The Lakewood City Council held a committee meeting on Monday to discuss topics including the timeframe for tree removal on Clifton and West Clifton Boulevards, the 2011 municipal budget, and the process to fill expected At-Large and Ward 3 council vacancies.

10 trees down, 56 more to go

Deemed to be in a state of dangerous decline and condemned to death by city arborists, 56 mature trees on Clifton and West Clifton Boulevards will meet their demise over the next two years. Public Works Director Joseph Beno, who made the announcement in late September, said 10 trees in the area have already been cut down. (see .PDF)

“The trees are waiting to kill someone,” a longtime city arborist said of the situation. “This is an emergency.” He told council of incident in Bay Village where a rotten tree branch fell and killed a bystander. “It’s going to happen here,” he said, “[but] I hope it doesn’t.”

Mayor Edward O. FitzGerald doesn’t need the council’s permission to remove the trees, but alerted them to the situation because of the costs involved. “It’s a big problem,” he said at a council pre-meeting on September 18^th. “There’s no way to do it in-house.”

At a mid-November city council meeting, Chase Ave. resident Coletta Graham, a longtime critic of the city’s Clifton Blvd. tree planting habits, voiced concern about the quality of the replacement trees. She read a Sun Newspaper article about the issue and also wondered if RTA’s plans to install a Clifton Blvd. median were a factor in the tree removal decision.

“It’s a shame it’s happening all at once,” Fitzgerald said in response. “We don’t want Clifton to look like an airport runway.” He told Graham that RTA had absolutely nothing to do with matter. He said the city’s “front-line workers” examined the trees and determined that they were hazard to the public’s safety. FitzGerald also told her that the replacement trees were not of an inferior grade.

Despite the mayor’s explanation, Councilperson Thomas Bullock (Ward 2) added: “I don’t agree with taking down trees if we don’t have to.”

Tree removal over for now, will resume in the spring

Director Beno said on Monday that the public works crew has concluded their tree removal activities for the year in order to prepare for snow removal season. They won’t touch the trees again until the spring.

He said one replacement tree (rather than two) would be planted per lawn to minimize the impact on sidewalks and improve visibility for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. “It’s not an easy spot to grow trees,” Beno said. Some consideration is being given to planting the new trees in the spring with the hope that they would have an easier period of adjustment. “It may help, it may not,” he said. Using larger trees is out of the questions because, Beno explained, they “are even harder to grow.”

Councilperson wants city to get a second opinion on health of trees

Councilperson Bullock said he wasn’t ready to support the decision to remove the trees without more detailed information on their condition. “We’re talking about landmark trees on the city’s gateway avenue,” he said.

He pressed Beno to explain the city’s tree evaluation process. Beno said the arborists examined the trees, and wrote down the addresses of the ones that needed to come down. Bullock wondered: “We have no objective basis for this?”

Bullock said he wanted to see a more layered approach. The status of the trees is a policy issue “that calls for our time and attention,” he said.

Councilperson Brian Powers (At-Large) differed with Bullock. “Like so many things that come before this body,” he said, “I don’t think this is a legislative issue.” Powers said he trusted that the city’s tree evaluation process was adequate, and a second opinion was unnecessary. “I have absolutely no doubt those trees need to be replaced,” he said.

Pat Lewis, manager of the streets and forestry division and a Clifton Blvd. resident, said the tree canopy on his street is 20 years past its prime. He witnessed the damage caused during the infamous 1969 Fourth of July windstorm and knows what havoc fallen trees can cause. He added that recently tree branches have fallen onto Clifton Blvd. and damaged vehicles.

Beno said he would discuss the situation with Alan Siewert, an urban forester with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, who is expected to visit the city soon. Butler recommended to Bullock that he take his concerns to the public works committee for additional attention.

City finances improved, but ‘not out of the woods’; council might boost own salary

The city’s projected financial condition for 2011 is markedly better than 2010, when $1.2 million had to be massaged from the initial budget estimate.

The finance wizards at city hall have forecast that municipal revenues will exceed expenses in 2011. Of course, fuzzy variables like state aid and union contract obligations haven’t been finalized and could change the picture. Although things are rosier than they were last year, Director of Finance Jennifer Pae cautioned, “We’re definitely not out of the woods yet.”

Councilperson Michael Summers (Ward 3) suggested that the city could slow down their planned hiring activity, or reduce funding for the economic development fund if the projections take a negative turn.

Only two new full-time positions are in the budget. In addition to a request to double the size of their part-time force to 10, the police department wants to add another dispatcher and another jailer.

Councilperson Butler signaled his interest in taking on the task of dealing with what he described as the “300-pound gorilla” – boosting the annual salaries of both the mayor and city council. “This is the right time to do it,” he said. Councilperson Antonio concurred, “I think it is way overdue.” Previous iterations of city council have shied away from the politically unpopular move because of the city’s tenuous financial condition.

Jacobs estate tax payout may be on the way; Summers plans to camp out in housing dept.

The city has been notified that it will receive $1.2 million more in estate taxes than it projected. State privacy laws mask the money’s exact source, but the Cuyahoga County Probate Court docket suggests some of it could be from the estate of former Winton Place resident Richard Jacobs. The city has no grand plans for the cash.

Members of the city’s division of building and housing be forewarned: mayor-in-waiting Michael Summers’ number one organizational goal is to get to better know your department, where he expects to spend a significant amount of time after he takes office in the new year.“I don’t think we know what we don’t know,” he said, referring to council’s level of knowledge of the department’s inner workings.

Council will probe candidates’ backgrounds

A candidate seeking appointment to city council has a $13,000 federal tax lien due to unpaid business taxes. Should the candidate be required to disclose it? Yes, said a majority of the five council members tasked to fill the two soon-to-be empty seats.

After some debate on the matter, it was decided that council will review all of the applicants in executive session on Monday, November 29^th and then send questionnaires to worthy candidates. 33 people have applied as of November 22^nd.

Councilperson Kevin Butler said the questionnaires will probe the civic activities, educational histories, and professional work experiences of the candidates. The questionnaire will also ask respondents to disclose “unsavory” or potentially embarrassing information about their backgrounds, including criminal histories.

Councilperson Mary Louis Madigan argued against Butler’s approach because it’s more intrusive than the process used by council to nominate appointees to the city’s multitude of boards and committees.

Butler said the information council is seeking is similar to the kind of data used by Ohio’s governor to appoint judges. “It’s a big, big decision,” Butler said.

Council is scheduled to have another budget hearing on Monday, November 29^th to discuss capital improvements and water and sewer issues.

While some area municipalities continue to struggle with their finances, the city of Lakewood projects it will end 2010 with a $3.1 million general fund cash balance, its largest sum in seven years. At the end of 2007, the cushion was around $340,000. It has grown in size largely due to cuts in city services and personnel.

On Monday, November 22^nd the council will hold the first of a series of meetings to discuss the details of next year’s proposed $36 million general fund budget. Early indications are that it will be structurally balanced – in other words, income will exceed expenses, and there won’t be a need to dip into the cash reserves or cut services and employees. (.see PDF).

Topics of the budget discussion could include:

-         The Division of Police is seeking to double the number of part-time officers from 5 to 10. Funding for the program would increase from $117,000 to $257,000. Part-time officers do a lot of gopher work and allow full-time officers to spend more time on patrol.

-         All municipal employees are eligible to receive a 1% cost of living salary increase in 2011. The cost to the general fund could be as much as $215,000. Non-union workers will get the boost at the discretion of the mayor based on their performance reviews. Only three of the seven unions representing city workers have agreed to new contracts. The deals mandate a 1% wage increase in 2011 and a 2% jump in 2012. (see contracts .PDF Paramedics, AFSCME 1, AFSCME 2)

-         The Department of Planning and Development is asking for $175,000 for duplex conversion and property reinvestment. $148,800 was set aside last year and would total $323,800.

-         Water and sewer rates are shooting up again and will continue to increase for the next few years. The city paid $53,600 to Raftelis Financial Consultants to study the situation and make recommendations. (see .PDF).

-         The tax money due from the estate of former Cleveland Indians owner and Winton Place resident Dick Jacobs, who died in 2009, will probably enter the city coffers sometime in 2011. The exact amount is not known, and the city doesn’t have any special plans for it.

-         Total revenues in the Lakewood Hospital Fund (the city owns the hospital and leases it to the Cleveland Clinic) will decrease $20,000 in 2011. No reason was provided for the change, but as an amusing side note, there were 13% fewer births at Lakewood Hospital through October versus last year.

-         The city wants to extend its fiber optic network to Lakewood Park for future use with security cameras. Also, the city will pursue outside funding sources to assist in financing the park’s long-planned fishing pier.

Summers appointed to mayor’s office, absence leaves giant hole on council

Meeting in executive session for about 15 minutes during a timeout in their regular session last Monday, City Council unanimously voted to appoint Councilperson Michael Summers (Ward 3) to complete the remaining year left in the unexpired term of the outgoing mayor. Councilperson Nickie Antonio was absent and Summers abstained from the vote.

The council tried to add a patina of fairness to the process by accepting applications for the position from interested residents, but didn’t formally interview anyone. The move to appoint Summers was in the works for more than a year, according to a blurb in the PD.

It is difficult to predict how a councilperson will perform as mayor. Edward O. FitzGerald, for instance, was a councilperson at-large for almost 10 years and appeared to be someone who could have had a considerable positive impact on the fortunes of the city. To the detriment of the city, however, he turned out to be a very flawed character that repeatedly put his political ambitions ahead of his responsibilities as mayor.

Voters won’t know what kind of leader they have in Summers until they see how he uses his power. Will he appoint under-qualified cronies as department directors? Will he make city government more transparent and accessible to residents? Will he be relentless and innovative in his approach to solving crime and housing problems? Can he avoid political pandering and speak directly and honesty?

Whatever the case, Summers’ absence from council will leave a gaping hole, especially if one factors in the departure of veteran At-Large Councilperson Nickie Antonio. The remaining council members are a wholly unimpressive collection of do-littles whose biggest talent is going along to get along.

Ward 3 residents interested in applying for council appointment to the remaining year on Summers’ unexpired council term must submit a letter of interest and resume by Monday, November 29^th.

One final note: Summers’ coronation as mayor was not without a hitch. Unbeknown to many in attendance, there was Ward 3 resident present who at some point made a threatening remark to Summers.

The police media log noted the following:

“Summers is [a] Lakewood councilman. He said [a male] is unhappy with the complaint process and has called Summers several times angry and his anger is escalating. [The male] came to the city council meeting and told Summers he should have kept his mouth shut, and that he would pay.”

A later entry indicated that the male was arrested for aggravated menacing.

The Board of Building Standards and Appeals last week deferred a vote on whether or not to uphold the city’s public nuisance structure designation of two properties located at the southwest corner of Clifton Blvd. and Cook Ave.

After hearing conflicting testimony from both sides in the matter, the Board decided it wanted more time to digest the case file information, which dates back more than 10 years. (see .PDF – large file)

The city’s attempt to use the public nuisance structure law is the result of a frustrating nearly three-year long game of cat-and-mouse between the Division of Housing and Building and the owner of the buildings. If the properties are determined to be a public nuisance, the city will have the authority to abate the problem through either repair or demolition.

William T. Novak, who has owned the two four-unit apartment buildings at 14903 – 14909 Clifton Blvd. for about 20 years, contends that the condition of his properties does not fit the legal definition of a public nuisance structure.

Novak has been found guilty of housing compliance violations several times in Lakewood Municipal Court over the last decade. At a September compliance hearing, Judge Patrick Carroll grew weary while listening to a building inspector describe Novak’s passive attempts to avoid communication with the city. He blasted the property owner, and warned of jail time: “You don’t grasp the seriousness of this.”

Carroll told Novak that one of their prior encounters was a topic of discussion during a lunch he had with Cleveland Municipal Housing Court Judge Raymond Pianka. “You’re famous,” he said. “Famous for being a slumlord, but you’re famous.”

In the beginning…

The genesis of the city’s current conflict with Novak is a May 2008 housing inspection that showed exterior code violations. Novak was given additional time to fix the problems because of a family-related hardship. He made some progress, but then skipped a November 2008 housing court appearance, which earned him an arrest warrant.

Many violations remained, and an exterior inspection of the property in late 2009 showed that the buildings were vacant and unsecured. Lakewood Fire Marshal Scott Gilman joined with other city personnel and executed a search warrant signed by Judge Carroll. The buildings were secured, and multiple interior housing code violations were identified.

Novak reestablished contact with city after the raid, but maintained a pattern of avoidance and inaction throughout 2010. Case notations include:

– 3/23/10: Met with contractor on-site to advise. Contractor states owner did not describe scope of work consistent with what the city is requiring. City has asked for an engineering report to set the parameters for the scope of necessary masonry repairs.

– 4/16/10:  $500 court fine, case continued to 5/28. Spoke with realtor who indicated the property was shown 10 times but is not in MLS.

Assistant Building Commissioner for Commercial Buildings Robert Apanasewicz summarized the situation for the Board. He said the property has been vacant for at least two years and is in a “constant state of disrepair.” He expressed doubt that Novak would be in compliance by his next court appearance on December 3^rd.

Apanasewicz read to the Board an e-mail written by tenant in 2000 that complained about the unsafe state of the building. (see .PDF) Apanasewicz told the Board it was time to stop the owner’s cycle of indifference and neglect. “Today’s the start,” he said, hopeful they would uphold the nuisance designation.

Lead building inspector Timothy McDonough added, “Progress has been very slow and it appears progress only increases when pressure increases from the court.”

Novak’s lawyer maintains that the nuisance has been abated

Sam Zingale, Novak’s young lawyer, portrayed his client as a well-meaning property owner whose fortunes have been dragged down by the economy. He said Novak lived on the premises when he first purchased them, but then moved out of state for an employment opportunity. More recently, he lost his engineering job, and is unable to secure a home loan. Novak is current on his property taxes and has completely paid-off the mortgage. The properties are currently for sale and Novak is prepared to lower the asking price even though he would “take a pretty big hit.”

Zingale disputed the ascertation that the buildings are vacant and pose a threat to public safety. He said Novak and a couple of his friends have been living in one of the buildings for the last nine months and are making repairs. All of the units have heat and about half of them are in good enough condition to rent. “This nuisance has been abated,” Zingale said.

Public comment on the situation

Notably absent from the public comment portion of the meeting was Ward 2 Councilperson Thomas Bullock. Aside from the fact that he lives a little more than a hop, skip and jump away from these properties, he should have been there because the voters chose him to represent their interests on occasions just like this one.

The owner of the building on the southeast corner of Clifton Blvd. and Cook Ave. said he had been “under the thumb” of the city’s building department in the past, and had to make repairs. Ronald Feldner wondered what “stress” his property value would experience as a result of the condition of Novak’s properties.

Masonry expert Dan “Tuckpoint” Turner, who said he wasn’t affiliated with Novak, felt the city was overreacting. “Respectfully, I disagree,” he said of the city’s approach. “This man has done an awful lot of work.” Turner said he didn’t understand the city’s urgency on the issue.

Turner’s remarks raised the hackles of Captains Cove resident Mary Anne Crampton. Speaking as a private citizen and not in her capacity as executive director of LakewoodAlive, she told the Board that Novak has been working the system for years and implored them to uphold the nuisance structure designation. Standing at the podium, Crampton questioned Turner’s residency. As a non-Lakewood resident, she said, he had “an enormous amount of audacity” to criticize the city’s actions.

Novak’s sister, who had been listening in the audience with growing displeasure, defended her brother. “He has paid into this building for 20 years,” she said. “What right do you have to take it from him?” She claimed that he has six people working around the clock to make building repairs that take “hours and hours.” Novak said her brother spent six months caring for their dying mother, and had also lost his job. She turned towards Crampton and said, “So, you wanna write a check? It’s hard work.”

Speaking on his own behalf, William T. Novak said, “I want to be in compliance. I want to fix the buildings.”

To be continued….on December 9th

Public nuisance structure appeals are frequently open and shut cases. The city makes a claim and then provides clear evidence to the board showing the existence of the conditions or defects outlined in the nuisance notice.

In this instance, the city’s nuisance notice asserted the following claims:

“Due to repeated inspections of the property and/or court appearances, whereby the owner failed, neglected, or refused to comply with previous Correction Notice(s) and shutoff orders of utilities due to non-payment, this structure has been deemed unsafe to occupy, is vacant; constitutes a fire and safety hazard by reason of inadequate maintenance and dilapidation”

The evidence Novak’s lawyer presented contradicted a few of the city’s claims and planted seeds of doubt in the minds of some Board members. They felt the city’s narrative wasn’t supported by clear and overwhelming evidence, and deferred a vote on the situation until their next meeting on December 9^th in order to examine the data more closely.

Two houses to be demolished on W. 117^th

Residential structures on W. 117^th in Lakewood are gradually being wiped off of the map. The city demolished one blighted apartment building earlier this year, and has plans to topple another one.

Now, Berea-based Self Service Mini Storage is getting in on the act. The company received permission from the Board to level the two houses they own at 1520 and 1528 W. 117^th. The company also owns the vacant parcel between the houses, as well as the Lube Stop property at 1474 W. 117^th St. There are no immediate plans to develop the empty parceles.

Dru Siley, assistant planning director, called the homes “obsolete” and said their demolition “makes sense” for future commercial development. “It’s no longer a residential corridor,” he said.

‘Eyesore’ no more: Put-In-Bay Lakewood to get a new name and a new look

The owner of the building that houses Put-In-Bay Lakewood told the Board that he’s not proud of his property’s appearance. “As you know, it’s a giant eyesore,” he said.

He submitted plans to remove the hideous blue awning, restore the brick facade, and increase the length of the front windows along 18206 Detroit Ave. The business will also be renamed the Avenue Tap House.

The board approved his design. Siley said the plans would change “an ugly building to a pretty attractive storefront.”

Renovation of car wash building facade halted

Bee Clean Car Wash, located a little to the west of Put-in-Bay Lakewood at the corner of Riverside Dr. and Detroit Ave., was caught making changes to their building façade with getting the proper permit.

The car wash has been in existence at the same location since 1957. Kurt Kocias took the business over this year and wanted to improve the brick facade of the building’s entrance, which was damaged by years of exposure to cleaning chemicals.

He used stone and stained wood and trim materials to cover-up much of the entrance façade when he received word from the city that he had to stop the project. He was required to get a permit and design approval from the Board before proceeding further.

The Board frowned upon his use of materials. In general, it doesn’t approve plans where inferior materials – wood, in this instance –are used to cover up superior materials, like brick.

The Board deferred approval until Kocias submits his design plans for the rest of the building facade.

No night time security gate at Rent-A-Center

The champions of the rent-to-own concept were told by the Board to get rid of their interior security gate. “It sends the wrong message,” said one board member. “It’s just not aesthetically pleasing,” said another board member.

To prevent the occurrence of smash-and-grabs, Director of the Division of Building and Housing Jeff Ashby recommended the use of Armorguard, a window film product that prevents glass from shattering.

Rent-A-Center representative Angel Agosto politely accepted the Board’s decision, but was a little miffed because the business directly next store, Gamestop, also has a nighttime security gate. A city representative told Agosto they were aware of the situation, and were working to correct it.

LakewoodAlive Executive Director Mary Anne Crampton addressed the Board briefly and said, “Thank you for your reaction on this.” She said a lot of effort has been put forth over the last five years to revitalize the city’s central business district, and it was good to those positive efforts reinforced.

Melt receives permission for large sign

Melt Bar and Grilled owner Matt Fish asked for board approval of a large blade-style sign that would be clearly visible to travelers on Detroit Ave. Fish said his business has become a destination restaurant, and he wants to make it easier for out-of-towners to find his food. He said the eight-foot tall Melt sign at his Cleveland Heights location has gotten a positive reception.

The Board was concerned about the proposed sign’s size. “It seems so big,” one Board member said of the 8-½ foot by 8-foot sign design. The primary issue was its close proximity to the public right-of-way on the sidewalk and street.

The Board approved the design with the understanding that it be scaled down 20-percent to 30-percent in size to avoid possible safety hazards in the public right-of-way.

Naturopathic physician newest tenant in former funeral home complex

The popular holistic pet store Furry Nation will soon have a naturopathic medicine practitioner as a neighbor at the former Busch-Saxton-Parker-Daniels Family Funeral Home at 15800 Detroit Ave.

The Board gave conditional approval for signage submitted by Great Lakes Natural Medicine. Their Web site indicates they will open in December.

It was reported in this space late last year that The Unlimited Group (UG), which owns the complex, was going to open a café in the building. Those plans have changed.

UG underwent a corporate reorganization and management decided it was unwise to open a restaurant in a town already saturated with dining establishments. Instead, UG wanted to open a tutoring center. UG is part of a company that specializes in educating “at-risk” public school students.

UG received a new parking space variance for the tutoring center in April and indicated it would be open in time for the fall school season. The goal was to open where Furry Nation is currently located, and move the pet store one space to the east.

Those plans haven’t yet been realized.

Maple Cliff Dr. homeowners finally get front steps

Most Lakewood homeowners have at least a vague notion that they need to get a building permit whenever they monkey with their house. All qualified contractors know exactly what occasions require a permit, and when they’re unsure, they don’t hesitate to phone the city and get a clarification.

Between the two – the vaguely aware homeowner and the qualified contractor – there should be enough knowledge to avoid prolonged and painful home renovation disappointments.

The system failed one Maple Cliff Dr couple. Their contractor ripped out their home’s front stoop and landscaping with the intent to rebuild them and add a small courtyard pad of brick pavers. Before any progress could be achieved though, the city shut the project down because no one pulled a building permit.

Between September and November, the Maple Cliff Dr. homeowners appeared before the Board on five separate occasions in an effort to secure approval for their renovation plan. Their contractor accompanied them on the first visit, but was absent from the others. Usually, only one or two trips are required.

Essentially, the Board didn’t like the material they were using and felt the design was not in harmony the neighborhood. The Board indicated to the homeowners what would be permissible, but their message was not clearly received.

The Maple Cliff Dr. residents did eventually receive board approval, but not before enduring a lot of stress and frustration. The moral to the story: If you’re going to tinker with your house, make sure you first have a building permit.

Some suburbs are encouraging entrepreneurship in order to create small business job opportunities, fill empty storefronts, and improve the condition of the local economy.

The city of Shaker Heights, for instance, recently created a small business incubator at the site of what was once a car dealership. They bought the 22,000 square foot building five years ago at sheriff’s auction for $485,000 and spent an additional $400,000 for asbestos removal and other repairs. Shaker Heights partnered with LaunchHouse, a company that specializes in funding start-up businesses, to manage the operation where at least a dozen companies are expected to be by the end of the year.

Shaker Heights’ effort is made possible by an economic development fund of nearly $8 million, which is largely financed through an estate tax.

Comparatively limited finances hinder the city of Lakewood’s ability to be as bold. Late this summer, however, it made an effort to strengthen the area’s entrepreneurial scene by issuing a request for proposal (see .PDF) to hire a part-time entrepreneur-in-residence (EIR).

What does an EIR do?

The EIR would work in collaboration with the city, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Pillars of Lakewood, and LakewoodAlive to mentor Lakewood entrepreneurs (especially students and second-career professionals) and assist them with the creation, maintenance, and expansion of small businesses. In addition to other responsibilities, the EIR would help residents bring new ideas to the marketplace and provide suggestions on business planning and location.

The ideal EIR candidate, according to the request for proposal, is a Lakewood resident with good mentoring abilities and demonstrated success with business ownership and idea commercialization. The position comes with a “modest” stipend.

Intriguing collaboration offers from Kent State and Virginia Marti

Response to the city’s call for applications was far from overwhelming. But among the nine replies were separate collaboration offers from Kent State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (CEBI) and Virginia Marti College of Art and Design.

Kent State has EIR programs in Aurora and Orrville, and wants to expand to Lakewood (see .PDF). Basically, the EIR would be able to use the Kent State faculty as a business and entrepreneurial resource.

In exchange, the EIR would spend the equivalent of one day per week at Kent State interacting with entrepreneurially-minded students “and working with Lakewood High School students and teachers to encourage their entrepreneurial aspirations.” Kent State students would also be available to work with the city’s aspiring entrepreneurs as interns to develop plans and strategies.

Virginia Marti’s collaboration concept is exciting, but less defined (see .PDF). It is geared toward Marti students and alumni who want to start their own businesses. The intent would be to form an “Artist+Entrepreneur District in East Lakewood” populated with work spaces, design studios, and retail venues. In addition to Virginia Marti and the city, the collaboration would include COSE Arts Network and LaunchHouse, the aforementioned group based in Shaker Heights.

Failure due to ‘lack of capital’ is code for not knowing the market

Maximum Value Partners, an Independence-based small business coaching firm, was blunt in their assessment of the city’s effort: “It is apparent from our review of the RFP that you and your team are not quite sure what to expect from EIR, but it appears that your hearts and intentions are in the right place.” (see .PDF)

Serial entrepreneur Jack Mencini and former Wall Street dealmaker Adam Sonnhalter, who run the company, felt the RFP focused on assistance to students and second-career professionals, but overstretched to include any and all businesses that want to be in Lakewood.

The duo said their mentoring would be “simple and focused,” with an emphasis on creating a profit plan and understanding the market. They believe when companies blame lack of capital for failure, it’s usually code for not knowing the product market.

Other applicants have varying degrees of entrepreneurial experience

Mike Belsito, of Lakewood, is a product innovation manager for Findaway World, and was hired as their first full-time employee. He is also the brain behind http://www.appstandstore.com/. Belsito’s cover letter outlines a few things he’d try including entrepreneur roundtables, creation space, and personal training. He’d work for free in exchange for office space. (see .PDF)

Jennifer Burger manages the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market and has had a hand in nurturing Lakewood’s independent farmers market. The Lakewood resident has 10 years experience in the business and non-profit sectors. (see .PDF)

Charity Ewanko founded Chartreuse, a 7-year-old graphic design company based in Lakewood, where she lives. (see .PDF)

Joseph Gross resides in Westlake and has worked for three years at the small business manufacturing advocacy group WIRE-NET. (see .PDF)

Cleveland resident Tim Morgan claims “vast experience in commercializing products and working with third party factories on a consulting basis.” His goal is to keep his company going during the economic downtown and work on some long-term projects. (see .PDF)

North Royalton resident Wayne Zeman is a former vice-president of venture development for the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET). His resume wasn’t provided for review, but a copy of his bio was found on the MAGNET Web site. (see .PDF)

The city is expected to make an announcement soon regarding their plans for this role.

More than three-dozen citizens have submitted resumes and letters of interest seeking to fill anticipated vacancies in Lakewood city government.

With less than two months until Mayor Edward O. FitzGerald and At-Large Councilperson Nickie Antonio resign, the Lakewood City Council must now winnow through 12 applications for the mayor’s office and 26 submissions for the council slot.

Here is a look at the field for Mayor:

David Anderson: The Narragansett resident’s highest priority would be to lead the city in defining its core values and “non-negotiables.” The 14-year resident has a background in education and youth development. See application (.PDF)

Robert Bond: The Hall Ave. resident has a business background. The 23-year resident asked the question, “Heck, why can’t an ordinary citizen run for mayor of this great town?” See application (.PDF)

Michael Holyko: The Marlowe Ave. resident was born and raised in the city. He wants to “spearhead seeing a return to total greatness to a city I truly love.” His background is in behavioral health. See application (.PDF)

Kyle Krewson: The St. Charles Ave. resident has a background in urban planning and would put an emphasis on public safety. He has also applied for the council vacancy. See application (.PDF)

Brian O’Boyle: The current Parma resident would reduce his salary by $25,000 and balance the city’s budget. His background is in bank security. See application (.PDF)

Jim O’Bryan: The Riverside Dr. resident has experience running small businesses. See application (.PDF)

John Polk : The Overlook Rd. resident has been a corporate vice president in the health insurance industry, and is now a consultant. He would have no interest in running for re-election. See application (.PDF)

Robert Popp: The Chase Ave. resident has a background in commercial sales. The 50-year resident would serve no more than one full elected term beyond the appointment term. See application (.PDF)

Daniel Rigney: The Clarence Ave. resident has a background in administration and construction. He also applied for the council vacancy. See application (.PDF)

Jeffrey Sobieraj: The Mars Ave. resident has a background in sales and business process consulting. He has owned a home in Lakewood for three years, and hopes to “pick up the torch” of the outgoing mayor. See application (.PDF)

Michael Summers: The Wilbert Rd. resident wants to capitalize on existing trends like new urbanism and sustainable living to help the city become the community of choice for citizens who want to live in a “vibrant, diverse, cosmopolitan community.” Summers has a background in industry and is the current Ward 3 city council representative. If appointed, he would seek re-election. See application (.PDF)

Scott Swisher: The Brown Rd. resident has a background in engineering and has lived in the city for 13 years. See application (.PDF)

Here is a look at the field for City Council

Dan Alaimo: The French Ave. resident has lived in Lakewood for 27 years and would focus on park improvement and local entrepreneurship. He has a background in journalism. See application (.PDF)

Dan Bartos: The Lewis Dr. resident is a lawyer whose practice represents children and families. He is a proud Democrat who would devote time on the council to maintaining the city’s status as “the Best Place to Raise Kids.” See application (.PDF)

Bill Call: The Lake Ave. resident believes the future of the city is at risk and would manage city finances more strategically, restore city control over Lakewood Hospital, and fight union demands. Call has a background in finance and accounting. See application (.PDF)

Stephen Davis: The 25-year Edgewater Dr. resident has a background in commercial printing. He would take creative approaches to find pragmatic solutions to problems. See application (.PDF)

Savannah Dugan: The Edgewater Dr. resident would help find ways to make the city more sustainable and economically friendly and strengthen small business. Her background is in design and she’s a lifelong city resident. See application (.PDF)

Kenneth Farley Jr.: The Belle Ave. resident has lived in the city for 12 years. He also owns two Lakewood rental properties and is a corporate auditor. See application (.PDF)

Hannah Fritzman Belsito: The Cohassett Ave. resident is a newer homeowner in Ward 4 and has a background in relationship-building. See application (.PDF)

Donnald Heckelmoser Jr.: The Giel Ave. resident has lived in the city for four years. His background is in non-profit community development. See application (.PDF)

David Howard: The Hopkins Ave. resident has lived in Lakewood for 10 years. He is president of the Lakewood Stonewall Democrats and would work to solve the problem of absentee landlords and disruptive renters. His background is in public policy. See application (.PDF)

Tracy Jemison: The Riverside Dr. resident’s background is in investment management. He has lived in the city for about eight years and believes the role of city council is to be a good steward of tax revenues. See application (.PDF)

Shawn Juris: The Lincoln Ave. resident has background in the insurance business and is president of Pillars of Lakewood (formerly known as the Lakewood Jaycees). See application (.PDF)

Kyle Krewson: The St. Charles Ave. resident has a background in urban planning and would put an emphasis on public safety. See application (.PDF)

John Litten: The Wyandotte Ave. resident has been a Lakewood homeowner for about eight years. His background is in graphic arts and summer camp management. See application (.PDF)

Carole Lohr: The Carabel Ave. resident is a lawyer who represents victims of employment discrimination, harassment, and wrongful discharge. See application (.PDF)

Edward McCartney: The Clifton apartment dweller would focus on promoting Christianity and morality. He has a background in photographic processing. See application (.PDF)

Gaynel Mellino: The Edgewater resident is a lawyer with a background negotiating leases and contracts. Mellino has lived in Lakewood for over 25 years. See application (.PDF)

Edward Monroe: The Clifton Blvd. resident would focus on keeping the housing code strong and building a strong bond with the business community. He has a background in sales and government. See application (.PDF)

Ryan Nowlin: The Chase Ave. resident is a lawyer specializing in family law and believes his conflict resolution skills would be an asset to city council. He is a fourth-generation Lakewood resident. See application (.PDF)

Jennifer Overstreet: The Chesterland Ave. resident has lived in Lakewood for about 13 years. She has a background in project management and believes her knowledge of budgeting and sustainability would make her an asset on council. See application (.PDF)

Aaron Purdum: The Mars Ave. resident has a background in operations management. He wants to ensure that the city is safe and economically stable. See application (.PDF)

Daniel Rigney: The Clarence Ave. resident has a background in administration and construction. See application (.PDF)

Bryan Rosser: The Cannon Ave. resident is a lawyer who believes individuals have a civic duty to participate in government at all levels. The five-year resident of the city would seek re-election if appointed. See application (.PDF)

Matthew Sattler: The Belle Ave. resident has a background in economic development and is a six-year resident of the city. See application (.PDF)

Daniel Shields: The Westwood Ave resident is a lawyer with a background in all phases of civil and criminal casework. The 15-year resident would focus on housing and business development. See application (.PDF)

David Stadler: The Clifton Blvd. resident is a trial lawyer. The 14-year resident would focus on the maintenance and improvement of Lakewood’s housing stock. See application (.PDF)

Kyle Weigand: The Richland Ave. resident was born and raised in Lakewood. He would focus on economic, social, housing and safety issues. He has a legal background. See application (.PDF)