Great lives here MADE
The official newsletter of Madeira Ohio
MEETING SCHEDULE
City
2nd and 4th Mondays
MAYOR’S MOMENT
By Doug Moormann, Mayor
1st Monday 7PM
2nd Wednesday 7PM
3rd
3rd Monday
3rd
2nd
For a number of years, the City of Madeira has maintained and managed three properties located along Miami Avenue – the Railroad Depot, Hosbrook House and the Muchmore House These properties have been challenging to manage, maintain, and lease. Accordingly, Council recently decided to transfer the Muchmore and Hosbrook Houses to the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) of Greater Cincinnati, the same CIC that Hamilton County is using to sell five of their county-owned properties (including the expansive Alms and Doepke building on Central Parkway)
Utilizing a CIC for the sale of government-owned real estate is not only common practice across the State of Ohio, it’s legally authorized by Chapter 1724 Ohio Revised Code and Article VIII of the Ohio Constitution
I advocated for transferring the properties to the CIC for several reasons:
1) Commercial property management and maintenance is not a core function of city government The two houses have proven difficult to convert for retail use because both properties have small footprints that do not allow for a blend of commercial and customer uses The square footage constraints have, historically, narrowed the market of prospective retail users interested in leasing and limited the amount of rents the City can reasonably expect to collect
2) In addition to their smaller floorplans, parking in the immediate vicinity is somewhat limited. This, in turn, has functioned as an organic deterrent to attracting commercial tenants interested in using the properties in a way that best serves our community
3) Negotiating with potential tenants can be challenging for any owner of commercial properties; it is especially difficult for a municipality The City Manager negotiates between prospective tenants and the Council City councils are comprised of seven different people, each capable of having a different
By Michael Norton-Smith, City Manager
perspective on the highest and best use of city-owned properties. The leasing process can be especially time-consuming as municipal stakeholders collaborate to consensus on essential business terms of leases –preferred use, length of term, rent price, availability of city concessions, allocating costs for tenant improvements, etc.
So glad you
MADE it here
When weighed against the backdrop of the more critical core functions of our government, absorbing the direct and indirect costs of indefinitely leasing these properties doesn’t make much sense for our community.
While the plan for conveying these properties does contemplate an eventual sale at a purchase price below market, the CIC (acting as our agent) will require buyers to make investments in the properties above the purchase price, increasing their long-term marketability in alignment with our 2019 Comprehensive Plan. You may recall that when we solicited community feedback for the Comprehensive Plan, Madeira residents made it abundantly clear they wanted destination businesses and “eatertainment” opportunities within our central business district. I’m convinced transferring these properties to the CIC will ultimately help our community take another important step in that direction, while also saving taxpayers money
Finally, please note that the Historic District guidelines referenced in Article XVI of the City Charter will remain in force and effect, regardless of either property’s future use. Just as a home purchase agreement does not customarily mention applicable zoning regulations, the CIC’s agreements governing the eventual sale of these properties does not have to reference the Historic District guidelines affecting the use of these properties, either
Hopefully this additional context is helpful. Thank you for the honor of serving!
FROM THE DESK OF THE CITY MANAGER
By Michael Norton-Smith, City Manager
So glad you MADE it here
“Work Smarter, Not Harder” is a phrase often attributed to industrial engineer Allen F Morgenstern in the 1930s and it’s a mantra that we ’ ve adopted at the City of Madeira, specifically related to City operations. With the support of City Council, staff have and continue to try new approaches and utilize new technology to improve our ability to provide services. Sometimes, this important work goes unseen, so I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of these efforts.
By Michael Norton-Smith, City Manager
IWorq
The Madeira Parks and Public Works Departments do a lot to keep the community clean and its infrastructure (i.e. roads, storm sewers, curbs and sidewalks, etc.) maintained. However, much of the department’s work is still documented using paper, which makes evaluating workflow trends difficult. In September, City Council authorized the administration to invest in IWorq software which will help simplify fleet and building maintenance. More importantly, it will “make the work visible,” identifying tasks were additional manpower and resources could be necessary, possibly with the newly renovated McDonald Commons Park Likewise, the new software will help to track and tabulate the hours and repair costs devoted to each fleet vehicle- important information that can help determine when buying a new vehicle is more cost effective than continually repairing an older one (and we have some older Public Works vehicles).
Perry Weather Lightning Detector
Earlier this year, it was determined that the City’s lightning detectors at McDonald Commons and Sellman Park were not functional and beyond repair- 22 years was a pretty good run! This offered staff the opportunity to evaluate available options, which including everything from replacing the existing units in kind (approximately $35,000) or doing away with the detectors all together- after all, 22 years ago, no one had smartphones and weather apps. With all of that in mind, staff elected to lease a Perry Weather detector system at a cost substantially less than the purchase of a new unit The Perry system offers more features, including SMS text alerts for lighting at preset distances away Additionally, the lease provides ongoing maintenance and regular upgrades, ensuring park users benefit from the latest technology and preventing future outages.
Cashless Events
Beginning with the Independence Day fireworks and festivities, the City of Madeira transitioned to a cash-less checkout for alcohol and bounce-house tickets While credit card payments were previously offered, elimination of cash payments drastically reduced the potential for theft while freeing up Madeira Police to provide security and crowd control elsewhere at the event. That being said, we are always looking for lessons-learned to improve future events and, in this case, we found a need for more payment stations.
Flock Cameras
Earlier this year, the City installed Flock license plate reader (LPR) cameras at key points around Madeira. These cameras have become a “best practice” for police agencies throughout Ohio, including most of our surrounding communities Since their installation, these cameras have become a valuable tool for our police, helping to solve three (3) hit-and-run accidents, four (4) thefts, two (2) illegal dumping cases, and a breaking and entering, among other things. The system also led to the arrest of a suspect in a felonious assault and assisted with cases in West Chester, Springfield Township, Cincinnati and Colerain. These are just a handful of the changes implemented by City staff all with the goal of providing exceptional services and value to our residents and businesses.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
By David Schaefer, Police Chief
Don’t Become A “Scam Artist” Victim…
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Unfortunately, too many individuals become a victim to numerous scams orchestrated by deceptive and dishonest people Criminals often prey on senior citizens because they are trusting, sometimes living alone, and/or have large sums of money available to them. Many of these crimes are committed by well organized, transient criminals who evade identification and arrest by operating in various cities and towns under many different aliases. They often leave town before a crime has been discovered. Banking scams are just one of many tools used by these individuals, other scams include confidence games, door-to-door solicitations, telemarketing fraud, fraudulent charity scams, home repair frauds, identity thefts, and lottery scams, just to name a few
Quick Tips Checklist
Use caution when dealing with strangers – even those who wear authentic looking uniforms and may have a reason for entering the house.
Be suspicious of strangers offering to share found money or lottery winnings with you
Request and verify identification before letting somebody in your house
Check a company ’ s reputation with the Better Business Bureau, Department of Consumer Affairs, office before conducting business with them.
Request a written estimate for repair work. Also, get estimates from other companies before making any type of commitment.
Do not invest hastily Do not rush into a bargain If it appears too good to be true, it usually is
Ask that you wish to discuss a contract with others before signing any documents
DO NOT pay for services by purchasing gift cards and then providing the gift card information to the solicitor(s).
When in doubt, call the police!
If the individuals are at your property and leave before the police arrive, try to obtain a description of the person or vehicle involved A license plate number will help the investigation a great deal
The well-being of our residents is our utmost concern and we do not take these offenses lightly. If you feel you have fallen victim to a scam, please report it to the Madeira Police Department as soon as possible.
MADEIRA INDIAN HILL JOINT FIRE DISTRICT
By Stephen Oughterson, Fire Chief
Premise History
One of the most important parts of our assessment of a patient in a medical or traumatic event is to gather information Information about the patient’s medical history can provide valuable insight to the best course of treatment. Some people have the luxury of having a brief or no significant medical history. However, many of our patients have significant medical history and it requires time to gather and record that information. Imagine we are responding to a medial emergency at your home, and you do not have the ability to speak. What information would we need to know in order to provide you with the best possible care?
The Premise History program is a tool our paramedics utilizes to gather critical information such as past medical history, medications, hospital preference, family contact numbers, medical alarm and home information. The information is obtained via a form filled out prior to a medical emergency and returned to MIHJFD. That information is entered into the computer aided dispatch system at the 911 center Information is then transmitted to the MDC (Mobile Data Computer) in the ambulance once the medics are responding The form is available via our website at wwwmihjfdorg or can be filled in person at one of our fire stations. Paramedic Griffin Drake is in charge of the program and also spends time updating those forms periodically.
According to Paramedic Scott Otten, Premise History is most helpful when paramedics are trying to access the patient’s home Gate codes and door codes help paramedics make quick entry without breaking a window or door
STORY BOOK TRAIL
Welcome fall with a visit to the Nelle V. Hosbrook Bird Sanctuary! Our fall 2024 story, Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris, is now available at the Story Trail. What will Bear and friends discover? Visit the Bird Sanctuary to find out!
2024 LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE
October 28th - November 22nd
Zone A Weeks: October 28th; November 11th
Zone B Weeks: November 4th; November 18th
The week of November 25th will be a catch-up week.
Costume Parade & Playdate
Join the Costume Parade fun on October 27th at Sellman Park! The fun begins at 3:00PM.
Come dressed in your Halloween best for games, a scavenger hunt, a craft, the petting zoo, music, and enjoy refreshments and story time with a special, very friendly witch! Moms and dads are welcome to dress up too! The Children's Parade will start at 3:30PM.
The Doggy Costume Parade will start at 4:30PM. Dogs on leashes are welcome to come dressed in costume and have their own parade presented by Central Bark
Trick or Treat Hours: October 31st
6:00PM to 8:00PM - Rain or Shine
MADERIA SENIOR COMMISSION FALL PROGRAMS
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.
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2024
A Full Day of Celebrating and Dancing in the Rain!
On a rainy Independence Day 2024, Madeira families showed their spirit by showing up and having a great time despite the constant showers and occasional puddles! The Madeira Mile went on without a glitch. The parade went non-stop with children playing in the water and waving as the floats went by. Later, an estimated 4,000 residents gathered at McDonald Commons for dinner and music by the Naked Karate Girls The evening ended with an awesome fireworks display Thank you to event sponsors The BMW Store, Heatwave Pools, and High Grain Brewing Company
MADEIRA STREET DANCE 2024
Always Fun in the Hot Summer Sun!
On August 10th, approximately 3,000 people joined in the fun at the annual Street Dance on Laurel Ave. In addition to dancing to the tunes of popular Cincinnati band, My Sister Sarah, residents enjoyed great summer fare, beer and bourbon, and a few new activities for the kids
Special thanks to event sponsors Goldfish Swim School, Master Hannahs Pro Martial Arts, and High Grain Brewing Company.
UPCOMING WINTER EVENTS
Remembering Family Traditions at Madeira Stories
Live - November 13th
Join us for another evening of storytelling with neighbors and friends! The next edition of Madeira Stories Lives, called “Family Traditions,” will take place on Wednesday, November 13th, 7:00 PM at Traditions on Camargo
St. Nicholas Sleigh Ride - December 5th
St. Nick will be coming through Madeira on his horse driven sleigh meeting families and giving small gifts to children on Thursday, December 5th! Look for more details and route information on the City website starting in November
Light Up Madeira and the Children’s Holiday Passport - December 7th
Gather with friends and family downtown at Light Up Madeira on Saturday, December 7th, from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy all the festivities including the decorated stores, horse drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, live music and the traditional lighting of the tree at Fountain Park
The popular Children’s Holiday Passport will also be back (2-5 PM) taking children on a worldwide tour of holiday celebrations and activities. Children’s passports will be stamped at each activity table and they will receive a small prize at the end for a full passport!
MADEIRA CITY SCHOOLS
Our newest 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, Athletics, Parent & Community Involvement, Student Services, and Staff & District Recognitions. It shows what makes Madeira such a great place for our students – in addition to the information on the state report card. We are proud to share some of the highlights from the 2023-2024 school year at wwwmadeiracityschoolsorg/Welcome/Our Quality Profile. If you’d like a paper copy mailed to you, please leave your address with Diane Nichols at 513.924.3707 or dnichols@madeiracityschools.org.
For updated news and athletic schedules, please see our website If you are interested in learning more about our district please call 5139856070 We’d love to show you what’s happening at Madeira City Schools!
MADEIRA WOMENS CLUB
We would like to begin with a HUGE thank you to everyone who made our Street Dance raffle a big success. The proceeds will help with our many projects including Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness, Scholarships and Breast Cancer Awareness programs. We could not have done this without our kind donors and everyone who purchased tickets Another thank-you to our great community for helping the club and the Madeira Police Department in filling the truck on the clubs National Day of Service on September 28, helping to ease food insecurity and hunger for MEAC.
We have our 3rd annual Veterans Day raffle coming up at Ali’s Bar and Grill on November 8, 2024. Proceeds will go towards our projects to include Joseph House, and a new project for children in foster care Prizes include baskets “Date Night in the Park”, “Ice Cream Basket”, “Breakfast Basket”, Leaf raking from ParryScapes, Luggage getaway and a watercolor painting of our Train Depot by our artist Teresa DiSalvo. If you cannot make it to Ali’s on the date, we will pre-sell tickets (5 tickets for $20.00) but come on, we all know Ali’s has great food! Contact club president Clare Heinsler at 513-377-3245 for tickets VENMO welcome, please leave a message and call will be returned. Be sure to check our website Madeira Women's Club (smadams45.wixsite.com) or our Facebook page GFWC Ohio, Madeira Woman’s Club for full details on our activities
ADVERTISMENTS
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
7141 Miami Ave Cincinnati, OH 45243
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM wwwmadeiracitycom
Administration Building
513-561-7228
513-561-7228
513-561-7228
513-272-4212
513-271-2669
513-272-4214
513-561-7228
513-792-9143
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Michael Norton-Smith mnorton-smith@madeiracity.com