The Rocky River police are looking for a man in his mid-late-20s, with pale skin and jet black (probably died), shoulder-length hair. Wearing black canvas shoes whit white trim, black skinny jeans, and a silver hoop piercing in one of his nostrils.

This report is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters.  Mayor Bobst's office prepares official minutes.

The meeting took place at Memorial Hall in Rocky River and was called to order at 9:38 a.m. Mayor Pam Bobst presided.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m. 

County Office of Sustainability Director Mike Foley spoke.  His department, formed 13 months ago, was created to encourage use of greener energy.  He spoke about the Clean Energy Finance Hub, which will help businesses, institutions, local governments, and homeowners reduce their energy costs and access affordable clean energy retrofits and renewable power supplies.  This bundling would take advantage of a 30% tax credit for solar power installations. His department will also help cities by performing energy audits.

Thank you to my loyal supporters and my campaign team over the past several years.  As the election results for the March 15 Primary did not support my candidacy for State Senator, I am very proud of our strong, positive grassroots campaign.

It has been an honor to serve at the Ohio House representing the 16th Ohio House District. 

We have prevailed to win four terms as State Representative and as I am term-limited, my service at the Ohio House will end December 31, 2016.  We have accomplished a great deal.

Fairview Park parents, students, business owners, and community members are invited to attend the first ever State of the Community event on Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m., at the Gemini Center, located at 21225 Lorain Road in Fairview Park.

Mayor Eileen Patton of the City of Fairview Park and Superintendent Dr. Bill Wagner of the Fairview Park City School District will headline the event and present a joint address providing the community with a status update on the activities and accomplishments of their respective organizations.

On March 15, the residents of Fairview Park will be asked to renew the Fire Levy that helps fund the operations of the Fairview Park Fire Department.  I want to remind the community that this levy is a renewal only. A vote cast "for"  the renewal would help to continue the support that our department needs in order to provide you with the professional services that you have come to expect. 

Originally established in the late 1970s, the levy was created to provide and maintain fire and medical apparatus, department buildings, and firefighter and paramedic staffing.  The cost of the 1 mill  levy renewal will continue to be approximately $37 per year for a home value of $150,000. 

If you live, work or conduct business in Rocky River, you won't want to miss a very special luncheon program of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 24 at the Westwood Country Club. At the luncheon, Mayor Pam Bobst will present the 2016 State of the City address. The Mayor will discuss: The financial state of the city, Current and future capital projects, the latest news on Rocky River business districts, and Investment throughout the community.

The City’s process to convert to RITA from CCA for municipal income tax administration continues. The CCA transaction volume is winding down, while the RITA activity is ramping up.  As of February 16, access to the RITA electronic filing services was not yet available, but it is expected to come online as other steps in the conversion process are completed. 

All transactions should be made to RITA.  Estimated payments for 2015 and 2016 may be made to RITA.

This report is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters.  Mayor Bobst's office prepares official minutes.

Topics discussed were proposed RTA service cuts and fare increases although ridership is up.  A meeting is planned for February 23 to discuss consolidating fire services in WCOG.  It was noted that ambulances now in use provide many more services and capabilities than in the past.

The Fairview Park Democratic Club will kick off election year 2016 on Thursday, January 7 at 7 p.m. in Fairview Park City Hall's Dunson Room.

Judge John Russo, Administrative Judge of the Common Pleas Court, will address the highlights of the challenges facing the judicial system today. We will also discuss the results of the recent Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting and endorsements for the 2016 elections.  

The City of Rocky River has adopted a snow ban requirement that prohibits parking on city streets when snow is in excess of two inches of accumulation.  Once snow is accumulated over two inches, no parking will be permitted on city streets.  You may briefly stop to drop off or pick up persons or items at a residence.  Please note that once a snow ban prohibiting parking on all city streets is initiated, it will continue until weather conditions permit the parking ban to cease.

The National Defense Political Action Committee, unequivocally and without reservation, endorses Mike Dovilla to represent the 24th Ohio Senate District, which is comprised of 28 suburban communities in Cuyahoga County in the greater Cleveland area. Dovilla is a patriot dedicated to the service of his Nation and State.

National Defense PAC National Chairman, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Jim Carey, stated, “Mike Dovilla is exactly the caliber of military veteran that NDPAC seeks to support for elected office.

This report is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters; Mayor Sutherland’s office prepares official minutes, which are posted on Bay Village’s website.

RTA (Sutherland):  There will be an election for representation of mayors on the RTA board.

NOACA (Sutherland):  There will be no meeting until mid December.

 During his more than 18 years as a Common Pleas Court Judge, Mr. McGinty consistently ran one of the county’s most efficient criminal and civil dockets. In 2011, McGinty left the bench to run for and become Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. 

He will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, in Fairview Park City Hall's Dunson Room. Mr. McGinty will address the changes he has brought to the Prosecutor's Office and discuss the highlights of his tenure.

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) has announced his candidacy to serve as state senator for the 24th Ohio Senate District, comprised of 28 suburban communities in Cuyahoga County, during the 132nd General Assembly.

“For nearly five years, I have been honored to serve the people of Cuyahoga County in the Legislature,” said Dovilla.  “Throughout the summer numerous community leaders and constituents have asked if I would consider continuing to work on their behalf by seeking our district’s Senate seat.  I am humbled by their strong support and enter this race with great confidence that we will earn that opportunity.”

State Representative Nan Baker (R-Westlake) joined the Ohio Development Services Agency in August to announce the start of the second round of the Ohio Career Exploration Internship Program. The program provides grants to certain businesses for employing high school students, which in turn help participating high school students gain valuable on-the-job experience in a field that interests them.

On May 7, I announced my candidacy for State Senator representing the 24th House District. It has been an honor to serve as State Representative at the Ohio House since 2009.  Most of my work has been focused on creating the environment to retain, create and bring jobs to Ohio.

I have chaired the Economic Development Committee over the last several years.  In this 131st General Assembly, the committee has evolved to the Economic and Workforce Development Committee as we have jobs to fill and we find our Ohioans needing the workforce skills to qualify for those jobs. 

The Fairview Park Democratic Club will welcome Mayor Eileen Patton at 7 p.m. on May 7, in the Dunson Room at  Fairview Park City Hall. Mayor Patton will be speaking on the "State of the City."  All are welcome.  For further information, contact the Club at fairviewparkdemocrats@yahoo.com.

This report is not an official LWV statement.  Mayor Sutherland’s office prepares official minutes, which are posted on Bay Village’s website.

RTA: Public Square bus stops are being relocated.  Service interruptions due to ice have been a problem.  The Board is wrapping up CEO Joseph Calabrese's periodic evaluation.

NOACA:  External Affairs is doing legislative outreach.  A lobbyist is working to obtain ODOT funds.  ODOT recently shifted $1.7 million from other Metropolitan Planning Organizations' unfinished projects to reward NOACA for proven efficiency and efficacy.  Mayor Summers noted that it is a challenge not only to put projects together, but also to complete them.

The City of Rocky River will sponsor a Taxpayer Assistance Program to help residents prepare their 2014 City Income Tax return. 

The 2015 Taxpayer Assistance Program will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, March 12, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.

Thursday , March 19,  2 p.m.-7 p.m.

Friday, March 27,  2 p.m.-7 p.m.

This report is not an official LWV statement.  Mayor Sutherland’s office prepares official minutes, which are posted on Bay Village’s website.

At the Westshore Council of Governments meeting, the following issues were discussed.

We Share:  By the end of February, Mayor Sutherland would like feedback from the communities that have been “stakeholders” in the past and those who are currently involved in this program.  These “talking points” should focus on the issues and concerns with training.  Chief Reese identified two important points:  the program has gotten away from its mission that was established over 30 years ago; the hospitals involved do not have the same goals as the cities.

This report is not an official LWV statement.  WWTP staff prepares official minutes.

Thermal Sludge Conditioning:  Sludge removal cost $185,000 in 2014.  The local farm that has taken sludge during the warm months at $17 per wet ton will stop doing so in 2015.  Alternative estimate is $22.  Microwave drying is meant for smaller plants, and the resulting product retains an odor.

This report is not an official LWV statement.  Mayor Patton's office prepares official minutes, which are posted on Fairview Park's website.

RTA:  County Council may discuss a tax increase for RTA.  Much discussion of the new Clifton Boulevard shelters.  Amenities encourage ridership.  Lakeshore Express buses will come every 10 minutes for two hours in the morning and evening.

Thank you to the voters of District 16 - Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake - for their overwhelming support to re-elect me on Election Day.  Thank you also to my campaign team for tirelessly walking door-to-door with me, making phone calls, attending festivals, walking in parades, planting yard signs and volunteering at our wonderful October Pancake Breakfast in Rocky River.

We are facing an important decision in our community and will soon be making a choice about our future.

As a result, a proposed 0.5% increase in our municipal income tax has been placed on the November ballot. This only comes after the City has cut its budget by more than 27% since 2008.

Our Frequently Asked Questions lays out the details of the tax increase and associated credit. It is important to note that the additional funds generated by the increase, estimated at $2.3 million, can only be used for capital projects and equipment purchases.

If you have the right to vote, you also have the responsibility to research.  A listing of voter education resources and links compiled by LWV - Greater Cleveland is available below.

Your Registration, Ballot, and Polling Place:  See the upper left corner of http://www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us to verify your registration, find your polling place, view your ballot, request a vote by mail application, track your ballot, register to vote, and update your address.

Vote by Mail:  If you request a Vote by Mail ballot, please use it.  If you go to the polls instead, you will have to cast a provisional ballot.

Anyone who watches election returns knows that we Americans take our right to vote for granted.  But just how fragile is that right?
 
Are you a white male landowner who's over 21 years old?  When the United States was founded, that's what it took to vote in most states.  By the Civil War, most states had removed the wealth requirement, but you still had to be male, white and, in most states, 21.
 
Are you a naturalized citizen?  You couldn't have voted until the 14th Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1868.
 
Is your skin dark?  The 15th Amendment, passed in 1870, provided that voting rights could not be abridged based on race, color or previous condition of servitude.

January 1, 2011 was the day in which a voter supported referendum designed to transform our government from a three member Board of County Commissioner structure to a County Executive and Council form of representation went into effect.  I am honored to serve you on our inaugural County Council. 

This was not the first time that I was elected to serve on an inaugural legislative body.  In 2005, I was elected to serve on the first City Council of the City of Sandy Springs, Georgia.  This experience - more importantly, the related experience of forming a new governmental structure - has proven invaluable as we forge forward in Cuyahoga County.  This experience coupled with my professional executive background has afforded me the tools necessary to effectively represent this district and county.

Cuyahoga County Director of Regional Collaboration Jennifer Scofield

Ms. Scofield spoke for most of the meeting.  She has been employed in the office of the executive since December 2010.  Previously, she served as Cuyahoga County Deputy Fiscal Officer.  Her prior experience with regional collaboration includes the County Health Alliance, LakeStat involving the Lake Erie watershed and the Cuyahoga River, and the Center for Excellence in Local Government. 

In late July, State Representative Nan Baker (R-Westlake) held a press conference in Cleveland at the OhioMeansJobs office for Cleveland-Cuyahoga County to raise awareness on job opportunities in various industries and the many resources that are available to jobseekers, including OhioMeansJobs.

Rep. Baker, along with fellow speakers, discussed the OhioMeansJobs website in detail, outlining its various functions. 

The three local Leagues of Women Voters - LWV-Cuyahoga Area, LWV-Shaker Heights, and LWV-Cleveland Area - have voted to merge, thereby forming one single League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland.  The central league now encompasses all of Cuyahoga County, with nine chapters - Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Rocky River, Westlake/North Olmsted, Cleveland Heights/University Heights, Hillcrest, Shaker Heights, and Cleveland Area.  This merger will help the organization better meet its mission of encouraging an informed and engaged electorate.

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a WCOG meeting, is not an official statement of the LWV.  Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Patton's office and posted on Fairview Park's website.

­Todd LeVeck, the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives in Ohio’s 16th State House District, announced that grass­roots organizer and retired teacher Steve Holecko has been hired to be Team LeVeck’s campaign manager.

Holecko has organized and participated in initiatives for numerous Democratic candidates and issues, dating back to the 1970s. Recently, he has served as a Neighborhood Team Leader for Organizing for America (2008 and 2012), as the leader of the Southwest Office for We Are Ohio (repeal of SB5/No on  Issue 2), and as an Ohio Delegate to the Democratic National Convention (2012). 

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is not an official statement of the LWV.  Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Patton's office and posted on Fairview Park's website.

Mayor Patton announced that WCOG minutes are now available on Fairview Park's website [under Mayor's Office].  Fire District Joint Implementation Committee minutes will also be posted.

As it has done for more than 10 years, the Fairview Park Chapter of the League of Women Voters sponsored the Youth in Government program for the junior class of Fairview Park High School.  The program, which was organized by Lorri Marginian, took place on April 8 and 9.  Its purpose is to educate and involve students in the workings of the three branches of the government: legislative, executive, and judicial at the local and county levels.  

On May 1, Fairview Park Mayor Eileen Patton will present the annual "State of the City" address at 7 p.m. to the Fairview Park Democratic Club, friends and supporters in the Dunson Room of Fairview Park City Hall, 20777 Lorain Road, parking and entrance in the rear.  

Don't miss this opportunity to learn the details of the future of Fairview Park from the Mayor herself and enjoy time for discussion and questions, as well!  

This event is free and open to interested citizens from all neighboring communities.

A Democratic Candidate's Night will be held April 3, 7 p.m., at 20777 Lorain Road,  in Fairview Park City Hall's Dunson Room. This informative evening is sponsored by West Shore Democrats, a coalition of the following groups: Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake, Westside and Stonewall Democratic Clubs. 

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is not an official statement of the LWV.  Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Patton's office.

NOACA: Mayor Sutherland and Mayor Summers are on the Board of Directors.  NOACA has $44 million in sustainable community funds for infrastructure repairs throughout the five counties included in NOACA: Lake, Geauga, Medina, Lorain and Cuyahoga. Cuyahoga County wants the funds distributed on the basis of greatest need, while the exurban counties want the funds distributed on a percentage basis.  Current estimated need is $20 billion.

I am ready to be the next Representative of the people of the 16th State House District.  I have watched for the past six years as our schools, local governments, and essential services have been slashed to pay for handouts to special interests. I am running for state representative because I know we can do much better for our schools, our communities, and the families of the 16th District.

My experience as an urban educator has made me appreciate the importance of investing in our children. My military service has taught me the importance of putting the needs of our country ahead of our personal needs. I know that leadership is about listening to people, hearing their concerns, and seeking ways to work within existing systems to find solutions, while having the courage to look “outside the box” or “across the aisle.” 

Past Chairman Mayor Sutherland updated the committee.  Ohio's Local Government Innovation Fund notified her in July 2013 that the $100,000 grant application for the Westshore Regional Fire District Phase Two Feasibility Study had been approved.  While the grant is supposed to be used by July 8, 2015, Mayor Sutherland has been assured that an extension can be sought.

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is not an official statement of the LWV.  Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Patton's office.

The Westshore Council of Governments was founded in 1971 "to foster cooperation between municipalities in all areas of municipal service."  All meetings are open to the public.  The next meeting will be March 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in the Fairview Park Gemini Center's Birch Room.

In keeping with the WWTP agreement, a 60-day study of sewage flow and strength (particle concentration) is conducted every four years to determine WWTP cost allocation among the four cities (Bay Village, Fairview Park, Rocky River, and Westlake).  The spring 2013 study, conducted by URS, was accepted by the four cities in August.  In December, Bay Village City Council questioned its allocation increase from 16.36% to 24.80%.  Bay Village engaged CT Consultants to review the URS study.  CT, URS, and the four cities' engineers reviewed CT's findings.

State Representative Nan Baker (R-Westlake) announced that she has filed her petitions to serve a fourth term in the Ohio House of Representatives.  Rep Baker was first elected to the 16th Ohio House District in 2008 and was subsequently reelected in 2010 and 2012. 

"There's an excitement to filing your petition as it will be an honor to have the opportunity to continue  to serve the constituents of Ohio House District 16, which includes Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake" Rep. Baker said. 

In 2011, Fairview Park Mayor Eileen Ann Patton had a vision. She wanted to assemble a group of residents who would encourage the community to “go green” and become more environmentally friendly. On July 27, 2011, in response to her public call for action, that vision — the Fairview Park Green Team — became a reality.

The Green Team is comprised of about a dozen Fairview Park residents, many of whom have been members since the group’s inception. Members bring to the table unique knowledge and skill sets in pursuit of one shared passion: the idea of Fairview Park becoming a greener, more sustainable community.

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is not an official statement of the LWV.  Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Patton's office.

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is not an official statement of the LWV.  Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Summers's office.

Guest: Jeff Capretto, Special Agent in Charge (SAIC), Westshore Enforcement Bureau (WEB) Narcotics Task Force

SAIC Capretto presented copies of the WEB Narcotics Task Force's most recent (2012) annual report, detailing prosecuted cases, drug and prescription medication seizures, other activities of the WEB drug unit, and activities of the Westshore Young Leaders, a WEB-sponsored network dedicated to preventing substance abuse "through collaborative problem solving and leadership development."

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters.

Mr. Denihan gave a brief history of mental health services.  The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 provided federal funding for mental health centers.  With a philosophy of placing people in the "least restrictive environment," it led to deinstitutionalization of large numbers of people with mental health problems; unfortunately, "the money never followed the people."  Medicaid covers only seven of 25 essential services for this population, and in general only for 90 days.  Mayor Summers noted that on day 91, some people end up on the street.

Researchers in the 2012 presidential campaign discovered that simply asking people what time of day they plan to vote and what route they plan to drive makes it more likely they will follow through.

Whether you're a Red, Blue, or United Stater, take a moment to visualize heading to the polls on your way to work ... stopping by at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. to avoid the crowd ... doing your patriotic duty on the way home ... sitting down today to fill out that vote-by-mail ballot.

Whether you're a D, R, or I voter, take a moment to picture the difference Your Candidate will make -- and the difference That Other Person might make if you fail to cast your deciding vote in this close election.

It's the Made in America thing to do.  Please say, "Yes I can!"

It has been an honor to serve the West Shore Community over the last 18 years.  Since I started in 1996, the Rocky River Municipal Court has become one of the most well-respected courts in Ohio.  Much of that is directly related to the advancements that I have been directly involved in such as installing a state-of-the art computer system, installing an imaging system so all of our documents are available real-time on our website where ePayments have been the norm for 10 years.  E-Filing has been in use for the last four years and we are currently upgrading that service to be even more user friendly.  Being the keeper of the Court Record, we continue to implement the latest technology as it becomes available to insure that all records are kept accurately and completely.

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is the second in a new series by members of the League of Women Voters - Cuyahoga Area. It is not an official statement of the LWV.

The Westshore Council of Governments was founded in 1971 "to foster cooperation between municipalities in all areas of municipal service." The mayors of the six WCOG cities meet on the second Tuesday of the month, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at the Lakewood Women's Pavilion. Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Summers' office. All meetings are open to the public.

Can you name your Clerk of Court? Many residents are unaware of who their clerk is and what function she or he performs. Many municipalities have appointed clerks, but the Rocky River Clerk of Court is an elected position.

I am currently serving the citizens of Cuyahoga County as an assistant bailiff in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Kristin W. Sweeney. It is in this capacity that I have learned just how vital the clerk position is to the operation of the court. A wrong order could result in garnishment of wages or liens on property or assets. Untimely-filed documents could result in dismissals of important cases. These are issues that most people don’t think about until they are directly affected. These are issues that are important to me.

Prepared by Conda Boyd, Sue Fink and Susan Murnane, LWV observers, Bay Village Chapter

This report, which contains observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the WCOG, is the first in a new series by members of the League of Women Voters, Cuyahoga Area. It is not an official statement of the LWV.

The Westshore Council of Governments was founded in 1971 "to foster cooperation between municipalities in all areas of municipal service." The mayors of the six WCOG cities meet on the second Tuesday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Lakewood Women's Pavilion. Official minutes are prepared by Mayor Summers' office. All meetings are open to the public.

The Rockport Observer welcomes discussions about issues that have an impact on our community in our Forum section.  One such subject is the idea of merging westside fire departments.  This has been covered by our sister paper Westlake/Bay Village Observer since April of 2012, and we are pleased to now join in the discussion.

This piece is from a League of Women Voters forum called "Regionalism:  What is it? -- Evaluating Proposed Fire District Mergers."

We are publishing notes from the most recent meeting, which was hosted at the Fairview Park Library, and facilitated by Janice Patterson of the Westlake-North Olmsted Chapter, League of Women Voters-Cuyahoga Area.  Articles submitted by Conda Boyd of the Bay Village Chapter.