Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter Delivers Third State Of The City Address

Parma Mayor Timothy J. DeGeeter at the podium delivering his third annual State of the City address on February 24.

In his third State of the City address on February 24, Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter unveiled two new programs the administration is developing: a first-time home buyers program aimed at attracting college graduates and a youth commission to encourage civic involvement among high schoolers. During his speech at the Parma-Snow branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system, DeGeeter focused mostly on city efforts to bolster the economy, strengthen neighborhoods, provide efficient government, and maintain quality services to residents.

While in a formal setting in the library's new state-of-the-art auditorium, the nearly 40 minute address, punctuated throughout by applause, also reflected a family atmosphere. Five year old Jack DeGeeter, the mayor's son, introduced his father at the podium to kick off the speech. DeGeeter used the address to announce new programs the administration is advancing, including a new first-time home buyers' initiative intended to attract young professionals to Parma, especially those who work in the city. "We need them to not only work here but to live here," he said. "Homeownership is critical for the life of our community and we must not undermine what we all have worked so hard to build." The proposal builds upon the success of the existing program, which last year leveraged $1.6 million in real estate purchases for 18 first-time, income-eligible home buyers.

Meanwhile, the formation of a Parma Youth Commission, comprised of Parma high schoolers, to encourage students to participate in government, was announced. DeGeeter tapped Council President Sean Brennan, a U.S. History and Government teacher, to lead the effort. "They'll have the opportunity to learn about all facets of city government and interact with public officials and community leaders," DeGeeter said. "We hope this program will prepare and encourage youths to pursue a civic minded life." Details are still being worked out, such as the application process and specific deadlines.

In his speech, DeGeeter highlighted new and expanding businesses and the administration's efforts to build upon the on-going redevelopment at the Shoppes at Parma. "The redevelopment of the mall can be used as a natural cornerstone for a "Town Center" concept, incorporating all that is around it - City Hall, the new public library, the hospital, Stearn's Homestead, and the Day Drive corridor," he said. "To sieze the moment, our administration created the Parma Mayor's Town Center Task Force." The 15 member task force - comprised of stakeholders and residents - will produce strategic recommendations in about 6 months to help make the Town Center concept a reality. The group already has met and put considerable effort into the project. Soon, the task force will solicit public input as part of the process to develop the town center vision.

In addition to the mall redevelopment and town center concept, DeGeeter also touted other projects:

• The Cuyahoga Public Library's new $15.6 million dollar Parma branch on Powers Blvd. and the $15.2 million dollar renovation of the Parma-Snow Branch.
• The merger between Parma Community General Hospital and University Hospitals. Tens of millions of dollars in upgrades are planned for what is now known as University Hospitals Parma Medical Center.
• The opening of the 18,000 square-foot Watershed Stewadship Center at the Cleveland Metroparks' West Creek Reservation. The project was made possible when the city, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and the West Creek Conservancy teamed with the Cleveland Metroparks. 

DeGeeter also discussed ways City Hall is becomig more effective and efficient:

• Merging administrative operations of Human Resources and the Civil Service Commission.
• Pursuing joint purchasing opportunities with surrounding governments through the Cuyahoga County Shared Services Regional Cooperative.
• Saving more than $800,000 in just seven months by converting to automated citywide trash collection.
• Recouping $92,000 from state and federal sources for expenses incurred during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

During the speech, DeGeeter also recognized individuals in the audience who not only illustrate how city programs are impacting Parma in a positive way, but show the strength of Parma's residents. "What really makes me optimistic about our future, and what truly makes Parma strong, are the people in our community," he said.

DeGeeter closed his speech with the story of Shirley Palotai, a U.S.M.C. Gunnery Sergeant, and her fifth-grade son Tyler Miranda, who attends St. Francis de Sales School. The fifth-grader had not seen his mother in some time because she had been deployed in Afghanistan for a year. Palotai surprised her son by showing up for a school assembly. "Not a dry eye could be found in the gym, including mine," said DeGeeter, who concluded his remarks to applause by honoring Palotai. "I want to thank you, Shirley, for your service, and for your sacrifice for your country. Your example shows why I have so much faith in our city, our state, and our country."