Journal
Olive Street Speedway 🏁
Recently there was some discussion online about drivers speeding on Olive Street. The comments were filled the usual litany of solutions: speed signs, stop signs, speed bumps, increased police presence…
Parks Commission May Meeting
The Parks Commission will meet Wednesday morning, May 1 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Some Good News for Grove Hill Park
There have been a few developments since Wednesday’s meeting of the Grove Hill Park Commission. Thanks to your support, it’s looking a little more likely that Grove Hill Park will be built this year.
More Delays for Grove Hill Park
The Grove Hill Park Commission met this morning, where it was announced by Chair Nancy Rogoff that bids for the remaining work to repair the Cottage Street retaining wall and planting to stabilize the adjacent hillsides would not be released until June of this year. Plans for this work were developed, approved, and budgeted for 2023. Part of the wall repair work was completed in the fall of 2023, until it stopped due to the weather.
Village Council Late April Meeting
Village Council will meet Monday evening, April 22 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Safety Committee April Meeting
The Safety Committee will meet Monday evening, April 22 at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Early April Meeting
Village Council will meet Monday evening, April 8 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Committee of the Whole Council April Meeting
The Committee of the Whole Council will meet Monday evening, April 8 at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
This is a special meeting to review the 2024 budget.
Parks Commission April Meeting
The Parks Commission will meet Wednesday morning, April 3 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Late March Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, March 25 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Facilities & Services Committee March Meeting
The Facilities & Services Committee met Monday evening, March 25 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Early March Meeting
Village Council will meet Monday evening, March 11 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Committee of the Whole Council March Meeting
The Committee of the Whole Council will meet Monday evening, March 11 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
This is a special meeting to review the 2024 budget.
Parks Commission March Meeting
The Parks Commission met this morning and discussed a number of current and future projects. There’s a lot to look forward to! I’ve omitted some details to keep this from getting too long, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Village Council Special February Meeting & Public Hearing
Council will meet Wednesday evening, February 28 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
This is a special meeting to review the January 23, 2024 decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals in approving a variance to the following section to allow an in-ground swimming pool to be located in the side yard at 103 Ridgewood Road.
Village Council Late February Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening. We had a fairly light agenda with just a few items of legislation.
Safety Committee February Meeting
The Safety Committee will meet Monday evening, February 26 at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Early February Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, February 12 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Facilities & Services Committee February Meeting
The Facilities & Services Committee met Monday evening, February 12 at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Parks Commission February Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning, February 7 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Committee of the Whole Council January Meeting
The Committee of the Whole Council met Monday evening, January 29 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
This is a special meeting to discuss Carriage Stone Sidewalks.
Village Council Late January Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening. We had a fairly light agenda with just three items on the legislative docket:
- An ordinance authorizing the mayor to increase from 26 to 52 the number of parking spaces leased from Valley Lutheran Church through May 2024, in order to offset the loss of some pakring during the Main Street Bridge project. Passed 7-0.
- An ordinance authorizing the mayor to hire Falls & Co. for marketing and communications related to the Main Street Bridge project. Passed 7-0.
- An ordinance amending Chapter 953 regarding fees, charges, and administrative natters for burials in the Village, the full text of which can be viewed at codes.forchagrin.com.* Passed 7-0.
* the unofficial copy of village ordinances that I maintain
Carriage Stone and Ridgewood Crashes Compared
After the last Streets & Sidewalks meeting, the Police Department provided Council with vehicle crash reports occurring on or near Carriage Stone, going back to 2000. It was interesting, but it was hard to draw any conclusions from it without anything to compare it to. So I requested the same data from Ridgewood Drive. I chose Ridgewood because it has a similar profile – a 25 mph residential street with deep lots, and frequently used as a cut through between Bell and Washington Streets.
Village Council Early January Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, January 8 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Parks Commission January Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning, January 3 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Organizational Meeting
Village Council met Tuesday evening, January 2 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Late December Meeting
The second December meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council has been canceled.
Village Council Early December Meeting
Village Council will meet Monday evening, December 11 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Streets & Sidewalks Committee November Meeting
The Streets & Sidewalks Committee met Monday evening, December 11 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall to hear an update on the Carriage Stone/Monticello Sidewalk project.
Parks Commission December Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning and discussed a number of past and future initiatives.
Village Council Late November Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, November 27 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Utilities Committee November Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, November 27 at 6:45 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Early November Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, November 13 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Safety Committee November Meeting
We had a full house at the Safety Committee meeting last night. It was great to see so many interested folks come out to share their experiences and thoughts about walking, rolling, and driving through our downtown. I was relieved to see that the energy in the room was very positive, and lots of great ideas were discussed.
Village Council Special November Meeting
Village Council will met Monday evening, November 13 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. We’ll be discussing some possible organizational changes and preparing for the coming year.
Utilities Committee November Meeting
The Utilities Committee met November 2 and heard updates from the Utilities Department on operating performance, the status of 2023 projects, and potential priorities for 2024.
Parks Commission November Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning, November 1 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Yesterday’s Crash at East Orange, North, and Mill Streets
I’d been working on a follow-up post to my analysis of the intersection at Orange north and Mill Street. I stopped to watch traffic a few times and take video of some of what I’ve seen since July, when the village made some changes. The conclusion I reached so far is that – while cutting back the overgrowth at the northeast corner has improved visibility for drivers and walkers – driver behavior has not really changed for the better. Many drivers are still speeding through this area, not using turn signals, not stopping at the sign, and rolling straight into the crosswalk. All four of these videos were during a five-minute period around lunch time. Only one driver came to a complete stop, and from what I’ve seen I believe it only gets worse during rush periods.
Village Council Late October Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, October 23 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. There were four items of note on the legislative docket.
The first, Ordinance 2023-60, clarifies that sales of goods or services of any kind are prohibited on village property unless part of otherwise approved event. We’ll also take a first look at three amendments to the village charter that might be put in front of voters in the March primary election:
- Ordinance 2023-63 increases the threshold when public bidding is required from $50,000.00 to $75,000.00 and amends the charter to give council the ability to set this amount in the future.
- Ordinance 2023-62 updated the way that ordinances and resolutions are publicy posted to include the village website as the default.
- Ordinance 2023-61 expands the Architectural Board of Review to five members from three, with the two new members chosen by council.
Check out the links above for the full text of the ordinances at codes.forchagrin.com.
Parks Commission Special October Meeting
The Parks Commission met Tuesday morning, October 10 at 8:30 am in Riverside Park. We walked the park and reviewed potential locations for a new pavilion. After a few stops and a lot of discussion, we settled on a site near the east end of the park with a great view of the entire park. I like it because it hits almost every point on my wish list:
- It’s clearly visible from almost anywhere in the park
- It’s not too close to the homes on Orange Street
- It can be connected to the existing brick path path
- It should have minimal impact on the Blossom Time festival
We agreed that the pavilion should be large enough to accommodate four picnic tables, two of which should be wheelchair accessible. Using an estimate of the table dimensions and recommended spacing, we think the structure will be roughly 21 × 21 feet.
Village Council Early October Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, October 9 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. The attendance was noted, and Mr. Gutierrez’s absence was approved.
The first administrative report delivered the sad news of the passing of retired police officer Jay Murtaugh, who had served in Chagrin Falls and Cleveland. The police department had previously held a fundraiser for Jay when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and the funds raised were used to establish the John Murtaugh Benevolent Association Fund. On a more positive note, the Dogwood Garden Club presented a contribution of $11,000 to cover the costs of this year’s hanging baskets.
Parks Commission October Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning, October 4 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall. We discussed plans for holiday lighting, the Riverside Park Pavilion, dog park turf, peddling in parks, and River Walk Trail signs.
Village Council Late September Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, September 25 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. beginning with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. After taking attendance, the council proceeded to approve the minutes from previous meetings. Moving on to administrative reports, the mayor presented two proclamations to students who had developed a web-based site for the Shade Tree Commission. The mayor expressed gratitude for their efforts, and the council members congratulated the students and commended their work. The council then provided updates on various committee reports, including finance, safety, planning and zoning, and more.
Facilities & Services Committee September Meeting
The Facilities & Services Committee met Monday evening, September 25 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. The meeting was called to order with Council Members Andrew Rocky, Angie DiBernardo, and Brian Drum in attendance. The agenda included two items for discussion: the Kimball contract extension for trash collection and the Grove Hill Park Plan.
Village Council Early September Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, September 11 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Parks Commission September Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning, September 6 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Late August Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, August 28 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Safety Committee August Meeting
The Safety Committee met Monday evening, August 28 at 6:45 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. The meeting began with attendance being taken, and a discussion was held regarding proposed safety improvements to South Main Street. The police department presented a map outlining areas with line of sight issues and recommended certain parking restrictions from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Grove Hill Park Commission August Meeting
The Grove Hill Park Commission met Wednesday morning, August 23 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
2023 Election Interview with Sue Reid
Will you be seeking re-election this fall and why – or why not?
Yes, I’ll be on the ballot again this fall. After two years on council I felt like I was just getting the hang of it.
Riverside Park Interview with Matt Leavitt
On Aug 3, 2023, at 10:35 AM, Matt Leavitt wrote:
Hi Brian,
I was just going to ask you a few questions about the items on the park agenda.
I was wondering if the fake coyotes have been installed at Riverside Park and if they have been are they working to keep the geese away?
Are the other 2 improvements to Riverside Park, are they going to be done after the playground is constructed? Or are they being done now? How many picnic tables and will there be a new pavilion also?
I saw that in the agenda that there was a discussion about donations for improvements to River Run Park. Are those donations for the park itself or for the baseball field renovations. If for the park, what other improvements would be done to the park itself? Also are the baseball fields still on track to being renovated this fall?
Thanks so much,
Matt
Village Council Early August Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, August 14 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Crosswalk Safety Interview with Sue Reid
On Aug 9, 2023, at 4:39 PM, Sue Reid wrote:
Hi Brian: If you can answer the following by mid to end of day this Friday, that would be wonderful.
- In recent history, what has been your committee’s area of focus when it comes to crosswalk safety specifically? How high is it on your priorities?
- What changes/recommendations have your committee made that have increased safety measures at crosswalks?
- What do you see as challenges in this area?
- In light of Monday’s accident, what may your committee look into moving forward that may serve to mitigate these types of incidences? Will you put a greater emphasis on a certain area downtown?
- How does Monday’s accident illustrate the issues facing your committee (i.e. balancing a walkable community with safety).
- Are there specific crosswalks in town that carry a greater danger than others in your committee’s view?
Thank you Brian
Sue Reid CVT
Streets & Sidewalks Committee August Meeting
The Streets & Sidewalks Committee met Thursday evening, August 10 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall to hear an update on the Carriage Stone/Monticello Sidewalk project.
Parks Commission August Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning, August 2 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Grove Hill Park Commission July Meeting
The Grove Hill Park Commission met Wednesday morning, July 28 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Utilities Committee July Meeting
The Streets & Sidewalks Committee met Thursday evening, August 10 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall to hear a status update of utility services, projects, and initiatives.
Village Council Late July Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, July 24 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Early July Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, July 10 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Safety Committee July Meeting
The Safety Committee met Monday night. Members Erinn Grube, Don Gutierrez, and I were in attendance along with village CAO Rob Jamieson, Police Department Lt. Jason Weiskopf, and Council President Angie DeBernardo.
Grove Hill Park Commission June Meeting
The Grove Hill Park Commission met Wednesday morning, June 28 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Late June Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, June 26 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Early June Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, June 12 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. I’m still working on a recap.
Safety Committee June Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, June 12 at 6:45 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall. I’m still working on a recap.
An Analysis of the Intersection of East Orange, North, and Mill Streets
This is the intersection of East Orange, North, and Mill Streets in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The speed limit on all three streets is 25 mph. There is a single crosswalk on Mill Street connecting the eastern sidewalk on North Street to the south (and only) sidewalk on Mill Street. This sidewalk flows uninterrupted to the southern sidewalk on East Orange Street. Within 500 feet of this intersection you’ll find a library, a church, a preschool, a village park, a walking trail, an arboretum, the Chagrin River, and about a dozen residences. We are reviewing this intersection in response to residents’ concerns regarding the safety of the pedestrian crosswalk and the intersection in general. We also anticipate increased vehicle traffic at this intersection during the pending Main Street bridge construction.
Parks Survey Interview with Sue Reid
On Jun 7, 2023, at 2:49 PM, Sue Reid wrote:
Hi Brian: Can you answer the following at your earliest convenience or prior to this weekend?
Thank you, Sue
- What do you see as the overall goal of a community survey when it comes to the village’s parks?
- In developing the survey, what types of input generally are you seeking?
- How do you see this survey furthering/enhancing the development of a Park strategic plan?
Grove Hill Park Commission May Meeting
The Grove Hill Park Commission met Wednesday morning, May 31 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Late May Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, May 22 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Village Council Early May Meeting
Village Council met Monday evening, May 8 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
Clean Up Grove Hill Park
The Grove Hill Park Committee, in cooperation with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the Chagrin Falls Parks Commission, and the Village of Chagrin Falls administration, hosted a clean-up event of the new Grove Hill Park site.
Parks Commission May Meeting
The Parks Commission met Wednesday morning. After approving the minutes from April, we reviewed park event applications, followed up on some old business, and heard about some new efforts to improve village baseball facilities.
Streets & Sidewalks Committee April Meeting
The committee met at the intersection of Greenbriar Drive and Greenhaven Drive for a tour of Greenbrier Storm Water Management System.
Grove Hill Park Commission April Meeting
The Grove Hill Park Commission met Wednesday morning, April 26 at 8:30 am in Council Chambers at Village Hall. At this meeting I hope to hear an update on the necessary maintenance and repairs to the WPA wall, final plans for a community clean-up day, and continued progress on the proposed design of the park, signage, and donor recognition.
Finance Committee April Meeting
The Finance Committee met to discuss the creation of a village donation policy.
Village Council Early April Meeting
Village Council met last night and voted on a couple of issue impacting Riverside Park.
Riverside Park Pavilion Location Interview with Sue Reid
This morning the Parks Commission voted to recommend a location for the new pavilion in Riverside Park. I suggested a couple of locations, neither of which were chosen, and Sue Reid of the Chagrin Valley Times reached out for comment.
Parks Commission April Meeting
We had a full agenda for Wednesday’s meeting, including two park event applications, multiple proposed park projects, and a decision on the Riverside pavilion location.
Facilities & Services Committee April Meeting
The Facilities & Services Committee met with DWA Recreation Sales Associate Taylor Kolanko to finalize the proposed design for the playground in Riverside Park.
Village Council Late March Meeting
Regular meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council. We have a full legislative docket with a total of nine ordinances:
Grove Hill Park Commission March Meeting
It’s been five months since the commission last met and over two and a half years since the village received the property at the corner of North Main & West Cottage. During that time very little progress has been made on the pocket park that was promised.
With the first quarter nearly over and the 2023 village projects and budget set I don’t expect much will change this year, other than some repairs to the WPA wall and decorative planting to help hide the mess.
I think the lack of progress can be attributed in large part to the way that the Grove Hill Park Commission has been run to date. These are the changes I’d like to see the commission make so we’re not in the same situation in 2024.
Village Council Early March Meeting
Village Council Monday for the first time in March. After voting to approve the four park events recommended by the Parks Commission we moved on to the legislative docket.
Committee of the Whole Council March Meeting
Special meeting of the Committee of the Whole Council to review the 2023 capital improvement projects (pp. 17–19).
Parks Commission March Meeting
The Parks Commission met on Wednesday. On the agenda were three new park even applications, a proposal with four options for the shelter in Riverside Park, continuing discussion of a master plan for village parks, and a request for artificial turf in River Run Dog Park.
Food Truck Ban Interview with Sue Reid
Last night village council passed Ordinance 2023-04 by a vote of six to one, with the lone dissent coming from me. Sue Reid of the Chagrin Valley Times reached out for comment and this was my reply.
Village Council Late February Meeting
Regular meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council.
Facilities & Services Committee February Meeting
The Facilities & Services Committee met to discuss next steps for the new playground in Riverside Park.
Parks Commission Special February Meeting
The Parks Commission held a special meeting to consider a park event application from Valley Art Center.
Committee of the Whole Council February Meeting
Special meeting of the Committee of the Whole Council to review the 2023 village budget.
Village Council Early February Meeting
Regular meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council.
Streets & Sidewalks Committee February Meeting
The Streets & Sidewalks Committee met to discuss the next steps in addressing residents’ concerns about sidewalks becoming unsafe when snow is not cleared or worse – piled up by careless plow operators.
Utilities Committee February Meeting
The Utilities Committee met to review 2022 capital projects and discuss the 2023 capital projects plan, including the next phase of improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and a proposed solar installation to augment the power supplied to that faciility.
Riverside Playground Vendor Concept Displays February Public Open House
Members of the public were invited to Village Hall from 6:00 to 7:00pm to view and leave feedback on the five proposed designs for a new playground in Riverside Park.
Parks Commission February Meeting
The Parks Commission met for the first time in 2023. After approving the minutes from our last meeting – held November 2, 2022 – we reviewed a couple of park event applications; an Easter sunrise service in Riverside Park and the Rubber Duck Race Over The Falls in May.
Village Council Late January Meeting
Regular meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council.
Village Council Early January Meeting
Village Council held its first regular meeting of the year on Monday, January 9 2023. On the agenda is Riverside Park Playground RFP next steps, and legislation regarding food trucks, left-hand turns from River Street onto Main Street, and cemetery rules and fees.
Parks Commission January Meeting
The January meeting of the Parks Commission was canceled.
Village Council Organizational Meeting
Chagrin Falls Village Council met for our organizational meeting, which takes place on the first business day of each year. During this meeting we elect the President and President Pro Tem and assign committee and commission memberships.
Board of Zoning Appeals December Meeting
The December meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals was canceled due to a lack of business.
Village Council Late December Meeting
The second December meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council was canceled.
Grove Hill Park Commission Interview with Sue Reid
At this week’s council meeting I voiced my frustration about the abrupt cancelation of the Grove Hill Park Commission’s November, December, January, and February (!) meetings. Chagrin Valley Times reporter Sue Reid contacted me for additional comments, and the following was my reply.
Village Council Early December Meeting
Regular meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council.
Parks Commission December Meeting
The December meeting of the Parks Commission was canceled.
Joint Meeting of Council & Architectural Board of Review
Historical preservation of buildings and design guideline updates
Grove Hill Park Commission November Meeting
The November meeting of the Grove Hill Park Commission – which had been on the calendar since October 26 and was announced at the Council meeting on November 28 – was canceled without explanation at 4:36 the night before it was to take place.
Village Council Late November Meeting
Regular meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council.
Village Council Early November Meeting
Regular meeting of the Chagrin Falls Village Council.
Grove Hill Park Commission October Meeting
The Grove Hill Park Commission met this morning.
Grove Hill Park Commission September Meeting
The Grove Hill Park Commission met this morning
Parks Inventory Interview with Sue Reid
I recently proposed that the Parks Commission create an inventory of all the amenties in our parks, to be included in the upcoming village website redesign. Chagrin Valley Times reporter Sue Reid wrote to me asking for more information. The following was my reply.
Zoning Amendments Interview with Barbara Christian
In response to an upcoming piece of legislation amending the zoning ordinances, Chagrin Valley Times reporter Barbara Christian reached out with questions regarding the phrase “unreasonable or an abuse of discretion”. The following was my reply.
Parking Structure Interview with Barbara Christian
The Chagrin Valley Times recently ran a Facebook poll asking “Is it time Chagrin Falls look into building a parking deck/garage?” and reporter Barbara Christian followed up with the same question for Village Council members and administration. The following was my reply.