Related PagesMayor’s Report for Monday August 26, 2024
The T-34 Warbirds to Make Their Return to Harry Clever Field
New Philadelphia’s aviation history will again be celebrated when the pilots of the T-34 Association bring their planes to Harry Clever Field on Saturday, September 7th. According to event organizer Don Whittingham, the aircraft will start appearing over the skies of downtown New Philadelphia at 10:30am, then land at the airport at 11am. The pilots will have lunch and welcome the public to view their historic Air Force training aircraft. Then around noon, the T-34 pilots will depart, doing runway fly-bys as they leave.
You can learn more about the T-34 Association and the aircraft here: https://t-34.com. This is the same group that visited Harry Clever Field last year.
City Planning Commission Recommends Adoption of the New Zoning Code
At its August 13th monthly meeting, members of the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council adopt the new zoning code written by Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning. The recommendation included minor changes to the new City zoning map. The next step in the adoption process is a public hearing within the coming weeks, when Ms. Moeller will present the new code and answer questions. Then Council’s Zoning and Annexation committee will meet to consider the public input and make a recommendation to the entire Council to accept or reject the new code. It took just over a year to have meetings and do the necessary research to develop the new code, which I feel is essential to properly manage the City’s growth and future land uses. The last time the zoning code was updated was in 1987.
Wrapping Up Another Successful Season at Tuscora Park
With the Labor Day holiday weekend upon us, that means the summer season at Tuscora Park is coming to a close. This Sunday, September 1st, the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at RTY’s Summer Showcase. Then on Monday, September 2nd, the popular band “La Flavor” will perform to close out the Summer Showcase season. Also, Monday will be the last day that the park pool will be open. The following weekend, September 7th and 8th, will be the last days that RTY’s concession stands and rides will be open. This has been a summer to remember thanks to RTY’s commitment to improvements at Tuscora Park. The organization completed the repair and restoration of the Ferris wheel, purchased a new passenger train and added a mini-Ferris wheel kiddie ride. RTY has been a blessing to Tuscora Park and the City of New Philadelphia. The members ability to rally community financial support of its projects is second to none. And I know that they have their eyes on obtaining more kiddie rides to add to the park over the next few years.
Young Dads, Who Happen to Be City Councilmen, Are Doing It for the Kids
I want to thank and commend Kris Kreinbihl and Mitch Pace, a couple of young dads who are also City Council members, for their efforts to improve sports facilities in the City for our kids. If you didn’t see the recent Facebook post by the New Philadelphia Youth Soccer Association, Mr. Kreinbihl led the organization’s campaign that raised $255,935.17 to pay for major improvement to the high school soccer fields at the Southside Community Park. And have you noticed that nearly every baseball and softball field at Waterworks Park has new playing surfaces and dugouts, and a concession stand? How about the improvements at Field #2 on the hill at Tuscora Park? They are the result of the work of Mr. Pace, who secured grants and annual sponsorships of each field to pay for the upgrades and ongoing maintenance. Both fathers don’t expect recognition, but they deserve it. Our kids are benefiting from their leadership. And I’m grateful that they chose to serve our community as City Council members.
City Hall will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday. In 1894 President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September each year a national holiday to recognize all workers who contribute to America’s prosperity. Have a safe and restful holiday weekend. Go Quakers, Saints and Buckeyes!!!!
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Mayor’s Report for Monday August 12, 2024
Construction of the Bike Trail from the KSU-Tusc Campus Is Underway
When you’re traveling on East High Avenue from 2nd Street NE to the KSU-Tusc Campus, be aware of construction crews and equipment building the bicycle trail from the campus to downtown. We began planning for the $2.88 million KSU-Tusc Connector Trail project in 2019 and received the bulk of its funding from an OMEGA RTPO grant and a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation. The City’s share was $361,000 to pay for new sewer catch basins and paving. Once it’s completed this fall, the 1.6-mile trail will give bicyclists a safer pathway to and from the campus area. This is a main artery in the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Plan. That plan calls for future connections to bike trails on State Route 416, the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Roswell Trail, which should be under construction in the summer of 2025.
EDFA Issues a New RFP to Attract Developers to the Former Joy/Howden Site
The County’s Economic Development and Finance Alliance (port authority) has issued a new Request for Proposal to attract developers to the former Joy/Howden Buffalo property on South Broadway. You can find the RFP on the City’s website here: http://www.newphilaoh.com/downloads/files/RFP_for_Howden-Buffalo_Property_-_2024.pdf
In the document, the EDFA states: “The RFP asks developers to submit an overall plan for the site and anchor tenants to submit their needs and express a commitment to participate in multi-use development at the site.” The new zoning code that Council will soon consider calls for the property to be rezoned for mixed uses as an extension of the downtown Central Business District. It’s my hope that one of the included uses is much needed housing.
The City Takes Delivery of a New Vacall Street Sweeper
This past Friday, I visited the Gradall plant to take delivery of the City’s new Vacall Street Sweeper. It replaces the Vacall sweeper the City purchased in 2010. The new sweeper has a number of technological and equipment upgrades that allow the vehicle to do a better, more efficient job of cleaning city streets. A Gradall factory rep will be at the General Services garage tomorrow (Tuesday) to train operators on the vehicle. Council adopted Resolution 8-2024 earlier this year that authorized the purchase of the new street sweeper using a $333,832.82, 84-month loan from First Federal Community Bank.
A New Member Has Been Appointed to the City’s Cemetery Board
I have appointed New Philadelphia resident Bud Winn to fill a vacancy on the City’s Cemetery Board. Mr. Winn is a retired educator who has been an active participant in the “Find a Grave” website. His membership profile can be found here: https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/47466699. He replaces former City Cemetery Superintendent Jim Exley, who retired from the board after serving as a member since 2016.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday July 22, 2024
Coyote Management Tips from the U.S. Humane Society
Word of the coyote problems in the City reached Mark Finneran, the Director of the U.S. Humane Society in Ohio. Last week he sent me a link to the Humane Society’s coyote management guide, which you can download here: https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/HSUS-Coyote-Mgt-Plan_2020.pdf. It contains very useful information on how not to attract coyotes and how to safeguard your pets from becoming a food source. The City will also utilize the management plan to address coyote issues in the future. As the guide recommends, please do not put out feed for deer.
DORA Application Sent to City Council
Last Wednesday (July 17), I sent an application to City Council to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the downtown area. The application and my letter of introduction can be viewed here: http://www.newphilaoh.com/Public-Hearing--Notices. I’m requesting that, to start, the DORA only be used for special events downtown, taking into consideration the concerns that some residents have raised. Let’s try it, then decide whether to end it or set regular hours for its use. The eight liquor permit holders in the proposed DORA area and City law enforcement bear the responsibility of making it work to the satisfaction of the community. I’m confident they will. I have visited DORA areas in other cities to see how they function. Here are links to their DORA websites:
https://www.mariettamainstreet.org/dora
https://www.mainstreetwooster.org/dora
https://www.louisvilleohchamber.org/dorainformation
As the Mayor of Coshocton told me, a DORA has proven to be a great economic benefit to downtown businesses. Council President Kemp will be scheduling a public meeting of City Council to hear comments about the DORA application. You can view a copy of the application at the Mayor’s office or request a PDF copy by emailing jbailey@newphilaoh.com. You can send written comments to: Clerk of Council, John Knisely Municipal Centre, 150 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. Or email comments to clerk@npohcc.com.
Public Meeting on City Zoning Code Revisions
If you would like to learn about the revisions that will be made to the City’s zoning code, plan to attend a public meeting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in the City Council chamber. Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning will present her completed revisions of the zoning code and answer any questions you may have. The City Planning Commission will then consider the comments when it meets on August 13th to decide whether to recommend adoption of the new code to City Council.
Friday Is a Good Day for a Downtown Business Walk
This coming Friday morning, Service Director McAbier and I will be joined by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and the County Economic Development and Finance Alliance (port authority) to take a walk downtown to visit our local merchants. Last year’s visitation yielded some great recommendations for improvement from the business owners and operators. So, we’ve decided to make the downtown walk an annual event. It gives all of us a better perspective of the daily challenges faced by the businesses. It also gives the Mayor and Service Director recommendations on how we can do a better job of serving the downtown business community.
What’s Happening at Battle Motors
Several people have asked me what’s going on at Battle Motors. Excavators have been moving dirt in areas around the plant on Reiser Avenue SE. The company is expanding its parking lot, clearing land to build another 500,000 square foot addition, and constructing a test track for the vehicles it manufactures. Battle Motors has been a blessing to New Philadelphia for its support of our community and the manufacturing jobs it has created and will continue to create.
Letters of Commendation
Now I would like to call Officer Kyle Kelley and Firefighter Justin Heavelyn to the podium to present them with Letters of Commendation for the life-saving actions they recently took to help members of our community.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday July 8, 2024
Another Successful First Town Days Festival
For the 47th consecutive year, the First Town Days Festival Committee members did another awesome job of giving us a celebration to remember at Tuscora Park. It was great to see families enjoying all the festival’s events. The Grand Parade was one of the best ever. The Marching Quaker Band alumni were a huge hit. The City Slickers beat the County Terminators 21 to 1 to win the annual City-County softball game. I want to congratulate Coach Chaz Willet for assembling another team of sluggers who work for the City. The park was filled for Saturday night’s fireworks display. And the quality of entries in Sunday’s car show made it very tough to pick the trophy winners. I want to thank the sponsors of this year’s First Town Days Festival events. We are grateful for your support of the festival and our community.
Work is Progressing on the Relocation of the Taxiway at Harry Clever Field
The project to relocate the taxiway at Harry Clever Field is over 50 percent completed. According to the construction schedule, this month the new taxiway will be paved, and the dirt areas seeded and mulched. The taxiway will be opened by the end of the month and new electrical wiring and lighting will be installed. The schedule calls for completion of the project by the end of August. Notice to Aviators (NOTAMS) are being posted during the construction period to let flyers know about runway closures.
Tuscora Park’s Pickleball Courts are Closed for Resurfacing
The pickleball courts at Tuscora Park will be closed for the next two weeks for resurfacing. Vasco Asphalt is applying a new topcoat to the court surfaces in keeping with the Parks Department’s maintenance schedule. It’s going to take around a week and a half for the resurfacing to cure before play can resume. The reopening date should be Monday, July 22nd. Check the City’s Facebook page for updates.
Mark Saturday, July 20th on Your Calendar
Downtown New Philadelphia’s Summer Sales and Summer Sounds event is coming up on Saturday July 20th. The event starts with sidewalk sales at 10am, followed by Chetsville Live’s Music on the Square from 2pm to 10pm. You can explore over 100 artisans and shops. And there will be food trucks. The event has been organized by Alley Cats Marketplace, Fresh the Market and Chetsville Live, as well as the New Philadelphia Advancing our Community Together (NPAct) organization. Don’t miss it!
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Mayor’s Report for Monday June 24, 2024
City Park Board to Honor Retired Superintendent Rod Miller
The members of the City Parks and Recreation Board had been contemplating a way to honor retired Superintendent Rod Miller for his 52-year service to the City. So, at its monthly meeting last Wednesday, the board voted to name the main walkway through Tuscora Park as “Rod Miller Way”. The walkway starts at the park entrance at 2nd Street NW and Tuscora Avenue NW, runs through the kiddie rides area and turns right past the Ferris wheel to Al Maloney Drive NW. Signs will be posted along the route designating it as “Rod Miller Way”.
Applying to Other Grant Programs to Complete the Towpath Trail
The City and its partners will apply to a Federal grant program to try to get funding to complete the four-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail from Zoarville to New Philadelphia. The Ohio Mideastern Governments Association (OMEGA) is assisting New Philadelphia, Dover, the Tuscarawas County Parks District and the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition in applying for an Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program grant, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant program funds projects up to $15 million in cost. The Towpath Trail completion project lost out on funding by the Appalachian Community Grant Program.
Meanwhile, New Philadelphia’s downtown quadrant renovation project that was funded by the ACGP is progressing, but not as quickly as we feel it could. Service Director McAbier has asked officials in the Ohio Department of Development and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia if the City can receive the funding to do the project on its own, rather than wait for the State to decide how to move forward with engineering and constructing the ACGP projects. If we can hire local engineering and construction companies, we can immediately get our project underway. All projects funded by the ACGP must be completed by October of 2026.
Getting Help from the State of Ohio to Develop the Joy/Howden Property
John Carey, the Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia and Scott Ryan, the Chief of Community Engagement at the Ohio Department of Development, recently came to New Philadelphia to visit the Joy/Howden property on South Broadway and discuss funding available to prepare the site for development. The property is owned by the County Economic Development and Finance Alliance (port authority). As I stated in a previous Mayor’s Report, I would like to see a year-round home for the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market located there. We will also be meeting with housing developers who are interested in the property.
Ideally, the site could have a mixed-use that provides much-needed housing and businesses which support downtown revitalization and recreational activities at Waterworks Park and boat ramp.
While they were in town, Director Carey and Chief Ryan also met with a group of local business owners and entrepreneurs to learn about State grant programs that could help their efforts to continue to invest in downtown New Philadelphia.
The First Town Days Festival is July 4-7th
The best four days of summer in New Philadelphia are right around the corner. I’m looking forward to seeing you next week at the 47th annual First Town Days Festival at Tuscora Park. The Opening Ceremony and Plate Auction is Thursday, July 4th at 4:30pm at the Al Maloney Midway stage. The Grand Parade steps off at 6:30 pm Friday. Long-time New Philadelphia teacher Bill Graham is the Grand Parade Marshal. The fireworks display is Saturday night, July 6th at 10pm. I want to thank Festival President Joe Croft and his fellow First Town Days Festival Committee members for volunteering to plan this annual celebration of our City.
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Now I would like to call Police Officers Mitchell Gobley and David Morris forward to receive Letters of Commendation for their actions on February 12, 2024.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday June 10, 2024
Tuscarawas County needs more Housing for its Workforce
Last week Service Director McAbier, Code Administrator Mathias and I joined other local government officials in a discussion with State officials on the workforce, housing and infrastructure needs in our county. Representatives from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and the Ohio Department of Development called the meeting because of the impact that Schaeffler Group’s development will have in Dover and throughout Tuscarawas County. The lack of affordable housing for workers and families was the main topic of the discussion. The State officials were also told that the high cost of extending water and sewer lines to developments and the lack broadband coverage in the county continue to be impediments to the area’s growth. The need to fund the reconstruction of the Interstate 77/250/39 interchange in New Philadelphia was also brought to their attention.
Red Lobster’s Bankruptcy Closes New Philadelphia’s Restaurant
As you may have read in today’s (Monday’s) Times Reporter online, I am working with State Senator Al Landis to try to persuade Red Lobster officials to keep the New Philadelphia restaurant open. Our effort may be futile because of the corporation’s bankruptcy filing, and the fact that closing restaurants make the numbers work on a balance sheet. The good news is that the Red Lobster employees should have no problems finding another job because most local restaurants and other businesses are hiring.
Crackdown on Junk Vehicles
City Code Administrator Josh Mathias and the Police Department have teamed up to identify and cite the owners of junk vehicles as defined in the City’s codified ordinances. The vehicles will be towed if necessary. Administrator Mathias has told me that the complaints about junk vehicles in the City has increased over the past several months.
New Traffic Box Artwork is in the Works
At its monthly meeting last Thursday the Downtown Design Standards board approved 10 new traffic box wrap designs, which were submitted by high school art students in Tuscarawas County. The art project is expanding outside of the downtown area to other traffic boxes within the City. It’s become a great way to showcase the younger artistic talent we have in our community.
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Mayor’s Report for Thursday, May 30, 2024
The Summer Season is Officially Underway in New Philadelphia
Though the calendar says June 20th is the first day of summer, the season is already underway in New Philadelphia. It began with the opening of Tuscora Park over the Memorial Day weekend. City Parks and Recreation Superintendent Adam Fulton reported that, despite the occasional rain showers, large crowds of visitors were lined up to ride the rides, swim at the pool, and buy food and drinks at the concession stands. Rain cancelled the opening performance at RTY’s Summer Showcase and the ceremonies to unveil a new historical marker and to thank the donors who purchased the new mini-Ferris wheel kiddie ride. Those ceremonies have been rescheduled for this coming Sunday, June 2nd at 6:30pm.
Meanwhile, RTY is awaiting the delivery of the new train it purchased for Tuscora Park and for the installation of a new drive shaft to get the Ferris wheel running. Both of those projects should be completed before the rides close in September. RTY’s Greg Rees provided the photo below of the new train’s engine still under construction.
Tuscora Park Now Has an Ohio History Connection Historical Marker
Thanks to the data gathering and fundraising efforts of New Philadelphia Rotarian Sam Hitchcock, the Ohio History Connection has given the Rotary Club a marker that designates Tuscora Park as a historically significant site in New Philadelphia. The club invites you to attend the marker’s dedication ceremony this Sunday, June 2nd at 6:30pm. It’s been installed in an area across from the park office building.
The Ohio Historical Markers program began in the 1950s. There are approximately 1,750 such markers, including three in New Philadelphia: at Courthouse Square, the Schoenbrunn Village school house, and at Ohio and Erie Canal Lock 13 on Commercial Avenue SE. To learn more about the marker program, visit https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/history-preservation-where-you-live/ohio-historical-marker/.
Renewing Your Vehicle Registration Just Became Easier
Earlier today (Thursday) I had the honor of attending the unveiling of a new self-service BMV Express Kiosk inside of Discount Drug Mart on 2nd Street NW. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has been locating these kiosks across the state to give Ohioans a faster, easier way to renew their vehicle registration. More locations can be found here: https://ohiobmvexpress.com/. By using the kiosk, they claim it should cut the time to get an auto registration card and license validation stickers to under two minutes.
Best Wishes for Retiring City Auditor Beth Gundy
Monday, June 3rd will be the final day in office for City Auditor Beth Gundy. She is retiring after serving the City for just over 28 years. On behalf of the citizens of New Philadelphia, I wish her much health and happiness in her retirement years.
As permitted by Ohio Revised Code section 733.13, I have appointed Heather Denham to be the interim City Auditor. She currently serves in the Auditor’s office as the executive assistant. A new City Auditor will be appointed by the New Philadelphia members of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party’s Central Committee within the next two weeks. The application deadline for the position is May 31st.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday, May 13, 2024
The Intent of the ACGP Was to Fund “Transformational” Projects
The $2.9 million grant the City received last week to fund the redesign of three downtown quadrants was in keeping with the intent of the Appalachian Community Grant Program to fund “transformational” projects. Our project will transform the center of our town, making it more walkable and as written in our funding application: “This project will make downtown New Philadelphia into a high-quality place by converting its central square into an interconnected four-quadrant plaza that buzzes with activity – entertainment, outdoor dining and recreation, retail, and community events”. It’s my hope that the project also spurs more investment in the downtown buildings and properties. I thank Service Director McAbier and Meredith Reed and her team at Designing Local of Columbus (https://www.designinglocal.com/) for developing the quadrant’s redesign, Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization for including our project in its ACGP application, Lydia Mihalik the Director of the Ohio Department of Development, and Governor Mike DeWine and his Office of Appalachia for selecting the project for funding. I am disappointed that completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail to New Philadelphia didn’t make the funding cut. But there are other State and Federal grant programs that can be utilized to obtain funding for that project.
Art on the Alley Is This Sunday
Downtown New Philadelphia will be buzzing this Sunday, May 19th with the return of “Art on the Alley”, which has evolved into one of the biggest arts-centered events in Eastern Ohio. The Tuscarawas Arts Partnership organizes and stages the event. TAP Executive Director Wilma Mullet has told me that all vendor spots have sold out and there will be three stages of live entertainment, and of course, food trucks and other food vendors. The hours for Art on the Alley are from 11am to 4pm. Parking will be available in the County lots on 1st Drive NE and 2nd Street NE and in the City/County lots at 1st Drive and Front Avenue SE. Don’t forget to include a walk down Artagain Alley while you’re enjoying the festivities.
The First Draft of the City’s New Zoning Code Has Arrived
At tomorrow’s (Tuesday) City Planning Commission meeting, Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning plans to review each chapter of her first draft of the City’s new zoning code. Included in her presentation will be a first look at the new zoning map created by her study. Once City officials have had a chance to read the first draft and recommend revisions, the new zoning code will be presented to the public for comment.
The Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market Would Like a Year-Round Home
The Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market is looking for a location to build a year-round home. At a meeting last week at the KSU-Tusc Performing Arts Center, Mark McKenzie of the Market’s leadership team said the Farmer’s Market has outgrown its location at the County Fairgrounds in Dover, and the popularity of the market has shown that a year-round facility is necessary.
A year-round facility would require five acres for food and crafts vendors, a food preparation and test kitchen, parking, and space for outdoor horticulture (see the attached architect’s rendering of a possible design for a year-round market). I suggested that, if interested, the TVFM board contact the County’s Economic Development and Finance Alliance (port authority) to ask if it would be willing to donate five acres of the Howden Buffalo property it owns on South Broadway. During his presentation, McKenzie also stated that the TVFM needs volunteers, financial sponsorships and donations. To learn more, visit its website at www.tvffm.org. The Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 3pm – 7pm June through October at the Fairgrounds.
Thanks to the NPAct Committee for the Downtown Flowers
Just in time for Mother’s Day, this past weekend volunteers from the New Philadelphia Advancing our Community Together (NPAct) organization filled the planters on the downtown quadrants with flowers. The flowers were purchased from the Service Director’s downtown maintenance fund. I thank NPAct for taking on this project and look for the group to become more active in downtown revitalization efforts.
This Wednesday is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Remember those men and women in blue who gave their lives in service to their communities. And keep New Philadelphia’s police officers in your prayers. And remember they are willing to put their lives on the line for our protection.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday April 22, 2024
Rod Miller’s Retirement
After a 52-year career with the City, Rod Miller is retiring on Sunday, April 28th. But his positive influence on this City as the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation will continue far into the future. The improvements that have been made in the City’s parks system over the span of his career were the result of Rod’s support and encouragement. There is no doubt: He loves this town and its people.
We are having a retirement party for Rod on Friday (April 26) from 11am to 1pm at the Tuscora Park pavilion. Please attend if you can. I know Rod doesn’t want a lot of fanfare about his retirement, but he deserves it. To commit your entire adult life to serving the citizens of New Philadelphia as the steward of Tuscora Park and the City’s parks system is worthy of our praise and gratitude.
Annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony
Also this Friday (April 26), the City will hold its annual Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the Southside Community Park. One new tree will be planted along the Oldtown Valley Road entrance road. The dirt will fly at 10am. Tomorrow, Service Director McAbier and General Services Superintendent Grewell will travel to Canton to receive an award for the City being designated as a Tree City USA community for the 37th consecutive year.
It Will Be a Busy Weekend at Tuscora Park
The new season at Tuscora Park officially opens on Saturday (April 27th) with the second annual Rainbow Trout Fishing Derby, the annual County Classic Middle School track meet at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium, and the first day of the two-day annual Soap Box Derby races on the Wabash Avenue hill. Also, the Quakers varsity baseball team has a game scheduled at Field #1.
The Algae at the Tuscora Park Pond Will Become Fish Food
Last week the City Parks and Recreation Board approved adding tilapia to the assortment of fish in the Tuscora Park pond. Tilapia are algae eaters and should remove the nutrients that encourage algae growth. Lake management specialist Alec Hillyer recommended the use of tilapia to control algae blooms. The downside is that the fish can’t survive in water temperatures below 55 degrees, so they will have to be fished out of the pond by October. That will give Councilman Mitch Pace another opportunity to plan a third fishing derby at the park this year. The second annual Rainbow Trout Fishing Derby is this Saturday at Tuscora Park. Another derby, featuring a different species of trout, is planned for this fall.
Geib Family Foundation’s Donation
I would like to publicly thank the Geib Family Foundation for its donation of $10,000 to offset expenses related to the acquisition and installation of a new children’s Ferris wheel on the Tuscora Park midway. Rich Geib’s leadership of RTY, Inc. has resulted in untold private financial support for the repair and maintenance of the existing children’s rides at the park, and for the acquisition of new rides. By the way, the delivery of a new train is expected by mid-to-late June. RTY traded the old train to an amusement ride operator for three additional children’s rides that will be installed along the midway sometime in the future.
Why You Should be Yodeling Every Day
My Executive Assistant Jami Bailey has been working to develop a community calendar where everyone can go to find out what’s happening in New Philadelphia. As a result of her effort, the City has partnered with a company called Yodel. Mr. President, I would like to give the remainder of my time to Jami to allow her to introduce Council to Yodel and show you how easy it is to use.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday April 8, 2024
City Receives an ODOT-Aviation Grant for Airport Taxiway Relocation
April 15th is the scheduled start date for a major construction project at Harry Clever Field. The project will be fully paid for by Federal and State grants. It will relocate and reconstruct the taxiway that is parallel to the main runway at the airport. To pay for the $2.8 million dollar project, the City received a $2.6 million dollar grant from the FAA and a $144,606.00 matching grant from ODOT-Aviation. The project will be done in four phases. All airfield lighting and NAVAIDS will be out of service during the construction period. And the main and grass runways will be closed periodically. ProAv, the airport manager, will issue all applicable NOTAMs or notices to aviators. The annual fly-in pancake breakfast fundraiser by Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1077 on Sunday, May 26th should not be affected by the project.
Goshen Twp Trustees Receive Notice of a Fire/EMS Contract Price Increase
A letter signed by myself, City Safety Director Popham and Fire Chief Parrish has been sent to the Goshen Township Trustees, informing them of a cost increase should they decide to renew the township’s fire and EMS contract with the City in 2027. New Philadelphia’s taxpayers have been subsidizing the fire and EMS services to the township for many years. The level of service by our Fire Department to the township is identical to the level of service received by New Philadelphia residents. Therefore, the cost per call should be the same.
There are two years remaining on the current contract, which has the township paying the City $180,000.00 per year. That would increase to $537,691.87 annually, based on a per-call cost of $1,122.53. Last year, the New Philadelphia Fire Department answered 479 calls in Goshen Township. We sent the cost increase notice early to give the Trustees time to inform their constituents and plan for future fire and EMS service to the township.
Art on the Alley Vendor Spots are Sold Out
The downtown New Philadelphia “Art on the Alley” event continues to grow. Wilma Mullet, the executive director of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership, reports that all vendor spaces are sold out for the Sunday, May 5th event. And, as of this writing, there are only 28 spots available for the Art on the Alley October 6th event. More information about the events can be found at https://www.tuscarawasartspartnership.org/art-on-the-alley.
The First Draft of the City’s Complete Zoning Code Revisions
Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning is expected to unveil the first draft of a complete revision of the City’s zoning and planning codes at tomorrow’s (Tuesday) monthly meeting of the City Planning Commission. She has been working on the project for the past year, updating the codes to meet modern land uses and standards. Tomorrow’s 1pm meeting will be recorded, then posted on the City’s YouTube channel. Once the final draft of the codes is completed, it will be presented to City Council for its adoption.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday March 25, 2024
The Benefits of MWCD’s Move to the Technology Park
The decision by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District to consolidate its operations at a new location on Tech Park Drive NE is in sync with the Tech Park’s founder’s original intent. Quoting from the minutes of the Tuscarawas Research and Technology Park Kick-off Meeting of February 3, 2005: “We need to translate the special qualities to the physical environment: create a sense of place, we must encourage and enhance interdisciplinary work and interaction, foster casual and formal connections. When people visit our park, they should think ‘I want to be a part of this!’”
By viewing the proposed campus design and its amenities, you can see that MWCD’s plan fits many aspects of the founder’s vision. Its proximity to Buckeye Career Center and the Kent State-Tuscarawas campus should create exciting opportunities for students seeking careers related to MWCD’s mission of land management and environmental preservation. The walking trails included in the campus’ design will tie into the trails on the KSU-Tusc campus and into the connector trail that will be built this year to downtown New Philadelphia. They fit into the City’s plan to use trails to encourage health, wellness, family activities and an appreciation of New Philadelphia’s rural setting.
Thank You Dr. Nick Weininger
Business growth is always encouraged in New Philadelphia. I was pleased to read the recent announcement that Dr. Nick Weininger will be moving his dental practice this fall into a new building at 170 Marketplace Commons SW behind BW3’s on West High Avenue. Thank you Dr. Weininger for choosing to keep your growing practice in New Philadelphia. I look forward to attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new location.
The First Draft of the City’s New Zoning Code is Nearly Finished
Revisions to the City’s regulations on signs was the topic of last week’s Planning Commission workshop with Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning. If you weren’t able to attend, the link to follow to watch the recording on YouTube is here:
https://youtu.be/jfDhYYsRuQc?si=PFV1TF57CnaVAik-
At the conclusion of the workshop, Ms. Moeller said she will now prepare the first draft of the new zoning code to present to the Planning Commission during its April 9th meeting. In the meantime, she also plans to hold a virtual meeting with members of the City’s Downtown Design Standards Board of Review to go over the zoning revisions that affect the downtown area.
Celebrate Easter
My favorite Easter Bible passage is John 3:16. It puts the reason we celebrate Easter into one sentence. City offices will be closed on Good Friday.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday March 11, 2024
Attending the Annual NADO & DDAA Washington Conference
As the president of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Government Association’s Executive Board, I am in the nation’s capital attending the annual National Association of Development Organizations and the Development District Association of Appalachia Washington Conference. It’s an annual gathering of officials from economic development districts like OMEGA within the 13 state Appalachian Region. During the three-day conference, we will hear from Gale Manchin, the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, and have break-out sessions that will focus on Federal funding and programs that impact Tuscarawas and the other 31 Appalachian counties in Ohio. There will also be opportunities for OMEGA to meet with Ohio’s members of the U.S. House and Senate to push for more help in solving our issues at home, like the lack of affordable housing and workforce development.
The New Philadelphia Housing Plan
A program is being developed to use U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) direct loan funding to help first-time home buyers in New Philadelphia find affordable housing. Successful eligible low-income applicants could use the USDA loan to purchase an existing home in New Philadelphia or build a new home on a vacant lot in the City. The City is partnering with the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation and the USDA in this effort, which is being spearheaded by former Tuscarawas County resident Matt Karam. He learned about the USDA direct loan program by attending a TCEDC-sponsored conference last year in Dover. Mr. Karam has a concern for young adults and families not being able to afford a home and saw the USDA program as a way to make that happen.
The plan is to encourage home ownership and utilize vacant lots within the City on which to build housing for successful applicants. This flyer will be posted on the City’s website and social media to help get the word out. For more information and to apply, go to www.tuscedc.com/applyusda or call 330-401-3623.
Spring Cleaning? Old Tires? Call Zach at the City Health Department
If getting rid of some old tires is in your spring cleaning plans, call Zachary Phillips at the City Health Department at 330-364-4491 extension 1206. He will schedule a time when you can bring the tires to the City Garage for disposal. Zachary is the Health Department’s Director of Environmental Health. The program is nearly a year old. So far, it’s collected around 100 old tires each month. The Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District partnered with the Health Department to create the collection program.
The Tuscora Park Foundation’s Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
If you would like to help purchase a new cotton candy machine for Tuscora Park, plan to attend the Tuscora Park Foundation’s annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 16th. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees will be serving pancakes and sausage from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Tuscora Park dining hall. Tickets are $5.00 each and are available at the Mayor’s office or at McInturf Realty’s office on Tuscarawas Avenue NW. Tickets will also be sold at the door on Saturday. See you there!
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Mayor’s Report for Monday February 26, 2024
Balancing the Permanent Appropriations Budget
Yesterday (Sunday) I met with Council Finance Committee Chairman Rippeth to get a summary of last week’s committee meeting that I missed due to illness. The chairman and I came up with a list of revisions to the permanent budget’s General Fund appropriations that the Finance committee should consider. We believe that the revisions would result in a balanced permanent appropriations budget for 2024. Staff reductions are not on the list. Chairman Rippeth and I agree that monthly budget review meetings will be necessary for the remainder of the year to make sure that the budget remains in line with revenue projections.
Removal of the Batting Cages at Tuscora Park
RTY, Incorporated plans to obtain three more kiddie rides for the midway at Tuscora Park. To make room for them, the City will be removing the batting cages, which have remained inoperable for several years. There have been no takers in the City’s attempt to sell the batting machinery. So, it will be taken as scrap by the contractor doing the demolition job, which should be completed within the next two months.
Thank You Reeves Foundation Trustees
On behalf of the City, I would like to thank the trustees of the Reeves Foundation for helping to fund two key community projects. The Foundation awarded RTY, Incorporated $108,000.00 to help pay for the replacement of the broken axle on the Ferris wheel at Tuscora Park. And the Foundation also gave $31,231.00 to the New Philadelphia Youth Soccer Association to construct new fencing around the soccer fields at the Southside Community Park. The Reeves Foundation continues to be a blessing to our community because of its support of projects that benefit people of all ages and sustain our quality of life.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday February 12, 2024
City Finances and the State’s Rainy Day Fund
Over $3.7 billion dollars: that’s how much money the State of Ohio is holding in its State Budget Stabilization Fund, otherwise known as the “Rainy Day” fund. And as the attached graphic shows, that number has been increasing since 2022 and is on track this year to hit its maximum balance allowed by law (Source: https://checkbook.ohio.gov/State/Resources/BSF.aspx). Ohio’s 88 counties used to receive 3.68% of the State’s General Revenue Fund (GRF) to disperse to municipalities and townships as Local Government Funds or LGF. In 2012, the Ohio Legislature slashed that percentage to 1.66% to fill the state’s projected $8 billion budget hole (Source: Ohio Municipal League LGF white paper). In the State’s last fiscal budget, that LGF percentage increased to 1.7%. I bring this to your attention because New Philadelphia, as are many Ohio cities, is facing increased operating costs: in our case in funding safety forces. Inflation is taking its toll on City finances. It might not be raining in Columbus, but it’s raining in New Philadelphia and Tuscarawas County. I brought this to the attention of State Senator Al Landis. And he’s agreed to a meeting to discuss LGF and our need to see the percentage restored to 3.68% or higher. The State of Ohio can clearly afford it. In the future, City taxpayers could face a decision to pay more for safety forces while the State sits on that amount of money waiting for a rainy day.
Working with NP Schools Administration to Find School Locations
The City’s administration is working with New Philadelphia City Schools to help find a suitable location for construction of new school buildings. We recently sat down with Superintendent Wentworth and her team to discuss the location choices revealed in recent public meetings. Ideally, a new location should fit into the City’s Master/Vision Plan for future growth. The Master Plan encourages the location of new middle and high schools in the vicinity of Buckeye Career Center and the Kent State-Tuscarawas campus. The education hub that could be developed by connecting all three institutions would be unique to Eastern Ohio and would give our children educational opportunities not seen in other communities. In addition, there would be savings in transportation costs and eliminate the need for redundant facilities for academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. We will continue to partner with the school district to find suitable locations.
Have You Noticed the Latest Improvements at Tuscora Park?
Take a few minutes to walk or drive through Tuscora Park to view the improvements being made to Field #1, the high school baseball field. The Turf Tuscora Diamond organization has raised money through grants from local foundations and from individuals to begin transforming Field #1 into a baseball stadium. A new scoreboard and outfield fencing have been installed. Next, new dugouts and a new backstop will be installed. On another note, RTY has purchased a mini-Ferris wheel kiddie ride and has plans to acquire three more kiddie rides to install at the park. And the main Ferris wheel will be undergoing more repairs this spring, with hopes that it’s up and running sometime this summer. Also, the restrooms by the tennis and pickleball courts are being renovated. The inside is nearly completed. The outside will be finished in the spring.
And How About the Soccer Field Improvements at the Southside Community Park?
Councilman Kris Kreinbihl and other members of the New Philadelphia Youth Soccer Association have taken it upon themselves to raise the money needed to install fencing around the high school soccer fields and build new dugouts and bleachers. Our kids will greatly benefit from their efforts. Thank you!
The City is also helping with the improvements by spreading a new layer of crushed stone over the soccer fields parking lot.
A Presentation by Flourish Founder Michaela Thomas
Her day job is the Community Engagement Director for the Stark County Sheriff’s Department. And in her spare time Michaela Thomas created the very popular Newsymom website, which is full of information for moms of all ages. Now she has launched a new project for moms called Flourish, and it’s located at New Towne Mall. President Kemp, I would like to give the balance of my time to Ms. Thomas, so she can explain the concept for Flourish, and how, I feel, it will greatly benefit our community.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday January 22, 2024
Remembering Mayor Greg Erb
Today we learned of former Mayor Greg Erb’s passing. His heavenly journey continues with the Lord and with his beloved son Daniel. Mayor Erb was a passionate man. He loved God, New Philadelphia, and America. And he had his own way of reminding you of that. To me Greg was a friend and mentor. Our City is better because of his efforts. Remember his family in your prayers. Information about his memorial service can be found on the Geib Funeral Home website: https://www.geibfuneral.com/obituaries.
New Business Officially Opens in Downtown New Philadelphia
Last Friday, Service Director McAbier and I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Keller Williams Legacy Group Realty – Tuscarawas County office at 216 North Broadway next to the post office. KW Legacy is a new real estate company in the county. We are pleased that it chose New Philadelphia as its home. Please join me in welcoming them to our growing downtown business community.
Tuscora Park Will Have Signage for Persons with Special Needs
New signs will soon be erected at Tuscora Park to assist persons who struggle to verbally express their wants, needs and feelings. The City Park Board approved the communication boards designed by Lacey Herbert-Stephen and donated by her Lacey PAC Adaptive Movement Center. One of the boards will be placed at the children’s playground adjacent to the main parking lot on Tuscora Avenue NW. The other will be located in the kiddie ride area. A Spanish language version is located on the backside of the boards. The communication boards fill a need to make Tuscora Park more handicap accessible.
Please Attend Tomorrow’s NP Schools Facilities Meeting
Tuesday night at 6:30pm the New Philadelphia Schools administration will be having a public meeting to discuss the future of the school district’s buildings. The meeting is being held at the Front Avenue Administrative Building. Among the issues to be discussed will be the location of new school buildings. I urge all City Council members to attend. To me, it’s essential that the City partner with the New Philadelphia School Board to determine the course of action to address the school district’s aging buildings.
Mayor Taylor’s Memorabilia Collection to be Displayed at City Hall
Items from former Mayor Mike Taylor’s extensive collection of New Philadelphia memorabilia will soon be on display at City Hall. George Lawrence of Museum Acrylics has built and installed three display cases in the vestibule outside of the Mayor’s office. Mayor Taylor’s collection is now in the hands of the Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association, which donated the cases. Items from his collection will be rotated periodically. I will announce when the cases are filled and ready for public viewing. I want to thank Mayor Taylor and the Heritage Home Association for using this project to give all of us a better appreciation of New Philadelphia’s history.
A Group of Downtown Business Owners Would Like a DORA
I would like to give the remainder of my time to property and business owner Jim Knisely, who is leading a group of downtown businesses that are interested in creating a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, in the downtown area. Following his presentation, President Kemp, I ask that the DORA idea be assigned to a Council committee for consideration.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday January 8, 2024
City Planning Commission Continues its Work on Zoning Code Revisions
The City Planning Commission will meet tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1pm in the Council chamber to have another workshop with Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning. Her company was hired last year to modernize the City’s zoning and planning codes. Ms. Moeller told us last week that she has completed about 75 percent of the revisions. The latest changes will be reviewed at tomorrow’s meeting.
In a related matter, I have appointed retired City Councilman Dean Holland to fill the vacancy on the Commission created by Tom Simmelink leaving to take his at-large Council seat.
The Cost of Providing City Services on the Rise
The City’s cost of providing its quality services has not escaped rising prices of equipment and materials due to inflation and supply chain issues. Department heads have reported increases anywhere from 30 percent to 100 percent for materials and equipment, and delivery dates up to 18 to 24 months in some cases. And landfill fees for sanitation and recycling are expected to increase this year. To offset these rising costs, I have asked Service Director McAbier to review the various fees charged by his service departments and recommend revisions.
Using Rent from the Bank Lane SE Building for Economic Development
Included in the donation to the City of the Hicks property on Bank Lane SE is a storage building being rented to a Cleveland area company that provides commercial cleaning and maintenance supplies. Now that the City owns the building, I would like to use the rent money to create an economic development fund that could provide grants and loans to downtown businesses to improve building facades and make other improvements. Council President Kemp, I ask that this proposal be assigned to the proper Council committee for consideration.
County Regional Planning Commission Considers Land Use
As the mayor of the largest municipality in Tuscarawas County, I have the privilege of being a member of the County’s Regional Planning Commission. One of the issues that will be discussed by the RPC this year is land use in the county. Land available for housing and industrial development is at the top of many lists in State government and among private developers. Ohio’s industrial and technological growth, particularly by Intel, is driving the need. The challenge for Tuscarawas County is to protect its agricultural land while identifying logical areas for development. That’s why a plan is necessary.
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Mayor’s Report for Monday December 11, 2023
Thank You to the Kimble Foundation
Last week the Mayor’s office received a check for $50,000 from the Kimble Foundation to help pay for construction of Phase 2 of the Southside Community Park. I sent a “Thank You” letter to the Foundation that expressed the City’s gratitude for its support of the project. Phase 2 of the Southside Community Park’s development calls for completion of the lighted entrance road from Oldtown Valley Road to the high school soccer fields, construction of youth soccer fields, completion of a mile walking path around the circumference of the park, construction of two restroom/concession stands and parking lots. The City has also applied for construction grants from the Federal government through Senator Sherrod Brown’s office and from the State’s biennial budget through Representative Brett Hillyer’s office. An application for a State NatureWorks grant was recently rejected.
The City’s Department Heads Make It Happen
Much of what the City has achieved this year is the result of the leadership and skill of our department heads. They quietly carry out their daily duties of managing their offices, the workforce, and complete projects with not a lot of fanfare. But I want to take this time to thank them and ask that you do the same: Service Director Ron McAbier, Water Department Superintendent Scott DeVault, Wastewater and Sewer Department Superintendent Brian Myers, Cemetery Department Superintendent Kelly Herron, Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Rod Miller, General Services Superintendent Ray Grewell, Safety Director Greg Popham, Fire Chief Jim Parrish, Police Chief Tessa Pohovey, Human Resources Director Lacey McKain, Income Tax Administrator Vicki Daniels, and Health Commissioner Vickie Ionno. And don’t forget Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant Jami Bailey and our Assistant Superintendents Chris Osborne, Adam Fulton, Mike Pyle, and Assistant Fire Chief Matt Tharp. The commitment to excellence by these individuals is why New Philadelphia is Tuscarawas County’s leading city and why our services are second to none. They don’t ask for recognition, but they deserve it.
Include Tuscora Park and Our Downtown in Your Christmas Celebration
If you’re still not in the Christmas spirit, let me help you. McInturf Realty’s annual Christmas in the Park celebration is on Sunday, December 17th from 4-8 pm at Tuscora Park. The Tuscora Park Foundation will be selling limited edition 3D printed Ferris wheel Christmas tree ornaments for $20 each to help RTY purchase a new cotton candy machine.
The new LED Christmas tree on the House of Stones downtown quadrant is programmed to perform a musical light show every half hour between the hours of 5:30pm and 9:30pm. The shows run around nine minutes. So, include that in your plans to shop downtown and eat at our locally owned downtown restaurants. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Christmas window display. The contest runs through December 16th.
And I encourage you to read the real Christmas story to remember what we are celebrating: Luke 2 verses 1-20. Show love for one another and do your part to bring joy to the world. Merry Christmas New Philadelphia!
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Mayor’s Report for Monday November 27, 2023
The City’s 2024 CHIP Program Will Be Fully Funded
Dale Hartle, the President and CEO of the Ohio Regional Development Corporation, informed me this past Friday that the City’s 2024 Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) will be fully funded. With ORDC’s help, the City applied for $650,000.00 from the Federal program, which provides funding for housing rehabilitation and emergency home repairs to homes owned and occupied by low and moderate income households. The City will share the funding with the City of Uhrichsville.
Now We Wait to Hear from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia
Completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail to New Philadelphia was among the county projects submitted to the Governor’s Office of Appalachia for construction funding from the Appalachian Community Development grant program. The Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) developed the project list as the lead applicant to the program. The list included railway improvements to allow for more excursion trains to run from the Historic Dennison Railroad Depot to Newcomerstown. OMEGA should learn sometime in the first quarter of next year which projects in its application were selected for funding. Those who make the cut will have until October 2026 to have their projects completed. Governor DeWine set aside $500 million dollars of Federal American Rescue Plan Act money to fund what he termed “transformational projects” in Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties.
The Christmas Lights Are On. Next Up: The City’s Annual Christmas Parade
I want to thank everyone who braved the rain to attend the annual downtown Christmas Lighting Ceremony on November 17th. As expected, the LED Christmas tree on the House of Stones quadrant has been quite an attraction. Now it’s time to get ready for the City’s annual Christmas Parade, which steps off from Tuscora Park at 6:30pm this Friday, December 1st. After the parade, the Tuscarawas County Public Library will serve hot chocolate and cookies. Plus, Santa will be there to visit with the kids. There is still time to enter a unit in the parade. Contact my Executive Assistant Jami Bailey at jbailey@newphilaoh.com.
Shop Local for Christmas Gifts, and Vote for Your Favorite Window
I encourage you to spend your Christmas shopping dollars with New Philadelphia’s businesses as often as possible. Small businesses count on purchases by holiday season shoppers to have a profitable year. When you’re visiting the downtown stores and restaurants don’t forget to vote for your favorite Holiday Window Decorating Contest display at participating merchants. The contest ends on December 16th, with the winner announced the week of December 18th.
The New Philadelphia Fire Department’s Annual Toy Drive
The City’s firefighters will be collecting toys for local families in need at the fire station this coming Sunday, December 3rd from 11am to 1pm. Please bring new, unwrapped toys to the event. The fire house is located at 134
