Death of a Cemetery
Printed From: MiddletownUSA.com
Category: Middletown City Government
Forum Name: City Council
Forum Description: Discuss individual members and council as a legislative body.
URL: http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1198
Printed Date: Nov 22 2024 at 8:03am
Topic: Death of a Cemetery
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Subject: Death of a Cemetery
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 12:09pm
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DEATH OF AN This story happens all over our country every year. It happens because of the inaction and apathy of the community leaders.
And now it’s happening in Over the years the And now Mayor Larry Mulligan has recommend to the City Council that the scared grounds of the I never thought I would live to see this day. For the first time in my life I’m ashamed to be part of the Middletown Community. |
Replies:
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 12:36pm
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If this cemrtary is not a cornerstone of our community legacy, and worthy of continued care and restoration, then just what is?
New storefronts on abandoned decaying buildings in an empty area formerly known as "downtown"?
Old mansions down S.Main St. possibly re-fuebished with HUD/CDBG $$$?
The Pickwick Building(last major function,current programs and attendance #s for the last 10 years?)?
Roosevelt School?
The old historic canal(obviously not!)?
Is there REALLY any plan in place?
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Posted By: Paul Nagy
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 6:19pm
| I thought you could not remove bodies from a cemetary without an act of the State Legislature. Is that so Vivian? I f they try it they'll have big legal troubles. |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 6:57pm
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Paul
They do not want to remove the bodies.
But Mayor Mulligan has recommended to City Council to tear down the Vault rather than repair it. Quote from Mr. Mulligan "The vault at the cemetery is a fantastic historic structure, but the benefit it provides to the whole city is limited." The cemetery and the vault have been serving this community since 1827. Please tell me how all the millions they have dumped downtown have benefit this comminity as a whole. And then we have "Port Middletown" How much has that little corner cost the citizens of Middletown? What benefit is it to the citizens of Middetown? It's pretty bad when the boys at City Hall need to blackmail me with tearing down the vault in an effort to stop me from filing a legal complaint against them with the State of Ohio...but the clock is still ticking PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO SUPPORT FROM THE MIDDLETOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY. |
Posted By: tomahawk35
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 12:00am
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The benefit it provides to the whole city, was he talking about city council? |
Posted By: swohio75
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 8:59pm
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Here's an article from 2005 on this subject:
Middletown: City plans to renovate Pioneer Cemetery What started as a small research project in 2003 will eventually become a complete renovation of Middletown’s oldest cemetery. But first, City Council must declare the century-old, 7,000-plot Middletown Pioneer Cemetery as a historical landmark, which will help to secure funding in the future and honor those buried there. The 11-acre site located at Richmond Street and First Avenue is the final resting place to many of the city’s founding fathers, including those with the last name Doty, Vail, Sutphin and Tytus. Council is expected to give the first of two readings today at its 5:30 p.m. meeting of an ordinance that would declare the cemetery a historical district. “It really started as a little pet project, and three years later, it’s taken on a life of its own,” said Vivian Moon, a Middletown Historical Society board member and the woman spearheading the cemetery renovation. Moon received a digital camera a few years ago from her daughter, which she used to document each of the tombstones at Middletown Pioneer Cemetery. At the time, vandals had ransacked several of the tombstones and, “It just appalled me that people would do something like that,” Moon said. So she got to work. Without money from the city, which still owns the land, significant change was unlikely. However, Moon and several volunteers sought funding through the Middletown Community Foundation, the local historical society and other federal grants. “How we care for our forefathers is how we show respect for the history of this city,” Moon said. “I was disappointed in the condition that I found (the cemetery) in. That’s what fired my furnace.” This past summer, Moon and others began the first of three phases that will eventually give the cemetery a whole new look. They created flower beds, planted more than 30 trees and purchased a sign. More than $13,000 has been donated from the Middletown Community Foundation, most of which went to buying the sign and lighting designed to deter would-be vandals, Moon said. Moon and her revitalization group have received many donations from local garden stores including flowers, a rose garden, mulch and other supplies. More beautification efforts are expected to pick up again this spring. In the meantime, Moon and members of the historical society are transcribing the original records, some of which date back to the 1820s. The next phase of the cemetery project includes a renovation of the Victorian vault, which was used to prepare bodies for burial in the 1870s. The final phase will replace the existing chain fence around the cemetery with a wrought iron fence like that seen at other historical sites in Middletown. “It does recognize the work that our pioneer families have done to establish Middletown,” said local historian Sam Ashworth, who is also a member of the Council for Landmarks and Historical Districts. “By having it be a nice facility that’s well maintained, it honors their achievements in the city.” The project, which is expected to be finished sometime in 2007, is important in a number of ways, Moon said. And the appreciation she and others have received for their efforts has been well worth the time spent. “I’ve received a million dollars in hugs,” Moon said. “I want to return that cemetery to its original look, and I want to prepare it for the next 100 years. I want to make it a beautiful place again.” Contact Dave Greber at (513) 705-2840, or e-mail him at dgreber@coxohio.com. |
Posted By: makeadifference
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 10:56am
| Vivian - I just saw the pictures on the journal website of the cemetary. It is a shame they are neglecting fixing this structure. You need to file the paperwork, the only word council knows right now is demolishin - I don't think they know what the word restore means. |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 12:10pm
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SWOhio75
Thanks for posting this article. I needed a copy of it for my meeting with the City Manager, Judy Gilleland, Thursday morning.
I would like to thank these local businesses for their support over the years: Diver,s Feed Store donates a truck load of mulch every year. Armbruster's donates the beautiful petunia's for the front beds every year. Ted's Rental donates the use of any equiptment that I may need...bandaids not included Meijer's donated a big hose reel. Bern's donated $100 worth of plants Each of the Funeral Homes donated a large tree for the front area of the cemetery Denny Lumber donated cement for flag pole. The 3 Veteran Organizations donated the beautiful black flag pole. Woodside Cemetery purchased the shrubs at cost for me which gave me a bigger bang for my buck..They also give me any support that I need about caring for a cemetery...Big Thank You to Fred & Brad. The Middletown Community Foundation for the grants...without their support the cemetery would still be a weed field. I will never forget their support. Marjorie Root Anderson who wrote a check for what ever I needed to get the job done. and all those who handed me $5, $10 and sometimes more when they visted the cemetery. Without all their support and kind words none of this would have been possible. THANK YOU The Cemetery Lady Vivian Moon |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 6:22pm
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Vivian -
When you meet with the City Manager be certain to mention the CDBG-funded Community Improvement Program as a possible source of readily-available funds to help defray the cost of the cemetery repairs. Through this program over the past two years, a partnership was established with Berachah Baptist Church who provides substantial no-cost volunteer labor. To date, rehab work was done at the Dream Center, Damon Park and nearby Salavation Army facility and two home makeovers for deserving homeowners.
There's absolutely no reason why the cemetery project couldn't be the next community improvement undertaking. God bless you for your caring and perseverance.
"The truth will set the captives free!"
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Posted By: 409
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 12:39am
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Ohio Revised Code 759.09 Duties of director of public service The director of public service shall take possession and charge, and have the entire management, control, and regulation of public burial grounds and cemeteries located in or belonging to the city, subject to its ordinances. The director may direct the laying of such grounds out into lots, avenues, walks, and paths, or other subdivisions, which lots shall be numbered and the avenues named. A plat thereof shall be made so as to exhibit a fair and distinct outline of the grounds, and such plat shall be kept in the office of the auditor of the city for the use of the public The director shall direct all the improvements and embellishments of such grounds and lots, protect and preserve them, and, subject to the approval of the legislative authority of the city, appoint necessary superintendents, employees, and agents, and shall determine their term of office and the amount of their compensation. Effective Date: 10-01-1953 |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 3:27am
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The laws that govern Woodside Cemetery are the same laws that govern Middletown Cemetery. The law clearly states that the City MUST provide responsible security for the property of those buried in the Middletown Cemetery. |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 5:39am
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SAY IT 'AINT SO JUDY Vivian -
Be firm in your request for CDBG funds when you meet with Judy Gilleland!
The most recent fiscal information that I have on CDBG and HOME Program funds was obtained in mid-January of this year prior to my "resignation." Between those two programs the City had over $700,000 in unspent funds with the program year to end now in two weeks on April 30th.
The City will shortly be receiving an additional $660,000 in CDBG and $350,000 in HOME Program funds effective this May 1st. Plus, the City is getting an additional $180,000 in stimulus CDBG funds plus $490,000 in Department of Energy stimulus funds. On top of that, they have $2.144 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program stimulus funds as well. To say they have no funds for the historic cemetery project is bogus and predictable since there (sadly) is no longer any citizen oversight committee!
Be sure to let her know all of that as I'm afraid you will receive an incorrect and misleading "song and dance" once again.
Nelson Self
CD Administrator (Resigned)
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Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 6:37am
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Thank you very much for all of your helpful information, Mr.Truth Teller.
You were also helpful to the attempted Weed and Seed effort in the 2nd Ward.
And thank you for joining and participating in this forum. To my knowledge, everyone here is honest and seeking the truth in their differing methods to bring our city together.
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Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 7:27am
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Thanks Truth Teller I'm aware of the amount in the CDBG funds  ...the city buzz words are now "OUR PRIORITY LIST"...the problem for the past four years is I can't seem to get off the bottom of their list.
I do believe the State of Ohio can get me to the top of this list in a hurry.
 They better come up with a great plan in a hurry. April 22nd I file with the state....and the clock is still ticking Make sure you tune into the April 21st Council Meeting...It's going to be a real blast! |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 8:31am
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TRANSFORMING MIDDLETOWN INTO THE YOUNGSTOWN OF S.W. OHIO??
Vivian and Spider John -
Watch out for the HUD-funded wrecking ball that the City "brain trust" is about to unleash in older portions our community via the so-called $2.144 million Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The "government knows best elitist "planners" have no workable, market-driven plan in place regarding the proper reuse of many vacant lots that will be created in most vulnerable segments of the city.
Keep an eye out that the wrecking ball doesn't make its' way to the historic cemetery in the process! It seems that accelerated property demolition and heavy-handed housing code enforcement is the philosophy of senior City staff to transform Middletown into the Youngstown of S.W. Ohio! Or, should I say transform Middletown into the upper middle-class Pickerington of S.W. Ohio!
"The truth will set the captives free!"
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Posted By: randy
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 8:38am
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I seen in the Middletown Journal this morning and I quote the Journal and the Mayor here "For safety reasons, the mayor has asked Gilleland to look into the demolition or removal of the vault at the cemetery, which is on the verge of collapse. The vault is a building where unburied corpses were kept during the winter until the ground thawed." For safety reasons huh? Is that what we call it now when a city doesn't want to spend money to repair something "they" should have been taking care of all along? I think if the city goes to destroy the vault we should all go down there and surround it to stop them. You tell me what day they'll be coming Mrs. Moon and I will be there.  |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 9:01am
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POLTERGEIST 3 - THE MAKING OF A MOVIE MIDDLETOWN STYLE
Vivian -
Maybe we should take up a collection to buy Queen Judy and her S. Main Street public relations mouthpiece DVD's of the first two Poltergeist movies? They could watch these Hollywood flicks prior to ordering the wrecking ball into the historic cemetery!
"The truth will set the captives free!"
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Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 10:49am
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WARNING The City will demo the vault over my dead body!
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Posted By: makeadifference
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 10:53am
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I think we should send the city a citation to fix the property they are required to take care of. Since they want the citizens to take care of their properties - they should take care of theirs. |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 11:08am
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DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS
Make A Difference -
You're absolutely correct in that the City has a growing inventory of substandard residential properties thanks to the so-called "FHA Dollar Home Program," foreclosed HUD-funded housing rehabilitation projects (past lack of proper loan servicing/collection procedures), plus ill-advised, financially irresponsible expenditures of Federal funds (Maple Pork Subdivision/Amanda School Demolition/S. Main Street Historic District over-income property restoration), etc. etc.
The now-defunct HUD Consolidated Planning Committee and the recently "resigned" CD Administrator brought these and other problems to the attention of three City Council members and the local print media. Sad to say, the loss of hundreds of thousands of taxpayers funds has yet to see the light of day.
"The truth will set the captives free!"
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Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 12:15pm
| Vivian- is there a legal firm in this area (or Ohio) that will represent folks like you that want to protect structures/locations that have been deemed as historic? If so, would they be worth contacting if this thing gets to the demo stage- that is, if your contact after April 22nd fails to help you? |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 1:29pm
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Vet
I have contacted my attorney
We may file a Class Action Suite against the City also. I will know more after my meeting with the City Manager in the morning. |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 6:22am
Vivian/ Mr. Rapp- Nice job on Channel 12's news at 6PM. They ran a nice segment on the Pioneer Cemetery and the issues at hand last night. Didn't see anything on 5 or 9. They also had a quote from Mr. Marconi that the city can't expect the citizens to clean up their property if the city property isn't in order too. The story mentioned that there was no comment from the mayor who wants to tear down the vault. The city leaders got a little shiner on the old eye on PR last night. Problem is- they don't care. 
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Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 6:44am
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Correct, Vet--howevere the city "leaders" are going to have to care now.
They have been branded as hypocrites by one of their own(I guess Mr.Marconi won't get the MMF support!), and the shoe pretty much fits. They have little citizen support, especially after their nuisance campaign.
Thanx fer the nice words towards a Council run.
I would love to do it, however the local business climate seems to be turning for the worse.
I respect all who try, even those with whom I totally disagree.
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Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 5:37pm
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The City Manager did tell me during our meeting today that the City would like to buy the Sorg ...it's on the market for $650,000
Then we can add this investment property to the Lake and Air Port
Yes Sir we got a plan.. Here we go again...where's the booze...I need a drink  |
Posted By: 409
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 5:47pm
What in the world is this? Another Kohler plan!!
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Posted By: Mike_Presta
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 5:53pm
Oops...no...I forgot, they are closed! (And the word on the street is that many of the employees did not get paid for the last four weeks. Kind of hard to keep a business open that way, I'd thiink.) ------------- “Mulligan said he ... doesn’t believe they necessarily make the return on investment necessary to keep funding them.” …The Middletown Journal, January 30, 2012 |
Vivian Moon wrote:Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 6:41am
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Vivian- So the City Manager told you that the city would like to buy the Sorg Mansion. I would imagine that it would be costly to rehab to former glory from the current apartment setup. Where's the money going to come from for that? This stands in direct conflict with the mentality of a few years ago (Ron Olson era perhaps?) when the city decided that they had too much property and wanted to unload them, never to return to buying real estate around the city again. Schiavone himself, has said in Council meetings (the latest being about Section 8 property), that it wasn't a good idea for the city to buy and rehab houses. Now, which is it- Gilleland's way or Schiavone's? Can't be both. I'm curious as to where this $650,000 amount came from. Thought the city had to make cuts to balance the budget for 2009??????? Now, Gilleland and crew have enough laying around to purchase a property for $650 grand? From what fund? What would this property be used for if they purchased it? What "lake"? Does she mean the overgrown mudhole by the non-used AK pavillion/commons area next to the West Midd. bridge? None of this was worth the effort/cost it took to build it. It is a monument to futility. This is not a "plan". This is an attempt to buy and develop random property along a river that never has attracted anyone except an occasional person fishing for carp or catfish. What is the matter with these people?
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Posted By: makeadifference
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 8:00am
| Obviously the city manager does not understand what is going on in the real estate market. What are their plans to do with this - are they wanting to be landlords or turn it into a historical museum. That is the biggest waste of money. One must assume the plan to purchase and improve the Sorg might be to raise the property value for the mayor who lives in that area. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 8:26am
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Very possible, makeadifference. The mayor andcity planner live in very close proximity, and through possible ?able use of HUD and CDBG funds, have re-habbed the area properties. If any of you remember a big front page MJ article a few years back, the neighbors were so grateful for Mr.Kohler's "help" in the neighborhood, that they worked for free on his home re-modeling. Wouldn't this be a somewhat serious violation, IF Mr.Kohler had helped these neighbors acquire grant funding? Always wondered about that one. Could the Sorg Mansion become the next Historical Society property? Remember--Ms.G is very close with Mr.Ashworth. |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 8:31am
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The so-called Community Revitalization Department recently completed "rehabilitation" work on a single-family house in the S. Main Street Historic District. The cost of this boondoggle at 805 S. Main is in excess of $85,000 in HUD funds! No wonder they supposedly have no funding to help Vivian Moon and other volunteers in the restoration of the Pioneer Cemetery!
"The truth will set the captives free!"
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Posted By: 409
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 8:48am
| This makes you wonder. Were building permits required for this so called "Revitalization work" or not? Under the radar? |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 10:07am
| Could we go to the Butler County Auditors site- punch in 805 S Main St. and see if any permits were registered? Could check all those HUD properties if we had the list. Right???? |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 11:47am
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Viet Vet -
I will send you the list that I have. Remember, when Ginger Smith took over late last July she gradually stripped me of ALL RESPONSIBILITIES probably at the request of Queen Judy. However, the information I have is still fairly relevant as the people involved with the City's housing rehab program were never known for expediting anything but their lunch breaks.
"The truth will set the captives free!"
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Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 12:01pm
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CITY OF MIDDLETOWN, OHIO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT (EFFECTIVE JANUARY 13, 2009)
People Working Cooperatively (Emergency Repairs) $200,000.00 $123,849.39 $ 76,150.61
Community Improvement Program 15,000.00 662.72 14,337.28
Emergency Repairs (Program Delivery - City Staff) 35,000.00 14,916.22 20,083.78
Butler County Health & Social Services Center 40,000.00 10,000.00 30,000.00
Fair Housing (Housing Opportunities Made Equal) 6,000.00 - 0 - 6,000.00
LifeSpan (Home Buyer Education & Counseling) 24,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00
Housing Code Enforcement Program (City Staff) 170,000.00 73,215.25 96,784.75
Legal Aid of S.W. Ohio 20,000.00 - 0 - 20,000.00
Residential Property Demolition & Clearance 136,000.00 73,409.21 96,784.75
Program Administration (City Staff) 135,092.00 61,261.62 73,830.38
Downtown Facade Improvement Program 1,000.00 265.00 735.00
City of Middletown Emergency Repair Program 20,000.00 6,233.58 13,766.42
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program (City Staff) 90,000.00 29,330.69 60,669.31
Property Disposition Program 4,000.00 3,582.56 417.44
Sub Totals $896,092.00 $421,013.00 $475,079.00
Unallocated FY 2008 CDBG Funds 10,151,17 10,151.17
TOTALS $906,243.17 $485,230.17
Note: Hard copies to be mailed to Bert Grimes and Rosa Lean LIndsey
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Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 12:08pm
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From: Self, Nelson Rich & Trevia – At present there are seven (7) full-time positions approved for the operation of CDBG and HOME Program funded activities. Salary and fringe benefits for these positions are: Senior Planner (Nelson Self) $ 75,000 Neighborhood Improvement Advisor (Skip Batten) 81,300 Neighborhood Improvement Advisor (Kyle Fuchs) 69,200 Housing Code Specialist (Annette Accurso) 56,000 Housing Code Specialist (Vacant) 52,000* Housing Code Assistant (Debbi Fish) 55,800 Secretary III (Judy Demostenes) 46,800 Total $436,100 * Costs could increase by $7,000 if family medical plan required by the person hired to fill this position. Our funding for Program Year 2008 is as follows: CDBG $ 670,051 HOME 370,000 Total $1,040,051 We have also budgeted an additional $59,000 for local mileage, vehicle maintenance, travel, training, telephone, office equipment, advertising, office supplies, legal, appraisals and office supplies. My concern is that nearly 50% of our combined HUD funding is allocated for administration and program delivery. Would you contact me to advise if we are within established Federal guidelines as I wish to ensure full compliance. Thanks again. Nelson Self, CD Administrator Planning Department - Community Development One (513) 425-7942 (513) 425-7921 fax mailto:nelsons@cityofmiddletown.org - nelsons@cityofmiddletown.org |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 12:18pm
< ="MS 6.00.6000.16809" name=GENERATOR>
It's fairly obvious to a growing number of people that certain senior staff members of the so-called Community Revitalization Department may not qualified when it comes to administering or even understanding HUD programs. The City will have problems in the near future, mark my words.
The City just foreclosed on a house at 1010 Yankee Road. A sizable amount of funds were spent on rehabbing this dwelling a few years back. Upon taking title they had the house demolished for another $7,000+. I love the way that those bureaucrats play with HUD funds like it's Monopoly money.
According to Skip Batten, the City is selling the vacant lot for $1,500 to an adjoining church. There goes more valuable capital down the old rat hole. When does it stop? |
Posted By: Truth Teller
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 4:28pm
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CITY OF MIDDLETOWN, OHIO
HUD Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program
FY 2005 - FY 2008 Budget Summaries
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
FY 2005
Active Projects Budgeted Expended Balance
Habitat for Humanity Subsidy $ 75,000.00 $ 63,697.22 $ 11,302.78
FY 2006
Active Projects Budgeted Expended Balance
FHA Dollar Homes Rehab Fund $200,000.00 $156,465.75 $ 43,534.25
FY 2007
Active Projects Budgeted Expended Balance
Program Administration $ 39,300.00 $ 38,598.98 $ 704.02
FY 2008
Active Projects Budgeted Expended Balance
Program Administration $ 37,000.00 - 0 - $ 37,000.00
Comprehensive Housing Rehab $183,000.00 $ 21,061.30 $161,038.70
Down Payment/Closing Cost Fund $150,000.00 $ 25,550.00 $124,450.00
TOTAL UNEXPENDED FUNDS: FY 2005 -- FY 2008
$378,026.75
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