Digital MadeiraNews Magazine April-June 2024

Great lives here MADE

The official newsletter of Madeira Ohio

MEETING SCHEDULE MAYOR’S MOMENT

City Council

2nd and 4th Mondays 7:30PM

Board of Zoning Appeals

1st Monday 7PM

Park & Recreation Board

2nd Wednesday 7PM

Senior Commission

3rd Monday 6PM

Planning Commission

3rd Monday 7PM

Inclusion Committee

3rd Tuesday 7PM

Tree Board

2nd Tuesday Even Months 7PM

IN THIS ISSUE

By Doug Moormann, Mayor

Most people encounter fire fighters and police officers on their “worst day” a fire, an illness, a traffic accident, and other “bad” days This is NOT the case in Madeira The Madeira Police Department and the Madeira – Indian Hill Fire Department are a part of the community, sharing their time, talents, and knowledge day in and day out. Recently, I attended the Fire Department’s Annual Dinner and reviewed the Police Department’s Annual report and was reminded that we are blessed to have safety services that are here on all days

The Madeira Police Department 2023 Annual Report highlights that it is a group of highly dedicated law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. These skilled professionals are equipped with cuttingedge technology and techniques to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies and prevent crimes before they occur It is abundantly clear that the department is committed to establishing strong relationships with the community and creating an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.

Our police department takes immense pride in adhering to the highest policing standards The Ohio Collaborative CommunityPolice Advisory Board reviews and certifies our policies and procedures annually, ensuring that our community can be confident in our officers' professionalism and the quality of service they provide.

Our officers regularly receive training on core policing skills and advanced topics Lieutenant Jay Roy, for instance, completed the Police Executive Leadership College in 2023, joining Lieutenant Paul Phillips and Chief David Schaefer, both previous graduates. Lieutenant Ed Farris also joins the rest of the police supervisors who are Trilogy Certified by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Every Madeira Police Officer completes annual continued professional training approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission on topics such as de-escalation, crisis intervention, use of force, and cultural diversity.

By Michael Norton-Smith, City Manager

Above all, our police officers are passionate about, and diligent, in their patrols and never miss a chance to engage with our community Whether they are partnering with our schools or staffing one of our city events, our officers clearly enjoy interacting everyday with everyone.

So glad you MADE it here

The Madeira – Indian Hill Fire Department’s Annual Meeting was inspirational. In 2024 the department will celebrate its 100th anniversary! The Fire Company was established in 1924 and, yes, there remain shareholder certificates issued to those who invested in the company! The annual meeting highlighted service milestones – especially Brian Willing who celebrated 30 years of service to our community. The event also made special note of “ saves. ” Last year our firefighters saved two people who were without a pulse with our EMS- trained firefighters who arrived on the scene.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the Fire Department will be doing good in our community. Chief Oughterson spoke of plans for the 100 Acts of Kindness Keep an eye out for the Fire Department’s celebrations and Acts of Kindness throughout 2024

Madeira is fortunate to have a strong local police department and fire department We are blessed with community-minded, caring and compassionate professionals who fill their ranks.

FROM THE DESK OF THE CITY MANAGER

By Michael Norton-Smith, City Manager

Hopefully everyone ' s 2024 is progressing well as we welcome Spring, and the beginning of the City’s three (3) busiest times:

Construction Season

Tax Season

Event Season

With so much activity taking place, I wanted to provide a brief update on all three (3).

Construction Season:

As noted in the January newsletter, the City’s 2023 refrain of “Pardon our dust” will continue into 2024 as we reinvest in our community’s infrastructure and amenities.

Phase 1 of the Miami Avenue Reconstruction Project is approximately halfway complete; the City’s contractor, Ford Development Corporation (hereafter “Ford”) completed the installation of the mainline underground duct bank, which will allow the City to bury the overhead utilities. Over the next few weeks, Ford will be working to install the branch ducts which will service the businesses in the district Then, once the work on the duct bank is complete, they will begin installing a new 16” water main The target for completion of Phase 1 is mid-2024

Meanwhile, there have been some significant changes at the Miami Avenue and Galbraith Road intersection as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) prepares to construct a new miniroundabout. Work to clear the utility poles is currently underway and the intersection has been converted to a four-way stop ODOT intends to select a construction contractor by April 15, 2024 and hopes to begin construction after the school year ends The projected timeline is 90-days and ODOT hopes to have the roundabout completed by the 2024-2025 School Year.

Finally, in February, City Council approved a contract with Howell Contractors Inc. for the waterline replacement on Camargo Road, part of the street scape enhancements from Miami Avenue to Euclid Avenue. This work will begin this spring with a projected completion date in September, 2024, at which

point, similar to Miami Avenue, construction on the streetscape enhancements (i.e. paver sidewalks, curb, pavement, etc.) will begin.

Aside from the City of Madeira projects, in 2024 our neighbors in Sycamore Township will be installing sidewalk along Euclid Avenue from Kenwood Road to Hosbrook Road In conjunction with the sidewalk project, the City will take the opportunity to repair some stormwater infrastructure and pavement on Euclid.

We appreciate everyone ’ s patience as we continue with these important investments in the City’s infrastructure. With all of the projects in the City, some with overlapping timelines, we understand that there may be delays and detours due to construction We encourage everyone to check the City’s Facebook page for any traffic and detour updates

Tax Season

The City of Madeira relies on a 1% earnings tax, one of the lowest rates in the Cincinnati area, to fund a significant portion of municipal operations. Just like private CPA firms, April, and the months leadingup to it, are important for the City of Madeira. Our Finance Department staff of three (3) process over 5,000 tax returns annually and collect approximately 44% of returns from February to May. On top of that, as one of the best-kept secrets, they offer walk-in appointments to assist all tax filers. This year, the City projected to collect $53 million in earnings tax and we should have a pretty good idea of whether the City’s budget forecast is on-track by the end of May

Event Season

Many of the Boards and Commissions for the City of Madeira host events year-round, the majority of which fall between March and October The City’s Inclusion Committee and Senior Commission hosted a joint “Madeira Stories Live” program at Traditions on March 20, 2024, featuring resident storytellers from the community. This was the first of four (4) “Madeira Stories Live” events planned for 2024. Meanwhile, the City’s Parks and Recreation Board (“Parks Board”) are getting set to put on the Easter Egg Scramble- the City’s fastest event- on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Then, all attention turns to the Welcome Back Bash for McDonald Commons, which is set for May 10-11, 2024. We hope you will join City Council and our Parks Board volunteers as we reopen the City’s primary park space The City’s contractor, Prus Construction is projecting to have the park substantially complete by mid-April and ready for food, activities, and fireworks at the grand opening. Check out the City’s website for more information. The park will also be used to host a number of other major City and Community events, including:

Memorial Day (ceremony following the silent march)

Independence Day Fireworks

Boosterpoloza (Hosted by the Madeira City Schools Boosters)

Boot Scootin’ Bash/Bonfire

However, many events, including Street Dance, the Women’s Club Art Fair, and the Pride Festival will continue to be held in the Central Business District, in part to take advantage of the City’s partnership with the Madeira Chamber of Commerce and promote local businesses

Additional information on all City events can be found on the City’s website.

After the completion of the annual catch basin cleaning program, crews needed to go back and clean out any basins that the machine was unable to reach This year 13 catch basins had to be cleaned out by hand which often requires workers to climb inside the basins to clean the bottom to ensure that the pipe has no blockages This task is vital to the storm water system and helps prevent any major flooding from occurring due to blocked pipes or slow draining basins.

Also, during the catch basin program, any basins that are beginning to fall apart and in need of repairs are logged for repair after the winter. Crews have been taking advantage of this warm weather and have started the rebuilding process of the first catch basin of the year on Juniperview.

Now that spring is upon us, it is time to freshen up landscape beds around the town. Recently crews completed the installation of the plants and trees at the back plaza at City Hall, which involved taking out a dead tree and mulching the beds Crews have also been working around town mulching along Dawson Road near Kenwood, Camargo Woods and the islands at Osceola and Iuka

Additionally, with the spring season here it means that crews will begin to see the grass growing soon In preparation of the maintenance of all city owned right-of-ways, all mowers have had a full servicing which includes new filters, oil change and blades sharpened.

We offer in person taxpayer assistance with your local tax filing. We ask that you setup an appointment by emailing tax@madeiracity.com with your date and preferred time. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS, YOU

By David Schaefer, Police Chief

It’s that time of the year when grass and weeds start to grow. In some instances the overgrowth of grass and weeds lead to property maintenance issues for homeowners Each year officers have to inform residents about high grass and weed issues on properties throughout Madeira. The City of Madeira has enacted various ordinances to regulate property maintenance throughout the city; these ordinances improve the quality of life for all residents by ensuring our homes are maintained Recently the City of Madeira has amended the weeds and grasses ordinance Your adherence to the following ordinance will assist the City of Madeira in maintaining a healthy environment for all residents.

§ 92.45 WEEDS AND GRASSES; NUISANCE.

Council hereby finds and determines that the growth of grass to a height in excess of eight (8) inches and any growth of rank vegetation, and noxious weeds, including but not limited to thistles, wild lettuce, wild mustard, ragweeds, milkweeds, poison ivy and any other weed or wild pollen or seeds spread or about to be spread by it, which by reason of the density of its growth, or by reason of its unsightliness, or dense growth, injuriously affects the public health, safety and welfare and the same, and any land covered there by, are hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

Un-remediated Violations: Any person, responsible person, or entity that owns or controls any property areas or structure that fails to remediate the violation(s) identified by the Notice of Violation within five (5) days of being served with the Notice of Violation shall be in violation of the Property Maintenance Code and fined not less than $500 per offense.

Following the five (5) day compliance period referenced herein, each and every day in which the violation(s) identified by a Notice of Violation remain un-remediated shall be deemed a separate offense and result in separate fines for each such offense Fines resulting from each offense shall increase by $50 per day the violation or failure of compliance persists, up to a maximum of $750 per day. Likewise, if the violation(s) identified by any Notice of Violation reoccur on the subject property within the same calendar year the Notice of Violation was served, each and every day the property fails to comply with the Property Maintenance Code shall be deemed a separate offense and result in separate fines for each such offense, beginning at $500 per day up to a maximum of $750 per day as before

Should the owner or person having charge of any such land fail to comply with such Notice of Violation the City Manager shall cause such grass, weeds and/or vegetation to be cut and/or destroyed and removed and all costs or expense thereof shall, when approved by Council, be assessed against such lands and certified and collected as provided by law in the case of other assessments levied by Council. Any costs or expenses incurred hereunder shall be in addition to the fines set forth in

MADEIRA INDIAN HILL JOINT FIRE DISTRICT

By Stephen Oughterson, Fire Chief

As the Fire Chief for the Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District, I often get asked my opinion on products available to the public, such as extinguishers, smoke detectors, CO Alarms, etc Recently, I’ve had a couple of residents ask me about fire blankets Fire blankets are available to consumers for use in their home to extinguish common fires Fire blankets

are also commercially available for firefighters to help control incidents involving lithium battery vehicle fires. I’ve been asked if I would have one in my house and the answer is yes; however, it is not the one thing needed to extinguish a fire in the home The fire blanket has several advantages as well as disadvantages I would recommend each home have a fire blanket, especially in the kitchen Kitchen fires are the most common type of fire in America and often start on the stove.

However, I wouldn’t recommend the fire blanket as the only suppression aid available in the kitchen, I would also have a fire extinguisher Fire blankets are very effective for small fires on the stove or countertop. However, the user must get extremely close to deploy the blanket over the flames. If the flames have extended beyond the stovetop or to the cabinets, the blanket is ineffective, and one must use the extinguisher. For small fires, the blanket quickly stops the spread of fire and creates a lot less of a mess. Extinguishers are effective, but also create another mess from the agent being dispersed, which covers the area in dust. Extinguishers can be used for fires that may be starting to spread to the cabinets and you don’t have to be as close to the fire as you would to deploy a fire blanket The fire blanket is a quick and effective way to extinguish a fire on the stove

Fire extinguishers allow the user to extinguish the fire and exit quickly without getting too close to the flames The fire blanket is preferred if the fire is on a horizontal surface and the flames are isolated to that surface.

The very best suppression product available to consumers is the home sprinkler system. However, these are expensive. A simple way to protect your home without spending thousands of dollars is to purchase a rangehood fire suppressor like StoveTop FireStop or Auto Out. These are small canisters that install with magnets to your range hood and will activate automatically when flame is detected.

Lastly, never put water on a grease fire, water will increase the spread of fire quickly If you have a fire in the oven, turn off the oven and keep the door closed If you feel you need to discharge the extinguisher in the oven, discharge for a quick burst and then close the door Most importantly, if you have a fire in your home, call 911. Even if you extinguished the fire, call 911 and report that you extinguished the fire. We will respond to make sure the fire is out, ventilate the smoke out of your home, isolate any damaged equipment and provide assistance such as clean up.

Fire Extinguisher

Can extinguish fires from a distance

Can extinguish larger fires

Great for use throughout the home

Economical - Affordable

Fire Blanket

Effective for small fires on the stove

Creates less mess

Great for stovetop use

Economical - Affordable

SPRING BRUSH AND LIMB PICK UP

Time for some spring cleaning! Brush and Limb Pick-up is scheduled from May 6th to May 17th.

Public Works crews will be working city-wide to collect your clippings. Brush will be collected by the same zones as fall leaf collection.

Week of May 6th- Zone A

Week of May 13th- Zone B

We are unable to provide an exact day when we will be on a specific street Please have all brush and limbs neatly stacked at the curb by 7 AM on the Monday of your zone pick-up.

Please check the City’s website for zone listings.

Brush & Limb Pick-Up Guidelines:

Limbs should be no larger than 8 in. in diameter and no longer than 10 ft in length.

Place brush and limbs at the curb with the cut sections facing the street

Small twigs/sticks should be bundled with twine and no longer than 8 in in diameter or placed in an empty garbage can or box.

PLEASE DO NOT USE PLASTIC BAGS OR LAWN BAGS.

Pine branches may be placed at the curb in containers, but, please, NO LOOSE PINE NEEDLES!

Do not include any type of yard waste, e.g, grass clippings, leaves, or ornamental grasses.

No stumps, root balls, railroad ties, or wood fencing

This program is strictly for the removal of brush and limbs that meet the guidelines

Materials not meeting the guidelines will be left at the curb.

Would you like a load of wood chips delivered to your home?

Contact us one of 2 ways by May 3rd:

Email information@madeiracity.com – Subject: Wood Chip List

Call 513-561-7228 – ask to be put on the wood chip list

Please provide the following information in the email or on the phone:

GARBAGE, YARD WASTE & RECYCLING IN MADEIRA

The City of Madeira has a Volume-Based Solid Waste Collection Contract with Republic Services. The contract allows for weekly curbside removal of 35-gallons of combined household garbage and yard waste with an unlimited volume of recyclable materials. Please follow the guidelines to ensure proper disposal

GUIDELINES

Each household is provided the following containers from Republic Services for free:

35-gallon solid waste container on wheels

65-gallon recycling container on wheels

Larger waste containers are available for a yearly fee, please contact Republic Services at 513-771-4200 to find out information on pricing

Household trash or yard waste that does not fit in the waste container needs to be bagged/boxed/bundled and *stickered.

Republic Services will pick up large items at the curb with your weekly trash Items need to be *stickered

· Large items that have material/upholstery on them (couch, mattress, box springs, chairs, etc.) must be completely wrapped in plastic.

Refrigerators and air conditioners must have freon removed, each unit must be tagged by a certified technician.

· Tires are not accepted

Recycling is unlimited; if you have recyclable items that will not fit in the recycling container make sure they are marked recycling. Boxes for recycling need to be broken down, if they don’t fit in the container, please secure them in manageable bundles to pick-up.

Place garbage & recycling containers at the curb the night before your scheduled pick-up to ensure your garbage will be retrieved

*STICKER PROGRAM

Any items that do not fit in your waste container and all large Items need to be stickered for pick-up.

Stickers can be purchased at the following locations:

· Madeira Kroger Customer Service Desk- 6590 Miami Avenue

· McCabe Do-It Center- 7725 Laurel Avenue

Each item/bag/container weighing no more than 75 lbs. needs a $1.00 sticker

Each item/bag/container weighing over 75 lbs. needs a $10.00 sticker or (10- $1.00 stickers)

If you plan to have a large item at the curb, please contact the Administration Office at 513-561-7228 at least 24 hours in advance of your trash day to schedule the pick-up

*Madeira Olympics 4:30PM-7:30PM

*Sculpt

*Providing

/Community/Program

*Bingo

*Madeira Decoupage Project 12PM-1PM

Tie Dye 12PM-4PM (While Supplies Last)

*Cookie

*New

McDonald Commons Welcome Back Bash Event Sponsors*

McDonald Commons Field Sponsors*

Be featured as a Shirt Sponsor on the McDonald Commons Welcome Back Bash event t-shirt for $250!

250 participants at the Welcome Back Bash on May 1011, 2024 will tie dye shirts with your business name on the back!

For information on how to become a sponsor contact Tammy Cuevas, tcuevas@madeiracity.com, 513-561-7228.

*Sponsors as of 4/1/2024

Flower Power: Madeira Senior Commission Spring Programs

By Emily McNamara, Community Coordinator

The Madeira Senior Commission has many educational, fun and entertaining programs scheduled for the rest of 2024! Join us for the programs below! Call 513-561-7228 to register, or register online at https://madeiraoh.recdesk.com/Community/Program.

Traditions at Camargo

Centennial Room Traditions a Camargo

McDonald Commons Traditions at Camargo

Ali’s Bar and Grill

Thank you to our 2024 Senior Commission Sponsors

Mark Your Calendar! We are Celebrating Independence Day!

By Tammy Cuevas, Recreation Manager

Join us on July 3rd for another fun Summer night in Madeira with family, friends, and, of course, wonderful neighbors Run in the Madeira Mile (5:30 PM), march in the parade or cheer from the sidelines (6 PM), then get ready for a huge celebration as we all enjoy dinner and one of our favorite bands, The Naked Karate Girls, in our new space at McDonald Commons Bring your blanket and enjoy the fireworks at 10 PM!

You are invited to Madeira Pride!

By Ashley Schweickart, Madeira Inclusion Committee

The Madeira Inclusion Committee (MIC) is hosting our 4th annual Madeira Pride Festival on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 from 3 - 6pm The Pride Festival celebrates the inclusion and acceptance of our local LGBTQ+ community, with a specific focus on education and outreach to families inside and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. MIC is again collaborating with the Madeira Chamber of Commerce to bring in live music and is holding the Festival on Dawson Road within Madeira's DORA district.

New this year, the popular Madeira Stories Live (MSL) event will be incorporated into the Pride Festival! By adding MSL, we are finding new and exciting ways to celebrate diversity while deepening understanding

The Pride Festival is completely free to attend and includes live music, face painting, a bounce house, interactive arts & crafts, education tables, shaved ice, and more!

MADEIRA INCLUSION COMMITTEE

The Friendly Fourth celebration and Madeira Pride 2024 are sponsored by Heatwave Pools

MADEIRA CITY SCHOOLS

Madeira Kindergarten Registration

Children of Madeira residents who will be five (5) years old on or before September 30, 2024 are eligible to be registered for Kindergarten for the 20242025 school year The Madeira City School District uses an online process for Kindergarten registration Please see the Madeira Elementary School page at wwwmadeiracityschoolsorg for complete registration information We are excited to welcome the graduating class of 2037!

Madeira Preschool Registration

For the 2024-25 school year, children must be 3 by August 31, 2024 and must live in Madeira (unless a parent is employed by Madeira City Schools).

End of Year Dates:

Madeira High School Class of 2024 Baccalaureate

Wednesday, May 22 at 8:00 PM in Medert Auditorium

Last Day of School for Students

Thursday, May 23

Madeira High School Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony

Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 PM in Madeira Stadium at MHS (Raindate Sunday, May 26 at 7:30 PM)

A lot is going on in Madeira City Schools! Please see our online calendar at wwwmadeiracityschoolsorg or a pdf at Quick Links/Calendars for current school events

MADEIRA WOMENS CLUB

Hi everyone! We are looking forward to seeing you at the Art Fair on May 5, 2024, from 11am to 5 pm We are once again on Laurel Ave This is a rain or shine event. We still have a few spots open. All proceeds benefit our scholarship fund. Once the art fair is over, we are still going to be busy. We will see you at the Grand Re-opening of McDonalds Commons, we have a spot in the new Community Room at 11 am on May 11 We will be hosting a Bingo game for ages 14+ (younger allowed to participate with adult assistance). Winners will get a Graeter’s gift card.

The following weekend for the Madeira yard sale, look for us on Rita Lane. There will be all kinds of great things for sale!

We will be once again participating in the National Day of Service in September. There will be more information about this in the next newsletter

We’d really like to thank our residents for all your support

If you are interested in knowing more about Madeira Woman’s Club, or need an application for an art fair spot, please visit our website: Madeira Women's Club (smadams45.wixsite.com) Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/madeirawoman’sclub.

MADEIRAMART

CITYWIDEGARAGESALE MAY18,2024

Host your own garage/yard sale in front of your residence or team up with other neighbors on your block!

This event is designed to promote the reuse, recycling, and re-purposing of unwanted household items

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AD

LARGEITEM

PICKUP

Regular Trash Day

Large Item Pick Up Date

Wednesday Saturday, 6/8

Thursday Saturday, 6/15

Friday Saturday, 6/22

The following advertisements are paid for by the business and individuals The City of Madeira has no affiliation with these advertisers and, as such, makes no representation or endorsement of any product, service, or information provided by them.

This annual event is FREE no stickers needed.

LARGE ITEMS WITH:

MATERIAL- couch, loveseat, mattress, box spring, must be completely wrapped in plastic FREON- refrigerator & air conditioner, must have freon removed and be tagged by a certified technician. TIRES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.