Gates Mills Tackles Flooding, Downtown Revival and Unpaid Citations

Flood Response Takes Center Stage

The village is actively addressing flooding from a severe December 5th storm that overwhelmed local drainage systems. The storm brought 2.5 inches of rain at speeds greater than historical norms, causing significant yard flooding at about a dozen homes in Gates Mills Estates. While the village’s infrastructure successfully kept water out of homes and garages, residents sent video documentation of the flooding.

Mayor Siemborski, along with Service Director Dave Biggert and Village Engineer Chris Courtney, conducted site visits this week to assess individual locations. The village plans to contact all affected residents to explain available options and potential improvements to drainage systems.

Downtown Development Committee Emerges

Councilmember John Turner announced plans for a comprehensive downtown revitalization initiative, focusing on municipal buildings and the commercial district from the community house to the bridge. The effort would address aging infrastructure for police, fire, and service departments while creating contingency plans for potential changes to key properties like the Hunt Club, post office, and library.

Turner emphasized the need for actionable improvements to building safety, usability, and community interaction. The committee would develop both immediate renovation plans and long-term strategies for downtown development. Mayor Siemborski noted an existing 15-year-old downtown plan that could serve as a foundation for updated efforts.

New Water Fountain Installation Complete

The long-awaited water fountain is now operational at the racket courts, serving tennis, pickleball, and racquetball players. The $10,000 project was funded almost entirely through volunteer contributions ($9,000), with individual donors receiving personal thank-you letters. The village selected an LK system that provides water for both athletes and pets, choosing a reputable manufacturer to ensure long-term service availability.

The village service department handled site preparation, concrete work, and piping installation, with the fountain located behind the new bathrooms near the tennis courts.

School and Municipal Partnerships Advance

The School Resource Officer grant agreement with Mayfield Schools was finalized, with the district reimbursing the village for 180 days of police officer service annually. Additionally, the village is supporting Mayfield Elementary PTC’s “Foxtrot” 5K race on September 21st – the first organized race in Gates Mills in approximately 10 years. The event will feature both a 5K run and mile walk/jog options.

Senior Services Development Continues

The senior services task group held its second meeting, exploring partnerships with Community Partnership on Aging ($30,000 annual cost) alongside enhanced village organization efforts. The group identified two distinct service categories: socialization activities and welfare assistance for elderly residents living alone.

A comprehensive survey will be distributed to better understand resident needs, with the group planning to present recommendations to council in early fall for potential 2026 budget inclusion.

Infrastructure and Road Projects Progress

Road paving work is substantially complete, with all county roads repaired and striped ahead of schedule. The village intentionally accelerated the timeline to receive reimbursements before winter, addressing past delays. Mill Creek and Andrews Road repairs are expected to be finished by end of July, with guardrail installation following closely behind.

The sidewalk project continues with specifications being finalized for lighting, signage, and placement, though meetings with remaining property owners are still needed.

Code Enforcement and Tree Protection Issues

The village faces ongoing challenges with unpermitted tree cutting. Multiple violations were reported, including a significant incident on County Line Road where four trucks and six to eight workers spent an entire day removing trees without proper permits. Service Director Biggert noted that by the time violations are discovered, most damage is already done.

The village allows two healthy trees of any size to be removed per year without permits, plus unlimited removal of dead, diseased, or dangerous trees. However, many residents and contractors appear unaware of permit requirements. Staff discussed improving education through welcome packages for new residents and better communication with tree service companies.

Financial Performance and Budget Updates

Council approved Pay Ordinance 1299 totaling $464,579. Financial highlights include traffic camera revenue declining due to slower speeds (achieving the primary safety goal), while investment income is increasing as low-rate certificates of deposit mature and roll into 5% instruments.

The general fund shows a $929,682 surplus excluding transfers to other funds. Real estate tax collections are slightly below projections due to timing of county reassessment data, while municipal income taxes are performing above expectations.

Planning and Zoning Clarifications

Council addressed questions about dwelling restrictions and carriage houses. Current ordinances prohibit multiple homes on single parcels, with existing carriage houses grandfathered as nonconforming uses. Variances for new guest houses are rarely approved, as the village seeks to prevent rental properties and maintain single-family residential character.

Properties can be subdivided to create separate buildable lots, but new lots must meet frontage and acreage requirements.

Unpaid Citation Collection Initiative Moves Forward

Council advanced plans to hire Municipal Collections of America to pursue unpaid traffic camera citations, addressing a significant revenue gap where 33% of fines remain uncollected after standard notices. The collection agency would target citations that fail to be paid after first and second notices from Lyndhurst Court.

Under the proposed system, violators would face additional collection fees on top of original fines, with the village retaining all original citation revenue plus a percentage of collection fees. The agency claims a 20% success rate on files turned over to them, which would boost the village’s overall collection rate from 67% to approximately 70%.

Mayor Siemborski explained the collection process: after second notices go unanswered, Lyndhurst Court issues default judgments. Violators then have 30 days to appeal before cases are turned over to the collection agency. The agency specializes in traffic enforcement collections and has more sophisticated databases to track down individuals who have moved or provided incorrect addresses.

The contract represents the village’s effort to balance traffic safety goals with fiscal responsibility. While traffic camera revenue has declined due to slower speeds (achieving the primary safety objective), collecting outstanding fines ensures violators face consequences for their actions.

Council members raised questions about the collection agency’s practices and potential impacts on residents, requesting additional information about state law limitations on collection activities before final approval. The issue will return next month with more details about collection procedures and legal restrictions.

Committee Updates and Ongoing Projects

Tree Canopy Committee: Submitted county grant application on June 6th with strong organizational support letters. Results expected July 31st. Council approved additional invasive species removal on village properties for $4,800.

Broadband Committee: CVG continues community engagement and market research, with service delivery planned for early 2026. Construction timeline remains on track with engineering meetings scheduled.

Wastewater Integration: Hunt Club sewer connection discussions continue slowly, with meetings planned for late July to address contract details and infrastructure requirements.

Fourth of July Celebration Success

The annual parade drew record crowds and participants, featuring two bagpipe bands, the Mayfield school band, and a spectacular 1927 Ahrens Fox fire engine. The antique fire truck was delivered by a Cleveland family who brought it from a museum specifically for the parade.

The village seeks a barn with 9-foot, 2-inch clearance to store the Cliop (parade float) year-round, as its previous storage location is no longer available.

Historic District and Ordinance Updates

Council discussed historic district boundaries, with some members questioning the rationale behind current designations. Staff will research the original 1990s decision-making process to better explain boundary determinations to residents.

Several ordinance updates were approved to align with current state law, including traffic regulations, drug abuse controls, and general offense provisions.

Executive Session Results

Following executive session for real estate matters, council authorized accepting property from the Dan Kish estate and approved its sale through Berkshire Hathaway real estate services.