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
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Health Care - What Will The New Bill Mean To You?
The Healthcare bill passed by the US Senate on Christmas Eve will not be finalized until the modified plan is passed in the US House again. While most expect there will be some minor changes there are some basic elements that should stay firm.
Here are some of the key questions and answers if it become law:
For consumers:
Q: Would the law force me to buy health insurance?
A: Yes, for most people. Of course, if you already have insurance from your job or are on Medicare, that won’t be a problem for you. Others might have to turn to newly created “exchanges” to buy coverage.
Q: What if I refuse?
A: You’d face a fine. It would start at $95 a year in 2014 and rise to $750 a year by 2016, or as much as 2% of your income, capped at the value of a basic insurance plan.
Q: What if I can’t afford coverage?
A: You’re likely to qualify for subsidies. The new consumer insurance subsidies would mean that a family of four earning about $22,000 a year would pay no more than 2% of its income toward insurance premiums. That assistance would stretch on a sliding scale up to a family of four earning about $88,000 a year and cap its premiums at 9.8% of the family’s income. Medicaid would be available to a family of four earning up to about $29,000.
For employers:
Q: Under the bill, do I have to give my employees coverage?
A: Technically, there’s no requirement, but if you have more than 50 employees and don’t offer coverage, you’re likely to face penalties. Any employer that doesn’t offer affordable coverage and has an employee who gets a tax credit would face a fine of $750 per worker.
Q: What if I have fewer than 50 employees?
A: The penalties don’t apply to you.
Q: With premiums rising so quickly, what’s to stop small employers from dropping coverage?
A: Small employers would get help to encourage them to maintain health coverage. Starting next year, firms with a small number of workers and average wages of up to $25,000 a year would be eligible for tax credits equal to 35% of the company’s cost of their insurance. That help would phase out gradually for firms with more employees and higher wages.
Here are some of the key questions and answers if it become law:
For consumers:
Q: Would the law force me to buy health insurance?
A: Yes, for most people. Of course, if you already have insurance from your job or are on Medicare, that won’t be a problem for you. Others might have to turn to newly created “exchanges” to buy coverage.
Q: What if I refuse?
A: You’d face a fine. It would start at $95 a year in 2014 and rise to $750 a year by 2016, or as much as 2% of your income, capped at the value of a basic insurance plan.
Q: What if I can’t afford coverage?
A: You’re likely to qualify for subsidies. The new consumer insurance subsidies would mean that a family of four earning about $22,000 a year would pay no more than 2% of its income toward insurance premiums. That assistance would stretch on a sliding scale up to a family of four earning about $88,000 a year and cap its premiums at 9.8% of the family’s income. Medicaid would be available to a family of four earning up to about $29,000.
For employers:
Q: Under the bill, do I have to give my employees coverage?
A: Technically, there’s no requirement, but if you have more than 50 employees and don’t offer coverage, you’re likely to face penalties. Any employer that doesn’t offer affordable coverage and has an employee who gets a tax credit would face a fine of $750 per worker.
Q: What if I have fewer than 50 employees?
A: The penalties don’t apply to you.
Q: With premiums rising so quickly, what’s to stop small employers from dropping coverage?
A: Small employers would get help to encourage them to maintain health coverage. Starting next year, firms with a small number of workers and average wages of up to $25,000 a year would be eligible for tax credits equal to 35% of the company’s cost of their insurance. That help would phase out gradually for firms with more employees and higher wages.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Fire Chief Says Move Is About Family
Trotwood Fire Chief Gene Lutz will start a new job in Madison, OH on January 18. After seven years in Trotwood Lutz is moving back home to lead the department next door to the Perrysburg department where his firefighting career began.
“Mom noticed the position was open and encouraged me to apply,” said Lutz. She has wanted him and her grandchildren closer since he moved to Trotwood. “It’s about family and going back home where my roots are.”
He said it is a lateral move pay wise. Madison Fire District responds to about 3,000 calls a year compared to Trotwood’s 6,000. Their staff is a little smaller too with 36 versus 77.
Although the pace is different, Madison has its challenges as the largest township in the state. “They are growing and they need to modernize some stuff,” say Lutz. “They wanted an outside view.”
Madison is in the midst or developing a new fire master plan due to complete this spring. Lutz is eager to play a role in developing the township’s future strategy.
In Trotwood Lutz led the construction of the new fire station on Little Richmond Rd. He is also responsible for restructuring the department’s management creating new efficiencies and cost benefits. During his tenure he has landed several large grants to replace turnout gear, technical rescue equipment, new tornado sirens, computerized EMS reports, and outfitted every vehicle with the new twelve lead cardiac monitor/defibrillators.
“I going to miss the people here, both the firefighters and the citizens,” said Lutz. “It’s a great place to be, I’ve really enjoyed being here.”
His last day in Trotwood is January 15.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Big Boom Rocks Olde Town
By Bruce Kettelle
A loud explosion startled Trotwood residents Wednesday afternoon. Reports of windows rattling and activated car alarms were wide spread in the Olde Town area.
The explosion created by the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Bomb Squad detonated some old military ordinance found in a shed in a nearby neighborhood.
Police Sergeant Fred Beck said the department was called to the home of a recently deceased retired US Marine. Family members were cleaning out the home.
“They did the right thing, they didn’t touch the munitions and immediately called us for assistance,” said Beck.
Police were able to identify a rocket-powered grenade, five smoke bombs, and a phosphorous grenade from the Korea and Vietnam Wars that were stored in a bucket. “They were pretty crusty (rusted) and since they were military devices we called Wright Pat instead of the Dayton Bomb Squad,” said Beck.
A Trotwood officer moved the items to nearby Sycamore State Park where the items were detonated. Beck said they chose the deserted horsemen’s area for safety reasons.
The explosion set off car alarms nearly two miles away along Trotwood Boulevard and elsewhere. Beck said dispatchers received about two-dozen calls from residents after the explosion mostly from the Stauffer Plat.
A loud explosion startled Trotwood residents Wednesday afternoon. Reports of windows rattling and activated car alarms were wide spread in the Olde Town area.
The explosion created by the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Bomb Squad detonated some old military ordinance found in a shed in a nearby neighborhood.
Police Sergeant Fred Beck said the department was called to the home of a recently deceased retired US Marine. Family members were cleaning out the home.
“They did the right thing, they didn’t touch the munitions and immediately called us for assistance,” said Beck.
Police were able to identify a rocket-powered grenade, five smoke bombs, and a phosphorous grenade from the Korea and Vietnam Wars that were stored in a bucket. “They were pretty crusty (rusted) and since they were military devices we called Wright Pat instead of the Dayton Bomb Squad,” said Beck.
A Trotwood officer moved the items to nearby Sycamore State Park where the items were detonated. Beck said they chose the deserted horsemen’s area for safety reasons.
The explosion set off car alarms nearly two miles away along Trotwood Boulevard and elsewhere. Beck said dispatchers received about two-dozen calls from residents after the explosion mostly from the Stauffer Plat.
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