Weekly Update to City Council
from the City Manager

Pothole Patrol

As the freezing and thawing cycle occurs, we are bound to see some pothole pop up. The more assistance we get from the public in reporting the potholes, the easier our jobs are. We invite you to report potholes on our pothole hot line at 727-3691 (Option 2) or on our website www.cityofmiddletown.org see the link on the right side “pothole patrol”.

Ohio EPA Issues Air permit to Middletown Coke Company

The Ohio EPA has issued a final air permit-to-install to Sunoco’s Middletown Coke Company or Suncoke. The plant will provide coke to AK Steel, Middletown Works for its steel-making operation. The new permit has the most stringent requirements in the country for coke-making facilities and sets a new standard for similar coke-making facilities. State–of –the-art controls are required for particulate, sulfur-dioxide (CO2) and mercury. Hazardous air pollutants emissions and other combustion pollutants are controlled by the combustion processes inherent in the design. The permit contains multiple systems designed to ensure compliance including, but not limited to:

The requirements to continuously monitor SO2 emissions and mercury emissions from the main stack;

Extensive monitoring, record keeping and reporting key operational information to verify the plant is operating in compliance;

Required emissions testing to ensure compliance; and

The requirement to purchase (so the Hamilton County Depart. Of Environmental Services [HCDES] can install and operate) multiple ambient concentrations of particulate (both PM10 and PM 2.5), volatile organic hazardous air pollutants and SO2.

Ohio EPA analyzed the technologies and emission rates proposed and compared them to state and federal regulations and guidelines as well as other state air regulations to ensure that the proposed technologies and emission rates meet all applicable rules and are protective of human health and the environment. This is the 2nd air permit issued. The “Netting permit”, issued Nov. 25, 2008, was based on a permitting scenario that did not include the more stringent requirements stated above. The 2nd permit (the PSD/NNSR permit) requires compliance with these regulations. Both permits meet applicable air pollution rules and regulations.

Both AK Steel and Suncoke have certified that they meet all requirements of the Ohio EPA. The Ohio EPA believes that these certifications meet all requirements under the NNSR rules. The Ohio EPA held a public hearing @ MUM to discuss the 2nd draft. All comments were considered and responded to in writing before the final decision was made. You may access a copy of the final permit and responses @ http://www.epa.ohio.gov/pic/middletowncoke.aspx. Any appeals must take place within 30 days of issuing the final action by the Environmental Review Appeals Commission.

Diversity Training

I am pleased to report that we are continuing the Diversity Training for all employees that we began last year. In addition to a professional trainer who provided the initial training, we have a team of employees trained to present the ongoing sessions throughout the organization. Because we have so many employees in the utilities, police and fire who work outside of normal hours, it can be quite costly to bring all employees together for training sessions. By having the employee training team provide the diversity sessions at various hours, we were able to save a great deal of money on training.

Ohio Department of Health visit

Our Health Department received a visit from Dr. Alvin Jackson, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health, on Friday. Our Health Commissioner Dave Winfough, Jackie Phillips Director of Nursing, Senator Gary Cates, Representative Tim Derickson and I met with Dr. Jackson. We had an interesting discussion regarding improving the technology at the state level for environmental health utilizing the software program that our Health Department currently uses for food inspections. Also discussed were the consolidation of the three health departments in Butler County, grants administration issues, the results of the newly released countyhealthrankings.org, and our relationship with the state in general.

From the Int’l City Management Newsletter: Lincoln City, Nebraska, May Update City's Housing Code.

The Lincoln (NE) Journal Star (2/19, Winter) reports, "On Monday the Lincoln City Council will consider updating the city's housing code to help crack down on dilapidated houses and recalcitrant property owners." Mayor Chris Beutler put a word of support "in Thursday for passage of legislation that goes before the Lincoln City Council on Monday." Beutler said "it's just the first of several steps his administration will take toward addressing blighted properties in Lincoln. The city was spurred into action in part by a series of 'problem property potlucks' that neighbors held outside unsightly houses to draw attention to the problem."

MFD Grant

Middletown Division of Fire received confirmation this week from U.S. Congressman John Boehner of the fact that they have been selected for a $79,560 grant (total program budget of approx. $99,000) from the Department of Homeland Security for Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This grant will implement The Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI). WFI is a joint initiative of International Association of Fire Chiefs and International Association of Firefighters; providing six FD peer fitness trainers, extensive baseline medical examinations/testing, and fitness equipment for each fire station. Outcome objectives are: improved Firefighter safety decreased injuries and increased productivity.

“The Middletown Division of Fire has a long history of service and dedication to the people of Butler and Warren counties,” Congressman Boehner said. “I am pleased to announce this award, and congratulate everyone at the Middletown Division of Fire for all of their hard work throughout this highly competitive grant process.”

“We are thrilled to be a recipient,” Middletown Fire Chief Steve Botts said. “This grant will have a real impact in our community, it will be cost effective and it will directly impact public safety.”

The Middletown Division of Fire will use the funds to advance its firefighter health and safety programs.

Grants awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program are based on a highly competitive review process, overseen by fire service experts. Grants seek to enhance the preparedness of capabilities of local fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) organization, and funding often supports equipment upgrades and training for first responders. Operations and Safety Grants, like the one awarded to the Middletown Division of Fire, specifically support training, equipment, personal protective equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. Operations and Safety Grants are funded through the normal appropriations and budgeting process.

Zip Code Change Questionnaire

Finally, the Zip code selection surveys were mailed 2-18-10 to residents who live in Middletown and have a Franklin mailing address. The surveys must be returned by 3-12-10. The purpose of the survey is to allow residents to vote whether to change to a Middletown address and zip code. Thanks to the U.S. Post Office and Denise Hamet for their hard work on this effort.

Snow Events

Once again, congratulations to the street department! Thanks to our road crews for doing a great job of clearing the snow in the latest of a series of storms. We continually have citizens contacting us to let us know what a fine job the crews have been doing to clear the city streets. The last snow event: Crews began 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 15 and ended Feb. 17 @ 3:30 p.m., using 960 personnel hours for an approximate cost of $49,000.

As I mentioned last week, we spent $43,000 on clearing for the weekend of Feb. 5th & 6th.

An additional $65,500 was spent on clearing the second storm which took place Feb. 9-11. The grand total this winter: $157,500.

Reminder: Regional Dean for Miami Regional Campuses

Open sessions for the public to meet the Regional Dean Candidates have been held over the past two weeks, with the last one being held this week; Council Members are encouraged to attend the session if your schedule permits. 2/23, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m., Johnston Hall, Dr. David Corcoran

John Boehner Luncheon

U.S. Rep. John Boehner will be the featured speaker at a special luncheon to be held March 1 at the Manchester Inn & Conference Center beginning at noon. The event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton, is open to the public. If Council members would like to attend, please contact Betsy for registration. They are taking questions in advance for Rep. Boehner through the Chamber Office.

Middfest International’s Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Saturday, March 27

Hop on down to O’Charley’s in Middletown from 8:15 am – 10 am (last seating at 9:15 am) and see the Easter Bunny! Pancakes, bacon and beverages will be served, and there will be crafts for kids, a jelly bean counting contest and a chance to have a picture with the Easter Bunny. Tickets are $5 per person in advance and $6.50 per person at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased by calling the Middfest office at 513-425-7707.

Upcoming Events

February 24 Soul Food Luncheon – Miami University 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
(Snow Date- rescheduled from 2-16-10)

February 28 MPD K-9 Fundraiser @ Applebee’s on Towne Blvd. 11:00a.m. – Close 10% of sales to benefit our K-9 Unit. (Attachment: Download - Right click Download & open hyperlink.)

March 1 John Boehner Luncheon hosted by Chamber of Commerce - Manchester Inn Noon Open to the public

March 1 Tax Incentive Review Council 4C City Building 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

March 1 Park Board meeting – Conference Room 2C City Building 5:30 p.m.

March 1 Middletown Board of Education - 1515 Girard Avenue 6:30 p.m.

March 2 Diversity Dialogue w/ MKE Posse – Robert “Sonny” Hill, Jr. Community Center 6:00- 7:30p.m. Sponsored by the School of Education, Health and Society & the Miami/ Midd. Partnership

March 2 City Council meeting – Council Chambers 5:30 p.m.

March 3 Airport Commission – FBO Hangar (B&B Aero) 2nd Floor Conference Room 5:00 p.m.

March 4 Civil Service Commission – Conference Room 2B City Building 8:00 a.m.

March 4 Chamber Monthly Luncheon – Senior Citizens 3907 Central Avenue
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

March 5 Friday at Noon Concert – First Methodist Church 120 S. Broad Street (across from Middletown Public Library) 12:00- 1:00p.m.

March 9 Board of Health meeting – Conference Room 2C City Building 7:30 a.m.

March 10 Planning Commission – Council Chambers (Lower Level) 5:30 p.m.

March 11 Free Blood Screening – Robert “Sonny” Hill, Jr. Community Center 800 LaFayette Avenue 12:00- 1:00 p.m.

March 11 Chamber Business Expo 12:00 - 2:00 pm - Taste of Middletown, Monroe and Trenton 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Exhibits Open 4:00 - 6:00 pm Business After Hours Miami University Middletown - 4200 N. University Blvd.

March 15 Middletown Friends of the Library – 125 S. Broad Street 11:00a.m.

March 15 Middletown Board of Education – 1515 Girard Avenue 6:30 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