Email from citizen

Communication w a citizen to share.

Cortney

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hi,

Thanks for the info. Free makes it a no brainer. I'll def support this and other avenues like it to open lines of communication. Although, it will make me look 10lbs heavier :)

Great idea - I'm on board!

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Hi Cortney,
Just reading your blog and love your ideas about improving communication between Council and citizenry. FYI...it has been suggested that Council take advantage of Public Access Television as a communication tool. They will film and broadcast Council meetings at no cost. I know ... Mayor Policastro and some members of Council are not interested in this and have declined/avoided this opportunity.


Cortney Scheeser
Senior Analyst, Global Home Care & PGP
Phone: 513-983-0463
Mobile: 479-221-1752
Email, IM: scheeser.cm@pg.com

Please consider the Environment before printing this email

my bio + email with Council candidate

This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

Had a quick chat with a Council Candidate. Text of followup email below. Also, included is a bio doc I reapplied from Work. I'm encouraging all other candidates to fill out and share!

Cortney
---------------
Great meeting you this week. I look forward to getting to know you better, as well as figure out ways to work together now, and in January!!

Attached is a template I'm fwding to the other candidates as I obtain addresses. If you'd like to fill out, I'll share with the others (and if it's ok publish to my blog) scheeser.blogspot.com

I know we didn't get a chance to talk at great length but here are some of my beliefs/priorities:
-live within our means. i think the budget shortfall should be fixed from the demand side 1st, supply side 2nd
-open up the communication between Govt and Citizen. Perception (not sure if true or not) is that business is done behind closed doors. Technology is a great way to remedy this
-Zoning changes are overdue and support the concept, however current Zone Res D is out of balance and hope its defeated in Nov.
-protect our history and our environment. By this I mean carrot and stick behaviors to keep properties up. Plant trees in vastly greater numbers than we've historically done
(Lots more detail on the blog)
Cortney

text of Bio doc follows----------------

“Getting Personal” Tool

Name:
Cortney Scheeser

Time at Current Address
1 yr
Married/Spouse:
Y – Amy Scheeser

Time in Mariemont
1 yr
Kids (YN, #):
Y – 3

District/Address
4 – 6950 Nolen Circle

Section I – About You
1. How did you get here? Where did you grow up, go to school, where do you work?
I grew up in Sandusky, Ohio, went to School at U of Cincinnati, and started with P&G right out of College. We moved to the Village after a 3 year Business move to NW Arkansas (2005-2008)

2. Tell/Update me about you; general background, interests, outside passions, etc…
At Work: I work downtown for P&G. I’m an Engineer turned IT guy turned Business Analyst. Believe I’m a “lifer” in the BA space.
At Home: I enjoy woodworking, running, historic preservation, oil painting
Everywhere: Passionate about the environment; try to live an ever more sustainable lifestyle. Passionate about preserving our history.

3. Over the past 1-2 years what are your proudest accomplishments (professional and/or personal)?
At Work: 1 Rating (top), unveiling Kenny Shields memorial table to the entire Team. Moving direct reports on to exciting, fulfilling next assignments.
At Home: successfully moving my family back to Cincinnati, building a house for a family in Juarez Mexico (9/07, 9/08). Nearly finishing my Girls’ playhouse. Running for Council

Section II – About the Village
4. What does the Village/Council do well
Village is very welcoming. Council cares deeply for the Village.

5. What opportunities for improvement does Village/Council have
Village needs more Business in both squares, one for energy and excitement, two to meet Citizens’ & Visitors’ needs, and three to increase tax base. Council has an opportunity to enhance its communication, improving its connectedness with the Citizens

Section 3 – About Your Role on Council
6. What are your priorities on Council
Transparency – no secrets, easy Citizen access to ALL Village business
Budget – we need to do more with less, regardless of how the Levy goes in November
Zoning – want new Condo and Mixed use development to enhance tax base, but with limitations above / beyond currently set

7. What motivates you?
Personal satisfaction of a job well done, acknowledgement of good work. Shorter duration projects – make impact, move on to the next thing

8. What demotivates you?
Extremely long duration projects with no end in sight.

9. Identify your strongest talents and/or skills to be maximized on Council?
I’m a very good Analyst, I can manage large amounts of data, and I have decent database administration skills. I bring lots of energy to new work. I’m passionate about hearing the Citizen and committed to being humble/approachable

10. What are you most worried about on Council?
Time to spend on Village Business – with 3 young kids, a full time job, and other interests, I worry about doing each with excellence.
Leading change in a Village that likes continuity

Section IV – About You Career
11. What are your political career goals/aspirations?
Village Council, complete 1-2 terms

12. Is there anything else you would like to share/discuss?
Scheeser.blogspot.com

Surveymonkey.com - a better idea than name suggests

I signed up for my free online survey account this past week. Don't like the name but love the transparent connection with the citizens! What better way to get the pulse of the community. The only trick will be 1)to earn the trust of folks to share email accts and 2)alternatives for non email people. Don't want to leave anyone out.

I can send out mass surveys to the email addresses I have (or more intimately district 4 folks) on what's important to them, how to vote on an issue, general feelings of the residents, etc.

The free account allows for 10/year. And I shouldn't bother folks more often than that. First survey: skyline or goldstar? :)

Cortney

Cortney Scheeser
Senior Analyst, Global Home Care & PGP
Phone: 513-983-0463
Mobile: 479-221-1752
Email, IM: scheeser.cm@pg.com

Please consider the Environment before printing this email

Council Meetings - how to change the vibe?

I'm trying to update by email. A grand experiment!

Why the discrepancy between council and the citizens?

Council's dress code is very formal. All are in suits today. Wouldn't a more casual dress be less intimidating for the citizens. I would like to dial it down a notch. Open collar equals more level playing field?

Why aren't the desks arranged in a way that give more space for the citizens. Steeper angle on the corner desks or swap 3 for 2 desk pattern. Sounds petty I know, but the citizen is boss!

Cortney

note: this is 2 postings I sent via Blackberry during Council last evening. I combined them into one afterwards....

great conversation with Village FInance insider

This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

Had a great, informative conversation with someone in Village, very familiar with its Finances. He provided some great perspective on the Budget "really reallys", and the dire consequences of the Levy not passing. Drastically cutting of services, layoffs, etc. Not pretty. And a failure of the Levy will fall squarely on NEXT Council. This Council won't take it up this hot potato (which makes sense once you think about it).

The other thing he shared was the education he received in terms of working with the Citizens. He said to prepare for intermittent involvement, mostly at the end. This will be interesting to see how my vision of involvement lines up (or doesn't) with reality. I'm going to really try and encourage full involvement while being patient of Citizens' who jump in towards the end. I must look quite naive to the veterans :)

Cortney

Editorial from Feb2009, published Cincinnati.com, Town Crier

This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

In the spirit of laying it all out there, here's the Zoning editorial I published last Winter. Some of the details aren't relevant (heights measured to midpoint of the roof), but I still stand by what I said.

Cortney


http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100132&sid=143532

text follows:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mariemont Zoning Code Changes: A Good Idea Executed Badly
Contributed By Cortney Scheeser
You may have heard of the proposed changes to Mariemont’s Zoning Code to accommodate a “Mixed-Use A District.” It involves allowing higher density, taller buildings to be developed on many streets in the Village. Proponents describe it as fixing 60 year old zoning problems and an attempt at “New Urbanism”. I believe the proposed changes are a good idea but with 3 significant, show-stopper issues: 1) allowing building heights up to 10 feet taller than the Mariemont Inn, 2) designating quiet, narrow streets like Oak for redevelopment, and 3) allowing surface parking to spread in these areas.

Building Height. I live on Nolen Circle just behind the Theater in one of 22 houses in a triangle bordered by Thorndike, West and East. Of the 22 single family homes, 16 are 1-1/2 storey. Today, we live in the shadow (literally) of the new 3-1/2 storey condos on Miami. Their height happens to be the recommended Zoning height of 45 feet to the roof’s midpoint (The Inn is 38 feet). The condos are attractive however too tall to fit the character of our neighborhood. If the Zoning Code is changed, our small, quaint neighborhood is at risk of development on all sides of the triangle, effectively walling us in. Yours may be at risk too. Possible solution: cap all buildings to not exceed 35 or 38 feet to the midpoint of the roof.

Eligible Streets. Development on Madisonville Road and Wooster Pike is a no-brainer. I get excited about the possibility of creating another “Mariemont Strand” (Dilly Deli, Starbucks) on one of these streets. However, the recommendaton is to expand this list of Streets to include Murray east of Plainville, Oak through the Old Square, and Miami Road south of Wooster Pike, among others. These are heavily residential, quiet streets that will permanently change the feel of Mariemont if allowed to be rezoned for redevelopment. Possible solution: redevelopment along Madisonville, Wooster, and possibly Plainville only.

Surface Parking. Parking lots are ugly and not in keeping with Mary Emery’s vision for our Village. Further, the “New Urbanism” concept, of which I’m a fan, is all about Pedestrianism and increased density. These ideals clash with surface parking. Any Zoning changes need to reign in the ability to raze buildings for parking. We need smarter parking, not more blacktop. Possible solutions: surface parking may not take up more than some small percentage of lot area; build a low, well designed parking garage behind the Inn.

I welcome redevelopment along appropriate streets, however it needs to be ultra-sensitive to its surroundings. Big buildings on quiet streets with surface parking do not fit the style or the history of our Village. Proper Zoning guidelines need to strengthen our Village, not put it at risk. I would encourage everyone to contact their Council Members and let their views be known.

Cortney Scheeser
Mariemont

Correspondence with Citizen

This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

You asked about a 1/4 point reduction in earning tax exemption. No one likes tax increases, but I would support it if that's what the Citizens decide is best. And I'd try hard to know their wishes by survey, committee participation, speaking at council, etc.

Cortney
=========================
Hope you get lots of good suggestions. My main one is that the village should reduce the earnings tax credit by 1/4 percent. I'd like your reaction to that, as obviously you would be affected.

and then there were 6

This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

Hamilton County's 8/20 Ballot deadline has passed, and there are some surprises! Only 3 Town Meeting Candidates are on the Ballot - Scheeser, Miller, Black. I expected to see Kevin Veeneman's name. There are 3 additional candidates as well: Altman, Weinland, Anderson. This is very telling: change is in the air. Here's the official memo:
http://www.hamilton-co.org/BOE/inputdata/candidateissues/gen09caniss.pdf

I've got to be honest, I know only 2 of the 5 others: John Altman and I often ride the bus together, and Matt Weinland and I attend the same church. Both are thoughtful and upstanding. I need to meet and get to know the others, as well as Ms. Sullivan, and Mr. Wolter.

Other than write in candidates, this should be the list.

Cortney

Ham County ballot locked tomorrow

This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

Well tomorrow is the cutoff for the November Ballot. Tomorrow evening we'll know with certainty who's running. Right now, there are between 4 and 8 Candidates. Lots of rumor at this point, but very little for sure.

Cortney

Council, Committee Meetings on TV?

A citizen asked me why Village Meetings are not recorded and replayed on Community Access TV. This is a great point. As we're trying to be transparent, more avenues to check in would be a help. I think we should record every meeting via audio or video, and put in an easy to access place. Not sure of cost, but via the web is essentially free if someone is willing to donate time to record. The only cost here would be internet hosting/storage.

A good idea. We need more transparency.

Cortney

Imhoff and MM Schools are the communication model

A friend suggested I put a standard header sentence on each posting, to remind folks what I'm doing here: This blog is an attempt at honest, transparent communication with Mariemont's Citizens, with a goal of an educated, informed vote on 11/3.

I'm continually impressed by Paul Imhoff and the MM Schools for deftly handling a potentially very contentious building campaign. This is the model for how the Village should communicate with its Citizens. Proof - citizens rate Communication as Very Good/Excellent (summer 2009 online survey). Here's what I like in particular:
-videotaping all public interaction, and putting on the website SAME DAY!
-use of surveys to understand macro wishes/opinions
-all input welcomed, encouraged
-continually painting a picture of where we want to go, what we want to be
-servant leader attitude, humble
-noticeable effort to "tell me what you're going to tell me, tell me, and then tell me what you just told me". This is such an effective way to give less involved people the context needed to engage
-meeting with anyone, anywhere anytime

I think the result will be happy "Citizens", willing to invest in the Schools. Handled differently, this would not be the case.

Nice job, Paul and members of the School District.

Cortney

email address

I received a really great piece of advice from a Citizen last evening: don't mix Village email with Work email. He said Freedom of Information Act requests (I think rare/infrequent) would allow non-employees to dig into P&G's email database. And that probably wouldn't go over very well!

So I'll be converting to CSCHEESER@YAHOO.COM over the coming days and weeks. Pls send emails there instead of my PG Account. I don't currently check that address every day, but I'll get into a more frequent cadence asap.

Thanks for the tip!!

Cortney

email question

Great, timely question from a Citizen
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Hi Cortney - a thought - it would help to see a breakdown of the village budget. I presume someone could get this if they contacted the village offices, but thought it would be worth asking if you (or someone you know of) may already have done that.
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This is a super idea. I'm an analyst by day, so I've dug in some of the data. Here's what I've found out. General Fund is where a majority of Village funds are sourced.

2008
$3,400,000 General Fund
Salaries 52% of Total, down -1% versus 2007
Benefits 21% down -1%
Oper. & Maint. 18% down -8%
Contract Services 7% up +12%
Tax Refunds 1% up +26%
Remaining 1%

Whats the point of Blogging?

Why am I doing this? So far I've ruffled some feathers which could mean less support. This blog is a grand experiment! An experiment that I always thought every elected official should commit to. The purpose of this blog is 3 fold:
1) to lay bare what I believe and what I do (will do)
2) to eventually hold me accountable
3) if I win, it's a perfect communication vehicle of whats going on when
4) to hopefully along the way build a fan base

I’m trying to not sugar coat, certainly not trying to be critical, but rather model the transparency I believe is needed in Mariemont Government. I want Citizens to know me through this content. I want to give Voters the information needed to make an educated decision on 11/3. If I win a vote because of this, great, but if I lose in November, that's ok too. If I'm not right for Village Government, I shouldn't win. So at the end of the day, I think the risk is worthwhile, and I stand by my putting it all out here.

I hope Voters and Citizens can get to know me and make the right decision in Nov.

Cortney

Email correspondence

Had a nice back and forth with a citizen regarding my views on Residence D Zoning. I share because folks deserve to know what I think about any and all issues relating to the Village. Here's our exchange (newest email first, name removed to protect the innocent).

Cortney
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for the feedback. I live just feet from both Jordan Park (beautiful from the front, large and ungainly from the back)and the new Condos proposed for Madisonville Road. And I've thought a lot about this thorny, contentious issue. Your views are helpful though - I appreciate you taking the time to write.I think rezoning so condos can be built is the right thing. I think rezoning so multi-use buildings can be built is the right thing. For me it comes down to the balance between "Income" = new development = tax base, and "Cost" = living in the shadow of buildings too tall for their surroundings = quality of life issues for some (in the spirit of full disclosure, me included). Different folks will find different balances here.I think run-down apartments are unacceptable too. I believe, though that apartment dwellers are vital for the Village. So I would encourage quality renters with a carrot and stick approach for Landlords. Carrot: reduce the unfair tax burden on landlords vs what's true in other Villages. As I understand it, 2-4 Family owners are hurt disproportionately by the existing MM Tax Code. Extra income will encourage upkeep. Stick: fine for buildings that are run down via the Mayor's Court. Not sure of legality, but maybe we could garnish Rents to make the landlord feel the pressure. I'm not a lawyer, nor am I a CPA, so this is only an idea at this point.I do know if most residents support Residence D and vote for it in November, it's a "go". And redevelopment will happen to the West of my neighborhood and to the North. And maybe my concerns will melt away as pretty buildings replace nice and not-so-nice 4 families. We shall see!I can't say I have all the answers. This is just how I'm thinking about it. Thanks again and would love to chat further. Cortney
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Thanks for responding to my email. I didn't know that building was in Mariemont already. I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I find the condos built on Miami beautiful and it makes our community stand out from others. I do believe we should leave this up to the professionals who are risking their own money to build these. I went to a yard sale in one of those four families this past spring. It was falling apart. My biggest fear is that they will deteriorate more and eventually become section 8 housing. I would rather see a solid building 5 feet higher than you prefer than to see section 8 in our neighborhood. Have you given that any thought? Wouldn't that become a bigger eye sore?
=====================
Thanks for the reply. The following link takes you to the "Bugget Savings Ideas" Comments. If you have cost saving ideas, I'd love it if you'd add them here: http://scheeser.blogspot.com/2009/08/enroll-experts-to-help-us-close-budget.html The other link takes you to the general blog I write, where you found that architectural picture/drawing.Thanks for the interest in Building/Zoning. It's an area I've spent a lot of time and energy on. To answer your first question, I'm a "closet" architect and have some residential and commercial construction experience from years ago. Today, my girls' new playhouse is my latest attempt at being an architect and builder!The picture you see is actually on Murray Avenue in the MM Historic District (near the European Car Repair Shop). It was built in the mid 20's, and I shared it with Council as an alternative to the 45' requirement Rick Griewe said was mandatory for 3 storeys. 45' was set by Council for "Residence D" which you'll see on the ballot in November.I believe 40' is a better height max (-5 ft), as it balances the need for 3 storeys + doesn't tower over the existing neighborhood. I would enthusiastically support Residence D if 40' was the standard.The roof style is called a "Parapet Roof", and its used all the time in commercial buildings. I work downtown, and every building I see from my window has a parapet roof. In my limited experience, this roof lasts a long time and is a quality option. We can both point out some ugly, inappropriate flat roof examples, but I think a Parapet is historically appropriate, and of super quality for our Village. And it solves the height concern.As for pictures, I've seen hardcopy drawings from Rick Griewe which are great. Very attractive. Just a bit too tall....Thanks again for the interest. I'd love to hear your thoughts.Cortneyw983-0463h271-4513m479-221-1752
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I'm not really sure which email to send this response too. I have a few questions for you. Are you an Architect? The picture you have on one of your emails looks like an apartment you would see in Anderson, Montgomery. I was wondering if you had a picture from the village as to what they want the apartments/condos to look like? Anything I have heard from a contractor/builder says a flat roof is a cheap roof, and usually will have water issues. Please respond.

Style to Emulate

I think Melissa Schmitt and Kim Sullivan continually deliver balanced, thoughtful feedback within Council and more importantly to the Citizens who speak at Meetings. They both bring down tension in the room with their delivery, vs escalate it. Even when I disagree with them, I'm never offended by their words and demeanor. I believe they set the standard - one I hope to meet if I'm elected in November. I'm getting feedback from folks saying I have a ways to go....

Cortney

Sent mass email enlisting Citizen help

I sent my "Idea" note this morning from my personal email account, and so far the note has been very well received. I've gotten a handful of expired address errors, but 2:1 Encouraging Replies: Pls Remove Me's. A great start.

I'm looking forward to seeing the creative ideas/builds in the comments section. I believe very strongly that there is low hanging Budget fruit still, and we can cut our budgets without a drastic loss of service.

Cortney

Handling Dissent

I continue to think about Last Night's Council meeting. A lot of comments from Council centered around "anti progress" citizens. It seems to me, if you already know who the handful of folks are who might torpedo your idea, wouldn't it be wise to loop them in early and try to enlist support? I was surprised by Council's surprise. From Mr. Bevis' account, Council should have seen it coming.

I think a better way is to enroll concerned citizens from day 1. Do all you can to 1)treat them w respect, 2)keep them in the loop throughout, 3)find out what it would take for them to support, and 4)work a compromise. And if you can't get the group on board, at least you can agree to disagree in a transparent way. And maybe mutual respect will reduce the ferocity of the opposition. Can't hurt.....

Cortney

Council Meeting 8/10/09

Sat through tonight's Council Meeting. Jotted down a few things.

Looking fwd to checking out Nixel (sp?). Its now up and running in the Village. Sounds like Twitter for Municipalities. Think it's a great way to be proactive in communicating before an event/vote/meeting. This technology makes my Transparency Platform that much easier!

Mayor's Court for property condition issues. This is an exciting "stick" if carrots don't work. I'm excited to learn more about it and how it can be an even more useful tool.

A citizen made public comments re open and transparent government. Bravo!! We need to tell people BEFORE, not after, what's going on. I agree completely. Maybe a Nixel oppty? She also poked at "Substandard" definition. I think Council is guilty (no proof) of legitimizing this term, and using it in passing. This sounds like Rookwood in Norwood. Call it Blighted and then tear it down. This word is meaningless and shouldn't be used.

Suzy Weinland's email generated a lot of "trash talking" among council. I've since read it, and it's NOT that controversial. Suzy's good people and I'm sure there's facts to back up her claims. Very insightful, though on how ill equipped council is to handle dissent. Dissent hones democracy!! I hate it too, but it leads to better laws, statutes, results.

We need an Arborist! Heard that Randy of Davey retired (actually heard he was fired by Mayor). We need this role on staff even if part time to be the tie-breaker in Flintpoint situations. Is it safe, or isnt it?

Flintpoint cost $2000 for the tree alone, when it was estimated at $800 at last Meeting. And how much for a new apron. This is a poor time to be paying for unnecessary improvements to properties.

Toby Acheson had a great idea: set up a fund, hopefully non-profit, that would allow citizens to help plant bigger, more trees. We are in tree crisis, I believe, even though you don't notice on first blush. This would help ease that. Kim Sullivan suggested a Sidewalk review along with Street review each year. Great idea! The Mayor likes sidewalk bridges to keep roots intact. Me too.

We agreed to pay $2000+ more for insurance from our existing supplier (Ohio Plan) vs new supplier (Pillar). I would scrutinize EVERY dime right now. I think insurance is how much you pay vs what you get, and customer service, live telephone support, shiny trucks, and slick branding are nonsense. We need safety for low cost. I think we could have put a dent in the Deficit today.

A member of Council spoke for 10 minutes about Res D Vote. It was a very uncomfortable dynamic, as he/she slayed 2 Citizens in the room without looking at either of them. Anti Progress, he/she called it. I found it unprofessional and an unfair fight, as public comment was closed by this point.

Other council members spoke with a similar theme although less stinging.

This brings me to the low point of the evening, and of my foray into politics so far. After the meeting, a member of Council came up to me and introduced him/herself. But then he/she pushed me pretty hard on my signing of the Red D Petition. While I started out calm and data based (know the facts, felt 45' too tall, proved it can be done in <37', compromise on 40'), our conversation quickly got heated and I said some unproductive things. Dale Carnegie would not have been impressed! I violated my own principles of "Citizen is Boss". Shame on me. So I sent an email to him/her this evening and apologized. It's a fantastic lesson, though. How would I handle discourse in the moment. Differently now!! Sorry, again and thanks for the teachable moment.

Cortney

Strategic Direction of Mariemont

Had a great conversation with an active Citizen this past week. His hypothesis: the Village, especially the historic district, faces much risk and turmoil over the next 15 years. The historic district isn't maintained like other Districts. And it needs more TLC.

One way to address this, he argued, was creating a City Manager role. Mainly to write Grants, this person would "pay for himself", and would tap into a stream of financing we haven't seen in a long time, if ever.

I think the idea has merit. But maybe a part time role, to prove the concept without the huge salary/benefits cost. I think that historic neighborhoods are worth preserving, and I bet Ohio, the Federal Govt would agree.

This is a worthy idea I'd like to further explore.

Cortney

Tree lost on Flintpoint today

I'm very frustrated, hearing the sad end to the Oak Tree controversy on Flintpoint, south of Wooster Pike. This healthy, safe tree was taken down to appease one family in dispute with a neighbor, against the will of literally hundreds of supporters. We've set ourselves up for everybody and their brother to ask to have a Tree taken down, a new driveway apron built, all at the taxpayers' expense. We've set the precedent that the car is more important than the 80 year-old award winning landscape plan. And, we've thumbed our nose at what makes Mariemont a Tree City: Trees!

If elected in November, I will work very quickly to try and manage/undo this disastrous precedent. Our Village is at risk now, and we must plug these holes opened up in our Laws, just like the hole opened up in the beautiful tree canopy on Flintpoint today.

Cortney

Enroll the "Experts" to help us close the Budget Deficit!

A neighbor recently shared with me a time a few years ago where the Village, facing a Budget crisis, looked to the Citizens for help. Not their pocketbooks, but their ideas! What a fantastic idea. I bet our Citizens and especially our Village Employees have TONS of cost saving ideas that would add up to a signficant portion of the $400K shortfall we're predicting in 2011. Those ideas confirm where we're willing to pinch, and where we're not.

While a Tax Levy may indeed be required, we owe it to ourselves to turn over every rock and reduce that amount! Here's my idea. This blog allows comments. I'd like to use this posting as a collection of all those ideas. If you'll input ideas, I'll commit to presenting them to Council.

To kick us off, here are some ideas. Please reply/comment and share your ideas. Name is appreciated but not required. The more detail the better. I'll take these ideas to Council sometime in Sep/Oct.

We can close a huge chunk of this gap!!!!

Cortney

Village Projects I'd support when funding is available

While we battle a $400K budget deficit, investments in the Community ought to be minor if done at all. But, we should have a running "Wish List". The Economy will recover, we will solve our deficit!

Here's a list of my ideas, and ideas I've heard in conversations with Citizens. To be clear, any idea needs more than one opinion. So we should ask the Citizens to calibrate ideas and make sure we have the Will of the People. I'll try to keep this list running, and copy/paste into newer posts as the ideas come to me (from me, from others)!

$
-Recycling Bins in Parks, maybe Bins bolted on to EVERY trash can in the Village. We can be a Green Village - let's lead by example
-Survey mechanism through the Website + low tech Paper Option, where we understand in a direct, transparent way, what projects are most worthy
-Bike Racks in more places. Encourage less car transportation. Architecturally interesting designs, made to last
-Expand Residential recycling by participating in national RFID Recycling by Weight Program going on in Montgomery. More recycling means less waste which means less cost
-accelerate conversion to Perennials from Annuals. Perennials have higher up front cost, but are "free" forever more
-reward Citizens and Employees with Gift Cards to MM Businesses for ideas that help save the Village significant expense. Obviously we'd need to police this to make sure we don't unravel the savings trying to be identified.
-Plant Trees, Trees, and more Trees! Mariemont originally planted 80,000 Trees, Shrubs, Plants according to research by Mr. Rogers. Let's assume 15% of them were Trees = 12,000 Trees (trying to verify). If a Tree lives 100 Years on average (trying to verify), then we need to plan 120 Trees EACH AND EVERY YEAR to keep our current Tree Cover intact. And this assumes 100% live to "adulthood"! We are in a tree deficit right now, and we need to actively plant NOW.

$$
-Build a Tree Nursery down on the Flood Plain to support the above idea. Mary Emery envisioned a Nursery near the Barn which doesn't exist today. If we "insource" trees, might it be cheaper to pursue an aggressive planting plan? We could even sell for a small fee to homeowners for private property. Add a watering bag and it's a fundraising opportunity.
-Extend Sidewalks. We have lots of sidewalks that just end, marooning pedestrians. Also replace asphalt sidewalks w/ Concrete

$$$
-Bury Utilities consistent with rest of Mariemont on Settle, Homewood, Murray, etc. These streets were not part of the original plan for MM, but they are now!! Our Citizens on "telephone pole streets" deserve the convenience, safety and beauty of underground utilities that most of our Village Residents enjoy.