New Library, Council Vacancies & Balancing Budgets

1. The Cuyahoga County Public Library is preparing for an opening celebration commemorating its new branch at 500 SOM Center Road in Mayfield Village.

The grand opening is set for April 20, with the dedication event lasting from 2 to 5 p.m. that day. The event is being billed as a "Birthday/Earth Day Bash" in honor of the library system's 90th year of existence and because it takes place one week before Earth Day.

"This new building is going to be special," library system spokeswoman Hallie Rich said. "It has plenty of exciting features."

Among them are a back wall of windows that overlook trails of the Cleveland Metroparks' North Chagrin Reservation and dedicated spaces for technology, teens, and vending machines and coffee.

Find out more about the new library branch here.

2. Mayfield Heights City Council is still mulling over who should fill its empty chair.

After nearly an hour, Council members and Mayor Anthony DiCicco emerged from an executive session Monday night with no news to report on the governing body's vacant seat. They had planned discuss the six candidates they had already interviewed and make an appointment, but failed to reach a consensus.

"Council has taken the opportunity to review all the applicants and do all the necessary vetting and discussion," Mayfield Heights Law Director Leonard F. Carr said. "This is an ongoing process, and it will continue."

Officials offered no timetable on the decision, and council members declined to answer any questions regarding the selection process.

Who do you think should be appointed?

3. Several cities are looking over their budget for the year.

Mayfield Heights is .

Meanwhile, Highland Heights also includes a $150,000 deficit, but the general fund -- tge fund most vital city services -- is expected to finish the year with a surplus.