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1. What are Governmental Aggregation Programs?

Governmental Aggregations allow an entire community, or groups of communities, to join together to form one large buying group. Once voters authorize an aggregation, elected officials are then permitted to shop on behalf of their residents and small business for the lowest available prices. 

2. Who do I call if I have a problem with my gas or electric service?

Dominion Energy Ohio (DEO) delivers your gas and sends you a bill. You will continue to call DEO (no matter what aggregation supplier you use) 1-877-542-2630 for emergency repairs and gas leaks. For non-emergencies such as billing questions, service turn on or off call 1-800-362-7557.

Ohio Edison delivers your electric service and sends you an electric bill. You will continue to call Ohio Edison, a First Energy Company, at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or 1-800-633-4766. 

3. Can I remain on Budget Billing or equal monthly payment plan?

Yes.  Those programs are offered by the gas or electric utility and will continue if you have chosen that type of billing.   However, PIPP (percentage of income payment program) customers may not be eligible.  Check with your gas or electric company for details. 

4. How is the City able to choose a supplier on my behalf?

The community must vote to allow a City to become a Government Aggregator. There are two types of programs offered to residents; "opt-in" or "opt-out" and the community as a whole must decide which program it prefers. In November 2000, Munroe Falls residents voted to allow the City to choose the supplier and to have an "opt-out" program. "Opt-out" programs are the most common types of aggregation programs because they result in higher participation that usually results in lower rates. 

In Ohio, with an "opt-out" program, each eligible resident is automatically enrolled in the program unless they notify the supplier that they DO NOT wish to participate.

5. Will it cost me to join the program?

No. Enrollment in the program is free and you need not take any action unless you decide to opt out. You only need to be eligible to participate.  

6. Is everyone eligible for the program?

No. By law there are certain limitations on eligibility. All of the current participants in our community's program will receive a notice of the new program rates, terms and conditions and continue to be eligible. Newly eligible residents or businesses must be located within the community limits. Furthermore, they must have received an "opt-out" notice.

Here are the criteria for new member eligibility:

1. Must have Dominion EOG (for gas service) or First Energy (for electric service) - programs are independent of one another.  You do not have to participate in both; you may elect to take part in only one if you wish.
2. You must not have chosen a supplier on your own. 
3. You must be a resident or business owner located within the City limits. 
4. You must not be a PIPP (percentage of income payment program) customer. 
5. You must not be in arrears on your bill payment
6. You must not be a mercantile customer (using higher amounts of gas/electric)

7. Will I get two bills?

No. You will continue to receive only one bill for Gas service and only one bill for Electric service as you do now. The aggregation supplier, phone number and rate is shown on your billing statement. 

8. Can I enroll even if I am enrolled with another supplier?

Yes. However your supplier may charge an early termination fee. All residents should check the terms and conditions of their current contract before making a switch. 

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1. What is zoning?

Zoning protects public health and welfare and promotes community character by organizing land into clearly defined districts based on the type and intensity of use. While land use planning uses broad categories, such as residential, commercial, and industrial, to separate different uses within a community, zoning further divides these categories into districts based on intensity. This separation of uses allows communities and individual neighborhoods to regulate growth and development and preserve community character. In addition to uses, zoning codes also regulate site layout and design details, including lot size; density; building placement, height, and bulk; setbacks; provision of adequate light and air; parking; landscaping; and signage. 

The Zoning Code (PDF) contains regulations concerning the placement and height of structures on a lot or parcel within the community and any construction therein.

2. When is a Zoning Permit required?

Zoning approval is required any time there are excavation or site improvements or when a building or structure is:

• Constructed
• Enlarged
• Erected
• Moved or altered
• Reconstructed

3. How can I report a possible Zoning violation or Nuisance Abatement?

Call the City Hall or use the Request Tracker to contact the City by clicking here. 

4. What is a Zoning District?

The City is divided into districts where regulations control the use of buildings and premises (residential, commercial, etc.) in order to be uniformed and cohesive. 

The Zoning Map (PDF) will show each Zoning District.

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1. What is a "Mayor's Court"?

A mayor’s court is a local-level court created in some municipalities that hears cases about traffic violations, minor misdemeanors, and other offenses that cannot result in jail time, and they only operate in Ohio and Louisiana. In Ohio, the presiding officer is a magistrate (not a judge) appointed by the mayor, or City Council.

2. Who can I call if I have a question about a ticket or about Mayor's Court?

Call the Police Clerk, who is also the Mayor's Court Clerk at 330-688-7494. 

3. Will the Mayor hear my case?

No.  You will appear before a magistrate (not a judge or the mayor).  

4. How many Mayors Courts are in Ohio and where are they located?

Ohio has 297 mayor’s courts and they operate in 64 of our 88 counties. In 2016, more than 1 out of every 6 traffic tickets were issued in towns with a mayor’s court. Curious about where they are specifically? The Supreme Court of Ohio’s annual report on mayor’s court has a comprehensive list.

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1. What is considered an EMERGENCY?

Any situation that could pose a threat to life, health, property or the environment that requires immediate attention. If you are not sure that you have an emergency situation, it is always best to err on the side of caution and dial 911 or the 24-Hour Dispatch Service, 330-688-3555.

2. When do I use the Request Tracker Forms to File a Complaint or Report an Issue?

Whenever you have an issue or complaint that is NOT an EMERGENCY.   If there is an EMERGENCY situation that requires immediate attention please call 911 or contact the 24-hour Dispatch Service at 330-688-3555.

The Request Tracker complaint forms reach us via email during regular business hours excluding weekends and federal holidays. These forms allow the City to not only track and record issues and complaints, they allow us to respond and issue work orders when necessary. 

3. What is the difference between Public Safety and Public Works?

Public Safety encompasses the Police and Fire Departments and the safety of our residents. The Request Tracker complaint forms should only be used for NON-EMERGENCIES. If you have an emergency call 911 or the 24-hour Dispatch Service at 330-688-3555. 

Public Works involves the maintenance of public roads, infrastructure, utilities, public drainage systems (stormwater) and parks services. This does NOT involve private property or Metro Parks of Summit County. 

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1. How do I report a dead animal in the street?

The City may remove dead animals from the street or public right of way only.  Dead animals on private property will not be collected by the City.

Please use the Request Tracker module and click on "Report an Issue or File a Complaint", click here

2. How do I report a street light or traffic light outage?

Streetlights are managed by First Energy.  Call 1-888-LIGHTSS, use their website or click here.  

If you prefer to contact the City Hall, you can do so via the Request Tracker module. Use the link to report a traffic or street light outage and we will send it to First Energy on your behalf. Click here

You will need the address of the streetlight and nearest cross street or landmark either way you report it. 

3. Does the City remove raccoons or other nuisance animals?

No.  Please refer to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife's website for information about what to do click here

4. What do I do if my ditch is not flowing or functioning properly?

This could be due to overgrowth, silt build up, plugged or collapsed driveway culvert pipes. Your culvert pipe and any drainage ditches and/or pipes on your property are your property and your responsibility to maintain or repair. 

If you have a question or concern about a city drainage issue, please use the Request Tracker module, and choose Report an Issue or File a Complaint, click here

5. What is the Mosquito Spraying Schedule this year?

The City of Munroe Falls DOES NOT spray for mosquitos.  Summit County Health Department provides this service to all of Summit County.  For information click here.

They offer a link to sign up for text alerts so can get that information sent directly to you. 

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1. What if I can't pay my water bill?

Payments received or postmarked after the due date are charged a late penalty.  That late penalty is 10% of the amount billed for the water service and $1.50 for Stormwater service per parcel.

Accounts that become 60 days delinquent will receive a Delinquent Notice in the mail warning of impending shut off.  Additional charges will apply.  

If you can't afford to pay the water bill, or other utility bills, and you are in need of financial assistance check out Summit County Assistance Programs click here

Or, check out the "2-1-1 System" powered by United Way click here

2. Why is my water bill so high?

Water bills are based upon your water usage. If the amount of your bill is higher than usual, your usage was higher than usual.  

The first thing you need to do is read your water meter. Compare that reading to the reading on your water bill. It should be the same or slightly higher depending on the date you take the reading. If there is a discrepancy, or if you have questions, contact the water department.  With the advanced, automatic water meters your reading was taken remotely. These meters are advanced in their technology and installed in 2015, so they are extremely accurate.  Water meters will slow down when they begin to break down; they do not speed up, so there is little to no chance that you are billed for more water than you actually used.

Second, think back over the last month about your water usage. Did you have guests? Do you have a "tricky" toilet that requires you to jiggle the handle for it to stop running? Did you receive a letter from the water department about a potential leak issue or continuous consumption? Again, you should check with the water department for your exact usage data.  We can help you determine if there could be a problem. 

3. How can I tell how much water I used on my bill?

You water meter reading and usage is shown on the middle portion of your water bill.  The usage is billed in 100 gallons.  An easy way to express the total usage is to simply add two zeros.  For example; if the usage on the bill shows 18 it means that you used 1800 gallons (or 1,800).

4. Does the change to monthly water bills or rates affect my sanitary sewer bill?

No.  

The sanitary sewer service is billed by Summit County DOSSS.  Those bills are separate and remain quarterly for the water usage billed in 1,000 gallons. For sewer rates and billing information contact DOSSS at 330-926-2400. 

5. How do I close my water account if I am moving?

Contact the water department for a final meter reading and final water bill. Be sure to have your forwarding address ready so your final bill will reach you. 

If you have a title company involved in the sale of your home, they will typically hold funds to cover charges for water and sanitary sewer in case you don't pay the final bills. If you don't have a title company and you fail to pay the final bill, the cost plus additional penalties can be certified to the property tax bill no matter who owns the property. 

It is only necessary to shut off service if the buyer has not signed up for new service. Typically, the account should roll over into the buyers' name. Therefore, the final reading should be scheduled as close to the transfer of the property as possible. 

Since the readings are collected remotely, we can take the final reading any time without an appointment to get inside the home. 

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1. Which parts of the water service line is my responsibility, and which parts are the responsibility of the MFWD?

The property owner's responsibility for maintenance begins immediately after the "curb stop" and extends through the property and all plumbing within the entire home.  The "curb stop" is the main valve, generally located near the property line, housed in a cylinder with a cap on it called the "curb box".  This valve allows the MFWD to turn the water service off or on in an emergency or for repairs. The resident is responsible for all shut off valves on either side of the water meter and the plumbing throughout the home. Although the water meter itself is the property of the MFWD, the customer is responsible for protecting the meter from damage; including freezing. 

2. What if my main shut off valve won't work in an emergency?

Call the Water Department immediately to have someone come out to shut off the water at the street or "curb stop".     

MFWD - 330-688-7491 - $25 fee during business hours 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

After Hours call Dispatch - 330-688-3555  - $50 fee for after hours call out. 

3. How should I maintain the main water shut off valves?

Keeping the main shut off valves in good working condition will ensure that you are able to turn your water off if one of your pipes breaks, or in the event of another emergency.  Give the valve a turn occasionally to prevent corrosion build up.  If the valve becomes corroded, you should probably replace it.  Call a licensed plumber and then call the Water Department to see about scheduling the water to be shut off at the street.  Generally a 48-hour notice should be given, unless there is an emergency.  There is a $25 charge for the service.  (After hours emergency shut off is $50)

4. What are some common reasons for frozen pipes?

• Unheated basement where the water meter and pipes are located
• Uninsulated pipes running against cold outside walls
• Open or broken windows near water meters or pipes
• Openings or cracks that allow cold air to affect the water meter or pipes
• Water meter and water pipes enclosed or boxed in against outside walls. 

5. How will I know if my pipes are frozen?

Generally, when a pipe that feeds a certain fixture such as a shower, sink, or toilet freezes, you will not be able to get water from that fixture.

6. Why do frozen water pipes break?

When water freezes within a pipe, the volume of water expands.  The same amount of water takes up more space as a solid than as a liquid.  This causes the pipes to expand and possibly break at a weak point.  You may notice this immediately, or it may not become apparent until the pipe begins to thaw, with the break occurring only when full water pressure is restored. 

7. Do water service lines (pipes that run from the house to the street) freeze as well as indoor pipes?

Yes.  Water service lines can freeze when the ground frost gets deep enough to encase your service line in ice.  However, this generally happens only when your service line is less than five fee below the surface of the ground. 

8. What is a water service line?

The water service line is the pipe that connects to the City's water main in the street to your home. This line has valves on it to allow your water to be turned on or off.  There is a valve between the City's main and your home that the Water Department accesses to turn your water on or off.  

9. What should I do if my pipes freeze?

Your best course of action is to call a professional plumber. MFWD can only shut off the water at the street.  There is a fee charged for this service. If you have any emergency and require service disconnection after regular business hours, the fee is increased. 

10. Can I try thawing the pipes myself?

Yes, but you'll need to be very careful!  Some improper thawing methods could cause the pipes to burst; others can injure or even kill you!  Here are some of the safer methods: 

• If possible, expose a boxed-in area to the heat within your home
• Use a heat gun or hair dryer to thaw the pipe, but set the control on "low"!  Be extremely careful, as heat from a heat gun (or, in some cases, from a blow dryer) may ignite nearby wood or paper. 
• Rub the pipe with warm, damp rags to slowly thaw the line
• Keep the faucet open while thawing the pipe.  As the frozen area begins to melt water begins to flow.  This will help melt more ice in the pipe.  Apply heat until full water pressure is restored
• While you're at it, check the other faucets in the house to find out if you have any additional frozen pipes.  If one pipe freezes, others may freeze too. 
• The broken pipe will have to be soldered or replaced.  You must be the judge of whether you can do this yourself, or whether you'll need to call a plumber.   When a break is fixed, make sure the area around the pipe gets plenty of air circulation, so that nearby insulation and other building materials have a chance to dry. 

DO NOT try to thaw a frozen pipe with a blowtorch.  There's a good chance that you will cause the water to boil within the pipe, resulting in an explosion when the pipe bursts.  Also, a blow torch will release poisonous gasses into the air; you might die trying to defrost your pipes!

11. How you can prevent your pipes from freezing

There are many things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing in extreme weather.  Here are just some suggestions:  

• Keep the water meter area on "outside" walls exposed to heat from nearby rooms.
• Allow warm air to circulate around pipes.  Open bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing (be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of kids).
• Better yet, insulate your pipes.  You can buy products made specifically to insulate water pipes, such as "pipe sleeves", "heat tape", "heat cables", or other similar products.  Most of them are available at your local building/home supply center.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and using these products. 
• Check your home for areas where water pipes are located, especially those in unheated areas.  Look in the basement, crawl spaces, attic, garage and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.  Both hot and cold water pipes should be insulated - one can freeze just as easily as the other if water is not running through the pipe and the temperature around the pipe is cold. 
• Caulk and seal any openings in outside walls near your water pipes. 
• Got a swimming pool?  Drain the water according to the manufacturer's or installer's instructions. 
• Remove, drain, and store any hoses used outdoors.  Close the inside valves that supply outdoor faucets so the water can drain out.  And leave it open, so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break. 
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both day and night.  You may get a higher heating bill by not lowering the temperature at night, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if the pipes freeze and burst.  Don't set the temperature below 60 degrees when you go out. 
• If it's absolutely necessary, keep some tap water running.  Not a lot; just a trickle.  Moving water doesn't freeze as readily as stagnant water.  Understand, though that this method will result in an increased water bill.
• If no one will be home for an extended period of time during extreme weather (going to Florida for the winter?), you might consider turning your main valve off altogether and hiring a plumber to drain your system, including all water pipes and fixtures.  That way, there will be no water in your pipes to freeze.  Even if your pipes have never frozen before, there's always the chance that a severe cold snap could cause an electrical blackout that disables your furnace.  Winterizing your water system will ensure that your pipes don't freeze. 

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1. Where is the water meter?

Because water meters have water moving through them they will freeze if exposed to cold weather in Northeast Ohio. For this reason, they are always located inside the home unless you have a pit on your property that can protect the meter. There are only a few homes in Munroe Falls that have a pit meter situation. 

The water meter is usually located in the basement if you have one.  If you have a slab foundation and no basement, the meter will be located where the water enters the house; usually near your hot water tank and will enter from the street facing side. It is a small, gray square unit with a lid that lifts open to expose a digital reading. The reading will display alternately with the flow rate.  

IF YOU HAVE AN OUTSIDE REMOTE UNIT (small blue square) THIS UNIT IS NO LONGER OPERABLE. These units were disconnected when the new AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) meters were installed. There are no residential services in Munroe Falls without an AMR meter (for City water service). 

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1. What if my shut off valve won't work in an emergency?

Call the Water Department immediately to have someone come out to shut off the water at the street or "curb stop".     

MFWD - 330-688-7491 - $25 fee during business hours 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

After Hours call Dispatch - 330-688-3555  - $50 fee for after hours call out. 

2. Which parts of the water service line is my responsibility and which parts are the responsibility of the City?

The property owner's responsibility for maintenance begins immediately after the "curb stop" and extends through the property and all plumbing within the entire home.  The "curb stop" is the main valve, generally located near the property line, housed in a cylinder with a cap on it called the "curb box".  This valve allows the MFWD to turn the water service off or on in an emergency or for repairs.  The resident is responsible for all shut off valves on either side of the water meter and the plumbing throughout the home.  Although the water meter itself is the property of the MFWD, the customer is responsible for protecting the meter from damage; including freezing.

3. How should I maintain my shut off valves?

Keeping the main shut off valves in good working condition will ensure that you are able to turn your water off if one of your pipes breaks, or in the event of another emergency.  Give the valve a turn occasionally to prevent corrosion build up.  If the valve becomes corroded, you should probably replace it.  Call a licensed plumber and then call the Water Department to see about scheduling the water to be shut off at the curb stop.  Generally a 48 hour notice should be given, unless there is an emergency.  There is a $25 charge for the service.  (After hours emergency shut off is $50)