City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month: 7:30pm @ 26 S. Paint Street
March Newsletter
Hello friends and neighbors!
Congratulations! We are almost done with winter and warmer weather is just around the corner. While Mother Nature has been kind to us this year, and we greatly appreciate that, it will be nice to see all our trees, flowers and other plants come back to life for another summer. Let’s just hope Mother Nature is as kind to us this summer as she has been this winter.
Also, allow me to say welcome back to another year with City Council, and it is stacking up to be an exciting, busy year. However, for those that have not heard, this will also be my last year on City Council, I will not be seeking re-election. Last year I was presented with an opportunity to begin a new career with the Federal Government. As such, I am not permitted by law to run again, but I can finish out my term and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our great city!
Here are some major items working their way through City Council.
Strategic Plan: As you all know, I campaigned on, and have advocated for a Strategic Plan for the City of Chillicothe, and I am excited to say that this is now at the forefront of Council’s agenda. As a member of the Finance Committee I have continued to stress the importance of such a plan, and now the committee is working its way through the first stages of development.
The strategic plan will give council the ability to objectively review spending requests against the plan, providing the opportunity to accurately determine if those requests support one or more of the priorities for our city. Our strategic plan will help City Council control spending while promoting growth and accountability in Chillicothe. I believe that City Council has an obligation to lay out a plan that city residents can review to better understand what their government is doing on their behalf, to show what we believe progress looks like for the city, and to be able to determine how successful we are at achieving those goals. I look forward to continuing this discussion, and I thank Councilman Dustin Proehl for continuing this through the Finance Committee.
Facilities Plan: Working alongside the Strategic Plan my committee, City Services, is working on developing a strategic facilities plan for the city. The bat infestation in the service garage made it clear that our city needs to better understand the facility needs of our city, its operations, and our personnel. We need to better understand whether the real-estate we own supports and promotes city operations, or hinders it. If it no longer makes sense for the city to own a piece of land, or building, then we should divest that property and use the proceeds of the sale to better develop remaining buildings and land.
Budget restraints and other financial priorities have distracted the city from properly maintaining our buildings to a standard most of us would like to see. It is time we refocus our attention so we can have the best facilities we can responsibly afford.
Non-Discrimination Ordinance: This item has been assigned to a special committee with Alicia Gray as committee chair along with Joel Fleurima and myself serving as committee members. We have decided it would be best to begin this process all over again and start with the correct council process that we know has worked so well in the past. We have held our first meeting to review the current city ordinances so far as protected classes were concerned. Unfortunately, our current city ordinances do not have any language spelling out protected classes. It was my recommendation that the city simply lift the federal laws language since we as a city have an obligation to follow, at the very least, federal law.
As far as strengthening the law beyond the federal statute, and provide enforcement of such a law, I have asked the city to review two other examples that I believe would work well in Chillicothe: The Utah Compromise and the Bexley, Ohio model.
The Utah Compromise provides protection for all protected classes and expands them to include LGBT terminology. It also provides protections for the religious community. This compromise was supported by major religious organizations in Utah, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This compromise will go a long way towards ensuring we provide equal protections for all members of our local community.
The Bexley model is perfect for investigating any alleged violations and then enforcing the law. This model uses the existing Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a first line for filing and investigating any complaints. If those agencies decide not to pursue the complaint it is then submitted to the city’s Law Director for further review. If there is a violation of the law the Law Director can pursue mediation or take the case to a court of law. A place we all know has a proven record of respecting equal rights in our local community, and applying the law fairly and justly.
We are just getting started, but I am confident we will see this through to a successful conclusion.
Curbside Recycling: This is one subject I have heard so much about. “When are you gonna get us curbside recycling?” I have heard it at least once a week from my wife alone since I was elected. I told her one evening, in a joking manner, that I don’t like to talk about work when I am trying to relax in the evening. Well… the joke was on me. I got a phone call from her the next day, she informed me she wanted to speak to Councilman Clay regarding an important matter in his ward… RECYCLING!
Well… I received a new and exciting assignment for my committee; curbside recycling! We have yet to have a meeting on this, and so we are still in the earliest phases of this. However, the current proposal is in and it seeks to take advantage of grant monies and savings in tipping fees as recycling reduces the amount of garbage heading to the landfill. This plan will provide curbside recycling to everyone in the city… AND THERE IS NO NEED TO SORT! You can chuck all the recyclable material into the same container making it easier than ever!
To maximize participation, the current proposal also requires making recycling mandatory for all city residents. Let me say that I love the idea of easy, curbside recycling. However, I cannot support any plan that makes recycling mandatory for everyone. I do not believe that a resident should be forced to participate or face fines, or any other form of retribution, for choosing not to cooperate. I was also disappointed to see that the proposal only calls for mandating recycling for residents and not local businesses. For me, mandatory recycling is a non-starter, so I am hoping that as we proceed with this assignment we can have that part of the proposal removed.
Reminder! City Council meetings are televised for your convenience. Customers with HorizonView, check us out on channel 2. TW Spectrum customers, tune into channel 24. Meetings begin at 7:30pm on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Never miss a moment!
Congratulations! We are almost done with winter and warmer weather is just around the corner. While Mother Nature has been kind to us this year, and we greatly appreciate that, it will be nice to see all our trees, flowers and other plants come back to life for another summer. Let’s just hope Mother Nature is as kind to us this summer as she has been this winter.
Also, allow me to say welcome back to another year with City Council, and it is stacking up to be an exciting, busy year. However, for those that have not heard, this will also be my last year on City Council, I will not be seeking re-election. Last year I was presented with an opportunity to begin a new career with the Federal Government. As such, I am not permitted by law to run again, but I can finish out my term and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our great city!
Here are some major items working their way through City Council.
Strategic Plan: As you all know, I campaigned on, and have advocated for a Strategic Plan for the City of Chillicothe, and I am excited to say that this is now at the forefront of Council’s agenda. As a member of the Finance Committee I have continued to stress the importance of such a plan, and now the committee is working its way through the first stages of development.
The strategic plan will give council the ability to objectively review spending requests against the plan, providing the opportunity to accurately determine if those requests support one or more of the priorities for our city. Our strategic plan will help City Council control spending while promoting growth and accountability in Chillicothe. I believe that City Council has an obligation to lay out a plan that city residents can review to better understand what their government is doing on their behalf, to show what we believe progress looks like for the city, and to be able to determine how successful we are at achieving those goals. I look forward to continuing this discussion, and I thank Councilman Dustin Proehl for continuing this through the Finance Committee.
Facilities Plan: Working alongside the Strategic Plan my committee, City Services, is working on developing a strategic facilities plan for the city. The bat infestation in the service garage made it clear that our city needs to better understand the facility needs of our city, its operations, and our personnel. We need to better understand whether the real-estate we own supports and promotes city operations, or hinders it. If it no longer makes sense for the city to own a piece of land, or building, then we should divest that property and use the proceeds of the sale to better develop remaining buildings and land.
Budget restraints and other financial priorities have distracted the city from properly maintaining our buildings to a standard most of us would like to see. It is time we refocus our attention so we can have the best facilities we can responsibly afford.
Non-Discrimination Ordinance: This item has been assigned to a special committee with Alicia Gray as committee chair along with Joel Fleurima and myself serving as committee members. We have decided it would be best to begin this process all over again and start with the correct council process that we know has worked so well in the past. We have held our first meeting to review the current city ordinances so far as protected classes were concerned. Unfortunately, our current city ordinances do not have any language spelling out protected classes. It was my recommendation that the city simply lift the federal laws language since we as a city have an obligation to follow, at the very least, federal law.
As far as strengthening the law beyond the federal statute, and provide enforcement of such a law, I have asked the city to review two other examples that I believe would work well in Chillicothe: The Utah Compromise and the Bexley, Ohio model.
The Utah Compromise provides protection for all protected classes and expands them to include LGBT terminology. It also provides protections for the religious community. This compromise was supported by major religious organizations in Utah, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This compromise will go a long way towards ensuring we provide equal protections for all members of our local community.
The Bexley model is perfect for investigating any alleged violations and then enforcing the law. This model uses the existing Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a first line for filing and investigating any complaints. If those agencies decide not to pursue the complaint it is then submitted to the city’s Law Director for further review. If there is a violation of the law the Law Director can pursue mediation or take the case to a court of law. A place we all know has a proven record of respecting equal rights in our local community, and applying the law fairly and justly.
We are just getting started, but I am confident we will see this through to a successful conclusion.
Curbside Recycling: This is one subject I have heard so much about. “When are you gonna get us curbside recycling?” I have heard it at least once a week from my wife alone since I was elected. I told her one evening, in a joking manner, that I don’t like to talk about work when I am trying to relax in the evening. Well… the joke was on me. I got a phone call from her the next day, she informed me she wanted to speak to Councilman Clay regarding an important matter in his ward… RECYCLING!
Well… I received a new and exciting assignment for my committee; curbside recycling! We have yet to have a meeting on this, and so we are still in the earliest phases of this. However, the current proposal is in and it seeks to take advantage of grant monies and savings in tipping fees as recycling reduces the amount of garbage heading to the landfill. This plan will provide curbside recycling to everyone in the city… AND THERE IS NO NEED TO SORT! You can chuck all the recyclable material into the same container making it easier than ever!
To maximize participation, the current proposal also requires making recycling mandatory for all city residents. Let me say that I love the idea of easy, curbside recycling. However, I cannot support any plan that makes recycling mandatory for everyone. I do not believe that a resident should be forced to participate or face fines, or any other form of retribution, for choosing not to cooperate. I was also disappointed to see that the proposal only calls for mandating recycling for residents and not local businesses. For me, mandatory recycling is a non-starter, so I am hoping that as we proceed with this assignment we can have that part of the proposal removed.
Reminder! City Council meetings are televised for your convenience. Customers with HorizonView, check us out on channel 2. TW Spectrum customers, tune into channel 24. Meetings begin at 7:30pm on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Never miss a moment!
Continuing Fall Leaf Pickup Schedule
November-2016 Newsletter
Happy November! We are heading into my favorite time of the year where our family will celebrate Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. It is a time of togetherness where we will gather with friends and family to celebrate the past and look forward to the New Year!
City Council, however, will continue to plow through the end of the year with very important decisions to consider. There are a number of assignments that have been recently submitted to various committees, but there is one in particular that I would like to draw your attention to. Details are below:
CITY SERVICES 16-119: Request for legislation to address current building situations with the City Services Building and facilities and to determine possible solutions.
This request comes direct from the Mayor’s Office. As most of you know, the City Services Building was found to be infested with bats this past summer. The building had to be evacuated and personnel were moved to the Armory in the park. It was also determined that the roof will need to be replaced. Estimates for bat removal alone ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. The issue the city is faced with now is how to move forward, and where the equipment and personnel should be temporarily located for the next 3-6 months. Options:
The Armory: This building had some work done to make it suitable for warm weather occupancy, however, it is not suitable for cold weather without additional work. There will need to be work done to the HVAC system and the roof. The roof alone could cost more than $86,000 with HVAC work adding to that cost.
Temporary Rental: An ODOT facility was located that the city may be able to rent. The Mayor’s Office has received a quote (though they were not made immediately available to me), but unfortunately there is not shorter lease option than three years.
New Build: This is always a possibility when we look at dealing with aging building though no real exploration of this option has been done at this time.
I scheduled a City Services Committee meeting to discuss this issue on Monday, November 14th at 6pm. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers. I encourage you all to come out to the meeting to share your thoughts and hear the discussion on how we should move forward. You may also feel free to email me with your thoughts and considerations.
Here is what is moving its way through Council:
ENGINEERING 16-115: Request for legislation restricting semi-truck traffic on S. Watt St. between E. Main and the railroad tracks, and on Douglas Ave. between E. Main St. and the railroad tracks.
SAFETY SERVICES 16-116: Request for legislation to appropriate $7,283 to replace a commercial hot water heater in Fire Station #1.
ENGINEERING 16-117: Request for legislation to determine procedures for inspecting fire damper systems and other fire safety measures in city buildings.
FINANCE 16-118: Request for legislation to create a line item in the Mayors budget to accept wedding ceremony fees and the to allow the fees to be spent at the Mayors discretion.
Reminder! The city is working to clean up the leaves and I have again attached the schedule for you. Please be sure your leaves are piled near the street to be picked up. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me or reach out directly to Debbie in the Service Department: [email protected].
Finally, I want to wish all the Veterans across the city a Happy Veterans Day, and because I will not have another newsletter until December... Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
City Council, however, will continue to plow through the end of the year with very important decisions to consider. There are a number of assignments that have been recently submitted to various committees, but there is one in particular that I would like to draw your attention to. Details are below:
CITY SERVICES 16-119: Request for legislation to address current building situations with the City Services Building and facilities and to determine possible solutions.
This request comes direct from the Mayor’s Office. As most of you know, the City Services Building was found to be infested with bats this past summer. The building had to be evacuated and personnel were moved to the Armory in the park. It was also determined that the roof will need to be replaced. Estimates for bat removal alone ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. The issue the city is faced with now is how to move forward, and where the equipment and personnel should be temporarily located for the next 3-6 months. Options:
The Armory: This building had some work done to make it suitable for warm weather occupancy, however, it is not suitable for cold weather without additional work. There will need to be work done to the HVAC system and the roof. The roof alone could cost more than $86,000 with HVAC work adding to that cost.
Temporary Rental: An ODOT facility was located that the city may be able to rent. The Mayor’s Office has received a quote (though they were not made immediately available to me), but unfortunately there is not shorter lease option than three years.
New Build: This is always a possibility when we look at dealing with aging building though no real exploration of this option has been done at this time.
I scheduled a City Services Committee meeting to discuss this issue on Monday, November 14th at 6pm. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers. I encourage you all to come out to the meeting to share your thoughts and hear the discussion on how we should move forward. You may also feel free to email me with your thoughts and considerations.
Here is what is moving its way through Council:
ENGINEERING 16-115: Request for legislation restricting semi-truck traffic on S. Watt St. between E. Main and the railroad tracks, and on Douglas Ave. between E. Main St. and the railroad tracks.
SAFETY SERVICES 16-116: Request for legislation to appropriate $7,283 to replace a commercial hot water heater in Fire Station #1.
ENGINEERING 16-117: Request for legislation to determine procedures for inspecting fire damper systems and other fire safety measures in city buildings.
FINANCE 16-118: Request for legislation to create a line item in the Mayors budget to accept wedding ceremony fees and the to allow the fees to be spent at the Mayors discretion.
Reminder! The city is working to clean up the leaves and I have again attached the schedule for you. Please be sure your leaves are piled near the street to be picked up. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me or reach out directly to Debbie in the Service Department: [email protected].
Finally, I want to wish all the Veterans across the city a Happy Veterans Day, and because I will not have another newsletter until December... Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
October-2016 Newsletter
Hello Everyone!
Fall is now upon us, and I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to some cooler temperatures. And so is my electric bill! It is my favorite time of year. The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are popping up across town, and soon those little trick-or-treaters will be running door to door looking for their favorite candies. Just as a reminder… our Trick-or-Treat has been set for October 27 from 6pm-7:30pm. You better have plenty of candy to feed those little monsters!
It is wonderful to live in such a beautiful area with plenty of trees to give us all that fall color. However, you know what that means! Leaves, leaves, leaves, and more leaves! Now for the good news! I am very proud of the work we did on my committee to successfully pass legislation that supports our fall leaf pickup schedule. We worked with the mayor to support funding the purchase of new machines and the hiring of temporary seasonal help to make this effort successful. And the news gets better, the schedule has been published!
Attached to this email is the pickup schedule. Each part of the city will get two passes, and we are working on a schedule similar to the large item pickup schedule. So your pickup dates will be based on you trash pickup day. Please check out the attachment to be sure you are ready!
For those of you following the developments related to the proposed Non-Discrimination Ordinance. As you may already know, Councilman Josh Cartee, who introduced the proposal, has resigned from Council. His replacement has been named; Dr. Jean Kerney. Please join me in congratulating her, we welcome her to council. His resignation does leave an opening on his committee overseeing the proposed ordinance. President Bruce Arnold has chosen to appoint Councilwoman Alicia Gray as Committee Chair, Councilman Joel Fleurima will remain on the committee, and for this assignment he has appointed me as the third member. I look forward to working on this assignment as we work to protect the rights of everyone in our community.
Finally, I have heard from a number of residents about their concerns regarding the speeding traffic down Allen Ave. coming off the hill. I have spoken with the Mayor, and in the next week I hope to submit a request for council to consider legislation that would allow for the installation of a four-way stop on Allen at the intersection of Worthington and Fairway. This would, hopefully, slow traffic and make it safer for those vehicles making the turn between Worthington and Fairway. A number of residents have called for this, and I am happy to help. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.
Here is what’s working its way through City Council:
Things are slowing down as we come to the end of the year, but we do have one outstanding item that will be working its way through council now:
Safety Services 16-113: REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ALLOW THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO TRADE IN A 2005 SQUAD CHASSIS TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW 2016 FORD F450 SQUAD.
While summertime is almost over that does not mean that grass will not continue to be a problem. If you have any issues with grass, or any other nuisance problems, please email me and let me know. You may also file a report with me on my website at: www.secondward.weebly.com.
Thanks again for your support and all you do to make the Second Ward the best in the city!
Fall is now upon us, and I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to some cooler temperatures. And so is my electric bill! It is my favorite time of year. The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are popping up across town, and soon those little trick-or-treaters will be running door to door looking for their favorite candies. Just as a reminder… our Trick-or-Treat has been set for October 27 from 6pm-7:30pm. You better have plenty of candy to feed those little monsters!
It is wonderful to live in such a beautiful area with plenty of trees to give us all that fall color. However, you know what that means! Leaves, leaves, leaves, and more leaves! Now for the good news! I am very proud of the work we did on my committee to successfully pass legislation that supports our fall leaf pickup schedule. We worked with the mayor to support funding the purchase of new machines and the hiring of temporary seasonal help to make this effort successful. And the news gets better, the schedule has been published!
Attached to this email is the pickup schedule. Each part of the city will get two passes, and we are working on a schedule similar to the large item pickup schedule. So your pickup dates will be based on you trash pickup day. Please check out the attachment to be sure you are ready!
For those of you following the developments related to the proposed Non-Discrimination Ordinance. As you may already know, Councilman Josh Cartee, who introduced the proposal, has resigned from Council. His replacement has been named; Dr. Jean Kerney. Please join me in congratulating her, we welcome her to council. His resignation does leave an opening on his committee overseeing the proposed ordinance. President Bruce Arnold has chosen to appoint Councilwoman Alicia Gray as Committee Chair, Councilman Joel Fleurima will remain on the committee, and for this assignment he has appointed me as the third member. I look forward to working on this assignment as we work to protect the rights of everyone in our community.
Finally, I have heard from a number of residents about their concerns regarding the speeding traffic down Allen Ave. coming off the hill. I have spoken with the Mayor, and in the next week I hope to submit a request for council to consider legislation that would allow for the installation of a four-way stop on Allen at the intersection of Worthington and Fairway. This would, hopefully, slow traffic and make it safer for those vehicles making the turn between Worthington and Fairway. A number of residents have called for this, and I am happy to help. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.
Here is what’s working its way through City Council:
Things are slowing down as we come to the end of the year, but we do have one outstanding item that will be working its way through council now:
Safety Services 16-113: REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ALLOW THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO TRADE IN A 2005 SQUAD CHASSIS TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW 2016 FORD F450 SQUAD.
While summertime is almost over that does not mean that grass will not continue to be a problem. If you have any issues with grass, or any other nuisance problems, please email me and let me know. You may also file a report with me on my website at: www.secondward.weebly.com.
Thanks again for your support and all you do to make the Second Ward the best in the city!
August/September-2016 Newsletter
Hello friends from the Second Ward and around the city!
Summer is officially coming to an end as area students start heading back to school. I know my two young ones are anxiously awaiting their first day back to Worthington. We are so lucky to have such a great school with talented teachers right here in our neighborhood! It is hard to believe that I have a 4th Grader and 1st Grader…. Time really marches on and if you blink you will miss something. I want to wish all of our students much luck and success in this new year and I ask all of you to join with me in saying a prayer for the safety of our students, teachers and faculty at all our area schools.
Because this newsletter is late I am combining it with the September edition, however, I wanted to send this to you after the Community Affairs Committee Meeting regarding the proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. If anything urgent pops up before the end of September I will send you a note.
For those not present at the meeting, approximately 200 individuals came out to share their thoughts, concerns, support and opposition to the proposal. It was a constructive meeting in which everyone in attendance was respectful of one another.
To those who did come out, I want to thank you. Your presence was powerful and your voices were heard loud and clear. I am pleased to report that that the committee chose to table the proposed ordinance and provide the reset that we truly need to start this process over and follow our standard procedure.
We all want to live in a community where it is made clear that discrimination and hate is not tolerated, but we also want to live in a community in which every resident is protected equally by our city’s laws. The issue was not with the idea of the law… the issue was the language laid out in that proposed law.
I am extremely grateful for the committee’s decision to table this ordinance for now. There is no shame in starting over. By starting the process over, and following our City Council’s standard approach to writing new laws we will be able to hold respectful and productive discussions with everyone who has a stake in this community. We will write a law that represents the very best of our city, that showcases Chillicothe as a place that embraces and celebrates our diversity. Because we know that our diverse experiences, our diverse backgrounds, and our diverse ways of life come together to form the community we all love and call home. And we will ensure that everyone’s rights are equally protected.
There will be a PUBLIC HEARING on AUGUST 29 regarding the PROPOSED ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE. All are welcome to attend and this will be an opportunity for the public to hear from the committee and speak directly with elected leaders. I will email again when the location of this meeting is announced, but please plan on coming that evening!
Here is what’s working its way through City Council:
Finance Committee 16-089: REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $4,136.42 RECEIVED FOR AN INSURANCE CLAIM REGARDING A LEAK AT 26 SOUTH PAINT STREET.
Parks and Recreation Committee 16-090: (It is almost time for Halloween and all your favorite fall activities!) REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ALLOW CHILLICOTHE JAYCEES TO USE YOCTANGEE PARK AND SURROUNDING CITY STREETS FOR THE ANNUAL 2016 CHILLICOTHE JAYCEES AND EVENING LIONS HALLOWEEN PARADE ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 2016.
Finance Committee 16-091: REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $1,731.40 RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF CHILLICOTHE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE AEP ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM.
While summertime is almost over that does not mean that grass will not continue to be a problem. If you have any issues with grass, or any other nuisance problems, please email me and let me know. You may also file a report with me on my website at: www.secondward.weebly.com.
Again, as a reminder, there will be a PUBLIC HEARING on the PROPOSED ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE on August 29th. I will email you with the date and time once it is announced by the committee, but please, if you wish to attend, set that evening aside.
Thanks again for your support and all you do to make the Second Ward the best in the city!
Summer is officially coming to an end as area students start heading back to school. I know my two young ones are anxiously awaiting their first day back to Worthington. We are so lucky to have such a great school with talented teachers right here in our neighborhood! It is hard to believe that I have a 4th Grader and 1st Grader…. Time really marches on and if you blink you will miss something. I want to wish all of our students much luck and success in this new year and I ask all of you to join with me in saying a prayer for the safety of our students, teachers and faculty at all our area schools.
Because this newsletter is late I am combining it with the September edition, however, I wanted to send this to you after the Community Affairs Committee Meeting regarding the proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. If anything urgent pops up before the end of September I will send you a note.
For those not present at the meeting, approximately 200 individuals came out to share their thoughts, concerns, support and opposition to the proposal. It was a constructive meeting in which everyone in attendance was respectful of one another.
To those who did come out, I want to thank you. Your presence was powerful and your voices were heard loud and clear. I am pleased to report that that the committee chose to table the proposed ordinance and provide the reset that we truly need to start this process over and follow our standard procedure.
We all want to live in a community where it is made clear that discrimination and hate is not tolerated, but we also want to live in a community in which every resident is protected equally by our city’s laws. The issue was not with the idea of the law… the issue was the language laid out in that proposed law.
I am extremely grateful for the committee’s decision to table this ordinance for now. There is no shame in starting over. By starting the process over, and following our City Council’s standard approach to writing new laws we will be able to hold respectful and productive discussions with everyone who has a stake in this community. We will write a law that represents the very best of our city, that showcases Chillicothe as a place that embraces and celebrates our diversity. Because we know that our diverse experiences, our diverse backgrounds, and our diverse ways of life come together to form the community we all love and call home. And we will ensure that everyone’s rights are equally protected.
There will be a PUBLIC HEARING on AUGUST 29 regarding the PROPOSED ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE. All are welcome to attend and this will be an opportunity for the public to hear from the committee and speak directly with elected leaders. I will email again when the location of this meeting is announced, but please plan on coming that evening!
Here is what’s working its way through City Council:
Finance Committee 16-089: REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $4,136.42 RECEIVED FOR AN INSURANCE CLAIM REGARDING A LEAK AT 26 SOUTH PAINT STREET.
Parks and Recreation Committee 16-090: (It is almost time for Halloween and all your favorite fall activities!) REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ALLOW CHILLICOTHE JAYCEES TO USE YOCTANGEE PARK AND SURROUNDING CITY STREETS FOR THE ANNUAL 2016 CHILLICOTHE JAYCEES AND EVENING LIONS HALLOWEEN PARADE ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 2016.
Finance Committee 16-091: REQUEST FOR LEGISLATION TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $1,731.40 RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF CHILLICOTHE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE AEP ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM.
While summertime is almost over that does not mean that grass will not continue to be a problem. If you have any issues with grass, or any other nuisance problems, please email me and let me know. You may also file a report with me on my website at: www.secondward.weebly.com.
Again, as a reminder, there will be a PUBLIC HEARING on the PROPOSED ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE on August 29th. I will email you with the date and time once it is announced by the committee, but please, if you wish to attend, set that evening aside.
Thanks again for your support and all you do to make the Second Ward the best in the city!
July-2016 Newsletter
Hello Everyone, I hope that you have been enjoying your summer so far, I know we have been!
First, I want to start by thanking everyone that contributed to the firework display. As always, Independence Day in Chillicothe was a great one spent remembering those who served, and are still serving to secure our freedoms.
I have taking many of your calls concerning tall grass and other nuisance issues in the neighborhood. Please remember that I am always free to take your call and will be happy to help with these issues. You can also log these concerns on my website: http://secondward.weebly.com
Now for a few updates:
Performance Audit: I am happy to say that Mayor Luke Feeney has met with a firm to discuss the possibility of them conducting an audit on Chillicothe. The Mayor has discussed the scope and procedures he believes would be best for the city and they will present a proposal to him soon. This is a positive step in the right direction for us, and I remain convinced that the audit will be a big help to ensure the city is operating effectively and efficiently, providing for a cost savings in some of the functions of the city. I will soon meet with the Mayor for a more in-depth conversation regarding his recent meeting.
Strategic Plan: I had the opportunity to discuss the Strategic Plan with Councilman Dustin Proehl, Finance Committee Chair, and asked for an update on the next steps for this assignment. At this point we are just waiting for Councilwoman Alicia Gray to compile everything she needs to plan the way forward… more to come on this one!
Proposed Chillicothe Anti-Discrimination Ordinance: This is an ordinance that was presented to City Council by Mayor Luke Feeney and Councilman Josh Cartee. At the June 27th Meeting Mr. Cartee announced his intentions to submit this request stating that it had been a year since same-sex marriage was made a right across the nation by the US Supreme Court, but that there were gaps in local, state and federal laws that need addressed. He concluded that given the events that transpired in Orlando the time had come to introduce the ordinance to correct these gaps. He informed Council that he has been in talks with the Mayor and that they would submit their request soon with language for the law based on the Columbus, Ohio law. He would like to see a public dialogue over the coming months.
I believe we as City Council have a vital responsibility to protect the rights of all members of our community. And that is a responsibility that I personally take very seriously. However, I do not believe that you have to limit the rights of some in order to guarantee the rights of others. I know that our community is strong enough, and our residents are caring and respectful enough to support and protect the rights of everyone across all segments of society.
I believe right now, after being presented with this ordinance, we have to ask if this is the right law for our community. And I have to say, after reading it, researching it, and speaking with legal professionals about it… this law is not right for our community and this law is seriously concerning to me as a citizen of Chillicothe.
This ordinance creates a commission that has a deeply concerning amount of power over our residents, businesses and organizations within Chillicothe. This law appears to conflict with the principles of separation of powers, and gives me reason to worry about legal rights being violated… the list goes on.
We were told that this law came from the law that exists in Columbus… well I compared the two laws and they are nowhere near the same. This law is far more aggressive, punitive and retaliatory. Unlike Columbus’ law, this law does not go to great lengths to avoid conflicts of interests, it appears to embrace them. And instead of working within the judicial system this law we were presented with appears to do everything it can to circumvent the judicial system.
Despite all of the negative attention our community has receive in the media lately, I have always been proud of Chillicothe. And I continue to believe we have so much to be proud of as a community. While we are not perfect, we do not have the same problems to the extent that exists in so many other communities across the country. Instead, this past Sunday our town witnessed nearly a thousand people come together to embrace our diversity and to ask God to intervene and to help unite and heal our nation. That is a perfect example of why I am proud to call Chillicothe my home, because that represents the very best of our community.
Protecting the rights of all residents is extremely important, but this proposal goes entirely too far and I hope every resident, and every individual with a stake in this community, reads this ordinance and understand what we were presented with. I hope that we have well attended meetings so that the community will have a say in a law being considered in our city that will come to represent Chillicothe.
Because I do not believe that this law, as presented, represents the very best of our community.
I have attached the proposed ordinance, and I am happy to discuss this with anyone, so please feel free to contact me.
Now, here is what is working its way through City Council:
Finance 16-074: Request from City Auditor Kristal Spetnagel for legislation to approve and adopt a Tax Budget for the City of Chillicothe.
This gives the city an important look at our financial situation. The Auditor hosted a review session in Council Chambers at 6:30pm, 7/11, immediately before the regular session of Council. Council approved the tax budget to ensure the city meets the 7/15 deadline.
Safety Services 16-075: Request for legislation to appropriate $226,417.00 to pay for 7 new police cruisers from funding received from bond financing. This item was already funded and this legislation authorizes the city to spend the money for its intended purpose. It passed 7/15.
Utilities 16-076: Request for legislation to amend the member section of the Nuisance Abatement Board to include a representative from the Ross County Board of Health.
Community Affairs 16-079: Request for legislation for a nondiscrimination ordinance for the City of Chillicothe.
This is the ordinance discussed above, and the proposed language is attached for you to review.
Human Resources 16-080: Request for legislation to amend the codified ordinance section to replace the position of system administrator with a new accounts payable administrator position.
Finally, in my last newsletter I shared some exciting about the addition of K9 Tobi to the Chillicothe Police Department. Well, K9 Tobi and the other CPD K9’s have their own Facebook page! It is a great way to keep in touch with what these dedicated officers, and their handlers, are doing every day to keep our community safe. You can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/chillik9
Thank you again for all of your support, and if there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I keep conversations confidential and will always follow up with you.
First, I want to start by thanking everyone that contributed to the firework display. As always, Independence Day in Chillicothe was a great one spent remembering those who served, and are still serving to secure our freedoms.
I have taking many of your calls concerning tall grass and other nuisance issues in the neighborhood. Please remember that I am always free to take your call and will be happy to help with these issues. You can also log these concerns on my website: http://secondward.weebly.com
Now for a few updates:
Performance Audit: I am happy to say that Mayor Luke Feeney has met with a firm to discuss the possibility of them conducting an audit on Chillicothe. The Mayor has discussed the scope and procedures he believes would be best for the city and they will present a proposal to him soon. This is a positive step in the right direction for us, and I remain convinced that the audit will be a big help to ensure the city is operating effectively and efficiently, providing for a cost savings in some of the functions of the city. I will soon meet with the Mayor for a more in-depth conversation regarding his recent meeting.
Strategic Plan: I had the opportunity to discuss the Strategic Plan with Councilman Dustin Proehl, Finance Committee Chair, and asked for an update on the next steps for this assignment. At this point we are just waiting for Councilwoman Alicia Gray to compile everything she needs to plan the way forward… more to come on this one!
Proposed Chillicothe Anti-Discrimination Ordinance: This is an ordinance that was presented to City Council by Mayor Luke Feeney and Councilman Josh Cartee. At the June 27th Meeting Mr. Cartee announced his intentions to submit this request stating that it had been a year since same-sex marriage was made a right across the nation by the US Supreme Court, but that there were gaps in local, state and federal laws that need addressed. He concluded that given the events that transpired in Orlando the time had come to introduce the ordinance to correct these gaps. He informed Council that he has been in talks with the Mayor and that they would submit their request soon with language for the law based on the Columbus, Ohio law. He would like to see a public dialogue over the coming months.
I believe we as City Council have a vital responsibility to protect the rights of all members of our community. And that is a responsibility that I personally take very seriously. However, I do not believe that you have to limit the rights of some in order to guarantee the rights of others. I know that our community is strong enough, and our residents are caring and respectful enough to support and protect the rights of everyone across all segments of society.
I believe right now, after being presented with this ordinance, we have to ask if this is the right law for our community. And I have to say, after reading it, researching it, and speaking with legal professionals about it… this law is not right for our community and this law is seriously concerning to me as a citizen of Chillicothe.
This ordinance creates a commission that has a deeply concerning amount of power over our residents, businesses and organizations within Chillicothe. This law appears to conflict with the principles of separation of powers, and gives me reason to worry about legal rights being violated… the list goes on.
We were told that this law came from the law that exists in Columbus… well I compared the two laws and they are nowhere near the same. This law is far more aggressive, punitive and retaliatory. Unlike Columbus’ law, this law does not go to great lengths to avoid conflicts of interests, it appears to embrace them. And instead of working within the judicial system this law we were presented with appears to do everything it can to circumvent the judicial system.
Despite all of the negative attention our community has receive in the media lately, I have always been proud of Chillicothe. And I continue to believe we have so much to be proud of as a community. While we are not perfect, we do not have the same problems to the extent that exists in so many other communities across the country. Instead, this past Sunday our town witnessed nearly a thousand people come together to embrace our diversity and to ask God to intervene and to help unite and heal our nation. That is a perfect example of why I am proud to call Chillicothe my home, because that represents the very best of our community.
Protecting the rights of all residents is extremely important, but this proposal goes entirely too far and I hope every resident, and every individual with a stake in this community, reads this ordinance and understand what we were presented with. I hope that we have well attended meetings so that the community will have a say in a law being considered in our city that will come to represent Chillicothe.
Because I do not believe that this law, as presented, represents the very best of our community.
I have attached the proposed ordinance, and I am happy to discuss this with anyone, so please feel free to contact me.
Now, here is what is working its way through City Council:
Finance 16-074: Request from City Auditor Kristal Spetnagel for legislation to approve and adopt a Tax Budget for the City of Chillicothe.
This gives the city an important look at our financial situation. The Auditor hosted a review session in Council Chambers at 6:30pm, 7/11, immediately before the regular session of Council. Council approved the tax budget to ensure the city meets the 7/15 deadline.
Safety Services 16-075: Request for legislation to appropriate $226,417.00 to pay for 7 new police cruisers from funding received from bond financing. This item was already funded and this legislation authorizes the city to spend the money for its intended purpose. It passed 7/15.
Utilities 16-076: Request for legislation to amend the member section of the Nuisance Abatement Board to include a representative from the Ross County Board of Health.
Community Affairs 16-079: Request for legislation for a nondiscrimination ordinance for the City of Chillicothe.
This is the ordinance discussed above, and the proposed language is attached for you to review.
Human Resources 16-080: Request for legislation to amend the codified ordinance section to replace the position of system administrator with a new accounts payable administrator position.
Finally, in my last newsletter I shared some exciting about the addition of K9 Tobi to the Chillicothe Police Department. Well, K9 Tobi and the other CPD K9’s have their own Facebook page! It is a great way to keep in touch with what these dedicated officers, and their handlers, are doing every day to keep our community safe. You can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/chillik9
Thank you again for all of your support, and if there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I keep conversations confidential and will always follow up with you.
From my Family to Yours... Happy Independence Day!
Today, communities all across the country will pause to celebrate our nations independence. Like every year family and friends will gather to remember our freedoms and celebrate what makes us the greatest nation on earth... our freedom. I am reminded of the poem Come all Grenadiers (1798) which says:
"Round the banners of Liberty manfully range,
Resolved to preserve it unblemished by change...
...For our glorious freedom we drew with our breath,
And with if we'll keep it unsullied till death.
For our father who gain'd it our freedom we hold,
And it ne'er by their sons shall be cowardly sold.
To guard it our fortunes shall freely be spent,
But to buy it, Columbians will ne'er give a cent...
For our glorious freedom we drew with our breath,
And with it we'll keep it unsullied till death."
No matter what lies ahead of us, in this time of uncertainty when our personal liberties seem threatened from many different directions, remember all of those who fought and died for those freedoms, and those committed to protecting them today. Thank you to those who serve our community and our nation. And to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice... your memory is not forgotten and your legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy.
From my family to yours... I wish you a Happy Independence Day!
"Round the banners of Liberty manfully range,
Resolved to preserve it unblemished by change...
...For our glorious freedom we drew with our breath,
And with if we'll keep it unsullied till death.
For our father who gain'd it our freedom we hold,
And it ne'er by their sons shall be cowardly sold.
To guard it our fortunes shall freely be spent,
But to buy it, Columbians will ne'er give a cent...
For our glorious freedom we drew with our breath,
And with it we'll keep it unsullied till death."
No matter what lies ahead of us, in this time of uncertainty when our personal liberties seem threatened from many different directions, remember all of those who fought and died for those freedoms, and those committed to protecting them today. Thank you to those who serve our community and our nation. And to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice... your memory is not forgotten and your legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy.
From my family to yours... I wish you a Happy Independence Day!
June-2016 Newsletter
It is officially summer, and take one step outside and you will know it! I hope you are staying cool and enjoying the great weather we have had lately. I am excited to say that summer is off to a good start here in Chillicothe. The parks are getting the much needed attention they needed and they are looking great! The pool opened on time and is expected to remain open all season! And our roads are being repaired and resurfaced making for a much nicer ride around town. Thank you to everyone who supported the levy. Of course warm weather can lead to nuisance problems with tall grass and more, so if you have any concerns or issues please do not hesitate to reach out and let me know, I will do what I can to help.
As a reminder, I can be reached by phone: 740-851-6182, or just email me: [email protected].
Also, I would like to share with you my new website designed to keep 2nd Ward Residents updated. Please check it out at: http://secondward.weebly.com.
Now for a little housekeeping. It was brought to my attention that I was having problems with my email distro list. If you have missed previous editions, please accept my apologies. I have recreated my email distro and I believe everyone who signed up should be receiving the newsletter now. I also want to apologize for getting this edition out later than expected. I have had my plate full with one of my Masters classes at AMU and I am happy to say that yesterday I got a 100% on my final. However, I will be sure that next month’s edition will be out on time! Again, I’m sorry.
Now for a few updates:
Performance Audit: I have been in touch with the Mayor regarding this assignment. The Mayor is working to determine how he believes the city should proceed. He has informed me that he has been in touch with cities that have had the audit from the State Auditor’s Office, and he has spoken with cities that have hired a private firm to conduct the audit. He is trying to determine his recommendation for moving forward. I will continue to address this topic with the mayor and hope to have more information soon.
Strategic Plan: I have good news on this topic! At our most recent Finance Committee meeting last month we addressed this committee assignment. I am pleased to announce that Councilwoman Alicia Gray has agreed to come on board as our facilitator for the planning process. Councilwomen Gray has the skills and experiences necessary to successfully guide us through this process. In the months ahead we will begin laying the groundwork for our planning process, identifying those we need to consult with, and begin the early stages of drafting our plan. This is big news for the city, I do not need to tell you that importance of proper planning. If you want to be successful in business, or your private life, you have to have a proper plan. It should be no surprise that the same is true for the city. Thank you for all of your support in this matter. And please be sure to reach out to other members of council to show your support for the strategic plan!
Some good news!
The 4th of July Fireworks Pool Party is back! Food, fun, music, swimming, games and a spectacular view of the best fireworks display in South-Central Ohio! Various levels of sponsorship available or individual tickets available for $25. Please make your donation checks payable to the City of Chillicothe and include "fireworks" in the memo line. For more details, please call 740-774-1185 or email [email protected]. Support the Chillicothe Fireworks & have a great time at our donor celebration!
As a reminder, Large Item Pickup is continuing across the city. Items the City crews will pick up include: carpet, sofas, chairs, mattresses, and other similar pieces of furniture. Paint cans will be collected as long as the paint has been dried out or mixed with sawdust. Items not permissible for pick-up are stoves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, hot water tanks and heaters, old radios, computer equipment, air conditioning units, and televisions. Construction materials from demolitions or remodeling will not be collected, nor will tires, batteries, chemicals and hazardous materials. Large items must be kept separate from regular trash pick-up and should be placed at the curb. There will be no pick-ups in alleys, and Service Department employees are not permitted on private property. Residents are asked to place their items at the curb. The schedule below outlines when large item pick-up will take place in your neighborhood. Please place items on curb the Sunday prior to your pick-up week.
If your garbage is picked up on:
Wednesday: Large items will be picked up June 20 - June 24
Thursday: Large items will be picked up June 27 - July 1
Friday: Large items will be picked up July 11 - July 15
If you have questions please contact the Service Department at (740)773-2700 or email [email protected]
Here is what is working its way through City Council:
Engineering 16-063: Request for legislation to approve preliminary participatory legislation for a proposed project for resurfacing a portion of SR 159 within the corporation limit of Chillicothe.
Engineering 16-071: Request for legislation to appropriate $62,000 for design fees towards a possible sidewalk project in conjunction with ODOT in FY 2018 on Western Avenue.
At a recent meeting on this topic Mayor Feeney introduced three options for the sidewalk project. The original plan from ODOT provides a partial sidewalk on the north and south side of Western Ave in front of existing businesses in the area of the Plyleys and Western at a cost of $1.2 million. Alternative 1 would connect the sidewalk on the south side of Western from Plyleys Lane all the way to University Dr. at a cost of $1.4 million. The Mayor’s preferred option is Alternative 2 which would build a sidewalk on the north side of Western from University down to Bob Evans at a cost of $1.5 million. This would require negotiating the pond in front of Governors Place. More to come on this project!
Engineering 16-072: Request for legislation to approve the participatory legislation with ODOT for the year 2019 for a resurfacing project on a portion of SR 104 within the city limits.
Development 16-067: Request for legislation to authorize Ohio Regional Development Corporation to file an application with the State of Ohio Development Services Agency to participate in the 2016 CDBG Community Development Allocation Program and the 2016 CDBG Community Development Critical Infrastructure Competitive Set-Aside Program.
Development 16-068: Request for legislation to authorize the appropriation of $6,945 for the City of Chillicothe to participate in local funding of the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission for the fiscal year 2017.
With summer finally here I will be up at Adena Mansion two Sunday’s a month giving tours of the historic home of Ohio’s Founding Father, Thomas Worthington. I will be up there this Sunday from noon to five and would like to personally invite you up for a tour. Tours begin at 12:30 with the last tour beginning at 3:30. Come on up and check us out!
Finally, I want to congratulate K9 Tobi and his handler, Officer Chris King, for completing the Ohio State Patrol K9 School. K9 Tobi was recently certified in patrol aspects and is a State Certified dual purpose Police K9. Officer King also passed his exams and both are ready to protect and serve the people of Chillicothe. Thank you K9 Tobi and Officer King for all you do to protect our community!
Thank you again for all of your support, and if there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I keep conversations confidential and will always follow up with you.
As a reminder, I can be reached by phone: 740-851-6182, or just email me: [email protected].
Also, I would like to share with you my new website designed to keep 2nd Ward Residents updated. Please check it out at: http://secondward.weebly.com.
Now for a little housekeeping. It was brought to my attention that I was having problems with my email distro list. If you have missed previous editions, please accept my apologies. I have recreated my email distro and I believe everyone who signed up should be receiving the newsletter now. I also want to apologize for getting this edition out later than expected. I have had my plate full with one of my Masters classes at AMU and I am happy to say that yesterday I got a 100% on my final. However, I will be sure that next month’s edition will be out on time! Again, I’m sorry.
Now for a few updates:
Performance Audit: I have been in touch with the Mayor regarding this assignment. The Mayor is working to determine how he believes the city should proceed. He has informed me that he has been in touch with cities that have had the audit from the State Auditor’s Office, and he has spoken with cities that have hired a private firm to conduct the audit. He is trying to determine his recommendation for moving forward. I will continue to address this topic with the mayor and hope to have more information soon.
Strategic Plan: I have good news on this topic! At our most recent Finance Committee meeting last month we addressed this committee assignment. I am pleased to announce that Councilwoman Alicia Gray has agreed to come on board as our facilitator for the planning process. Councilwomen Gray has the skills and experiences necessary to successfully guide us through this process. In the months ahead we will begin laying the groundwork for our planning process, identifying those we need to consult with, and begin the early stages of drafting our plan. This is big news for the city, I do not need to tell you that importance of proper planning. If you want to be successful in business, or your private life, you have to have a proper plan. It should be no surprise that the same is true for the city. Thank you for all of your support in this matter. And please be sure to reach out to other members of council to show your support for the strategic plan!
Some good news!
The 4th of July Fireworks Pool Party is back! Food, fun, music, swimming, games and a spectacular view of the best fireworks display in South-Central Ohio! Various levels of sponsorship available or individual tickets available for $25. Please make your donation checks payable to the City of Chillicothe and include "fireworks" in the memo line. For more details, please call 740-774-1185 or email [email protected]. Support the Chillicothe Fireworks & have a great time at our donor celebration!
As a reminder, Large Item Pickup is continuing across the city. Items the City crews will pick up include: carpet, sofas, chairs, mattresses, and other similar pieces of furniture. Paint cans will be collected as long as the paint has been dried out or mixed with sawdust. Items not permissible for pick-up are stoves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, hot water tanks and heaters, old radios, computer equipment, air conditioning units, and televisions. Construction materials from demolitions or remodeling will not be collected, nor will tires, batteries, chemicals and hazardous materials. Large items must be kept separate from regular trash pick-up and should be placed at the curb. There will be no pick-ups in alleys, and Service Department employees are not permitted on private property. Residents are asked to place their items at the curb. The schedule below outlines when large item pick-up will take place in your neighborhood. Please place items on curb the Sunday prior to your pick-up week.
If your garbage is picked up on:
Wednesday: Large items will be picked up June 20 - June 24
Thursday: Large items will be picked up June 27 - July 1
Friday: Large items will be picked up July 11 - July 15
If you have questions please contact the Service Department at (740)773-2700 or email [email protected]
Here is what is working its way through City Council:
Engineering 16-063: Request for legislation to approve preliminary participatory legislation for a proposed project for resurfacing a portion of SR 159 within the corporation limit of Chillicothe.
Engineering 16-071: Request for legislation to appropriate $62,000 for design fees towards a possible sidewalk project in conjunction with ODOT in FY 2018 on Western Avenue.
At a recent meeting on this topic Mayor Feeney introduced three options for the sidewalk project. The original plan from ODOT provides a partial sidewalk on the north and south side of Western Ave in front of existing businesses in the area of the Plyleys and Western at a cost of $1.2 million. Alternative 1 would connect the sidewalk on the south side of Western from Plyleys Lane all the way to University Dr. at a cost of $1.4 million. The Mayor’s preferred option is Alternative 2 which would build a sidewalk on the north side of Western from University down to Bob Evans at a cost of $1.5 million. This would require negotiating the pond in front of Governors Place. More to come on this project!
Engineering 16-072: Request for legislation to approve the participatory legislation with ODOT for the year 2019 for a resurfacing project on a portion of SR 104 within the city limits.
Development 16-067: Request for legislation to authorize Ohio Regional Development Corporation to file an application with the State of Ohio Development Services Agency to participate in the 2016 CDBG Community Development Allocation Program and the 2016 CDBG Community Development Critical Infrastructure Competitive Set-Aside Program.
Development 16-068: Request for legislation to authorize the appropriation of $6,945 for the City of Chillicothe to participate in local funding of the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission for the fiscal year 2017.
With summer finally here I will be up at Adena Mansion two Sunday’s a month giving tours of the historic home of Ohio’s Founding Father, Thomas Worthington. I will be up there this Sunday from noon to five and would like to personally invite you up for a tour. Tours begin at 12:30 with the last tour beginning at 3:30. Come on up and check us out!
Finally, I want to congratulate K9 Tobi and his handler, Officer Chris King, for completing the Ohio State Patrol K9 School. K9 Tobi was recently certified in patrol aspects and is a State Certified dual purpose Police K9. Officer King also passed his exams and both are ready to protect and serve the people of Chillicothe. Thank you K9 Tobi and Officer King for all you do to protect our community!
Thank you again for all of your support, and if there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I keep conversations confidential and will always follow up with you.