Weekly Update to City Council
from the City Manager Judy Gilleland
July 18, 2008
Red Light Cameras
We are planning to bid out new red light cameras. As I’ve mentioned before, if council has any feedback on the red light camera issue, please advise in the next week. We want to make sure that Council is supportive of the program prior to bidding. Staff is supportive of the red light cameras because they increase safety.
Liquor Permits
See attached memo from Betsy.
Paducah, KY Trip
The MJ provided great coverage of the trip. From my perspective, it was an exciting and worthwhile trip. We brought back lots of useful information and anticipate a plan of action in the near future.
The Wall Street Journal (7/17, B1, Hudson) reports that "the hottest trend this decade in shopping-center development," the lifestyle center, "has gone cold." Such centers, usually built as open-air complexes, "offer small parks, fountains, and cafes amid name-brand retailers" such as Chico's, Ann Taylor, and Talbots. The Journal adds that "[d]evelopers raced to add new ones as they became popular with shoppers," while "construction of traditional enclosed malls all but stopped." The reason, the Journal notes, is that "with the economy slumping and shoppers spending less, retailers that had flocked to the centers...have begun canceling expansion plans and even shutting stores." For developers, "[t]his couldn't happen at a worse time." The lifestyle centers were a ready source of business, adding "37 centers totaling some 12 million square feet" just last year, but the slowdown "means many of the planned projects" for coming years "won't leave the drawing board" and those already started "will probably have difficulty leasing space when they open."
Midfirst Ohio Challenge
See you all at the Balloon Event this weekend.
Departmental Reports
Fire Division
While fighting a fire this week, a Fire Lt. became short of breath with chest pain and was later admitted for blood clots in both lungs. He is currently at the hospital in stable condition. Also, this week Atrium, Trauma Chief, Dr. Butler trained MFD firefighters on traumatic chest injuries.
Health Department
Melody Evans, Health Programs Administrator, is retiring Friday July 18th after more than 25 years with the City. A Team Excellence Award was presented to Melody Evans, Jackie Phillips, Marty McDonald, and Skip Batten for the Cancer Awareness Health Fair that the Health Department provided for city employees on April 10th.
Upcoming Events
July 18 – 20th MidFirst Ohio Challenge
July 22nd Groundbreaking ceremony – Quaker Chemical – 8:45 a.m.
July 25th Greek Festival - St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Grand Ave. – 6:00 p.m.
July 25 – 27th Thunder in the Sky – Jet Model Show – Smith Park
July 30th Broad Street Bash – Stagger Lee – 6:00
August 4th Joint meeting with City Council, Middletown City Schools and MUM – Johnston Hall – Room 142
August 5th National Night Out – Damon Park – 5:00
August 5th City Council meeting – 5:30
