Spray Park & Playgrounds Information
The Willowick Recreation Dept. has opened its playgrounds and they will be cleaned once a day. As we continue to practice social distancing, at this time we are asking that you take on the responsibility for masks, hand washing, and sanitizing while using the playground equipment.
Our Spray Park will be opening on Wednesday June 17 and operate daily from 10:00am-8:00pm, weather permitting. This is available for Willowick residents only, for children up to 10 years old with a valid Recreation ID card. Hours for the Recreation Dept. are Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm to purchase your Recreation ID Card with a current utility bill. Due to state guidelines, the capacity will be limited to 35 occupants at one time.
County Commissioners vote to use extra CARE Act funds to support small businesses
The federal CARE Act has proved a provision for counties to receive extra funds within their Community Block Grant Program, above their normal allocation. Lake County Commissioners determined that the best use of these additional funds is to support small businesses by offering two funding programs, one being a micro-business (5 or less employees) grant and the second a small business (25 or less employees) loan. The program overview and application page are now available at the following link: https://lakecounty-erlf.webflow.io/.
Pre-registration for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) now available in Ohio
Beginning today, Ohioans who are unemployed as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but who DO NOT qualify for regular unemployment benefits can begin pre-registering for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a new federal program that covers many more categories of workers. The pre-registration tool will allow individuals to get in line early and pre-register their account, so that as soon as the agency has the technical ability to process their claims in May, they can log in and complete their paperwork.
This program will provide benefits to the following categories of workers:
- Those who were self-employed, worked part-time, or do not otherwise qualify for regular unemployment benefits and fit one of the categories below
- Those unable to reach their place of employment because of quarantine
- Those unable to reach their place of employment because they have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine
- Those whose place of employment is closed because of COVID-19
- Those who were scheduled to start work but who no longer have a job because of COVID-19
- Those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19
- Those with a household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
- Those providing care to a family or household member with COVID-19
- Those with primary caregiving responsibilities for children or others who are unable to attend school or another facility due to COVID-19
TAKE OUT TUESDAY – Supporting our local businesses during the coronavirus
In an effort to support out local businesses during this challenging time, Lake County Mayors, Managers and local leaders are encouraging residents to make Tuesdays “Take Out Tuesday.” Many of our local businesses are adapting their services and their hours to serve us. The Willowick Restaurant And Businesses Information sheet provides a list of many of those restaurants and businesses. Give yourself a break and order out!
SOLID WASTE: Only the items that are in the solid waste cart will be picked up. No items that are on the ground outside the cart will be picked up.
RECYCLING: Items that can be included in the recycling bin include only clean paper, cardboard, metal cans and #1 and #2 plastic containers and jugs. Collection will occur per the regular schedule. For a list of acceptable recyclable items, go to Kimble’s website at www.kimblecompanies.com.
BULK ITEMS: Those items that require hand loading will not be picked up. Items that can be broken down may be placed in the solid waste cart for collection.
City Offices closed to the public
The City of Willowick has closed all facilities to the public to provide a safe environment for both our employees and the public in an effort to minimize the community spread of the Coronavirus. Staff will still be working to maintain services for our residents and can be reached by phone, email and postal service. Information regarding submission of zoning permits, Point of Sales, etc. is provided in the Bldg Department Closure Notice. Parking tickets can be mailed to the Police Department or dropped off inside the building entrance to the Police Department.
City Meetings
Most Board and Commission meetings are being conducted virtually during the month of May. Information about how to login to each meeting will be available on the Government/Boards & Commissions web page. Information for logging into the May 19 City Council meeting will be available on the Government/City Council web page.
Use of parks during stay-at-home order
In the middle of the coronavirus epidemic, spring quietly arrived along with the spring-like weather. People are starting to venture outside during the State’s “stay-at-home” order. Parks are open, and outdoor activities such as walking, running, hiking and bicycling are exempt from the order. However, people are encouraged to practice social distancing of at least 6 feet and take safety precautions even in the outdoor setting. Playgrounds and equipment are closed as part of the order since they are particularly susceptible to the spread of the disease.
Governor DeWine’s Stay-at-Home order extended to May 29
As Coronavirus cases continue to rise across the state and in compliance with Gov. Mike DeWine’s statewide “stay at home” order, we urge all residents to stay at home as much as possible except for essential activities. The order will remain in effect until May 29. City offices remain closed to the public. If individuals are in need of food or necessary supplies, please contact City Hall at 440-585-3700. Also contact City Hall with any concerns regarding the non-compliance order.
Help available for small businesses through the Ohio Small Business Administration
The Ohio Small Business Administration has a relief program available for small businesses. The SBA strongly encourages applicants to use the online forms. The template below can be used to prepare. This application is open to small businesses and private non-profits only.
SBA Disaster Assistance Resources For Businesses
SBA Webinar Material-Coronavirus 03
SBA ELA0-Business Loan Application (SBA 5)
The highlights of the program include:
* Loans up to $2 million
* Interest rate 3.73% fixed for small businesses, 2.75% fixed for non-profits
* Repayment terms up to 30 years
* 4 month repayment deferment
*Loans up to $25,000 require no collateral. Over $25,000 the SBA will seek collateral in most cases
*If loan request is over $25,000 but business needs emergency funding, up to $25,000 can be disbursed while waiting for collateral filings
*This is not a grant nor are there grants available
The SBA Small Business Resource Center is available for assistance in helping businesses with these forms. You will need to register with the Small Business Development Center first, then they will follow up.
Direct link to counseling: https://clients.ohiosbdc.ohio.gov/reg.aspx?mode=counsel¢er=17082&subloc=0