NEW ROAD AND SIDEWALK LEVY FOR TOWNSHIP ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

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1 The Official Newsletter of Symmes Township, Ohio Copyright Symmes Township 2018 FALL 2018 NEW ROAD AND SIDEWALK LEVY FOR TOWNSHIP ON NOVEMBER BALLOT Township Trustees Phil Beck, Ken Bryant and Jodie Leis are proud of the level of maintenance our roads and sidewalks receive throughout the year. However, the Symmes Township Budget and Finance Committee has identified that projected costs for our staff to maintain our over 40 miles of roads, curb replacements and sidewalk repairs will not be covered with the income that is projected in future years. The Trustees collaboratively agree that maintaining our current level of service to the residents is a critically important responsibility, and support this minimal increase to keep pace with rising costs. The Levy Facts What is the road and sidewalk levy? It is a new 7-year 0.4 mil levy for the maintenance of roads and sidewalks. It will be used to pay for maintenance of the roadways and sidewalks and in-house service department employees who perform the maintenance. When will this issue come to the voters? November 6th. How much will this cost a homeowner? This new 0.4 mil levy, will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $14.00 per year, and will generate $257, a year for the Township road and sidewalk maintenance fund. What if it doesn t pass? If the levy fails, the Township will need to keep within our available means and begin service cut backs that are provided to the community with reduced maintenance of our existing infrastructure (which leads to more expensive repairs in the future). How long will the levy money last? The money is expected to last the life of the levy, seven (7) years. We have been able to stretch the road and bridge fund out as long as we can, but our expenses will exceed our revenues by the end of What are the benefits? The passage of the levy will allow the Township Public Works Department to continue to keep the roads, curbs and sidewalks in excellent shape. IMPORTANT EMERGENCY REMINDER If you have a non-emergency issue e.g. broken streetlight please do not call 911. The Township gets billed for every call to this emergency lifeline. Instead, just call for assistance. IN THIS ISSUE: New Road and Sidewalk Levy for Township on November Ballot Public Hearing to Discuss Sidewalk Strategic Plan Operation Santa 3rd Annual Merry & Bright Light Contest 3rd Annual Great Holiday Light Challenge Safety Services Open House Non-Emergency Number Brush Collection New Businesses Calendar of Events Winter Park Hours Snow Reminders Home of the Brave Park Grows with Baseball! Memorial Bench Dedicated to Chief Candace Cook Picture This: New Photo Contest

2 BOARD OF TRUSTEES HOME OF THE BRAVE PARK GETS MORE IMPROVEMENTS Home of the Brave Park is growing again. The Park will be getting improved baseball fields complete with dugouts, fencing, bleachers, and lighting. The Township also invested in an innovative irrigation system and a large concession stand being paid partially with a grant through ODNR. Continuous improvement within our Parks is a priority for our Township, said Trustee Phil Beck. The steady growth of all our Parks, including Home of the Brave Park, is a direct reflection of what our residents (our park users) are asking for and keeps our parks fresh, new and innovative. PHIL BECK KEN BRYANT TOWNSHIP BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE: JOIN US! The Township Beautification Committee is looking for volunteers who have a passion for landscaping, the Township topography and community service. As a committee, we are currently looking at ways to enhance Blong Park and the grassy islands on Montgomery Road, said Township Trustee Jodie Leis. But our list continues to grow and we really need people to help us design ways to make our Township a more beautiful place to live, work and play. Even if you don t want to be a full-fledged committee member, suggestions for other areas in need of landscape design, painting or art work are welcome. JODIE LEIS Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact the Township office. FISCAL OFFICER NEW BUSINESSES Currito Montgomery Road Offers burritos, bowls, salads, and smoothies made with bold flavors, international inspirations, and real fresh food from local sources. For more information visit their website at Puzzle Pieces Montgomery Road Provides a special environment for loved ones with sensory needs to explore, touch and decide what items they like before purchasing. For more information, please go to CAROL SIMS ADMINISTRATOR Hometown Lenders Montgomery Road Provides lending with a local, hometown advantage. Whether you are purchasing a new home or refinancing your current mortgage, Hometown Lenders, Inc. will walk with you through the process. Go to Petland 9938 Waterstone Boulevard The retail pet industry leader in the area of animal care with ongoing staff training programs, in-store animal husbandry systems and community service programs. For more information, go to KIM LAPENSEE BRUSH COLLECTION LA Supply will be collecting yard waste until November 30, Simply drop off your leaves and such at Loveland Madeira Road.

3 3RD ANNUAL GREAT HOLIDAY LIGHT CHALLENGE Recycle Those Old Holiday Lights For the past two years, Symmes Township has won the Great Holiday Light Challenge with Loveland. Here is the tally from last year: Symmes collected 427 lbs. of old holiday lights. Loveland collected 95 lbs. of old holiday lights. In total 522 lbs. of lights were diverted from the landfill. Symmes Township and the Loveland Sustainability Council work in cooperation with the Great Parks of Hamilton County to collect recycling dollars. But, round three is coming up and the competition is on! The event will be held again from November 23rd through January 11th. The drop-off site for Symmes residents will be at the Township Administration building. The program is all about diverting waste from the landfill, said Trustee Ken Bryant. It is an important sustainability endeavor that makes a tremendous impact on our environment. Check the website for results! LIGHT UP THE TOWNSHIP 3rd Annual Symmes Township Merry & Bright Light Contest It s not too early to start thinking about decorating your house for the holidays. It s time for the annual holiday competition The Merry & Bright Light Contest with prizes and good cheer. Winners of the Classic and Festive categories will win a $50 gift card of their choice. Your neighbors can nominate you or you could nominate yourself through to lfelter@symmestownship.org or call the Township office at Official judging will take place by the Board of Trustees and staff from December 3rd through December 14th with the winner announced on December 17th. CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: THE DRAGONFLY FOUNDATION The Dragonfly Foundation, a local 501c3 nonprofit, helps pediatric cancer patients and their families find strength, courage and joy. The organization's programs provide emotional, relational, practical, and individualized support to patients (ranging in age from birth to age 40) and their siblings/offspring and parents/caregivers. The new toys and gifts collected during Symmes Township s Operation Santa will provide immediate comfort and joy to children challenged by pediatric cancer. It s so important to remind these families, especially those in crisis, that they are not alone and that people care. PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS SIDEWALK STRATEGIC PLAN Tuesday, October 23, 7:00pm Safety Services Center 8871 Weekly Lane Symmes Township, OH Who: All interested residents should attend to discuss future sidewalk projects with the Trustees Phil Beck, Ken Bryant and Jodie Leis Why: To list all desired sidewalk projects throughout Symmes Township, then prioritize based on safety, connectivity to schools, parks, library and adjacent neighborhoods.

4 FALL FOR SYMMES Celebrate the Season Friday, October 5, 2018, 5:00 9:00pm Symmes Park, Lebanon Road Cost: FREE! Join us as we celebrate the Fall season. The event includes pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, hay maze, hayrides, crafts, games, and a haunted trail with trick-or-treat stations. It s all about the community and spending time together, said Trustee Jodie Leis. It makes Fall a special time in Symmes. LOVELAND-SYMMES FIRE DEPARTMENT SAFETY SERVICES OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, October 10, 2018, 6:00 8:00pm Safety Services Center, 8871 Weekly Lane Includes: Free refreshments, smoke detectors, tours and safety information In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and Hamilton County Sheriff s office will be hosting an Open House at the Safety Services Center. We wanted to have a fun event that allows everyone to meet firefighters, move around the Center, and learn more about fire safety, said Deputy Fire Chief Harold Gregory. There will be lots to see, learn and do for the whole family. OPERATION SANTA 2018 An Evening of Celebrating & Giving Saturday, December 1, 2018, 5:00 8:30pm 3 routes with stops throughout the Township Cost: Optional contribution of toys or money Benefits: The Dragonfly Foundation, Toys for Tots and Interparish Faith Ministries Santa and his helpers will make their annual visit through most Symmes Township neighborhoods on Saturday, December 1st starting at 5pm. In keeping with tradition, the event is on Saturday evening to help avoid conflicting school activities. In the spirit of giving, the Township encourages residents to help Santa refill his bag with new, unwrapped toys or cash gifts for the Dragonfly Foundation, Toys for Tots and Interparish Faith Ministries. *Please note that all times are approximate. In addition, you can find a list of locations and time stops on the Township s website at ROUTE #1 ROUTE #2 ROUTE #3 5:00pm United Methodist Church (Camp Dennison) 5:30pm Morgans Trace & Farmcourt 5:55pm Arabian & Roan 6:10pm Walnutridge Court 6:25pm Stablehand & Steeplechase 6:45pm Withers & Cummings Farm 7:05pm Gateway & Solon 7:25pm Bainwoods & Hopewoods 7:40pm Shadyside & Stonecrest 8:00pm Kempergrove & Oakvalley 5:00pm Shadowglen Drive 5:20pm Chatham Woods & Windy Hill 5:40pm Riveroaks & Brentmoor 6:00pm Willow & Foxgate 6:20pm Richland Park & Waters Edge 6:40pm Near Plantation Pointe 7:00pm Stonebridge & Farmstead 7:20pm Meadowknoll & Colebourne 7:40pm Bentcreek & Streamside 8:00pm Somerset & Carter Grove 8:20pm Symbola & Kosine 5:00pm Paulmeadows & Heritage 5:20pm Patrilla & Kemperwoods 5:40pm Pemmican Run & Birchbark 6:00pm Iron Liege & Calumet Way 6:20pm Cypresspoint & Nathanshill 6:45pm Symmescreek & Symmesknoll 7:00pm Pinewood & Retview 7:20pm Terwilligersvalley & Terwilligersridge 7:40pm Donwiddle & Souffle 8:00pm Loveland Trace

5 IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW DATE EVENT LOCATION TIME SEPT. 29 YOGA ENDS HOPEWELL MEADOWS PARK OCT. 5 FALL FOR SYMMES SYMMES PARK 5:00pm 9:00pm OCT. 8 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSED OCT. 10 SAFETY SERVICES OPEN HOUSE SAFETY CENTER, 8871 WEEKLY LANE 6:00 pm 8:00 pm OCT. 15 PARK SEASON ENDS OCT. 31 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREAT IN SYMMES TOWNSHIP 6:00 pm 8:00 pm NOV. 1 PHOTO CONTEST BEGINS NOV. 22 & 23 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSED NOV. 23 THE GREAT HOLIDAY LIGHT CHALLENGE BEGINS TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION BUILDING DROP OFF ANYTIME NOV. 30 PHOTO CONTEST ENDS DEC. 1 OPERATION SANTA VARIOUS NEIGHBORHOODS 5:00 pm 8:30 pm DEC MERRY & BRIGHT LIGHT CONTEST JUDGING THROUGHOUT SYMMES TOWNSHIP BEGINS AT DARK DEC. 24 & 25 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSED DEC. 26 CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING BEGINS TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION BUILDING DROP OFF ANYTIME JAN. 1 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSED JAN. 11 THE GREAT HOLIDAY LIGHT CHALLENGE ENDS TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION BUILDING JAN. 21 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSED JAN. 31 CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING ENDS GO ONLINE for more news and events. PICTURE THIS! The New Symmes Township Photo Contest The Township wants to start a new photo contest. Beautiful and heart-felt pictures make us think or feel something special; they are always worth more than a thousand words; and, each picture tells a story about the world we live in. Here are the facts about the new event: What to enter: Participants should select images that best depict Symmes Township s beautiful environment, active people, and vibrant community life. This includes but is not limited to parks, wildlife, streetscapes, landmarks, children or dogs at play or sports activities. Photos taken of locations not within Symmes Township will be disqualified as well as low-resolution images that cannot be well reproduced in printed materials. For best results, please be sure to set your camera or Smartphone settings at the highest possible resolution. Any contestant who submits photos of people or property must have written consent from that person or property owner. Term: The contest will be held from November 1, 2018 through November 30, Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners for adults 18 years and older. An Honorable Mention will be awarded to a youth under 18 years old. A panel of judges will review the entries and select the winners which will be announced in December The decisions of the judges are final. Who may enter: Contestants must be amateur photographers and not associated with Symmes Township. How to enter: Contestants should submit high resolution digital photographs in a.jpeg or.gif format via to lfelter@ symmestownship.org. Each submission will require the following: Name, address, telephone number, valid , and location of photo. Participants may submit up to three (3) photos. Symmes Township reserves the right to publish any submitted photo with any Symmes Township materials (including print and electronic) or give to members of the media (including, but not limited to, newspapers, internet, television and magazines) at any time. Photo credit will be applied where applicable but cannot be guaranteed. Prizes: First place - $100 gift card of their choice Second place - $50 gift card of their choice Third place - $25 gift card of their choice Honorable Mention (Youth) - $25 gift card of their choice By accepting a prize, winners agree to the use of the winning photograph for advertising or promotional purposes by Symmes Township.

6 HELP THE ROAD CREWS THIS WINTER SEASON Park vehicles off the street. Driving a plow is challenging enough. Imagine having to steer around parked cars on a slippery street. Remove items, such as basketball hoops and garbage cans from the street/public right-of-way. This will enable plow operators to clear the roadway more efficiently. If possible, wait until the plow has passed before shoveling the area of a driveway near the street. The snow must be pushed to the side of the road, which also includes driveway entrances. Do not deposit snow into the street when using a snow blower or shoveling a driveway. This will require additional attention by road crews on their next pass and can create an unexpected hazard on an otherwise cleared street. CANDACE COOK MEMORIAL BENCH The Symmes Township Board of Trustees, on behalf of residents, recently dedicated a beautiful bench in memory of Loveland-Symmes Chief Financial Officer Candace Cook, who passed away suddenly. Chief Cook served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department from Her knowledge, dedication and leadership have left a significant impact on the organization and will be missed. In my thirteen years of serving alongside Candy, I have watched our hometown fire department become the best in the region. Candy was a cornerstone of the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department for the past 25 years, said Terry Schildmeyer, member of the LSFD Board of Directors. PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO. 4160