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Thursday, December 22, 2011

American Greetings and City to Finalize Finances

City Council will meet Friday to vote on tax-exempt status and many other details for the planned development.

Westlake City Council is set to vote on an ordinance laying the legal groundwork for the American Greetings world headquarters and Crocker Park planned expansion. The agreement details tax exemptions for the property, infrastructure to be provided by the city, service payments from American Greetings, provisions for the school district and much more. “This is the agreement that solidifies what American Greetings promised the city and what the city promised American Greetings,” said Mayor Dennis Clough. “It doesn’t approve the development plan, but it at least gives parameters. As much as we could define is included in that agreement.” The agreement could not be passed at the last regular city council meeting because two members were absent…

Monday, November 21, 2011

Westlake Unveils Bicentennial Clock

The new street clock marks the 200th year in the city's history.

In the last of the year's bicentennial celebrations, the community gathered Saturday morning to watch the unveiling of the bicentennial street clock in front of City Hall. “We thought this clock would be an appropriate commemoration,” said Mayor Dennis Clough. “Our 200th celebration is just a point in time. It reminds us that time marches on." Numerous community organizations contributed to the clock, including the Lakewood Elks Club, Westlake Kiwanis, Westlake Town Criers, Westlake-Bay Village Rotary, Westshore Chamber of Commerce, Westlake Garden Club, Westlake Lions Club and the Westlake Historical Society. "We are truly blessed in Westlake to have so many that get involved and truly care about this community," Clough said. Community …

In this Article:

Bicentennial Clock Could Commemorate Westlake's 200th Birthday, Westlake City Hall, Pioneers of Westlake Honored At Bicentennial Founders' Walk Dedication, and 3 more ›

Glenn Behra

3:41 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Now all we need is a Delorean and a lightning strike....................   more ›

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Get Out: Tree Lighting, Bicentennial Clock and More

There are lots of fun events for kids, adults, and even pets this weekend.

It’s Thursday, and the weekend is almost here! Check out some of our picks for events to hit on your time off. Crocker Park Tree Lighting Ceremony Join the holiday celebration at Crocker Park on Saturday. The entertainment starts at 4 p.m. with local schools and community groups. Ryan Humbert will take the stage at 7 p.m. with some upbeat seasonal songs before Santa flips the switch to light up the 50-foot tree at 7:30 p.m.  The ceremony ends with a special holiday fireworks show. After the tree is all lit up, explore the festival, snap a photo with Santa, take a ride on the Holiday Express Train or visit the Holiday Boutique. Ultimate After Hours Bash Fifth-graders are invited to the Recreation Center for a lock-in with pizza, drinks, and…

In this Article:

Crocker Park Tree Lighting Ceremony, Crocker Park Guest Services, Ulitmate After-Hours Bash, and 8 more ›

Friday, October 21, 2011

City Council Approves Purchase of New Bicycles for Recreation Department

Council also discussed a proposed Speedway gas station on Dover Center Road.

The Recreation Center will be getting some new upright bicycles soon, after City Council members approved the purchase Thursday night. "Every couple of years, we replace some of the equipment as well as change out some pieces that aren't used as much," said Mayor Dennis Clough. The city may now spend as much as $58,807 to update the equipment. "Most (bikes) are four or five years or older," said Recreation Department Director Mike Rump. "They've got some wear and tear. We try to keep the equipment updated and replace it when it starts to cost more to repair them than replace them." Council members also discussed driveway plans for a proposed Speedway gas station at 2726 Dover Center Road. "The driveway is at the far west end so that there'…

In this Article:

Recreation Center

Friday, August 19, 2011

Bicentennial Clock Could Commemorate Westlake's 200th Birthday

Mayor Dennis Clough is proposing a monumental timepiece in front of City Hall.

Westlake is on watch for the bicentennial. To mark the city’s 200th birthday, Mayor Dennis Clough is proposing a commemorative clock be placed in front of City Hall before the year is over. “It sort of brings back nostalgia to nice, small towns,” Clough said. Clough is hoping to place the street clock out in front of City Hall.  “Maybe we could move some of the trees around to make it very attractive,” he said. The city is looking at the Verdin Company for the project and Clough has already picked out his favorite clock. The one he hopes to install would cost close to $50,000 which would come out of the Bicentennial Fund, with some additional money from the city. Clough plans to present the idea to City Council for approval when they …

In this Article:

Westlake City Hall

Chris M.

7:24 am on Saturday, August 20, 2011

Great, an over-the-top clock to go with our over-the-top city hall.   more ›

Monday, July 11, 2011

Police and Fire Levy Renewal Will Be on November Ballot

The five-year levy will generate over $1 million for safety operations.

Westlake residents will see a renewal levy to generate funds for police and fire services on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. The five-year levy will generate over $1 million annually for police and fire operations, including salaries. “It does provide salary for our police and fire,” said Council President Michael Killeen. “It would create a number of issues if this didn’t pass.” Killeen stressed that this levy is a renewal, not a tax increase. Voters have cast their ballots in favor of the levy since 1966. The issue will need a majority vote to go into effect. “It’s important to maintain our level of service in police and fire,” said Mayor Dennis Clough. “I would recommend that voters consider its renewal.”

Monday, June 20, 2011

City Council Tightens Restrictions On 'Double Dipping'

Council members said it the issue isn't a problem in the city, but new legislation sends the right message.

Westlake City Council is taking a stand on ‘double dipping’ with new legislation that gives council members oversight on hiring in situations where a potential employee has retired from government job. “These ordinances were not brought because we’ve had a problem in Westlake,” said Council President Michael Killeen. “There is concern overall on these issues and we’re trying to send a message. We made a statement for better or for worse. We’ve hired these types before and I can’t think of a time I would have had an issue with any of them.” Council members said they are not opposed to hiring a retired employee if he or she is the best fit for the job, but would want to review the hires on a case-by-case basis. Only with both mayoral and …

Westlake Resident-Joe Smith

9:52 am on Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Why is there such a concern about "double dipping"? This seems to be of great concern in education as well. I don't get it. If you have a highly qualified EXPERIENCED candidate that can do the job well, then hire them. Often times these rehires are receiving a lower wage than before they retired. It just makes financial sense to rehire experience at a lower wage. Look at it as a pay cut. So what …   more ›

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Memorial Day Reminders

City Hall and Westlake Porter Public Library will be closed, and refuse collection will be postponed.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling pickup on Monday. Residents should have their garbage and recyclables ready for collection the day after their normal pickup day for this week only. City Hall and Westlake Porter Public Library will be closed on Monday for the holiday. After Memorial Day, the library will start its summer hours. Sunday hours will resume after Labor Day. The YMCA will not have its regularly scheduled classes unless otherwise noted by a program director or coordinator. For questions about classes, call the YMCA at 440-871-6885.

In this Article:

Westlake City Hall, Westlake Porter Public Library, and YMCA

Friday, January 7, 2011

Westlake's Ward 2 Councilman Decides To Stay

Connole will leave Planning Commission to lighten his load.

Ward 2 Councilman Jim Connole will be staying on Westlake City Council, but leaving Planning Commission in February. Connole had announced in November that he would be giving up his seat due to demands in his personal and professional life. But he said Friday that he changed his mind in large part because his load will be lessened by leaving the Planning Commission post. Also, he said, many asked him to remain on council. “It all panned out over the last six to eight weeks where my concerns were alleviated,” he said. “It was very humbling that a lot of people asked me to stay and my colleagues asked me to stay.” Planning Commission often meets twice a month, and Connole said much preparation work is required. “My concern was that I couldn’…

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