West Shore Council of Governments (WCOG) meeting, Feb. 10, 2016

This report is not an official statement of the League of Women Voters. Mayor Bobst's office prepares official minutes.

Present: Mayors Bobst (Rocky River), Clough (Westlake), Summers (Lakewood), and Sutherland (Bay Village). Mayors Patton (Fairview Park) and Kennedy (North Olmsted) were absent. Fiscal Officer Renee Mahoney, County Council Representative David Greenspan, and a fire department representative also attended.

Topics discussed were proposed RTA service cuts and fare increases although ridership is up. A meeting is planned for Feb. 23 to discuss consolidating fire services in WCOG. It was mentioned that ambulances now in use provide many more services and capabilities than in the past.

Mayor Summers provided updates on the situation with Lakewood Hospital. Patient services are limited to Outpatient. Inpatient services ended Feb. 5. Jobs in other Cleveland Clinic facilities were offered to 845 employees.

Energy efficiencies are being explored with homeowner associations, including wastewater management.

November and December financials were presented, moved, and accepted.

It was mentioned that Whole Foods is making food available to communities to provide to needy residents.