ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Public Safety
School Resource Officer/Safety
The first full-time school resource officer was established through the Bay Village Police Department to help keep our children safe. This was a collaborative effort between the city and the Bay schools.
The police department transitioned to 12-hour shifts, hiring one additional full-time officer to complete the platoons. In total two additional full-time police officers have been added to the department compliment during the Mayor Koomar’s time in office to help keep Bay Village residents safe.
Safe Routes to School- Update
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded the City of Bay Village $207,000 in the Safe Routes to School funding program. The award has funded several improvements that were identified in the School Travel Plan to increase safety for students who walk and bike between home and school. Improvements made include the installation of rectangular rapid flash beacon crosswalks at multiple intersections and physical improvements to the grade and angle of crosswalk ramps.
The School Travel Plan is now due for an update. The city for fortunate to recently receive $50,000 to update the school travel. Improving the pedestrian bridge south of Westerly School across Porter Creek is one project that will be submitted for funding. https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/401/Safe-Routes-to-School
Animal Control Officer
The Animal Control Officer (ACO) was reestablished by Mayor Koomar’s administration.
https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/395/Animal-Control
Rail Safety
Mayor Koomar advocated at the federal level to our elected representatives and the Federal Railroad Administration for the need by area safety forces to receive timely information regarding the contents of rail cars. This information is critical when an accident occurs, allowing safety forces to respond safely and to take appropriate action on controlling a spill. Two outcomes were achieved:
• Ask Rail App- allow first responders to enter from the information on the placards of the train car or truck to determine the contents being carried by the train car or truck.
• Norfolk Southern has partnered with RapidSOS and IamResponding to provide first responders with critical data to safely and intelligently respond to rail emergencies. This information is now shared by the railroad with dispatch centers, who communicate directly with area Fire Departments.
New Safety Equipment
The police department invested in body cameras for officers along with FLOCK cameras to supplement formal investigations. Pavement markings were implemented and additional digital speed signs were purchased to help remind motorists of their speed. The fire department invested in new radios for all personnel.
Fire and Police training
Training for the fire and police departments continue to be a priority for the city. This has prepared personnel well for planned events like the total solar eclipse and the two tornados that hit the city last summer.
City Assets, Roads and Sewer Infrastructure
Sewer and Road infrastructure improvements
The city is investing over $17 million in 2025 in numerous sewer and road infrastructure improvements. Most notable are two projects required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to achieve full compliance with the Clean Water Act. First is the construction of a 1.3-million-gallon underground storage tank along with the replacement of storm and sanitary sewer lines on Lake Road (Glen Park to Douglas) and on Douglas Drive to Bruce Road. Water lines in this section of Douglas will also be replaced. Replacement of these sewer lines are part of the overall EQ Tank project to reduce stormwater infiltration into the sanitary system and eliminate the remaining sanitary sewer overflows. The EQ Tank is being constructed north of Wolf Road across from Bay Middle School.
Another eleven sewer infrastructure projects are being analyzed, designed and engineered by city engineers.
Walkability for residents is a priority as highlighted in the Master Plan. Fun Fact- In the last two years the city replaced approximately an acre of concrete through the sidewalk replacement program.
https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/363/Streets-and-Construction
Sewer testing
The city implemented a significant testing program to identify problems in areas across the city within the public and private sewer collection systems. The overall project consists of three phases:
• Public sewer collection system dye testing
• Public sewer collection system smoke testing
• Dye testing on the private sewer collection system
In the first year of the program approximately 27% of the homes in the city were tested. The information was then analyzed by the city’s Consulting Engineer, who made recommendations for improvements to the sanitary storm mains, lateral connections and catch basins in the public right of way. Bay Village City Council appropriated approximately $1,480,000 to fund these improvements.
Another goal of this program is to provide homeowners with a better understanding of the sewer system on private property. Testing performed did identify some deficiencies on private property that could cause issues during heavy rain events. The Bay Village building department is communicating any issues identified through the testing with homeowners. https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/362/Sewers
Cahoon Park testing- Environmental Protection Agency
From approximately 1954 through 1976, a portion of Cahoon Park was utilized as a solid waste disposal facility. In 2018, the city considered making improvements to the park and contacted the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) in order to comply with any applicable regulations. The Ohio EPA determined that since the disposal operations occurred prior to the start of any permitting procedures, “Rule 13” (Chapter 513 of the Ohio Administrative Code) applied. Rule 13 outlines the procedures for obtaining authorization to engage in filling or grading activities where a solid waste facility was operated.
To comply, the city engaged an environmental firm to provide the necessary professional services to submit a Rule 13 application. The firm performed field investigations to determine the limits of the past solid waste disposal activities and submitted application materials to Ohio EPA. The material was reviewed and Ohio EPA issued a Rule 13 permit on January 29, 2019. A map of the landfill area was included in the report which is an important assed for planning future capital improvements.
Public Parks & Lakefront Enhancements
Strategic Planning and Vision for Our City- Bay Village Master Plan
The city partnered with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission to complete a Master Plan for Bay Village which was adopted by Bay Village City Council. A Master Plan is a guide or framework for a city’s future development. It outlines the city’s desired vision and creates a road map to achieve that vision. https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/266/Bay-Village-Master-Plan
Cahoon Park Lakefront Master Plan
One of the visions in the Bay Village Master Plan is continuing a dedication to quality parks, recreation, and Lake Erie. In 2021, the SmithGroup completed a Master Plan for the Bay Village lakefront which included substantial input from residents gathered through surveys and public meetings. The focus of this Master Plan is to stabilize the shoreline, preventing further erosion, while creating lake level park access for all visitors.
The area located west of Cahoon Creek, known as Bay Point, has been targeted for phase one of construction. Public meetings have been held to provide residents with an update on the process and an opportunity for additional input. Initial engineering and permitting for the shoreline along Cahoon Park have been completed and submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for review. It is anticipated that their approval will occur mid-2025.
The city has secured external funding for phase one construction of Bay Point. As of January 2025, the city has been awarded $2,000,000 from the State of Ohio One Time Strategic Community Investments Grant Program, $500,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a $100,000 Coastal Management Assistance Grant and a $50,000 Lake Erie Protection Fund Award. Current plans are located on the city website at https://cityofbayvillage.com/448/Cahoon-Park-Lakefront-Master-Plan
Village Green
This project was one of the visions in the city’s Master Plan for creating a more vibrant Village Center. The space which is located between city hall and the library connects the business district to other park amenities, public buildings and the lakefront. It features a pergola, multiple types of seating, flowering plants and accent lighting during evening hours. $360,000 for this project was funded by external grant awards and donations from the Bay Village Foundation and Kiwanis Club of Bay Village.
The Village Green project follows the model of past Cahoon Park projects where collaborations and successful grant awards have funded the majority of the improvements for residents. To date the completed park projects in Cahoon Park total over $6.1 million with 74 cents of each dollar invested ($4.5 million) coming from sources outside of Bay Village. https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/515/The-Village-Green
Cahoon Basin Trail and Interurban Pedestrian Bridge
A 10-foot-wide multipurpose asphalt trail was completed from the sledding hill through the Cahoon basin and under the Lake Road Bridge towards Lake Erie. A 125-foot-long Interurban Pedestrian Bridge was also constructed which connects the Village Green, Bay Village Library and town center to the Cahoon Basin Trail.
These projects are important steps in improving connectivity to the lakefront in Cahoon Park. Funding for a significant portion of the projects were received from several successful grant applications through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and from funding through The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/471/Bay-Village-Videos
Expansion of Walker Road Park pond/retention basin
In an effort to address the increased occurrences of large storm events, the city began construction on a joint project with Avon Lake in March of 2021 to expand the detention capacity of the stormwater pond in Walker Road Park. The pond provides stormwater control for that area of Avon Lake as well as the adjacent portion of Bay Village, just to the east of the park.
Over 30,000 cubic yards of material were excavated to add to the pond’s stormwater capacity. The total cost of the project was approximately $450,000, of which the City of Bay Village shared costs equally with the City of Avon Lake. The project was substantially completed in the fall of 2021.
Parks and Recreation
The city has made the following improvements to its parks:
• Cahoon Park- new restrooms and storage for the city and the Bay Soccer Club.
• Reese Park: rehabilitation of the restrooms, construction and subsequent expansion of new pickleball courts which were funded through two county grants. Installation of a shooting court for basketball.
• Bradley Road Park: installation of playground equipment and rehabilitation of the restrooms.
• Walker Road Park: improvements to the retention pond/system to ensure that the retention pond functions properly and protects Bay homes from flooding.
• Walker Road Park: installation of water lines for drinking water and field irrigation.
• Installation of AED’s in the city parks.
• Improvements to the Bay Village Aquatic Center, which included painting of the slides, new lighting and a new boiler.
• Regrading of the sledding hill.
• Deep core aeration of the fields in all parks.
https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/185/Parks-Recreation
Fiscal Responsibility: Budget Oversight & Personnel Development
Fiscal Responsibility
The city produced balanced budgets and maintained Aa1 Bond Rating and funded operating and capital reserve funds to provide liquidity for future city projects.
https://cityofbayvillage.com/437/Annual-Audit-Reports
https://cityofbayvillage.com/390/Annual-Budgets
https://cityofbayvillage.com/232/Monthly-Financial-Reports
Building Department
The department was reestablished with an employee-led model, providing superior service to residents.
https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/158/Building-Department
Funding Strategy
Mayor Koomar has focused on attracting external funds to fund Bay Village priorities. During his administration the city has been successful in receiving over $41 million in external funding through collaborations with federal, state and regional authorities, successful grant submissions and private investments.
Collaboration with Federal, State and Regional officials
The Federal government, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Cuyahoga County have contributed over $12 million for the following projects:
• Repaving, new curbs and widening for new bike lanes on Wolf Road from Clague to Dover Center Roads
• Bridge replacements on Ashton, Queenswood, and Lake Roads
• Repaving portions of Lake and Bradley Roads
• Funding for the Cahoon Park lakefront
• Reconfiguration and paving of the Wolf and Cahoon road intersection.
• Engineering funding for the EPA Equalization Tank project
• Preventive Maintenance funding
Cleveland Water Agreement
Bay Village entered into several agreements with the City of Cleveland Division of Water (CWD). Under the agreements, CWD will continue to provide high quality water service to Bay Village and will assume full responsibility for the care, maintenance, repair and replacement of water lines. Previously the city was responsible for replacement of water lines in the public right of way. The city has already received two benefits as a result of executing these agreements:
• CWD has a program whereby cities submit project requests for water line replacement. In the first year of the agreement, CWD awarded five projects to Bay Village to replace water lines on multiple roads totaling $2.4 million.
• CWD has also announced a program for replacing lead water service lines over a number of years. A water service line is the pipe that brings water from the CWD’s main beneath the street into a home or building. Service pipes, also called water connections, usually enter a home through the basement floor. CWD has indicated to city engineers that that the cost of the replacement will be paid for by CWD. As this program develops, the Bay Village Service Director and city engineers will work with CWD each year to coordinate replacements with planned road improvements to minimize the impact to city streets. Lead lines on the streets awarded will be replaced.
Smart purchasing
The city purchased a Pierce 107’ Ascendant fire truck. In a continued effort to provide value, the city took advantage of a demonstration model providing taxpayers with a $200,000 savings over a new unit.
The Fire Department also took delivery of a Freightliner Ambulance (Medic 12). This unit is designed to provide space for firefighter’s structural protective clothing “turnout gear”, and a Sea Bob (water rescue craft), which allows quick response to medical, fire and water rescue emergencies.
The Medic 12 is also furnished with a refrigerator to store previously inaccessible medications, as well as blanket and IV fluid warmers, which are essential in cold-weather emergencies and for patients who are suffering from a chill brought on by the anxiety of a medical or health emergency. The purchase price of this vehicle was $326,816. Bay Village firefighters/paramedics respond to approximately 1,350 calls for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) each year.
Asset management
The Cahoon Road library was sold 10.8% above appraised value after a facility review and determination that this property was not essential for the long-term programming needs of the city. The proceeds will be used to fund future capital needs.
Salary administration system
A salary administration system was implemented to ensure that employees were classified and compensation fairly. This project was extremely important since our employees are the city’s greatest asset. The following were completed:
• Analyzed all positions to ensure that they were properly classified exempt, nonexempt
• Created job descriptions for all departments and positions
• Created salary grades and ranges including a strategy for adjusting ranges in conjunction with economic factors, cost of living, inflation etc.
• Created a performance evaluation system, which included new evaluation forms
• Updated the employee handbook
Leadership development
In 2022 Mayor Koomar implemented annual Leadership training. This has been an opportunity for our leaders to meet offsite to develop stronger relationships as a team as well as engage in professional development. This event has been well received by members of City Council and the city’s senior leadership. The fourth annual Leadership Meeting was recently completed this spring.
The city was pleased to extend this team development training to the supervisors at their annual meeting. This allows front-line supervisors the opportunity to strengthen their team and develop as leaders.
The City has been able to expand upon the subject matter presented at these meetings by engaging the same well-regarded facilitator each year. She has been able to learn about our team and strengthen our dynamics. The teams have been able to build upon the leadership concepts at each of these meetings year after year.
Investment in information technology
In conjunction with the city’s IT provider, the city contracted with an IT specialist to - 1. Conduct security risk assessment 2. Perform external penetration test of all public facing devices 3. Conduct internal penetration test of approximately 125 endpoints 4. Test city's public facing website 5. Vulnerability scan on all network connected devices & internet firewalls 6. Assist in developing Incident Response (IR) Plan 7. Test on-premise Microsoft Exchange server 8. Review current IT policies/procedures
Residential & Commercial Development
Stay in Bay /Zoning Overlay
The “Stay in Bay” initiative, focused on improving the look and functionality of the commercial districts, to create a more vibrant town center while reflecting the character of Bay Village. Updating the building guidelines for the commercial districts was a Master Plan recommendation to encourage more retail, additional housing options, and new community gathering spaces that exist in harmony with our residential neighborhoods.
This initiative was accomplished by the creation of zoning overlay. This legislation passed by Bay Village voters. It is a set of building regulations that apply to commercial (including retail and office) areas to provide commercial property owners with a clear understanding of our collective vision. Several businesses have been attracted to Bay Village, most recently the Wolf and Company restaurant, Trust Coffee Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes and Green Farm Juicery. https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/459/Stay-in-Bay-Mixed-Use-Zoning-Overlay
New Library
An opening ceremony occurred in April 2022 for the new 17,200 sq. Ft. Cuyahoga County Bay Village Library Branch located adjacent to City Hall. The branch includes group meeting spaces which has been a wonderful addition for our city. The branch construction was funded by the Cuyahoga County Library system.
https://cuyahogalibrary.org/branches/bay-village
Bay Creek Residences
The 11-unit complex was built along Cahoon Creek, adjacent to Key Bank on Wolf Road. This project is a significant step in creation of a town center which is in alignment with the city’s master plan. It represents a $5 million private investment in our city with no tax subsidies.
Renovation of the Bay Village Fire Station
The city has hired an architect and a construction manager at risk (CMAR) to renovate and the fire department, which was constructed in 1972. The project will bring the building up to current standards and includes rebuilding of the crew quarters. The architect has completed the design plans and the CMAR is developing a cost estimate for review by the administration and city council.
Dog Kennel Renovation
The kennel has been renovated thanks to the generous support of a local nonprofit which raised funds for the improvements, which included exterior and interior renovations, fencing and equipment. These improvements will serve the dogs and community well for many years.
Dwyer Center
Architects have begun a facilities assessment on this building to review the building envelope, mechanical and electrical components, light quality, acoustics, building entry, kitchen facilities and programming for meeting rooms. In addition to the review of the physical plant the Community Services department will be updating their strategic plan which will include a resident survey. Benchmarking has begun on projecting the demographics and needs of residents 10-15 years from the present. This information is vital to ensure that the building and related programming space will serve adult programming for years to come.
Community Wellbeing & Government Transparency
City Website
A new website was implemented which provided residents with easy access to a wealth of information on city services and events. https://cityofbayvillage.com/
New Resident packets
Mayor Koomar has delivered approximately 1,800 informational welcome packets to new residents, highlighting municipal operations and how to register on the Ready Notify System to receive emergency city notifications.
Community Wellbeing
The Bay Village Health Resources group aka “Sunshine Committee” was created by the city to help residents in need. Staff from the following departments comprise the team: Community Services, Building, Police and Fire, the Westshore Enforcement Bureau along with a representative from the Bay Schools. This group is dedicated to the safety, health, and mental well-being of Bay Village area residents of all ages. Working as a team, they help individuals in crisis.
BV60+ Programming
This program was created because of the Senior Center Strategic Planning process. Surveys and focus groups were conducted of residents age 60 and up. Responses were segmented into two groups: age 60-70, and age 70+. The large response from the first group signaled interest in becoming involved, but they did not recognize themselves as “seniors” and had little interest in coming to traditional senior center activities. They knew little about the center. This group wanted active options and social events. Since many still are working, their focus was on evening activities. Programming for this group has been successful.
Aging in Place
This initiative began as a version of an AARP Livable Community. The staff and advisory board of Community Services decided to focus on areas that would allow Bay Village seniors to age in place and stay in their homes. Older residents are frequently concerned about the lack of senior housing and/or communities in Bay Village. Through surveys, the staff determined what services, programs, and information the city could provide to assist residents as they age in place. The results indicated that home repairs/handyman services, home modifications and snow and lawn services were most needed to stay in their homes. Initiatives are being implemented based on these results. https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/482/Aging-in-Place-Assistance
Energy
The city has become an aggregator and accordingly can competitively bid natural gas and electricity, providing residents with a competitive fixed rate for their consideration.
https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/261/Gas-Electric-Aggregation-Programs
Shoreline Special Improvement District (SID)
Legislation was adopted for a shoreline SID that allows lakefront property owners to band together to form a public-private partnership for the purposes of coordinated lakefront improvements and protection to control erosion. It allows property owners to develop a project funded by a special assessment on their properties. Shoreline SID’s can be assessed up to 30 years. Shoreline SID’s are not grants or zero-interest loans. Instead, they are generally projects financed through the bonding authority of local governments. Property owners will pay for the project through assessments. The first lakefront project has been submitted and approved by the SID Board. https://cityofbayvillage.com/483/Special-Improvement-District
Environmental Sustainability
Deer Management plan
The city implemented a comprehensive deer management plan in accordance with guidance from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Urban Forestry Manager- Tree Management
This position was created and staffed to manage the urban forest and green spaces throughout the City and to develop and manage tree maintenance and tree planting programs. Duties include evaluating trees on public property for potential hazards and overall tree health. The manager enforces all City tree ordinances and coordinates all activities with the Tree Commission, Tree City USA Program and other tree related nonprofits to promote maintenance of the tree canopy. Meets with property owners as needed to respond to inquiries, problems and concerns relative to the interpretation and enforcement of City’s tree ordinances.
In partnership with Cuyahoga County, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Bay Village has been awarded over $127,000 as part of the Healthy Urban Tree Canopy Program, other tree planting and training programs. The Healthy Urban funding was used to complete the city’s inventory of public tree lawn trees and allowed the city to complete a strategic management plan including stratification of at-risk trees. The master tree planting program was revised based on this data. https://www.cityofbayvillage.com/360/Forestry
Recycling Available Citywide
• Curbside recycling of aluminum, glass, plastic, and paper is available weekly to residents. Annually 1,419 tons of aluminum, glass, plastic, paper, computers, appliances, metal, tires, household hazardous waste are recycled and 5,164 tons of organic material are collected, which includes food composting, yard waste, leaves, grass and brush. In total, 6,583 tons were diverted from the landfills. https://cityofbayvillage.com/364/Trash-Recycling
• Simple Recycling is available to residents to recycle textiles and small usable household items. Simply fill any bag or box, label them, go to https://simplerecycling.com/ to schedule a free home pickup, and place them outside your front door!
• Household Hazardous Waste, Computer, Bulk and Scrap events are available to residents several times throughout the year at the Service Garage. It provides an opportunity to properly dispose of oil-based paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, automotive fluids, etc. that are not accepted with curbside disposal. https://cityofbayvillage.com/367/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Computer-Drop-
• Rust Belt Riders is a subscription service that collects food scraps (including meat and dairy) then converts it into compost. Currently, residents who subscribe (110 active members) can drop off material to sites located at Bay Lodge and Reese Park. 3 commercial business (Heinen’s, Green Farm Juicery, Village Project) also participate in the service. In 2024, a total of 377,449 pounds were diverted from landfills.
• Leaf Collection Season runs annually each fall (6-8 weeks) providing curbside leaf collection to residents. All leaves and brush picked up by City of Bay Village crews are taken to the Westlake compost facility to be composted into leaf humus, an excellent soil conditioner for gardens and flower beds. All branches, logs, and tree stumps are ground into wood chips. Christmas trees are recycled at this facility as well. Residents can then purchase leaf humus and shredded wood through the Bay Village Service Garage.
• Secure paper shredding event held annually for residents to drop off loose paper for shredding. Habitat for Humanity is also on site to accept gently used household goods, building materials and appliances. In 2025 Styrofoam recycling by Edgewater Surf has been added to the event to collect rigid foam for recycling int paddle and surf boards.
• Holiday light recycling is available seasonally at the Bay Village Service Garage, instead of placing broken, burnt-out lights, power strips and electric cords in the garbage or recycling containers where they can get tangled in the machines and cause damage or shutdowns.
• Pumpkin/Gourd composting was sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District to keep undecorated pumpkins and gourds out of the landfill. Available seasonally to residents, drop off site was hosted by Westlake in 2024.