Greetings Ward 3 Resident,
Hopefully Mother Nature will show us some love this Valentine’s Day with warmer weather! City government remains relatively busy as we begin the 2020 Budget process with a number of things to report on below.
Appointed Council President Pro-Tem
At our second City Council Meeting of the year I was unanimously appointed by Council to serve as the Council Pro-Temp this term, which means that would I fill in as Council President as the head of City Council, should they be absent or unavailable. Thank you to my colleagues for appointing me to this new leadership position! Read More.
Appointed BZA Vice Chair
Had my first official North Royalton Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Meeting on January 23rd as the new Council Representative on the Board. Special thank you to my new colleagues for unanimously appointing me as the new Vice Chair of the BZA too!
Have a great week!
Dan Langshaw
Ward 3 Councilman
North Royalton City Council
Council Update
Highlights from Council Meetings
Some highlights from the Council Meetings for the month of January. Council approved Ordinance 19-116 granting a similar use permit to Blueline Classics LLC to operate a classic car reconditioning and restoration business at 11035 State Road. I am sad to see them leave there location in Ward 3 off of York Road. But am happy they are staying in North Royalton and expanding their business while making the old Yamaha store their new home. Council approved numerous Ordinances to confirm the new Mayor’s appointments for various city department heads the majority were re-appointments of those from the previous administration with the exception of exception Richard Dell’Aquila being named the city’s new Public Defender. Ordinance 20-06 to confirm the Mayor’s re-appointment of Tom Jordan as the City Director of Community Development was approved by a 5-1 vote of council. I was the lone NO vote. I felt obligated in my advise and consent role on Council to advise the Mayor that re-appointing Tom Jordan I had concerns regarding it. Most specifically him working in as an Economic Development Director in other communities such as Olmsted Falls part-time without notifying Council of this arrangement that was made under the previous administration. While he is paid full-time with benefits here in North Royalton. I respect the fact that the Mayor can hire whomever they want. But felt obligated to vote my conscience and respectfully disagree. Council approved Ordinance 20-20 authorizing the Mayor to enter into a community cost-share agreement with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District for the Cedar Estates Basin Improvements Project. Council also approved Ordinance 20-32 and Ordinance 20-33 that eliminated the position of the Safety Director and returned those powers back to the Mayor. I believe this was a good move by the new Mayor and I wish our former Safety Director Bruce Campbell who recently retired the best. Read More.
Police Body & Dash Cameras Update
As Chairman of the City Council Safety Committee and a co-sponsor of Ordinance 19-119. I am so happy that at the first meeting of the new term of the North Royalton City Council we unanimously approved Ordinance 19-119 by a vote of 6-0 to move forward with purchasing body & dash cameras for all our police officers & vehicles from Utility Inc. This will increase transparency of the Police Department for our residents, ensure criminals get off our streets, and provide additional safety for our officers as they risk their lives to keep us safe. Read More.
If you like to learn more about what is going on in City Council check out the minutes online by Clicking Here
City Update
Timber Ridge Plaza
Timber Ridge Plaza owners have a permit to demolish a 55,000-square-feet section of the Plaza. The section being demolished is the former grocery store. It is unrelated to the Omni/Vitalia project, which is directly adjacent and to the rear of the project. It is good to see part of the Timber Ridge Plaza demolition underway. This type of blight is unacceptable. Especially when the owner lets it get to this point. Addressing blight continues to be on my list of focus areas in Ward 3 but I want to explore more broader policy options city wide too! We all deserve better!
Tax Help
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation to anyone for any age, especially if you are 50 or older or can’t afford paid tax preparation. Every Wednesday beginning February 5th through April 8th from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the North Royalton Public Library at 5071 Wallings Road, returns are electronically filed with the assistance of a tax counselor. Appointments can be made in person at the North Royalton Senior Center or by calling the center at (440) 582-6333.
US Census
Every community, county and state uses Census data for planning and funding of schools, businesses and other things that benefit citizens. Funding is often allocated based on the population of certain areas. It is everyone’s responsibility to get the count right for Ohio. Click Here to learn more about the US Census and more why your participation is so important.
Royalton Road Widening (W. 130th Street to York Road) Project Update
Work continues on the south side of the roadway in Phase 2 to remove the old pavement and prepare for the widening on the south side. A new storm culvert was installed across the roadway in January. Weather depending, work will continue to prepare the southern side of the roadway for base pavement soon. If you have any concerns that come up this project, please contact the County at their local field office in North Royalton at 440-628-9229.
North Royalton Makes Ohio Safest Cities List
Recently the Home Security Advisor published a post on The Safest Cities in Ohio, and North Royalton was recognized as one of Ohio’s Top Safest Places To Live. Read More.
North Royalton Fire Department Nationally Recognized
Special congratulations to our Fire Department who recently received a ranking of ISO 3 in their latest assessment. It is important to note only 3,490 fire departments throughout the United States earned that rating, with only 1,597 reaching ISO 2 and 346 reaching ISO 1. As Chairman of the City Council Safety Committee, I want to express my sincere thanks to Chief Chegan and all the paramedic/firefighters in our department for all they do to keep us safe 24/7!
City Energy Upgrades
A comprehensive energy audit was performed by Leopardo Companies Inc. last year, reviewing all of the municipal buildings such as city hall, police and fire stations, service center, animal control, cemetery and parks maintenance buildings, as well as city owned street and traffic lights to identify projects that will lower energy costs. As a result the previous City Council and myself unanimously voted to move forward with energy efficiency and maintenance upgrades of all our municipal buildings and more. Some of these projects included LED lighting and fixture conversion at all of the city buildings, and all the traffic and 650 street lights, and it also suggested several deferred projects such as roofing at the cemetery building, fire station two, parks building and the service center, and new windows at the police station. HVAC upgrades at several of the buildings too. Most of the upgrades have been completed. The one few upgrades remaining that is underway that most residents will begin noticing soon is that First Energy will replace the city’s 650 streetlights with LEDs. All of these upgrades over the next 20 years, this will amount to a savings of $5.2 million. Even after debt repayment and interest, the city is still guaranteed to save nearly $1.4 million through these improvements. What I like best about these upgrades is that the city is completing these projects without having to raise taxes. Read More.
Around Ward 3
Community Recognition Award
On January 27th I attended the Blossom Hill Employee Appreciation Dinner & Awards. The leadership of Blossom Hill surprised me by presenting me with a Community Recognition Award for all my support the last several years for residents with developmental disabilities and my continued volunteer service on their Human Rights & Behavior Committee! I am so humbly honored to receive this award! Ever since Middle School I have enjoyed volunteering to help those with developmental disabilities and being able to continue that today. Thank you to Blossom Hill for this award and making North Royalton Ward 3 your home!
City of Broadview Heights Inaugural Ball
On January 18th it was an honor to attend my very good friend and neighboring Mayor of the City of Broadview Heights Sam Alai’s Inaugural Ball! Congrats to all the newly elected members of the Broadview Heights City Council too!
Woodbury & West Hampton HOA Meeting
On January 18th attended the Woodbury & West Hampton HOA Meeting! Great to catch up with a number of fellow residents and answer a number of questions from the HOA. Thank you to the HOA leadership for all they do to volunteer their time to help their fellow neighbors!
ED NOW
On January 16th attended ED NOW event sponsored by the Ohio Economic Development Association, Team NEO, and Bricker & Eckler at TRI-C Corporate College East Campus. I learned a lot about ways to strengthen economic development for our community and Ward 3! It was also great to meet Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted and hear his key remarks as well!
North Royalton Homesteaders 4-H Club
On January 15th it was an honor to attend the North Royalton Homesteaders 4-H Club January Meeting! As a proud member of the Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau and as a member of City Council. I truly appreciate and support all the amazing things 4-H does in our community! Thank you to all those in North Royalton that support this club and volunteer their time for our kids!
City of North Royalton Inaugural Ball
On January 11th it was great to attend our City of North Royalton Inaugural Ball and take part in a ceremonial swearing in with the rest of City Council, Council President, and Mayor administered by a wonderful Master of Ceremonies our State Representative Tom Patton. Read More.
Albion & York Road Intersection Update
As Chairman of the City Council Safety Safety Committee, I worked with the administration to have concerns about the intersection of York and Albion Road reviewed again with a Traffic Study. The Mayor recently shared the results of the traffic study of the intersections at York/Albion and Ridge/Royalview/Julia that has been completed and presented it to City Council for review. City Council is currently reviewing the study and if any of the recommendations presented could be feasibility implemented. I will keep you updated when I have more information. Again thank you to all the residents who have given me feedback on this issue.
New Ward 3 Business Opening Up!
Come check out a new North Royalton Ward 3 Business the Blue Monkey Brewing Company that will be bringing some new life to a long vacant space of the Discount Drug Mart Plaza at 5540 Wallings Rd here in North Royalton. They will also be one of the first ever breweries in our community too! On February 29th you all are invited to their Grand Opening Celebration from 12:00pm-10:00pm. Click Here for more information. #InvestInNRWard3
Snow Parking Ban Reminder
Just a reminder about snow parking bans and where to find out if one is in effect. A snow parking ban pertains to all city streets is not cancelled until a North Royalton Police Department supervisor deems all roads safe and clear, which typically occurs after snow plow operations have been completed. Violators of the snow parking ban are subject to parking citations and/or impoundment of their vehicles. If you like to find out if a snow parking ban is in place you can check out the NRPD Facebook page. You can also see updates in the Facebook and Twitter feed portions of my website’s homepage at www.danlangshaw.com
Ward 3 Recycling Tip of the Month
In Cuyahoga County, it’s easy to recycle cardboard boxes and containers when you follow these few simple steps. Don’t worry about removing any tape or labels, those will come off during the recycling process. Remove all packing materials such as packing peanuts or Styrofoam™ blocks. Break down your box or container into a flattened state. Don’t worry if it’s dented, bent, ripped or damaged. Only place cardboard out for collection in dry weather or in a closed recycling receptacle. Place the flattened, clean and dry cardboard in your curbside recycling container or drop it off at a Paper Retriever or River Valley paper drop-off location. These large, green and yellow recycling bins can be found in the parking lots of schools and churches. Click Here to learn more.
Send In Your Feedback or Invite to an Event
Got an issue you are concerned about? Is there a Homeowner Association Meeting, Condo Association Meeting, Community Organization Meeting, Block Party, or Event that you would like for me attend? Email me your feedback or invite to an event in the ward at ward3@northroyalton.org
Upcoming Events
City Council Streets, Storm Water, & Utilities Committee Meetings February 4th at 6:30pm at City Hall. Click Here to view agendas.
City Council Meeting February 4th immediately following the Committee Meetings but no sooner than 7:00pm at City Hall. Click Here to view agenda.
Special City Council Finance Committee Meeting February 15th on 2020 City Budget at 9:00am at City Hall. Click Here to view agenda.
City Council Finance, Safety, and Building & Building Codes Committee Meetings February 18th at 6:30pm at City Hall. Click Here to view agendas.
City Council Meeting February 18th immediately following the Committee Meetings but no sooner than 7:00pm at City Hall. Click Here to view agenda.
North Royalton Band Boosters Annual Raffle
The Rhythm and Raffle is an annual fundraiser presented by the North Royalton Band Boosters and supporting high school and middle school band programs. The event, hosted from 6:00pm-9:00pm on February 22nd at NRHS Gym 1, will include basket raffles, side boards, dinner and music. Each dinner ticket includes a chance to win $250 in cash! There will be performances by the NRHS Jazz Bands, NRMS Swingtime Band and the Winter Dance Team. Dinner will include chicken, pasta, salad, bread and drinks, catered by Stancato’s. The chicken is gluten free, there will be a gluten-free pasta option and the salad will be made without croutons. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors. Click Here to get a ticket. For event questions, contact Becky Cozzens at (440) 376-2857. For ticket questions, contact Debbie Sexton (440) 785-7725.
North Royalton CERT Fundraiser
The North Royalton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will host a fundraiser from 4:00pm-8:00pm, February 23rd at The 3 Spot, 13855 Ridge Road. Tickets are $25 each and include pizza, wings, pasta, salad and three drink tickets. CERT is an organization of volunteers who are trained to assist the city’s safety forces during any disaster which could impact the city. For information, call Cindy Babitt at (440) 476-3854.
Monthly Coffee with Councilman Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton Ward 3, you are invited to attend my monthly constituent coffee. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. The next coffee will be held on:
When: February 28, 2020
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Peeboo & Beanie Gourmet Ice Cream
12971 State Road
North Royalton, OH 44133
Service Club Open House
Interested in making a difference in North Royalton? Many of the community’s service organizations will be under one roof at the Service Club Open House from 10:00am-2:00pm on March 7th at NRHS Cafeteria. Click Here to learn more.
Cub Scout Pack 218 Annual Pancake Breakfast
March 14th from 8:00am-12:00pm at Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Royalton Hills Lions Annual Raffle
The Royalton Hills Lions will host its annual Poor Man’s Reverse Raffle on March 14th at the American Legion Post 703, located at 7667 York Road in Parma. Doors open at 11:30sm with lunch at 12:30pm. There will be cash bar. Tickets are $20 per person. The menu will include baked potatoes with toppings of chili, cheese, bacon, onion, sour cream etc.; salad with toppings of tomato, cucumber, green pepper, eggs etc.; rolls and butter; and finger pastries. Come one, come all for a fun-filled afternoon with the Royalton Hills Lions.
Rain Garden & Rain Barrel Workshop
If your a resident who like to improve Stormwater management on your property. Come out to the North Royalton Garden Club’s FREE Rain Garden & Rain Barrel Workshop on March 30th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Community Room 1 at City Hall. Click Here to sign up now.