Greetings Ward 3 Resident,
It has been an honor and a humbling experience to have served as an appointed member of the North Royalton City Council these past eight months or so. I want to thank the residents of Ward 3 for recently electing me on November 5th to serve a two year term of my own and continue to be your voice on City Council. Last weekend, I was officially sworn into office for my elected term of office. Per the city of North Royalton Charter, all new members of Council must be sworn into office 5 days after the Board of Elections certifies the November General Election Results. Woodrow Wilson said it best: “To work for the common good is the greatest creed.” As a councilman I believe that to be true and am thankful to serve you all.
As we prepare for a fun Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Join me in also giving thanks for all those who have served or are currently serving our great country in the United States Military. My thoughts and prayers go out to my battle buddies from my old Army unit and our fellow Ward 3 Residents who are away from their families on this Thanksgiving; because they are deployed all over the world to keep us safe. Without their sacrifice, we would not be able to enjoy this special holiday.
Have a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving!
Dan Langshaw
Ward 3 Councilman
North Royalton City Council
COUNCIL UPDATE
Some highlights from the City Council Meetings for November. Council unanimously approved the 2014 City Budget at the November 19th Regular Meeting. The budget projects revenues to be flat in 2014 and based on this year’s expected actual collections. Income tax collections from January through October this year were about $11.37 million dollars, and receipts are expected to total about $13.64 million dollars by the end of the year. The total amount that has been budgeted for 2014 is about $13.63 million dollars. This is a very fiscally conservative budget. The city will start 2014 with a projected carryover balance of more than $1 million dollars. This also does not count about $3 million dollars set aside in the future capital improvement fund. Some highlights of things included in the budget: $600,000 for local road program and infrastructure improvements, the hiring of 2 additional patrol officers for the Police Department scheduled for hire mid-year, $12,500 for two part-time employees to paint fire hydrants and maintenance, $55,000 for the Fire Department to purchase chest compression equipment and radios, and some vehicle purchases for various city departments. Click Here to learn more about the budget:
http://www.thepostnewspapers.com/north_royalton/local_news/article_125436ba-6834-5a1d-ba82-03c98bda4460.html
If you like to learn more about what is going on in City Council check out the minutes online at: http://www.northroyalton.org/Council_Minutes_2013.htm
2013 City Street Ratings Released
Streets Committee was given the newly released 2013 City Street Ratings. The city of North Royalton Engineering Department every few years does a review of all the city streets and creates ratings of which streets are in need of the most repairs. Then from these ratings Council and the Administration work together in addressing the most urgent on the list first if possible. The last rating was done back in 2011. A 10 rating means the road is in perfect condition and a 1 means the street is in desperate need of repair. Click Here to see a list of the 2013 street ratings for Ward 3: http://www.danlangshaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2013-roads0001.jpg I would like to note Washington Avenue (Sherman to York Rd) which is rated a 5 as the worse in the ward, has actually gotten repaired this year after I was able to get the Service Department to come out last month and make the necessary repairs. The newly released ratings don’t reflect this improvement in that street, because the rating was done before these improvements were made.
New Council Committee Schedule and Assignments
Council President Larry Antoskiewicz announced early this month that he is making some revisions to the council committee schedule and assignments for the new term. Beginning January 2014, streets, storm and utilities committees will be held at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and finance, safety and building and building codes committees will be held at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday at City Hall. For 2014-2015 I will be serving as Safety Committee Chairman, Utilities Vice Chairman, and a Member of the Storm Water Committee. I am excited for my new assignments and leadership roles. Typically I attend all council committee meetings, even if I am not assigned to it. I do this because I want to make sure Ward 3 residents have a say in any issue that may come up in any committee. Click Here to learn more:
http://www.thepostnewspapers.com/north_royalton/local_news/article_36be215a-ac99-5d6b-9179-9c0751482889.html
CITY UPDATE
Oil Drilling Fight Continues
On November 12th the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Council approved Cutter Oil Company’s drilling application to mandatory pool two homeowners Planets subdivision and the city of North Royalton. The city will continue to fight this and is appealing the decision. Click Here to learn more:
http://www.thepostnewspapers.com/north_royalton/local_news/article_746d03f6-c5bc-5e55-8e20-1f9c9c17a71d.html
City Finance Director Leaving for New Position
On November 8th the Finance Director Karen Fegan informed the city of her intentions to leave at the end of the month to take a job with the finance department at the Cleveland Metroparks. I like to thank Mrs. Fegan for her years of service to the city of North Royalton and wish her the best. She is leaving on a high note with city finances in good health and our 2014 budget already approved by Council. The search process for her replacement has already started. Click Here to learn more: http://www.thepostnewspapers.com/north_royalton/local_news/article_8e86103b-3805-5def-828a-9c750f25a500.html
City HR Changes Update
As the current Chairman of the Review and Oversight Committee, we had a meeting on November 6th, to discuss the administration’s proposed changes to fill the open city Human Resource Coordinator position. Rather than hiring a replacement, the administration proposed that the duties of the outgoing human resources coordinator Pat Jones be done primarily by Assistant Law Director Donna Vozar, a move that will help save taxpayers about $25,000 annually. Also a part-time human resources specialist will also be hired to assist both the law and human resources departments. The Review and Oversight Committee recommend the changes to council and the same night at the
regular council meeting, it was also approved. Click Here to learn more: http://www.thepostnewspapers.com/north_royalton/local_news/article_b2893e59-9f80-5bbe-9b72-6e013802a525.html
Donations to the City Food Bank
Since the federal government has cut the food stamp program on the average of $36.00 per family per month as of November 1, 2013, the city Office on Aging and Human Services has experienced a large increase in the number of applicants applying for emergency food. The city Office on Aging and Human Services is asking for your help during this holiday season so that we can provide at least enough food for a holiday meal.
Check donations can be made out to the North Royalton-Kiwanis Food Bank Trust and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Office on Aging and Human Services, 13500 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, Ohio 44133. For more information please contact Judy Willey at 440-582-6333.
AROUND WARD 3
FYI Rumpke Waste and Recycling Holiday Schedule
In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, Rumpke Waste and Recycling service will not occur on Thursday, November 28th. Residents with Thursday collection will be moved to Friday and Friday service will move to Saturday. If you have any questions, you can contact Rumpke directly at 1-800-828-8171.
Royal Redeemer’s Annual Care and Share Thanksgiving Dinner
Since 1989 Royal Redeemer has provided meals for the community on Thanksgiving Day. Once again they will be serving a free turkey dinner continuously from 1-4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. For more information contact the church office at 440-237-7958.
Meetings in the Ward
I just like to thank the Buntingtree Condominium Association Board, Glen Abbey Home Owner’s Association, and Harbour Light Phase 1 Condominium Association Board for inviting me to attend their meetings this month. It was great to meet so many Ward 3 residents and get their feedback. I plan to continue to attend these kinds of meetings throughout Ward, during my term. Please just let me know.
25th Parish Anniversary
Special congrats to St. Matthew the Evangelist Church, here in Ward 3 on their 25th Parish Anniversary that was on November 16th.
Ward 3 Business Owner Guest on Fox 8
Earlier this month Chef Olesia from Olesia’s Place located at 11204 Royalton Rd, was chosen to cook live on Fox 8’s, New Day Cleveland TV show as part of the kick off for the Fabulous Food Show that was held at the IX Center. Great job Chef Olesia! If you like to learn more about this local business in our ward check out their website at: www.olesiasplace.com
Send In Your Feedback
Got an issue you are concerned about? Is there a Homeowner Association Meeting, Condo Association Meeting, Community Organization Meeting, or Event that you would like for me attend? Email me your feedback at ward3@northroyalton.org
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
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: November 30, 2013
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Where: Mugshotz Coffee & Smoothies
6556 Royalton Rd.
North Royalton, OH 44133
13th Annual North Royalton Holiday Lighting Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 1st
Parade will start at the Royalwood Road exit of St. Albert The Great Church
4:45 p.m (Snow or Shine)
Destination: City Green
Complimentary hot chocolate and doughnuts and Santa Claus
City Calendar for December
http://www.northroyalton.org/Calendar1213.htm
MY CONTACT INFO
If you ever have any questions, concerns, or need assistance please feel free to give me at call at 440-785-4240 or e-mail me at ward3@northroyalton.org. You can also keep in contact with me through my Website at www.danlangshaw.com or follow me on Facebook or Twitter at DanLangshawNR.