I almost can’t think of anything I look forward to more than Spring in Kirtland. Not only we are blessed to be witnesses to a rebirth of the green lushness that overwhelms our rolling hills and valleys, but Spring in Kirtland offers a re-emergence of community and volunteerism.
Demonstrations of this spirit were exemplified last month with Kiwanis, in partnership with the Lake Metroparks, serving pancakes at the Farmpark, as well as the second annual Shamrock Shuffle and Shenanigans at City Hall. The 5k race featured a post celebration that featured food, music, and a Kiwanis sponsored beer garden. The festivities welcomed more than 250 participants, patrons, and volunteers. A special thanks to my wife, Jeni Potter, her team, and all the organizations, businesses, and sponsors that helped make the event a resounding success.
This past week, Jeff Ruple informed me that he will be appointed by Governor DeWine to fill a vacancy in the Lake County Court of Common Pleas. As sad as I am to see Mr. Ruple leave City Council, I couldn’t be happier for him in his new role. I know soon-to-be Judge Ruple will bring the same honor, distinction, and class to the judicial bench as he has demonstrated in his role on City Council. During his tenure, Jeff’s wisdom and measure consistently helped guide me and Council to remain focused on the issues at hand and because of his leadership, City government in Kirtland has been well served.
I am happy to say that City Council nearly unanimously passed the annual budget appropriation in the waning days of March. The six council members that voted yes to fund our obligations clearly saw the value of: paying down more city debt, dedicating over $1.1 million dollars toward road repairs and maintenance, and further investing in capital equipment that helps keep our residents safe.
Considering the feedback from our community over the last several years, the Planning and Zoning Commission recently adopted a ten-year Comprehensive Plan that reiterates and reinforces our residents’ requests to create opportunities that will infuse new development into downtown as well as ultimately bring sanitary sewers to Rt. 6 and 306.
Throughout the process, I worked with the Board and our Economic Development Coordinator, Eddy Eckart, to make sure the plan recognizes and imparts elements needed to establish a more robust commercial tax base. By engaging local investors, and through strategic incentives, we can cultivate smart development. Thus, working to fund our future capital and infrastructure items and diminishing the future burden on our resident taxpayers.
The Plan also seeks Council’s participation by asking that an annual benchmark and measurement for success plan be implemented. By instituting an annual review process, the Comprehensive Plan can become a living document that achieves objectives versus one that sits on a shelf for ten years.
These are not new conversations and as soon as the April Planning and Zoning meeting, we might see the start of exciting conversations focused on achieving our goals for economic development.
In closing, please see our City website for dates and times relating to volunteerism and community. Specifically, the April 15th Faith in Kirtland event and the April 29th Senior and Veterans yard cleanup day.
Thank you,
Mayor Potter