New Automated Refuse Collection Trucks

The new automated refuse collection trucks will be on their way soon. After the new bins are distributed city-wide, the City will roll out its fleet of new automated refuse collection trucks.

We're switching to automated refuse collection to save taxpayer dollars and reduce our impact on the environment (through increased recycling and fleet reduction). Its part of the City's Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative.

This month, all households will be given a special heavy-duty 96 gallon (larger than three regular trash bins) wheeled trash container to put their weekly trash into. The special containers will be picked up by City of Lakewood automated refuse trucks.

The new trucks trucks require less labor and fuel than the current system. The containers will be dumped into the trucks using a hydraulic lifting system. This will significantly reduce worker injuries and increase efficiency of Refuse Department employees. Refuse collection will still be done by City of Lakewood employees, not contractors.

More information is available here (pdf) and here (web).

Discount Prescription Drug Program for Lakewood Residents

The City of Lakewood’s Discount Prescription Drug Program starts today. The city is making free prescription drug discount cards available to city residents through a program sponsored by the National League of Cities. The discount cards offer average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

The discount cards may be used by all Lakewood residents and has no restrictions based on the resident’s age, income level, or existing health coverage. The card can be used when purchasing prescription drugs at participating pharmacies around the city, as well as at more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country.

Lakewood residents only have to show their card when purchasing medication at one of the many participating pharmacies. To get a card, just visit here.

Any Lakewood resident can start saving on their regular prescription costs right away.

Balanced Budget Update

Higher individual income tax revenues to date are significantly higher this year as compared to the prior two years due to a timing difference, which equates to approximately $900,000. This year the City implemented a lockbox for tax collections so that payments are sent to the bank directly where they are immediately deposited, thus eliminating the April 15th lag in revenue collections experienced in 2007 & 2008.

Local Government Funds are lagging due to reduced State and County tax revenues. The City receives these funds based on a formula, and the reduction is an indication of the current state of the economy.

By reducing the General Fund revenues as of April 30, 2009 by the $900,000 timing difference for income tax, the City is nearly $175,000 lower than this point last year in collections.

However, General Fund expenditures are $340,065 lower as of April 30th than this point this year. The true test this year of remaining under budget is the successful implementation of the automated refuse collection process which began last week.

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As mentioned in the April 8th Balanced Budget Update, revenues are the City's greatest uncertainty this year.

This month we received word from the Cuyahoga County Auditor's Office that we will receive a 6% decrease in real property tax revenues in 2010, which as a typical reappraisal year that will not take place, the City would have expected to receive the on average 10% increase.

This reduction equates to approximately $950,000, with an known impact on the General Fund of nearly $500,000. The remaining $450,000 impacts capital and debt service.
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With all of the above in play, the remainder of 2009 and 2010 will definitely be a budget challenge. The following is the preliminary 2010 budget process time line:

June 15th - Introduce 2010 Tax Budget to Council. Will include what is known with the 6% property tax revenue decrease and the Finance Department's preliminary high-level projections for 2010 revenue and estimated expenditures

Week of June 29th - Finance Committee meeting to discuss Tax Budget

July 6th - Expected Tax Budget Passage by City Council

Week of July 13th - The Finance Department will have preliminary 2009 year-end expenditure and revenue projections based on mid-year actuals and 2010 budget estimates.

Week of August 3rd - With the July 2009 month-end close, the City will know the 2nd Quarter Estimate Individual Income Tax Revenues to see if there is a decrease. If so, determine how it will impact the remainder of 2009.

Since the City of Lakewood does not have any major industrial or commercial employers, its major source of income tax revenue is from its residents.

The 2nd Quarter Estimate is what residents pay on a quarterly basis of their estimated income for that year. The 2nd quarter estimate receipts are crucial to see how the economy is impacting Lakewood's citizen's since anyone that was laid off or furloughed in late 2008 or 2009 would adjust their estimates that this time.

The City will have also received Property Tax Advances by this date to determine actual collections vs. the County projection / what is budgeted. If these revenues are below the estimate, will need to determine how it will impact the remainder of 2009.

Based on mid-year expenditures to date and year-end projections, plus the known income and property tax revenue as detailed above, determine if any mid-year budget reductions are needed.

The City will also receive 2010 Local Government Fund revenue estimates for the State by this time.

August & September - The City Administration will begin to craft the 2010 Budget Strategy.

October 1 - Purchasing Cut-off. No new purchases can be made after this date.

October-November 15 - The Finance Department will be working on the creation of Nov. 15th Estimate of Expenditures / 2010 Budget Document

November - December - Budget Hearings will take place depending on the status of the union negotiations. All of the City's seven bargaining unit contracts expire on December 31, 2009.
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For more information regarding the City of Lakewood's Finances, go to: http://www.onelakewood.com/finance

Start Using the New Refuse Cans Right Away!

Starting this week, new refuse bins are being delivered to every address in Lakewood. Start using them right away.

The way that refuse is collected will change. The new 96 gallon refuse bins (about the size of three traditional cans) should be wheeled to the tree lawn on your normal collection day.

For residents:
•	Sturdy wheeled carts are easy to maneuver
•	Capacity of carts is equal to three or four regular trash cans
•	No carrying/lifting heavy trash
•	Carts with tight lids keep rodents and pets out
•	Clean neighborhoods with no litter on streets after pick-up The Dimensions of the cart are 43.25" (H) by 29.75" (W) by 35.25" (depth from front to back handle)

For your tax dollars:
•	Improved efficiency
•	Decreased fuel costs
•	Decreased vehicle repair costs
•	Decreased number of vehicles necessary for refuse collection
•	Reduced employee injuries
•	Reduced fuel usage and emissions

How will automated refuse collection work?
•	Starting in May 2009, each Lakewood home will receive a 96 gallon, wheeled refuse collection container. When the container is delivered to your home, begin using it for all general refuse.
•	Residents will place this container on their tree lawn by 6:30 AM on their collection day and a refuse truck with a mechanical arm will lift the containers off the street, empty it into the truck and return the container to its original position.
•	The City will make accommodations for those with special needs.
•	Recyclables and large item collection will remain the same.
A big part of this Initiative is to increase recycling efforts citywide. Throughout 2009, the City will place a stronger emphasis on raising residents’ awareness about our recycling programs and encourage all residents to recycle. In Lakewood, residents can recycle all glass bottles and jars, metal food and beverage containers, all plastics with the recycling symbols #1-7, plastic grocery bags, paper, cardboard and yard waste. For more information about recycling, click here.

Oldest Stone House Approved for First Historic Preservation Designation

At last week's Planning Commission, Lakewood's Oldest Stone House (now located at Lakewood Park) received a Historic Preservation Designation, the first such property to benefit from the designation since the new zoning designation went into effect this January. The application from the Lakewood Historical Society shared new information about this old home.

The property, moved from what is now the corner of Detroit and St. Charles, is the oldest house in Lakewood. Built for John Honam in 1834, the property remained a private residence until 1897 when it was transformed into a store and post office by Lawrence Johnson in 1897.

The house was even considered historic in 1935 when it was drawn and photographed for the Historic American Buildings Survey. It was moved to its current location in 1952 by local historian Margaret Manor Butler. In 1977 it was listed on the National register of Historic Places. Thanks to the efforts of the Historical Society for their work with the city to recognize this symbol of Lakewood's heritage.

Lakewood Farmers Market to Open June 3

The Lakewood Farmer’s Market opens for its 11th season on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Kaufmann Park Parking Lot behind Drug Mart,15412 Detroit Avenue.

The Farmer’s Market offers locally grown produce along with freshly baked breads and pastries, artisans and craftspeople who help to create a festive market atmosphere for the Lakewood community. The Market will operate every Wednesday through September 30, 2009 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 pm.

The Market is operated by the North Union Farmer’s Market in collaboration with the City of Lakewood and features vendors who grow their own produce on small, family-owned farms. Organizers expect up to 15 vendors at each Wednesday’s market.

The North Union Farmer’s Market is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1995 dedicated to supporting family farms in northeast Ohio, providing urban people access to fresh, locally grown produce and creating a wholesome family activity that builds community.

Marathon Running in Lakewood Again

After many years away, the Cleveland Marathon will be running in Lakewood again, starting May 17th, 2009. This year's path starts in downtown Cleveland at 7am. Miles six through nine travel along Edgewater and Lake in Lakewood, where you can expect to see runners most of the morning. See the route here. Come join the 11,000+ runners.

Cleveland's Best Restaurants Are in Lakewood

Cleveland Magazine's 2009 Silver Spoon Awards listed more Lakewood restaurants tops. In short, the best spots to dine out in Cleveland are in Lakewood. Take a look at some of our (multiple) ward winners:

Pier W- Best Seafood, Best Sunday Brunch, Most Romantic, Best View
Melt Bar and Grilled- Best Cheap Eats, Best Sandwich
Aladddin's- Best Middle Eastern, Best Vegetarian
Angelo's- Best Pizza
Souper Market- Best Soup
The Winking Lizard- Best Stocked Bar, Best Sports Restaurant
Buckeye Beer Engine- Best Beer List
Three Birds- Best Outdoor Dining

Congrats to all.

Fire Hydrant Testing

Starting this week, our fire department will begin testing the fire hydrants city wide. The department flushes and tests the hydrants annually to make cure the hydrants work in the event of an emergency.

Hydrants will be tested Monday through Thursday throughout the month. The testing may cause temporary discoloration of the water supply, so check the color of water before washing clothes to guard against discoloring fabrics. After a few hours, the water will run clear again. The discoloration is due to the release of built-up mineral deposits present in all water mains.

Residents with questions about the fire hydrant testing may call 529-6607 after 9:00 a.m. on weekdays.