2020 City of Westerville Resident Guide

www.westerville.org

2020 RESIDENT GUIDE + 2019 Annual Report and Financial Performance

WELCOME

WESTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL Westerville City Council welcomes newly elected members Diane Conley and Kenneth Wright.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

Pictured from left-right:

NEW RESIDENT

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

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER It’s hard to imagine we’re in the year 2020, when we may have once imagined hover aircrafts in our home driveways rather than electric-charged vehicles. Yet, electric-charged and hybrid vehicles are in plenty of Westerville driveways and garages, and represent strides in our efforts toward a more sustainable Westerville.

David Collinsworth, City Manager

Sustainability matters in Westerville. Last April, Public Service deployed more than 11,000 large blue toters to all homes. Together with other cities in the Columbus region and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) — who helped with grant dollars — this program helps us meet our target of reducing 70% of regional waste entering the landfill that can be recycled.

Also doing its part is the Westerville Electric Division (WED), proud to celebrate more than 100,000 lbs of materials diverted from the landfill. In 2019, WED recycled 195 refrigerators or freezers through the Appliance Recycling Program, more than 40,000 lbs of scrap metal and over 50,000 lbs of transformers and large equipment. Offering the recycling of household batteries and holiday lights at no cost to residents, WED helped safely remove 4,200+ lbs of batteries and 3,800+ lbs of holiday lights last year.

NEWS & NOTES

With direction from Westerville City Council, we continue to imagine a future Westerville that remains safe, friendly, vibrant, attractive and diverse (our Vision Statement).

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WELCOME

City Manager message continued

SEND A MESSAGE.

Late last year, Council adopted legislation to provide equality protections for all people living in, visiting or conducting business in Westerville via two Ordinances: one to prevent unlawful discrimination within the City; the other to prevent ethnic intimidation. City leadership hosted several public meetings and work sessions to craft the legislation, which went into effect on Friday, December 20, 2019. Westerville will work with the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission to investigate, mediate and/or resolve complaints.

LEAVE A MESSAGE. Please contact Mary Johnston, Westerville Clerk of Council, to leave your contact information, as well as questions, comments or feedback: (614) 901-6410.

WRITE TO US. Mail may be sent to any individual Councilmember or all seven members of Council. Address correspondence to the recipient(s) at Westerville City Hall, 21 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081.

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These are just a handful of City priorities established to protect and advance the Westerville we love. In February, Council and staff embarked on a strategy-setting session to look at the work ahead in a new decade. Later this year, the City will offer the 2020 Community Survey, so that you can tell us about your level of satisfaction as a resident. If you have immediate feedback, don’t wait until this fall. You can reach out anytime on social media, through any of the methods listed to the right or via email at communityaffairs@westerville.org.

You may reach all members of Westerville City Council via email at CityCouncil@ westerville.org. Please also visit the website at www.westerville.org/council.

You may also contact the City Manager at David.Collinsworth@westerville.org.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

“Westerville Safe” embodies all programming to advance innovation in public safety while maintaining the services you know and expect, particularly from the Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire. We know the safety of your family and your property is your priority, which means it’s our priority. One key safety improvement being advanced with the support of Westerville voters is the new Police/Court facility, currently in design.

NEWS & NOTES

On behalf of Westerville City Council and more than 440 employees who serve the community every day, we wish you a safe and prosperous 2020.

CONTACT US www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER

The expanded and redesigned First Responders Park was revealed at a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

That night, hundreds of people gathered in the park for a re-dedication ceremony. Their first few moments to tour the space that honors all first responders demonstrated emotion and gratitude.

Westerville City Councilmember and Vice Chair Craig Treneff, at that time serving as Mayor, made these remarks to the crowd. They are reprinted here so that you will know we appreciate your patience during the project and that, together, we accomplished our goal, with 90% of the project funded by grants, donations and in-kind services.

“ This is a long-awaited moment for our community.

We could not have imagined when we first dedicated this park almost 10 years ago that we would one day stand here again, with two first responder’s names added. Two more names to remember, grieve and be ever thankful for making the ultimate sacrifice.

We’re here because as a community, we care deeply and feel our losses profoundly. We needed a place where we can come to reflect and remember. To honor the shared experience we have had as a nation and as a community.

First Responders Park has evolved; it’s a public space with a purpose.

NEW RESIDENT

It was born with the arrival of C-40, this twisted piece of steel from the north tower of the World Trade Center.

C-40 has become - and remains - centerpiece to this space. We gather around it every year on September 11 to honor the idea of “never forget.” Never forgetting the loss of that day and the men and women who saved lives by sacrificing their own.

NEWS & NOTES

We gathered here again to immortalize a fallen hero, firefighter David Theisen. David was lost in 1998 when fighting a fire in Crooksville, Ohio. Thanks to the Westerville Firefighters Memorial Association, David’s likeness lives on in The Crossing.

And so we’re brought together again. To give a place to the sadness and sense of loss we felt after February 10, 2018.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Officer Anthony P. Morelli and Officer Eric Joering were lost to us that day. Theirs were the first line of duty deaths in Westerville history.

I’m certain there are none here that have forgotten the make-shift memorial in the City Hall courtyard in the days after February 10. Tony’s cruiser and hundreds and hundreds of flowers, gifts and cards to express our grief.

Visiting the site around that time were representatives of the State of Ohio; they too were shocked and saddened, and felt the weight of our loss.

We didn’t know it then, but the expansion of this park began that day. With the state’s generous support, we started a campaign to build upon the legacy of this space and to honor all first responders.

You’ve already heard the names of those who supported this journey. But many hands made light work when it came to realizing this project from concept to completion. In just under 20 months, the park was rebuilt and expanded to create a sense of overall contemplative serenity. The newest features include: ...the memorial fountain. It is not on tonight, as it’s been winterized with the early arrival of winter, but the incorporation of a peaceful water feature was something we very much wanted to have as part of this expansion. In the spring, please come experience the gentle

WELCOME

...center space for gatherings, like where you’re standing now. In order to experience interactive elements or have a quiet moment in remembrance, noise from the street needed to be reduced. As a visitor inside the park, there is space to gather or sit alone in thought.

And, this center lawn is ideal for ceremonies and events, providing ample space to continue music and more to our community day of remembrance each year on 9/11.

..the nighttime experience has not been forgotten, which again is one reason we wanted to bring you here at this time tonight.

The design was inspired by the many memorials of Washington, D.C., which take on a different yet equally beautiful personality at night. Lighting delivers a new texture to the site, and offer visitors another perspective to experience while honoring our heroes.

… a seating wall adjacent to the water feature provides space for reflection and remembrance. The site is designed so that views of the water and memorial space are visible from many angles. ...a new entry plaza, where the phrase “for the first responders” greets visitors. Donors are recognized in the wall (carry over from the existing park) at the beginning of the entry pathway from the west end.

There are other benefits, like expanded parking, but we want to focus on the experience this special place offers.

I want to thank those who contributed to this project. And that means you, whether your name is on this wall or not. For being here tonight and keeping “Westerville Strong.” We are a community that together can heal but also hope that we never again gather to place another name on this wall.

Thank you.”

NEWS & NOTES

From this walk into the park, visitors encounter markers for police, fire, 9-1-1 emergency communication and chaplains. The existing sculpture, “The Crossing,” signifies the ‘crossing’ into the space as

NEW RESIDENT

it sits aside the fire marker and closest to the main Westerville Division of Fire station. Beginning the tour of honor sets the tone for the remaining park visit.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

falling water against the rock to encourage visitors to stand close and reach out, near the names of fallen first responders embedded into the stone.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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WELCOME

CONTINUING THE TRADITION OF RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

NEW RESIDENT

MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES 2019 GENERAL FUND

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

Cities in Ohio are primarily funded by income tax, which is why economic development is important to a vibrant Westerville. Income is taxed at 2.0% 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.

RECEIPTS

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

Municipal Income Taxes Property Taxes Intergovernmental Revenue Charges for Services Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures Interest and Fiscal Charges Miscellaneous <1%

9%

1%

9%

Security of Persons and Property Public Health Basic Utility Services Community Development General Government

Security of Persons and Property

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

Municipal Income Taxes

1%

Property Taxes

13%

46%

3%

RECEIPTS

73%

Public Health Basic Utility Services Community Development General Government

Intergovernmental Revenue

9%

15,575,785 64,130 860,812 4,553,939 12,643,041

33,697,707

38%

44,802,602

5%

2% 9%

$32,698,130 3,859,426 4,266,255 43,298 1,031,619 379,221 2,253,308 271,345

Charges for Services Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures

14%

<1%

NEWS & NOTES

Interest and Fiscal Charges Miscellaneous

NET NON-OPERATING REVENUES & EXPENDITURES (e.g., sale of land, proceeds from debt, etc)

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

-12,491,226

15,135

Franklin County Westerville City Schools

$0.0207

$0.1694

2,071 Emergency Communications

4,815

4,415

2,631

931 Buildings and Grounds Maintenance

2,475

763

Westerville Public Library

$0.0748

Fire*

Police

Parks & Recreation

Planning & Development

Administration

Delaware County Park Preservation

Public Service/ Street Maintenance

$0.6936

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

NEWS & NOTES

Delaware Mental Health

Finance-Admin/ Utilities/Tax

City of Westerville

Management Information Systems

Westerville City Schools

City Council

Delaware County

$0.0228 $0.0105 $0.0111

$0.1872

Law Administration

298

Figures are based on one dollar

752

DELAWARE COUNTY

Mayor’s Court

$0.6154

4,554

City of Westerville

*Westerville Division of Fire also serves Blendon Township.

Westerville Public Library $0.1946

in 000’s

13,618 10,666

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Figures are based on one dollar

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

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.

NEW RESIDENT

CITY SPENDING

BY FUNCTION

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).

WELCOME

PROPERTY TAXES

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WELCOME

Aaa CREDIT RATING MATTERS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

The same way a good credit score impacts your interest rate and the money you ultimately pay toward debt, the City’s Aaa credit rating matters in local government finances. The City’s 10-year Aaa rating is rare in municipal settings and continues a tradition of responsible fiscal management and public resource management. Aaa represents the highest achievable bond rating, reserved for organizations that meet the highest quality, lowest credit risk criteria for investors.

Bonds with Aaa ratings are considered the best quality by all standards and comprise what are generally known as high investment-grade bonds. Its designation provides access to the best interest rates available for debt issues.

For more information, or to read the reports from national rating agencies, visit www.westerville.org/finance.

NEW RESIDENT

Strong fiscal stewardship is measured by clean audits and recognition from the Auditor of State and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

The City of Westerville has been recognized for financial excellence for many consecutive years. In addition to maintaining the best-available credit rating for cities, Westerville’s financial reporting demonstrates a legacy of financial integrity, accountability and excellence.

NEWS & NOTES

Received in August 2019, the most recent Auditor of State’s Financial Health Indicators Report for the City of Westerville (2018) received “Positive Outlook” ratings for nearly 90% of indicators of financial health. Read more information about these awards, ratings and their impact at www.westerville.org/finance.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

SAVING PUBLIC DOLLARS COMPETITIVE BIDDING

REIMBURSEMENTS

$2.8 million +/-

$45,000 +

In 2019, nearly $2.8 million was saved through the City’s formal and informal competitive procurement efforts. This process requires bids and quotes from a number of service providers in order to determine the best price. Contracts and services are awarded to providers who meet the City’s “lowest and best” award criteria.

Additionally, nearly $275,000 in additional savings was achieved through the use of cooperative purchasing opportunities with other government entities.

In 2019, the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) was reimbursed $4,230 for the rental and utilization of cruisers required to close roads, direct traffic or otherwise cover a private special event. For their work with other public safety agencies on a variety of specialized, tactical task forces, WPD was reimbursed more than $45,000.

GRANTS & DONATIONS

$355,000 +

The amount of grants received toward recycling improvements in 2019.

INSURANCE

1.5% over two years

By self-funding many lines of insurance, the City has been able to save money. For example, the employee health care plan experienced a 0% increase for 2019 and a 3% for 2020.

This 1.5% increase over the past two years is significantly less than the national trend for health care. These savings reflect a commitment to seeking reliable, cost-saving options while providing essential services to employees.

We try to keep it simple: maintaining our utilities helps us keep our rates low and our quality in service delivery high.

Here’s how we compare to our neighboring communities.

While power rates are similar to AEP rates, municipal power management offers additional value and benefits including power reliability, customer service and community-based programs, like recycling collections.

$68.52

Gahanna*

$45.71

Reynoldsburg*

$43.77

Upper Arlington*

$43.64

Hilliard*

$42.36

Grove City*

$41.79

Dublin*

$41.72

Worthington*

$40.11

New Albany*

$39.58

Delaware County

$38.31

Westerville

$34.30

Delaware

$32.58

Columbus*

$30.45

Pickerington

$26.28

AVERAGE ELECTRIC BILL (MONTH) Typical Non-Electric Heated Home

(PER MONTH)

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

In 2019, the average utility bill (covering electric, water, sewer and refuse collection) was $225.80, up a few dollars from 2018’s average of $223.09.

Huber Ridge

WELCOME

2020 RESIDENTIAL AVG WATER BILL

UTILITIES

* Columbus Water

2020 PROJECTED MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL (GAS HEATED HOME)

$140 $120

NEW RESIDENT

$100 $80 $60 $40 $20 WED (2013)

(2014)

AEP

Westerville Monthly Bill (Projected 2020) 2020)AEP

WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC AEP Monthly Bill (Projected

$130.75

$132.40

(AEP)

AVERAGE WESTERVILLE RESIDENTIAL HOME = USE OF

1,100 kilowatt hours (KWH)

LEARN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARD YOUR UTILITY BILL ON P. 15.

NEWS & NOTES

$0

MONTHLY

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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WELCOME

TOP 10

1

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

2

Mount Carmel Health Systems

3

DHL Supply Chain

4

Westerville City School District

5

Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians

6

City of Westerville

7

Syneos Health

8

T. Marzetti Co

9

Alliance Data Systems Inc

EMPLOYERS* FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

* in 2019 income tax income payments to the City of Westerville

NEW RESIDENT NEWS & NOTES

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Vertiv

WELCOME

EMPLOYMENT SNAPSHOT

There will soon be more ways than ever to move around Westerville thanks to COTA Plus, a partnership between the City and Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA).

First piloted in Grove City, the microtransit program operates similarly to ride-share programs like Uber and Lyft with trips scheduled 15 minutes ahead of time via the COTA Plus mobile application or phone call to (614) 308-4400.

“This is a huge opportunity for people working in the City who rely on public transportation. We see this as an especially helpful tool in improving ‘last mile’ transportation, between bus stop and the workplace, and vice versa,” said Jason Bechtold, Westerville’s Economic Development Director.

65+ Riders ages 65 and up can ride for $2 per person, per ride with a day-rate pass of $4 per person.

Additionally, riders connecting to a COTA bus stop can ride for free.

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1,106

Children 12 and under are free with a parent.

ATTRACTED

JOBS

OR

Westerville City School students (middle and high school) and C-pass holders ride for free.

All riders must register for an account with COTA to take advantage of this service.

$

+ 110 RETAINED

$84,600 AVERAGE SALARY

Find more information about this program at www.westerville.org/cotaplus.

NEWS & NOTES

Service is expected to begin in Westerville on June 15.

To get started when the time comes, visit your mobile application store, search for “COTA Plus,” download the application and set up your desired payment method before scheduling your first ride.

Each ride costs $3 or users may purchase a day pass for $6 per person.

NEW RESIDENT

The program is set to begin this summer. Service will operate from 5:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Friday with expanded coverage for special weekend events.

Uniformed COTA drivers will pick up customers in a branded, six-passenger COTA Plus vehicle at designated neighborhood pick-up spots. Users should expect to share a ride with their neighbors heading in similar directions. Individuals with mobility restrictions may register to receive door-to-door service.

CHILDREN

OR

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

COTA Plus Expands Transit Options for Westerville Workforce, Residents

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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WELCOME FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

November 2019 marked the 20-year anniversary of the completion of the Maxtown Road/Polaris Parkway extension that effectively opened Westar, then known as the “941 Corridor,” for business.

Two decades ago, Westar was only tracts of farmland. It wasn’t until the City annexed the 941-acres of undeveloped land and made a $30 million investment to extend road networks and other infrastructure that the Westar we know today would start to take shape.

NEW RESIDENT

Since the Renaissance hotel, Central Ohio Physicians Care (COPC) headquarters and the opening of the DHL’s new North American headquarters, some of the region’s most exciting development is happening in Westar. Add to that thousands of jobs and millions in income-tax dollars, Westar is helping Westerville’s economic success.

NEWS & NOTES

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

JP MORGAN CHASE

SYNEOS HEALTH

NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S

BANK OF AMERICA

CENTRAL OHIO PRIMARY CARE

OHIO HEALTH

CENTURY INSURANCE GROUP

T. MARZETTI

2.8

SQUARE FEET

• 8,564 JOBS LO OKING

OFFICE/MEDICAL • $81K AVG SALARY

A H E A D T H E F U T U R E O F W E S TA R

L O O K I N G A H E A D T H E F U T U R E O F W E S TA R M IL L IO N SPACE PROVIDES • $13.9M INCOME TAX • 8,564 JOBS

CE/MEDICAL • $81K AVG SALARY

T A X A B L E M A R K E T VA L U E

20 M I N UT E S

K E T VA L U E

Westar is within a 20-minute drive of 281,000 jobs.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

$316 MILLION 6 MILLION

NEW RESIDENT

E PROVIDES • $13.9M INCOME TAX

AN I N CR E AS E O F

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

VERTIV

WELCOME

DHL

T A X A B L E M A R K E T VA L U E

TO P T E N E M P LOY E R S

$316 MILLION

ARE FEET

W E STA R BY THE NUMBERS

WELCOME FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

Nice to Meet You 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.

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. The Division holds extended hours closer to the income tax deadline. For assistance, call (614) 901-6430.

NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER To report an accident or for non-emergency situations, call (614) 882-7444. Use this number to: • File a report • Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity. Report a crime (not in progress) • Report non-injury accidents facebook.com/cityofwesterville

NEWS & NOTES

@cityofwesterville linkedin.com/company/city-of-westerville @tellwesterville

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WESTERVILLE HELPS 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.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS, KNOW YOUR CITY Want a behind-the-scenes tour of the City? Join the Westerville Citizen’s Academy. Held every year in the spring, this free eightweek 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. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

UTILITIES BILLS

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.

NEW RESIDENT

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.

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.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

Need Help?

COMING SOON: DOWNLOAD THE “TELL WESTERVILLE” MOBILE APP The “Tell Westerville” mobile application replaces the “My Westerville” application beginning in April. With a fresh look and better access to need-to-know information, the application will put 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 in-the-loop about the app launch at www.westerville.org.

WELCOME

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.

WELCOME DIV I SION OF POLICE

WESTERVILLE APPROVES NEW POLICE/COURT FACILITY

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

Public safety and court operations will have a new home in Westerville thanks to residents who approved Issue 29 on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019.

The facility will combine operations of the Westerville Division of Police (WPD), Emergency Communications (9-1-1), Investigations and Mayor’s Court under one roof.

Three City-owned properties will be placed on the market for sale in the future to merge these operations, staff members and associated parking (64 E. Walnut St., 28 S. State St. and the Armory at 240 S. State St.) CONSOLIDATION OF CITY PROPERTIES

three City-owned parcels condense to one REDUCE GOVERNMENT FOOTPRINT IN UPTOWN

allowing for more property to be put into private sector/business use INCREASE UPTOWN PARKING

by eliminating the demand from WPD cruisers and equipment

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CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SOUTH WESTERVILLE

continues City’s intentional reinvestment in this part of the community leveraged by improvements to S. State St. as well as redevelopment initiatives

BY THE NUMBERS NEWS & NOTES

229

Huber Village Blvd.

16

$15mil. over

20 years

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

WPD LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN 2019 Charles “Cappy” Chandler was appointed Westerville Chief of Police last August. Chief Chandler is a 25-year law enforcement veteran, 18 of which have been at WPD. He served as Assistant Chief of Police in 2019, including four months as Acting Chief. Assistant Chief Holly Murchland joined the WPD leadership team in October 2018, and Assistant Chief Ron McMillin was promoted from Lieutenant last December. WPD continues its focus on community relations and public education along with priorities in law enforcement innovation to promote safety in service to the community.

Learn more at www.westerville.org/police.

CHIEF CHARLES CHANDLER

WPD has more than

100

$2.80

employees, including

in property value beginning in 2021

sworn officers

for every $100,000

76

ASSISTANT CHIEF ASSISTANT CHIEF HOLLY MURCHLAND RON MCMILLIN

CAPTAIN TRACY MYERS

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

2019

It is our privilege to host Cops & Kids Day each year to promote safety and security in a family-friendly way. The event in 2019 offered more than ever before, with entertainment, food and special appearances by the U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters. Mark your calendars for this special free event on Sunday, September 13, 2020.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

COPS & KIDS DAY

14,656

!!

ALERT!

!

1,468

1,325

$

1,067

1,015

WELCOME

CALLS FOR SERVICE

748

NEW RESIDENT NEWS & NOTES

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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WELCOME

WFD LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN 2019 EMS Responses

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

5,868

Fire Responses

2,359

Response time

5:07*

CHIEF BRIAN MILLER

Building Inspections

2,279

# of free smoke detectors provided and installed

314

NEW RESIDENT

*In prior years, WFD reports 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.

DEPUTY CHIEF MINDY GABRIEL

More than 110 men and women serve the community through the Westerville Division of Fire. This includes 103 (full and part-time) firefighter/medics covering three shifts.

NEWS & NOTES

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DEPUTY CHIEF GEORGE SORGE

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

The custom device was designed by WFD medics and emergency medical specialists to help the youngest patients overcome breathing obstructions and/or facilitate rest from work of breathing (caused by a medical issue). Medics worked with manufacturers to develop a piece of tubing that facilitates the airflow needed for small patients.

“We want to use CPAP en route to the hospital instead of intubation when possible,” said Frank Orth, M.D., WFD’s Medical Director.

“Intubation is an invasive procedure, and the goal is to avoid having to admit these children for long-term health care if we can eliminate work of breathing through CPAP. What we see in CPAP use is that it helps us prevent further deterioration and the difficulty of weaning off ventilation if intubated.”

CPAP in adults is a standard intervention for emergency care. WFD was among the first in the state to carry adult CPAP equipment.

WFD LADDER 111 “2.0”

The Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) will retire Ladder Truck 111 this year after 22 years of faithful service.

In 2012, significant structural and cosmetic improvements totaling $190,000 helped extend the useful life of the 1998 Pierce specialty fire apparatus. However, at more than 20 years old, the truck has reached the end of useful lifespan in Westerville.

According to Chief Brian Miller, a new tractor-drawn, 61-foot tiller truck with combined ladder will replace the old vehicle to accommodate the growing needs of the Westerville community.

Tiller trucks feature a better turn radius than traditional ladder trucks, better maneuvering through narrow roads and tight turns.

Stay up to date about the arrival of the new vehicle at www.westerville.org/fire.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

WFD partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) in 2019 to equip all medic vehicles with pediatric CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) equipment, making it among the first emergency medical service (EMS) providers to carry the equipment full-time for infants and children in respiratory distress. The procedure helps avoid the invasive tool of intubation with better long-term outcomes.

WELCOME

INNOVATION IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE

NEW RESIDENT

“We’re excited to be one of the pioneers in this and know it will have a major impact in EMS,” said Fire Chief Brian Miller. “Westerville Fire was in front of this for use in adults, and pediatric CPAP is now part of our protocol if we have a child in respiratory distress.”

Part of the innovation will be monitoring the data to push for the manufacturing of a full kit for pediatric use, says Chief Miller. The pediatric kits include about $100 in equipment (tubes, ports, masks, depending on size); four kits have been assembled for each of the medics responding to medical emergencies in and around Westerville.

NEWS & NOTES

Westerville and NCH plan to monitor results and future cases to study the intervention of patients who start on CPAP and continue treatment in the emergency department. Further, WFD plans to offer demonstrations and gather Central Ohio-area departments interested in implementing the strategy. Read more at www.westerville.org/fire. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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WELCOME FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

WED EARNS “SMART ENERGY PROVIDER” DESIGNATION The City’s Electric Division participated in the 2019 American Municipal Power, Inc. Lineworkers Rodeo. Westerville linemen showcased their skills, taking home first place in several judging categories, including best team and individual overall!

The Westerville Electric Division has been recognized for its work to promote energy efficiency and environmental initiatives while remaining committed to providing low-cost, high-quality and reliable electric service. The American Public Power Association (APPA) presented WED with its “Smart Energy Provider (SEP)” designation in October. This is the first time APPA has provided a designation.

Westerville is the only municipally owned and operated suburban electrical provider in Central Ohio, serving Westerville’s nearly 40,000 residents and more than 2,100 businesses. According to APPA, the SEP is a two-year designation that recognizes public power utilities with leading practices in the following disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and the customer experience. Learn more at www.westerville.org/electric.

NEW RESIDENT NEWS & NOTES

The City of Westerville Electric Division is a designated RP3 Public Power Provider, a program that recognizes utilities that demonstrate high proficiency in reliability, safety, work force development and system improvement.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

AN 19 D ST AT S

20

S RA TE

MIN

(SAIDI - minutes without power / total system customer count or the average outage duration for each customer served): 39 minutes including major events

AVERAGE SERVICE AVAILABILITY INDEX (ASAI):

99.99% including major events

CITY STREET LIGHTS: 4,383 APPLIANCE RECYCLING

1,529 refrigerators/freezers recycled since 2011, representing a cumulative savings of more than 730,000 kWh.

FACTS ABOUT LOCAL H2O SOURCED: The City gets its water primarily from Alum Creek, the Westerville Reservoir and the Alum Creek Reservoir. Three wells augment this surface water supply with ground water.

TREATED: The Westerville Water Plant was expanded and improved in 2016 to keep pace with new regulations and maintain the overall protection of our water supply. Meeting new federal drinking standards means a second water filtration process was added to the existing treatment regimen: granular activated carbon (GAC).

UTILIZED: The plant is responsible for all the public water supply, which means it pumps more than ONE BILLION gallons a year. The daily average is nearly three million gallons, and each one of us uses about 84 of those gallons a day.

MONITORED: The Water Division is required to meet many state and federal regulations, which are reported to residents each year in May in the Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report. This report is sent to homes in utility bills and posted to the website.

EXPERIENCED: Westerville has operated a public water supply since 1901.

So for nearly 120 years, reliable water has been a priority for residents. In fact, the Water Plant and its everyday purpose has a lot to do with the Westerville we live in today. It was residential discord and conflict over public utilities, particularly water service (or the lack thereof), that led Westerville to become one of the first professionally managed (Council-Manager form of government) cities in the state in 1916.

TOUR: Did you know you can tour the Water Treatment Plant? It may be surprising to learn about how much goes into local water treatment and distribution. Find out more: www.westerville.org/water. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

195 refrigerators/freezers recycled (an increase of about 22% from 2018!)

While most suburban communities in Franklin County rely on Columbus for water, the water you use at home is treated, tested and delivered right here in Westerville. As another utility managed by the City, rates remain competitive (among the lowest in comparison - see page 9) and quality remains high.

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CRITTERS: Public Power Enemy #1? 31.68% of outages in 2019 were related to a small animal or bird (the highest percentage); and 17.39 percent of outages in 2019 were related to equipment faults or failure (the second highest percentage).

WATER QUALITY

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

39

SYSTEM AVERAGE INTERRUPTION DURATION INDEX

WATER DIVISION

WELCOME

Power rates in Westerville remain competitive in Central Ohio (see page 9).

When compared to AEP rates, Westerville residential customers have a savings advantage each month. Add to that the strong reliability and customer-focused service provided by the Westerville Electric Division as benefits of being served by a public-power provider.

WELCOME

EXPANDED WESTERVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER

SET FOR SUMMER OPEN

The City of Westerville Parks & Recreation Department is a five-time national Gold Medal winner, after receiving the medal last October from the National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA). Westerville is the first city to win the award four times consecutively since 1996.

The Gold Medal Award honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management and agency recognition. Each agency is judged on its ability to address the needs of those it serves through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.

The Westerville Community Center is among the most affordable options for health and fitness programming in the region. For one monthly rate, you have access to gymnasiums, adventure fitness, esports and more.

REVIEWS “GLOW” ABOUT PARKS & REC’S PUMPKIN SHOW The inaugural Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow was a great success last October. Nearly 11,000 people attended the three-night special event featuring more than 3,000 pumpkins carved into interactive and visually stunning displays. Don’t miss this new favorite fall tradition this year: October 21-25, 2020.

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Westerville prevailed over three other finalists in its category: Coppell Parks and Recreation in Coppell, Texas; Glenview Park District in Glenview, Illinois; and Lombard Park District in Lombard, Illinois.

June 13 June 22 July 11 July 18

14,746 WESTERVILLE JAZZ SERIES

Free music and entertainment featuring national jazz artists and musicians. The series’ fourth season will be bigger than ever.

April 4 - May 21 Dates vary by program.

Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 12 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 11 FOUNDED

TH ER

G

22

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday,

BEIN

NEWS & NOTES

E SAhV e t DATE

IN 1858

E

WH

ED

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

More than 45,000 square feet have been added to the Westerville Community Center, after months of renovations and improvements. Scheduled for a July completion, the Community Center will feature a new fitness area, interactive slides in the indoor aquatics area, expanded classroom space for fitness programs and much more! Keep your eye on a date for the grand re-opening.

EN

D NEE

POLICE

THOMAS JAMES KNOX RINK PROGRAMS

A new season of outdoor inline and street hockey play and training starts at the Thomas James Knox Rink at Alum Creek Park South. Dates and registration requirements online.

FIRST RESPONDERS PARK

The Westerville Chaplain Corps will host the annual 9/11 Memorial Observance with the Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire.

UPTOWN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Efforts to widen sidewalks, improve intersections and improve traffic flow started August 2019.

Columbia Gas worked to improve gas line service, upgrading their facilities in Uptown through the fall.

2020 TIMELINE The project started again in March and is expected to be complete in November. Find the most current milestone dates and information at www.westerville.org/uptown.

MAJOR PROJECTS AHEAD

Read the plan at www.westerville.org/mobility.

ZONING CODE Mobility is just one plan folded into a new zoning code, which has been in development to replace the code in place since 1973. The updated plan will include a new zoning district Planned Urban - and consider any updates that may be needed.

AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVE Westerville needs to grow as a community where “aging in place” is a safe and realistic option for older adults. The Age-Friendly Initiative aspires to learn how local government and residents can work together to keep Westerville a great place for all residents to live, work, play and retire. Surveys, focus groups and stakeholder discussions have so far informed the planning, for which an action plan and report are in the works for publication this year. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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NEWS & NOTES

SMART PARKING PILOT PROGRAM Installation began this spring to make nearly 350 spaces in Uptown Westerville “smart.” With a puck-sized device installed atop asphalt or under brick, the pucks will transmit data for the City to best understand parking trends in the district. Better yet, Uptown visitors will be able to see available parking spaces on an app. The pilot program is expected to go into 2021 before assessed for permanent use.

MOBILITY PLAN Westerville City Council voted to approve the Westerville Strategic Mobility Plan in February 2020. This road map for future mobility decisions was created in partnership with residents in 2019. The plan will help guide decisions that: Improve mobility options, Enhance quality of life and Support future and ongoing development.

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ROAD WORK This summer, expect the widening of the east side of N. State St. from Hoff to Maxtown, as well as the repaving of Cleveland Ave. from Main St. to the area around Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital.

Resurfacing of State St. will take place from Hoff Rd. to the corporate limits to the north.

Planning & Development does more than engineering and construction. Staff is working on several future-facing programs that consider housing needs, an aging population and the movement of people around town. While these initiatives are years in the making, resident awareness, participation and input is important now.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

GOWESTERVILLE

WELCOME

PLANNING THE OF WESTERVILLE

WELCOME

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

FACTS THAT

matter

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

The Public Service Department maintains infrastructure through street, utility and environmental maintenance, as well as manages the City’s fleet of vehicles. Home to our Westerville Road Warriors, you may know this department helps keep City streets and roads clear of ice and snow.

Westerville was one of only three cities from the United States to be one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities by the New Yorkbased Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). ICF evaluates cities around the globe on their work and resources in broadband, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital equality, sustainability and advocacy. Westerville’s efforts in these categories positioned it as runner-up to Taoyuan, Taiwan, which was named the Intelligent Community of the Year.

In advance of earning the Top7 designation last year, Westerville first was honored by being named as a global Smart21 community, becoming the first city to be named to the Smart21 and Top7 lists on its first attempt. The city earned the designation again late last year for 2020.

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Smart Communities understand the challenges of a global economy and take conscious steps in embracing innovation. The cities of Columbus and Dublin, Ohio have previously been recognized as Smart21 communities.

RECYCLING RIGHT, WESTERVILLE Last April, Public Service deployed 11,000 large blue toters to all homes in Westerville. Together with other cities in the Columbus region and Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) — who helped with grant dollars — the target is to reduce the 70% of waste entering the landfill that can be recycled.

4,000 tons

of wasted materials

=

800

elephants

In Franklin County alone, about 4,000 tons of material is landfilled a day. 1.1 million tons in 2017. Since it’s hard to think in terms of tonnage, this is the equivalent to about 800 elephants/day (10,000 lbs each).

ANOTHER WAY TO THINK ABOUT THIS

NEWS & NOTES

24

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

The landfill has 500-600 trucks a day dumping materials generated by the businesses and residents in our County.

WELCOME

WAYS TO

RIGHT

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

Together we can put recycling in the right place, and reuse materials that will otherwise sit for years/decades/ centuries in a landfill. Visit www.westerville.org/recycling for more information.

DIVERSION RATE In November 2019, SWACO announced that Franklin County’s recycling rate reached 50% (exceeding the national average of 35%) for the first time, but we can do better.

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WE CAN

DO MORE

70 65

2015 rate – 45% 55

ROAD WARRIORS

2016 rate – 47%

50

2017 rate – 49%

45

2020 goal – 50% 2032 goal – 75%

40

2035

2030

2025

2020

2015

2010

50

%

Check out the interactive Road Warrior portal during the next snow/ice event to watch how roads and streets get cleared: www.westerville.org/ roadwarriors.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

NEWS & NOTES

35

NEW RESIDENT

Track your

2014 rate – 39%

60

25

WELCOME FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

TEXT TO 9-1-1 LAUNCHES

“call if you can, text if you can’t” Text-to-911 is now available in both Franklin and Delaware Counties, with Franklin launching the program in January 2019.

Through advocacy, legislation and cooperation between multiple public safety agencies, the service is a resource for people with different abilities (e.g. people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability) or people who need to ask for help, but risk their safety by talking aloud.

11,548

8.1

NEW RESIDENT

million viewers

media hits

INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON WESTERVILLE

CNN/New York Times, hosting the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) Presidential Debate at Otterbein University on October presidential 15. cast Westerville into the global candidates spotlight. The massive effort was made possible by the cooperation of residents, edia sociagl emments businesses, Otterbein University students a g n e and faculty and hundreds of staff members representing all departments across the City.

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300k+ NEWS & NOTES

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Public safety support was also provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Division of Police.

WELCOME

BIG CHANGES AHEAD FOR 4TH OF JULY

We are making some big changes with City publishing this year and next. Mid-summer, residents will receive a bonus Westerville Community Recreation Guide between the Spring and Fall issue. This special edition will have more content and a few new classes and programs to consider with the grand re-opening of the Westerville Community Center.

The 4th of July in Westerville has grown year over year, and 2020 is set to offer one of the biggest and more entertaining celebrations in the community’s history. The Westerville Noon Rotary Club organizes and manages the event, and plans to move the concert and festivities to the Westerville Sports Complex at 325 N. Cleveland Ave. The spectacular fireworks show will be set off nearby to be visible at the Sports Complex, Community Center and many other centrally located parks and public spaces.

Look for more details soon from our partners at Rotary at www.westerville.org.

We look forward to the opportunity to present more information about City programs, events and special services along with expanded health, fitness and recreational programming. Contact us at communityaffairs@westerville.org with questions.

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In 2021, this publication will be appearing in your mailbox on a bi-monthly (every other month) schedule. Because residents will receive two more publications annually directly from the City, we will be discontinuing the “City Reporter” pages in the Westerville Magazine, which is published by City Scene Media. Westerville Magazine will remain in production by City Scene.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS IN WESTERVILLE

PUBLICATION IMPROVEMENTS COMING SOON

GET COUNTED 2020 CENSUS

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

NEWS & NOTES

Once each decade, America counts its residents and households to best understand where resources are needed for housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. Westerville has its own “Complete Count” committee to help reach out and explain how to get counted. Please help us and participate in this important civic duty.

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

MISSION The City of Westerville is dedicated to providing exemplary municipal services to our community and fostering prosperity while embracing our unique heritage and character.

VALUES The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core values are clearly defined to guide and inspire organizational performance. For City officials and personnel, these values are the principles of organizational life that constitute the foundation of our future forward path.

INNOVATION STEWARDSHIP EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INTEGRITY AND TRUST

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EMPLOYEE ENRICHMENT

GET SOCIAL www.westerville.org

cityofwesterville @tellwesterville @cityofwesterville

The City of Westerville will print a small run of this publication. Residents may pick up a printed version of this report at Westerville City Hall, 21 S. State St., after May 1, 2020.