Mayor’s Report for Monday, March 24, 2025

Construction of MWCD’s New Headquarters Is Underway

The ground was broken last Friday to mark the start of construction of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s new headquarters on Tech Park Drive NE. The project should take around a year to complete. And when it’s finished, MWCD’s offices will be moving from their current location on Third Street NW into the new headquarters building, which is designed to blend into the natural hillside setting of the Regional Technology Park.

I am grateful to MWCD’s Board of Directors for choosing to keep the headquarters in our City. As I stated in my speech at the groundbreaking ceremony:

“For New Philadelphia, the impact of this new headquarters will be significant. Not only will it enhance the efficiency of MWCD’s operations, but it will also provide a welcoming space for the public, fostering engagement and collaboration across our community. This facility is strategically designed to attract new opportunities and reinforce our region as a hub for environmental stewardship, business, and recreation.”

I ask residents to be mindful of the construction vehicle traffic that will be going up and down Tech Park Drive through the duration of the project.

Reiser Avenue Truck Route Is Added to the County’s LRTP

At last week’s meeting of the Tuscarawas County Transportation Improvement District board, several traffic improvement projects in New Philadelphia were added to the county’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). They are:

• The University Drive bridge
• Signage to direct trucks entering and exiting the Industrial Park to follow Reiser Avenue
• Improvements at Five Points (West High/Tuscarawas Ave/7^th Street) intersection and at the Battle Motors intersection on Reiser Avenue
• Adding a left turn lane for the US 250 West ramp on East High Avenue
• Completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Other projects are already on the list, such as the redesign of the I-77/US250/SR39 interchange on West High Avenue and improvements to the West High/Blubell Drive intersection. The LRTP is basically a wish list for projects the board would like to see completed by 2050.

Feedback from Lobbying Day in Columbus

Attempts by the Ohio Legislature to further erode municipalities’ Home Rule, increasing the amount of Local Government Funds to counties and municipalities, and the financial burden of mandating increased contributions to Ohio’s Police and Fire Pension Fund were the main topics of discussion at the annual Lobbying Day session I attended last week in Columbus. The event was organized by the Ohio Municipal League (OML) and the Mayors Partnership for Progress (MPP).

Senate Bill 104 would prevent municipalities from using Home Rule to create their own policies to regulate the location and operation of short-term rentals such as bed & breakfasts and Airbnb and VRBO rentals.

Currently 1.7 % of the State’s General Fund is returned to counties and municipalities as Local Government Funding. OML members like New Philadelphia are urging legislators to increase that amount to 2.25%. Governor DeWine is proposing an increase to 1.75%. In my opinion, that would do little to help local governments deal with the rising cost of providing city services.

At the MPP session I attended, Sarah Biehl, the policy director for the Ohio Mayors Alliance (OMA) said her organization has been working with legislators to create a Public Safety Fund as a means to help pay for the rising cost of fire and police services. One-half percent of the State’s General Fund would be placed into the Public Safety Fund. Cities, villages and townships with safety forces would receive a share of the fund based on their payroll amounts.

In the afternoon, I joined Newcomerstown Mayor Pat Cadle and Baltic Mayor Douglas Plyler in a meeting with our State Representative Jodi Salvo and Senator Al Landis. We discussed these issues and other concerns we had with State government funding and legislation. They listened and pledged to continue to advocate for Tuscarawas County’s communities.

Federal Funding News from My Recent Visit to Washington DC

The recent Continuing Resolution passed by Congress apparently kept existing funding levels intact through September for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA). That was the word we received at the recent annual NADO & DDAA conference in Washington DC. The ARC and EDA are two federal agencies that local development districts like the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) depend on for grant programs, which fund local economic development and infrastructure projects. Possible cuts in funding for grant programs was a frequent topic of discussions at the conference. ARC’s budget falls under non-defense discretionary spending, which is subject to funding cuts.

Chick-fil-A Update

Several people have emailed me or stopped me on the street to ask, “What’s the latest on the Chick-fil-A restaurant?” Here’s what I know right now: the East Central Ohio Building Authority (ECOBA) has approved the restaurant’s building plans. Chick-fil-A now has to submit a Storm Water Management Plan to the City and apply for a building permit. The City Health Department is reviewing the restaurant’s food service licensing permit application. So, the project is moving forward. Restaurant representatives have told us that construction of the restaurant on Bluebell Drive NW should begin sometime this summer.

Introduction of the City’s Next Health Department Commissioner

Council President Kemp, I would like to give the remainder of my time to retiring City Health Commissioner Vickie Ionno, who will discuss the Health Department’s annual report and introduce Nichole Bache, who the City Health Board chose to become the City’s next Health Commissioner.

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Mayor’s Report for Monday February 24, 2025

Tuscora Park’s Youth Center Can Now Be Rented for Public Use

RTY, Inc. has informed us that its board voted to terminate its contract with the City to operate the Youth Center in the Park Place facility at Tuscora Park. Interest in the Youth Center has waned. RTY will now shift its full focus to operating the concessions, rides and Summer Showcase at Tuscora Park. The City Parks and Recreation Board is exploring new ways to utilize the Youth Center space to produce revenue for the park. Right now, the space can be rented for family gatherings and meetings. Call City Parks Superintendent, Adam Fulton, at 330-343-4644 for more information.

NPAct Is Now a Non-Profit Organization

Last Friday, I was informed that the New Philadelphia Advancing Our Community Together (NPAct) organization had been granted non-profit 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service. That means the organization can now receive tax-deductible contributions. NPAct recently held a successful pancake breakfast event at Tuscora Park to raise funds for the downtown community events and activities it has planned for this year. As a non-profit charitable organization, now more fundraising opportunities can be created for its projects.

OML Asks for Support of State Issue 2

The Ohio Municipal League, of which the City of New Philadelphia is a member, is asking for City Council and the public’s support of State Issue 2, which will appear on the May 6^th primary election ballot. Voting “Yes” on State Issue 2 would renew the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP), which is administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission. Approval would allow issuance of general obligation bonds of up to $250 million per year over the next 10 years to fund local infrastructure improvements across the state and would create an estimated 35,000 construction jobs. The City depends on OPWC grants (and Issue 2 money) for replacement of aging water and sewer lines and plant improvements. Funding for the SCIP relies on voters approving an amendment to Ohio’s Constitution about every ten years.

I would like Council to adopt a resolution in favor of State Issue 2, which does not raise taxes. Here is a link to download a renewal fact sheet: 924968cb-3a5a-4f46-9887-fe63c7eb409d.pdf. And here is a link to download an FAQ sheet on the SCIP: cc9dc008-59fa-46fd-9c6e-f53937cf53b9.pdf.

Advocating for New Philadelphia, T- County and the OMEGA Region

One of the hats I wear as mayor is being the chief advocate for the City of New Philadelphia. Another hat I wear as president of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association is being the chief advocate for Tuscarawas County and the other nine counties in the OMEGA region. I’ll be wearing those hats next month: first when I attend the annual National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) conference in Washington DC as an OMEGA representative, and second, when I meet with the county’s State representatives in Columbus at the Ohio Municipal League’s annual Lobbying Day.

At the NADO/DDAA conference, it will be interesting to learn how the downsizing of the Federal government will affect grant programs that New Philadelphia and other communities in the OMEGA region use to fund improvement projects. We will meet with US Senators Husted and Moreno to stress the need for Federal dollars to continue to fund the programs. Meanwhile in Columbus, I will meet with Senator Al Landis and State Representative Jodi Salvo to urge them to help the City’s budget by restoring Local Government Funding to the pre-2011 level of 3.68% of the State’s general fund and for an increase in public health funding for the City Health Department. Both visits will give me the opportunity to impress upon our representatives the need to return Federal and State tax dollars here, so there is less of a burden on local taxpayers to fund local government’s operation and projects.

Another Pancake Breakfast Is Coming Up…

The Tuscora Park Foundation will hold its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, March 15^th from 8am to 11am at the Tuscora Park dining hall. Tickets are $5.00 each. They can be purchased from any Foundation board trustee, at McInturf Realty, and at the Mayor’s office window. You can also pay at the door. The Foundation uses the proceeds from the breakfast to fund projects, improvements and repairs at all of the City’s parks.

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Mayor’s Report for Monday February 10, 2025

Thanks to the County Commissioners for Creating More Downtown Parking

Thanks to the Tuscarawas County Commissioners, more after-hours parking is now available in the downtown area. They have opened three of the county’s downtown lots for public parking during the hours from 6pm to 6am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays (note the language on the new signs posted in the parking lots).

The three lots are:

• COURTHOUSE LOT – at Ashwood Lane NE and 1^st Drive NE
• OLD JAIL LOT – at Fair Avenue NE and 2^nd Street NE across from the County Child Support Services building
• FRONT AVE SE LOT- at 1^st Drive SE and Allen Lane SE across from the City Fire Station

Also available for after-hours parking are the City lots by City Hall (John Knisely Municipal Centre) on East High Avenue and by the Mini-Shop Drive Thru on South Broadway at Allen Lane SW. Members of the NPAct parking committee worked for several months with the Commissioners to make this happen. Opening the county lots should be a great benefit for downtown businesses that are open during weekday evenings.

NPAct Community Improvement Projects

Improving downtown parking is just one of several projects undertaken by the New Philadelphia Advancing Our Community Together (NPAct) organization. NPAct is having a fundraising pancake breakfast this Saturday, February 15^th from 8am -11am at Tuscora Park. The proceeds will be used to fund downtown and community events this year. NPAct is also planning a summertime cultural festival downtown and a weekend outdoor music event at The Delaware on Fair Avenue NE. These are in addition to the annual Art on the Alley events in May and October and the downtown merchants’ Sidewalk Sales event. NPAct is always looking for volunteers. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 8am in the City Council chamber.

Applauding the Local Enbridge Representative for His Quick Response

I want to commend Mike Cunnington of Enbridge Gas Ohio for his efforts to minimize the chaos resulting from the recent drilling accident that cut natural gas service to customers in the Front Avenue SW area. Enbridge paid for rooms in local hotels where the affected customers, and their pets, could stay while repairs were made. Mr. Cunnington provided the City with progress updates and assisted the residents and businesses in documenting any losses they incurred during the service outage. What happened? A subcontracted crew for a local fiber optic company accidentally drilled through a City water line and Enbridge gas line in the 1^st Drive SW area. Water got into the gas line, and it took several days for the line to be purged. A telephone cable was also severed, which resulted in that service being lost to Municipal Court and at least one downtown business for over a week.

City Design Review Board Elects Officers

During its recent monthly meeting, the members of the City’s Design Review Board elected its officers for the year. Tim Sidel will be the board chairman, Erika Metzger its vice-chairwoman and Wilma Mullet its secretary. Under the City new zoning code, the Design Review Board must elect officers at the first of each year. The new code has expanded the authority and duties of the DRB. It now reviews construction, renovation, expansion and demolition projects within the Central Business District.

A reminder…the John Knisely Municipal Centre (City Hall) will be closed on Monday February 17^th in observance of Presidents’ Day.

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Mayor’s Report for Monday January 27, 2025

Planning Commission Recommends to Build Them Where They Are

At its January 14^th monthly meeting, the members of the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that a new high school and middle school be built at the schools’ present location at 4^th Street and Ray Avenue NW. The Commission has been working with the New Philadelphia Schools administration over the past two months to find a suitable location that voters could support and a location that conforms to the City’s Master/Vision Plan. Locations outside of the City limits were explored. But when transportation logistics and costs were also considered, the Commission members felt that keeping both schools at their present location was the best option. The final decision on the location will be made by the New Philadelphia Board of Education.

The Final Revision to the City’s Master/Vision Plan Is Underway

The City’s Master/Vision Plan is undergoing its final revision, to incorporate the new zoning and planning code adopted last year by City Council. Completion of the project is expected to take three to four months, at which time the Plan will be presented to the City Planning Commission and City Council for approval. The Master/Vision Plan will act as a blueprint for City administrations to follow to manage the growth of New Philadelphia.

An Alternate Member Is Appointed to the Design Review Board

I have appointed local Artist and entrepreneur Jessica Haney as an alternate member of the City Design Review Board. The new zoning and planning code expands the board’s authority, so it has more say in building façade design and the design of signage in the City. Ms. Haney is a well-established artist and business owner in New Philadelphia who will bring another level of expertise to the board.

Lockport Lager Is Coming Back Home

The owners of the popular Lockport Brewery in Bolivar have announced that they are opening a second location at 1700 East High Avenue in New Philadelphia, in the former Five Barrel Bullet Brewery building. The new location will be called Pilot Brewhouse, because of its proximity to Harry Clever Field. A springtime opening is planned.

New Philadelphia’s first brewery opened in 1864. One of the beers it made was Old Lockport Lager. Lockport Brewery brews its own version of Old Lockport. So now the beer is coming back home. You can read more about it here: https://ohiocraftbeer.org/lockports-old-is-new/.

Welcoming Brian Sears to New Philadelphia City Council

Congratulations to Brian Sears for being appointed as the new Ward 2 representative on New Philadelphia City Council. The New Philadelphia members of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party’s Central Committee recently appointed him to fill the position vacated by Mitch Pace, who moved on to become a Tuscarawas County Commissioner. Councilman Sears brings a solid business background and a history of community involvement to City Council.

Mark Your Calendars and Get Your Fishing Gear Ready

Organizers Jeff Miller and Mitch Pace have announced that Saturday, May 3^rd is the date for the annual spring Trout Derby at Tuscora Park. More details to follow….

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Mayor’s Report for Monday January 13, 2025

Commending City Crews for Keeping Our Streets Clear 

I want to commend Ray Grewell, Mike Pyle and the entire City Street Department for their efforts to clear the snow from our streets over the past week. They don’t get enough praise for their work, which comes at all hours of the day and night. There is more snow in the forecast. And they’re ready for it.

The Search Is Underway for a New City Health Commissioner 

The City Health Board has been notified by Health Commissioner Vickie Ionno that she plans to retire on May 31^st. She has been the City’s Health Commissioner for nearly 14 years. During that time, she guided her department through a threat by the Ohio Legislature to close smaller health departments, the COVID pandemic, and the achievement of mandated national accreditation. Commissioner Ionno has led a staff that I call, “The Hardest Working Health Department in Ohio.”

Vacant Ward 2 Council Seat Will Be Filled Tomorrow Night

The New Philadelphia members of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party’s Central Committee will meet tomorrow (Tuesday) night to fill the vacant Ward 2 Council seat. The seat was held by Mitch Pace, who has moved on to become a Tuscarawas County Commissioner.  

Treat Your Valentine to a Pancake Breakfast

The New Philadelphia Advancing Our Community Together (NPAct) organization is having a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, February 15^th from 8am – 11am at the Tuscora Park pavilion. And I’ll be one of the cooks behind the griddle! NPAct is raising funds to pay for downtown and community events. Tickets are $10 each. They’re available at the door, at the Mayor’s office window, or at Fresh the Market on Saturdays between 10am and 2pm.

Much to Do in 2025

I’ve been filling up the whiteboard in my office with “To Do” lists for 2025. Among the City projects on the board:

• Construction of the redesign of three of the four downtown quadrants. The City received a $2.9 million Appalachian Community grant to fund the project.
• Construction of the second phase of the Southside Community Park's development. If we receive a $300,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, we will use it to match the $300,000 already secured for the project to build a multi-use building near the high school soccer fields.
• Construction of the first leg of the Roswell hiking and biking trail.
• Installation of pedestrian crosswalks and lights at the entrances to Tuscora Park on North Broadway and 2nd Street NW.

In addition, my administration will continue to work with the County’s Economic Development and Finance Alliance (port authority) to redevelop the Joy/Howden property on South Broadway. Progress is being made toward that end. We will also be assisting the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District as it begins construction of its new headquarters facility on Tech Park Drive SE. And we will continue to partner with the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition to secure grant funding to complete New Philadelphia’s section of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Also, new contracts must be negotiated with the City’s four bargaining units and several departments’ staff positions need to be filled. This will be another challenging year. Together we will meet those challenges and continue to improve New Philadelphia and its City services.

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Continue to pray and assist the flood victims in North Carolina and the fire victims of Southern California. Pray for Donald Trump as he becomes America’s 47^th President on January 20^th. And there could not be a better matchup for next Tuesday’s college football national championship game: Ohio State vs Notre Dame. Either way, we can’t lose…

Mayor’s Report for Monday December 23, 2024

2024 was Another Year of Progress in New Philadelphia

I want to thank City Council members for their efforts this year to improve the City. It takes teamwork to move projects forward. I am grateful for your help. Among the accomplishments this year:

• Completed construction of the Kent State Connector Trail bicycle path
• Completed the Franklin Square storm sewer project (4th Street and West High)
• The City Health Department achieved national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board after a three-year process.
• New taxiways were constructed and lighting installed at Harry Clever Field

None of these would have been possible without Council members’ commitment to improve New Philadelphia.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The dirt will continue to fly next year as we plan to begin several new City projects primarily funded by grant money, such as:

• Construction of the redesign of three of the four downtown quadrants. The City received a $2.9 million Appalachian Community grant to fund the project. The redesign will make the quadrants easier to use for downtown events. There will be new seating areas and lighting and more green space. You will want to hang out in our downtown area in the good weather months to meet friends, shop and enjoy entertainment and atmosphere. Downtown will have a new vibe I think everyone will enjoy and will want to be a part of.
• Construction of the second phase of the Southside Community Park's development. If we receive a $300,000 grant from the Ohio Dept of Natural Resources, we will use it to match the $300.000 already secured for the project to build a multi-use building near the high school soccer fields. The building will house restrooms, a concession stand and park maintenance equipment. It will also have an attached pavilion for outdoor seating and shelter from the weather.

Two Tuscora Park projects that are being funded primarily through private donations are:

• the renovations at Field #1, the high school baseball field.
• Installation of three new vintage kiddie rides by RTY

In private business, by late summer, Chick-fil-A should begin construction of a new 85-seat restaurant on Bluebell Drive NW, where the Travelodge is presently located. And the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District should begin construction of its new headquarters buildings on Tech Park Drive SE.

Best Wishes to Councilman Mitch Pace

Tonight (Monday) is the final regular City Council meeting for Ward 2 Councilman Mitch Pace. As we all know, he will become Tuscarawas County’s next County Commissioner on New Year’s Day. As he has shown as a City Council member, the County is gaining a young, enthusiastic leader who strives to improve our quality of life and champion pro-family and pro-business initiatives. I urge Commissioner Pace to have the county government take a leading role in economic development and land use planning in Tuscarawas County. And I will continue to urge the County to become more active in improving downtown New Philadelphia, because it’s your home too.

A Christmas Message…

I’d like to share my favorite Bible verse that sums up why we celebrate Christmas:

Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

And a verse from my favorite Christmas hymn:

O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born

O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

It’s the good news: messages of love, comfort and encouragement. In the New Year keep the faith and carry the messages. Many people in our community will need your help and your love. We have much to do together in 2025!

Merry Christmas New Philadelphia. And Happy New Year.

Mayor’s Report for Monday December 9, 2024

Volunteers Are Needed to Continue the Annual City Christmas Parade

Jami Bailey, my Executive Assistant, Jonalee Fernatt, the Service Director’s Administrative Assistant, City Parks Superintendent Adam Fulton, Auditor Heather Denham, and volunteer Heather Milburn did an awesome job of organizing and staging the City’s annual Christmas Parade last Friday. But for the parade to continue, they need help. More volunteers are needed for the different jobs involved in setting up and running the parade. If you’d want to volunteer to help, contact Jami at jbailey@newphilaoh.com.

Urging Approval of Ordinance 32-2024 to Move the Chick-fil-A Project Forward

Tonight (Monday) I ask City Council members to adopt Ordinance 32-2024, which grants Chick-fil-A property tax abatement for construction of a new restaurant on Bluebell Drive NW. The company is currently going through the permitting process with the City Service Department and the East Central Ohio Building Authority (ECOBA). If all goes as planned, construction of the 85-seat restaurant will begin in August of 2025 and open in January of 2026.

New Zoning Code Adds Members to the Design Review Board

The City’s new zoning code has renamed the Downtown Design Standards Board of Review as the Design Review Board (DRB). The new code expands the duties of the five-member DRB and calls for the Mayor to appoint two additional members as alternates. I will send the DRB appointees to Council for approval in January.

The Christmas Season Celebrations Continue in New Philadelphia

McInturf Realty will be busy this week at Tuscora Park setting up for its annual Christmas in the Park celebration, which is from 4pm – 8pm on Sunday, December 15^th. Storybook Lane is already up on Al Maloney Drive. Some other must-see holiday displays are in downtown New Philadelphia. The LED Christmas tree on the House of Stones quadrant will have light shows set to music every half hour from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. The storefront decoration contest ends on Sunday. Vote for your favorite by using the QR code on each window. Memorial stars are hanging in Artagain Alley on West High Avenue behind the ManCan building. That’s a perfect setting for holiday photos. The County Courthouse is lighted in green and red at night. And if you haven’t seen it, the Southside Community group has decorated the corner of South Broadway and Commercial Avenue with vintage Christmas displays.

Congratulations to the State Champion Indian Valley Braves Football Team

On behalf of the citizens and businesses in New Philadelphia I want to congratulate the Indian Valley Braves football team for winning the school’s first Division 4 State Championship and the first state football title in Tuscarawas County. It’s not easy to win a state title in any sport. The Braves showed us that hard work, belief in your teammates and coaches, and an unwavering will to win are how you get to the top. What an early Christmas gift to T-County!

Support our local merchants this holiday season. SHOP LOCAL!

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Mayor’s Report for Monday, November 25, 2024

The Holiday Season Is Here!

I want to thank my Executive Assistant Jami Bailey and her team for the awesome job they did in planning last evening’s (Sunday) annual holiday Downtown Lighting Ceremony. The individuals and school and community groups who participated really spread the holiday cheer and got us ready to celebrate Thanksgiving and the arrival of the Christmas season.

Downtown will be full of activities now through Christmas. The New Philadelphia Advancing our Community Together (NPact) organization is sponsoring a Holiday Window Decorating Contest in downtown storefronts. You can use a QR code on each participating window to vote. The contest starts November 30^th on Small Business Saturday when many of the businesses will have special events and open houses. NPact is also selling Holiday Memorial Stars to hang in Artagain Alley as a reminder of the loved ones we will miss this holiday season. The stars are $10 each and are available now at Alley Cats Marketplace, Fresh the Market and Be Unique Studios. The sale is an NPact fundraiser so the organization can continue to plan and fund downtown and community events.

Santa Claus will be coming to New Philadelphia in the annual Christmas Parade, which steps off at the Tuscora Park entrance on North Broadway on Friday, December 6^th at 6:30 pm. Santa will be in his house on the Courthouse quadrant on December 5^th from 5 – 7 pm, then on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 – 7 pm and Saturdays from Noon – 2pm from December 7^th through 21^st. Kids can write letters to Santa and drop them in his mailbox beside his house until December 15^th. Don’t forget to include a return address so he knows where to send his reply. Check the City’s Facebook page for more information on all of these events.

Working to Bring Chick-fil-A to New Philadelphia

As revealed during tonight’s Public Works and Economic Development Committee meeting, the City administration has been working to bring a Chick-fil-A restaurant to New Philadelphia. Included in that effort is a request by the company for Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) property tax abatement. According to the CRA application presented to the committee, the company contemplates spending $1.5 million dollars to purchase and demolish the Travelodge on Bluebell Drive NW and another $3.5 million dollars to construct on the site an 85-seat restaurant and employ a staff of thirty-three people. For that investment, Chick-fil-A is asking for 50 percent CRA property tax abatement for five years. As required by law, the New Philadelphia School District and Buckeye Career Center have been notified of the CRA request and will have time to consider it. Keep in mind that this is not a done deal. The CRA application must be approved by City Council and the school districts, and other agreements and paperwork have to be completed before the official announcement can be made. However, Chick-fil-A’s interest in locating in New Philadelphia is another indication of how attractive our community has become for business development. A lot of people and organizations have been working hard to make that happen.

Urging Our State Legislators to Send Home More State Tax Dollars

I have contacted State Senator Al Landis, State Representative Brett Hillyer, and State Representative-elect Jodi Salvo, urging them to support revising Ohio Revised Code sections 742.33 and 742.34 to increase the county real and personal property tax revenue given to the City to pay the employers’ contribution into the Police and Fire Pension Fund. In 1965, the amount given to municipalities was set at three-tenths of one mill. That amount has not changed. As a result, New Philadelphia has had to subsize its pension fund contribution by using 11% of its General Fund revenue from City income tax collection. As you know, all City departments are funded wholly or in part by General Fund revenue. So, increasing the millage would reduce or eliminate the need for the General Fund subsidy and make more revenue available to fund the departments and City services. Inflationary costs are affecting New Philadelphia’s government too.

As I wrote to our representatives, if the Ohio Legislature won’t help cities make ends meet, we will be faced with having to reduce department staffing levels and curtail services or ask wage earners in the City to pay a higher income tax. I told them that I couldn’t ask our citizens and businesses to pay more when I know that the Legislature has the means to return more state tax dollars to our City.

City Planning Commission Reaches Out to Help NP Schools

The members of the City’s Planning Commission want to help the New Philadelphia School District find locations for new schools. Last week, the Commission met with the school administration to start on that quest. Information will be gathered over the next two weeks that will be presented to the Commission at its December 10^th regular meeting.

There are always people to be thankful for. Remember them in your prayers this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving New Philadelphia!

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Mayor’s Report for Monday November 11, 2024

NPact Is Planning Downtown Events for the Christmas Holiday Season

The community organization, New Philadelphia Advancing Our Community Together (NPact) is planning a series of downtown events to celebrate the Christmas holiday season. It’s having a Christmas Window Display Contest beginning on Small Business Saturday, November 30^th, through December 15^th. It’s reviving the popular Runaway Elves Business Christmas Passports event for downtown businesses. That also begins on Saturday, November 30^th and runs through December 29^th. NPact is also participating in the annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, November 24^th at 5pm and the City’s annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 6^th at 6:30 pm. If you’d like more information on these events, contact Jami Bailey, my Executive Assistant at jbailey@newphilaoh.com or by calling 330-364-4491 extension 1242.

Construction of the KSU-Tusc Connector Bicycle Trail Is Nearing Completion

If all goes well this week, construction should be completed for the two-mile bicycle trail that will connect the Kent State-Tuscarawas campus on East High Avenue to downtown New Philadelphia. I want to thank the residents and motorists affected by the project for their patience. When finished, bicyclists will have safer, designated pathways on both sides of the street to ride to and from the campus area. And the centerline down East High Avenue will actually be in the center of the road. The City had no control over the timing of the construction period. That was all dependent upon the contractor’s schedules.

The KSU-Tusc Connector Trail will be the first project to be completed in the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Plan, which encourages more outdoor exercise. The next project will be construction of the first leg of the bicycle and walking trail to Roswell, using the old railroad right-of-way the City owns to the village. That first leg will be built next year from Hillandale Road to near the State Route 39/Tabor Ridge Road intersection. The project will be paid for with a Federal Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program grant.

The City’s New Planning and Zoning Code Is Now in Use

Joshua Mathias, the City’s Code Administrator, has issued a press release to inform residents and businesses that the City is implementing its new Planning and Zoning Code. His press release states:

“The city’s zoning districts have also been updated and restructured. The previous single residential district is now divided into four distinct districts, which allow for greater density in some parts of the city while prohibiting multi-family dwellings in others as well as removing some barriers to housing development.

Our business districts’ uses have been reworked to help make it easier to invest in New Philadelphia.

Exterior improvements such as architectural features and signage changes within the Central Business District will now require approval from the city’s Design Review Board to help regulate the aesthetics of our downtown area.

Additional zoning districts, updated subdivision procedures, limiting where things like short-term rentals and storage units may go, and requiring landscaping standards in certain districts are just a few of the many changes that come with this new Planning & Zoning Code. Both the new code and zoning map can be found on the city’s website at http://www.newphilaoh.com/Public-Hearing--Notices and questions can be answered by emailing jmathias@newphilaoh.com or by calling (330) 364-4491 ext.1276.”

Two of the New Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Are T-County Natives

At last Friday’s quarterly Community Relations Committee meeting at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, I was pleased to be introduced to two new primary care providers that have roots in Tuscarawas County. Mason Page, MD was raised in Gnadenhutten and is an Indian Valley High School graduate. Erin (Burrier) Zangare, MD was raised in the Newcomerstown area and graduated from Newcomerstown High School. Union Hospital President Dr. Tom Rodgers told us that the hospital is making a concerted effort to recruit doctors and other medical professionals who have ties to Tuscarawas County. Doctors Page and Zangare both stated that one of their career goals was to return home to practice medicine.

City Airport Commission Is Exploring the Idea of Adding a New Hangar at Harry Clever Field

When the City’s Airport Commission holds its monthly meeting tomorrow (Tuesday), it will continue its discussion on the possibility of building a new 12-bay hangar at Harry Clever Field. Grant money from the FAA would pay for a portion of the construction. The balance would be paid with a loan from the State Infrastructure Bank. Hangar rent payments would pay off the loan. The method is identical to the one used six years ago to construct the first 12-bay hangar off of Delaware Drive SE. Commission Chairman Don Kennedy says a new hangar is needed because there is a waiting list of aviators who want to house their airplanes at Harry Clever Field.

Thank a Veteran Every Day for Protecting our Freedom. God Bless the USA.

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Mayor’s Report for Monday October 28, 2024

Discussion Topics at the Annual OML Conference

The erosion of municipalities’ home rule by the Ohio Legislature and Ohio’s housing crisis were two issues discussed at the Ohio Municipal League’s annual conference I attended last week in Columbus. In the session on “The State of Ohio’s Home Rule Authority”, the presenters warned that State lawmakers could continue to chip away at a municipal self-government, or home rule, by making changes to the Ohio Revised Code that preempt the local authority given to cities and villages by the Ohio Constitution. To make matters worse, they said, courts in Ohio do not understand home rule.

In the session titled “Ohio’s Housing Crisis: A Home Is Where a Job Goes at Night”, presenter Jon Melchi of the Building Industry of Central Ohio gave some alarming statistics that showed, for instance, that only 50% of Ohioans can now afford to buy a house. And nearly 50% of Ohio’s housing stock is more than 50 years old. He compared Ohio to Indiana in terms of housing affordability and development, showing that Indiana has the edge with a lower average property tax, fewer zoning restrictions and easier annexation processes. I was encouraged to hear that among his recommendations for improvement were zoning code revisions, which City Council can adopt tonight.

Contract Negotiations Are Underway with the City’s Bargaining Units

Work is underway with the City’s four bargaining units to negotiate new labor contracts. Initial bargaining sessions have already been held with the fire and police unions. Opening sessions with the AFSCME service and clerical units are scheduled in November. The current three-year contracts with the bargaining units expire on December 31^st.

Tuscora Park Will Be the Place to Be on Saturday

Circle Saturday, November 2^nd on your calendar for breakfast and lunch and for one last opportunity for kids to catch a few trout and tilapia. Three community events are scheduled for this Saturday at Tuscora Park. From 7am to 10am, the New Philadelphia Kiwanis Club will have its annual pancake breakfast. The first Fall Trout Derby for kids will be held from 9am until 1pm. And the Tuscora Park Foundation will have its annual Chicken BBQ fundraiser from 11am to 1pm on Al Maloney Drive. Tickets for the Chicken BBQ are still available from any Foundation board member, at the Mayor’s office window, and at the McInturf Realty office on Tuscarawas Avenue NW.

Congratulations to Coach Johnson and the Quakers for Beating Dover

Bragging rights have returned to New Philadelphia for another year thanks to Coach Mike Johnson and his Quakers defeating Dover 42-24 at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium last Friday night. The win qualified the Quakers for the post-season playoffs. This Friday night, they’ll make the three-hour trip to Alumni Stadium in Jackson, Ohio to take on the Ironmen from Jackson High School in the first round of the Division Three – Region 11 playoff.

Information on the NP Schools’ Issue 8 Bond Issue

I have invited members of the New Philadelphia Schools Issue 8 Committee to tonight’s Council meeting to share information about the bond issue, which voters will decide on Election Day November 5^th. In my mind, there is no question that New Philadelphia’s academic facilities are aging and outdated, particularly the elementary schools. If improvements aren’t made, New Philadelphia’s ability to remain competitive with other communities in Tuscarawas County will diminish. Families could look elsewhere for their children’s primary education. Quality school facilities keep families in and attract new families to a community. Just ask any realtor you know.

My administration has been working hard to make improvements that will maintain our quality of life, create a pro-business environment and position the City for future growth. To me, it’s imperative that improvements to our schools be included in that effort. And going forward, the City and New Philadelphia Schools will work together to make that happen.

I would like to give the remainder of my time to representatives of the Issue 8 committee to make their presentation to City Council.

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Mayor’s Report for Monday October 14, 2024

The Art on the Alley Event Continues to Grow

Sunday’s fall Art on the Alley event drew the largest crowd ever according to Wilma Mullet, the Executive Director of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership. She told me yesterday (Sunday) that Art on the Alley is now rivaling Canton’s First Friday in terms of attendance. Art on the Alley continues to attract people and vendors from surrounding counties. Sunday’s event was the first to use the City’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or DORA.

Update on the Downtown Redesign ACGP Project

The renovation of three of the downtown quadrants is progressing through the design process. Last week, Community Development members of the Ironton - Lawrence (county) Community Action Organization (ILCAO) were in town to do a walking tour downtown and receive a progress report from Designing Local, the Columbus design firm working on the project. New Philadelphia’s downtown project was among those ILCAO projects funded by Governor DeWine’s Appalachian Community Grant Program. Also last week, Designing Local representatives met with members of the City’s Downtown Design Review Board to receive input on the quadrant’s redesign. Because our project is straight forward and will not require special permitting, the ILCAO officials predicted that it will be the first in its region to be completed before the ACGP’s October 2026 deadline.

Dates and Times Have Been Set for the City’s Christmas Celebrations

It’s the time of the year when the Mayor’s office begins receiving inquiries about the dates and times for the annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Parade. So here they are:

• Christmas Lighting Ceremony – Sunday, November 24^th at 5pm
• City Christmas Parade – Friday, December 6^th at 6:30pm

If you’d like more information about the events, contact my Executive Assistant Jami Bailey at jbailey@newphilaoh.com or call 330-364-4491 extension 1242.

Don’t forget that this year’s Trick or Treat Night in New Philadelphia is on Saturday, October 26^th from 6-8pm. Police will be patrolling neighborhoods and stopping to pass out candy when they can. Please be aware of kids and parents crossing the street. Happy Halloween!

The Annual Rotary Club Sportsmanship Breakfast Is This Saturday

Wow. This year is flying by…

It’s week nine of the high school football season. That means that the annual Rotary Club Sportsmanship Breakfast is this Saturday at 8am at Buckeye Career Center. Doors open at 7:30am. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20 per person. The Sportsmanship Breakfast is the kickoff event for Philly-Dover Week. The big game is next Friday night, October 25^th, at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium.

The Tuscora Park Foundation’s Chicken BBQ Fundraiser Is On!

Now that the State Fire Marshal’s outdoor burning ban has been lifted, the Tuscora Park Foundation can have its annual Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Al Maloney Drive. The event will be held on Saturday, November 2^nd from 11am to 1pm. Tickets are $15 each and are available from any Foundation board member or at the Mayor’s office window at City Hall. The proceeds from the fundraiser help pay for improvements at all City parks. The BBQ will follow the first Fall Trout Derby at Tuscora Park, which will be held at 9am that morning.

RTY, Inc. Presentation

Now I’d like to yield the remainder of my time to Carey Gardner of RTY, Inc. At a Rotary Club meeting earlier this year, Carey gave a very informative presentation about the work of RTY and its support of Tuscora Park. I’ve asked him to give the same presentation to City Council.

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Mayor’s Report for Monday, September 23, 2024

Partnering with NP Schools to Create Safer Routes to School

The City is working with New Philadelphia school officials and the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program. We held our first meeting last Thursday to begin gathering the necessary data to submit to ODOT District 11 for development of a School Travel Plan, which is the first step in the grant application process. I initiated the meeting because there is a need to construct sidewalks on the east side of South Broadway from Colonial Avenue to Providence Avenue, no matter if the school’s bond issue passes in November. The School Travel Plan will look at all NP schools in the City and recommend improvements to sidewalks and traffic patterns to make walking and bicycling to schools safer for students.

Celebrating The Timken Company’s 125^th Anniversary

Also last Thursday, Service Director McAbier and I visited The Timken Company plant on East High Avenue to present plant manager Dave Dechellis with a proclamation to honor the company’s 125^th anniversary. The New Philadelphia plant was built in 1953. Today it produces precision tapered bearings used in military aircraft and munitions as well as in the aerospace industry. Mr. Dechellis said he is working with Buckeye Career Center to attract the next generation of machinists needed to carry on the plant’s special purpose. The Timken Company was founded by carriage maker Henry Timken in 1899 in St. Louis, Missouri. He developed the tapered roller bearing to reduce friction on carriage wheels while making sharp turns. The company moved to Canton, Ohio in 1901. You can learn more about the company here: https://www.timken.com.

The State Fire Marshal’s Burning Ban Postpones the BBQ

The extreme drought has caused the State Fire Marshal to issue a ban on all types of outdoor burning. As a result, the Tuscora Park Foundation has had to postpone its annual Chicken BBQ fundraiser until Saturday, November 2^nd and possibly include it as an event in the park’s Fall Trout Derby scheduled for the same day. If you’ve already purchased tickets for the BBQ, hang on to them. They can be used at the November 2^nd event. Please follow the State Fire Marshal’s order. Lawns and fields are so dry that one hot coal from an outdoor fire ring or grill could cause a fire that would spread quickly.

Buckeye’s New Medical Facility Addition Fills a Need

Buckeye Career Center has broken ground to construct a new six-million-dollar medical facility addition, which I believe will ultimately improve the quality of healthcare in New Philadelphia and all communities within the Buckeye district. The new addition will house seven classrooms for the Intro to Nursing, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technician programs. Buckeye graduates of the medical programs will help fill jobs in the area’s growing healthcare industry. Ironically, last Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony was held on the same day, September 17^th, as the groundbreaking ceremony in 1974 for construction of the original building on University Drive.

Cutting a Ribbon to Open Another Walking/Hiking Trail in New Philadelphia

I invite you to join me tomorrow (Tuesday) in attending a 12-noon ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication at the KSU-Tusc campus. The University will celebrate the opening of the newest segment of the John Richard Demuth Trail. The ceremony will be held at the trailhead, located next to the Science and Technology Center. The two-mile walking trail was named in honor of Mr. Demuth’s 50 years of service to the campus’ Tuscarawas County University Foundation Board of Directors.

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Mayor’s Report for Monday September 9, 2024

The Next Step in Adoption of a New City Zoning Code

Now that Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning has given her final public presentation of the City’s new zoning code, the next step will be the code’s adoption by City Council. That should come next month. Once approved, the new code will be posted on the City’s website and a link will be shared on the City’s Facebook page to download a PDF copy. If you have questions about the code, send them to these email addresses: clerk@npohcc.com or jbailey@newphilaoh.com.

Appointments to the City’s DORA Board of Directors

I have made appointments to the board of directors that will oversee the operation of the City’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. They are as follows:

• City Safety Director Greg Popham
• City Council representative – Kris Kreinbihl
• Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau representative – Dee Grossman
• VFW Post 1445 representative – Steve Chenevey
• Downtown Business Owner representative – Debbie Knisely
• City Health Department representative – Dana Fischio (alternate)

Within the next week the board will conduct its organizational meeting, review the DORA cup and signage designs and review the permit that will be used for event applications.

The Tilapia Are Calling from Tuscora Park

The tilapia fishing season is now open at Tuscora Park pond and the lagoon at Lakeview Avenue NW. The tilapia put into them three months ago for algae control have to be harvested before the water temperature dips below 50 degrees. They cannot survive in water below that temperature. Fishing rules are posted at both bodies of water.

Planning to Begin Phase 2 of the Southside Community Park’s Development

Now that the City has received $300,000.00 in grant money, I’ve asked Service Director McAbier to use it to begin construction of phase 2 of the Southside Community Park’s development. The Kimble Foundation has given $50,000 toward the project, and thanks to the efforts of State Representative Brett Hillyer and State Senator Al Landis, the project has received $250,000.00 from the State’s capital budget. The money will help get the construction started. It will take around $2 million to complete all the improvements in the phase 2 project. Senator Sherrod Brown’s office recently informed the Service Director that the City’s application for federal funding for the project was rejected. But he was told to keep trying.

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Mayor’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 7^th. 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 13^th 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 1^st, the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at RTY’s Summer Showcase. Then on Monday, September 2^nd, 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 7^th and 8^th, 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 2^nd 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<