Vice Mayor Lynda Roesch

In February we celebrate Valentine’s Day. In keeping with the theme, this is a good time to consider what we love about Montgomery.  Here is my list:

1. Sound Financial Position which allows the City to take advantage of opportunities when they arise such as the purchase of land for the Gateway Redevelopment Area. The City manages its finances by maintaining appropriate fund balances, and in turn, can then make informed decisions on the best use of money.
2. Balanced Development Program which combines the benefits of residential housing with businesses that contribute to the tax base. Overall, the balance creates a very livable community that gives residents options for shopping, entertainment and jobs.
3. Vibrant Downtown that combines historic features with new developments. The downtown offers a nice mix of restaurant, retail, office and housing options. The City has created a signature look for the downtown that is one of the first thing visitors notice.
4. Accessible Parks that encourage fitness and enjoying nature. The park system ensures that everyone can easily reach a park. The trails and paths, along with tennis courts and playground equipment, are top notch.
5. Sense of Community created by neighborhoods and businesses working together. The neighborhood associations undertake charitable activities that improve our community. The City is fortunate to have businesses like TriHealth, Ohio National Financial Services and Twin Lakes Senior Living Community which are always eager to give back.
6. Volunteers who are willing to serve on boards and commissions and on City projects like Beautification Day. The City is blessed to have so many individuals willing to give their time and talent.
7. Arts programs, many are free and cover all aspects of culture, including music (Live at the Uni), comedy (Improv at the Uni) and photography (Photo Contest), to name a few.
8. Special Events like the July 3 concert, the July 4 parade and Bastille Day which offer entertainment for all ages and draws the community together.
9. First Responders who are second to none and work tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy. Our police and fire departments consistently get the highest satisfaction scores in our surveys.
10. And especially during the winter–clean roads during the snowy season. You can tell where Montgomery begins and ends during a snowstorm. The Public Works Department has a system for cleaning roads that makes driving in bad weather bearable.
11. That is my list. What would you add to what you love about Montgomery?

Want to feature your business on the City website or in the Montgomery Bulletin?  Want to be a part of some of the hometown community events that make Montgomery truly unique?  Want to support the Montgomery community with a sponsorship contribution?

The City of Montgomery’s recreation team is planning the City’s annual special events for 2017.  With the various events, including the July 3 Concert,  July 4 Festival, Bastille Day, Car Show and Dogfest and K-9 Kerplunk, there are many sponsorship opportunities available to organizations of any size.  Businesses interested in discussing sponsorship opportunities should contact Julie Machon at 513-792-8316 or email jmachon@ci.montgomery.oh.us.

Montgomery Mayor Chris Dobrozsi (right) presents the Service to the Community Grant to Montgomery Farmers’ Market Board President Marian Dickinson

In 2016, the City of Montgomery expanded the previous community engagement grant program into the Service to the Community Grant program.  The City is currently seeking applications again for this grant program which is open to all not-for-profit organizations which have innovative ideas and the skills necessary to execute creative community projects that benefit and engage the citizens of the City of Montgomery.

Service to the community is defined as providing a beneficial service, project or event that engages or improves the quality of life of Montgomery residents.

This grant is an opportunity for local service organizations to partner with the City of Montgomery for the benefit of the community. Last year, both the Montgomery Farmers’ Market and Operative Give Back each received grants from this program. The maximum of $2,500 may be awarded to any one applicant.

Service organizations are invited to attend a pre-application meeting on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 5:00 p.m., in the Montgomery City Hall Council Chambers to learn more about the grant program and the expected timeline. To review the grant application, go to this link on the website.  Applications for 2017 are due by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017.

Members of the Environmental Advisory Commission include (front row from left): Elaine Cohen and Donna Schwartz; (back row from left) City Council Liaison Mike Cappel, Commission Chair Laith Alfaqih, Carol Suer, Ralph Buncher and Mark Laskovics. Not pictured is Mary Ann Folz.

The purpose of Montgomery’s Environmental Advisory Commission is to help make the community environmentally better. The commission organizes recycling events to assist the citizens of Montgomery in disposing of unwanted items. Some items are sent to the recycling center and others are donated to people in need.

Every third Saturday of the month, the commission is at the Public Works facility located at 7315 Cornell Road, to collect cardboard, metal, pill bottles, old clothes, and reading glasses. In the months of November, December and January, they also collect broken Christmas tree lights and electrical cords.

Once a year, the commission offers the One Stop Drop for Responsible Recycling event which takes place on 7315 Cornell Road. Please check this site in the future for a complete list of all accepted items for this September event. Collected items go to Matthew 25 Ministries, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Restore, Ohio Valley Goodwill and the City of Montgomery.

At the September 2016 event, the commission received hundreds of donated cans of latex paint, which went to Matthew 25 Ministries, located at 11060 Kenwood Road. At Matthew 25 Ministries, the Rainbow Paint Re-blending Program provides large quantities of consistently colored latex paint for use by nonprofits, schools, public facilities and low-income individuals throughout the U.S. and developing countries worldwide. By reclaiming the paint, this also keeps it out of the landfills.

Donated paint must be:

• Acrylic, latex , water-based;
• In containers that are at least 1/3^rd full;
• Stirrable;
• Free of debris or any foreign objects;
• In its original container with the original label.

Please consider taking advantage of one of the Environmental Advisory Commission’s many programs. Commission meetings are open to the public and held at 5:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Montgomery City Hall.

One never knows when they may need CPR or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation or First Aid skills to save someone they love or to be a hero to a stranger.

Knowing CPR empowers bystanders to help someone in a life-threatening situation. As a parent, this skill comes into play with children younger than five who tend to put small objects in their mouths, which can lead to choking. Choking is a leading cause of death in this age group, and knowing what to do and how to perform CPR allows you to act quickly.

The knowledge conveyed in First Aid classes prepares participants to respond and prioritize care in smart, effective and safe ways that can really make a significant difference to the experience and the life of an injured or ill person.

The City of Montgomery Fire Department is certified to teach both of these important courses using the standards and criteria of the American Heart Association. The department is offering this as a quarterly four-hour class on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The next class is scheduled for Saturday, February 25. One can attend the CPR training from 10:00 a.m. to noon or stay until 2:00 p.m. to receive training in First Aid as well.  There is a nominal fee of $20 to cover the cost of materials. For more information or to sign up, please call 985-1633.

The Montgomery Fire Department has partnered with the American Red Cross to install battery-operated smoke detectors for free for Montgomery homeowners. The American Red Cross has “committed to reducing deaths and injuries from home fires by 25 percent over the next five years.”

These photoelectric smoke detectors have a ten-year, long-life lithium battery sealed in the unit. Once the battery wears out, the smoke detectors must be replaced.

Please call 985-1633 to set up an appointment for the fire department to install one of these free battery-operated smoke detectors supplied by the American Red Cross.

As everyone is winding down from the much anticipated holiday season, the police department would like to provide the community with some often overlooked crime prevention tips:

• Keep garage doors closed – Often criminals will look for a set of circumstances that will convince them that the rewards outweigh the risks. Leaving garage doors open presents a crime of opportunity or an easy entry into an otherwise secure home.
• Check and double check that doors are locked –This presents a minimal risk of entry into a home and a lot less effort on the criminals’ part to find themselves inside.
• Keep valuables out of sight and not left out in the open – Get into the habit of securing valuables while in the home or business. A would-be criminal who peers into a home or business window and sees a purse or wallet sitting out in plain view will believe that this could be an easy mark. Then he or she will enter through an unlocked door or open garage door and find these valuables.
• Use lights, alarm systems or “Beware of Dog” signs – It is amazing the number of homes that are equipped with alarm systems but are never utilized or activated. Get into the habit of setting the home or business alarm. Many would-be burglars will bypass a home or business that has a security sign or other security warning (Beware of Dog) and move on to the “easy” target that is not equipped. Consider an alarm system if one is not already installed. Also, keep external lights on through the overnight hours. Criminals would much rather stay in the dark and shadows then try to commit these acts in well-lit areas.

Do not help improve a criminal’s opportunity to turn unsuspecting home or business owners into victims of a crime. Do not hesitate to call the police when observing suspicious activities or something that is out of place in the neighborhood.

The Pure Oil Building, c. 1931, had new insulation added and was completely resided in 2014, using funds from the Montgomery Community Improvement Corporation’s Historic Preservation Matching Grant program.

In December 2016, the Montgomery Community Improvement Corporation approved additional funding to help owners of Montgomery’s Landmark properties maintain the exterior of their buildings.

Pursuant to the historic preservation ordinance passed in 1976, the City has designated 31 buildings in the City that have historic or architectural significance to the community. Most, but not all, of the buildings are located in the downtown area.

Landmark property owners are expected to maintain the historic appearance of their building in terms of the architectural design, building materials and the use of appropriate colors. Exterior work to a landmark must be approved by the City’s Landmarks Commission.  As this sometimes requires an owner to spend more on a restoration project than they originally planned, the City in 2013 initiated the matching grant program to help offset this expense based on the premise that maintaining our cultural heritage is an important benefit to the entire community.

Under the first round of funding, four grants were made and the initial allocation was used to make improvements to four Landmark buildings within the community.

The additional funding approved in December will be available to all the owners of Landmark properties as well as contributing properties beginning in 2017. Letters are being sent to current property owners advising them of the availability of the grant and the process for how to apply for funding.

For additional information, contact Tracy Roblero, community development director, at troblero@ci.montgomery.oh.us or 792-8312.

The City of Montgomery provides many ways for citizens to assist the non-tax supported work of the community. Tax dollars alone do not support the many arts, cultural, historic and memorial activities of our city.

A generous donor once bequeathed a set of Ansel Adams photographs to the City of Montgomery. They are on public display in the Montgomery City Hall Council Chambers.

Generous donations from individuals and corporate citizens through the years have greatly assisted our efforts in historic preservation as well as arts and cultural related programs and projects. Several years ago, the City received an additional reminder of the caring and generosity of its citizens and friends. This came through the generous donation of $110,000 to the City’s Arts and Amenities Fund from a long-time Montgomery resident.

While this was a very significant gift to our community, we regularly receive inquires about how to give memorial gifts, bequests or other contributions toward the betterment of our city. Not only does such a gift benefit our residents and others that we serve, but it may benefit you by providing a tax savings as well as the deep satisfaction of helping others.

Some of the several ways that you can contribute to the community are; a cash gift, including the City in your will through a general or directed bequest, memorial and tribute gifts to honor a special individual, gifts of real estate or property such as works of art, automobiles and similar items, just to name a few.

For questions about this information, or to discuss the feasibility of a specific donation, please contact 891-2424.

On Wednesday, February 1, the City of Montgomery and the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners took important steps to advance the Gateway Redevelopment Area (GRA) project, a mixed-use development that will bring commercial space, luxury condominiums, restaurants, retail shops and a boutique hotel to the area near the intersection of Montgomery Road and Ronald Reagan Highway.

The Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to sell 10 plus acres of land at the interchange of Montgomery Road and Ronald Reagan Highway to the City of Montgomery for $500,000. Later in the day, the Montgomery City Council approved the purchase of this land at their City Council meeting Wednesday evening. This land transaction ensures that Hamilton County will be partners with the City of Montgomery in the GRA Project which has been in the works since 2014 when the City purchased approximately 11.2 acres of land. With the land transaction completed, the City now owns approximately 21.5 acres of land to develop in a legacy project with the City’s preferred developer, Gateway Partners.

County Commission President Todd Portune indicated that the County is always looking for opportunities to work with political jurisdictions to foster economic growth and development and to use much needed transportation improvements as catalysts to do so, saying “This sale will enhance the economy and quality of life in Montgomery and Hamilton County. This project offers a perfect template founded upon transportation infrastructure improvements and collaborative partnerships between the County and local cities or townships that will create development opportunities all over Hamilton County.”

In addition to bringing new retail, commercial and housing opportunities to Montgomery, the GRA project is expected to improve traffic flow and safety with the installation of a round-about to replace the existing bridge on Montgomery Road which currently crosses over the terminus of Ronald Reagan Highway.

County Engineer Ted Hubbard elaborated on the new proposed infrastructure by saying, “This type of round-about improvement has the potential to create a traffic calming environment for the overall traffic flow in the vicinity of the Ronald Reagan Highway and Montgomery Road intersection, while providing improved access to adjacent properties, the new development, and the City of Montgomery.”

“The Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners and staff have greatly assisted the City of Montgomery in pursuing a vision that will add to our great community and result in an economic bounce effect that will generate approximately 1,300 jobs and augment the vitality and experience of our Heritage District”, Montgomery Mayor Chris Dobrozsi noted. “We are fortunate to be able to work with such great partners.”

County Commission Vice-President Denise Driehaus agreed with this sentiment, noting that “The Board of Commissioners appreciates the opportunity to partner with Montgomery to ensure that this project, which will likely involve close to $40 million in direct public and private investment, will be a resounding success for Montgomery, Hamilton County, and the Greater Cincinnati region.”

The City of Montgomery has provided updates on the project to its citizens as well as to State legislators including Senator Terhar, Speaker of the House Cliff Rosenberger and Representatives Bill Seitz and Jonathan Dever, and the response to the project has been entirely favorable. In addition, the City continues to work with various partners on the project including the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments, Hamilton County Engineer Ted Hubbard, Sycamore Schools and Gateway Partners, a private partnership that includes Traditions Group, Brandicorp, Greiwe Development Group, North American Properties and Sibcy Cline.

County Commissioner Chris Monzel stated that “this is the type of project that can result when people and organizations are willing to lead and serve their communities, and to be able to understand what is best for our growing County and its economy.”

There have been several crucial milestones achieved with the project, including support from ODOT, funding from OKI of $6 Million for traffic infrastructure and improvement, the land transaction between Hamilton County and the City of Montgomery and an opportunity to work with the Sycamore Community Schools. Mayor Dobrozsi stated, “To date the City has received support from all of its partners and there is absolutely no way that we could be where we are without this support.” The schedule for the initiation of this project is still being finalized as is the financing of the project and the site development plan. Mr. Dobrozsi indicated that there are many moving parts to this project, “and although aggressive, it is entirely possible that ground breaking could potentially begin in the fourth quarter of 2017. Regardless of the start date, it is our aim to bring an outstanding development that will add to our great community and County and for generations to come.”

Beginning Feb. 27, weekly yard waste collection will resume at no charge for all single family and two-family residential homes.

The program limits collection to three bags, can or bundles at each residence (or one 90-gallon yard waste toter). Additional bags, cans or bundles require one $2.00 Rumpke Waste Sticker per item. Additional 90 gallon toters will require three stickers each after the first toter. Stickers are available at the Montgomery Square Kroger or Montgomery City Hall during regular business hours.

Loosely place yard waste in trash cans or in paper yard waste bags, which are commonly available at grocery or hardware stores. If the material is being placed in a garbage can, please make sure it is labeled as “yard waste” so it is not inadvertently collected as trash.

Place yard waste on the opposite side of the driveway from regular trash. Leave the lids off cans containing yard waste. No plastic bags will be accepted.

Brush must be bundled in sizes up to 4 feet in length and 2 feet in diameter. The material should be fastened with cotton wine (No wire or plastic ties, please).

Limbs need to be cut into 4 foot lengths and no larger than 6 inches in diameter.

Follow the links to read more information about yard waste guidelines, or trash and recycling collection.

Reservations of Montgomery park shelters will open on Wednesday, March 1. Reservations of park shelters may be done online or in person at City Hall. Park shelter reservations are available through Tuesday, Oct. 31 and may only be made for the current season. If reserving a lodge a year in advance, one may reserve a park shelter along with the lodge reservation at no additional cost.

Park shelter reservations are only available to Montgomery residents, businesses and employees of Montgomery businesses. Nonresidents may still use the shelters on a first-come, first-served basis as long as there is no reservation. A list of reservations is posted weekly at each park shelter.

For further information, please call Montgomery City Hall at 891-2424. Online reservations may be made using the new REC1 registration program. You must create a REC1 account or use a REC1 account in order to reserve a park shelter.

Bargain-hunters and those who enjoy finding a curbside deal are invited to the City of Montgomery’s Community-Wide Garage Sale set for Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Environmental Advisory Commission, this grassroots public awareness campaign promotes reuse, repair and resale opportunities in the City of Montgomery. Registration is open for those households who are interested in participating.

Households can sign up on the City website below or by calling 513-891-2424.  There is no fee to participate.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Email Address

Phone Number

Short description of items to sell

Dropdown Option 1

Stormwater flowing over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks pick up debris and other pollutants.  This can flow directly into natural water bodies and could make its way into underground drinking water.  By practicing these household habits, homeowners and businesses can protect local streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Vehicle and Garage

• Use a commercial car wash
• Check vehicles and lawn equipment for leaks and spills, and make repairs quickly. Clean up spilled fluids with absorbent material such as kitty litter or sand.
• Recycle used oil and other vehicle fluids at participating gas stations.

Lawn and Garden

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Use only the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain.
• Use only native plants and grasses that are drought and pest resistant.
• Sweep up yard debris rather than hosing areas down. Compost or recycle yard waste.
• Don’t over-water the lawn. Water during the coolest times of day and do not let water runoff into the storm drain.
• Cover dirt piles and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent them blowing or washing off in your yard.

Home Repair and Improvement

• Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.
• Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
• Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amount possible and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately and dispose of the waste safely.  Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
• Purchase and use non-toxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable products.
• Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection, or donate unused paint to local organizations.  (See One-Stop Drop for Responsible Recycling event).
• Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area.

Pet Care

• Pick up pet waste and flush it in the toilet or bag it and throw it in the trash. Leaving this on the ground increases public health risks as it contains harmful bacteria.

Swimming Pool and Spa

• Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels. Whenever possible, drain it into the sanitary sewer system.  Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Residents can recycle many household products at the One Stop Drop for Recycling event on Saturday, September 15.

The Montgomery Environmental Advisory Commission is encouraging residents to start sorting. On Sept. 15, 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 and taking up space.

This event is free and makes it convenient for families to dispose of various unwanted items. More information is coming soon on the City website about the participating businesses and items being collected.

The City will officially launch a campaign titled #IamMontgomery during its Independence Day parade and festival on July 4. The purpose of the campaign is to bring awareness and education to the diverse community of Montgomery. The effort is led by the City’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and by longtime Montgomery resident Robert “Chip” Harrod.

The City of Montgomery, like most American communities, is growing and diversifying.  Today, whether shopping at the local Montgomery Kroger or attending a City-sponsored event, residents commonly meet and connect with neighbors of different backgrounds and cultures.  Montgomery’s school system, Sycamore Community Schools, has a student population representing 54 nationalities and 41 spoken languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse systems in the state.  The Diversity and Inclusion Committee was established to support acceptance and understanding in the community.

“City Council and administration believe the infusion of diverse cultures, faiths, customs, lifestyles, and abilities enriches social and civic life and is a positive development for the community. As a municipal government, there is a tremendous benefit in nurturing and promoting diversity in the community, and it warrants a higher priority on the City agenda,” said Mayor Chris Dobrozsi.

City Manager Brian Riblet further explained that “during the past few months, the Montgomery Diversity and Inclusion Committee has been working to create and implement ideas that promote positive relations among Montgomery residents and to create a welcoming environment for all those that live, visit, work and recreate in Montgomery. The #IamMontgomery campaign is a great way to link these efforts and promote inclusivity in our great community.”

Residents can show their support for diversity in Montgomery by picking up a #IamMontgomery yard sign or button at future City events.

More information about future events and educational opportunities promoting diversity and inclusivity in Montgomery can be found here.

Strawser Construction Inc. will begin the 2018 Black Onyx resurfacing program on Monday, July 9, or Tuesday, July 10, weather dependent.  Several streets in The Winds, Ferris Williams and Montgomery Heights neighborhoods are included in this year’s program.

• Tollgate Lane, Mitchell Farm Lane to Schoolhouse Lane
• Knollbrook Terrace, Mitchell Farm Lane to Trailwind Drive
• Shelldale Way, Tollgate Lane to the end
• Baywind Drive, Windzag Lane to Trailwind Drive
• Southwind Drive, Pfeiffer Road to the end
• Trailwind Drive, Southwind Drive to the end
• Westwind Drive, Terminus to the end
• Jolain Drive, Zig Zag Road to Tollgate Lane
• Ross Avenue, Remington Road to the end
• Campus Lane, Zig Zag Road to the end
• Todd Avenue, Remington Road to Campus Lane

The application of the Black Onyx resurfacing product is expected to take 4 to 5 days to complete.  There will be on-street parking restrictions posted by the Contractor the day the application is to take place.  Also, the product takes several hours to dry, during which time vehicles will not be permitted to drive on it.  We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.