BURGIO'S           BROOK PARK    REPORT

Brook Park's Own Senior Center?

       Since the last quarter of 2006 in particular, the mayor and city council have been taking bold steps to bring about some ambitious plans for our city. As you may recall RCU Architects previously presented plans for a new safety building last year which would be located in the same general area as the existing facility. Other locations are still being discussed.

       More recently, city council unanimously passed legislation authorizing the mayor to hire architects to draw up proposals for an addition to the rec center which would include a senior center with a 350 seat multi - purpose room, and numerous renovations.   Council has reviewed three options. The third is a combination of the first two presented. RCU Architects have been authorized by council to move forward with details of cost and will return shortly with their findings. The mayor and council are working diligently to provide the best possible senior center for the residents to enjoy. I will keep the residents updated as we continue moving forward in achieving these goals 2007.

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Community Emergency Response Team

         More than 45 of Ohio's 88 counties have conducted CERT Training in their communities. Since the beginning of the program in 2003 under a FEMA CERT grant over 8000 members have been trained. I, along with city directors, emergency personnel,  have been selected to begin formation and training. was held December 13th. Our second work session was January 10, 2007. For those interested in volunteering there will be an informational/orientatonal meeting held in the council chambers on January 30, 2007 at 7pm.

        The purpose of CERT is to train citizens to help first responders in times of disasters. The trained CERT volunteers will assist first responders with life and decision making skills, rescuer safety, and offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive. Residents may pick up applications at city hall, the rec center, and the county library. If you are interested in volunteering you may also call  city hall at 216-433-1300. 

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                     Beautification Committee

      I have heard in virtually every neighborhood over the last few years, concerns about neighborhoods in decline. Most residents dutifully maintain their homes. However, the majority of complaints I receive from constituents is related to property maintenance.   That is why it was so important to form a group of  committed citizens working together in seeking answers to best deal with these property issues.

      Mayor Elliott and I, along with other members of council and about twenty residents have been meeting since late summer 2006. Our first major project was the  Brook Park Cleanup Blitz on Oct. 14th. It was highly successful. We are planning for a second effort this Spring. If interested in joining the Committee please call me or city hall.

Working for you...the residents!

       Without regard for their own safety, Brook Park Firefighters, Benjamin Dockstader and David McCarthy climbed a staircase engulfed in flames making their way to the second floor bedroom to rescue an eight year old boy. The child was removed through an open window to a porch roof and lowered to the ground.  They were recognized at a recent council meeting for their bravery. We are very proud of our safety forces.

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Miss Ohio is Brook Park's own Melanie Murphy

       Melanie, a former Miss Brook Park Pageant winner, has been Miss Ohio since July 2006. She will be competing for Miss America 2007. She is a Midpark graduate as well as Polaris Career Center. She attends Cleveland State University seeking a bachelor degree in Digital Media and film production with an emphasis in journalism. Be sure to tune in on January 29th on CMT at 8pm.

Good luck Melanie!

 Malfunctioning Traffic Signals

A form on the city's web site was created to report traffic signals not working properly. It will be remain available so that other related problems with traffic or power outages can be reported.

Incidentally, I want to thank our consulting engineer Ed Piatek and Patrolman Stopiak for adjusting the timing of the traffic signal at Smith & Elm last month. The residents, especially in the Fairlawn Area, and I appreciate the prompt action taken.