Why have we hired 2 CALIFORNIA firms for the city of Cleveland Heights--one for the website and now one for registration. No one in Cleveland or Ohio can do this? The firm hired to revamp the website was hired in June and still has not launched? What is the story behind this decision? Thanks, Patch!

I am a Cleveland Hts parent who has continually complained of having to complete the same forms with the same information for the same kids for the last 9yrs, so great job on finally making this decision! I am also a business owner in the city of Cleveland Hts and find it completely appalling that this job would be hired outside the city! We have several reputable companies in the area that could provide this type of work. "Community" center - public locations where members of a community tend to gather for group activities, social support, public information, and other purposes. These sound like a places supported by community members and their money. Why support a community besides our own by sourcing outside the community for this work? "City" Council - the legislative body that governs a city, town and overall COMMUNITY....hmmmm, again, how does this happen? Extremely frustrated! I would rather go back to filling out the forms...

I remember when we saw the posting for the CH website, the specific guidelines needed to be eligible to even bid were probably more than most community business could muster but seriously? California? So every time I sign up my kid for soccer, ($45) California firm will make $3.85. Multiply that by 200 and we funnel approximately $770 out of state. That's just for 1 sport and 1 season.
Without knowing all the facts, doesn't it seem odd that when you do a Paypal transaction, it costs about .30 per transaction + 3% It almost sounds like the new company is making a huge per transaction profit every time a kid signs up for Karate or Zumba lessons. I would look into that. Once a database is made, forms can be filled out all day long without such a massive hit per transaction. I think that City Council needs someone who knows even a little bit about technology to help make decisions that cost everyone.

yeah i find it absurd that we had to use a company from california as well, i am positive there is enough talent & brain in cleveland heights let alone all of cleveland to have completed this job & kept everything here. boo!

with the $2.50 surcharge it looks like i'll still be heading to the counter at the rec center to handle everything as i have in the past.