Public Service Resources

James Herron
Director of Public Service

Jeffery C. Minch
Assistant Director of Public Service

City of Middleburg Heights
15700 Bagley Road
Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130

Phone (440) 234-2216

More Resources

Basement Flooding and Sewer Backups

The City of Middleburg Heights is committed to helping residents reduce the chances of flooding to the maximum degree possible, and to assisting our residents in regard to flooding and sewer backups. City officials also want to be sure residents understand the associated problems.

Below you will find the 8 Step Plan developed by the city to diagnose possible sewer problems and to determine solutions. This plan is designed to diagnose any sewer-related problems our residents are facing and to assist residents in understanding and developing a solution to their backups. Should you experience sewer backups or flooding, please contact the Service Department. The steps to the plan are as follows:

  1. Resident reports flooding/sewer backup to the Service Department.
  2. The Service Department mails a flooding/sewer backup survey to the resident and creates a file specific to that address/homeowner.
  3. The City Engineer reviews the returned survey and determines the next course of action.
  4. In most cases this will mean an additional letter to the resident directing them to contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works to schedule diagnostic testing.
  5. Once scheduled, the CCDPW will clean/snake the sanitary and storm laterals and then perform the required testing, such as smoke testing, dye testing, and televising the laterals.
  6. The CCDPW will provide the City Engineer with a copy of their report detailing the findings.
  7. At that time, the City Engineer will analyze the report and determine a course of action.
  8. Once a course of action is determined, the City Engineer will contact the homeowners by phone and mail to discuss and explain any possible deficiencies and the solutions.

While the above process does not solve issues overnight, it will allow us to identify any shortcomings in our sewer systems and to help minimize the possible impact on homeowners by locating specific issues that may be the responsibility of the homeowners and eliminating unnecessary costs.

Notice

Middleburg Heights Residents — Beginning Feb. 29, Solid Waste/Rubbish collection is changing to Mondays.

Required Containers

  • Plastic bags placed at the curb must be securely tied and not to exceed 40 lbs.
  • Trash containers must be made of plastic or metal
  • Containers size – minimum of 20 gallon to maximum 35 gallon
  • All containers must have lids and lift handles
  • Maximum weight of container and contents not to exceed 50 lbs.
  • Cardboard boxes should be broken down and stacked next to containers
  • Most non-hazardous household rubbish, including furniture, television sets, mattresses and appliances can be placed on the curb for pickup

Holidays

Collections are not made on the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Refrigerant/Freon Removal

Refrigerators, air-conditioners, dehumidifiers, etc. require special treatment mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A certified contractor must remove the refrigerant and the appliance must be tagged to indicate this removal before these items can be placed on the curb for removal. Remember to remove refrigerator and freezer doors.

Latex Paint

Latex paint can be included with regular household waste for curbside pick up. Leftover paint should be allowed to dry out in the can, or be thoroughly mixed with cat litter or sand before being placed in the trash in opened cans. Full containers of latex paint can be donated to charities that accept these products.

Weight Limits

Household rubbish for curbside pickup should be placed within five feet of the curb in 20- to 35-gallon rubbish containers, or in plastic bags, not exceeding 50 pounds each in weight. Please refrain from putting broken glass, syringes or sharp objects loosely into plastic bags.

Hedge cuttings, limbs and branches should be securely tied, and not exceed four feet in length and 45 pounds in weight.

Excluded Items

Building materials resulting from construction, remodeling, repair or demolition operations and large automotive parts generated by a residential unit are excluded from curbside pickup. Waste generated by commercial contractors is also excluded.

Heavy & Bulk Refuse Items

These items will be collected if placed properly for pickup:

  • Household appliances, furniture, etc.
  • Carpeting — rolled and tied in 4 foot sections, separated from padding
  • Tables and swing sets, etc. — dismantled
  • Refrigerators, freezers — DOORS REMOVED — FREON REMOVED

Maintenance of City Properties

The Service Department is responsible for the complete maintenance of all city buildings and related building equipment, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, stand-by electric generators, heating and air-conditioning systems and other equipment.

A trained and certified crew and Facility Maintenance Manager perform in-house maintenance and oversee outside contractors.

Street Repair & Pavement Management

Service Department employees make scheduled and emergency repairs to our asphalt and concrete streets, including repairing potholes, cracks, joints, curbs and sections of streets.

Contractors are hired to remove and replace larger sections of deteriorated asphalt and concrete pavement.

Large construction, reconstruction and repairs are managed under the direction of our City Engineer through a public bidding process. Information about projects will be posted after streets are selected for repairs and major improvement projects are approved. There are 8.5 sq. miles, 135 lane miles and 65 road miles in Middleburg Heights.

Snow & Ice Removal

The Service Department provides a thorough, quick and efficient snow removal service. During winter storms, the Service Department has trained and certified snowplow and salt truck operators to clear our streets of snow and ice. The service garage is manned continuously from December through the end of March to ensure quick response to changing weather conditions.

During snowstorms, main streets, hills, intersections, curbs and other high-risk areas receive special attention. Local streets and collector streets also receive prompt snow removal and salting.

Motorists should keep in mind that plow trucks are heavy vehicles that can skid under certain conditions. Please keep a safe distance.

Street Sweeping

The purpose of our street sweeping program is to remove trash, grit and pollutants that can enter the sewer system as well as to provide a clean environment for our community.

Traffic Lights & Signs

The Service Department maintains all street signs, traffic signals and pavement striping in the City. We manufacture our own signs and employ outside traffic consulting services and contractors as needed for certain repairs and installations and for a major portion of street pavement striping.

Storm & Sanitary Sewer Maintenance

The city has in place a storm sewer maintenance program that includes cleaning catch basins every 3 years or earlier if needed. There are 54 miles of storm sewers and 1,219 manholes.

The city is under contract with the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works for the maintenance and repair of our sanitary sewer system. The engineer’s office website is  opens in a new windowwww.cuyahogacounty.us. Sanitary backups are handled by the County Sanitary Engineer’s crews. Call the Sanitary Engineer’s Office directly at (216) 443-8201 on weekdays until
4 p.m. Evenings and weekends, call (800) 683-2689.

Resident calls are also received by the Service Department Office during working hours and are promptly referred to the county. The Service Department is also available to help with additional or unusual problems associated with backups. There were 625 calls made to the County Sanitary Engineer’s office in 2008. There are 63.5 miles of sanitary sewers and
1,480 manholes.

Waterline Breaks & Water Problems

Waterline breaks that occur on our city streets, tree lawns, fire hydrants, etc. are the responsibility of the Cleveland Department of Public Utilities Division of Water.

When a waterline break is called in to our Service Department, the call is routed to the Cleveland Division of Water for repairs. After the waterline is repaired, permanent repairs are made on the area affected by the water leak.

If you notice brownish water from your faucet during waterline repairs, run cold water in the lowest part of your home, such as the basement, until the water clears.

For water quality problems, such as dirty water or low pressure, call the Cleveland Water Department at (216) 664-3168. For meter or billing problems, call (216) 664-3130. The water department website is  opens in a new windowwww.clevelandwater.com.

Defective Sidewalk Program

The city of Middleburg Heights has a continuing program to repair sidewalks throughout the city. The reason for the program is to prevent injury to those using sidewalks and to avoid costly lawsuits.

It is in the interest of the City and property owners to correct sidewalk hazards. Certain streets are selected each year and the sidewalks are inspected. The City will be responsible to make repairs to blocks if tree lawn roots have caused defects found. All other defects are to be repaired by the property owner.

A white “X” on your sidewalk constitutes the city’s responsibility, while a black “X” is the resident’s responsibility.

Storm Water Management Program

Our Storm Water Management Program is designed to preserve and protect the quality of storm water entering our streams and storm sewers. The City actively supports clean-water efforts to prevent pollutants from getting into our water supply. Residents can help preserve water quality in our streams and in Lake Erie by not allowing oil, antifreeze, paint and other household and yard chemicals to enter our storm sewer system. Do not pour anything into the storm drains that will ultimately affect the drinking water.

For further information about protecting our water supply, visit  opens in a new windowwww.cuyahogaswcd.org.

Autumn Leaf Collection

The Service Department conducts an annual leaf collection program in the fall. Leaves can be raked to the tree lawn near the curb. Do not rake the leaves into the streets.

Leaf pickup season begins about mid-October and continues through December, weather permitting. At least four citywide collections will be made during the season. More pickups will be made if necessary.

Only leaves should be placed out for pickup. Do not include branches, rocks, wire, rope, metal objects and household trash. Leaf piles containing foreign objects will not be picked up.

Animal Control

Our Animal Control Officer assists residents in the capture and removal of all nuisance animals including, but not limited, to skunks, raccoons, possums, groundhogs, squirrels, reptiles and other exotic animals within city limits. In some cases, it will be necessary to refer to the Ohio Division of Wildlife or the County Board of Health for assistance. Their respective websites are:  opens in a new windowwww.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/wildlife and  opens in a new windowwww.ccbh.net.

The animal control office provides traps and will dispose of animals captured in these traps, or in traps purchased by the resident. Residents are required to sign a release form and to follow trapping procedures and regulations when obtaining a trap from the animal control office.

For information about obtaining a trap and hints for successful trapping, please call our animal control office from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at (440) 243-1234.

For animal control problems, call (440) 243-1234 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ohio Law requires every dog owner to renew dog licenses between December 1 and January 31 of each year. The cost for each license is $16. To obtain or renew a dog license, contact the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s office at (216) 443-7028, or visit any Pet Supplies Plus or Discount Drug Mart store.

See our Forms section for a Lost Pet Report if needed.

Wildlife-Proof Your Yard

To help avoid problems with wildlife in your yard, our Animal Control Officer suggests:

  • If you feed birds, clean up all the seeds that spill daily.
  • Seal off sheds and decks with hardware cloth (inexpensive mesh is available at hardware stores). Install it four inches into the ground, or install L-shaped ones 16 inches out from wall to keep animals from burrowing underneath.
  • Don’t leave garbage outside.
  • Treat your lawn for grubs. They are a tasty treat for skunks and raccoons.
  • Remove any rotten wood from your woodpile. It attracts insects, worms, skunks and raccoons. Keep your woodpile six inches above ground.

If deer are a problem, you may have to alter your shrubbery. Deer are attracted to hostas, rhododendrons and flowers.

Deer–Resistant Plants:

  • Alyssum = Lobularia
  • Ageratum
  • Begonia Fibrouus Wax, Nonstop
  • Canna Dwarf
  • Clematis Vine
  • Cleome Dwarf
  • Cyperus = Grass
  • Dahlia Dwarf Bedding
  • Dusty Miller = Senecio
  • Euphorbia
  • Geranium Zonal, Ivy, Seeded
  • Heliotrope
  • Impatiens, New Guinea, Sunpatiens
  • Lantana
  • Marigold = Tagetes
  • Pansy = Viola
  • Pennisetum Rubrum = Grass
  • Salvia Spendens, Faranacea
  • Snapdragon = Antirrhinum
  • Verbena
  • Vinca Rosea

Senior Driveway Snow Programs

Snow removal for seniors will begin after the first 2 inches of snowfall.

To help us maintain fast service, please keep your driveways free of vehicles. Please make sure your house number and your snow card sign are easily visible from the street.

During storms please be patient as we have 1,100 driveways to plow.

Residents must be 65 years of age or older, reside alone or with a spouse of like age or older, and have no other able-bodied person living in the same home. Also eligible, are residents who have a social security determined disability.

Senior Transportation Connection

The Senior Transportation Connection provides coordinated, comprehensive transportation options for senior adults in the city of Middleburg Heights.

Service is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations must be made at least 3-5 business days before noon in advance of your travel, but can be made up to two weeks in advance. The fare is $1-$3 depending on distance of the trip. All STC vans are handicap accessible.

Please call 216-265-1489 to schedule your ride. Call Center hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed on some holidays. STC Website: opens in a new windowwww.ridestc.org

Tree Planting & Tree City USA

The Service Department plants and maintains trees on treelawns and all other public properties. A certified City Forester, Supervisor and Arborist supervise tree planting, the removal of diseased trees and stumps and wood chipping for recycling purposes.

Trees are planted and replaced on our tree lawns according to a master plan. The Service Department also administers a comprehensive landscaping program for city properties.

Middleburg Heights has earned Tree City USA awards from the National Arbor Day Foundation yearly since 1996. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

The City participates in the national Tree City USA Program and in Annual Arbor Day ceremonies. Middleburg Heights has earned Tree City USA awards from The National Arbor Day Foundation for the past 12 years. Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives. Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest. For further information, please log onto the National Arbor Day Foundation website at  opens in a new windowwww.arborday.org.

Since our Tree City USA Program began in 1996, we have planted numerous trees and have done extensive landscaping on public properties.

Mosquito Control

Our Service Department works with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to help control mosquitoes and the spread of the West Nile virus.

The Board of Health has current information on the dates and locations for mosquito spraying. Please check their website at  opens in a new windowwww.ccbh.net.

Forms & Fees

The Service Department offers certain forms and information about fees in a downloadable PDF file format. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader software to download and print these forms and fee information.

The following forms are available in PDF format for downloading:

Permits

Permits are required for projects. The purpose of a permit is to ensure that all work is performed to proper standards and entitles the permit holder to the required inspections.

Homeowners should verify that all contractors are licensed and bonded with the city of Middleburg Heights. Contractor registration status may be confirmed by calling (440) 234-2218.

The following permits are available by contacting our Service Department office:

  • Curb Cutting
  • Drive Apron
  • Road Opening Bond
  • Sanitary Sewer Connection
  • Sanitary Tap-In
  • Sidewalk
  • Storm Sewer
  • Mechanical Games
  • Tree

We request that apron and sidewalk inspections be scheduled 24 hours before the pour, but they may be scheduled the same day.