Details are coming into focus. I'm very excited about the upcoming class.
-Village Council Chambers on 11/6 10AM
-3 topics: quick trash update, composting 101, recycling 101
-rsvp to info@mariemont.org
Cortney
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Trash email - leading from the front
After the Mayor's prodding at last Council Meeting, I made a change and shared the change with Council. It's important for each of us to play by the rules.
Cortney
-----------------------------------
Dan, Thx for the poke last evening re can size. I was inspired and found an old yard waste can and am now in compliance!! (at least I think I am because neither can has a volume stamped on it) Feel free to make another walk-by inspection next time you're in the neighborhood ;) Seriously, it's important to "lead from the front" (p tontillo) Thx again.
Cortney
-----------------------------------
Dan, Thx for the poke last evening re can size. I was inspired and found an old yard waste can and am now in compliance!! (at least I think I am because neither can has a volume stamped on it) Feel free to make another walk-by inspection next time you're in the neighborhood ;) Seriously, it's important to "lead from the front" (p tontillo) Thx again.
Committee of Whole Meeting 9/20
I attended the COW meeting on Monday 9/21.
It was a learning experience to say the least. I was pleased to see this meeting get set. It took multiple years which is a problem, but having the meeting was a small breakthrough. Kudos to Dennis for seeing it through.
Now the unfortunate part. I saw firsthand the way heavy-handed politics run our Village: "Ram it Home". Nearly 40 people were lined up, all on message: roundabouts are bad. It was like some unknown force convinced them to attend and speak up. It's really a shame because the approx 1% of the Village population who showed up did not represent the views of the Village. I could easily line up 15 people at each of the next 10 Council meetings and have them say just about anything. Result: slow but real opinion shift by Council. No one's immune to messaging impressions (P&G sells a lot of soap employing the tactic). But I have and will continue to choose the high road. But I may eventually call individuals out on it.
Issues with the meeting
-Columbia Township was excluded. The information that was required to meet in the first place was directly omitted from the meeting
-misinformation. Rotaries are not Roundabouts. Accidents do not uniquely define safety. Grants could easily lower the costs further than estimated. Police Officer funding (General Fund) is different than Police Cruiser funding (Permanent Improvement Fund) and these pots of money don't mix unless it's an emergency (new learning that it's even possible to mix).
-Missing the point of the renderings. It called out what is possible, and nothing more. No engineering was done. No land was purchased, no commitments were made. It was an idea
-getting Mocked. While quiet, it was noticeable hard to bear. And I was and am still bothered by it. Thick skin be damned, I don't have any interest in changing to be that guy who can brush it off.
-regardless of Dan's promise of Grant Writing in the Village, meaningful large scale grants will never be written in the Village until/if we hire that skillset
Back to the good
-Citizens fair points. Among them: pedestrian safety and high speed vs low speed intersections situatinos.
-Andy had a nice idea of a counter proposal to engage Col Twp on a lower cost red of that intersection. Not sure if they would be interested.
-there is Citizen energy for revamping the hist district. I don't know where that time and energy will come from, but I sincerely appreciate the initial engagement. I hope to partner on some meaningful change in our most important neighborhood.
In the end, I was outvoted 5-1 which I absolutely respect. We will not engage on the Roundabout. More importantly, though, we've got to operate better. Last night was not the way Mariemont ought to run.
Deep breath. Now back to trying to improve my Village.
Cortney
It was a learning experience to say the least. I was pleased to see this meeting get set. It took multiple years which is a problem, but having the meeting was a small breakthrough. Kudos to Dennis for seeing it through.
Now the unfortunate part. I saw firsthand the way heavy-handed politics run our Village: "Ram it Home". Nearly 40 people were lined up, all on message: roundabouts are bad. It was like some unknown force convinced them to attend and speak up. It's really a shame because the approx 1% of the Village population who showed up did not represent the views of the Village. I could easily line up 15 people at each of the next 10 Council meetings and have them say just about anything. Result: slow but real opinion shift by Council. No one's immune to messaging impressions (P&G sells a lot of soap employing the tactic). But I have and will continue to choose the high road. But I may eventually call individuals out on it.
Issues with the meeting
-Columbia Township was excluded. The information that was required to meet in the first place was directly omitted from the meeting
-misinformation. Rotaries are not Roundabouts. Accidents do not uniquely define safety. Grants could easily lower the costs further than estimated. Police Officer funding (General Fund) is different than Police Cruiser funding (Permanent Improvement Fund) and these pots of money don't mix unless it's an emergency (new learning that it's even possible to mix).
-Missing the point of the renderings. It called out what is possible, and nothing more. No engineering was done. No land was purchased, no commitments were made. It was an idea
-getting Mocked. While quiet, it was noticeable hard to bear. And I was and am still bothered by it. Thick skin be damned, I don't have any interest in changing to be that guy who can brush it off.
-regardless of Dan's promise of Grant Writing in the Village, meaningful large scale grants will never be written in the Village until/if we hire that skillset
Back to the good
-Citizens fair points. Among them: pedestrian safety and high speed vs low speed intersections situatinos.
-Andy had a nice idea of a counter proposal to engage Col Twp on a lower cost red of that intersection. Not sure if they would be interested.
-there is Citizen energy for revamping the hist district. I don't know where that time and energy will come from, but I sincerely appreciate the initial engagement. I hope to partner on some meaningful change in our most important neighborhood.
In the end, I was outvoted 5-1 which I absolutely respect. We will not engage on the Roundabout. More importantly, though, we've got to operate better. Last night was not the way Mariemont ought to run.
Deep breath. Now back to trying to improve my Village.
Cortney
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
draft of Trash Communication
from website pre any modifications
http://www.mariemont.org/services_trash.html
Trash and Recycling Services
In May, residents will receive an invoice for the annual trash fee. The annual trash fee is due by July 1 and can be mailed or paid in the Tax Office. Penalties are added for late payments.
The annual fee for residents occupying a house or townhouse is $55.00. The annual fee for tenants of an apartment building that has multiple units that are served at a common collection point for garbage and trash is $35.00.
Trash/Garbage is picked up once per week. For a trash can to be emptied, a trash sticker must be a affixed to the can. Trash stickers can be purchased at the local Kroger. Recycling is picked up once per week, as are large items, yard waste and brush. Trash cans will be picked up from the rear of the house/building. DO NOT place cans at curb. Recycling, large items, yard waste and brush may be set out after 6:00pm the day prior to scheduled pick up. All trash, recycling, large items, yard waste and brush to be picked up MUST BE SET OUT BY 7:00am the day of pick up.
Guidelines for Waste and Recycling Pick-ups
Trash (Household waste, food, non-recyclable items, etc.) must be placed in cans, no larger than 32 gallons, with tight-fitting lids. On those occasions when you have more trash than cans, nonfood items may be placed in a sturdy plastic bag with a trash sticker attached.
All cans AND BAGS to be emptied must have a clearly visible trash sticker attached. Trash is collected from the back or side of resdient lots (Note: Rumpke will not enter garages to pick up cans or recycling).
Recycling (mixed paper, newspaper, aluminum cans, metal cans, #1 and #2 plastics, glass, corrugated cardboard) is collected once per week (Monday for Zone 1, Thursday for Zone 2 and Friday for Zone 3). Items should be placed in recycling bins and set out after 6:00pm the day prior to pick up or by 7:00am the day of pick up. Recycling is collected from the back or side of resdient lots (Note: Rumpke will not enter garages to pick up cans or recycling). Cardboard boxes that will not fit in the bin must be broken down, bundled and placed next to or under recycling bin.
Yard Waste
(Grass clippings, weeds, pliable cuttings, Spring cleanup waste, leaves or other yard waste too small to be stacked or bundled)
* Collected once per week
* Collected in clear plastic bag or 30-gallon lawn/leaf paper bag (While either bag is acceptable, paper is encouraged due to its environmental and labor-saving benefits)
* See Maintenance Dept. Section regarding Fall leaf collection
Brush
(Branches, brush and trimmings larger than 24” long)
* Collected once per week
* Stacked in bundles not to exceed 5 ft. in length or 50 lbs.
* Do not place in boxes or cans
Large Items
(Items which cannot reasonably be broken down to fit into 32 gallon can or 30 gallon black trash bag, including large and/or bulky household items such as appliances, furniture, carpeting)
Collected once per week. Placed at the curb after 6:00 PM the day prior to pick up or by 7:00 AM the day of pick up.
NOTE: It is suggested that, whenever possible, residents have the company delivering a new appliance, furniture or carpeting, remove the old items or donate usable items to a charity that will remove them for you. This will save you the inconvenience of setting items out on pick up days.
CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS created during construction and/or remodeling, such as small pieces of drywall, lumber, bricks, broken asphalt roofing shingles, etc., should be removed by the contractor. When construction is done by the homeowner, please call the Rumpke at 242-4401 for instructions & pickup schedules.
Household Hazardous Waste Items such as car batteries, used oil, unused gasoline or other fuels, oil-based paint, paint thinners, pool chemicals, etc., are considered to be Household Hazardous Waste and cannot be picked up by Rumpke or the Maintenance Department. For a complete list of Household Hazardous Waste and/or for information about disposal of such materials, please stop by the Village office for a pamphlet or call the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District at 946-7734 or 946-7777.
Christmas Trees Beginning December 26th and continuing through February, Christmas trees left at the curb will be picked up by the Village and ground into mulch.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please Read Several years ago, the Village of Mariemont passed an ordinance requiring all trash be kept in cans with tight-fitting lids. We also ask that all bottles, cans and other items for recycling be rinsed out to remove any food or liquids. One reason for this legislation was to discourage wildlife such as raccoons, rodents and possum from coming into our yards and green spaces. Another reason was to avoid unsightly trash, such as in the picture on the right above, which would detract from the uniqueness and beauty that makes us proud to call the Village of Mariemont our home. If trash is set out in bags or in cans without lids, violators of the ordinance will receive one warning. If the problem is not corrected, violators will then be issued a citation which could result in a fine of as much as $100. To insure you are in compliance, please follow the examples below and the guidelines on the reverse side of this notice.
Trash Schedule
MONDAY ROUTE
TUESDAY ROUTE
Trash Pick-Up
Trash Pick-Up
Recycling
Recycling
Yard Waste
Yard Waste
Brush
Brush
Large Items
Large Items
STREETS ON MONDAY ROUTE
STREETS ON TUESDAY ROUTE
Albert Place
Bramble Hill Drive
Beech Street
Cambridge Avenue
Belmont Avenue
Crystal Springs Road
Cachepit Way
East Street
Center Street
Grace Avenue
Center Street East
Grove Avenue
Center Street West
Haines Place
Chestnut Street
Hiawatha Avenue
Denny Place
Indianview Avenue
Elm Street
Joan Place
Emery Lane
Lytle Woods Place
Fieldhouse Way
Madisonville Road
Flintpoint Way
Miami Road (3908-4012)
Hammerstone Way
Murray Avenue (6903-6998)
Harvard Acres
Nolen Circle
Homewood Road
Petoskey Avenue (3809-3930)
Linden Place
Pocahontas Avenue (3810-3923)
Maple Street
Rembold Avenue
Mariemont Avenue
Rowan Hill Drive
Miami Bluff Drive
Sheldon Close
Miami Road (3800-3845)
Spring Hill Drive
Mound Way
Spring Knoll Drive
Mount Vernon Avenue
Thorndike Road
Murray Avenue (6601-6763)
West Street (3810-3940)
Oak Street
Wooster Pike (6807-7109)
Park Lane
Petoskey Avenue (3702-3750)
Plainville Road
Pleasant Street
Pocahontas Avenue (3700-3765)
Settle Road
West Street (3731-3750)
Wooster Pike (6515-6767)
http://www.mariemont.org/services_trash.html
Trash and Recycling Services
In May, residents will receive an invoice for the annual trash fee. The annual trash fee is due by July 1 and can be mailed or paid in the Tax Office. Penalties are added for late payments.
The annual fee for residents occupying a house or townhouse is $55.00. The annual fee for tenants of an apartment building that has multiple units that are served at a common collection point for garbage and trash is $35.00.
Trash/Garbage is picked up once per week. For a trash can to be emptied, a trash sticker must be a affixed to the can. Trash stickers can be purchased at the local Kroger. Recycling is picked up once per week, as are large items, yard waste and brush. Trash cans will be picked up from the rear of the house/building. DO NOT place cans at curb. Recycling, large items, yard waste and brush may be set out after 6:00pm the day prior to scheduled pick up. All trash, recycling, large items, yard waste and brush to be picked up MUST BE SET OUT BY 7:00am the day of pick up.
Guidelines for Waste and Recycling Pick-ups
Trash (Household waste, food, non-recyclable items, etc.) must be placed in cans, no larger than 32 gallons, with tight-fitting lids. On those occasions when you have more trash than cans, nonfood items may be placed in a sturdy plastic bag with a trash sticker attached.
All cans AND BAGS to be emptied must have a clearly visible trash sticker attached. Trash is collected from the back or side of resdient lots (Note: Rumpke will not enter garages to pick up cans or recycling).
Recycling (mixed paper, newspaper, aluminum cans, metal cans, #1 and #2 plastics, glass, corrugated cardboard) is collected once per week (Monday for Zone 1, Thursday for Zone 2 and Friday for Zone 3). Items should be placed in recycling bins and set out after 6:00pm the day prior to pick up or by 7:00am the day of pick up. Recycling is collected from the back or side of resdient lots (Note: Rumpke will not enter garages to pick up cans or recycling). Cardboard boxes that will not fit in the bin must be broken down, bundled and placed next to or under recycling bin.
Yard Waste
(Grass clippings, weeds, pliable cuttings, Spring cleanup waste, leaves or other yard waste too small to be stacked or bundled)
* Collected once per week
* Collected in clear plastic bag or 30-gallon lawn/leaf paper bag (While either bag is acceptable, paper is encouraged due to its environmental and labor-saving benefits)
* See Maintenance Dept. Section regarding Fall leaf collection
Brush
(Branches, brush and trimmings larger than 24” long)
* Collected once per week
* Stacked in bundles not to exceed 5 ft. in length or 50 lbs.
* Do not place in boxes or cans
Large Items
(Items which cannot reasonably be broken down to fit into 32 gallon can or 30 gallon black trash bag, including large and/or bulky household items such as appliances, furniture, carpeting)
Collected once per week. Placed at the curb after 6:00 PM the day prior to pick up or by 7:00 AM the day of pick up.
NOTE: It is suggested that, whenever possible, residents have the company delivering a new appliance, furniture or carpeting, remove the old items or donate usable items to a charity that will remove them for you. This will save you the inconvenience of setting items out on pick up days.
CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS created during construction and/or remodeling, such as small pieces of drywall, lumber, bricks, broken asphalt roofing shingles, etc., should be removed by the contractor. When construction is done by the homeowner, please call the Rumpke at 242-4401 for instructions & pickup schedules.
Household Hazardous Waste Items such as car batteries, used oil, unused gasoline or other fuels, oil-based paint, paint thinners, pool chemicals, etc., are considered to be Household Hazardous Waste and cannot be picked up by Rumpke or the Maintenance Department. For a complete list of Household Hazardous Waste and/or for information about disposal of such materials, please stop by the Village office for a pamphlet or call the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District at 946-7734 or 946-7777.
Christmas Trees Beginning December 26th and continuing through February, Christmas trees left at the curb will be picked up by the Village and ground into mulch.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please Read Several years ago, the Village of Mariemont passed an ordinance requiring all trash be kept in cans with tight-fitting lids. We also ask that all bottles, cans and other items for recycling be rinsed out to remove any food or liquids. One reason for this legislation was to discourage wildlife such as raccoons, rodents and possum from coming into our yards and green spaces. Another reason was to avoid unsightly trash, such as in the picture on the right above, which would detract from the uniqueness and beauty that makes us proud to call the Village of Mariemont our home. If trash is set out in bags or in cans without lids, violators of the ordinance will receive one warning. If the problem is not corrected, violators will then be issued a citation which could result in a fine of as much as $100. To insure you are in compliance, please follow the examples below and the guidelines on the reverse side of this notice.
Trash Schedule
MONDAY ROUTE
TUESDAY ROUTE
Trash Pick-Up
Trash Pick-Up
Recycling
Recycling
Yard Waste
Yard Waste
Brush
Brush
Large Items
Large Items
STREETS ON MONDAY ROUTE
STREETS ON TUESDAY ROUTE
Albert Place
Bramble Hill Drive
Beech Street
Cambridge Avenue
Belmont Avenue
Crystal Springs Road
Cachepit Way
East Street
Center Street
Grace Avenue
Center Street East
Grove Avenue
Center Street West
Haines Place
Chestnut Street
Hiawatha Avenue
Denny Place
Indianview Avenue
Elm Street
Joan Place
Emery Lane
Lytle Woods Place
Fieldhouse Way
Madisonville Road
Flintpoint Way
Miami Road (3908-4012)
Hammerstone Way
Murray Avenue (6903-6998)
Harvard Acres
Nolen Circle
Homewood Road
Petoskey Avenue (3809-3930)
Linden Place
Pocahontas Avenue (3810-3923)
Maple Street
Rembold Avenue
Mariemont Avenue
Rowan Hill Drive
Miami Bluff Drive
Sheldon Close
Miami Road (3800-3845)
Spring Hill Drive
Mound Way
Spring Knoll Drive
Mount Vernon Avenue
Thorndike Road
Murray Avenue (6601-6763)
West Street (3810-3940)
Oak Street
Wooster Pike (6807-7109)
Park Lane
Petoskey Avenue (3702-3750)
Plainville Road
Pleasant Street
Pocahontas Avenue (3700-3765)
Settle Road
West Street (3731-3750)
Wooster Pike (6515-6767)
Recycling and Composting Class
I'm working with local experts to create a "How To Save Money on Trash Fees" by using less via Composting and Recycling. I feel it's important to have a balanced approach....
Tentative date: 11/6 10am at Mariemont Elementary
Cortney
Tentative date: 11/6 10am at Mariemont Elementary
Cortney
Council 9/13
I attended Council on 9/13 and here's what I heard
Fire equipment out of date and needs replaced. This is unfortunate, but I'm pleased Matt M designated most of the money ($70K of $75K) so it's not a surprise.
Apology to Dennis. I am convinced the "What" of re-assigning committees is a great tool, however "How" I delivered it was insensitive. And I said so. Bringing the "tow chain" to council to pull a stuck idea out of the ditch is a good idea, only after I've informed those involved I'm bringing it. Dennis accepted my apology which was appreciated.
Trash Fees. I don't love taking fees up, but we made the call to take up both fixed and variable fees. Variable fee increases are higher too, which I think sends the right message. And we decided to maintain the 32Gal capacity. Dan told me my can was out of compliance which I think is true. We inherited that can from the Roberts in 2008, and shame on me for not checking its capacity. Good news, though is I have an old 32 gallon can (I think it's 32G) for yard waste, so I've made the change. Like Paul Tontillo says, we must "lead from the front".
After Council, I spent a few mins with Rick Hines to learn about overtime tracking & adding a 10th man in 2011. A big thank you to Rick for the helpful demo and explanation.
Overtime
Many components of OT are required and necessary. For instance, staying late on a shift to process a late arrest or a court appearance often trigger OT. This makes sense. Rick does a really nice job tracking the details of this program. I would like to investigate how to eliminate OT as part of the STEP program, however. It's a cash flow positive program which is great (speeding tickets > OT Salary costs), but it doesn't exempt it from the same financial scrutiny we apply everywhere else. We can eliminate more of the budget deficit by hiring more part time officers and paying them the lower hourly rate.
10th Officer in 2011
I think replacing the full time position left open in 2009 is a worthy consideration in 2011 as the economy improves and our income increases. However, I think it's appropriate to staff as a part time guy/girl. This is a great "probationary" period for a younger officer trying to come on. And it saves much of the costs vs the full time equivalent.
Cortney
Link to meeting video
www.icrctv.com
Fire equipment out of date and needs replaced. This is unfortunate, but I'm pleased Matt M designated most of the money ($70K of $75K) so it's not a surprise.
Apology to Dennis. I am convinced the "What" of re-assigning committees is a great tool, however "How" I delivered it was insensitive. And I said so. Bringing the "tow chain" to council to pull a stuck idea out of the ditch is a good idea, only after I've informed those involved I'm bringing it. Dennis accepted my apology which was appreciated.
Trash Fees. I don't love taking fees up, but we made the call to take up both fixed and variable fees. Variable fee increases are higher too, which I think sends the right message. And we decided to maintain the 32Gal capacity. Dan told me my can was out of compliance which I think is true. We inherited that can from the Roberts in 2008, and shame on me for not checking its capacity. Good news, though is I have an old 32 gallon can (I think it's 32G) for yard waste, so I've made the change. Like Paul Tontillo says, we must "lead from the front".
After Council, I spent a few mins with Rick Hines to learn about overtime tracking & adding a 10th man in 2011. A big thank you to Rick for the helpful demo and explanation.
Overtime
Many components of OT are required and necessary. For instance, staying late on a shift to process a late arrest or a court appearance often trigger OT. This makes sense. Rick does a really nice job tracking the details of this program. I would like to investigate how to eliminate OT as part of the STEP program, however. It's a cash flow positive program which is great (speeding tickets > OT Salary costs), but it doesn't exempt it from the same financial scrutiny we apply everywhere else. We can eliminate more of the budget deficit by hiring more part time officers and paying them the lower hourly rate.
10th Officer in 2011
I think replacing the full time position left open in 2009 is a worthy consideration in 2011 as the economy improves and our income increases. However, I think it's appropriate to staff as a part time guy/girl. This is a great "probationary" period for a younger officer trying to come on. And it saves much of the costs vs the full time equivalent.
Cortney
Link to meeting video
www.icrctv.com
Tree Meeting w John Scherpenberg
I've setup time to talk with John S about our Tree program this Friday morning. I'm looking forward to finding common ground with John and Dan on this critical issue. John's email reply to my questions for Dan are below. I include only because the reply is so full of history and will be a good reference as we figure out a tree program.
Cortney
------------------
All the tree work removals, trimming and planting has come from the general fund. This puts a major strain on the tree program when the funds are not available.
>>
>> In 1992 the village was faced to lay employees off and cut the tree program for 4 years. In 1996/97 they started the tree program again only working on the emergency trimming and removing but still quallifying for the Tree City USA Program.
>>
>> Every year the program changes based on need and general fund monies. Council did try to set up a budget several times to give $ 50,000 for tree work and planting.
>> Our cost are @ $80,000 for most years.
>>
>>
>> This year the clerk was using monies from the Capital Improvement and the Lanscape fund set up by the previous Clerk. If the weather continues we will use up the funds faster. We still need to remove the Ash trees that are still showing stress. The Borer should not be fying and laying eggs after this month.
>>
>> I have Davey Tree Service working on several lists. There was several more items added to their list because of wind, drought damage on Chestnut St., Settle Rd. Mt Vernon. and Miami Bluff.
>>
>> The Service Department started trying to do work in house to help keep the cost down. This helped a little unless we get a major storm like Hurrican Ike.
>>
>> On time the village did follow the Eleanor Christie plan of 1956. The problem we came across is budget dealing with the electric companies and right of way space.
>>
>> Some of the trees are to tall for the area or will grow to large. We have to make sure they are planted 15 to 20 feet from driveways, some cases we go to 10 feet.
>>
>> We also listen to the resident's, some only like certain trees ion thier front yard.
>>
>> As you know the drought, ice storms, hurricanes and disease such as Dutch Elm and now the Emerald Ash Borer, have play a large factor in the program.
>>
>> Many Urban Foresters will tell you ist is best to plant all the same species on one street incase of disease. This will cut cost of removal and planting by keeping everything closer and not jumping from one street to another.
>>
>> The roll of thumb is for every tree removed you should plant two incase one dies. We do have the Mayors Tree Farm with several digfferent species. We would like them to get 2'' before we plant them in the village.
>> Several years ago we did start planting younger trees near trees we would remove in the future along Mariemont Ave. One problem is it raises the cost of removal because they have to be carefull not to damage the younger treee.
>>
>> The tree program is run by the Mayor, the Park Advisory Board and myself.
>>
>> I would like to meet or talk with you any time to answer any other questions and show you how the Tree City USA program works.
>>
Cortney
------------------
All the tree work removals, trimming and planting has come from the general fund. This puts a major strain on the tree program when the funds are not available.
>>
>> In 1992 the village was faced to lay employees off and cut the tree program for 4 years. In 1996/97 they started the tree program again only working on the emergency trimming and removing but still quallifying for the Tree City USA Program.
>>
>> Every year the program changes based on need and general fund monies. Council did try to set up a budget several times to give $ 50,000 for tree work and planting.
>> Our cost are @ $80,000 for most years.
>>
>>
>> This year the clerk was using monies from the Capital Improvement and the Lanscape fund set up by the previous Clerk. If the weather continues we will use up the funds faster. We still need to remove the Ash trees that are still showing stress. The Borer should not be fying and laying eggs after this month.
>>
>> I have Davey Tree Service working on several lists. There was several more items added to their list because of wind, drought damage on Chestnut St., Settle Rd. Mt Vernon. and Miami Bluff.
>>
>> The Service Department started trying to do work in house to help keep the cost down. This helped a little unless we get a major storm like Hurrican Ike.
>>
>> On time the village did follow the Eleanor Christie plan of 1956. The problem we came across is budget dealing with the electric companies and right of way space.
>>
>> Some of the trees are to tall for the area or will grow to large. We have to make sure they are planted 15 to 20 feet from driveways, some cases we go to 10 feet.
>>
>> We also listen to the resident's, some only like certain trees ion thier front yard.
>>
>> As you know the drought, ice storms, hurricanes and disease such as Dutch Elm and now the Emerald Ash Borer, have play a large factor in the program.
>>
>> Many Urban Foresters will tell you ist is best to plant all the same species on one street incase of disease. This will cut cost of removal and planting by keeping everything closer and not jumping from one street to another.
>>
>> The roll of thumb is for every tree removed you should plant two incase one dies. We do have the Mayors Tree Farm with several digfferent species. We would like them to get 2'' before we plant them in the village.
>> Several years ago we did start planting younger trees near trees we would remove in the future along Mariemont Ave. One problem is it raises the cost of removal because they have to be carefull not to damage the younger treee.
>>
>> The tree program is run by the Mayor, the Park Advisory Board and myself.
>>
>> I would like to meet or talk with you any time to answer any other questions and show you how the Tree City USA program works.
>>
Friday, September 3, 2010
Trees
I asked to add a topic to the next Pub Works Committe Mtg and Dan told me no. He replied back that the Mayor controls trees via Chapter 97. So I followed up with the following note. I'll bring up verbally at next Council if I don't hear back.
Cortney
------------------
Hi Dan,
Got Joanee's message yesterday re Code of Ordinances spelling out Tree
management as the Mayor's responsibility. This is super news - I'm so glad the
Village thought to put such an emphasis on Trees! Few Villages have this asset,
and I'm glad we're setup to manage them effectively. Further, I know Trees are
important to you so this is doubly good news.
Can you share with me your typical approach? Over email is fine, or I can bring
up officially during next Council. Either's completely fine. For example:
-try to plant X trees during the spring dormant period, Y during fall dormant
period?
-try to plant Z trees throughout the year as we lose them. Maybe 1 in 1 out?
-how do you execute the heritage tree plan of plant 2 for every one lost?
-how do you keep tabs on citizens who remove trees? Public space, private
space?
-how do you factor in budget? Recall we allocated more $$$ for trees this
Spring, above and beyond Ash replacement. How are you thinking about this?
-when do you buy vs harvest from the few in the tree farm? What do you plant
there?
-any consideration to the ratio planted by Nolen? To keep the feel similar?
-Millard gave me a detailed list from 1920 + a redo from the 1950's. Do you use
these blueprints in your decision making?
-how does community tree program fold in? Toby Acheson came to me before he
left and said the program is a good start but only 1/2 complete
-what role does John play in planning? Does his team usually plant all trees?
These are just a few questions I'd like to better understand. I think we need a
regimented, vigorous tree planting schedule, headed up by you. And I would like
to help. As I've stated on lots of previous occasions, we are in a precarious
position, and we don't have enough "bench strength" (few young trees) when our
"veterans" (many many many old trees) disappear.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Cortney
------------------
Hi Dan,
Got Joanee's message yesterday re Code of Ordinances spelling out Tree
management as the Mayor's responsibility. This is super news - I'm so glad the
Village thought to put such an emphasis on Trees! Few Villages have this asset,
and I'm glad we're setup to manage them effectively. Further, I know Trees are
important to you so this is doubly good news.
Can you share with me your typical approach? Over email is fine, or I can bring
up officially during next Council. Either's completely fine. For example:
-try to plant X trees during the spring dormant period, Y during fall dormant
period?
-try to plant Z trees throughout the year as we lose them. Maybe 1 in 1 out?
-how do you execute the heritage tree plan of plant 2 for every one lost?
-how do you keep tabs on citizens who remove trees? Public space, private
space?
-how do you factor in budget? Recall we allocated more $$$ for trees this
Spring, above and beyond Ash replacement. How are you thinking about this?
-when do you buy vs harvest from the few in the tree farm? What do you plant
there?
-any consideration to the ratio planted by Nolen? To keep the feel similar?
-Millard gave me a detailed list from 1920 + a redo from the 1950's. Do you use
these blueprints in your decision making?
-how does community tree program fold in? Toby Acheson came to me before he
left and said the program is a good start but only 1/2 complete
-what role does John play in planning? Does his team usually plant all trees?
These are just a few questions I'd like to better understand. I think we need a
regimented, vigorous tree planting schedule, headed up by you. And I would like
to help. As I've stated on lots of previous occasions, we are in a precarious
position, and we don't have enough "bench strength" (few young trees) when our
"veterans" (many many many old trees) disappear.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Attended Health and Rec Committee Mtg 090210
I attended Health and Rec and here's what I heard:
Trash Fee Marketing
We're retooling the documents describing the rules so that they're simple and consistent (web = flyer). We're going to have a class on Composting and Recycling, as well as general rules. Will happen end of Oct/begin Nov. We're going to have the media help spread the word. This feels good to me, where the left hand and right hand of government will hurt and help at the same time....
Exceptions to Trash Fee
We allowed an exception for Jordan Park when the Condos were new. We all agree no exceptions for residential units. All must pay annual fee, stickers are at residents' discretion.
Cortney
Trash Fee Marketing
We're retooling the documents describing the rules so that they're simple and consistent (web = flyer). We're going to have a class on Composting and Recycling, as well as general rules. Will happen end of Oct/begin Nov. We're going to have the media help spread the word. This feels good to me, where the left hand and right hand of government will hurt and help at the same time....
Exceptions to Trash Fee
We allowed an exception for Jordan Park when the Condos were new. We all agree no exceptions for residential units. All must pay annual fee, stickers are at residents' discretion.
Cortney
8/23-8/24 Roundabout fallout
I got calls from both Dennis and Joe Monday/Tuesday re my handling of the Roundabout during Council. While I'm excited about the maneuver as a way to re-energize stalled/stuck legislation, I should have pre-warned the group as to my plans. I don't want to be perceived as an "end around" guy and this is how it looked. I often rail against the "end around" - I don't want to be that guy! I apologized to Dennis for the "How" and will do again @ next Council.
At the end of the day, I need to be sensitive to the "How" but I believe the "What" has real merit and will absolutely use again. I believe intertia is a bit of a dangerous thing, since time=legitimacy even if not based on rules. The Mayor's assignment to Committee is one of those examples. The maneuver was uncomfortable/painful - it's important restore equilibrium in Mariemont Government. And this can help accomplish that end.
Cortney
At the end of the day, I need to be sensitive to the "How" but I believe the "What" has real merit and will absolutely use again. I believe intertia is a bit of a dangerous thing, since time=legitimacy even if not based on rules. The Mayor's assignment to Committee is one of those examples. The maneuver was uncomfortable/painful - it's important restore equilibrium in Mariemont Government. And this can help accomplish that end.
Cortney
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