THE STATE OF THE VILLAGE OF BRATENAHL 2010
By John M. Licastro, Mayor

My fellow citizens, pursuant to Ohio Law, I hereby submit the State of the Village for the year 2010.

We survived. That phrase pretty much summarizes how all of us feel given the deep recession and turmoil that our nation experienced in 2009. The Village is no different: Our finances took a hit with a reduction in income tax and property tax; various legal issues created additional attorney fees that ate into our carryover funds. Based on projections for 2010, the effort it took to craft a balanced budget for 2010 entailed creative thinking and cooperation from our employees. Yet there is reason for optimism.

The Village of Bratenahl Police Department is functioning at a high level. Our officers are pleased with the appointment of Chief Rich Dolbow, a fourteen year veteran of our force. His new approach along with new training standards has raised morale to what could be an all time high. Chief Dolbow demands accountability from his officers, which has helped the Department to maintain focus on its primary mission - the safety and well-being of our residents. Our police officers were told that there would be a wage freeze for 2010, as well as additional cutbacks in order to help balance the budget. They understand the need for the cutbacks and are willing to help keep the Village solvent.

Joe Zalar and the Service Department also were asked to participate in the wage freeze and cutbacks. They too understand the need for these measures and have pledged to cooperate. Their task, whether it is snow removal, plantings, grass cutting, clean-up, general maintenance, etc., is a daunting one. Under Mr. Zalar’s leadership they continue to do the dirty work without complaint. We are fortunate to have them working for the Village.

We will continue to be creative in our management of revenue and expenses. We realize that no one wants a tax increase. Cuts have been deep; an increase may be inevitable to keep our level of services. We will make a tax increase a last option, not a first.

The outside inspection program that was mandated by Village Council is now a year old. Many homeowners have addressed violations and the general appearance of the Village has improved. This program was designed and implemented to offer help and guidance, and while it is not punitive in nature, an appearance in Mayor’s court may be ordered as a last resort. As long as there is communication, we will be flexible. Our housing stock and its condition is critical to the health of our community.

It appears that, for the time being, Cleveland’s Port will not be moved to a site near E. 55th Street. Projects such as the Medical Mart, Casinos, County Government restructuring, NEORSD tunneling project, etc., although not Bratenahl projects, are important to the region. We will be certain our voice will be heard and you as residents will be informed of any potential impact on Bratenahl. Cleveland’s health and fiscal solvency are critical to Bratenahl and Northeast Ohio.

We will be reconvening the three day facilitated process known as Future Search on April 23, 24 and 25th. We convened the first Future Search in July of 2003. Many positive actions came from that effort. Leslie Yerkes, a Bratenahl resident, will reprise her role as our facilitator. We urge everyone to attend to help establish our priorities as a community.

We welcome our newly elected Council members, Mary Beckenbach, Andy Kesselem, Tom McDonald and Paul Stephen, along with Treasurer Roy Call. Many thanks to departing Council members Brenda Brownrigg, Greg Binford, Rick Semersky and Treasurer Sarah Kesselem.

Bratenahl has survived since its incorporation in 1905, and will continue to do so. The pressures we have experienced through the decades, both internal and external, have at times seemed to be overwhelming. Given the state of the region as whole, Bratenahl is in great shape. With a calm approach, input and help from our elected officials, employees, and from our talented, knowledgeable residents Bratenahl has always found a solution to every problem. We ask that you help us to continue this collaborative effort to ensure that Bratenahl remains the best location in Northeast Ohio.

We hope to see you at our meetings. I close, as always, with the refrain from The Bratenahl School Song:

…She is the best, the very best, all hail to Bratenahl!