| Middletown City Managers Weekly Update to Council June28, 2009 |
| Thursday, July 2, 2009 10:44:18 AM - Middletown Ohio |
Downtown Bike Patrol
The Police Division has initiated a downtown bike patrol in an effort to curb crime and prostitution. Their efforts are already paying off!
Chamber Supports City Clean-up effort
We received a letter of support (attached) from the Chamber of Commerce on our clean-up initiative of blighted and abandoned buildings. We will include their letter along with our citation letter in our mailings to the property owners. We requested this support of the Chamber and greatly appreciate the fact that the members feel that this is a priority for the community.
Budget Reductions
Staff has made adjustments to their 2009 departmental budgets. Further, we are meeting regularly to plan for the 2010 budget and beyond. We will have a loose plan ready to serve as a basis for discussion for the Finance Committee meeting in mid-July. It is anticipated that most activities will be cut by at least another 5% with some more drastic reductions. Even though these are not happy discussions the department heads have done a great job of working together.
We will do everything we can to get information out regarding substantial changes to the budget. Obviously, we want employees to have all of the information, and don’t intend to have employees operating in an environment in which they are constantly concerned about their jobs.
State Proposes Budget Cut for Libraries
Governor Strickland is proposing severe cuts to library budgets. Library director Doug Bean urges library customers to contact legislators now to “tell your legislators what your library means to you.” Due to the urgency of this situation, emails and phone calls will help make the greatest impact. Visit the Library Web site at: www.middletownlibrary.org for legislator contact information.
K-Mart Closing
Unfortunately, Kmart will be closing their store in Middletown in November. We have already been in contact with the appropriate parties and will visit with the remaining shops in the center to ensure their continued viability in the retail center. As unfortunate as store closings are, this is a good opportunity to examine reuse of an underutilized retail space. Kmart provides about $14,000 per year in income tax revenues.
Independence Day Holiday Events
July 4th, Parade, 10 a.m., See below. Council Members are encouraged to participate
July 5th, Re-dedication of the Veterans Memorial, 1:00 p.m., Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum.
Upcoming Events
June 30 Conversation with Council (Chart Review Committee Report), 6 – 8:00 p.m., Manchester Inn Little Miami Ballroom
July 1 Airport Commission Meeting, 5:00 p.m., Conference Room 4A
July 1 Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers
July 1 Broad Street Bash, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., Central & Broad (The Menus)
July 2 Chamber of Commerce Monthly business luncheon, Senior Citizens Center – Central Avenue, 11:45 a.m.
July 3 Farmers Market, Central & Broad St., 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
July 3 City Building Closed
July 4 Independence Day Parade, (parade lineup is on Verity Parkway between Lafayette and 14th Avenues – enter via Lafayette Avenue) 10:00 a.m.
July 6 Park Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Conference Room 2C (Cancelled)
July 7 City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers
July 8 City Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers
July 10 Farmers Market, Central & Broad St., 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
July 15 Broad Street Bash, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., Central & Broad (Stagger Lee)
July 17 – 19 MidFirst Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival, Smith Park
Friday 4-10:00 p.m. Saturday morning 7-11:00 a.m. - free admission Saturday 4-10:00 p.m.
Sunday morning 7-11:00 a.m. - free admission
Links for additional information:
City Manager’s Weekly Update: www.cityofmiddletown.org
Middletown Community Calendar: http://www.calendarwiz.com/middletowncalendar
Pothole Patrol: www.cityofmiddletown.org or call 727-3691 (Option 2)
Have a great week! Judy
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