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Parma Heights reviews Knox Box pilot, Senior Center activity and Cuyahoga DD services; resident raises tree placement concern
Summary
Safety and recreation directors described a planned lower‑cost Knox Box program for residents, the Senior Center reported 1,362 meals delivered in the prior two weeks, and Melonie Rak of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities outlined county services; a resident urged care in street tree placement to avoid fruit damage to parked cars.
Safety Director Scharschmidt and Fire Chief Bernard told council Dec. 9 they are exploring a residential Knox Box program that would allow police and fire to access a home's keys without forcing doors during emergencies. Chief Bernard said residents would purchase boxes (estimated at $40–$50 depending on style), have them shipped directly, and then contact the Fire Department to have the box installed and the key registered in the CAD dispatch system. "We will have a universal key that would give us access to the box. Or they could choose a combination box," Chief Bernard said, and officials said they hope to roll the program out at the beginning of next year.
Recreation Director Bacci reported Mayor Gallo had been accepted for another year of the National Wildlife Federation Monarch Pledge, one of only four mayors so recognized, and outlined holiday programming: Stories with Santa on Dec. 14 (10 a.m. and noon sittings) with crafts and pastries replacing the prior breakfast format, and youth sports registration on MyRec beginning Jan. 5. Mayor Gallo said the Senior Center had served or delivered 1,362 meals in the previous two weeks and listed several December outings and closures for the holidays.
During public comment, Melonie Rak, Chief Program Officer for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, described the agency's work supporting more than 14,000 county residents with developmental disabilities (and serving more than 230 Parma Heights residents last year), highlighted CSU Rise and a forthcoming tiny home to support independent living, and sought potential community partnerships. Resident Fred Koch asked about the species chosen for a planned street‑tree program (serviceberry, red chokeberry and cherry dogwood), noting the small, acidic fruit can attract birds and deer and might damage parked vehicles; he suggested placing them on the hydrant side of streets rather than the parking side.
Council members asked questions and acknowledged the comments; officials said the Knox Box program will be publicized by pamphlet, on the city website and via Facebook and that pamphlets will be distributed during ambulance calls. The council adjourned to executive session at 7:22 p.m. and resumed the public meeting at 7:30 p.m.
