September 2, 2010

Building Department Update

• Plans have been approved for the interior renovation of the GetGo store located on West 130^th Street. 

• A permit was issued for an interior alteration for Diamond Wheel & Fabricating on York Road. 

• The Building Commissioner met with North Royalton School Board Officials in contemplation of a proposal to install new bleachers on the west side of the football stadium at the High School.  No definitive start date at this time. 

• We also are reviewing two more house plans for new homes.

August 25, 2010

2010 Fall Oral Rabies
Vaccination Program
For more information click here

To help slow the westward migration of raccoon-strain rabies in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is once again partnering with local health departments to conduct a program to distribute an oral rabies vaccine (ORV) to help immunize wild raccoons against the virus.  This baiting operation typically includes all of the counties along the entire eastern border of Ohio, along with counties in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  The purpose of the routine fall ORV baiting is to maintain the 25-mile-wide immune barrier along Ohio’s borders with Pennsylvania and West Virginia. All or parts of 14 counties, including the eastern half of Cuyahoga County, will be baited during the Fall ORV Program.  Approximately 772,686 fish meal polymer baits will be distributed by hand, by helicopter and by fixed-wing aircraft throughout these counties. 

ODH has advised that local health department and Cleveland Metroparks staff will be asked to distribute nearly 61,000 baits throughout Cuyahoga County by hand.  The vaccine will be inside hard, brown fishmeal blocks that are 2-x-2 inches in size. The ground baiting will commence in Cuyahoga County on August 31^st and should take between 6 to 8 days to complete depending on weather conditions.  The ground baiting schedule for communities in Cuyahoga County is provided in the attachment titled
“2010 Fall Oral Rabies Vaccination Program Info.” Prior to initiating baiting each morning, someone from our office will contact the Service Department and the Police Dispatcher in each community to be baited that day.

Building Department Update

• We have received plans for an interior renovation of the GetGo store located on West 130^th Street and also an interior renovation for a proposed restaurant “Royalton Place” located on Royalton Road. 

• Plans were approved for Westshore Pizza located in the plaza near West 130^th Street and Albion Road. 

• Inspections were performed for the new bleachers at the North Royalton High School Football Stadium.  The bleachers needed to be completed for the upcoming football game on Friday, August 27^th.

Office on Aging News

Friday, October 22, 2010 is Flu Shot Day at the North Royalton Senior Center. Please mark your calendar. We will be taking appointments for Flu Shot Day on Monday, September 13, 2010.

August 18, 2010

City of North Royalton has purchased the Avalon Event Center for the future
home of the North Royalton YMCA

The facility, located at 11409 State Road (corner of Wallings and State roads), will feature an indoor pool and state-of-the-art exercise equipment and will host dozens of programs for families, adults, children, teens and senior citizens.

“The best part is we will be able to bring this beautiful facility to town without raising taxes,” said Mayor Robert Stefanik, who has been in negotiations with the YMCA for months on the project.

Officials are working toward a groundbreaking in fall 2010.

The Avalon opened in 2001 with black-tie fanfare, but creditors forced it into involuntary bankruptcy in 2004. Citizens Bank of Flint, Mich. bought the property, which had a listed value of $2.9 million.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding North Royalton has reached with the Y, the city will own the building and the YMCA will renovate, expand and operate it. The YMCA offers a number of exercise classes, aquatics programs, Y Adventure programs and youth sports including basketball, T-ball and flag football. There will also be a teen center, childcare facilities and a summer camp program.

The YMCA is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to renovate and equip the building. As a result of the city’s contribution, North Royalton residents will receive a discount on initiation and monthly membership fees.

August 17, 2010

North Royalton Cares Program 

The program was started this year to benefit needy children in the North Royalton school system who were in need of school supplies. Thanks to the wonderful kind spirit and community outreach on the part of so many North Royalton residents we had a huge response. We were able to fill all our requests from parents who needed help with supplies for their children.  

If there are more parents who are in need of this kind of help for their children, please call the Office on Aging/Human Services at 440-582-6333. There is an application to complete and proof of residency with a utility bill and ID card. 

At this time we wish to thank Dan Langshaw, North Royalton School Board member, Ed Vittardi, Superintendent of North Royalton Schools,Don and Pat Harris, volunteer coordinators for our North Royalton Food Bank for all their help in making this program so successful. In addition, we wish to thank all the volunteers who helped pack the bags of supplies.

Building Department Update

• From August 11, 2010 until August 17, 2010 we have issued one new home permit.  This home is on Bentley Drive in the Villas of Worthington Subdivision.
   

• We continue to be very active with the various building construction throughout the City, both residential and commercial.
   

• We anticipate in the very near future, 2 proposals for building additions located in the Industrial Park.
   

• The Building Department has received plans for interior remodeling of Jadco Construction Services located in the Industrial Park.

August 16, 2010

Royalton Road/W. 130^th Street
Intersection Improvements

FINAL PAVEMENT SCHEDULE

Beginning on August 19, 2010, Karvo Paving will begin milling the roadway pavement and placing a leveling course across the limits of the project.  This work is expected to occur on August 20, 2010, also.

ALL WORK TO BE COMPLETED FROM 7:30PM until 6:00AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

• The week of August 23, 2010 will involve Karvo Paving adjusting castings and structures in the roadway to final grade.  Lane closures are expected.

• Beginning on August 27, 2010, Karvo Paving will begin placing the final pavement surface course along the project.  This will also be performed from 7:30PM until 6:00AM

• All of this schedule is weather dependent.  Turning restrictions may be removed during these phases.

Note:  Traffic delays in the following areas (listed below) are envisioned.

Traffic will be altered on Royalton Road, W. 130^th Street and Edgerton Road, and signal patterns will be altered for the duration of construction.

Questions regarding this improvement project should be directed to the Construction Department at the Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office.

Messages will be received at (216) 348-3838

August 11, 2010

SERVICE DEPARTMENT REMINDER
TO ALL RESIDENTS

Recycle Yard Hours are Saturdays only, from 8:00AM to 3:00PM... 

On Saturday, August 21st, we begin the second "Household Hazardous Waste" collection for 2010 which will run through Saturday, September 18th.  Residents may dispose of items in this category by dropping off at the recycle yard.  Some examples are as follows:

Oven cleaner          Oil-based paint                 Metal Polish

Medications            Flea and tick powder         Pool Chemicals

Spot remover          Turpentine                      Furniture Polish

Drain cleaner           Batteries                        Household cleaners  

*Fluorescent Tube Bulbs: Are no longer disposed of through regular trash pickup and are not collected at the recycle yard.  If you have any tube bulbs, you may take them directly to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds (Bagley Rd in Berea), on Saturday, September 25th from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

*Compact Fluorescent Bulbs: Residents may dispose of any expired, unbroken compact bulbs at any Home Depot store "returns" desk. 

*Scrap Tire Round-Up: Collection continues through October 2, 2010.  Residents may drop off tires at the recycle yard, they must be removed from the rims. 

*Televisions: Are a difficult and costly item to recycle.  One option to consider other than disposing of tv's with the weekly trash, Best Buy stores will recycle tv's, UP TO 32", for a $10 fee.  In exchange, you receive a $10 Best Buy gift card.  Check out www.bestbuy.com/recycling 

*Shredding: On the first Saturday of each month, SHRED-IT offers general document shredding from 9:00AM-12:00PM at a cost of $4.00 per box.  SHRED-IT is located at 5480 Cloverleaf Pkwy #7, Cleveland, 44125.  For more info, call 440-243-8500.    

POLICE DEPARTMENT
UPDATE

We have recently had burglaries committed at our apartment complexes on lower levels by cutting screens and entering through unlocked windows.  All residents are reminded to keep your homes locked when you are away for any length of time. 

And ANOTHER warning to lock your vehicles!!  We have had numerous vehicles entered and ransacked this summer; all have been left unlocked by the owner.  Don’t make it easy on the thieves.  Lock your homes and cars.

Chesapeake Regional Detention Basin

All bids have been submitted!

This project is one of the few remaining projects to be completed to help alleviate flooding within the City of North Royalton.  The scope is to construct a regional detention basin that will be owned and maintained by the City of North Royalton to relieve storm flows in the Chesapeake Subdivision area near York Road. 

The bids were read aloud at 11:00AM at City Hall on August 5, 2010.  The lowest and best bid submitted (a total of 6 were submitted) was from DiGioia-Suburban Excavating, LLC at $173,905.45, and the estimated cost was $225,000.  This is great news and a big cost savings!  Before work can begin, City Council will have to accept the bid by legislation, and then contracts signed.  Work is expected to take approximately 60 days and should be completed before Thanksgiving. 

Building Department Update 

From August 4, 2010 until August 10, 2010 we have issued one new home permit.  The new house will be located on Wallings Road just west of Forestwood Drive.

The Building Department has received proposals for an interior renovation for Diamond Wheel & Fabricating and an interior renovation for Classic Motorcycle & Sidecar both on York Road. 

We also received plans for the new tenant Westshore Pizza located at the plaza on West 130^th Street and Albion Road. 

We are presently still very active with residential inspections as a result of the 28 permits issued for new home starts this year and we anticipate additional new home starts for the remainder of this year. 

Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside of each sleeping area.

Follow the manufacturer's directions, and test once a week. Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector chirps to signal that the battery is dead.

Don't ever take the battery out for other uses!

August 9, 2010
 

September 7, 2010 Primary
Election Information
(pdf document)

August 5, 2010

Cooking Safety 

Each year, we respond to homes for “burnt food” on stove. The resident has left cooking food unattended to answer a phone, watch television or to attend to another activity and the result is a stove fire where the cooking food and pan has burnt and caused a fire on the stove top.  The result is a terrible odor in the home and hopefully the activation of the smoke alarm.  This cook top fire can be dangerous and can quickly spread to other combustible items in the kitchen.  Please remember to attend all cooking foods all the time and not leave them unattended.  Here are some simple tips to remember when cooking: 

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
• Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home. 

Building Department Update

From July 28, 2010 until August 3, 2010 we have issued one new home permit.  This permit is on Bentley Drive in the Villas of Worthington Subdivision. 

Year to date new home starts is 27 as compared to 24 for all of 2009. 

The Building Department has received plans for a proposed renovation for the gas island at the Speedway SuperAmerica at York and Royalton Roads.

July 29, 2010

Attention North Royalton
Residents/Visitors

Please be advised that North Royalton Ordinance 434.026 restricts how mobile communication devices can be used while driving. 

• While driving cell phones can be used only in the HANDS FREE mode only.

• Persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

• All Texting is Prohibited.

July 28, 2010

Office on Aging NEWS

The Office on Aging/Human Services wishes to remind the elderly or disabled that a program called "Heat and Plumb the Country" will provide free furnace checks and water audits to owners of a home who are lower income(175% of poverty line). This amounts to $18,200 for a one-person household.

Applications can be obtained at the Office on Aging, 13500 Ridge Rd, North Royalton, Ohio 44133.The furnace checks will be done on Saturday, September 25, 2010, ONLY. Applications need to be processed by August 27th, so do not delay in applying.

July 28, 2010

Building Department NEWS

• From July 21, 2010 until July 27, 2010 we have issued one new home permit.  This permit is on Angelina Drive in the Huntington Park Subdivision off Royalwood Road. 

• Construction is going on without a hitch at the new Taco Bell.  The concrete floor slab is in place and the exterior walls are starting to be erected. 

• The addition for the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church is proceeding on schedule. 

• The new addition of Laszeray Technology on York-Delta Drive has been finalized.

July 28, 2010

Fall season’s free compost begins Wednesday, August 4^th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  All residents with proper identification will receive two cubic yards of compost free per household.  Compost will be available every Wednesday during the noted time through the fall season. 

Please call (440) 237-5010 extension 14 between 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for details. It is recommended that you check for availability before making pick up arrangements.

July 28, 2010

Royalton Road/W. 130th
Intersection Improvements

Phase 4 Improvements Are Under Way!

The Contractor is working on the 4th phase of construction.  Pavement has been placed on the newly constructed lanes, and the driveway aprons, sidewalks and cleanup are currently under way.  The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office has moved message boards further outside the construction limits to warn motorists of delays and to use alternate routes.

• Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the construction, but motorists should expect delays.

• Phase 4 will be to reconstruct the southwest corner of the intersection (south side of Royalton Road and west side of W. 130^th Street in Strongsville).  Traffic patterns will be shifted to the north on Royalton Road and to the east on W. 130^th Street. 

• During Phase 4, the following restrictions will be implemented on traffic movements:

No LEFT turn from northbound W. 130^th Street allowed

No RIGHT turn from eastbound Royalton Road

The improvement is scheduled to be completed in September.  The $2.2 million project is being funded by the Ohio Public Works Commission, Cuyahoga County and the cities of North Royalton and Strongsville.

Biro Ditch Maintenance Project
City of North Royalton

The main portion of the ditch restoration is almost complete!

The City of North Royalton’s Storm Water Crew is working in the area of Glen Abbey finalizing the stabilization with gabion baskets.  As much as 3’ of sediment and debris has been built along this ditch and removal of this material has taken longer than anticipated.  Once the cleaning has been completed, the City will work to restore the landscaping and disturbed areas with a combination of grass, rock protection, gabion baskets and native riparian plant materials to help stabilize this ditch to ensure that water continues to flow downstream and out of the City.

This project has been programmed for a few years, but we are pleased to see it moving forward.  The portion cleaned as part of this effort measures just under 2 miles!  We still have work to do, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  A project of this size has never been undertaken by the City forces before, but the results have been outstanding!

The improvement is now scheduled to be completed in August/September (due to weather conditions – rain).  The project is being performed at a significant savings by the City’s Storm Water Crew.

July 28, 2010

“Celebrate Summer Safely” is the message that greets motorists passing by Fire Station No. 1 on Royalton Road.  That simple message was intended to remind people to be extra careful while enjoying the many activities associated with outdoor summertime work and recreation. 

Listed below are several reminders and safety tips to help prevent an avoidable burn injury or fire:

• When using outdoor power equipment – NEVER refuel that equipment with the engine running or while the engine is hot.  Spilled gasoline on a hot engine is extremely dangerous.  You could be engulfed in flames in an instant and be seriously burned. 

• When cooking, never leave the outdoor grill or cooking fire unattended.  A quick flare up from a cooking fire can easily start a serious structure fire.  Place your grill at least 10 feet away from any combustible structure. 

• Never have a charcoal fire in an unvented area.  Never bring the grill into a garage or breezeway to cook.  Charcoal fires produce high volumes of carbon monoxide and must be kept outdoors.

• Keep a watchful eye on children to make sure they don’t play with matches or lighters to entertain themselves.

• Never leave children unattended in swimming pools.  This includes small inflatable pools as well. 

Hopefully the summer season will be memorable for the enjoyment warm weather brings to us, and not because we remember “that” summer when a personal tragedy occurred.

July 22, 2010

NOPEC HELPS IMPROVE ELECTRIC RATE PLAN
FOR NORTHERN OHIO 
(pdf document)

The Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) today announced that it agreed to lend its support to a rate plan stipulation that will determine electric rates in northern Ohio for the next three years starting June 1, 2011.

July 21, 2010

New home permits issued

From July 14, 2010 until July 20, 2010 we have issued three new home permits.  Two are in the Villas of Worthington Subdivision and one is in the West Hampton Subdivision.

Both subdivisions are off of York Road. 

As of July 20^th, we have 25 new home starts this year which exceeds the total from last year of 24.  We hope to issue more new home permits for the remainder of the year. 

Taco Bell

Construction is continuing on schedule for the new Taco Bell.  Footers are in place and we anticipate more inspections being requested.

Office on Aging and Human Services Receives Transportation Grant  

The City of North Royalton has been notified that it has been awarded a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation for the purchase of a new 14 passenger handicapped accessible van.  The van will be used primarily to transport seniors to medical and other appointments. The grant award is from the Ohio Specialized Transportation Program (STP). 

The goal of the STP is to increase personal mobility for elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities and allow them to continue being productive members of their communities by offering safe transportation alternatives. Increased mobility options improve their quality of life by providing access to medical appointments, employment, grocery shopping, banking, and other services.   

The North Royalton Office on Aging senior van service is the only transportation in the city for many of its residents, especially low and moderate income individuals. The van route spans all of the 21 square miles of North Royalton and the 15 square miles of the surrounding communities. The current two van fleet has had to periodically discontinue service because of the age and condition of the current vehicles. With the addition of the new handicapped van, the Office on Aging will be able to continue this valuable service. The estimate of the cost of the van is $46,000.  The City’s cost share is approximately $9,200.

Mayor Stefanik stated “I am very pleased that with the Dept of Aging’s hard work we were able to secure this grant and continue this valuable senior service in these difficult economic times.”

July 20, 2010

Royalton Road/W. 130^th
Street Intersection Improvements
(pdf document)
 

UPDATE!!!! 

Phase 4 – Maintenance of Traffic

• Roadway Improvements are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.

• Includes the southwest quadrant of the intersection (W. 130^th Street and Royalton Road).

• Royalton Road traffic is shifted to the north, to allow 1 lane of traffic in each direction through the work zone.

• W. 130^th Street traffic is shifted to the east, to allow 1 lane of traffic in each direction through the work zone, north of Royalton Road.

• Includes construction of pavement widening and replacement, including sidewalks and driveways, within the work zone.

Estimated time of completion of Phase 4 is
Thursday, August 12, 2010.

TURNING RESTRICTIONS
PHASE 4!!!!!!!!

No LEFT turn from northbound W. 130^th Street

No RIGHT turn from eastbound Royalton Road

July 20, 2010

The North Royalton service unit of the Salvation Army and the Royalton Hills Lady Lions will hold a:  

CHRISTMAS IN JULY KETTLE DRIVE AND BAKE SALE 

SATURDAY, JULY 24 FROM 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM 

OUTSIDE THE NORTH ROYALTON GIANT EAGLE STORE ON
ROYALTON ROAD 

Bring the kids to see Santa and place a donation in the Salvation Army's red kettle. 

Giant Eagle is providing a hot dog and coke for every donation. 

ALL PROCEEDS STAY IN OUR CITY TO BENEFIT OUR RESIDENTS.

July 19, 2010

On July 18, 2010 an officer was dispatched to the area of Cavendish Court and Harrow Place for the complaint that a bicycle was left there leaning against a stop sign for approximately a day.  The bicycle was located and placed in property. 

If there are any residents missing a bicycle, contact the North Royalton Police Department Property Division at 440.237.8686.

NOPEC GAS RATES LOCKED IN
THROUGH THE END OF 2010 

We are very pleased to announce that NOPEC has locked in gas rates through the end of December,  2010.   These rates continue to be lower that those we have seen in the past several years: 

The prices are as follows: 

DOMINION EAST OHIO GAS AREA 

January – March 2010
$7.99 per MCF

April – June 2010
$6.96 per MCF 

July - October 2010
$6.78 per MCF

 COLUMBIA GAS AREA 

January – March 2010
$7.98 per MCF or $0.798 per CCF 

April – June 2010
$7.86 per MCF or $0.786 per CCF

July-September 2010
$7.70 per MCF or $0.770 per CCF

October – December,  2010
$7.45 per MCF or $0.745 per CCF

July 14, 2010

New home permits

From July 7, 2010 until July 13, 2010 we have issued one new home permit on Brookhaven Drive in the Pine Hill Subdivision.

Local Building Construction

A footer inspection was performed at the new Taco Bell and on the north side of Taco Bell and the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church is under way with their construction of a new addition.

July 7, 2010

New home permits

From June 30, 2010 until July 6, 2010 we have issued one new home permit on Richland Drive in the Villas of Worthington Subdivision.  This makes 12 new homes under construction in this subdivision.

New Taco Bell

Inspections have started for the new Taco Bell on Royalton Road. 

The Office on Aging will have two speakers
 in the month of July  

On Friday, July 16  from 10-11 we will have a speaker from Parma Hospital talk on "Caring for a relative with Alzheimer's." 

On Friday, July 30 from 10-11 there will be a CVS pharmacist here to discuss "medications". He asks that residents bring their current meds in a bag and he will review them and answer any questions about the medications. 

Both of these events will be held at the North Royalton Senior Center at 13500 Ridge Rd., in the Deaconess-Perry Senior Apartment Building. All  senior residents are welcome to attend and enjoy the presentations and free refreshments.

July 2, 2010

Fireworks law to be enforced 

Police are warning residents not to set off fireworks this Fourth of July weekend. In addition to safety concerns about igniting explosives, it is a criminal offense in North Royalton and other area communities. 

City ordinance prohibits anyone from igniting or discharging fireworks. It is also illegal to sell or possess fireworks in North Royalton. 

Those caught violating the law can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Repeat offenders will be charged with a felony. 

Sparklers, smoke bombs pose hazards 

Even legal fireworks can be dangerous, safety officials say. North Royalton firefighters and the Ohio fire marshal said injuries all-too-often result from use of trick and novelty items like sparklers, snakes, snappers and smoke bombs. 

They offer these tips: 

1. Read the directions on the label on follow them.

2. Light only one sparkler at a time, and hold it away from your body and other people.

3. Sparkler wires, which burn up to 1,800 degrees, should be immediately placed in a bucket of water.

4. Always use adult supervision.

5. If someone is burned, run cool water over the wound for two to three minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

The safest way to see fireworks is at a licensed public display, safety experts say.

Recycle Yard hours have changed

The Recycle Yard Hours have been changed.  As of the week of July 4th, 2010, the NR Recycle Yard will be closed Monday through Friday and open ONLY on Saturdays 8:00AM through 3:00PM until further notice.

June 25, 2010

Overnight parking on streets prohibited 

Police are reminding residents it is illegal to park on city streets between 2 and 6 a.m.

The Safety Director is authorized to grant special parking permission in certain circumstances, such as sealing or repaving a driveway or hosting overnight guests with no other parking options. Residents must describe the vehicles that will be parked on the street and give their license plate numbers.

To request permission, call the safety director at (440) 237-8686, ext. 2213. 

New home building continues

The Building Department issued a permit for a new home on Brookhaven Drive in the Pine Hill Subdivision last week, bringing the total new homes this year to 14. The department also issued a permit for a new home rebuild on Edgerton Road. 

Fire Department offers summer safety tips

Fireworks: The only types of that can be legally purchased and discharged in Ohio are trick and novelty devices. These include items that smoke, sparkle, snap and snake, which should be handled only under adult supervision.

Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it away from your body and others.  Sparkler wires, which can burn up to 1800 degrees, should immediately be placed in a bucket of water to avoid injury as they remain hot for a few minutes after burnout. 

Campfires: Build where they will not spread; away from dry grass, leaves and never under overhanging trees.  Keep small, and don’t let them get out of hand.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the when you’re done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
• Never leave unattended. Never start a fire without having the equipment and ability to extinguish it.

Barbecue: Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.  Be careful when using a lighter. Do not add to an already lit fire because the flames can travel up into the container and explode. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced. All burns to the face, hands, feet or groin require medical attention.  

New recycling bins in place

Convenient recycling stations were installed June 21 at the following locations:

1)    Heasley Field, 5100 Wallings Road

2)    Memorial Park, 14600 State Road

3)    North Royalton Service Center, 11545 Royalton Road 

The new containers are a way to expand residents’ options for recycling. The city also offers curbside pickup and opens the North Royalton Recycle Yard to residents.

June 24, 2010

Royalton Road/W. 130th
Intersection Improvements

Phase 3 Improvements Are Under Way!

The Contractor is finishing up the second phase of construction.  Pavement has been placed on the newly constructed lane, and the driveway aprons, sidewalks and cleanup are currently under way.  The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office has moved message boards further outside the construction limits to warn motorists of delays and to use alternate routes.

Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the construction, but motorists should expect delays.

Phase 3 will be to reconstruct the northwest corner of the intersection (north side of Royalton Road and west side of W. 130^th Street in Strongsville) starting the week of June 21st, but traffic patterns may change as soon as Tuesday, June 22, 2010.  Traffic patterns will be shifted to the south on Royalton Road and to the east on W. 130^th Street.  During Phase 3 there are NO turning restrictions.

The improvement is scheduled to be completed in September.  The $2.2 million project is being funded by the Ohio Public Works Commission, Cuyahoga County and the cities of North Royalton and Strongsville.

June 17, 2010

City steps in to help environment

Seven households have tapped into North Royalton’s wastewater treatment system so far in 2010 due to failed home sewage treatment systems (septic tanks) or proximity to a local sanitary sewer.

Four North Royalton homes, two Strongsville homes and one Parma household have tapped into the city’s sewage collection system. The tie-ins are improving the local environment.

Police enforcing curfew laws

With school out and warm weather here, the North Royalton Police Department is reminding residents of the city’s curfew laws.

Under the city’s code, no one under 16 is permitted to be out between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily. For minors aged 16 and 17, prohibited times are from midnight to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday and 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

During those hours, juveniles are not permitted to be in any public place or in a motor vehicle, either operating or parked, unless accompanied by a parent. Exceptions are if the juvenile is at work, or going to or from work without stopping anywhere else; and if the juvenile is attending an activity sponsored by a school, religious or civic organization and can show written permission from a parent.

A first offense carries a $50 fine. Charges and fines escalate for subsequent offenses. 

More building permits issued

The Building Department issued another new home permit this week, bringing the total to 13 so far in 2010. The new home is to be located on Richland Drive in the Villas of Worthington. 

In addition, the city has approved a pole building addition for Maria Gardens on West 130th Street and an interior alteration for a dance studio at Royalton Plaza.

June 10, 2010

Taco Bell to break ground

General contractor DLA Services expects to break ground next week for a new Taco Bell on Royalton Road next to Fifth Third Bank.

In addition, the Building Department issued one new home permit so far in June, bringing the total for the year to 12. The new home will be on Waterbridge Drive in the Pine Stream Subdivision.

Summer brings return of phony contractor scams 

Area residents are again being victimized by scams involving people posing as contractors. 

Police said the con artists go door-to-door offering to perform work on residents’ homes – roofing repairs, driveways, gutter installation and other services. While the salesman distracts the residents, often trying to call them outside to look at an alleged problem, an unseen partner slips into the house and steals valuables. 

Although not all salespeople are disreputable, residents should be cautious about door-to-door contractors and should call the North Royalton Police Department at (440) 237-8686 promptly to report suspicious activity. 

Remember to use caution at the gas pump

Picture this scene: A father and young son at a gas station filling their vehicle. The boy, who is 4 or 5, is standing proudly next to his dad as he mans the pump nozzle.

An innocent event? Not at all. If there’s an emergency, that child is vulnerable and could easily be the victim of an unforgettable tragedy.

Gasoline is an extremely volatile liquid that is always releasing flammable vapors that are easy to ignite.  These vapors can be ignited by even a static electricity spark when they are mixed with just the right amount of normal air.  The pump island is certainly no place for children, or for an adult who is not cautiously refueling their vehicle. 

The North Royalton Fire Department offers some safety tips for the gas station:

1. No smoking

2. Shut off motor

3. Discharge your static electricity before fueling by touching a metal surface away from the nozzle.

4. To prevent static charge, do not re-enter your vehicle while gasoline is pumping.

5. If a fire starts, do not remove nozzle. Back away immediately.

6. It is illegal and dangerous to dispense gasoline into unapproved containers. 

7. Never fill a portable container in or on a motor vehicle.  Place container on ground before filling.

8. If you have a hold-open latch, you must remain at the site during refueling. 

June 2, 2010

Recycling reminders 

Recycle Yard hours are 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.       

A scrap tire round-up is currently in progress until Oct. 2 at the Recycle Yard. North Royalton residents may drop off tires at the yard. Tires must be removed from rims. Rims are recycled with metal. 

Computers and phone books are collected year round. They can be dropped off at the Recycle Yard during operating hours. 

Mixed paper and cardboard are collected for recycling at the curb. In the past, the items had to be placed in paper bags or blue recycling bins, but can now be bundled with cotton cord or twine. Wire, tape or vinyl cannot be used. 

          Fire Department warns of grill fires 

Grills cause an estimated 5,700 fires a year at homes, resulting in an average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries and $37 million in property loss, national studies show. 

North Royalton firefighters urge residents to uses caution when grilling food, including never leaving a grill unattended and making sure the equipment is working properly. Leaks in fuel hoses are among the biggest reason for grill fires. In a study between 2006 and 2008, it was found that propane was the power source in 69 percent of grill fires. 

The same study showed that 32 percent of grill fires occurred in a courtyard, patio or screened-in porch, with another 24 percent on a balcony or unenclosed porch. 

In addition to fuel leaks, overturned grills and hot embers dropping from charcoal were among the causes of grill fires in the study. 

Birthday Monday at the Senior Center 

On the second Monday of every month, the North Royalton Senior Center celebrates all the birthdays for that month. 

Anyone celebrating a birthday during June should call the Senior Center to have his or her name added to the birthday cake. Everyone attending sings “Happy Birthday” and enjoys cake and ice cream. Visitors are encouraged to bring a friend to meet other seniors at the center, play cards or Scrabble and find friendly conversation. 

Anyone interested in joining the fun can call Judy at (440) 582-6333. 

More new homes being built

The North Royalton Building Department issued four new home permits during May, bringing the total for the year to 11.

One new home will be on Eagle Point, two will be on Richland Drive and one is on Yorkshire Way. 

Permits were also issued for an addition and interior renovation for the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church on Royalton Road and an interior renovation for Magalen Furniture on Royalton Road. 

Police offer tips on summer crime prevention 

As summer approaches, people tend to become more active -- and so do criminals.  North Royalton police have these tips to keep your home safer this summer: 

-Keep bushes and trees around windows and doors trimmed so as not to provide cover for a potential burglar. 

-Always remember to close your garage door at night. 

-When leaving your home, remember to close and lock all doors and windows. 

-Always try to leave some type of outdoor lights on at night. 

-If leaving for a vacation, remember to stop mail and newspaper delivery.  You can also request extra attention from police patrols while out of town by calling the NRPD non-urgent number, 440-237-8686. 

-When leaving for vacation, make sure you or your children do not make mention on social media web sites like Facebook and Twitter that you will be out of town for a specific time frame.  Criminals look for these easy targets. 

-Remember to lock all vehicles even in your driveway and remove valuables from your vehicles at night.

May 26, 2010       

Tickets being issued for talking while driving 

The warning period on the city’s new cell phone law ended April 8. Officers are issuing tickets to drivers talking on a cell phone that is not in a hands-free mode and to drivers who are texting on the road. 

Signs advising motorists of the law are posted at all the entry points to the city. 

Fireworks are illegal 

The North Royalton Fire Department is reminding residents that it is illegal for anyone in Ohio to discharge Class C (consumer 1.4 G) fireworks. 

Even a professional licensed by the state cannot legally set off fireworks, firecrackers, cherry bombs or bottle rockets. These explosive devices, which are filled with gun powder, are illegal because they are so dangerous. 

State law allows people to buy them in Ohio only if they agree to transport them out of the state within 72 hours. However, many people ignore the law and take the fireworks home. 

The Police Department issues a number of citations to violators during the summer holidays.

May 20, 2010

Senior Center needs yarn to help cancer patients

The North Royalton Senior Center’s craft club crochets lap blankets, chemo caps and afghans from yarn to give to cancer patients. In addition, they make "butterfly pillows" for mastectomy patients at Parma Community General Hospital.

The senior crafters are in need of donations of yarn or gift cards from craft centers so they can purchase the fabric, ribbon and stuffing for the pillows. Anyone interested in donating should contact the Office on Aging at
440-582-6333 and ask to speak with Judy or Debra.

Sign up now for Swift 911

Residents and business owners in North Royalton can receive automated telephone messages in emergency situations by signing up for the Swift 911 system.

The city’s safety departments use the calling system to notify residents of emergencies, including bad weather and evacuations, in addition other important announcements.

To sign up, click The Swift 911 icon on the city’s Web site and enter the required information or call the Fire Department at 440-237-4315.

May 13, 2010

Food bank available to residents

Residents in need of an emergency food supply can find help at the city’s food bank, which is maintained by the city and the Kiwanis Club of North Royalton.

To apply for and pick up food, residents must complete an eligibility form at the Office on Aging and Human Services, located in the Deaconess-Perry Senior Apartment Center, 13500 Ridge Road. A driver’s license and copy of a current utility bill serve as proof of residency. Emergency food is given out based on need. Residents will also be given an application for the county’s food stamp program.

If a resident does not have transportation and can not go to the senior center, arrangements will be made for delivery. For more information or to arrange a pick-up, call Judy Willey or Debra Burrows at (440) 582-6333. 

Fire department offers tips for safe grilling

Last year, there were 103 fires in Ohio caused by gas or charcoal grills. North Royalton firefighters want to pass along some grilling safety tips from State Fire Marshal Michael P. Bell:

1.     - Inspect grills before the first summertime use.

2.     - Keep grills on a flat, level surface 10 feet from buildings. Do not grill under a carport or breezeway. Never grill indoors.

3.     - Do not move a grill that is in use.

4.     - Keep children and pets away. Declare a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.

5.     - Periodically remove grease and fat buildup from trays below grill so it can’t be ignited by the heat.

For For charcoal grills:

1.     - Use proper starter fluid and keep it away from children and heat sources.

2.     - Never add starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use gasoline or other combustible or flammable liquids in place of starter fluid.

Free compost available to residents

Free compost is available to residents Residents of North Royalton may pick up free compost on Wednesdays at the North Royalton Recycling Center (Compost Facility), 10789 Royalton Road.

Compost pick up hours are 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. each Wednesday. All residents are able to receive 2 yards free twice a year. Residents must sign in before driving onto the compost pad. Proof of residency will ONLY be accepted in the form of a valid driver's license.

Call (440) 237-5010, ext. 14, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for details. It is recommended that residents check for availability before making pick-up arrangements. 

Grass ordinance to be enforced 

Residents should be aware that the Building Department will enforce the city's laws regarding weeds and grass this summer. Grass can be no taller than six inches, according to the code. 

Reminders on all-purpose vehicles/ATVs 

The North Royalton Police Department would like to remind residents of laws concerning the operation and registration of all-purpose vehicles.   

The Ohio Revised Code section 4519.02 requires an all-purpose vehicle to be registered in Ohio, even if it is only operated on the owner's land. Snowmobiles and off-highway motorcycles are exempt. 

North Royalton Codified Ordinance 476.045 addresses operation of all-purpose vehicles on private property.

1. The operator of the vehicle must possess written permission to operate on lands owned by another person.

2. The all-purpose vehicle shall not be operated within 100 feet of any public sidewalk or within 120 feet of any public street where a sidewalk does not exist.

3. The all-purpose vehicle shall not be operated within 250 feet of any residential dwelling not on the property on which the vehicle is operating (a neighbor's house).

4. The all-purpose vehicle may only operate within city limits:

     A. Between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.  Monday through Friday

     B. Between noon and 7 p.m. on Saturday

     C. Between noon and 6 p.m. on legal holidays and Sundays. There shall be no more than 3 all purpose vehicles operating on any property at a time.

6. The operator shall not unreasonably make, cause to be made, or continue to make any noise, or dust which disturbs the reasonable peace of the area within which the operator is operating the all purpose vehicle. 

Violators can be cited.  After two offenses within a two-year period, ATVs will be impounded.  Property owners are also liable for knowingly permitting individuals to violate these provisions.  

The North Royalton ordinance can be viewed in its entirety on the city's Web page under Codified Ordinances.

April 28, 2010

                Foreclosure information is available 

North Royalton residents who need information about preventing foreclosures find it at Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland.  The phone number is (216) 458-4663, or check the group's Web site at nhscleveland.org.     

April 26, 2010

Senior center rolls out the fun with Wii bowling 

If you hear loud screams coming from the Senior Center on Mondays, it means Wii bowling is under way. 

The Senior Center has four teams that play every other Monday at noon. New players are welcome – like Catherine, who is 95 and wanted to bowl but didn’t know how to work the controller. Over the Easter weekend, she asked her grandchildren for help with her technique. 

When she returned, she took on a man in his 70s in a practice game – and came away with a big smile. She scored 145 and won. Catherine now has an average of 175 and is one of the team’s most improved bowlers. 

All North Royalton seniors are invited to visit the center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays for senior meetings.

Lock car doors to prevent thefts

Police are reminding residents to lock their car doors in the wake of a rash of vehicle break-ins in the area of the Royal Oak Apartments. 

Residents should remove all valuables from their vehicles, including GPS units, cell phones, MP3 players, wallets and purses. Also remember to remove the suction cup brackets from windshields and charging cords because they are indicators to thieves that these items may be in the vehicle. 

Break-ins are crimes of opportunity and if residents remove the items and lock their vehicles, it takes away the opportunity. Anyone who sees any suspicious activity is asked to call the North Royalton Police Department non-urgent number at (440) 237-8686. 

‘Spring’ into fire safety

The North Royalton Fire Department is offering a series of tips to reduce the likelihood of fires this spring.

They include:

-Clear leaves, debris and other yard waste from around the home, garage, and storage sheds.

     -Have a qualified professional repair and maintain lawn equipment like mowers and leaf blowers.

·    -Responsibly store flammable liquids and home chemicals, and discard old containers of paint and solvents properly.

·    -Store fuel for lawn equipment, tools and vehicles in approved containers.

·    -Check for frayed or damaged electrical cords and wires and have them repaired by a pro.

·    -Check electrical cords on air conditioning units.

·    -Inspect gas grills, gas lines, gas hoses and propane tanks before using them.

·    -Remove any combustibles from around hot water tanks, clothes dryers, vents and heating equipment.

·    Remove lint buildup from clothes dryers.

·    Get rid of oily rags and clothes used to wipe up fuel spills.

·    -Check windows to make sure they open and close properly in case they are needed as exits.

-Firefighters also urge residents to test your smoke detectors. If you haven’t changed the batteries, do it now. Also, dust or vacuum around the detector and replace any that are 10 years old.

Also, review your home fire escape plan and make certain every family member has two ways out of the house and knows the outside meeting location.                       
 

April 20, 2010

Cell phone law is now in effect

The city’s cell phone law is now in effect, which means drivers can only talk on their phones in a hands-free mode.

For drivers under 18, cell phone use in any manner is prohibited. The law also prohibits any driver, regardless of age, from texting while driving.

Keep solicitors at bay by joining
 “Do Not Knock” registry       

With the warmer weather will come a number of door-to-door solicitors. Residents can keep them from their doorstep by joining the city’s “Do Not Knock” registry.

Sign up through the North Royalton Web site or by picking up a form at City Hall or the police station. Vendors here will be given a list of all the homes on the registry and told not to visit those homes to sell services or products.

The registry does not apply to door-to-door visitors selling items for non-profit agencies or seeking charitable contributions. 

April 20, 2010

   Open burning is unsafe – and illegal

The Fire Department is reminding residents that open burning to dispose of trash or yard waste is illegal in the city.

Burning yard waste can be dangerous because leaves and twigs are dry and burn quickly, making it all too easy for even a gentle spring wind to start a wildfire.

In addition, residents should take great care in extinguishing cigarettes, even when outdoors. Lit cigarettes placed in potting soil, mulch beds or potted plants have caused several large fires in the area, including one in North Royalton last year.

Firefighters advise disposing of lit smoking material in an appropriate ash tray or in a “wet” container.

April 20, 2010

 Building continues despite recession 

The city’s Building Department has issued four construction permits so far this year.

Two new home permits have been issued for houses on River Run Lane and Crystal Creek Drive. In addition, May Industries on York Theta Drive sought permission to construct a new storage building and Laszeray Technology on York Delta Drive is building an addition.

April 12, 2010

County offers monthly
document shredding

Cuyahoga County offers document shredding the first Saturday of every month at SHRED-IT, 5480 Cloverleaf Parkway, Valley View, 44125.

General document shredding is available between 9 a.m. and noon at a cost of $4 per box. For more information, call (440) 243-8500 or visit www.shredit.com/minisities/cleveland/home.asp.

Fluorescent bulbs can be recycled

Residents may recycle fluorescent bulbs in two ways depending on the type, according to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District.

Compact fluorescent bulbs can be recycled at any Home Depot location. Residents should take any expired, unbroken bulbs to the returns desk.

Fluorescent tube bulbs can be recycled at the Household Hazardous Waste Round-up scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea.

Incandescent and halogen bulbs can be placed in your regular trash.

April 12, 2010

North Royalton City Schools make Forbes.com list of  “America’s 25 Best Schools for Your Housing Buck”

North Royalton City Schools are featured on www.forbes.com for being one of “America’s 25 Best Schools for Your Housing Buck.” 

In a recent rating from GreatSchools, North Royalton scored a 9 out of 10 based on its test results.  North Royalton was among the top 10 cities in the country that offer families excellent public schools and median home prices between $100,000 and $200,0000 in this recent study.

The story reads: “Oompah-pah! Oompah-pah! The marching band at North Royalton High School is one of the best in Ohio: It has trumpeted at the Rose Bowl and Indianapolis 500, with between 250 and 400 students enrolled in its ranks annually. Band leader Marty Lydecker is retiring soon, after 36 years of waving his baton. Five choirs also chime here in this suburb near Cleveland. With small-town amenities like an old hardware store, tailor shops, and a shoe repair shop, North Royalton also boasts great outdoor space including a new 15-acre park with walking trails, a community garden, and natural springs in the heart of town.   Academically, North Royalton makes the best of good teachers and high parent involvement to achieve two 10s and three 9s among its schools, with 90 percent of its graduates entering college.”

The link to the photo/headline is: http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/05/best-schools-for-your-housing-buck-business-beltway-greatschools_slide_26.html

The link to the story:  http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/moving/slideshows/top-public-schools-100k.gs?content=2337&page=5

The district’s profile link is: http://www.greatschools.org/ohio/north-royalton/?s_cid=forbes

The photo, taken at Valley Vista Elementary Nature Center, features science teacher Lesley Filipow  and second-grade students Lindsey Audino and
Nicholas DeAngelis.

North Royalton city leaders congratulate the school district on its continued excellence.

The City of North Royalton residents voted on November 7, 2000 and May 7, 2002, to join Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), a public energy buying group which negotiates gas and electric programs on behalf of North Royalton residents as well as 126 other northeast Ohio communities. Residents should contact NOPEC’s website: www.nopecinfo.org for additional information.

For more information contact the Ohio Public Utilities Commission Apples to Apples rate comparison charts for natural gas and electric supplier price option and contract terms at www.puco.ohio.gov.

Foreclosure Information

"Save the Dream"
#888-404-4674
www.savethedream.ohio.gov

or

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Foreclosure Mediation
#216-443-8504
www.dontborrowtroublecc.org

or

Cuyahoga County Foreclosure Prevention Program
 for financial counseling
DIAL 2-1-1

or

Free Foreclosure Help
ESOP
"Empowering and Strengthening
Ohio's People"
#216-361-0718
Toll Free: #877-731-ESOP (3767)
www.esop-cleveland.org