SHT news

GrowNOW, brought to you by the State Treasurer's Office, enables small business owners to receive a 3% interest rate reduction on their bank loan when they link the loan to job growth or retention in the State of Ohio.

How Do Small Businesses Qualify? Click here for an overview of the program.

Questions? Visit the State Treasurer's GrowNOW website at
www.grownow.ohio.gov or call 1-800-228-1102 option #3.

ECO-Link Helps Ohioans Save Energy and Money

In an effort to help save you money and become more energy efficient, State Treasurer Josh Mandel sponsors the Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) program. This program provides reduced-rate financing through partnering banks for Ohioans completing energy-efficient improvements in their homes.

How can ECO-Link benefit you?

• Homeowners receive a 3% interest rate reduction on the life of qualifying five-year mbank loans

• Homeowners can save between 10-30% off utility bills upon installing energy-efficient mproducts

• Most energy-efficient improvements qualify homeowners for federal tax credits and madditional rebates

Who is eligible? • Click here for an overview.

For additional information, please contact State Treasurer Josh Mandel’s office
at 1-800-228-1102 option #3 or click here.

Dispose Of Unused Medications Properly At The D.U.M.P. Box
The Summit County Health District, in collaboration with local community partners, is establishing a pharmaceutical disposal program for residents to safely dispose of their unused medications.
Simply bring the unwanted medicine to the D.U.M.P. box by the Police Station on Valley View Road on or after April 4, and the medication will be safely destroyed, no questions asked.
Please note, these boxes are for pills, capsules or liquids only - NO syringes accepted at the D.U.M.P. boxes and NO aerosol cans, vitamins, or toiletries.
For syringe disposal, please call 330-926-5600
Complete details on the program here.

Community Cable Channels Change Locations

Starting Tuesday, April 12, the following local cable channels are changing:

• Cable 9 is moving to Channel 15
• Community Channels 26 & 26 are moving to Channels 16 & 17

Sign Up For Summit County Emergency Notification System

Summit County now has an Emergency Notification System that you can participate in at no cost. To sign up, click the image below.
Click here for more details on the program.

Click here to access the Summit County website.

Summit County Health Programs and Locations

Click here for a complete listing of Health Programs and Locations throughout the county.

Bed Bug Flyer

Bed bugs are becoming a problem. Here is some information from the Cuyahoga County Board Of Health that addresses prevention and control. Details.

Updated Information and 2010 Statistics for
the Northfield Center-Sagamore Hills Fire District

The Northfield Center-Sagamore Hills Fire District was formed on August 1, 2010.
The Fire District consists of approximately 40 dedicated men and women, and protects Northfield Center and Sagamore Hills - a total of 17.1 square miles and
over 14,000 residents.

Please visit the Fire Station for free blood pressure screenings and Fire Station tours.

Equipment for the Fire District includes three ambulances, three fire trucks, a boat, a water tanker, a grass-fire truck, a heavy rescue vehicle and a First Responder Vehicle.

Northfield Center-Sagamore Hills Fire District
60 W. Aurora Road
Northfield Center, Ohio 44067

m• Emergency: 911

m• Phone: 330-467-7410 (non-emergency)

m• Fax: 330-468-6576

m• Fire Chief: David Enzman

m• Deputy Chief: Frank Risko

m• E-mail: firedistrict@nor-sag.com

Fire District Fire Marshal / Fire Prevention Officer: Frank Risko
m• To contact Frank please call the Fire District at 330-467-7410
mmor his cell phone at 330-703-5736

2010 Fire District Statistics

Sagamore Hills Township Fire Calls: 108

Sagamore Hills Township EMS Calls: 694

Northfield Center Township Fire Calls: 89

Northfield Center Township EMS Calls: 348

Mutual Aid Calls: 32

All of this information also appears on the Fire Department page.

You may also want to review the Township's Open Burning Regulations here.

Take Advantage of the Akron Summit
Earned Income Tax Credit Program

In observance of National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day, Friday, January 28, 2011, Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry is encouraging citizens to take advantage of the Akron Summit Earned Income Tax Credit Program: an initiative that provides FREE & FAST tax preparation services to working low-income individuals and families.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit program serves as a financial boost for working people hit hard by the economy," stated Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry. "Taxpayers who qualify for this public service often pay less federal tax, pay no tax or even get an elevated tax refund."

Eligible participants may qualify for as much as $5,666 in additional federal tax refund monies.

To access an Earned Income Tax Credit, citizens must meet one of these eligibility requirements:

• Families with one qualifying child who earned less than $35,535 in 2010 (or less than m$40,545 for married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $3,050.

• Families with two qualifying children who earned less than $40,363 in 2010 (or less mthan $45,373 for married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $5,036.

• Families with three or more qualifying children who earned less than $43,352 in 2010 m(or less than $48,362 for married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $5,666.

• Individuals who do not have a qualifying child, but are between the ages of 25 and 64, mwith earned income of less than $13,460 in 2010 (or less than $18,470 for married filing mjointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $457.

The coalition, with support from KeyBank and the Towpath Credit Union, will be sponsoring two Super Refund Saturday events in February. The occasions are scheduled for:

• Saturday, February 5, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Akron Summit Community mAction, Inc., located at 670 West Exchange Street in Akron. Walk-ins only.

• Saturday, February 19, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Barberton High School, mlocated at 555 Barber Road in Barberton. Walk-ins only.

Citizens considering attending these events are to bring the following items: 1099 forms (interest, earnings as an independent contractor), 2009 tax return forms, bank account and routing number for direct deposit (if applicable), other IRS forms (as appropriate), photo identification, proof of childcare payments, social security card (additional cards for each dependent), unemployment forms and W-2 forms.

Citizens who are unable to attend Super Refund Saturday events are being asked to dial 211, or call 1-866-861-6401 to schedule an appointment with a trained and certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) representative.

The News Leader Website Link Added

For the latest local news, visit The News Leader website at www.the-news-leader.com

Trash Pick Up Changes On Some Streets In January 2011
In an effort to better service their customers, Republic Services has changed the service day for some streets in the Township. This change will not affect your billing.
Effective beginning the week of January 2nd, the new trash pick up day will be Friday for the following streets:
• Brinmore Rd	• Cricket Ln	• Crystal Creek Rd
• N. Gannett Rd	• S Gannett Rd	• Glenallen Rd
• Lynnview Dr	• Natalie Blvd	• N Boyden Rd
• Olde Eight Rd S of Valley View	• Orchard Grove Av	• Paulpine Rd
• Rolling Brook Rd	• Rushwood Ln	• Sagamore Hills Blvd
• Sandy Hill	• Spring Creek Rd	• Spring Pond Rd
• Springledge Rd	• Springmont Rd	• Springview Rd
• Springwood Rd	• Valley View Rd	• W Hill Dr
• Wood Hollow Rd
Please have your garbage out to the curb the night before your service day.
Thank You for your attention in this matter.
For customer service please call Republic Services: 800-968-7789

New SASWMA - Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority Recycling Newsletter - Summer 2010

This new 2-page newsletter has plenty of good information on recycling. Plus, the SASWMA brochure has detailed information on the Recycling Center, including days and hours of operations, and their website is also full of helpful information.

Click here for SASWMA's Fall 2010 newsletter.
Click here for SASWMA's Summer newsletter.
Click here for SASWMA's third newsletter.
Click here for SASWMA's second newsletter.
Click here for SASWMA's first newsletter.
Click here to go to their recycling brochure.
Click here for SASWMA's website.

Begin The Trashformation

The Summit Akron Solid Waste Management Authority (SASWMA) has partnered with Acme Fresh Markets to provide an educational recycling awareness campaign entitled "Begin the Trashformation." This campaign will educate Acme shoppers about recycling through an array of in-store promotional pieces including shelf talkers, banners, and in-store announcements.

This campaign also encourages shoppers to take action by signing up to recycle, or pledging to recycle more. At the customers service desks shoppers can "sign up to recycle" while being entered into a drawing to win $125 in groceries.

The campaign will launch September 13th.

Click here for more information on recycling.

Sagamore Voice Website Link Added

If you are a resident, you should have received the new monthly magazine Sagamore Voice. Back issues are also available on the Internet at scriptype.com/cities/Sagamore.html

New Link On Links Page For Nordonia Babysitting Coop

Details on this local group can also be found here: www.mybabycoop.com

Beware Of Census Scams
•	When you think about it, the 2010 US Census is a great time for the bad guys to try to steal people's identities. That's why we want you to be aware of some ways they may may try to do that. Click here for details.

Door-To-Door Solicitations

With the warmer weather, people may be knocking on your door for all kinds of reasons. Click here for suggestions on how to handle some of these situations.
For more information on Summit County Consumer Affairs, click here.

Sign Up For Nixle - Keep Informed About Sagamore Hills
•	Nixle is a community information service provider. It connects municipal agencies and community organizations to residents in real time, delivering information over cell phones, e-mails and web access. In Sagamore Hills, the Police Department will share information through Nixle.
•	For additional information and instructions on how to register, click here.

Summit County Office Of Consumer Affairs Notices
•	Top 10 Consumer Complaints Of 2009 - Details here.
•	Online Scams For Holidays Like Valentine's Day - Details here.
•	Contact Information for Summit County Office of Consumer Affairs:
	Phone: 330-643-2879 - Website: www.co.summit.oh.us/conaffairs.htm

Old Carriage Trail Bridges Are Now Closed

The three bridges that are part of the Old Carriage Trail on the eastern side of the Cuyahoga Valley between Route 82 and Hillside Road have been closed by the Federal Highway Administration because they are unsafe for pedestrian traffic.
Click here to read the detailed explanation that was sent to Greenwood residents.

Routes 8 & 82 Interactive Map For All Construction Projects

Click here for the latest updates on all of the Route 8 and Route 82 construction projects in our area.

New Link On Links Page For Nordonia Garden Club
•	Click here for Links page. • Click here for Nordonia Hills Garden Center.

	Summit County's Choice To Change Electric Suppliers
•	Summit County residents are currently receiving letters from FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. indicating that FirstEnergy will become their electric generation supplier on the date of their next meter reading. This supplier is NOT connected in any way to NOPEC. Sagamore Hills Township is not part of the NOPEC aggregation program for electricity, therefore, you are not eligible for NOPEC for electricity.
•	The switch is being made to FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. to save residents a guaranteed 6.0% and businesses a guaranteed 4.0% off the competitive portion of their electric supply through 2012 by joining the Summit County Electric Governmental Aggregation Program.
•	In May 2002, Summit County's residents voted to allow the County to contract for an electric generation supplier on their behalf.
•	The current letter is a follow-up to a letter that was sent to all Summit County residents and businesses dated June 12 that informed everyone that this switch to FirstEnergy was taking place.
•	At that time, residents and businesses were able to opt-out of the switch at no cost thru July 3rd.
•	The current letter is a confirmation that the switch to FirstEnergy is being made, but you may still opt out.
•	Click here for residential FAQs that further explain the switch and the reasoning behind it.
•	Click here for the business FAQs.
•	Click here to see a sample of the June 12th residential letter.

Rain Barrell Installation Instructions

Click here for complete instructions on how to install your own rain barrel like the one that has been installed at the Sagamore Hills Park.

Open Burning Regulations In The Township

Summer is a popular time of year to have open fires for cooking and recreation.
Click here for the regulations regarding outdoor fires.

Please observe these regulations for safety and in the interest of the environment and of being a good neighbor.

New Green Improvements At The Township Park

Rose Mary Snell, Brian Bauman, Beau Polcen, Kevin Hebebrand, and Bill Cuprak work to establish the new raingarden at the park.

Click here to read about the new raingarden, rain barrel, and pet waste disposal units at the park.

Click here to read a resident's comments on these park improvements.

New Township Park Rules and Regulations

With usage of the park increasing in late spring and summer, please review the Park Rules and Regulations. Thank you for your cooperation.

For a print friendly version of the new Park Rules and Regulations, click here.

The Importance Of Roadside Ditches

Click here for important information on roadside ditches in the township.

Grilling Safety Tips
Over 75% of all American households own grills. The following grill safety tips will help everyone have a safer outdoor cooking season.
Propane
•	When you fill or exchange a propane cylinder, make sure the supplier checks for dents, damage, rust or leaks before you take it home.
•	Never leave a filled propaqne cylinder in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will increase the gas pressure and may open the relief valve allowing gas to escape.
Gas Grills
•	Propane is highly flammable, but can be used safely if proper measures are taken.
•	Read all grill instructions prior to use.
•	Check grill hoses for cracks, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure no sharp bends exist in the hose or tubing.
•	Move gas hoses away from hot surfaces and dripping grease.
•	Always keep propane cylinders upright.
•	Never store a spare propane cylinder under or near the grill or indoors.
•	Never store or use flammable liquids near the grill.
•	Do not use a gas grill indoors or in an enclosed environment. Never bring the propane cylinder into the house.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas when it is burned. CO can accumulate in closed environments and reach toxic levels.
•	Carefully read all instructions and warnings prior to use.
•	Charcoal should never be used indoors. Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents, garages, or campers. Every year, around 17 people die as a result of CO fumes generated by charcoal being burned inside.
•	Do not store charcoal grills indoors with freshly used coals. Charcoal produces CO fumes until it is completely extinguished.
•	Only use approved starter fluid for lighting charcoal. Never use gasoline to start a charcoal fire.

Fire Safety Checklist

Help protect your home and family by reviewing the Fire Safety Checklist and taking the appropriate actions wherever necessary. Click here for the checklist.

Summit Soil & Water Conservation District Activities

To go to the Summit Soil & Conservation website, click here.

For other conservation activities, click here.

Wildlife Refrence Guide

It's that time of year when we spend more time outside and the animals in nature become more active. As a result, you may want to know what to do if you see a sick or injured animal or if you or your pets come in contact with a sick animal.

For a general wildlife guide for these and other situations, click here.

For a wealth of additional information, click here to visit the Ohio Division Of Wildlife.

Fire Safety Tips
Place Fire Extinguishers Throughout the Home:
Fire extinguishers can help insure that a fire can be put out before it grows out of control. IN THE EVENT OF ANY FIRE CALL 911. The basic types of fire extinguishers are:
•	Type A: To extinguish wood, paper, and fabric fires.
•	Type B: To extinguish grease, oil, gasoline and other flammable liquid fires.
•	Type C: To extinguish energized electrical fire.
•	Type ABC: For extinguishing all three types of fire.
•	Type D: For combustible metal.
When using a fire extinguisher remember "P A S S"
Pull the safety pin on top of the extinguisher.
Aim the nozzle toward the material that is burning.
Squeeze the handle to discharge the flow of agent.
Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the flames to ensure full coverage by the extinguishing agent until the fire is extinguished.
Capt. Frank Risko, Fire Prevention Officer 330-467-0900 ext. 143

Local Governments Move To Share Health Plans, Save

At the January Trustees Meeting, Township Trustee Rose Mary Snell talked about an article in the January 10th edition of The Plain Dealer that dealt with local communities reducing health care costs for their employees by enrolling them into the county workers' health care plans.
Lake County is currently moving forward in this consolidation process. Summit and Cuyahoga Counties are both planning similar programs to help their local governments.

Click here to read The Plain Dealer article at Cleveland.com.

New Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption is available to homeowners who are 65 years or older or totally disabled under the age of 65. Surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner who was at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse's death is also eligible. You must be the owner of the home or manufactured home and it must be your primary residence on January 1 for the tax year you apply.
With the passage of House Bill 119 on June 27, 2007 the State Legislature has expanded the homestead relief program, a reduction in property taxes, for senior citizens. The income limits under the former homestead program have been eliminated.
Under the new program every senior citizen or permanently disabled homeowner will receive an exemption of $25,000 on the market value of their home from property taxes, regardless of their income.
Applicants can apply for Homestead Exemption in the year they turn 65 as long as they own and occupy the house as of January 1 of the year they file.
Click here for complete details and an application.

PLEASE NOTE: Enrollment dates for new 2009 applicants and 2008 late filers ended on June 1, 2009.
Questions? Call 330-643-2661

Property Tax Information

Click here for property tax and other useful information at the Summit County Fiscal Office website.

Mandatory Point Of Sale Septic & Water System Inspections
Effective September 1, 2008, any 1, 2, or 3 family dwelling within Summit County General Health District (SCGHD) served by a household sewage treatment system and/or a private water system, must have an inspection on each system before the property can transfer ownership.
Homes with a septic system must have a system provider, registered with SCGHD or a SCGHD sanitarian, conduct the evaluation prior to transfer. Inspections on private water systems must be conducted by a private water system contractor, registered with the Ohio Department of Health or a SCGHD sanitarian.
Sellers who wish to have the SCGHD perform the point of sale inspection must submit an application to the Health District for these services by calling 330-926-5600 or by visiting their offices.
Currently the SCGHD charges:
•	$275.00 for a combined inspection of the household sewage treatment system and private water system
•	$200.00 to inspect the household sewage treatment system only
•	$150.00 to inspect the private water system only
Inspections are typically performed Monday through Thursday between 8:00AM and 3:00PM.
SCGHD usually schedules the inspections within a few days after the application is received.
Property transfers will not be held up based on the results of the inspections.
If a system is determined to be non-functioning, it will be the current owner's responsibility to work with the SCGHD to resolve any problems.
If the property is transferred, the new owner will be responsible for making any necessary corrections.
For more information, contact:
Summit County Combined General Health District 1100 Graham Road Circle Stow, Ohio 44224 330-923-4891

Rules and Regulations Governing Soliciting In Sagamore Hills Township
Sagamore Hills Township requires the registration of all transient vendors. All transient vendors must register at the township police department before being permitted to offer goods or services for sale. If anyone has questions about persons soliciting in the township, call the township police department at 330-468-0900. The Rules and Regulations are listed below.
1.	All solicitors must be registered with the Sagamore Hills Police Department.
2.	Solicitation hours are from Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3.	There is a charge of $25.00 per business. There is no charge for non-profit organizations.
4.	There is a 24-hour waiting period from the time the permit is issued before solicitors are allowed to commence soliciting.
5.	A solicitor's application must be filled out in full with the Sagamore Hills Police Department. This includes the names of all solicitors and vehicles in the area.
6.	All solicitors in Sagamore Hills Township are required to wear a photo ID badge with their name and the name and address of the company they represent.
By Order of the Board of Trustees Sagamore Hills Township Resolution 270-82

Home Foreclosure Helpline
Click here for details and contact information.

Quit Smoking

FREE Quit-Smoking classes are offered by the Summit County Tobacco Prevention Coalition at locations throughout Summit County. All classes are free of charge, but pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please visit www.smoke-freecommunity.org or call 330-861-7179.

The Health Department reports since the indoor smoking ban took effect December 7, 2007 a total of 357 complaints have been received. The Health District is conducting investigations into the complaints which are in various stages of examination, however, to date; no locations have been issued fines.

New "No Parking" Ban On Houghton Road

Effective January 7, 2008, the Board adopted Resolution 40-07 to prohibit parking on Houghton Road from a point 300' east and west of Troubadour Drive on the south side of the roadway.
Thank you for your cooperation.