Dear Resident,

These are incredibly difficult and unsettling days for all of us. I know you are worried about the health and safety of your family and friends, concerned about jobs and the economy, and saddened to see our vibrant, thriving community grind to a halt. I share your deep sense of concern.

As Mayor, part of my job is to provide a steady stream of updated information and give you security and confidence that the essential services we provide will continue. Through this Mayor’s Report, our coronavirus webpage, social media and various E-News notifications, we are providing factual information from trusted, verified sources. Please be aware that we’ve heard numerous reports about misinformation and scams now circulating, so please be vigilant.

Continuity of Operations and City Services

• City Hall staff has been working nearly non-stop for weeks to ensure the continuity of City operations during this crisis. I’m proud to say that there is no disruption in essential services.
  
  
• Public Works employees have maintained all collection schedules and most other services which can be provided safely.
  
  
• Our First Responders in Police and Fire have shown incredible perseverance and dedication to serving residents. They’ve spent long hours away from their families honoring the oath they took to protect and serve our community and they will continue to do so. Residents should feel confident that police and fire services are ready and available to help no matter the situation.

 
I am deeply grateful to all of the City staff.

Social Distancing for the Protection of Public and Employees

We’ve taken several significant steps to insure aggressive social distancing while still providing services and protecting our employees.       

• As of Wednesday, March 18, all City buildings are closed to the public.
  
  
• By the end of the day today, most of our non-bargaining employees will be working from home. This will result in changes to some of the non-essential services we normally offer. Please refer to the City’s coronavirus webpage and individual departmental webpages for information.

 
If you have additional questions, please call the appropriate department to speak directly with a staff member. Our phones will be answered. Our staff is hard at work notwithstanding the challenging circumstances. While we have tried to account for every possible service and situation, there will undoubtedly be some that we’ve missed. We are happy to work through these with you, but we do ask for your patience.

Temporary Service Changes in the Building and Housing Department

Please note the following changes in the Building and Housing Department.

• For the safety of residents and employees, we have suspended conducting new interior Point of Sale (POS) inspections of occupied structures and will temporarily waive this requirement for transfers occurring during the crisis. The inspection of occupied structures will be limited to exterior areas.
  
  
• We have quickly devised and tested an option for Remote Video Inspections for most interior POS re-inspections and permit inspections of occupied structures.
    
• We continue to issue building permits and conduct permit inspections.
  
  
• The City is suspending and delaying our exterior systematic inspections in the Moreland and Boulevard neighborhoods until next year.

Please refer to the details about this on the City’s coronavirus webpage and on the Building and Housing Department webpage for more information. And call the Building and Housing Department at 216-491-1460, if you have additional questions.

Coordinated Community Outreach

Lastly, I am very proud of the work being done by an interdepartmental team at City Hall developing an array of community outreach services to support residents during this crisis. For example:

• A team is developing a process to connect with seniors by phone on a regular basis to help reduce their isolation and assist in any needs from medical to food.
  
  
• A team is compiling food resources and brainstorming ways to ensure that those facing food insecurity in our community get the meals they need.
  
  
• We are coordinating with the Schools and Library leadership, with condo associations, nonprofits, and religious institutions to harness ideas and resources and get them to those who are most vulnerable.

City Hall staff is working tirelessly to meet the vast and varied needs of the community through this crisis. Rest assured that we are working to help those who need support. In the next few days, we will be providing contact information if you are in need, or if you are interested in volunteering.
 
In the midst of this crisis, I have seen many bright spots related to the now legendary generosity of Shaker residents. The range of creative ideas being put forth to help fellow residents get through this is nothing short of astounding. Please continue to practice aggressive social distancing and find ways to safely connect with friends, neighbors and family.

We are in this with you; we are in this together!

Thank you.

David E. Weiss
Mayor