Former Mayfield Heights Councilmen Honored for Service

Former City Council members Michael Ballistrea and Ronald Kobunski were honored with resolutions commending them for their years of service.

Mayor Gregory Costabile, who presented the resolutions at Monday's council meeting, noted that Ballistrea started his 17 years of service in January 1995 as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

He also was a member of the 2004 Master Plan Committee before being appointed to council in October 1998. Ballistrea, who served as council president for the last six years, was unable to run for re-election last fall because of term limits.

"Thanks to all of the residents for allowing me to be their representative," Ballistrea said. "I feel very empty sitting out in the audience tonight."

"It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Mayfield Heights. Hopefully, I'll be back again to serve in some capacity in the near future," he added.

Kobunski was a Mayfield Heights firefighter from 1962 until 1973. He joined the Board of Zoning Appeals in 2001 and was appointed to council in February 2006.

"I'm so happy you put (Councilman) Paul Sciria in charge of leaf collections, because he bugged me constantly," Kobunski said.

He also thanked his former colleagues. "It was an honor serving with you," Kobunski said.