Serving the needs of the citizens and businesses of Butler Township WINTER 2010 Clip and Save Family Donates to Save Furry Friends Pet owners can now breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks to a special donation by the Hawley family of Butler Township, the fire department is better equipped to administer oxygen to pets that have become victims of a fire. After learning about a donation program Brad and Christine Hawley generously donated oxygen masks that fit various sizes of animals. Here they are pictured with Butler Township Paramedic Terry Prass and Gunner. through a Dayton Daily News story, the Hawleys provided specialized oxygen masks designed for different sizes of animals. These make administering oxygen to family pets easier and more effective, said Chief Robert Weiffenbach. Before the donation, we had to use make-shift devices for administering oxygen to these animals. Trash Pickup Holiday Schedule - 2010 Monday, May 31 Memorial Day Tuesday & Thursday Pickup delayed a day Sunday, July 4 Independence Day No change in schedule; Government Center is closed Monday, Sept. 6 Labor Day Tuesday & Thursday pickup delayed a day Thursday, Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Day No change for Tuesday pickup. Thursday pickup delayed to Friday Saturday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day No change in schedule Who can remember trash pickup changes around the holidays? Now you don t have to. Here is a convenient calendar for the entire year. Just clip it and keep it in a handy place. If you have questions, please contact Waste Management Customer Service at 1-800-343-6047. Take a Moment for Winter Safety Winter is here, and so are the Butler Township Fire Department s reminders for ways citizens can help the department provide the most efficient and effective emergency services. Make sure your home address is clearly visible from the street. Curb markings and mailbox signs covered by snow and ice can delay the arrival of crews. Keep your driveways, front walks and steps clear of snow and ice. Snow and ice accumulating in these areas can make it extremely difficult and dangerous when fire personnel need to move a medical patient from their residence to a medic unit parked in the street. Make sure to visually check fire hydrants in your neighborhood to ensure they haven t become buried under snow or ice. If they have, please take a moment to clear them, or contact the fire department at 890-2491 so that a crew can be sent to dig them out. In This Issue Police Department Maximizes Grant Funds... 2 TIF Funds Provide Communication Upgrades.. 2 Variety Signals Township s Vitality, Appeal... 3 Troubled PRoperties Causing Trouble... 3 Meet Your New Township Trustees... 4 Holiday Tree Lighting a Success... 4 Compacy Fluorescent LIghts... 5 Governor on Hand to Cut Ribbon... 6 www.butlertownship.com
Police Department Maximizes Grant Funds The Butler Township Police Department continually seeks state and federal grants that will help stretch residents tax dollars. Their efforts paid off in 2009 when the township was awarded a Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grant for equipment that would be useful in daily operations. The grant paid for a Stedi-Eye stabilized day/night binocular valued at $14,000. According to police, this equipment is the latest in technology; a stabilizer helps focus the image and increases the field of view and distance. Soon after receiving this piece of equipment, it was successfully used in two surveillance situations. Without grants, the police department would not be able to afford such a valuable piece of equipment, said Police Chief Danny Hobbs. Township trustees recently authorized the use of tax increment financing (TIF) for new fire and police department technologies that will allow public safety personnel to communicate more quickly, efficiently and accurately. A funding mechanism that draws from anticipated growth in tax revenues, TIF allowed the purchases to be made without tapping the township s general fund. Fire Department In the fire department, funds were was used to replace two radios that were too old to be reprogrammed to meet the federally mandated re-banding project for all emergency radios nationwide. The two old analog radios were replaced with digital technology that will enable their use well into the future, said Fire Chief Robert Weiffenbach. A second project was the purchase of mobile data terminals for all fire department This was the second CEDAP grant awarded to the police department in the past three years. A thermo-imaging camera valued at $22,000 was awarded in 2008 and has proven valuable in numerous instances. Although not all the department s grant proposals are approved, applying has paid off. Grants have funded a variety of programs and equipment, thus helping to stretch the township s budget. Here are some examples: Ohio Department of Highway Safety grant to pay overtime for additional officers on DUI enforcement patrol. Ohio Department of Safety Mobilizations traffic enforcement grant that resulted in the department s receipt of four new mobile radar units valued at $1800 each and two hand-held laser radar units valued at $2000 each. These were installed in TIF Funds Provide Communication Technology Upgrades apparatus. These terminals enable the transmission of dispatch information and allow for non-verbal communication during sensitive situations such as threats to emergency personnel. Police Department In the police department, 15-year-old analog mobile and portable radios for which replacement parts will not be available after 2010 were replaced with digital models. In addition to the radios, ten in-car computers were purchased for police use in conjunction with the new dispatch system used in Butler Township. They allow officers to access more information much faster than before. These new Panasonic Toughbooks are the latest technology, said Police Chief Danny Hobbs. They replace six-year-old units that have been costing more to maintain. patrol vehicles this year. Federal Technology Transfer program grant that provided $40,000 in surveillance equipment, body wire and camera system to be used for undercover operations. Department of Justice bullet-proof vest reimbursement program, which allows for partial reimbursement of bullet-proof vests purchased for officers. Community grants of up to $7,000 are provided by WalMart and Sam s Club to be used for the Cops Shopping with Kids Christmas program. I believe we should try to get as much funding assistance as possible to offset our budget cost and help save tax payers dollars, said Hobbs. Township, Firefighters Reach Labor Agreement Butler Township and its full-time firefighters have reached their first collective bargaining agreement. This pact, which went into effect December 2009 and is retroactive for fiscal items to January 2007, ends three years of negotiation between the two parties. The agreement has already been extended for another three-year period, which starts January 2010 and ends in December 2012. -2-
Development Update: Variety Signals Township s Vitality, Appeal The $10 million Stonespring nursing center is slated to open this summer. Several exciting developments are under way in Butler Township, a sign of the business community s interest and confidence in the area s dynamic future. Here is a summary of the major projects: Stonespring The 43,000-square-foot Stonespring Transitional Care Center, highly visible from Interstate 70 but almost invisible within the township, has just had its brick face completed. This $10 million building represents Phase I of the Stonespring development, a nursing center slated to open this summer. The plan for Phase II is assisted living apartments, and Phase III, doubles for independent living. Associated with the Stonespring development is a 22-acre tract of land east of North Dixie Drive and immediately south of I-70 that will feature amenities such as exercise trails, ponds, new private streets and a Montessori school. Just as exciting and important as the Stonespring project is the prospect of complementary medical facilities and professional offices within this upscale growth center. All this development is expected alongside a Wright Brothers memorial plane sculpture at the highly visible I-70/I-75 interchange. Upgraded fuel stop A former gas station along Miller Lane, at the east end of Maxton Road, has been demolished, and the site is being redeveloped with a new gas station/convenience store that meets architectural standards adopted by Troubled Properties Causing Trouble In the midst of all the attractive development taking place in Butler Township, the eyesores stand out. A perfect example is the former Rodeway Inn at the north end of Miller Lane. As recently as 18 months ago, this large motel might have been rehabilitated. Now it would be practically impossible: Thieves and vandals have stripped most of what is valuable, including plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating and cooling systems. No easy answers The township shares the frustration of those who have called asking if something can be done with the property to return it to productive use. There are no easy answers, said Development Director Jeff Bothwell. Owners could decide to have the buildings torn down and removed, but the cost would be high, and redevelopment prospects in today s economic climate uncertain, he said. Fire department burn The township fire department could consider burning the Rodeway structures, but only after roof shingle removal and an asbestos study. After that, there would still be the cost of knocking down masonry walls, digging up concrete structures such as the swimming pool and transporting debris off-site. Bearing the expense There is some potential for grant monies to assist with demolition expense, but such grant monies can be expended only on the township during the past five years. An enhanced building façade will be accompanied by upgraded signage as well. Pedestrian-friendly sidewalks Trustees and staff are looking for ways to accommodate growth pressures within the 20-acre area north of Sam s Club and south of Maxton Road. The newest occupant in this area, Residence Inn, fronts a new street that may be continued north, diverted west to North Dixie Drive, or both. Meanwhile, new sidewalks have been installed recently along both sides of York Plaza Lane, leading to Residence Inn from Miller Lane. A short section of sidewalk was also installed along Benchwood Road to complete the pedestrian path across the front of Chick-fil-A. North Dixie Drive widening One particular project has provided short-term aggravation, but promises longterm benefits. North Dixie Drive is being widened between Little York Road and I-70 to the same four-lane configuration as exists south of Little York Road. This road rebuilding is a Montgomery County project. buildings officially condemned by an agency such as the county health department, Bothwell said. Yet the health department is hesitant to pronounce the property is condemned because, by law, it then must assume the expense of demolition. Even if demolition expenses could be established as a property lien by the township or an agency of the county, taxpayers would have to front such expense for an unknown time until a purchaser could clear such debt. The Rodeway Inn is but one of several obsolete properties in the township, Bothwell observed. Nonetheless, we are continuing to work with Montgomery County and the property owners to clear this site and find positive development alternatives. We remain hopeful. -3-
Meet Your New Township Trustees Two new Butler Township trustees were elected in November and have been sworn into office: Mike Lang A 20-year Butler Township resident, Mike Lang began serving the community as a firefighter and emergency medical technician soon after graduating from Vandalia-Butler High School. As he retired in 2006, he held the rank of captain. Lang launched his law enforcement career with the Englewood Police Department in 1992. Starting as a public safety dispatcher, and moving on to road patrol and the detective section, Lang now holds the rank of sergeant and manages the daytime operations of the police department. He is also an adjunct faculty member and police academy instructor at Sinclair Community College. Lang holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Dayton. He and his wife, Zoe, have one son, Benjamin. Martin Russell Martin Russell began serving the Butler Township community long before he became a resident. A teacher at Smith Middle School from 1998-2004, he became a resident of the township in 2001. In 2004, Russell joined Congressman Michael R. Turner s staff, helping constituents of Ohio s 3rd Congressional Mike Lang is sworn into office by Fiscal Officer Mark Adams. Martin Russell is sworn into office by Fiscal Officer Mark Adams. District in their interactions with federal agencies. After three years of service with the U.S. House of Representatives, he joined the Warren County Office of Economic Development as the department s deputy director. His current responsibilities as an economic development professional include the attraction and retention of employment opportunities within the Dayton region. Russell is also an adjunct professor at Sinclair Community College, where he teaches American Federal Government. He has served on Butler Township s Zoning Commission, a term he began in 2006 and held until his election as trustee. The new trustee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies and Secondary Education from Anderson University and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from the University of Dayton. He and his wife, Laura, have one son, Grant. Holiday Tree Lighting a Success Butler Township would like to thank all the individuals, businesses and organizations that made the fifth annual Holiday Tree Lighting on December 6 a huge success. The more than 450 people who attended were treated to a magical evening, including holiday music provided by the Murlin Heights Hand Bell Choir, colorful and computerized lighting displays, and plenty of holiday refreshments. The 35-foot-tall holiday tree was donated by the Godsey-Bell family of Butler Township and was set in place by the Service Department and Englewood Towing and Recovery, which transported the tree for the township. The Katulak and Deveny families also donated smaller spruce trees which were part of the computerized display. Thanks to the Murlin Heights Hand Bell Choir for their beautiful performance. Some 450 people were on hand to see the grand lighting display and enjoy the fifth annual community event. Thanks to all who made donations or helped out as volunteers. -4-
What You Need to Know: Compact Fluorescent Lights By Fire Marshal Mike Blakesly The coiled, screw-in light bulbs showing up on store shelves make it easy for consumers to help the environment. These devices consume 75 percent less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and their impact can be great. If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an Energy Star -qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually, says an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet. But there are facts you should know about using these energy savers. While generally safe, CFLs need to be handled with care because of the trace amount of mercury that makes them work. The amount is small just 5 milligrams of mercury in a CFL compared, for example, to 500 milligrams in an old fever thermometer. Even though there is little danger of significant exposure, it s best to be careful with their disposal. To dispose of an unbroken CFL Under federal rules only low-mercury or green-marked lamps may be legally disposed of in dumpsters or discarded with ordinary trash. Those unmarked must be disposed of as hazardous waste. - Take advantage of Montgomery County household hazardous waste disposal services. Also Waste Management offers a kit for purchase that allows residents to safely recycle CFLs. Visit their Web site at www.thinkgreenfromhome. com/safeconvenient.cfm or contact them at 866-699-6466. Disclaimer Do not throw away any CFLs in your household garbage if better disposal options exist. For example, - If the bulb fails within the warranty period, return it to your retailer. (Note: All Energy Star CFLs have a warranty.) - See above information related to Montgomery County and Waste Management options. When there are no other alternatives, place the CFL in two sealed plastic bags and disposed of it in outside trash. Do not dispose of CFLs in an incinerator. To dispose of a broken CFL Here are guidelines from the U.S. EPA on cleaning up a broken CFL: Open a window, leave the room and restrict access for at least 15 minutes. If you have fans, place them in the windows and blow the air out of the room. (Note: If the room has no windows, open all doors to the room and windows outside the room, and use fans to move the air out of the room and to the open windows.) Remove as much of the broken materials as you can without using a vacuum cleaner. - Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands). - Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard. - Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe. - Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it, and then place in a second sealed bag. - Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard. - If no other disposal or recycling options are available, private residents may dispose of the CFL in residential garbage. Be sure to seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash. - Wash your hands after disposing of the bags. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once finished cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal. More information is available on the Ohio EPA web site at www.epa.state.oh.us or by phone at 614-644-3469. You may also find several more information sources by entering the term CFL disposal on you favorite Internet search engine. County Offers Hazardous Waste Disposal Montgomery County makes it easy to dispose of your CFLs along with other household hazardous waste such as leftover paint and chemicals. Simply take the materials to one of the drop-off points based on the weekly schedule below: Tuesdays: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. North Transfer Station 6589 Webster St., Vandalia Saturdays: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. South Transfer Station 1001 Encrete Lane, Moraine While the information contained in this article has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and correct, the Butler Township Fire Department makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the use of the information disclosed in this publication and does not assume any liabilities or ability, expressed or implied, with respect to the use of, or for any damages resulting from, any information disclosed in this publication or the accuracy of the information contained herein. It is not intended or designed to give legal advice on compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations. -5-
8524 N. Dixie Drive Dayton, OH 45414 Township Trustees (937) 898-6735 Doug Orange, President - x15 Mike Lang, Vice President - x20 Martin Russell, Trustee - x22 Mark Adams, Fiscal Officer (937) 898-6735 - x17 Joseph Flanagan, Jr., Administrator (937) 898-6735 - x21 Chief Danny Hobbs, Police Dept. (937) 890-2671 - x31 Chief Robert Weiffenbach, Fire Dept. (937) 890-2491 Jeff Bothwell, Economic Development (937) 898-6735 - x13 Doug Brunk, Public Works (937) 890-1218 Trash Department (937) 898-6735 Zoning Department (937) 898-6735 - x13 Police, Non-emergency (937) 890-2671 Fire, Non-emergency (937) 890-2491 Service Department (937) 890-1218 Governor on Hand to Cut Ribbon The interchange of interstates 70 and 75 is the most important crossroad in America, many experts say. This, coupled with the recent completion of a seven-year, $145 million interchange redesign, are the reasons Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, representatives from the Ohio departments of Transportation and Development, local officials, and news media gathered in Butler Township in December for a ribbon-cutting. Butler Township is proud to be the location of this important crossing, said Jeff Bothwell, development director. Even more important than position, the township is looking forward to spin-off benefits from our advantageous location near the heart of America. The first development catalyst generated by this position will be the rebuilding of Cloverleaf Road, a small east-west street that starts at North Dixie Drive, and runs along the south side I-70 to a dead-end. Redesign plans have been finalized and are ready to go out for bids. Cloverleaf Road will eventually loop Little York Road and North Dixie and be renamed Singing Ridge Boulevard. With the Stonespring project well under way (see related article on page 3), and the nearby development of medical and professional offices nearby imminent, the tone for quality development has been set in the area of the I-70/75 interchange. In a very real sense, the ribbon cutting for the I-70/75 interchange can be seen as a ground breaking for exciting change within Butler Township, Bothwell said. Governor Ted Strickland addressed participants at the ribbon-cutting for the all-important interchange of interstates 70 and 75 in Butler Township. PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit 137 Dayton, OH Snow Storm is in the Forecast? When a snow storm is forecast, please remove vehicles parked on the street. This will allow the Service Department crews to plow the snow the most thoroughly and efficiently. It will also prevent your vehicle from being buried.