January 2015 Council Corner

Council member Lynda Roesch

As 2014 draws to a close, it is appropriate to reflect on the City’s successes and accomplishments during the past year. This list is the result of much hard work by the City staff. Local residents can be proud of what has been achieved, and can look forward to exciting developments in 2015. The achievements for this year include:

1. The Vintage Club: The commercial buildings and public garage at the Vintage Club are nearly complete and look very nice from Montgomery Road. We have a new traffic signal to help control the flow of traffic in that area;
2. The French Exchange: Nineteen delegates from our Sister City, NeuillyPlaisance, France, visited Montgomery for an action-packed week promoting cultural diversity and exposure to the American way of governance, education, and senior lifestyles. The Sister Cities Commission put together a list of activities to showcase Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky, and the host families extended true Midwestern hospitality to the French;
3. Heating the pool: Over the years, pool users have begged for a heater. Staff found an affordable solution, and attendance skyrocketed and the swim team was much more comfortable during early morning practices;
4. Record number of teardowns: As of December 4, 29 teardowns have occurred. While teardowns can cause headaches, subsequent rebuilds ensure the community’s viability, value and attractiveness;
5. Acquisition of the former Chevy and Ford dealerships: The City acquired the land south of the historic district and will be able to control the development of this parcel. Some residents have complained about this area just north of Cross County Highway, but it will soon be transformed;
6. The second CERT class graduated and the seventh MCLA class graduated: Montgomery continues to lead the area and nation in offering a civics class and emergency response training for adults that promote community engagement;
7. EMS Signpost: 170 people signed up for EMS Signpost. Montgomery was the nationwide leader for this program which allows residents to enter their critical health information on a secure website available to EMS personnel, if needed;
8. The Montgomery Bulletin Redesign: We now offer a full color bulletin which offers more content and is easier to read. Even better, we reduced the cost; and
9. Improvements in the Infrastructure surrounding Pfeiffer and I-71. Ohio National expanded its garage and we have widened the lanes leading to I-71, while ODOT added and is adding dedicated lanes to I-71 to help the flow of traffic in that area.

Some things to look forward to in 2015 and beyond are:

• The March 2015 opening of Christ Hospital at the Vintage Club.
• The Redevelopment of the Gateway Redevelopment (GRA) site; and
• A new Strategic Plan for 2016 – 2021.

Tracy Roblero was appointed Community Development Director on January 1, 2015 by City Manager Wayne Davis, replacing Frank Davis who recently retired.  Tracy joined the City of Montgomery in September of 2006 as the City Planner and has over ten years’ experience in public service.  She previously served as the Zoning and Planning Director for Goshen Township.

Tracy has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati in Environmental Studies and a Master’s Degree in Planning from Indiana University.  She served as the Program Chair for the Cincinnati Section of the Ohio Chapter of the American Planning Association in 2009. In the position of Community Development Director, Tracy hopes to contribute to the success and uniqueness of Montgomery by ensuring high quality development, preserving and building upon the Heritage District and providing quality public service in collaboration with the professional staff and the support of City Council.

We congratulate Tracy in her new role!

February 2015 Council Corner

Vice Mayor Chris Dobrozsi

In my professional life, both public and private sectors, I am fortunate to work with top-notch individuals who not only have taught me many things, but have also greatly contributed to my life. I can only hope that I have been able to give back or “pay it forward” to them and many others.

In my time with the City of Montgomery (2000 to present), I have been blessed to work with all of our great City Council members, staff, volunteers and of course, our citizens. Calendar year 2015 will bring a close to the full-time contributions of three critical City Staff members with a combined total of 70 years of service in Susan Hamm (November 7, 1983); Dave Reuther (February 12, 1990) and Frank Davis (March 6, 2000).

While none of these individuals seek the limelight, and would prefer the opposite, it is important to reflect on how Montgomery has progressed during their years of service, especially dating back to Susan’s first day on November 7, 1983. Since this day in 1983, when “Mr. Mom” and “Risky Business” were the top motion pictures at the box office, Montgomery has had 21 different City Councils and five city managers. During this time period, the City’s population has increased only slightly from 9,753 to 10,251. In addition, when Dave Reuther arrived at the City in 1990 (top movies were “Ghost” and “Home Alone” that year), the City’s assessed valuation was $187,541,480 and is now at $516,228,830 – an increase of 175%. When Frank Davis arrived in 2000 (top movies were “The Perfect Storm” and “Cast Away”), the City’s General Obligation Debt was $11.4 million and is now $2.8 million.

While the statistics above positively reflect the evolution of our community, it is important to acknowledge the critical and professional touch of each of these individuals. While all of these individuals are “go to” individuals, Susan has been the keeper of the City Council’s agenda, the historical liaison, deliverer of outstanding customer service, and ultimately she is the straw that stirs the drink in the City’s glass.

Frank made his way to Montgomery by way of Marietta; Parkersburg, WV; Springfield, Hamilton County, and Troy. Frank brought a love of economic development, history and historical context, progressive and ecological development, a strong belief in fiscal stewardship, and an extremely unique necktie collection.

While I personally did not interact often with Dave Reuther, mainly because he worked predominately on the overnight shift, I do know that he went about his business with a quiet leadership style and enjoyed the opportunity to protect our great community. All three of these individuals embodied the true spirit and definition of public service, professionalism, decency, transparency, accessibility and compassion for our citizens, businesses and those who visited our community. These three true professionals and their commitment to high-quality service will be missed by our City Council, City Staff and our entire community.

March 2015 Council Corner

Council member Ken Suer

Here are some new items to be aware of:

• The City has received a lot of inquiries from interested parties wanting to do business in the Gateway Redevelopment Area (the old car dealerships site). We have recently heard from a scrap-metal dealer and a manufacturer of explosives. The final mix of businesses has yet to be determined, but there is plenty of interest in the site.
• The City plan to install red light cameras on Montgomery Road is on track and should generate a lot of revenue.
• Grant money will be used to purchase two Davis X15 drones. These will be used to track and control deer population, spot noxious weeds, and identify resident’s cars that really need to be washed.
• The new “Fire Hose Kiosk” program will be tested on a limited basis. Eventually, a kiosk will be installed next to each of our 706 fire hydrants. Each one will contain a length of hose and an instruction booklet. Residents will be trained to fight their own fires. Long-term cost savings will occur.

If you are reaching for your phone right now to call City Hall in outrage – relax. The above items are untrue! April Fool’s Day is coming soon, so I am just getting you ready.

On a more serious note, here are some TRUE items:

• The City is starting to work on the next Strategic Plan. The goals and strategies laid out in the plan form a blueprint for what the City attempts to achieve during a five-year time span. It is very much a working document that constantly drives decision-making in the City. We will again conduct a citizen survey to gather input from the community. Results from this survey will form the basis of our planning efforts. The last survey (2011) had a 41 percent return rate. We can do better. We need your help with this to guide selection of future projects and service enhancements. Stay tuned for more information about the survey in upcoming months.
• Also, you never know when you may need a 911 EMS run to your residence. The City program called EMS SignPost enables responding paramedics to do a better job for you and your family. Consider signing up – it may save your life.
• And, in light of a lot of nationwide unrest regarding police work, we should recognize that our Montgomery cops consistently do a great job keeping us safe 24/7. A big thanks to them!

Lastly – if nothing else – April Fool’s Day is a good sign that winter might be over.

Think Spring!

Registration is now open for the 2015 Montgomery Community Pool season!  Prices are the same as last year and we are once again offering the popular referral program so that you and a new member can enjoy some savings on your pool passes.

Remember that the pool is now heated so enjoy your time at the Montgomery Community Pool.

Register Online!

April 2015 Council Corner

Mayor Todd Steinbrink

Montgomery has a distinctive brand, and it is definitely brick-a credit to our recently retired Community Development Director, Frank Davis.

The vision to preserve our past has set Montgomery apart in look and feel from every other suburb in Cincinnati. We have also been very fortunate over the years to carefully craft a commercial and residential balance that affords us the ability to proactively set high-quality service standards, host an array of events and pursue development opportunities when presented. But every community must always be looking forward to meet the ever changing needs of its citizens.

Over the next six months, City Council and staff will again embark on the City’s five-year strategic planning process. Identifying the direction for the future, while honoring our “brand,” requires the feedback of our citizens balanced with the fiscal realities and operational priorities of a municipal government. The process includes prioritizing the investment needed to maintain our current infrastructure, to deliver the desired levels of services and to carefully consider where and how to expand on the brand that is Montgomery. Soon you will receive a survey from the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Policy Research. It is one of the best tools we have to gather opinions from our nearly 10,000 residents. The more input we receive from our residents, the better Council and staff can craft a vision for the next 5 years.

Please take time before you begin the survey to give thought to the “brand” that Montgomery is, and what it is we want it to be. That insight will help us define the priorities of local government and push us to reinforce what our community is known for now and in the future. We are fortunate to live in such a remarkable community and look forward to its even brighter future.

Montgomery’s Beautification and Tree Commission invites the community to the 2015 Garden Tour on Sunday June 28, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. You’ll be welcomed into six unique and very special private gardens throughout the City, while three of our premier public venues will be showcased with hosts available to show you what is special. Light refreshments and restroom facilities will be available at Swaim Park and Pioneer Park and refreshments will be available at Parrott Alley in the Heritage District. Maps will be available at Parrott Alley, Swaim Park gazebo and Pioneer Park gazebo.

Please mark your calendars and invite your friends to come out and enjoy these special sneak peeks into some of Montgomery’s most beautiful gardens!

May 2015 Council Corner

Council member Gerri Harbison

Much activity has finally taken place at the southern gateway to our City. Stagnant for years and called a variety of names, such as the car dealer sites, Chevy site, Ford site, and etc., this has been an ugly, blighted entrance to our otherwise beautiful community.

The stars aligned, and with good fund reserves, the City was finally able to take steps to purchase the property and begin clean up and marketing of the area. The Chevy building has been demolished, graded and is ready for its next identity.

The Ford building is soon to follow with bids for demolition solicited and opened on April 13. After the contract is awarded, we look to have that site ready by early June. As always, through prudent financial practices, the City applied for and was awarded $60,000 in grant monies though Hamilton County’s Community Development Block Grant program which will be beneficial to offsetting costs.

With a fresh look, comes a fresh name

The “Gateway Redevelopment Area” has been christened. Now what to do with it? Part of the City’s long-term vision is reflected in our 2011 -2016 Strategic Plan under Strategy 4: “Establish partnerships to encourage redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties.” There is much interest in this project which will impact the future of Montgomery, the same as the Triangle property has shaped the landscape of our Historic Downtown. It is imperative that the team chosen for development share the same passion for shaping our future, while honoring our rich history.

To enable as smooth a process as possible, Council transferred the entire 11-acre site to the Montgomery Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). The CIC was created a number of years ago in accordance with Chapter 1702 of the Ohio Revised Code to advance, encourage and promote economic development in the City. Montgomery City Council serve as members of the CIC. The CIC issued a Request for Qualifications seeking a team of highquality real estate developers experienced in infill development. We received 13 RFQ submissions. Those interested in the project are a virtual “Who’s Who” of economic development in Southwest Ohio.

Council also created the CIC GRA Ad-Hoc Team to review the 13 proposals. The team consists of three appointed Council members – Chris Dobrozsi, Ken Suer and myself – along with the City Manager, Department Heads and Law Director Terry Donnellon. Once the RFQ’s have been thoroughly examined, the CIC will make a recommendation to the full Council and the development teams selected to move forward will be asked to submit Requests for Proposals. At that time, we will add members to the Ad-Hoc Committee from some of our citizen volunteers on Planning Commission, Landmarks Commission and others. From these proposals, the master developer will be selected after careful consideration.

As with anything we undertake, it is also important that we hear from the community. Public comment has been recorded as part of the many hearings by previous developers, and in charrettes and surveys through the years. It continued in November 2014 through an ‘Open House’ as well as the regular feedback and information from so many in the community. Developers who have submitted RFQ’s highly regard public input to the process. City Council and staff will then be able to sort through this information to make decisions that will represent the overall interests of the community. Such an exciting time for Montgomery!

Saturday, July 18
Noon to 11 p.m.
Downtown Montgomery on Montgomery Road between Remington and Cooper Roads

Entertainment on two stages:

Main Stage

• Sycamore Community Band, 12 – 1 p.m.
• Faux Frenchmen, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Blessid Union of Souls, greatest hits! 8 – 11 p.m.
  

North Stage

• Kids’ Theater Camp, 12:15 – 1 p.m.
• Tom Bemmes Magic Show, 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
• Waiters Race, 3 – 3:45 p.m. Participating wait staff will be challenged to deliver without a spill!
• Best of Bastille Announcements, 4:00 p.m.
• Cool Critters Animal Show, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• The Mistics, 8 – 11 p.m.
  

Street Café Vendors

Enjoy a great variety of foods and snacks!

Kids Area

Fun games of luck, clowns, pony rides, face painting, 3-hole putt putt and snocones!

Sponsored by:
All About Kids

Historic Walking Tour

Meet at Universalist Church at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Free!

Join an expert guide on a 60-minute walking tour of Montgomery’s preserved landmark homes and buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Thanks!

A special thanks for event support from:

• Huff Realty

Make it a family tradition to celebrate Independence Day with neighbors and friends at the Montgomery July 3rd concert and July 4th Parade and Festival.

July 3rd – Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Concert

Montgomery Park
Friday, July 3, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Presented by:

Sponsored by:

Kick off this year’s Independence Day celebration with the phenomenal Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s annual July 3rd concert at Montgomery Park! The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. with the playing of the National Anthem. Join us for the sounds of “Hollywood Blockbusters” as well as patriotic favorites. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful park setting as you listen to our very own symphony orchestra celebrate America’s holiday.

This event, presented by Ohio National Financial Services and the City of Montgomery and sponsored by Twin Lakes is made possible with the generous support of the community minded businesses:

• American Savings Bank
• Horan
• Montgomery Square Shopping Center
• Rumpke Waste and Recycling
• SwimSafe Pool Management

July 4th Parade

Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.

Join us for this long standing family tradition in Montgomery. The parade starts at 10 a.m. along Cooper Road from the Junior High School to north on Montgomery Road to Schoolhouse Lane. Family-fun units, characters and plenty of tradition built into the lineup of floats, flags and candy-tossing, hand-waving participants make for a spectacular and entertaining start to a full day of celebrating. Come early to get a spot near the announcer (near the Bell Tower downtown Montgomery). Details and applications for entries available on the City website.

Do you want to participate in the parade?

Residents, neighborhood associations and local businesses are invited to be a part of Montgomery’s July 4th celebration, a day filled with patriotism, community pride and memories that will last a lifetime.

Applications are due no later than Friday, June 12 – 2015 Parade Application

Parade entries will assemble at designated locations on Cooper Road beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the official parade kick-off starting at 10:00 a.m. The parade route runs east along Cooper Road from the Junior High to Montgomery Road and then north to Schoolhouse Lane.

Family-fun units and characters have been added to the line-up of this year’s parade while plenty of tradition continues into the lineup of floats, flags, candy, and hand-waving participants to make for an entertaining start to a full day of celebrating.

Award categories for this year’s parade include:

• Best Patriotic Spirit
• Best Float/Vehicle
• Best Overall

Winners receive a large red, white and blue ribbon, a framed certificate and their name listed in the Montgomery Bulletin.  For more information, 891-2424.

Kids! Be in the July 4th Parade!

Children ages 5 and older are invited to ride their decorated bike in the City of Montgomery Independence Day Parade (not the entire route but a little less than a half a mile.)

Show creativity by adding streamers, cards, tassels, balloons, flags and flowers to bikes. Decorate bikes at home and then put on the final touches onsite before the patriotic ride. Parents are welcome to walk along and may bring a bag to collect the parade candy. After the parade, meet at the City Hall carport for three free tickets to use at the July 4 festival immediately following the parade. No registration required. Kids on bikes will form up at 9675 Montgomery Road to start the parade. For more information regarding the Kids on Bike parade unit, please contact Recreation Specialist Sarah Fink at 792-8317 or by email at sfink@ci.montgomery.oh.us.

July 4th Festival

Montgomery Park
Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Americana at its best! Fun kids’ games, corn-on-the-cob, hot dogs, pony rides, music and an ALL-STAR ballgames round out this year’s festival. Graeter’s, Donato’s Pizza, Blue Ash/Montgomery Rotary Club, Pit to Plate BBQ and more will be selling great foods and drinks along the path in Montgomery Park. Live music by Kevin Fox and the beer booth will be a great gathering spot for adults. Find a hillside spot to watch two local baseball teams play in the noon time All-Star game. Be sure to join us for this full day of family fun.

June 2015 Council Corner

Council member Craig Margolis

The strategic planning process is to a community what a road map is to a cross country traveler. It is a tool that define the routes that when taken will lead to the most likely probability of getting to the travelers destination. Or in the case of a community, where the residents, staff and elected officials want the community to be in the future.

A classic definition of the strategic planning process is: “Strategic planning is an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy. It may also extend to control mechanisms for guiding the implementation of the strategy.”

It was a little over five years ago, I was seated in Terwilliger Lodge, on one side of me, a police officer turned fireman and on the other side, a public works service worker. This was my first experience with strategic planning Montgomery style. We spent the better part of a weekend synthesizing information gleaned from a City-wide survey, competitive intelligence, a gut feeling and my weekly interactions with residents. This forum gave every stakeholder an opportunity to offer input on the desired vision of the City.

The end result of that long weekend was a small booklet outlining 6 broad goals, and with it, the general direction of the community. To continue with the traveling metaphor, what state are we driving to or even more basic, what direction are we driving in? Under each broad goal, such as Economic Development or Quality of Life, there would be sub goals or strategies followed by implementation steps with increasing specificity and owners with a specific deadline to provide a more meaningful way of tracking accountability and milestone achievement.

The major benefit of this planning process is the discipline that develops, which leads to improved communications, a comprehensive understanding of the direction of the City, one’s role in it and ultimately a focus on achieving the goals and positioning the organization to take advantage of opportunities that arise. This process is also very transparent, with scheduled update meetings to the City Council.

The City is beginning its fourth, five-year Strategic Plan with plans to have goals completed in the fall. There are a few unique characteristics to this process. We, City Council and staff, desire the input of our citizens and businesses in helping us to conduct the City’s business we were elected to undertake. We can develop a plan, but we can develop a great plan with your feedback. We are diligent and thorough in assigning ownership and deadlines, and then ensuring that these actions are carried out as assigned. In other words, our plan does not reside on a shelf at City Hall, rather it is a working document from which departmental and individual goals are developed. Finally, the City ensures that its five year operational plan, the Strategic Plan, is complemented with a five-year financial plan. There are no “smoke and mirrors”, rather sound strategic thinking, involved citizens and a leadership team that is accountable to our citizens, businesses and visitors.

To all of you, thanks for your current contributions, and for those to come as we build our next five year plan.

The 2015 Annual Street Resurfacing Program has been approved and awarded to Prus Construction Company. Work is anticipated to begin in early June with a scheduled completion date no later than August 24, 2015. This year’s program includes work to resurface 2.05-centerline miles of public roads on the following streets:

• Forestglen Drive
• Woodfern Way
• Glenash Court
• Stonehenge Drive
• Delray Drive
• Castleford Lane (west of Delray Drive)
• Belleford Court

For additional information on this or other projects please contact Public Works Director Brian Riblet at 792-8319.

The City of Montgomery is studying its leaf collection practices.  A list of frequently asked questions has been developed about the current leaf collection program and leaf vacuuming.

1.  Are there other communities that provide or do not provide leaf vacuuming service?

Of the communities neighboring Montgomery, and in southwest Ohio, that provide leaf vacuuming service, 35% have a fee and/or charge for general waste collection.The following cities and townships do provide curbside leaf vacuum programs:

• Amberley Village (Residents pay fees for waste collection)
• Blue Ash
• Columbia Township (Residents pay fees for waste collection)
• Deer Park (Residents pay fees for waste collection and $20 per year assessment for leaf collection)
• Fairfax
• Fairfield
• Glendale (Residents pay fees for waste collection)
• Greenville (Residents pay fees for waste collection)
• Loveland (Residents pay fees for waste collection)
• Madeira
• Mariemont
• Mason
• Milford
• Springboro
• Sycamore Township
• Washington Township (Montgomery County)
• Wyoming

The following cities and townships do not provide curbside leaf vacuum programs:

• Anderson Township
• Bellbrook
• Colerain Township
• Deerfield Township
• Delhi Township
• Evendale
• Fairfield Township
• Forest Park (Residents pay fees for waste collection)
• Green Township
• Liberty Township
• Mt. Healthy
• Middletown
• North College Hill
• Sharonville
• Springfield Township
• West Chester

2.  How much does leaf collection cost?

Listed below is the current cost of leaf collection through Rumpke and costs for other leaf collection options.

 Option 1 note: This option includes three additional weeks of leaf collection to the City’s current service.  The City will consider continuation of leaf collections during three (3) Saturdays in January as was initiated in 2015. This would add $1,500 to the total cost.

 Option 2 note: The probability of meeting weekly expectations with one leaf collection vehicle is questionable.

 Option 3 note: Higher probability of meeting weekly schedule than option 2.

 Option 4 note: Most probability of meeting weekly schedule expectations.  Option 4 provides back-up equipment in the event of breakdown.

Additional Notes:

• Equipment costs based on 5 year amortization for Extreme Vac, per manufacturer, and 10 year amortization for Dump Truck and Vac.
• Annual support costs include fuel, maintenance, tipping fee, addition of seasonal staff and one full-time employee and overtime.
• Montgomery has 47 center lane miles of streets with 76% being either a cul-de-sac or dead-end street. Because of this, it is estimated that it will take approximately 6 – 8 days to make one pass through the City per leaf collection vehicle.

3.  What is Xtreme-Vac?

An Xtreme-Vac is state-of-the-art equipment used to provide curbside leaf vacuuming service. Below is a video of an Xtreme-Vac vehicle recorded during a recent visit by Montgomery officials to Greenville, Ohio.

4.  Do other communities use the Xtreme-Vac vehicle?

The cities of Greenville and Springboro, Ohio purchased Xtreme-Vac collectors for leaf vacuuming.  Based upon visits to both of these communities, the cities have experienced “Pros” and “Cons” with their use of the equipment.

5.  How much time would leaf vacuuming save residents?

If the City were to pursue leaf vacuuming services, the City’s manpower and equipment would be used to replace the bagging portion of leaf management by residents that has been estimated to take on average 53 minutes per household over the course of the leaf collection season.  Citizens who do not bag their leaves – due to mulching, raking leaves to the back of their property, live on private streets, live in multi-family units, contract for these services or handle by other means – would pay for these services as well as citizens who elect to use the service.

6.  How may full-time employees work in the Montgomery Public Works Department?

The Montgomery Public Works Department has 14 full-time staff. There are 3,400 households in Montgomery. The City of Blue Ash, which provides leaf collection for 3,950 households, has 19 full-time staff. At least one full-time staff person and additional season staff would have to be added for leaf vacuuming collection.

7.  What other services does the Public Works Department provide that may compete with leaf vacuuming during the fall?

With 14 full-time staff, the Public Works Department provides multiple services in the fall that may be impacted if leaf vacuuming services were undertaken.  The Public Works Department is frequently asked to provide service with no advanced warning or ability to schedule. Some of these include:

• Snow/winter operations
• Management of Hopewell Cemetery including any burials that take place
• Storm drainage Issues (maintenance, installation, removal, and repair of all drainage issues in City roadways and right-of-way)
• Street maintenance
• Fleet vehicle maintenance/repairs
• Traffic signal issues and maintenance
• Respond and removal of deceased animals in City streets and right-of-way
• Park maintenance/vandalism
• Maintenance at Terwilliger and Swaim Lodges
• Damages to City property resulting from vehicular accidents
• Removal of dead/dying/diseased trees and replanting new trees and pruning trees
• Maintenance of the medians including removing flowers, planting mums and trimming bushes and trees
• Removal of baskets from the historic district and removal of summer flowers from pots and replanting with mums
• Putting up lights and holiday decorations

8.  Will leaf vacuuming impact Montgomery’s reputation as a “Recycling City?”

The City previously posted a statement that addressed the City’s reputation as a recycling city. This information was posted based on analysis completed in February 2015 using 2013 data, the most current at the time. The City presented scenario’s in the analysis that discussed the possibility that co-mingling of leaves with general waste could occur. If this were to occur the City could jeopardize its recognition as a recycling city due to an increase in the percentage of landfill tonnages being reported. The grant funding through the Residential Recycling Incentive Program could also be reduced if the recycling tonnage decreased.

Since that time, the City has contacted Hamilton County Solid Waste District and they reported the following statistics for the City of Montgomery in 2014.  The City had:

• 813 tons of composted yard trimmings,
• A recycling rate of 27.64%,
• 3,173 tons landfilled,
• 1,212 tons recycled, and
• RRI Grant receipts of $42,013.

Sound business strategy requires the City to consider all impacts of leaf disposal.  Should the City’s contractual relationship with its Class IV composting facility change or should new environmental regulations be imposed, the City would need to consider alternative options for leaf disposal.

While several landscaping companies currently allow for leaf disposal for composting, they are not all classified as a Class IV facility therefore, all compost would need to be transferred to a Class IV facility.  If the City is restricted from using a Class IV facility in the future, the City’s total recycling tonnage would decrease and the City would absorb higher landfill totals. This could cause the City’s recycling rate to decrease which in turn could cause our current recycling ranking to fall from #3 in Hamilton County to a lower status.

As of April 24, 2015, Hamilton County has verified to the City that we would not lose our recycling status as long as the leaves are deposited at a Class IV composting facility and the tonnage is reported to Hamilton County Solid Waste District.  If the City were to undertake leaf collection in a manner different from currently provided, the City would need a contingency plan for leaf disposal 5 -10 years into the future should this option be removed.

9.  What are the best practices with regard to leaf collection?

Best practices from well-managed communities in Ohio and across the country recommend mulching and composting leaves. Communities where this occurs and these practices are encouraged include Westchester County, New York, Hilliard, Ohio and Madison, Wisconsin

According to Hamilton County Public Health and the Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association in Pennsylvania:

• Yard debris, including leaves and other organic plant material like shrubbery trimmings and grass clippings, are a significant source of stormwater pollution. This debris can clog culverts, storm drains, and pipes, causing flooding.
• Debris can carry fertilizers and pesticides from your yard and deposit them in streams and ponds.
• Piles of leaves and grass clippings will overload a stream’s ability to process leaf litter, causing nutrient pollution and oxygen depletion.

10.  Is there a private contractor that would provide leaf vacuuming for 3,400 customers?

The City has attempted to secure quotes from vendors for delivering a leaf vacuuming service.  However, the challenge became that private landscaping companies are best equipped to offer their services to individual homeowners and are not able to offer their services in a cost-effective and efficient manner to the entire City. Without going through the expense of a formal bidding processes, the best quote the City could get from a vendor was $102,000 for two leaf collection days in the season for the City’s 3,400 households.

11. What other ways do residents manage leaves?

In Montgomery there are a variety of ways people manage leaves. They mulch, compost, hire private contractors, deposit leaves in toters, rake leaves to the rear of their property, do nothing and bag.

12. Will all Montgomery households receive the leaf vacuum service?
Not all Montgomery households would benefit.  The private drives such as the Vintage Club, Twin Lakes, apartments, condominiums, panhandle lots and those homes that elect to use other means for leaf disposal will not receive the service.

13. What rules would be implemented for a leaf vacuuming program?

If Montgomery considered offering a leaf vacuum program, some of the rules used by other municipalities would need to be considered to ensure safety, efficiency of operations and to protect equipment and other resources.  Rules currently used by other jurisdictions:- Adverse weather such as heavy rain, cold weather or snow can disrupt the collection schedule. Cold weather can cause leaves to freeze in piles that must be broken up manually. Snowfall requires the breakdown of our leaf machines for snow equipment which will take priority over leaf collection.  Leaf collection could be restricted, delayed or cancelled depending on the weather.

• Leaves or yard waste would not be allowed on sidewalks.
• Leaves put out after City crews have already serviced a street will be collected the following week.
• Leaves should be piled at the curb line, just behind the curb line but extending back no more than 10 feet into the yard.  (Equipment cannot reach beyond this point.) Leaves must not be placed in the street, because they will clog gutters and storm drains and may constitute a traffic hazard.  Remember that wet leaves are slippery, and are dangerous to pedestrians, bicycle riders, and cars.  Please keep sidewalks free of all leaves, including wet leaves.
• Place leaves away from obstacles such as mailboxes, fire hydrants, vehicles, trees with low hanging branches and landscaping rocks. These obstacles become hidden within the leaf piles and can cause damage to the machinery, injury to employees and citizens, limit collection abilities and can impact emergency service response.
• DO NOT MIX any other yard waste items in with the leaves (such as grass, flowers, mulch, brush, bush trimmings).  Leaf piles that contain other yard waste will not be picked up. Such debris can damage leaf collection equipment.  It will be the property owner’s responsibility to dispose of them.
• Leaf piles blocked by parked cars or low hanging tree limbs will not be picked up. It is impossible to get the leaf collection equipment into such tight areas. Crews are unable to return to pick up these piles when the vehicle has been moved.

14. Does the City of Montgomery currently assess a leaf collection fee?

The City of Montgomery does not currently assess a fee for leaf collection or waste collection. The City has the ability to impose a fee for waste collection and/or leaf collection, which accounts for approximately 6% of the City’s General Fund Budget.

15. What other residential services are provided by the City of Montgomery?

The City of Montgomery currently provides the following residential service.

• Brush collection, spring and fall
• Yard waste collection, leaf collection and holiday greenery collection
• Household waste collection
• Recycling
• Tree planting in Rights-of-Way
• Vacation checks
• Address sign program
• Concrete and brick paver sidewalk repairs

16. What other efforts has the City of Montgomery undertaken to improve leaf collection?

Following the December 8, 2014 Public Works Committee of City Council meeting, City Council directed staff to extend leaf collection from 5 to 8 weeks.City staff, based on direction from City Council, extended its leaf collection program to include unlimited yard waste collection for all residents on the first three Saturdays in January concurrent with the Christmas Tree/Holiday Greenery collection program.  Citizens were made aware of this via CodeRed, the City’s Website and social media on December 30, 2014.

17. How many residents currently use toters instead of bags?

Rumpke records indicate that of the 3,400 households in Montgomery, 611, or 18% of the households have purchased yard waste toters.

18. What is the current fall leaf collection program?

Rumpke collects leaves for five weeks beginning the first week of November. Collection is made one time per week at each household on the regularly scheduled trash pickup day. During the five week period, subscribers will be allowed to place an unlimited amount of containers with leaves curbside for disposal with no additional compensation due to the contractor The cost to the City for this program is $29,750 per year.  In following City Council’s direction, the cost of this program for eight weeks is $47,600. The City will consider continuation of leaf collections during three (3) Saturdays in January as was initiated in 2015. This would add $1,500 to the total cost.

Have your pooch featured at the City’s Labor Day Dogfest!

Is your dog THE Top Dog? Send in a written description and a photo of your cute, beloved, talented, or amazing dog and your dog can be “the cover dog” on the posters, flyers and marketing of the City’s Labor Day DogFest & K-9 Kerplunk event as well as earn the coveted “Top Dog” title.

We would also showcase the Top Dog at the event. Can your dog “sit and stay,” “come” or “lie down?” Is your dog a “dancer,” “best kisser,” “loud singer,” “expert Frisbee catcher” or “high jumper”. Can your dog “shake hands,” “roll-over,” “play dead?” Or is your dog just ‘dog-gone’ cute? Let us know in 100 words or less why you think your dog should be THE Top Dog! Your written description, photo and contact information is accepted now through June 30 and can be sent by email to Julie Machon at jmachon@ci.montgomery.oh.us or drop off your submission to City Hall. Call 891-2424 or email Julie Machon for more information.

In its fifth year, Connect Montgomery’s Making a Difference Day will be held on October 24.  Once again, Connect Montgomery is leading a partnership of volunteer organizations to make a unified impact on Making a Difference Day. The Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy Class of 2014 will be coordinating the effort. This year, in addition to community organizations, Connect Montgomery is urging families to become involved. There is bountiful research that indicates that volunteering as a family has a myriad of fundamental benefits.

If your family or organization would like to become involved in Making a Difference Day, call Julie Tople, MCLA 2014, at 518-8880 or email her at juliet@horanassoc.com.

Volunteering in fact:

• Helps families learn about social issues and provides a new perspective on the world
• Provides positive role models and passes on family values to children
• Provides new learning experiences and development of new skills for both children and adults
• Provides quality time for the family to spend together
• Increases interpersonal communication and the problem-solving abilities of family members
• Helps youth decide what they want to do with their life

In June, City Council approved legislation to waive the building and zoning permit fees starting July 1 for the remainder of 2015 for any photovoltaic array installed by a resident or business. The waiver is limited to $1,000 per installation, which should cover any residential installations and all but very large commercial installations. The program is designed to encourage the use of renewable energy by our residents and businesses. The City offered this solar incentive program in 2014 and four Montgomery families took advantage of the incentive.

Joanne Gerson, a former Montgomery Planning Commission member and longtime supporter of environmental initiatives, took advantage of the City’s incentive last year.

“We are thrilled with our solar power! First of all, our 2014 taxes reflected the 30-percent discount of the installation cost. Second, because we paid extra for part of our system to be hooked up to battery back-up, it is like having a silent generator every time the power goes out. But the biggest reward is the huge reduction in our electric bills. This month’s statement was for $0.00 and we received a $12.86 credit for future months,” Gerson explained.

Andy Zilch also took advantage of the incentive program.

“I would tell anyone considering it that before doing so you can spend less and get a faster ROI on first reducing the energy load of the house as much as possible (better insulation to reduce heating and cooling load, more efficient light bulbs and appliances, and etc.). This helps your bottom line immediately and it will reduce the size of the array needed to cover your household electricity consumption. I’m excited to hear that the City brought back the permit fee waiver and hope to see more solar arrays on rooftops around Montgomery,” Zilch said.

The City’s incentive program applies to any applications received July 1 through December 31. Montgomery encourages residents and businesses to take a look at solar and find out why so many are investing in the future and going solar. For more information on Montgomery’s solar energy initiative program and a list of local solar installers, contact Community Development Director Tracy Roblero at troblero@ci.montgomery.oh.us or call 891-2424.

Demolition of the former Ford Dealership located at 9292 Montgomery Road is nearly completed and it is now easier to begin envisioning a new development at the southern gateway that will support and enhance the downtown. The Gateway Redevelopment Area is comprised of approximately 11 acres on the east side of Montgomery Road at Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway, including the old Chevrolet and Ford dealerships and some land previously owned by Hamilton County. The property has recently been transferred to the Montgomery Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), which is the designated agency to promote economic development within the City. The CIC recently issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to seek a team of qualified real estate developers with experience in mixed-use infill projects to partner with the CIC on  the redevelopment of the Gateway Redevelopment Area.

The CIC received 13 submissions in response to the RFQ and narrowed the list down to four development teams to move forward in the process. The CIC then issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the development teams and a response is due back to the CIC on July 13. Subsequently, the CIC will then select a master developer based on their vision for the site, proven track record in completing high-quality, mixed-use projects and experience in attracting and successfully negotiating with quality end users. The CIC will look for a developer committed to a pedestrian-oriented urban design that also is sensitive to the traffic flow and parking needs of the area, and is sensitive to the need for the development to be complementary to the adjacent Historic District. The selected team of developers will then work with CIC representatives on the design, construction, financing, and management of a unified Master Plan for the site on an integrated, mixed-use project that is