The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Kirtland official: Road revenues a challenge
Mayor also cites administration jobs, leader unity
Kirtland Mayor Doug Davidson says a lot was accomplished in 2018, but the new year will bring some challenges.
Among the highlights from the past year, he included the city joining Willowick and Wickliffe to invest in the services of a shared economic development manager.
The concept was brought to the communities by Lake County Commissioner Jerry Cirino and Lake County Ohio Port & Economic Development Authority Director Mark Rantala. In June, Monica Drake was hired for the role.
“I believe Council saw the value in the position to help focus our economic development efforts and approved the contract,” Davidson said.
He also noted a memorandum of understanding entered between the city administration and the school district regarding protection for students. The first pact was for access to security cameras and the second clarified roles and responsibilities for all parties.
“We continue to work on additional agreements that define our school resource officer arrangements,” he said.
In addition, residents
helped city leaders determine the structure of the police dispatch service. More than 25 people spoke in favor of keeping dispatch within the department and making the investment in technology to support it.
“As a result, our new dispatch technology is in place and working seamlessly to help deliver emergency services to residents,” he said.
Other accomplishments include the repaving of Route 306, and the reconstruction of Arborhurst and Singlefoot. The city contracted out improvements to a section of Booth Road between Eagle and Kirtland Chardon roads.
For the mammoth Route 306 project, the city received the assistance of the Lake County Engineer’s Office, and funding from Lake County Stormwater Management and an Ohio Public Works Commission grant.
The outlook
In 2019, projects include adding a crosswalk on Route 306 near the school.
“Our new crosswalk will be installed in the spring between the apex of the football field and the shopping center,” Davidson said. “When used, the crosswalk will have a red light to ensure that stopping for pedestrians is more than just a suggestion.”
The new year also will bring new development along the city’s main drag. Projects include the repurposing of the old Kirtland Car Company building for the Kirtland Creamery and a new Kirtland Veterinary Hospital.
“It is probably a little premature to say ‘revitalized downtown,’ but thanks to the diligent review of the Planning & Zoning Commission and businesses willing to invest, we are improving piece by piece,” he said.
The picture isn’t all rosy for the coming year, however. Some hurdles will include replacing retiring longtime Service Director/ Zoning Inspector Carm Catania and Finance Director Keith Martinet.
“They have both served the city honorably and well for decades,” the mayor said.
“The challenge is now finding the candidates who can take us into the next 10 years.”
His recent attempt to hire former councilman and current Planning & Zoning Commission member Timothy K. Powell as part-time zoning inspector didn’t garner enough support on council.
The budget, though stable through 2019, will require some attention with regard to addressing certain infrastructure, Davidson said.
“The administration and council will have to get together on revenue for roads, whether it’s a replacement levy that restructures some revenue for police and frees up money in the general fund or a permanent road levy, we need to clearly justify it and put it before the voters in a unified way,” he said.
The $485,000 in annual funding from the existing five-year renewal road levy isn’t enough, he added.
“In fact, the road study we purchased recommends an average of $1.12 million over each of the next 10 years,” to address the need, he said.
Davidson hinted at infighting among city officials that may hamper efforts to deliver high quality services.
“We have to focus on attacking the problems and not each other,” he said.
“I rode along as our safety forces gave our two high school teams a little escort to the freeway this fall, on the way to their state championship games. It was great to watch the result of their teamwork and cooperation.
“For 2019, the city should look to do likewise.”