2021 Westerville Resident Guide

2021 RESIDENT GUIDE

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www.westerville.org

WELCOME

Message from the

CITY MANAGER

Pictured from left-right:

BACK ROW: Alex Heckman; Valerie Cumming, Vice Mayor; Diane Conley; Kenneth L. Wright FRONT ROW: Craig Treneff, Vice Chair; Kathy Cocuzzi, Mayor; Mike Heyeck, Chair

WESTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL Westerville City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (not including summer recess).

Meetings are held at Westerville City Hall (21 S. State St.) in Council Chambers and air live on WestervilleTV (www.westerville.org/tv). Learn more and contact Councilmembers at www.westerville.org/council.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Monica Irelan, City Manager

On the cover: The Westerville Community Center at dawn, March 2021. Read more about the 2020 expansion project on page 23.

WELCOME

CONTACT US SEND A MESSAGE.

If ever there was a year to welcome, it is 2021. Last year was neither kind nor easy; its impacts will be felt for a long time to come.

Fortunately, Westerville has persevered through strong, conservative financial planning and the creativity of staff in delivering public services and programs.

These are just two of many reasons I wanted to be a part of this community. Since starting in January, I have been welcomed and embraced by Westerville, including our community partners and many residents I’ve encountered. This is truly a special place.

Part of my orientation has been focused on how Westerville gets back to its “new normal.” While we have no crystal ball to confirm our hopes, we remain optimistic that special events and community celebrations are not too far in the distance.

So as we look forward to what’s ahead, we also use this publication to take a look back at how we performed during a year of unprecedented challenges and issues. While so many traditions were postponed or canceled, you should know City staff maintained its commitment to delivering the highest quality services possible. As you review our year, you may have a question or comment. I invite you to contact us at any time, and I look forward to meeting you in the days ahead.

Monica Irelan

Find staff members listed by department at www.westerville.org/contactus to reach by email or phone. Reach out to the City Manager’s Office directly at CMO@westerville.org. You may reach all members of Westerville City Council at CityCouncil@westerville.org. .

FIND US GET SOCIAL.

Keep up with all City accounts on Twitter: @tellwesterville @WvilleElectric @WestervillePD @WestervilleFire @WestervillePark

DOWNLOAD US PUT WESTERVILLE IN YOUR HANDS. Download the “Tell Westerville” app today.

City Manager

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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WELCOME

THE STORY OF 2020 IN WESTERVILLE In early March 2020, the City of Westerville started distributing daily updates and changes related to decision making and service adjustments for the local management of COVID-19. It was the start of public building closures, public safety notifications and postponed or canceled events. City staff watched the Governor’s daily briefings as you did, adjusting as quickly as needed when more precautions and prohibitions were put into place. As weeks turned into months, Westerville residents showed patience, cooperation and kindness with hundreds of cancellations or unexpected adaptations.

WeCARE FOR

EARLY RELIEF:

The Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation (WICC), the City’s community improvement organization, approved nearly 200 small business grants in 2020. The “WeCAN Program” distributed $615,000 in total financial relief.

The City of Westerville offered a one-month (April 2020) payment holiday for all residential and business utility accounts to provide an early relief program at the local level.

Westerville Business

WeCan (Westerville COVID Assistance Now) was developed last spring to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Recovery assistance for expenses or income losses provided temporary relief by funneling federal stimulus dollars directly to the business owners.

Grants of $3,500 helped advance local job creation and retention, renovation, advertising, technology upgrades and other associated recovery costs such as personal protective equipment.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Utility Bill “Holiday”

The $5.5 million program was made possible by the City’s strong financial planning in reserve accounts.

City officials encouraged paying-it-forward by making a donation to a Westerville-based nonprofit or charitable organization to provide further support for food, housing, financial assistance or mental health counseling needs. Several Westerville-based organizations reported generous donations from new donors.

These organizations included but were not limited to: Concord Counseling Neighborhood Bridges Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) Westerville Caring & Sharing Westerville Helps

WELCOME

IT WASN’T ALL BAD

We asked Westerville residents to share their stories of hope, inspiration and coping strategies throughout a difficult year, and they responded with individual and family blessings, a sense of humor and their “bright spots” of quarantine.

Thank youPUBLIC SAFETY

The Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire (WPD, WFD) were part of the essential workforce that kept us moving in 2020.

WFD’s emergency medical services (EMS) were vitally important in our community. WPD officers limited in-person non-emergency responses where possible. Dispatchers asked screening questions while sending medics on calls. Together they focused on keeping the calm while a community stayed at-home.

An ImpactPARKS on & RECREATION

The Westerville Community Center expansion project continued through spring and summer, but the grand opening festivities in late fall were nixed, along with hundreds of programs and event traditions throughout the year. The talented program team built a Virtual Recreation Center, designed the Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow as a drive-thru and hosted a virtual Holiday Tree Lighting.

Still, Parks & Recreation is all about our people, and seeing the Center full again and the return of big events will be a happy signal of “normal” in Westerville. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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Continuing the tradition of

RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES 2020 GENERAL FUND

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Cities in the state of Ohio are primarily funded by income tax, which is why economic development is important to a vibrant Westerville.

Income is taxed at 2% in Westerville, with credit provided for the community in which you live. In Westerville, anyone who works in the community also contributes to a one-quarter of one-percent income tax dedicated to Parks & Recreation. This contribution makes the Westerville workforce eligible for the resident rate at facilities and for programs and services.

0%

1%

8%

5%

Municipal Income Taxes

1% 2%

Property Taxes Intergovernmental Revenue

9%

RECEIPTS

76%

Charges for Services Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures Interest and Fiscal Charges

OPERATING EXPENDITURES Security of Persons and Property 16,203,916 Public Health 56,347 Basic Utility Services 830,361 Community Development 4,352,797 General Government 12,664,483

Miscellaneous Security of Persons and Property

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

RECEIPTS 9%

Municipal Income Taxes Property Taxes Intergovernmental Revenue Charges for Services Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures Interest and Fiscal Charges Miscellaneous

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34,107,904

37%

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

$33,476,513 3,981,613 3,804,045 37,616 729,209 234,911 1,143,137 332,521

43,739,565

13%

2%

Public Health 48%

Basic Utility Services Community Development General Government

14% 0%

FRANKLIN COUNTY

PROPERTY TAXES

Figures are based on one dollar

Most of your property tax dollar goes to Westerville City Schools, but also to the Westerville Public Library and the county in which you live (Franklin/Delaware).

Westerville Public Library

$0.1946

The City of Westerville uses the majority of its portion of property taxes to fund fire protection and emergency medical services. Any remaining funds are directed to the General Fund.

Franklin County FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

$0.0207

Westerville City Schools City of Westerville

$0.1694

CITY SPENDING

BY FUNCTION City Council

295

Mayor’s Court

685

Law Administration

701

Buildings and Grounds Maintenance

881

Emergency Communications Management Information Systems Finance-Admin/ Utilities/Tax

$0.6154

DELAWARE COUNTY Figures are based on one dollar

Westerville Public Library

$0.0748

Delaware County $0.0228 $0.0105 $0.0111

2,158

Westerville City Schools City of Westerville

2,591

Delaware Mental Health

2,842

Public Service/ Street Maintenance

$0.1872

$0.6936

Delaware County Park Preservation

4,146

Administration

4,683

Planning & Development

4,353

Parks & Recreation

8,620 14,099

Police

17,019

Fire* in 000’s

*Westerville Division of Fire also serves Blendon Township.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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SAVING PUBLIC DOLLARS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The City earned the category-best Aaa credit rating in 2020 for the $15 million voter-approved Westerville Justice Center, now under construction (see page 15). This distinction is the 11th-consecutive Aaa rating for Westerville, representing the highest achievable bond rating available to cities, and reserved for organizations that meet the highest-quality, lowest-credit risk criteria for investors.

GREAT NEWS! LOWER MILLAGE

In 2019, the City and County worked on estimates that determined the millage at less than one mill (0.96) as necessary to provide debt service. The average cost to the residents was estimated to be about $2.80 monthly for every $100,000 of home valuation.

Last September, the Westerville Finance Department, led

by Director Lee Ann Shortland, took the bonds to market.

Instead of an anticipated total interest over 20 years at a worst-case 5.0% interest rate totaling $8.9 million, the City’s financial management excellence earned a total interest cost over 20 years at $4.2 million, saving more than $4.6 million in interest alone.

Shortland says the City will utilize the bond premium for the interest costs in 2021 and 2022, thereby reducing the amount to be paid by the taxpayers in those years. Staff anticipates the millage in 2021 will be approximately 0.33, rather than 0.96.

Awards Honors 8

Public UTILITIES

Westerville is a public power provider, which means we purchase and sell electricity at the local level so that we can control rates and reliability.

Westerville also treats and distributes its own water. While sewage is treated in partnership with the City of Columbus, the Westerville Public Service Department manages the sanitary sewer lines.

WED FEATURED PROGRAMS

Delivering Innovation to Local Business SOLAR PANEL REBATES Westerville’s own electric vehicle charging station rebate program, PowerUp, helps the community’s energy and sustainability efforts as electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular.

PowerUp is helping increase the availability of EV charging stations at offices, retail sites, hotels and more. The program is currently focused on commercial rebates and not yet available to homeowners. Find all the details at www.westerville.org/electric.

When Westerville’s business community embraces green energy practices, the entire community wins. That’s why the Westerville Electric Division developed a rebate program to help commercial customers offset the cost of installing solar panels.

WED offers an incentive rate of $.10 per Watt (AC) up to $10,000.

That could offset up to 5% of project costs for systems of 100 kW or less. Get started by emailing solarrebates@westerville.org.

The City of Westerville again earned the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for excellent financial record keeping and reporting. The award is the highest award offered by the Auditor of State’s office, presented to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet certain criteria of a “clean” audit report.

The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,600 state and local government agencies. The office provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government. For more information, visit www.ohioauditor.gov.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

AVERAGE ELECTRIC BILL (MONTH)

WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT

Honors

Typical Non-Electric Heated Home

Awards

2020 American Municipal Power (AMP)

(GAS HEATED HOME)

$140 $120

2021 TO-DATE RESIDENTIAL AVG WATER BILL

$100

*Columbus Water

(PER MONTH)

UTILITIES

Electric System Sustainability Award Commercial Solar Rebate Program

Westerville residents enjoy some of the lowest water rates in Central Ohio. See how our Westerville rates compare to other communities in Central Ohio.

2021 PROJECTED MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL

$80

6 SUBSTATIONS OVERHEAD & UNDERGROUND PRIMARY LINES

5 037

H O L I D AY L I G H T S 6 SUBSTATIONS

287

ERHEAD & DERGROUND OVERHEAD & IMARY LINES UNDERGROUND PRIMARY LINES

P O U NDS O F R ECYC L ED

7,674

TRANSFORMERS

7,674

STREET T R A N S F O R M E R LIGHTS S

3,109

UTILITY POLES (NOT INCLUDING LIGHT POLES)

$44.74

$44.52

$42.58

$42.58

$40.90

$40.37

$38.31

$34.30

$32.58

$31.06

$26.28

Hilliard*

Grove City*

Dublin*

Worthington*

New Albany*

Delaware County

Westerville

Delaware

Columbus*

Pickerington

$136.34

$44.82

$131.49

WED BY THE NUMBERS

TRANS M I SSION LI NES

AEP

Upper Arlington*

Public Power Promotion Award Holiday Light Recycling Program

OV E RHEAD & UN DE RGR OU ND

(2014)

Westerville Monthly Bill (Projected 2020) WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC AEP Monthly Bill (Projected 2020)AEP

(AEP)

Huber Ridge

WED (2013)

$0

$47.75

$20

Reynoldsburg*

$68.52

$40

Gahanna*

$60

System Improvement Honorable Mention Hempstead Road Street Lighting Project

Coming Soon

WATER QUALITY REPORT Each spring, the Westerville Water Division produces its annual Water Quality Report (“Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report”), which is mailed to all residents.

The report provides a summary of last year’s statistics on Westerville drinking water, including source water, treatment process and all water quality data. The 2020 report is available on the website at www.westerville.org/water. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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Doing an Uptown

“DORA”

Westerville’s historic Uptown District is under consideration for a DORA, or Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, a program that allows licensed liquor establishments inside an approved area to sell alcohol to adults age 21 or older at special times that can be carried out in marked cups.

The City is partnering with Uptown Westerville, Inc. (UWI), the non-profit membership organization built to protect, support and grow Uptown Westerville, to explore the concept for local restaurants and how it would operate in conjunction with other merchants and special events, like 4th Friday.

The state of Ohio approved DORAs in 2015, and several cities in Central Ohio have an active district or one under consideration, including Dublin, Hilliard, Worthington, Delaware and Powell. The proposal was given a greenlight to proceed from Westerville City Council. Council studied the topic at a work session in March with staff and representatives with UWI. Westerville’s economic development team says a DORA in Uptown will contribute to the district’s vitality, growing upon its success as a regional destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Image: 2019 4th Friday. The DORA will be in effect for 4th Fridays but also on special hours Thursday-Sunday. 4th Fridays will return when public health guidelines allow.

TOP 10

EMPLOYERS* * in 2020 Income tax income payments to the City of Westerville

The process of exploring the DORA in Uptown continues through the spring. Visit www.westerville. org/dora to find out what you need to know about participating. Updates will be posted on the City website (www.westerville.org/uptown) and through the weekly e-newsletter (subscribe from the front page of the website).

ATTRACTED

EMPLOYMENT SNAPSHOT

316

JOBS

$

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

2

Mount Carmel Health Systems

3

DHL Supply Chain

4

Westerville City School District

5

T. Marzetti Co. Lancaster Colony

+ 192 JOBS

Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians

6

City of Westerville

7

Syneos Health

8

Bank of America

9

Otterbein University

BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

“There has been clear interest in the ability to buy an adult beverage from our restaurants and take a stroll around our Uptown,” said Rob Rishel, Economic Development Coordinator. “DORAs are essentially a limited exception to the open-container laws, and they allow a way to responsibly enjoy an adult beverage. It gives more choices to Uptown visitors and the bonus is increased foot traffic for our local merchants.”

1

10

$67,700 AVERAGE SALARY

RETAINED www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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DATES TO KNOW Yard Waste Collection: Mondays Refuse and Recycling Collection: Tuesdays Please place yard waste, refuse and recycling containers at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection. If collections fall on holidays, pick-up is delayed one day. Questions? Call the Public Service Department at (614) 901-6740.

NEW RESIDENT

INITIATE UTILITY SERVICE To establish a utility billing account with the City of Westerville, call Utility Billing at (614) 901-6430 or visit 64 E. Walnut St. A deposit will be required for residential or commercial consumers who rent or lease the premises in which electric service is provided.

MANAGE, PAY UTILITY ACCOUNTS ONLINE The City has an online utility portal to help registered customers manage and pay their accounts. Westerville utility users can now make a debit or credit payment by phone too; registration is not required for this service. Register at billpay.westerville.org.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Need Help?

WESTERVILLE

HELPS

REPORT A POWER OUTAGE Call the Westerville Electric Division 24/7 if your power goes out. WED is known for quick, reliable service.

Call (614) 901-6700 and follow the menu of options.

INCOME TAX The Westerville Income Tax Division handles the collection, audit and enforcement of the 2% municipal income tax pursuant to the Westerville City Code. Extended hours for service are available closer to income tax deadline. For assistance, call (614) 901-6430.

Residents who are located inside city limits and meet certain household income criteria may apply for one of several programs to help manage financial hardship. Westerville Helps was developed to re-invest some funding back into the community for public aid in certain categories. Find full details and application forms at www.westerville.org/helps.

UTILITIES BILLS

NEW RESIDENT

NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER To report an accident or for non-emergency situations, call (614) 882-7444. Use this number to:

The City of Westerville has expanded a financial assistance program that has long existed in Parks & Recreation for reduced-to-waived program fees to other public services, including utility bills, sidewalk maintenance and home improvements.

“Westerville Helps” is now the program name that will house all financial assistance opportunities for residents-in-need.

• File a report • Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity. Report a crime (not in progress) • Report non-injury accidents

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@cityofwesterville

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@tellwesterville

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GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED Never miss a public event or meeting with the City’s event calendar.

Find the information you need and add it to your personal Outlook/ iCalendar, Google or Yahoo calendar. Check it out at westerville. org/calendar. Catch live and on-demand meetings of City Council at www.westerville.org/tv.

DOWNLOAD THE “TELL WESTERVILLE” MOBILE APP The “Tell Westerville” mobile application has a fresh look and improved access to need-to-know information. The app puts the City in the palm of your hand. This digital extension of the City’s customer service team will be available through your mobile application store (Google Play, Apple App Store). Just search “Tell Westerville” to download.

STAY INFORMED! Sign up online to get a weekly e-newsletter and have the latest news, information and special events delivered directly to your email inbox.

GET SOCIAL Join our online communities and networks. You’ll get quick information and can interact with the City and your neighbors.

Keep up with our other City accounts on Twitter @WvilleElectric, @WestervillePD, @WestervilleFire and @WestervillePark.

Welcome.

NEWS & NOTES

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS, KNOW YOUR CITY Want a behind-the-scenes tour of the City? Join the Westerville Citizen’s Academy. Expecting to return in Spring 2022, this free eight-week class is focused on interactive features, such as exploring equipment, facility tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Learn more and apply at www.westerville.org/wca.

GET INVOLVED Each year, City volunteers give tens of thousands of hours helping their neighbors stay safe, experience City programs and keeping our natural resources healthy. Find the right volunteering opportunities for you at www.westerville.org/volunteer.

Public Safety

WESTERVILLE DIVISION OF POLICE (WPD) Construction on the new Justice Center at 229 Huber Village Blvd. started in January 2021. The project re-uses and expands an existing office building that was acquired by the City to combine all of the bureaus of the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) including Mayor’s Court, Investigations, and Emergency Communications (9-1-1).

The Westerville

Justice Center

The project addresses long-standing space needs that require multiple buildings and rented storage space, while also improving safety for the public and staff involved in the operation of the Mayor’s Court in City Hall. Estimated construction costs are approximately $15 million for which Westerville voters approved a 20-year bond issue, estimated at less than 1 mill. Watch the project as it comes along at www.westerville.org/police.

Members of Westerville City Council joined the City Manager and Chief of Police on January 13 for the groundbreaking at the new Justice Center.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

From left: Councilmember Diane Conley, Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi, Council Chair Mike Heyeck, City Manager Monica Irelan, Police Chief Charles Chandler, Vice Mayor Valerie Cumming, Councilmember Kenneth Wright and Councilmember Alex Heckman.

FILL-A-CRUISER

BY THE NUMBERS December 2020 Charitable donations to WARM during the holiday season

2,352 lbs.

FOOD

$545 CASH

47 GIFTS/TOYS (for kids)

CALLS FOR SERVICE

NEW POLICE CRUISERS

12,200

MOST COMMON TYPE: Burglar Alarm, Theft, Traffic Complaint, Disturbance, Suspicious Person, Property Damage Accident

2019

The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) introduced the first cruisers to feature a new design and branding last April, including a memorial sticker honoring Officers Anthony P. (Tony) Morelli and Eric Joering.

The Ford Interceptor police cruisers are part of the regular fleet maintenance and replacement schedule. They are the first hybrid cruisers, as well as the first to feature the new graphics package, which place emphasis on a cleaner, more traditional police car look and a stronger alignment with the Westerville City brand.

$ ALERT!

!

!!

1,140

939

913

832

709

597

WPD went back to a traditional “black-and-white style” police cruiser, but with a titanium color scheme.

City officials approved the incorporation of the memorial sticker, which is common among departments that have experienced line-of-duty deaths.

NEWS & NOTES

“The Morelli and Joering names on the cruisers is meaningful, not only to us but to the entire Westerville community,” said Chief Charles Chandler. “This is a real way to keep them with us in spirit.”

WPD expects it will take about three years for the full fleet of cruisers to be replaced. While cruisers are phased-in, both the new and existing vehicles will patrol Westerville streets.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Awards

Honors

Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellent performance, productivity, responsibility, loyalty and honesty in fulfilling the WPD’s mission statement in order to serve the public with the highest possible standards of service.

They are nominated and chosen by their peers.

OFFICER of the year SGT. DAN BETTS PATROL SUPERVISOR (THIRD-SHIFT)

LIFESAVING

Award Recipient

Last May, several third-shift officers and their supervisor, Sgt. Betts, responded to a vehicle on fire after it crashed in the southbound lane on S. State St. in the early morning hours.

WPD officers had to act quickly to put out flames coming from the engine. The driver was injured and trapped.

Officers extinguished the fire, then Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) medics pulled the driver from the vehicle and transported him to an area hospital.

Dramatic dash-cam video captured the attention of network television.

The event and an interview with Sgt. Betts will be featured on A&E’s new show “Rescue Cam.” “This is an example of the type of response we make when seconds matter between life and death,” said WPD Chief Chandler. “The video clearly shows these seconds in action, which is another way to see how WPD pairs technology with how we serve the community.”

CIVILIAN of the year ALISHIA GIBBS RECORDS MANAGER

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

See the full list of WPD Award recipients at www.westerville.org/police

DIVISION Public Safety WESTERVILLE OF FIRE (WFD)

THE STORY OF 2020 IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)

By Deputy Chief Mindy Gabriel EMS Responses

5,230

Fire Responses

2,319

Response time

5:07*

Building Inspections

777

# of free smoke detectors provided and installed

158

*In prior years, WFD (reported) time from when it marked responding to the time on scene. WFD now marks response time based on the time dispatch receives a call until the arrival/mark on-scene.

NEWS & NOTES

18

2020 started out innocently enough, as I was in my first quarter of assuming the role of EMS chief and learning the ropes. In February, the world started whispering of a virus that was coming our way and

by February’s end, the term “global pandemic” was looming and our industry began frantically preparing for the storm. We made plans, did so many Zoom calls and the entire health care/prehospital system came together in-force. WFD went from occasionally having a patient wear a surgical mask to medics now wearing a N95 mask or half face respirator, eye protection and sometimes surgical gowns on calls.

There were shortages of everything in the beginning and we kept careful track of our supplies. March through May 2020 brought a lot of questions, many policy changes and fear in the community as Westerville went on lockdown. But your firefighters/paramedics were all-in and served with their whole hearts with professionalism and efficiency to the ever-changing needs.

We were building a plane while we were flying.

During this time, our run volume was down 30-40%, and we quickly learned people were apprehensive to call 9-1-1 and be transported to the hospital.

There were sad moments as our paramedics had to tell families they were unable to go to the hospital with a family member who was sick, and seeing people die of COVID. COVID was viscerally real for us on the frontlines.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Mid-summer saw a little lift and some optimism, and our run volume returned to near pre-COVID levels. But we knew we were still in a marathon, and as fall came we started to have more cases of our own personnel getting COVID, and so many patients. The health care system was getting stressed, and we were feeling it too.

We doubled-down and went back into red-level restrictions. No multi-company training, limits to visiting stations, no outside training, no visitors, etc. Cares Act Funding helped WFD purchase equipment to better protect our firefighter medics, and reduce contact from new EMS bags that can be disinfected more easily, Lucas devices for our frontline medics and vending machines to allow touch solution to access our medications.

Late fall and winter we played offense on the virus as the vaccines were given to us for emergency use authorization by the CDC. WFD had the best percentage rate of personnel getting vaccinated in Franklin County. In December, WFD started playing a large role in coordinating firefighter vaccinators at Franklin County Public Health’s large-scale clinic.

As of the middle of the first quarter of 2021, vaccine was in low supply. In the coming months, we hope to be able to host public community-based clinics in Westerville as vaccine supply allows. As we look forward with hope for some return to normalcy, we know that this is still a long commitment and the fire service is forever changed by the experience.

Did You Know?

Honors

Awards

FIREFIGHTER of the year LT. GLENN ULLOM

EMPLOYEE of the year DEPUTY CHIEF MINDY GABRIEL www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

The Firefighter of the Year award is given by the American Legion each year in November. Lt. Ullom was recognized for his long-term service to the City of Westerville. Additionally, the City of Westerville recognized Deputy Chief Mindy Gabriel last December as “Employee of the Year.” Chief Gabriel’s work in emergency medical services during the pandemic, as well as pursuing a new paramedicine program and other innovative tools and techniques in the department, set her apart as recipient of this peer-voted award.

The new Tiller is driven from two positions (front and rear) to navigate tight turns, like many of the narrow streets in and around the Uptown area and Otterbein University campus.

2020 The City of Westerville Information Systems Department has led the charge in helping Westerville earn “intelligent community” designations in 2019 and 2020.

Westerville was one of only two cities from the United States to be one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities by the New York-based Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) in 2020.

ICF evaluates cities around the globe on their work and resources in broadband, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital equality, sustainability and advocacy.

2020

INTELLIGENT COMMUNITIES Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Hudson, Ohio, USA Markham, Ontario, Canada NEWS & NOTES

Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Tallinn, Estonia

Westerville, Ohio, USA

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

The pandemic had a silver lining effect on the Uptown Improvement Project. Construction was considered an “essential” service during lockdown, and the contractor was able to move more efficiently with significantly reduced vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The project started late July 2019, with work stopped during the holiday season (mid November 2019 early March 2020). Work resumed in March and was mostly complete by November 2020.

SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS: 38,207 sq ft of NEW sidewalks 13,000 sq ft of NEW brick crosswalks

In 2020, the City promoted several WeConnect public wifi hotspots for users who needed access for work, school or other “essential” tasks. To provide wifi as a public service, the City launched wifi in City Buildings (Westerville City Hall, Westerville Community Center, etc) in 2003.

The service is free to connect to any mobile device, and proved to be a valuable resource during the pandemic, serving more than 16,000 unique users (connections).

ACCESSORIES AND DECOR: 23 street name plaques 36 address plaques 31 planters TRASH

6 chairs 11 bike racks 14 trash/recycling containers AMOUNT OF MATERIALS USED: 1,340 cubic yards of asphalt 3,700 linear feet of curb 13,000 sq ft of brick crosswalk

The City of Westerville is proposing an amendment and replacement of the Westerville zoning code, which was last significantly updated nearly 50 years ago. Bringing the proposed code to today’s standards has been a lengthy process of evaluation and study, beginning with the preparation of the Imagine Westerville Community Plan, as well as subsequent stakeholder interviews, focus group meetings and coordination with staff from various City departments.

Over the next several months, Westerville will publicly review and discuss the draft Zoning Code, including written comments and public meetings (virtual and in-person) of the Planning Commission, before ultimately proceeding to Westerville City Council. More information, including the current draft and methods for the public to submit comments, can be found at www.westerville.org/ zoningcodeupdate.

ZER

WASTE

The City of Westerville was recently awarded a $30,000 grant that infuses funding for continued progress in developing a Westerville “zero waste plan,” a multi-phase program designed to implement, measure and promote zero-waste practices in the community.

PANDEMIC RECYCLING Rumpke, the City’s trash and recycling partner, reported major increases in bulk recycling as people cleaned out homes and garages from the days of lockdown.

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) awarded the grant to offset costs for waste diversion strategies, like the pilot food composting program that was wildly successful in 2020.

“Westerville’s zero-waste plan is a collection of strategies we can use to reduce what we’re throwing out that will ultimately land in the regional landfill,” said Kevin Weaver, Public Service Director. “We’re going to pair programs with educational resources and an implementation timeline to move toward zero waste. It’s ambitious but intentional in the same way that Westerville pursues programs that matter.”

The plan will be conducted with partners, like SWACO, community stakeholders, contractors and importantly, residents. Weaver says residents embraced the food composting program, leading the pilot to smash expectations. By the end of 2020, Westerville residents had composted more than 60,000 lbs of food, which is food diverted from the landfill and made into soil-enriching reusable material.

“We had so much success with this program,” said Weaver. “We ran out of program-branded buckets, but residents used their own liners and buckets and still came. We had four toters out for collection, and participation levels led to us putting out a fifth. It really showed us a strong commitment in this community to reduce, reuse and recycle, and all of that is moving forward with the development of this plan.”

12.7 17.3

%

%

%

Residential trash Curbside recycling Yard debris

The amount of bulk recycling from Westerville curbs during the pandemic up in 2020 from 2019.

For more information, or to learn about the food composting site, please visit www.westerville.org/service. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

The grant removes the burden on the refuse/recycling enterprise fund, which is funded by monthly fees paid by residents for trash, recycling and yard waste collection. By obtaining the grant, the cost of developing the zero-waste plan is not passed on to residents.

7.6

What’s New at Parks WHAT: VETERANS MEMORIAL WHERE: WESTERVILLE SPORTS COMPLEX Together with local service and veterans organizations, the City and Westerville Park Foundation have created a vision for a new Westerville Veterans Memorial, a signature space where veterans will be remembered and honored.

The project is part of Westerville’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) plan, developed more than 20 years ago as a strategic guide to develop, operate and maintain the community parks system. Renewed early in 2014, PROS set forward an ambitious schedule of new facilities, green spaces and parks to add to our already nationally recognized system. Included in the master plan is an idea-turnedconcept to centralize and strengthen the honor we pay our veterans. A renewed Veterans’ Memorial has been years in the making. The project expands on a memorial that sits in a largely indistinguishable and inaccessible spot at the former State St. Armory building. See site renderings and details at www.westerville.org/parks.

WHAT: BMX WHERE: ALUM CREEK PARK SOUTH

NEWS & NOTES

T Expans he Westerville ion Proje C ct was c ommunity Cen Check o ter omplete u t the d new fea tures. N added spaces in 2020. and bra ew pass nd holders get a fr limited ee edition T-shirt.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

While the City of Westerville has had a BMX track as part of Alum Creek South Park (535 Park Meadow Rd.) since 2005, an upgraded facility is in the works. Westerville Parks and Recreation is collaborating with USA BMX and Westerville BMX COBRAS to enhance the current dirt track facility built more than 15 years ago.

Much like the hockey and baseball/softball programming, the partnership with COBRA will build upon the existing track and introduce riding to people of all ages and skill. Find the details: www.westerville.org/parks.

PARKS BY-THE-NUMBERS 2020

The Parks & Recreation Department has been profoundly affected by the pandemic with program, class and event cancellations through much of 2020 and into 2021. But the resilient and talented program team found solutions and developed new opportunities for this recreation-loving community. Look for announcements about spring 2021 events and new projects at www.westerville.org/parks.

MODIFIED

WESTERVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT The major project updated and added space to the Center, including a new fitness center, group fitness rooms, adventure fitness course, gymnasium, warm-water pool, active older adult operations, demonstration kitchen and plenty of extra programming space for people of all ages, abilities and interests. Sign up for a new pass or renew your pass anytime in 2021 and get an exclusive Community Center T-shirt FREE. Take an online tour before your visit at www.westerville.org/parks.

the great westerville

Developed last April, the VRC has become a popular online destination for passholders not yet coming back to the Community Center.

A family-focused Storytime portal, health and fitness classes and cooking shows are available now at www.westerville.org/VRC.

50+

ADDED TO THE 96,000+ SQ. FT BUILDING

10

INCLUDING THE CENTER’S FIRST WARM-WATER POOL, A WATER PLAY STRUCTURE FOR KIDS AND INTERACTIVE SLIDES

( A N D M O R E E AC H W E E K )

FE AT URE D IN VRC’ S “STO RYT IM E ”

N

18

STATES

3,000

MADE E N T I R E LY OF PUMPKINS

PUMPKINS USED OVER THE COURSE O F T H E F O U R - D AY E V E N T

16

COOK I NG

F EAT UR ED LO CAL CHEF S AND R ESTAU RANTS

SOLD OUT ALL NIGHTS www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

ADDED TO THE 96,000+ SQ. FT BUILDING

3 POOLS & SLIDES

COMIC-BOOK CHARACTERS

SCE

S

+

SQ FT.

10

12

E

44,266

Princess

Central Ohio’s new favorite fall tradition was designed as a drive-through for 2020 to be pandemic-compliant. We plan to be back on the trail in late October, with more spooktacular scenes and activities than ever before!

21 S. State St Westerville, Ohio 43081 www.we ster v i l l e.org

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