Meet Your Public Lands & Recreation TeamPainesville City’s Public Lands and Recreation Department may get their hands dirty often, but they have some of the coolest jobs in the city! This team is responsible for maintaining all our beautiful parks, flower beds, baseball diamonds, cemeteries, farmers market, concerts in the park and all the fun events held throughout the year. The department is broken down into three divisions: Parks, Cemeteries and Recreation. Continued on page 2.

SPEAKING OF PAINESVILLE SPRING 2021

Concerts in the Park Series

“Mini” Party in the Parks 2021

What’s New in the City

Project Updates

Meet Your Public Lands & Recreation Team

2021 Spring Events

Farmers Market is Almost Here!

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Addison’s Light

Avoid Property Maintenance Fees

Painesville by the Numbers

FYI

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Photo by Amelia Doyle

Recreation Crew And finally, our Recreation team brings the fun to the city! Their mission is to provide recreation programs and events that enrich the quality of life for our residents while focusing on the family unit and promoting good health and well-being.

Some of their more popular events and programs include Concerts in the Park, Kids Summer Camp, Painesville Farmers Market, Story Time with different city departments, Movies in the Park, Fall Fest, Spirit of the Season and more.

The best part about our Recreation team is that they want your feedback! Have a cool idea for a community program? Let them know by giving the office a call or visiting www.painesville.com/recreation.

If you ever have any comments, questions, concerns or need to report an issue, contact our Public Lands and Recreation office at 440-392-5912 or stop by 66 Mentor Avenue, next to the Fire Station.

Parks Crew Continued from page 1. Did you know we have 12 city-owned parks throughout the city? That’s not including Lake Metroparks’ Beaty Landing and Grand River Landing! That’s a lot of green space for a city only roughly 7 square miles.

Kiwanis Recreation Park (Rec Park) is our largest park, with 75 acres of activities including 9 baseball diamonds, 2 playgrounds, 3 picnic shelters, a sports stadium, basketball court, skate park, 18 Disc Golf course, stocked fishing pond, river access, fitness trail, grills and restrooms.

Our Parks Crew handles everything to do with these beautiful outdoor spaces including trash pickup, mowing, planting, maintaining playgrounds and sports fields, cleaning restrooms and general landscaping. We are always looking for seasonal help! Perfect for students home for summer break or anyone looking for seasonal work outdoors. Visit www.painesville.com/employment for details.

Cemeteries Crew

Interchangeable with our Parks Crew is our Cemeteries division. They maintain the city’s two beautiful cemeteries: Evergreen and Riverside. Did you know?

• Evergreen is one of Lake County’s oldest active cemeteries dating back to 1850 and is home to many notable individuals including a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, and veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War.

• Evergreen is a favorite spot for walkers and photographers alike. Take a stroll and find some of the most unique headstones in the area, especially around Monument Row. You can find a walking tour of notable people at www.painesville.com/cemeteries.

• In 1877, a Receiving Vault was designed by J.C. McDonald to hold those who could not be laid to rest during the frozen ground months of winter. Although no longer in use, you can still find this unique building on the east end of the property.

• Riverside Cemetery was opened in 1953 and consists of 12 developed acres of land. Along with traditional spaces available, the cemetery also offers cremation options.

Special Collection DaySaturday, April 24 | 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Lake County FairgroundsLake County hosts its free bi-annual electronics collections on April 24 at the fairgrounds. A tire collection date is set for May 1, a television collection date is set for May 8 and a hazardous waste collection is set for June 5. More details and an accepted list of items can be found at https://bit.ly/3m3xop6.

Founder’s Day BreakfastSaturday, May 1 | 8:30 a.m.Painesville United Methodist ChurchHappy 221st Birthday Painesville! Celebrate the founding of Painesville in 1800 with this annual breakfast which features connection, community and entertainment. Hosted by the Downtown Painesville Organization (DPO).

Lake Erie College CommencementSaturday, April 24 Lake Erie CollegeCongratulations graduates!

Second Sundays Farm & FleaSunday, May 9 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Parking Lot off Main StreetFarm & Flea is a juried event for new and returning artists, featuring over 60 vendors varying from farmers, makers, vintage sellers, artists and local businesses. Hosted by the Downtown Painesville Organization (DPO).

Story Time with Public WorksWednesday, May 12 | 6:00 p.m.Painesville SquareJoin us for story time in the park with our Public Works department and their cool vehicles! Books read will be construction-themed. Perfect for elementary aged children, all are welcome.

DPO Virtual Wine & Chocolate WalkFriday, May 21 | 5:00 p.m.Explore wine and chocolate pairings with a local wine expert. Tickets will be available on Eventbrite starting April 21. Hosted by the Downtown Painesville Organization (DPO).

Painesville Kid OlympicsSaturday, May 22 |10:00 a.mStadium at Recreation ParkThe Olympics are back! Join Painesville Recreation for this athletic event perfect for boys and girls ages 7-12 looking to compete in a variety of different sporting activities. Be on the lookout for registration as the date gets closer.

2021 Spring Events

Mini Party in the ParkSaturday, May 22 | 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnightPainesville SquareThis year, PCIC will be hosting four “mini” Party in the Parks on Saturdays throughout the summer featuring continuous live music, food trucks, vendors, adult beverages and more. Bring your own seating to chill out in front of the stage or walk around beautiful Painesville Square.

Car Cruise Fridays StartFriday, May 28 | 5:00-9:00 p.m.Painesville SquarePainesville’s famous Car Cruise is back and is every Friday on the Square. Stroll through vintage, muscle and unique vehicles lining beautiful Veterans’ Park while enjoying music and snacks. See you every Friday through September, weather permitting.

Memorial DayMonday, May 31All city offices are closed in observance of the holiday.

Painesville Farmers Market StartsThursday, June 3 | 12:00-4:00 p.m.Painesville SquarePainesville’s famous Farmers Market is every Thursday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., running June 3 through September 23. Stop by for lunch and enjoy the awesome food trucks!

Kids Fishing DerbySaturday, June 5 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noonFishing Pond at Recreation ParkThe Northeast Ohio Walleye Association hosts their annual Jim Vendetti Fishing Derby for children ages 15 and under. This event is FREE, just bring your fishing pole and be ready to catch some fish!

Concerts in the Park StartWednesday, June 9 | 6:00-8:00 p.mPainesville SquareBring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer every Wednesday in beautiful Painesville Square! Each week feature live music from a local band starting at 6:00 p.m.

Second Sundays Farm & FleaSunday, June 13 |10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.mParking Lot off Main StreetFarm & Flea is a juried event for new and returning artists, featuring over 60 vendors varying from farmers, makers, vintage sellers, artists and local businesses. Hosted by the Downtown Painesville Organization (DPO).

Every Friday

Every Thursday

Every Wednesday

Please note: All events are subject to change based on Lake County General Health District recommendations. All State of Ohio mandates apply.

Farmers Market is Almost Here!

Painesville’s famous Farmers Market is back and runs every Thursday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. in Painesville Square. Opening day is June 3, with the 2021 market running June through end of September. Enjoy fantastic local produce, sauces, flowers, honey, soaps and more. It doesn’t get much better than produce picked that morning and products made from local sources! Stop by for lunch and enjoy the awesome food trucks each week.

What’s New in the City

Concerts in the Park Series

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer every Wednesday in beautiful Painesville Square! Each week feature live music from a local band starting at 6:00 p.m.

June 9: Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip (80s Rock)June 16: The Chardon Polka Band (Polka)June 23: Erin Nicole’s Centric Soul (Soul/R&B)June 30: InCahootz (Classic Rock)July 7: Red Light Roxy (Jazz & Blues)July 21: Mariachi Santa Cecilia (Mariachi)July 28: The RayBans (Island Rock)August 4: Diana Chittester (Country/Folk)

“Mini” Party in the Parks 2021

Due to COVID precautions, PCIC’s annual three-day Party in the Park was modified a bit. This year, PCIC will be hosting four “mini” Party in the Parks on Saturdays throughout the summer featuring continuous live music, food trucks, vendors, adult beverages and more. Bring your own seating to chill out in front of the stage or walk around - the choice is yours!

May 22, 12:00 noon - 12:00 midnightJuly 17, 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnightAugust 14, 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnightSeptember 18, 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnight PCIC – Painesville Community Improvement Corporation

City Council Establishes Electric CommitteeThe newly created Painesville Electric Committee will function as an advisory body by City Council to provide input on the decision-making regarding the Painesville electric system including the purchase of power, financing, operations, improvements and any programs offered. The committee will consist of five voting members and one council member who will serve as a non-voting liaison. Any Painesville Electric end-user is eligible to serve, with applications due at the end of March. Look out for an announcement of the five new committee members.

Painesville PromiseApril saw the launch of the Painesville Promise program, a public-private partnership designed to help advance the mutual goals of Painesville City, Painesville City Local Schools and Lake Erie College. This program will allow well-prepared Painesville City students of modest means the opportunity to attend Lake Erie College for four year without paying any tuition out of pocket. The goal is to increase educational attainment in the community and launch successful high-earning careers right at home. For more information on the program, visit www.painesville.com/painesvillepromise.

LakeTran Offering Free RidesLakeTran is offering free transportation between Lakeland Community College’s transit center and the Wolstein Center mass vaccination site in downtown Cleveland. The vaccination shuttle runs every 30 minutes, Monday through Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Transportation reservations can be made by calling 440-354-6100.

Harvey FBLA Team Wins BigCongratulations to the members of Harvey’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) team for an outstanding showing at the State Leadership Conference. A special thanks to Avery Dennison for providing mentors and sponsoring the FBLA program at Harvey High School. Individual winners will go on to compete at Nationals.

City Facilities Re-Open to the PublicAll Painesville City facilities, excluding the Painesville City Fire Department, have re-opened to public foot traffic beginning on Monday, March 8. Visitors are once again able to pay their utility bills at City Hall or visit our offices for appointments. We still encourage everyone to utilize the City’s COVID-friendly options, like drop boxes, email, phone or online bill payment.

Finance Department RecognizedFor the 33rd consecutive year, the City of Painesville Finance Department has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This award, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

City COVID Vaccination ClinicsOn March 20, Painesville City hosted its first drive thru vaccination clinic in collaboration with the Lake County General Health District. Over 800 people were vaccinated in our Storrs Street Public Works Garage on a beautiful spring day! Look out for more clinics at www.lcghd.org.

Evolve Concepts Expands Evolve Concepts (1 High Tech Ave, off S State Street) is expanding and renovating their facility with new equipment and 30 new jobs. The manufacturing company has called Painesville home for 40 years and specializes in modern race transporters to fit the evolving needs of the race car industry.

New Business: Crafty Workshop & GiftsCongratulations and a big welcome to one of Painesville’s newest businesses, Crafty Workshop and Gifts! They are located at 420 Newell Street and are available for all your crafting needs. They offer ceramics, wood working, t-shirts, cups, ornaments, paint-n-sips, classes, birthday parties, gifts and more. Find monthly schedules on their Facebook page @CraftyWorkshopandGifts or call 440-772-0019.

John F Clair Award WinnerThe City’s 2021 Economic Development award winner is Ohio Associated Enterprises (Meritec). The award is given to a Painesville City business who demonstrates the value of balancing business and community service, thus growing the community. In 2020, Ohio Associated Enterprises announced plans to relocate a portion of its business from Chino, California to Painesville. They have been a proud member of the Painesville community for over 50 years and often sponsor city events. Congrats!

New Business: La Chilanguita FlavorThere is a new take out restaurant in town! Located at 211 N St. Clair Street, La Chilanguita Flavor specializes in Mexian food made with el Corazón. They are open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. Order today at 216-732-0382.

Project Updates Addison’s Light

When she was in the fifth grade, Painesville’s Addison Nance started researching light pollution as a science fair project. That research sparked her interest in changing a streetlight near her house on Magnolia Drive. Addison’s persistence and hard work, along with assistance from Painesville Electric, resulted in the installation of a new LED light that directs light down, instead of to the sides.

On November 18, 2019 Addison gave a presentation to City Council on light pollution and the effects on plants, animals and the atmosphere. She provided alternatives for the light post on her street and prompted the City to help her achieve her goal.

City Council was impressed by Addison’s research and activism. Former City Manager Monica Irelan and Council decided they would move forward with the project if Addison was able to secure signatures from her neighbors in favor of the new light and raise the $300 to pay for it. A Painesville Electric crew would install it and the new light would be supported by the Painesville Electric system.

A little over a year later, Addison had both signatures and the $300, and the City purchased the specialty light from a local manufacture. Painesville Electric installed the new light on March 3 and had a small ceremony for Addison and her family on March 4.

2021 Road Projects AnnouncedThe City is pleased to announe the planned road projects for the 2021 construction season as part of the City’s five-year road plan:• Skinner Ave (2020 funding)• Button Ave (2020 funding)• N State St, from Storrs St to Skinner Ave• N St. Clair St, from Skinner Ave to bridge• Elm St, from Erie St to railroad tracks• Sterling Ave• Paige Place• Nottingham Place• Stonehaven DriveThe Engineering Department is also workng on planning and design work for 2022 projects including Chestnut St, Newell St, Reed Ave and Chester St. The City has partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers on the $3.9 million Bank Street Retaining Wall which continues to be monitored for erosion issues over the Grand River. This project is slated for design in 2021 and implementation in 2022.

High Grass and Weeds:

Avoid Property Maintenance Fees!

Overgrown yards are not only an eyesore, but can be a community safety issue as well. Weeded yards or lots give an impression no one cares for the neighborhood. This can attract crime and vandalism, eroding community safety and value. Tall grass and weeds also harbor rodents and other vermin that are unsafe and unpleasant in residential communities. In some cases, one uncared for lawn may lead to a cluster of neglected properties. Per City Code, high grass or weeds are not permitted to be over six inches in height on residential or developed property or twelve inches in height on undeveloped land. To ensure community safety and maintain property values, the City Housing Inspectors identify properties with high grass and issue a violation letter. The letter provides the property owner seven days to mow the overgrowth and trim to bring the property into compliance.

If the property owner fails to accomplish the required mowing/cutting within seven days of the first notice, the City will mow/remove the excess vegetation at the property owner’s expense and issue a $75 re-inspection fee plus any other associated costs incurred by the contractor. If the invoice for this service is not paid within 30 days, the entire amount is certified to the Lake County Auditor for placement on the relative property tax duplicate.

The bill to mow an averaged sized lot in Painesville City was approximately $98 per mow last year (plus the reinspection fee of $75). As a result of residents failing to mow, the Housing Inspectors sent approximately 545 violation letters and mowed 395 times in 2020. Yikes!

It’s also important to remember that each propery will only receive one notifican letter per year, regardless of how many subsequent violations may occur. In other words, the Housing Inspector will only send one letter or warning that is effective for the entire year, not each time your property is overgrown.

If you ever have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department at 440-392-5931.

Painesville by the

Numbers

Sidewalk Program Funding AvailableIf you have received notice that your sidewalks need repaired and your household qualifies as a low- to medium-income residence, the Engineering Department has grant funding available for you. Through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Lake County Commissioners’ Officer, funding is available to owner-occupied city residents to help improve their sidewalks and neighborhoods. This program is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information and program criteria please visit www.painesville.com/sidewalks

Chase Bank Building RestorationThe Downtown Painesville Organization in partnership with Renew Partners LLC was awarded the competitive National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Grant to support an exterior restoration to the old Chase Bank Building on the Square. Earlier this year, the project was awarded Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the Ohio Development Services Agency for the restoration project. The new property owner plans to revitalize the building offering mixed-use space which includes residential units on upper floors.

Painesville Medical Center UpdateSignature Health’s Painesville Medical Center, a new $6 million outpatient health care facility, is currently under construction at 54 South State Street. The project is expected to bring up to 50 new jobs to the downtown and is projected to be complete the second half of 2021.

This new medical center will offer primary care services, women’s health, infectious disease specialists, psychiatry/mental health services, lab services, pharmacy and dental services.

Lexington Village 19 new homes have been iniatially approved to be added on Community Lane, off of Newell Street. The proposed 1,400 square foot ranch-style homes by Ryan Home, will feature two-car garages and stone elements similar to those seen in the Heisley Park development. Final plans are expected to be submitted within the coming year.

Clover Senior ApartmentsNew construction has begun on the Clover Development located on the corner of Shamrock Blvd and Elizabeth Blvd. The new independent senior living complex will allow aging residents to remain the in the Painesville area while still having quick access to both RT 44 and SR 2. The market-rate independent senior apartments will feature 119 units and modern amenities.

449permits and

registrations issued by Community Development Department

81zoning permits

granted

January – March 2021

20new residential

construction permits granted

6,145calls for police service, up 13.5% from 2020

91vehicle accidents

reported, up 23.3% from 2020

3.19million gallons flowed daily

through our Waste Water Plant

26burials by our

Cemeteries Division

Pictured: City Manager Doug Lewis, Electric Superintendent Jeff McHugh and Addison Nance

Painesville City Council

FYIs

Power Outages Who do I call?For power outages, down wires, broken poles or repairs,

call Painesville Electric at 440-392-6185 during business hours or call the 24/7 power outage hotline at 440-392-5954

Spring Cemetery RemindersOur annual Spring Clean Up at Evergreen and

Riverside Cemeteries began in March. Decorations left on grave sites will be removed with the exception of Mother’s Day decorations which will be permitted five days prior to the holiday and must be removed five days after the holiday. Cemeteries officially open for summer decorations a few days prior to Memorial Day. Thank you!

Back (L-R): Nick Augustine (Ward III), Christine Shoop (VP & Ward I), Katie Jenkins (Ward II), Jim Fodor (At-Large)Front (L-R): Lori DiNallo (At-Large), Paul Hach (President & Ward IV), Tom Fitzgerald (At-Large)

Painesville City Council meets the first and third Mondays of every month at 7:30 p.m. in Painesville Municipal Courtroom #1. Summer schedule in July and August are third Mondays only. In the event of holiday, meeting moves to next day. All meeting agendas and videos are posted online at painesville.com

All City Council meetings and committee meetings listed are open to the public. During Covid-19 restrictions, live meetings can be viewed at painesville.com/videos

Contact Us7 Richmond Street Painesville, OH 44077 440.352.9301

Painesville.com @CityofPainesville @CityofPainesville CityofPainesville

Sign up for our email updates at painesville.com

City of PainesvilleP.O.Box 601 Painesville, OH 44077

Yard Waste RemindersCurbside yard waste pick up through Republic

Services began April 1. As a reminder, yard waste is picked up on your regular trash day, every other week. Grass, leaves and twigs should be placed in biodegradable paper pages or in open cans marked ‘Yard Waste.’ Branches under 3” in diameter and 4’ in length should be bundled and tied. 1st & 3rd Mondays every month

Courtroom #1, 7 Richmond Street, 7:30 p.m.

April 19 May 3 & 17June 7 & 21July 19

*Special ‘We the People’ Day open meeting on Tuesday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m.

CITY COUNCIL

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

PLANNING COMMISSION

2nd Thursday every month Courtroom #1, 7 Richmond Street, 7:30 p.m.

May 13June 10July 8

3rd Thursday every month Courtroom #1, 7 Richmond Street, 7:30 p.m.

April 15May 20June 17July 15

Need Tax Help?You can file your municipal income taxes online at ritaohio.com or call RITA at

1-800-860-7482 for any municipal income tax questions.

If you need help preparing your taxes, call Lifeline’s 2-1-1 to be connected to their free tax help for people with low-to moderate-income households. IRS-certified volunteers provide this free service with electronic filing to all people who qualify.

Questions? Contact the Clerk of Council, Samantha Danielson at 440-392-5803 or sdanielson@painesville.com