Shaker Heights Voter July 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1999 LWV-Ohio Convention Highlights

Your County League Newspage

OBSERVER REPORTS

A Word from the President

I was delighted to witness good government in action at a meeting I attended last Saturday morning. A committee of representatives from each of the three taxing authorities in Shaker Heights - the City Council, Board of Education, and Library Board of Trustees - was presenting to the entire membership of the three authorities its conclusions on matters of common interest. The committee - Councilpersons Jan Devereaux and Stephanie Turner, School Board members Steve Kaufman and Carol Ribar, and Library Board member Greg Goetz - had identified four key initiatives to reach out to the youth of our community and prepare them to ultimately become better citizens. Their message centered on the critical need for full collaboration by the three taxing bodies to guarantee the success of these initiatives. The meeting represented the culmination of the committee's work begun at the joint Council/School Board/Library Board retreat in December 1997. Happy Wallach reports on Saturday's meeting.

I was most impressed with the committee's absolute determination to hurdle any obstacles in their way. The committee members acknowledged that the differences in the manner each body collects taxes and administers its budgets would present difficulties. However, the committee maintained that the difficulties are certainly not insurmountable. The process requires the full support and participation by each of the three taxing authorities. Furthermore, the success of the project requires that each taxing authority must give the same strong, clear direction to their staff. The committee members had fire in their bellies (to quote Mary Powell), and they were determined to pass it along. The taxing authorities now must pass that focus and enthusiasm to their respective staffs.

I was sorry more members of the public, particularly some of the non-incumbent candidates, were not present. I urge everyone to learn about these initiatives; the report will be on file at the library. I also recommend that everyone talk to our elected officials, encouraging their full commitment to the collaborative process. Each of the three taxing authorities will now debate the committee's findings, and decide if they support the collaborative effort recommendations. Our elected representatives need to know that we (both the League as a whole and each of us as taxpayers) support the recommendations of the committee. The League's Public Officials Reception in the late fall is one perfect opportunity for this kind of lobbying.

The League has long recommended, and the public has long expected, collaborative effort from our governing bodies on matters of common interest. Now that it is here, let's keep it functioning.

Linda D. Lalley

 

1999 LWV-Ohio Convention Highlights

May 14-16, 1999 - Toledo, Ohio

Following are priorities for the League's legislative advocacy action at the state level:

Education Finance

Natural Resources

Making Democracy Work

Meeting Basic Human Needs

Delegates passed twelve Action Resolutions - instructions to the League President to take action (usually a letter) to specific legislators on a specific legislative area. These were:

Despite strong opposition, delegates voted to increase the state per member payment (PMP) to $19 in fiscal year 1999-2000, and to $20 in 2000-2001.

Delegates elected the following officers and directors:

 President   Janice Patterson
 Vice Presidents   Prue Zimmerman, Anne Davy
 Secretary  Rosanne Bennett
 Treasurer  Gail Pytel
 Directors  Sue Craig, Ann Fabiszak, Pat Hardesty, Dell Heitkamp, Christine Knisely, Terry McCoy, Jean Robejsek and Deb Wenig
 Nominating Committee  Burt Roehr, Sue Foster and Lolly Jacobsen

Janice Patterson, a member of the Westlake/North Olmsted League, has been President of the Cuyahoga County League and the Cleveland Heights/University Heights League. Jean Robejsek is a member of the Cleveland League, an employee of the Cleveland League Ed Fund, and a Cuyahoga County Board member. Lolly Jacobsen is a member of the Cleveland Heights/University Heights League, a Cuyahoga County Board member, and has been very active at the national and state levels.

Best of all, the Shaker League received the Membership Challenge Award for its more than 20% increase in membership.

County League newspage

As you know, the LWV-Cuyahoga County is considering a possible reorganization. Under the recommended countywide LWV structure, LWV-SH and all other local leagues within the county would become units of the countywide league, cease to exist as an autonomous local league, but still function in a similar manner as in the past. We will keep you informed of all developments. Following is an excerpt from Your County League Newspage.

Note to The Voter readers: As you know, the LWV-Cuyahoga County is considering a possible reorganization. Under the recommended countywide LWV structure, LWV-SH and all other local leagues within the county would become units of the countywide league, cease to exist as an autonomous local league, but still function in a similar manner as in the past. We will keep you informed of all developments. Following is an excerpt from Your County League Newspage.

Shaker Heights Board of Education

Special Meeting of Wednesday, May 19, 1999 - School Administration Building

Present: Dr. M. McMickle-Pres., S. Kaufman, C. Ribar, Dr. M. Freeman-Superintendent, D. Wilson-Treasurer

Absent: F. Levenson, N. Moore

Meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. The Board voted to approve a two-year collective bargaining agreement between the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, Local 200 and the School Board. The union represents transportation, food service, custodial and maintenance employees.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35am.

Anne Williams

Special Meeting of Monday, May 24, 1999 - School Administration Building

Present: Dr. M. McMickle-Pres., F. Levenson-V.P., N. Moore, C. Ribar, S. Kaufman; Dr. M. Freeman-Superintendent, D. Wilson-Treasurer

Also present: C. Moody-Exec. Dir. Business & Personnel

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm. Dr. Freeman presented and the Board approved a bid in the amount of $110,823.40 with Library Design Associates for the Shaker Heights High School Library for furniture, fixtures and equipment. One Board member noted that the bid was the lowest bid submitted. Dr. Freeman also presented and the Board approved a bid in the amount of $152,100 with Whitehouse Construction Co. for the Shaker Heights High School library interior renovation project. Mr. Moody described the project, which includes the removal of the interior staircase of the library.

Next, Mr. Kaufman, Ms Ribar and Ms Moore reported on the meetings they attended at the National School Boards Association Annual Conference.

The Board then recognized several Onaway parents who attended the meeting to express their concern over the size of the first grade classes for next year. Dr. McMickle assured the parents that their concerns would be considered.

The meeting recessed at 6:30pm and reconvened at 6:42pm. After the recess, Mr. Kaufman and Ms Ribar reported on the status of the Joint Collaborative meetings which have been taking place for over a year (See observer report on the Joint Collaborative Committee elsewhere in this issue). The meetings are a collaboration between the School Board, the City and the Library and are focused on youth issues.

The Meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.

Anne Williams

Meeting of Tuesday, June 22, 1999 - Administration Building

Present: Dr. M. McMickle-Pres., F. Levenson-V.P., C. Ribar, S. Kaufman, N. Moore; Dr. M. Freeman-Superintendent, D. Wilson-Treasurer

Also present: B. Stokes-Exec.Dir. Elementary Education

The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.m. The Board approved the minutes of the May 11 regular meeting, the May 19 special meeting, the May 24 special meeting and the June 8 special meeting.

Superintendent Freeman presented a resolution authorizing annual membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 1999-2000 School Year, which the Board approved without discussion. Dr. Freeman then presented personnel items for approval.

A Board member asked about summer programs. Dr. Stokes responded that the following summer initiatives have begun or would begin shortly: grades K through 2 at Onaway Elementary School; grade 3 at Lomond Elementary School; grades 4 and 5 at Woodbury Elementary School. The Board approved the personnel items as presented.

Renovation authorizations

Next, Dr. Freeman requested authorization of an additional $30,000 to Collins Gordon Bostwick Architects for architectural services on the Woodbury School library relocation, classroom renovation and front entrance modification project. Mr. Moody reported that this was an anticipated expense. He also briefly reported on the status of other district projects:

The Board approved the resolution. The Board also approved the Superintendent's request for reimbursement for transportation for the 1998-99 school year. The per-pupil annual State reimbursement amount for non-public school students for whom transportation is determined to be impractical and unreasonable, is $172.

Financial matters

Mr. Wilson recommended that the Board take the following action:

A member of the public requested that the Board take notice that the passage rate for the math proficiency exam at Lomond School was 93% and the average passage rate in math for the district fourth graders was 74%.

The Board adjourned at 5:11 pm and went into executive session to discuss the Treasurer's evaluation.

Anne Williams

Shaker Heights City Council

Work session and special meeting - Monday, June 14, 1999

Present: Mayor P. Mearns, Councilpersons J. Deveraux, A. Foster, B. Gleisser, K Kovach (arrived at 7 pm), J. Rawson, S. Turner, D. Weiss; F. Brichacek-Clerk of Council; W. Schuchart-CAO; S. King Benford-Dir. Of Law; W. Ugrinic-Chief of Police; A Weber-Chief of Fire; P. Heintzelman-Dir. Building, Housing & Planning; N. Soltis-Dir. Administrative Services; B. Waldo-Dir. Recreation; J Braverman-Asst. Dir. Planning & Development, S. Wood-Group Leader for Community Life.

Also present: Mr. Cargill-Democratic Party representative; Anne Hauser-Assoc. Director of Institute of Policy Studies, University of Akron; Ms Pat Cirillo-Citizen member of the Vision Strategy Team; Richard Swartz from Sign Concepts

The mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm

Board of Election Redistricting

Presently, there are 48 precincts with 475 voters/precinct in the City of Shaker Heights. Redistricting would be reduced to 37 precincts with 616 voters/precinct. The redistricting would be a cost-savings measure and

would become effective December 31, 1999 (thus not effecting the election in November). The Mayor mentioned that Mr. Cargill from the Democratic Party and Mr. Daken and Mr. Cruz from the Republican Party were invited to this meeting. Mr. Cargill was present.

Council discussed the need to publicize changes to inform voters of their correct polling place. It was expressed that voters who go to the wrong polling place may get discouraged. Further, with fewer precincts, some voters will be farther away from their polling places and there may be an increased need for transportation of voters. Mr. Cargill indicated that a precinct change may not indicate a building change because many buildings are the polling places for more than one precinct. Even though the Board of Elections will notify citizens of their polling place, additional notification may appear in Shaker Magazine and separate mailings.

Citizen Survey

Ms Braverman introduced Ms Hauser, who discussed the purpose of a citizen survey as part of the City's Visioning Process. It was felt that the visioning process has not reached everyone, and a survey would gather information on citizens' perceptions, opinions and views, and assist in the planning process. Survey results will be based on the replies of a random sample of 1067 citizens with equal representation from all neighborhoods. Citizens will be called and the survey is intended to run 15 minutes. Ms Hauser predicted a 42-45% completion rate, which is higher than the national average, and anticipated few complaints from those taking the survey. The target date to begin surveying is Monday, June 21, and the goal is to complete the survey in time for a report on July 27, the projected date for Phase II of the Strategic Investment Planning process.

A discussion ensued on the type of questions to be included in the survey. Questions would range from the general ("How do you feel ...") to the specific ("How many times do you use the RTA"). It was noted that questions should be phrased to avoid shaping the attitude of the respondent. Questions would surround issues of retail, shopping and parking, housing, rapid transit, and demographics.

Council discussed the content and wording of specific questions, to ensure clarity and relevance; i.e., how would the respondent interpret the word "downtown," and how specific should a question be to identify the demographics of respondents.

Previous to this meeting, Ms Rawson had submitted a memo responding to the survey draft. In it she requested that the survey focus on details that would give feedback about changes to the shopping patterns of Shaker residents; in particular, on shopping needs that have not being met; on the appeal of mixed-use buildings, e.g., professional and retail together; on the impediments to shopping in Shaker Towne Centre; and on their preference in terms of applying limited resources to housing as opposed to retail. Ms Braverman said that many of these concerns had been taken into consideration in developing the draft for presentation to this meeting.

Conditional Use Permit for Shaker Park East Apartments (Monument Sign)

Council next considered a request for a conditional use permit for the monument sign at 2540 North Moreland Road. The City Planning Commission approved the conditional use permit at its meeting on May 3rd, 1999. Council was told that the sign does conform to the code and will be landscaped with evergreen shrubs. Council had questions about the colors that the sign would be painted, and was assured they would be suitable. The ordinance and suspension of three readings were approved unanimously.

Settlement of a Lawsuit

After a brief executive session Council returned to open special session, and approved an ordinance authorizing settlement of a lawsuit in the amount of $25,000 and will include payment of court costs by the City. The ordinance and the suspension of three readings were approved unanimously.

Report on Human Relations Commission (HRC)

In November of 1998, the Human Relations Commission Task Force was appointed to make recommendations regarding the responsibilities of the HRC. Ms Devereaux, Chair of the Commission, reported that the HRC is the "moral conscience" of the community. The Task Force felt that while race relations is a priority of HRC, the scope could expand to include issues of religion, age, sex, handicap and socioeconomic and cultural differences. HRC could be both a proactive and reactive forum, which would provide a place for community dialogue identifying problems and proposing solutions. The HRC would monitor City Hall departments; in particular, purchasing and hiring policies, so Ms Devereaux said it must remain independent. The position of the HRC in the community would be to complement the Community Life Committee and would contain a broad membership representative of the community. Issues rose around membership, autonomy and powers. The membership discussion involved how inclusive membership should be, whether group representatives or individuals should be selected; and how to define voting members.

Ms Wood was asked about the neighborhood associations as a possible vehicle that would assure autonomy. She said that they have no elected officials and do not do City business, but are partially supported by the City with staff support and mailboxes at the Community Center. Ms King-Benford distinguished neighborhood associations as community groups rather than City groups. Mr. Weiss felt the independent forum to discuss moral issues in a non-politicized manner was essential. He felt that neighborhood association representatives should not be included. Mr. Foster said it is presumptive for Council to decide that neighborhood associations would want to be members. The Mayor emphasized the autonomy of the neighborhood associations, and felt that they could be included on an issue or need basis. Mr. Foster cited Shirley Chisolm's campaign slogan of "unbought, unsold."

The powers of the HRC were seen as undefined in the report. Discussion ensued as to whether the original ordinance needs to be changed to define powers and membership. Mr. Weiss suggested that the Task Force provide Council with recommendations and specific ordinance changes. Ms. King-Benford asked for specific recommendations regarding staffing the HRC.

Joint Collaborative Meeting

It was announced that there will be a joint meeting of City Council, School Board and the Library Board at the Shaker Community Center on Saturday, June 26, 1999, from 8:30am -12:00pm. The topic will be youth issues, and the public is invited. (See Observer Report on this meeting elsewhere in The Voter.)

Council discussed possible roles of the City. So far it has been decided that Dr. Scott Frank, Health Director, will lead the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Control Initiative. Among the efforts discussed were the strengthening of current ordinances and requiring licensing to sell tobacco. Council discussed other possible programs, new and expansion of existing ones, and it was felt that this could be a very ambitious undertaking. Mr. Gleisser suggested that the collaborative effort would be to prioritize and then pick one project. Ms Rawson suggested that the next step for each project should be identified. This step should be feasible with a perceivable outcome.

Capital Budget

Discussion continued on the City of Shaker Heights 1999 Capital Program Summary. It was reported that receipts are lower than projected, but there is still six months left in the year. The City has budgeted $2.8 million in receipts but has received only $0.8 million. A number of projects and items were removed from the projected costs.

These included:

Mr. Schuchart urged Council to visit Thornton Park recreation center, and evaluate the arena flooring that is scheduled to be replaced ($160,000), and to admire the new dasher boards and repaired tennis courts. Other expenditures for capital items included special funding for the Y2K contingency plan ($100,000), i.e., renting generators etc., and appropriating funds ($35,000) for going forward on an architectural plan for City Hall rehabilitation after the Fire Department abandons the Fire Station. Finally, additional funds are required to maintain streets. The City receives $750,000 from the state to maintain roads but spends close to $1,000,000 - $1,250,000. The expected shortfall could be as much as $500,000. However, this does not include unspent funds from last year. In summary, Mr. Weiss suggested reducing capital requests as indicated and setting aside excess for the new Fire Station and City Hall rehabilitation.

Open session ended at 11:00 pm.

Ted Dick

Work Session and Meeting - Monday, June 28, 1999

Present: Mayor Mearns, Councilpersons B. Gleiser, S. Turner, D.Weiss, J. Devereaux, K. Kovach, J. Rawson, A. Foster; S.King Benford-Dir. of Law; F. Brichacek--Clerk of Council, G. Williams-Asst. Dir. of Law; A. Weber-Chief of Fire

Also present: Norma Rodgers-Chair, Charter Review Commission; Judy Lilly, Luther Stevens-members, Charter Review Commission

Work Session

The work session began at 7:00 pm. Its purpose was to review the final report of the Charter Review Commission. Ms Rodgers summarized the Commission's final report with a promise to send Council members a packet with detailed minutes of the Commission's meetings.

The Commission's five final recommendations are as follows:

1) The current charter requires that all purchases of goods and services in excess of $10,000 be subject to advertising and the public competitive procedure.

Messr. Schuchart, Brichacek, Soltis, and DeVaul (former Director of Public Works) recommended that the figure be raised to $25,000 to reflect changes caused by inflation and to make the purchasing process less expensive for the city. Walter Kelly (member of the Commission and former mayor of Shaker Heights) recommended that the Council be delegated the responsibility of setting dollar limits for public bidding instead of prescribing such limits by Charter. Other municipalities' procedures were examined, as was the Ohio Revised Code, which has recently increased its bid limit to $15,000. By a vote of 8 to 2, the Commission recommended amending the Charter to reflect no specific dollar limit for mandatory public bidding but specifically delegating to the City Council the authority to set the bidding limit by ordinance.

A discussion ensued. Commission member Mr. Stevens explained that he and Jeffrey Marks voted "No," not because they didn't trust the current Council, but because they felt it represented giving up a great deal of power to the Council. He feels that 13 years between charter reviews is not necessary and that Council could change a bidding figure whenever necessary by putting it on the ballot. He said he did vote for the entire package of recommendations. Mr. Weiss agreed that the recommendation provides the opportunity for abuse and suggested that Council be limited by the number of times it could be changed in a given period. Ms Rawson echoed this recommendation.

2) The current Charter does not have gender neutral language, and the Review Commission unanimously recommended that each masculine reference in the Charter be changed to one which is gender neutral. Commission members realized that each change in the Charter language would not have to appear on the ballot. Rather, the law requires only that the text of the recommended amendments be mailed to the voters prior to the election. Simple language on the ballot itself is acceptable.

3) The Finance Director currently is also the Clerk of Council. At the request of the Mayor, the Commission recommends delineating the powers of the Mayor to appoint a member of the administrative staff, not necessarily the Finance Director, to be Clerk of Council, with affirmation by a majority of Council for a term as determined by the Mayor.

4) The current Charter provides that compensation for the Mayor and City Council be fixed in the month of June. At the recommendation of Councilman Kovach, the Commission recommends that the compensation figure be fixed by the 30th day of June.

5) Currently, the Charter calls for filling a Council vacancy within thirty days. The Commission recommends extending this to sixty days.

Regarding process, Mr. Williams said that Council may adopt, amend, reject or make their own recommendations regarding charter changes. Council must have a public hearing and must pass an ordinance for each recommendation. All changes must be sent to the Board of Elections by the 3rd of Sept at 4:00 pm, must be mailed to the electorate 30 days before the election or advertised in the newspaper two weeks before the election. Council voted to discuss the recommendations at the July 12 work session and to hold a public hearing before the July 26th Council meeting.

Work session adjourned at 7:50 pm.

Meeting

All were present at the above work session plus W.Ugrinic-Chief of Police, N. Soltis-Dir. Administrative Services, W. Schuchart-CAO, S. Wood-Dir. Community Life

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 8:00pm.

Council passed two resolutions:

Council adopted the tax budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2000, and sent it to the County Auditor who will establish the property tax. Mr. Schuchart said that a tax of 9.9 mils will be comparable to 1998 revenue.

Compensation for offices of Mayor and Councilperson

Council passed ordinances that fixed compensation for the Mayor ($63,000: term beginning January 1, 2000) and Council ($7200: term beginning January 1, 2002). Ms Rawson voted against the Mayoral salary, stating that it had increased 28% since 1992 and that compensation for the administrative team of a citizen Mayor and the city's CAO should be viewed in its entirety. Mr Weiss, stating that he usually agrees with Ms Rawson, voted for the measure, believing that the salary has to be set high enough to attract a suitable person. Mr. Foster offered an amendment to the Council compensation measure that would increase it to $8400. His amendment died for lack of a second. He said no one would be willing to work for the same salary for six years. Several Council members

indicated that it is not a salary, but an honorarium, that it is an honor to serve the City and that School Board members receive no compensation.

Public Works matters

In measures related to Public Works, Council:

Council also authorized two conditional use permits, one to construct a "starter hut" (for the person who monitors teeing off at the first tee) at the Shaker Heights Country Club, and the second to permit Plymouth Church to erect a monument sign at the rear of the property. An additional permit to erect a sign at the front of the building was put on a second reading because the Landmark Commission prefers that the current sign be repaired or duplicated (the Architectural Review Board approved it). The Council hopes that putting it on second reading will permit the two boards the opportunity to work out their differences.

Council appropriated funds from the General Capital Fund to:

Council authorized the acceptance of a grant from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund (established by drug forfeiture money) for the Shaker Heights Youth and Family Counseling Center to establish a learning lab. The City is looking for $100,000 in matching funds from the State Department of Education. $150,000 remains in the Trust Fund. In matters related to the Shaker Heights Municipal Court, Council authorized acceptance of grants to provide security upgrades, established a Special Revenue Fund for the monies and increased its contribution to the security project by $40,000.

Two ordinances passed related to the luncheon program at Heights Christian Church: one to employ the church to administer the federally assisted program, the second to lease the City's Senior Adult Office van and driver to the church for use in its luncheon program. Ms Wood spoke in favor of both measures.

Council amended the Codified Ordinances of the City of Shaker Heights making it unlawful for any person operating a motor vehicle to be using a radio, tape player or other sound-making device so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 100 ft from the vehicle. The current code stipulates a distance of 50 feet. Ms King Benford said the change is necessary to keep up with current law. Council repealed another Codified Ordinance which prohibited persons under 16 years of age from engaging in picketing. Ms King Benford indicated that the current code has not been enforceable and it is being cleaned up to avoid confusion.

Council went into executive session for real estate and litigation at 10:18 pm.

Mary R. Powell

Joint Meeting of Shaker Heights Board of Education, City Council and Library Board of Trustees Collaborative Subcommittee

Saturday, June 26, 1999 - Community Building

Present: City Council: P. Mearns-Mayor; Council-persons J. Devereaux, A. Foster, B. Gleisser, K. Kovach, S. Turner; Bd of Educ.: Dr. M. McMickle-Pres., F. Levenson; S. Kaufman, N. Moore, C.Ribar; Dr. M. Freeman-Supt. Of Schools; Library Bd. Of Trustees: G.Goetz-Pres., N. Gibans, E. Parsons, B. Tufts

Absent: D. Weiss, J. Rawson, D. Berick, E. Bowman-Benning, N. Wester, Mary Sutcliffe-Facilitator

Also present: D. Wilson-School District Treasurer; J. Asher-Young Adult Librarian; J. Federman-Dir. SH Family Center; C. Moody-Exe.Dir. Business & Personnel; B. Stokes-Exec. Dir. Elementary Educ.

The purpose of this joint meeting was to hear the report of the Joint Collaborative Committee on initiative recommendations regarding youth issues, to be followed by public discussion. (The meeting was taped and the report is available to the public at the Shaker Heights Main Library.)

The meeting, presented as a public presentation and forum, was called to order at 8:30 am. Dr. McMickle

first announced the recent death of Shaker Heights High School principal A. Jack Rumbaugh, and Supt. Freeman announced the appointment of interim principal Jerry Mitchell.

Mr. Kaufman spoke for the Committee, thanking the City, School and Library officials and staff for their enormous assistance in preparing this report. He acknowledged the investment of many hours by volunteer facilitator Mary Sutcliffe. He then gave a history of the process over the last year-and-a-half, outlined their recommendations, presented the scope of the discussion to follow, and enumerated the next steps in the process.

Summary of Joint Collaborative process

The purpose of collaboration was to foster communication among the three bodies in order to establish goals to better serve the community, use resources wisely, and to engage in joint planning and action, where appropriate. In December of 1997, "youth issues" was identified as an opportunity for collaboration among the three bodies. Experts were brought in to help understand program characteristics, expert solutions, enablers and barriers. The Committee identified four Youth Area Topics of Focus as those having greatest priority:

The Committee prioritized the top four areas of focus out of thirteen identified based on the following criteria: impact to the community (long-term and short-term) sources of funding, people needed, organizational change issues, facilities, ease of implementation (transportation and program), and program operating costs.

The Committee also recommended a joint collaborative oversight committee with rotating membership. Because of the additional research and planning necessary, they also suggested that work on the Library Teen Center and the Drug and Alcohol Control initiatives begin as soon as possible (the Library Teen Center is already functioning). Early Childhood Activities should begin in approximately six months and After School Programs should begin soon that. They would also like to see work begin on some of the other initiatives in about a year.

Collaboration

The Committee identified five factors of collaboration which, if not all in place, radically diminish the chances of success for the initiatives:

The Committee described several lessons they learned during the process. These included the need for a mind shift, where the governing bodies are receptive to relinquishing control, when appropriate; the recognition that the principal players are key staff members from each of the three bodies; and the need to communicate with the community the collaborative intent of the process.

Early Childhood Activities

The area of Early Childhood Activities was defined as birth through age 5. The goals centered on early literacy skills, kindergarten readiness preparation, and family support. The Committee identified the Point Person on the initiative as the Director of the Shaker Family Center. Principal players are the Library Director, the Preschool

Outreach Librarian, the Director of Elementary Education at the Schools, the City's Recreation Department, and possibly the City's Health Department.

After School Program

The After School Program is defined as a collaborative, high-quality care program for youth in kindergarten through sixth grade, designed to serve as a bridge from the end of the school day to home. The goals and benefits were designed to offer a high quality program including recreation; academic achievement and reinforcement; and broad access and participation, delivered by well-trained professionally qualified staff, including volunteers. While the Committee did not identify a Point Person, they did state that the overall program responsibility would be with the City. Principal players would be key City, School and Library staff selected by each of the three governing bodies. The program would be highly collaborative in terms of physical facilities. The Committee acknowledged that greater program participation could result in inadequate space. They offered no information on the cost of a new program model, but stated that this is part of the research needed in the next six months. The Committee recommended that the Schools assign some staff, within the limitations of its current budget, to develop the educational components and training for the program. They did note the already present competing demands for teacher and administrative time. They recommended that the City consider additional funding to underwrite costs after examining fees, scholarships and subsidies.

Library Teen Center

The Committee recommended that the Library Teen Center be a safe supervised place for our young adult community with a relaxed atmosphere. It should offer both structured, informational programs and unstructured recreational and social programs. The Point People are the Youth Librarian and the Library Director. The principal players include library staff members, members of the school system; the City's Recreation Department and the Youth and Family Counseling Center.

Control Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Use

The Drug and Alcohol Control initiative is intended to decrease the use and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse among our youth by using prevention methods and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Point Person is the City’s Director of Health, while the other principal players include the Executive Director of the Youth and Family Counseling Center, the Schools' Executive Director of Business and Personnel, and the Library Director.

Discussion

A number of concerns were raised on the specifics of collaboration, particularly regarding financial and human resources. The group agreed it was very important to clarify the scope of the undertaking before the staff invests time and talent in researching new programs. The group also agreed the fiscal planning would be complex. The different fiscal timelines will need coordination. It was suggested that some of these details should be worked out in staff discussions on an issue-by-issue basis. The concept of a Staff Coordinator for the collaborative effort was put forth.

Discussion points made on the specific initiatives were as follows:

On Early Childhood

On After-School Care

On Library Teen Resource Center

On Control of Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Next Steps

The next steps for the collaborative process were identified:

The meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm.

Happy Wallach

Jean Koznarek

City Building, Housing and Planning Committee

Meeting of Wednesday, June 9, 1999

Present: P. Mearns-Mayor; Councilpersons J. Rawson-Chair; J.Devereaux, A. Foster; B. Hanson-Dir. Housing Inspection; K. Kelley-housing Rehab Specialist; J. Zeigler-Dir. Of Building; P. Heintzelman-Dir. Building, Housing & Planning; J. Braverman-Asst. Dir. Building, Housing & Planning; T. Schwarz-Senior Planner; J. Steehler-Center for Housing & Community Life; D. Vargo-Pro-integrative Housing Mgr.; N. Moore-Bd. Of Education; Citizen member P. Burgess; S. King Bedford-Dir. Of Law

Also present: T. Whalley, C. Gray

The meeting was called to order at 7:45 am.

Extensive discussion ensued regarding extension of financial assistance to other areas of the City beyond SWITA target areas of Ludlow, Moreland and West Lomond. No conclusions were reached. Ms Rawson requested that Committee members continue evaluating the probable areas to be improved through programs instituted by the City.

Pat Cone

Donita Anderson

Community Life Committee

Meeting of Tuesday, June 22, 1999

Present: Councilpersons J. Devereaux-Chair; S. Turner, K. Kovach, Citizen members D. Crews, S. Jaffe, S. Vavruska; Dr. S. Frank-Dir. Of Health; S. Wood-Dir. of Community Relations; B. Waldo-Dir. of Recreation; L. Haag-Deputy Dir. Recreation; M. Casal

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm. Minutes of the May 25 meeting were approved.

Recreation Department Budget Analysis process

Ms Wood presented questions regarding the increase of the General Fund subsidy:

Ms Wood suggested the following goals for the Budget Analysis process:

Goal 1: To develop a General Fund Budget to support recreational services that contribute to the quality of life for Shaker Heights residents (non-enterprise)

This is a major departure from the current belief that all Recreation Dept. programs are an enterprise and should pay for themselves.

Objectives

Goal 2: To Develop an Enterprise Fund Budget which effectively projects revenues and costs for activities that exceed quality of life recreational services (enterprise)

Objectives

Goal 3: To conduct a test Budget analysis on 2 - 3 services and present findings and recommendations to Community Life Group in August Determine which belong in the General Fund and which belong in Enterprise

Goal 4: To present findings and recommendations to City Council by 11/1/99

Objectives

Mr. Crews commented that this process would not reduce the budget by much. He referred to it as a Band-Aid approach: $5,000 here, $2,000 there will not help a budget that is hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. Mr. Crews also suggested deleting goal three from the process because of the November election date.

Ms Wood preferred to keep this date because the budgeting process begins November and the budget must be presented to Council in December.

It was decided that Community Life Group staff will do a test analysis of 2 - 3 services/activities and will present this at the August meeting.

Committee Priorities for 1999

Recreation

Health

A joint collaborative project between the School, City and Library is in the works (see observer report elsewhere in The Voter). One of the foci of the Collaborative Subcommittee, Controlling Drug and Alcohol Use, was noted as relevant to the City's responsibility for health issues.

Senior Adult

Youth

Community relations

Revitalization of community associations. Currently, only four associations are active. Ms Wood envisions a Community Association Convention with all nine of the

associations coming together for a brief time to brain-

storm and develop the group as a whole, as well as to help each association develop individually.

New business

There is a new batting cage at Thornton Park with set times given to the young baseball leagues. All other people wishing to use the cage can do so for a fee.

Ms Wood mentioned that the newly-formed Boulevard Theater Group will be using the City's Law Department to help file necessary paperwork for tax purposes.

Patty Knoth

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