Mayor Williams letter re new program to improve Norwood

Mayor Williams sent us the following letter to community members:


June 23, 2011

At the June 14th Council meeting during the administrative report, I along with Donna Laake, reported on a program that was brought to us from landlords who truly care about the City and want to work with the City to improve rental property. This is an extensive program that will be discussed at the Council Committee of the Whole meeting on July 7th. Basically, the intent of the program is to assist and incentivize those who participate in the program to attract quality tenants to our City. We have been working on poor rental property for years. We began our KOPS (Keep Our Property Safe) Program in 2009. This program is based mainly on police calls to a specific location. The Police Department, Fire Department, Building Department and the Health Department all participate in the joint inspections.

The fact of the matter is, strong enforcement is only part of the equation. As you look around, you can plainly see that some rental property is being occupied by those who disrupt the neighborhood and for the most part contributing nothing yet raise the cost of services. I also feel safe in saying that our drug problems by far do not happen in owner-occupied properties.

This program will incentivize landlords to enter the program and thus begin the process of improving our City. I fully realize that statements about those who contribute northing yet drain our services are not politically correct, but we find ourselves in a position where we cannot worry about that at his point in time.

The goal is simply this, to continue our enforcement efforts whether it be police or code enforcement while at the same time working with good landlords to improve our City environment.

This is a vital issue, so if at all possible, please attend Council meetings pertaining to this issue or feel free to contact my office at (513) 458-4501.

Sincerely,
Thomas F. Williams, Mayor
City of Norwood

Computer finally home from ICU, blogging resumes

Another nasty virus infected the CBN computer last week, resulting in a call to 911 and transport to ICU. It’s fitted now with Piriform Ccleaner and Defraggler, Advanced System Care, SuperAnti Spyware, Avast!, and Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware, so we’re hoping this was the last infection. Three viruses in the space of six weeks has been a supreme test of our coping skills. We’re glad to be back.

2012 Tax Budget Public Hearing

2012 Tax Budget
Public Hearing

Tuesday, June 28, 2010

Time: 7:30 PM

Council Chambers
During the regular meeting of City Council.

Copies of the 2012 Tax Budget is available for viewing in the Auditor’s office during regular business hours.

Dems endorse Indy candidate running for Ward 2 City Council

Incumbent Ward 2 councilperson Steve Thornbury has an opponent after all this election year. Independent Lisa Russ, wife of Norwood Building Dept. inspector Charles Russ, has thrown her hat in the ring. Following is an announcement we just received from the Norwood Dems:

A meeting of the Norwood Democratic Precinct Executives took place on Thursday, June 16, 2011. At this meeting a vote was taken, and Lisa Russ (currently running as an Independent candidate for Ward 2) received the endorsement of the Norwood Democratic Party.

Joe Sanker - Co-Chair, Norwood Democratic Party
Joe S. Geers - Co-Chair, Norwood Democratic Party

Vivian and Bill Graff to be honored by the TMRC

Guest blog by Pamela Walker-Bauer

On behalf of the Tristate Medical Reserve Corps (TMRC), I am pleased to announce that Vivian Graff and her husband, the late Bill Graff, will be honored for their service as outstanding members of the Tristate Medical Reserve Corps. All of us from the TMRC and the Norwood Health Department are very appreciative of their community support and exemplary volunteer dedication. Their award will be presented at the Annual Regional TMRC Summit on July 30, 2011.

If you would like to learn more about opportunities with the Tristate Medical Reserve, we invite you to join us at the Holiday Inn Eastgate, 4501 Eastgate Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45245 from 8am-Noon. After the summit from 1-3:30pm, I welcome you to join us for the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children program. Stewards of Children is an educational campaign committed to changing the lack of understanding and response to child sexual assault.

To register, go to www.tristatemrc.org where there is a link to the registration survey. You may also contact Libby Walter at 513.357.7215 to register and for more information. Space is limited. Registration deadline is July 22, 2011.

Pamela Walker-Bauer, MPH, RS
Health Commissioner
Norwood Health Department
2059 Sherman Avenue
Norwood, OH 45212
513.458.4600
www.norwoodhealth.org

Homeless woman arrested for attacking family on Elm St.

Norwood police arrested Tiffanie Schaffer, a 26-year-old homeless woman, over the weekend for allegedly chasing a male with a knife and spraying Mace on his 10-year-old sister and his grandmother. According to the Enquirer, Kristie Padgett was sitting outside on Elm Ave. when she called out to her mother, Shirley Werning as she was walking up the stairs. With that, Schaeffer began walking quickly toward the house and said, "Don't talk about my mom, (expletive deleted). She's dead and nobody talks about my mom." Claiming to have a gun, she then chased Werning’s grandson with a 3-inch knife, swinging at him 4 or 5 times. She is also accused of spraying Mace into Werning’s eye and onto her 10-year old granddaughter’s arm.

Schaeffer was arrested on multiple charges, including drug charges after police found her in possession of a crack pipe and prescription pills. The prosecutor asked for a high bond stating concern about the woman’s mental stability. Yesterday, a judge set the bond at $94,000.

Finance Committee meeting tomorrow

The Finance Committee is meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss communications and the City’s finances.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Monday, June 20
Monday Evening Book Club
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
6:30 p.m.

Zumba for kids!!
Free Zumba lesson
2:00 p.m., All ages

Wednesday, June 22
Movers and Shakers Storytime
10:00 a.m., Ages 1-4 with adult

Wednesday, June 22
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

Thursday, June 23
Teen Craft Club: Bracelets & Bookmarks
Create a cool craft while making new friends. Pizza!!
2:00 p.m., Ages 12-18

2011 Computer & TV Recycyling Drop-off event this Saturday

Vote for SPCA in Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

Toyota to Donate Vehicle to Local Nonprofit Organizations Based on Public Votes

Cincinnati-based organization, SPCA Cincinnati is one of 500 finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, which will award vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. The program began May 9, 2011.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will showcase five non-profit organizations each day for 100 days on Toyota’s Facebook page, facebook.com/toyota. Visitors to the page can vote once a day for the organization that they feel is most deserving of a new Toyota vehicle. SPCA Cincinnati will be one of the five organizations highlighted for voting on June 26.

Local residents are encouraged to support SPCA Cincinnati and their quest for a new Toyota Sienna.

If SPCA Cincinnati receives the most votes and is awarded the vehicle, it will be used to transport animals daily for adoption, humane education events, and pet facilitated therapy. SPCA’s current high mileage vehicle has almost succumbed to mechanical problems and is becoming unsafe for animals and humans alike. There is no budget to replace it. A Toyota Sienna would allow SPCA Cincinnati to safely provide our community with humane education, and help our animal friends find new homes.

About SPCA Cincinnati
SPCA Cincinnati, located at 11900 Conrey Road, is a private nonprofit organization that serves animals and families 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The shelter provides adoption services, reunites lost animals with their owners, offers obedience training, and prevents animal cruelty. Through humane education programs, the SPCA’s goal is to instill a love of all life in children and adults alike. For more information about SPCA Cincinnati, visit the web site at www.spcacincinnati.org or call (513) 541-6100.

Norwood Health Dept. PSA: Shigella prevention

Guest blog by Pamela Walker-Bauer

Local Health Departments in Southwest Ohio and in Northern Kentucky are reporting an increase in Shigella cases. Within the City of Norwood, the Norwood Health Department is responding to a localized outbreak of this disease. Due to the increase in cases, we are providing information on Shigellosis and what you can do to prevent the spread of this illness. Please contact the Norwood Health Department at 513.458.4600 should you have any additional questions or need further information.

Disease Facts: Shigellosis

What is shigellosis? Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Most people who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the germ. The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. In some persons, especially young children and the elderly, the diarrhea can be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Some persons who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to others.

How can Shigella infections be diagnosed? Many different kinds of diseases can cause diarrhea and bloody diarrhea and the treatment depends on which germ is causing the diarrhea. Determining that Shigella is the cause of the illness depends upon laboratory tests that identify Shigella in the stools of an infected person.

How can Shigella infections be treated? Persons with mild infections will usually recover quickly without antibiotic treatment. Therefore, when many persons in a community are affected by shigellosis, antibiotics are sometimes used selectively to treat only the more severe cases.

How do people catch Shigella? The Shigella bacteria pass from one infected person to the next. Shigella are present in the diarrheal stools of infected persons while they are sick and for a week or two afterwards. Most Shigella infections are the result of the bacteria passing from stools or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person. This happens when basic hygiene and hand washing habits are inadequate. It is particularly likely to occur among toddlers who are not fully toilet-trained. Family members and playmates of such children are at high risk of becoming infected. Shigella infections may also be acquired from eating contaminated food. Contaminated food may look and smell normal. Food may become contaminated by infected food handlers who forget to wash their hands with soap after using the bathroom. Vegetables can become contaminated if they are harvested from a field with sewage in it. Flies can breed in infected feces and then contaminate food. Shigella infections can also be acquired by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Water may become contaminated if sewage runs into it or if someone with shigellosis swims in it.

What can a person do to prevent this illness? Frequent and careful hand washing is important among all age groups. Frequent, supervised hand washing of all children should be followed in child care centers and in homes with children who are not completely toilet-trained (including children in diapers).

How common is shigellosis? Every year, about 18,000 laboratory confirmed cases of shigellosis are reported in the United States. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be 20 times greater. Shigellosis is particularly common and causes recurrent problems in settings where hygiene is poor and can sometimes sweep through entire communities. Shigellosis is more common in summer than winter. Children, especially toddlers 2-4 years of age are the most likely to get shigellosis. Many cases are related to the spread of illness in child care settings, and many more are the result of the spread of the illness in families with small children.

Pamela Walker-Bauer, MPH, RS
Health Commissioner
Norwood Health Department
2059 Sherman Avenue
Norwood, OH 45212
513.458.4600
www.norwoodhealth.org

May 2011 NPD Statistics Report

A monthly feature

The total number of incidents is all police activity for that month including officer initiated actions such as traffic stops as well as radio dispatched runs. The total number of reports is the actual number of reports taken by our police officers for that month including non-criminal reports such as Aided Cases and General Conditions reports. Total arrests include all arrests made in the City of Norwood including arrests for other agencies on warrants or capiases.

Total Number of Incidents: 3341
Total Arrests Made: 331
Total Reports Taken: 267

Crimes Reported:

Part One Crimes Total: 131*
Part Two Crimes Total: 121**

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)
*Part One Crimes include Aggravated Assault, Forcible Rape, Murder, Robbery, Arson, Burglary, Larceny-Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft.

**Part Two Crimes include Simple Assault, Curfew, Loitering, Embezzlement, Forgery, Disorderly Conduct, DUI, Drug Offenses, Fraud, Gambling, Liquor Offenses, Offenses Against the Family, Prostitution, Public Drunkeness, Runaways, Sex Offenses, Stolen Property, Vandalism, Vagrancy, Weapons Offenses.

Lt Tom Williams
Norwood Police Department
(513) 458-4545

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, June 14
Wii Sports!!
Join Team Read this summer and participate in some sporting events on the Wii!!
2 p.m., Ages 8-12
Registration required

Wii Sports: Teen Edition
Join Team Read this summer and show us your mad gaming skills on the Wii!!
3 p.m., Ages 12-18
Registration required

Wednesday, June 15
Movers and Shakers Storytime
10:00 a.m., Ages 1-4 with adult

Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m.
Ages 3-6

Thursday, June 16
Family Night at Norwood
Play games with your family and friends, and sign up to be a part of Team Read!
6:00 p.m., All ages

Friday, June 17
Friday Morning Book Club
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
10:30 a.m.

Norwood Community Gardens @ Linden Pointe

Guest blog by Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt

The heavy rains have finally stopped, and the conditions have improved for gardening again. The Norwood Community Gardens @ Linden Pointe are ready for residents, workers, neighbors to plant vegetables as we enter its third year of operations. There are garden beds available in the east and west sections of the designed garden.

Please complete this waiver form found in our 2-page handout. Upon receipt, new gardeners will be given the name and contact number to call for your assigned garden bed. Bring your own hand tools. Water, soil and mulch are provided at no cost to gardeners. Gardens are accessible from dawn to dusk.

Wednesday evenings are designated for community gardening time after work between 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Great time to meet your neighbors and friends. Picnic benches and tables are provided, bring your own lawn or garden chair whenever you wish.

Norwood Community Gardens @Linden Pointe is provided through the generosity of Al Neyer Inc. and SHP Leading Design, in cooperation with the City of Norwood, coordinated and co-sponsored by Norwood Service League.

Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League
2071 Lawrence Ave.
Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 924-1200

COW meeting tonight

City’s Council’s Committee of the Whole is meeting this evening at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following 3 agenda items:

1. Early Retirement Incentive
2. 2012 Tax Budget
3. Parking/Resident Permits along Sherman Ave.

Public Hearing for Water Quality Management Plan

OKI is Hosting a public hearing on June 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 720 East Pete Rose Way, Suite 420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 to get feedback about the draft updated Water Quality Management Plan for southwest Ohio. The draft plan for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties is available for review on OKI's website, or at OKI office. Water Quality Management Plans are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify water pollution problems in metropolitan areas and recommend how to address them, while avoiding duplication of effort by local sewer agencies. OKI received funding through the Ohio EPA to update the Water Quality Management Plan for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties.

True love: Norwood man steals, then sells girlfriend’s cars on Craigslist

According to this Enquirer article, Norwood resident Adam Barker stole 3 cars, 3 LCD TVs, and a Nintendo Wii from his girlfriend Cristine Villarreal and her sister, then sold all the items but one of the cars on Craiglist. The girlfriend contacted the purchasers to let them know the items were stolen from her and her sister. The purchasers returned the goods to the women.

This isn't the first time Barker has stolen from his girlfriend. Just two years ago, he was convicted of stealing $300 from her checking account and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. He was arrested Sunday, and yesterday, a Hamilton County judge set Barker's bond at $5,000. He faces five counts of theft without consent, charges that carry a maximum prison sentence of six years, if he is convicted.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, June 7
Local Wildlife
Meet and learn about live local animals.
2:00 p.m., All ages

Wednesday, June 8
Movers and Shakers Storytime
10:00 a.m., Ages 1-4 with adult

Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

Saturday, June 11
Lego Club
3:00 p.m., Ages 6-12

Norwood Community Leadership Training Institute

Guest blog by Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt

Have you ever wondered how to get things done in our community? Are you new to Norwood and want to know how to get involved?

Norwood Service League has developed a community leadership program with the help of Xavier University-Community Building Institute.

The NCLTI is similar to XU’s ENX-COPC Leadership training held several years ago, and two ENX-COPC graduates the (late) Bill Graff and his wife Vivian went on to make a difference in Norwood. Vivian continues to use her leadership skills to help our community today.

The NCLTI curriculum is community leadership training specific for Norwood residents and people who work in Norwood.

The curriculum is designed to address topics that will increase the ability to maximize leadership capabilities: effective presentation skills, identifying effective leadership qualities, building community connections, strategic planning for neighborhood projects, grant writing, influencing public input, and Norwood history.

Speakers and instructors are professionals who have experience in teaching, and are regionally well-known “movers and shakers”.

Corporate sponsors are making this unique community training available to Norwood beginning September through the end of October.

The $10 tuition fee will apply toward a community project developed by Class 2011 to benefit our city.

Limited seating. Applications must be received by Friday, August 5, 2011.

Check www.norwoodserviceleague.org for further updates.

Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League
(513) 924-1200

April 2011 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

Individual…………….$ 410,469.82
Business……………….$ 389,583.23
Withholding…………..$ 995,042.15
TOTAL………………...$ 1,795,095.20

Collections thru April 2011….……….....…...........$4,973,567.66
Collections thru April 2010..............................$ 5,532,202.03
10.9% decrease in collections over 2010.………($558,634.37)