Hello Villagers,

On August 6th, our village experienced a ferocious storm that brought severe damage and destruction in less than twenty minutes. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured during the storm or in the immediate hours and days following it. Yet, fourteen homes and structures were severely damaged, particularly in the Battles, Brigham, Riverview, Saddleback and northern Chagrin River Road areas.

Across the village, a third of our homes were without power for several days as emergency power crews conducted damage and threat assessments in the first 24 hours to prioritize crew assignments. Our service department opened roads in risky situations hindered by nightfall and downed lines that may or may not have been electrified. Our police force kept order and control on the roads and responded with safety checks to vulnerable residents. The fire department, under the emergency management leadership of Fire Chief Tom Majeski, coordinated efforts among village departments, neighboring communities, and his fire fighters. Over 24 fire calls were received within a few hours of the afternoon incident. Our first responders and neighboring mutual aid partners worked through the night responding in rough weather conditions and dangerous situations. Safety was the top priority. I am proud of how well they worked together.

I am also proud of how our neighbors worked alongside each other helping clear trees and limbs from driveways, providing shelter and comfort, and being a friend in countless situations. Thank you for listening to and caring for one another.

It will take weeks and months to regain some normalcy, though trees that have stood over 100’ for decades will be impossible to replace. Please exercise patience with the recovery efforts over coming weeks.

I am thankful for each of you.

Steven L Siemborski, Mayor
1470 Chagrin River Road
Gates Mills, OH  44040
(440) 423-4405   Ext. 122
mayor@gatesmillsvillage.com