Mantua Matters
March 2007
NEWS FROM THE HALL
SPECIAL NOTICE! The software company responsible for the 2006 tax forms recently mailed to all residents, made an error on the forms. New forms will be mailed shortly. If you have already filed, you will be notified by the Clerk’s office.
Jim Rogers has been elected President of Council for 2007.
Committees for this year are:
FINANCE - Giles Seith, Ben Prescott, Betsy Woolf, Clerk-Treasurer
SERVICE - Wes Hawkins, Linda Schilling, Giles Seith, Ed Trego, Village Administrator - 1
SAFETY - Marty Hura, Giles Seith, Mayor Hopkins, Police Chief Buchert, Matt Roosa (representing the Fire Department) - meets the 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 am.
CEMETERY - Jon Hall, Lisa Zimecznik, Cookie Vanek - meets as needed.
PARKS BOARD (Control and manage Village Park and all Park facilities) - Marty Hura, Wes Hawkins, Don Buchert, Rod Summerlin, Carolyn Wysong
PLANNING & ZONING (Responsible for adopting rules which are necessary in keeping with the provisions of the Zoning Code) - Jim Rogers, Ben Prescott, Michelle Stuck, Bill Zoller, Zoning Insp.
SHADE TREE (Responsible for the care and maintenance of all trees in the Park, along streets and other public places) - Linda Schilling, Jim Rogers, Jean Thomas, Don Buchert, Cookie Vanek
Marty Hura was appointed to the Mantua Shalerville Fire Board.
Ben Prescott is the Village Delegate to the Portage County Regional Planning Commission.
Jim Rogers was appointed CRA (Community Reinvestment Area) Housing Officer.
Since meeting dates and times sometimes have to be changed, please check Village Cable channel 25, for updates on all meetings.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS
The Chamber is planning a busy schedule for the Spring. Upcoming meetings include:
Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 pm, at the new Administration Building, corner of Main and High Streets. A special presentation by local attorney, Holly Ohlrich. She will address issues such as wills, trusts, property ownership, gifting and powers of attorney relating to personal and business estate planning.
Wednesday, April 18, 11:30 am, at the new offices of TL Express (former Village School). An expert from the Jack Kohl Insurance Agency will be there with advice on how to protect your assets. From liability to personal property to business interruption, you will learn to navigate the maze of insurance options. Lunch will be served courtesy of TL Express.
Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 pm, at the Shalersville Town Hall, corner of SR 303 and 44. This meeting will be all about Economic Development. Dick Messner, the Brimfield Zoning Administrator will explain the implications of a Joint Economic Development District and Diana Fierle, Executive Assistant for Portage County Economic Development will discuss county-wide initiatives and resources.
Please plan to attend these important meetings, collect some valuable information and support your local Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber is very concerned about the health and well-being of businesses throughout the Mantua-Shalersville area, especially the downtown businesses. As a result, several Chamber members have formed a steering/exploration committee to concentrate on Downtown Mantua.
They have been researching what other communities do to keep a healthy business/residential mix. Their findings are summarized in a special newsletter, which you can read at www.MantuaShalersvilleChamber.org
CALLING ALL GARDNERS!
We are getting ready for the Spring planting season and would love to have you join us.
Our next meeting is March 12th, at 12 noon at the home of ?? .
We will be bringing you programs about flowers and gardening that are both interesting and educational.
Please plan to join us. For further information call
TAX TIME
It’s that time of year again! 2006 tax forms have been sent out. Included is the estimated tax form. If you don’t want to be hit with a large tax due amount, file the estimated tax form and pay quarterly.
According to Ordinance 1976-13, “any person of the age of 18 or over who resides, works, or operates a business in whole or in part, for any part of a tax year, within the Village of Mantua, shall, whether or not a tax is due and regardless of whether such person is subject to income tax withholding, make and file a return on or before April 15, 2007 at midnight”.
These tax dollars are used for the general Municipal operations, maintenance, new equipment, extension and enlargement of Municipal services and facilities and capital improvements of the Village of Mantua. This includes, Police operations, maintenance of Hillside cemetery and Buchert Park, Spring cleanup, curbside brush pickup and street lighting.
New businesses in the Village, need to register at the new Administration Building on High St. If you need forms or have any questions, please call 330-274-8776.
ZONING INFORMATION
It’s hard to think about Spring when you are snowed in, but they tell us that it will be here soon. So it is time to start planning those building projects. Keep in mind that projects must be in compliance with the Zoning Code of Mantua Village.
Projects such as, fences, decks, pools, garages, storage sheds and home additions are some of the most common home-owner projects which require a zoning permit.
You need to plan ahead in order to allow enough time for the Zoning Review process and the additional time required to obtain a Portage County Building Department permit if it is needed.
Other projects such as roof replacement, window and door replacement do not require a zoning permit as long as the structure is not being changed. But these projects may require a Building Permit from Portage County. You need to check with them prior to starting your project.
All contractors doing work in the Village of Mantua must register with the Clerk-Treasurer’s office prior to performing any work. You, as a resident, should make sure they have done so before allowing them to start on your project.
Zoning applications are available at the Clerk’s office during office hours.
The job of Zoning Inspector is a part-time position in the Village. If you have any questions, please leave a voice message at 330-274-3199. I will return your call as soon as possible.
I thank you in advance for your cooperation and compliance with the Mantua Village Zoning Code.
……….Bill Zoller, Zoning Inspector
POTATO FESTIVAL
The Mantua Potato Festival will be held this year on September 7th, 8th and 9th.
Meetings will begin in April, the 4th Monday, 7:00 at the Park Lodge.
Many people are needed to make this event successful, both in planning and the weekend of the Festival. Plan to attend a meeting to find out what is needed and what you can do to help. For information call Linda at 330-274-8282.
ROTARY CLUB NEWS
Mantua Rotary Club’s most recent endeavor was a successful Variety Show, the middle of February. Despite snow, cold and numerous other community activities the same night, performers were blessed to have a great audience ---and heat this year! It was our best show yet and we want to thank all of those who supported us that evening.
Rotary’s next project is the yard sale held in conjunction with Neighborhood Watch, the second weekend in May (see Yard Sale article elsewhere in this issue).
This is the year that the Christmas Tour will be held in Mantua. Mark your calendar for the first two weekends in November. Besides seeing four homes, there will be the Candlelight Tour on Thursday, November 1st, opening night, a craft show and lunch available at an area church.
Watch for more details. You won’t want to miss it!
COMMUNITY YARD SALE
Again this year, the Village Neighborhood Watch and the Mantua Rotary Club will join forces for a two-day Community Yard Sale.
This sale was very successful for all involved last year and we hope to do even better this year.
The sale will be held on Friday, May 11th and Saturday, May 12th. Friday will be home sales only and Saturday will be home sales, plus tables are available for rental at the Park Lodge, pavilion and grounds.
For those wishing to have home sales, the cost is $10 to be included on the map. At the park, the cost is $10 to use our table or $5 if you furnish your own. We will do all advertising and furnish signs for your yard. Maps will be available at the High School from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, on both mornings.
For information or to make a reservation, please call Diane at 330-274-8737.
TRASH AND TREASURE AUCTION
Sponsored by the Portage Faith United Methodist Church, the auction will be held on March 31st, with the doors open at 9:00 am. A light supper will be available at 5:30 pm and the auction will begin at 7:30.
Auction items will include furniture, antiques, service (i.e. pie baking, decorated cakes, etc.) gift certificates from local merchants.
Come early to see what items will be available.
COUNTRY BREAKFAST
The annual Country Breakfast sponsored by the Mantua Masonic Lodge will be held on Saturday March 3rd and 10th at the Masonic Temple on John Edward Drive. Breakfast will be served from 7 am to 11 am. The menu includes: biscuits and gravy, pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, tea and orange juice.
Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for kids 6 to 12, under 6 eat for free.
CHINESE AUCTION
A Chinese auction will be held on Sunday, March 11th, starting at 12:30 pm, hosted by the Home & School Association of St. Joseph School. It will be held at the Parish Hall inside the school.
Admission is $5 per person and includes 26 bidding tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased to bid on a large variety of items. There will also be special raffles and lunch foods. Drawings will begin at 2:00 pm.
For more information , call Mary Geraci at 330-274-0089.
MANTUA POLICE DEPARTMENT YEARLY REPORT - 2006
The Police Department handled a total of 197 cases during the last year. A few of these cases are still under investigation, but most have been cleared. This is an increase from last year of approximately 17%.
They have dealt with assaults, thefts, phone harassment, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, accidents, vandalism, drug-related problems, property damage.
There were 46 criminal arrests, 34 accidents, 790 warnings, 467 traffic and parking citations and the cruisers were driven a total of 42,609 miles.
The 34 accidents involved a total of 58 vehicles, 3 injuries and no deaths.
Total phone calls handled by the department dispatchers, including 911 calls was 8,295. There were 555 mutual aid calls for other departments, plus 38 meetings, training sessions and seminars attended by various officers.
Other statistics include:
Officer hours worked 10,266 Dispatch hours worked 9,417 Motorist & public assist 582 Open doors/windows 141 Suspicious persons/vehicles 240 Bar checks 503 House checks 1,228 Other Department activities include: security for parades and races, patrol of the school zones, foot patrols in the downtown area, checking lift stations, reservoir, water and sewer plants and Safety Town (for bicycle safety).
Presently, the Mantua Police Department consists of 4 full-time and 7 part-time Officers, 3 full-time and 5 part-time Dispatchers.
It is the policy of this Department to provide the best possible assistance to our citizens, to meet your needs with courteous and professional service - To Serve And Protect.
If you would like additional information regarding any of our programs or have any questions or concerns, please call the Police Department at 330-274-2251.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
SPRING CLEAN UP
We will be having a spring clean-up day for Village residents on Saturday May 12th. Your throw-aways will be picked up at the curb of your residence. Pick-up will start at 6:00 am and they will only make one pass through your neighborhood and usually are out of the Village by 9:00 am.
Place your items out earlier in the week to give recyclers and salvage folks a chance to take what can be reused, which in turn saves tax money.
No batteries, tires, chemicals or hazardous materials will be accepted. No paint or yard waste is acceptable either.
Any refrigeration appliance must have Freon removed and a vendors certificate attached.
HYDRANT FLUSHING will take place in the Village on April 10th, 11th, & 12th, weather permitting. Users will experience discolored water during this period and are advised to run the cold water only until clear. Perhaps it would be a good idea to put off doing laundry for those couple of days until the system is back to normal.
CEMETERY CLEAN-UP
Christmas and other winter decorations should be removed from the cemetery by April 1, 2007. All remaining Christmas decorations will be discarded as we begin to clean up the cemetery for Spring and Memorial Day.
THANK YOU
The Village Service Department received many compliments on our snow and ice control this winter. We take great pride in trying to do our best and hope that is reflected in our service to you. We are very grateful for the courtesy and understanding that have been extended to us by the Village residents.
BRUSH PICK-UP
The brush collection program for 2007 will commence in May and continue monthly until and including October. Pick-up will be on the second Monday of the month except Village holidays. If a holiday, the brush pick-up will be on the next day, Tuesday. Please help us continue this successful program by following the regulations below.
Residents may place brush at the curbside for collection taking care not to block sidewalk areas. Only brush and branches shall be placed with the cut ends at the curb with length not to exceed ten (10) feet and diameter not to exceed three (3) inches. Large diameter branches and trunks will not be taken. Chipping crews will spend a maximum of 20 minutes chipping at each residence.
Piles of brush should be on the tree lawn or close to the curb with cut side facing the street. This allows the crew to work more efficiently and safely. Avoid stacking brush too high as it may pose a traffic hazard. If brush is too long, it may be placed lengthwise on the tree lawn with cut ends facing same direction. Bagged yard waste (i.e. grass clippings, flowers, briars, thorny bushes, etc.) will not be picked up.
Chipping is intended for brush collection that has been trimmed by homeowners during routine maintenance. The homeowner will be responsible for the disposal of brush/limbs from removal of tree(s), lot clearing, clearing along fence line or property boundaries and it is not to be placed at the curb. If a contractor has been hired to perform the work, the contractor is responsible for brush/limb removal and it is not to be placed at the curb.
If anyone has any questions regarding the brush pick-up or would like to obtain free wood chips, please call the Village of Mantua Service Department at 330-274-8188.
SIDEWALK REPAIR/REPLACEMENT
During the months of April, May and June, the Village will be notifying those resident and business property owners that have sidewalks in need of repair or replacement.
Every year, sidewalks needing repair or replacement are selected and processed according to the Village Codified Ordinance sections from 913.03 to 913.05 inclusive.
For further information or questions, please contact Ed Trego, Village Administrator at 330-274-8188.
ATM SAFETY: MINIMIZE YOUR RISK
Mantua Police Chief Harry Buchert recommends the following to protect yourself:
Avoid isolated ATM’s. Use ATM’s in busy areas, if possible.
Be Ready. Have your transactions, deposit envelope and card ready before you reach the ATM. Take extra envelopes before you leave the ATM for future transactions.
Look around. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not use an ATM if lights are not working, or if you notice anything or anyone suspicious; if you’ve begun your transaction, use the cancel feature. After dark, consider bringing a friend along.
Report suspicious activity immediately. Contact the local police or a security officer if you witness any suspicious activity at the ATM. If you suspect you’re being followed from an ATM, hurry to a busy area and immediately contact the police.
Guard yourself at the drive-up ATM. Don’t allow yourself to be blocked in. Make sure the car in front of you has pulled away completely before approaching the ATM. Keep doors locked and the windows closed except to perform your transaction.
Secure your car. If you must leave your car to use an ATM, never leave your car running, the door open or the keys inside.
Don’t display cash. Pocket your cash, card and receipt immediately after an ATM transaction. Count your cash only when you are in a secure area.Now, how to protect your card:
Protect your PIN. Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Never keep your PIN where it can easily be discovered, such as written on your card, in your wallet or in your purse. Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting, so no one can see the buttons you push.
Never give your PIN to anyone. Don’t let others use your card. Never give out your PIN or card information to anyone on the phone.
Keep your card in a safe place. Protect your card the same way you would protect cash or a credit card.
Take your receipt. Your receipt contains confidential information. If you don’t need the receipt, destroy it at home.
Cancel if necessary. If you suspect the ATM is not processing your transaction properly, use the cancel feature on the ATM and find another machine.
Report a lost or stolen card immediately. The sooner you notify the bank that your card is in danger of being misused, the sooner it can take precautions to ensure that it is not.By observing these safety tips, you can minimize your risk.
………….Chief Harry Buchert
NEW POLICE PATROL CARS
Since the last newsletter, the police department has acquired two new 2007 Chevrolet Impalas equipped with a police package. This package provides heavier brakes, transmission, steering and wheels. Both cars are pre-wired for this additional equipment. These cars replace a 2000 and a 2001 Chevy Impala, both of which were sold.
The new cars have the latest in police equipment including digital in-car video systems and 100 watt scanning police radios. These radios link us to the Village, Mantua Township, Shalersville Township, Service department, and allow us to communicate with our Fire & Rescue Services.
The emergency light bar, moving and stationary radar and the security screen for officer protection had been in service for 20 years and were also replaced.
Under normal police use, we can get approximately 5 years from a car and perhaps more now that we are able to park them inside.
The cars were purchased from the State of Ohio bidding contracts and were paid for by a loan from Middlefield Bank to the Police Capital Fund.
………….Chief Harry Buchert
LIONS CLUB NEWS
The Crestwood Lions Club would like to congratulate the winners of the Christmas Tree Sales Raffle. 1st prize of a $25 Giant Eagle gift certificate went to Ron & Tina Perry of Mantua. 2nd prize of a $20 T & B Tools gift certificate went to Adrian Cowan of Mantua. 3rd prize of a ham donated by Cracker Barrel of Rootstown went to Tom Bowersox of Mantua. And 4th prize of a ham donated by Portage Frosted Foods went to Gabriela DeHoff, also of Mantua.
The Lions Club is interested in starting a Leo Club for youngsters in the Crestwood School District. The Leo Club Program objective is: “To provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively as responsible members of the local, national, and international community”.
The Leo Club motto is:
- Leadership - Leos develop skills as organizers, time managers, and motivators of their peers.
- Experience - Leos learn the importance of cooperation through the performance of community service.
- Opportunity - Membership in a Leo club provides young people with a chance to excel, to develop character traits and to receive recognition for their contributions to the community.
Please contact Lynne McDermott at 330-274-0837 or email her at tim31@sbcglobal.net, if you are interested or want to know more. Visit lionsclubs.org and follow the links to youth programs for complete information from Lions International.
Future events coming soon include the Portage County Soap Box Derby here in Mantua on June 16, 2007. The Lions proudly play a key part in this very special event. Contact Don Martin for more information at 330-274-8458.
For eyesight needs in the Crestwood School District call Doug McIntosh at 330-274-2384. All information is kept confidential and certain qualifications apply. Remember, old eyeglasses can be reused for someone in need. Drop boxes are provided in various local businesses throughout town.
Lions International is made up of Lions Clubs dedicated to serving their communities with volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about the Crestwood Lions Club, contact Lion Harold Ullman at 330-274-2516 or check us out on the web at crestwoodlionsoh.lionwap.org or email us at crestwoodlionsoh@yahoo.com.
Bi-monthly dinner meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7pm at the Portage Faith United Methodist Church.
………………John Evans, PR Chairman
NEW GROUP IN TOWN
A group of concerned citizens has recently formed the Crestwood Action Coalition Team (CACT). This group was formed to help those in need in the Crestwood School District. They are on a mission to improve the lives and well being of the elderly, physically impaired and under privileged citizens in the Crestwood community.
Their goal is helping to make their contribution count by improving the lives of our citizens and strengthening our Crestwood community.
The club is listed with the United Way 211 Portage, where residents of this area can call and request assistance.
Recently, a resident of the District received a wheelchair ramp and called the agency for help. Several members of CACT installed the ramp enabling the resident to move easier between his house and his vehicle.
Collecting school supplies is an on-going project. They are delivered to 4 C’s for distribution. Please contact Harry Hunter at 330-274-8956 to participate in this important outreach program in our community.
The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month at 7:00 pm, at the Crossroads Community Church, 9018 S. R. 44 in Shalersville. Their motto is: WE SERVE COMMUNITY FIRST
Their local address is CACT, 10536 Peck Road, Mantua. For further information about Crestwood’s newest service organization, contact Harry Hunter at 330-274-8956.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
Are you proud of downtown Mantua? Are you happy with the way it looks? Is there anything you would change?
Last March, the community had no doubt – downtown Mantua needs a facelift!
That was the overwhelming response at a meeting hosted by Mantua Village Planning Commission and the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce, where community members were asked to list strengths and weaknesses of the area.
Since that meeting, a small group of people have been researching how to help. After pouring over information from a variety of sources, the group decided to focus on a “streetscape” of the “commercial corridor” in the Village. You may have heard a bit about this. For details, go to www.MantuaShalersvilleChamber.com\Revitalization and review all the background information.
Right now, we’ll focus on questions you may have…
What is a streetscape?
A streetscape involves visual and physical improvements of public areas. Streetscaping can include traffic management, utility upgrades and burial of lines, sidewalk conditions, landscaping, street furniture (benches, garbage cans, streetlights), and parking improvements.Streetscape improvements can provide a variety of economic, social and environmental benefits.
- Improved walking and cycling conditions.
- Increased traffic safety.
- More compact development vs. sprawl.
- Improved community livability, interaction and cohesion.
- Increased property values.
What is the commercial corridor?
The Village of Mantua’s commercial corridor runs the length of Main Street within Village limits and also includes portions of Prospect, High, and all of First Street.Why focus on just that area?
Most of downtown’s “public spaces” are within the commercial corridor. Focusing on that area benefits the most people while still being manageable. It will give downtown businesses an incentive to follow suit and improve their spaces. It will also help link Main Street to Buchert Park and the Cuyahoga River.Who decides what it should look like?
You will. Your input is crucial. There will be a series of public meetings where you can learn about what’s being done and vote on ideas. Information will also be posted to the website mentioned earlier, included in Mantua Matters, and covered in other publications. The more you get involved in the process, the more satisfied you’ll be with the outcome.Will it cost me anything?
The last thing anyone wants is another “tax.” Several local residents, business-people, and property owners have already offered contributions toward the effort. A concentrated fund-raising drive will get this thing off the ground. Grants will be used to pay for as much of the construction as possible. Finishing touches (trees, benches, bricks) will be purchased through sponsorships. Everyone will have an opportunity to donate time, money, and experience. If voluntary funding can’t be secured, there won’t be a streetscape.Will it affect my property?
Streetscapes focus on public property. Private property owners within the project area will have the opportunity to upgrade utilities and make repairs that go along with the overall project. Property outside the project area is rarely affected; although property values in general tend to increase when public appearance is improved. We will learn more when we get into future phases (that is, after we know if we can raise money to do a streetscape).Who will do the work?
Typically, a design consultant is hired to gather community input, propose the work to be done, secure grants, and oversee the project. When bids go out for supplies and services, local businesses are given priority, to encourage reinvestment in the community.Why do this now?
Is there a better time to make improvements? No one ever has “enough” money or “enough” time…and those are certainly concerns for a project of this scale! But, sitting back and hoping that things will get better on their own only ensures that Mantua will continue to show signs of neglect. Making improvements now will protect the historic character of downtown Mantua and lead to better opportunities in the future.
NEWS FROM SHALERSVILLE
AARP/IRS TAX AIDE PROGRAM
Again this year, income tax preparations for seniors will be done at the former Shalersville school building aka Shalersville Centre, 4519 S. R. 303.
Tax preparations began on February 14th and will continue on every other Wednesday until April 4, 2007. Hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Just like every other community, we have been plowing and plowing and plowing snow, trying to keep the roads in passable condition. We ask you to please be considerate of the snow removal crews and not park your cars on the roads. All in all, we feel that the winter has not been all that bad.
Spring will soon be here and then we’ll be mowing lawns and gardening. Thank goodness there is light at the end of the tunnel.
HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL ADDITION
The Village has received a $14,000 grant to connect the Park trail to the west side of the Headwaters Trail Bridge with an 8 foot wide stone trail and wood deck behind Mantaline and along the river.
Plans have been approved by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and materials for the approved plans will soon be purchased. ODNR will reimburse the Village 80% of materials, equipment and labor resulting in no out of pocket expenses from the Village.
Zoning and Flood Plain Permit, prepared by CT Consultants, has been approved by the Village Zoning Inspector. The Village will need to obtain a building permit from Portage County for the wood structure prior to its construction.
BYE FOR NOW – SEE YOU IN JUNE!!
Diane Hura, Editor