Weekly Update to City Council
from the City Manager

January 31, 2010 Annual Council Retreat

I am really pleased with the outcome of our annual retreat this past Saturday. We worked hard and came up with some great priorities for our 2010 AGENDA. Thank you to Council and staff alike.

Deepest Sympathy to Perry Thatcher’s Family and Friends

We are all saddened to have lost Perry Thatcher this past week and send condolences to Lisa Rupp, his fiance, and to his daughters and their families.

Gambling Sting

On Wednesday January 27th, our Police Division Special Operations Unit working in conjunction with the Ohio Investigative Unit, served search warrants at 11 Middletown liquor establishments. As a result of these search warrants, 25 gambling machines and approximately 1.3 million dollars were seized. The investigation is continuing, but we hope to receive a good portion of the proceeds from the sting, though it could take a couple of years to work through the system.

Dog Licenses

A reminder that dog licenses are available for purchase through our Humane Officer, Liz Lucas. She can be reached through the dispatcher @ 425.7700. Cost $14.75 for new dogs. $28.75 for tags not purchased before the January 31, 2010 deadline for 2010 Dog License.

Info needed for license:

Breed of Dog
Long or short coat
Color of Coat
Age of Dog
Male or Female
Spayed or Neutered

Chief Botts Elected President of Butler Co. Chief’s Assn.

The Butler County Fire Chiefs Association (BCFCA) elects members to two year terms to serve in executive positions of their organization. Recently such elections were held and Middletown Fire Chief Steve Botts was selected for the position of President. This is an honor and an opportunity to contribute to various causes on multiple levels, resulting in progress for all. Congratulations Chief Botts!

Gypsy Moth Eradication

The Health Department has been informed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture of an aerial spraying for gypsy moths that are attacking the forested area south of Oxford State Rd. around State Rt. 4. north of Niederlander. The spraying will occur on two occasions 5 to 7 days apart during mid-May. They will be using a biological insecticide called Foray 48B which contains the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, kurstaki. When ingested by the larval stage of the moth the bacteria form toxins in the stomach causing the caterpillar to stop eating resulting in its death.It can cause moderate eye irritation in humans.

There will be an open house to answer questions and provide information to the public on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at the Monroe Fire Department, 6262 Hamilton –Middletown Rd., Monroe, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please attend this open house if you have any questions or concerns. If you would like a copy of a map showing the area to be sprayed, please contact the Health Department at 425-1818.

H1N1 Update

Vaccinations are available to businesses and organizations at no cost. To arrange a clinic or if you have any questions please contact the Health Department at 513.425.1818.

Upcoming Events

February 1 Park Board Meeting - 2nd Floor Room 2C City Building 5:30 p.m.

February 2 City Council meeting –Council Chambers 5:30 p.m.

February 3 Airport Commission meeting - @ FBO Hangar (B&B Aero) 2nd Floor conference room 5:00 p.m.

February 4 Monthly Chamber luncheon – Middletown Area Senior Citizens 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

February 9 Board of Health meeting – 2nd Floor Room 2C - City Building 7:30 a.m.

February 10 Planning Commission meeting – Council Chambers - City Building 6:30 p.m.

February 15 Presidents’ Day – City Building Closed

February 16 Middletown Public Housing Agency meeting –Council Chambers 5:30 p.m.

February 16 City Council meeting –Council Chambers 6:30 p.m.

Links for additional information:

City Manager’s Weekly Update: www.cityofmiddletown.org
Middletown Community Calendar: http://www.calendarwiz.com/middletowncalendar (copy and paste in your web browser)
Pothole Patrol: www.cityofmiddletown.org or call 727-3691 (Option 2)

Have a great week!

Judy