Weekly Update to City Council
from the City Manager
June 13, 2008
Main Street Art and Music Festival
Kudos to the volunteers who organized this event. It is always good to see quality entertainment downtown.
Regional Meetings
In our ongoing quest for regional partnerships, the Mayor and I met this week with officials from West Chester Township.
Red Light Cameras
As the MJ reported, we are having internal discussions on the red light cameras. The Police Department and I are very supportive of this program. The cameras improve safety by decreasing red light accidents, and, we also receive a bit of revenue from the tickets. We are not satisfied with the service of our current provider and need to make a decision on whether or not to seek a new provider or stay with the current provider. If any Council Member has an opinion on the program, please let me know.
Joint Meeting with Butler County Commissioners
A reminder that next Monday, June 23, we have planned a joint meeting with City Council and the Butler County Commissioners, 6:30 p.m. dinner at the Manchester Inn.
Monthly TV Show and article in MJ
In an effort to get the word out about all of the positive activities at city hall, I am hosting a monthly TV show highlighting various city departments, followed by an article in the MJ. We taped our first show highlighting retail attraction efforts, Bill Murphy was the guest and he did a great job.
Departmental Reports
Police Division
We identified and arrested Randy Stanaford of 6774 Tabby Drive, Huber Heights for Abduction. This is the result of an investigation into the attempted abduction of a 9-year old from behind her residence at 1909 Linden Ave. The suspect was 6’8” and 295 lbs and this little girl was able to escape from him after he grabbed her off her bicycle. We have also been contacted by several other area departments who are investigating similar incidents possibly involving this individual.
Environmental/Engineering Department
The Clean Ohio Assistance Fund application for Midwest Services, will be completed and available to the public for review by Wednesday, June 18, on the City’s website and at the Middletown Public Library.
Fire Division
Emergency Medical Services training was conducted covering both pediatric trauma and START triage. The training was delivered in partnership with Miami Valley Hospital’s Care Flight service. Also on site for hands-on inspection was the Warren County Mass Casualty unit.
Health Department
We have arranged for safety personnel to get Hepatitis B immunizations for bloodborne pathogen protection. Our summer intern, has begun collecting mosquitoes for West Nile Virus surveillance. We have completed the school inspections under the new Jarrod’s Law.
Planning Department
Planning Commission approved zoning for relocation of Precise Forms of Monroe to the former Orman Welding building at 2714 Tytus Ave. Also approved was a recommendation to Council for elimination of the cul-de-sac on Emerald Way in Greentree Industrial Park.
Law Department
Cincinnati Bell Wireless lawsuit: possible settlement for City Council consideration in Executive Session on Tuesday. Garden Manor lawsuit: new application filed, public hearing scheduled and notices sent to abutting owners.
Public Works
SK Construction is replacing a 60” storm line on Ohio and Tytus Avenues. Ten employees passed the Ohio EPA test for Water Distribution.
Finance Department
We are working on the tax budget for 2009. This will be coming to council on the July 1st meeting. We are almost finished changing out the water meters; to date 19,124 meters have been changed.
Economic Development
We launched our Business Visitation Program this week. The program, which is a partnership of the City, Chamber of Commerce and the business community, is designed to meet with existing Middletown companies to better understand the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Middletown.
Meetings/Events/Functions attended this week:
Speaker at Middletown Board of Realtors
Discussion with our Section 8 housing administrator
Discussion with HUD regarding Section 8 housing
TV Middletown Board meeting
Wings of Freedom Airshow Fundraiser at Stefanos
Library Tour and meeting with Doug Bean, Knight Goodman and Maria Langendorf
Opening remarks at HUD foreclosure seminar
Opening remarks at Relay for Life
Conversation with Council – Ward 1 & 2 meeting
Dr. Kelly Cowan – MUM
Speaker at Butler County Port Authority meeting
Upcoming Events
June 14th All Church Parade, 10:00 a.m.
Multi-Cultural Festival, 11:00 a.m., Douglass Park
Sunset Pool Opens
June 17th City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers
June 18th Broad Street Bash, 5:30 p.m., Central & Broad (Timeless Band and Stagger Lee)
June 19th Keep Middletown Beautiful fundraiser at Stefanos
June 21st Blues and Bikes, All day, Donham Plaza
Have a great weekend! Judy
