FROM THE DESK OF THE CITY MANAGER…
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
I know there have been many acknowledgements and accolades to the Centennial Committee and the Recreation and Parks Board for all of their hard work in planning and implementing the various events for the City’s 100th Birthday. The dedication these individuals have presented over the past several weeks has never been more apparent than for the last two events! If you did not get the opportunity to attend the inaugural Madeira Centennial Criterium Bike Race on June 25th, you missed quite a fun and very exciting evening. Over 250 riders from around the region competed in 4 different races around Miami and Laurel Avenues. As well, the annual Independence Day Parade and Fireworks had one of the biggest crowds to date. Neither of these events could happen without the many volunteers who selflessly give their time to make these true community affairs! It was great seeing all of the residents and visitors to the area. This is just one more reason why we can proudly proclaim “We’re #1!” And don’t forget the Annual Street Dance on Saturday, August 21st. This year’s band is “After Midnight”; a “Classic Rock” band which performs at a number of local venues and festivals. Tracey and I have seen them on a number of occasions and I think you’ll be very impressed! Hope to see you there!
Kenwood Road Reconstruction Project. By the time you receive this edition of the Newsletter, Kenwood Road should be back open to two-way traffic south of Shawnee Run Road. At the time I write this, the contractor was finishing the restoration work on the west side of the street. Grading for the sidewalks and the initial retaining wall construction was also underway. There is still some utility relocation work to be completed; this will allow the removal of the old remaining poles so the sidewalk can be completed. The contractor is still on schedule to complete the project by September 1st. City Council recently approved the installation of a new traffic signal at Shawnee Run and Kenwood which will be completed later this fall. The new signal will have a couple of nice features. It will be a “demand actuated” system which means it will only cycle when a car on Shawnee Run “trips” the pavement detection. This will be true for the left turn lane onto Shawnee Run as well. If no car trips the signal, it will remain green for Kenwood Road traffic. While this may sound minor, it will help to keep traffic moving which reduces gasoline consumption and improves air quality. The second feature is that the new system will be installed on a post and mast arm structure similar to those on Miami Avenue in the Business District. This will eliminate the wooden poles and support wires that are now used to suspend the system. Once again, we want to thank everyone along the corridor for their patience and understanding. Projects of this magnitude are never easily or quickly completed. With new gas, water and sewer utilities and a completely reconstructed pavement, this street should be maintenance free over the next 20+ years!
2011 Budget. As required by state law, City Council recently approved the 2011 Tax Budget on June 26th. A public hearing was held prior to the consideration and passage of the budget. The “tax budget” is a preliminary revenue and expenditure plan for the next fiscal year which must be submitted to the county budget commission by July 15th each year. Later this year, City Council will review and approve a final appropriations budget for 2011 based upon better estimates of revenue and expenditures. At the halfway point of 2010, the city budget is relatively stable, although there is still a great deal of uncertainty in the economy and how our budget will react to the fluctuations in the job market and other relevant factors. As I reported last year, we were forced to cut almost $500,000 from the 2010 Budget; this included approximately $300,000 in deferred capital and maintenance items along with another $200,000 in general operating expenses. We are showing in the 2011 Tax Budget another $400,000 deficit based on preliminary figures. We will need to reduce this deficit figure considerably in order to maintain adequate fund reserves. One of the more significant issues is the eventual loss of Kutol Products on Camargo Road. They are scheduled to relocate to Sharonville in early 2011. This will mean a loss of over 100 jobs and $70,000+ in revenue for the city. We are continuing to work to find another tenant for this location as soon as possible.
City Council and the Administration continue to work on economic development issues to further strengthen the tax base for the business district. We have been fortunate to have a strong and viable “downtown” with many great businesses; a significant portion of our tax revenue comes from these local businesses. One of our primary goals is to retain existing businesses and to attract new ones top help diversify and improve the business district for both our residents and visitors. You can do your part by patronizing our local merchants as much as possible. As you have probably seen on signs throughout the business district, please “Shop Local!”
Miami Avenue/Dawson Road Crosswalk. City Council recently authorized additional warning lighting and signage to be installed over the crosswalk at this intersection. We have still noticed a lack of attention by motorists who do not yield to pedestrians in this location. The Police Department will continue to monitor this area and issue citations to motorists who violate the law. We urge all drivers to be more aware of pedestrians in this area as they pass through the intersection. We constantly receive reports of “near misses” as pedestrians attempt to cross Miami.
Email Listserv. Did you know that we now have over 1000 subscribers to our email notification system? Even though that is a terrific number, that still leaves us with over 2,500 Madeira households which have not yet signed up! We encourage you to be a part of this important and convenient communication system. Get information on city meetings and events delivered right to your email. Go to www.madeiracity.com and click on the E News Sign-Up button to get linked in!
Planning Commission News. The commission continues to work on several important issues related to zoning and development in our community. They are in final stages of recommending zoning amendments for the Central Business District. These recommendations will go to City Council for final approval. A copy of the proposed text amendments can be found on the City’s website (Documents/Zoning). They are also in the process of reviewing potential zoning amendments for properties near the intersection of Hosbrook and Montgomery Roads. In response to all of the new development taking place in Sycamore Township, which includes the new regional offices of the FBI along with other office and hotel space, the commission is evaluating the impacts these new developments will have on property in Madeira. A public hearing on revised zoning has taken place on July 12th. From that meeting, final recommendations will be made to City Council.
Thomas W. Moeller
City Manager