MadeiraNews November — December 2019
Vol. 43 Issue 6
In This Issue:
City Manager’s Report 2-3
Mayor’s Moment 4-5
Message from Tax
Office
6
Message from Fire
Chief
6
Community News 7
MadeiraNews Sponsors 8-9
Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Trash/Recycle
Schedule
10-11
Back
Cover
City Government Meeting Schedule:
City Council
September thru May
2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 PM
June thru August (TBD)
4th Monday, 7:30 PM
Planning Commission
3rd Monday, 7:00 PM
Parks & Recreation Board
2nd Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Board of Zoning Appeals
1st Monday, 7:00 PM
Happy Holidays And Happy New Year!
Municipal Offices
will be closed Thu., 11/28 and
Fri., 11/29.
ST NICHOLAS SLEIGH RIDE
DECEMBER 5, 2019 Please note: For safety reasons, the former Kenwood/
Cherokee stop at 5:20 pm is now at the entrance of
Camargo Canyon at 5:20 pm.
MAPLERIDGE & KENWOOD HILLS 5:00 PM MIAMI HILLS & TIMBLERLANES 6:55 PM
CAMARGO CANYON ENTRANCE 5:20 PM SOUTH MINGO & SHEWANGO 7:10 PM
NAVAHO & APACHE CIRCLE 5:35 PM MADEIRA ELEMENTARY 7:25 PM
ROSECREST 5:50 PM THOMAS & DEE 8:10 PM
PINENEEDLE & JUNIPERVIEW 6:05 PM BERWOOD & HOMART 8:25 PM
SUMMIT & LAUREL 6:25 PM SANOMA & IUKA 8:40 PM
MAYFIELD & SOUTHSIDE 6:35 PM MAXFIELD & LONGFIELD 8:45 PM
FOWLER & MAR DEL 6:45 PM
Advertise Your Madeira Business in the 2020 MadeiraNews
The City of Madeira offers you, as a Madeira business owner, an
opportunity to advertise your business products and services through the
MadeiraNews newsletter. This newsletter is mailed to each Madeira
resident 5 times a year. The newsletter is also posted on the City of
Madeira website (www.madeiracity.com) and FaceBook page.
For only $110 your business gets all of this exposure! There’s a
limited amount of space available so the businesses who respond right
away have the best chance of taking advantage of this opportunity. The
following guidelines are followed in advertising:
Ad Size: 1-1/2” x 2-1/2” space; using a business card graphic/format is
best. Please make sure all information submitted is correct.
Ad Copy: Your ad will be printed as we receive it. You may send it
digitally as a JPEG file.
The same ad will appear in all 5 newsletter issues. General
business information is best; do not advertise special sales
or events for specific dates. The copy will be in black and
white so be sure to check the quality of your graphics.
There is a limited number of spaces available. Advertising is accepted on a
first come, first served basis. Call Debbie Desgrange at (513) 561-7228 for
more information on how you can get your business advertised in 2020.
From the Desk of the City Manager… As we wind down 2019, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge some
transitions taking place in the organization. First, we recognized the recent
retirement of Administrative Assistant Kathy Faris. Kathy came to our
organization in 1995 and became a valuable member of the team over all those
years. She was one of the first faces you would see as you entered the
Municipal Building. Whether it was a building permit, park shelter reservation,
payment for service, Kathy could be more than counted on to address the issue
for the public. She became an integral part of the planning efforts related to all
of our recreation events, like the Street Dance and Independence Day Parade/
Fireworks. We could always rely on Kathy to be the liaison with the Park and
Recreation Board to make those events happen! We welcome Barb Griffin to fill
this position. Barb came to us from the City of Blue Ash so she knows and
understands our work and mission to provide the best possible service to the
community.
Another recent retirement is from the Madeira Indian Hill Joint Fire District; Chief Steve Ashbrock retired
after nearly 20 years serving the District. Steve brought tremendous leadership to the District and brought
about many important changes to improve Fire and EMS services. He also worked very hard to manage the
two new fire stations. Chief Steve Oughterson is replacing Chief Ashbrock; I look forward to working with
Chief “O” as he brings new leadership to this very important public service.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize two transitions taking place on City Council. As you will note in
Mayor Theis’s article, she will be stepping down as Mayor on December 1 when the new City Council takes
office. While she will remain on City Council to finish her term through 2021, I want to acknowledge and
say “thank you” for her efforts as our Mayor and how much energy and dedication she has brought to the
position. As the community’s “political leader”, she was always out there to promote Madeira and provide
leadership to City Council. She was especially important to me in my role as City Manager because she
made herself available to assist my office with information important to the efforts of City Council. Finally,
I want to say “thank you” to outgoing Council Member and former Mayor Melisa Adrien. Her intelligence
and insight into the issues taking place in the City were always appreciated by staff and by me during her 8
years on City Council. She put an amazing amount of time and effort into her roles, and I want to wish her,
her husband Todd, and son Max all the best in the future!
Looking Ahead!
Miami Avenue Traffic Study. At the time I write this, we are accepting proposals from traffic
engineering firms to study the Miami Avenue Corridor through the Business District to look at options to
improve both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in this very busy area. The Comprehensive Plan identifies
this as an issue to be evaluated; therefore, City Council approved moving forward with the study/
evaluation as the first recommendation from the Comprehensive Plan. The City received $25,000 from the
Hamilton County Community Development Block Grant Program for this work. Depending on the total cost
of the project, the City will budget the remaining funds from the 2020 Budget. We expect the consultant
to be selected before the end of this year with the work to begin in 2021.
Camargo Road Improvement Project. By the time you read this, the majority of the project will be
completed and the road open to two-way traffic. This $1.8 million road improvement was funded by a
grant from the State of Ohio’s Public Works Commission ($308,000), the Traditions of Camargo Tax
Increment Financing Fund ($1.2 million) and the City’s Street Repair Fund ($300,000). As always, we
appreciated everyone’s patience during this very large project. Closing roads is never easy but is
sometimes necessary to get the project finished inexpensively as well as faster.
Page 2 MadeiraNews Issue 6 * November/December, 2019
From the Desk of the City Manager…. Continued
Euclid Avenue Improvement Project. We recently made application to the State of Ohio’s Public
Works Commission for a grant to partially fund the resurfacing of Euclid Avenue between Camargo Road
and Hosbrook Road. It has been 23 years since this section of road was last resurfaced. Because of the
traffic volumes, this street is eligible for OPWC funds. This will be a $900,000+ project as it also includes
replacement of the severely deteriorated storm water pipes/system and the installation of a sidewalk on
the south side of the street from Maple Avenue to Hosbrook. We are requesting $450,000 in grant
funding; we should learn as to whether we are awarded those funds before the end of this year. If we do
receive funding, the work would commence after funds are actually received from the State of Ohio on
July 1, 2020. Regarding the section of Euclid between Hosbrook Road and Ken Arbre, this would be a
separate project as it must include financial participation from the Hamilton County Engineer’s Office.
The north side of the street is in Sycamore Twp. so a joint project is necessary. No schedule for this work
has been established.
Indian Hill Water System/Greater Cincinnati Water System Update. We received from GCWW a
proposal to provide water service to the east side of Madeira presently served by the Indian Hill Water
System. City Council is reviewing the proposal along with additional information from Indian Hill. There
are going to be increases in water rates regardless of which water system is eventually chosen. City
Council is sensitive to this and wants to do a thorough evaluation before any decisions are made. There
are over $9 million in pipe replacements needed ahead of our annual Street Repair/Resurfacing Programs.
Watch for additional information through the City Council meeting packets and feel free to email my office
([email protected]) if you have any questions or comments.
Email/Listserv Reminder. Don’t forget to sign up for email alerts and information on our new Madeira
website. Go to www.madeiracity.com, scroll to the bottom of the homepage and enter your email
address to receive news on services, public events, public meetings, etc. You will receive a weekly email
called the Friday Flash, which highlights upcoming meetings and events. It is a great way to stay in
touch with the City! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
MadeiraNews Issue 6 * November/December, 2019 Page 3
Come share your holiday wishes
and for a small fee, have your
picture taken with Santa.
Saturday, December 14th
10 am—1 pm
Madeira Municipal Building
7141 Miami Avenue
(513) 561-7228
Madeira Boy Scout Troop 560
17th Annual Christmas Tree Pick-Up
The Troop will be picking up Christmas trees on Saturday, January 4th
and Saturday, January 11th from 8 AM until 2 PM.
To schedule a pick up, please notify the Troop BEFORE 12/25 by email at
[email protected] with your name, address, phone # and the
preferred pick-up date. If you do not have email, please call the Madeira
Administration Office at (513) 561-7228, and they will relay the info to the
Scouts for you.
Special Holiday Shopping Event Wed., 11/13– rom 5:30 pm to 8 pm
RSVP for this free event:
cincinnatimagazine/girls-night-out-
holiday/
NEW event check-in at The Village
Coworking (formerly Cincinnati
Health Foods)
6911 Miami Avenue
Sponsored by Madeira Chamber of Commerce
Mayor’s Moments with Mayor Traci Theis
It’s hard to believe this is the last newsletter Mayor’s Moment that I will be writing.
Although my Council term is not up until 2021, my mayoral term comes to a close this
December, and it will be time for someone else to write the happenings around the
City. Know that it has been an extreme honor to serve as your 38th Mayor. These past
2 years have flown by, and, along with my fellow Councilmembers, I will say we have
accomplished much. Many of these accomplishments have been decisions geared
around providing our residents with the best possible services and community
atmosphere while making sound financial decisions. These actions have helped our community receive
numerous recognitions. Madeira has been voted a Cincinnati “Top Suburb” and one of the nation’s best
places to raise a family consistently over the past few years. I will do my best to highlight some recent
accomplishments of Council.
The first ever Comprehensive Plan for the City of Madeira was adopted by City Council in August. The
Comprehensive Plan serves as a guiding document to direct future policy decisions, development and
investments. With the help of Envision Group, many volunteer hours went into creating this plan; this
goes without saying, but we could not have done it without the residents’ input. Special thanks to
Councilmember Doug Moormann for helping, not only in the beginning phases of the plan as a Planning
Commission member, but then answering the call to fill a vacant Council seat and remain as our Council
liaison to Planning Commission throughout the Comprehensive Plan adoption. Thank you to Mr.
Moormann, all of our Planning Commission members and all of the citizen and business volunteers who
worked on the Comprehensive Plan. You can read more about the Comprehensive Plan on the City’s new
and improved website.
The Council Tech Committee spent about a year making decisions and implementing a new user-friendly
website. We hope you have found the features helpful, and you have been able to find the information
you seek. Police vacation forms are a click away, as well as building permit applications, tax filing
information and Council agendas and minutes. Thank you especially to Assistant City Manager Lori
Thompson for all her dedication and effort in organizing and implementing the new website.
Along with adoption of the Comprehensive Plan come opportunities to apply for some State and Federal
grant funding. I am happy to announce that we have recently been awarded 2 grant opportunities. The
first one will help pay for a traffic study for Miami Ave. The second will help pay for new playground
equipment at McDonald Commons. There are many more future applications we will be submitting for
grant funding, and I know that Council is committed to capitalizing on many outside funding sources to
give our taxpayers more “bang for their buck”. Grant money does not pay for whole projects; many
times we have to match a portion of the project amount with a grant.
Council continues to work on our capital plans, which include our annual Street Program and maintaining
community facilities as well as equipment and vehicle replacement. It’s a crazy puzzle, but we try to
make the best decisions for the community during these discussions, with the help and experience of our
City Manager, Tom Moeller. Mr. Moeller’s wisdom in budgeting and finance is so impactful that he was
asked and is currently teaching a graduate level course in Public Budget and Finance for Public
Administration Majors at the University of Cincinnati. We appreciate his historical view, expertise and
insight to the budgeting process. Although the capital improvement recommendations are not finalized
by printing time, we do appreciate all the work of the Budget and Finance Committee, including Chairman
Nancy Spencer, and Councilmembers Scott Gehring and Brian Mueller. Thank you for continually making
recommendations for Council to discuss. These are great idea people, and I am appreciative to have
them watching out for our City’s finances.
Another reason Madeira ranks highly in outside surveys is because of our wonderful Parks and Recreation
Board and its commitment to bringing fun and inclusive programs to our community. Our Parks and
Recreation volunteers are very committed, not only to maintaining the parks, but also providing residents
with many opportunities for “community-gathering” events with continuous improvement. One big
change the Parks and Recreation Board has recommended is moving the fireworks celebration to
McDonald Commons. This move is in line with our Comprehensive Plan goals of making McDonald
Commons our city center gathering space. The details are still being discussed, but it appears that the
move will potentially happen with the 2020 Fourth of July Celebration. This allows for beer sales to occur
during the show, and the actual viewing space is much larger than at the previous location at Sellman
Park. As with any change, there will be those who like the idea and those that don’t. I ask that you keep
an open mind as these community volunteers are only trying to give you the best experiences. I thank
them for their commitment to our town and their thoughtful recommendations. There is a lot of research
and logistics that go into this change so more details to come as plans are finalized.
Traditions of Camargo is soon to open its doors to residents and is an amazing public/private partner with
the City of Madeira. The newly constructed facility includes an ADA compliant community room and
gathering space for our Seniors in the community. Many senior-friendly groups have been meeting at
Traditions’ leasing offices on Miami Avenue, and soon the new community room will become a home for
clubs, such as the Madeira Woman’s Club, needle artists club and a few book clubs. Traditions plans to
host future events along with our Madeira Senior Commission to help enrich the lives of our Senior
residents. Traditions at Camargo will be a new polling place for those who normally would have voted at
the Madeira Health Center. Please check your polling place before the Nov. 5th election as it may have
changed. These changes should be mailed to you by the Board of Elections, but it is always good to
double check. If you would like more information about our Senior Commission or any of our Senior
programs, please contact Councilmember Chris Hilberg ([email protected]). Chris has done a
great job advocating for our Senior residents.
One of our greatest assets in the City is our employees and volunteers. We have had a few retirements of
persons in crucial administrative roles. We wish them well, welcome their replacements and offer our
support. First, Mrs. Kathy Faris retired from the City of Madeira on September 20th. Kathy worked for
the City for 24 years as an Administrative Assistant. She will be greatly missed. We have employed
Mrs. Barb Griffin, who comes to us from the City of Blue Ash; we welcome her to our team.
Another retirement was Chief Steve Ashbrock from the Madeira and Indian Hill Fire Department. Steve
was with the fire department for just shy of 20 years. You may still see Steve around as he has
purchased a home in Madeira and looks forward to retired life. His replacement is Chief Stephen
Oughterson. Chief Steve “O” comes to us from West Chester Fire Department where he served as an
Assistant Chief of Operations. We are thrilled that Chief “O” has decided to serve the joint fire district.
One last “retirement” will be this fall when Mrs. Melisa Adrien steps down from Council. Melisa has served
on Council for a total of 8 years and served as our 37th mayor. She has taught me so much since I have
been on Council. I will miss her advice but know she is always a phone call away, and I always have her
support and prayers. Council has provided me many opportunities, but one of the greatest opportunities
is the friendship I have made with Melisa. I will miss the Monday night public meetings with Melisa, but I
am now free to eat lunch with her anytime I want-public or private! Cheers, and thanks for a job well
done, Melisa!
Again, I appreciate all the support the community has given me as the 38th Mayor of Madeira. I hope that
you have found me approachable in my role as I am still only a phone call or email away as I continue to
serve Madeira as a Councilmember. Thank You!
MadeiraNews Issue 6 * November/December, 2019 Page 5
Light Up MadeiraLight Up Madeira
The lighting of the tree at Light Up
Madeira marks the beginning of the
holiday season.
This year the event will be held on
Saturday, December 7th at 6pm at
the Millennium Fountain Plaza
located at Miami Avenue and
Dawson Road.
Santa’s MailboxSanta’s Mailbox
For all children and those young at heart,
Santa’s mailbox will be located in the Municipal
Building plaza from 11/18 thru 12/9. Santa
answers all letters so be sure to include your
name and mailing address.
A Message from the Tax Office
The City of Madeira has mandatory filing for all residents, business owners, property owners and those
doing business within the City of Madeira. Anyone 18 and over that lives in the City, whether or not they
have any income, is required to file. If you are newly retired and do not have any earned income, we have
an exemption form that will need to be filled out to determine your filing requirements.
Taxable or earned income includes, but is not limited to, salaries and wages (W-2 box 5 – Medicare
wages), commissions, bonuses, employee contributions to deferred compensation plans, and other
qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, stock option income, tipped income, lottery, sweepstakes,
gambling and sports winnings, net profit of any business, rental income and other business activities. We
do not tax interest, dividends, retirement income or social security benefits.
If you are required to make estimated payments (anyone that owes over $200 in tax that is not withheld
by their employer), your 4th quarter payment is due January 15th.
To receive reminders and changes sent directly to your email, you can visit the City’s website and sign up
for notifications at the bottom of the City website home page (www.madeiracity.com). If you have any
questions or need additional information, we can be reached at:
(513) 272-4212 or by email at: [email protected].
MadeiraNews Issue 6 * November/December, 2019 Page 6
A Message from FIRE CHIEF Stephen Oughterson
Residents may have noticed improvements to some of the fire hydrants around the
District recently. Our community has once again been the beneficiary of kindness from
Mr. Harold Thomas and family. Many of you remember that Mr. Harold Thomas and
his late wife, Mitze, contributed 100% of the funding for both fire stations in Madeira
and Indian Hill.
The latest project has Mr. Thomas and the Fire Chief working with the Indian Hill Water Department to
identify hydrants that are in need of sandblasting and repainting. The Indian Hill Water Department is
busy improving the water mains and installing new hydrants when the budget allows and/or the need
arises. To assist in that end, Mr. Thomas has taken financial responsibility to blast, prime and paint
around 100 hydrants in Indian Hill and Madeira. We sincerely thank Mr. Thomas and his family for their
continued generosity to both communities.
We contacted Ellis Blasting and Maintenance to perform the work. The process includes using an
environmentally friendly medium to blast the old layers of paint and rust from older hydrants, then prime
and paint the hydrant yellow. If you travel Shawnee Run from Milford to Miami Avenue, you will see that
many of those hydrants are looking brand new! The blasting process takes about 10 minutes and leaves
only dust behind. Painting is accomplished by a spray gun supplied by air from a compressor and leaves a
little bit of overspray on the grass. With a little help from some rain from Mother Nature, the "painted"
grass will be gone after the next grass cutting. The company does use a shroud, if needed, for areas
where paint overspray could be left permanently.
DID YOU KNOW. . .that you can significantly increase your chance of survival in a house fire by
closing the doors in sleeping areas? Half of the nation’s fires happen between 11pm and 7am while
most people are asleep. Having working smoke detectors and closing your bedroom doors might save you
and your kids’ lives. The door buys precious time in a fire, time that is becoming
increasingly scarce because fire spreads faster than it did years ago. Thanks to the
Madeira & Indian Hill Fire Company October 2019 newsletter for this information. For
more information, go to https://firstresponders.closeyourdoor.org/.
Welcome to fall at Madeira City Schools! The Madeira City School District invites members of
the community to see the district’s outstanding Theatre Arts students perform Catch Me If
You Can by Robert Thomas. Performances will be held in Medert Auditorium (7465 Loannes
Dr.) on Nov. 21-23 at 7:00 PM with a matinee on Nov. 23 at 2:00 PM. Madeira senior citizens
are invited to a free performance Wed., Nov. 20 at 10 AM, with an optional $5 lunch
following. Doors will open at 9:30 AM. Please call 891-8222 for lunch reservations.
Visit www.seatyourself.biz/madeira to purchase tickets for all community performances. For
more information contact [email protected].
Our newest Quality Profile takes a detailed look Academics, Arts, Student Leadership & Activities, Fiscal
Stewardship, Parent & Community Involvement, Student Services, and Staff & District Recognitions. It
shows what makes Madeira such a great place for our students beyond mandated test scores. We are
proud to share some of the highlights from the 2018-2019 school year at www.madeiracityschools.org/
Welcome. For updated school news and more events, please visit our website (www.madeiracityschools.org).
MadeiraNews Issue 6 * November/December, 2019 Page 7
BSA Troop 209’s
28th Edition of the
City of Madeira Directory
Every 2 years the Troop publishes a city
directory as a fundraiser for its members, and
it’s time to prepare the 2020-2021 directory.
But the Scouts need your help! Please make
sure your residential information is correct by going to:
http://madeiratroop2009.com/directories/
For questions, contact Jennifer Cissell (513-319-1781) or
Madeira Pickleball Celebrates 6 Years
On August 28th, the Madeira Pickleball Players
celebrated 6 years with a summer picnic (photo
below). The senior-friendly sport is played 7 days
a week and is a great way to stay active and com-
petitive while making new friends.
For more information, contact Jane Niehaus at
(513) 791-JANE.
Christmas Tree “Drop Off” Available at McDonald Commons
Park from Thursday, December 26, 2019 through Friday, January 31, 2020
Take note of holiday trash and recycling schedules! Thanksgiving Week Wednesday Pick-Up—NO CHANGE—Wednesday, November 27 Usual Thursday Pick-Up—Friday, November 29 Usual Friday Pick-Up—Saturday, November 30
Christmas Week Usual Wednesday Pick-Up—Thursday, December 26 Usual Thursday Pick-Up—Friday, December 27 Usual Friday Pick-Up—Saturday, December 28
New Year’s Week Usual Wednesday Pick-Up—Thursday, January 2 Usual Thursday Pick-Up—Friday, January 3 Usual Friday Pick-Up—Saturday, January 4
MADEIRANEWS
City of Madeira
7141 Miami Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45243-2699
Contacts City of Madeira
7141 Miami Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45243-2699
Hours: Mon - Fri 8 AM - 5 PM
CITY WEBSITE
www.madeiracity.com
City Manager
Thomas W. Moeller
Newsletter Editor
Debra Desgrange
Administration 513-561-7228
Building Dept. 513-561-7228
City Council 513-561-7228
Finance Dept. 513-272-4212
Fire Dept. 513-271-2669
Police Dept. 513-272-4214
Parks & Recreation 513-561-7228
Service Dept. 513-792-9123
Tax Department 513-272-4212
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
CINCINNATI, OH
PERMIT NO. 4696
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