Citizens for a Better Norwood 3

2011 Fall Yard Sale Directory

2011-09-08T14:57:00.001-05:00

2308 Adams Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4922 Linden Ave. Saturday only
4923 Linden Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5021 Linden Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4242 Allison Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4305 Allison Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4278 Ashland Ave. Saturday Only
2425 Lysle Lane Fri. & Sat.
4631 Carter Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2270 Madison Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5339 Carthage Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5362 Carthage Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5514 Carthage Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4922 Marion Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5030 Marion Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5046 Marion Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2137 Cathedral Ave. Fri. & Sat.
1853 Mills Ave. Fri. & Sat.
3926 Catherine Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5336 Moeller Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5440 Moeller Ave. Fri. & Sat.
1968 Cleneay Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2135 Cleneay Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2221 Monroe Ave. Saturday only
2314 Monroe Ave. Saturday only
2320 Monroe Ave. Saturday only
1757 Cleveland Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2068 Elm Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5413 Fenwick Ave. Saturday Only
4218 Montgomery Rd. Friday only
5129 Montgomery Rd. Fri. & Sat.
3938 Floral Ave. Saturday Only
4004 Floral Ave. Fri. & Sat.
3941 Floral Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4100 Floral Av.e Fri. & Sat.
2409 Norwood Av. Fri. & Sat.
4110 Floral Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2263 Park Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2425 Park Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4920 Pine St. Fri. & Sat.
4110 Floral Ave. Fri. & Sat.
3835 Forest Ave. Fri. & Sat.
3916 Forest Ave. Friday Only
4128 Forest Ave. Saturday Only
4504 Forest Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2148 Quatman Ave. Saturday only
2160 Quatman Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2166 Quatman Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2231 Quatman Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2328 Quatman Ave. Saturday only
4244 Franklin Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2319 Glenside Ave. Saturday Only
5213 Globe Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2613 Robertson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2639 Robertson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2739Robertson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2708 Harris Ave. Fri. & Sat.
3910 Hazel Ave. Fri. & Sat. 2739
2000 Hudson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2201 Hudson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2209 Hudson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5218 Rolston Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5411 Rolston Ae. Fri. & Sat.
5430 Rolston Ave. Saturday only
5215 Hunter Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5401 Hunter Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4749 Section Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5130 Section Fri. & Sat.
5520 Section Fri. & Sat.
4016 Huston Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2702 Ida Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2711 Ida Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2629 Sheridan Fri. & Sat.
2133 Slane Ave. #1 Saturday only
2156 Slane Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2161 Slane Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2420 Indian Mound Fri. & Sat.
2201 Slane Av.e Fri. & Sat
2440 Indian Mound Saturday Only
3829 S. Jefferson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4012 S. Jefferson Ave. Fri. & Sat.
4204 Smith Rd. Fri. & Sat.
4208 Smith Rd. Fri. & Sat.
4307 Smith Rd. Fri. & Sat.
2215 Kenilworth Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2203 Lawn Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2209 Lawn Ave. Friday Only
2211 Lawn Ave. Fri. & Sat.
3916 Spencer Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2535 Leslie Ave. #1 Fri. & Sat.
1916 Tilden Ave. Fri. & Sat.
2619 Leslie Ave. Fri. & Sat.
5305 Warren Ave. Fri. & Sat.
1775 Williams Ave. Fri. & Sat.

Draft of Compliance with Use Regulations Ordinance

2011-02-10T07:10:00.001-05:00

1121.05 Compliance with Use Regulations

(a) No building or structure shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed, or structurally altered no shall any building or land be used for any purpose other than is permitted in the district in which the building or land is located.

(b) No building, structure, and land shall be used for any of the following uses:
(1.) the storage or processing of scrap metal or junk vehicles
(2.) Junk Yards
(3.) Motor vehicle wrecking
(4.) Escort services
(5.) Sexual encounter centers
(6.) Class-B Retail
(7.) Sanatorium
(8.) Special assistance shelter
(9.) Alcohol and drug rehab clinic or shelter
(10.) Transitional Housing
(11.) Adult Motel
(12.) Day-Labor Business
(13.) Non-therapeutic Massage Parlor

1111.117 Class B Retail
“Class B Retail” means non-FDIC insured financial institutions, short-term-loan establishments, pawn shops, firearms sales, dollar stores, sale of used merchandise except consignment, tattoo parlors, furniture-rental establishments; rent-to-own establishments of merchandise and equipment.

1111.101 Pawn Shop

“Pawn Shop” means any business that loans money on deposit of personal property or deals in the purchase or possession of personal property on condition of selling the property back again to the depositor, or loans or advances money on personal property by taking chattel mortgage security thereon, and takes or receives such personal property.

1111.126 Short Term Loan Establishment

“Short term loan establishment” means a business engaged in providing short-term loans of money of an original term of less than 31 days, with or without security given by the borrower or with or without a comake, guarantor, endorser or surety, to members of the general public as an element of its operation and which is not a bank or a savings and loan association. Short term loan establishments shall include businesses offering what is, or is marketed as, payday loans, signature loans, title (to vehicles, boats or other personal property, but no real estate) loans, check-cashing loans, small loans and other similar loans; but, does not include pawn shops.

111.127 Special Assistance Shelter

“Special assistance shelter” means a facility for the short-term housing for individuals who are homeless and who may require special services.

1111.128 Transitional Housing

“Transitional housing” means housing designed to assist persons in obtaining skills necessary for independent living in permanent housing, including homes for adjustment and halfway houses. Transitional housing is housing in which:

(a) An organization provides a program of therapy, counseling or training for the residential occupants;

(b) The organization opening the program is licensed or authorized by a governmental authority having jurisdiction over operation; and

(c) The program is for the purpose of assisting the residential occupants in one or more of the following types of care:

(1) Protection from abuse and neglect;
(2) Developing skills necessary to adjust to life;
(3) Adjusting to living with the handicaps of physical disability;
(4) Adjusting to living with the handicaps of emotional or mental disorder of mental retardation;
(5) Recuperation from the effects of drugs or alcohol, even if under criminal justice supervision; or
(6) Readjusting to society while housed under criminal justice supervision including, but no limited to, pre-release, work-release and probational programs.

1111.129 Day Labor Business

Day labor business means any enterprise, other than a labor union or a not-for-profit organization, engaged in procuring or providing persons to perform temporary unskilled work at a site other than the premised to which (1) the day laborers are paid, by the day labor business or a third party employer, each work day or on the business day following the work day, and (2) persons arrive at the premises to make application for work as a day laborer, to obtain assignment for day labor, to obtain transportation to a day labor site or to obtain payment of wages or benefits for day labor. For the purposes of this definition, “unskilled work” means work involving physical tasks for which the (1) worker is not required by law to hold a professional or occupation license, or (2) the employer or contractor controlling the site of the work does not require the worker to have (a) a high school diploma or its equivalent, or (b) education beyond high school, or (c) relevant vocational education or (d) demonstrated proficiency with a specified type of machinery to be used in the work, but does not include white collar, secretarial, clerical or professional work.

Commenting policy

2011-01-03T08:01:00.008-05:00

Everyone is invited to express opinions here.

As owners of this family-friendly blog, Citizens for a Better Norwood has control over both content and comments. We reserve the rights to edit, to censor, and to delete inappropriate comments and to prevent comments by individuals who comment inappropriately.

We hope the following guidelines will maintain a civil tone of discourse.

1. Comments should pertain to the subject of the blog. Off-topic comments are subject to deletion.
2. Comments should not attack any person. Make argumentative points, but there is no reason to insult, demean, or mock anyone, including CBN, while making a point. Insulting comments will be deleted.
3. Language that is deemed racially offensive will be deleted.
4. Name calling and profanity in any form are strictly forbidden.
5. Do feel free to disagree and to debate issues thoughtfully.
6. Continuous repetition of the same points may make such comments subject to deletion.
7. Comments that include personal or identifying information about another person without that person’s consent will be deleted.
8. We will delete any comment that:

is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, or is harmful to minors in any way
harasses, degrades, intimidates or is hateful toward an individual or group of individuals

Excerpts from attorney Johanna Hutchins’ 11/5/110 letter to Council

2010-11-12T09:09:00.001-05:00

We urge you to vote “No” or to table the proposed Ordinance until a solution can be reached to resolve most of these issues…

One reason why you should vote “No” on this ordinance is that it is unconstitutional because it targets only one business in the entire city. Although the Ordinance refers to dance halls and roller rinks, there are no other licensed roller rinks in the City of Norwood except the Fun Factory. We have learned that there are no licensed dance halls in the City of Norwood. Therefore, the Ordinance it not only targeting one business, but it is written to appear, in an artificial manner, to refer to several businesses. Any ordinance passed by any government in the United States which targets only one individual or one business is unconstitutional. This law has existed since our Nation’s constitution was written.

The Ordinance is unconstitutional because the Fun Factory is already a licensed, authorized business in the City of Norwood. Norwood is already monitoring our business through license and is receiving annual license fees from the Fun Factory. The licensing rules already in place clearly state a roller rink my operate between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. as long as security guards are hired. Scott Winter always hires Hamilton County Sheriffs as security personnel any time there is a late hour event. The point is that Norwood’s Ordinances clearly allow late night skating. The proposed Ordinance would conflict with existing ordinances.

The Ordinance is also unconstitutional because the Ordinance refers to the gathering of large groups of people and “threat of injury due to fire and other Hazards” as the main reason why the restriction of hours is necessary.However, the Ordinance does not show how the fire safety, parking, traffic of noise issue will be improved if the hour restriction were implements. A fire burns just as strong at midnight as it does at 2 a.m. In addition, there is no data that has been presented to Council that identifies a fire safety issue with adult skating parties that last until 2 or 3 a.m. The stated reason for needing the Ordinance is not present. Therefore, the Ordinance does not advance a governmental purpose…

The Ordinance is also unconstitutional because it treats the Fun Factory, which does not serve liquor, differently from all other establishments which service liquor. If a dance is held at the Norwood Community Center, the Moose Lodge, the Eagles Hall, the VFW all, the Masonic Lodge, or the Quality Inn, they would all be allowed to remain open pursuant to the liquor laws until 2 or 3 a.m. This proposed Ordinance treats us more harshly even the Fun Factory does not serve alcohol…

The Ordinance is also unconstitutional because other similar indoor entertainment businesses, such as poll halls, pinball machine businesses, bowling alleys and even adult entertainment businesses (which would not involve nude dancing) are not burdened by the same restriction…

The Ordinance is also unconstitutional because it has been publicly stated that the main purpose of the ordinance it to tie into the present juvenile law. The present juvenile curfew law could effectively address any curfew violations if the juveniles were at Fun Factory after midnight…

Comparison of current vs. proposed Disturbing the Peace Ordinance

2010-04-20T05:02:00.005-05:00

The proposed paragraphs of the ordinance are in bold underneath the current paragraphs.

No Person shall:

(a) Construction; Power Tools. Create, construct, alter, repair or demolish any building other than between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., or operate any mechanical, electrical or battery-operated apparatus which produces loud sound which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood within 500 feet of places of residence, hospitals or other residential institutions, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and then only with a permit from the Building Commissioner. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the usual and reasonable operation of firms or corporations or to prohibit the reasonable and ordinary noises attendant upon such operations in those areas properly zoned for this purpose.

(a) Construction: Power Tools. Create, construct, alter, repair, or demolish any building between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., or operate any mechanical, electrical, or battery-operated apparatus, excluding outdoor equipment, which produces loud sound which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood within 500 feet of places of residence, hospitals, or other residential institutions, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and then only with a permit from the Building Commissioner. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the usual and reasonable operation of firms or corporations or to prohibit the reasonable and ordinary noises attendant upon such operation in those areas properly zoned for this purpose.

(b) Loading and Unloading. Make loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and/or destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the usual and reasonable operation of firms or corporations or to prohibit the reasonable and ordinary noises attendant to such operations in those areas properly zoned for this purpose.

(b) Loading and Unloading. Make loud or excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and/or destruction of bales, boxes, crates, and containers. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the usual and reasonable operation of persons, firms, or corporations or to prohibit the reasonable and ordinary noises attendant to such operations in those areas properly zoned for this purpose.

(c) Loud Speakers; Permit. Use mechanical loudspeakers or other sound amplifiers or vehicles outside of a building or through an open door or window after 8:00 p.m. unless a permit is granted for such use by the Public Service Director, and then only in accordance with the provisions of such permit. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the usual and reasonable operation of firms or corporations or to prohibit the reasons and ordinary noises attendant to such operations in those areas properly zoned for this purpose.

(c) Loud Speakers. Operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway if the sound from any sound amplifying equipment located inside of, outside or attached to, or held by a person inside, the motor vehicle, is discernible at a distance of fifty feet or more from the vehicle.

(d) Promotional Sound or Music Producing Devices; Permit. Use any musical or other instrument or device capable of reproducing sound for the purpose of commercial advertising or attracting the attentions of the public to any performance, show, sale or display of merchandise after 8:00 p.m. unless a permit is granted for such use by the Public Service Director and then only in accordance with the provisions of such permit.

(d) Horns and Signaling Devices. Sound any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle on any street or public place of the City, except as a danger warning.

(e) Musical Instruments, Radios, Etc. Operate, cause or permit to be operated any musical instrument, radio, phonograph, television set or any other instrument or device capable of producing noise in such a manner or with such volume as to annoy or disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of the neighborhood inhabitants, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the voluntary listeners thereto who are in the room or place in which such instrument or device is being operated

(e) Promotional Sound or Music Producing Devices. Use any musical or other instrument or device capable or reproducing sound for the purpose of commercial advertising or attracting the attentions of the public to any performances, show, sale, or display of merchandise after 8:00 p.m.

(f) Pools. Make, continue or cause to be made or continued at any swimming pool any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others.
(g) Power Tools. Operate any power lawnmower, power saw, air hammer or any other power tool, before the hour of 12:00 noon on Sunday.
(h) Misdemeanor Classification. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(f) Televisions, Radios, Electronic Sound Devices, Electronic Music Devices, and Musical and Sound Instruments. Use, operate or permit to be played, used or operated any television, radio receiving set, musical instrument, electronic sound device, electronic music device, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is reasonably necessary for convenient hearing for the person or persons who are in the room, vehicle, or chamber in which such machine or device is operated and who are voluntary listeners thereto. The operation of any such radio set, musical instrument, or other machine or sound device in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from the vehicle or at a distance of fifty feet from the lot upon which the building or structure is located shall be a violation of this section.

(g) Outdoor Equipment. No person shall operate engine or motor powered lawn or maintenance tools intended for use in residential areas, typically capable of being used by homeowners (such as power mowers, garden tools, riding tractors, power saws, and edgers) between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.

(h) Unreasonable Noises. Between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary, or unusual sound which is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from any lot.

(i) Exceptions. This section shall not apply to noises resulting from authorized public activities such as parades, fireworks, sports events, musical productions and other activities which have received a permit from the Safety-Service Director.

(j) Owner Liability. The owner of any land on which a violation of any regulations in Section 509.09 occurs shall be liable for the violation. Any other person or persons involved may also be held liable for the violation.

(k) Misdemeanor Classification. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Each day that a violation occurs is a separate offense. On a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

Hilton Davis letter writing/email campaign information

2010-03-23T06:28:00.003-05:00

A brief message . if you cannot write a longer letter/message:

We need the Ohio EPA to receive lots of letters and messages by March 26. If you are not able to write a longer letter or message, below is a very brief message that you can email to the Ohio EPA at dhwmcomments@epa.state.oh.us:

I strongly oppose the Ohio EPA's proposed plan to cleanup the Hilton Davis site. The agency has ignored the community's concerns and the plan does not comply with the terms of the 1986 Consent Decree. I urge the Ohio EPA to order a complete clean-up of the site, including Bloody Run Creek ravine.

Please forward your e-mail to at least one or more neighbors and them to do the same thing. Also, please forward it to Pleasant Ridge Community Council at president@pleasantridge.org so we can track the number of e-mails to the agency (subject line: Hilton Davis). But please do NOT forward to the Ohio EPA any e-mails or other communication you've received from PRCC.

The longer version. Please do this if you can:

As you may know, the Ohio EPA has finally released a proposed cleanup plan for the Hilton Davis site in Pleasant Ridge and, unfortunately, it does not include the removal of toxic waste dumped there for 50 years, including lead and carcinogens. The EPA plan is essentially the same as the most recent plan submitted by Eastman Kodak, the owner of the site, which is to cover the toxic waste with a layer of dirt. It is a "good" plan for Kodak because it is cheap and easy; however, it is a horrible plan for Pleasant Ridge because it would create a permanent tomb for toxic waste in our neighborhood, and it does not comply with the terms of the 1986 Consent Decree.

The Consent Decree - a judicial order expressing an agreement among parties - said that the community of Pleasant Ridge would have a "seat at the table." But EPA officials have not listened to us! We have repeatedly tried to communicate our concerns to EPA officials and asked for a complete cleanup of toxic wastes - not a cover up! Hundreds of citizens signed petitions, wrote letters and email messages, etc. The City of Cincinnati
passed a resolution asking for a more complete cleanup, and our elected representatives tried to convince EPA officials . all to no avail. We have one more chance and we need your help! Please take a few minutes to write a letter or email message to the Ohio EPA by March 26. Here are some key points that you may want to include with your own story and concerns:

The EPA plan is unacceptable. "We do not want a permanent toxic waste site in Pleasant Ridge!"

We want a complete clean-up that meets the standards laid out in the Consent Decree, which called for methods that (a) provide the greatest improvement to the public health, welfare and environment and (b) minimize or eliminate the potential for release of hazardous wastes and chemicals into the environment.

Kodak should be responsible for cleaning up the toxic waste on the site, not the future taxpayers of Cincinnati and Ohio.

Hilton Davis is surrounded by middle-class residential neighborhoods - Pleasant Ridge, Golf Manor and Norwood. There are thousands of homes with children, parents and grandparents. "We live at _______ [your address], and Hilton Davis is only _____ [distance in blocks or some other measure] fromb our house. We have lived here for __ (years) and want to live here for __ more."

Currently, the 80-acre site is zoned industrial and used for industry, and the EPA plan will basically condemn it to that. But it is surrounded by residential areas and it could be re-zoned and re-developed as a retirement
community, a medical facility, retail stores, a public park . there are many possibilities if - and only if - the toxic waste is completely and properly removed. Pleasant Ridge Montessori - the first LEED-certified public school in Ohio - is only a half-mile away.

Send letters and emails (both if possible) to:
Ohio EPA, Division of Hazardous Waste Management
Attn: Regulatory and Information Services Section
P.O. Box 1049
Columbus, OH 43216-1049
Email: dhwmcomments@epa.state.oh.us
Fax: 614-728-1245

Send and email copies to: *
Governor Ted Strickland
Riffe Center, 30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6108
Email: governor.strickland@das.state.oh.us
Fax: 614-728-9498

* Also, please copy letters to: Pleasant Ridge Community Council, P.O. Box 128705, Cincinnati, OH 45212, president@pleasantridge.org.

2009 Norwood Leaf Picker Schedule

2009-11-02T07:27:00.004-05:00

NOVEMBER

2nd Thursday Garbage Route
3rd Thursday Garbage Route
4th Friday Garbage Route
5th Monday Garbage Route
6th Monday Garbage Route

9th Tuesday Garbage Route
10th Wednesday Garbage Route
11th Tuesday Garbage Route
12th Tuesday Garbage Route
13th Tuesday Garbage Route

16th Wednesday Garbage Route
17th Thursday Garbage Route
18th Friday Garbage Route
19th Monday Garbage Route
20th Monday Garbage Route

23rd Tuesday Garbage Route
24th Tuesday Garbage Route
25th Tuesday Garbage Route

30th Tuesday Garbage Route

DECEMBER

1st Tuesday Garbage Route
2nd Wednesday Garbage Route
3rd Wednesday Garbage Route
4th Thursday Garbage Route

7th Friday Garbage Route
8th Friday Garbage Route
9th Tuesday Garbage Route
10th Friday Garbage Route
11th Friday Garbage Route

14th Tuesday Garbage Route

Complaint against Norwood Democratic Party

2009-10-07T10:42:00.014-05:00

Jim Stith
1816 Weyer Ave.
Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 531-3747

September 27th, 2009
Ohio Elections Commission
21 West Broad St., Suite 600
Columbus, OH 43215

Complaint and Request for Emergency Hearing Against Members of the Norwood Democratic Party for Unfair Political Campaign Activities

Person Filing Complaint:
James P Stith II
Ward Chair, Norwood Republican Party
1816 Weyer Ave. Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 885-3747

Complaint Made Against:

Joseph C. Geers
Treasurer, The Democratic Party
1901 Tilden Ave. Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 531-1666

Pete Tepe
Candidate for Council at Large
4217 Allison St. Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 631-7655

GordonWilliams
Candidate for Council Ward 2
4004 S. Jefferson Ave. Norwood, OH 45212
Number Unlisted

Joseph Sanker
Council at Large
2510 Indian Mound Ave. Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 396-7677

Cheryl Cole
Candidate for President of Council
3826 Forest Ave. Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 531-1368

David Keszei
Candidate for Council at Large
2251 Glenside Ave. Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 924-0288

Joseph S. Geers
Candidate for Auditor
2353 Kenilworth Ave. Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 531-7456

The above mentioned members of the Norwood Democratic Party were involved in the production of or benefited from false and misleading campaign material in the form of newspaper post its, newspaper ads, and internet web page postings in violation of Ohio Revised Code section 3517.21 (B) (1) &(9).

1) Joseph C. Geers, Treasurer of the Democratic Party posted false and misleading information on campaign stickers attached to the Cincinnati Enquirer, a newspaper of general circulation. This ad claimed “…Still Keeping Norwood Moving in the Right Direction”. The names Geers, Tepe, and Keszei were included in the ad. None of these individuals are current elected officials and cannot be credited with this claim. These first appeared on July 21, 2009 and continues to appear regularly. (Copy attached, Exhibit A)

2) Joseph Sanker was responsible for running a campaign ad containing false and misleading information for the Norwood Democratic Party in the Norwood Star, a newspaper of general circulation. Statements made “This team brought Norwood from the brink of disaster to surplus. Look at Cincinnati or Hamilton County or the Federal Government, and ask whether they’re doing a better job than Sanker, Mumper, Geers, Williams, Barlow, Molony, and Moore did.” Geers and Williams are not current elected officials but are credited along with elected officials and given credit for the actions claimed. Boxes surrounding the statements contain “Elect Geers Auditor” and “Elect Williams Ward 2”. This ad appeared on September 22, 2009 (Copy attached, Exhibit B)

3) Joseph C. Geers, Treasurer of the Norwood Democratic Party posted false and misleading information on the website www.NorwoodDems.com /issues1.html. Statements made “This team brought Norwood from the brink of disaster to surplus. Look at Cincinnati or Hamilton County or the Federal Government, and ask whether they’re doing a better job than Sanker, Mumper, Geers, Williams, Barlow, Molony, and Moore did.” Geers and Williams are not current elected officials but are credited along with elected officials. The ad goes on to make many claims of the success of the current administration then makes the statement “On November 3rd, Vote for the Team Responsible for Keeping Norwood on the Right Track.” This statement is followed by a list of all candidates. Cole, Geers, Keszei, Tepe, and Williams are not current elected officials and are not responsible for any of the actions claimed. This was first noted on September 23, 2009. (Printed copy from web page attached, Exhibit C)**

These campaign ads show an escalating pattern of misrepresentation of the facts and are unfair to the incumbent candidates. I request an emergency hearing to resolve these issues and stop further misleading campaign material from being published.

Signed and Sworn
James P Stith II

**The Democratic website was changed after the Democratic Party members received copies of the complaint.

Note from CBN: We are unable to publish the exhibits described above on.

Steve Thornbury guest blogs about 2009 Street Program

2009-06-16T06:34:00.008-05:00

Subject: Norwood City Council Streets & Infrastructure Committee Meeting

June 10, 2009

On Wednesday, June 10 I attended a meeting in Council Chambers of the Norwood City Council’s Streets and Infrastructure Committee, of which I am a member. Also present was Councilperson at-Large, Joe Sanker who is Chair of the Committee, the other Committee member Ward 3 Councilperson Chuck Barlow, Safety/Service Director Joe Geers and Mr. Randy Terry, a consultant representing Terry Asphalt Materials of Hamilton, Ohio. The meeting was videotaped by Norwood Community Television and will air for the foreseeable future (beginning 6/15/09) at 4pm on Mondays; 8 pm on Thursdays; 2:30 pm on Fridays and 9:30 pm on Saturdays.

The purpose of the meeting was to bring the Committee members up to date on the City’s 2009 street maintenance program and the other street projects that are either underway or planned in the next two years.

The 2009 Street Maintenance Program
At the meeting I was given a copy of the most recent “Street Survey,” an Excel spreadsheet listing each of the 49 individual projects planned for this year that includes the rating given each section of road being addressed. As he explained, the condition of each section is rated on a scale of 1 (excellent) to 5 (critical). Mr. Terry did an excellent job of summarizing the history of the street maintenance program that has been implemented in the past few years. He pointed out that the 2009 program differs from the 2008 program in that it focuses more attention on preventative measures. In 2008, he explained, more attention was paid to sections of our streets that fell into the category of “poor or critical” condition.

(Note: As of 6/15/09 I am still working to make the 2009 Street Survey available as a download or in summary form.)
6/16/09 UPDATE: Click here to read the 2009 Street Survey

According to the survey, as of today, 39 percent of the 43 miles of streets in Norwood are classified as “good” or “excellent,” 21 percent are considered “fair,” while 40 percent are rated as “poor” or “critical.” These ratings are used to help prioritize the work being done.

The survey lists a particular section of a street, it’s rating and the dollar estimate for the level of work to be done. Although there are, technically, seven categories of work, they can be lumped into three types: crack and joint sealing, patching, and pavement “planing” and replacement. According to Mr. Terry, last year’s work was primarily planing and replacement. This year, it will be more of a mix of all three categories. As Mr. Terry explained, the street repair program tries to strike a balance between major repairs on the “worst” streets and some level of preventative crack and joint sealing that helps keep streets that are in “good” shape today from more rapid deterioration.

A good example of the latter is what is scheduled to be done on my own street, Floral Avenue. Floral is among a group of streets that was fortunate enough to have enjoyed total rehabilitation over ten years ago when nearly the entire length of the asphalt surface was completely repaved with the added bonus of all the cement curbs and driveway aprons being replaced. At first glance, while driving on Floral, it may not seem like putting any money into it would make sense. This year’s street maintenance plan, however, has allocated a certain amount of dollars for two different levels of service. The first is to address a few rough spots that have developed that will be patched and sealed - what the Street Survey terms “partial depth repair.” The second is for sealing cracks and joints that may have begun to appear. As Mr. Terry and Mr. Geers were quick to point out, this sort of preventative maintenance now will go a long way toward postponing the day when the Floral is, once again, in need of a complete (and considerably more expensive) repaving.

All in all, the meeting went a long way toward answering a lot of the questions I’ve had about our street maintenance program and helped me understand the process being used to evaluate and plan the work that needs to be done. In analyzing the list of the sections of streets being addressed, I’m satisfied that the plan takes into account a broad cross-section of the city. It’s hard not to notice, of course, that the First Ward streets of Allison, Carter and, especially, Ivanhoe will be looking forward to the most significant work in the coming months, just in time for the November elections. But it’s also hard to argue that those streets, like so many in our City, need considerable attention.

According to Mr. Terry, with this year’s effort, 33 percent of our street surfaces will see some work. He noted that we should see the first signs of the work in late June when they begin marking the areas that will be worked on.

Other Projects Utilizing Grants
It’s important to remember that what I’ve described above involves street maintenance that is 100 percent funded by the City’s general fund. This year’s program is budgeted for $395,318.

That amount does not include projects that are either currently underway or planned for the next two years that will be partially funded by grants from the State of Ohio (via the Ohio Public Works Commission - often referred to as “Issue 2” funds), Hamilton County (via the Municipal Road Fund or “MRF”) or the Community Block Grant.

The rest of the meeting involved a discussion of those projects, the most visible of which is the work on Marion Avenue nearing completion just above the Lateral between Norwood Avenue and Buxton.

Future projects that have received approval for grant funding and have been factored into our budget projections for the next few years include:
· Repaving that will be done yet this year on Sherman Avenue from Allison west to the Corporation Line at Victory Parkway
· Major rehabilitation of the section of Beech Street that runs from the traffic light at Waterworks up to Highland Avenue (2010)
· Major rehabilitation of both directions of Park Avenue from Forest Ave. to Smith Rd. (2010)
· Water line work under Smith Rd. that will connect with lines at Cornerstone (2009/10)
· Major rehabilitation of the final stretch of the “Montgomery Road Project” that will complete the work from White Castle north to the Corporation Line just past Cypress Way heading into Pleasant Ridge (2010).

A big difference between most of these projects and the 2009 street maintenance projects mentioned earlier is that these involve a near total rehabilitation of the street, the curbs and driveway aprons and, in some cases, some utilities under the street. Again, if you drive over to see what’s going on along Marion Avenue, you’ll get a sense of what that means. Naturally, if you compare that level of work with what’s happening on your street with the 2009 maintenance project you may be wondering why your street can’t enjoy the same level of rehabilitation.

The simple answer is the availability of resources. A percentage of the cost of the Marion Avenue project was covered by one of the above-mentioned grants which help us get more “bang” for our general fund “buck.” The same goes for the projects planned for Sherman, Beech, Park and Montgomery. The other factor is that, when these projects are approved, they are required to encompass a broader scope of repair per the governing body issuing the grant. At a Council meeting a few weeks ago I asked the Safety/Service Director what qualified streets like Beech and Marion and Park for these kinds of grants. He indicated that it was a variety of factors that included their condition, their role in traffic flow as well as their proximity to commercial routes and schools.

(Note: As of 6/15/09 I am still working to make a summary of these projects available as a download.)
6/16/09 UPDATE: Click here to read the 2009 Street Survey

All in all the meeting left me feeling that a decent process is in place to assess the condition of our streets and address the need for steady progress in maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure. If you have any questions or comments about the above information or any other issues related to these subjects, feel free to contact me by phone or email.

- Steve Thornbury
Norwood City Council, Ward 2
Phone: 373-9653
Email: sthornbury@fuse.net

Interview questions for St. Aloysius

2009-01-23T08:13:00.004-05:00

EXPANSION
Q. What is your response to the concern that St. Al’s would “wait a few years and attempt to increase grades K-12 from the current K-8 grade levels and then “bring in your dispensary and psychiatric clinic?”

Q. Are there any long term plans to increase the K-8 student enrollment from the current 90?

Q. Would St. Aloysius consider expanding into the Holy Spirit Center if it were ever for sale?

SECURITY
Q. What are the essentials of security training for your staff?

Q. Apart from regular staff trained on security procedures, how many designated security personnel will be employed at the proposed school? Will they be armed?

Q. In addition to daily pat-downs, will metal detectors be employed at the proposed school? Have daily pat-downs ever resulted in the discovery of weapons, and, if so, how often in recent times and what kinds of weapons have been confiscated?

Q. What are the consequences for students found with weapons?

Q. What are your procedures in the event a student escapes? Do you have a system in place to warn nearby residents?

Q. Some residents are concerned that the Norwood Police Dept. will be burdened by calls to the school. Can you provide data on the incidence of calls to the Cincinnati Police in recent times and examples of what kinds of problems generate calls to the police?

Q. What is the height of the new chain link fence that will be installed around the property, and will it include barbed wire on the top? Does your Reading Road location have barbed wire fencing? Will the height of the current fence that surrounds the playground remain the same?

Q. Does St. Aloysius carry liability insurance to cover residential property damage or personal injury caused by students?

Q. How consistently are you able to maintain your 4:1 teacher to student ratio and 1:1 staff to student ratio? Do you employ substitute teachers and staff to maintain the ratio on a daily basis?

THE SCHOOL AND STUDENTS
Q. Your website states with regard to your charter school that “in many cases, it is the last resort.” What does this mean exactly? Do you accept students with juvenile criminal records?

Q. We understand students typically attend St. Aloysius for 6 to 9 months before they are reintegrated into their regular schools. What is the incidence of students failing to reintegrate, and are there any further educational options at St. Aloysius for those who don’t achieve reintegration?

Q. What is the incidence of student expulsion from St. Aloysius? What types of infractions result in expulsion?

Q. Is there any truth to the rumor one of our readers reported that one of your students is responsible for the death of a sibling?

Q. Your attorney told the Planning Commissioner that PTA meetings would be the only evening activities at the proposed school. One commenter would like to know the purpose of having a PTA in a “temporary school situation,” and asks “would these meetings in fact really be PTA meetings or would they be some sort of family therapy meetings or group therapy meetings?”

LAWSUIT
Your attorney Mr. Trauth informed the Norwood Planning Commission early on that a discrimination lawsuit would be filed if the school were not approved. He also stated this in an Enquirer article published December 11 prior to the December 17 Planning Commission meeting when members voted in favor of the school. Some of our readers have commented that the threat of a lawsuit displays arrogance and is an attempt to intimidate City officials into making a favorable decision. One commenter questioned what type of neighbor St. Al‘s will be with “that type of attitude.”

Q. What was the purpose of Mr. Trauth’s threat if not to intimidate our City officials?

Q. Is it still his position that a lawsuit may ensue if Norwood City Council does not approve the Planning Commission’s recommendation allowing the school?

We thank you for graciously answering our and our readers’ questions. In closing, is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked about?

Residents' action plan re X.U. students' bad behavior

2008-10-21T07:41:00.007-05:00

Informational
Information that was gathered from various sources during the meeting. This is information that will be helpful now in working with your Xavier students.

All – Next meeting is scheduled for Sunday November 16th at 5pm. Tentative location is 3904 Regent Ave (unless someone else volunteers to host).

XU - 1st and 2nd year students must live on campus

XU - Xavier is starting a neighborhood advisory board with representatives from Avondale, Norwood, and Evanston as well as student representation

Norwood - Disorderly house ordinance 1 call = warning; 2 call = citation (residents); 3 call = landlord notify; 4 call = landlord citation

Residents – If you suspect that Xavier students are listening to police band radio, you can request they use an encrypted channel instead of police band.

Residents – Citizens on Patrol would be excited to have new volunteers for patrols. Contact Bill Graf if you are interested. 731-6977 or scottiedoc@fuse.net.

Norwood – Official parking ordinances, 1 ft from driveway, 20 ft from stop sign.

Steve Thornbury, our council representative, urges us all to call him at anytime. 373-9653. You can also email him at sthornbury@fuse.net or check out his page at norwoodward2.com.

Angie Kneflin, the Off Campus Housing Coordinator at XU can be contacted via email at kneflin@xavier.edu.

Short-Term Actions (1-4 weeks)
Suggested actions that might be implemented in a short period of time (1-4 weeks). These are things which can be done individually or already have facilities in place to handle.

Norwood - Xavier students who have work detail with the City of Norwood should be cleaning-up trash from our neighborhood. Lt. Williams following up with Norwood Police Department.

Residents – Lt. Tom Williams urges residents to call the police over any disturbance.

XU / Residents – Review Xavier off-campus policy. Contact other campuses to get a copy of their off-campus policies (Miami, Butler, Louisville).

Residents – Work with building department (contact Jerry Stoker). Invite them to the next meeting.

Residents – Gather contact list of people / addresses / phone #

Residents – Look to get more Xavier administration involvement (in addition to Luther Smith and Angie Kneflin). We are going to contact Bellarmine Chapel to see if one of the priests would be interested in coming to the event. Also look for XU police chief to get involved in future meetings.

Residents – Provide examples of exemplary houses / landlords / students to be role-models.

Residents – Keep track of XU student disturbances/instances to provide example of volume.

Medium-Term Actions (4-12 weeks)
Suggested actions that might be implemented in a longer period of time (1-3 months). These actions require some level of effort or require coordination of multiple parties.

XU – What is the registered communication between XU police, XU off-campus housing, Norwood police? If an XU student is arrested or cited by Norwood police, what is the reporting back to XU? When we report a noise complaint to XU police, what is the process for follow-up? This process must be clarified.

XU / Residents – Evaluate and recommend changes based on other off-campus

Residents – Create online forum to capture XU incidents (even ones that aren’t reported) for data that would be helpful in working with Xavier. Potentially hook into Google maps. Create a blog or online website for distributing updates

XU / Residents – Create flyer for Xavier students explaining off-campus policies, disorderly house ordinance, how they can get involved.

XU/Norwood – Foot patrols during the “home from the bar” period of the night.

Long-Term Actions (3-12 months)
Suggested actions that would take a long period of time to implement (3-12 months). These probably involve policy, procedure, or organizational changes and may require multiple agencies.

Allison Elementary Petition

2008-09-13T06:31:00.004-05:00

School Board Members:

We, the undersigned parents, students, neighbors and concerned citizens, request that you VOTE NO on September 18th, on the resolution to propose closing Allison Street Elementary.
We are not convinced that the potential cost savings of moving forward with this plan now clearly outweigh the potential harm to children and to the school system.

Before proposing to close any school, the board must be able to answer at least the following nine questions:

Financial/Academic Concerns
1. What are the expected financial and academic benefits of closing the school? A detailed accounting of cost savings, not generalizations, should be provided.
2. How and why was this particular school selected for closure?
3. Why were other “rightsizing” possibilities (such as downsizing buildings or sharing space) rejected in favor of closing this school? Instead of closing a school, why not move central administration offices into schools and close headquarters?
4. How will the academic programs of the two schools be combined? What will be the course offerings? What will be the expected class sizes? Will there be sufficient teachers, staff and counselors?

Detailed Planning/Information Sharing
5. What are the detailed plans, with timelines, to ensure that the receiving schools (facilities and educational programs) will be ready for the large influx of students?
6. What are the plans for the school building that will be closed? What impact will the close building have on surrounding property values?
7. Have the plans been developed in conjunction with the stakeholders, and has enough transition time been provided, to ensure that departure from Allison Elementary by parents and teachers will be minimized?
8. What attendance zone boundary changes are being proposed, and has the required analysis of demographic data and impact on the school system been conducted?

Safety Concerns
9. How far and across how many heavy-traffic roadways will children attending the receiving school be required to walk, to go to school?

We do not believe that closing Allison Street Elementary will be beneficial to any of our Norwood City School students or that it will create long term savings for our city. We look forward to continued dialogue, including a public roundtable where these and other questions can be addressed. We firmly reject the closing of our school.
Thank you.

By signing below, I am in favor of the Norwood City School Board to conduct further analysis and answer the nine questions provided above be answered before making any final decisions on closing a school.

2008 Fall Semi-Annual Yard Sale Directory

2008-09-10T05:26:00.003-05:00

Friday only:
1933 Delaware

Friday and Saturday:
2215 Adams
5347 Carthage
2135 Cleneay
2140 Cleneay
1927 Crown
2117 Dale
1917 Elm
2076 Elm #7
2117 Feldman
2232 Feldman
2240 Feldman
3752 Floral
4100 Floral
3915 Forest
3940 Forest
2751 Harris
2349 Highland
2357 Highland
1741 Hopkins
1934 Hopkins
2335 Indian Mound
2420 Indian Mound
2517 Indian Mound
4317 Ivanhoe
2321 Jefferson
3829 S. Jefferson
2036 Leslie
5031 Linden
2267 Madison
1962 Maple
2001 Maple
5043 Marion
5045 Marion
2544 Melrose
2553 Melrose
2555 Melrose
2043 Mills #5
2263 Monroe
2515 Moundview
2260 Norwood
2409 Norwood
2260 Norwood
2409 Norwood
4818 Oak
2231 Park
2157 Quatman
2613 Robertson
2639 Robertson
5253 Rolston
2241 Ronda
5242 Section
5346 Section
5520 Section
2500 Sheridan
1703 Sherman
2201 Slane
2209 Slane #2
5250 Warren
5719 Warren
2261 Washington
1927 Waverly
4916 Wesley #1
2214 Williams

Saturday only:
5354 Carthage
5362 Carthage
4045 Catherine
2217 Cleneay
1840 Cleveland
5603 Fenwick
3816 Floral
3931 Floral
2362 Glenside
2265 Harper
3806 Hazel
2209 Hudson
1940 Maple
2540 Melrose
2506 Moundview
3828 Regent
5311 Warren

5/7/08 X.U. press release re Norwood Cafe demolition

2008-05-09T05:37:00.001-05:00

Xavier University Takes Another Important Step Toward Campus Expansion

Xavier University continues to make progress on Xavier Square, a 20-acre extension of the University campus which will include a new fitness club, health center, student housing, and a bookstore as well as restaurants, a hotel, office space, market housing and shopping.

As part of the development, several houses along Cleaney Ave. will be cleared as well as the previous site of the Norwood Café at the corner of Montgomery Road and Cleaney Ave. The café site is scheduled to be cleared at approximately 11:30 a.m. TOMORROW, Thursday, May 8. J&L Management Corporation of Mt. Clemens, MI is handling the process.

“We are so excited about Xavier Square and the superb experience it will bring to Xavier University and our neighbors,” said John Kucia, Xavier Administrative Vice President.

“However, we don’t want to lose important traditions in the process. Norwood Café, better known as “The Woods” holds many memories for Xavier alumni and the neighborhood. We have saved much of the nostalgia, including the bar, and plan to incorporate those elements into a new establishment in Xavier Square,” Kucia added.

Site preparation work will continue over the next year with actual groundbreaking of Xavier Square expected towards the end of 2008 or beginning of 2009.

Xavier is partnering with Corporex Companies, the local development company responsible for the renaissance of the Covington riverfront, The Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge and the $1 billion Ovation mixed-use project in Newport, to develop Xavier Square. Development of Xavier Square will be privately funded.

The development of Xavier Square is part of a larger campus master plan that is focused on improving the academic quality of the Xavier University campus.

A second separate project, which will take place on the existing University campus, includes construction of the James E. Hoff Academic Quadrangle. The Hoff Quad, named in honor of the former Xavier President and Chancellor who died in 2004, includes construction of a new facility for Xavier’s Williams College of Business and a multi-faceted Learning Commons that will create a one-stop shop of integrated academic, technical and professional services for students and faculty.

Fundraising for the Hoff Quad project is part of the University’s $200 million “To See Great Wonders” capital campaign, which began in September 2006. In addition to the Quad, dollars raised will be allocated to the University’s annual fund, University endowment, endowed professorships and student scholarships.

The construction on a new Williams College of Business, the first phase of the Hoff Academic Quad, is expected to begin in June 2008. For more information on the Quad please visit www.xavier.edu/greatwonders.

XU Press Release: Zumbiel to implode 3/22/08

2008-03-17T06:38:00.001-05:00

IMPLOSION OF ZUMBIEL MARKS BEGINNING OF XAVIER SQUARE

Xavier, Norwood and Evanston communities to benefit from “college town” development

The morning of Saturday, March 22, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Xavier University and the communities of Norwood and Evanston.

At approximately 8:00 A.M. the former Zumbiel Packaging Plant on Cleneay Avenue will be imploded. The implosion, which will last just four seconds, is to make room for Xavier Square, a 20-acre extension of the University campus which will include a new fitness club, health center, student housing and student bookstore as well as restaurants, a hotel, office space and shopping.

A website with information about all of Xavier’s construction projects is scheduled to go live on Wednesday, March 19. On that date, please visit www.xavier.edu/construction.

Media should report to the Cintas Center parking lot. A designated area will be marked off to view the implosion. Herald Avenue in front of Bellarmine Chapel will be closed. Media can enter the Cintas Center parking lot by entering the campus on Ledgewood off of Victory Parkway. Turn left at the stop sign and follow the road up the steep hill. Turn right at the top of the hill and look for the viewing area. The viewing site at Cintas is NOT open to the public.

Another good viewing site is at the corner of Dana and Montgomery. No one will be allowed on sidewalk on the west side of Montgomery or the north side sidewalk of Dana near the chain link fences.

Several streets in the area will be closed at following intersections for a short period of time prior to the implosion and shortly after the implosion. Cincinnati and Norwood police will determine when safety requires that the streets be closed. The streets are:
· Cleneay at Montgomery
· Lexington at Montgomery
· Dana from Montgomery to Idlewild.
· Side streets between Montgomery to Idlewild (Brooks, Clarion, Newton, Idlewild)
· Herald Avenue at the Bellarmine Circle on Xavier’s campus

Montgomery Road will NOT be closed.

The area will be reopened once it has been determined that the demolition site is safe and secured.

Bob Sheeran, associate vice president for facility management, says the implosion will not be as dramatic as other local implosions, including Riverfront Stadium and Sander Hall, a University of Cincinnati residence hall. Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) of Phoenix, Maryland will handle the implosion. CDI has coordinated such implosions as the Seattle Kingdome and the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas.

Demolition of other buildings on the Zumbiel site is already underway. Sheeran says steel and concrete being removed from the plant is being recycled. “All the steel, even what we find buried in the concrete, is being cut into small pieces and taken to AK Steel in Middletown for recycling,” he says. “The concrete will be hauled out by trucks to be ground up and recycled for aggregate.” Nearly 300 tons of steel has already been recycled.

J&L Management Corporation of Mt. Clemens, MI is handling the removal of the materials, a process which will take 2-3 months. Site preparation will take place over the next year with actual groundbreaking expected towards the end of 2008 or beginning of 2009.

“We are thrilled to finally get this project underway,” says Michael Graham, S.J., president of Xavier University. “Both the University and our neighboring communities, Norwood and Evanston, have been working together a very long time for the opportunity to bring this type of revitalization to our neighborhood. It will help us attract students, home owners, business owners and visitors from all over the city and the country.”

Xavier is partnering with Corporex Companies, the local development company responsible for the renaissance of the Covington riverfront, The Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge and the $1 billion Ovation mixed use project in Newport, to develop Xavier Square which consists of about 20 acres. Development of Xavier Square will be privately funded.

The development of Xavier Square is part of a larger campus master plan that is focused on improving the academic quality of the Xavier University campus. A separate project, which will take place on the existing University campus, includes construction of the James E. Hoff Academic Quadrangle. The Hoff Quad, named in honor of the former Xavier President and Chancellor who died in 2004, includes construction of a new facility for Xavier’s Williams College of Business and a multi-faceted Learning Commons that will create a one-stop shop of integrated academic, technical and professional services for students and faculty.

Fundraising for the Hoff Quad project is part of the University’s $200 million “To See Great Wonders” capital campaign, which began in September 2006. In addition to the Quad, dollars raised will be allocated to the University’s annual fund, University endowment, endowed professorships and student scholarships. The construction on a new Williams College of Business, the first phase of the Hoff Academic Quad, is expected to begin in May 2008.

For more information on the Quad go to www.xavier.edu/greatwonders.

Donnie Jones' 12/31/07 resignation letter

2008-01-01T17:18:00.000-05:00

Donnie R. Jones
2323 Williams Ave.
Norwood, Ohio 45212

December 31, 2007

Timothy M. Burk, Chairman
Hamilton County Board of Elections
824 Broadway
Cincinnati. Oh 45202

Dear Sir,

This is to advise the Hamilton County Board of Elections that effective 1:00 PM December 31, 2007 I resign as Auditor Elect of the City of Norwood for the term beginning January 1, 2008.

Sincerely,
Donnie R. Jones

Guest blog: Steve Thornbury on the Auditor position

2007-11-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

Regarding the position of Norwood City Auditor:

During my campaign for Norwood City Council I made the point that communications between citizens and their government need to be improved. Now that I’ve been elected to Council in Ward 2, I’m hoping to make good on that promise by providing a greater level of transparency about what goes on behind the scenes at this level of government.

The first opportunity to do this has presented itself almost immediately with the recent resignation of the Norwood City Auditor. Though I have not seen the letter, my information comes directly from a conversation with Mr. Jones who assured me he presented the letter to the Hamilton County Board of Elections and provided a copy to Norwood City Hall.

The reason I am addressing the situation in this relatively public manner is that, besides being elected to serve on Council for Ward 2, I am also the Chair of the Norwood Republican Party and, as such, will have a role in helping determine who will be appointed to the Auditor’s position.

For those unfamiliar with how such matters are handled, when an elected official such as the Auditor leaves office before the end of their term, it becomes the responsibility of the political party with which the official is associated to appoint a successor. Thus, when Mayor Hochbein resigned several years ago, the Norwood Republican Central Committee (composed of the elected precinct executives) was charged with naming a replacement, just as the Democrats appointed a successor to Mr. DeLuca when he resigned last year.

Some may question the wisdom of discussing this situation so openly. Nothing I am revealing, however, is privileged information. It is all a matter of public record. My intent in posting this blog is, first, to keep the citizens informed of what is happening within their City government. The second reason is to provide an opportunity for anyone who may be interested in filling this position to step forward and make their intentions known.

To be sure, there has already been some discussion within “The Party” about a possible replacement. And while the cynical among us may write-off this effort as meaningless window dressing, I assure you we will talk to any individual who wishes to be considered for the position.

What are the qualifications?
Essentially anyone who is a citizen of Norwood is technically eligible. There may be restrictions on such things as age, criminal record, etc… but nearly anyone can legally hold the position.

Realistically, however, there are certain criteria that we consider to be important when considering a candidate.

The first, of course, is that the individual almost certainly should have some grounding in the area of finance. This can encompass a wide range of individual experience ranging from being a CPA, a financial planner, having worked in the banking business, or having managed the finances of a business or other organization.

Beyond that, however, there are other qualifications we are looking for. It is important, for example, that the individual be able to develop the respect and confidence of those with whom they would be working within the current administration, the newly elected council, and the different city departments.

Since this is an elected position the individual would be expected to demonstrate a degree of “electability.” In Norwood, that is often assumed to simply mean they have a long history in the City with a large network of friends, family, and co-workers who they can count on for support. Certainly those are factors we cannot ignore. However there are many other traits, both tangible and intangible, that add-up to sound “electibility.” Community involvement and election campaign experience are some factors that would be considered.

This brings us to, for many, the touchiest qualification. Whether you agree with our current partisan system or not, the fact remains that, as members of the Norwood Republican Party, we will be looking for someone who will, when the time comes, support the Republican ticket in the next election. Just as the decisions that will be made in the next few weeks on filling positions like Clerk of Council will, no doubt, be made “along partisan lines,” our decision for filling the Auditor’s seat will be motivated to some degree by partisan considerations. This situation is no different for Auditor as it would be for Mayor. Unfortunately, any of the elected positions (Treasurer, Law Director, Auditor, Mayor…) have the potential of being abused by someone who chooses to advance a personal or political agenda over the needs of the City. The trick is finding someone who, while committed to advancing a Republican ticket at the time of an election, will keep the needs of the City of Norwood first and foremost in the execution of their duties.

Having said all that, I would encourage anyone who is interested in being considered for the Auditor’s position to contact me by calling 373-9653 or by contacting any of my fellow Republican party members. Realistically, we will probably spend the rest of this week gathering names of interested parties before conducting interviews in front of the Norwood Republican Central Committee (the precinct executives who will make the ultimate decision). There are also a few questions, such as the length of the term of the appointee, that still need to be answered. Feel free to call me anytime. If I’m unavailable to take your call, leave a message and I will return you call as soon as I am able.

As for responding to comments posted to this blog entry, I reserve the right to reply only to those who are willing to identify themselves with their full name.

I’m sure more than a few people reading this (including several in my own party) are wondering if I am making a huge mistake in discussing this situation so publicly. Again, I stress that nothing I am revealing here is privileged information. Let’s just call it an experiment in modern democracy and leave it at that.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Ward 2 for their support in last week’s election. I hope that I can live up to your expectations.

Steve Thornbury
Norwood City Council member-elect, Ward 2

11/14/07, 6:00 p.m., ADDENDUM:
If I may...

Since posting this article I have, thankfully, received very positive response to its subject matter. One person who called me, however, was taken aback (to put it mildly) by one part of my post. They felt that, in providing past examples of when both Republican and Democratic central committees have been called upon to name replacements for particular offices, I had done a considerable disservice to a former Mayor by mentioning his resignation, which had been for health reasons, in the same sentence as that of a former Councilperson who had resigned in the wake of being arrested for theft. As I explained to the complainant, it was surely not my intent to draw any parallels between the character of the two individuals or the circumstances for their stepping down. It was merely to illustrate two examples, one from each party, where replacements needed to be named. I hope this lowers at least one person's blood pressure a bit.

-Steve Thornbury

Lt. Cartuyvelles' letter requesting $300,000 paramedic pumper

2007-09-19T07:24:00.000-05:00

May 27, 2007

Curtis E. Goodman
Fire Chief
City of Norwood

Re: Request to purchase new paramedic pumper

Dear Chief Goodman:

I would like to request that we replace the 1980 Seagrave Pumper. This apparatus has been in service with the Norwood Fire Department for 27 years. We have recently invested 750.00 dollars to correct a power steering problem that had placed the pumper out of service for 6 months. After making this costly repair, another part of the steering mechanism failed. This has once again placed the apparatus out of service until parts and repairs can be made.

At the directive of the Safety Service Director, I have sent the 1980 Seagrave Pumper to Command Seagrave to be evaluated for all mechanical problems. I have enclosed a letter from Command Seagrave and list of mechanical problems with the projected costs of those repairs.

If we put this money into repairing this apparatus, we are still faced with other problems that could be potential safety concerns. Although this apparatus complied with all NFPA 1901 requirements when it was constructed in 1979, it currently doesn’t meet many of the industry standards in regards to safety. The biggest concerns are the lack of an enclosed cab with rollover protection and inadequate restraining devices for passengers.

As you are aware, our ISO rating is dependent on our department having a reserve apparatus. If the 1980 Seagrave Pumper is not repaired or replaced, we will have to notify ISO of this and our rating will subsequently drop. Our ISO rating doesn’t drastically affect residential insurance rates, but its effect on business and industry insurance rates could be substantial and may cause businesses to leave for a location which has better rates due to better ISO rating, and new businesses may choose not to locate in Norwood due to the higher insurance rates. At a time when Norwood is trying to attract new businesses and encourage existing business growth, it would be in the City's best interest to maintain our current ISO rating.

A new pumper would be specifically designed as a paramedic pumper. The compartment is designed so personnel, as well as the equipment, are well protected. The space is also designed to ensure both fire and EMS response is streamlined and efficient. This apparatus would be completely compliant with the latest NFPA 1901 standards and would have a projected life span of 20 years. No equipment will need to be purchased with this pumper since all equipment from our current apparatus would be placed on it. The purchase of this apparatus will allow us to move the 1990 Seagrave Pumper into reserve status. If a new pumper is purchased, the 1990 Seagrave will have l8 years of front line service when it is placed into reserve status and should have 7 years of service life remaining. This pumper will make all paramedics assist as well as be the first pumper dispatched on all single company runs in the South district. This pumper will be designated E -282 and will act as a medic unit when all medic units are busy with other calls.

The pumper I am requesting is manufactured by Seagrave Fire Apparatus. This pumper will cost approximately $300,000.00 or $ 51,377.20 per year on a 7-year lease purchase agreement at 4.75 %. The pumper that I am requesting is also on the State of Ohio Bid Program and can be purchased without sending it out for competitive bid. We have reached the end of the service life of the 1980 pumper and need to replace it now. I have checked into trading in the 1980 pumper to lower the cost even more, but no used fire apparatus dealer will purchase it since it doesn’t meet any of the current NFPA 1901 standards, and has reached the end of its service life. As I stated in my annual report, we can keep throwing good money after bad for a 21-year-old fire apparatus that will undoubtedly break down again. Although this may be penny wise, it is most certainly pound-foolish.

If you have any questions regarding this matter please contact me at your earliest convenience. The quote for the Seagrave Engine is good for the year 2007.

Respectfully,
Lieutenant Brett Cartuyvelles

cc: Thomas F. Williams
Mayor
Joseph Geers
Safety Service Director

More Pictures from flag Ceremony

2007-09-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

Participants: Jerry Owens, Dennis Owens, Ernie Hull, Eddie and Charlene Leidenheimer, Al Bohme, Mike Mason, Rick Hursh, Jeff Bowman and Jenifer Fulks. All members of the Post

More Pictures from flag Ceremony

2007-09-05T16:06:00.001-05:00

Jerry Owens a member of the Victory Park Veterans and Post 123 with Al Bohme of Post 123 inspecting the flags.

Auditor Jones’ letter appointing Robert Laake Dep. Auditor

2007-08-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

August 20, 2007

Dear Jane and Members of Council:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Robert “Bob” Laake as the new Deputy Auditor for the City of Norwood. His first day will be Monday, August 27th. As many of you know this has been a very trying time for our office over the past years, and the appointment of Bob Laake is the first step in moving our department and this City forward.

I, the Administration, and City Council have all identified the need to fully utilize the City’s enterprise wide computer system as the first and most vital step towards being able to better manage the City operations. The new Deputy Auditor has been charged with working together with all departments across all lines of authority to make this a reality. Bob Laake brings a wealth of knowledge and private sector experience to the job, but most importantly he brings honesty, unquestioned integrity, an old fashioned work ethic, and the sincere desire to do the right thing for all the citizens of Norwood.

Bob Laake is a lifelong resident of Norwood (except for two years in the Army, followed by 1 ½ year period saving to buy a house in Norwood). He attended St. Elizabeth School and graduated from Norwood High School in 1968.

He is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army where he served his country from November, 1971 thru November 1973.

He worked his way through college and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Processing Systems and an Associate Degree in Business.

Bob has worked hard from the ground up to earn his success. He began his career at The First National Bank of Cincinnati where he worked for seven years as Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst.

He then went to work at Provident Bank/National City Corporation where he spent the next 25 years as Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst. He held several management and project leadership roles on system conversion and new development teams for various financial application systems, including development of online data entry systems for Accounting applications such as General Ledger, Fixed Asset and Accounts Payable. The last 15 years spend developing online systems, including mainframe support of client server based systems. He developed and wrote Provident Bank’s Teller System, Consolidated Statement System, including all support data bases. He wrote all data support systems for Provident Bank’s Telebank, VRU, and branch support systems. Also was in charge of Provident Bank’s CIF (customer information files, customer to account information databases) for over 20 years. He has worked with Windows and non-Windows based PC systems, both text-based and graphical (GUI) for several years.

He retired in 2005 after a long, loyal, and successful career.

Most recently he has worked for the Hamilton County Board of Elections. His primary job has been the election preparation and support of the new computer-based voting equipment, including trouble shotting.

Please join me in welcoming Bob Laake to the City of Norwood and he stands ready to help in any way possible.

Sincerely,

Donnie R Jones, Auditor

WNNA letter seeking donations for COPP 800MHz radios

2007-05-22T06:40:00.000-05:00

West Norwood Neighborhood Association

Concerned Citizens Working To Improve Our Neighborhood

Dear Community Member,

We are writing to ask your help with a very important project. As members of the West Norwood Neighborhood Association (WNNA), we are dedicated to improving our community for all who live and work here, as well as creating a neighborhood that is an inviting place to visit.

Our most recently completed project has been an astounding success! After 18 months of hard work by our volunteers, we reopened the Police Substation at the corner of Mills and Courtland. This Police Substation offers residents a place to obtain information, take trainings and hold meetings. It is also a great opportunity to view the collection of Norwood Police memorabilia, including a 100 year old flat iron jail cell. We would have not been able to complete this project without the help of generous donors from the community.

We have now begun another project that will greatly improve the lives of those who live and work in Norwood. Communities all over the country have started Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) with much success. This type of grassroots program engages people who live in the community, raising the visibility of citizens while helping to reduce crime. Working with the Norwood Police Department, Community Affairs Officer Lt. Williams, and the Norwood Mayors Office, we are developing training classes for our COPP volunteers.

This is where we so desperately need your help! We lack communications equipment for this communitybased crime prevention program. More specifically, we need 800MHz handheld radios ($1900 each) for our patrol groups. Patrol groups communicate via this radio with the Norwood Police Dispatch to report suspicious activities while on patrol. These radios will also be able to communicate with all first responders in case of emergency.

The funds you donate are tax deductible and 100 % of the monies will be used to support your Citizens on Patrol (COPP) program here in Norwood COPP volunteers will help make Norwood's business districts and neighborhoods a safer place by providing additional eyes and ears on the streets and reporting suspicious activity to police in a timely manner.

Won't you help us with this very important project? We welcome any financial help you can offer. All gifts will be acknowledged on our website as well as in our printed materials. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Sincerely,

William Graff, WNNA Vice President/COPP (731-6977)
Lt. Tom Williams Jr., Norwood Police Community Affairs Officer (458-4545)

Make all checks payable to: West Norwood Neighborhood Association COPP
Mail to: Mary Ann Teeter, City of Norwood Treasurer's Office, 4645 Montgomery Road, Norwood Ohio 45212.
Mary Ann can be reached at 458-4580

5/11/07 CORRECTION to "May COW meeting..." blog

2007-05-12T10:17:00.000-05:00

5/11/07 CORRECTION: Thanks to a commenter’s scathing “thumbs down” critique of this blog, we’ve taken a closer look and see that we are guilty of confusion by merging the council events surrounding Tom Brown’s and his wife Casey Brown’s letters into a partially inaccurate 2nd paragraph above. We apologize to our readers.

First off, Mr. Schneider made a request, (not a motion after careful review of the meeting tape), to add Casey Brown’s letter regarding Senate Bill 117 to the April 24 meeting motion to amend the agenda, not her husband’s earlier letter to council regarding South Norwood problems, which did appear on the 4/10/07 council agenda. That action is why we are pleased with Mr. Schneider, and our thumbs down for Mr. Mumper and Mr. Sanker are for their remarks during that meeting.

Secondly, we still give Brigid Kelly and Keith Moore thumbs up for their support of the police coming to the 5/1/07 COW meeting. However, we’re adding Mike Gabbard to the list, since he spoke favorably about it as well. Mayor Williams and Mr. Sanker expressed misgivings about Mr. Brown’s letter, and judging from his remarks, Mr. Sanker struck us as less than enthused about asking the police to attend COW. Thumbs down.

So to be clear, Tom Brown’s letter about South Norwood problems was on the 4/10/07 council agenda, and Ms. Kelly quickly placed it into the May COW meeting with an invitation for the police to attend. Mr. Schneider intervened with a request to get Ms. Brown’s letter regarding Senate Bill 117 on the 4/24/07 meeting agenda and read aloud.

Lastly, to our critic, no “haste to spin the truth to laud a council member” was at play here. The inaccurate paragraph was the result of the kind of trick the mind sometimes plays, and we will be more watchful of it in the future. However, yes, we do like to praise our elected when we see opportunities to do so.

5/12/07, 7:45 a.m., UPDATE: The Haloscan comments for this blog disappeared some time yesterday afternoon. Other users reported the same problem on the Haloscan forum yesterday. Usually, comments are restored fairly quickly after they go down. Since the box is still missing this morning, we emailed Haloscan directly about the problem. Fortunately, we were able to retrieve the comments, and they are posted directly below until Haloscan restores them.

Comments for 5/9/07 "May COW meeting police clips..."

2007-05-12T06:40:00.000-05:00

Thumbs down to the author. In the author's haste to spin the truth to laud a council member the truth has been lost. Reporting the news may be a service, spinning out of control is a disservice.
Anonymous | 05.10.07 - 9:53 pm | #

I'm confused by your post. What "truth" was lost? Can you give the rest of us a clue as to what you are talking about?
WONDER | 05.11.07 - 6:57 am | #

actually can you give the rest of us what YOU are talking about?

No one intervened - the letter was on the agenda.
Anonymous | 05.11.07 - 10:29 am | #

Then why was there a vote to put it on the April 26 council meeting after Schneider made the motion and why did Mumper explain why he voted against putting on the agenda that night?
Anonymous | 05.11.07 - 10:45 am | #

there wasn't and he didn't.
Anonymous | 05.11.07 - 1:44 pm | #

4/19/07 BOE Resolution to Appoint Designee for Expulsion Appeals

2007-05-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

Whereas, Section 3313.66 of the Ohio Revised Code provides that a board of education may appoint a designated hearing officer to serve as its designee during expulsion appeals; and

Whereas, the Norwood City School District Board of Education (hereafter the "Board") has determined that it is in its best interest to appoint a designated hearing officer to serve as its designee during the expultion appeals; and

Whereas, the Board has determined that Thomas Pflaumer has the necessary qualifications o serve as the Board's designee during expulsion appeals.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Norwood City School District Board of Education as follows:

SECTION I
Thomas Pflaumer is hereby appointed as the Board's designated hearing officer for all expulsion appeals brought pursuant to section 3313.66 of the Ohio Revised Code.

SECTION II
Thomas Pflaumer shall have all the legal authority the Board is granted pursuant to Ohio law to conduct, hear, and decide all expulsion appeals brought pursuant to section 3313.66 of the Ohio Revised Code.

SECTION III
IT IS FOUND AND DETERMINED that all formal action of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution was adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions were adopted n meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.

Ms. Atwood moved and Ms. Gay seconded the motion that the above Resolution be adopted.

Upon roll call and the adoption of the Resolution, the vote was as follows:

Yeas: Mr. Guy, Ms. Gay, Ms. Atwood

Nays: Mr. Miracle, Mr. Faulkner

1/28/06 Enquirer article re: COAST

2007-04-29T07:06:00.000-05:00

School tax opponents making waves

Local activists won three board seats, seek more in 2007

BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

DEERFIELD TWP. - It was mostly political rally - with a little post-mortem thrown in - as Greater Cincinnati school-tax opponents met this week to review November's school board races and discuss future campaigns.

The quarterly meeting of the northern chapter of the Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes or North COAST, held Thursday, attracted more than 60 supporters to a subdivision clubhouse in Deerfield Township. There they traded congratulations, campaign war stories and solidified their mission to corral what they consider to be unrestrained school spending.

Until now, members had never allowed a reporter to attend one of these private meetings.

This session included a visit from the group's founder - Ohio Rep. Tom Brinkman Jr., R-Mount Lookout. He said the impact of their agenda extends beyond Greater Cincinnati.
"There is no question that you are having an impact and it is reverberating up there in Columbus," Brinkman said.

Brinkman's original Hamilton County-based coalition has expanded into Warren and Butler counties, fueled by tax concerns related to several fast-growing school systems in the region's northern suburbs.

In the November elections, candidates supporting the coalition's goals won school board seats in Fairfield, Mason and Northwest schools in Hamilton County.

The group ran candidates in Lakota, Kings, Little Miami, Springboro, Monroe, Norwood and elsewhere. They also battled - in some cases successfully - to defeat school tax issues in several districts.

Coalition officials claim they have about a dozen school board members sympathetic to their conservative agenda. But for personal or political reasons, those members have not publicly identified themselves with the group.

Scott Ebright, spokesman for the Ohio School Boards Association in Columbus, said the level of Greater Cincinnati's conservative school activism is unique in Ohio. "It seems like they are more organized and I don't think we've seen this sort of organization affecting school boards around the state," said Ebright, whose association represents Ohio's 614 public school boards.

"What is unusual is that you have (them) in many different school districts."

Coalition members vowed to work even harder to gain more school board seats in the 2007 elections.

"The leaders of today and tomorrow are in this room," said coalition attorney Chris Finney. "We've had a massive growth in federal, state and local spending and it's your job to stand up and fight it."

Kim Grant, who lost her bid for a Kings school board seat, said coalition members are irritated at being labeled as simply opposing public schools.

"I'm baffled by people who think asking schools to be accountable for the money entrusted to them is some how being anti-schools," Grant said.

Del Landis, founder of the coalition's northern chapter and a former Kings board member, said the group's philosophy "embraces that taxes and spending should stay within the rate of inflation."

Long-time anti-tax activist and newly-elected Fairfield school board member Arnie Engel said he is actively lobbying state legislators.

His causes include changing Ohio law to forbid school systems from entering multi-year labor contracts with teachers if pay raises are based on the assumptions that future tax levies will be approved by voters.

Engel, who has already clashed with fellow Fairfield board members since being sworn in earlier this month, said he will continue to act as an adviser to activists in other Greater Cincinnati districts.

"One of the most important things about this group is that we help people in other school districts," Engel said.

Even though he lives in Fairfield, Engel was campaign manager for the opposition against a recent Mason school levy. The levy passed.

Jennifer Miller, who won in her first try for a Mason school board seat by campaigning as a Christian conservative, thanked the coalition for its help in her run for public office.

Thursday's meeting also marked North COAST's two-year anniversary.
"Our goal is to keep on expanding," said Roseann Siderits, a coalition coordinator.

Just in: Institute for Justice press release re: Gambles sell home to Rookwood Partners

2007-03-31T17:15:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 30, 2007

Norwood Homeowners Carl and Joy Gamble Announce Sale of Home

Both Fighting Cancer, Gambles Reluctantly Sell Home of 35 Years

Arlington, Va.—Today, Joy Gamble, who with her husband, Carl, successfully fought before the Ohio Supreme Court to save their home of 35 years from eminent domain abuse, announced that she and Carl have agreed to sell their home in Norwood to Rookwood Partners, the redevelopment group spearheaded by Cincinnati-based developer Jeffrey Anderson. Carl’s serious health problems will not allow them to return to their home. The Gambles owned their home since 1969 but were forced out under the threat of eminent domain in February of 2005. Since then, the Gambles have been living in Northern Kentucky, first in their daughter’s finished basement, then in a small, one-bedroom apartment. Since late December of 2006, Carl has been hospitalized; he is being treated for, among other things, cancer and heart and lung problems.

Joy issued the following statement through her attorneys at the Institute for Justice, which represented the couple in their fight:

“All Carl and I ever wanted to was save our home and move back into it. It was the first and only home we’ve ever owned. Unfortunately, during our long battle, both Carl and I have endured serious medical problems. I was diagnosed with cancer, and am still being treated. Carl has also been diagnosed with cancer, and has serious heart and lung problems that have kept him hospitalized since the beginning of the year.”

Joy continued, “The main thing that’s kept us going these past couple of years is the thought of moving back into our home. Now, however, Carl will never be able to go back there because of his health, and I just can’t go back there without him. Fixing up the home would be difficult even if we were both in the best of health: since we were forced out two years ago, there has been tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to it. At this point, all of my energy is devoted to taking care of Carl. My only immediate plans are to keep taking care of him.”

Joy concluded, “I want everyone to know that we fought our battle because we deeply believe that it’s wrong for cities to force hard-working people from their homes just so politically connected developers can make money. We fought not just for us, but for every home and small business owner in Ohio and the rest of the country. If the City of Norwood and Anderson hadn’t forced us to leave our home, we’d still be there today, and facing the hardships of the past couple years would have been much easier.”

Bert Gall, a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice, said, “If Carl and Joy could go back home, they would do it in a heartbeat, but Carl’s condition doesn’t allow it. It is tragic that Anderson and the City needlessly made them leave the home they loved so much.”

“Carl and Joy Gamble courageously fought to save their home from eminent domain abuse, and they are true American heroes,” said Scott Bullock, an Institute for Justice senior attorney. “Because of their fight, Ohioans now have much stronger protections against eminent domain abuse.”

On July 26, 2006, in Norwood v. Horney, the Ohio Supreme Court unanimously held that Norwood’s attempt to take the Gambles’ home for Anderson’s private development project violated the Ohio constitution. The Court specifically rejected the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. City of New London, which held that cities may condemn property and give it to a new private owner who can make more money with the land. Norwood v. Horney was the first private use eminent domain case to be argued before and decided by a state supreme court in the wake of the Kelo decision.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rookwood Partners is paying the Gambles $650,000 for the purchase of their home. Any further litigation regarding the damage to the home caused by Rookwood during its possession of the property will be terminated. No agreements have been reached regarding the rental home of Joe Horney and the small business of Matthew and Sanae Ichikawa Burton.

Bessie’s COW report for February

2007-03-09T09:37:00.000-05:00

Tuesday night’s meeting began with discussion about both a financial recovery plan and financial planning, including the city’s prospects for hiring a budget analyst to assist with all things financial. Mayor Williams said he’d met with Software Solutions, Inc., and once he gets their proposal, more will be known about the capabilities of their financial tracking software. Depending on what those are, he may favor applying the funding for the part time budget analyst position to any additional costs that may be incurred with the new software. Both Mr. Moore and Mr. Sanker strongly advocated hiring a budget analyst because of the long term benefits to the city.

Regarding a levy for the August ballot, Mr. Moore’s feeling, at this point, is a full 8-mill renewal won’t be necessary for daily operations, although more financial information is needed to accurately assess the city’s needs. As proof of some of the cost reductions put in place, he quickly ticked off 7 positions that have either been eliminated or not replaced during the last 5-6 years. And speaking of reduced costs, the city, specifically Mr. Geers, won a $93,000 reduction in insurance costs by playing hardball with the carrier! Add that to the $50,000 saved on Worker’s Comp. premiums reported in “Ward One Update,” and we’re talking a nice, tidy sum.

One of these days we may start receiving a city newsletter mailed with our quarterly water bills. It will tell us seasonal information like leaf-pickup schedules, pool hours, garbage collection days, etc. Everyone agreed posting this kind of information on cable and the city’s website is insufficient because it just doesn’t reach all residents.

Mr. Moore kicked off a lengthy discussion about the pro’s and con’s of instituting standards for exterior home renovations, particularly front porch replacements. A caller to his cable show brought up the fact that homeowners who use pressed wood for replacement porches create an inappropriate “deck effect” on the front of their houses. Following talk about the possibility of designating certain zones historical, the attendant higher expense homeowners would incur complying with strict exterior regulations, and the need to meet with homeowners in these areas, like the Presidential area, Mr. Mumper said he would send a letter to our building code expert Dan Blye seeking his input.

Now for the topic that really really had me going for a few minutes: red light cameras. If you’re me, and thank the Lord every day you aren’t, you’re immediately wondering if they’re talking in shorthand, leaving something out, something like the word “district.” But that‘s crazy, I told myself. Norwood doesn’t have an area like that, at least, not that I’ve ever heard of. But if I’m wrong and it does or is starting to, well, yes, let‘s get some cameras in there pronto! Then Mr. Sanker remarked, “We’re waiting for preliminary information for the Auditor of State to see if they’re worth implementing.” Worth implementing? “Get the d#%# cameras! This is a crisis!!” I screamed at him. Then I forced myself to calm down and think about this a little further. Red light cameras. Maybe the cameras are red and light weight. Or maybe they have red lights on them. Or…or maybe, just maybe, they left a different word out. Red light, red light, what word other than “district” goes with red light that you’d want cameras for? Well, Holy COW and duh, I finally got it, but was Mr. Mumper right to suggest Mr. Sanker is an expert on red traffic light cameras just because he may have had his picture taken a time or two in the past?

Councilperson Moore's February, '07 "Ward One Update"

2007-02-26T08:20:00.000-05:00

KEITH D. MOORE

924-0571 / moore4norwood@aol.com
February 2007

LIVE CALL-IN SHOW
Hosted by Keith Moore & Tom Williams
2nd and 4th Thursday - 7:00 p.m.
February 22, March 8
Cable Channel 24

WNNA AND CITIZENS ON PATROL

The WNNA obtained grants from the Eagles, the Moose, and CheckSmart to help fund the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program. One impact of the COP programs in Cincinnati and the extra Sheriff patrols in Over the Rhine is to chase away criminals, some of whom are ending up in Norwood. The WNNA is offering a fantastic opportunity to help clean up problems here, and keep new ones from moving in.

There are three related programs underway:

Block Watch - After a short training session on how to spot and report suspicious activity, Block Watch volunteers become anonymous eyes and ears for the Police. Volunteers are assigned a Block Watch number, and they give that number instead of their name when they report suspicious activity. That way, they remain totally anonymous.

Citizens on Patrol (COP) - COP volunteers are a more visible presence. After a more extensive training program, groups of 3 or 4 volunteers patrol a neighborhood in COP t-shirts, carrying a police radio. The goal is to send a message to potential troublemakers that we care about our city. COP volunteers do not confront suspicious people in any way, but just report what they see to the Police. The plan is for volunteers to patrol neighborhoods where they do not live and are less likely to be recognized.

Volunteers in Policing (VIP) - The VIP program brings volunteers into the Police Department to help with administrative work so that officers can spend more time on the streets.

If you would like more information or to want volunteer:

Call the Norwood Police at 458-4545
Come to a WNNA meeting - February 20
- March 20

CITY FINANCES:

The City’s financial situation has improved dramatically. This year is an entirely new experience for me. For the first time since I took office in January of 2002, we are not starting the year with a multimillion dollar shortfall. Unless there are big surprises in the 2007 forecast the State Auditor is putting together, we should soon be out of Fiscal Watch.

Of course, this is when the hard part starts. Saying “no” is easier when you have no money. Now that we have a little, it will require discipline to ensure a solid financial future.

We have a host of unmet needs. Obviously, we need to fix the streets and (for the first time in over a decade) begin to maintain the ones that are still in relatively good shape. We have aging police and fire vehicles, street sweepers, leaf pickers, and snow plows. We have computers running on Windows 95, and buildings that need long-overdue maintenance. And we have an 8-mill levy that expires this year.

The City got into this mess by spending every dime (and then some), instead of looking to the future. We cannot let that happen again, and are working to establish a better planning model that will help balance today’s needs while keeping an eye on a more secure future.

Other budgetary highlights

Revenues:

Earnings Tax - Receipts were more than $800,000 higher in 2006 than in 2005.

Mandatory Filing - Council passed Mandatory Earnings Tax Filing, beginning with 2006. That means every Norwood resident must file a Norwood tax return by April 16, whether or not you owe any Norwood taxes. THIS WILL NOT RAISE YOUR TAXES - unless you haven’t paid taxes you already owe.
Mandatory Filing will help to track down those that owe but haven’t been paying. Estimates of increased revenue from Mandatory Filing range from $1.2 million (by the State Auditor) to $350,000 (by Norwood Treasurer Tim Molony).

Development Revenue News

Cornerstone is almost 100% leased.

MRC has purchased the old Kasemeyer Dairy. MRC will be performing extensive renovations and begin manufacturing a treatment for rosacea.

Siemens is investing millions to retool and redesign. Norwood will be home to the world leader in electric motor manufacturing and a world-class R&D center.

Expenses:

Workers’ Compensation - Thanks to better training and safety programs, the Williams Administration has dramatically reduced our workers’ compensation claims. They are now low enough that Norwood can join a risk pool that will save us over $50,000 in 2007 premiums.

Labor Costs - In 2005, Mayor Williams hired a professional labor negotiator to represent Norwood in negotiating our contracts. The result - along with the efforts of all involved to find solutions - has been a dramatic departure from years past on issues of management rights, staffing levels, health insurance, and wages. We recently approved new contracts for the police, public works, and city hall workers that include savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to past contracts. The fire department contract will soon go to factfinding.

WILLIAMS AVENUE SEWER PROJECT
The Williams Avenue sewer project is underway, later than we originally expected. There were some issues getting the contract out to bid, but we also learned that Duke Energy was planning to replace gas mains along Williams. Rather than fix the sewers, pave the street, and then tear it all up again to work on gas lines, we are coordinating the two projects.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Linden Pointe (Globe Wernicke): Phase One of the new Linden Pointe is under construction. No tenants have signed formal agreements, but interest is high. The Montgomery/Carthage/Norwood Ave. realignment will begin in earnest this spring. Still to be resolved is an agreement on a TIF to fund additional landscaping, a monument where the old triangle building stood, infrastructure, and a “Norwood” signature to the bridge over the Lateral.

Edwards Road (North of Goldstar Chili): Developers have purchased and demolished the 5 houses north of Goldstar. They are planning to build a two-story office building and are looking for the right tenant(s).

Surrey Square: New Plan is moving forward with its plans to redevelop Surrey Square. Of particular interest is vastly improved landscaping along Lafayette and a more upscale design along Montgomery Road. Even better, the new Kroger will have a shopping cart corral system to keep carts in the parking lot and off the streets. We do not have a specific timetable yet.

South Montgomery Road: Xavier University issued a Request for Proposals for a mixed-use development on the east side of Montgomery Road, south of Cleneay. There was a good response, and Xavier is considering at least two solid proposals. The development would include residential, retail, and office space — which we expect to dramatically improve Montgomery Road, add to our tax base, and pull student housing closer to campus and out of residential neighborhoods.

LAW AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

Sexual Predators: State law prohibits convicted sexual predators from living within 1000 feet of schools. We are looking to extend the ban to include parks, playgrounds, pools, and other places where children gather.

Abandoned Buildings: We are working to adapt Cincinnati’s model for licensing abandoned buildings, which we hope will give the City more leverage to have them fixed up and occupied, or condemned and removed.

Zoning Code: The Committee is looking over the proposal from the Planning Commission to restrict unwelcome uses, with a particular effort to deter uses like pawn shops, check cashing, bingo parlors and dollar stores from our Central and General Business Districts.

LIVE CALL-IN SHOW
Second and Fourth Thursday — 7:00 p.m.
February 22, March 8
Cable Channel 24

WNNA MEETINGS
Third Tuesday of the Month
7:30 - Community Center

NUMBERS TO CALL
Mayor Tom Williams - 458-4501
Safety/Serv. Dir. Joe Geers - 458-4503
Council - 458-4594
Emergency - 911
Police/Fire Non-Emergency - 458-4520
Building Department - 458-4510
Health Department - 458-4600
Public Works (Pot holes, parks) - 458-4615
Recreation - 531-9798