A Message From Mayor Daniel Fritz

Dear Residents,

As I write this letter, I am very encouraged and optimistic regarding the recent announcements by the Governor and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As you are aware, many of the public health orders will be lifted early this month. The easing of these restrictions is attributable to the efforts of those in our state and across the entire country. Our employees have been outstanding in their adherence to campus protocols and the changes to our work environment and work processes. While we are easing back into normalcy here on the Village Campus we have not flipped the proverbial light switch completely. Our protocols throughout the Village for all Moreland Hills’ employees are being amended based on consultation with our Village Law Director and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. While I look for our campus to be fully open in the near future, we are still closed while we consult with the professionals so that our employees continue to feel safe and comfortable.

Last month I advised you that Council was considering a rewrite of our existing pool ordinance. The rewrite was adopted on third reading at our May Council Meeting. This rewrite is now the enforced standard for new swimming pools located within our Village. Specifically, our outdated ordinance did not address the growing interest in plunge pools, swim spas and the proliferation of a myriad of wading pools available at all big box stores. Our rewrite first went through the Village’s Planning Commission where these changes were considered. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the continued prohibition of traditional above ground swimming pools in Moreland Hills. Other areas that were considered included the limit of 100 square feet for any swim spa, hot tub or plunge pool to be located above ground. Any of these pools larger than 100 square feet will be required to be installed in-ground. There was consensus that the Village would need to carve out a permissible above ground wading pool definition so that residents could use the temporary wading pools that are so popular today. Like the earlier described structures, wading pools also have a size restriction. Moreland Hills has designated an 80 square foot wading pool as a permitted use. A wading pool is a pool that is no deeper than 30 inches and has a diameter of 10 feet or less. There was consensus that any wading pool increasing in size from a 10-foot diameter would start to appear as a traditional above ground pool. There are other requirements incorporated into this new ordinance. All residents are encouraged to contact our Building Department prior to purchasing any of the above structures so that compliance with the new ordinance is ensured. Any swim structure not defined in the ordinance is to be considered a prohibited use. As your Mayor, I feel the new rewrite strikes a fair balance between our long-established prohibition of traditional above ground pools and the new proliferation of swim structures as previously described.

Our Road Program will begin shortly. After a competitive bid process, our 2021 Road Program was awarded to Chagrin Valley Paving at a cost of $714,584.71. Look for improvements throughout the Village ranging from complete resurfacing to crack sealing and other road surface enhancements. Additionally, we will be addressing the retaining wall at the intersection of Miles and Bentleyville Roads. This large wall will receive concrete repairs and a new paint job. The Village will also be replacing our corporation signs that are visible as one enters our beautiful Village. Bids were recently received for our pavilion project to be located at Forest Ridge. Improvements to parking areas in Village Park and the addition of a new pavilion with fireplace and restroom facilities are slated for completion this Fall.

I would like to thank all Village employees and our wonderful residents for a very successful “Greening the Hills” event held this past May. Former Mayor Renda forged a path with this wonderful event. We continue in the tradition of environmental awareness and will continue to adhere to policies that protect our wonderful community. Members of our Green Commission were also on hand to educate residents on proper recycling techniques.

It’s a very busy time over here at Village Hall and we are endeavoring to provide top level services to the amazing residents of Moreland Hills. I continue to be very proud to serve as your Mayor and wish you all a happy and healthy June.