Administration touts accomplishments at State of the City address

by Laura Bednar

Independence Mayor Greg Kurtz gave the annual State of the City address on Oct. 4, summarizing the accomplishments of each of the departments.

The address began with a video featuring the engineering and building departments. Independence has spent $3.8 million for street improvement projects on Kleber Court and Longano Drive, which include concrete curbs, streets, sidewalks, sewers and streetlights.

As part of a city safety plan, two speed tables were installed on Hillside Road to slow motorists. Kurtz also noted the city hopes to widen Brecksville Road south of Rockside Road in the future.

Also being discussed is adding an entrance ramp to I-77 at the end of Selig Drive, near the service department, for safety forces to have easy highway access. Kurtz said the city received a $1 million grant from the state to complete this project.

Economic development

Economic Development Director Jessica Hyser noted business achievements, starting with CBIZ financial, insurance and advisory service provider becoming the seventh largest accounting services provider in the U.S. with the acquisition of accounting firm Marcum, bringing their combined revenue of $2.8 billion. CBIZ is located on Rockside Woods Boulevard.

The city invited food trucks to commercial areas on Fridays to connect the business community and incentivize employees to work in office settings. Gran Fiesta Mexican restaurant is expected to open near the Ramada hotel on Rockside Road, and Condado Tacos is expected to move into the former Melt restaurant space on Rockside Road.

Police

Police Chief Robert Butler talked about creating a comprehensive police officer program to ensure police are physically and emotionally well. “By focusing on officer wellness … we make sure they are in the best position to do their job,” said Butler.

Police cruisers now have LED backlighting on the trunk area, which flashes to encourage drivers to move over a lane. Officers also carry reversible jackets which double as reflective vests for traffic when turned inside out.

Drones are used during car accidents to survey the incident and find injured people using thermal imaging. The department also has portable generators, functional at most intersections, to keep traffic signals running during power outages.

This year, police introduced self-defense classes for females and senior citizens. Butler said all officers have completed crisis intervention training to deal with those with mental illness. In 2023 and thus far in 2024, there have been no officer-involved traffic incidents.

Kurtz said studies are being done to determine the prospective location and size of a new police station. The existing building is 43 years old, and Kurtz said there is a need to accommodate a larger number of officers and for adequate police and public parking.

“The new building would require more than 34,500 square feet,” said Kurtz.

Independence is also exploring construction a new service department building, as the current facility was built in 1976.

Fire

Jim Wheeler retired as assistant fire chief and was replaced by Lt. Don Reis. Fire Chief Steve Rega said in the first nine months of 2023, there was a 5% increase in call volume to the fire department. In the first nine months of this year, there was a 13% increase in call volume.

“We are trending towards 200 additional calls in 2024,” said Rega.

He talked about the department’s new equipment, including a new ambulance, two Ford interceptors and new cots for the ambulances.

Parks and community services

In 2023, Independence started its Elmwood Park tree fund, in which residents can donate money for a tree to be planted in the park, along with a plaque honoring a deceased loved one or marking a special occasion.

Kurtz said the park also boasts a new one-mile fitness loop for residents to follow and an ADA-compliant playground near the fire station with equipment accessible for all children. He said the parks department is looking for ways to make the tennis courts more accessible to residents for tennis and pickleball.

The community services department held its regular summer concert series and farmer’s market, adding a Sunday ice cream social to the lineup, which will continue next year. Security cameras were installed in public areas at the Civic Center and Elmwood Park.

Finance and communications

Finance Director Vern Blaze said the state auditor rates cities on their financial health based on 17 indicators. In 2023, Independence had a positive outlook for all 17 indicators.

Kurtz added that the city has reduced its debt by $10 million over the past five years.

Residents will soon be able to report issues using a software program called Tyler 311. Through its “citizen portal” on the city website, or through the mobile app, residents can report a problem, and a work order will be sent to the appropriate department. Residents can track the progress of the work until it is complete.

Kurtz spoke about the Concordia development, a project to build smaller homes on smaller lots on 18 acres near Brecksville and Stone roads.

“I understand change is hard to accept,” said Kurtz. He said residents have wanted this type of housing for decades, and this allows them to remain in the community.

He started the State of the City address by talking about the necessity of change, saying,  “If a city does not keep moving forward, it will stagnate.” ∞