Update from Engineer, Pietro DiFranco:

Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvements

Construction of the underground equalization (EQ) basin at Clague Park and sanitary sewer improvements in Beech Lane began on February 13.  An approximately 1.25 million gallon underground storage tank at Clague Park is being built to temporarily store excess flow within the sanitary sewer system that is experienced during heavy rain events.  The EQ basin is designed to store the excess flow until the downstream system can convey it, thereby reducing upstream back-ups.  The bottom of the EQ basin is located over 15 feet below the soccer fields.  Kokosing Construction completed excavation of the massive pit in mid-March, and is currently pouring the reinforced concrete floor, walls, and top of the tank.  Fabrizi Trucking & Paving is performing the sewer work in Beech Lane, and portions of Walter Rd, Deerfield Dr., and Hunter Dr.  The sewers in Beech & Hunter are being upsized, while parallel relief sewers are being installed in Walter & Deerfield.  Fabrizi has completed the sewer installation in Beech Lane, has started construction on Walter Road, and will be continuing south.  Restoration of the pavement and landscaping on Beech Lane will start shortly, and proceed simultaneously with the sewer installation in Walter.  Both contractors are on schedule, and thankful for the mild Winter and Spring!

Country Club Boulevard Streetscape

Construction of the streetscape improvements began on March 12.  The project includes replacement of the concrete median with landscaping, decorative street lighting, a new mid-block crosswalk, stamped concrete crosswalks at Victoria Lane, ADA accessible curb ramps & pedestrian signal buttons, and minor curb & walk replacements.  The pavement and underground electrical improvements are complete.  The landscaping is scheduled to begin the first week of May, with the new street lights being installed shortly thereafter.

Burns Road Culvert Replacement

Removal of the existing culvert began on April 23.  The existing 5-foot wide culvert is being replaced due to structural concerns, and will be replaced with a new 7-foot wide culvert which will also improve the hydraulics of Root Ditch by allowing a more natural flow.

2012 Street Projects (Street Resurfacing, Crack Sealing, Pavement Markings)

The bid opening for these projects will be on May 3, with construction to be performed this coming Summer.

Senior Transportation Connection Appointment

I was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Senior Transportation Connection (STC) by Cuyahoga County Executive Edward Fitzgerald.  STC is a non-profit, customer focused organization committed to providing efficient, comprehensive and affordable transportation for senior adults in Cuyahoga County.  The STC makes it possible for the older adults in our community to get groceries, do their banking, make their doctor appointments and do other social activities.  The well-being and service for Seniors is important to me and I look forward to taking on this additional role. 

Fish Fry Success

It was indeed a win-win for the Friday Fish Fry's at Springvale this Easter Season.  Sales figures more than doubled the numbers from last year, $18,776.50 in 2012 versus 2011 sales of $9,295.75.  Local nonprofit groups hosted and served the fish fry's and kept the tips for their organization.  Thank you to all the families and friends for coming out and showing your support- it is because of you that these groups profited.  North Olmsted Hockey Club/Edges made $400 in tips; Multiple Sclerosis Society made $815.00; John Knox Presbyterian made $1,018.00 plus $125.00 from the bake sale; Ascension Lutheran Church made $444.00 in tips plus $200.05 from their bake sale; Cerebral Palsy made $535.50 and $132.08 from the bake sale, Kiwanis made $350.00 and the NOHS Girls Volleyball Team made $617.15 in tips and $138.25 from the bake sale.  Congratulations and thank you!  We heard great feedback on the food and hope to see you back next year.  A special thank you to Ascension Lutheran Church who donated their tips to the North Olmsted Oxcart Pantry. 

Spring & Summer Parties

Keep in mind the city facilities in North Olmsted that are available for rental for First Communion & Graduation parties or other special events.  Springvale Golf Course has a beautiful ballroom and clubhouse; the contact is Sarah Barnhart, Event Coordinator 440-777-0678.  The Community Cabin also has a very large party room; check for cabin availability by calling 440-716-4168, Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30pm.   

2012 Bradley Woods Reservation Spring Mosquito Treatment

Attention Residents of North Olmsted: The Bradley Woods Reservation will be treated in April by

personnel from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH). The mosquito treatment consists of the application of a safe larvicide that prevents mosquito larvae from reaching the adult stage. The treatment will not be done by helicopter. Instead, the larvicide will be applied by CCBH personnel using gas powered backpack equipment. This treatment was conducted in this manner in 2011 and was found to be very effective. Unfortunately, as we all know, we experienced an abundance of rain all summer long, which contributed to a bad mosquito season. Hopefully we will receive an average amount of rain this year, so that the mosquito population does not reach last year's levels. Residents that do not live in the Bradley Woods Reservation area can contact the Board of Health if they have standing water in their backyard. Also, all residents can do their part in preventing mosquito breeding on their property by removing or emptying buckets, tires and tarps, keeping gutters clean, and using insect repellent when mosquitoes start biting. You can contact Joe Lynch at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health by calling (216)201-2000 x-1241 if you have any questions.