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Weekly Update to City Council
from the City Manager
September 14, 2008
High Winds
As of the time of this writing, we are working to clear streets and make other
emergency provisions for shelter for those in need due to the power outage. More to
follow in the upcoming days. Our crews are working to pick up debris at the curb, we
have talked with Rumpke about working with us to make extra allowances for waste
pick up. We have issues at all intersections due to the power outage and are doing what
we can to assist motorists. With in excess of 600,000 homes without power in their
territory, Duke will be busy.
Weatherwax Golf Course
Good news about the golf course, of the original $250,000 borrowed from the general
fund this year, they have repaid all but $37,000. The course still owes the city in excess
of $400,000 from previous years.
Road Salt Bid
We made a good decision to accept the original salt bid ¨C which was still double 2008
prices. Those that rebid got prices that were 3 times higher than 2008, if they got a bid
at all. The salt shortage seems to be a Midwestern issue.
Swallen¡¯s Building
Perry Thatcher will be at council meeting on Tuesday to request that council delay the
decision to demolish the building and the parking garage.
Interim Economic Development
The Interim Director, Bill Fioretti, will start on Tuesday, I anticipate that he will be on
board 3 ¨C 6 months and will assist us in the hiring process of a permanent replacement
for Bill Murphy, among many other duties.
Trailer Food Vendors
Staff has spent a great deal of time with a man and woman who live in Camden and
would like to open up shop in Middletown with their trailer that they use at festivals to
serve food. They envision parking their trailer at the corner of Lafayette and S. Main
during the times that they are not vending for festivals. Our zoning code does not allow
for transient vendors, although we have suggested that they look at providing food
during the farmer¡¯s market downtown on Fridays. Further, I have asked them to do
research to find out if any other similar communities permit this. We do not have the
staff to do a great deal of research. The vendors may be coming to council on Tuesday
since they are unhappy with staff¡¯s opinion.
Towne Mall
We have been in contact with CBL, the owners of Towne Mall, about property
maintenance violations. They will be meeting with us this week to review the issues.
While we have attempted to cooperate with them in re ©\energizing the mall, we will be
strictly enforcing the property maintenance codes.
Department Reports
Police
Our Police Department participated in the 9/11 Ceremony sponsored by the Butler
County Chief of Police Association. It was a good turnout. Dixon Builders provided lunch
for Middletown¡¯s Public Safety forces at Riverbend later in the afternoon.
Upcoming Events
September 16 City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. ¨C Council Chamber
September 18 CVB Board meeting ¨C 8:30 a.m. ¨C Conference Room 2B
September 19 Todd Bell Memorial Way dedication ceremony, 6:30 p.m. ¨C Verity
Parkway at Yankee Road
September 20, 21 Wings of Freedom Airshow ¨C Middletown Airport
September 20 ¨C 24 International City Managers Association Conference (I will be
attending) ¨C Richmond, Virginia
Have a great week!
Judy |
