCESThe administration and City Council worked together in 2014toturnaprojecteddeficitof$1.5Millionintoasurplusof$200,000,asavingsof$1.7Millionfortaxpayers!
> The budget process was moved ahead by one month, allowingmoretimeforreviewandinputbyCouncil.The2015 budget was passed unanimously on December 8, 2014;
>Employeehealthcarecostswere$574,000lessthananticipated;and
> The Mayor eliminated the perk of a city-provided vehicle,optingtodrivehisowncarandbuyhisowngas.
MEDIATION MAKES IT EASIER TO “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR”The Neighborhood Mediation Program is a new service made possible through the collaboration of Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge,Stow,andtheUniversityofAkronSchoolofLaw.Theprogramprovidescitizenswithanobjectiveavenuetoresolveconflictsthatmayarisebetweenneighbors,atnocosttotaxpayersorparticipants.PleasecontacttheLawDepartmentformoreinformation:(330)971-8190.
“NOT ME, I’M DRUG FREE!”Mayor Walters, the Falls Police & Fire Departments, our two local school districts, and Western Reserve Hospital alljoinedforcesin2014tolaunchthe“NotMe,I’mDrugFree”program.Thisanti-druginitiativeeducatesfifthgrade students at Falls and Woodridge elementary schools about the dangers of drug use, providing incentives and “Free-wards”fromlocalbusinessestostudentstotakeapledgetostaydrugfree.LearnmoreabouttheprogramatFacebook.com/NotMeDrugFree.
Police Chief Jack Davis & Mayor Walters are proud of everyone who takes the pledge to stay drug free!
SENIOR SNOW REMOVAL PROGRAM IS BACKThe popular Senior Snow Removal Program has been reinstated,helpingtocleardrivewaysforincome-qualifiedseniorsanddisabledcitizens.Plansareunderwaytoexpandeligibilityfortheprograminfutureseasons.
EVERYBODY WINS BY “GOING GREEN”Sinceincreasingenergyefficiencyisineveryone’sbestinterest, the City is pleased to provide a number of ways to helpmakeourcity“greener.”Theseeffortssavedtaxpayers$375,000in2014alone.PleasecontacttheServiceDepartment at (330) 971-8240 with questions about any of these programs:
> TEXTILE & SMALL APPLIANCE RECYCLING, through a collaboration with Simple Recycling, has been made easierforallresidents.Curbsiderecyclingofunusableclothing and textiles, and small broken appliances will savetheCityroughly$48,000peryear;
> HOME ENERGY AUDIT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM provides residents with a FREE professional energy audit to identify opportunities to increase energy efficiencyanddecreaseutilitybills;
> OLD APPLIANCE RECYCLING PROGRAM provides residents looking to dispose of working refrigerators andfreezerswith$50peritemrecycled;and
> NEW APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM offers residentsa$50rebatewiththepurchaseofanyqualifiedenergyefficientwasherorrefrigerator.
TRANSPARENCY, COLLABORATION & OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTSMayor Walters is committed to making transparency, open collaboration with City Council, and frequent communication with residents hallmarks of his administration.AnyresidentiswelcometomeetwiththeMayor personally on the FIRST TUESDAY of the month by simplycallingtoscheduleanappointment.Residentsmayalso follow City news and events on Facebook, and sign uptoreceiveCFOALERTSviatextmessageandemail.Inaddition to the return of the annual calendar, residents willbekeptinformedwithquarterlyupdatesfromCityHall.Pleasevisitcityofcf.comformoreinformation.
I am extremely proud of the outstanding work performed daily by our dedicated City employees, and of the accomplishments we were able to achieve last year by working together for the good of thecommunity.Iamalwaysparticularlypleasedwhenweareableto implement programs that cost little or no money, yet pay huge dividendstotheresidentswehumblyserve.Thankyou.
- Mayor Don Walters
2014 COMMUNITY REPORT & CITIZEN UPDATE
OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN THE RIVER CITY: NEW JOBS & SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTFrom the opening of family-owned small businesses to successfully attracting major national employers to locatein town, business was booming in Cuyahoga Falls in 2014!
> MENARDSwillbreakgroundontheirfirstlocationinNortheast Ohio this spring, bringing 120 jobs and a $20MillioninvestmenttoCuyahogaFalls;
> PORTAGE CROSSING became a reality as doors openedforninenewbusinesses,withfivemoreopeningsscheduledforearly2015;
> RECORD-BREAKING NEW BUSINESSES celebrated grand openings with ribbon-cutting ceremonies attended by the Mayor and local Chamber of Commerce;
> 75 JOBS RETAINED AT SGS TOOL, with a relocation agreementfurtherinvesting$10.1Million;and
> 70 NEW JOBS AT HARBOR CASTINGS will occupy the former SGS Tool site, bringing an additional investment of$3.3Million.
CRIME FIGHTERS TIP LINE HELPS TO SOLVE CRIMESFunded by personal donations from the Mayor, other city employees, and community members, this new hotline provides cash for anonymous tips that lead directly to crimesbeingsolved.Thisproactivetoolisalreadypayingoff,helpingtosolveabombthreatatthehighschool.Know something? Call the tip line today at (330)971-TIPS(8477).
SERVICES DELIVERED DESPITE FIERCE WEATHERRecord snowfall last January kept our dedicated street crewsbusyspreadingover2.3milliongallonsofsaltbrineandnearly12tonsofrocksalt.DuringthedevastatingfloodofMay12,2014,theMayorassembledateamofstaffandfirstresponderstomonitortheunfoldingeventsof the day, and to provide whatever assistance possible to affectedresidents.TheCityacquired$190,000inCountyLand Bank funds to go toward the purchase of homes deemedunlivableduetoflooddamage,andwillalsocreatenew water detention areas to help with neighborhood flooding.
HOMEOWNERS’ WELCOME PACKET MAKES A MARKA warm Cuyahoga Falls welcome has been provided to 110 new homeowners since the inception of this program in Septemberof2014.Newresidents help decrease vacant housing and increase property values throughoutthecity.Weare pleased to now provide new homeowners with an incentive package containingover$2,800worth of free and discounted goods from localbusinesses.Thesenew residents are invited totheMayor’sofficetopersonally receive their welcomepackets.
FINANCIAL UPDATE: DOING MORE WITH LESS TO STRETCH RESOURCESThe administration and City Council worked together in 2014toturnaprojecteddeficitof$1.5Millionintoasurplusof$200,000,asavingsof$1.7Millionfortaxpayers!
> The budget process was moved ahead by one month, allowingmoretimeforreviewandinputbyCouncil.The2015 budget was passed unanimously on December 8, 2014;
>Employeehealthcarecostswere$574,000lessthananticipated;and
> The Mayor eliminated the perk of a city-provided vehicle,optingtodrivehisowncarandbuyhisowngas.
MEDIATION MAKES IT EASIER TO “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR”The Neighborhood Mediation Program is a new service made possible through the collaboration of Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge,Stow,andtheUniversityofAkronSchoolofLaw.Theprogramprovidescitizenswithanobjectiveavenuetoresolveconflictsthatmayarisebetweenneighbors,atnocosttotaxpayersorparticipants.PleasecontacttheLawDepartmentformoreinformation:(330)971-8190.
“NOT ME, I’M DRUG FREE!”Mayor Walters, the Falls Police & Fire Departments, our two local school districts, and Western Reserve Hospital alljoinedforcesin2014tolaunchthe“NotMe,I’mDrugFree”program.Thisanti-druginitiativeeducatesfifthgrade students at Falls and Woodridge elementary schools about the dangers of drug use, providing incentives and “Free-wards”fromlocalbusinessestostudentstotakeapledgetostaydrugfree.LearnmoreabouttheprogramatFacebook.com/NotMeDrugFree.
Police Chief Jack Davis & Mayor Walters are proud of everyone who takes the pledge to stay drug free!
SENIOR SNOW REMOVAL PROGRAM IS BACKThe popular Senior Snow Removal Program has been reinstated,helpingtocleardrivewaysforincome-qualifiedseniorsanddisabledcitizens.Plansareunderwaytoexpandeligibilityfortheprograminfutureseasons.
EVERYBODY WINS BY “GOING GREEN”Sinceincreasingenergyefficiencyisineveryone’sbestinterest, the City is pleased to provide a number of ways to helpmakeourcity“greener.”Theseeffortssavedtaxpayers$375,000in2014alone.PleasecontacttheServiceDepartment at (330) 971-8240 with questions about any of these programs:
> TEXTILE & SMALL APPLIANCE RECYCLING, through a collaboration with Simple Recycling, has been made easierforallresidents.Curbsiderecyclingofunusableclothing and textiles, and small broken appliances will savetheCityroughly$48,000peryear;
> HOME ENERGY AUDIT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM provides residents with a FREE professional energy audit to identify opportunities to increase energy efficiencyanddecreaseutilitybills;
> OLD APPLIANCE RECYCLING PROGRAM provides residents looking to dispose of working refrigerators andfreezerswith$50peritemrecycled;and
> NEW APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM offers residentsa$50rebatewiththepurchaseofanyqualifiedenergyefficientwasherorrefrigerator.
TRANSPARENCY, COLLABORATION & OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTSMayor Walters is committed to making transparency, open collaboration with City Council, and frequent communication with residents hallmarks of his administration.AnyresidentiswelcometomeetwiththeMayor personally on the FIRST TUESDAY of the month by simplycallingtoscheduleanappointment.Residentsmayalso follow City news and events on Facebook, and sign uptoreceiveCFOALERTSviatextmessageandemail.Inaddition to the return of the annual calendar, residents willbekeptinformedwithquarterlyupdatesfromCityHall.Pleasevisitcityofcf.comformoreinformation.
I am extremely proud of the outstanding work performed daily by our dedicated City employees, and of the accomplishments we were able to achieve last year by working together for the good of thecommunity.Iamalwaysparticularlypleasedwhenweareableto implement programs that cost little or no money, yet pay huge dividendstotheresidentswehumblyserve.Thankyou.
- Mayor Don Walters
2014 COMMUNITY REPORT & CITIZEN UPDATE
The Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce has actively promoted a partnershipbetweenbusinessandcommunitysince1926.Weprovideservices and events to assist small business growth and exposure, helping boththecivicandbusinesscommunitiesthrive.
Weareproudtoannouncethe2015ExecutiveOfficersandBoardMembersfortheCuyahogaFallsChamberofCommerce,officiallysworninbyMayorDonWaltersatthe2014HolidayParty.ThesearethelocalbusinessleaderswhovolunteertheirtimetoensurethattheCuyahogaFallsbusinesscommunitycontinuestogrow.LearnmoreabouttheCuyahogaFallsChamberofCommerceatcfchamber.com.
Angela Colecchi – Neoshred - President MattWeiss–RightBrainDesignGroup-1stVicePresidentKathyRomito–WesternReserveHospital-2ndVicePresidentAaronBarnhart–WestfieldBank-TreasurerBrentVanFossen–MetropolisPopcorn-Secretary
Chamber CEO,Laura A. Petrella
2015 Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors
2014 Board President, Keith Viers, passes the gavel
to incoming 2015 Board President, Angela Colecchi.
David Fox – National Church Residences Bath RoadBob Gruber – Wellness and Wealth by ChoiceJimPecchio–ProbeTechnologiesLtd.Christine Petroff – Peoples BankRussIona–AmericanMortgageServiceCo.Jake Ricker – PNC BankJamesR.Stein–MinnesotaInsuredTitleAgencyInc.KeithViers–OhioSavingsBank
2015 BOARD MEMBERS
Walter Davis – Woodridge Local SchoolsDr.ToddNichols–CuyahogaFallsCitySchools
EX-OFFICIO
2015 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
CUYAHOGA FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CUYAHOGA FALLS PARKS & RECREATION UPDATENEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR LINCOLN & RICHARDSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSTo ensure safety, the Parks and Recreation Department consistently monitors all park playgroundequipment.Ourongoinggoalistoreplaceoutdatedpiecesandupgradeparksassoonastheneedexistsandfundingisavailable.
Both Lincoln and Richardson Elementary schools enjoyed the installation of new play equipment thispastyear.Severalnewboosters,swingsandslideswereupgradedateachsite.Lincolneven boasts a new rock climbing wall!
PARKS AND RECREATION GETS SOCIALThe Parks & Recreation Department, along with facilities such as The Natatorium, Brookledge Golf Club, Downview Sports Center, and Water Works Family Aquatic Center, are now on Facebook! This is yet another wayforustoshareinformationwithourcustomersandresidentsaboutthemanyfineprogramsandeventsavailable.So,pleasefindusonFacebookand“like”CuyahogaFallsParksandRecreation,andfacilities!
CFONE & RECPERKS! CARDS – A WINNING PAIRDo you have your CFOne Card? If not, the card is available FREE at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium during normal businesshours.CFOne Cards can be used for all city e-services, to serve as proof of residency, or to purchase memberships andotheritemsfromtheParksandRecreationDepartment.
With the purchase or renewal of a Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium or Water Works Family Aquatic Center annual membership, each household will receive a RecPerks!ValueCard.RecPerks! are good for free items at golf, mini-golf, swimming, Subway restaurant,TheNatatorium,andmuchmore.ValueCardsareavailableataBronze,Silver,Gold,orPlatinumlevel.Themorememberships you purchase or renew, the more RecPerks! you receive!
NATATORIUM & WATER WORKS OFFERING NEW HOUSEHOLD MEMBERSHIP RATESTheCuyahogaFallsNatatoriumandWaterWorksFamilyAquaticCenterrecentlyrevampedandsimplifiedthewaymembershipratesarestructured.Ratesarenowbasedonhouseholdresidency,allowingmoreFallsresidentstoenjoythebenefitsofdiscountedannualmemberships.
Please note that preseason passes for Water Works Family Aquatic Center are currently on sale at the front desk of The Natatorium.BuybeforeApril30thandsaveupto30%!TheNatatoriumisalsooffering$100-offonannualpassesforoneyeartofirst-timemembers.PleasevisitFallsNat.comandcityofcf.comformoreinformation.
PICKLEBALL, ANYONE?Pickleballisafast-growingsportthatcombinespingpong,tennis,andbadminton.Whileitmay sound like a fad, Pickleball is a phenomenon sweeping the nation, as cities are converting tenniscourtstoPickleballcourts.CoedsarewelcometoplayoneitheroftwocourtsinTheNatatoriumgymnasium.BeginnerspracticeWednesdaysfrom9:30to11:30a.m.,whileadvancedPickleballersplayTuesdaysfrom9:30to11:30a.m.Thisnewsportoffersagreat“dill”offunforall!
The Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce has actively promoted a partnershipbetweenbusinessandcommunitysince1926.Weprovideservices and events to assist small business growth and exposure, helping boththecivicandbusinesscommunitiesthrive.
Weareproudtoannouncethe2015ExecutiveOfficersandBoardMembersfortheCuyahogaFallsChamberofCommerce,officiallysworninbyMayorDonWaltersatthe2014HolidayParty.ThesearethelocalbusinessleaderswhovolunteertheirtimetoensurethattheCuyahogaFallsbusinesscommunitycontinuestogrow.LearnmoreabouttheCuyahogaFallsChamberofCommerceatcfchamber.com.
Angela Colecchi – Neoshred - President MattWeiss–RightBrainDesignGroup-1stVicePresidentKathyRomito–WesternReserveHospital-2ndVicePresidentAaronBarnhart–WestfieldBank-TreasurerBrentVanFossen–MetropolisPopcorn-Secretary
Chamber CEO,Laura A. Petrella
2015 Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors
2014 Board President, Keith Viers, passes the gavel
to incoming 2015 Board President, Angela Colecchi.
David Fox – National Church Residences Bath RoadBob Gruber – Wellness and Wealth by ChoiceJimPecchio–ProbeTechnologiesLtd.Christine Petroff – Peoples BankRussIona–AmericanMortgageServiceCo.Jake Ricker – PNC BankJamesR.Stein–MinnesotaInsuredTitleAgencyInc.KeithViers–OhioSavingsBank
2015 BOARD MEMBERS
Walter Davis – Woodridge Local SchoolsDr.ToddNichols–CuyahogaFallsCitySchools
EX-OFFICIO
2015 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
CUYAHOGA FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CUYAHOGA FALLS PARKS & RECREATION UPDATENEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR LINCOLN & RICHARDSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSTo ensure safety, the Parks and Recreation Department consistently monitors all park playgroundequipment.Ourongoinggoalistoreplaceoutdatedpiecesandupgradeparksassoonastheneedexistsandfundingisavailable.
Both Lincoln and Richardson Elementary schools enjoyed the installation of new play equipment thispastyear.Severalnewboosters,swingsandslideswereupgradedateachsite.Lincolneven boasts a new rock climbing wall!
PARKS AND RECREATION GETS SOCIALThe Parks & Recreation Department, along with facilities such as The Natatorium, Brookledge Golf Club, Downview Sports Center, and Water Works Family Aquatic Center, are now on Facebook! This is yet another wayforustoshareinformationwithourcustomersandresidentsaboutthemanyfineprogramsandeventsavailable.So,pleasefindusonFacebookand“like”CuyahogaFallsParksandRecreation,andfacilities!
CFONE & RECPERKS! CARDS – A WINNING PAIRDo you have your CFOne Card? If not, the card is available FREE at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium during normal businesshours.CFOne Cards can be used for all city e-services, to serve as proof of residency, or to purchase memberships andotheritemsfromtheParksandRecreationDepartment.
With the purchase or renewal of a Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium or Water Works Family Aquatic Center annual membership, each household will receive a RecPerks!ValueCard.RecPerks! are good for free items at golf, mini-golf, swimming, Subway restaurant,TheNatatorium,andmuchmore.ValueCardsareavailableataBronze,Silver,Gold,orPlatinumlevel.Themorememberships you purchase or renew, the more RecPerks! you receive!
NATATORIUM & WATER WORKS OFFERING NEW HOUSEHOLD MEMBERSHIP RATESTheCuyahogaFallsNatatoriumandWaterWorksFamilyAquaticCenterrecentlyrevampedandsimplifiedthewaymembershipratesarestructured.Ratesarenowbasedonhouseholdresidency,allowingmoreFallsresidentstoenjoythebenefitsofdiscountedannualmemberships.
Please note that preseason passes for Water Works Family Aquatic Center are currently on sale at the front desk of The Natatorium.BuybeforeApril30thandsaveupto30%!TheNatatoriumisalsooffering$100-offonannualpassesforoneyeartofirst-timemembers.PleasevisitFallsNat.comandcityofcf.comformoreinformation.
PICKLEBALL, ANYONE?Pickleballisafast-growingsportthatcombinespingpong,tennis,andbadminton.Whileitmay sound like a fad, Pickleball is a phenomenon sweeping the nation, as cities are converting tenniscourtstoPickleballcourts.CoedsarewelcometoplayoneitheroftwocourtsinTheNatatoriumgymnasium.BeginnerspracticeWednesdaysfrom9:30to11:30a.m.,whileadvancedPickleballersplayTuesdaysfrom9:30to11:30a.m.Thisnewsportoffersagreat“dill”offunforall!
APRILMARCHFEBRUARY
1 3 2
6 7
7
12
14
15
15
21 24
21
27
28
27
3 5 3
7
88
13
15
17
16
23~27
20~24
23
5 6
4
8
13
11
14
20
18
20
26
25
• Ice Rink Open 12 – 8 pm • Mayor’s First Tuesday • Falls Travel Club @ Quirk 1 pm
• Senior Adult Bingo @ Quirk 1 pm• Ice Rink Open 3 – 9 pm • Daddy Daughter Date Night @
Quirk 7 pm
• VITA Tax Prep @ Natatorium 8 am – noon
• CFABA Baseball Registration @ Quirk 10 am – 1 pm
• Antic Theatre Spring Show @ Quirk 8 pm
• Mayor’s First Tuesday
• Ice Rink Open 3 – 9 pm
• Antic Theatre Spring Show @ Quirk 8 pm
• City of Cuyahgoga Falls Income Tax Due
• Ice Rink Open 12 – 8 pm• Sunday Funday Dance
@ Quirk 5 pm• Spring Cast-A-Ways Garage
Sale for Kids Only @ Quirk 9 am – 2 pm
• Improv @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Earth Week Display & Rain Barrel Silent Auction @ City Hall 8 am - 5 pm
• Ballroom Nights @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony - Details TBD
• Improv @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Ballroom Nights @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Community EXPO @ Natatorium 9 am – 3 pm
• Bunny Hop @ Quirk 11 am
• Ballroom Nights @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Mayor’s First Tuesday• Falls Electric System “Lunch-&-
Learn” @ Natatorium 11 am - 1 pm
• Falls Travel Club @ Quirk 1 pm• Good Friday – City Offices
Closed• Extra Open Swim
@ Natatorium 1 – 5 pm
• CFABA Baseball Registration @ Quirk 10 am – 1 pm
• Ice Rink Open 12 – 9 pm• Daddy Daughter Date Night
@ Quirk 7 pm• Improv @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Daylight Savings Time Begins – check your smoke detector batteries
• Antic Theatre Spring Matinee Show @ Quirk 3 pm
• Hots & Shots FD & PD Basketball Game @ CFHS 12:30 pm
• Ice Rink Open 3 – 9 pm
• Antic Theatre Spring Matinee Show @ Quirk 3 pm
• Senior Adult Bingo @ Quirk 1 pm
• President’s Day – City Offices Closed
• Extra Open Swim @ Natatorium 1 – 5 pm
• Ice Rink Last Day Open 12 – 8 pm • Cuyahoga Falls & Woodridge School District Spring Break
• Registration for Quirk CC Spring & Summer Classes Begins
• Falls Travel Club @ Quirk 1 pm• Ice Rink Open 3 – 9 pm
• Senior Adult Bingo @ Quirk 1 pm• Antic Theatre Spring Show
@ Quirk 8 pm • Easter Egg Hunt @ Water Works Park 2 pm
• Improv @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Ice Rink Open 12 – 8 pm • Daddy Daughter Date Night
@ Quirk 1 pm• Annual Benefit St. Pat’s Card
Party @ Quirk 1 pm• Nat St. Pat’s Party 5:30 pm• Antic Theatre Spring Show
@ Quirk 8 pm
• VITA Tax Prep @ Natatorium 8 am – noon
• VITA Tax Prep @ Natatorium 8 am – noon
• CFABA Baseball Registration @ Quirk 10 am – 1 pm
• Ice Rink Open 12 – 9 pm • Senior Adult Bingo @ Quirk 1 pm
• Improv @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Senior Adult Bingo @ Quirk 1 pm
• Akron Pops Orchestra Concert @ Quirk 7:30 pm
• Mayor Walters’ State of the City Address @ Sheraton Suites 11:45 am
FALLS CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
Please contact City Hall with questions: (330) 971-8000 / [email protected].