651 LAKEWOOD LIFE

Since 2017, the city

has responded to more
than 630 public records
requests with more than
33,500
pages of records
RESPONSIVENESS
TO THE CITIZENS WE SERVE
96
issues were reported through Lakewood City Hall
The Mayor has held
our website last year. Problems 12650 Detroit Ave.
Listening to Lakewood sessions A Report from City Hall, Winter 2019
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
can also be reported on our since 2011
myLakewood app. Search
myLakewood on your smart
phone to download
POSTAL CUSTOMER

LISTENING TO LAKEWOOD COFFEE

Join Mayor Summers at Listening to Lakewood WITH A A NOTE FROM MAYOR MIKE SUMMERS
local shops, restaurants, bars,
and churches for the monthly meetings provide a COP Stay up to date by following us on social media! INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
“Listening to Lakewood” On February 27, 2019 at 7 p.m. and data collection assists public
gatherings. These informal unique opportunity for The Lakewood Police I will deliver my ninth State of the safety personnel to investigate more
conversations provide residents the
Department participates in the facebook.com/CityofLakewoodOhio @CityofLakewoodOhio @LakewoodOhio #1LKWD RESPONSIVENESS City address to the community. One effectively and efficiently. The public
opportunity to meet the Mayor and
meaningful dialog with national “Coffee with a Cop”
Listening to Lakewood consistent theme has been the four cameras also provide 60 “smart
movement. Coffee with a Cop main goals: vibrant neighborhoods, hubs” available for future devices to
share your thoughts and questions
with him.
Mayor Summers and fellow brings Lakewood’s neighborhood TAX DEADLINE REMINDER! Coffee with a Cop economic development, safe and analyze and optimize resources. This
officers and the community
citizens regarding matters members they serve together −
The due date to file your 2018 Lakewood income tax return is April 15, 2019. Our tax department will TRANSPARENCY secure city and sound governance.
This issue of the Lakewood Life
will help with future driverless cars
and the continued expansion of the
March 12 – Rozi’s Wine House of interest or concern over coffee − to meet and discuss prepare Lakewood income tax returns, free of charge, with no appointment necessary at the Annex Building
issues. These events are held once office located at 12805 Detroit Ave. 2018 Finances focuses on sound governance. We Internet of Things.
14900 Detroit are determined to live within our We are also investing in updated
in a relaxed, informal a month at local businesses in Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (extended hours beginning in March). EFFECTIVENESS & means, spending less than we take software for our police, fire and
April 9 – Nature’s Oasis Lakewood. These events feature no Visit www.onelakewood.com/municipal-income-tax for forms and more information. in. We have worked hard to keep the building departments. This will
environment. They are agenda or speeches, just a chance EFFICIENCY
15613 Detroit government right-sized, investing improve our ability to collect and
May 14 – Goodkind Coffee unique opportunities to
to get to know your neighborhood Public Works Improvements in our employees through cross- analyze information. By year’s
officers.
DID YOU KNOW? SOUND GOVERNANCE IN ACTION
PARTICIPATION & training, management training and end, we should have public portals
15526 Madison learn, discuss, and offer Join us Friday, March 15 at Play The city’s plows keep the walking paths cleared at Clean Water Lakewood ACCOUNTABILITY
technology, skills and equipment. We
have worked hard to maintain our
to access and share much of this
information with residents.
Grounds Cafe, 15715 Madison,
All Listening to Lakewood constructive feedback. Lakewood Park. The city works Planning Boards and Commissions
1.5% income tax rate − one of the I hope you will join me on
sessions are from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. − Steve Lamantia , Resident 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. hard to educate our residents Thank you for reading about
lowest in the county. February 27 to hear more about
We have also invested in what’s ahead for 2019 and beyond.
and businesses to clear the past, present, and future of technology. We have upgraded
Lakewood’s sewer system in the
SOUND GOVERNANCE IN ACTION
their sidewalks of snow
and ice in support of
Fall edition of Lakewood Life. Since
then, the city has hosted four public
You’re invited! public safety dispatch and radio
communications, built a citywide
Responsiveness & Efficiency In Our Water Department our walking school kids meetings where feedback was gathered from over 200 Mayor’s State of the City
public sector fiber network which
provides free WiFi in most of our
Lakewood’s water meter reading system takes a reading every hour of every day from every meter in the and residents. Anytime residents on the best path forward for Clean Water Act public parks. We have invested in
city. The large amount of data is analyzed by the system software to generate high-usage alerts that are used
is the right time to stay compliance. Address iPads and smart phones which allows
by the city to notify residents of possible leaks on their property. We are able to notify property owners within The city’s team is now hard at work incorporating
a few days versus a month with the old manual system. This saves users from having excessively high water active − winter, spring, resident input gathered at these meetings into the city’s
Wednesday, February 27th, our public works and housing and
bills and limits possible property damage. building personnel to take their work
summer and fall. revised Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan. The at 7 p.m. stations to the field. We have invested
It is critical to have updated contact information on file with the water billing department for this plan will be submitted by March 1st. Once the plan is
process to work. We recently contacted a homeowner on their cell phone while they were on vacation about Find the active living map and Lakewood City Hall Auditorium in geographical information systems
submitted, discussions will continue with the public and to use advanced digital mapping to
a high meter reading during the recent cold spell. They were able to have a friend get to their home and stop historical walking tour information at: the Ohio and U.S. EPA throughout 2019. manage the city’s vast infrastructure.
the leak caused by a frozen pipe.
We have invested in over 60 public
Call (216) 529-6820 to update your information today! http://bit.ly/ActiveLivingMap www.onelakewood.com/cleanwaterlakewood cameras as well as body cameras for
each officer. This video information
 651 LAKEWOOD LIFE
Since 2017, the city

has responded to more
than 630 public records
requests with more than
33,500
pages of records
RESPONSIVENESS
TO THE CITIZENS WE SERVE
96
issues were reported through Lakewood City Hall
The Mayor has held
our website last year. Problems 12650 Detroit Ave.
Listening to Lakewood sessions A Report from City Hall, Winter 2019
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
can also be reported on our since 2011
myLakewood app. Search
myLakewood on your smart
phone to download
POSTAL CUSTOMER

LISTENING TO LAKEWOOD COFFEE

Join Mayor Summers at Listening to Lakewood WITH A A NOTE FROM MAYOR MIKE SUMMERS
local shops, restaurants, bars,
and churches for the monthly meetings provide a COP Stay up to date by following us on social media! INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
“Listening to Lakewood” On February 27, 2019 at 7 p.m. and data collection assists public
gatherings. These informal unique opportunity for The Lakewood Police I will deliver my ninth State of the safety personnel to investigate more
conversations provide residents the
Department participates in the facebook.com/CityofLakewoodOhio @CityofLakewoodOhio @LakewoodOhio #1LKWD RESPONSIVENESS City address to the community. One effectively and efficiently. The public
opportunity to meet the Mayor and
meaningful dialog with national “Coffee with a Cop”
Listening to Lakewood consistent theme has been the four cameras also provide 60 “smart
movement. Coffee with a Cop main goals: vibrant neighborhoods, hubs” available for future devices to
share your thoughts and questions
with him.
Mayor Summers and fellow brings Lakewood’s neighborhood TAX DEADLINE REMINDER! Coffee with a Cop economic development, safe and analyze and optimize resources. This
officers and the community
citizens regarding matters members they serve together −
The due date to file your 2018 Lakewood income tax return is April 15, 2019. Our tax department will TRANSPARENCY secure city and sound governance.
This issue of the Lakewood Life
will help with future driverless cars
and the continued expansion of the
March 12 – Rozi’s Wine House of interest or concern over coffee − to meet and discuss prepare Lakewood income tax returns, free of charge, with no appointment necessary at the Annex Building
issues. These events are held once office located at 12805 Detroit Ave. 2018 Finances focuses on sound governance. We Internet of Things.
14900 Detroit are determined to live within our We are also investing in updated
in a relaxed, informal a month at local businesses in Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (extended hours beginning in March). EFFECTIVENESS & means, spending less than we take software for our police, fire and
April 9 – Nature’s Oasis Lakewood. These events feature no Visit www.onelakewood.com/municipal-income-tax for forms and more information. in. We have worked hard to keep the building departments. This will
environment. They are agenda or speeches, just a chance EFFICIENCY
15613 Detroit government right-sized, investing improve our ability to collect and
May 14 – Goodkind Coffee unique opportunities to
to get to know your neighborhood Public Works Improvements in our employees through cross- analyze information. By year’s
officers.
DID YOU KNOW? SOUND GOVERNANCE IN ACTION
PARTICIPATION & training, management training and end, we should have public portals
15526 Madison learn, discuss, and offer Join us Friday, March 15 at Play The city’s plows keep the walking paths cleared at Clean Water Lakewood ACCOUNTABILITY
technology, skills and equipment. We
have worked hard to maintain our
to access and share much of this
information with residents.
Grounds Cafe, 15715 Madison,
All Listening to Lakewood constructive feedback. Lakewood Park. The city works Planning Boards and Commissions
1.5% income tax rate − one of the I hope you will join me on
sessions are from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. − Steve Lamantia , Resident 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. hard to educate our residents Thank you for reading about
lowest in the county. February 27 to hear more about
We have also invested in what’s ahead for 2019 and beyond.
and businesses to clear the past, present, and future of technology. We have upgraded
Lakewood’s sewer system in the
SOUND GOVERNANCE IN ACTION
their sidewalks of snow
and ice in support of
Fall edition of Lakewood Life. Since
then, the city has hosted four public
You’re invited! public safety dispatch and radio
communications, built a citywide
Responsiveness & Efficiency In Our Water Department our walking school kids meetings where feedback was gathered from over 200 Mayor’s State of the City
public sector fiber network which
provides free WiFi in most of our
Lakewood’s water meter reading system takes a reading every hour of every day from every meter in the and residents. Anytime residents on the best path forward for Clean Water Act public parks. We have invested in
city. The large amount of data is analyzed by the system software to generate high-usage alerts that are used
is the right time to stay compliance. Address iPads and smart phones which allows
by the city to notify residents of possible leaks on their property. We are able to notify property owners within The city’s team is now hard at work incorporating
a few days versus a month with the old manual system. This saves users from having excessively high water active − winter, spring, resident input gathered at these meetings into the city’s
Wednesday, February 27th, our public works and housing and
bills and limits possible property damage. building personnel to take their work
summer and fall. revised Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan. The at 7 p.m. stations to the field. We have invested
It is critical to have updated contact information on file with the water billing department for this plan will be submitted by March 1st. Once the plan is
process to work. We recently contacted a homeowner on their cell phone while they were on vacation about Find the active living map and Lakewood City Hall Auditorium in geographical information systems
submitted, discussions will continue with the public and to use advanced digital mapping to
a high meter reading during the recent cold spell. They were able to have a friend get to their home and stop historical walking tour information at: the Ohio and U.S. EPA throughout 2019. manage the city’s vast infrastructure.
the leak caused by a frozen pipe.
We have invested in over 60 public
Call (216) 529-6820 to update your information today! http://bit.ly/ActiveLivingMap www.onelakewood.com/cleanwaterlakewood cameras as well as body cameras for
each officer. This video information

142
city contracts are posted online at
onelakewood.com/city-contracts/
TRANSPARENCY
AT CITY HALL
How your tax dollars and
utility bills are collected,
spent, and reported is a
top priority. These monies
are audited annually and
communicated frequently.
Your confidence allows
us to provide the quality
services we all depend on.
− Jenn Pae, Director of Finance
PROPERTY TAXES
As indicated by the Cuyahoga County Fiscal
Office’s most recent valuation, Lakewood
continues to be one of the most desirable places
to live. These valuations determine the amount
of property taxes each homeowner in the county
is responsible for. Of the property tax dollars
collected, a majority support Lakewood City
Schools. These dollars allow for high-quality
school buildings and educational opportunities
for Lakewood residents. The remaining 26%
support the Lakewood Public Library, Cuyahoga
County, and the City of Lakewood. To see how
the city spends its 11% allocation, residents may
visit http://bit.ly/lkwdfinance.
11% City
74% SCHOOLS 13% COUNTY
Schools (74%)
County (13%)
All City Council, Planning
Commission and Architectural
Board of Review meetings
are recorded and posted
on our website
The Government Finance
Officers Association awarded
a Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting
to the city for its comprehensive
annual financial report (CAFR)
for the year ending on December
31, 2017. In order to be awarded a
certificate of achievement, the city
published an easily readable and
efficiently organized CAFR. The
CAFR must satisfy both generally
accepted accounting principles and
applicable legal requirements. This
was the 37th consecutive year the
city has received this prestigious
award.
DID YOU KNOW?
Withholding income
tax revenues, which $10M $7.4M
indicate business wages
in Lakewood, are at an
all-time high. The city $8M
has recovered from the
slight dips in revenues
caused by the recession $6M
and hospital closure. 2010
2% LIBRARY
City (11%)
Library (2%)
289
The city hosted
public meetings in
2018
EFFECTIVENESS & EFFICIENCY
OF OUR EMPLOYEES
Lakewood became
the second city in the county
to participate in OhioCheckbook
− a state initiative to place all city
spending online. “We’re proud of
the fact that Lakewood is a leader
in implementing this important
initiative,” said Mayor Summers.
“OhioCheckbook provides an
accessible and an easy-to-use tool
to find all the expenditures of our
local government. We welcome the
accountability this provides.”
Visit lakewood.ohiocheckbook.com
to have a look at the city’s finances.
Recession
Hospital Closes
& New York Life
Impact Moves
$8.5M $9.2M
2016 2018
100%
of city hall employees have
been introduced to LEAN/Six
Sigma principles
Lakewood does not have an
unlimited funding source.
We need to use our funds
wisely by providing the
services that are needed,
not just wanted, and
implement those services in
a cost-efficient manner.
− Joe Beno, Director of Public Works
BALANCED BUDGET
A healthy fund balance means that the
city has funds available in the event
an unforeseen expenditure occurs or
anticipated revenues do not materialize.
The city is committed to be as effective and
efficient with our funds as possible, setting
aside funds for future potential liabilities
and creating financial reserves. This is done
by passing structurally balanced budgets in
which expenditures do not exceed revenues.
Fund Balance
$50M
Expenditures
Revenues
$40M
$30M
$20M
$10M
‘99 ‘07 ‘19
1.5%
At
Lakewood is tied for 7th in the
county for lowest income tax
rate − a rate not changed since
Ronald Reagan was in office
The transition to curbside
trash collection added up to 250
man hours of work saved every
week. An additional benefit of the
automated collection is that the
physical injury rate of our workers
has been significantly reduced
because the majority of the lifting is
now done by equipment.
The seasonal aspects of our work
create inefficient use of equipment
that is unavoidable. Plow and salt
equipment gets used four out of 12
months. Leaf collection equipment
gets used only two out of 12 months.
To reduce equipment costs and
improve utilization rates, the city
purchases “hook lift” trucks. This
type of truck allows interchangeable
HISTORICAL STAFFING
The city’s employee level was at
its highest in 2001. Staffing levels
slowly decreased starting in 2002,
and the financial crisis of 2007-
2008 saw the largest reduction. The
city’s general fund was facing over
a projected $4 million deficit going
into 2008 as confirmed by the state
auditor’s office. Instead of raising
$8M taxes as many communities have
$7M
$6M
done, the city lowered headcount
$5M over a 3-year period. This was
$4M
$3M
done primarily by transitioning the
Health Department services to the
$2M
$1M
county board of health, the leasing
of Winterhurst to IceLand USA, and
the transition to automated refuse
In 2018, the Division of Aging
Police received In 2018, Architectural Board of
37,978 200+
Review reviewed
19,834
135
had
calls
residents volunteer their time hours volunteered − the
in 2018 and had a response
on city boards and commissions equivalent of more than 9 full-
time of less than 3 1/2 minutes applications
time employees
PARTICIPATION & ACCOUNTABILITY
THROUGH OUR BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Our boards and commissions in CITY RECORDS COMMISSION reviews all
Lakewood keep the government applications for records disposal or transfer
accountable. Board and commission
members meet regularly and work
and schedules of record retention and
destruction, and disposal lists.
accessories proactively to improve our city
to be used across a variety of topics. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION provides
on one truck. A Below is a selection of the boards testing to determine merit and fitness
truck can change between a dump and commissions with descriptions of qualified applicants for original and
truck, salt truck or leaf collection of what they do. Interested in promotional appointment to classified
truck in minutes. joining one?
The services still need to be
positions with the city.
Please fill out an application at
provided by workers. The trucks
and equipment will not run on http://bit.ly/lkwdboards.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION receives,
initiates, investigates, seeks to conciliate,
their own. Our workers are skilled holds hearings on and passes on complaints
in many facets of our operations ANIMAL SAFETY AND WELFARE BOARD alleging unlawful discrimination, and partners
and they become experts in their
fields. They are the primary reason
serves in an advisory capacity on general
animal issues, public and owner education, and
on the development of education programs
regarding equal opportunity in Lakewood.
Planning Commission consists
Lakewood’s services are as effective community outreach addressing animal safety of a dedicated group of
and efficient as they are. KEEP LAKEWOOD BEAUTIFUL promotes
and abuse problems.
civic involvement through public interest in
Lakewood residents who
600 553 EMPLOYEES ARCHITECTURAL BOARD OF REVIEW the general improvement of the environment review land use decisions for
2001
410 EMPLOYEES considers architectural proposals for
commercial and residential properties.
of Lakewood. development projects underway
500 2019
Human Services LAKEWOOD HERITAGE ADVISORY BOARD within our community. We
AUDIT COMMITTEE provides independent
400 serves in an advisory capacity for the encourage and value community
300 Public Works
review and oversight of the city’s financial
reporting processes, internal controls, and the
purpose of educating, informing, and making
recommendations to the city on matters feedback throughout our
200
Other Public Safety independent auditor comments. relating to historic preservation. process. My role as a Planning
100
Fire/EMS
Police Officers
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS reviews LOAN APPROVAL BOARD reviews and Commission member is one I
applications for variances to the zoning code.
General Government
approves applications for the various
rehabilitation programs offered by the city’s
take very seriously, and I am
0
pickup without impacting public CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE reviews Division of Community Development. dedicated to making Lakewood
safety staffing levels. The city has and researches community development needs a better place to live, work, play,
maintained a constant staffing
level since 2012 by leveraging
and the consolidated plan of the city. In this
context, they review proposals for federal
PLANNING COMMISSION reviews requests
for lot consolidations and splits, and and invest.
technology and cross-training funds and make recommendations to City determination of similar and conditional uses. − Monica Rossiter, Planning Commission
employees to provide multiple Council. Oversees the Community Vision and reviews Member
services. the use of land across the city.

142
city contracts are posted online at
onelakewood.com/city-contracts/
TRANSPARENCY
AT CITY HALL
How your tax dollars and
utility bills are collected,
spent, and reported is a
top priority. These monies
are audited annually and
communicated frequently.
Your confidence allows
us to provide the quality
services we all depend on.
− Jenn Pae, Director of Finance
PROPERTY TAXES
As indicated by the Cuyahoga County Fiscal
Office’s most recent valuation, Lakewood
continues to be one of the most desirable places
to live. These valuations determine the amount
of property taxes each homeowner in the county
is responsible for. Of the property tax dollars
collected, a majority support Lakewood City
Schools. These dollars allow for high-quality
school buildings and educational opportunities
for Lakewood residents. The remaining 26%
support the Lakewood Public Library, Cuyahoga
County, and the City of Lakewood. To see how
the city spends its 11% allocation, residents may
visit http://bit.ly/lkwdfinance.
11% City
74% SCHOOLS 13% COUNTY
Schools (74%)
County (13%)
All City Council, Planning
Commission and Architectural
Board of Review meetings
are recorded and posted
on our website
The Government Finance
Officers Association awarded
a Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting
to the city for its comprehensive
annual financial report (CAFR)
for the year ending on December
31, 2017. In order to be awarded a
certificate of achievement, the city
published an easily readable and
efficiently organized CAFR. The
CAFR must satisfy both generally
accepted accounting principles and
applicable legal requirements. This
was the 37th consecutive year the
city has received this prestigious
award.
DID YOU KNOW?
Withholding income
tax revenues, which $10M $7.4M
indicate business wages
in Lakewood, are at an
all-time high. The city $8M
has recovered from the
slight dips in revenues
caused by the recession $6M
and hospital closure. 2010
2% LIBRARY
City (11%)
Library (2%)
289
The city hosted
public meetings in
2018
EFFECTIVENESS & EFFICIENCY
OF OUR EMPLOYEES
Lakewood became
the second city in the county
to participate in OhioCheckbook
− a state initiative to place all city
spending online. “We’re proud of
the fact that Lakewood is a leader
in implementing this important
initiative,” said Mayor Summers.
“OhioCheckbook provides an
accessible and an easy-to-use tool
to find all the expenditures of our
local government. We welcome the
accountability this provides.”
Visit lakewood.ohiocheckbook.com
to have a look at the city’s finances.
Recession
Hospital Closes
& New York Life
Impact Moves
$8.5M $9.2M
2016 2018
100%
of city hall employees have
been introduced to LEAN/Six
Sigma principles
Lakewood does not have an
unlimited funding source.
We need to use our funds
wisely by providing the
services that are needed,
not just wanted, and
implement those services in
a cost-efficient manner.
− Joe Beno, Director of Public Works
BALANCED BUDGET
A healthy fund balance means that the
city has funds available in the event
an unforeseen expenditure occurs or
anticipated revenues do not materialize.
The city is committed to be as effective and
efficient with our funds as possible, setting
aside funds for future potential liabilities
and creating financial reserves. This is done
by passing structurally balanced budgets in
which expenditures do not exceed revenues.
Fund Balance
$50M
Expenditures
Revenues
$40M
$30M
$20M
$10M
‘99 ‘07 ‘19
1.5%
At
Lakewood is tied for 7th in the
county for lowest income tax
rate − a rate not changed since
Ronald Reagan was in office
The transition to curbside
trash collection added up to 250
man hours of work saved every
week. An additional benefit of the
automated collection is that the
physical injury rate of our workers
has been significantly reduced
because the majority of the lifting is
now done by equipment.
The seasonal aspects of our work
create inefficient use of equipment
that is unavoidable. Plow and salt
equipment gets used four out of 12
months. Leaf collection equipment
gets used only two out of 12 months.
To reduce equipment costs and
improve utilization rates, the city
purchases “hook lift” trucks. This
type of truck allows interchangeable
HISTORICAL STAFFING
The city’s employee level was at
its highest in 2001. Staffing levels
slowly decreased starting in 2002,
and the financial crisis of 2007-
2008 saw the largest reduction. The
city’s general fund was facing over
a projected $4 million deficit going
into 2008 as confirmed by the state
auditor’s office. Instead of raising
$8M taxes as many communities have
$7M
$6M
done, the city lowered headcount
$5M over a 3-year period. This was
$4M
$3M
done primarily by transitioning the
Health Department services to the
$2M
$1M
county board of health, the leasing
of Winterhurst to IceLand USA, and
the transition to automated refuse
In 2018, the Division of Aging
Police received In 2018, Architectural Board of
37,978 200+
Review reviewed
19,834
135
had
calls
residents volunteer their time hours volunteered − the
in 2018 and had a response
on city boards and commissions equivalent of more than 9 full-
time of less than 3 1/2 minutes applications
time employees
PARTICIPATION & ACCOUNTABILITY
THROUGH OUR BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Our boards and commissions in CITY RECORDS COMMISSION reviews all
Lakewood keep the government applications for records disposal or transfer
accountable. Board and commission
members meet regularly and work
and schedules of record retention and
destruction, and disposal lists.
accessories proactively to improve our city
to be used across a variety of topics. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION provides
on one truck. A Below is a selection of the boards testing to determine merit and fitness
truck can change between a dump and commissions with descriptions of qualified applicants for original and
truck, salt truck or leaf collection of what they do. Interested in promotional appointment to classified
truck in minutes. joining one?
The services still need to be
positions with the city.
Please fill out an application at
provided by workers. The trucks
and equipment will not run on http://bit.ly/lkwdboards.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION receives,
initiates, investigates, seeks to conciliate,
their own. Our workers are skilled holds hearings on and passes on complaints
in many facets of our operations ANIMAL SAFETY AND WELFARE BOARD alleging unlawful discrimination, and partners
and they become experts in their
fields. They are the primary reason
serves in an advisory capacity on general
animal issues, public and owner education, and
on the development of education programs
regarding equal opportunity in Lakewood.
Planning Commission consists
Lakewood’s services are as effective community outreach addressing animal safety of a dedicated group of
and efficient as they are. KEEP LAKEWOOD BEAUTIFUL promotes
and abuse problems.
civic involvement through public interest in
Lakewood residents who
600 553 EMPLOYEES ARCHITECTURAL BOARD OF REVIEW the general improvement of the environment review land use decisions for
2001
410 EMPLOYEES considers architectural proposals for
commercial and residential properties.
of Lakewood. development projects underway
500 2019
Human Services LAKEWOOD HERITAGE ADVISORY BOARD within our community. We
AUDIT COMMITTEE provides independent
400 serves in an advisory capacity for the encourage and value community
300 Public Works
review and oversight of the city’s financial
reporting processes, internal controls, and the
purpose of educating, informing, and making
recommendations to the city on matters feedback throughout our
200
Other Public Safety independent auditor comments. relating to historic preservation. process. My role as a Planning
100
Fire/EMS
Police Officers
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS reviews LOAN APPROVAL BOARD reviews and Commission member is one I
applications for variances to the zoning code.
General Government
approves applications for the various
rehabilitation programs offered by the city’s
take very seriously, and I am
0
pickup without impacting public CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE reviews Division of Community Development. dedicated to making Lakewood
safety staffing levels. The city has and researches community development needs a better place to live, work, play,
maintained a constant staffing
level since 2012 by leveraging
and the consolidated plan of the city. In this
context, they review proposals for federal
PLANNING COMMISSION reviews requests
for lot consolidations and splits, and and invest.
technology and cross-training funds and make recommendations to City determination of similar and conditional uses. − Monica Rossiter, Planning Commission
employees to provide multiple Council. Oversees the Community Vision and reviews Member
services. the use of land across the city.

142
city contracts are posted online at
onelakewood.com/city-contracts/
TRANSPARENCY
AT CITY HALL
How your tax dollars and
utility bills are collected,
spent, and reported is a
top priority. These monies
are audited annually and
communicated frequently.
Your confidence allows
us to provide the quality
services we all depend on.
− Jenn Pae, Director of Finance
PROPERTY TAXES
As indicated by the Cuyahoga County Fiscal
Office’s most recent valuation, Lakewood
continues to be one of the most desirable places
to live. These valuations determine the amount
of property taxes each homeowner in the county
is responsible for. Of the property tax dollars
collected, a majority support Lakewood City
Schools. These dollars allow for high-quality
school buildings and educational opportunities
for Lakewood residents. The remaining 26%
support the Lakewood Public Library, Cuyahoga
County, and the City of Lakewood. To see how
the city spends its 11% allocation, residents may
visit http://bit.ly/lkwdfinance.
11% City
74% SCHOOLS 13% COUNTY
Schools (74%)
County (13%)
All City Council, Planning
Commission and Architectural
Board of Review meetings
are recorded and posted
on our website
The Government Finance
Officers Association awarded
a Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting
to the city for its comprehensive
annual financial report (CAFR)
for the year ending on December
31, 2017. In order to be awarded a
certificate of achievement, the city
published an easily readable and
efficiently organized CAFR. The
CAFR must satisfy both generally
accepted accounting principles and
applicable legal requirements. This
was the 37th consecutive year the
city has received this prestigious
award.
DID YOU KNOW?
Withholding income
tax revenues, which $10M $7.4M
indicate business wages
in Lakewood, are at an
all-time high. The city $8M
has recovered from the
slight dips in revenues
caused by the recession $6M
and hospital closure. 2010
2% LIBRARY
City (11%)
Library (2%)
289
The city hosted
public meetings in
2018
EFFECTIVENESS & EFFICIENCY
OF OUR EMPLOYEES
Lakewood became
the second city in the county
to participate in OhioCheckbook
− a state initiative to place all city
spending online. “We’re proud of
the fact that Lakewood is a leader
in implementing this important
initiative,” said Mayor Summers.
“OhioCheckbook provides an
accessible and an easy-to-use tool
to find all the expenditures of our
local government. We welcome the
accountability this provides.”
Visit lakewood.ohiocheckbook.com
to have a look at the city’s finances.
Recession
Hospital Closes
& New York Life
Impact Moves
$8.5M $9.2M
2016 2018
100%
of city hall employees have
been introduced to LEAN/Six
Sigma principles
Lakewood does not have an
unlimited funding source.
We need to use our funds
wisely by providing the
services that are needed,
not just wanted, and
implement those services in
a cost-efficient manner.
− Joe Beno, Director of Public Works
BALANCED BUDGET
A healthy fund balance means that the
city has funds available in the event
an unforeseen expenditure occurs or
anticipated revenues do not materialize.
The city is committed to be as effective and
efficient with our funds as possible, setting
aside funds for future potential liabilities
and creating financial reserves. This is done
by passing structurally balanced budgets in
which expenditures do not exceed revenues.
Fund Balance
$50M
Expenditures
Revenues
$40M
$30M
$20M
$10M
‘99 ‘07 ‘19
1.5%
At
Lakewood is tied for 7th in the
county for lowest income tax
rate − a rate not changed since
Ronald Reagan was in office
The transition to curbside
trash collection added up to 250
man hours of work saved every
week. An additional benefit of the
automated collection is that the
physical injury rate of our workers
has been significantly reduced
because the majority of the lifting is
now done by equipment.
The seasonal aspects of our work
create inefficient use of equipment
that is unavoidable. Plow and salt
equipment gets used four out of 12
months. Leaf collection equipment
gets used only two out of 12 months.
To reduce equipment costs and
improve utilization rates, the city
purchases “hook lift” trucks. This
type of truck allows interchangeable
HISTORICAL STAFFING
The city’s employee level was at
its highest in 2001. Staffing levels
slowly decreased starting in 2002,
and the financial crisis of 2007-
2008 saw the largest reduction. The
city’s general fund was facing over
a projected $4 million deficit going
into 2008 as confirmed by the state
auditor’s office. Instead of raising
$8M taxes as many communities have
$7M
$6M
done, the city lowered headcount
$5M over a 3-year period. This was
$4M
$3M
done primarily by transitioning the
Health Department services to the
$2M
$1M
county board of health, the leasing
of Winterhurst to IceLand USA, and
the transition to automated refuse
In 2018, the Division of Aging
Police received In 2018, Architectural Board of
37,978 200+
Review reviewed
19,834
135
had
calls
residents volunteer their time hours volunteered − the
in 2018 and had a response
on city boards and commissions equivalent of more than 9 full-
time of less than 3 1/2 minutes applications
time employees
PARTICIPATION & ACCOUNTABILITY
THROUGH OUR BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Our boards and commissions in CITY RECORDS COMMISSION reviews all
Lakewood keep the government applications for records disposal or transfer
accountable. Board and commission
members meet regularly and work
and schedules of record retention and
destruction, and disposal lists.
accessories proactively to improve our city
to be used across a variety of topics. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION provides
on one truck. A Below is a selection of the boards testing to determine merit and fitness
truck can change between a dump and commissions with descriptions of qualified applicants for original and
truck, salt truck or leaf collection of what they do. Interested in promotional appointment to classified
truck in minutes. joining one?
The services still need to be
positions with the city.
Please fill out an application at
provided by workers. The trucks
and equipment will not run on http://bit.ly/lkwdboards.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION receives,
initiates, investigates, seeks to conciliate,
their own. Our workers are skilled holds hearings on and passes on complaints
in many facets of our operations ANIMAL SAFETY AND WELFARE BOARD alleging unlawful discrimination, and partners
and they become experts in their
fields. They are the primary reason
serves in an advisory capacity on general
animal issues, public and owner education, and
on the development of education programs
regarding equal opportunity in Lakewood.
Planning Commission consists
Lakewood’s services are as effective community outreach addressing animal safety of a dedicated group of
and efficient as they are. KEEP LAKEWOOD BEAUTIFUL promotes
and abuse problems.
civic involvement through public interest in
Lakewood residents who
600 553 EMPLOYEES ARCHITECTURAL BOARD OF REVIEW the general improvement of the environment review land use decisions for
2001
410 EMPLOYEES considers architectural proposals for
commercial and residential properties.
of Lakewood. development projects underway
500 2019
Human Services LAKEWOOD HERITAGE ADVISORY BOARD within our community. We
AUDIT COMMITTEE provides independent
400 serves in an advisory capacity for the encourage and value community
300 Public Works
review and oversight of the city’s financial
reporting processes, internal controls, and the
purpose of educating, informing, and making
recommendations to the city on matters feedback throughout our
200
Other Public Safety independent auditor comments. relating to historic preservation. process. My role as a Planning
100
Fire/EMS
Police Officers
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS reviews LOAN APPROVAL BOARD reviews and Commission member is one I
applications for variances to the zoning code.
General Government
approves applications for the various
rehabilitation programs offered by the city’s
take very seriously, and I am
0
pickup without impacting public CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE reviews Division of Community Development. dedicated to making Lakewood
safety staffing levels. The city has and researches community development needs a better place to live, work, play,
maintained a constant staffing
level since 2012 by leveraging
and the consolidated plan of the city. In this
context, they review proposals for federal
PLANNING COMMISSION reviews requests
for lot consolidations and splits, and and invest.
technology and cross-training funds and make recommendations to City determination of similar and conditional uses. − Monica Rossiter, Planning Commission
employees to provide multiple Council. Oversees the Community Vision and reviews Member
services. the use of land across the city.
 651 LAKEWOOD LIFE
Since 2017, the city

has responded to more
than 630 public records
requests with more than
33,500
pages of records
RESPONSIVENESS
TO THE CITIZENS WE SERVE
96
issues were reported through Lakewood City Hall
The Mayor has held
our website last year. Problems 12650 Detroit Ave.
Listening to Lakewood sessions A Report from City Hall, Winter 2019
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
can also be reported on our since 2011
myLakewood app. Search
myLakewood on your smart
phone to download
POSTAL CUSTOMER

LISTENING TO LAKEWOOD COFFEE

Join Mayor Summers at Listening to Lakewood WITH A A NOTE FROM MAYOR MIKE SUMMERS
local shops, restaurants, bars,
and churches for the monthly meetings provide a COP Stay up to date by following us on social media! INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
“Listening to Lakewood” On February 27, 2019 at 7 p.m. and data collection assists public
gatherings. These informal unique opportunity for The Lakewood Police I will deliver my ninth State of the safety personnel to investigate more
conversations provide residents the
Department participates in the facebook.com/CityofLakewoodOhio @CityofLakewoodOhio @LakewoodOhio #1LKWD RESPONSIVENESS City address to the community. One effectively and efficiently. The public
opportunity to meet the Mayor and
meaningful dialog with national “Coffee with a Cop”
Listening to Lakewood consistent theme has been the four cameras also provide 60 “smart
movement. Coffee with a Cop main goals: vibrant neighborhoods, hubs” available for future devices to
share your thoughts and questions
with him.
Mayor Summers and fellow brings Lakewood’s neighborhood TAX DEADLINE REMINDER! Coffee with a Cop economic development, safe and analyze and optimize resources. This
officers and the community
citizens regarding matters members they serve together −
The due date to file your 2018 Lakewood income tax return is April 15, 2019. Our tax department will TRANSPARENCY secure city and sound governance.
This issue of the Lakewood Life
will help with future driverless cars
and the continued expansion of the
March 12 – Rozi’s Wine House of interest or concern over coffee − to meet and discuss prepare Lakewood income tax returns, free of charge, with no appointment necessary at the Annex Building
issues. These events are held once office located at 12805 Detroit Ave. 2018 Finances focuses on sound governance. We Internet of Things.
14900 Detroit are determined to live within our We are also investing in updated
in a relaxed, informal a month at local businesses in Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (extended hours beginning in March). EFFECTIVENESS & means, spending less than we take software for our police, fire and
April 9 – Nature’s Oasis Lakewood. These events feature no Visit www.onelakewood.com/municipal-income-tax for forms and more information. in. We have worked hard to keep the building departments. This will
environment. They are agenda or speeches, just a chance EFFICIENCY
15613 Detroit government right-sized, investing improve our ability to collect and
May 14 – Goodkind Coffee unique opportunities to
to get to know your neighborhood Public Works Improvements in our employees through cross- analyze information. By year’s
officers.
DID YOU KNOW? SOUND GOVERNANCE IN ACTION
PARTICIPATION & training, management training and end, we should have public portals
15526 Madison learn, discuss, and offer Join us Friday, March 15 at Play The city’s plows keep the walking paths cleared at Clean Water Lakewood ACCOUNTABILITY
technology, skills and equipment. We
have worked hard to maintain our
to access and share much of this
information with residents.
Grounds Cafe, 15715 Madison,
All Listening to Lakewood constructive feedback. Lakewood Park. The city works Planning Boards and Commissions
1.5% income tax rate − one of the I hope you will join me on
sessions are from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. − Steve Lamantia , Resident 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. hard to educate our residents Thank you for reading about
lowest in the county. February 27 to hear more about
We have also invested in what’s ahead for 2019 and beyond.
and businesses to clear the past, present, and future of technology. We have upgraded
Lakewood’s sewer system in the
SOUND GOVERNANCE IN ACTION
their sidewalks of snow
and ice in support of
Fall edition of Lakewood Life. Since
then, the city has hosted four public
You’re invited! public safety dispatch and radio
communications, built a citywide
Responsiveness & Efficiency In Our Water Department our walking school kids meetings where feedback was gathered from over 200 Mayor’s State of the City
public sector fiber network which
provides free WiFi in most of our
Lakewood’s water meter reading system takes a reading every hour of every day from every meter in the and residents. Anytime residents on the best path forward for Clean Water Act public parks. We have invested in
city. The large amount of data is analyzed by the system software to generate high-usage alerts that are used
is the right time to stay compliance. Address iPads and smart phones which allows
by the city to notify residents of possible leaks on their property. We are able to notify property owners within The city’s team is now hard at work incorporating
a few days versus a month with the old manual system. This saves users from having excessively high water active − winter, spring, resident input gathered at these meetings into the city’s
Wednesday, February 27th, our public works and housing and
bills and limits possible property damage. building personnel to take their work
summer and fall. revised Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan. The at 7 p.m. stations to the field. We have invested
It is critical to have updated contact information on file with the water billing department for this plan will be submitted by March 1st. Once the plan is
process to work. We recently contacted a homeowner on their cell phone while they were on vacation about Find the active living map and Lakewood City Hall Auditorium in geographical information systems
submitted, discussions will continue with the public and to use advanced digital mapping to
a high meter reading during the recent cold spell. They were able to have a friend get to their home and stop historical walking tour information at: the Ohio and U.S. EPA throughout 2019. manage the city’s vast infrastructure.
the leak caused by a frozen pipe.
We have invested in over 60 public
Call (216) 529-6820 to update your information today! http://bit.ly/ActiveLivingMap www.onelakewood.com/cleanwaterlakewood cameras as well as body cameras for
each officer. This video information