The City of Trotwood is accepting applications for booth space at the city’s twice a week Farmers Market running from July10 through October 23. The market is open rain or shine every Wednesday 3-6pm and Saturday 9-4pm at 21 E Main St across from the historic Trotwood Depot in Olde Town.
Approved vendors may sell, fresh vegetables and fruits, cheese, baked goods, honey, cider, jams, and other preserves. No crafts or outdoor grilling are permitted. The city promotes the market through press releases and signboards.
Permits may be purchased for $50 in the Trotwood Government Center located at 3035 Olive Rd. For additional information call 854-7227.
Monday, May 17, 2010
City-Wide Garage Sale June 10-13
Trotwood’s annual City-Wide Garage Sale is planned for June 10 – June 13, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to no later than 8:00 p.m. each day. To encourage more participation the garage sale permit fee is waived for sales held that week
Registered participants will be added to the Trotwood Garage Sale at the city Government Center beginning June 7th. Residents may register during regular business hours at the Government Center. Please call the Trotwood Recreation Division at 937-854-7227 for additional information.
Registered participants will be added to the Trotwood Garage Sale at the city Government Center beginning June 7th. Residents may register during regular business hours at the Government Center. Please call the Trotwood Recreation Division at 937-854-7227 for additional information.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Oil Spill - 70,000 Barrels Per Day Could Kill Gulf, East Coast Maybe Iceland
Editorial By Bruce Kettelle
New estimates of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are particularly frightening. Original estimates of 5,000 barrels a day seeping from the broken wellhead of a BP oil well were alarming enough. Now some scientists believe it to be 14 times that, up to 70,000 barrels a day.
To add more sting to the scar being left in the fertile waters of the gulf another team has identified plumes of oil below the surface getting caught up in the gulf’s currents putting them on a beeline course for the Florida Keys and beyond. The Gulf Stream exits the Gulf of Mexico and runs up the east coast of the US.
Now I am no ocean scientist but it is quickly apparent that this much oil will have to go somewhere and from the look of the North Atlantic Ocean current maps England, Ireland, Iceland and all the fishing grounds in between are possibly in the path.
BP needs all the help they can get to stop the leak as soon as possible. The world needs all the help it can muster to start cleaning up this spill. Creative thinking is needed now, not after all this stuff hits the beaches from Miami to Maine.
Where are the inventors? Can we trap the oil as it squeezes between the Florida Keys? Are all the world’s oil skimming resources heading to the area? Can BP really afford to reimburse for contaminated fisheries on both sides of the Atlantic?
Let’s put on our thinking caps and try to stay as far ahead of this disaster as possible.
New estimates of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are particularly frightening. Original estimates of 5,000 barrels a day seeping from the broken wellhead of a BP oil well were alarming enough. Now some scientists believe it to be 14 times that, up to 70,000 barrels a day.
(story continues after graphic)
To add more sting to the scar being left in the fertile waters of the gulf another team has identified plumes of oil below the surface getting caught up in the gulf’s currents putting them on a beeline course for the Florida Keys and beyond. The Gulf Stream exits the Gulf of Mexico and runs up the east coast of the US.
Now I am no ocean scientist but it is quickly apparent that this much oil will have to go somewhere and from the look of the North Atlantic Ocean current maps England, Ireland, Iceland and all the fishing grounds in between are possibly in the path.
BP needs all the help they can get to stop the leak as soon as possible. The world needs all the help it can muster to start cleaning up this spill. Creative thinking is needed now, not after all this stuff hits the beaches from Miami to Maine.
Where are the inventors? Can we trap the oil as it squeezes between the Florida Keys? Are all the world’s oil skimming resources heading to the area? Can BP really afford to reimburse for contaminated fisheries on both sides of the Atlantic?
Let’s put on our thinking caps and try to stay as far ahead of this disaster as possible.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Greg Rhoades Speaking At Friendship Thursday
A native of Richmond, Ind., Greg Rhodes is a lifelong Reds fan who grew up rooting for the Reds of the 1950s and 1960s, listening to the play-by-play and stories of former Reds announcer Waite Hoyt. Rhodes was named the executive director of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum when it opened in 2004 and served in that capacity until retiring from the position in July 2007.
Rhodes continuedsto serve as team historian and remains active in speaking engagements regarding the history of Reds baseball. He is the host of the Reds Hall of Fame highlight moments heard prior to each Reds game on the Reds Radio Network pregame show. He has co-authored six books on the Cincinnati Reds, including Redleg Journal and Reds in Black and White, both winners of the The Sporting News-SABR Baseball Research Award.
A former social studies teacher, Rhodes worked for the Cincinnati Historical Society from 1987-'92, helped plan the creation of the new history museum at the Museum Center, served as a former president of the board of Historic Southwest Ohio, been the chairman of the local chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and is past-president of the Cincinnati Red Stockings vintage baseball team.
Friendship Village is located at 5790 Denlinger Rd in Trotwood. For more information call 837-5581.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Historical Society Garage Sale May 6-8
Trotwood-Madison Historical Society Garage Sale will be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May6,7 & 8 from 9am - 5pm at 349 S Broadway, Trotwood, Ohio. Large selection of items at reasonable prices to include house wares, linens, lawn & garden, furniture, man stuff,plants, to much to list. Proceeds will benefit the TMHS Iams Property Renovation Projects. For information 837-0355, 545-5453 or 837-5387
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Handivan Brunch Saturday, Choir Concert Sunday
Each spring the Trotwood Handivan reaches out to the community for help with their funding needs by offering a Saturday Brunch and Sunday afternoon concert of local choirs. 2010 is no exception and might be one of the most interesting lineups of the series. But best of all the proceeds help pay for the free transportation service for the area's elderly and disabled.
Handivan provides transportation to appointments, shopping and many other destinations to area residents. All the drivers are volunteers. Donations help pay for to keep their vans on the road, and that is no small feat. Please consider attending one or both of the events this wekend. If you cannot make it but would like to donate anyway call the number listed below.
Handivan Spring Brunch with Music-April 24
Trotwood Area Handivan Ministry will be hosting a special Spring Brunch complete with music on Saturday, April 24 10AM-12:30PM at Trotwood Church of the Brethren, 208 E. Main St. in Trotwood. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 for child 11 and under. The great meal will be complemented by entertainment fro The Odd Lotts Dulcimer Band, local quartet, pianist, and other talent from young musicians in the area. All proceeds go to help the program of Handivan. For more information call 837-1917.
Ecumenical Spring Concert To Be Held April 25
The annual Ecumenical Spring Concert will be held Sunday, April 25 3PM at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 4961 Salem Ave. in Trotwood. Participating choirs include Happy Corner Church of the Brethren, Eintracht Singing Society, Precious Blood Children, Precious Blood, Precious Blood Bell/Brass, Trotwood United Church of Christ, Trotwood Church of the Brethren, Trotwood Church of the Brethren Bell Choir, Community of Song, and Instrumental Musicians. Support also comes from Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church. Refreshments will be served after concert. Donations are welcomed at the event to support the Handivan program. For more information call 837-1979.
Handivan provides transportation to appointments, shopping and many other destinations to area residents. All the drivers are volunteers. Donations help pay for to keep their vans on the road, and that is no small feat. Please consider attending one or both of the events this wekend. If you cannot make it but would like to donate anyway call the number listed below.
Handivan Spring Brunch with Music-April 24
Trotwood Area Handivan Ministry will be hosting a special Spring Brunch complete with music on Saturday, April 24 10AM-12:30PM at Trotwood Church of the Brethren, 208 E. Main St. in Trotwood. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 for child 11 and under. The great meal will be complemented by entertainment fro The Odd Lotts Dulcimer Band, local quartet, pianist, and other talent from young musicians in the area. All proceeds go to help the program of Handivan. For more information call 837-1917.
Ecumenical Spring Concert To Be Held April 25
The annual Ecumenical Spring Concert will be held Sunday, April 25 3PM at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 4961 Salem Ave. in Trotwood. Participating choirs include Happy Corner Church of the Brethren, Eintracht Singing Society, Precious Blood Children, Precious Blood, Precious Blood Bell/Brass, Trotwood United Church of Christ, Trotwood Church of the Brethren, Trotwood Church of the Brethren Bell Choir, Community of Song, and Instrumental Musicians. Support also comes from Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church. Refreshments will be served after concert. Donations are welcomed at the event to support the Handivan program. For more information call 837-1979.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Battle Of The Marching Bands At Trotwood HS April 24
The third annual Trotwood Battle of the Bands Extravaganza is this Saturday April 24 2:30pm in the Trotwood High School Gym. Five bands from as far as Tennessee and Michigan will be featured next to the Trotwood Madison Marching Rams.
Hosts for the day are Trotwood alumni and University of Dayton basketball standout Chris Wright and popular high school teacher Philizia “Fee” Robinson. There will even be a dunking exhibition between bands.
The competing bands are Shea HS in Cleveland, Detroit Academy, Kirby HS in Memphis, Columbus East and Trotwood Madison. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and $6 for students. For more information contact band parent Brenda Murphy at 750-5812.
Hosts for the day are Trotwood alumni and University of Dayton basketball standout Chris Wright and popular high school teacher Philizia “Fee” Robinson. There will even be a dunking exhibition between bands.
The competing bands are Shea HS in Cleveland, Detroit Academy, Kirby HS in Memphis, Columbus East and Trotwood Madison. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and $6 for students. For more information contact band parent Brenda Murphy at 750-5812.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Meet Your New Council Woman
By Bruce Kettelle
On Monday The Trotwood City Council appointed Nicole Johnson to fill the Ward 1 council seat vacated when Joyce Sutton advanced to the mayor’s slot. At 38 Johnson is the youngest person to serve on the Trotwood council in recent years.
Johnson purchased her first home in Trotwood in the Sycamore Woods subdivision two years ago. A Dayton area native she has also lived in Englewood and Harrison Township. She attended a private high school in New England and studied history and African-American studies at Brown University in Rhode Island.
Johnson has been thinking about serving in Trotwood government since moving here. She attended the city’s first Citizen Volunteer Academy in 2008.
“Government policies have always been a passion for me,” said Johnson. “I worked on the Dukakis For President campaign before I could even vote.”
“One of the things I shared in the interview with city council is we (the city) haven’t taken information technology to the next level.” She hopes to use more of the available Internet social platforms like Twitter and Facebook to help keep citizens better informed.
“This is particularly important if we are going to promote a technology center on the Salem Mall site,” said Johnson. “We need to be using the leading edge.”
That fits right in with her current job at Care Source in Dayton where she works in the Decision Support Informatics department.
She is also concerned with the outbreak of graffiti in the community and hopes to get residents and businesses more involved. “We need to come together as a community on this issue and work beyond the criminal aspects of the problem.”
Johnson has been attending council meetings for some time and is already familiar with many of the issues of the day. She looks forward to hearing from citizens. “I appreciate everyone that lives in this community especially those that have lived here over 50 years.”
Trowood's newest city council member Nicole Johnson (center) was sworn in on April 19. She was welcomed by Trotwood Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron and State Representative Roland Winburn.
On Monday The Trotwood City Council appointed Nicole Johnson to fill the Ward 1 council seat vacated when Joyce Sutton advanced to the mayor’s slot. At 38 Johnson is the youngest person to serve on the Trotwood council in recent years.
Johnson purchased her first home in Trotwood in the Sycamore Woods subdivision two years ago. A Dayton area native she has also lived in Englewood and Harrison Township. She attended a private high school in New England and studied history and African-American studies at Brown University in Rhode Island.
Johnson has been thinking about serving in Trotwood government since moving here. She attended the city’s first Citizen Volunteer Academy in 2008.
“Government policies have always been a passion for me,” said Johnson. “I worked on the Dukakis For President campaign before I could even vote.”
“One of the things I shared in the interview with city council is we (the city) haven’t taken information technology to the next level.” She hopes to use more of the available Internet social platforms like Twitter and Facebook to help keep citizens better informed.
“This is particularly important if we are going to promote a technology center on the Salem Mall site,” said Johnson. “We need to be using the leading edge.”
That fits right in with her current job at Care Source in Dayton where she works in the Decision Support Informatics department.
She is also concerned with the outbreak of graffiti in the community and hopes to get residents and businesses more involved. “We need to come together as a community on this issue and work beyond the criminal aspects of the problem.”
Johnson has been attending council meetings for some time and is already familiar with many of the issues of the day. She looks forward to hearing from citizens. “I appreciate everyone that lives in this community especially those that have lived here over 50 years.”
Trowood's newest city council member Nicole Johnson (center) was sworn in on April 19. She was welcomed by Trotwood Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron and State Representative Roland Winburn.
Main Street Facelift Coming
By Bruce Kettelle
The asphalt jungle of Trotwood’s Main Street will get a little makeover this summer. Plans developed by zoning administrator Carl Dougherty will insert landscaping between the sidewalk and big parking lots dotting the stretch.
For over 50 years commercial centers were built along the Main street east of the trailer park with minimal landscaping requirements. This led to an asphalt jungle feel in the area according to Daugherty.
“This plan calls for five scattered landscape areas to provide a visual breakup of the large parking lots,” Daugherty explained to the city council during a presentation Monday.
Landscaping and grass will be cut into the asphalt in front of the Broadmoor Plaza (Foodtown), Headliners, Trotwood Barbers, Beeber Center (Subways), and Greater Works Plaza (License Bureau).
“This will impact about 1,000 feet of frontage area,” said Daugherty.
In addition to the landscaping new overhead streetlights and pedestrian amenities will be added.
Daugherty said several Main St property owners and the Trotwood Madison Historical Society deemed the design of the new overhead lights acceptable. The teardrop design with scrollwork arms are similar to the lights used in the area during the early 1900s.
Dayton Power and Light will install the metal halide streetlights replacing the existing high pressure sodium lights. Daugherty said the sodium lights have an orange glare people find unappealing. He also expects the new lights will cure some under-illumination issues in the corridor.
The $75,000 cost of the entire project will be paid for from a federal community block grant. The only cost to the city will be an additional $1,248 annually to pay the electric bill for the streetlights. The new total lighting bill for that area will be $8326.
Daugherty hopes to find additional funding to help leverage additional improvements for Main St in the future. He believes these types of improvements will help attract private developers to also invest along Main Street with new residential and commercial projects.
The asphalt jungle of Trotwood’s Main Street will get a little makeover this summer. Plans developed by zoning administrator Carl Dougherty will insert landscaping between the sidewalk and big parking lots dotting the stretch.
For over 50 years commercial centers were built along the Main street east of the trailer park with minimal landscaping requirements. This led to an asphalt jungle feel in the area according to Daugherty.
“This plan calls for five scattered landscape areas to provide a visual breakup of the large parking lots,” Daugherty explained to the city council during a presentation Monday.
Landscaping and grass will be cut into the asphalt in front of the Broadmoor Plaza (Foodtown), Headliners, Trotwood Barbers, Beeber Center (Subways), and Greater Works Plaza (License Bureau).
“This will impact about 1,000 feet of frontage area,” said Daugherty.
In addition to the landscaping new overhead streetlights and pedestrian amenities will be added.
Daugherty said several Main St property owners and the Trotwood Madison Historical Society deemed the design of the new overhead lights acceptable. The teardrop design with scrollwork arms are similar to the lights used in the area during the early 1900s.
Dayton Power and Light will install the metal halide streetlights replacing the existing high pressure sodium lights. Daugherty said the sodium lights have an orange glare people find unappealing. He also expects the new lights will cure some under-illumination issues in the corridor.
The $75,000 cost of the entire project will be paid for from a federal community block grant. The only cost to the city will be an additional $1,248 annually to pay the electric bill for the streetlights. The new total lighting bill for that area will be $8326.
Daugherty hopes to find additional funding to help leverage additional improvements for Main St in the future. He believes these types of improvements will help attract private developers to also invest along Main Street with new residential and commercial projects.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Going Places - Development Planning Workshop April 7th
Going Places, the Integrated Land Use Vision for the Miami Valley Region is a 4-year regional land use planning initiative designed to bring people together to build a clear and shared future land use framework to guide development in the Miami Valley Region.
"We encourage citizens in the Miami Valley Region to spare 90 minutes of their personal time to participate in the Going Places workshop to share their vision of our region's future," said Martin Kim, Director of Regional Planning for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.. "With residents and business participation, we can build a shared vision that will impact our quality of life and economic prosperity for now and for many generations to come."
Local residents should attend to make sure Trotwood has a voice in the regional plan. He even hopes someone might have a new idea "we haven't thought of before." They are taking all comments (and maps) received in the public workshops and compiling them, which they will use in a computer model to determine potential economic, environmental, demographic, etc., outcomes.
Once the results from the local workshops is integrated the Going Place team will hold 3 county- and 1 region-wide public workshops to whittle down the choices. Once there is a unified vision, each jurisdictions will be asked to endorse and use the plan.
Reservations for the workshop are not required. If you cannot attend the draft plan is available on the MVRPC web site where additional comments are accepted. For additional information call the MVRPC at (937) 223-6323 or visit www.mvrpc.org
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
7 Residents Apply For Vacant Council Seat
By Bruce Kettelle
Seven Trotwood residents in Ward 1 submitted applications for the Trotwood city council seat vacated by Vice-Mayor Joyce Sutton. Sutton was promoted to Mayor last month upon the resignation of Darreyl Davis.
The city charter directs city council to fill the vacancy within 60 days. Interviews of the candidates will be conducted before council votes on a successor later this month
The applicants are: David W. Norvell, Herbert T. Marshall, Geraldine Newberry, Wanda M. Adams, Nicole Johnson, Tanya E. Jackson, and Anita Schmaltz.
Seven Trotwood residents in Ward 1 submitted applications for the Trotwood city council seat vacated by Vice-Mayor Joyce Sutton. Sutton was promoted to Mayor last month upon the resignation of Darreyl Davis.
The city charter directs city council to fill the vacancy within 60 days. Interviews of the candidates will be conducted before council votes on a successor later this month
The applicants are: David W. Norvell, Herbert T. Marshall, Geraldine Newberry, Wanda M. Adams, Nicole Johnson, Tanya E. Jackson, and Anita Schmaltz.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
High Tech Targeted For Mall Site
By Bruce Kettelle
Trotwood officials want the former Salem Mall site to become a long-term technology anchor for the city’s future. In a turnaround from previous discussions that included attracting concentrated retail to the location, new consultants have recommended a strategy to bring research and development offices to help replace the region’s 100-year dependence on the automotive industry.
Similar to the Tech Town project in Dayton, Trotwood’s yet to be named center will offer entrepreneurs expertise to identify new markets for inventions and assistance in identifying venture capital sources.
“EMTEC specializes in finding applications for new technologies and commercializing them,” said Frank Svet the company’s president and CEO. EMTEC will become the city’s technology experts in the project. “We’re going to provide them the knowledge infrastructure.”
The physical planning falls on Norm Essman Consulting and a master plan design firm to be selected soon. Essman is a former economic development specialist with the City of Dayton and had a hand in the Tech Town project planning.
“We won’t have to repeat the hardships Tech Town went through,” said Essman. He said to expect the firms locating here to be researching and prototyping new products. Actual manufacturing would not take place on the campus.
According to Essman, “These tech workers tend to be younger, entrepreneurial (meaning they work too much), and like to live and play near their work.” He wants the master plan to take these factors into consideration for both the mall site and surrounding area.
After hearing the presentation to city council on March 22, Trotwood Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron was encouraged by the change in strategy. “We were aware that a completely commercial project was not the way to go,” said Cameron. “Technology is the future, we want that here to sustain growth and jobs.”
Trotwood city manager Mike Lucking supports the shift for the site. “We are trying to leapfrog the community forward with a concept that lasts generations.”
Lucking expects the master planning to move ahead quickly. The consultants believe the skeleton roadway plan presented last fall by Bird and Hauk can be utilized for the technology center. Lucking wants to start construction of the first interior roadway in the spring of 2011. The city will seek federal funds to pay for those infrastructure costs.
Trotwood officials want the former Salem Mall site to become a long-term technology anchor for the city’s future. In a turnaround from previous discussions that included attracting concentrated retail to the location, new consultants have recommended a strategy to bring research and development offices to help replace the region’s 100-year dependence on the automotive industry.
Similar to the Tech Town project in Dayton, Trotwood’s yet to be named center will offer entrepreneurs expertise to identify new markets for inventions and assistance in identifying venture capital sources.
“EMTEC specializes in finding applications for new technologies and commercializing them,” said Frank Svet the company’s president and CEO. EMTEC will become the city’s technology experts in the project. “We’re going to provide them the knowledge infrastructure.”
The physical planning falls on Norm Essman Consulting and a master plan design firm to be selected soon. Essman is a former economic development specialist with the City of Dayton and had a hand in the Tech Town project planning.
“We won’t have to repeat the hardships Tech Town went through,” said Essman. He said to expect the firms locating here to be researching and prototyping new products. Actual manufacturing would not take place on the campus.
According to Essman, “These tech workers tend to be younger, entrepreneurial (meaning they work too much), and like to live and play near their work.” He wants the master plan to take these factors into consideration for both the mall site and surrounding area.
After hearing the presentation to city council on March 22, Trotwood Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron was encouraged by the change in strategy. “We were aware that a completely commercial project was not the way to go,” said Cameron. “Technology is the future, we want that here to sustain growth and jobs.”
Trotwood city manager Mike Lucking supports the shift for the site. “We are trying to leapfrog the community forward with a concept that lasts generations.”
Lucking expects the master planning to move ahead quickly. The consultants believe the skeleton roadway plan presented last fall by Bird and Hauk can be utilized for the technology center. Lucking wants to start construction of the first interior roadway in the spring of 2011. The city will seek federal funds to pay for those infrastructure costs.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Onshoring May Save Ohio
By Bruce Kettelle
Caterpillar is the latest company to announce plans to bring a manufacturing plant back to the US. Economists call this onshoring, the opposite of offshoring. Offshoring has been blamed for taking jobs out of the US and Ohio since the free trade agreements took effect in the 1990’s.
The difference today according to an article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal is the economics are shifting to make domestic production attractive again. They cite shipping and logistics costs, quality control, loss of intellectual property, and a highly skilled underemployed US workforce.
The main attraction for Caterpillar and others to move production offshore were lower labor rates available in Mexico and China. Those labor rates have begun to creep up as the workforce in those countries begin to expect higher standards of living.
Another major factor influencing the onshore movement is dollar exchange rates. The weak dollar makes US goods more attractive to other countries.
In Ohio and Trotwood this should be viewed as good news. In the case of Caterpillar this area may be an attractive location to build a new manufacturing plant. It would be close to their new Clayton distribution facility due to open near the end of this year and surrounded by an experienced manufacturing workforce.
It looks like onshoring should become part of Trotwood’s economic development vocabulary.
Caterpillar is the latest company to announce plans to bring a manufacturing plant back to the US. Economists call this onshoring, the opposite of offshoring. Offshoring has been blamed for taking jobs out of the US and Ohio since the free trade agreements took effect in the 1990’s.
The difference today according to an article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal is the economics are shifting to make domestic production attractive again. They cite shipping and logistics costs, quality control, loss of intellectual property, and a highly skilled underemployed US workforce.
The main attraction for Caterpillar and others to move production offshore were lower labor rates available in Mexico and China. Those labor rates have begun to creep up as the workforce in those countries begin to expect higher standards of living.
Another major factor influencing the onshore movement is dollar exchange rates. The weak dollar makes US goods more attractive to other countries.
In Ohio and Trotwood this should be viewed as good news. In the case of Caterpillar this area may be an attractive location to build a new manufacturing plant. It would be close to their new Clayton distribution facility due to open near the end of this year and surrounded by an experienced manufacturing workforce.
It looks like onshoring should become part of Trotwood’s economic development vocabulary.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Trotwood Tornado Sirens Will Sound On April 5th
By Bruce Kettelle
Six newly installed emergency sirens will be tested simultaneously for the first time on April 5th at noon. The new sirens replace Trotwood’s aging siren system, which has been dysfunctional for over a year.
The new sirens were funded by a FEMA grant coordinated by Trotwood Fire and Rescue. One additional siren is yet to be installed in the southern portion of rural Trotwood. Fire officials believe the new locations will provide better coverage for alerting the public to emergencies such as tornado warnings.
The sirens will be tested each Monday at noon throughout the year. The sirens are located at 1333 N. Lutheran Church Road, 3031 Shiloh Springs Road, 4385 Salem Avenue, 4510 Seybold Road, 15 W. Trotwood Boulevard, and 909 Miller Avenue. A seventh siren is yet to be installed on Old Dayton Rd.
Six newly installed emergency sirens will be tested simultaneously for the first time on April 5th at noon. The new sirens replace Trotwood’s aging siren system, which has been dysfunctional for over a year.
The new sirens were funded by a FEMA grant coordinated by Trotwood Fire and Rescue. One additional siren is yet to be installed in the southern portion of rural Trotwood. Fire officials believe the new locations will provide better coverage for alerting the public to emergencies such as tornado warnings.
The sirens will be tested each Monday at noon throughout the year. The sirens are located at 1333 N. Lutheran Church Road, 3031 Shiloh Springs Road, 4385 Salem Avenue, 4510 Seybold Road, 15 W. Trotwood Boulevard, and 909 Miller Avenue. A seventh siren is yet to be installed on Old Dayton Rd.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Winter Strikes Trotwood - February 2010
Snow piled up in February around this Trotwood
farmhouse. Trotwood had the second snowiest February on record
By Bruce Kettelle
February 2010 was beautiful with a mess of winter in Trotwood. A string of storms dropped over 20” of white stuff starting with 6” on the 5th.
Cities and counties declared periodic emergencies as road crews had trouble keeping up with the frequent deposits. Persistent freezing temperatures insured none of the snows would melt leaving a white blanket until the March thaw. Even by March 10th patches of snow remained, stubbornly resisting temperatures approaching 60-degrees.
Conversations at local diners of more snow coming were initially met with contempt that gave way to acceptance. Succumbing to the daily donning of snow boots and heavy clothes the adventurous found new worlds to explore in their own back yards.
Icicles hung from nearly every eave. Boughs laden with heavy snow touched the ground. Country roads regularly drifted over again even days after the most recent snowfall when cold winter winds whipped at the frozen mass.
Ponds froze solid. Previously frustrated snowmobilers finally got their fill. Cross-country skis sold out in local shops. And by the end of the month you couldn’t buy a snow shovel anywhere.
Melting snow in March delivered a big dose of
mud season to the area. Stepping off the pavement anywhere usually
upset area moms as the dirt got tracked inside.
It was one for the record books becoming the second snowiest February on record for the Dayton area. Officially 23” of snow fell, just 2” shy of now third place 2003, but well behind the 1910 record of 31.6.
Thoughts now turn to spring as gardeners watch for the first crocus blooms and farmers hope for perfect planting weather. Memories of this February will fade quickly as we all revel in the warmth of spring.
Geese were frozen out of their ponds all February.
On March 8th they were exploring the melting edges of the ice
at Larchtree Golf Course.
Monday, March 8, 2010
City Eyes Lower Interest Rates
By Bruce Kettelle
Trotwood leaders are eyeing lower interest rates to convert most of the city’s debt into long-term notes.
During most of the past decade Trotwood has used short-term one-year notes to finance the city’s investments.
“This was a conscious strategy to wait,” said Jeff Rink of Key Bank, the city’s bond advisor. Rink presented the case at the March 1 city council meeting. He said the time is close to convert the debt into long-term bond notes.
Rink said the short-term rates have been very favorable but things look like they are beginning to change. He expects the city to qualify for a rate around 5%.
Acting city finance director Patricia Shively said the city would combine several existing debts into one for six months to give the bank time to arrange the long-term package. The components include $3.8-million for the Salem Mall acquisition, $2.5-million for the Toys-R-Us acquisition, $1.7-million for improvements along Olive Road for the GM distribution facility, and $100,000 for the East Main St water line replacement.
The city council voted unanimously to issue the 6-month bond anticipation note for $8,255,000.
Rush said he would prepare by August a 20-25 year bond package for the funds. He expects the city will attract favorable rates.
Council member Mary McDonald asked Rush if it would be difficult to find someone to purchase the city’s bonds. He said, “Cities as fine as Trotwood are having no trouble selling their debt.”
Trotwood leaders are eyeing lower interest rates to convert most of the city’s debt into long-term notes.
During most of the past decade Trotwood has used short-term one-year notes to finance the city’s investments.
“This was a conscious strategy to wait,” said Jeff Rink of Key Bank, the city’s bond advisor. Rink presented the case at the March 1 city council meeting. He said the time is close to convert the debt into long-term bond notes.
Rink said the short-term rates have been very favorable but things look like they are beginning to change. He expects the city to qualify for a rate around 5%.
Acting city finance director Patricia Shively said the city would combine several existing debts into one for six months to give the bank time to arrange the long-term package. The components include $3.8-million for the Salem Mall acquisition, $2.5-million for the Toys-R-Us acquisition, $1.7-million for improvements along Olive Road for the GM distribution facility, and $100,000 for the East Main St water line replacement.
The city council voted unanimously to issue the 6-month bond anticipation note for $8,255,000.
Rush said he would prepare by August a 20-25 year bond package for the funds. He expects the city will attract favorable rates.
Council member Mary McDonald asked Rush if it would be difficult to find someone to purchase the city’s bonds. He said, “Cities as fine as Trotwood are having no trouble selling their debt.”
Historical Society Annual Spaghetti Dinner March 27
The Trotwood-Madison Historical Society will hold its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 27, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Trotwood Church of the Brethren, located at 208 E Main Street, Trotwood, OH. Tickets may be purchased at the door $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children age12 and younger. The dinner includes spaghetti (featuring their homemade sauce), salad, garlic or plain bread, homemade desserts and beverage. Meatless sauce is also available and carry-out dinners can be purchased.
Proceeds go to the Iams Homestead Preservation Fund. For more info call 854-4505 or visit http://t-mhs.blogspot.com/
Proceeds go to the Iams Homestead Preservation Fund. For more info call 854-4505 or visit http://t-mhs.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 6, 2010
TUCC Cabbage Roll Dinner March 20
The famous Trotwood United Church of Christ Cabbage Roll Dinner will be held Saturday, March 20 4:30-6:30PM at the church 18 N. Broadway in Trotwood. The meal includes cabbage roll(meat loaf available) real mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and dessert. The cost is $7 per adult and $3.50 per child 10 years and younger. This is the 15th year for this semi-annaul feast-come enjoy and visit with friends and make new friends. Call 837-1261 for more details.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Applications Sought For Empty City Council Seat
Bt Bruce Kettelle
The Trotwood city council is accepting applications for the vacant Ward 1 city council seat. This is the seat held by Joyce Sutton Cameron who was elevated to the position of Mayor after the recent resignation of former Mayor Darreyl Davis.
Applications are available on the city’s web site or at the government center and must be submitted by March 26th to the clerk of council Lois Singleton.
According to the city charter applicants must be a Trotwood resident for at least one year and currently be residing in the area known as District (Ward) 1. The city council is required to fill the vacancy within 60 days.
Interested residents should complete the city’s volunteer application although there is a small annual stipend paid to city council members. A boundary map showing District 1 is available on the web site or at the city offices.
Completed applications may be delivered to the city offices or submitted by email or facsimile to 854-0574.
Questions about the process should be directed to Lois Singleton 854-7212 or by email lsingleton@trotwood.org. For forms maps and other information visit www.Trotwood.org
The Trotwood city council is accepting applications for the vacant Ward 1 city council seat. This is the seat held by Joyce Sutton Cameron who was elevated to the position of Mayor after the recent resignation of former Mayor Darreyl Davis.
Applications are available on the city’s web site or at the government center and must be submitted by March 26th to the clerk of council Lois Singleton.
According to the city charter applicants must be a Trotwood resident for at least one year and currently be residing in the area known as District (Ward) 1. The city council is required to fill the vacancy within 60 days.
Interested residents should complete the city’s volunteer application although there is a small annual stipend paid to city council members. A boundary map showing District 1 is available on the web site or at the city offices.
Completed applications may be delivered to the city offices or submitted by email or facsimile to 854-0574.
Questions about the process should be directed to Lois Singleton 854-7212 or by email lsingleton@trotwood.org. For forms maps and other information visit www.Trotwood.org
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Will DP&L Twitter During Emergencies?
By Bruce Kettelle
A friend lost power in New Hampshire during this week's big storm now being called a Snowicane because of the high winds and associated coastal tides. He like nearly a million in the storm's path lost their power.
Unlike Ohio's 2008 experience with outages from the wind remnants of Hurricane Ike, New Hampshirites were kept up to date with power restoration updates via Twitter. Public Service Company of New Hampshire is still providing Twitter updates today as they work through the widespread outages.
Dayton Power and Light (DP&L) should take note of PSNH's success. Without power, homeowners have few choices to get info. Cell phones recharged with automobile adapters are often their only link with the outside world. Twitter updates can be monitored on those phones.
Hats off to PSNH for finding ways to keep their customers informed. Lets hope DP&L can get on this technology bandwagon.
See for yoursel by scrolling through the PSNH posts http://twitter.com/psnh
A friend lost power in New Hampshire during this week's big storm now being called a Snowicane because of the high winds and associated coastal tides. He like nearly a million in the storm's path lost their power.
Unlike Ohio's 2008 experience with outages from the wind remnants of Hurricane Ike, New Hampshirites were kept up to date with power restoration updates via Twitter. Public Service Company of New Hampshire is still providing Twitter updates today as they work through the widespread outages.
Dayton Power and Light (DP&L) should take note of PSNH's success. Without power, homeowners have few choices to get info. Cell phones recharged with automobile adapters are often their only link with the outside world. Twitter updates can be monitored on those phones.
Hats off to PSNH for finding ways to keep their customers informed. Lets hope DP&L can get on this technology bandwagon.
See for yoursel by scrolling through the PSNH posts http://twitter.com/psnh
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Trotwood Mayor Resigns
Trotwood Mayor Resigns, Vice Mayor Cameron To Fill TermBy Bruce Kettelle
Following a hastily called special city council meeting tonight, Vice Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron announced that Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis has resigned. Cameron will be sworn in on March 1st to complete the unexpired portion of his term through the end of 2011.
Davis has been under fire since the release of a January investigation report from the Ohio Inspector General. The investigation revealed that Davis had conducted city business for Trotwood while on the clock at the Ohio Department of Transportation. Davis worked for ODOT for 30-years before his resignation last fall after the allegations came to light.
"City council will accept the resignation at the regular meeting in March and swear in the vice mayor to fill the remaining time of his term," said Cameron in a prepared statement. The resignation letter did not give any reasons for his decision.
"We will interview and appoint someone to fill my seat," Cameron said. By the city charter the city council has 60-days to make that appointment.
Cameron said the investigation has only had one negative impact on the city causing a delay in the next phase of design work for the Salem Mall site.. The investigation revealed that the city's design contractor for the mall site had given a friend of Davis a $5,000 finders fee for helping to land the contract. Davis himself did not receive any of that money.
"We want to come out from this as a whole council," said Cameron optimistically. "We intend on moving ahead together." She hopes the residents will have more confidence in their elected officials as they move forward.
Davis did not return phone calls for comment. His letter ended "I wish the City of Trotwood much success in the future."
Trotwood resident Janice Chinn said, "It's sad that this change had to happen this way." Chinn, a critic of the Mayor and unsuccessful city council candidate thinks the citizens will get behind the new mayor.
Bring Your Easter Baskets March 27
The annual Trotwood Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday March 27th in Madison Park at 10am. Children 10 and under should bring their own baskets to collect candy and prizes hidden around the park. Come early and gather at the pavillion to find out about special prizes hidden in the eggs for each age group.
Madison Park is located at 301 South Broadway next to Madison Park Elementary School. For more information contact the Trotwood Recreation Division at 854-7227..
Madison Park is located at 301 South Broadway next to Madison Park Elementary School. For more information contact the Trotwood Recreation Division at 854-7227..
Friday, January 29, 2010
Do We Need Countywide School Districts In Ohio?
By Bruce Kettelle
For ten years I have been screaming why do we have 17 school districts in Montgomery County Ohio? It is not because I think we need more districts, it is because I think 17 is way too many. In fact I am begging for someone, anyone, in Columbus to listen to my plea for just one district to cover the entire county.
And not just for Montgomery. Ohio has 614 school districts. If they are combined we could have just 88, one for each county in the state.
There are good reasons to take a closer look at this proposal including cost savings and better education opportunities for everyone.
Cost savings will come from transportation and administrative budgets. No longer will there be 17 accounts payable departments, 17 payroll departments, or 17 superintendents. Bus transportation decisions will be able to include routes that cross the old boundary lines and provide streamlining that will reduce busses, drivers, and maintenance costs.
Schools will be able to work together to provide more advanced programs and new subjects that were not warranted by the smaller demand of the lesser districts.
We're not talking about closing schools or even changing exiting attendance zones. As one big district there will still be all the same elementary, middle and high schools with their own identities and sports rivalries.
Ohio is late to the game on district consolidations. Since 1950 there were 83,641 school districts in the US, regions and states have been trending towards fewer and larger districts. By 1980 there were just 15, 986.
Countywide school districts are already in place in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Other states have combined districts in different ways. And recent studies show that average achievement scores are higher in larger districts.
Under a countywide system there would be one countywide millage rate for property taxes. The one rate system would be less confusing for homeowners shopping for a house and help provide a more level playing field for economic development specialists trying to attract new business. The distribution of those revenues would also help districts respond to the state Supreme Court ruling concerning the current unconstitutional funding formula.
Another benefit statewide is to provide a first introduction of the effectiveness of regional government to Ohioans grappling with combining other services. In Montgomery we are trying a countywide emergency dispatch system and leaders are dialoguing about other combined services.
Countywide school districts will work for Ohio. Will you be an advocate for them?
For ten years I have been screaming why do we have 17 school districts in Montgomery County Ohio? It is not because I think we need more districts, it is because I think 17 is way too many. In fact I am begging for someone, anyone, in Columbus to listen to my plea for just one district to cover the entire county.
And not just for Montgomery. Ohio has 614 school districts. If they are combined we could have just 88, one for each county in the state.
There are good reasons to take a closer look at this proposal including cost savings and better education opportunities for everyone.
Cost savings will come from transportation and administrative budgets. No longer will there be 17 accounts payable departments, 17 payroll departments, or 17 superintendents. Bus transportation decisions will be able to include routes that cross the old boundary lines and provide streamlining that will reduce busses, drivers, and maintenance costs.
Schools will be able to work together to provide more advanced programs and new subjects that were not warranted by the smaller demand of the lesser districts.
We're not talking about closing schools or even changing exiting attendance zones. As one big district there will still be all the same elementary, middle and high schools with their own identities and sports rivalries.
Ohio is late to the game on district consolidations. Since 1950 there were 83,641 school districts in the US, regions and states have been trending towards fewer and larger districts. By 1980 there were just 15, 986.
Countywide school districts are already in place in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Other states have combined districts in different ways. And recent studies show that average achievement scores are higher in larger districts.
Under a countywide system there would be one countywide millage rate for property taxes. The one rate system would be less confusing for homeowners shopping for a house and help provide a more level playing field for economic development specialists trying to attract new business. The distribution of those revenues would also help districts respond to the state Supreme Court ruling concerning the current unconstitutional funding formula.
Another benefit statewide is to provide a first introduction of the effectiveness of regional government to Ohioans grappling with combining other services. In Montgomery we are trying a countywide emergency dispatch system and leaders are dialoguing about other combined services.
Countywide school districts will work for Ohio. Will you be an advocate for them?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Letter Gives A Few Clues In Mayor Inquiry
By Bruce Kettelle
The anonymous letter that sparked a state investigation of Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis was released to Totally Trotwood last week. The April 13, 2009 letter was obtained from the State Inspector General’s office after an eight-month investigation.
Clues to the identity of the mystery writer remain sketchy. In the letter the writer claims to be retired from General Motors. They also mention they met with the Mayor “several times this week to discuss what he plans on doing for Trotwood.”
The letter questions why the Mayor’s meetings were during the business day when he is supposed to be working full time for the Ohio Department of Transportation. Davis was a salaried supervisor at ODOT during that time.
The letter is addressed to Rex Dickey the ODOT District 7 Deputy Director where Davis was employed. Davis retired from his ODOT post in September.
The investigation conducted by the Ohio Inspector General uncovered personal phone calls and emails conducted on state time. Those results were forwarded to ODOT and prosecutors for review.
Totally Trotwood visited the Trotwood city offices last week to review city records related to the investigation. The inspector general’s office subpoenaed 100’s of pages of emails, memos, and expense records from the city. Copies of those records revealed five people’s names requesting meetings with the Mayor around the time of the letter. None of them met with the mayor “several times.”
In a phone interview this week Davis said he is not searching for the letter writer but the contents of the letter did not give him any new clues. “I haven’t done anything improper,” said Davis. He has retained legal counsel to help defend him.
The investigation also uncovered a finders fee paid to a friend of Davis by a Trotwood contractor. Davis maintains he did not find out about the fee until after the city council voted on the contract.
For now the identity of the letter writer remains a mystery.
Click here to see the complete anonymous letter.
The anonymous letter that sparked a state investigation of Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis was released to Totally Trotwood last week. The April 13, 2009 letter was obtained from the State Inspector General’s office after an eight-month investigation.
Clues to the identity of the mystery writer remain sketchy. In the letter the writer claims to be retired from General Motors. They also mention they met with the Mayor “several times this week to discuss what he plans on doing for Trotwood.”
The letter questions why the Mayor’s meetings were during the business day when he is supposed to be working full time for the Ohio Department of Transportation. Davis was a salaried supervisor at ODOT during that time.
The letter is addressed to Rex Dickey the ODOT District 7 Deputy Director where Davis was employed. Davis retired from his ODOT post in September.
The investigation conducted by the Ohio Inspector General uncovered personal phone calls and emails conducted on state time. Those results were forwarded to ODOT and prosecutors for review.
Totally Trotwood visited the Trotwood city offices last week to review city records related to the investigation. The inspector general’s office subpoenaed 100’s of pages of emails, memos, and expense records from the city. Copies of those records revealed five people’s names requesting meetings with the Mayor around the time of the letter. None of them met with the mayor “several times.”
In a phone interview this week Davis said he is not searching for the letter writer but the contents of the letter did not give him any new clues. “I haven’t done anything improper,” said Davis. He has retained legal counsel to help defend him.
The investigation also uncovered a finders fee paid to a friend of Davis by a Trotwood contractor. Davis maintains he did not find out about the fee until after the city council voted on the contract.
For now the identity of the letter writer remains a mystery.
Click here to see the complete anonymous letter.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Trotwood's Hankins Continues With First Suburbs Consortium
The First Suburbs Consortium of Dayton has announced its leadership team for 2010. The Consortium elected Riverside Deputy Mayor Bill Flaute as Chair, Oakwood Vice Mayor Steve Byington as Vice-Chair, Huber Heights Councilmember Judy Blankenship as Secretary, Kettering Councilmember Bruce Duke as Treasurer and Trotwood Councilmember Rap Hankins as the At Large Member of the Executive Committee.
Last year Hankins served as Vice-Chair.
“We have a great leadership team and I look forward to working together to build upon the progress of the past year” said Flaute. “In 2010 we will continue to focus our efforts on initiatives and projects which add value for our member communities. We will also reach out to other groups and organizations with similar interests through our Associate Membership program.”
The First Suburbs Consortium of Dayton is a Council of Governments formed in 2005 to focus on the challenges and opportunities common to older inner ring suburbs surrounding Dayton. The Consortium presently has thirteen member communities which comprise approximately 50% of the population of Montgomery County. They are: Centerville, Clayton, Harrison Township, Huber Heights, Jefferson Township, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Riverside, Trotwood, Vandalia and West Carrollton.
In Ohio, the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus areas have similar First Suburb organizations. For information contact: firstsuburbs@ameritech.net or phone 937-866-1584
Last year Hankins served as Vice-Chair.
“We have a great leadership team and I look forward to working together to build upon the progress of the past year” said Flaute. “In 2010 we will continue to focus our efforts on initiatives and projects which add value for our member communities. We will also reach out to other groups and organizations with similar interests through our Associate Membership program.”
The First Suburbs Consortium of Dayton is a Council of Governments formed in 2005 to focus on the challenges and opportunities common to older inner ring suburbs surrounding Dayton. The Consortium presently has thirteen member communities which comprise approximately 50% of the population of Montgomery County. They are: Centerville, Clayton, Harrison Township, Huber Heights, Jefferson Township, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Riverside, Trotwood, Vandalia and West Carrollton.
In Ohio, the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus areas have similar First Suburb organizations. For information contact: firstsuburbs@ameritech.net or phone 937-866-1584
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Council Votes To Investigate Mayor
By Bruce Kettelle
At an emergency city council meeting Wednesday night Trotwood officials approved plans to further investigate the mayor’s role in the 2008 Stonehenge contract. The action is in response to the Ohio Inspector General’s investigation released Tuesday accusing the Mayor Darreyl Davis of improprieties.
At issue is his prior knowledge or involvement surrounding a $5,000 finders fee paid by Stonehenge to former city employee Sheila Edwards. Edwards introduced Stonehenge to Davis and the city. The city later entered into the contract to provide design services for a re-use plan for the former Salem Mall site.
The Mayor and council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of city law director Stephen McHugh. The recommendations included suspending negotiations with Stonehenge for a phase II contract, a full investigation of the city’s original contract with Stonehenge, and an investigation of the Mayor’s involvement with that contract award.
McHugh cautioned that besides the city investigation the report is also being further reviewed by other agencies including: Ohio Ethics Commission, Ohio Department of Transportation (where Davis was employed), Ohio Department of Health (where Edwards was employed), City of Columbus prosecutors, Montgomery County prosecutors, and Franklin County prosecutors. Those investigations could raise additional facts or recommendations the city may want to consider.
In addition to the issues surrounding the contract Davis is likely to be reviewed by ODOT for personal calls and emails made during work hours.
Davis maintains that he has done nothing improper. He explained that he only became aware of the finders fee after the contract was awarded.
Trotwood law director Stephen McHugh and Mayor Darreyl Davis confer briefly with other council member before the start of an emergency meeting to discuss allegations against the mayor.
The release of the investigator’s report came as a surprise to vice-mayor Joyce Cameron. “I did not know about the investigation until yesterday, I was totally blindsided,” she said after the meeting. “I feel no one knows at this point how this will turn out.”
Cameron and others at the meeting said they do not know the identity anonymous tipster who caused the investigation.
Davis, like many Mayors, has detractors in the community. He was recently the target of a failed recall effort for not opposing the recently opened Greyhound Bus Lines terminal in the city. He also was criticized for his involvement in the money losing city jazz festival held several years ago.
At an emergency city council meeting Wednesday night Trotwood officials approved plans to further investigate the mayor’s role in the 2008 Stonehenge contract. The action is in response to the Ohio Inspector General’s investigation released Tuesday accusing the Mayor Darreyl Davis of improprieties.
At issue is his prior knowledge or involvement surrounding a $5,000 finders fee paid by Stonehenge to former city employee Sheila Edwards. Edwards introduced Stonehenge to Davis and the city. The city later entered into the contract to provide design services for a re-use plan for the former Salem Mall site.
The Mayor and council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of city law director Stephen McHugh. The recommendations included suspending negotiations with Stonehenge for a phase II contract, a full investigation of the city’s original contract with Stonehenge, and an investigation of the Mayor’s involvement with that contract award.
McHugh cautioned that besides the city investigation the report is also being further reviewed by other agencies including: Ohio Ethics Commission, Ohio Department of Transportation (where Davis was employed), Ohio Department of Health (where Edwards was employed), City of Columbus prosecutors, Montgomery County prosecutors, and Franklin County prosecutors. Those investigations could raise additional facts or recommendations the city may want to consider.
In addition to the issues surrounding the contract Davis is likely to be reviewed by ODOT for personal calls and emails made during work hours.
Davis maintains that he has done nothing improper. He explained that he only became aware of the finders fee after the contract was awarded.
Trotwood law director Stephen McHugh and Mayor Darreyl Davis confer briefly with other council member before the start of an emergency meeting to discuss allegations against the mayor.
Cameron and others at the meeting said they do not know the identity anonymous tipster who caused the investigation.
Davis, like many Mayors, has detractors in the community. He was recently the target of a failed recall effort for not opposing the recently opened Greyhound Bus Lines terminal in the city. He also was criticized for his involvement in the money losing city jazz festival held several years ago.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A New Year And A New Store Opens
By Bruce Kettelle
Trotwood started the New Year with the grand opening of a new O’Reilly Auto Parts store. The 5,900-sq/ft store marks the 7th Dayton area store for the chain as part of a massive expansion within Ohio over the past two years.
“The company has been around for 52 years,” said District manager Jim Miller before the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “I think this store will do real well and our customers already seem to like it.”
The newly built store is nestled on Salem Ave. between three competitors on the same block.
“We have already had customers stop in that were comparing prices from O’Reilly”, said Dave Bohardt manager of nearby Main Auto Parts. He thinks the new competition will be good for business.
Trotwood Chamber members and city officials helped out at the grand opening of the O'Reillys Auto Parts on Salem Av on Januaery 6. (l-r) Sandy Reige, Sandy Marty, Karen Garner, Mathew Wynn (manager), Marie Battle, Gary Fischer, Carl Daugherty, Eric Perkins (asst manager), Jim Mills (district manager), Loren Gross and Shari Hooper (seated).
“There are some things we keep in stock that others don’t,” said Miller. Each of the competitors has their own niche.
Most of the other 36 Ohio O’Reilly stores opened last year were also built near competitors. Now with 66 stores in Ohio they continue to expand expecting to open 24-26 more stores here in 2010.
Carl Daugherty Trotwood’s zoning administrator helped the builders follow the city’s updated landscape and signage requirements and is pleased with the way it enhances Salem Ave. He is hopeful the city will witness additional retail growth this year.
“Grandview Weekend Outlet opened a new store before Christmas next to the Salem Av. K-Mart store,” said Daugherty. “I have an appointment coming up with another prospect that might locate in the Olde Town area.”
Perhaps this new interest in Trotwood could mark 2010 as a turning point for the city’s effort to attract new retailers.
Board members from the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon. As with each local O’Reilly opening a donation is made to a local charity. Accepting for the Goodwill Easter Seals Adult Day Support center was Anna Marty and Shari Hooper.
The Trotwood O’Reilly store is located at 3970 Salem Avenue (937)279-0688.
Trotwood started the New Year with the grand opening of a new O’Reilly Auto Parts store. The 5,900-sq/ft store marks the 7th Dayton area store for the chain as part of a massive expansion within Ohio over the past two years.
“The company has been around for 52 years,” said District manager Jim Miller before the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “I think this store will do real well and our customers already seem to like it.”
The newly built store is nestled on Salem Ave. between three competitors on the same block.
“We have already had customers stop in that were comparing prices from O’Reilly”, said Dave Bohardt manager of nearby Main Auto Parts. He thinks the new competition will be good for business.
Trotwood Chamber members and city officials helped out at the grand opening of the O'Reillys Auto Parts on Salem Av on Januaery 6. (l-r) Sandy Reige, Sandy Marty, Karen Garner, Mathew Wynn (manager), Marie Battle, Gary Fischer, Carl Daugherty, Eric Perkins (asst manager), Jim Mills (district manager), Loren Gross and Shari Hooper (seated).
“There are some things we keep in stock that others don’t,” said Miller. Each of the competitors has their own niche.
Most of the other 36 Ohio O’Reilly stores opened last year were also built near competitors. Now with 66 stores in Ohio they continue to expand expecting to open 24-26 more stores here in 2010.
Carl Daugherty Trotwood’s zoning administrator helped the builders follow the city’s updated landscape and signage requirements and is pleased with the way it enhances Salem Ave. He is hopeful the city will witness additional retail growth this year.
“Grandview Weekend Outlet opened a new store before Christmas next to the Salem Av. K-Mart store,” said Daugherty. “I have an appointment coming up with another prospect that might locate in the Olde Town area.”
Perhaps this new interest in Trotwood could mark 2010 as a turning point for the city’s effort to attract new retailers.
Board members from the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon. As with each local O’Reilly opening a donation is made to a local charity. Accepting for the Goodwill Easter Seals Adult Day Support center was Anna Marty and Shari Hooper.
The Trotwood O’Reilly store is located at 3970 Salem Avenue (937)279-0688.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Ohio Inspector General Says Mayor Davis Misused State Time To Perform Mayoral Duties
By Bruce Kettelle
Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis was admonished today in a 12-page report issued by the Ohio Office of Inspector General. The report documents 379 hours of personal time spent while on the job at the Ohio Department of Transportation since April 2007.
The investigation began April 23, 2009 after an anonymous tip alerted the inspector’s office.
Also detailed in the investigation are emails and phone calls between Davis and a former Trotwood city employee who was working at the Ohio Department of Health. The investigator suggests that Davis aided Sheila Edwards to obtain a $5,000 finders fee from a Ghana consultant after Trotwood awarded a $50,000 contract to the firm.
Davis told investigators he never attempted to exert his influence and stressed that his was just one of seven votes approving the contract. Officials from the consultant agreed, and said there was nothing unusual about paying Edwards for her assistance.
Nonetheless the state suggests that Davis’s neglecting to inform city officials of the arrangement prior to the contract award creates the appearance of impropriety.
The investigation also details 379 hours of time Davis spent on Trotwood and personal business while on the clock at ODOT as a supervisor. The inspector suggests that Davis charged nearly $15,000 of time while not working on ODOT matters.
He acknowledged to the investigators with regret his increasing difficulties with juggling and separating his duties for ODOT and Trotwood, but even so said he was surprised by the extent of e-mails and phone calls documented by this investigation. In the report investigators said, “To his credit, Davis recognized the problem – albeit, belatedly – and retired from ODOT to avoid future conflicts.”
The report was forwarded today to ODOT, ODH and prosecutors in Columbus, Franklin County, and Montgomery County.
To read a complete copy of the report click here.
Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis was admonished today in a 12-page report issued by the Ohio Office of Inspector General. The report documents 379 hours of personal time spent while on the job at the Ohio Department of Transportation since April 2007.
The investigation began April 23, 2009 after an anonymous tip alerted the inspector’s office.
Also detailed in the investigation are emails and phone calls between Davis and a former Trotwood city employee who was working at the Ohio Department of Health. The investigator suggests that Davis aided Sheila Edwards to obtain a $5,000 finders fee from a Ghana consultant after Trotwood awarded a $50,000 contract to the firm.
Davis told investigators he never attempted to exert his influence and stressed that his was just one of seven votes approving the contract. Officials from the consultant agreed, and said there was nothing unusual about paying Edwards for her assistance.
Nonetheless the state suggests that Davis’s neglecting to inform city officials of the arrangement prior to the contract award creates the appearance of impropriety.
The investigation also details 379 hours of time Davis spent on Trotwood and personal business while on the clock at ODOT as a supervisor. The inspector suggests that Davis charged nearly $15,000 of time while not working on ODOT matters.
He acknowledged to the investigators with regret his increasing difficulties with juggling and separating his duties for ODOT and Trotwood, but even so said he was surprised by the extent of e-mails and phone calls documented by this investigation. In the report investigators said, “To his credit, Davis recognized the problem – albeit, belatedly – and retired from ODOT to avoid future conflicts.”
The report was forwarded today to ODOT, ODH and prosecutors in Columbus, Franklin County, and Montgomery County.
To read a complete copy of the report click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
