Message from the Mayor
January1notonlybeganthenewyear,butalsothesecondyearofmytermasMayor.WhileIstill havemuchtolearn,Ihaveamuchbetterunderstandingoftheday-to-dayworkingsofthe Mayor’sofficethanIdidayearago.Asthesayinggoes,ayearagoIdidn’tknowwhatIdidn’tknow. Thatbeingsaid,Ithoughtthefirstyearwentwellandmuchwasaccomplished IknowIenjoyedit muchmorethanIeveranticipated,andamlookingforwardtothenext3years
Lookingaheadto2025,Iwouldliketogiveapreviewoftwoupcomingissuesthatwillcertainlybe topicsofconversationinthecommunity,andwhichIbelieveareopportunitiesforWoostertomove forward
Housingcontinuestobeamajorissueforbothresidentsandemployers.However,afterdecadesof littleornogrowthinhousingunits,we’vefinallyseensomerealprogressonthatfront.In2025we aregoingtocontinuetoworktoincreasedevelopablelandaroundthemarginsoftheCityof Wooster,whichmeansexpansionoftheCityboundaries.Therearetworeasonsinparticularfor this.Developmentwithinthecitylimitscanbedonewithhigherdensityduetotheavailabilityof citywaterandsewer.Higherdensityhousingresultsinfarmlandpreservation–lessfarmacreage takenuptosatisfyhousingneeds.Thesecondreasonisthatdevelopmentwithinthecitylimits meansthatthedevelopmentwillconformtoCityzoning
Inadditiontopromotingadditionalhousingaroundtheedgesofthecity,weareworkingto stimulatenewinvestmentinexistingresidentialneighborhoods Asteeringcommitteeof communityvolunteersandrealestateprofessionalshasbeenmeetingduringthelastyearforthe purposeofdevelopingasetofproposedrevisionstothezoningcode.Theseproposed amendmentswouldapplytoallresidentialzoningdistricts,butshouldhavethegreatestimpact withtheolderhousingsurroundingourdowntown Weneedtofindawaytoencourageinvestment intheseolderneighborhoods–insomeoftheseareashousingvalueshaveactuallydroppedover thelast10years,despiteanotherwiserobusthousingmarket.
ItiscommonknowledgethatWooster’spopulationcenterhasshiftednorthandeastovertime. Whatisnotwellknownisthatalthoughnewdevelopmenthascertainlybeenafactor,another significantfactorhasbeenpopulationlosssouthofWayneAvenue Wearegoingtoworkto encourageinvestmentinolderneighborhoods,notonlytoprotectpropertyvaluesbutalsoto makethoseneighborhoodsmoreattractiveplacestolive.Otherwise,thecontinuedhollowingout ofourdowntownresidentialneighborhoodswillnegativelyimpactnotonlythoseneighborhoods butourdowntownaswell
Thesecondhigh-profileprojectistheproposedimprovementtotheOldman/Winkler/Burbank intersection Trafficflowthereispoornowandisonlygoingtogetworseasdevelopmentoccurson thenorthendoftown Somecriticsoftheproposalhavearguedthatcurrentlythereare“only” delays4timeseachdayduringtheschoolyear,eachlastingfrom10-15minutes,andthatthis doesn’twarrantanychange.Irespectfullydisagree,andIfurtherbelievethatnowisthetimeto act.Andaftercarefulconsiderationofalloftheoptions,webelievethataroundaboutapproachis thebestsolutionavailable Housing
MessagefromtheMayorContinued
Agreatdealofplanning,analysis,andpreliminarydesign havegoneintowhathasbeendescribedas“ThePeanut” Conceptuallyitfunctionsjustlikeacircularroundabout,but duetothelocationoftheenteringstreetsitisanoblongshape (Thistypeofdesignisalsoreferredtoasan “Oblong-about”,but“ThePeanut”seemstobemore popular)
Sometimeinthenexttwomonthstheadministrationwillbe providingadetailedpresentationontheprojecttoCity Council,eventhoughactualconstructionwon’ttakeplace until2026attheearliest,butmorelikelyin2027
LaterthissummertherewillbelegislationcomingtoCity Councilwhichwouldseekauthorizationtoacquirerightsof wayfortheproject,andatthatpointCityCouncilwillgetto decidewhetherto(1)addressthetrafficissuesatthat intersectionnow;(2)deferthematterforthetimebeing (whichdependinguponyourperspectivecouldbe describedeitheras“amoratorium”or“kickingthecan downtheroad”);or(3)hopingtheproblemgoesawayby itself IhavenohopeforOption#3comingtopass,soIwill beaskingCityCounciltoselectOption#1 Otherwise,we willbeleftwithOption#2 Andthelongerwewaitthemore expensivethisprojectwillbecomeandthemore inconvenientitwillbefornotjustthecommunitybutalso thoselivingadjacenttotheproject Ontheotherhand,the soonerwecompletethis,thesoonerourcommunityand thosethattravelthroughthatintersectionwillenjoythe benefits
PUBLIC PROPERTIES MAINTENANCE DIVISION
PPM provides city's 315-lane miles of highways and streets including over 100 cul-de-sacs Snow and ice control is considered emergency work, which must be accomplished for public safety and the well-being of our community. Our goal is to make all highways, streets, alleys and culde-sacs safe and accessible for vehicles properly equipped for winter driving conditions during and after a snowstorm.
SALT SPREADING & PLOWING PROCEDURES
To ensure safe travel, PPM applies approximately 4000 ton of de-icer (salt) to the roadways each year. Snow plowing is not productive until snowfall reaches a depth of two inches. For any snowstorm, crews will begin by spreading de-icers in an attempt to get a layer of brine against the pavement. If accumulations exceed two inches, crews will plow until such time as snowfall stops. As the last step in the cleanup from a storm, the area of the street adjacent to the gutter will be plowed back. This is done to allow melting materials to run off and ultimately reach the gutter. This will reduce the amount of icy patches that occur during evening refreezing.
OW REMOVAL OPERATIONS
ity’s removal operations goal is to clear the most highly ed roadways and major streets to facilitate traffic moving d out of the city, Emergency travel for fire, emergency al and police personnel is the biggest snow removal y. This is why primary streets are cleared first. The second y is to clear minor streets, subdivisions, cul-de-sac streets lleys. Alleys are cleared last because they carry the least nt of traffic. Because each snow/ice storm is different, is careful planning in deciding how to handle snow removal tions. The number of trucks assigned and the plan mented during any given storm is dependent on the ty of the storm.
THISDIAGRAMDEMONSTRATESTHEAPPROPRIATE WAYTOREMOVESNOWFROMYOURDRIVEWAY
PILE SNOW HERE
Safety Tips: DRIVEWAY
CLEAR AREA (ALLOWS PLOW TO UNLOAD BEFORE DRIVEWAY)
PPM receives many calls about snow being plowed into driveways Although the city’s plows often leave snow across driveway entrances, the plows try to keep it to a minimum This snow removal is the responsibility of the residents Putting snow from driveways into the city streets is illegal and creates a hazard for drivers and a liability for the responsible party When clearing your driveway apron, it’s best to pile snow past the driveway in the direction of travel A common request related to this is asking that the driver turn or lift the plow blade at driveways Since our main goal is to open the primary roads as soon as possible, turning or lifting of blades at each driveway would slow down the snow removal operation significantly and leave snow on the road that may in turn be a hazard
❄Clear all vehicle windows before driving. ��Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
✅Make sure that your tires are in good condition. ��Buckle-up and always keep a safe distance from other vehicles, including plow trucks. ��Advise children not to play in the snow next to the roadway.
Citizens and plowing contractors should NOT shovel, plow, or blow snow onto or across any City street. This delays the process of clearing the streets and is prohibited under City Ordinance 521.06 and Ohio Revised Code 4511.74.
Please note that the City does not clear sidewalks of snow and ice. It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep their sidewalks clear for the safety and enjoyment of all.
City Ordinance 351.14 SNOW EMERGENCY: Whenever, during any period of twelve hours or less, snow falls in the City or in a section thereof, to a depth of three inches or more, an emergency is declared to exist in that such a heavy storm constitutes a serious public hazard impairing transportation. For announcements, please visit www.facebook.com/cityofwooster or www.woosteroh.com.
The County Sheriff, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close state routes and municipal streets within their jurisdiction when it is reasonably necessary to preserve public safety Snow emergencies are classified as follows:
Level 1 Alert: Roadways are hazardous due to blowing and drifting snow Roads may also be icy Drive with extreme caution
Level 2 Alert: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow Only travel if absolutely necessary Contact your employer to confirm if you should report to work
Level 3 Alert: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel Travel is prohibited unless it is an absolute emergency. Employees should contact their employer for reporting instructions. Those traveling during a Level 3 Alert may face arrest under Section 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
For current snow emergency levels, visit Wayne County Sheriff's Facebook, call 330-287-7744, or tune in to MCTV Channel 10. Residents can also sign up for Wayne County Sheriff Text & Email Alerts.
All of our current & upcoming programs, activities and events for this season can be found in the 2024/2025 Winter Program Guide.
SPRING PROGRAMS
REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 7TH
Micro Soccer Academy is for Pre-Schoolers and Kindergarteners ages 4 - 6 years old. Recreation Youth Soccer is offered for students in 1st - 8th grade Youth Volleyball is offered to students in 4th - 6th grade.
RECREATION EVENTS
Mom & Son
Registration opens February 7th
The event will start with the Whiz Bang Science Show. Following the show everyone will have a chance to get refreshments. Once everyone has gotten refreshment all of the kids will have the opportunity to have their own little science experiment by making their very own lava lamp!
SANTA’S MAILBOX
NAVIGATING THE CIRCLE:
Why Roundabouts?
Know-How
Keeps Wooster Moving
Did you know out of the $9 49 million worth of roundabout construction, only $200k has been from Wooster General Fund.
This includes:
SR 83- Smithville Western $2.2 M ($2M ODOT, $200k City)
Friendsville - Smithville Western $1.54M (ODOT & County Funded)
SR83 - Belmont Crossing $1.25 (Developer funded)
Oakhill - Oldman $1.1M (TIF Funded) Oak Hill - Milltown $1.5M (TIF Funded)
SR585 - Geyers Chapel $1.9M (100% ODOT funded)
Why has Wooster been constructing roundabouts?
Proven intersection safety enhancement
Improved traffic flow & intersection efficiency
Lower overall life-cycle costs
STUFF THE CRUISER
StufftheCruiserbegan14yearsagoasacannedfooddriveandhas sinceexpandedtoprovidegiftsandclothingtoover300childrenfrom 129families.Thisyearsetarecordforthenumberoffamilieshelped.
SupportfromorganizationsliketheWoosterElks($3,000grant),Wooster Meijer($2,500grant),TotalDistribution,SchreinerPainting,andAlpine Heating,alongwithdonationsfromthepublic,allowsforthepurchaseof toysandclothingaftercollectiondrivesheldinfrontofWalmartin November.
Thisimpactfulevent,whichbeginsinOctoberandconcludeswith distributioninDecember,requiresagreatdealofeffort.Several membersoftheWoosterPoliceDepartment,alongwiththeirfamilies, volunteeredtheirtimetocollectandsortdonations.Thereactionsfrom thefamiliesarearewardingreminderofthedifferencethiscommunity effortmakes.
NAME A PLOW Presenting: Buzz IceClear!
Mrs Wilson'sThirdGradeclassfromMelrose PLOWEDthroughthecompetitionandcame outontopofthesnowpile!
StudentsfromWoosterCitySchoolssubmitted creativeandfestivenamesforoursnowplows thenCityofWoosteremployeesvotedontheir favorite.
TheotherentrieswereArianaSnowday,SnowMonster&Frostythe Snowplow!
ThankyoutotheSchoolResourceOfficer TeichmerandtheCityofWoosterEmployee Engagementcommitteeforafuncontest!
Scott Rotolo
OHIO ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
WoosterPoliceAssistantChiefScott RotolohasbeennamedtheOhio AssociationofCountyBehavioralHealth Authorities(OACBHA)Advocateofthe Year.Hewillbehonoredataceremony attheColumbusStateHouseattheend ofJanuary.Thisrecognitionhighlights hisexceptionalworkadvocatingfor behavioralhealthinthecommunity.
Tony Lemmon RECENT AWARDS
WOOSTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP WOOSTER DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
WoosterPoliceCaptainTonyLemmon willreceivethe2025Leadership WoosterDistinguishedAlumniAward fromtheWoosterAreaChamberof Commerce.Theawardhonorshis exceptionalleadershipand contributionstothecommunity.A 2012LeadershipWoostergraduate andcurrentsteeringcommittee member,CaptainLemmonwillbe recognizedattheChamber’sAnnual DinneronFebruary27thatGreystone EventCenter.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
Building Standards Manager’s Retirement Marks a New Chapter
During my 25 years as the Chief Building Official, my goal was to help make Wooster’s built environment safe and well-maintained I wanted my office to be a resource to the community, approachable, and customer-friendly. I wanted to have an efficient department to ease the burden on developersandbuilders Ibelievethiscanhelpacommunity prosper economically as a good place to do business and develop. Everything I’ve accomplished is from working together with colleagues and customers on common goals. Inmytenure,theWoosterCommunityhasexperiencedalot, including the closing of Rubbermaid, financial challenges, a housing crisis, and a pandemic With each challenge, this amazing community rebounded stronger economically with growth and improvements. I was privileged to serve on the board of Community Action Wayne/Medina for many years, representing the mayor, and as a member of the Wayne CountyHousingCoalitionformanyyears.I’vealsoservedon the board of directors for the Ohio Building Officials AssociationandtheFiveCountyBuildingOfficialsboard,and I was selectedas the building official of the year by that boardmadeupofmypeers My25yearsasmanagerofthe Building Standards Division have been marked by steady improvements, such as becoming one of the first building departments in the country to do business entirely online and paperless in 2017 We’ve assisted other departments in Ohio and nationwide do the same Besides building codes and safety, we’ve had a part in improving fire safety, water safety, and backflow protection and reducing losses from flooding I’ve also taken care of City Hall as the facility manager and managed construction projects, the City parking lots, and contracts such as the residential waste contract. This work has been very satisfying to me personally,andIhopeithelpedmakeWoosteragreatplace to live, work, or visit I want to thank the many people who have helped me in small and significant ways Some have been coworkers, friends, and neighbors, and some of those I’vebeenprivilegedtoserve.
Welcome, Joe!
Joe brings over 30 years of experience as a registered architect and more than 5 years as a building official to Wooster. We are thrilled to have him as part of our City team and the Wooster development community!
Core Values
Accountability
Accept Responsibility
Do work right the first time
Continuous Improvement
Promote Innovation
Provide highest quality of service
Communication
Friendliness
Truthfulness
ACCLAIM AWARDS
Nominateanoutstanding CityofWoosteremployee
Celebrate the exceptional individuals who make our City of Wooster shine! We need YOUR help in recognizing the dedicated employees who embody the core values that make our city thrive.
Nominate Here
Leadership
Serve as a role model/mentor
Responsible management of resources
Attitude
Treat others with courtesy & dignity
Respect of others
Integrity
High standards of conduct
Makes responsible decisions
Managing Trust
Responsible with public funds
Stewardship
building relationships, keeping traditions
BrutusSelfieChallenge
Our city employees had a fantastic time with the Selfie Challenge with none other than Brutus Buckeye! From creative poses to team spirit, it's been a fun way to show our pride and connect with each other.
"TheStockingsWereHungbythe OfficewithCheer"
Ourstaffhastrulyoutdonethemselves inthisyear’sDoorDecoratingContest! Fromfestivethemestouniquedesigns, eachdoorshowcasesamazing creativityandholidayspirit.
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
