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Regionalism study shelved after Pepper Pike pullout
(by Sali McSherry - May 06, 2010)
Regionalism study shelved after Pepper Pike pullout
By SALI McSHERRY
A study exploring the feasibility of consolidating services among four Chagrin Valley communities has put been placed on the shelf, according to mayors of Hunting Valley, Moreland Hills, Orange and Pepper Pike.
For Pepper Pike, there are immediate issues that must be addressed concerning the city's financial crisis and placing a tax levy on the August ballot, Mayor Bruce H. Akers had said. There are concerns that there are inaccuracies in the report, he has said, and that key personnel in Pepper Pike were not properly been contacted.
The study, which the four communities had commissioned last year, explored and recommended consolidating emergency dispatch and police services.
Based on the financial and operational data that were obtained for the study by the researchers, there would be significant benefits to consolidating police and dispatch services, both in terms of service levels and cost reductions. The report was researched and prepared by Phil Bessler, Pierre David and Mary Pisnar, of the Baldwin-Wallace College business division, as well as student researchers Michelle Chomyk and Patrick Miltner.
The application for an Efficientgov grant that would require implementing some form of consolidation of services with Orange and Moreland Hills was nixed by Mr. Akers and Pepper Pike Councilman Frederick Taft last month due to the city's focus on generating new revenue, they said.
Despite that decision, Moreland Hills is moving forward with a "vision committee," Mayor Susan C. Renda said. The village will continue discussions with Orange, peruse the study and consider ways of implementing some of the findings, she said.
The committee of 14, including residents, the mayor and Councilwoman Monica Sturgis, plans to generate questions for a survey to be distributed to residents, Mrs. Renda said. The goal is to identify the positive aspects of Moreland Hills, what it looks like now, and what it should like in the future and ideas for "branding" the village, she said.
Orange Mayor Kathy U. Mulcahy said, because Pepper Pike pulled out of the grant application process, the recommendations in the study are no longer feasible at this time. The village is continuing discussions with Moreland Hills about options, she said.
Hunting Valley Mayor John Wheeler said last month the village had no genuine intent to merge services like police and service with the neighboring communities. The village has an effective collaboration with Chagrin Falls, he said. Hunting Valley, along with Orange and Moreland Hills, contract with Chagrin Falls for emergency dispatch services. Hunting Valley and Moreland Hills also contract with Chagrin Falls for fire services.
Hunting Valley Council members asked if it might be possible to work with a neighboring community for fire service to serve those homes furthest away from Chagrin Falls. That option could offer residents the most responsive service, Councilwoman Nancy Heinen said.
Councilwoman Mary Weber said it could be costly and affect the village's insurance rating.
Mr. Wheeler said mutual aid is provided by neighboring communities in working fires.
"If it's not broken, don't fix it," he said.
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