Holiday Card painted by Chelsey Degenhardt

The City of Montgomery wants you to put your creative energy to work to design its holiday card! The winning design will be used on the cards that City Council and staff send out as a holiday greeting in 2015.

If you have an artistic side, consider entering your design in this contest! Designs must incorporate a scene or design element related in some way to the City of Montgomery. Any medium will be accepted; however, please avoid three-dimensional features or techniques that will not reproduce effectively. Art work incorporating any copyrighted or trademarked features will not be accepted, unless accompanied by written approval from the owner of the copyrighted feature or object. The final cards will be 4″ x 6″ in size.

Deadline to submit your work is Friday, September 18. You’ll need to submit a copy of your artwork in digital format to be considered. You do not have to be a resident of Montgomery; anyone can enter.

A decision on the winning artwork will be announced in early October, and cards will be printed in November for use during the holiday season.

Questions? Call Julie Machon at 792-8316.

Holiday Card Art Contest Entry Form

Holiday Card Art Contest Entry Form

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Upload a copy of your artwork. (Please use either jpg or png file formats.) *

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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 starting at 2:00 p.m.

Staff will monitor weather conditions on the day of the event, and in the case of heavy or persistent rain, or severe weather, the event may be cancelled with no notice.  This event will not be rescheduled if it is cancelled due to inclement weather.

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!

On Friday afternoon, June 26, the funeral procession for P.O. Sonny Kim will be traveling north on Montgomery Road through the City of Montgomery.  The procession is expected to reach Montgomery between 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Motorists should expect delays along Montgomery Road to the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The Montgomery Police Department and the City of Montgomery encourage all citizens to gather along the route to pay tribute to Officer Kim as the procession makes its way through our community.

Please plan alternate routes if traveling through Montgomery. Parking on Montgomery Road in the Heritage District will be restricted from noon – 2:00 p.m. and the ramps from east and westbound Interstate 275 to Montgomery Road will be closed from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to accommodate the funeral procession.

More information about funeral services

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 these 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 Sycamore 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 in downtown Montgomery).

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 19 – 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, call 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 ballgame 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 food 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!

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!

The City of Montgomery would like to thank all of the parade participants and volunteers who made the annual Independence Day Parade such as success. Montgomery is truly a special community, with thousands of residents and visitors who came out to enjoy the parade and cheered with enthusiasm and patriotism.  Rough estimates indicate that 7,000 people lined the parade route.

The following award recipients were honored after the annual Montgomery Independence Day Parade for their enthusiasm and patriotic spirit.  These winning parade entries received certificates and ribbons thanking them for their participation in the parade.

Thanks also go to those who served in the capacity of parade judges: community volunteers Ron Keeling and John Nolan, and Jim Mayer, executive director of Twin Lakes Senior Living. A special thank you to parade announcers Greg Leader and Nancy Nolan.

Plan next year to be a part of Montgomery’s July 4, 2016 celebration, a day filled with patriotism, community pride and memories that will last a lifetime.

Mark your calendar! The ever-popular music series, Live at the Uni, kicks off Monday, October 5 with a performance by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians Steven Rosen and Stacey Woolley. The violin/viola duo will perform classical favorites. Once again, Montgomery Inn will host a reception immediately following the concerts.

Live at the Uni will continue Monday, October 19 with a performance by Montgomery jazz and folk musician, Tom Steele. The series will conclude November 2 with the eclectic and exciting sounds of The Klezmer Project.

There is no charge for admission; however, a free will offering is welcome. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and can be made by calling City Hall at 891-2424, or you can register here.

July 2015 Council Corner

Council member Ann Combs

“So, what do you do on City Council?” This question is often asked when people learn that I serve on Montgomery City Council. It is the frequency with which I am asked that question that prompted this article. Probably the closest analogy would be to a very active board of directors for a corporation.

Our most visible presence is, of course, at the City Council business session on the first Wednesday of the month where formal action is taken on legislation – ordinances and resolutions. There is also a work session on the Wednesday two weeks prior to each business session when City Council reviews pending legislation and assigns readings to various members of City Council. Both sessions are open to the public with time set aside at the beginning of each session for citizen comments.

Not as well-known is that three Council members are assigned to each of the City’s six standing committees including: government affairs, public works, parks and recreation, planning, zoning and landmarks, financial planning and law and safety. It is at this level that the three members of Council meet with appropriate staff to engage in problem-solving and information sharing.

Issues are researched and vetted at this level, and these sessions frequently result in legislation or resolutions to be brought to the full Council. You might say that this is where City Council does its homework. The committee sessions are also open to the public.

In terms of Council’s substantive work, it is oriented to matters of policy and the ‘big picture’ for the City. Approval of the City’s budget is one key piece of Council’s management responsibility. Appropriating sufficient resources to meet the essential services of the City remains a priority, while also ensuring that there are resources for the future. Aligning those services with the City’s five-year strategic plan necessitates an ongoing review of the budget priorities.  The budgeting process periodically involves negotiation of the City’s three collective bargaining agreements. Finally, the capital budget requires Council’s approval to implement vital improvements.

When you consider the scope of the City’s services, Council’s financial role becomes more apparent. The services that touch us all most intimately are provided through the City including: police and fire protection, contracts for trash removal, preservation of property values through appropriate zoning regulations, infrastructure repair, capital improvements, and maintenance of parks, special events and the municipal pool, to name a few. These services all contribute to the quality of life that we enjoy in Montgomery. I know that my colleagues on Council share a commitment to do our best to enhance the City.

Our City is also blessed with many talented people who volunteer their services on one of the 10 boards and commissions hosted by the City. Nine of those boards or commissions require that the members be appointed by City Council. Another responsibility of Council members is to interview the applicants and make recommendations to the full Council to fill those positions.

While Council centers its efforts on policy matters, it is the staff that implements that vision through its seven departments. As our first line responders, our staff often identifies issues or problems and works toward answers. If a particular issue or problem is a policy matter, they collaborate with members of Council to develop a viable solution. As Council members, we have staff oversight responsibilities and evaluate our top management to make certain the City’s objectives are being met. In conclusion, Montgomery City staff handles the day-to-day operation of the City and City Council’s elected citizens collectively look at the big picture. It is a great model to represent each of you – our shareholders.

Welcome to our first podcast episode.  This is a work in progress so it’s definitely rough around the edges. We hope to build on our experiences and continuously improve to make this podcast your destination for City events and recreation. In this episode we talk about Bastille Day, Laf-N-Lunch, Touch-A-Truck and various pool activities.

Links from this episode

Bastille Day – http://www.montgomeryohio.org/bastille-day-celebration/

Laf-N-Lunch – http://www.montgomeryohio.org/event/laf-n-lunch-mad-science-rockin-rockets/

Montgomery Pool – http://www.montgomeryohio.org/pages/pool/

Touch-A-Truck – http://www.montgomeryohio.org/event/touch-a-truck/

If you have a suggestion, please email us at customer_service@ci.montgomery.oh.us.

The post Montgomery 45242 – Episode 0 appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

A comprehensive survey of Montgomery households conducted by the Institute for Policy Research of the University of Cincinnati has revealed that a vast majority of residents are satisfied with their quality of life in the City of Montgomery.

The survey, conducted earlier this spring, revealed that an overall 98 percent of residents are either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the quality of life in the community.

Nearly nine-out-of- 10 residents “agree” that the municipal services provided to their households are a good value for the property tax dollars they pay.

The survey showed that residents cite a consistent satisfaction with the quality of life in Montgomery, with increasingly strong agreement with the statement “the municipal services provided to my household are a good value for the property tax dollars I/we pay.”

When asked to rank the importance of City services, safety services topped the list with 86 percent of the respondents listing Fire and EMS highest on their “extremely important” list. Police protection was a close second with 83 percent. Trash collection generated 53 percent of the responses as an “extremely important” service. Snow and ice removal, street maintenance, and recycling were rated as “extremely important” by 51 percent, 47 percent, and 46 percent, respectively.

In all categories, a majority of residents gave “very satisfied” or “satisfied” ratings to every City service, with Fire/EMS and police protection both receiving the high satisfaction ratings of 96 percent and 97 percent approval respectively . More than 94 percent of residents were satisfied with trash collection with recycling, maintenance of City parks, snow and ice removal, and beautification efforts rated at 93 percent, 92 percent, and 88 percent, respectively.

Of those who had contacted the City for service or assistance, 90 percent felt the City was responsive and 98 percent felt they were treated courteously.

Survey respondents noted that of those who use the unlimited fall yard waste collection program, 61 percent are satisfied and 18 percent, nearly one-in-five, do not use the system.

The survey also found that key communication tools such as the Montgomery Bulletin continue to be useful, but recorded growing familiarity and use with the Montgomery website.

Results from the survey will be the basis of strategic planning efforts in 2016. Additionally, the City will report back periodically through this newsletter and the website on service enhancements and new projects resulting from citizen input and suggestions in the comprehensive survey effort.

The post Survey shows wide citizen satisfaction with City appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

Bargain-hunters and those who enjoy finding a curbside deal should check out the City of Montgomery’s Community-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration is open to Montgomery households interested in hosting a garage or yard sale and wanting to join in on this joint promotion.  There is no fee to participate.

A Garage Sale Treasure Map, with a complete listing of locations, will be available at Montgomery City Hall, 10101 Montgomery Road, starting on Thursday, September 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to help shoppers prepare for the sales and map out deal-finding strategies. Treasure Maps will also be handed out at City Hall on the Saturday morning of the sales, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Twin Lakes Senior Living Community of Montgomery will also hold their annual Whale of a Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 9876 Montgomery Road (former Century Honda dealership) on Saturday, September 12. The sale features furniture, kitchen items, glassware, household items, appliances, pictures, and linens. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Benevolent and Pastoral Care needs at Twin Lakes.

Registration

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Email Address

Phone Number

Short description of items to sell

The post Community Wide Garage Sale appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

As of Thursday, July 30, American Paving has had some delays related to weather and will be performing the Black Mat repairs to streets in Montgomery at a yet to be determined date.  We will update this post as information becomes available.  In the meantime, if you would like to  monitor their progress, you can check their website at Americanpavement.com  or Americanpavementsinc.homestead.com

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

The post Street Resurfacing Schedule Delays appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and the City of Montgomery invite local businesses to participate in “The 12 Days of Christmas in Montgomery” from December 1 to 12, 2015.

You are an important part of our community and the goal of this collective effort is to create a collaborative event to support the diverse business community in Montgomery while providing fun events and activities for patrons. We are asking your business to be a part of this event by having a feature activity, event, and/or discount on one of the 12 days.

For more information, please contact Julie Machon or Sarah Fink, City of Montgomery at 792-8316, Carol Gorley with Montgomery Chamber of Commerce at 502-6975 or, Julie Lyon, Owner of Jewels by Jules Boutique, at 827-9305.

To participate, complete the form below by August 31.

I want to participate!

First Name *

Last Name *

Business Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Do you have a current holiday event, promotion, activity during this time frame that you propose to add in to the 12 Days of Montgomery?

Yes

No

Please describe you event, promotion, or activity.

Do you have a new idea for this event?

Yes

No

Please describe your new idea.

The post 12 days of Christmas in Montgomery appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

Welcome to the second episode of Montgomery 45242.  Episode 0 was a little rough but we have made some improvements, particularly with the audio quality. We hope Episode 1 is a better listening experience.  In Episode 1 we provide an update about upcoming city council and board and commission meetings and we talk with Ray Kingsbury about the Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy (MCLA).

Links from this episode

• MCLA – http://www.montgomeryohio.org/pages/mcla/
• City Calendar – http://www.montgomeryohio.org/events/
• Connect Montgomery – http://connectmontgomery.org/
• Montgomery Food Share – http://connectmontgomery.org/montgomery-food-share/
• Montgomery Farmers’ Market – http://montgomeryfarmersmarket.org/

The post Montgomery 45242 Episode 1 – “MCLA” appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

The City of Montgomery, Parks and Recreation Commission is assessing residents’ interest in our very own Montgomery trees to determine if a tree mapping app should be offered for you to use and identify trees in Montgomery’s Parks. A tree mapping app would enable you to identify the trees in Montgomery’s Parks or find a tree species you are interested in. You would be able to search tree species and then go to see it and how it grows in our area. You would also be able to add your own trees to the website.

To help us judge the interest of having a tree mapping app, please complete the below interest survey.

Tree Map Survey

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Would you use a tree mapping app to learn more about our Montgomery tree?

Yes

No

Any additional comments?

The post Montgomery Tree Map Survey appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

There has been much focus on cleaning up the planet and the Montgomery Environmental Advisory Commission is encouraging residents to start sorting. On September 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the Environmental Advisory Commission is sponsoring a One Stop Drop for Responsible Recycling event at the Public Works Facility, 7315 Cornell Road. This event gives families an easy way to get rid of items that may have been sitting around the house.

This event is free and makes it convenient for families to dispose of various unwanted items.

Below is a list of participants and the items they will accept:

Global Environmental Services

• Computers-Including Laptops and Tablets
• Flat Screen Monitors
• Televisions -CRT, * Requested Donation of $10
• Televisions -Projection and Console-* Requested Donation of $20
• Speakers
• Mice
• Keyboards
• Copiers
• Printers
• Scanners
• All Phone Types-Cellphones
• GPS Devices
• VCR & DVD Players
• Cables and Wires
• Modems
• Processor Chips and Circuit Boards

Matthew 25 Ministries

• Latex Paint

Habitat For Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Restore

•  Used Furniture
• Appliances-Large & Small
• Cabinets
• Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans
• Doors
• Hardware & Tools
• Lawn & Garden
• Housewares
• Clean Mattresses and Box Springs
• Windows-Thermal Pane Only
• Electronics-Stereos, DVD & CD Players
• Digital Televisions
• Electrical items

Ohio Valley Goodwill

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Glasswear
• Books
• Linens
• Shoes
• Purses
• Clothing, shoes, coats
• Linens
• Luggage
• Miscellaneous-Mowers, Bicycles, Toys/Games

City of Montgomery

• Cardboard and Corrugated Cardboard
• Prescription eyeglasses and Used sunglasses
• Scrap Metal
• Plant Pots
• Amber plastic Presecription bottle

The post One Stop Drop for Recycling appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

August 2015 Council Corner

Council member Lynda Roesch

In April of this year, the City sent a survey to all households in Montgomery.  The survey results confirm that police and fire protection are among the most important services we provide.  Furthermore, the police and fire departments scored very high on satisfaction (a combination of satisfied and very satisfied) 96% and 97% respectively.

The City routinely receives thank you notes from residents, businesses and visitors who have used the Montgomery police and fire departments.  Many of these thank you notes are effusive in the praise of the police and firefighters.

Over the past year, police across the country have come under fire for doing their job.  It is time to acknowledge that the vast majority of police are not only good and decent but courageous as well.  Every day they go to work, there is a chance that they may be injured or worse.  The police and firefighters put their lives and their safety on the line.  The deaths of Police Officer Sonny Kim and Firefighter Daryl Gordon this year dramatically illustrate how real the threat is.

The men and women who serve as first responders deserve our admiration.  They are often the first on the scene of a tragedy and provide the security and comfort to those suffering.  While the rest of us run away from danger, police and firefighters run towards and even into danger.  We invest our police and firefighters with authority to promote and keep the peace.  They deserve our support and gratitude as they do their jobs.

On behalf of Council and indeed the whole City, we would like to say to the police and firefighters thank you for the job you do every day.  We know that you are taking risks every day to protect us.  Finally, we would like to thank the families of the police and firefighters who also face the possibility of the loss of a loved one.

The post Always a good time to say thank you to our police and firefighters appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

Fire Lieutenant Mike Nelson performs rope rescue techniques as a Lead Instructor with the Hamilton County Urban Search and Rescue Team

Michael Nelson joined the City of Montgomery Fire Department in June as a full time Fire Lieutenant- Firefighter/Paramedic.  In September 2002, Michael began his employment with the City as a part-time firefighter/paramedic.  While beginning his full-time career in 2003 with the Blue Ash Fire Department, he continued working part-time here in Montgomery.  Michael began his career in the fire service in 1999, and has over 15 years’ of experience.

Michael has a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, and continues his training in Fire and EMS leadership developmental courses.  He is active member on the Hamilton County Urban Search and Rescue Team and currently is a Lead Instructor on the team for Rope Rescue.  Michael is a fire instructor within the State of Ohio, and Life Safety Inspector.

Michael has been married eight years to his wife, Katie, and has two little girls, Maya and Riley.  Michael enjoys spending his time boating with his family at the lake.  Personally, he enjoys completing Triathlon races, and enjoys cardio workouts.  He currently is training for the October 11th Louisville 140.6 Full Ironman.

In the position of Fire Lieutenant, Michael hopes to contribute to the development and success of fire department personnel and looks forward to his future here at Montgomery and getting to know everyone professionally and personally.

The post Michael Nelson joins the City of Montgomery as Fire Lieutenant appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

The Montgomery Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) and community development department will sponsor several workshops to explain the basics of photovoltaic energy production, the Solarize Cincinnati program and the City’s photovoltaic incentive program.  There will be several sessions of the event being offered to accommodate individual schedules.  All sessions will be held at Terwilliger Lodge in Dulle Park beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates.

• Thursday, September 10
• Thursday, October 8
• Thursday, November 5
• Thursday, December 3

While the hard costs of installing a solar photovoltaic array have dropped significantly in recent years, the installation still requires a large financial investment.  A typical residential system can cost between $25,000 and $35,000.  Fortunately, there are ways to makes this more affordable.  By far, the most effective incentive is the federal alternative energy tax credit, which allows a person to reduce their federal income tax dollar-for-dollar for up to 30% of the cost of the system.  The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) has also created a new program called ‘Solarize Cincinnati’ which makes purchasing solar panels even easier and affordable by providing free solar assessments and using the power of bulk purchasing to drive down the costs to the residents.  Montgomery City Council has also approved legislation that waives the building and zoning permit fees with a cap of $1,000 for the remainder of the calendar year to help make solar photovoltaic systems more affordable.

The solar workshops will be conducted by representatives of the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance and a certified solar installer.  If you would like to attend one of the events, rsvp to Tracy Roblero, community development director, at troblero@ci.montgomery.oh.us or 792-8312.

The post Free Solar Initiative Workshops for Residents and Businesses appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.

Holiday Card painted by Chelsey Degenhardt

The City of Montgomery wants you to put your creative energy to work to design its holiday card! The winning design will be used on the cards that City Council and staff send out as a holiday greeting in 2015.

If you have an artistic side, consider entering your design in this contest! Designs must incorporate a scene or design element related in some way to the City of Montgomery. Any medium will be accepted; however, please avoid three-dimensional features or techniques that will not reproduce effectively. Art work incorporating any copyrighted or trademarked features will not be accepted, unless accompanied by written approval from the owner of the copyrighted feature or object. The final cards will be 4″ x 6″ in size.

Deadline to submit your work is Friday, September 18. You’ll need to submit a copy of your artwork in digital format to be considered. You do not have to be a resident of Montgomery; anyone can enter.

A decision on the winning artwork will be announced in early October, and cards will be printed in November for use during the holiday season.

Questions? Call Julie Machon at 792-8316.

Holiday Card Art Contest Entry Form

Holiday Card Art Contest Entry Form

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Upload a copy of your artwork. (Please use either jpg or png file formats.) *

Uploading Files. Please Wait.

The post Holiday Card Art Contest appeared first on City of Montgomery, Ohio.