Cemetery Commission

Council approved the mayor’s nomination of Ben Brigeman to the Cemetery Commission, filling the vacancy left by the passing of Larry Trace.

Park Events

Council approved applications from the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and Popcorn Ball Committee for the Festival of Trees, Lighting of the Greens, Holiday Displays, and New Year’s Eve Popcorn Ball Drop.

2024 Accomplishments

• At the intersection of East Orange, North, and Mill Streets vegetation was cleared to improve visibility between drivers and people entering the crosswalk. New illuminated stop and pedestrian crossing signs were installed, and – as a result of the bridge closures – an all-way stop was created.
• At the intersection of Bellview and South Main Streets the stop bar was restored to full width as Bellview is one-way eastbound at that point.
• On Washington Street across from Senlac Hills Drive two&company have installed a proper curb, driveway apron, and sidewalk along the entire frontage as part of the development of their new café, which I appreciate a great deal.

Village Budget

The village budget for 2025 is nearly complete and a meeting of the Committee of the Whole will be scheduled during the first week of November to review. The budget will remain on readings for the November 11, November 25, and December 9 meeting of Council. If all goes according to plan it will be passed on December 9 and the village will start the new fiscal year with an approved budget for the first time in ages. (Possibly ever? If you know the answer, please share.)

Sidewalks

Rob Jamieson shared that the 2024 sidewalk program is underway, with approximately 700 linear feet of sidewalk being replaced in the Senlac Hills neighborhood.

He also said that for 2025 the Streets & Service Department will conduct a village-wide sidewalk assessment to identify damaged or unsafe areas in need of replacement. They have found a new source for sandstone slabs, and are updating the cost-sharing policy for homeowners who want to maintain that historic material.

If you have concerns about specific areas please let me know and I will make sure they are included on this list.

2025 Budget

The Finance Director is preparing a rough draft of the 2025 budget – it should be ready by the end of the week. The Administration & Finance Committee has scheduled a meeting to review it on October 28 at 6:30 pm. The entire council will review it at a Committee of the Whole meeting to be scheduled in early November.

Grove Hill Park

Erinn is waiting on Rob to schedule an on-site Facilities & Services Committee meeting for a walk-thru of the property.

Jaycees Events

The Chagrin Valley Jaycees plan once again to host Oktubafest on Saturday, October 26 in Triangle park. Deck the Falls will return on December 7 and 14 from 11:00 to 3:00. We voted to recommend both events and they will be presented to Council on October 14.

Riverside Playground

I again suggested that we add benches along the northeast side so there is somewhere to sit with sight lines of the play area for older kids. Rob Jamieson confirmed that those will be added to the budget for 2025. John Brockway mentioned that the turtle sculpture and an additional trash can will return to the east end as soon as a concrete pad can be poured, possibly this year but more likely next.