Saturday, October 27, 2007

Message from Randy Parsons, School Superintendent

Dear Donna,

I was happy we had an opportunity to talk earlier this week to address some of the questions about our high school program.

Concerning AP classes, we have not reduced, nor are there plans to reduce, our AP offerings. However, as our total student population gets smaller, it may to make sense to examine creative scheduling strategies – perhaps combining some classes, or offering some classes on alternating years. The data shows, however, that over the last five years, the number of students taking AP exams has increased from 69 in 2003 to 114 in 2007, with a corresponding increase in the number of students receiving Advanced Placement College Credit. (Last year we had 5 National Merit Semi-finalists and 1 Finalist.)

As for the scheduling issues, we are aware of only one student who was closed out of an AP class this summer. This student was in many other high level classes. Again, a smaller high school program naturally results in a tighter, less flexible master schedule with a greater likelihood of single course offerings. We believe this challenge is offset by the many advantages of attending a small school!

Although the state and federal (No Child Left Behind) accountability/testing programs have highlighted in recent years the need to provide intervention to struggling students, this does not need to be at the expense of meeting the needs of our academically talented students. We need to do both.

We also talked about the need to make sure the good news about Finneytown gets into the local press. Shawn Maus, our Communications Coordinator, sends 5 – 7 items per week out to the media. All of the news items that appear on our website are sent to them. It is solely their choice what to print.

I hope this response is helpful. Please let me know if you have additional questions, and let me know that you received this email. I would be happy to speak with anyone who has individual concerns. Your support in helping to facilitate good communication is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Randy

Randall B. Parsons
Superintendent
Finneytown Local School District
8916 Fontainebleau Terrace
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
(513) 728-3703
rparsons@finneytown.org

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Don't forget:

GRILL OUT
TUESDAY, OCT. 23
AT HUMMER PARK

letter from Georgia ...

I grew up on Deanview and remembe Mrs. Badger saying good morning to us daily from her house when we’d wait for the school bus. Sometimes, just for fun, some of us would drop in after school and visit her, Mr. Badger, and their dog. They were truly wonderful people. I also remember the sign they always had up each year – season’s greetings from art and mary badger. They also were known for being the most generous to all of us at Halloween.

They were truly wonderful folks in every way possible. I’ve not lived in View Place since 1990 but it was wonderful, and came as no surprise, to read that the Badgers carried on as they always had, loving and giving to those around them.

Paul Larsen
Atlanta, GA.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Two Cats Still Missing ...

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ...

CONTACT Viewplacenews@yahoo.com if you see a short haired black cat and long hair grey cat roaming around upper end of Viewplace, Wellesley or Pinebrook.

There are two little (SAD) girls who are missing their cats! Both cats pretty much stayed in the yard although the grey cat was known for crossing over to the Jesuit house...

New Excavation on Northbend Road behind St. X??

I would like to know what is happening to the hillside on North Bend Rd behind the St. Xavier ballfield. It saddens me to see yet another forested area destroyed. Thank you. Teri from Keats Lane

Pinebrook Court Update

If you have been in the vicinity of Pinebrook Court lately, you are well aware that we are in the process of rebuilding our home. It was basically deemed a total loss, and because of that, we had the remaining structure torn down and opted to start fresh. We were able to save the foundation...which is why we are so far along in the rebuilding process all ready!
This house does look a little different than it did before, but soon the same old people will be living there and our lives will hopefully return to normal.

Since the fire, we spent 5 weeks living with my parents, Al and Kathy Humbert. They live in the area, so we were able to still be close to home. Then we were able to find a house to rent on Shuman Lane. This is in the area behind Brentwood Shopping Center. It is not exactly what we are used to, but it has worked out for the summer and into the fall. If all goes well, and so far it has, we should be able to move back onto Pinebrook in late November...so we could be HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Since the fire, we have been blessed in many ways, our friends in the area have been WONDERFUL. Looking out for our interests right after the fire happened and continuing to look out for us now. It is great to see so many smiling faces every day, as we travel in and out of View Place to drop off our girls at the babysitters. As of July, we have our newest addition as well. Lillian Claire Schwartz was born on July 21st and has been the best distraction possible after all of this fire stuff we have been dealing with! She is wonderful and her sisters, Hannah, Grace and Katherine, and her brother Joey, love her to death. We can't wait to introduce her to the View Place neighborhood

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Mrs. Mary Badger Passed Away Last Night ...


Mary Badger's sister called this morning with very sad news. Mrs. Badger slipped away last night, Wednesday, October 3, around midnight. A visitation for Mrs. Badger is planned at Hodapp in Carthage this Sunday, October 7th from 3 to 5 p.m.

Recently, Mrs. Badger was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer. Late in September, she received her first chemo treatment and due to complications from pneumonia, she was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, Sept. 29th and remained until Wednesday, when her family decided to bring her home for respite.

Mrs. Badger will always be remembered by family, friends, and neighbors as being a kindred spirit, a naturalist, and a devoted wife. The neighborhood children growing up in View Place will always remember the Badger home to be a safe haven; a place to discover important values that would help shape their true character and help define their purpose in life which is always to serve others.



For Mr. and Mrs. Badger:

"The present flowed by them like a stream. The tree rustled. It had made music before they were born, and would continue after their deaths, but its song was of the moment. The moment had passed. The tree rustled again. Their senses were sharpened, and they seemed to apprehend life. Life passed. The tree rustled again."- E.M. Forster

Thursday, September 13, 2007

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Commonwealth (two years Cash)
Dave and Kani

Wellesley
Rhonda & Joe and Family (Cash)

Beechtree
Greg & Lynn (Cash)

Brucehills
Tim and Family
(Is that you who gave me $10.oo for membership at Parade?)

Pinebrook
Mary and Family

CATS ARE MISSING: REPORT ABUSES 541-6100

Reported Sept. 12, 2007


WE HAVE DEER, WE HAVE MICE. THESE TWO ARE VERY INTERDEPENDENT AND CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT THE OTHER. Okay, I'm stretching it a little here but the fact is that if there is an abundance of deer, there will be even more of mice. With it being so dry, those little critters are going to be in our houses soon looking for water.

THAT'S WHY WE NEED CATS.

LATELY, COME OF OUR FELINE FRIENDS HAVE GONE MISSING OR HAVE BEEN MAULED by doggies. If you own a doggy and you do not keep it in on your own property, you run the risk of facing animal cruelty charges.

Through the grapevine, I heard that a dog mauled to death a child's beloved pet cat. The other cats are also missing. If you see any dog, including mine, running the neighborbood, dumping over garbage like I saw on Beechtree yesterday, please call the

SPCA 541-6100.

IMPROVING PROPERTY VALUE, RESIDENTIAL CLEAN UP, AND GRILL OUT

Hello ... just a few reminders about upcoming events.

IMPROVING PROPERTY VALUES FOCUS

Senior/Community Center 9158 Winton Road
Sept. 16
7 p.m.


5th ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL RECYCLE CLEAN UP DAY

Save that card that was mailed to you as proof of residency
Township Civic Center 9150 Winton Road
Sept. 22nd
9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

NO PAINT, NO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, NO CONTRACTORS, NO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS.


NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL OUT PLANNED OCT. 23 AT HUMMER PARK

The Board of Trustees is holding a series of neighborhood grill-outs this fall to discuss the new Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan. We are planning to be in the View Place neighborhood on Tuesday, October 23. The meeting will be at 6pm and should only last an hour since we know how busy this time of year can be. We are planning to be at Hummer Park . Letters will be sent out to all residents but I wanted to let you know first.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

New Members ...

On Shelley ... Carol and Tim & Family

On Wellesley ... Bernie and Ruby

Renewal on Beechtree - Carol and Bob S.

URGENT MESSAGE

THE STATE OF OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HAS A MAJOR ALERT OUT FOR EVERYONE:

DO NOT BRING IN FIRE WOOD FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES.

DO NOT BUY YOUR FIRE WOOD IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM. THE PROBLEM IS A LITTLE BUG THAT BORES IT WAY IN HOST TREES THAT CAN BRING DOWN A WHOLE FOREST. WE ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE OF THE OLD TREES UP HERE AND THE CONNECTION WE HAVE TO CALDWELL, WARD, AND OTHER LOCAL NATURE PRESERVES.

THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS ASKING ALL OHIO RESIDENTS TO REFRAIN FROM USING FIRE WOOD FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES UNTIL THEY CAN GET THIS LITTLE PEST UNDER CONTROL WHICH MAY TAKE AWHILE DUE TO THE MANY PEOPLE WHO CONTINUE TO IGNORE THEIR WARNINGS.

VISIT THE WEB PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

Yard Sales and the Criminal Element ...

Shortly after our community yard sale, one of the homes on Pinebrook was the target of theft. Since there was no sign of forced entry according to my source, there was some speculation that the thieves "cased" the home beforehand possibly during our community yard sale.

A few years back, one of our neighbors invited a sales person from a virtually unknown window company for an estimate and a few weeks later, their home was broken into. What was unusual about this break in was that the thieves took little things that were in clear view ... jewelry on the bathroom sink ... knicknacks on tables ... it appeared to be quick sweep with no time for unplugging televisions or dvd players.

At one of our last safety meetings, the Chief of Police urged residents to keep our homes secured by locking the doors, closing the garage doors, and reporting any suspicious cars or people in the neighborhood so they have it logged in. It may be all very innocent -- that strange car parked in front of our neighbor's home on vacation -- but AT LEAST THE POLICE WILL HAVE SOMETHING ON RECORD TO GO BY IN CASE IT WASN'T SOMEBODY THE FAMILY KNOWS.

PLEASE, DO NOT BE EMBARRESSED TO CONTACT SPRINGFIELD TWP. POLICE, THEY WANT TO HELP US BACK HERE BECAUSE THEY ARE PROUD OF THIS NEIGHBORHOOD, TOO.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Homes for Sale in View Place

If your neighbor's home has a "for sale" sign up front, take the time to go over during the "open house" or talk to any of the interested home buyers to let them know about View Place and the neighborhood in general.

A few times, I've attended the open houses to let prospective buyers know how much we take pride in our neighborhood, the history, the responsibility we share to keep up the value in all our homes, and general information about the township.

Many of the prospects were very appreciative that a neighbor stopped by to answer questions or to assure them that this is a neighborhood worth their investment or a good place to raise children.

Mrs. Sondra Merusi over on Blossom Hill is a realtor who is always happy to help out with questions. She has come to aide of many home buyers. Since she lives right here in View Place, she has a personal interest in representing all of us when it comes to selling or buying a home here.

If you have any questions for Sondra, contact our viewplacenews@yahoo mailbox and put a "forward to Sondra" in the subject box.

Membership Renewels...

On Beechtree ... Judy and Bob, Bill and Alice, George and Jeanette

On Blossom Hill Lane ... Donald and Sheila

On Wellesley ... Marianne and James, Louis and Zelda

On View Place ... Richard and Nancy

On Commonwealth ... Mary and Frederick

About Rumpke ...

More News from James Wright ... In case you didn't get to the bottom of the last post ...

Rumpke has resumed a yard waste pick up service, free of charge to Springfield Township residents. Therefore, the Township Service Department will no longer be picking up leaves in the fall as one of the many services offered to residents. Elimination of this service by the Township will save more than 800 man-hours now spent by Service Department employees

This Note is for You!

Submitted by James Wright, former VPCA President and current School Board member ....




Tax Budget Public Hearing 7/10


Kids Police Academy from 7/29-30 ages 8-12
Explorers meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and is for young adults ages 15-20.


Kids Fire Academy 7/24 & 28 with graduation scheduled for Saturday with lunch.
EMS runs on the increase
07/12

Waycross Community Media Open House
Waycross Community Media Center 25th Anniversary Open House (5:00 - 9:00 pm)
Bridge Replacement-Shady Brook near Vine Mid July until end of year
Duke energy has started moving the Telephone poles, which is what slowed down the progress of Winton Rd reconstruction. Congestion is expected to go up.


Final Vision Draft is on the web
06/29/2007 computer classes 522-1154 872-3633


One Firefighter past probation and 2 Police officers past probation.


Key new Resolution # 159-2007
(Declaring Nuisances Pursuant to Ohio revised code section 505.87 At Various Listed Properties within Springfield Township and Authorizing Statutory Actions Necessary to abate the Nuisances.) 95 Nuisances due to increasing the hours of the inspectors and inspections.




09/22

Residential Recycle & Cleanup Day

Place: Township Complex, 9150 Winton Road
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Accepted Items: Auto and marine batteries, Scrap metal, Computer components, Lawn mowers Propane tanks, Tires, Used motor oil, Tree limbs, branches, leaves, Household appliancesBicycles for repair and donation- Refrigerators, freezers and dehumidifiers – Freon will be removed at no cost


SummerBlast
Start: 06/29/2007 - 6:00pm – 11:00pm
End: 06/30/2007 5:00 p.m.-11:00pm
The Parade kicks off SummerBlast on Friday, June 29 at 6:45 p.m. at the parking lot of St. Bartholomew Church located at 9375 Winton Road. The parade route will be from St. Bart’s to Fleming Road East to Long Lane South to Compton Road West to Winton Road North to the Township Civic Center located at 9150 Winton Road.


9th Annual Car ShowCar show participants can register on Saturday, June 30 between 4 and 7 p.m. behind the Administration Building at 9150 Winton Road. Registration is $10 per car. Car show winners will be announced at 9 p.m. that evening. Any questions regarding the Car Show can be directed to Melanie McNulty at 522-1410. 2 winners of car show announced 9:00pm


Rumpke has resumed a yard waste pick up service, free of charge to Springfield Township residents. Therefore, the Township Service Department will no longer be picking up leaves in the fall as one of the many services offered to residents. Elimination of this service by the Township will save more than 800 man-hours now spent by Service Department employees

Link to Springfield Township News Web Page

http://www.springfieldtwp.org/

News from Springfield Township about the Parade and Event

It’s time to celebrate summertime! Springfield Township’s annual SummerBlast Barbecue and Music Festival is Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 at the Township Civic Center, 9150 Winton Road. Bring the whole family and enjoy great local bands – including The Rusty Griswolds and Four on the Floor – free kids rides and plenty of good food and drinks all weekend long. In addition to free kids rides, there will also be a kids tent with games and activities. DJ’s from WGRR will emcee the event both nights and the station will be broadcasting Cincinnati’s greatest hits live from SummerBlast.

Saturday’s fireworks show at 10 p.m. will end Springfield Township’s fun community event with a blast. Join us!

Join the Parade!

The Parade kicks off SummerBlast on Friday, June 29 at 6:45 p.m. Any resident, civic association, church, business or group is welcome to join in the parade. If you can’t be in the parade, we encourage you to get together with neighbors and friends along the parade route and cheer on your fellow Springfield Township residents. The Parade Registration form can be downloaded from the Forms page on this website. For any questions regarding the parade or to obtain a parade form, please contact 522-1410.

The parade will form at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Bartholomew Church located at 9375 Winton Road. The parade route will be from St. Bart’s to Fleming Road East to Long Lane South to Compton Road West to Winton Road North to the Township Civic Center located at 9150 Winton Road.

9th Annual Car ShowCar show participants can register on Saturday, June 30 between 4 and 7 p.m. behind the Administration Building at 9150 Winton Road. Registration is $10 per car. Car show winners will be announced at 9 p.m. that evening. Any questions regarding the Car Show can be directed to Melanie McNulty at 522-1410.

Open House at The GroveThe Grove has been going through many renovations including new windows and wall coverings. There will be an open house during SummerBlast for residents to check out the new facility, book an event and taste samples from Cincinnati Catering. We will also be distributing flyers with an Open House special discount good through the end of July.
Parking and Shuttle ServiceParking is not permitted at the Township Civic Center during SummerBlast. A free shuttle service will be provided to the event from the designated parking areas of the former Kroger store, Northminster Presbyterian Church and St. Bartholomew Church.

Appropriate accommodations can be made for any handicapped persons; please notify a Springfield Township police officer of the situation upon arrival at SummerBlast.
Friday

6:00 p.m. Grounds Open
6:45 p.m. Parade
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Open House at The Grove
7:30 p.m. Live Music by The Rusty Griswolds
11:00 p.m. Grounds Close
Saturday
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Car Show Registration
5:00 p.m. Grounds Reopen
5:00 p.m. Car Show Opens
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Open House at The Grove
6:00 p.m. Art Show Winners Announced
7:00 p.m. Live Music by Four on the Floor
9:00 p.m. Car Show Winners Announced
10:00 p.m. Fireworks
10:30 p.m. Grounds Close

Summerblast Parade-Neighborhood Participation Meeting ...

It's just around the corner and hope that you can plan to attend this Saturday, June 23, at 10 a.m. Come to 491 Deanview and bring a chair to help plan our neighborhood participation for this parade event.

Last year, the Scholles loaned us their '67 Chevy Malibu convertible for the parade.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Roland Arrowood to the Rescue!

Here's Roland's number for painting, remodeling, repairs, painting, wallpaper, electric, and plumbing. He is highly recommended for anywork around your home due to his professionalism, work ethic and craftmanship ... (513)-520-2810

Membership Renewals

View Place --- Nancy and Dick
Beechtree --- George and Jeannette
Deanview -- Mary and Matt
Bruce Hills -- Chen-Mei and Strong

499 Beechtree Drive Eye Sore ...

Thanks for calling the township ... the more calls we put in ... the faster the results. Yes, they are aware of the situation and trying to get a hold of the owners there ... there is a process by which they need to go through so it shouldn't be just a few more days ... in the meantime ... continue calling ... I've got a call into Gwen who always gets things done for us ...

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

News About the Fire

It's Judy over on Beechtree (Dave's wife). I had no idea this happened in our neighborhood. I feel that we should show our neighborhood support somehow to Fran and Chris and the family. Fran grew up in that house and often babysat our kids. The following is what she wrote in our Church e-lines. Yesterday we looked for ourselves and Dave took the pictures. Maybe we can include her story and the pics. on Viewplace website. What do you think? Judy Stephens
Parish - The Rest of the Story I have always know that my St. Vivian family is as wonderful as my immediate family, however I have been continuously reminded of this throughout this LONGGGGGGGG weekend. On Friday night, April 20th, our home on Pinebrook caught fire. At this point we know it started in the kitchen and it is believed to have been electrical in nature. I was at home with Joey, Grace and Katherine. We were able to calmly walk out the front door and call 911. Chris and Hannah were not home at the time. That is our biggest blessing...everyone is safe and no one got hurt. We did however lose our cat to the fire. She died in the basement from the smoke. The house has been very seriously damaged. We are waiting for the insurance company to finish their processing to determine exactly what should be done. The first floor was very heavily burned, the basement suffered serious water damage and the upstairs/bedroom area was burned in some areas, and heavily damaged by smoke in all areas. We are currently staying with my parents and will be looking for temorary housing in the area for the longer term. All of your offers of help have NOT fallen on deaf ears! Please rest assured in the coming months we will be asking for help in many areas, whether it be help with the children or furniture or whatever....but for right now, we just need your prayers and your loving support. A smile really goes a long way! Thank you for being there. Sincerely, Fran Vanarsdall-Schwartz

Handy Man Help

We have in our neighborhood one of the hardest working handymen ever. He's efficient, honest, and won't rob the piggybank. He is highly recommended, too. If you need your bathroom, kitchen or family room refurbished, upgraded, or just fixed, give me call so I can give you his name. If youhave the 2002 neighborhood directory, he's listed under A and 4th entry down. Or just e-mail me at viewplacenews@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Neighborhood News April Update ...

Easter Egg Hunt was COLD! It was so cold that the donuts froze. About 20 little ones showed up with their family and kids who came from out of town. A lot of the Moms and Dads grew up around here and have very good memories of our neighborhood. They were happy that we still provided the Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddies.

A tall man handed me $10.00 for his membership but I forgot his name. Can anyone help me out here? Maybe Lori or Katie will remember.

Lynette is planning a neighborhood yard sale for us. It's scheduled for May 19th on Saturday 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. More later.

Has anyone heard about the fire on Pinebrook as reported by neighbor Carol Long? She's going to forward information so we can help this family?

SPRING MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

On Wellesley
Jim and Marianne
Terry and Carol

On Shelley
George and Louise

On Blossomhill
Ruth and James
Bill and Sondra
George and Barbara

On Deanview
Fred and Donna
Amy and Ryan
Donna and Mike

Thursday, March 29, 2007

I've been to "All About Computers" several times located next to the KirbyVacuum Repair Shop/Duffy Printing. Everytime I go in there, they find the most cost effective/efficient solution to the problems I've had with my computer at home.

They also do "home visits" if you have an emergency, too. Contact them at (513) 242 - 1800 or visit them at 907 North Bend Road, Finneytown. (The owner lives right here in View Place, too.)

Visit their webpage at (double click here) http://www.aacomputersplus.com or write them at aacomputers@bizcinci.rr.com for information and prices.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

From Neighbor James Wright ...

FCA Notes
Website address is fcaontheweb.org
Block Watch Program has been received as one of the best in the State of Ohio
a) It is designed for troubled areas. The pattern is that when an area has problems they start a block watch program. The program becomes such a success that it is discontinued. Later the program get resurrected due the need once again.
b) If you are interested in having a BWP notify FCA and ask for Nancy
c) Alternate phone number for Police is 513-729-1300
The current membership is over 180 and climbing
Fire Report from year 2006
d) Fire Emergency response 895
e) Medical Emergency response 3784
f) Education instructed over 3000 children using the Safehouse trailer
g) Program Juvenile Fire Setters, Kids Fire Academy Open House in Oct.
h) Inspections 324 for schools, foster carehomes and commercial properties
5) Development Services Department
a) Zone Certificates Report (2006)
1) Permits issued 301
2) Total Revenue $ 20,080.08
b) Code Violations Report (2006)
1) Inspections conducted 1,057
2) Violations Reported 1,073
3) Violations issued 844
4) Violations Resolved 782
6) Misc.
a) Concerns came over the lack of snow removal from sidewalks along with the hazards and safety issued that happens. Due to snow on sidewalks
1. Person almost hit
2. Students having to walk in the streets
3. Reason for lack of snow removal is legal and liability
4. FCA will draft a letter to sent to various agencies so the issue can get addressed
b) Newsletter will be taking articles scheduled printing in a few weeks, sent letters to Chris Aufrey in care of FCA.

LETTER FROM VPCA PRESIDENT

I've been very lapse in my duties as the neighborhood representative and I apologize. I got into a slump after Mr. Badger died and things started snowballing so much that I pretty much threw in the towel and slumped into my corner. I am only revived somewhat over the beautification efforts on the corner of View Place and Wellesley. I secretly wondered what squirrel let the nut out with the chainsaw?

With April approaching, I will begin the start up of the VCPA once we acquire the financial resources to move forward with a new directory and new "front door." At this time, we have only collected about 1/4 of the information for a new directory. I think we have about $1,000 in the bank and will be working on filling the flower boxes.

I have membership checks from November and hope to get up to the bank to make the deposit. One thing at a time. One day at a time.

I'll try to keep you updated through the blog and memo board as best as I can.

Thanks.
Donna on Deanview

PLEASE VOTE FOR THE ROAD LEVY MAY 8TH

One of the biggest challenges facing the Township in 2007 is maintaining the 180 lane miles of Township roads and storm drainage systems. Due to the narrow defeat of the Road Levy, which was on the ballot this past November, the annual resurfacing budget will not keep pace with the growing list of streets in need of repair. In fact, the current annual levy revenue puts Townships streets on a 40-45 year repaving cycle. The goal is for a cycle of about 20 years between a full-depth street resurfacing.

As explained in more detail in the 2007 Budget information contained in this edition of the Newsletter, the vast majority of Township revenue does not increase with the rate of inflation or property value increases, because State law prohibits it. Therefore, the current 1 Mill Road District levy (known as outside millage), currently generates nearly the same amount of revenue as it did when it was passed in 1997. Yet, despite the fact that revenue has remained nearly constant, the costs associated with road resurfacing has nearly tripled over the past ten years.

Throughout the process of finalizing the 2007 Budget, the Board and Staff discussed various options regarding road resurfacing for the coming year. After evaluating the revenues derived from the current levy and the need to minimize the impact to the Township’s General Fund, which is used to fund many other essential services provided by the Township, it was clear that the issue should be once again presented to the electorate. Therefore, the Board has decided to place the 1 Mill Replacement and 1 1⁄2 Mill Increase Road Issue on the May 8 ballot.

Public meetings regarding this issue will be scheduled over the next few months leading up the election date. Please contact Township Administrator Michael Hinnenkamp at 522-1410 if you have questions or need more information about this critical issue for the short and long term future of the Township. You may also visit the Township’s web site at www.springfieldtwp.org. for the latest on Road Levy information.

SPRING CLEAN UP DATE SET

I'm hoping the FCA can help out again this year with the 2007 Great Finneytown Clean Up, part of the nationwide Great American Cleanup. Volunteers have done a wonderful job with the cleanup in past years. This year's date is Saturday, April 28th. We will meet in the Allen Paul meeting room in the back of the Administration Building (the old part where we hold the Trustee meetings every month).

Registration starts at 8:00 A.M. with the cleanup going from 9 until noon. We will provide light breakfast items and coffee, as well as a pizza lunch when we're done. We'll also have the Great American Cleanup T-shirts for volunteers, garbage bags and latex gloves. They should bring work gloves, wear closed toed shoes and bring any tools they think may be helpful. We had 11 FCA volunteers last year, so that was great. I have some of their email addresses and can send info to them directly, if you'd like. Information also went out in our recent Township newsletter.
Unfortunately the printer left out the part about registration beginning at 8:00. We would like folks to be there before 9 to sign release forms and find out where to begin the cleanup.

Thanks,

Melanie Melanie McNulty, CPRP Recreation Director Springfield Township 9150 Winton Road Cincinnati, OH 45231 Phone: (513)522-1410 FAX: (513)729-0818 mmcnulty@springfieldtwp.org