Lakewood Mayor Discusses 2019 Goals In Letter

LAKEWOOD, OH - Mayor Michael Summers discussed his objectives for the rest of the year in a letter sent to Lakewood City Council last month.

Summers is in his final year as mayor of Lakewood. Several candidates have announced their intentions to replace the two-term mayor. With less than six full months left in 2019, Summers is looking to ensure he leaves his successor a strong city.

"We have a great deal of work ahead amidst a busy fall," he said to Lakewood City Council.

The first point that Summers wants to address is the need for City Council to take action on the recommendations concerning One Lakewood Place and the Marathon Gas Station. The development, along Detroit, will replace Lakewood Hospital.

The mayor said he wants council to take action on that issue before the July recess.

The second point mentioned in the letter is the impending negotiations with the city's seven unions or bargaining units. Those conversations will be part of the November budget hearings.

Summers said there should also be a "significant update" from the city's Resiliency Task Force, specifically on its impact for the budget and capital projects.

Government officials are also expecting to discuss the Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan (IWWIP) and how implementation will proceed after the plan was submitted to state and federal agencies. Summers said council should plan to spend time discussing this matter.

He said council should also expect to hear from the Lakewood Live Well Group. There will also be discussions on transportation and how strategies are currently being implemented.

The Cove Church property will be a major point of discussion, with officials needing to discuss how the site will be used in the future.

Summers also wants to finalize how the city will use a $206,000 grant from NOPEC. The mayor wants to deliver a lead strategy by the end of July, as well.

"All the above are in addition to the routine issues we must address to run our government, the items in Council’s committees, as well as likely unexpected issues that will come before us," Summers wrote at the conclusion of his letter.