Middletown Forum : Question on City Committees http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Middletown Forum : City Council : Question on City Committees Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:42:47 +0000 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:59:27 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 10.12 360 www.middletownusa.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=509 Middletown Forum http://middletownusa.com/images/blog-logo.jpg http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ Question on City Committees : John- you mentioned that employees... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1871&title=question-on-city-committees#1871 Author: VietVet
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 13 2008 at 2:59pm

John- you mentioned that employees want lower income tax rates. True. You also mentioned that employers want lower property taxes. So do employees. "Property taxes have risen dramatically" and income taxes are above Monroe's" but it is still competitive AS LONG AS TAXES STAY LOW". John- that's the problem. The income taxes are 1.75%, heading to 2.% (from a long time 1.5% rate.) The property taxes in Middletown, are some of Butler County's highest around. I think one of the many things that is hurting this town is the high taxes paid by the citizens versus the amount of return in services, school performance and non-progressive growth the town offers. People simply don't think they're getting any value for the taxes that they are forced to pay. We keep paying like it's Springboro, but we keep getting a payback like it's -- well- Middletown. "Committees are the answer"- Well--- I believe, based on the statements above, that the committees have a lot of work to do before they can be taken seriously. They're off to a bad start when they can't even follow their own rules as to selection criteria, aren't they? Middletown is "BECOMING pro-business". What caused the "anti business" climate that there is now a need to become"pro-business"? How did we develop a mindset to not welcome more business? Businesses should be heard, not just the residents. John, some residents are not heard either. Depends on who you are in this town.]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:59:27 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1871&title=question-on-city-committees#1871 Question on City Committees : Vet, No problem! I just wanted... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1869&title=question-on-city-committees#1869 Author: Mike_Presta
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 13 2008 at 2:03pm

Vet, No problem! 
 
I just wanted to be sure that everyone else had it crystal clear.  We are among new folks here!
I consider you a friend.  If I had a problem I would've picked up the phone, (and I hope that you feel likewise.)
]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:03:17 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1869&title=question-on-city-committees#1869 Question on City Committees : To my knowledge Monroe only has... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1868&title=question-on-city-committees#1868 Author: John Beagle
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 13 2008 at 1:17pm

To my knowledge Monroe only has residents on its committees. Most people do not work in Monroe who sit on the councils, boards and committees.

People who operate their businesses should be heard too. Not just the residents.

Property taxes have risen dramatically and income taxes also are above that of Monroe and other areas. However, it is still competitive to operate in Middletown. As long as taxes stay low.

I think our City Manager understands that increasing tax rates can actually lower tax revenues. How much would revenues rise if Middletown was competitive with Monroe on a tax rate basis?

Employees want lower city income tax rates (Middletown is .25% higher than Monroe)
Employers want lower property tax

Middletown is becoming pro-Business. Next push is to reduce the size of government. Also utilize services of the county and other organizations to administer social programs.

Committees are the answer. Get involved. Join something to help Middletown.
]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:17:12 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1868&title=question-on-city-committees#1868 Question on City Committees : Which brings us to the next nitpicky... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1867&title=question-on-city-committees#1867 Author: VietVet
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 13 2008 at 1:11pm

Which brings us to the next nitpicky question. Where in the rules/laws, does it say that an advisor's position is allowed OR, is this another little twist that the city leaders have inserted into the mix for their amusement as they make up said rules? The advisor position was discussed by was it established in the rules? It appears to me that this was a one time thing suggested by some "legal" person with no regard for proper procedures, or, ironically, legality in mind. Just make up the rules for a given situation, as they go along, I guess.]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:11:05 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1867&title=question-on-city-committees#1867 Question on City Committees : wow--obviously these message boards... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1865&title=question-on-city-committees#1865 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 13 2008 at 12:18pm

wow--obviously these message boards ARE read by many and quickly.
I have already recieved an email response clarifying my prior post about the Springboro resident being approved for city board membership.
 
Seems said legal opinion only involved said individual being approved as an ADVISOR to the city board. An advisory position was discussed along with board membership(an advisor to the advisory board was the "in-house" humor at the time).
 
The Springboro gentleman seemed to be a fine individual, willing to serve in a potentially needed capacity, and in no way am I playing down his character and ability.
 
My focus was strictly the consistent inconsistency within Council/admin on the residency issue regarding city board membership. I have experienced this first hand, and when I requested input from our then mayor, I was completely blown off.
 
]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:18:06 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1865&title=question-on-city-committees#1865 Question on City Committees : Mike- Didn't mean to ruffle... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1862&title=question-on-city-committees#1862 Author: VietVet
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 13 2008 at 9:41am

Mike- Didn't mean to ruffle your feathers on the "Mike's information thing". I thought everyone realized that what you offered was the law. Didn't think it required clarification between "Mike's information" and the law. My apologies.]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:41:01 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1862&title=question-on-city-committees#1862 Question on City Committees : Mike--we all know that these pesky... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1860&title=question-on-city-committees#1860 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 13 2008 at 8:57am

Mike--we all know that these pesky regulations are like taxes(only for the ltlle people), and are flaunted at whim, depending on whether Council/admin wants you "in or out".
 
Maybe our new city manager could issue a directive beginning with the new year(2009) appointments/renewals where all recognized city boards would only consist of documented residents, with moving out of the city limits requiring mandatory and immediate removal.
 
As pacman stated, why would anyone not residing in the city WANT to serve on such boards?
]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:57:02 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1860&title=question-on-city-committees#1860 Question on City Committees : What I supplied was NOT "Mike's... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1857&title=question-on-city-committees#1857 Author: Mike_Presta
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 9:16pm

What I supplied was NOT "Mike's information" nor was it my "opinion" nor was it anything else besides the LAW!!
 
You can access it for yourself at the City of Middletown's very own  web site at: http://middletownusa.com/forum/new_reply_form.asp?TID=509&PN=1&TR=9 
 
The entire Chapter 260 is on page 97 of the Codified ordinances.  (This will be page 121 of 1409 of the pdf document you will be opening.)
 
Here it is, copied and pasted EXACTLY for those of you who may not have the time (or the bandwidth) to download it:

TITLE EIGHT: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

CHAPTER 260: BOARD AND COMMISSIONS GENERALLY

Section

260.01 Required meetings; minutes.

260.02 Failure to attend meetings.

260.03 Residency requirement.

CROSS REFERENCES

Creation of new offices; change of duties - see CHTR. Art. III, § 7

Public meetings - see ADM. Ch. 208

Falsification - see GEN. OFF. 606.10

Unlawful interest in public contract - see GEN. OFF. 606.17

Soliciting or receiving improper compensation - see GEN. OFF.  606.18

Disturbing a lawful meeting - see GEN. OFF. 648.05

§ 260.01 REQUIRED MEETINGS; MINUTES.

All City boards and commissions established by Charter, ordinance or the general laws of the State shall meet at least once every month during any calendar year and shall transmit a copy of the minutes of such meeting to the City Council forthwith.

(Ord. 2411, passed 1-15-1942)

§ 260.02 FAILURE TO ATTEND MEETINGS.

Any member of any City board or commission established by ordinance who fails to attend two successive meetings of the board or commission to which he or she has been appointed shall thereupon be automatically dismissed as a member of such board or commission and his or her office or place of appointment shall become vacant.

(Ord. 2411, passed 1-15-1942)

§ 260.03 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT.

Every member of any City board or commission shall be a resident of the City.

]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:16:40 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1857&title=question-on-city-committees#1857 Question on City Committees : Spider says: "Recently... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1856&title=question-on-city-committees#1856 Author: Pacman
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 2:59pm

Spider says:
 
"Recently the current chair of the same board requested membership for an individual residing in Springboro(has never lived in Middletown-no business in Middletown). Board chair solicited a legal opinion from Mr.Landen and stated he had obtained approval for this board membership."
 
My questions are if you are not operating a business in Middletown and you don't live in Middletown;
 
1)  With No ties to the community why would you want to be on a Committee?
 
2)  Why would the City even allow you to be on a Committee, as it requires residency?
 
3)  Why is it OK for the City to waive it rules or laws in situations like this?
]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:59:59 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1856&title=question-on-city-committees#1856 Question on City Committees : Good point John. You have a business... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1855&title=question-on-city-committees#1855 Author: VietVet
Subject: 509
Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 2:42pm

Good point John. You have a business to run in this city, therefore, you have a vested interest in how the city functions and you want to be involved. To your knowledge, does Monroe have any out of town residents on it's various committees? I'm still wondering why, in Mike's information, that Middletown rules state that one must be a resident of the city to be on a committee and then they turn around and break every rule that they have written. As others have stated, looks like they break those rules to select the ones they want on the committees. Given that, the theme on committee selection is EXCLUSION which appears to be the theme on the Street Repair Committee, Finance Committee and others. Agreement with the city is accepted.Apparently, "outside thinking" and pointing out deficiencies in their game plans is not. In other words, look for no change in operations in this town and open dialogue is not encouraged. If true, we need to purge the club.]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:42:26 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=509&PID=1855&title=question-on-city-committees#1855