Green “park” is on fast track; sidewalks coming to Wheatley Road

by Sue Serdinak

May 7 village council meeting

As the timber frame pavilion is being erected, Village council passed two motions to authorize final actions to create a park-like space on the Green. They approved paying Hernandez Concrete $44,412 to install broom-finished walking paths in a loop throughout the park. Council also approved spending $37,225 to light the pavilion and pathways in the park.

The budgeted amount for the park project was $375,000. Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz said the village didn’t anticipate being able to install the lighting this year, but because other parts of the project were under budget, all of the work can be completed in 2024.

“It will all be done by the first park concert in June,” Frantz said.

Wheatley sidewalks

Council had first reading of a resolution to advertise for bids to eliminate ditches and build sidewalks on the south side of Wheatley Road, between the Nexen Tire America headquarters and the shopping plaza on the corner of Brecksville and Wheatley roads.

The sidewalks were planned to coincide with the construction of a Hampton Inn, just east of Nexen. The Riley Hotel Group purchased three acres from the village in August 2023 for $450,000 for the hotel. They said then that they planned to purchase two additional acres to build a restaurant and convention center.

Sewer bills

Finance Director Sandy Turk reported that the sewer bills that property owners are receiving include a 4.2% increase imposed by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Turk said the village has not raised its portion of the bill since 2006.

Fraud

Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Secret Service to deputize Detective Sgt. Ryan Kellackey. This agreement enables the police department to receive reimbursement of overtime pay for Kellackey when he undertakes investigations for the Secret Service.

The Secret Service is expanding its network of the Cyber Fraud Task Forces with a mission to prevent, detect and mitigate complex cyber-enabled financial crime. Kellackey has frequently handled fraud cases for the police department.

Recently, following an investigation by Kellackey, Summit County courts found a person guilty of financial fraud and recovered $27,444 stolen from a Richfield resident’s account. After the court case, the money was recovered from the criminal’s bank account and returned to the victim.

Fire truck

Fire Chief George Seifert reported that the department was awarded $13,000 from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation as part of their Fire Fighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant program. Lt. Kevin Urban applied for the grant.

Seifert also said that, in less than an hour, five members of the department transferred 3,000 feet of hose from the old fire truck onto the new truck, Engine 2, when the department’s two older pumpers failed. The older trucks have failed numerous times, and the department is grateful that the new truck arrived in time for the transfer of hosing.

Council approved the resignation of two part-time fire medics, Geoff Kuzas and Walt Hower.

TIFF

Council suspended readings and adopted an ordinance to approve a 30-year municipal public improvement tax increment equivalent, referred to as a TIF, for property located at 2920 Brecksville Road. Saia Motor Freight Line recently purchased the property.

Community Day

Council approved spending up to $17,000 for tents and a fireworks display for Community Day weekend, Aug. 9-11. They also approved allowing beer and wine sales on that weekend.

Medicine disposal

Police Chief Michael Swanson reported that there continues to be a medicine disposal box in the vestibule of the police department. Syringes should not be deposited in the box, but residents can call 330-659-9500 and the department will help arrange for disposal.

Cemetery regulations

Council had first reading of an ordinance to amend the regulations for the two Richfield cemeteries and the costs associated with burials and burial space. Burial space is sold only to residents of Richfield Village, Richfield Township and to anyone who was a resident within the past 10 years.

The cost for space for ground burial, cremation, a mausoleum crypt and a mausoleum niche were all increased. The fees associated with interment were also increased.

“We’re not making money on burials, but we have to cover our costs,” said Jeff Stoppenhagen, council’s representative to the cemetery board. He added that the proposed fees are less than those charged by other communities and for-profit cemeteries. Updated information will be available on the website richfieldvillageohio.org/168/Cemetery.

Stoppenhagen thanked residents Bill Taylor, Harold Scobie and Pat Healey for working on the regulations for several months when they were on the cemetery board. ∞