







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
2nd Tuesday Even Months 7PM
By Doug Moormann, Mayor
There is a lot new with the City of Madeira in recent years: a reimagined McDonald Commons, a new pocket park at Camargo and Euclid, a new city brand, fresh landscaping and new streetscapes are on the way for Miami Ave. We’ve also focused energy on
some less visible initiatives that are generating great results.
Beginning with the adoption of our city’s first ever comprehensive plan in 2019, we embarked on an ambitious effort to seek federal, state and local grants to assist in funding the big ideas included in the comprehensive plan. Efforts are paying-off. Since 2019, we are approaching $20 million in state, federal and local grants to help maintain and improve our city infrastructure Burying the utility lines, the safer roadway and improved streetscape along Miami Ave would not be possible without this outside assistance. Likewise for the roundabout now under construction at Galbraith and Miami.
City efforts to find new resources did not stop with government grants Building on some early success by the Inclusion Committee, the city developed a broader sponsorship initiative. We created a Council Grants and Sponsorship Committee and used the occasion of re-opening McDonald Commons to increase the interest of potential sponsors. We also leveraged the new and reinvented spaces in the park to test long-term sponsorship of park assets Our efforts have been successful!
The Pride Festival is now self-sustaining. Event sponsorship pays for the event. Admittedly, sponsorship does not pay for all city staff time, but by way of comparison, the city does not allocate city staff costs for other activities like the Farmer’s Market or the Chamber’s Summer Music Series It is a part of the city’s contribution to attracting visitors to our downtown
The Senior Commission and Parks Board have also steppedup their sponsorship work with volunteers supplementing efforts of city staff.
By Michael Norton-Smith, City Manager
We successfully secured three long-term sponsorship for new facilities at McDonald Commons A special thanks to Prus Construction for sponsoring the playground, Blackwelder Custom Homes for sponsoring the new community room and Formidable Asset Management for its sponsorship of the tennis and pickleball courts.
Collectively, the city generated over $75,000 in sponsorship this year –much of that money formerly coming from the city’s operating budget.
Former Governor Voinovich (I know I am dating myself) challenged government to work harder and smarter Our efforts to attract more outside dollars are accomplishing just that
By Michael Norton-Smith, City Manager
So glad you MADE it here
Although my comparative tenure as City Manager has been relatively short, there is one thing that I have consistently found to be true- The City of Madeira punches above its weight class.
For starters, let’s talk dollars and cents A constant refrain over the past eighteen months has been “pardon our dust” I’ve written it in just about every City Manager letter and repeated it in all my community briefings- A fact that Executive Director David Peterson of the Madeira Chamber of Commerce can attest to. But what’s driving this flurry of construction activity? A significant amount of outside money. Over the past five years, and thanks in no small part to City Council’s emphasis on the 2019 Comprehensive Plan, the City has secured nearly $20 million in outside grants and loans- nearly twice the City’s annual operating budget- to support priority infrastructure projects like Miami Avenue, Camargo Road, the new mini-roundabout at Galbraith, not to mention the sidewalks on Shewango Way (and hopefully Miami Hills) and new storm drainage on Euclid. But this success has not just been limited to infrastructure projects, the City pursued smaller grants to support investments in our parks like the Storybook Trail at the Hosbrook Bird Sanctuary and recycling cans at McDonald Commons. Madeira also leveraged outside grants to support City events, including 2023 Boot Scoot Bash and the 2024 Pride Festival and Welcome Back Bash Kudos to Assistant City Manager Lori Thompson who, in addition to wearing her Zoning and Human Resources (HR) hats, manages to moonlight as a highly successful grant writer.
Next, no one can overlook the professionalism of Madeira’s Administrative Staff. As a new fledgling City Manager, I was blessed to inherit a staff who not only knew their roles inside and out, backwards and forwards, but also had a strong belief in their responsibility to provide value to the residents of Madeira Trust me when I tell you, the level of service is unmatched; and if you need proof, just look to the hours Architectural Review Officer (ARO) Dave Ballweg and Chief Building Official (CBO) Bill Fielder devote to working with building permit applicants, helping them to interpret and apply the City’s development ordinances; look at the time that Treasurer Kristie Lowndes, Tax Commissioner Linda Rudesill, and Tax Clerk Alyssa Grevas devote to assisting taxpayers leading up to (and sometimes beyond) the April 15 tax deadline. And anyone who has called the City Building can attest to one thing- there is nothing that will shake Administrative Assistant Barb Griffin’s positive attitude Beyond the existing “day-one” staff the City of Maderia was fortunate, thanks to City Council, to add two (2) new positions to the organization, and they took to the culture like fish to water; Recreation Manager Tammy Cuevas, who was charged with raising outside sponsorships to support City events,
among other significant achievements, was instrumental in bringing in nearly $33,000 in outside money to support the McDonald Commons Welcome Back Bash Meanwhile Community Coordinator Emily McNamara has been instrumental in modernizing the City’s communications (notably the online newsletter you are currently reading) and identifying new enrichment and recreational offerings for residents of all ages, including a whole docket of programming for the new community room at McDonald Commons.
Speaking of the newly reconstructed McDonald Commons Park, the Madeira Public Works Department have the responsibility for keeping-up the City’s parks and roadways, and they do a phenomenal job Additionally, Public Works employees sling limbs and brush in the spring, rakes and vacuum leaves in the fall, and often are called in for long days and nights during winter snow emergencies. At the same time, Public Works routinely set-up and tear-down City-sponsored and community events. With the expected maintenance with the new park space, we were fortunate, again thanks to City Council, to bring on a seventh Public Works service worker, which also allowed us to absorb several mowing and landscaping contracts that were previously outsourced Thank you to Service Foreman Tom Lack, Parks Manager Andy Disbennett, Service Workers Bobby Adams, Klye Oberlin, Andy Bitner, Cody Hale, and Klye Flint for all their work.
Finally, no discussion about the capability of Madeira’s workforce would be complete without recognition of the men and women of the Madeira Police Department. Just last week, the Police once again achieved the Lexipol Connect “Gold” level ranking for its efforts to maintain and adhere to policies and procedures that promote accountability and professionalism Meanwhile Chief David Schaefer and members of the command staff received the “I Make A Difference Award” given by the Madeira City School Board for there “Digital Citizenship” educational program, held in conjunction with the Madeira City Schools. In the community, the officers of the Police Department provide exceptional service to our residents, responding day and night to everything from property maintenance violations and traffic citations to break-ins, theft, and mental health crises. We truly have world-class officers and support staff and we appreciate everything they bring to the community- a huge Thank You to Lieutenants Paul Phillips, Jay Roy, and Ed Farris, Detective Rick Byram, Officers Joe Freeman, Aaron Grant, Chelsea LaRue, Vanessa Mayo, Mike Miller, Phillip Mitchell, Shawn Powers, Cameron Stewart, Tim Vogel, and James Zazycki and Office Manager Karen Riesenberg.
In closing, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the contributions of our Madeira residents who volunteer their time to serve on the City’s boards and commissions. Madeira could not conduct necessary functions like Planning and Zoning or provide for the beloved community events like Street Dance, Independence Day, Light-Up Madeira, the Snow Ball, Arbor Day, Chair Yoga, and so many others without the tireless dedication of our volunteers. Thank you to the members of following boards and commissions (in no particular order):
Parks and Recreation Board
Senior Commission
Madeira Inclusion Committee
Tree Board
Board of Zoning Appeals
Planning Commission
Historical Preservation Commission
Civil Service Commission
Income Tax Review Board
Records Commission
· The Service Department is getting ready to receive our annual salt amount into the salt dome Maintenance has also been completed on the salt dome, with repairs to the roof and deteriorating wall sections.
· The Service Department was called about a sink hole on Euclid Ave. and determined it was a storm drain causing the issue. The 24" section was dug it up, replaced, back filled it and re-seeded. We advised the resident to continue to call us if any more sink holes appear
· This summer, we have completed a few landscaping projects The first one was on Camargo Woods Dr. where some dead trees were taken out of the landscape area. The second one was the “Island” on Iuka where we redesigned the area and re-mulched it. And third, we replaced the landscaping along the front of the Municipal Building.
· Crews teamed up with Village of Indian Hill and cut honeysuckle in the R.O.W. on Dawson, Camargo, Dones and Shawnee
· Welcome to our newest member, Kyle Flint Please say “hi” when you see him out and about
By David Schaefer, Police Chief
Summer is finally here, and that means school's out. But as the City of Madeira works on its "Central Business District," construction has brought in heavy equipment, road closures, and an increase in traffic The Police Department has witnessed a rise in incidents involving electric scooters being operated recklessly and breaking traffic laws, posing risks to pedestrians and motorists. To ensure safety for everyone - drivers, pedestrians, and construction workers - the city will be temporarily banning the use of all electric motorized devices within the defined "Central Business District" area. This means no electric scooters, bicycles, skateboards, or any other electric vehicles will be allowed on the streets or sidewalks within Miami Avenue, from Euclid Avenue to Camargo Road However, these devices can be walked on the sidewalks within the district If an electric device operator is under 18, they must wear a protective helmet with a securely fastened chin strap. Please take responsibility in educating your children and others about electric mobility device safety and the temporary ban in the "Central Business District" to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. Thank you for your cooperation.
By Stephen Oughterson, Fire Chief
On May 6th, at 09:43 AM, the Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District and our mutual aid companies were dispatched to a structure fire on Lakota Dr. in Madeira When fire and police personnel arrived on the scene, they found a heavy volume of fire coming from the garage The structure is a singlefamily one-story home with an attached garage. A fire began in the garage and was extending to the attic and threatening the rest of the house. Firefighters attacked the fire at the garage and then assigned a crew to the interior to search for occupants and control the fire. As the crew from our Madeira engine was searching, they radioed that the door from the kitchen to the garage was burning and that an attack line is needed urgently The attack line was deployed from the Sycamore Township and the fire was quickly knocked down. Luckily, the occupants were home at the time, became aware of the fire and were able to get out prior to our arrival.
What I want residents to know about this fire is the importance of the door between the house and the garage. When homes are constructed, it is residential code that the door between the house and the garage be fire rated and installed with a self-closure device The fire was so intense in the garage, but the door held and most of the fire and smoke were contained to the garage Even I was surprised to see the difference in damage between extreme in the garage to minimal in the kitchen and the rest of the home. The fire burnt the door and the frame, but didn’t make it to the kitchen.
Firefighters teach families to close bedroom doors at night, or “Close before you doze” for the same exact reason. While interior doors are not fire-rated like the garage door, interior doors do a great job of shielding occupants from fire and smoke If you have a door that is failing or the mechanical parts have failed, fix the door, because it could save lives and / or your home
I wanted to share some recent experiences we ’ ve had concerning a fire hazard commonly associated with home DIY projects. We had a fire alarm response the other night and found that a small fire in the garage had set off the smoke detectors. The resident was doing some furniture refinishing and using a product with linseed oil. Linseed oil itself is a non-toxic chemical used in common refinishing projects with furniture and even decks We often use the rags to use the linseed oil and then discard them or let them sit in a bucket or a can awaiting the next use The problem with linseed oil is that it reacts with oxygen and the reaction creates heat. It creates so much heat that it can produce flames. The simple act of tossing the soaked rags in a can start a fire. Directions on the linseed oil state that after use, place the used rags in sealed container. That action will limit the amount of oxygen and limit the amount of heat that can be generated.
The other experience was a significant fire in Indian Hill recently where the fire severely damaged a home under construction The home was less than a month away from being completed and a fire gutted most of the interior of the home. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but one of the hypotheses is that staining rags were left near other combustibles. That hypothesis is incredibly difficult to prove, but the possibility reminds us of the dangers of linseed oil-soaked rags.
Through the generous donation of the Clarke Family, the Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District acquired a house, set for demolition, to train in for the month of April. The house and property were recently purchased by Indian Hill Residents, Tim and Sue Clarke They contacted a demolition company and told them to allow MIHJFD to train in it prior to demolition The opportunity to train in an acquired structure is rare Sometimes the condition of the home is so dilapidated that we can do very little training. However, this house was in good condition and located in an excellent location. This house's biggest benefit was the chance to train with our mutual aid partners. We regularly train with our mutual aid partners to the east of us at the Loveland Fire Training Tower. However, we do not have those same opportunities with our partners to the west We contacted Little Miami, Sycamore, and Montgomery and asked if they could train, and they gladly jumped at the occasion Crews trained together on hose stretches, rescue drags and carries, forcible entry, search techniques, ventilation methods and other multi-company operations. What makes this opportunity so special and rare is that we got to train with live fire conditions. With careful preparation and planning from each of the fire departments, we conducted two days of live fire training. Preparation and planning were guided by national standards and state regulations regarding live fire training
The first day, crews were tasked with performing a long stretch with several hard to negotiate turns to get to the fire room Negotiating turns in tight quarters is difficult and crew members must work together with little to zero visibility in an environment with temperatures reaching 400- 500 degrees four to five feet off the ground. Crews extinguished the fire while another crew searched the upper floor and performed rescues. There were two manikins the crews had to find and bring them to an awaiting EMS crew We performed six evolutions of that scenario on the first day On the second day, we performed six more evolutions, this time on the upper floor
In two days of training, we had over 60 firefighters that trained with live fire conditions and that number and more in the previous two weeks. We could not be more grateful to Tim and Sue Clarke, Evan’s Landscaping, Indian Hill Water Works and the neighbors surrounding 7800 Calderwood Lane. We are truly fortunate to have such outstanding support for the firefighters of Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District
Environmental stewardship is a large part of the City of Madeira’s Comprehensive Plan. One of the specific goals that has been identified by City Council is to promote more ecologically-friendly modes of transportation. Are you looking for a way to reduce you carbon footprint to help achieve this goal, while also saving on gas and car mileage? The OKI Regional Council of Governments is now offering rideshare and vanpooling options for commuters in our area! This program provides an affordable transportation option that enables coworkers to share a seven (7) to fifteen (15) passenger van to get to and from work. Oki provides a monthly subsidy to assist riders and employers in covering the monthly fee for the use of the van. In addition to vanpooling, OKI offers a carpooling option. This program helps you find neighbors and co-workers with similar commuting routes, so you can travel together, cutting costs and cleaning our air Call 513-241-RIDE or visit https://gohiocommutecom/#/pages/about-oki to receive a list of individuals participating in ridesharing near you Both the carpooling and vanpooling options are part of the Guaranteed Ride Home Program, which provides carpoolers and vanpoolers extra insurance that they can get a ride home in case of an Emergency or unexpected overtime. The Guaranteed Ride Home Program provides 80% reimbursement of the cost of cab or transit faire for a ride home up to 4 times per year. For more information about these programs visit https://wwwokiorg/transportation/rideshare/
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - 7PM McDonald Commons Park
The City of Madeira participates in the Hamilton County Recycling Resource Residential Recycling Incentive Program. Through this program, The Madeira residents diverted 1,131.57 tons of material from going to the landfill in 2023! Through diverting waste by recycling, Madeira received a grant for $32.11 per ton of waste recycled, which equaled $25,785.62 in 2023. Our residents helped save resources, conserve energy, and reduce pollution!
The recycling efforts in Madeira during 2023: Conserved enough energy to power every home in Madeira for 11 days.
Reduced more air pollution than if every household in Madeira rode their bicycle to work for 10 weeks.
Saved 6,140 trees from being harvested.
Join our celebration on July 3, 2024
5:30PM Madeira Mile Starts on Miami Ave.
6:00PM Parade Begins in Miami Ave.
7:00PM Festivities and Music at McDonald Commons
10:00PM Fireword Show Begins at McDonald Commons
By Alex Simon, Parks and Recreation Board
Recruit your neighbors, your students, your employees and your friends to join the City of Madeira’s long running tradition down Miami Avene showcasing your patriotic spirit in the city’s annual Independence Day Parade. The parade will take place on Wednesday, JULY 3 beginning at 6PM. Residents, neighborhoods, local businesses and neighboring organizations are invited to be part of this tradition. Visit https://www.madeiracity.com/how_do_i_/regist er for independence day
Scan to register! parade.php to learn more and enter the parade. The parade will begin at Madeira High School and travel down Miami Ave to St Gertrude ‘ s
By Emily McNamara, Community Coordinator
The Splash Party provides a great opportunity for students from Madeira Middle School and St. Gertrude school who will be entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to have some fun in the sun before heading back to school! $5 cash admission at the door includes pizza, a DJ, games, and swimming. Concessions from the Madeira Swim and Tennis Club and Kona Ice will also be available for purchase. For questions regarding the Splash Party, please visit wwwmadeiracitycom or call 513-5617228.
By Tammy Cuevas, Recreation Manager
The City has great sponsorship opportunities for the Friendly Fourth/Independence Day Event (June 3) and the Street Dance (August 10). Get your name and logo in front of thousands of potential customers. We can also target your sponsorship to your desired audience by focusing on specific events Call Tammy Cuevas at 513-561-7228
By Tammy Cuevas, Recreation Manager
On June 8th, residents of all ages gathered at the Pride Festival on Dawson Road to celebrate Pride month. It was a fun and vibrant explosion of colorful balloons, rainbows, and flags throughout. The number of both attendees and sponsors of the event has grown every year. Thanks to the many families who joined in on the fun and to the sponsors who supported the event!
By Emily McNamara, Community Coordinator
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
https://madeiraoh.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
By Emily McNamara, Community Coordinator
The City of Madeira wants to continue the celebration of our newly remodeled park with our residents! After the success of the Welcome Back Bash, we want to keep finding new ways for Madeira to experience McDonald Commons! Make sure you are following The City of Madeira, OH on Facebook, and @MadeiraOhio on X for details of these programs and more coming your way in the rest of 2024! Details can also be found on www.madeiracity.com and you can register for these programs and more at https://madeiraoh.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Program/Event Date Time
Pilates in the Park with Body Alive
Intergenerational Series* 2nd Sat July-Dec Sat. June 29-Sept. 7 9AM-10AM Event Lawn 10AM-11AM Community Room
Knock Out Basketball Tournament*
STEAM Challenge Series* Wed. Sept. 11-25 4PM-6PM Community Room Location
*Requires pre-registration July 14 11:30AM-2:30PM Multi-Use Courts
Ice Cream Social July 19 5PM-7PM Community Room
By The Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/invasive-plants to learn more.
Invasive plants are non-native plants that invade natural areas and cause declines in species diversity and interrupt ecosystem processes
Of the approximately 2,300 vascular plant species growing in the wild in Ohio, about 78 percent are native The other 22 percent, more than 500 species are not native to Ohio, having been introduced from other states or countries. Most non-native plants have been introduced for erosion control, horticulture, forage crops, culinary and medicinal use, wildlife foods, and by accident.
The majority of these species never stray from where they were introduced, yet some become very invasive and displace native plants in woodlands, wetlands, prairies and other natural areas Non-native, invasive plants cause a decline in species diversity in these habitats A diverse, healthy ecosystem is important for clean air and water, soil stability, and food and shelter for wildlife Invasive plants are a major threat to the health of our ecosystems and to the viability of rare species.
The Madeira Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce three scholarship recipients from the Madeira High School Class of 2024. The Chamber’s annual scholarship program awards deserving high school graduates who demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial passion and plan to pursue a career in business Each year, the Chamber provides two Entrepreneurial Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 and one joint $2,000 scholarship awarded in partnership with the Madeira Woman’s Club.
“Our scholarship recipients continue to impress year after year, ” said David Walsh, Madeira Chamber Treasurer and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. “Year after year we continue to be impressed by all of our applicants and strong business program at the Madeira High School.”
Eddie Hartung was awarded the $2,000 joint Madeira Chamber / Madeira Woman’s Club scholarship Eddie is a member of many service-based organizations at Madeira High School including Key Club and National Honor Society. He also serves as the MHS Spirit Leader. Eddie was involved in the Madeira High School business program and a member of the Millionaires Club, a group designed to expose students to a variety of successful entrepreneurs in different industries. He also participated in many Madeira Athletic programs including varsity golf and baseball. Eddie will attend the University of Cincinnati in the fall to study finance
Keira O’Cull and Drew Davis each received a $2,500 Madeira Chamber Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Keira is a member of the Madeira High School Key Club and National Honor Society, as well as actively involved in the Entrepreneurship Class. She has been involved in many Madeira Athletic programs including cross country, track and swimming. Keira will attend Notre Dame in the fall to study finance.
Drew is a member of the Millionaires Club, where he enjoyed hearing from local entrepreneurs about how they built their businesses while being wise with their time and money He will attend the University of Tennessee in the fall to study finance.
2024 Scholarship Winners (L to R: David Walsh, Drew Davis, Keira O’Cull, Eddie Hartung)
The Madeira City Schools Quality Profile takes a detailed look at what our parents and Madeira community members value most in our schools in Academics, Arts, Student Leadership & Activities, Fiscal Stewardship, Parent & Community Involvement, Student Services, and Staff & District Recognitions. It shows what makes Madeira such a great place for our students - beyond mandated test scores Highlights from the past school year are coming this fall at madeiracityschoolsorg/Welcome/Our Quality Profile.
For updated news and athletic schedules please see our website. If you are interested in learning more about our district please call 513-985-6070. We’d love to show you what’s happening in your Madeira City Schools!
On May 15, 2024, the Madeira Woman’s Club awarded our scholarship at our annual luncheon.
These young women and men are off to the beginning of their college days, and we wish them well
On June 7, 2024, members of the club participated in the grand opening of the new Joseph House that helps veterans down on their luck. This new home is now equipped to help women and disabled veterans!
We will once again have a booth at the Street Dance and we hope to see you there
August 3, 2024
9AM-Noon
Old financial documents, shipping labels, photos, duplicates of documents
The following advertisements are paid for by the businesses 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.
July 3, 2024 5:30PM
Madeira Mile is a 1-mile community race held every July ahead of the Independence Day parade and fireworks show in Madeira, Ohio. Runners/walkers get cheered on by thousands of area residents as they speed to the finish line Little ones are invited to run the min-mile after the big kids and grown ups the take the street first. All proceeds from the race go to support future races, as well as the Madeira running community.
https://racepenguin.com/events/madeira-mile/
City of Madeira
7141 Miami Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45243
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM wwwmadeiracitycom
513-561-7228
513-561-7228
513-561-7228
Finance
Fire
Police
Public
Tax Dept
City Manager
513-272-4212
513-271-2669
513-272-4214
513-561-7228
513-792-9143
513-272-4212
Michael Norton-Smith mnorton-smith@madeiracity.com