Kids Cove To Be Renovated

Returning for their first meeting after their summer break, Council President, Mary Louise Madigan, called the September 9, 2014 meeting of Council to order at 7:34 P.M.

The first order of business for the night was a resolution from the Mayor commending Adrianna Larimer for her actions in saving the life of a boy at Beck's Pool. A Senior at Lakewood High School, Adrianna works as a lifeguard at Beck's Pool in Madison park. On August 4, 2014, during her shift she noticed a boy at the bottom of the pool. Blowing her whistle once to signify danger she then jumped in and brought the boy to the surface and out of the pool. Once out of the pool the boy began breathing on his own, however the paramedics still took him for observation.

The Mayor asked Council to pass his resolution recognizing Adrianna for her heroic deed and exemplary action as a lifeguard.

Councilman Tom Bullock (At-Large) complimented Adrianna on a job well done and encouraged her to perhaps consider a career in public safety when she goes off to college.

Councilman David Anderson (Ward I) said that he has four kids who have all gone through swimming lessons at Beck's Pool and that he has always found the staff there nothing but professional. He added though she saved a boy, she also saved a family from a nightmare. “Anyone with loved ones understands that they are just one phone call away from being brought to their knees, and you saved a family from that,” he said.

Councilman Sam O'Leary (Ward II) thanked Adrianna for her “incredible efforts,” and said as a former Beck's Pool lifeguard himself he understands how demanding the job is on a daily basis, but also how important it is to keeping Lakewood citizens safe. He then thanked her for her hard work and what she has done.

Councilwoman Cindy Marx (At-Large) and Councilwoman Madigan also both thanked Andrianna for her hard work and bravery.

Council then proceeded to pass the resolution.

Next Councilwoman Marx asked Council to pass a resolution from herself and Councilwoman Madigan recognizing David Stein and his store Cotton for their efforts the that earned them the Best Commercial Rehabilitation Project for 2014 award by Heritage Ohio.

Councilmen Bullock, Anderson and Juris all congratulated Mr. Stein on earning his award but also for the success of both his stores in Lakewood. They also thanked him for his involvement in many Lakewood organizations, including his leadership in the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance, and for taking the extra effort to protect some of Lakewood's heritage.

Council passed the resolution.

Councilwoman Madigan then read a communication regarding a Creating Healthy Communities Grant. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health, which Lakewood partners with for health services, is in the process of applying for a grant through Creating Healthy Communities, which is a competitive funding program through the Ohio Department of Health. Lakewood has been selected by the County to be a partnering community for this grant. If the the grant is approved the Board of Health will carry out strategies to increase healthy eating, physical activities, and decrease tobacco use in the city. Councilwoman Madigan said that these programs will help build on the momentum of the Recreation Task Force, the Community Health Challenge, and the Be Well Employee Wellness Committee. She asked that her communication be referred to the Health and Human Services Committee to receive input and leadership on this topic.

Council did as Councilwoman Madigan requested and referred the matter to the Health and Human Services Committee.

Finance Director Jennifer Pae then asked Council to pass a resolution that would allow the City to apply for a $105,000 grant through the NatureWorks Program administered by the Office of Real Estate of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The grant would support efforts to renovate the Kids Cove playground at Lakewood Park. The cost estimate of the current design is about $420,000 of which this grant would cover about 24%, the rest of the cost would be paid for by the City.

This project will renovate the approximately 1.4 acre playground area at Lakewood Park. The current equipment, which is outdated and designed poorly for the supervision of children, will be replaced with better designed equipment and a full resurfacing of the playground area. This project is hoped to be funded for 2015.

Councilman Nowlin asked Director Pae how the remainder of the project was to be funded, and she said it would be covered by the sale of bond notes.

Councilman Anderson asked when they could expect to see a rendering of the designs for the Park. The Mayor responded saying that they have created some rough ideas and concepts of what they want to include based on discussions with some stakeholders such as Lakewood PTA and Early Childhood PTA, however there are no specific drawings or plans yet.

After a brief discussion Council passed the resolution.

Police Chief Malley then told Council that the City has been notified that it has been awarded $4,308.05 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. The Program will provide 50% of the cost of the new vests for the Department. The Lakewood Police Department needs to replace 11 bulletproof vest that have reached their 5-year life expectancy and expired. The rest of the money for the purchase is available and will come from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

Next Fire Chief Gilman asked Council to approve a resolution that would allow a trade of goods and services between the City's Fire Department and Cuyahoga Community College. The Department is buying a new fire hose which will leave them with 2,000 feet of access hose. In addition the City has six air packs that are no longer operational. The department has negotiated with Tri-C to offer them the access hose and air packs in exchange for 8 training classes, which have an approximate value of $4,000. The training classes will be used for Fire Officer and Fire Service instructor development.

Council passed the resolution.

Coming to the end of the agenda, Council President Madigan Adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P.M.