January 2008 marks the 117th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Marblehead. From day one in 1891 to our present status, our Village remains a prominent commonwealth for both residents and visitors.
As I begin my second term as Mayor, I reflect back to when I first became a Council Member in 1997. Then, as is now, I consider myself fortunate to have followed in the footsteps of such dedicated Administrations over the years that helped form our community. Their leadership, dedication and set standards produced a strong municipality that will sustain future generations. Any elected official who has served, or currently is serving, has done so with the best interest of the Village in mind. I am proud to say that this legacy continues as I look at our current Administration and employees.
Our team is strong and our goal is common. The goal is to sustain our fine Village to its fullest potential with keeping Future Generations in mind.
Our elected Board of Public Affairs continues to provide fine leadership to the Water Department along with our Water Plant Superintendent Bob Biers. Our current Board Membership consists of President Robert Boytim, George Danchisen and Tom Bird.
The plant itself has an EPA filter rating of 4 gallons per minute per square foot filter area. This gives the plant a capacity of 384 gallons per minute or 552,960 gallons per day.
The average daily production for the year was 125,094 gallons, which is 22.6% of our daily rated capacity. The average monthly production was 3,804,931 gallons, which is 22.6% of the monthly rated capacity.
The plant is in good shape with the capacity to take on more growth within the Village.
The maximum production day this year was July 7th with 351,800 gallons, which is 63.6% of the daily rated capacity. Accordingly the maximum production month was July with 7,262,200 gallons produced which is 43.2% of our rated capacity. It is also noted that all of this water production has been done with 3 full time employees. Besides water production, all certified employees are required by the EPA to take continuing education training to maintain their water certification. I applaud this department and board for their dedication.
This past year, the clarifier was taken off line for 2 weeks for maintenance. Future plans include finishing up EPA upgrades to the clarifier and chemical feed room.
Our Village Liaison to the BPA and Water Department is President Pro-Term of Council, John Starcher. President Starcher remains the chairman of our Utilities Committee and is a valuable link to this division of the Village. Additionally, President Starcher serves on the Finance and Street Committee and is always willing to help out other committees not specifically assigned to him. On a personal basis, John remains my back up for the Mayor's position. The amount of time and dedication to the Village of Marblehead offered by John is well above the normal expectation for his role. The Village and I are truly blessed to have John as a member of our Administration.
The Police Department continues to serve our community with excellent police protection under the strong leadership of Chief Greg Fultz. This year I am proud to report our Police Department is back to being fully staffed with four full time officers and a K-9 dog. Additionally, we have one reserve officer serving the Department. At times where we are short or in the need of Mutual Aid, the Danbury Township Police Department has provided back up. On behalf of the Village of Marblehead, I thank Danbury Township Police Chief Meisler and his staff for this unconditional service. We are fortunate to live in a community where Mutual Aid Assistance is unselfishly shared and offered.
In 2007, the Department responded to 1256 calls for service. This is an increase of a 151 calls from 2006. The type of call responded to when broken down is a list of 61 different types of complaints.
The top three complaints were Traffic, Drugs/Alcohol and EMS Assistance. Additionally, the Department continues to be very active in the offering of Public Service to the community.
Public Service Programs include Senior Citizen Daily Welfare Checks, K-9 School Searches, K-9 Demonstrations for Youth and Adult Programs, Sponsorship of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and providing Public Awareness Information through the local press.
The Police Department staff is also required to attend continuing education and training programs. This year each officer completed a School Active Shooter Training. This training is designed to help officers respond and work with other agencies to stop an active shooter inside of a school. Also, Sgt. Josh Young remains an active member with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Special Response Team. As you can see the training for all is ongoing to preserve the safety of our community.
In 2007, the Police Department received 3 in Car Video Cameras and 4 in Car Mobile Data Terminals. Through a Click It/Ticket Grant, the department also received a Python III Radar Unit.
The Police Department also hosted it's first fund raising Reverse Raffle this year. Profits from this event were used to purchase the in car Mobile Data Terminals and assist with K-9 Training and Care. The association also donated a $1000.00 of this profit to the Make a Wish Foundation.
The department plans to host this event annually.
In 2008 the goal is to obtain a New Police Cruiser and put the others on a rotating replacement list for future budgets.
Additionally, the department hopes to reenact the Neighborhood Block Watch Program. Through this, the department would like to offer awareness classes to the residents which include Unarmed Self Defense, Identity Theft Internet Cyber Awareness, Health Care Fraud and many other self protection programs.
I praise Chief Fultz and his staff for a job well done.
The Marblehead Fire Department continues to provide superior service to our community and surrounding area under the stalwart leadership of Chief Doug Waugh. In 2007, our membership increase by 3 for a total of 32 active members. The new members have completed their 36 hour Volunteer Firefighter Training and 3 of the new members are also State Certified EMT's. A break down of the total membership includes 20 State Certified Volunteer Firefighters, 3 State Certified Level I Firefighters, 1 State Certified Intermediate EMT and 3 State Certified EMT Paramedics.
In 2007, the membership logged a total of 320.5 training hours. Our membership also served many hours putting out fires, saving lives and responding to calls. Last year our members responded to 88 Fire Responses, 342 EMS Responses, 31 Mutual Aid Responses and 26 Combined Total of Fires/EMS Calls.
This past year, the Marblehead Fire Department Association Incorporated purchased a replacement Ambulance. The Ambulance purchased is a 1995 Braun, built on a Ford E350 Van Chassis. The purchase price was $13,500.00.
The Ambulance purchase was made possible through fundraising activities including the Annual Fund Letter Drive, Feather Party and Reverse Raffle. The Association also purchased a new Stryker Cot that is to be installed in the new unit at a price of $2,500.00.
In 2007 the department was awarded a State of Ohio EMS Grant of $1,500.00 for equipment and training. The Association applied the grant towards a Paramedic Tuition that totaled $6,500.00
2008 Department Plans include updating our Computer Reporting Systems and purchasing a new Cardiac Heart Monitor/Defibrillator.
I commend Chief Waugh and his staff for excellent community service with the health, welfare and safety of our community in mind.
The Street and Maintenance Department continues to provide quality service to the Village under the guidance of Street Commissioner Bryan Lucas. With one Full Time Employee and one Part Time Employee services include ongoing road repairs, cemetery and park maintenance, grass mowing, tree trimming, snow plowing and equipment maintenance to note a few. In 2007, this department saved the Village funds by handling our own Police Cruiser Set Up with new equipment and daily vehicle maintenance.
This department was also able to liquidate some of our old out dated equipment for $3,500.00.
These funds gained, along with additional Village Funds assisted in the purchase of a much needed New Ford Truck/Snow Plow at a cost of $23,000.00.
In September of 2007, the Street Committee under the leadership of Councilman John McDonald and our Street Commissioner were able to work on our road improvement list with the much needed repaving of Cherry Street at a cost of $15,500.00. The list for roads repairs remains long and costly. In 2008, the Street Committee hopes to continue moving on this list with the repaving of Stone Street. Little by little the Street Committee will continue to forge ahead with much needed improvements.
Another goal for this committee includes the repair of the Radar Park Building. The building is used for much needed storage and is currently at the point if repair is not done soon, the building itself will be lost. Hopefully, repairs can be made in the very near future.
Our Street Commissioner, Bryan Lucas has also been working with the Chairman of our Safety Committee, Councilwoman Angie Kukay in regards to our participation with the Ottawa County Safety Council.
Councilwoman Kukay has spent countless hours on this project in an effort to reduce the number of workplace accidents, sharing information and providing resources on accident prevention. Bryan Lucas is our monthly representative to the Council. With this participation, the Village can earn up to a 4% rebate with our insurance premiums. Additionally, each department is required to plan and present a Safety Program and document participation by its members. Every effort is insuring on going safety for our employees and savings with this participation. This past year Councilwoman Kukay was also able to meet with our Public Pool Insurance Representative. In 2006 the representative cited 12 recommendations to reduce potential liability exposure for the Village. With the hard work of our employees and Councilwoman Kukay, the list has been reduced to 3 in 2007. Our goal for 2008 is to reduce the potential liability list to zero.
In the area of Streets and Safety, I thank Street Commissioner Bryan Lucas, Councilman John McDonald and Councilwoman Angie Kukay for their ongoing dedication to Village improvements with safety and cost saving efforts.
Our Village Zoning Inspector is Bob Hruska. Inspector Hruska not only serves the Village, but is the 1st Vice president of the Ottawa County Regional Planning Commission and is a member of the Ohio Public Works Commission which determines placement of Issue II monies. In 2007, Inspector Hruska issued 54 Zoning Permits which included 31 dwelling units, 6 commercial structures and 11 accessories. Three major developments, within the Village for 2007 include the second half of the South Passage permits (which includes 9 units plus garages, club house and swimming pool), Bay Point's Preliminary approval for 33 single family homes (with plans to request construction of 92 more dwelling units in 2008) and the ongoing building of the Life Boat Station Subdivision in which 2 House permits were issued in 2007.
Inspector Hruska spends at least 20 hours a week on Zoning and Planning issues and serves as Secretary to the Planning Commission. The membership of the Planning Commission includes three citizen volunteer members who are Chairman Hal Clagg and members Steve Watts and Richard Zembela. Other members of the Commission include Councilwoman Danis Putzbach, who is the Committee Chairman of Annexation/Subdivision and Planning Committee, and the Mayor. The Planning Commission saw a 67% increase in building in 2006 over 2005. This past year produced a 72% growth in 2007 over 2006. As you can see growth is on the rise within our Village limits. I commend the Commission for their hard efforts in enforcing our Zoning Regulations.
This past year, Councilwoman Danis Putzbach was assigned the heavy task as Village Representative for the 2010 Census, which is already in the works. In this role, Councilwoman Putzbach will be responsible for the Village participation in this Federal Project.
The outcome of this project will be very important fiscally to the Village of Marblehead. However, with the Councilwoman Putzbach's knowledge and background in this area, I am confident the Village will be served well as we plan for our future.
In our area of Beautification/Parks and Cemetery Councilwoman Reba Bishoff lead us in our 3rd Successful Daisy Day Celebration. This year, the group formed Daisy Day Incorporated which is now a non-profit organization recognized by the State of Ohio. The governing body of this organization has 3 trustees and elected officers from the membership. The Membership is made up of Village Administration and staff, two members at large from the Village population, representatives from the Marblehead Bank and LaFarge North America and a dedicated group of Volunteers. The mission of this group is the beautification and renovation of James Park with all proceeds going to the Park Improvement Fund.
With the assistance of ODNR, the group has seen attendance at the Nature Preserve more than double from the previous year. Additionally, the offered Quarry Tours remain a sell-out to event guest.
This past year food, beverage and entertainment were added to the event which included the first Little Miss Daisy Pageant and three times the number of vendors from the previous year.
Goals for 2008 include adding more entertainment, regional foods, speakers willing to hold nature presentations and demonstrations, Ladder Golf Tournaments and a raffle to raise funds for the park. A special thank you goes out to ODNR for promotion of this event and their assistance.
I anticipate seeing ongoing growth with this festival under the fine leadership and marketing skills of Councilwoman Bishoff. I thank all those involved, and I remind all this annual event will be held the second weekend in May.
In the area of Finance, Fiscal Officer Kim Watts remains the source of leadership with planning assistance by our Chairman of the Finance Committee Councilwoman Mary Glovinsky and Council Members. In planning appropriations for the 2008 Budget, meetings were held with all department heads for input in reviewing needs and wants. Currently the three most important budget issues facing the Finance Committee are upgrading salaries of village employees to be more in line with the salaries of others in the same capacity, Capital Improvements (which includes street and building repairs) and the updating of Public Restrooms in James Park. Some specific breakdowns in this area are as follows:
In 2007, appropriations totaled $2,160,224.00.The Village breakdown was $1,500,173.00 with the Board of Public Affairs at $660,051.00.
Year to date spending was at a total of $1,478,147.00. The Village breakdown was $933,037.00 with the BPA at $545,110.00.
Lastly, salaries for 2007 totaled $469,343.00. The Village breakdown was $313,548.00 with the BPA at $155,795.00.
In 2008, our Temporary Appropriations total is $1,320,195.00. Of those monies, $974,528.00 has been allocated for the Village with $345,667.00 for the BPA. As you can see, the balancing of our budget is a tremendous task and ongoing issue daily for our Fiscal Officer and Chairman of Finance. I thank both for their dedication, planning and skill in monitoring the Village Finances.
I also like to refer to our Fiscal Officer Kim Watts as the "Heartbeat of our Village". Because of the part-time status of our Administration, most issues are filtered through our Fiscal Officer for direction. Mrs. Watts maintains professionalism in her role as Fiscal Officer, but also in her daily role of overseeing daily village functions.
With the ongoing growth of the village, this position is accordingly becoming a harder job to maintain. I believe we are at the point where the Village needs to take a look at providing more assistance in this role. I would anticipate the Administration to be taking a look at this role in 2008 and the possible employment of part-time assistant in the Village Offices. As more rules and regulations are being placed on municipalities, it's becoming quite obvious it cannot be handled by one individual. I commend Mrs. Watts for giving 100% to the Village in all areas, above and beyond her scope as Fiscal Officer.
From a Legal stand point in 2007, the Village passed a total of 19 Ordinances and 8 Resolutions. Our Solicitor James Barney continues to be a solid source of legal representation for the Village. Mr. Barney's legal expertise remains invaluable in all areas.
With Mr. Barney's assistance, the Village was able to Codify our Ordinances this past year. This action will assist with legislation organization for future Administrations. I thank Mr. Barney and his firm for maintaining the best interest of the Village in Legal Representation. Mr. Barney is a true asset to our Village Team.
As in 2007, our team will continue to build on past efforts.
Additional goals for 2008 include completion of the Speed Limit Project, establishment of a Public Records Training Policy and Records Commission, Revision of the Employee Handbook, re-establishment of the Clemons Cemetery Project, the James Park Restroom Project and working with our local VFW in the upgrading of the James Park Veteran Memorial.
As in the past, the council faces the challenge of many needs with very limited revenue. However this dedicated Administration and staff vows to evaluate each situation and act in the most viable means for the best interest of the Village of Marblehead. This commitment continues as we focus on our common goal sustaining our fine Village to its fullest potential, with keeping Future Generations in mind.
May 2008 bring health and prosperity to all, and may God bless the Village of Marblehead now and always.
 |
Columns 
Show/Hide comment form
