Council Road Committee, May 2013 Minutes
of the Village Council's Road Committee meeting, Mon, 20 May'13
Discussion of water and sewer service in the Village, the upcoming Hines Hill Road repairs, Walters Road
culvert repair and walkways, and the Akron-Cleveland Road bridge replacement.
(21 May'13)
Memorial Day Parade & Remembrance in Boston Heights
Memorial Day service will be held at Fairview Cemetery: Monday, 27 May 2013, 8:30AM.
The Woodridge High School Band will march from the Fire Station to Fairview Cemetery.
The fire station and cemetery are adjacent to the Village Hall
on Boston Mills Road. (9 May'13)
Village Council agenda for the 8 May 2013 regular meeting
The agenda and full text of legislation
for the May 2013 Council meeting is now available. (16 May'13)Update:
• The Village Council has agreed to an amended and renewed 5-year residential trash-hauling contract with Kimble (J&J Refuse)
that bumps the monthly fee up $1 for own-container users, to the same current rate for trash bin users ($15.40/mo). The
new contract allows future annual increases with the CPI. The new contract also appears to
mandate use of the large rolling trash bins, and similar recycling bins. Info letters will be sent out.
• Village Engineer Dave Krock reported that the Village had received a $345K grant for the long-awaited E. Hines Hill Road rehabilitation
project, as well as a $345K long-term loan for the same. He reported that negotiations continue on the amount of funding
that will be received for that project due to the wear and tear from the years of Krejci Dump remediation trucking. Additional
grants are being sought for park playground improvements, and for various drainage repair projects in the Village, including the Walters Road culvert failure.
• Long-serving Police Sergeant Randall Robison was commended by the Mayor upon the occasion of his retirement.
(9 May'13)
Do you have an issue you wish to discuss with your Village Council members?
Boston Heights Officials List - 2013(15 Feb'13)
Homestead Exemption and 2.5% Tax Reduction Deadline: 3 June 2013
If you are 65 years or older, or fully disabled, and/or living in a home you own yourself, you could be looking at a
property tax reduction. The deadline for filing for the Homestead Exemption and the 2.5% Tax Reduction for tax year 2013
is Monday, 3 June 2013. Click the link above for details. (7 May'13)
Planning/Zoning agenda set for 1 May'13 meeting Update: The Planning Commission discussed the status of the former The Range building on E. Hines Hill Road;
discussed and recommended to Council revisions to the Platting Regulations and to the Certificate of Zoning Compliance
(zoning occupancy permit); discussed alternatives to construction bond requirements.
(2 May'13)
Village receives grant to pave Village Hall parking lot
The Village of Boston Heights has received a $78,600 grant from the State of Ohio that will pay for
paving part of the Village Hall parking lot. All costs will be covered by the grant; no
Village matching funds are required. This SWIF grant is intended to improve
storm water handling. To that end, the parking area of the lot
will be excavated to improve permability and drainage, and will be covered with permable pavers,
and will receive new curbing and drainage.
As the grant is also intended to promote
improved storm water handling, the Village has pledged to hold a public meeting on the project,
to promote the project via flyers and signage, and to document the project with a dedicated page on the
Village's own (future?) website. The cost of these PR materials is set at $300.
Krock-Esser Engineering (which also acts as the Village Engineer) will be handling the
surveying and engineering work at a cost of $6,600.
The construction itself is budgeted at up to $72,000. The project is expected to be carried out in Summer 2013.
Read the Boston Heights SWIF Grant Application and project planning documents.
(25 Apr'13)
Updated 19 Apr'13: Hudson Council halts Hines Hill Road bike path project for now HHT: Hudson Council drops bike lane options for Hines Hill Road "Council members were concerned about putting a trail or bike lanes on Hines Hill Road and then waiting years for Boston Heights
to connect its trail to it... Boston Heights part of the proposed trail is $1.46 million."(17 Apr'13) Update: Boston Heights Council member Don Polyak responds:
"... This article did NOT report the decision accurately.
Hudson Council did NOT turn down the (already approved and funded by the [Hudson] Park Board) off the street trail as reported.
They only turned down the extended 4 foot bike lanes on the roadway.
They are still planning on building a bike trail (off road) from Boston Heights line to the YDC property.
This initial investment from the Hudson Park Board is the first major step in this project that will create a
connecting trail from the National Park, the Hike and Bike trail, to the new Metro Park, to the YDC property,
to downtown Hudson and beyond.
As this is a priority for many of us that believe in supporting safe recreation and our residents requests for more bike lanes,
please pass this email along as you see fit."
-- Don Polyak, VBH Council
(17 Apr'13) Update: Hudson Council member Alex Kelemen further responds:
"While the HHT headline and article were not entirely correct, not all of Mr. Polyak’s
statements are themselves correct. Hudson City Council did in fact decide not to go forward with
a path from the Boston Heights Corp line to the western drive of the YDC property at this time.
City Council will ultimately vote on the Park Board’s plan at some future time as to whether this
segment or the proposed multi-purpose path through the YDC property to Prospect Street
is approved for construction in 2013."
-- Alex Kelemen, Hudson City Council
(19 Apr'13) Previously: Hines Hill Road bike lanes in jeopardy... (Jan'13)
Public Meeting on Village Comprehensive Plan: Clarion Inn, Wed 17 April
The Village of Boston Heights and AMATS held a public meeting to discuss the
Village Comprehensive Plan project at: 7PM on Wednesday, 17 April 2013
at the Clarion Inn in Boston Heights. The meeting was
open to all residents of the Village, as well as other interested parties and stakeholders; about 40 attended.
The meeting was conducted by the consultants at Environmental Design Group, who have been working
on the Plan under a grant from AMATS, in conjunction with the Village's own Comprehensive Zoning Plan Committee.
The meeting was publicized to all residents by the
Boston Heights/AMATS letter on the public meeting
which was included in the recent Boston Heights Village newsletter mailing.
(18 Apr'13) Previously:AMATS Connected Communities Grant for Village Plan (Feb'12)
Council Road Committee, April 2013 Minutes
of the Village Council's Road Committee meeting, Mon, 15 Apr'13
Public meetings set to discuss requests for water and sewer service in the Village, and for a proposed additional
Road Levy (in addition to the current 2.75mil Road Levy that has just begun collection this year). Other issues
and projects were also reviewed, including the upcoming Hines Hill Road repairs and the Akron-Cleveland Road bridge replacement.
(16 Apr'13)
Village receives recycling grant for 2013
ABJ: 31 communities in Summit County receive $414,549 in recycling grants
The Village has received a grant of $948 from Summit-Akron Solid Waste Management Authority / ReWorks to further recycling in town.
Mayor Goncy has stated, at a recent Council meeting, that he expects to combine this year's grant with last year's in order to obtain
more and better residential recycling bins. (9 Apr'13)
Planning/Zoning agenda set for 3 Apr'13 meeting Update: The Planning Commission approved new signs and use for the Olde 8 Tavern on Akron-Cleveland Road,
formerly Uncle B's, and Tequila Pancho's before that. The PC also recommended to Council a new schedule of
planning and zoning fees.
(4 Apr'13)
Special Meeting: Safety Committee meets 6PM, 7 Mar 2013 "The purpose of this meeting is to discuss further the contract proposals received from the Valley Fire District and the City of Macedonia" — Mayor Bill Goncy
(6 Mar'13)
Village Council agenda for the 13 February 2013 regular meeting Update: Text of the legislation from this meeting is now available, attached to Agenda link above.
Mr. Edward Yost was appointed to the Fire Department as Fire Inspector; Mr. Toney Garabay was appointed as the Cemetery Sexton.
A measure to update the Planning and Zoning fee schedule was introduced, pending a public hearing.
(20 Feb'13)
Council Road Committee, February 2013 Minutes
of the Village Council's Road Committee meeting, Mon, 18 Feb'13
This was the last in a series of public meetings on the Village's plans for road and drainage projects.
The Village Engineer explained the state of the Village's roads, including recent repairs and costs for ongoing
maintenance and/or repaving. The Road Committee
made its case for an increase to the Village's Road Levy property tax in order to expand the scope of the town's
road maintenance program.
Boston Heights taxpayers have just begun paying on the current 5-year Road Levy
of 2.75 mills this year (2013, for 1st half 2012 taxes); payments of about $84 per $100K of property value will run
through 2017 if there are no changes. (19 Feb'13) For more information: Boston Heights Engineer's 2012 CIP Road Report — including road repair cost reports
and projections.
Planning/Zoning agenda set for 6 Feb'13 meeting Update: The Planning Commission approved a site plan and building addition for Clarion Inn, adding a
tour bus entrance with building and landscaping upgrades. The PC also recommended to Council a revision
of the ordinances setting planning and zoning fees, and the composition of the BZA. The PC also further
discussed updates to the subdivision platting code.
(7 Feb'13)
Council Road Committee, January 2013 Minutes
of the Village Council's Road Committee meeting, Mon, 21 Jan'13
The Village Engineer explained current and future road and drainage improvement projects, including
plans to finally begin the reconstruction of West Hines Hill Road this summer.
Some residents of the Wooded View / Hines Hill neighborhood suggested that the Village increase its Road Levy
property tax in order to expand the scope of the town's road maintenance program.
(22 Jan'13)
Planning/Zoning agenda set for 2 Jan'13 meeting (24 Dec'12) Update: The Planning Commission approved a site plan and building addition for Dun-Rite Roofing on Chittenden, and
continued discussion of the proposed restructuring of the Village's planning and zoning fees.
(3 Jan'13)
Village to contract for Zoning Inspector services
At the Council Finance Committee meeting of 18 Dec'12, Boston Heights Village Council
decided to contract for Zoning
Inspector services in 2013. Traditionally the Village
has employed an individual as a part-time Zoning Inspector, handling both enforcement
and planning/zoning administrative functions for about $250/month.
The Village will extend its current
contract with Krock-Esser Engineering to encompass these additional functions; currently
K-E acts as the Village Engineer and Street Commissioner. Dave Krock anticipates that
routine inspection and reporting will require 2 hours per week, charged at a flat fee
of $300/month. More extensive enforcement and administrative activity will be
charged separately. The appointment and contract amendment are expected to be made
at the January Council meeting. (18 Dec'12)
Council Road Committee, November 2012 Minutes
of the Village Council's Road Committee meeting, Mon, 19 Nov'12
The Village Engineer explained current and future road and drainage improvement projects.
Some residents of the Village's Ashbrooke neighborhood suggested that the Village increase its Road Levy
property tax, and extend it from 5 to 10 years, in order to expand the scope of the town's road maintenance program.
(Ed. note: Road maintenance is one of the few purposes for which ORC 5705.19 allows a municipal levy longer
than 5 years, or continuing.)
(28 Nov'12)
HHT: Proposed Veterans Trail connects downtown Hudson to surrounding communities
The connection through Boston Heights referenced in this article is the Hines Hill Bikeway,
aka "Heights to Hudson Trail", that was discussed at public meetings in
Boston Heights this past year. The Village has
been considering how this project might fit in with the planned refurbishment of
West Hines Hill Road, after the Krejci Dump project is finally completed. This is just
one of several trails proposed for Boston Heights in the Summit County Trail &
Greenway Plan. Others are the "Gateway Trail" to Peninsula and the CVNP,
and the "Brandywine Creek Trail" along the creek to Northfield and Macedonia.
(23 Nov'12) ABJ: Eight new regional trails costing $46 million on map for Summit County(25 Oct'12) Previously: Hines Hill Bike Path Feasibility Study (Jan'12)
See also: Hudson Park Board, Oct'11
National Park confirms: Krejci Dump Cleanup is being completed, not restarted
Boston Heights Overlook contacted the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to inquire into
worries, voiced by residents in the Wooded View area, that the Krejci Dump cleanup
project was restarting rather than finishing up. Specifically, there were concerns over
trucks apparently moving soils out of the dump sites once again.
From Chris Davis, Plant Ecologist for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (and the current
CVNP contact for the Krejci project):
"A while ago, a few small spots at Krecji were found with slightly elevated
levels of contamination and those areas were removed. But the site is
still clean and meeting all regulatory requirements.
All the recent truck traffic at the site (and there's been a LOT) has been
trucks hauling/moving clean fill between the east and west sites to provide
fill to meet grading requirements. No dirt is being removed from the site.
Folks also may have seen trucks leaving the site that had dropped off
composted soil, which has been placed in wetlands, and rock to repair
gullies and cover limestone rip-rap. Again, all this material is clean and
uncontaminated.
Even the dirt they trucked off a few weeks
ago wasn't "hazardous"; it just didn't meet the super-high standards they
have at this site. Krecji is probably the least contaminated site in the
area now. They even had trouble finding composted leaves to add to the
wetlands that met standards for the site."
Village Council agenda for the 15 November 2012 regular meeting Update: Council accepted the retirement letter submitted by Police Chief Joe Varga, taking effect 25 November 2012,
and approved the Mayor's appointment of Lt. Ray Heatwall as acting Chief at that time.
(15 Nov'12)
Hudson & Woodridge levies pass, Nordonia levy fails
• Issue 64: Hudson Schools Levy, 1.5mil 5 year PIF: PASS 66% to 34%
• Issue 65: Nordonia Schools Levy, 3mil continuing operations: FAIL 60% to 40%
• Issue 71: Woodridge Schools Levy, 6.83mil 5 year operations: PASS 55% to 45%
• 14th Congressional District representative: David P. Joyce (REP) with 54% of the vote.
• 38th Ohio House District representative: Marilyn Slaby (REP) with 55% of the vote.
• Summit County Council District #1: Nick Kostandaras (DEM) with 57% of the vote.
Source: Summit County Board of Elections and
Ohio Sec'y of State. (7 Nov'12)
Village to provide leaf pickup, branch chipping We've been corrected by Mayor Goncy:
The Village will provide leaf pickup during the Fall: place your leaves near the roadway for
pickup during the week. The Service Department will be picking up leaves every weekday.
If they're not gone after a few days, call in a request to the Village Hall: 330-650-4111.
Branch pickup and chipping will also continue, every Monday; stack branches by the road facing in one direction.
Branches and logs too large to chip will not be picked up. Do not block ditches or catch basins!(17 Oct'12)
Paper & Cardboard Recycling at Village Hall
Don't forget to bring your cardboard, paper, magazines and books for recycling at the
Boston Heights Village Hall. There is a special green recycling container in the parking lot
(more info here).
.
Council Road Committee, October 2012 Minutes
of the Village Council's Road Committee meeting, Mon, 15 Oct'12
The Village Engineer explained current and future road and drainage improvement projects.
Some residents of the Village's northwest neighborhood expressed interest in water and sewer service, and
complained of some vacant properties.
(17 Oct'12)
Village Council agenda for the 10 October 2012 regular meeting Update: Regular Village Council meetings will now be held at 7PM on the 2nd Wednesday of
each month, instead of 8PM. This timetable begins with the November 2012 meeting. (10 Oct'12)
(Update: The Nov'12 regular Council meeting will be 7PM on Thu, 15 Nov'12 rather than the usual Wednesday.)
Akron-Cleveland Road Bridge Replacement: Public Meeting, Wednesday 10 Oct'12
ODOT and the Village of Boston Heights will hold a public involvement meeting
to explain the planned replacement of the Akron-Cleveland Road bridge over the Metroparks Bike & Hike Trail.
This is the decaying double-bridge structure just south of Route 303. The Village is responsible for the
maintenance and replacement of this bridge, as the road is no longer a state highway. However,
Federal funding has been obtained for the bulk of the project, and the Metroparks is making a contribution.
Nonetheless, the Village itself is on the hook for a substantial financial investment in this project.
The public meeting, which will be in open-house format without a specific presentation, will be held
from 5-7PM on Wednesday, 10 October 2012, at Happy Days Lodge on Route 303 (500 W. Streetsboro Road).
(28 Sep'12)
For more information: ODOT Public Involvement Meeting Letter
Change in Village Fiscal Officer; Klingenberg takes over from Huber
The Village's first Fiscal Officer, Richard Huber, has tendered his resignation effective
13 Sep'12. Mayor Bill Goncy, with the concurrence of Council, has appointed
Betty Klingenberg as Fiscal Officer for the balance of the 2012 term.
Ms. Klingenberg has been employed as a part-time assistant in the Village of Glenwillow
Finance Department, Sagamore Hills Township Clerk, assistant in the Summit County Engineer's office,
and as a member of the Nordonia Hills School Board. Mr. Huber, who had briefly worked as
the Village's Assistant Office Clerk, has been appointed as the Assistant Fiscal Officer
and so will remain involved with the Village's finances and operations.
(13 Sep'12)Previously: Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman retires; Village transitions to Fiscal Officer (Apr'12)
Village Council agenda for the 12 September 2012 regular meeting Update: Macedonia's Mayor Kuchta addressed Council on the idea of
sponsoring a regional Senior's Center in Macedonia;
he suggested the Village appoint a
representative to discuss the matter with the other communities in the Nordonia area.
Council adopted new regulations on temporary political signs, in effect immmediately (Ord.17-2012).
A 5-cent fee was adopted for scanning pages (as well as printing them) for public records requests (Ord.18-2012).
The position of Assistant Fiscal Officer was codified; it had previously existed only as an
addendum to the annual payroll ordinance (Ord.19-2012).
The position of Assistant Office Clerk was redefined to be consistent with this new position (Ord.20-2012).
Council authorized the Mayor to join the Village with County on grants for demolition projects
(Ord.21-2012).
Council also formally sponsored the upcoming Fall Festival (Res.34-2012). Finally,
Council endorsed Mayor Goncy's appointment of Betty Klingenberg as Fiscal Officer (Res.35-2012),
and Richard Huber as Assistant Fiscal Officer (Res.36-2012). The Mayor had already noted that
Mr. Huber was resigning his current position of Fiscal Officer and would become the assistant to
the new Fiscal Officer, all as of 13 Sep'12.
Public Zoning Meeting, 6:30PM Tue 25 Sep'12
A public hearing will be held at 6:30PM Tue 25 Sep 2012, preceding the Council Finance meeting,
to discuss several proposed amendments to the Zoning Code. (Rescheduled from 12 Sep'12.)
These include modifications to some permitted and conditional uses in certain districts
(Ord.W-2012), and
a definition of Bed and Breakfast establishments (Ord.Z-2012).
Also to be discussed is the codification of how engineering and professional fees are back
charged for development within the Village, through a new professional review fund and
published fee list (Ord.V-2012);
this has previously been handled on an ad hoc basis.
(13 Sep'12)
Boston Heights may be tapped for area Senior Center NL: Could Macedonia be home for Nordonia Hills senior center?
Beyond the mention in the article linked here, Mayor Goncy mentioned at a recent meeting that he
had been asked to meet with Macedonia's Mayor Kuchta to discuss cooperating in this venture.
(12 Sep'12)
Village sets public meetings on road, drainage maintenance
Boston Heights Village has scheduled a series of public meetings this fall & winter to review
road and drainage maintenance plans with the residents of specific areas of the Village. These are:
Mon, 15 Oct'12 at 7PM for all residents along Olde 8 Road from Brandywine Road north to the Northfield border.
Mon, 19 Nov'12 at 7PM for the residents of Ashbrooke (and nearby areas).
Mon, 21 Jan'13 at 7PM for residents from Hines Hill to the Turnpike Bridge, including all side streets.
Mon, 21 Feb'13 at 7PM for residents south of the Turnpike to Rt.303.
Village Council agenda for the 15 August 2012 special meeting(15 Aug'12)
Council will consider, and discuss with stakeholders, the plan to create a community foundation
that will act as an umbrella organization for volunteer groupds operating in association with the Village.
A reminder to our readers
This website, Boston Heights Overlook at BostonHeights.Org, is not operated by, responsible to, nor
affiliated with the government of the Village of Boston Heights, Ohio.
While we thank the officials of the Village, past and present, for their boundless cooperation and assistance, please be aware
that this website is edited, operated and financed entirely as a private volunteer enterprise in the service of
the community of Boston Heights.
This year 2012 marks our 10th year of operation online. Thank you for your interest!
(9 Aug'12)
Village Council agenda for the 8 August 2012 regular meeting(7 Aug'12) Update: With Councilors Ron Antal and Don Polyak absent, there were an insufficient number of
council members present at the meeting to suspend the requirement for three readings of each measure.
Therefore each item on the agenda just received a reading by the Mayor, except Resolution A which was
adopted by Council upon its third reading. Now Res.33-2012, this requests the County to remit any
already-collected funds it holds on the Village's behalf, where applicable to the
current fiscal year (per ORC 321.34).
Contrary to rumor, this is not a request for any loan, nor advance on unpaid taxes (which would be
per ORC 321.341 and entirely at the County Fiscal Officer's discretion).
Additionally, a number of residents of the Wellington Court area of the Ashbrooke West neighborhood
addressed Council, the Mayor, and the Village Engineer about their dissatisfaction with
drainage and road maintenance, both historical and that currently under way.
(9 Aug'12)
Public Meeting: Political Sign Posting Regulations
A public meeting was held at 7:30PM Wednesday, 8 August 2012 (before the regular Council meeting)
to present a proposed change in Village regulations of political signs, as a revision to the Zoning Code.
The intention appears to be to bring these regulations into conformance with various
court decisions on free speech rights, while still reasonably regulating maintenance and safety issues.
(8 Aug'12) Update: The public meeting was attended by only two citizens (including the BHO editor). There
were no comments offered other than Solicitor Marshal Pitchford's statement (in response to a query by
Councilor Ron Fenn) that in his opinion the new regulations will be conformant with various court decisions.
The regulations essentially put no specific timetable on political signs, but would now require them to be removed, or
replaced and newly registered, every 30 days. Also, the maximum sign size per sign would be regularized across all
districts, at 12 square feet (with no constraint on aggregate size or sign count). The new regulations
would not change the usual prohibition of private signs, including political signs, within the public right-of-way.
This measure received the second of three readings at the subsequent Council meeting.
(9 Aug'12)
NL: Nordonia Hills School Board delays decision on levy "The Board scheduled a special meeting for Aug. 6 to discuss the matter further and make a decision on whether it will place a levy on the Nov. 6 ballot, and if so, how much it will be."
(2 Aug'12)
Village Engineer plans summer road, ditch maintenance
Village Council recently OK'd contracts for maintenance and repair of roads and ditches/drainage
over the summer of 2012. Village Engineer Krock has released maps of the planned repairs: 2012 Road Maintenance Program 2012 Drainage Maintenance Program
Notification to affected property owners, and possibly public meetings, are planned before
work begins. (24 Jul'12)
Woodridge Schools levy on 7 August Special Election ballot
At a 7 August Special Election, Village residents in the Woodridge School District (only) will be voting on:
Woodridge Local Schools Emergency Levy, Issue 5: 6.83-mill 5-year levy, expected to raise about $3M/year.
The levy proponents' website is Support Woodridge,
and includes a levy cost calculator.
(17 Jul'12)
Village Council agenda for the 11 July 2012 regular meeting(11 Jul'12) Update: Council adopted a couple of zoning code corrections, as well as a new zoning map
(which does not change any zoning, but reflects the post-Route 8 upgrade terrain). Plans for a fall
flea market were endorsed and agreed to sell a surplus vehicle on eBay. A public meeting was
set for 7:30PM on 8 Aug'12 to present a planned change in political sign posting regulations
that are intended to more closely conform to existing court decisions. (12 Jul'12)
Village Council agenda for the 26 June 2012 special meeting(26 Jun'12) Update: Council resolved to seek a grant for financial assistance on the planned roadway and
drainage upgrades to West Hines Hill Road; adjusted two police officers' pay grades; authorized contracts
for extensive roadway and drainage repair programs in the Village. The Village Engineer will be finalizing
the scope of these repairs, which include crack and chip sealing of roadways, asphalt repairs, ditch and
culvert cleaning, culvert replacement and repairs. Affected residents will be notified, and there may
be a public meeting later in the summer to explain these projects. (27 Jun'12)
State Auditor releases Boston Heights 2011-2012 Audit
The biennial audit of the Village's finances and procedures was released this month, along with
a management letter advising improvements in various fiscal procedures and department management practices.
There was also an additional report on "Agreed Procedures" to ensure everything was in order
during the transition from Village Clerk-Treasurer to Fiscal Officer.
(11 Jun'12)
Village Council agenda for the 13 June 2012 regular meeting(13 June'12) Update: As only four of the six Council members attended the meeting, all
ordinances and resolutions were held for an additional reading (it takes at least five members
to override the standard requirement for three readings of each item). However, a special
Council meeting will be held later in the month to attend to the more urgent matters; tentatively
set for 6:30PM, Tue 26 Jun'12.
Before the Council meeting was a presentation by the Village's insurance broker on options for liability
insurance coverage for the various independent Village associations (
Fairview Cemetery Ass'n,
Friends of Matthews-Thomas Park,
Boston Heights Fire Department Ass'n.
It appears that these groups will need to obtain event liability coverage, as the Village has discovered
that its blanket liability policy may not cover the activities of such groups.
Following the meeting, Village Engineer Dave Krock presented a review of the preliminary engineering for the
West Hines Hill Road improvements that the Village hopes to make in the next year or so. (14 Jun'12)
Village Council agenda for the 9 May 2012 regular meeting(8 May'12) Update: Council tweaked the new noise ordinance, created a mechanism for carrying out
fire inspections, sorted out some insurance issues for village events, appointed Ian Paieta
as Fire Captain, Gail Graci as ass't office clerk, and set rates and policies for the Park pavilion.
(10 May'12)
Planning/Zoning agenda set for 2 May'12 meeting Update: The Planning Commission and several Boston Heights citizens held a lively
discussion on a proposal to change the Residential District zoning regulations to make
agriculture a conditional use (subject to review) instead of the current permitted use (no review).
The PC plans to further consider the matter at future meetings.
(3 May'12)
BH Firefighter Association Steak Dinner/Dance cancelled
We are informed that the Boston Heights Firefighters' Association Steak Dinner and Dance,
previously scheduled for 19 May 2012, has been cancelled. (1 May'12)
Village adopts new Noise Ordinance
As noted earlier, Boston Heights Village Council adopted, at its
April 2012 meeting, a substantially stronger Noise Ordinance. According to discussion
among Council, the changes are intended to address
some reported difficulties, under the previous ordinance, in enforcement of peace and quiet in
the Village residential neighborhoods. Primary changes include:
• A change from the old (poorly defined) quiet time after 11PM to a general restriction
on unreasonable or annoying noise;
• A specific restriction on sounds audible 80 feet from the property line, without
regard to time of day;
• A restriction on operation of machinery or engines that generate
"loud, unnecessary, unreasonable, or obnoxious noise";
• A clause permitting confiscation of portable sound equipment or vehicles
used to violate the ordinance.
(This list is not comprehensive.) The new law is now in effect. (1 May'12)
Public Hearing Zoning Code Changes and Map Update
A public hearing will be held at the Boston Heights Village Hall at
6:30PM, Tue 22 May 2012 (before the monthly Financial Committee meeting). The hearing
will present some technical changes to the Zoning Code, and an update to the
Village's Zoning Map. No property is being rezoned, but the updated map will
reflect previous zoning district changes (from 2007) and the parcel changes due to the Route 8
upgrade project. (1 May'12)
Click for the
Village notification of the 22 May'12 Public Hearing.
Sunoco Pipeline Survey
Wondering about people roaming around along the gas pipeline that runs through Boston Heights?
Sunoco has taken over ownership and may be out surveying the pipeline and its right-of-way.
(24 Apr'12)
Details in this Sunoco letter.
Village Council agenda for the 15 April 2012 emergency meeting(14 Apr'12)
As the 2012 pay ordinance has not yet been passed, it is necessary to amend the existing pay ordinance
in order to include the new Fiscal Officer's position. The former position of Clerk-Treasurer was
elected, for which an annual salary had been set by a separate ordinance before election. Update: Fiscal Officer Richard Huber's pay was set at $18.77 per hour.
(15 Apr'12)
Village Council agenda for the 11 April 2012 regular meeting(10 Apr'12) Update: Council approved a substantially stronger noise ordinance for the Village, allowed for
temporary alternative members for the Planning Commission, and adopted several other measures.
(14 Apr'12)
Residents invited to meeting on Hines Hill Road plans
The Village of Boston Heights and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park have invited residents,
particularly those of West Hines Hill Road and the Wooded View neighborhood, to attend
a public meeting at the Village Hall at 7PM, Wed. 18 April 2012. Plans and timetables for
the repair or reconstruction of Hines Hill will be discussed. See
Mayor Goncy's letter(3 Apr'12)
Boston Heights Seeks Part-time Office Assistant
Details here. (4 Apr'12)
Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman retires; Village transitions to Fiscal Officer
After 23 years of service to the Village of Boston Heights, mostly as Clerk-Treasurer, Carol Zeman
has retired as of 31 March, 2012. With her goes the elected office of Clerk-Treasurer; those
duties will now be carried out by an appointed employee of the Village. Richard W. Huber was
recently appointed and confirmed as the first Fiscal Officer for Boston Heights, beginning on
1 April 2012. The job remains a combination of Treasurer and Clerk of Council.
(1 Apr'12)
2012 FOP Reverse Raffle & Dinner - In Memory of Former Mayor Raymond C. McFall
Fraternal Order of Police &Auxiliary 2012 Dinner and Reverse Raffle will be 21 April 2012 at the
Clarion Inn at Boston Heights:
Ticket info here. (29 Mar'12)
Summit County Reverse Alert System can notify you of emergencies
The Summit County Reverse Alert system will attempt to call all listed landline phone numbers
in areas affected by an emergency situation. If you have no landline telephone and/or wish to be
notified of emergencies by cell phone, text message, or email, you can opt in to the Reverse Alert
System here: Summit County Reverse Alert System Registration (29 Mar'12)
CVNP to carry out controlled burn near W. Boston Mills Road Update: The prescribed fire was carried out on Thursday, 29 March 2012 south of
W. Boston Mills Road in Boston Township. See the CPD video here.
(31 Mar'12) Previously:
At some point between 26 March and 30 April, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
will carry out a controlled, or "prescribed", fire in Boston Township
near West Boston Mills Road. The exact date will be chosen based on weather conditions.
Please see the CVNP Prescribed Fire
document for full details and assurances.
(27 Mar'12) HHT: Park fights invasive plants with fire (27 Mar'12) ABJ: CUYAHOGA VALLEY / Burn Plan in Park(25 Mar'12)
Village Council agenda for the 27 March 2012 special meeting(26 Mar'12) Update: Council approved the contracts with Macedonia for safety dispatching
and temporary housing of prisoners, as well as one of two cemetery settlement agreements, this year's contract
with Summit Soil & Water. Council also permitted the Village to advertise for a new part-time assistant
to the Office Clerk (Deputy Clerk of Mayor's Court), as Richard Huber will be moving from that position to that of Fiscal Officer,
as of Sunday 1 April 2012.
(27 Mar'12)
NL: BOSTON HEIGHTS TO VOTE ON FIVE-YEAR DEAL WITH CITY [Macedonia](21 Mar'12) Update: Council approved the 5-year safety dispatch contract with Macedonia
at a Special Council Meeting on 27 Mar'12. The contract is for a flat annual fee starting
at $71,000 this year and increasing 2.0-2.5% each year thereafter.
(27 Mar'12)
Village Council agenda for the 14 March 2012 regular meeting(15 Mar'12) Update: Council approved Mayor Goncy's revised appointment of Richard W. Huber
to the position of Village Fiscal Officer for the balance of 2012. The term runs through
the 2nd Wedneday of 2013. Mr. Huber recently joined the Village staff as an assistant to the
Office Clerk (Deputy Clerk of Mayor's Court), and will transition to the Fiscal Officer position
on 1 April 2012. The Fiscal Officer position is new to Boston Heights this year,
and is an appointed employee position that replaces the previously
elected Clerk-Treasurer, with much the same duties.
Mayor Goncy displayed a proclamation of thanks for the retiring Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman, noting
her 23 years of service to the Village. He also prepared a proclamation of thanks to veteran
firefighter Robert Reidl, who is leaving the Village Fire Department after 42 years of service.
Council has arranged a Special Council Meeting on 27 Mar'12 to handle some time-constrained issues before
the end of the first quarter of 2012.
(15 Mar'12)
Woodridge Schools levy on March Primary ballot
At the 6 March Primary Election, Village residents in the Woodridge School District will be voting on:
Woodridge Local Schools Emergency Levy, Issue 10: 6.83-mill 5-year levy, expected to raise about $3M/year.
The levy proponents' website is Support Woodridge,
and includes a levy cost calculator.
(27 Feb'12) Previously:Woodridge approves March levy request (Dec'11)
Village Council agenda for the 20 February 2012 special meeting(17 Feb'12) Update: In a near-record 2 minutes and 45 seconds, Council authorized advertising for the
position of Fiscal Officer, and adjourned. Mayor Goncy's appointment is still pending a final
vote, having had two of the necessary three readings before Council.
(20 Feb'12)
Village Council agenda for the 16 February 2012 special meeting
Another try at revisiting the question of the Mayor's pending appointment of the Village Fiscal Officer.
(15 Feb'12) Update: Council noted a second reading of a resolution to approve the Mayor's appointment of a
Fiscal Officer for the Village, but took no further action before adjourning. Several Council members
expressed a desire that the Mayor interview other candidates, and to that end set another special
Council meeting for Monday to authorize advertising the position. Note that by Ohio
(ORC 733.262) and Village law,
the Fiscal Officer is appointed by the Mayor, which appointment is approved by Council (or not). This
differs from selection of, for example, Village Solicitor, who is selected and appointed solely by
Council (ORC 733.48).
(17 Feb'12)
Village Council agenda for the 13 February 2012 special meeting
Revisiting the question of the Mayor's pending appointment of the Village Fiscal Officer.
(9 Feb'12) Update: As fewer than the necessary quorum of four Council members attended, the meeting
was unable to be convened. There was some informal discussion of the scheduling of another
Special Council Meeting. (13 Feb'12)
Village Council agenda for the 8 February 2012 regular meeting Update: Council approved the 2012 budget appropriations; deferred consideration of
Mayor Goncy's proposed appointment of Melinda A. Valahovic as Village Fiscal Officer (she is currently the
assistant to the Clerk-Treasurer); agreed to settle a dispute at Fairview Cemetery. Council
agreed to allow a damaged police cruiser to be sold as salvage, having received an insurance settlement
in the matter. A new fleet of police cruisers is currently being purchased and outfitted. Council
also approved the Mayor's appointment of Dana Berchtold to the Recreation Advisory Commission (Park Board).
(9 Feb'12)
More on AMATS Connected Communities Grant for Village Plan
AMATS has posted its Request for Qualifications seeking a consultant for the
Boston Heights Comprehensive Plan project:
Request for Qualifications – Village of Boston Heights.
(3 Feb'12)
A short video explaining the Connected Communities Grant program, and the Village's project, is here:
Village Police Chief Joe Varga Defers Retirement
In a letter to Mayor Goncy and Council,
Boston Heights Chief of Police Joseph Varga has rescinded
his earlier plan to retire in mid-2012. Chief Varga now expects to stay on the job until 2017. There had
been some discussion on his remaining Chief on a part-time basis after retirement.
(31 Jan'12) Previously:Village Police Chief Joe Varga to Retire (2011)
Property Tax Reduction Oppportunities for Homeowners
Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman reminds Village residents to ensure they're receiving the 2.5%
property tax reduction for their primary home -- and if not, apply for it before June. In addition,
residents turning 65 (and up!) this year, or totally disabled, can apply for an additional
Homestead Exemption for part of their home's property taxes. Any changes won't show up on your
tax bill until next year.
Check your property tax record for HOMESTEAD Yes/No and 2.5% REDUCTION Yes/No
Links: Check your property tax record *
2.5% Reduction *
Homestead Exemption
Village Council agenda for the 11 January 2012 regular meeting Update: Council bumped up the Village's fees for credit card payments, chargebacks and bad checks, and
endorsed the Mayor's appointment of Richard Huber as assistant to Office Clerk Kathi Cole.
Council also engaged attorney Marshal Pitchford as Village Solicitor for another two years
(as his current appointment ends on 31 January), but not without a great deal of discussion.
Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman and Mayor Goncy cautioned Council to be aware of the probable need for a much
larger legal budget than in recent years, based on Mr. Pitchford's new contract rates and increased
work hours. Mr. Pitchford (and several members of Council) pointed out that he is currently expending
extra hours resolving Village legal issues that have been languishing for years, and which hopefully may
be brought to some final conclusion. Councilor Ron Antal suggested re-opening a search for a Solicitor
in the hope of realizing lower legal cost, but others on Council felt that last year's extensive search
process was sufficient. (A suggestion to have routine matters handled by an attorney other than the Solicitor
is probably impractical under Ohio law).
(12 Jan'12)
New in town: Sculpt Fitness personal training gym
has opened a new facility in Boston Heights, on Akron-Cleveland Road (across from Tequila Pancho's). HHT: New gym offers open space exercising(11 Jan'12)
Public Meeting: Hines Hill Bike Path Feasibility Study
A public meeting was held at 7PM 9 January 2012 at the Boston Heights Village Hall.
The purpose of the meeting was to inform residents about a potential Bikeway on Hines Hill Road.
In 2001, Metro Parks established a Greenway Plan for Summit County.
This plan identified ideal locations for bikeways, and those included Hines Hill Road.
In November of this year, a matching grant was awarded to conduct a feasibility study for bikeway
along Hines Hill Road. (from the Village's legal notice) Update: Mayor Bill Goncy introduced the various speakers from Floyd-Browne Engineering, Summit County
Trailways Coalition, and City of Hudson Parks. The basic proposal being examined is to build a bike trail in
the existing right-of-way on the north side of W. Hines Hill Road eastward from its current intersection
with the MetroParks Bike & Hike Trail. The trail would cross Olde Eight Road at a flashing-signal crosswalk,
continue along (or possibly, through) the old Boston Hills golf course to Dean Memorial Parkway at Route 8.
There the trail would cross Hines Hill to the south side of the road, cross Dean Memorial (both
at pedestrian-signalized crosswalks) and continue on that side of the road eastward to the Hudson city line.
The trail would then cross Brandywine Creek on a new bridge and continue past the old Youth Development
Center, across the railroad tracks, and up to Prospect Street. It would then follow Prospect and Morse Drive
to Hudson's First and Main center, downtown. The proposal included drainage improvements for the W. Hines Hill
road area nearest Wooded View, though this was not expected to resolve the drainage problems within
those properties. There was some discussion of right-of-way and other issues, all of which was
promised to be considered as the feasibility study continues. (10 Jan'12)
See also: Hudson Park Board, Oct'11
Village Council agenda for the 4 January 2012 special meeting Update: Council recombined the Safety 1 (Police) and Safety 2 (Fire) Committees into a single
Safety Committee. Councilor Don Polyak explained that this was intended to improve fiscal and operational
coordination between Council and the two public safety departments. Mr. Polyak was also selected as
Council President Pro Tempore, who will chair the Financial Committee and step in for the Mayor when
necessary. The Council members assigned themselves to the various standing committees
-- not without some measure of controversy and discussion. (4 Jan'12)
Village Council agenda for the 14 December 2011 regular meeting
New Council members Glenn Blakeny & Ron Antal, & re-elected Mayor Bill Goncy,
were sworn in by Judge Lisa Coates; outgoing
Council members Janet Miller and Scott Foss received the thanks of the Village.
NL: Five file for area's two new state House districts
Boston Heights joins the new 38th Ohio House District, running along the western
side of Summit and Stark Counties. Lynn Slaby (R) of Copley, and Michael J. Kaplan (D) of Peninsula
have filed for the seat, to be decided on the Nov'12 ballot. Most of the rest of Northern
Summit County is in the new 37th District. (9 Dec'11)
Boston Heights Wins Grant for Comprehensive Plan Development
For the past several years, the Village's largely volunteer Comprehensive Zoning Plan Committee
has been working on forming a Comprehensive Plan for Boston Heights. Residents may
recall the survey that was carried out by the CZPC in 2009, the results of which
were presented to Council at that time. This fall, the CZPC applied for an AMATS Connected
Communities grant in the hopes of receiving professional planning assistance in completing
the Plan. This week, the Village was in fact awarded the grant, which will be
administered and expended by AMATS on its behalf: ABJ: Agency approves federal transportation funds for Boston Heights, Ravenna(7 Dec'11) See also:Vlg of Boston Hts Application: AMATS Connected Communities Grant 2011 (Oct'11)
WSL: Woodridge approves March levy request
Woodridge Local Schools will place an emergency tax levy on the 6 March 2012 Primary Election ballot.
The Board of Education voted 22 Nov'11 to request a five-year levy raising $3M/year. Millage is
yet to be determined.
(1 Dec'11) See also:Woodridge's money woes... (Nov'11)
Village's Residential Trash Hauler adds online billing & billpay
Register here with J&J Refuse.
It's optional; you will still get a paper bill and pay by mail, if you prefer.
(1 Dec'11)
Village Council agenda for the 9 November 2011 regular meeting Update: Council deferred action on regulations for the upcoming Fiscal Officer position;
allowed for fire station staffing during weather/emergency events;
enabled the Mayor to contract with the County to administer "entertainment arcade" regulations;
endorsed funding for a future study of bike trails;
enabled the Mayor to contract with the new interim Engineer; and
enabled the Mayor to contract with a collection agency to pursue old unpaid fines and fees.
(10 Nov'11)
Boston Heights Election Results(9 Nov'11) Mayor: Goncy re-elected:
Bill Goncy WIN 57%
Janet Miller 43%
Council: Two new members elected:
Ron Antal (Meghan's Lane) WIN 39% (+1% other write-ins)
Glen Blakeney (Sholle Dr) WIN 33%
James Hudson (Olde Eight) 27%
Levies: Both Village levies renewed, Nordonia levy passed:
NL: Village to decide levies for services
An explanation of the two Boston Heights levy renewals that will be on the ballot
next Tuesday, 8 Nov'11:
Fire Dept. Operating Levy, Issue 68: 3-year, 0.75-mill levy renewal.
Road Levy, Issue 67: 5-year, 2.75-mill levy renewal.
Council member Don Polyak has offered this
explanation
and endorsement of the Road Levy renewal.
(4 Nov'11)
Village residents in the Nordonia Hills City School District will also be voting on:
Nordonia Schools Operating Levy, Issue 18: 6-mill continuing levy. Previously:Nov'11 Election Preview
Village Police Chief Joe Varga to Retire Update: Chief Varga rescinded this retirement plan 31 Jan'12.
Boston Heights Chief of Police Joseph Varga has informed the Village
that he will retire, effective 19 April 2012, according to
Scott Foss, Chair of Council's Safety 1 Committee.
Chief Varga had previously announced his retirement for June 2009,
but rescinded that decision in the wake of Officer Dean's death.
Mr. Foss stated that the Safety 1 Committee will begin discussions
on filling the Chief's position. According to
Village Code CO137.01
the Chief is appointed by the Mayor with the confirmation of Council. There is
expressly no residency requirement for this position.
(28 Oct'11) Previously:
Village Police Chief Joe Varga Rescinds Resignation (2009)
Interim Village Engineer appointed
Mayor Goncy has appointed
David Krock,
of Krock Esser Engineering Inc.,
as the interim Village Engineer. Mr. Krock is currently also the
part-time engineer for the Village of Reminderville. He will fill
out the rest of the 2011 term, due to the recent resignation of Victoria
McCauley. Village Council, the Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer will solicit
area engineers for interest in the 2012 term.
(26 Oct'11)
State Route 8 Upgrade Project Complete
At the October Council meeting, Mayor Goncy announced he had received a communiqué from
the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) confirming that the multi-year project
to upgrade Route 8 through Boston Heights is officially complete, as of 12 Oct'11.
(12 Oct'11)
Village Craft Show by Fairview Cemetery Association:
Fri, 11 Nov'11 4-8PM & Sat, 12 Nov'11 9AM-2PM (12 Oct'11)
Village Council agenda for the 12 October 2011 regular meeting Update: Council passed new regulations for any future "entertainment device arcades"
(aka Internet/sweepstakes parlors); committed to 5 new police cruisers for 2012; will advertise
for new Village Engineer, as Victoria McCauley announced her resignation. Mayor Goncy announced
that ODOT had declare the Route 8 project complete.
(12 Oct'11)
Political/Election signs in Boston Heights
We've updated our page on Political Sign regulations in
the Village of Boston Heights, including the current Temporary Sign Registration form. Please
note the references to various court decisions that may be relevant to certain
provisions of the Village's Code. (27 Sep'11)
Village Council agenda for the 14 September 2011 regular meeting Update: Raymond Heatwall was promoted and sworn in as Lieutenant of the Boston Heights
Police Department. Kevin Skerl, ecologist for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, explained
the status of the Krejci Dump cleanup project; it nears completion, and no contamination appears
to have spread outside the dump. (14 Sep'11)
November 2011 Election Preview(20 Sep'11) Running for Mayor::
Bill Goncy (Olde Eight Rd) (incumbent)
Janet L. Miller (Ianwood Cir) (now Council President)
Running for 2 Council seats::
Ronald Antal (Meghan's Lane) [Write-In]
Glen R. Blakeney, Sr. (Sholle Dr)
James D. Hudson (Olde Eight Rd)
Village Levies:
Issue: Road Levy 2.75mil renewal, maintenance
Issue: Fire Levy, 0.75mil renewal, operations
In addition, Hudson, Woodridge and Nordonia school districts all have Board of Education
races, and Woodridge and Nordonia are expected to have levy issues as well.
(12 Sep'11)
Natural Gas rate of $5.749/Mcf available to Village residents
Mayor Goncy reports that he has arranged for Direct Energy Services LLC to make available to residents
of Boston Heights the same natural gas rate offered to Hudson residents. That rate is $5.749/Mcf
($5.649/Mcf for eligible seniors), from Dec'11 thru Jun'12 billings. To take this contract rate:
• Call Direct Energy’s Customer Care Center at 1-866-803-4618.
• Have your Dominion East Ohio bill available, as you will need your account number to enroll.
• Tell the Direct Energy representative that you would like to enroll in the
Direct Choice Program for the Village of Boston Heights, at the Hudson contract rates.
Details on the offer are given in this flyer(09 Sep'11)
Village Council agenda for the 23 August 2011 special meeting
Council will decide whether to permit the Mayor to work with ODOT to repair the embankment
landslide along Route 303, using Federal emergency funding. (19 Aug'11) Update: After a bit of debate over the Village's possible financial exposure to project
time/cost overruns, Council voted to authorize the Mayor to contract with ODOT to make the
embankment repair. If completed by 16 Nov (as is projected), the entire project should be paid
for with Federal funding. (24 Aug'11)
Krejci Dump Cleanup Winding Up
Mayor Bill Goncy reports his discussion with the onsite cleanup representative for the Krejci Dump down
W. Hines Hill Road from the Village, in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
All grids on the project are now clean and the area for truck loading should be cleaned up within a
week. Rough grading of the entire site is proposed to be completed this Fall with remaining dirt movement on
site. Spring will finish planting of all the area and can be coordinated with the Village's repair
of Hines Hill Road. The Mayor also mentioned, at the last Council Meeting, that he had asked for
updated results from ongoing contamination testing along the roadways (Ed. Note: none of which has so far
shown any contamination due to the cleanup trucking.)
(12 Aug'11) Previously:Krejci Dump Cleanup, Trucking Continues (Jul'11)
Village Council agenda for the 10 August 2011 regular meeting Update: Village Council voted (with Mr. Foss dissenting) to use $100,000 of the Village's
contingency reserve fund to add another garage/equipment bay to the Fire Station. The Fire Levy
capital funding was sufficient only to expand and improve the offices, bathrooms and meeting
areas, for just under $300,000. The total budget for the additions and improvements
to the Fire Station is now $407,850. The project is expected to begin shortly once contracts
are in place. (10 Aug'11)
Boston Heights Woodridge voters to see school levy request
Voters in the Woodridge school district will see a 5.88 mil, 10 year, emergency operating
levy on the 8 November 2011 ballot. The levy is to raise $2.85M/year for the district. WSL: Woodridge board moves 5.88-mill levy to ballot (4 Aug'11)
Boston Heights Local Election Results(2 Aug'11) Levy:
Issue 1: Nordonia Schools 6.91mil new, 5yr, operations FAIL: 56% NO to 44% YES
HHT: Route 8 project nearly done(3 Apr'11)
ODOT: "final phase of the state Route 8 project will be complete by the fall"
Dean Memorial Parkway dedicated
A ceremony honoring the Village's late Officer Jarod M. Dean, and dedicating the new Dean Memorial Parkway,
was held on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 at 10AM, at the parking area between the Clarion Inn and Bevan
Law offices. Mayor Goncy, Chief Varga, and a number of other officials spoke on Officer Dean's service and on
the project. The Mayor presented a commemorative plaque to Officer Dean's parents,
who then cut the ribbon opening the newly-dedicated roadway. ABJ: "Boston Heights dedicates Dean Memorial Parkway"(22 Jul'11) HHT: "Road named for fallen officer"(22 Jul'11) NN5: "Dedication ceremony honors fallen Boston Heights officer"(22 Jul'11) Info:Dean Memorial Dedication
Nordonia Schools voters to decide school levy request
A special election on Tue, 2 Aug 2011 will decide the latest levy request for
Nordonia Hills City Schools. In Boston Heights, only voters residing within that school district
will have anything on this ballot. (14 Jul'11)
Issue 1: NORDONIA HILLS CSD -
"Shall a levy be imposed by the Nordonia Hills City School District
for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the school district
in the sum of $7,000,000 and a levy of taxes to be made outside of the ten-mill limitation
estimated by the county fiscal officer to average 6.91 mills for each one dollar of valuation,
which amounts to 69.1 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for 5 years, commencing
in 2011, first due in calendar year 2012?"
Krejci Dump Cleanup, Trucking Continues
In a July 2011 update
on the Krejci Dump cleanup project, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park reports that
the contractor expects to be moving into the final phase of testing and removing
contaminated soil. The contractor has been removing additional soil since 2009, when
lingering contamination was found beyond the original cleanup. It appears that
truck traffic on Hines Hill Road may continue for a while
yet, depending on the results of soil testing in the last remediation zones. The best case
seems to be a windup of the project in Spring 2012, including revegetation.
(12 Jul'11) History:
The Krejci Dump "Superfund" toxic waste cleanup project began in Fall 2005 (see
CVNP disclosure
letter) and was intended to run about 3 years. Citizen concerns along Hines Hill Road
sparked a objections and
calls for alternative routing.
At a public meeting in Boston Heights,
the project management explained their precautions, and agreed to several restrictions on truck
traffic, and to conduct contamination testing along W. Hines Hill Road. This was conducted before
and after the initial major hauling phase, with
no significant contamination found.
After the initial excavation concluded in 2008, residual contamination was detected in some
areas of the dump site; soil removal recommenced in 2009 and has continued to date.
Previously:Boston dump site still contaminated (Oct'09)
What's that new Turnpike bridge??
Several people have asked us about what seems to be a new bridge going up over the Turnpike between
Olde Eight Road and the Bike-and-Hike Trail bridges. The answer is that it's a new overhead
right-of-way for a large-diameter gas pipeline that already passes north-south through the Village.
The line has been under refurbishment for the past several years. Mayor Goncy explains: "Replacement of that transmission pipeline is being done in phases.
In this phase, the line is being rerouted overhead across the Ohio Turnpike as per that
agreement and all jurisdiction is with the Turnpike Commission in coordination with the
third lane widening on the Turnpike."(5 Jul'11)
Village Council agenda for the 30 June 2011 special meeting
Council will decide whether to certify a renewal of the 0.75 mil operating levy for the Fire Department, which was instituted
a couple of years back to provide for training and expanded services. Update: Not enough Council members attended the special meeting for any action to be taken;
the measure received a second reading and will presumably be considered at Council's next regular meeting. (1 Jul'11)
ABJ: " Boston Township prepares to celebrate its bicentennial"(15 Jun'11)
Boston Heights shares many years of history with the township, as the Village was created
from a corner of Boston Township in the 1920s. Fairview Cemetery
was actually still owned by the Township until just a few years ago when it was finally
transfered to the Village.
Local sewer rates to climb
Boston Heights residents and businesses served by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
will also see a sizable increase in rates over the next few years. This is for
regular sanitary sewer service and is unrelated to the NEORSD's controversial stormwater fee. ABJ: "Northern Summit will see sewer rate hike"(3 Jun'11) "District trustees OK increases affecting residents through 2016" NL: "Sewer rates increasing in 2012"(3 Jun'11) Previously:NEO Region Sewer District plans rate hikes
Cleveland water rates to climb
Boston Heights residents and businesses served by Cleveland Water will see a sharp
increase in rates over the next four years. NL: "Water rates to increase by two-thirds"(1 Jun'11)
Nordonia Schools to try again on operating levy
Boston Heights voters in the Nordonia Hills City School District (in the northern 1/3
of the Village) will see another try at an operating levy on the ballot for the
2 August Special Election. This fourth try is a $7M levy of about 6.91 mills. NL: "Fourth school levy try is $7 million 'emergency'"(11 May'11) Previously:May'11 Levy Results; Nordonia levy fails
Council Committees recommend levy renewals
The Village Council's Road Committee met on Thu, 26 May'11 to consider
renewal or replacement of the Village's longstanding Road Levy. After a lengthy
discussion on the road repair needs of the village, and of fiscal issues, the committee
voted to recommend a renewal of the existing Road Levy, at the current term and rates.
This 5-year levy was last passed in November 2006 at
a replacement rate of 2.75 mills. The current effective (residential) millage is
2.7336 mills.
Subsequently, the Council's Safety 2 Fire Committee discussed the goals and results
of the Village's relatively new Fire Department Operating Levy. This was
passed
in November 2009, at a rate of 0.75 mill for three years. After some confusion
as to whether the levy was actually due to expire, the committee voted to
recommend a renewal of this levy as well, at the current term and rates.
(There is a separate and long-standing levy
for Fire Department equipment and maintenance, currently at 0.5 mill.)
Village Council will later vote whether to put these recommended renewals on the
ballot of the November general election. (26 May'11)
Planning/Zoning agenda set for 1 June '11 meeting Update:The Planning Commission approved a parcel split at the under-construction
Paychex/Geis/Hemingway building on E. Hines Hill Road, but emphasized their previous finding
that the old Range building could not be occupied unless brought into compliance with
zoning setbacks and permitted uses. Otherwise it must be razed before occupancy of the Paychex
building. (2 Jun'11)
FNP: Letter: Three mayors support Hudson school levy
Mayor Bill Goncy joined the mayors of Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls in endorsing
the upcoming Hudson Schools continuing operating levy.
(24 Apr'11)
Liberty Harley-Davidson, The Range, & Brewsters all close
Liberty Harley-Davidson on E. Hines Hill Road has
closed so that the owner can consolidate his two locations, as explained by Mr. Passeos
on the Liberty Harley-Davidson website. He also
cited business disruptions due to the Route 8 construction project.
The Range driving range, and its onsite tavern Brewsters at the Range (formerly Arabica Coffee)
both closed recently as well.
According to a posting at the site, that closure was due to the
office project that the property owner has
begun on the same E. Hines Hill parcel. (15 Apr'11)
Village Council selects new Solicitor
After a lengthy executive session at its April meeting, Council selected a new
Solicitor to replace Constance Hesske. Pending a final contract, on 1 May 2011
attorney Marshal Pitchford
will become Solicitor through January 2012.
Mr. Pitchford is a partner at the Roetzel & Andress law firm.
(13 Apr'11) Previously:Council looks for new Solicitor.
(25 Feb'11)
Council considers change from Clerk-Treasurer to Fiscal Officer
A public meeting was held at the Village Hall on Wed, 16 Mar'11 at 7PM to discuss
a proposal to convert the elected office of Clerk-Treasurer to an appointed Fisal Officer.
Mayor Goncy introduced the history of the office and the overall concept of the proposed
change, and the members of Council offered the result of their inquiries among other
villages in the area. The opinions of the mayors of villages
with Fiscal Officers were all in favor of the appointed position, citing a
broader base of talent and better accountability.
(16 Mar'11)
The complete meeting can be
heard here: VBH Public Meeting re Fiscal Officer 3/16/2011 Previously:
Council met in a work session on Wed, 3 Mar'11 at 7:30pm, and held a related
public meeting on Wed, 16 Mar'11 at 7:00, to discuss the concept of a Fiscal Officer.
Council member Ron Fenn introduced a proposal to convert the elected office of Clerk-Treasurer
(long held by resident Carol Zeman) to an employed position of Fiscal Officer.
The State of Ohio introduced this option for villages in 2002, per ORC 733.262.
The Village of Peninsula made this same change last year.
This change must be carried out at least 120 days before the next general election for the office,
which is November 2011, so that it takes effect upon the end of the current term.
A Fiscal Officer is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Council, as with most Village
appointments (but not all). Presumably this arrangement helps ensure that village fiscal matters
are handled by a competent and a properly trained manager who is responsible to the Mayor and Council.
It also allows the village to look outside its borders for this talent, if necessary. On the
other hand, it removes this office from the hands of the voters in direct election. (25 Feb'11)
Village Council agenda for the 9 March 2011 regular meeting Update: At the 9 Mar'11 Council meeting, the Village Council approved the
final tax abatement agreement that is anticipated to bring the 140-job PayChex facility to
Hines Hill Road. Council also approved the compensation agreement that pledges the
Village to pay the Hudson Schools for all property taxes foregone from this project.
(9 Mar'11)
Hudson Schools BOE approves abatement, pending compensation agreement HHT: Company could bring 140 jobs to Boston Heights(6 Mar'11) Ed. Note: An interesting discrepency: the schools' treasurer is quoted as estimating
a property tax loss to the schools of $65,000 whereas the developer (and so, the Village)
has estimated that loss at, initially, $46,000 per year. This point will, presumably, be settled
in the formal alternative compensation agreement between the Village and the Hudson Schools. Update: At the 9 Mar'11 Council meeting, Councilor Don Polyak reported that the
schools' treasurer had been referring to the total school property taxes, not the taxes to be
abated as was stated in the article. This sort of tax abatement applies to the improvements
to the property, not the land itself, which continues to be taxed normally.(9 Mar'11)
Village advertises for new Solicitor
As directed at the last Council meeting, the Village is advertising for a new
Solicitor (legal officer). The current Solicitor Constance Hesske is leaving the
office as of 1 May 2011. The ads state:
The Village of Boston Heights seeks to employ a Village Solicitor
for the calendar year of 2011. All job requirements can be viewed
in the Ohio Revised Code under Section 705.11,
but are not limited
to this section. Any resumes may be sent to the Village of Boston Heights
town hall at the following address:
Vlg of Boston Heights 45 E. Boston Mills Rd. Boston Hts., OH 44236
Resumes may be e-mailed to the Clerk-Treasurer at czeman @ windstream.net
Resumes need to be received by 4:00 pm on March 7, 2011.
Carol Zeman Clerk-Treasurer
(25 Feb'11) Previously: At its 9 Feb'11 meeting, Council accepted the Solicitor's
90-day notice, and will advertise for qualifications from lawyers interested
in the Village Solicitor post.
(9 Feb'11)
Village Council agenda for the Special Meeting of 16 Feb'11, 6PM
Approving the presentation of a proposed tax abatement agreement to Hudson Schools.
(15 Feb'11) Update: Council reviewed the proposed 100%/10 year tax abatement proposal for an office
building on Hines Hill Road, and (with a few corrections) agreed to have it presented to
the Hudson School Board for their review.
(16 Feb'11)
Planning Commission approves plan for office building at The Range
At its February meeting, the PC approved the site plan for the first major development
project in the Village after the near-completion of Route 8. Geis Cos. is proposing
a 25,000 sq.ft. building at The Range, as an office for a company employing about 150 people.
(This is likely to close the driving range, due to encroachment on its building and parking.)
Approval is subject to the review of the Village Engineer, and some minor changes. The
developer is, however, also seeking a CRA property tax abatement from the Village; completion
of the project is said to hinge on the outcome of that effort.
(3 Feb'11)
Village Council agenda for the Special Meeting of 31 Jan'11, 5PM
"For the purpose of resolving issues regarding the Village Solicitor" Update: Council, plus the Mayor in a tie-breaking vote, continued the Solicitor's
2011 contract, with the understanding that she will immediately tender her 90-day notice.
At last report, this notice has been sent to the Mayor. Presumably the Council will now begin
a concerted search for a new legal officer.
(2 Feb'11)
Daniel Henderson, longtime Village resident
Daniel Henderson, a resident and vocal citizen of Boston Heights since 1958, passed away
on Tuesday, 16 November 2010. Arrangements here.
(17 Nov'10)
Branch & Leaves Pickup
Call the Village Hall 330-650-4111 to ask for Fall branch & leaves pickup,
as the Road Department's schedule permits. (10 Nov'10)
Route 8 project nears roadway completion Update: As ODOT predicted, the local ramps and bridges at Route 8 all opened on Friday,
12 November 2010. This returns local east-west access to
Boston Mills Road, as well as access from northbound Route 8 and from the new frontage road.
Final steps of the project -- berms, landscaping, etc. -- will continue through next spring.
(13 Nov'10) HHT: "Roads open as Route 8 work winds down(3 Nov'10)
Both the main northbound and southbound
lanes of Route 8 were re-opened Friday, 22 October 2010.
The "frontage road" has become a regular two-way access road, but for the time being
it will only handle traffic between Hines Hill Road and the local Ohio Turnpike exit/entrance.
The ramp from Hines Hill Road to state Route 8 northbound is now open.
The Boston Mills Road bridge over Route 8 will remain closed while work continues on the
Turnpike exit and entrance ramps. According to ODOT, these will all be open by the middle of November.
(3 Nov'10)
HHT: Former owner of Hudson business indicted on tax charges
Scott Carter, formerly of Boston Heights, was arrested and indicted in federal court
for tax violations in conjunction with his company Advance Health Systems, which
was formerly located on Hines Hill Road in Boston Heights. (2 Nov'10)
Boston Heights Local Election Results(3 Nov'10) Levies:
Village of Boston Heights seeks part-time office help
"The Village of Boston Heights seeks to employ two (2) part time Clerks to assist the
full-time Village Clerk/Clerk of Courts and the Village Clerk- Treasurer. Both positions
require intermediate computer skills with knowledge of Excel and Word preferred and the ability
to adapt to various job specific software. An application can be acquired at the
Village of Boston Heights town hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
or you may call 330-650-4111 (Akron) or 330-656-2575 (Cleve)
to have an application e-mailed or faxed to you." (27 Oct'10)
Summit County offers help for septic systems, hookups
The county has received Federal funding to assist some homeowners with
failing septic systems, including hookups to available sanitary sewer lines.
Further information is here.
(20 Oct'10)
Resident apologizes to Village for Hines Hill puppy mill affair
Louis Simboli appeared before Village Council at its meeting of 13 October 2010, and apologized
for his conduct in connection with his dog breeding activites on Hines Hill Road.
He promised to make full financial restitution.
Mr. Simboli had recently been found guilty of several counts of animal cruelty in this matter.
Judge Lisa Coates and parole officer Amy Anderson, of the Stow Municipal Court, also attended the meeting;
the judge stated that this appearance was part of the arrangements for Mr. Simboli's restitution.
(14 Oct'10) Previously: Hines Hill puppy mill shut for good; resident pleads guilty (2010) Puppies seized from Hines Hill recovering... (2010) Sick puppies seized in Boston Heights (2010) Boston Heights dog breeder probed (2006)
County Health Department offers Flu Shots
The Summit County Health Department is offering this winter's flu vaccine at various locations
in the area. Here is general information on the flu and the County program,
and here is the Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule.
A clinic will be held at the Peninsula Library from 3-5pm on Monday, 18 October 2010 and at the Hudson
Community Chapel from 4-6pm on Tuesday, 26 October 2010.
(30 Sep'10)
From ODOT: Hines Hill Road to close at Route 8
"Beginning Wednesday, September 8th, Hines Hill Rd. at SR 8 will be closed except for
motorists accessing SR 8 northbound from the east side of Hines Hill Rd.
This closure is anticipated to be in place through late September. Access
to local residents and businesses will be maintained.
The following detours will be used:
• To access the west side of Hines Hill Rd. use Highland Rd. to Olde
8 Rd. to Hines Hill Rd.
• Motorists on SR 8 southbound wanting to access the east side of
Hines Hill Rd. will be detoured Highland Rd. to SR 91 to Hines Hill Rd. or
SR 8 southbound to Seasons Rd. to SR 8 northbound to Hines Hill Rd.
As a reminder, SR 8 from Hines Hill Rd. to SR 303 may have occasional lane
restrictions in either or both directions during non rush hour times for
roadway work." Hines Hill to close starting Sept. 8(31 Aug'10) ODOT bans left turns from Route 8 north to Hines Hill(1 Sep'10)
PC/BZA application leadtime increased
At their meetings on 7 July 2010, both the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals voted to change
the timetable for applications to those bodies. In order to be considered at the next PC/BZA
meetings, applications must be received by the Village Hall office 20 days in advance of that meeting, by
3:30PM. (Previously the deadline was 15 days in advance.)
As always, applications must have complete and accurate information, dimensional drawings and additional documents
in the required number of copies, and contain all required names and signatures. Please consult the Zoning Inspector
to resolve any questions in advance of the deadline, before submitting an application.
Council selects Ron Fenn for open seat
At a Special Council Meeting on Thursday evening, 8 April 2010, the Village Council
selected long-time resident Ronald Fenn to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Ray McFall.
Mr. Fenn and Mr. James Mizanin both responded to Council's call for letters of interest,
and this evening each made a short presentation and answered a few questions posed by the
present members of Council. After a private "executive session" to discuss the
appointment, Council selected Mr. Fenn on a 3-1 vote. (Councilor Blakeney was required
to abstain from the process, as she is related to Mr. Fenn.)
He was immediately sworn into the office by Mayor Bill Goncy.
(8 Apr'10) Village Council agenda for the 8 April 2010 7:30PM special meeting
Council solicits applications for McFall seat vacancy
The Village Council is posting
this notice in several upcoming editions of the Hudson Hub-Times and News Leader newspapers, soliciting
expressions of interest in the Council seat left vacant by Ray McFall's recent death. Residents' applications
are requested to be at the Village Hall by 4PM on Monday, 5 April 2009.
Council expects to hold additional
public work sessions on Tuesday, 6 April and Thursday, 8 April in order to interview prospective candidates.
A Special Council Meeting will be held later on the evening of 8 April to elect a replacement member to Council
for the term ending 31 December 2013. This meeting is expected to include a non-public executive session as permitted
by the Ohio Sunshine Law -- but the final election will be made in the public meeting.
Qualifications and disqualifications for Village Council are defined by the
Ohio Revised Code ORC 731.12. Beyond that,
current Council members may elect a candidate based on their own judgement within 30 days of the
vacation of the seat, per ORC 731.43.
Council's posting of notice and solicitation of applications, in this case, is over and above any legal requirements.
This process was hashed out during work sessions on 17-18 March 2010.
(19 Mar'10)
Village arranges discounted electric service
As explained in a pair of public meetings in early March, the Village has contracted to
obtain a discount on regular electric service. Residents will generally see a 6% discount from the
"generation and transmission" portion of their electric bill; small businesses, 4%. All
affected Ohio Edison customers will receive a notice of automatic enrollment, along with an explanation of
how to "opt out" if they prefer not to participate.. Read: the Village of Boston Heights Electric Power Aggregation Plan (11 Mar'10)
Residential trash pickup service fees to rise From Mayor Goncy at the August Council meeting:
Due to an increase in the state tax on landfill use, J&J Refuse Inc. will
pass along a small increase to the residential service fee on future billings -- about $0.19 per month.
(12 Aug'09)
Village Settles Lawsuit by Contractor, Must Pay $68K
The Village of Boston Heights recently settled a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought by a contractor who was retained
to rebuild a drainage ditch between private properties along Chittenden Road. The Village agreed to pay the original
contract price and a variety of additional charged, amounting to over $68,000.
Here is the "Stipulated Agreement"
settling Case # CV 2008107055;
payment must be made by late July to avoid back interest charges.
Boston Mills Road Closed at Route 8
The Ohio Department of Transportation has
closed
Boston Mills Road at Route 8 as of
1 July 2009. The road is cut off
on both sides of Route 8, possibly until Summer 2011 -- the completion of the highway project.
Chittenden Road has been
extended up to the eastern leg of Boston Mills Road to provide some access to Route 8 via Route 303, at the cost of a
three-mile detour for local and northbound traffic. (1 Jul'09) ABJ "Boston Mills to close at highway" on 24 June 2009. (21 Jun'09) HHT: "Boston Mills Road Closing Delayed" to 24 June 2009. (18 Jun'09) HHT: "Boston Mills road to close June 19"(10 Jun'09)
Update on Gas/Oil Odor Council Meeting Update: Mayor Goncy recapped the situation and attempts to remediate the oil/gas odor that has
intermittently blanketed parts of Boston Heights and Hudson for the past several weeks. The tank operators' next
step is to remove the offending oil to another location and re-neutralize the storage portion of the tank.
(10 Jun'09) ABJ: "Ohio EPA works on stench; Agency using chemical mask to cover sulfurous smell in Boston Heights"(6 Jun'09) Brief update on the odor problem in Boston Heights
from Councilman Mike Cheung (3 Jun'09) Foul Odor Identified
A strong and pervasive odor of gas or oil blanketed parts of Boston Heights and Hudson
late Thursday night, and Friday (and occasionally since then). Contrary to a
report in Saturday's Akron Beacon Journal,
the source of the odor was Dyna Guard (Hines Hill Road), not UltraSpec as originally thought. ABJ: "Ohio EPA pinpoints foul odor in Summit"(27 May'09) NN5: "Strong Gas Odor Wafts Through Local City"(22 May'09)
Woodridge Levy Renewal Passes Summit County election results (final):
Issue 16 PASSED 71.7%-28.3% Update: Boston Heights was the only Woodridge precinct to vote against the levy renewal: 24 against, 12 for. There are 222
registed voters in the Boston Heights within the Woodridge school district. FNP: "16 of 17 voting precincts favor Woodridge levy"(31 May'09)
Issue 16 for residents of the
Woodridge Local School District. See
our Boston Heights school district map.
This issue renews two emergency levies, totalling 10.01 mills, for another 5 years.
This provides $5.3M, or about 25% of the regular operating funds for the school district. As a renewal
the issue will not raise current property taxes. (4 May'09)
Permitted Construction Hours
Early-morning pile driving in the Route 8 construction zone has led to questions about
the permitted hours for such noisy activity. Boston Heights
Codified Ordinances 901.10 "Hours of Construction" sets those hours at
or 6AM through 8PM during Eastern Daylight Savings Time. (22 May'09)
Village Police Chief Joe Varga Rescinds Resignation
In a letter to Mayor Goncy, Boston Heights Chief of Police Joseph Varga has rescinded
his earlier resignation, delaying his retirement previously planned for June 2009.
(12 Mar'09) Village Police Chief Joe Varga to Retire(12 Mar'09)
"Hudson Holiday Inn" changes to Clarion Inn
As mentioned in recent Council Finance meetings, the Holiday Inn hotel at Hines Hill and Route 8
is changing to a Clarion Inn.
Sign work appears to have begun late last week.
(16 Feb'09)
Twinsburg Road Reopens!
Twinsburg Road, now passing under the new Route 8 bridge, has reopened a year earlier than originally planned.
It is once again possible to drive between Olde 8 and Walters & Valley View Roads. (3 Nov'08)
Village Council agenda of the 30 July special meeting(25 Jul'08) A resolution accepting the bid ... for the construction of an addition to the existing fire station Update: As a result of stale bids and a lack of consensus among the Council members, this matter has been tabled
indefinitely, with an expectation that a fresh look will be taken at Fire Department requirements. (31 Jul'08)
Village Resident sues Village over Golf Course Settlement Agreement
On 9 May 2008, Mr. Edward R. Kuchar Sr., a resident of Boston Heights, filed suit against the Village.
The suit complains, broadly stated, that the Village agreement to settle the zoning lawsuit over the
Boston Heights Country Club was carried out improperly, therefore could not immediately be carried into effect,
and was entered into in bad faith in the first place. Among other measures, the suit asks that the Village
be enjoined from carrying out the terms of the "Agreed Judgement Entry" settlement, and that
any zoning change to the property be carried out under the requirements of the normal zoning procedures.
(Please see the Summit County Clerk of Courts website for further documentation on this motion
regarding Civil Case CV-2008-05-3633.)
(16 May'08)
More on the BHCC zoning lawsuit settlement agreement...
Angry Cemetery Trustees berate Council, Mayor, Service Director
The Board of Trustees of the Village Cemetery voiced their displeasure over maintenance and management of Fairview Cemetery,
during the May Village Council meeting. In addition to sending a
letter summarizing their latest complaints, Trustee
Kim Brannan demanded that the Village Solicitor determine whether the sexton (also the Service Director) operates under the
Board's direction, or not.
(15 May'08)
Special Council meeting re-adopts the BHCC lawsuit settlement agreement
Village Council held a Special Meeting at 9:30pm Sunday 11 May 2008
to revisit its acceptance of the agreement to settle the zoning lawsuit over the former Boston Hills
Country Club. Mayor Goncy, Clerk-Treasurer Zeman, and Councilors Cheung, Lightner, Foss, Hudson and Miller all attended.
Councilor Slane was absent. All 5 present of the 6 elected Council members once again voted to re-accept the lawsuit
settlement agreement (after fixing a few typos in the enabling resolution). When asked, after adjournment, about
the reason for re-visiting this matter (adopted also on 11 April), Solicitor Mike Cassetty would only say that it was to
"clarify" some matters.
A brief glance suggests that
Consent Agreement remains the same,
but the form of the accepting resolution,
Resolution O-2008, now Res 15-2008, had been modified
to detail the reasons for it being handled as an emergency measure per
ORC 731.30. It is possible that this is in response to
the complaint made by a village resident in his
motion to intervene in the case.
(Please see the Summit County Clerk of Courts website for further documentation on this motion
regarding Civil Case CV-2007-07-4696.)
(12 May'08)
More on the BHCC zoning lawsuit settlement agreement...
Black-market explosives detonated at Boston Hills Country Club
This was the boom you may have heard at about 8pm Tuesday night. ABJ: "Macedonia case turns light on world of homemade fireworks"(25 Apr'08) "The fiery detonation, done at the now-closed Boston Hills Country Club, left a crater 20 feet deep." ABJ: "Bond set for man in Macedonia blast"(23 Apr'08) "We look for unpopulated areas that are far enough away from the blast site to keep people safe."
Council agrees to settle BHCC Lawsuit
Town Meeting on Lawsuit Settlement(16 Apr'08)
A Town Meeting was held to explain the settlement, and take questions, on Fri 18 Apr 2008, at the Village Fire Station.
Village officials and lawyers explained some of the details of the agreement, and a number of rather irate
citizens commented and asked questions about the future of the property.
Here is the final version of the
Consent Agreement to settle the BHCC lawsuit.
(18 Apr'08) See the settlement map, to the lower right.
Mayor Reports on Lawsuit Settlement, Sets Public Meeting(14 Apr'08) BHO News Summary: At a special "emergency" meeting held on Friday evening, 11 April 2008,
Boston Heights Village Council adopted a resolution to settle the lawsuit filed
against the Village over the zoning of the former Boston Heights Country Club golf course.
In essence, it would allow commercial development of 100 acres of the site (65 acres retail and 35 acres
of other commercial use) and reserve 60 acres
as permanently undeveloped land buffering adjacent properties. This buffer would be deeded over to the
Village upon its request, once construction begins.
It appears that the timing and nature of the settlement are related to an attempt to lure the
proposed Summa Northern Summit hospital
to this site at Hines Hill and Route 8.
(13 Apr'08) ABJ: " Golf course to be developed"(15 Apr'08) New hospital among possibilities as Boston Heights agrees to retail and office space at old country club ABJ: "Boston Heights might be settling lawsuit"(13 Apr'08) ABJ: "Meeting tonight on Boston Heights development dispute"(11 Apr'08)
See also: Village sued by developers.
Lightner returned to Village Council(3 Jan'08)
At the Special Meeting of 2 January, Council voted to appoint Kevin Lightner to the seat vacated by
now-Mayor Bill Goncy. Mr. Lighter had previously been appointed to fill out the term of
Paul Palumbo, which ended with 2007. He was the runner-up in the recent Council election.
Long-time councilor Mike Cheung was elected Council President (pro tempore). This was the first
Village Council meeting for newly-elected councilor Scott Foss.
New and old officials to take office ABJ: "Officials take oaths - ex-mayor honored"(15 Dec'07)
New councilor Scott Foss, and re-elected Janet Miller take their oaths, along with newly-elected
Mayor Bill Goncy and re-elected Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman. Long-time Mayor Ray McFall is honored by the County and by Village Council.
Boston Heights Marathon closes -- for now ABJ: "Road project closes gas station"(2 Dec'07) "Route 8 Marathon outlet with auto repair to be razed, may reopen in new site"
It was reported at the November Council Finance Committee meeting that Boston Heights Marathon would be closing
after Fri 30 Nov 2007, to make way for the upcoming Route 8 upgrade project. It is also reported that the business
will be seeking a new location in town. However, to date, no application has been
made to the Planning Commission for operation at a new site.(28 Nov'07)
Boston Heights Fire Dep't limits participation in fire study group
Fire Chief James Robinson: "Funding is a problem".
(This matter was discussed at the November Council Finance Committee meeting, without resolution.) Update: Council has since authorized a limited budget to pay fire department personnel to attend
the fire study group's subcommittee meetings. NL: "Communities moving closer toward fire/EMS consolidation"(28 Nov) Previously...
Village General Election Results:(7 Nov)
Issue 51: FAILED (overturned) -- Issue 52: FAILED (overturned)
Mayor: Bill M. Goncy -- Clerk-Treasurer: Carol Zeman
Council: Scott Foss & Janet Miller More Election Results and Details.
National Park to End Visitor's Center Operation ABJ:
Happy Days "Visitor center to change role"(19 Oct) "Park service to reorganize Happy Days building Jan. 1, closing front desk but keeping special events"
Council Meeting News(10 Oct)
Village maintenance crews will periodically pick up leaves left at the curb this Autumn; according to
Mayor McFall, there is no specific schedule nor need to call for pickup. ABJ: "Council Rejects Plan to Rezone Parcels"(12 Oct)
Land east along Olde Eight from Hines Hill to the Turnpike will stay Office/Professional. Previously: ABJ: "Two Zoning Issues Concern Residents"(11 Aug) ABJ: "Two Public Hearings set..."(7 Aug)
Council Meeting News(26 Sep)
Council accepts bids for repaving, road repairs, at special Council meeting on 25 September.
Carron Paving to resurface E. Boston Mills (Rt.8 to Olde 8)
at $75,278, and perform extensive road repairs elsewhere in the Village at $123,880.00.
Specialized Construction Inc. to perform crack sealing throughout the Village at $24,580. Work on Wolcott Drive
will be delayed until Spring 2008. UPDATE: Repairs and sealing to be completed by Thanksgiving, say Village Engineer(10 Oct) ABJ: "Village Donates $250 To Development Study"(22 Sep)
Team NEO Foundation will study the feasibility of regional economic development collaboration.
HHT: "Developers file complaint over village residents' referendum"(22 Jun) Village sued over "unconstitutional" zoning of former Boston Hills Country Club
property at Hines Hill & Route 8(15 Jul)
In a lawsuit filed against the Village of Boston Heights on 3 July 2007, the State of Ohio ex rel.
Boston Heights Property Investment LLC, the plaintiff, ask for declararatory judgement as follows:
that Residential zoning is unconstitutionally applied, that the retail building limit of 50,000 sq.ft.
is unconstitutionally applied, and that the suspension of the rezoning and size limit changes, due to the
pending November referendums, is unconstitutionally applied. The suit claims a right to
compensation from the Village in an amount exceeding $10 million, and demands
declaratory judgements on these claims and a determination of
"just compensation" for the Village's "taking" of this property.
See
Court of Common Pleas civil case # CV-2007-07-4696
The complaint document can also
also be read here.
Mayor Ray McFall: "I will not run"(17 Apr)
At April's Council meeting, long-time Mayor McFall announced that he would
not seek re-election in this November's mayoral election.
Village Council / Planner Work Session Held on Rezoning Issues: Consultant David Hartt recommends retail rezoning and
residential conservation district plan "for this site"(10 Apr)
Planning Commission recommends retail zoning for golf course.(6 Dec)
65 acres of former Boston Hills CC along Route 8 to be Retail Business.
New Conservation Development Residential zoning plan recommended, which is likely to be applied to the
remaining 100A of the former golf course.
Public meetings to follow in January & February, then Council action. Details to follow...
NL: "Annexation possible after failed rezoning"(10 Jan)
Developer of proposed Boston Hts mall near Ashbrooke West talks annexation of Northfield Ctr land to Boston Hts, or Macedonia.
Village Council appoints Kevin Lightner to vacant Council seat.(8 Nov'06) Previously:
Village Council accepts resignation of member Paul Palumbo; replacement to be named by 10 November 2006. (11 Oct'06)
Issue 55 Village Road Levy passes, 61% to 39% (8 Nov'06)
ODOT has declared the Route 8 upgrade project officially completed as of 12 Oct 2011.
Phase 1 to the north (Twinsburg Road to I-271)
was completed several years ago. Phase 2, in Boston Heights, began early in 2009 and, as of Winter 2010, all
roadways and ramps and bridges were complete and open for traffic. Resuming in Spring 2011,
additional paving and landscaping and other finishing steps have been completed. Dean Memorial Parkway was dedicated on 22 July, 10AM.(12 Oct 2011)
On 11 April 2008 (and again on 11 May 2008), Boston Heights Village Council voted to
settle the ensuing lawsuit over the stymied re-zoning and big-box development
on the former Boston Hills Country Club property. The map below shows
an overview of the settlement plan.(16 Apr'08)
The settlement agreement with Boston Hill Property Investment LLC
(Sam Petros et al.) included this
concept plan for development of the former Boston Hills Country Club
at Route 8 and Hines Hill Rd.
On 11 April 2007, Village Council had voted to
rezone to RETAIL the eastermost 65A area.
The Retail Business rezoning, and
new allowances for big-box retail building, were overturned by the Issue
51 & 52 referenda on Election Day, 6 November 2007. The
developers had sued the Village shortly before the referendum vote.
J&J Refuse Inc. will begin handling
all residential trash pickup
in Boston Heights starting on the first Friday in April: 6 April 2007.
You must call 1-800-201-0005 to set up your own service account! Update: Due to an increase in the state tax on landfill use, J&J Refuse Inc. will impose a small increase to the residential service fees
on future billings after July 2009. Read: The Village's
2007 Trash Hauling Notification Letter.
(15 Mar'07)
This letter explains the new service schedule and the new service fees. Fire Chief Robinson says:
Keep bringing your aluminum cans to the Village Fire Station;
these go to fund the
Aluminum Cans for Burned Children program.
Local Recycling Facilities Recycle paper & cardboard at the Boston Heights Village Hall
A River Valley Paper Recycling Bin
is located at the Village Hall for recycling a variety of paper products, including clean carboard and
phonebooks, as well as the usual newspaper and office paper. This benefits the Village operations in a small
way. Some of these materials may also be recycled in your residential recycling with J&J Refuse.
Summit County Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Center:
Summit County residents only: recycle paint, pool chemicals, pesticides, used oil, computers & supplies, etc.
1201 Graham Road, Stow OH (Behind ex-Carter Lumber near the Graham Rd Exit off of Rt 8).
Open 3 July, 10 July - 26 September 2012, Tue. 1:00PM-4:00PM & Wed. 6:30PM-9:30PM.
Property Tax, Income Taxes Due Summit County property taxes due by
15 Feb 2013; click
here to look up your current property tax bill. Boston Heights Income Tax estimated payments are due quarterly; pay online at the RITA website. Boston Heights Income Tax returns are due by 15 April 2013;
residents and workers must file with RITA. BE SURE YOU ARE FILING AS A RESIDENT OF BOSTON HEIGHTS! Not by your mailing address of Hudson, Peninsula, or Northfield.
Visit the Village Hall (Boston Mills Road) for RITA Income Tax filing forms, or
click here for Village Income Tax Code and forms
About Boston Heights Overlook...
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Our logo image of the coyote is courtesy of J.C. Amberlyn, and is used with permission.
Other materials and compilation are Copyright 2001-2013 W.J.Hinkle and Boston Heights Overlook
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Click here for PC/BZA information, meeting notes & Zoning Code & Map.
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:
Summit County Reverse Alert System can notify you of emergencies
Village Council selects new Solicitor
According to news reports, village resident Julie Morgan captured a view of the big cat,
using a motion-triggered camera, as it passed through yards along Olde Eight Road.
1201 Graham Road, Stow OH