Mayor: Projects, hiring staff among priorities

Storm sewer projects, hiring staff among priorities in 2018

Finances have stabilized in recent years, enabling staff to increase efforts to improve infrastructure.

As the year comes to a close, the News-Herald is looking at how communities fared in 2017 and some of their plans for 2018.

The city of Mentor-onthe-Lake’s finances have stabilized in recent years, enabling staff to increase efforts to improve infrastructure and pursue other projects.

That was the report from Mayor David Eva when asked to reflect on 2017 and provide a peek at the new year.

He noted recent endeavors, such as the Lake Street storm sewer project, which is close to completion, and the last stretch of northsouth roadway requiring storm sewer updates. Once these are complete, there are plans to start on the streets running east to west on the west side of Andrews Road.

In addition, the Pinehurst Drive storm sewer project is slated to begin in the spring, and similar work on Miami Drive will follow.

“These storm sewer projects are important to the city because we are right next to Lake Erie and our residents have been dealing with drainage issues due to sandy soil for a long time,” Eva said. “As a council member for many years and now as mayor, storm sewer improvement and drainage has been a priority.”

Another 2017 accomplishment he highlighted is the Service Department, led by Director Brent Moore, demolishing the dilapidated salt shed and building a new one in a different location.

“This was important because the relocation of the shed opened up space to view the City Hall Park, which has been under-utilized for many years,” Eva said. “With a walking path installed in spring 2018, at no cost to the residents, we will have a nice park for families to use.”

He said efforts by Police Chief John Gielink, working with City Council, have enabled the replacement of equipment and funding for officer training. For example, Sgt. Scott Daubenmire recently completed Police Executive Leadership College, which will be beneficial to his career growth, the mayor said.

Fire Chief Tom Konitsky’s staff has experienced success applying for grants in 2017, to help improve outdated equipment as well.

Rescue calls, as of the end of November, were running slightly higher compared to 2016. Calls totaled 1,125 — about 40 more than last year during the same period.

Eva credited the administrative staff, including Administration and Finance Director Hollie Bartone, with helping to keep the city financially sound.

“I’m extremely proud of the way all our departments work together to offer our residents superior service,” he said. “All resident inquiries are being handled the same day or the next day, in some cases. … We continue to offer free events for residents, sponsored by our fire and police departments, along with the Fall Festival held at City Hall for the second year.”

Looking ahead, city leaders will need to consider the impending expiration of three charter levies — for police, fire and roads — in 2019.

“We will work with City Council to ensure we are financially stable for future years,” Eva said.

Along with that and the Pinehurst Drive project, purchasing a new rescue squad is among the 2018 plans.

“We need to hire a new administrative assistant and service department laborer early in 2018,” he added. “We continue to look for part-time staff in both the fire and police departments. Training and updated equipment will always be a priority.”

While the city still feels the effects of the state reduction in local government funds a few years ago, its officials have adjusted to the “new normal.”

“We will continue to offer our residents the best possible service we can, working within our financial constraints,” Eva said. “We have very good employees who go above and beyond their normal responsibilities to take care of our city. The city administration works with City Council to do more with less.”

Eva