The Avon Lake Service Department is responsible for maintaining the city streets, right-of-ways, the storm water system and traffic control signs and lights. This is a four-season job, from leaf pickup in the fall, to mowing and planting in the summer and spring, and snow removal in the winter. The department is also responsible for the maintenance of city-owned buildings and parkland. Lorain County residents can visit this location for free compost.
A link on the city's website at www.avonlake.org provides a host of information including a daily leaf pick-up schedule, rules for the compost pile and what items can and cannot be picked up on trash day. Tom Lescher is the city's Service Director.
The Avon Lake Municipal Utilities (ALMU) oversees the city's water and sewer system, including the water filtration plant and the water pollution control center. The utility essentially overseas water distribution for 180,000 customers in a 600-square-mile radius in five counties. The water filtration plant, located on Lake Road, has the capacity to clean 40 million gallons of water a day.
ALMU's executive offices are located on Miller Road and are open to the public for questions, bill paying and setting up service.
ALMU is also accountable for a multimillion dollar sewer-separation project that has been ongoing for the past decade and will continue through to 2020. The project requires that storm water and sewer lines are separated to ensure the health of Lake Erie.
Water utility customers can go to the department's website to find out about billing, water rates, algae, how to set up auto-pay service and backflow requirements for inground sprinklers, as well as to obtain the annual water quality report.
Residents of Avon Lake enjoy one of the lowest water rates in the Greater Cleveland area, as well as quality water. The water rated as one of the "best tasting" in the country several years ago.
The city of Avon Lake is governed by one mayor, elected to a four-year term, and seven council members, also elected to four year terms.
The city is broken into four wards, with each electing one council member, and the city collectively electing three at-large council members.
The mayor is responsible for administrative duties, and the council is responsible for legislative actions.
City council meetings are held in council chambers at 150 Avon Belden Road. Chambers are on the second floor. Council meetings are held on Monday nights (except holidays and summer break) at 7:30pm. Meetings are broadcast live on ALC-TV Channel 12 and rebroadcast on the Internet at avonlake.pegcentral.com.
Council meetings are attended by the finance director, city engineering manager, part-time law director, council members, the mayor and clerk of council.
Greg Zilka is the current mayor. The council is comprised of Rob James (Ward 1), Jennifer Fenderbosch (Ward 2), Larry Meiners (Ward 3), David Kos (Ward 4), Martin O'Donnell (at-large, council president), Martin O'Donnell (at-large), Dan Bucci (at-large) and John Shondel (at-large).