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 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 13^th 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 47^th 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 22^nd. Check the City’s Facebook page for updates.

Mark Saturday, July 20^th on Your Calendar

Downtown New Philadelphia’s Summer Sales and Summer Sounds event is coming up on Saturday July 20^th. 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 2^nd 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 47^th annual First Town Days Festival at Tuscora Park. The Opening Ceremony and Plate Auction is Thursday, July 4^th 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 6^th 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 20^th 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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 31^st.

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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 1^st Drive NE and 2^nd Street NE and in the City/County lots at 1^st 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 37^th consecutive year.

It Will Be a Busy Weekend at Tuscora Park

The new season at Tuscora Park officially opens on Saturday (April 27^th) 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 15^th 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 26^th 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 5^th event. And, as of this writing, there are only 28 spots available for the Art on the Alley October 6^th 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<