Citizens For A Better Norwood

Monday, January 31, 2011

Finance Committee scrambling to cut $2.6 million from budget

This past Thursday, one of us attended the first of 3 Budget Hearings scheduled by City Council’s Finance and Audit Committee to hear residents’ ideas about how to address this year‘s $2.6 million deficit (see 1/27/11 Auditor’s letter below). 15-16 community members attended in addition to Mayor Williams, Recreation Director Jenny Wallace, Treasurer Tim Maloney and Tax Commissioner Chuck Barlow. Both the hearing and the Finance Committee meeting that immediately followed will be playing on local cable Channel 4 soon and on the NCT website under our Links on the right.

One interesting question that was discussed during the hearing was whether the City could temporarily increase either the earnings tax or the sales tax. Even if Council were to increase one of the taxes, the increase in revenue, the amount unknown at this point, would not start until 2012, too late to offset this year’s deficit. Several people expressed concern that raising taxes would negatively affect the City’s ability to attract new business/development as well as hesitation about raising taxes during bad economic times.

Following the Budget Hearing, the Finance Committee met with City Auditor Jim Stith in attendance. Right away, Chairperson Victor Schneider delved into the subject of layoffs. He asked Jim Stith the savings for 1-2 layoffs of personnel in each of the following departments: Building, Public Works, Health, Recreation, Auditor, and Treasurer. Mr. Schneider rather emphatically stated all auxiliary police would have to be cut and that the City would not pay for crossing guards after this school year. Ballpark total: $500,000 to 600,000, a far cry from the $2.6 million needed, and that estimation does not take into account separation costs and related expenses, which the Auditor is calculating and will report to the committee. At least for the moment, fire and police layoffs are not on the table because of each department’s contractual minimum man requirement. Mr. Schneider stressed that cities and states around the country are having to make tough decisions because of decreasing revenues and that the Finance Committee is not prepared yet to make recommendations to City Council.

The pressure is on because of two important deadlines that are looming. By March 31, the Certificate of Estimated Resources must be submitted to the Hamilton County Auditor. The City’s 2011 appropriations cannot exceed the estimated resources, which is calculated thusly: the 2010 balance that’s carried forward + revenue - encumbrances. The other deadline is April 1 when City Council must pass a budget reflecting $2.6 million in cuts.

Finance Committee members want and need input from residents about any ideas they may have overlooked. We urge our readers to attend one of the two remaining budget hearings:
  • Thursday, February 10th: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Council Chambers
  • Tuesday, February 15th: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - High School Mini-Auditorium
Here’s the schedule of other budget-related meetings:
  • Thursday, February 17th: Final Mark up - 2011 Budget - 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
  • Saturday, February 19th: Finance Committee meeting (if needed) 9:00 a.m. - Council Chambers
  • Monday, February 21st: Finance Committee meeting (if needed) 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
  • Tuesday February 22nd: 2011 Budget Presentation to City Council - 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
Although nothing is cast in concrete yet, layoffs appear to be likely. What else do you think can be done address the $2.6 million deficit?

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Wednesday, February 2

Movers & Shakers
Sing, dance, move!
10:00 - 10:30 a.m., Ages 1-4 with an adult

Preschool Storytime
Stories, songs, and a craft
10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Ages 3-6 with an adult

Friday, January 28, 2011

Dots and Sally Beauty Supply coming to Surrey Square

According to the website of Centro (click on Site Plan and Tenants), the developer of Surrey Square, women’s fashion retailer Dots will be occupying space next door to Double Dragon II. A brief description on the web describes describes the store as a “party place to shop for affordable women’s fashion including casual, active, club, wear to work, intimates, shoes & accessories in sizes 0-24.” Sally Beauty Supply is renting the space next to Cricket.

h/t Cameron

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Letter from Auditor to Council: City has $2.6 million less in 2011

City Auditor Jim Stith recently added some stunning graphs to his website that illustrate the seriousness of the City's poor financial health as outlined in his letter below from the 2010 Year End Auditor's Report Supplement. Click here to view the graphs, and click here to see the full 2010 report.


January 19, 2011


Dear Members of Norwood City Council,

This report is a supplement to the Auditor's Report for the month ending 12/31/2010. It offers graphical representations of the year-end totals. The report includes breakdowns of revenue sources, expenditures by departments, year to year comparisons, and a break-down of health care costs. In 2010 the City's General Fund expenditures of $21,488,050 significantly outpaced it's revenues of $19,911,737 with expenses exceeding revenues by $1,576,313. This has caused a decrease in the amount carried forward to only $578,084.

Overall the greatest expense was personnel at $ 16,979,191 with the greatest revenue source being local taxes at $14,718,618. While the City did well in cutting expenses last in 2010 reducing total expenses by ($579,208) over 2009 we saw a decrease in Contractual expenses of ($337,779) and Materials & supplies decreased ($99,427) while personnel increased $606,537.

2010 final appropriations were $22,281,038. With the decreased earnings tax revenue projected by the Treasurer’s office the current 2011 Certificate of Estimated Resources has $19,634,541 available for the General Fund appropriations. This means, according to our initial figures, that in 2011 the City has $2,646,497 less than the amount used in the final 2010 budget. This is an additional 11.8% reduction.

The Year End Auditor's report and this supplement contain the initial totals at the year-end closeout for 2010 and are presented unaudited. Detailed information will be available in the 2010 CAFR which should be completed in the Spring of 2011. I hope you find this supplement to the 2010 report a useful tool.

Sincerely,

Jim Stith
Auditor

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Cincinnati Blog: Norwood should have been annexed by the City

Griff at Cincinnati Blog posted a blog about our announcement of the slate of Republican candidates yesterday. Here’s what he says about Norwood:

“I don't know anything about Norwood politics or even it's form of government, but I can glean from this listing that they have a combination of at-large and district representation. It is more interesting that they have other city wide offices other than Mayor. Those talking about changing Cincinnati City government structure should look how there's works. Norwood is not known as having a history of good government, so I hope those looks at Norwood are skeptical. Why Norwood still exists is another mystery. They should have been annexed by the City long ago.”

Who wants to tell him annexation by Cincinnati would have to be a ballot issue only Norwood voters can decide…and how unlikely that is? How much of Norwood's government history isn't good?

November 2010 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

Individual……………..$ 40,402.34
Business………………..$ 62,990.67
Withholding…………..$ 1,114,398.68
TOTAL……………….....$ 1,217,791.69

Collections thru November 2010….……….....…...........$13,717,445.46
Collections thru November 2009..............................$15,538,272.14
11.72% decrease in collections over 2009.……………..($1,820,826.68)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Announcing: 2011 Republican candidates for City offices

Following are the Republican-endorsed candidates for City offices. We will publish the Democrats’ slate of candidates as soon as they are available to us.

Mayor: Michael Gabbard
President of Council: Donna Laake
Law Director: Ted Kiser
Auditor: Jim Stith

Council-at-Large: Andrew Clark, Ron Hughes, Josh Berkowitz
Ward 1: Ralph Melton
Ward 2: Steve Thornbury
Ward 3: Tom Whittington
Ward 4: John Breadon

Monday, January 24, 2011

Xavier Players present Moliere’s Taftuffe

Classic Comedy of a Hypocritical Imposter

From February 17-20 at 7:30 p.m., Xavier Players will present Tartuffe by Molière and adapted by Timothy Mooney. The show is directed by special guest Tim Waldrip who has appeared on Broadway, television and film. Tickets cost $5 in advance and $7 day of the show. Click here to purchase tickets now or call 745-3939 starting on February 1st.

Religious hypocrite and overall con man Tartuffe manipulates his way into a well-to-do family’s good graces in this hilarious adaptation of Molière’s classic comedy. Tartuffe, the imposter, manages to take over the entire household by arranging his engagement to the daughter and secretly seducing the wife! When his schemes are finally exposed, will the family end up evicted, in prison, or a fate worse than these? Molière, a master of comedy, captures the themes of hypocrisy, blind piety and deceit in playful irreverent rhyme. The audience will laugh out loud as they recognize these themes are as relevant today as they were back in 1664 when the play was originally written.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Wednesday, January 26

Movers & Shakers
Sing, dance, move!
10:00 - 10:30 a.m., Ages 1-4 with an adult

Preschool Storytime
Stories, songs, and a craft
10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Ages 3-6 with an adult

Friday, January 28
Animals in Winter
Find out how animals take care of themselves in winter and meet a screech owl with a Hamilton County Parks naturalist!
4:00- 5:00 p.m., All ages

Friday, January 21, 2011

Letter from Mayor Williams re street treatment

At noon today, Mayor Williams emailed us the following letter for the blog. Unfortunately, we weren’t available today to check our incoming mail until a short while ago. We appreciate Mayor Williams' effort to keep our readers informed about treating the streets.


January 21, 2010

Dear Citizens of Norwood,

I want to give you an update on the treatment our streets. We made progress on the snow yesterday, and I’m sure you are all aware that between 3:00 pm. And 6:00 p.m. yesterday, we were hit with extremely heavy snowfall followed by an extreme drop in temperature. With the sun out today, the street conditions see to be improving.

At this time, we have two trucks broken down. One truck is utilized for dead-end streets and should be back on the road in the next two hours. We also have one large truck that has more serious problems and probably won’t be repaired today and will probably have to go to the dealership.

Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Thomas F. Williams, Mayor
City of Norwood

How are the streets today?

One of us awoke this morning to see a car blocking the driveway, a result, probably, of yesterday’s heavy blanket of snow concealing it from view. It won’t be a problem until mid afternoon when a trip is planned to Surrey Square after someone comes and shovels the snow. We hope everyone is getting around safely, but we have to ask, what is the condition of streets in the ‘wood today?

Thursday, January 20, 2011

December report for Keep Our Property Safe Program

In December 2010 the KOPS (Police, Building & Property Maintenance, Fire and Health Departments) visited the following eight problem properties that were selected by the Norwood Police Department as habitual offenders:

4279 Ashland Ave.
4616 Carter Ave.
5406 Warren Ave.
2301 Sherwood Ave. #10
3809 Spencer Ave.
3815 Spencer Ave.
3820 Spencer Ave.
3821 Spencer Ave.

These inspections resulted in all properties being issued orders and one of the properties being issued vacate orders.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gerry Stoker, Building Commissioner
City of Norwood

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Duke employee praises Norwood police & fire personnel

Several days ago, Mayor Williams sent us the following letter from Duke Energy's Mike Maschmeyer with this note attached, “This is an example of the many fine things that our City employees do. I think it would be nice if it was shared with your readers.” We couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed by Mr. Maschmeyer.


January 11, 2011


Dear Mr. Mayor Thomas F. Williams and Safety-Service Director Joseph C. Geers:

My name is Mike Maschmeyer with Duke Energy, and I’m contacting you to recognize your police and fire departments for their service on Sunday evening January 9th, 2011. Marvin Blade with Duke Energy was kind enough to give me your names so I could write you this letter.

Last Sunday evening around 9:00 p.m., we had a gas leak at 3813 Montgomery Rd. in front of the VW dealership. When I arrived on the job, I noticed that your police and fire departments were set up on Montgomery Rd. to divert oncoming traffic in both directions in the area where my crews were working. As soon as I walked to the job site, a fireman approached me to fill me in on what they were doing to assist. I wish I would have asked his name when I first met him, but I did not. I do recall he told me that years ago he was trained on natural gas by Bob Bowman, who used to be a trainer for Duke Energy. This gentleman was well versed on the dangers of natural gas and gave us access to the VW dealership so we could examine inside for gas readings.

By blocking off this section of Montgomery Rd., it made our job of repairing the leak much safer and efficient. Your police officers and firemen were very cordial and willing to help in any way. When my crew members were running low on breathable air, this lead fireman told me that they could fill our tanks at the fire house just down the street. This not only helped speed up the job but also kept me from driving many miles to our other districts to round up more tanks. At one point, we had a dead battery on a piece of equipment, and when I asked an officer if she had jumper cables, she offered to call a security person from Xavier University who showed up within 10 minutes to give us a jump.

I have been an employee with Duke Energy for 34 years, and I have to say that I was so impressed with the professionalism and the service that this group of people gave to us. I seldom experience anything like this on the job. They did everything right and made our job much safer. I am asking you, if you wouldn’t mind, to thank them for me and my crews. We were able to concentrate on the task at hand while they took care of the surrounding traffic and safety issues. They are a first class group of people which reflects also on their leadership. Thank you all.

Sincerely,

Mike Maschmeyer
Project Supervisor
Duke Energy

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Wednesday, January 19

Movers & Shakers
Sing, dance, move!
10:00 - 10:30 a.m., Ages 1-4 with an adult

Preschool Storytime
Stories, songs, and a craft
10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Ages 3-6 with an adult

Friday, January 21
Friday Morning Book Club
10:30 a.m., Adults
Meets 3rd Friday of each month. Copies of the book are available at the Norwood Branch.

Finance and Audit Committee meeting tonight

Norwood City Council’s Finance and Audit Committee will meet in Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. tonight to discuss the following agenda items:

  • City Finances - 2010 Close out
  • Recreation Funding - 2010
  • City Finances - 2011 Temporary Budget
  • City Finances - 2011 Budget
  • Claims
  • Finance Communications

Friday, January 14, 2011

Money Matters Program at Norwood Middle School

Pictured are the winners of the Money Matters Program, an 11-week financial literacy program presented to 25 middle school age kids from Norwood Middle School and Cornerstone Christian Academy. The program was held at the middle school and sponsored by The Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation.


Samantha Smith from NMS and Brett Lewis from CCA won the top awards for their business proposals that were made to a panel of judges from the Norwood business community. The kids were awarded a professional football signed by Jonathan Fanene from the Bengals who spoke at the program's kick off.

Also pictured are John Keuffer, Kathy Garrison and Richard Carey who taught the course and have also presented it to other kids throughout the country in the past 10 years. Special thanks go to Kevin Raines of Center City Collision, Nelson Ernest, retired small business owner, Elaine Stuard of Baird and Associates, Barry Burns and Joe Marsh from the Huntington Bank, Norwood branch for taking time from their busy schedules to serve as judges.

Each of the kids received a grade for their attendance and participation in the class as well as a financial reward if they concluded the class with an A or B. Thanks to Huntington Bank for helping to support the event and providing the opportunity for each of the kids to open a savings account at the conclusion of the program. Joyce McDowell from The Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation remarked "this is probably one of the best programs the Foundation has offered to date, and we are hoping to offer a one day class for kids and parents this spring if there is interest in the community." She also added that Caleb's Godparents, Barry and Ellen Burns were in town from Portland, Oregon for one of the presentation days. They were elated to see such a powerful remembrance of Caleb's memory and to see first hand how proceeds from the "Forget-Me-Knot" Walk are benefiting kids in the community. Mark your calendars for the 2011 Walk scheduled May 14.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

November 2010 NFD Activities and Statistics Report

A monthly feature

A. Total of emergency responses for the month of November = 416

Medic Runs = 275
Fire Runs = 6 (Building, Brush, etc.)
Average Response Time on Runs = 3 minutes, 10 seconds (city-wide)

Number of incidents by type:
Fire Runs – 6 - (Building, Brush, etc.)
Overpressure, Explosion - 0
Rescue & Medic Unit Assists – 65 - (lock-in, extrications, traffic accidents, etc.)
Hazardous Conditions (no fire) -14 - (power lines down, arcing, spills, etc.)
Service Call - 16 - (smoke removal)
Good Intent - 10 - (odor of smoke, controlled burning)
False Alarms – 30 - (false alarms, system malfunctions, smoke detector activated, etc.)
Severe Weather - 0
Special Incident - 0

B. Fire Hydrant Activity
Pumped and strapped 525 hydrants

C. Bureau of Fire Safety Activities = 539
Total Inspections – 96 - (residential, schools, churches, businesses)
Total Violations – issued 205
Total Violations – corrected 141
Total Block Inspection - Unit #’s 1, 2, 3 - Rental & multi-family: 0
Referrals to Health and Building Depts. - 2
Additional Activities - 95

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Xavier Players & MadCap Puppet Theatre present Peter and the Wolf

On Saturday, January 15 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sunday, January 16 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Xavier Players will present Peter and the Wolf directed by John Lewandowski, Madcap Puppet Theatre’s Artistic Director. This is the second show in this season’s Hats Off series collaboration with Madcap and Xavier. Tickets cost $7 each. They can be purchased online now at https://xavier-players.ticketleap.com and can be purchased by phone beginning January 10 by calling (513) 745-3576.

Sergei Prokofiev never imagined his classic tale like this! Madcap updates this drama with giant puppets, woodwind quintet and a new setting. The tale leaves the countryside and takes place in the bustling city where Peter, the loveable hero, lives in a high rise apartment with his grumpy grandpa. Peter spends his summer days in the park with his cast of eccentric friends including a spoiled teenage bird, a poor homeless duck and a pickpocket cat. Things start to go awry when a Mafioso Wolf shows up and starts to bully the gang. They all join together and teach a lesson that the Wolf soon won't forget. A parade through the auditorium wraps up the music and mayhem and lets the audience become active participants in the play. Xavier's Music Department will also participate in the show by providing student accompaniment. Perfect fun for the whole family, this show will delight all ages!

Plays, by their very nature, can be considered theater of conscience as they serve to make us more aware of our human condition. Xavier Players strives to combine real-life experience in the form of meaningful service that relates to the issues presented in the plays. In this act of service one truly becomes socially aware.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Mission team returns to Haiti one year after earthquake

Rick Hursh from Grace United Methodist Church in Norwood joined the Sharonville UMC mission team this past Saturday once again to work in Haiti. This was the team that was caught in the 7.0 earthquake last year while building a church. This will be Rick's fourth mission trip under the direction of Christian Service International in the continuing effort to help the people of Haiti. The team will continue the work of other churches throughout the Midwest of building a new orphanage to replace the one damaged by the earthquake.

If you would like to help in this effort, please visit the Orphanage’s site where you can sponsor a room or donate fund to operate the orphanage for a day. If you would like Rick to talk to your church or civic group about his Haiti experience, you can contact him at hurshey@aol.com. If you would like more information on Christian Service International, please click here to visit their web site.

Suspect arrested after leading NPD on chase and crashing stolen car

Fox 19 is reporting the Norwood police have arrested a suspect who stole a car yesterday in Evanston and then led police on a chase north on Montgomery Road. The thief turned onto Elm Ave. where he struck a parked car in front of City Hall. Losing control of the vehicle, he went under a guardrail and crashed into a yard near the corner of Tilden and Section Aves. He then fled on foot, but police caught up with him on Sherman Ave. behind Norwood High School. His name and charges have not yet been released.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Whiz Kids looking for volunteer tutors!

Guest blog by Sandra Kelly


Whiz Kids, a tutoring program run through City Gospel Mission, is looking to start a new site in the Norwood area starting in late January/early February. We need you!! Here’s the important stuff to know:

  1. Students are 3rd or 4th grade kids who are from at-risk homes.
  2. Tutors meet once/wk with their student, from 4:00pm -5:30pm. You must be able to consistently meet with your student.
  3. Materials and curriculum are provided; your job is to read, read, read with the student.
  4. Tutors must go through a background check and fingerprinting at the school.

Click here for more information on Whiz Kids and what its all about.

If you are interested in more information, please contact Sandra Kelley at illinikelley@yahoo.com.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Monday, January 10

Teen Drawing Contest
Teens, draw a picture and win the Library's Teen Drawing Contest! This year's theme is Fan Art, so recreate a scene from your favorite book. Art can be black & white or color. Drawing or painting. No larger than 10”X 20” (no digital submissions or computer generated images will be considered) and an entry form. Entry forms are available at all Library locations and teenspace.cincinnatilibrary.org. Submitted drawings will be available for pickup at your local branch after March 15th. Drawings can be submitted at any Library location between January 1 - 31. First, second and third place winners, along with twelve honorable mention winners, will be selected from people ages 12 -14 and ages 15 - 18. Honorable mention winners from each category will receive an award certificate and ribbon. First, second and third place winners from each category will receive art supplies and a ribbon. An award reception will be held at the Main Library on Saturday, March 5th.
9:00 a.m. Ages 12-18

Wednesday, January 12

Movers & Shakers
Sing, dance, move!
10:00 - 10:30 a.m., Ages 1-4 with an adult

Preschool Storytime
Stories, songs, and a craft
10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Ages 3-6 with an adult

Thursday, January 13

Brrr...Book Club for Middle Graders
Warm up your winter afternoons with book talk, friendship and hot cocoa. Snuggie optional!
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Ages 9-12

Friday, January 07, 2011

Norwood Lateral may be renamed I-74 as part of road project

The Business Courier is reporting that the Ohio Department of Transportation published its 2011-2015 Major New Construction Program List on December 9. The list included 6 funding allocations totaling more than $809 million of expressway work that will set the stage for the long-envisioned extension of Interstate 74 through Cincinnati. The details are many, and we aren’t going to attempt to explain them here; but it’s all part of a very controversial passenger rail plan called the Eastern Corridor Project that would ultimately result in the Norwood Lateral being renamed I-74. Here’s an excerpt, though, that pertains to Norwood:

The possible designation of the Norwood Lateral as an interstate would make its reconstruction a priority, and reconfiguration of its ramps could make possible the redevelopment of vacant land in Norwood and Bond Hill. Reconstruction of the I-71/Norwood Lateral interchange could accelerate the redevelopment of the Cincinnati Milacron site.

h/t A.M.

Norwood police charge convicted felon in fatal shooting last night

Norwood police have arrested and charged Riley Feller, 25, of Norwood with reckless homicide and illegally having a weapon following a fatal shooting at about 10:00 p.m. last night at a residence in the 4500 block of Smith Road. Janice L. Svajda, 26, was shot in the chest at about 10:00 p.m. and later died at University Hospital.

Riley, a private in the U.S. Army, was one of 4 soldiers who were out drinking this past April and wanted to beat someone up. They chose a homeless man and attacked him with a baseball bat and pipe. Riley was convicted and was out of jail on his own recognizance awaiting his January 20 sentencing. He could receive 8 years for the beating.


Police are saying the shooting was accidental but have not explained how yet. Riley is being held at the Hamilton County jail.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

New: NHD providing birth certificates for all Ohio county births

Norwood Health Commissioner Pamela Walker-Bauer sent us the Ohio Department of Health’s 12/17/10 press release below just as we started our holiday hiatus and attached the following message for our readers:

We will be one of the health departments that will provide this service. (We were one of the first 10 to be approved!) Right now birth (and death) certificates are $22.00 each. Our competitors in Hamilton County include the Cincinnati Health Department and Hamilton County Public Health and they charge $28.00.

We will be raising our fees to $25.00 around May 1, 2011 because we are adding a credit card machine. That means that our customers will now be offered the convenience of billing a credit card rather than them paying with cash or a check. Right now, neither Cincinnati or Hamilton Co offer this service.

Pamela Walker-Bauer, MPH, RS
Norwood Health Commissioner



12/17/10 ODH Press Release

Ohioans can now obtain certified birth certificates at local health departments across the state

Today, the Ohio Department of Health is announcing an improvement in customer service for individuals wishing to purchase a certified copy of an Ohio bird record.

Over the next few months, local registrar offices throughout the state will have access to issue an Ohio birth record regardless of the county where the birth occurred. Prior to this improvement, a person would need to purchase a copy from the county where the birth occurred or from the state office of vital statistics.

“These changes will help to streamline birth record requests across the state and more quickly connect Ohioans with essential records, “said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson M.M. “They will be especially helpful for individuals who need a birth record in a hurry, since a person will now be able to travel to the closest office and purchase the record needed.”

The implementation of ODH’s birth and death registration system was noted as innovative by the Public Health Accreditation Board earlier this year. The project began in 2006 with scanning and keying index information of over 20 million vital records into the state database. With this effort complete, all local health departments will not be able to access and issue a certified birth abstract for Ohio birth records dating back to 1908.

Participation by local departments is optional and not all offices may choose to participate. Individuals are encouraged to contact their local health department to see if they offer this service. It is also important to call ahead to determine the hours of operation and the fees associated with a request for a certified birth abstract.

To find information on a local health department visit www.odh.ohio.gov and click on “Local Health Departments.”

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

An “early Christmas present” to the Norwood community

Gerry Stoker, Norwood’s Building Commissioner tells us the City ordered two blighted properties at 4705 and 4707 Section Avenue demolished by O’Rourke Wrecking’s large track hoe on December 17. He stated, “These two structures were across from Norwood High School and have been a stain on the neighborhood for many years. The owner of the properties refused to perform any type of maintenance on the buildings. These structures harbored transients and possible drug activities, and to reiterate the words of Building Department Inspector James Shelby, ‘the elimination of these two eyesores was an early Christmas present to the neighborhood and the whole community.’” Once the land is graded, it will be seeded and covered with straw to be a green-space.

Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinic this Saturday

It's not too late to get your flu shot. This Saturday, the Norwood Health Department will be collaborating with their partners from Cincinnati, Springdale, and Sharonville to deliver free flu vaccinations.

When: Saturday, January 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Woodward High School at 7005 Reading Road, Cincinnati 45237
Partners:
Cincinnati Health Department
357-7499
Norwood Health Department
458-4600
Sharonville Health Department
563-1722
Springdale Health Department
346-5725

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Urology Group PUD Public Hearing next Tuesday

Urology Group PUD
Public Hearing

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Time: 7:30 PM

Council Chambers
During the regular meeting of City Council

Public hearing to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the Urology Group’s preliminary and final PUD plans submitted for property located at the corner of Section Road and Joseph Sanker Boulevard, Norwood Ohio 45212, identified by the Hamilton County Auditor's office as book 651 page 0013 parcel 0067. These plans are available for review in the Norwood Building Dept. room 101 of Norwood City Hall, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Gerry Stoker appointed to Norwood Chamber board

Gerry Stoker, City of Norwood Building Commissioner and President of Southwestern Ohio Inspection Services has recently been selected to serve as a Director on the Board of the 2011 Norwood Chamber of Commerce. “I am honored that the Norwood Chamber of Commerce has asked me to serve as one of its Board members and to represent the City of Norwood’s government to our local business community. The City of Norwood has a rich business history and enhancing our government/business relationship is essential for Norwood’s overall economic health.”

Mr. Stoker is a 33-year veteran of local municipal building, zoning and business regulatory processes. In 2007 Mr. Stoker established the Southwestern Ohio Inspection Services Company, a private entity that currently serves the cities of Norwood and Deer Park.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Finance Committee schedules 2011 Budget Public Hearings

Victor Schneider, Chairperson of City Council’s Finance and Audit Committee, sent us the 2011 Finance Committee Schedule with the following message attached:


“Below is a schedule for the upcoming 2011 Finance committee meetings. This includes the 3 budget public hearings that will be held as the 2011 budget is formulated. The goal of these meetings is to help the general public understand the constraints that are put in place that govern how the city "must" accomplish certain tasks and also to give the public the ability to address the finance committee and have their ideas heard.”

2011 Finance Committee Schedule

Tuesday, January 18th - Regular Scheduled Finance meeting - 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers

2011 Budget Public Hearings - Finance Committee meetings to immediately follow
  1. Thursday, January 27th - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Community Center Cafeteria
  2. Thursday, February 10th -7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Council Chambers
  3. Tuesday, February 15th - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. – High School Mini-Auditorium

Thursday, February 17th - Final Mark up - 2011 Budget - 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
Saturday, February 19th - Finance Committee meeting (if needed) 9:00 a.m. - Council Chambers - Morning meeting
Monday, February 21st - Finance Committee meeting (if needed) 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers

Tuesday February 22nd - 2011 Budget Presentation to City Council - 7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers

New commenting policy

Following is our new commenting policy to which we have installed a link on the right hand side of the page. on the right hand side of the page. Any questions?

Everyone is invited to express opinions here.

As owners of this family-friendly blog, Citizens for a Better Norwood has control over both content and comments. We reserve the rights to edit, to censor, and to delete inappropriate comments and to prevent comments by individuals who comment inappropriately.

We hope the following guidelines will maintain a civil tone of discourse.

1. Comments should pertain to the subject of the blog. Off-topic comments are subject to deletion.

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This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Wednesday, January 5

Movers & Shakers
Sing, dance, move!
10:00 - 10:30 a.m., Ages 1-4 with an adult

Preschool Storytime
Stories, songs, and a craft
10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Ages 3-6 with an adult