Layout 2 - City of Montgomery, Ohio

Montgomery’s Mission:
Providing superior services with
integrity. Partnering with you to
build a great community.
MontgomeryOhio.org
P
U B L I S H E D
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O N T H L Y
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O N T G O M E R Y
December 2013
INSIDE:
City Council actions
Page 2
Council Member Joffe
says “farewell”
Page 2
Update emergency
contact info
Page 4
These classes could
save someone’s life
Page 4
Business news
Page 5
New app brings
history to life
Page 8
North Pole
Downtown Historic Montgomery
Neuilly-Plaisance Fountain area
At 5 p.m., Santa and his helpers
will announce all of the winners of
Montgomery’s Winter Coloring
Contest and award prizes. Santa
will also announce the winning
child who will light the
Montgomery Christmas tree and
streetscape along Montgomery
Road! Then, the winners will ride
with Santa in a carriage to
Universalist Church and the North
Pole Workshop. After the lighting,
Photo contest
enters 27th year
Page 9
Police Lieutenant
retires with 30+ years
Page 10
Breakfast
with Santa
Saturday, December 14 • 8:30 - 10:30 am • Terwilliger Lodge
Bring the whole family down to Dulle Park to share a
pancake breakfast with Santa. Allyou-can-eat pancakes will be
served by City of Montgomery
employee volunteers for $5/person
(family rate of $20). Bring your
wish list to share with Mr. Claus
himself. Also bring your camera to
have a picture taken with the jolly
old elf. All proceeds benefit the Holiday Family Fund that
supports local families in need with gifts and toys shared in
the generosity of the holiday spirit. Share in the spirit of the
season and to help others by bringing food items for the
FreeStore Foodbank. (No glass containers, please.)
stroll
along with
festive
carolers
down
Shelly
Lane and
visit the
North Pole Workshop.
North Pole Workshop
Universalist Church
Montgomery & Remington Roads
Sponsored by Kidz Watch
Visit Santa, then join
Mrs. Claus to create a
winter craft. Enjoy free horse
drawn wagon rides that leave from
the church and travel through
downtown.
Penguin Igloo & Happy Feet
Bethesda North Hospital (2nd Floor)
Don’t miss the holiday model
train displays, music, fun
penguin-themed activities and
entertainers. Enjoy hot cider,
veggies and dip, cheese and
crackers, and a free gift for the
children. The Light Up a Life
program sells strands of holiday
lights for $25 to recognize or
memorialize those you hold dear
with a light shining in their
honor. Proceeds benefit the
Patient Emergency Fund which
helps patients who have needs
above their normal
hospitalization.
Snowman Station
Ohio National Financial
Services Campus
Twin Lakes Welcome Center
Holiday music for all ages, as well
as Snowman Crafts for kids.
Cookies and punch will be served.
Until 8:30pm. For details, visit
facebook.com/ohionational.
The “Jolly Trolley”
Explore Ohio National’s glittering
Victorian Holiday Village,
decorated with thousands of
lights and featuring exciting new
houses with holiday scenes and a
miniature train. Miniature-sized
structures include the Ohio
National post office, St. Nick’s
workshop and other Victorianinspired houses.
Free 5x7 photos with St. Nick
will be available (one per family),
along with free cocoa, free
cookies and more. All guests are
asked to bring a nonperishable
food item (no glass containers,
please), which will be donated to
the Freestore Foodbank.
Complimentary Holiday Shuttle
Runs between all four festive
activities! The Jolly Trolley
begins service at 5:00 p.m. from
Twin Lakes and Bethesda North.
The
shuttle
will end
service
when
it
departs
Ohio National Financial Services
at 9:00 p.m. Please refrain from
bringing food or drink on the
shuttle. To board the Jolly Trolly,
look for the “Wooden Snowman”
Shuttle Stop Signs.
Victorian Holiday Village
A message from City Council
Farewell: Thanks for the opportunity to serve on Council
This month’s message by
Montgomery City
Council Member
Barry Joffe
T
his month marks the end of
my second four-year term as
a member of City Council. My
decision not to run again was a
difficult one for many reasons.
As a proud citizen of a “premier
community,” I have been
honored to represent the citizens
of Montgomery over the last
eight years.
For us, as citizens of
Montgomery, there is much of
which to be proud. The City has
maintained its financial strength
despite journeying through a
difficult economy and
weathering the loss in revenue
from the state and other funding
sources such as the elimination
of the Estate Tax. We have
found ways to deliver services
more efficiently, saving costs,
while maintaining quality.
voting pattern, but as I wrote in
a previous article, we have
many levels of opportunity to
discuss differences, so that by
the time items are placed before
the Council Business Session
for the vote, consensus has been
achieved.
The City staff constantly looks
for new ways to improve
processes and deliver services.
A committed cadre of
employees, our City staff has
assumed ownership of their
roles as stewards of the
organization. The quality of our
department heads and other staff
members has given me and my
Council colleagues a lot of
confidence in their “doing the
right thing” in any given
situation. It has made it so much
more pleasurable to fulfill the
role of Council Member!
fresh supplies; a place of
congregation for the
community. Thanks to those
who worked hard to make this
happen and endure. In my
opinion, “Live at the Uni” is
one of the best programs offered
by the City – “local” musicians
performing in a historical
venue.
One of the areas I do want to
mention is the wonderful events
and programs we enjoy in
Montgomery. Many are built on
“tried and tested” formulae
which seem to get better every
year – July 4th Parade, Bastille
Day, July 3rd BAMSO concert,
to name a few. Two newer ones
that in my view have been a
great success have been the
establishment of the
Montgomery Farmers’ Market,
initiated by a group of our
MCLA grads, and the “Live at
the Uni” music series presented
by our Arts Commission. The
Farmers’ Market fulfills
multiple roles – a place to buy
As I observe the difficulty our
politicians in Washington have
in agreeing on the Debt Ceiling
and the Government Shutdown,
I appreciate the way we as a
Council are able to work
together as a team. Yes, we have
been “guilty” of a consistent 7-0
As the new Council members
prepare to be sworn in I’d like
to wish them all great success as
their new terms begin. A special
wish to Ann Combs who will
assume my vacated seat.
Although new on Council, I’m
sure there has been substantial
osmosis in process through
learning from husband Mark,
who was a colleague on Council
during my first term.
Thank you again to the
residents of Montgomery for
your support and the
opportunity to serve!
COUNCIL CORNER
M
ontgomery City Council
will meet in its regular
monthly business session on
Wednesday, December 4, at City
Hall. Meetings begin at 7:00
p.m., with public comment
welcomed on each item before
Council.
An Ordinance to Make
Appropriations for Current
Expenses and Other
Expenditures of the City of
Montgomery, State of Ohio,
During the Fiscal Year Ending
December 31, 2014 (3rd reading)
New Legislation
g
A Resolution Adopting A Five
Year Capital Improvement
Program For The City Of
Montgomery
g
A Resolution Authorizing An
Amendment To The Current
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
Residential ‘A’ District to MultiFamily Residential ‘D-3’
District
Recent Council Actions
NOVEMBER 6 BUSINESS SESSION
Pending Legislation
g
g An Ordinance Rezoning a
Portion of the Vintage Club
Planned Unit Development
District from Single-Family
Contract With Donnellon,
Donnellon And Miller For Legal
Services To The City Of
Montgomery
Approved Legislation
g
Resolution No. 35, 2013
A Resolution Giving Consent
to the Director of
Transportation to Crack Seal a
Portion of US 22 from South of
Weller Road to the Northern
Corporation Limit and around
the Ramp to I-275 in the City
of Montgomery (Passed 7-0)
g
Resolution No. 36, 2013
A Resolution Adopting the
Hamilton County Multi Hazard
Mitigation Plan (Passed 7-0)
g
Resolution No. 37, 2013
A Resolution Authorizing the
Hamilton County, Ohio
Amended and Restated Mutual
Aid Agreement for Law
Enforcement (Passed 7-0)
g
Resolution No. 38, 2013
A Resolution Authorizing a
Lease Agreement and Purchase
Option with Montgomery
Lodge 94 F. & A.M. (Passed 7-0)
g
Resolution No. 39, 2013
A Resolution Authorizing the
City Manager to Accept the
Proposed 2014-2015 Option
2
Years with Rumpke of Ohio,
Inc. (Passed 7-0)
g
Ordinance No. 15, 2013
An Ordinance Adopting Rules
and Regulations for the
Hamilton County Stormwater
District (Passed 7-0)
g
Ordinance No. 16, 2013
An Ordinance Adopting
Amendments to the
Montgomery Zoning Code
(Passed 7-0)
These pieces of approved legislation can be
reviewed on the City’s website at
montgomeryohio.org
DECEMBER 2013
Our Family Home moves into Montgomery
R
ecently, Our Family Home
(OFH) bought a residential
property in Montgomery to
serve as a congregate living
home for seniors with
Alzheimer’s or dementia
requiring supervised but not
skilled nursing care. OFH
operates several homes in and
around Columbus for up to
five clients in each of their
Alzheimer’s homes.
Under our Code, a residential
facility like Our Family Home
is defined as a conditionally
permitted use. In such a case,
the Code may have specific
conditions the end-user must
meet to qualify for a zoning
permit, but in general these
uses must demonstrate that
they will minimize any
negative impact on the
residents surrounding their
proposed location. The most
common conditional uses in
the City are schools and
churches.
Our Family Home contested
the City’s conditional use
process and the specific
conditions applicable to their
proposed Adult Family Home.
Our Family Home contended
that their clients, recognized as
disabled persons under federal
law, were protected under the
federal Fair Housing Act. OFH
argued that imposing special
conditions or even requiring a
conditional use review process
was discriminatory. Our
Family Home also cited to RC
§ 5119.341 under Ohio law
which deemed these residential
uses to be permitted and not
conditionally permitted.
residents through their counsel
to join the discussions even
though they were not a party in
the suit. This gave residents an
opportunity to be heard
without exposing them to a
damages claim. Recognizing
that there was a volume of
developing case law protecting
homes for the disabled, many
of which prohibited a
conditional use process, the
City agreed to allow OFH to
operate in the Montgomery
residence but negotiated safety
conditions as a part of a
Consent Decree. The
negotiated conditions include:
g
Rather than belabor the
process through extended
appeals, the City filed suit
asking the courts to intervene.
OFH responded by filing a
discrimination claim in federal
court and demanding damages
and attorney fees against the
City.
g
g
g
The federal court immediately
ordered everyone to the table
for settlement discussions.
The City invited concerned
g
Limiting the distance
between similar homes
Requiring a safety plan to
be maintained with the
Police and Fire Department
Restricting signage
Requiring any expansion or
reconstruction to comply
with our Zoning and
Building Codes, and
Requiring the home to be
operated and maintained
consistent with our
Residential Property
Maintenance Code.
The Consent Decree also
excluded from the list of
permitted uses rehab centers,
halfway houses, and more
intense residential facilities.
The negotiated settlement
protects the residents within
the home and holds the
applicant to the same
maintenance and construction
standards of any other singlefamily home.
Montgomery is not alone in
still qualifying Adult Family
Homes and other group homes
as conditionally permitted. In
a survey of local jurisdictions,
two-thirds of those who
responded similarly defined
these uses. The cities, like
Montgomery, will need to
update their Zoning Codes to
comply with federal law.
HOW
TO
REACH US
You’re Invited
Newly-elected Council Members
to take oath of office December 4
O
Council, and will replace retiring City
Councilmember Barry Joffe who will
leave office in December.
Mr. Dobrozsi was elected to his second
term as a Montgomery City
Councilmember.
On Wednesday, December 4, Ms. Combs,
Mr. Dobrozsi, Ms. Roesch, and Mr. Suer
will be officially sworn into office in a
ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. The
public is invited to attend this ceremony.
n November 5, Ann Combs, Chris
Dobrozsi, Lynda Roesch and Ken
Suer were elected to four-year terms on
Montgomery City Council.
Ms. Roesch was elected to her fourth
term as a Montgomery City
Councilmember.
Mr. Suer was elected to his fourth term as
a Montgomery City Councilmember.
Ms. Combs was newly elected to City
The City of Montgomery extends its
congratulations to Ms. Combs, Mr.
Dobrozsi, Ms. Roesch, and Mr. Suer on
their election to City Council. The City
also thanks retiring City Councilmember
Barry Joffe for his many years of service
to the community.
City Hall
891-2424
Police Department
(non-emergency)
985-1600
Fire Department
(non-emergency)
985-1633
Public Works
792-8355
Planning/Zoning/
Building
792-8309
Code Enforcement
Action Line
792-8356
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
3
DECEMBER 2013
Is your emergency contact info current?
T
he City of Montgomery has
the capability to instantly
contact residents and businesses
in the event of an emergency.
The program, called CodeRed,
is a secure Internet-based
system that helps Montgomery’s
emergency personnel deliver
Connect
Montgomery
needs your
help during
the holidays
C
onnect Montgomery
organizations are preparing
for several upcoming holiday
and community events. The
Blue Ash Montgomery
Symphony Orchestra is
presenting its annual Kindel
Memorial Holiday Concert on
Sunday, December 1. This
year’s theme is “Christmas
through the Ages—from
Medieval to Baroque on to the
Pops.”
Operation Give Back is
currently collecting donations
for its Holiday Store on
December 13 and 14, where
disadvantaged kids and their
families can select from items
generously donated by others.
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
will conclude its End of Life
Public Forum Series in midJanuary, featuring a panel
discussion with elder law
experts and other caregivers.
For more information on these
and other noteworthy, engaging
community events or volunteer
opportunities with any of the
Connect Montgomery
organizations, visit
connectmontgomery.org. While
visiting the site, subscribe to
receive email notifications for
more local news and special
event information.
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
time-sensitive information,
including notification of:
g
Missing children
g
Boil water alerts
g
Hazardous chemical spills
g
Local criminal activity
g
Homeland security issues
g
Snow emergencies
g
system capable of delivering
customized pre-recorded
emergency messages directly to
homes and businesses — live
individuals and answering
machines — at the rate of up to
60,000 calls per hour.
Events scheduled that
impact traffic, parking or
road closures
CodeRed has mapping
capabilities for geographic
targeting of calls, coupled with
a high speed telephone calling
If you are a Montgomery
resident or business, ensure
your contact information is
correct by completing the form
at montgomeryohio.org/
codered.
For information, call the
Montgomery Police
Department at 985-1600.
THAT’S Making a Difference
C
onnect Montgomery and The City of
Montgomery wish to extend sincere
appreciation to the following groups that
participated in this year’s Connect Montgomery’s
Making a
Difference Day:
Woods Neighbors, New Church of Montgomery,
Operation Give Back, St. Barnabas Episcopal
Church, Sycamore Junior High School students
and staff, Sycamore Senior Center, Twin Lakes of
Montgomery,
Ursuline Academy
Students and Wise
Temple.
American
Heritage Girls
Also, a big thanks
#25, Ascension
goes out to those
Lutheran Church,
organizations that
Blue
welcomed these
Ash/Montgomery
groups into their
Rotary Club, Blue
facilities: Matthew
Ash Montgomery
25 Ministries,
Symphony
Sycamore Senior
Orchestra,
Center, FreeStore
Cincinnati Hills
FoodBank, Crayons
Christian
to Computers,
Academy,
Montgomery Care
Community of the
Center, and
Good Shepherd,
Sycamore
Eagle Serve of
Families came together to celebrate the importance of giving
back to the community during Connect Montgomery’s Making a
Community Schools.
Cincinnati Hills
Difference Day, October 19.
Christian
This year, more than
Academy, Edwin
420 individuals from 28 organizations participated.
H. Greene Intermediate School PTO and Student
Seven collaborative service projects incorporated
Council, Environmental Advisory Commission,
two or more organizations. Volunteers donated
Kindervelt #22, Montgomery Assembly of God,
more than 1,000 service hours to 15 different
Montgomery Chamber of Commerce,
projects.
Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy Class
of 2011, Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership
If your organization would be interested in
Academy Class of 2013, City of Montgomery
participating next year, contact Ray Kingsbury,
Council & staff, Montgomery Farmers’ Market,
Director of Citizen Engagement, at 792-8359 or
Montgomery Food Share, Montgomery Moms,
rkingsbury@ci.montgomery.oh.us
Montgomery Presbyterian Church, Montgomery
4
DECEMBER 2013
Shop, dine & unwind near home this holiday season
M
ontgomery has
more than 150
retail stores,
restaurants,
entertainment
businesses and
instructional/serviceoriented providers that
offer great options to
meet your holiday
needs this season.
Check out the business listing at
montgomeryohio.org for details
on where you can find the
perfect gift for those special
people in your life. Gift
certificates for salon services or
Montgomery Square
Montgomery Road
to learn something new are onesize-fits-all options too!
meet up with old friends to
reflect on the year gone by or to
celebrate the new year to come,
there are many dining options or
Also, if you take the time to
after-hour locations
that can provide for
a social atmosphere
or an intimate
retreat. Details on
locations for each of
these retail
businesses are
mapped out in the
Montgomery
Shopper’s Guide,
available at many local business
locations and at City Hall. There
is also an online version on the
City’s website.
Cooper Road
Photography
studio locates
downtown
K
im Kruer Photography
has opened in the historic
Snider Crain House in
downtown Montgomery at 9466
Montgomery Road. Kim has
many years in the business and
is relocating her studio from
Covington, Kentucky. “I am so
happy to be relocating my
photography studio to
Montgomery. I have always
had “Montgomery Envy,” so I
jumped at the opportunity when
I saw the available space.”
Kim’s passion for photography
started on the football field,
shooting high school sports and
that led her to capturing babies,
children, seniors, families and
weddings. Sessions are
customized to meet the needs of
the clients. “It is my hope to
help you tell your story creating
images you can fondly look
back on over the years to come.
I want to be your family
photographer, covering births to
weddings and everything in
between. Please stop by my
studio sometime. I can’t wait
to meet you.”
The studio is located at 9466
Montgomery Road with hours
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For
information, call 280-2229 or
email kim@kimkruer.com.
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
Buy local: It really matters!
M
ontgomery
offers an
online option
for local
businesses to
provide a
Montgomery Square
Montgomery Road
current listing of
services, hours,
complete a business listing
contact information and more
update form available on the
on the City website under
website.
“Business Listing” as part of
the City’s effort to support the
As a consumer, check the
Montgomery First message of
“Business Listing” at
buying local. If you want to
montgomeryohio.org for local
enhance your listing with
retailers and professional
additional information or if you
services provided conveniently
find a listing is not accurate,
close to your
home. Every
time you buy
local, your
dollars come
back to fuel
Montgomery’s
economy at
$0.73 on the dollar.
Cooper Road
Business listings are updated
semi-annually with new
additions and updated
information. The information
can be a great resource for
options to meet your needs just
around the corner.
Business Notes
Congratulations to Huff Realty on its 15th anniversary in Montgomery. The company has been at its current
location, 10020 Montgomery Road, for one year on January 1.
For the second straight year, Bethesda North Hospital in Montgomery has been named one of the nation’s 50
Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics. This year’s winners are being announced in the
November edition of Modern Healthcare magazine. The Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study
evaluates performance in key areas: risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted complications, core measures (a group
of measures that assess process of care), percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery
use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, and wage- and
severity-adjusted average cost. This is the seventh time Bethesda North Hospital has been recognized with this
honor.
5
DECEMBER 2013
Citizen Spotlight
Magazines define them as “Strong Pillars”
Regularly, the City of Montgomery
recognizes a citizen who truly
exemplifies excellent service to his or
her community. Montgomery is
fortunate to have such a wonderful
community in which to live and do
business, thanks largely to the many
citizens who contribute to the City,
churches, schools, neighborhoods, civic
and service organizations.
B
en Beshear and Jason
Groppe are much more than
just Montgomery residents.
According to Venue and LEAD
Magazines, they are “strong
pillars” of their community. In
September, Ben and Jason were
recipients of the Great Leaders
Under 40 Award from both
publications, along with 38
other recipients dedicated to
improving local communities.
Both magazines are owned and
published by
honored to receive
Venue Media.
the peerLEAD Magazine
nominated award.
is a publication for
According to a
business
managing partner
executives while
at his office, Jason
Venue Magazine is
“is an excellent
a Greater
representative of
Cincinnati
our firm in
lifestyle magazine
building civic
that inspires the
relationships with
human spirit to
the communities
help increase the
we serve and
quality of its
making a positive
Jason Groppe
Ben Beshear
readers’ lives and
impact on the
champion the
lives of others.”
in civic involvement, and be
value of volunteerism in area
seen as strong pillars in our
communities. The magazine
“People that I am coaching and
community leaving a
calls for nominees for the
mentoring are out creating
significant impact.”
award to “demonstrate
better lives for those in the
outstanding business leadership
community and that is
Ben and Jason said they were
in his/her position, participate
something I feel really good
about,” said Ben.
Next Food Share
pick-up is December 7
V
olunteers with Montgomery Food Share will
collect food donations on Saturday, December
7, starting at 10:00 a.m. Non-perishable food items
can be left in bags on front porches for collection or
can be dropped off at Computer Xpress, 10014
Montgomery Road, starting at 11:00 a.m.
Rumpke Biggs recently donated 30 cardboard bins
which will be used to collect and store donations on
December 7 in the Montgomery Food Share
collection effort.
Volunteers in the Governor’s Watch neighborhood
(off of Remington Road) are encouraging their
neighbors to sign-up for the Montgomery Food
Share program. Currently volunteers in the
Forestglen neighborhood are recruiting donors
through NextDoor, a social media site for
neighborhoods, and other neighborhood functions.
Residents interested in participating in the
Forestglen or Governor’s Watch neighborhood
efforts, or who would like to organize a street or
neighborhood, should contact Food Share
Coordinator Wendy New at foodshare@cinci.rr.com
or Faith Lynch, with the City of Montgomery, at
flynch@ci.montgomery.oh.us or 792-8358.
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
6
Both men’s board and civic
involvement over the years is
extensive. Ben’s involvement
includes Sustainable Medical
Missions, Beta Theta Pi, House
Company, Bill Fletcher Mutual
Managing Directors
Association, Society of
Financial Service
Professionals, Crossroads
Church, and Whiz Kids. Jason
has been involved in the
Cincinnati Bar Association’s
Mentoring Committee and
Community Service
Committee. He has also been
involved in the Cincinnati Bar
Foundation’s Grants
Committee, Cincinnati Youth
Collaborative Advisory
Committee, as well as the
Sycamore Athletic Club,
Greater Sycamore Soccer
Association, Tender Mercies,
Matthew 25 Ministries and
Oyler Elementary School.
The community benefits greatly when
residents have a positive impact on
those around them. If you know of
someone in Montgomery who has
actively engaged in giving back to the
community, contact DeAnna Gross at
dgross@ci.montgomery.oh.us or 7928329 so that their story can help build
the connections that make
Montgomery a great place to live,
work and play.
DECEMBER 2013
NEEDED: Your talents and passion
Beautification Awards, Arbor
Day Celebrations, Tree City
USA recognition, Plant Swaps,
Downtown Holiday Decorating
and hanging basket planting and
tree workshops. Meetings are
held the first Monday of each
month at 9:00 a.m. One
Commission position is
currently open.
T
he City is
looking for
individuals to
make the
commitment to
be more
involved in the
leadership of
their
community.
One of the
following City
Commissions
might be the
place to do so.
The initial step in getting
involved is to attend an
upcoming meeting of the
commission you are interested
in to learn more about their
project work and to meet the
current members. The following
commissions have openings and
are in need of members to
complete their volunteer teams:
Arts Commission
Members foster and promote
the visual and performing arts
within our City. Programs and
events include the Photo
Contest, Live at the Uni Concert
Series, and July 3 Patriotic
Concert. Meetings are
scheduled for the first
Monday of each month at 5:00
pm. One Commission position
will be open 3/1/2014.
Environmental Advisory
Commission
Members provide education and
information to the public and
are a resource for the City on
yard waste, recycling, storm
water management, water
resources management, air
pollution control, noise
pollution control, soil and
landscape protection, and
protection of flora and fauna.
Commission members assist
with the Recycling Drop-off
Project, Recycling Sculpture
Contest and educational
programs. Meetings are held
the second Tuesday of each
Beautification and Tree
Commission
The Beautification and Tree
Commission annually develops
and updates a plan for the care
of trees, shrubs and flowers in
all public areas. It advises the
Administration and the City
Council on the prudent and
productive use of financial
resources for the purposes
within its charge. The
Commission proposes
programs, submits an annual
budget, supervises such
undertakings as are authorized
by City Council and reports its
progress annually on projects
and activities within its
responsibility. Commission
activities include Beautification
Week flower planting,
Sister Cities Commission
The Commission works towards
“bringing the world together
one friendship at a time.” The
Commission is responsible for
overseeing activities associated
with the City’s Sister City,
Neuilly-Plaisance, France as
well as a variety of annual
activities including the Bastille
Day Celebration and the
International Reception.
Meetings are held the third
Tuesday of each month at 7:00
p.m. One Commission position
will be open as of 3/1/2014.
For further information
and/or to apply for one of the
above positions, contact
DeAnna Gross at 792-8329 or
dgross@ci.montgomery.oh.us.
December/Janaury
Volunteer
Opportunities
g
Holiday in the Village (Adults/Teens)
Saturday, December 7 • 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Universalist Church
Help Mrs. Claus with holiday crafts.
Hats Off…
g
. . . to all of our Pumpkin Walk Volunteers who came in
friendly costumes to help insure that all of the attendees had an
engaging and treat-filled time by greeting guests and passing
out treats. Thank you to all of these volunteers for helping to
make Pumpkin Walk a most enjoyable afternoon event in
Pioneer Park.
Breakfast with Santa (Adults/Teens)
Saturday, December 14 • 8:00 - 11:00 am
Terwilliger Lodge (10530 Deerfield Road)
Help with event set-up and take-down, cashier and clean-up.
g
Holiday Decoration Takedown (Adults)
Wednesday, January 8 • 10:00 am
Rain Date: Thursday, January 9 • 10:00 am
Meet at the Universalist Church (corner of Montgomery and Remington Roads)
Help to take down the holiday decorations
g
Thanks, too, to the myriad of Montgomery Woman’s Club
members, Beautification and Tree Commissioners, individual
volunteers and Public Works staff members for all of their work
on the Holiday Decorating Project. This group of dedicated
volunteers first prepared the many garlands, wreaths and red
bows at a “fluffing” workshop. They then spent a morning
hanging the greenery and bows, turning downtown
Montgomery festive for the holiday season. A great big Winter
Cap Off to the Holiday Decorating Volunteers!
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
month at 4:30 p.m. One
Commission position will be
open 2/1/2014.
Office Support at City Hall (Adults)
Flexible Scheduling/As Needed
Need a people person with great customer service skills, phone and
computer experience to support the staff on an as needed basis
g
Monthly Recycling Drop-Off Project (Adults, Teens & Families)
Saturday, December 21/January 18 • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Public Works Building (7315 Cornell Road)
Assist the staff by removing recyclables from vehicles
For more specific information about any of these short term projects,
contact DeAnna Gross at 792-8329 or dgross@ci.montgomery.oh.us.
7
DECEMBER 2013
New app brings Montgomery history to life
C
ity staff has completed the
last recording for the
Historic Landmark phone app
project that uses modern
technology to teach citizens
about the history and
architecture of the City’s 31
locally designated heritage sites.
Developed in partnership with
the Landmarks Commission and
Montgomery Historic
Preservation Association
Web tips
and tricks
Tax records
available online
Did you ever wonder how to
check on the biggest asset
you own — your property?
Property tax bills will be
issued by Hamilton County
soon, and by logging on to
the Hamilton County
Auditor’s website at
hamiltoncounty
auditor.org, you can
research a variety of subjects
pertaining to your property.
You can search either by
owner or by street address.
Once there, you can check
on payment history, the value
history of your property, see
an image of your house, or
check for sample sales in
your neighborhood. On the
summary page, down at the
bottom right, click on “Taxes
Paid” to see a total
breakdown of where your
property taxes are spent,
including all levies, and the
percentage paid to the
school district and to the City.
There is a comment section
and on-line help.
(MHPA), staff has created this
tool to allow individuals to
conduct their own tour via their
smart phone. The app utilizes a
map locating each landmark,
plus a picture and short written
description of each site. A
special feature is a two minute
audio recording read by
volunteers which describes the
building and its history. Twenty
different individuals, including
four Montgomery mayors, eight
landmark owners, plus MHPA
and Landmark Commission
members donated their time and
voices to the project.
The app is available on iTunes
and Google Play. Links can be
Whether taking a walking tour,
a drive through the community,
or take the tour while sitting in
a favorite chair, the new app
will provide a sampling of
Montgomery living, both past
and present.
Task for a day: Lessons for life
T
he Montgomery
Fire Department
recognized the winners
of this year’s Fire
Prevention Week Poster
Contest held at
Montgomery
Elementary as part of an
entire week of safety
tips and training during
national Fire Prevention
Week. The winners of
this year’s contest were
second-grader Isha
Matta (left), first-grader
Emily Balent (right) and
Kindergartener Matthew
Goedde (not pictured).
The Poster Contest
enables children to get
creative in expressing the fire
safety lessons learned
throughout the week, with the
chance to win lunch at the
firehouse. The pictures are
drawn and colored on a single 8
x 11-inch sheet of paper with
the only requirement that the art
has a fire safety theme or
message.
A prize is awarded to the best
Emily Balent’s Poster
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
found at http://www.montgomery
ohio.org/about/ mobile-apps/.
Isha Matta’s Poster
8
entry from each participating
class. A grand prize winner
from each grade is invited to
have lunch with the firefighters
at the Fire House on a Saturday
afternoon.
Matthew Goedde’s Poster
DECEMBER 2013
Photo competition enters 27th year
ponsored by the
Montgomery Arts
Commission and the City of
Montgomery, the Montgomery
Photo Competition was initiated
in 1988 to recognize
photographic excellence within
the Greater Cincinnati area. All
photographers, from beginners
to serious amateurs, are invited
to enter.
younger) and up to 10 winners
are selected in the Adult
category.
The contest seeks photographs
that display technical brilliance,
originality, and a unique point
of view. Up to 20 cash prizes of
$100 will be awarded, with
entries judged by professional
photographers. Up to 10
winners are selected in the
Student category (currently
attending High School or
A reception will be held from
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the
Universalist Church, corner of
Montgomery & Remington
Roads, on Sunday, March 9. An
awards presentation will begin
at 2:00 p.m.
S
Entries should be dropped off
at Montgomery City Hall
between February 17 to March
3. Entries will be accepted from
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Entry
forms will be posted soon at
montgomeryohio.org.
For information, call 891-2424
or visit montgomeryohio.org.
Ornament collection hits
halfway point with 14th issue
E
ach year, since 1997, Barker
Ornaments of Oxford, Ohio,
has been
commissioned
to make an
ornament of a
Montgomery
Landmark
building.
Sales of the
ornaments
fund
restoration of
City-owned
Landmarks.
“We are
fortunate to
have 32
Landmarks in Montgomery and
it is our hope we will have 32
ornaments when the project is
complete,” said Ornament
Project
Coordinator
Kaye
Gaffney.
“We
consider
these
ornaments
‘collector
items’ and
hope the
community
will enjoy
them for
many years
to come.”
“Bubble Boy” by Ronald Wilson was the winner of last years competition in
the Adult category.
Did you know...
The building that houses
Little Lords and Ladies
Boutique at 7816 Cooper
Road used to be
Montgomery’s Village Hall?
This small building was built
in 1925 using money
collected from fees during
Prohibition days. The 600
square foot building served
as Village Hall and the
Village Jail for 44 years
before the current City Hall
was built in the 1960s on
land donated by the
developer of the
Montgomery Heights
Subdivision and Montgomery Square Shopping Center. A close
look at the windows of the building at 7816 Cooper Road reveal
the bars from the old jail cell!
Landmark ornaments are
available for purchase for $7
each or 2 for $12. A complete
set of the ornaments costs $103.
Ornaments can be purchased at
Montgomery City Hall
throughout the year. Kaye
Gaffney can be reached at 7919025.
2013 Ornament: Cameron-Feinthel
House c. 1891, is a recently
restored residence on Cooper Road.
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
9
DECEMBER 2013
Jerry Beitman retires with 30 years service
his time in D.A.R.E., Lt.
Beitman developed the City’s
Safety Village traffic safety
program for Kindergarten and
first grade children.
A
ssistant Chief of Police,
Lieutenant Jerry Beitman,
plans to retire on December 31
with more than 30 years of
dedicated service to the
community. Lieutenant
Beitman has been a member of
the Montgomery Police
Department since April 1983.
He served as a patrol officer for
approximately eight years
before accepting an assignment
to teach the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education
(D.A.R.E.) Program in the
Sycamore Community Schools.
Lieutenant Beitman taught
D.A.R.E for approximately six
In 1997, he was promoted to
Sergeant. In 2001, he attained
his current rank of
Lieutenant/Assistant Chief of
Police.
Lt. Beitman is a member of the
Hamilton County Police
Association and a community
board member of the Northeast
Community Challenge
Coalition. He grew up in the
Blue Ash/Montgomery area
Jerry Beitman
years while also continuing to
work as a patrol officer. During
and graduated from
Archbishop Moeller High
School.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree
in Criminal Justice from The
Union Institute and is a
graduate of the Police
Executive Leadership College.
Lieutenant Beitman has
received numerous awards and
commendations during his
career.
A retirement Open House for
Lieutenant Beitman will be
held on Friday, December 27,
from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the
Montgomery Safety Center.
How to have a Green(er) holiday season:
Use reusable shopping bags.
This will reduce the number of
plastic bags that get trashed and
minimize the amount of
petroleum used to make them. If
you receive plastic bags,
remember to recycle the clean
ones at your local grocery store.
Send your holiday greetings in
electronic form. E-cards can be
enhanced with sound and
animation and they create no
physical waste.
local UPS Stores. (Call before
delivering.)
Recharge. Rechargeable
batteries and a battery charger
are a great way to cut down on
the consumption of batteries.
Recycle trees and wreaths.
Use trees and wreaths that can
be stored and reused over and
over. For natural materials, be
sure to recycle by participating
in curbside greenery pick-ups.
Giftwrap responsibly. Avoid
wrapping gifts in materials that
are not recyclable or reusable,
such as foil or metallic papers.
Always buy recycled-content
wrapping paper.
Green Gift Giving
Use recycled-content cards and
envelopes. Or make your own
cards or gift tags out of last
year’s cards and the wrapping
paper that was saved.
Give a gift certificate. Whether
its for a favorite restaurant or a
clothing store, it’s always the
right fit and color.
Opt out. Remove your name
from the mailing list of any
catalog you no longer wish to
receive. Eliminate unwanted
credit offers by calling 1-8885OptOut (1-888-567-8688) or
visiting optoutprescreen.com.
Ship wisely. Reuse the foam
peanuts from another package,
or use unbuttered popcorn for
packing. Return unwanted
Styrofoam packing peanuts to
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
Not sure what to get someone
this holiday season? There are a
number of thoughtful ideas that
can have minimal impact on the
environment:
before its more durable
equivalent.
year; no need to rip away the
wrapping paper!
A real Green Gift. Look for
items made with recycled
content.
Save bows and wrapping paper
for next year.
Green Gift Wrapping
Creative wrapping paper
substitutes include used
blueprint paper, the Sunday
comics, or even the sports
section for a sports enthusiast.
Design your own wrapping
paper using paper shopping
bags: decorate them with paints,
crayons, or markers.
Replace tissue paper with old
lace or strips of paper shopping
bags or used gift wrap.
Make gifts. Everyone
appreciates a home-cooked meal
or baked goodies.
Consider non-material gifts.
Tickets to a sporting event,
movie, play, or concert are a real
treat! Or make a charitable
donation in someone’s name.
Think durable! Consider how
long an item will last before you
make a purchase. Often, a
cheaper item will wear out long
Make gift boxes by wrapping
tops and bottoms separately.
Then reuse the boxes year after
10
Buy recycled-content gift wrap
and greeting cards.
Hang earrings, bracelets, or
necklaces right on the Christmas
tree, or put them inside or
around an open ornament.
Creatively “wrap” gifts. Place a
gift for a handyperson in a tool
box, a sewing enthusiast’s gift
can be placed in a fabric remnant
and tied with a ribbon, a chef’s
present can be in a colorful dish
towel or oven mitt, or use a
colorful tablecloth to wrap
dishes or dining room gifts.
Place a gift for a gardener in a
bucket or planter.
DECEMBER 2013
Recreation Programs
HIGHLIGHTS
OF
OFFERINGS
FROM
MONTGOMERY RECREATION
Register for these and other programs online at montgomeryohio.org or at City Hall, 10101 Montgomery Road
Improv Show returns
Be Fit... Feel Great
All Ages • Friday, January 10 • 7:00 pm
The
Montgomery
Arts
Commission
has announced
that the Improv
Aves group
from Sycamore
High School
will return to
Universalist
Church on Friday, January 10.
The show will feature
approximately 15 student actors
experienced in the art of
improvisation. It will be
performed in a spontaneous
manner (similar to the show
“Whose Line Is It Anyway”) and
will use suggestions from the
audience. Since this is a school
20/20/20 Cardio/
Strength/Stretch
approved,
school
sponsored
group, the
performance
will be
appropriate
for all ages.
Tuesdays & Thursdays • January 14
- March 6 (16 classes) • 9:00 - 10:00
am • Annex Building
(Register online or at City Hall by January 7)
Designed to meet the needs of
Baby Boomers, this class offers
light cardiovascular exercises,
light strength training, and light
stretching for 20 minutes each.
The instructor has experience
teaching people over 50 and will
teach to your fitness level,
taking into account common
physical concerns and the value
of gaining and maintaining
muscle strength. Some
equipment provided. Min
12/Max 25. Cost $65
resident/$70 non-resident.
The show
begins at
7:00 p.m. and will last
approximately an hour and
fifteen minutes with no
intermission. The Improv Show
is free and open to the public,
however reservations are
required since seating in the
church is limited. Call
Montgomery City Hall at 8912424, or visit
montgomeryohio.org.
*any make up classes that could possibly occur will be
made up on Saturday mornings.
Pilates
What are your thoughts?
Tuesdays & Thursdays • January 14
- March 6 (16 classes) • 6:00 - 7:00 pm
• Annex Building
Arts Commission seeks
your input via online survey
(Register online or at City Hall by January 7)
This innovative Pilates class is
geared towards using core body
muscles (abdominal, obliques,
back and glutes) to get effective
results in your midsection. This
workout gets results in all the
problem places by working on
lengthening of the spine, proper
alignment and posture, and a
strong center to give you a
slimmer profile. Classes taught
by a Tri-Health certified
instructor. Some equipment
provided. Min 12/Max 25. Cost
$65 resident/$70 non-resident.
As part of its strategic planning for 2014, the Arts Commission
will survey members of the community to gather ideas about the
quality of cultural arts offerings in Montgomery, how they can
be improved, and how to get others involved.
A short survey will be available online between Thanksgiving
and New Year’s Eve. Participants will be entered into a drawing
to win a $100 Montgomery Inn gift certificate and a 20-visit pass
to the Montgomery Community Pool!
Visit montgomeryohio.org and go to “Things To Do” > “Arts
Events.” The survey should take only about 10 minutes or less
to complete.
*any make up classes that could possibly occur will be
made up on Saturday mornings.
The Arts Commission sponsors or supports such events as
the Live at the Uni music series, photo contest, Improv at the
Uni, and the BAMSO July 3rd concert.
Tai Chi
Tuesdays • January 14 - March 4 (8
classes) • 10:30- 11:30 am • Annex
For more information, call Julie Machon, Arts Commission staff
liaison, at City Hall at 891-2424.
Building
(Register online or at City Hall by January 7)
Often called a “moving
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
11
meditation” Tai Chi has its roots
in martial arts. The movements
are practiced slowly and
smoothly with attention to
proper posture and breathing.
Tai Chi is easy to learn,
effective and safe, it increases
flexibility, muscle strength, and
heart/lung activity, aligns
posture, improves balance, and
integrates the mind and body.
Studies show a 70% reduction
in reoccurring falls, 35%
reduction in arthritis pain and an
increase in performance of
activities of daily living.
Regular Tai Chi practice lowers
high blood pressure, improves
the immune system, reduces
stress and increases strength and
balance. Time Magazine called
Tai Chi “the perfect exercise” —
especially for the older adult.
Classes taught by Master Tai
Chi Trainer Ralph Dehner, a
Certified Tai Chi Instructor,
Certified Occupational Therapy
Assistant and one of only 17
Master/Trainers in Dr. Paul
Lam’s Tai Chi for Health
programs in the U.S. Min
12/Max 25. Cost $80
resident/$90 non-resident.
Taekwondo
Korean Karate
Mondays & Wednesdays
6:45 - 7:45 pm • Annex Building
All Ages (Register at class or at City Hall)
Emphasis is placed on self
defense, kicking, stretching and
promotion to the next belt. This
is a year-round course for all
ages interested in Taekwondo
Korean Karate. Try something
new to get in shape! Instructor
“Master Tom Kappas” has a 5th
degree black belt and works
with each individual to advance
skills at a pace that is
challenging and comfortable.
Cost $35/month ($40 nonresident)
DECEMBER 2013
PRESORTED
STANDARD MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CINCINNATI, OHIO
PERMIT #2417
10101 Montgomery Road
Montgomery, Ohio 45242
Mayor
Ken Suer
Vice Mayor
Todd Steinbrink
Council Members
Chris Dobrozsi
Gerri Harbison
Barry Joffe
Craig Margolis
Lynda Roesch
Clerk of Council
Susan Hamm
City Manager
Wayne Davis
Yard waste ends,
but holiday
greenery to be
picked up
A
fter November 29,
yard waste collection
will end until March 3.
The only exception will
involve the disposal of
Christmas trees, wreaths
and swags, which can be
placed at the curb on the
first three Saturdays in
January. Yard waste
stickers will NOT be
needed.
To have a Christmas tree,
wreath or swag collected,
simply place it at the curb
for Rumpke to collect on
one of the following three
Saturdays:
Saturday, January 4
Saturday, January 11
Saturday, January 18
Each item must be
completely free of all
plastic, flocking, tinsel
and decorations.
MONTGOMERY BULLETIN
School’s Out
Enrichment Day
Mobile Application
Development!
Ages 8-13
Monday, February 17
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Terwilliger Lodge, Dulle Park
Taught by iDaP academy
Min 12 needed by February 10/Max 24
C
hoose an app from the
iDaP academy
template menu to modify
and play on your mobile
device!
Schedule:
9:00 am: Intro to interactive
design process
9:30 am: Introduction to
Game Salad development
software
10:00 am: Photoshop basics
11:00 am: Introduce App
Template Menu: Choose one
app from template library to
modify and make it your own
using Game Salad
development software.
12:00 pm: Lunch break
(pizza lunch included)
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
A N D E V ENTS
DECEMBER • DECEMBER • DECEMBER
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Scan for events listing
BAMSO Holiday Concert
Montgomery Assembly of God 7:00 pm
Planning Commission
City Hall
7:30 pm
7:00 pm
City Hall
Council Business Session
Holiday in the Village
downtown Montgomery
5:00 - 7:30 pm
Beautification & Tree Commission
Public Works
9:00 am
Environmental Advisory Commission
City Hall
4:30 pm
Landmarks Commission
City Hall
7:00 pm
6:30 pm
Public Works
Parks and Recreation Commission
Breakfast with Santa
Terwilliger Lodge
8:30 - 10:30 am
Planning Commission
City Hall
7:30 pm
Council Work Session
City Hall
7:00 pm
7315 Cornell Road
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cardboard Recycling
Sycamore Schools Winter Break Begins
Board of Zoning Appeals
City Hall
7:00 pm
Christmas Eve/City Offices Closed (trash pickup as usual)
Christmas Day /City Offices Closed (trash pickup delayed by one day)
12:30 pm: Modify APP
templates to create your own
application/game
3:00 pm: Compile and
12
publish application/game
5:00 pm: Games saved to
iDaP academy flash drives
that each participants takes
with them
Cost $90. Visit
montgomeryohio.org to
register or for info.
DECEMBER 2013