Garfield Heights has enacted Ordinance 505.27, requiring dog owners to maintain liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000. This measure aims to protect the community by ensuring that victims of dog bites are compensated for injuries and damages.
By holding pet owners accountable, the ordinance promotes responsible ownership and enhances public safety.
Key Points:
Insurance Requirement: Dog owners must have at least $50,000 in liability coverage.
Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines and escalating penalties.
Community Impact: The ordinance ensures victims of dog bites have access to necessary compensation.
Garfield Heights, Ohio, has implemented several important ordinances to maintain public order and ensure a peaceful community. One key regulation is Ordinance 535.02, which addresses noise disturbances. This ordinance prohibits various forms of noise that can disrupt the peace and well-being of the community.
Key Provisions of the Noise Disturbance Ordinance
The ordinance outlines specific activities that are considered noise disturbances, including:
Animals and Birds: Owners must prevent their pets from making noises that annoy or disturb neighbors.
Loud Music and Entertainment: Businesses and individuals must manage sound levels, particularly in commercial settings, to avoid disturbing others. For instance, sound levels should not exceed 95 decibels without proper signage warning of potential hearing loss.
Motor Vehicle Noise: The operation of vehicles without adequate mufflers or excessive idling is restricted, especially during late hours.
Construction Noise: The use of construction equipment and tools is restricted to certain hours (typically prohibited between 9:00 PM and 7:30 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and before 10:00 AM on Sundays).
The noise disturbance ordinance is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life in Garfield Heights. It ensures that residents can enjoy their homes and public spaces without excessive noise disruptions, promoting a peaceful and respectful environment. This regulation also protects individuals’ health and well-being by limiting exposure to potentially harmful noise levels, which can cause stress, sleep disturbances, and hearing damage.
Mike Dudley Sr., President of Citizens for a Better Community (CFABC), has held the Garfield Heights Annual Black History programs since 2005. These events celebrate and educate residents about the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans. These privately funded programs have been pivotal in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity at no cost to taxpayers.
Honoring Seniors with Holiday Dinners
Since 2010, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have organized the annual St. Timothy’s Seniors Holiday Dinners. These events bring joy and comfort to the elderly members of Garfield Heights, providing them with a warm meal and a sense of community during the holiday season. These dinners are privately funded and offered at no cost to taxpayers.
Spreading Joy with Christmas Toys for Needy Children
Since 2006, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have expanded their community outreach by providing Christmas toys to needy children in Garfield Heights. This program aims to bring joy and hope to children who may not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season, all through private funding without burdening taxpayers.
Safe Halloween Parties for Kids
Since 2006, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have been proud organizers of the “Keeping Kids Safe” Halloween Parties in Garfield Heights. These events provide a safe and fun environment for children to celebrate Halloween, complete with costumes, treats, and games, all funded privately and free of charge to taxpayers.
Supporting the Stop The Violence Program
Mike Dudley Sr.’s commitment to community safety is evident through CFABC’s sponsorship of the Garfield Heights “Stop The Violence” programs. These initiatives address the critical issue of violence prevention and aim to foster a safer environment for all residents. These programs are privately funded, ensuring no cost to taxpayers.
Feeding the Community with Generosity
In addition to sponsoring various programs, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have made generous donations of sub sandwiches to numerous last-minute community events. These contributions provide nourishment and support community activities and events, all through private funding and at no cost to taxpayers.
In a significant career move, Mike Dudley Sr. resigned from his position at the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in 2007 to serve as a city council member in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The decision came with a considerable pay cut, as Dudley left a job earning approximately $31,000 annually with great benefits to take on a council role with a salary of $14,000 without any benefits. This transition was a testament to Dudley’s commitment to his campaign promises and his dedication to the community he serves.
Dudley’s decision was guided by his strong sense of integrity and responsibility to the voters. In his resignation letter to ODOT, he emphasized his dedication to maintaining his word and upholding his obligations to the public. “I have always been a man of my word and will continue to be,” Dudley wrote, reaffirming his commitment to serving Garfield Heights (Mike Dudley Sr.) (Garfield Heights Official) (Mike Dudley Sr.).
Throughout his tenure in public service, Dudley has demonstrated a deep commitment to his community. He has served in various leadership capacities, including City Council President Pro-Tem and chair of multiple committees such as the Legislative, Recreation, and Ways & Means Committees. His contributions have been pivotal in steering Garfield Heights through fiscal challenges and promoting community welfare (Mike Dudley Sr.).
In addition to his political roles, Dudley has been actively involved in community initiatives. He has been a member of the Cleveland Clinic Marymount Board of Trustees since November 2020, contributing to the hospital’s governance and community health efforts. Dudley’s community involvement extends to organizing programs for needy children and providing holiday meals for seniors, underscoring his commitment to the well-being of all residents (Mike Dudley Sr.) (Blue Voter Guide).
Mike Dudley Sr.’s decision to leave ODOT for a lesser-paying council position reflects his dedication to public service and the values he holds. It also underscores a broader commitment to ensuring that the governance of Garfield Heights is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its residents.
For more information on Mike Dudley Sr.’s career and contributions, you can visit his official campaign website or check local news archives.
As we look back to February 24, 2010, a significant milestone in Garfield Heights’ Ward 1 stands out—the day the Garfield Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Garfield Heights Community Development Corporation (GHCDC) presented the Beautification Award. This accolade, given to developers of the shopping center on E. 131st St., recognized their contributions to enhancing the community’s appearance and vitality.
The center, housing businesses like Best of Caribbean, House of Stylz, and Subway, became a beacon of positive change. The efforts of Mr. Ramsey and his partner, along with the dedicated work of others, notably improved the aesthetics and environment of this area. Their commitment was acknowledged in the photograph that accompanied the newspaper article, featuring Eileen Longo and Bill Woods of the GHCDC, Pauline Ruminski from the Chamber, and Councilman Michael Dudley. This recognition was not only a testament to the physical improvements but also to the community spirit and collaboration that underpinned these efforts.
Reflecting on this award, it’s clear that the initiative set a precedent for future projects and beautification efforts in Garfield Heights. The businesses and organizations recognized alongside the E. 131st St. center—such as Affordable Uniforms, Angelo’s Diner, Davito’s Pizza, Expedient Cleveland Data Center, Key Bank, Marymount Congregational Home, and the Salvation Army Family Store—have collectively contributed to a sustained emphasis on community beautification and economic development.
Today, 14 years later, the fruits of these efforts continue to be evident. The initiative has inspired ongoing improvements and new projects throughout the city. The foundation laid by these early endeavors has fostered a culture of pride and responsibility among residents and business owners, encouraging them to invest in and care for their surroundings.
Ward 1’s recognition with the Beautification Award is a cherished memory and a reminder of the power of community-driven development. As we continue to build and improve, the lessons from this award remind us of the importance of collaboration, vision, and dedication to creating spaces that uplift and inspire all who live and work in Garfield Heights.
