Kirtland Chronicle June 3, 2022

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Volume 8, No. 11

Friday, June 3, 2022

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CHRONICLE ONICLE ND KIR TLA

Residents Presented with Road Funding Options City Council Leaning Toward Asking Voters for .35% Income Tax Hike

By John Karlovec john@karlovecmedia.com

to approve a .35% hike to the city’s 2% income tax. In order to place the issue before voters, the city Kirtland City Council held com- charter would need to be amended, munity forums April 25, May 10 which would require a super-maand May 31 to discuss road funding ND IR TLA jority vote of council, or five of the and past and upcoming K projects. seven members, Law Director Matt Residents were able to attend DiLallo said. A formal vote is extwo more than 100-minute meetings and one nearly 60-minute pected in July.

Mayor Kevin Potter explained meeting in person as well as watch city officials have worked hard on it on the city’s YouTube channel. behalf of residents over the last few At the end, council members were leaning toward asking voters See Council • Page 10

Residents Grill Council on Crumbling Locust Drive

By Cassandra Shofar cassandra@karlovecmedia.com Several residents of Locust Drive in Kirtland came out May 16 to complain to Kirtland City Council about the disintegrated state of their street and demand some answers.

Among them was Locust Drive resident Devan Stewart, who said he and others on his street want to know what the status is on getting their street repaved.

“We’ve been, for lack of better terms, dragged through the gravel for a while on this road system,” he told council during the public comment portion of the meeting.

“I’ve had conversations with (city officials, including Mayor Kevin Potter). I don’t know if you guys have been on South Locust, Locust or North Locust for a while, but it’s a crumbled piece of mess. We’ve been told in September, ‘Give us two weeks, you’ll love the roads.’

Two weeks came up, ‘Give us two more weeks and we guarantee you’ll love the road.’”

Stewart said he and others were told Locust Drive, which was chipsealed last fall, was meant to be a 10-year fix, but it didn’t last 10 months.

“Now we’re sitting in a gravel road that we were told not too See Locust • Page 4

CHRONICLE SCREENSHOT FROM CITY OF KIRTLAND YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter discusses options to fund the city’s road plan with residents during a May 10 community forum. Those options are either a road levy supported by a property tax increase or an increase in the city’s income tax. Potter said the city needs to find a dedicated funding source for the roads so general fund monies can be used on other capital needs.

Auntie Tam’s Brings ‘Home’ To Kirtland Community

By Donna L. Robinson editor@karlovecmedia.com Did you ever have an aunt who meant the world to you — who, when you visited, not only opened her door with welcoming arms and heart, but provided a healthy meal?

That was the vision and mission of Tammara and her husband, Curtis Banks, owners of Auntie Tam Signature Salads, Soups and Slushies, when they opened their business at 9183 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland last September.

After working out of her home for a while, Tammara said the business was getting too large for the house.

“My husband came home and said that he found us a place for our restaurant,” she said during a recent interview. “Mike from Mike’s Market in Kirtland informed me that a place was available a few doors down from him.

At that time, I was one of his delivery drivers. I then retired from MetroHealth after working there for 22 years. Cooking was always a passion of mine. Little did I know, one day when my friend Amber came over and asked me to make her a salad for lunch … that this would open my eyes to making them for others. I used to bring salads to work, when we had a party. So, once I finished making See Auntie • Page 6

2022 Publication Schedule July 1 October 7 August 5 November 4 September 2 December 9 The Kirtland Chronicle publishes once a month.

Karlovec Media Group reserves the right to change, cancel or add publication dates at any time.

DONNA ROBINSON/KMG

Tammara Banks and her husband, Curtis Banks, opened Auntie Tam Signature Salads, Soups and Slushies in Kirtland last fall, both sharing a vision for bringing a healthy, homemade meal to the community.

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, June 3, 2022

Friday, June 3, 2022

Kirtland Chronicle

A Note from the Mayor On May 30, several hundred of our com- and a half years in an effort to spend your munity gathered at Kirtland City Hall to re- tax dollars more wisely. We reviewed Kirtflect for Memorial Day. The ceremony was land’s consolidation of emergency dispatch coordinated and led by the Barber Williams with Willoughby, the restructuring of our American Legion Post 609 and could not hap- service department, as well as a reduction of pen without the help of so many. full-time administrative staff. These efforts to Our special guest speaker, Retired U.S. save where possible and better allocate reArmy Sgt. Major Ken Wyban, reminded those sources to provide the best possible city serin attendance of the sacrifice by so many vices have certainly paid off. These changes Americans that died for our freedom. We also to our city government, and with the help of had a chance to recognize Eagle Scout candi$700,000 in federal ARPA funds, will have endate James Gotch for his excellent leadership abled the city to perform nearly $3.3 million as he designed, coordinated and, with the in road work, in just two seasons, when this help of other local Scouts and their families, built an American Flag retirement center at year’s paving season is complete.

Knowing we still have over $15 million in the memorial site. A special thanks to the immediate road funding needs, and by planGarden Club of Kirtland and Kirtland Kiwanning well into the future, with voter approval is for the work they do at our Veterof the plan, we can finally put the ans Memorial and around city hall in road funding question behind us. preparation for Memorial Day. We By implementing a long-term pavare so fortunate to have these civic ing and maintenance strategy now, groups in Kirtland. the city can better focus on future Leading up to Memorial Day, our service department adorned planning and responsible economthe downtown area with Hometown ic development for Kirtland.

Hero banners, American flags and The road funding mechanism another sensational crop of hanging likely to be presented to the votMayor flower baskets along state Route ers in November will be a charter Kevin Potter 306. For the second year in a row, amendment to the municipal inthe majority of the cost of these baskets was come tax. The income tax adjustment will covered by Divine Word and the Church of not affect senior retirement income and will Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Thank you. give income earners that live in Kirtland, as Earlier this week, Kirtland City Council well as those that drive from elsewhere and held a third special community road funduse our roads to work in Kirtland, a chance to ing forum. Over the course of these last few share in the cost. I’d like to thank our counmonths, the administration and council engaged in many hours of fruitful dialogue to cil and all our residents that participated in discern the best path forward for road fund- the discussion for their input leading to the ing in Kirtland. With helpful input from our decision to present this option to our voters.

Please see our city website and Facebook residents, it looks as though a ballot issue page for updates to upcoming events, includwill be presented to the voters of Kirtland ing concerts at the library with accompanythis November. ing City, Faith, and Beauty nights.

Throughout this discussion, we worked See you at the Strawberry Festival! to find the right long-term funding strategy to fix and maintain our roads. The discussion covered hard choices made over the last two Mayor Kevin Potter

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KES Partners with National Inventors Hall of Fame to Host Camp Invention Staff Report Kirtland Elementary School, in partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, is hosting “Camp Invention” this summer.

The camp is open to all Kirtland students in grades K-6.

It will be a traditional summer camp experience, with creation and invention, centered around science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and reading skills, according to a May 6 news release. Space is limited to 60 students.

The day camp will be operating from July 11-22 and the cost is $145. Parents will be responsible for transportation to/from KES.

The daily schedule is as follows: • 8:30-9 a.m.: Reading Activity • 9-9:30 a.m.: Mathematics Activity • 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon: Camp Invention Students will complete problem-solving games and activities — both indoors and outdoors — that encourage teamwork and creativity, the release stated. Students will participate in challenges through STEM modules, allowing students to practice critical thinking skills.

More information about camp invention can be found at: www.invent.org/programs/ camp-invention.

For more information, contact Kristen Schutte at kristen.schutte@kirtlandschools. org.

Kiwanis Corner

By Jim Porter Great stuff and great deals were had at the Kiwanis Rummage Sale at the Pumpkinville red barn. All proceeds are used for scholarships and community projects.

June 16, 17 and 18, the club is holding the annual Strawberry Festival. This year will feature the fun and food everyone enjoys.

In addition to all of the sponsors identified in our full page festival ad in the Chronicle this month, Kiwanis wants to thank the following “Friends of the Festival”. We certainly couldn’t do it without them: Ayers Well Drilling, Kirtland Barber Shop, Danny’s Custom Touch, Tim Misny, Friends of the Kirtland Library, Honey’z Cafe, The

Courtney Company, Steven DiFranco Jewelers, The Flower Barn, Stan Leman, Mike’s Auto Salvage, Campbell Plumbing, Jeffrey Ruple, Eric Ziegler, Ron Fenstermaker, Matt Schulz, Diemer Family, Hesson Family, Potter Family, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, BK Electric Co., CAT Ohio, Pumpkinville, Kirtland Chronicle.

In other Kirtland Kiwanis news, we are glad to report the necessary funds have been secured to place the order for equipment for the playground at the Kirtland Community Center. In addition to much of the funding, the club will provide the labor valued at $6,000 to install the playground this fall. This is another valuable project with many community groups assisting.

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Kirtland Chronicle

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Locust

from page 1 long ago, middle of March, that the road ‘is a disaster, we (the city) made a mistake and we’re gonna fix it, there is money in the budget and we’re gonna pave it,’” he said. “We’d like to know where that stands right now.”

Potter confirmed he spoke with Stewart last fall and said he had asked residents to give the city until after winter to reassess.

“We got through the winter, you and I had a conversation in March. I know that I never said it’s a disaster,” Potter said. “What I told everybody that I talked to from Locust is that the chip-seal is an application designed to extend the life of the road. From my perspective … I had hoped for a smoother surface and so

I didn’t disagree with that, but in terms of the application, how it’s holding up, what the design was … that was never paving, it was always designed to be maintenance.”

Stewart said regardless of the intention, the chip-seal hasn’t worked and the road’s current condition is tearing up driveways.

“My driveway is being tore up, not only my driveway, my concrete in my garage,” he said.

“This stuff crumbles, it gets into your tires.

It’s a disaster. It’s everywhere. I have stones on my sealed, ruined pavement that’s just ruining my driveway, my pavement. That’s every day. It just continues to crumble every day.”

City Engineer Doug Courtney said when the city assessed Locust, it wasn’t quite ready for a full rehabilitation and the money wasn’t in the budget to do one within the next couple of years.

“So the chip-seal application was applied

to push it out five to seven years depending how it weathers or wears,” he said. “It’s to extend the life of a pavement that isn’t ready for a full rehabilitation.”

Stewart mentioned Spring Drive, indicating it was just as bad as Locust and was paved and aproned.

“Springer was a full rehabilitation,” Courtney said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have the budget to do every street that’s in the same condition, in that fashion, in a single year.

Springer was the priority based on the pavement condition ratings from 2018. We’ve had the contractor out to look at Locust. He did come out and he did another sweep and had the backpack blowers to get the stones off the driveways and aprons.

“I haven’t been out on the street for a few weeks now, so I’ll go out and take another look,” he continued. “If we need to get the contractor back out there … to do some more sweeping, that’s what we’ll do. As far as the road program this year, what we’re planning to do is a micro-surface on (Locust) to smooth it out, to get those stones locked in better.

We’ll keep the Locust area in the street rehab and maintenance program.”

Residents questioned why their street is crumbling more than others that had the same chip-seal application.

Courtney explained the street, having been done in the fall, did not get enough con-

Friday, June 3, 2022

sistent heat to completely seal properly.

“The type of heat and traffic I’m talking of is extended periods of hot summer days through the summer. The chip-seal was finished in October. October and November you’re not going to get the kind of days you get in the middle of summer,” he said. “The micro-surface will make the surface smoother … more able to walk, strollers, roller skates, whatever. We’re going to keep the roadway in the year it’s in in the program (2026).”

Potter apologized for not having a more indepth conversation with residents last year before the job was done to talk about expectations.

“My apology to everyone in this room and anyone that’s not in this room … .That’s definitely on me. We were just trying to get … with the amount of money we had left last year, to get one more road to stay good for longer.

That’s really what it amounted to. And I get your frustration and concern. I promise you it’s not lip service. That’s why we’ve had the contractor out, that’s why we’ve had Saturday morning meetings, that’s why we’ve had these phone calls with you folks. And I’m glad you’re here tonight in force. This brings the issue you’re having to everybody’s attention. There are no promises, there are no guarantees except we’re hearing you. And let’s look and see how that micro-surface (bid) comes in and how all the road bids come in and hopefully we can get some relief to your concerns.”

In other road-related business, during his report, Potter urged council to make a decision on whether or not they wanted to put a levy on the ballot for a long-term road plan.

“Time is of the essence in terms of conversation of getting to make a decision as to what, if anything, this council is willing to put to the voters this fall for a long-term road funding strategy and funding plan,” he said. “Last spring, the city put out a community-wide survey. One of the items was about infrastructure funding.”

Potter said when community members were asked if they would support additional funding for infrastructure — such as broadband, roads and sewers — people “overwhelmingly” chose roads.

Council member Erik Ziegler proposed putting up another survey with more specific options based on recent community forums on roads.

Potter said he’s not opposed, but needs more feedback from council about specifics, emphasizing the timeliness element. He said he is also open to having another community forum on roads.

Council member Ron Fenstermaker suggested narrowing funding options down to a few and present them to the community if they have another forum.

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Auntie

from page 1 a yummy salad for Amber, she posted it on Facebook and the rest is history.”

Tammara and Curtis thought opening their restaurant in Kirtland was a good choice, as it was a nice location directly across from Kirtland Schools.

“Healthy food and salads are good for all ages,” she said. “If we start children off at a young age teaching them about healthy eating habits by providing them small junior portions, it benefits the kids to develop those healthy eating habits. The same goes for seniors and the small meal eaters. We also provide kids snack packs.”

She added, “Sometimes if I’m cooking something at Auntie Tam, I’ll give out samples of my cooking. You know that you can always get a taste of good food at your favorite auntie’s house. I have always enjoyed cooking and catering events, from planning and cooking food for birthday parties, weddings, at the homes of people and also going-away events over the years.”

Auntie Tam Signature Salads, Soups and Slushies provides a Mediterranean house mix, spinach or iceberg lettuce with unlimited fresh toppings, such as protein toppings like black Angus steak, Alaskan snow crab lump meat, salmon, chicken breast tenderloins, turkey off the bone, jumbo scampi, lobster tails and thick-cut bacon.

“We keep four to five soups in rotation, such as lobster bisque, clam chowder, seafood

gumbo, broccoli and cheese, and baked-potato soup. I do take suggestions for both salad and soup ideas,” Tammara said, adding the “Auntie Tam Signature Chicken Salad” is one of the favorites on the menu because it is seasoned and the chicken is always tender and juicy.

However, Tammara said the “Hungry Hornet Signature Steak Salad” — appropriately named in Kirtland — is a close second due to the fact the Angus steaks are seasoned and cooked to the customers’ desired temperature. It comes with the house salad mix, up to six ounces of black Angus steak, fries, croutons, eggs and cheese.

“At Auntie Tam, when your food is done, we provide the customers with a smell-avision. We open the box, let the customer smell and see the master-piece-work-of-art,” Tammara said. “Each salad is put together up front, then it’s sent back to me in the kitchen. That’s where the ‘Signature’ comes in. I cut up slice and arrange each salad according to what toppings they have on their salad.

That’s why no two salads look exactly alike. I always put my signature touch on them.”

Since Aunty Tam is so close to the schools in Kirtland, Tammara said a few faculty members and kids have stopped by.

“The kids love my homemade macaroni and cheese and the slushies are a hit, too,” she said. “If a kid comes in with their friends and they don’t have money to purchase a slushy, I always let them get one. I never turn down the kids. I added the slushy machine for the kids. And while I have their attention, I always encourage them about healthy eating. My favorite question for kids is, ‘Have you had your three ‘S’s” today — salad, soup and side?’ Sometimes the third ‘S’ becomes a soda or slushy.”

Auntie Tam has tables both inside and outside, so customers can enjoy their meal while their food is fresh, but they can order take-out, as well.

“Our short-term goal is to continue to encourage healthy eating habits one salad at a time and our long-term goal is to spread the experience through utilizing food trucks to go out and get people interested in healthy eating habits … one plate at a time,” Tammara said. “Eventually, we’d like to open in other locations, so that all the communities can have another choice beside fast food eating.”

For information about catering, call Auntie Tam’s at 440-379-7231. For more information and menu options, visit https://www. atssaladsandmore.com.

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Kirtland Public Library Find the Treasure at Lake County Libraries

Win prizes this summer by exploring the libraries of Lake County.

Patrons of all ages can pick up a treasure map at any of the eight public library systems in Lake County. Get a stamp on your map whenever you attend a program or borrow an item from one of the library systems this summer.

Everyone who collects six stamps and returns their finished treasure map to their home library will be entered into a prize drawing.

Each library system will have different prizes that patrons can win. The adventure runs from June 1 to July 31.

This contest is sponsored by the Lake County League of Libraries – a partnership of the public library systems in Lake County (Fairport Harbor, Kirtland, Madison, Mentor, Morley, Perry, Wickliffe and Willoughby-Eastlake,) as well as Lakeland Community College Library and the Lake Erie College Library.

The Kirtland Public Library is located at 9267 Chillicothe Road. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about any of these programs or to register, please call the library at 440-256-7323 or visit www.kirtland.lib.oh.us.

Tea in England

June 13 • 7 p.m.

The British consume more tea per capita than anywhere else in the world. How did this love affair with tea begin? Come sip tea and enjoy scones while Patricia Dennison, Certified Tea Sommelier, presents the history and traditions of Tea in England.

Dennison has happy childhood memories of drinking tea with her Scottish grandmother. Her passion for tea led her to pursue a career in the tea industry. She has taken classes with the World Tea Academy, achieving certifications as a Tea Sommelier, Tea Blender and Tea Professional. She owned No. 10 Palmer Place Tea Room and now focuses on creating her own tea blends and sourcing tea for Palmer Place Fine Teas.

Dennison will have a variety of teas available for purchase at the event.

Please register for this program.

Summer Reading Not Just for Kids

“Oceans of Possibilities” is the theme of the library’s 2022 Adult Summer Reading Program.

This online program is designed for adults age 18 and up. To register your account on READSquared, go to kirtlandlibrary.readsquared.com/ or download the app (Google Playstore or Apple Store).

Read whatever books interest you and log the titles on your account. Earn 200

points for each book/audiobook/ebook that you read. Earn additional points by playing Book Bingo. Each row that you complete on your ocean-themed Bingo card is worth 100 points. Points can be used to purchase raffle tickets for prize drawings.

The more you read, the better your chance of winning. The fun began May 29.

Call the library at 440-256-7323 if you have questions.

Summer Concerts at the Gazebo!

Bring a blanket or chair and relax with friends and neighbors, and enjoy the music.

Bring a picnic or take advantage of the city’s grill masters or checkout the available food trucks.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and the free concerts begin at 7 p.m.

All events take place at the gazebo in front of Kirtland City Hall, 9301 Chillicothe Road.

These concerts are sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library and the City of Kirtland, and paid for, in part, by a grant from NOPEC. • June 22 – Dan Zola Orchestra “City Night”: Meet local businesses and enjoy a cookout offered by city departments (donations accepted.)

• July 13 – Debbie Gifford Quartet “City Night”: meet local businesses and enjoy a cookout offered by city departments (donations accepted.)

• July 20 – Perfect Choice “Faith Night”: Meet representatives from our local churches and faith communities.

Pick up supper at a food truck.

• July 27 – The Pop Tarts “Beauty Night”: Meet representatives from area parks and farms. Pick up supper at a food truck.

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Kirtland Chronicle

Kirtland Public Library Oceans of Possibilities

The 2022 Summer Reading program is Oceans of Possibilities. Use the READsquared app or log on at kirtlandlibrary.readsquared. com. Read whatever books interest you and enter raffles for great prizes.

Kids who read 1,000 minutes by July 23 to complete Summer Reading can register for the Michael Mage magic show the following week.

Participating adults get a raffle entry for every book they enter into READSquared.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Please register for these programs. Attendees will earn 50 points for Summer Reading.

AGES 0-5 YEARS Meet Me on the Courtyard June 24 • 10:30 a.m.

July 20 • 10:45 a.m.

Meet on our gorgeous courtyard to find a variety of activities. Chalk, bubbles, felt pieces to tell stories? Come find out what fun awaits you as you make new friends. In case of inclement weather, meet indoors.

KINDERGARTEN – 5TH GRADE Bubble Fun July 15 • 1:30 p.m.

Join us for an adventure with bubbles.

Create bubbles of all sizes using various items, complete a bubble art project and even put ourselves inside a giant bubble.

Jellyfish Races July 18 • 6:30 p.m.

Kids entering grades K-5th, did you know that jellyfish have no bones? Come learn all about these mysterious creatures. Craft your own jellyfish and race them.

6TH-12TH GRADE Teen Escape Room June 21 • 2 p.m.

Challenge yourself by trying out our escape room. Can you figure out the puzzles and find all the clues?

All youth who are about to enter grades 6 and up who attend this event will earn 50 points for Summer Reading.

Teen Beach Glass Art July 6 • 6 p.m.

Come and spend the evening creating your very own piece of unique artwork to take home using beach glass.

Teen “Nailed It” July 12 • 2:30 p.m.

Try your hand in our food competition.

Each participant will be given the same ingredients and theme, and your job will be to create an edible masterpiece based on that theme. Will your creation be judged the winner?

PROGRAMS FOR THE FAMILY Please register for these programs. Attendees will earn 50 points for Summer Reading for most programs.

Family Ocean Trivia June 6 • 6:30 p.m.

How well does your family know songs, books and movies that have an ocean theme?

Find out at our Family Ocean Trivia Night.

Please register every attendee for this event.

Pirate Scavenger Hunt June 11 • 1:30 p.m.

Explore the library on a scavenger hunt looking for treasure, make a pirate craft and join us for some pirate themed fun.

Black Royalty Reading Adventure June 15 • 10 a.m.

Families of all ages are invited to enjoy magical tales and a fun dance party with Disney princesses. After this special storytime, stick around to create your own crown. Presented with Black Lives Matter Lake County.

Lego Club June 18 • 10:30 a.m.

July 16 • 10:30 a.m.

Families, spend an hour building with the library’s LEGO bricks. After you have completed your creation, you will be able to place it in our display case for a month for all to see.

Pajama Storytime June 29 • 6:30 p.m.

Snuggle up to some great books at Pajama Storytime. Throw on your pajamas, grab your favorite stuffed animal friend and join us for a soothing evening of stories, songs and rhymes.

This is an outdoor event. Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on for better enjoyment. In case of inclement weather, this program will be in the children’s department. All ages welcome.

Didgeridoo Down Under July 2 • 10 a.m.

Have you ever heard a didgeridoo in person? This instrument is usually made out of a hollow tree trunk. It has been played by Aboriginal Australians for at least 1,500 years and is known for its otherworldly sound.

The DDU Show is an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, puppetry, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience movement / participation.

DDU is much more than music. It’s interactive, educational, motivational and super fun – perfect for kids and families.

Movie in the Morning July 21 • 10 a.m.

Join us for a movie in the morning. We will be watching a popular children’s movie, fun and appropriate for the whole family.

(This movie is rated G, any other questions please contact us.)

This program will take place in the community room of the library. For comfort feel free to bring blanket or pillow to sit on.

Michael Mage Magic Show/ End of Summer Reading Party July 30 • 1:30 p.m.

You have had a great time reading and have earned 1,000 points this summer, and now it is time to celebrate. All who have completed Summer Reading by earning 1,000 points are invited to come be amazed by magician Michael Mage.

Please register for this event once you have earned 1,000 points.

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Friday, June 3, 2022

Council from page 1

years to reduce cost and redirect resources to create more opportunities in the city.

“Starting with the consolidation of dispatch with the City of Willoughby, we now spend $300,000 less annually on emergency dispatch services,” Potter said April 25.

As a result, the city has been able to expand its full-time police staff, ensuring Kirtland remains one of the safest communities around, he added.

He also said in the last three years the city has paved more roads than in the previous five years.

“For the first time in memory, road maintenance — keeping our good roads good — is now part of our focus and plan,” said Potter.

The city also enjoys a thriving senior center and expanded city events.

“I think Kirtland is believing in itself again,” he said. “I believe we’ve earned our community’s trust back.”

Added Potter on April 25, “But today we sit at a critical point. We must have an honest conversation. And the way I see it, we’ve got a few choices. We can do little, we can do nothing, and leave that for others in the future to try to deal with, and that’s a future that will come assuredly with higher costs.

Another option is implementing further cost-cutting measures that would lead to less safety for our residents.

“Or, we can act together, in the common purpose to create a long-term road program that our residents can trust. And I can tell you I’m not interested in the first two options.”

He said the city went decades without a long-term strategy to fix its roads and, as a result, is now faced with $16 million of road-funding needs.

“We also have millions of dollars of capital needs,” Potter said, including building repairs, vehicle replacement in the service department, police car rotation and fire truck replacement.

The 2022 budget committed $480,000 from our general fund to this year’s $1.3 million road program,” Potter said. “We need to shift that funding in future years to a responsible capital and equipment replacement plan.”

He said May 10 the city could continue to “patch and pull” money from its general fund, but that would make it harder to fund those other critical items, adding the city already has reduced stagging level and any further reduction could sacrifice safety for residents.

“I am not interested in sacrificing services and safety for our residents to pave another half mile of roads,” he said May 10.

Potter also refuted the notion that if more jobs were brought to Kirtland it would solve the city’s road and equipment replacement woes.

“But just so everyone understands, to fully fund our road quandary, we would need 1,000 new jobs paying $50,000 each year.

These are great aspirations but are not an immediate reality,” he said April 25.

“So, the good news is, we do have other choices. And what I know to be a fact is everybody in this administration and on this council has agreed to the fact that the voters will get final say on this matter at the ballot box,” Potter said, noting city administrators and council must decide what choice to present voters. “That’s why we were elected and that’s why we’re here tonight, to start that conversation.”

Road Levy v. Income Tax Hike

Those options, he explained, are either a road levy — supported by property tax and paid for by all property owners, including fixed-income seniors — or a charter amendment to the city’s income tax, which would be an investment by those who are actively employed.

On April 25, Potter said a 2-mill road levy would generate around $635,000 annually, enough to patch and selectively repave some of the city’s worst roads. It would cost homeowners about $70 per year per $100,000 of property value.

A 3-mill road levy would bring in $950,000 and cost $105 per year per $100,000 of property value. This could be an option depending on the duration of the levy, the mayor said. A 4-mill levy would yield $1.27 million annually and cost $140 per year per $100,000 of value.

Alternatively, a quarter-percent income tax rate increase from 2% to 2.25% would raise more than $800,000 annually and, as incomes grow, would generate an estimated $30 million over 30 years, Potter said.

“With this annual funding, future city councils and mayors would have the flexibility for note issuance and consolidating bonds, allowing many more miles of roads to be paved in the earliest years of funding, and leave plenty for a future maintenance program,” he explained. “In this scenario, for every $50,000 earned by an individual, an additional $125 would be committed to road funding. An individual or working couple earning $100,000 a year would be investing $250 each year to fund a long-term road paving strategy.”

This income-tax adjustment would not put any burden on seniors’ retirement income, added Potter.

The mayor went through other rate increases April 25 and how any additional funding could be used for other capital needs.

“Decade after decade we say we should prepare better for our future, we need courage in our leadership, but we need reason and strategic planning,” said Potter. “With the right balanced approach, with an honest conversation, we can work together to create a future funding strategy for our roads while shifting and committing general fund dollars to a long-term capital and equipment plan.”

City Finance Director Louis Slapnicker explained May 10 the city’s income tax affects three classification of people: those that live and work in Kirtland, those who live outside Kirtland but work in the city and those who live in the city but work outside of Kirtland.

He added the city has a 1.75% credit factor that only applies to those who live in the Kirtland but work outside the city. For example, if an employer withholds 2% of an employee’s income, Kirtland then taxes the employee’s income an additional 2%, but gives the employee a credit of 1.75%, meaning the employee in reality is paying 0.25% of his or her income to Kirtland.

Potter said last year the city raised $2 million through the issuance of notes, but was not interested in taking debt on again without a dedicated funding source.

“But if we had a dedicated source of funding, you could implement a series of years of note issuances ... to get our most critical roads back into a place where we can start moving forward with the other roads,” Potter said May 10.

Then after a series of years, it all could be rolled up into a bond, the mayor added.

Slapnicker explained it would take three years to realize the full amount of revenue generated from any increase in the city’s income tax, noting the first two years only would yield an additional $200,000 and See Roads • Page 11

Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, June 3, 2022

Roads

from page 10 $532,000, respectively. Also, income-tax revenue has the potential to increase as incomes increase over time.

If council went with an income-tax hike this fall, Potter recommended passage of a concurrent resolution stating the new revenue would be dedicated toward the roads and ancillary road projects. If approved by voters, the resolution would then be adopted as an ordinance.

City Engineer Doug Courtney advocated front-loading the road program in the first five years and then bonding out the costs. Under his road plan, he estimated approximately $16 million to fix and maintain Kirtland’s roads.

“There are a lot of streets in Kirtland that are in pretty poor shape,” Courtney said May 10. “What we would like to do is take care of most of the worst of those streets in a short period of time, so we can get into more of a maintenance mode as we get into the later years of the program.”

Public Comment

As was the case April 25, residents voiced their opinions — and complaints — about the roads to council, with the safety issues being paramount. North and South Locust Drive, and Wisner Road were mentioned as a poorly repaired road with chip seal. Also mentioned were Bridlehurst Lane, which is scheduled for complete repaving in 2024, and Palomino and Appaloosa trails.

The reasons so many of the city’s roads are in disrepair is because of money, Potter said May 10, adding the question is how is that funding problem fixed going forward.

“There has not been a concerted and committed large scale strategy for funding our roads for a really long time, and for a lot of really good reasons,” the mayor said.

Councilman Joe Smolic said the city made “good amount of progress” last year, repaving four miles of roads at a cost of $2 million, with $1.3 million scheduled to be spent in 2022.

“This is the kind of stuff we need to do every year for the next four or five years to get caught up, and once you get caught up and get to the maintenance, it’s get a lot less expensive,” he said. “But the problem is we have a lot of catching up to do right now.”

However, the city does not have the funding to sustain a road program for the next 10-20 years.

“You’ve got to get to the point where all the roads are in decent shape and start doing maintenance on them,” said Smolic.

Other residents told council that if the roads are allowed to further deteriorate, it would cost more money to repair and re-

pave them in the future.

Courtney said he was in agreement, but the challenge is how is that work funded.

“That’s why we designed the 10-year road plan to be front-loaded with all the rehabilitation work,” he said.

Council Comments

Councilman Richard Lowery said for four years he has voted against any new taxes. However, he now believes new tax revenue needs to be raised for the roads.

Lowery said he supports an income-tax increase, only because it grows over time and the city will need continual funding for roads, services and safety forces. A property tax does not grow unless voters support it every time at the polls, he added.

Councilman Matt Schulz said he favors a property tax increase in perpetuity because he feels it is “equitable amongst the residents.” He also said if the denominator were larger, the burden on everyone is less.

Former Councilman John Lesnick challenged Schultz’s assertion a property tax is more equitable. It is estimated there are 2,5003,000 households in the city that pay property tax, he said. Comparatively, as of 2020, approximately 10,500 people pay city income tax.

“So, there is a much broader base for income tax than there is for property tax,” Lesnick argued. “The denominator is not bigger, correct, (for a property tax) based on sheer numbers?”

Replied Schultz, “If you want to look at it that way.”

By the May 31 forum, Schultz had changed his mind and said he would support an income-tax increase.

Council President Jeff Ruple said he had not made up his mind and wanted to hear from more residents and his Ward 4 constituents.

Smolic said he was leaning toward an increase in the city’s income tax.

Councilman Ron Fenstermaker said he had not yet made a decision and could go either way. He also wanted to hear from more residents.

“I’m not for supporting taxes unless I absolutely have to and I’m not seeing many options right now,” he said. “I want to know from the residents what way they want to go.”

Councilman Scott Haymer questioned whether a 4-mil property tax would raise enough money to fix the roads. He expressed support for whatever option would generate the most money the quickest, “because the problems aren’t going away and we need to fix them sooner than later.”

Said Haymer, “Whatever that answer is I’m for.”

Councilman Eric Ziegler did not attend the May 10 forum. He was present May 31 and supported an income-tax hike.

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Kirtland Chronicle

Friday, June 3, 2022