Weekly Update to City Council
from the City Manager
March 14, 2010
Thoughts and Prayers to Mr. Armbruster
Our thoughts are with Council Member Jim Armbruster and his family as he recovers from surgery.
Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Groundbreaking of AK Steel East Side Works Plant
Tuesday night at Council we will recognize the 100th anniversary of AK’s groundbreaking. Thanks to the Historical Society, we actually have the shovel used for the groundbreaking 100 years ago. This special shovel has been used for a number of other AK groundbreaking ceremonies (1947 Electric Furnace, 1949 Open Hearth, etc.) that are also significant to our community. If you get a chance at the meeting, take a close look at the shovel to see the commemorative plaques.
Carillon Bell Tower Repairs
I am pleased to report that the Bell Tower repairs are complete. The bells are programmed to play music on the hour and to toll each quarter of the hour.
Discuss In the MUSA Forum
New Bus Stop Shelters
As part of the transportation grant that we were recently awarded, we will be replacing bus stop shelters around town. As you know, most of our current shelters are severely deteriorated. This project will contribute to our overall plan of refreshing and replacing our city infrastructure. Discuss In The MUSA Forum
Best Wishes to Tom Wheeler, Executive Director of Abilities First, in his Retirement
We would like to extend wishes for a happy and healthy retirement to Tom and to thank him for his service to Abilities First and the Community.
Robert “Sonny “ Hill, Jr. Community Center
We are working on new landscaping for the Community Center entrance. As soon as that work is accomplished, we will select a date for the rededication of the center to Sonny Hill; most likely the last part of April.
Google’s Broadband High Speed Access Project
As a staff, we have discussed submitting Middletown as a candidate for Google’s broadband high speed access project. You may have seen cities across the nation discussing this project. While we don’t have the resources to dedicate a great deal of staff time, we believe that the project would benefit the city residents and businesses. Also, it will provide an economic development asset to the community.
To that end, we have done some work toward completing the application and have composed the attachments to garner community support. Google has noted that community support is an important part of the application and project. If we do apply, we will also ask Council for individual letters of support, a proclamation or resolution of support. The applications are due at the end of March.
Discuss In the MUSA Forum
Water Deposit Increase for Rental Units
We strive to keep our water rates as low and as fair as possible, making sure our customers only pay for the service they use. The current $100.00 water deposit for non-owner occupied (rental) properties is usually not sufficient to cover final bills for rental customers. So that we do not have to continue to write off unpaid bills, as of June 1, 2010 the required water deposit for rental properties will increase to $200.00. This is an administrative action and does not require Council action. The Water Billing Staff researched several other options including shortening the collection period on final bills, and/or holding the property owner responsible for the outstanding bills. The staff concluded that increasing the deposit is the most effective method of collection at this time and is in the best interest of the tenant, landlord and property owners.
Discuss In the MUSA Forum
Extended Income Tax Division Hours
The Middletown Tax Office will have extended hours to aid our citizens in getting their taxes filed on time. As an added service, the Tax Department also assists residents with preparing their local tax returns. Residents who desire assistance should bring the appropriate paperwork, i.e., W-2s, 1099s, Federal returns, etc. This service is free of charge, on a first –come, first-served basis. The extended hours are as follows:
Tuesday, April 13th 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 14th 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 15th 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
In addition, our Community Center will have tax prep assistance on March 16, 23 and 27.
Upcoming Events
March 15 Middletown Friends of the Library – 125 S. Broad Street 11:00 a.m.
March 15 Middletown Board of Education – 1515 Girard Avenue 6:30 p.m.
March 16 Middletown Public Housing Agency meeting Council Chambers (LL) City Building 5:30 p.m.
March 16 City Council meeting Council Chambers (LL) City Building 6:30 p.m.
March 17 Tree Commission meeting - Levey Hall, Miami University, Middletown @ Noon
March 18 Blood Drive on the Plaza 1:15 – 3:15 p.m. Contact Health Dept. 425-1818 for appt.
March 18 State of the City Address by Mayor Mulligan - Council Chambers (LL) City Building 6:00 p.m.
March 20 Town Hall meeting w/ Vice Mayor Anita Scott Jones - Chamber Office on Central Avenue 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
April 1 Chamber Monthly Luncheon – MASC 11:45 – 1:15 p.m.
April 2 First Friday Noon Concert Series – First Methodist Church (across from Library)
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
April 5 Park Board meeting – Conference Room 2C City Building 5:30 p.m.
Middletown Board of Education – 1515 Girard Avenue 6:30 p.m.
April 6 City Council meeting – Council Chambers (LL) City Building 5:30 p.m.
April 12 Golf Commission – Weatherwax Golf Course 6:00 p.m.
April 13 Board of health meeting – Conference Room 2C 7:30 a.m.
Town Hall meeting w/ Councilman Josh Laubach Middletown - Area Senior Citizens on Central Avenue
April 14 Planning Commission meeting – Council Chambers (LL) City Building 5:30 p.m.
Links for additional information:
City Manager’s Weekly Update: www.cityofmiddletown.org
Middletown Community Calendar: http://www.calendarwiz.com/middletowncalendar (copy and paste in your web browser)
Pothole Patrol: www.cityofmiddletown.org or call 727-3691 (Option 2)
Have a great week!
Judy
