Westlake

We Care Toy Drive returns to help children during the holidays

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westlake is getting in the holiday spirit this season by hosting a community-wide toy drive. The church calls it the We Care Toy Drive. Being the 7th annual toy drive for St Paul, it’s becoming a special tradition.

It takes place Nov. 24-26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and helps underprivileged kids in Greater Cleveland. The church is working with Building Hope in the City to distribute the toys and games before Christmas.

George Zollos, a long-time member at St. Paul, organizes the event. Zollos is grateful for the opportunity to give back at this time of year.

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Volume 15, Issue 21, Posted 8:28 AM, 11.21.2023

Westlake bids 'bittersweet' farewell to Gayle Hill

The City of Westlake celebrated the retirement of longtime Administrative Assistant & Cemetery Administrator Gayle Hill on Monday, Aug. 8, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Mayor Dennis Clough called her retirement "bittersweet" as she has become a cherished part of the City's Service Department staff during her more than 21 years of service in Westlake, which followed 15 years of service in Olmsted Falls. 

Gayle helped countless residents, providing exceptional customer service and representing the City beautifully throughout her tenure.

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Volume 14, Issue 16, Posted 9:51 AM, 08.16.2022

Westlake welcomes two new firefighter/paramedics

The Westlake Fire Department welcomed two new firefighter/paramedics to the City of Westlake with a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall on July 13. 

Jake Koneval and Jacob Plocica were sworn in by Mayor Dennis Clough in front of family, friends and colleagues as Acting Fire Chief Mike Freeman and Captain Doug Vasi looked on. Freeman said a few words about both of the firefighters' exceptional character and work ethic, noting that such characteristics are essential to becoming a firefighter in the City of Westlake.

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Volume 14, Issue 14, Posted 10:28 AM, 07.19.2022

Westlake Police welcome 3 new patrol officers

Three new patrolmen officially joined the Westlake Police Department on Tuesday, June 28. Alejandro Giraldo, Giovanni Santiago and Steve Barnie took the oath of office administered by Mayor Dennis Clough in the Michael Killeen Council Chambers at Westlake City Hall. The new officers each come to the City of Westlake having established excellent reputations during their time in their previous roles.

Prior to the oaths of office, Westlake Police Chief Kevin Bielozer described for the attendees the meticulous and rigorous screening process the department uses when considering new hires.

“Everybody that’s about to be sworn in this morning has done an exceptional job at every step of that process,” Chief Bielozer said. “So we have every bit of confidence as we welcome them aboard onto the team here at the Westlake Police Department. We are really serious not just about excellent teamwork and service, but training and continually refining our abilities as police officers.”

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Volume 14, Issue 13, Posted 9:37 AM, 07.06.2022

Founder of Westlake SRO program retires after 26 years

The City of Westlake held a send-off last Friday for the founder of the WPD's School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, SRO Scott Fortkamp, who is retiring after 26 years with the department. 

During his career in Westlake, he established Westlake as a regional leader, inspiring other cities to implement their programs as well. He has led and expanded the program so all of our city schools are covered by SROs full-time during the school year. Additionally, he has helped train the city's other SROs and provided safety training to several companies and organizations throughout the area.

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Volume 14, Issue 13, Posted 9:39 AM, 07.06.2022

Westlake Fire Chief Jim Hughes retires after 29 years

Westlake Fire Chief Jim Hughes celebrated his retirement June 8 at Fire Station #1 surrounded by colleagues, family and friends. 

Mayor Dennis Clough presented the outgoing chief with a Proclamation noting his 29 years with the City of Westlake. He became Fire Chief in December 2014. The Proclamation also detailed his previous experience as a firefighter and in the Air Force, where he received several decorations and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Hughes also has worked as a part-time police officer for Olmsted Falls.

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Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 10:04 AM, 06.21.2022

Westlake welcomes firefighter/paramedic Ryan Sholtis

The City of Westlake welcomed another new member of the city's fire department on April 24. Firefighter/paramedic Ryan Sholtis comes to Westlake with more than seven years of experience in his chosen field. 

Sholtis took the oath of office, administered by Mayor Dennis Clough, at Westlake City Hall in front of family, friends and colleagues. Mayor Clough and Fire Chief Jim Hughes explained to those in attendance that Westlake prides itself on the high standard of excellence it holds for its firefighters, making it no small feat to be hired to the Westlake Fire Department.

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Volume 14, Issue 9, Posted 10:34 AM, 05.03.2022

Sgt. John Mauer retires after 31 years

The City of Westlake held a retirement ceremony honoring Sgt. John Mauer on Friday, March 4, for his 31 years with the Westlake Police Department. 

Police Chief Kevin Bielozer praised Sgt. Mauer for setting a fine example of what solid police work should look like with his professionalism and attention to detail throughout his career. 

Sgt. Mauer's service often extended beyond Westlake's borders through his work with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, assisting on cases throughout Northeast Ohio. 

Among the family members and colleagues in attendance during the ceremony was Broadview Heights Police Chief Steven Raiff, whom Mauer worked with when he began his career as a patrolman in Broadview Heights.

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Volume 14, Issue 6, Posted 10:38 AM, 03.15.2022

Westlake welcomes three new firefighters

The City of Westlake welcomed three new full-time firefighters on Feb. 15 at Westlake City Hall. Mayor Dennis Clough administered the oath of office to Jeremy DiBell and Matthew Kritzer and Stipe Miocic during a swearing in ceremony in front of friends, family and city employees.

Mayor Clough noted that the City does not often have the chance to hire three firefighters simultaneously, making the event fairly “historic” and necessary given that the department had seven open positions to fill.

“We’ve been very fortunate over the years that we have had very, very good people in the Fire Department,” Mayor Clough said. “And I don’t mind saying that I’m proud of these guys every single day because of the skills they bring, the positive attitude they bring and the passion that they have for the career that they’ve chosen as a firefighter/paramedic in the City of Westlake.”

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Volume 14, Issue 5, Posted 10:30 AM, 03.01.2022

Westlake city officials sworn in during organizational meeting

The City of Westlake formally welcomed its new and returning City Council representatives during an organizational meeting Monday, Jan. 3, at City Hall.

The meeting featured the swearing in of newly-elected President of Council David Greenspan, as well as the newly-elected representatives Duane Van Dyke (Ward 1) and Amy Havelka (Ward 5).

Returning Council representatives were also sworn in during the ceremony, including Nick Nunnari (Ward 2), Dennis Sullivan (Ward 3), Michael O’Donnell (Ward 4) and Mark Getsay (Ward 6). Clerk of Council Denise Rosenbaum and Law Director Michael Maloney were also sworn in to continue to serve in their respective roles with the City of Westlake.

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Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 10:11 AM, 01.18.2022

Westlake veterans to lead the Pledge

The City of Westlake prides itself on its efforts to frequently recognize the contributions of our local veterans.

In that spirit, the City has initiated a new tradition inviting one of these brave individuals to lead the Pledge of Allegiance before each Westlake City Council meeting.

The first veteran-led Pledge of the year was performed by Navy veteran Thomas Boll and his son Ethan during the Jan. 6 City Council meeting at Westlake City Hall. 

If you are a Westlake resident and a veteran or know someone who meets that criteria, please contact Lydia Gadd, director of Westlake Community Services, at 440-899-3544 or lgadd@cityofwestlake.org to help the City to continually honor our community’s veterans throughout the year.

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Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 10:08 AM, 01.18.2022

Westlake patrolman John Jereb retires after 28 years

Westlake Police patrolman John Jereb retired after 28 years of service to the people of Westlake. He received a proclamation from Mayor Dennis Clough during a send-off on Thursday, Jan. 6, attended by colleagues and family. 

Police Chief Kevin Bielozer recounted Ptl. Jereb's multiple accomplishments over his career, including being named the Westlake Police Officer of the Year in 2003. 

Chief Bielozer presented him a plaque and a display case containing the various badges Ptl. Jereb wore during his tenure as an officer.

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Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 10:11 AM, 01.18.2022

Westlake patrolman presented Life Saving Award for heroic act

Westlake Police patrolman Ryan Jasinsky was presented the Life Saving Award by the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum on Friday, Dec. 17, at Westlake City Hall.

Using his police trauma care training along with his prior military training and experience, Ptl. Jasinsky saved a woman's life in June of this year after she was thrown from her motorcycle 50 feet over a guardrail on I-90. He utilized two tourniquets on separate limbs along with a large amount of trauma gauze and other medical supplies to stabilize the victim while attempting to keep her calm and treating shock.

The woman, Christine Sabel, and her partner, Ken, were in attendance at the ceremony to once again thank Ptl. Jasinsky in person and congratulate him on his well-deserved honor.

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:58 AM, 01.04.2022

Pair of Westlake police officers promoted to sergeant

The City of Westlake promoted two officers to the rank of sergeant on Dec. 17 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Those officers were Ryan Pischel and Nate Fox.

In addition to their years of experience, both completed extensive training and exercises needed to demonstrate the character traits and knowledge necessary for the role of sergeant.

Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough and Police Chief Kevin Bielozer congratulated them on their well-deserved promotions.

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:58 AM, 01.04.2022

Westlake honors outgoing council members

Members and friends of Westlake City Council bade a fond farewell to three of their own at the legislative body’s final meeting of the year. President Michael Killeen, Ward 5 representative Ken Brady and Ward 1 representative Lynda Appel were recognized on Dec. 16 with proclamations from Mayor Dennis Clough and other accolades for their years of service before stepping down at the end of the year.

Killeen, who has served on Council since 1978 and as president since 1986, is its longest serving member. He was presented with a plaque from all councilmembers and the Westlake Council Chambers was dedicated in his name.  

Brady, a councilman since 1992 and also a volunteer with the city’s Planning Commission and Charter Review Commission, was awarded a plaque from Ward 3 Councilman Dennis Sullivan naming the Council work room in his honor.

Appel, who has represented Ward 1 since 2014 and belongs to many local civic organizations, received a proclamation from the mayor and a plaque from Ward 4 Councilman Michael O’Donnell.

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 10:37 AM, 12.21.2021

Westlake Police give longtime maintenance technician touching send-off

The Westlake Police Department held a retirement ceremony for Karoly "Chuck" Petrik, who has served as the WPD's Vehicle and Building Maintenance Technician for the last 21 years.

Petrik held one of the most demanding jobs in the City, as he was tasked with the upkeep of the police station, as well as the department's fleet of police vehicles.

He also was called upon for several building renovation projects, including installing new lighting, painting, and building entire rooms.

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:53 AM, 12.21.2021

Westlake welcomes new police patrolman

The City of Westlake welcomed Patrolman Zack Hitchens to the Westlake Police Department on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Mayor Dennis Clough administered the oath of office to the city's newest sworn officer in front of members of his family, friends and his new colleagues in the Council Chambers at Westlake City Hall.

Hitchens comes to Westlake having spent the last three years serving as a patrol officer for the City of Cleveland. Prior to that, Hitchens worked as a corrections officer for Huron County and Stark County. 

He graduated from Kent State University in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 10:45 AM, 09.08.2021

Westlake Fire Department receives 2021 Mission Lifeline Gold Plus Award

The Westlake Fire Department has once again received the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline Gold Plus Award. This award recognizes the department’s commitment to providing a higher standard of pre-hospital care to the City of Westlake. 

The department has demonstrated this by ensuring that every STEMI patient, those experiencing a heart attack, receives treatment according to nationally-accepted recommendations and standards.

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 10:45 AM, 09.08.2021

Westlake seeks input on Center Ridge Master Plan

Do you drive or walk on Center Ridge Road? What would you like to see happen along the corridor?

The City of Westlake, with help from County Planning, is currently developing a Strategic Master Plan for Center Ridge Road. We need your help in providing feedback on potential recommendations included in the plan, so residents are encouraged to take a brief survey at www.countyplanning.us/WestlakeSurvey.

To learn more about the project’s vision and goals, residents can also view a virtual presentation that describes achievements to date, potential recommendations, and next steps for the future. Your involvement is vital so please take a minute to help shape the future of Westlake by viewing the presentation, taking the survey and asking us questions at www.countyplanning.us/CenterRidge.

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Volume 13, Issue 13, Posted 10:33 AM, 07.06.2021

Westlake firefighters Pat Grealis and Chris Fielding retire after 25 years

The Westlake Fire Department celebrated the end of two 25-year careers in March. Firefighters Patrick Grealis and Chris Fielding in March both hung up their helmets for the last time as winter slowly transitioned into something resembling spring.

Both Fielding and Grealis became well known for their respective work ethic and dedication. Grealis was known, in particular, for his friendly demeanor and good sense of humor.

In addition to being presented a proclamation from Mayor Dennis Clough and an engraved plaque from Fire Chief Jim Hughes, Grealis also received a special token of appreciation from the Westlake Firefighters Local 1814 for his years representing local firefighters.

Fielding chose to retire quietly without a retirement ceremony.

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Volume 13, Issue 7, Posted 10:31 AM, 04.06.2021

Westlake entering new electric & gas aggregation program

As the current Electric Aggregation Program is set to end April 21, the City of Westlake has once again teamed up with Energy Harbor (formerly First Energy Solutions) to continue the city’s Electric Aggregation Program for Westlake residents and small Westlake commercial businesses (under 700,000 kWh annually) until April 2025. As members of the aggregation program, residents/businesses will pay a fixed rate of 4.77 cents per kWh.

All residents/businesses are automatically included in the program unless they specifically request to opt-out of the program by April 7, 2021, or if they have a private contract with an alternative supplier.

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Volume 13, Issue 7, Posted 11:38 AM, 04.02.2021

Westlake firefighter Daniel Michelich retires after 29 years

The City of Westlake sends best wishes to Daniel Michelich who celebrated his retirement on Tuesday, Feb. 9, after nearly 30 years with the Westlake Fire Department.

Michelich is a 1978 graduate of Westlake High School who started with the City of Westlake in 1992 and has served as a firefighter and paramedic for the city ever since. Prior to coming to Westlake, he worked as a Cleveland police officer.

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Volume 13, Issue 4, Posted 11:05 AM, 02.16.2021

Westlake officers honored for exemplary service in 2020

The Westlake Police Department is pleased to honor five officers whose efforts exemplified the department's commitment to its mission to protect and serve our community this past year. These admirable officers and the awards they earned through their work are as follows:

Officer of the Year: Patrolman Dennis Funari (selected by his peers)

Blue Shield Award: Patrolman JP Toth (for most self-initiated arrests)

Lifesaving Award: Patrolmen Matt Craig & Rick Dudas (for their actions which saved a mentally-disabled non-ambulatory adult from a house fire on Feb. 13, 2020)

Employee of the Year: Community Service Officer Tim Gut (selected by all members of the WPD for this honor reserved for non-sworn WPD employees)

It should be noted that these selfless officers did not seek out recognition for their actions but deserve it nonetheless.

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Volume 13, Issue 4, Posted 11:05 AM, 02.16.2021

Westlake serves as $53 million conduit insurer to senior living facility

On Nov. 19, 2020, the Westlake City Council authorized the City to serve as a conduit issuer in $53 million healthcare revenue bonds in support of LEC-Concord Reserve Holding Co. LLC.

“As a conduit issuer,” Prashant Shah, the Westlake City Finance Director explained, “the City has no financial liability in this transaction. The City is … merely lending its name to [LEC-Concord] to issue bonds primarily to access the City’s credit and thus obtain a low interest rate for the bonds."

LEC-Concord Reserve, located at 2116 and 2154 Dover Center Road, Westlake, is an Ohio nonprofit senior care facility. It was founded as the Lutheran Home for the Aged in 1936. Later it was renamed as Lutheran Home at Concord Reserve after the vineyard the land was built on.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 10:05 AM, 12.01.2020

Westlake CSO retires after 40 years of police service

After 40 years of service to the Westlake Police Department, Community Services Officer Rodney Stemen made the tearful decision to retire.

Westlake Mayor Dennis M. Clough and Chief Kevin Bielozer spoke glowingly of Stemen's work as an auxiliary officer and a CSO over his career during a small retirement ceremony on Friday, Oct. 29. Mayor Clough recalled first meeting Stemen as a candidate for City Council in the early 1980s. Chief Bielozer noted that Stemen was a formidable opponent during a past defensive tactics training exercise.

Stemen reflected on some of his cherished memories from his four-decade career with the city, including one instance near Christmas time when he purchased a tire for a mother whose car was in need of repairs that she could not afford. He said he believes there is good in everyone and that philosophy motivated him to strive to engender goodwill with everyone he encountered.

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Volume 12, Issue 21, Posted 9:29 AM, 11.03.2020

Fall leaf collection underway in Westlake

The Westlake Service Department will be collecting leaves from residential tree lawns through mid-December, weather permitting.

Residents can see when collection crews will be on their street by checking the "Daily Leaf Update" link on the city's homepage, www.cityofwestlake.org, throughout the season.

In general, there will be no more than two weeks between collections. However, poor weather conditions or heavy collection volume may cause longer delays.

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Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 10:20 AM, 10.20.2020

Westlake City Council Notes

Notes from the Westlake City Council meeting, Oct. 15, 2020:

Salary Freezes for City Leadership:

In solidarity with those in hardship due to Covid-19, the Westlake City Council unanimously approved salary freezes: a 5-year freeze for the Council’s members, a 2-year freeze for the mayor, and a 2-year freeze for the law director’s base compensation.

Council members will receive a 2% increase in salary in 2021, then the freeze goes into effect; there is no corresponding salary increase for the mayor or the law director.

Halloween:

Trick-or-treating in Westlake will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 pm. Westlake will follow the Ohio Department of Health’s safety recommendations for celebrating Halloween. They can be found on the city’s website at: bit.ly/344PK1S.

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Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 10:16 AM, 10.20.2020

Westlake Engineering Dept. recognized for Dover Ditch Basin project

The City of Westlake's Engineering Department received an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies this summer for its work on the Dover Ditch Basin.

The project took more than 100 residents out of the flood plain in Westlake and North Olmsted.

The project lowered the 100-Year Floodplain 30 inches, which eliminated the need for flood insurance for homes in the Bretton Woods development and elsewhere.

Numerous organizations contributed to the project’s execution, which entailed nearly 10 years of planning and labor.

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Volume 12, Issue 19, Posted 9:52 AM, 10.06.2020

Westlake Charter Amendments: Pros and Cons

In keeping with its mission to provide citizens with nonpartisan information about candidates and ballot issues, the Westlake/North Olmsted Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland offers the following pro and con arguments for the proposed charter amendments that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot for the city of Westlake. See your ballot or visit vote411.org for complete statements of each ballot issue.

Issue 56: Gender-neutral terminology
PRO: Brings charter up-to-date and encourages gender equity in the city’s operations.
CON: Does not address gender variance/identity as directly as may be ideal.

Issue 57: Mayoral appointments and responsibility
PRO: Consistent with 2010 Charter Amendment making the Law Director an elected, rather than appointed, position.
CON: Redundant. It is already codified that the Law Director is elected rather than appointed.

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Volume 12, Issue 19, Posted 9:53 AM, 10.06.2020

Westlake Community Services launches a Facebook page

The Westlake Senior and Community Services Department recently added a new resource to help residents stay on top of all of our programming: Facebook.

This is just the latest new way the department has decided to try as part of its ongoing effort to engage residents in activities they love while still maintaining social distancing measures. Residents can find out about upcoming drive-in events, virtual programs and more by following the new social media page.

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Volume 12, Issue 19, Posted 9:52 AM, 10.06.2020

Reasons for charter amendment vetoes

[Editor's note: Mayor Dennis Clough on July 21 vetoed six ordinances relating to charter amendments passed by Westlake City Council at their July 16 meeting. The actions followed a report submitted on Jan. 24 by the 2019-2020 Charter Review Committee. The committee, a group of nine members – three appointed by Mayor Clough and one each appointed by the six ward Council members – met 12 times over 11 months to review Westlake's charter, as well as the charters of similar cities. They also interviewed Westlake elected officials and all department heads. The committee proposed 15 amendments to the city's charter in their report, and encouraged City Council to present the amendments to Westlake voters in November. According to the codified ordinances, the matter will return to Council, where they may override the mayor's veto by a two-thirds vote. The mayor must provide a statement of his objections for the official record. On Aug. 14, Mayor Clough sent that statement in a press release to members of the local media. The full text is below.]

Westlake City Council voted to adopt 10 ordinances to amend the Westlake City Charter by a two-thirds vote at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 16, 2020. I was compelled to exercise my veto authority for six of these ordinances. My reasons for doing so are stated below.

As a matter of precedent, I have serious apprehensions about any ordinance that would alter the Westlake City Charter in a way that sidesteps recommendations by the Charter Review Committee and is likely to cause needless confusion among voters regarding proposed Charter amendments or the duties and authorities of city officials.

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Volume 12, Issue 16, Posted 9:17 AM, 08.18.2020

Mayor Clough presents proclamation to international exchange student

Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough presented a proclamation to Phakawan Teerawattananon, or "Pleng," at City Hall on Friday, June 5. Pleng came to Westlake from Thailand in August, sponsored by the Westlake Bay Village Rotary Club, and stayed with Westlake residents Joe and Jacki Kraft.

She is an extraordinary student who received straight A's while attending Westlake High School and enjoys hiking, shopping, performing cultural dances and cooking authentic Taiwanese cuisine. With the proclamation, the mayor declared June 7, 2020 – Pleng's 16th birthday – as Phakawan "Pleng" Teerawattananon Day. She returned to Thailand on June 10.

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Volume 12, Issue 12, Posted 9:50 AM, 06.16.2020

Infrastructure levy renewal for Westlake

A Westlake levy to renew a 3/8% income tax for infrastructure such as streets, roads, highways, storm sewers, water lines and others, will go on the November 2019 ballot for voter approval. This is a renewal of an existing levy – no new taxes.

According to Bonnie Freeh, the city's assistant director of finance, “Westlake has a 1.5% income tax: 1% for general operations, 3/8% for infrastructure improvements and 1/8% for recreation and community center operations and improvements.”

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Volume 11, Issue 11, Posted 10:20 AM, 06.04.2019

Mayor Clough shares annual State of the City address with residents

As part of our mission to inform and engage the community, the Westlake | Bay Village Observer hosted Mayor Dennis Clough, along with members of his administration and City Council, for a special State of the City address to an audience of residents on March 19.

Earlier in the month Clough offered his presentation to the business community, speaking for the 34th year at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce luncheon. This year, in what promises to be a new annual tradition, Clough accepted the Observer’s invitation to share his address with Westlake residents during an evening session at the recreation center.

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 10:02 AM, 04.02.2019

Mayor Clough to share State of the City address with residents

The Westlake | Bay Village Observer will present Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough in a special State of the City address tailored for local residents and community members. The State of the City address is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in the Westlake Recreation Center Community Room, 28955 Hilliard Blvd. The event is free and open to the community.

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear Mayor Clough speak about a variety of City initiatives including recent and current economic developments and city infrastructure improvements, together with an update on the highly anticipated Westlake Family Aquatic Center.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 9:52 AM, 03.05.2019

Westlake lighting ordinance targets LEDs

Advances in lighting technology have dramatically changed how we illuminate our homes, businesses and streets. LEDs are extremely energy efficient and consume up to 90 percent less power than incandescent bulbs. Since they use only a fraction of the energy of an incandescent light bulb there is a dramatic decrease in energy costs. This new technology has made the regulation of lighting more complex and challenging.

To confront the issues wrought by LEDs, the City of Westlake adopted a new lighting ordinance in 2018 for commercial exterior lighting – including apartment and townhouse complexes, churches and other institutions in residential districts; and retail, office and all other commercial properties. Lighting contractors were put on notice a year ago about the requirements of the new lighting code.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 9:51 AM, 02.05.2019

Mayor Clough addresses the state of Westlake

Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough gave his 33rd annual State of the City address to members of the business community at the March 13 West Shore Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The annual presentation highlights the work of the city’s departments over the previous year, offers a snapshot of the city’s finances and provides a look at upcoming projects.

Westlake’s healthy budget and strong, diverse tax base allow the city to provide a high level of service and many community improvements. Business incentives entice large companies to locate and remain in Westlake.

“We do pride ourselves on the relationship we have developed with the business community,” Clough said. “To tell you that the city of Westlake continues to grow is often an understatement.”

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Volume 10, Issue 6, Posted 10:09 AM, 03.20.2018

Saved for the record

Westlake clerk digitizes a century's worth of council documents

After seven years and nearly 20,000 documents, Dover Village has entered the digital age. Dover, as Westlake was known until 1940, originally also included Bay Village and part of North Olmsted. In 1911, shortly after the secession of residents to Bay and North Olmsted, Dover Township was incorporated as a village and Frank Bailey was elected mayor.

Up until the early 1920s, handwritten records were kept of every council meeting and legislation passed. The very first ordinance, passed May 8, 1911, set the salaries of city officials (mayor, $100 per year; clerk, $300 per year; treasurer, $150 per year; marshall, $2.50 per day; council, $2 per meeting).

Thanks to Westlake’s present-day clerk of council, Denise Rosenbaum, that record – and 19,194 others from 1910 to the present – are now stored in digital form, allowing for easy research and protection from damage or loss.

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Volume 9, Issue 18, Posted 10:23 AM, 09.19.2017

Westlake recognizes Building Safety Month

To raise awareness of building safety in both residential and commercial construction, the City of Westlake’s Building Department is again joining jurisdictions around the world participating in the International Code Council’s (ICC) Building Safety Month in May.

Building Safety Month is a public safety awareness campaign to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes and buildings.

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Volume 9, Issue 9, Posted 9:31 AM, 05.02.2017

Westlake charts path of 'controlled growth'

Controlled development and solid financial planning have played a major role in Westlake’s decades-long evolution from a quiet farming community to a thriving suburb. One might even say, in this American Greetings town, that growth and planning have been the hallmarks of Mayor Dennis Clough’s tenure. These topics always feature prominently in Clough’s annual State of the City address to the business community, and this year’s presentation was no exception.

Speaking before an audience of West Shore Chamber of Commerce members on March 14, Clough discussed his administration’s approach to managing Westlake’s transformation.

“We’ve had a history of good planning ever since I’ve been involved, for 32 years,” Clough said. “I think that’s one of the reasons why Westlake has become the very successful community it is today, because we didn’t just let things happen. We controlled the growth in the community and we had a lot to say with how it grew and what type of businesses, what type of growth was going to happen.”

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Volume 9, Issue 6, Posted 10:28 AM, 03.21.2017