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NEWS FROM THE CITY OF WESTERVILLE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 CityReporter

www.westerville.org

You Count: U.S. Census Responses Have Big Impact on Local Funding

www.westervillemagazine.com Every household in the country will receive an invitation to participate in the U.S. Census by April 1. For the first time, citizens are invited to complete their surveys online, in addition to the traditional mail and phone options.

A c c u r a t e c e n s u s responses are crucial to helping the federal government determine how many seats a state receives on the U.S. House of Representatives, informs decisions to redraw congressional and state legislative boundaries. Importantly, responses also tell the federal government how to allocate more than $675 billion in funding for programs like schools, public safety, health care, affordable housing and more. The state of Ohio received more than $33.5 million through federal spending programs informed by 2010 census data.

Census representatives say every person living in a household, ages 1-100-years old, should be counted in surveys. According to the bureau, the state loses at least $1,200 in federal funding for every person not counted in a household survey.

A non-partisan government agency, the bureau is mandated by the U.S. Constitution to conduct a census every 10 years. Responses are kept confidential and only used to produce statistics. Personal details cannot be accessed by law enforcement, nor can they be used to determine individual eligibility for government benefits.

Find a list of census stations and more information about this civic opportunity at www. westerville.org/census. “Ohio loses at least $1,200 in federal funding for every person not counted in the U.S. Census.”

Charter Review Committee Accepting Feedback Through mid-March

Speaking of decennial opportunities for civic engagement, residents have until Friday, March 13 to provide feedback to the Westerville Charter Review Commission about the charter. First adopted in 1964, the Home Rule Charter gives the city government of Westerville greater local control and flexibility than the statutory form.

The Charter, which serves as a “mini constitution” for the City, requires Westerville City Council to appoint a commission of “five qualified electors of the Municipality holding no other office, appointment or employment in the government of the Municipality as members” every 10 years. The group is charged with reviewing the current Charter and, if they see fit, recommending changes for City Council’s recommendation. Review the Charter and provide feedback at www.westerville. org/charter.

Public Safety Profile

An Open Letter from Chief Charles Chandler to Future Recruits

Dear Future Westerville Police Recruit: You woke up this morning and looked in the mirror – what did you see? Did you look past yourself and imagine what it would be like to serve the Westerville community?

Perhaps, you saw yourself as a proud member of our team, patrolling and responding to this beloved community in times of distress and need alongside your brothers and sisters in blue. Maybe you saw yourself walking along the streets of Uptown Westerville during a community event and interacting with grateful residents. By now, I’m willing to bet you know that the men and women of the Westerville Division of Police serve this community and, in turn, the community takes care of us too. That’s what we do here in Westerville. That’s what makes us strong. So again I ask: Did you look past yourself this morning? If you answered yes, we’d like to meet you.

Learn more about what it means to wear the WPD badge at www.westerville.org/joinwpd.

Chief Chandler

LIGHT OHIO BLUE Honoring Police

Mark Your Calendars: Residents will again be invited to help “Light Ohio Blue” May 8-15. This is a great time to show your support of Westerville Police by displaying blue lights and ribbons. Other Important Dates: • National Police Week | May 10-16 • Peace Officer Memorial Day | May 15

Westerville Firefighters/Medics Help Develop Life-Saving Pediatric Equipment

10 March/April 2020 Westerville Fire Division (WFD) medics are among the first to carry pediatric CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) equipment full-time to treat infants and children in respiratory distress. Westerville’s team worked with manufacturers to develop a tubing piece for the apparatus to facilitate the airflow needed for small patients. Nationwide Children’s Hospital partnered with WFD to equip all medic vehicles with equipment.

Brian Miller, Westerville Division of Fire Chief, says the equipment could help medics avoid the invasive procedure of emergency intubation for children with better long-term outcomes. “Westerville’s firefighters and medics have always been on the leading edge of innovation. We were among the first in the state to carry adult CPAP equipment in the field, which is now considered standard intervention for emergency care. It’s our goal that this equipment for child intervention becomes similarly standard,” Chief Miller said.

Part of the innovation will be monitoring 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. The current kit may only be used once.

Chief Miller says there’s more work to do to plot the path forward for the manufacturing of a kit that can be

www.westervillemagazine.com distributed and used by EMS providers everywhere.

Learn more about the Westerville Division of Fire at www.westerville. org/fire.

City Improves Digital Customer Service with New Mobile Application, Service Portal

Beginning in April, residents will have new-and-improved digital tools to “Tell Westerville” about a service need via a new mobile application and online service request portal.

Now named “Tell Westerville,” the improved services build upon the familiar customer service branding established through the City’s Twitter account. Users will need to download the new mobile application since the old one named “My Westerville,” will no longer be supported.

Powered by See.Click.Fix., the mobile application will feature a sleek new design that is easy to use.

To download this digital extension of the City’s customer service team, simply visit your mobile application store (Google Play, Apple App Store) and search “Tell Westerville” to download.

The new service request portal will retain the same functionality as before, with an option to submit through the City’s website at www.westerville.org/ servicerequest.

Economic Development Profile

City Marks Back-to-Back Intelligent Community Designations

The City is celebrating its second consecutive designation as one of the Intelligent Community Forum’s (ICF) 2020 “Top7” Intelligent Communities in the world. The City plans to celebrate the achievement with an Innovation Expo this spring. Details will be posted as they are available to www.westerville.org.

Westerville is one of two cities from the United States (the other being Hudson, Ohio) on the 2020 Top7 list. Both communities are celebrating back-to-back designations for ICF’s Smart21 and Top7 lists. The other 2020 Top7 communities are:

• Adelaide, South Australia, Australia • Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia • Hamilton, Ontario, Canada • Tallinn, Estonia • Hudson, Ohio, USA • Markham, Ontario, Canada The ICF evaluates communities on the basis of their performance in six key indicators: broadband connectivity, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital equality, advocacy and sustainability.

The Westerville Partnership (comprised of the City, Otterbein University, Westerville City Schools, Westerville Public Library and Westerville Area Chamber) and key business community stakeholders collaborated on the application for inclusion on these international lists.

Westerville will host an ICF cofounder in March or April for an on-site visit and assessment to observe the City’s infrastructure, programs and partnerships. The process culminates on June 18 with the announcement of the 2020 Intelligent Community of the Year at the annual ICF Summit, hosted by the City of Dublin, Ohio (a Top7 community in 2010 and 2011).

Learn more about the ICF at www.intelligent community.org.

Green Programs Roundup

City Springs into Pilot Food-Waste Composting Program

On the “wheels” of successfully deploying 14,000 64-gallon curbside recycling carts, the City is offering residents yet another convenient and environmentally friendly program with a pilot food-waste composting dropoff program beginning this spring.

Now, residents can place compostable food items in marked 64-gallon receptacles at City facilities, located at 350 Park Meadow Rd. and 469 Westdale Ave., 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The containers will be serviced weekly by Columbus-based GoZERO.

Westerville is one of four communities that received grants from the Solid Waste Authority of Ohio (SWACO) to start or expand community composting from the organization.

“We're able to offer this program to residents free of charge thanks to a grant covering 75% of the cost up to $9,240 from SWACO's Community Waste Reduction Grant program” said Kevin Weaver, Westerville Public Service Director. “Our goal is to divert at least 10 tons of food waste from the landfill through this program.”

In early fall, the City will evaluate the success of the program and determine whether the program will continue to be offered.

It’s not the first time the City has partnered with SWACO to bring a green program to residents. Last year’s recycling cart deployment and subsequent “Recycle Right” initiative in partnership with the organization saw a over 8% increase in curbside recycling from May-December 2019.

Learn how you can participate in food-waste recycling at www.westerville.org/composting.

Looking for more ways to “Go Green”? Consider these programs:

Recycle Your Refrigerator, Freezer The Westerville Electric Division encourages residents to trade in old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer units in exchange for a $50 pre-paid VISA debit card or digital debit card download.

Recycle Old Batteries Visit the Westerville Electric Division (139 E. Broadway Ave.) 24/7 to safely recycle batteries. Accepted types include: lithium (rechargeable), lead acid wet cell (vehicles) and typical household (AA, AAA, C, D etc.)

Remember to “Recycle Right” Westerville is definitely “on a roll” with an increase in curbside recycling participation in the last year. Refresh yourself on recycling rules at www.westerville.org/ recycling.

Get BusinessWISE Are you a decision maker at a local commercial or industrial business? Look into the City’s incentive program for sustainable facility upgrades like HVAC and lighting fixtures. www. westerville.org/businesswise.

“Westerville Helps” Expands Financial Assistance Options

The City of Westerville is reinvesting dollars back into the public by expanding its financial assistance program. “Westerville Helps” offers qualifying residents assistance to help pay toward utility bills, sidewalk maintenance and home improvements.

Residents who are located within the 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.

1

PARKS & RECREATION

Financial assistance includes reduced or waived fees for registration fees, daily passes and recreation facility passes.

AMOUNT | $100 per person/year; $500 per family/year. Credit only ELIGIBILITY | Programs, membership passes. Must meet Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program Eligility criteria* to apply. FUNDING SOURCE | Westerville Parks Foundation APPLICATION | All year www.westerville.org/parks

2

UTILITY BILLING

AMOUNT | $500 per calendar year. Credit only. Use for one month or to cover several months. ELIGIBILITY | Past-due bills only. Only residents. Tenant or owneroccupied. Not intended for water leaks. Must meet Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program Eligility criteria* to apply. FUNDING SOURCE | Opt-in $1 per month at 10% participation = $18,000 annually APPLICATION | All year www.westerville.org/utilitybilling

3

SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE

4

HOME IMPROVEMENT

AMOUNT | 50% up to $1,500 credit only OR five-year, 0% interest property assessment ELIGIBILITY | Single-family, owner-occupied for 12 months. All taxes current. Must meet Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program Eligility criteria* to apply. FUNDING | General Fund ABOUT | Care of sidewalks APPLICATION | April 1 of each year; www.westerville.org/forms AMOUNT | Reimbursement up to 50%; $5,000 individual max; $20,000 annual program amount. ELIGIBILITY | Single-family, owner-occupied for 12 months. Agree to remain five more years. All taxes current. Maximum HH Income < Westerville Median HH ABOUT | Exterior home remodeling projects. Windows, doors, porch, patio, siding, landscaping, lighting, handicap ramps, exterior paintings Roofs, gutters not eligible; may be considered part of match APPLICATION | www.westerville.org/forms

New Pilot Service Makes Uptown Parking Spaces Easier to Spot

The City is making it easier to find public parking in Uptown Westerville thanks to a new smart parking application, powered by ParkingGenius. The mobile service is set to launch with the City’s new “Tell Westerville” mobile application in April. The service is also available for download through the App Store and Google Play Store.

The mobile application indicates only the number of open spaces and cannot be used to reserve specific parking spots.

Find more information on the City’s website at www.westerville.org/uptown.

Westerville Community Contacts

FIRE/MEDICAL/POLICE EMERGENCY 9-1-1 Gas/Carbon Monoxide Leaks. . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1 Mental Health Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1-1 Fire, non-life threatening emergency 882-2213 Police, non-life threatening emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-7444 City Website. . . . . . . . . . . . . www.westerville.org Community Affairs .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 901-6400 Animal Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6863 Animal Removal (dead at roadside). . . 901-6740 Cemeteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 City Manager’s Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6400 TDD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6413 Clerk of Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6410 Digging (Ohio Utilities Protection Service). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-362-2764 Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6403 Electric Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Electrical Outages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Street Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Tree Trimming Near Electric Lines. . 901-6700 Finance Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6440 Fire Division Headquarters. . . . . . . . . 901-6600 CPR/First Aid Training. . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6600 Human Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6406 Income Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6420 Leaf Collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Mayor’s Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6419 TDD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6418 Parks & Recreation Department. . . . 901-6500 Inclement Weather Hotline . . . . . . . 901-6888 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6530 Community Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6500 Everal Barn & Homestead . . . . . . . . 901-6570 Parks Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6591 Highlands Park Aquatic Center. . . . 901-7665 Recreation Program Center. . . . . . . 901-6531 Senior Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6560 Shelter Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6515 Urban Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6598 Permits

Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6650 Burning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6600 Parade/Block Party. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6410 Security Alarm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6482 Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6650

14 March/April 2020 Planning & Development Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6650 Planning, Engineering & Zoning. . . 901-6650 Traffic Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6670 Code Enforcement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6816 Police Division Headquarters. . . . . . . 901-6450 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6470 Detectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6475 Patrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6482 Recorded Information Line. . . . . . . . 901-6879 Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6450 Service Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Sewer Emergencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Sewer Line Maintenance. . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Stormwater Hotline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Street Emergencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Street Maintenance Repairs. . . . . . . 901-6740 Trash/Recycling Collection. . . . . . . . 901-6740 Water Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Water Line Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Traffic Violations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6419 Tree/Storm Damage (in right of way). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6591 After hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6790 Tree Trimming (in right of way). . . . . . . 901-6598 Utility Billing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6430 askutilitybilling@westerville.org Water Plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6770 Other Community Service Contacts Airport—Port Columbus. . . . . . . . . . . . 239-4083 Concord Counseling Services . . . . . . . 882-9338 COTA Bus Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228-1776 Delaware County

General Information. . . . . . . . . 740-548-7313 Franklin County

Board of Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3160 Property Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3696 Voter Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3100 Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. . . . . 898-4000 Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-8917 Westerville Area Resource Ministry. . . 899-0196 Westerville City Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . 797-5700 Westerville Historical Society. . . . . . . . 891-0821 Westerville Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-7277 Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 794-0401 All area codes are 614 unless otherwise noted.

Contact City Council Council Chairperson Mike Heyeck Michael.Heyeck@westerville.org Vice Chairperson Craig Treneff Craig.Treneff@westerville.org Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi Kathy.Cocuzzi@westerville.org Vice Mayor Valerie Cumming Valerie.Cumming@westerville.org Alex Heckman Alex.Heckman@westerville.org Diane Conley Diane.Conley@westerville.org Kenneth L. Wright Kenneth.Wright@westerville.org

City Manager Dave Collinsworth

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