NCH Newsletter - 2024 June

Mayor’s Corner

Mayor’s Address to the City

Dear North College Hill Residents!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to their summer! I am excited to present Volume I of our North College Hill City newsletter. Many residents have requested and longed to receive communication about our city and all the many happenings. This is the very first volume of a quarterly newsletter. In each volume, I personally plan to contribute, along with contributions from each city department. You can locate a posted newsletter in various businesses within our city limits, additionally it will be mailed to all residents!

As many of you know, our city has experienced a stressful period. We are now coming into a season of calm, as I have filled multiple vacancies, such as Finance Manager – Ms. Jeanetta Anderson, Finance Clerk – Ms. Erin Marie Swartz, City Administrative Assistant – Mr. Benjamin Torrey, Public Works Director – Mr. David Huffman, and acting Interim Chief of Police – Mr. Craig Chaney and Interim Chief of Fire – Mr. Joseph Placke. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the city, and I hope you will join me in warmly welcoming them. I am zealous about our new team working together to achieve splendor for the City of North College Hill! Also, I am currently interviewing for our next City Administrator, which the position has been posted to our city website.

Lastly, it is my earnest desire to see North College Hill operate at a high standard for its citizens. I believe the City of North College Hill is a hidden gem! Our city will go forward into greatness, which includes the safety of our residents, a strong thriving business district, continuing the beautification efforts, and creating space for community recreation with our allied partners.

If you have any suggestions for content or would like to volunteer, please submit your inquiries to Community@NorthCollegeHill.org.

Wishing the citizens of North College Hill wellness and prosperity!

Sincerely,

Mayor Tracie Nichols

“Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility.”

Michelle Obama

Mayor Tracie Nichols

City Council

Mike Graver, President of Council

Christian Hedger, Clerk of Council

AskCouncil@NorthCollegeHill.org

Mashala Alexander

Brandon Davis

Mary Dewald

Arious DukesDean

Arica Underwood

Victor Wilson

Mary Jo Zorb

Welcome to Public Works

Our North College Hill Public Works department is ready for the Summer and all the projects it brings. We have our lawn mowers, hand tools and other equipment to help our city look its very best. Soon, our residents will see our Street Sweeper trucks on the road; cleaning drains and removing debris from our city roadways. This is vital, especially during the heavy Summer rains we have been experiencing lately.

In addition to keeping our roadways clean, our department can be seen removing litter and emptying garbage cans each morning in our fair city. Our crews work tirelessly, making sure our citizens have a city they can be proud to live in.Your Public Works department can be found doing such jobs as:Replacing signs, trimming trees, grass cutting, repairing city roads and much more.

If you see any of our friendly Public Works crew members, please say hi or wave.

We enjoy being a part of this community and are proud to make the City of North College Hill better every day.

Senior Programs

Hello Everyone,

My name is Coleen Ellis. I am the Senior Programs Coordinator and current resident of North College Hill.

I am responsible for scheduling fun and enjoyable activities for our seniors. We currently have Chair Volleyball practice on Mondays and Wednesdays, each month. We also host our home competition Chair Volleyball games. On June 17th, at 11 AM, we will have a Medicare representative who will be providing updates on Medicare changes for 2025. OSU will be hosting a nutrition series this summer; (date to be announced).COA – Council of Aging, will be hosting “Bingocize”, coming in August. Please stop by and see me any Monday or Wednesday morning at the North College Hill Senior Center.

I can also be reached by phone at 513-521-1586.

Sincerely,

Coleen Ellis NCH Senior Center Coordinator cellis@northcollegehill.org

North College Hill Residents:

Police Department

The last couple of months have been a little difficult to say the least. With that being said, I could not be prouder of the men and women of the North College Hill Police Dept. These fine officers have stayed focused on their jobs to serve you. We are excited for the path that we are on and look forward to a great spring.

We are excited that some much-needed improvements in and around the police station have started. Many thanks to our coworkers in Public Works for recently clearing old shrubbery and plants from the front of the Police Department. We will soon have new plants and trees going in. Stay tuned for something special being added to the landscape. The primary work area of our station is getting an update after 20 years. We are adding some fresh paint and new flooring is going in.

We are also excited to announce our move back to Sign Effects Sign Company for the graphics on our cruisers. We love doing business with our City of North College Hill partners.

Fire Department

Name and Position: Joe Placke, Interim Chief Department: Fire Department

What Does Your Department Do:

In addition to providing fire and emergency medical services, the North College Hill Fire Department conducts countless hours of training, performs fire safety inspections, maintains all emergency equipment and other administrative tasks. All these things help us operate an effective and efficient public safety service.

What You Would Like the Citizens to Know:

In 2024, we have placed a new ambulance into service and will soon have a new fire engine to replace our current one, (purchased in 1994). The members of the North College Hill Fire Department are hard at work to provide the best service possible for the community and its stakeholders.

Our friends at Sign Effects will add the graphics to our cruisers as we replace some of our aging fleet.

Our plan is to implement much more communication with the community on our Facebook page and the City’s website. We want to keep you updated with what is going on with us and in the city. Please follow us on our Facebook page (North College Hill Police Department) for information and updates.

Finally, I would like to personally thank you, our residents, I am honored to be serving you as the Interim Chief of Police. Your support for the men and women who serve this community does not go unnoticed. We are grateful and thank you for your support. As we move forward in 2024, I wish each of you a safe and enjoyable summer!

Sincerely,

Interim Chief Craig Chaney

BUILDING DEPT & CODE ENFORCEMENT

The Building Department is responsible for reviewing building plans, issuing permits & certificates of occupancy, property inspections, planning and zoning.

Available by Appointment Only Bill Knight Department Director

Building Inspector Cell: 513-787-4128

bknight@northcollegehill.org

The Code Enforcement office is responsible for ensuring all structures, residential and non-residential, and all existing premises meet minimum property maintenance standards and sanitary conditions.

Report a concern by contacting Doug Eikens

Building Inspector & Code Enforcement

513-801-0138

deikens@northcollegehill.org

Finance Department

Name and Position:

Jeanetta Anderson, Finance Manager Department: Finance Department

What Does Your Department Do:

The Department of Finance is responsible for the Divisions of Accounts and Audits, Risk Management, and Treasury. All receipts and disbursements, on behalf of the City of North College Hill (NCH), are channeled through this department.

What You Would Like the Citizens to Know:

Our office hours are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 4pm with the exception of federal holidays.

Please visit: www.NorthCollegeHill.org/Tax if you want income tax information or have questions. All enquiries are handled by the Regional Income Tax Agency, known as RITA.

The Finance Department wishes to thank the Citizens of NCH for your support as we look to serve through transparency and accountability.

Taxes?

NCH’s income tax collection is managed by the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA).

Contact RITA at (800) 860-7482 if you have any questions about:

Filing a Return Paying your Taxes Employer Withholding Obtaining a Refund

Filing an affidavit for exemption due to disability or retirement.

NCH Beautification & Activities Committee

The NCH BAC is a new 501(c)(3) organization established in 2024 to provide fundraising and volunteer support for city beautification efforts, recycling initiatives and special events. For more information about volunteering or to make a donation, please contact Donna Brunner at northcollegehillbaac@gmail.com.

NCH Chamber of Commerce

The NCH Chamber of Commerce provides a means for local NCH based businesses to network with one another, and receive updates directly from city officials and the NCH school district superintendent. The Chamber is looking for new advisory board members and program coordinators. If you are interested, please contact Micky Whalen at jaxom1114@yahoo.com or 513-288-1632. Learn more about the NCH Chamber of Commerce at www.NorthCollegeHill.org/NCH-Chamber.

NCH City Schools

The NCH city school district serves students in grades preschool through 12th grade, and offers students in grades 11 & 12 the option to enroll in Great Oaks career tech programs. NCH school district also offers The Trojan Way Learning Center, which provides a supportive alternative academic and social development environment to students with learning differences. The NCH School Board meets regularly on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Board of Education building, located at 1731 Goodman Ave. To learn more about curriculum & programs, performing arts, athletics or enrollment, please visit their website at https://www.nchcityschools.org.

NCH Community Improvement Corporation (CIC)

The NCH CIC is a volunteer-led economic & civic development and land utilization 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, governed by Chapter 1724 of the Ohio Revised Code. The NCH CIC meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM. For information about how to get involved with the NCH CIC, please contact Robert Hall at robert_hlljr@yahoo.com.

NCH Schools Community Garden

The Community Garden is situated behind the NCH School Board of Education building at 1731 Goodman Ave. For information about how to volunteer or to make a donation, please contact the Community Garden Program Coordinator Carla Belcher at cabschoolcommunitygarden@ yahoo.com.

Veterans Services

The NCH chapters of the Disabled American Veterans, Guitars4Vets & American Legion Womens Auxiliary are temporarily meeting at the VFW Hall Post 513 located at 7949 Hamilton Ave in Mt. Healthy until permanent meeting spaces can be found in NCH. For information about the DAV, please contact District 1 Representative Pat Gilpin at patgiblinsongs@gmail.com. For information about Guitars4Vets, please contact Richard Hutchinson at g4vcincinnati@hotmail.com. For information about the A.L. Womens Auxiliary, please contact Peg Albert at post644@gmail.com or visit their website at https://www. womenspost644.org/ WeTHRIVE!

NCH has been an active participant in the Hamilton County Public Health WeTHRIVE! Program for many years. This program provides access to community health programs, resources and funding to support city efforts to improve public health & safety. Membership in WeTHRIVE! is free and open to any resident or business in NCH. For more information, please contact NCH Neighborhood Navigator Anneliese Clear at (513) 728-4468 or aclear@northcollegehill.org or visit NCH’s dedicated WeTHRIVE! Webpage at https://watchusthrive.org/northcollegehill/

NCH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The North College Hill Historical Society collects and preserves memorabilia photographs and other historical documents that tell our city's story

MEETING INFORMATION

Last Saturday of the Month 11am - 12:30pm NCH Senior Community Center 1586 Goodman Ave

Membership is open to anyone who shares our passion for preserving North College Hill s rich history and who has lived worked or attended school in North College Hill at any point in life

Membership Dues: Individuals: $10

Family: $20

Lifetime: $150

Volunteer: Current volunteer needs include administrative support publicity fundraising/grant writing and archivist/photo preservation

Monetary donations may be sent to us by USPS mail or in person at a meeting

Items/Photos: At this time, we are unable to accept any items or photos due to space constraints

QUESTIONS? Contact us at (513) 312-2849 DONATE

Goodman Ave North College Hill, OH 45224 NorthCollegeHill org/History

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Boards & commissions are led by community volunteers, and are governed by the statutes described in the NCH City Charter, Article X. Note that some boards & commissions only meet as needed, and not on a regular basis. If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, contact Mayor Tracie Nichols or complete the Volunteer Application form on our website at: www.NorthCollegeHill.org/Get-Involved.

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) - 3rd Wednesday at 4:30 PM (if needed)

NOTE: Meetings will be cancelled on the 1st business day of the month if no appeals have been filed.

Civil Service Commission – As Needed

Earnings Tax Board of Appeals – As Needed

Planning Commission – 1st Wednesday at 4:45 PM

Records Commission – As Needed

Recreation Commission – As Needed

Tree Board – 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 PM

JOIN US!

From community banking to community building

At Chase we’re making a difference in the communities where we live and work by supporting the neighborhoods, businesses, programs and ideas that are moving our communities forward.

We are very proud to partner with the City of North College Hill to host the 2024 Juneteenth Jam!

North College Hill Branch

1535 1/2 W. Galbraith Road

(513) 595-6470

Brand placement & advertising opportunities are available on a limited basis. Please contact us at Community@NorthCollegeHill.org for the current media kit & advertising rate sheet. All proceeds received will help offset the cost of newsletter production, and will support civic & economic development efforts, city beautification projects and community recreation programs.

EVENTS

JUNETEENTH JAM! & PARADE

Presented by Chase Bank

Sat. June 22 – 10am to 2pm

NCH Chase Bank Parking Lot

1535 ½ W. Galbraith Rd

Bring your family, friends & neighbors for an afternoon of music, food & fun! Watch the parade along Parrish or Goodman Avenues, then come on over to Chase Bank to play “giant” games, make a craft, learn more about the history of Juneteenth presented by NCH schools, and visit outreach booths hosted by local community service agencies. This event is FREE and open to the public. Food trucks will be available for purchase. Participate in a Financial Literacy workshop offered by Chase Bank, and receive a free Kona Ice! Covered seating will be available.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE WEEKEND

(with Hwy 127 / World’s Largest Yard Sale)

Thurs. August 1 - Sun. August 4

The “Hwy 127 Yard Sale” event spans multiple states, and draws visitors from all over the world right through the heart of NCH. A limited number of free booths will be available for NCH residents & businesses on Saturday & Sunday ONLY from 9am to 3pm at the Senior Center. Signage will be placed along Hamilton Ave.

*Pre-registration for booth space at the Senior Center is required! *

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Tues. Aug 6

National Night Out is a nationwide event originally established in 1984 to foster positive engagement between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Details are still being worked out for NCH’s first time participating in this event. Follow the “North College Hill Police Department” Facebook page for updates.

HEADIN’ FOR THE HILL CAR SHOW

Mon. September 2 (Labor Day)

Vehicle Registration: 9am ($20/car)

Show Opens: 12pm // Awards: 4pm (Galbraith closed to thru traffic 7am-6pm)

A long-standing tradition in NCH, this volunteer-led event draws nearly 150 custom, classic and just plain cool cars, and over 1,000 visitors to our city! Food trucks will be available for purchase, and local radio personality JD Hughes will once again serve as our event DJ and Emcee.

VOLUNTEER & VENDOR INFORMATION

Information about how to sign up to volunteer or reserve vendor space is on our website, or you may contact the Recreation Department at (513) 728-4486 or Recreation@NorthCollegeHill.org.

“GO GREEN” EVENTS

Visit www.NorthCollegeHill.org/Go-Green for lists of acceptable items.

•DRIVE THRU & DROP OFF RECYCLING:

1500 W Galbraith Rd (parking lot)

- Sat. July 20 – 10am to 12pm Personal Care Items

- Sat. Sept 21 – 10am to 12pm Tech Trash / E-Cycling

• CITY CLEAN UP DAY – FALL EDITION Sat. Sept 21 – 9am to 12pm Check-in at NCH Senior Center

SAVE THE DATES!

• 3rd ANNUAL FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL Sat. October 26

• DRIVE THRU & DROP OFF RECYCLING Household Hazardous Waste Sat. November 16

Learn more at

www.NorthCollegeHill.org/Events or scan this QR Code with your smart device:

• LIGHT UP NCH: TREE LIGHTING & HOLIDAY SHOP CRAFT SHOW Sat. November 30

City of North College Hill

1586 Goodman Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45224

SUBSCRIBE!

Never miss an update!

Subscribe to the city’s website at www.NorthCollegeHill.org/NotifyMe or scan here with your smart device.

728-3977

PUBLIC MEETINGS

City Council Meetings 1st and 3rd Monday at 7:00 PM (Summer Session: 1st Monday only in June, July & August)

Council Committee Meetings 2nd Monday as follows: 6:00 PM – Rules & Public Policy

6:30 PM – Public Safety

7:00 PM – City Community Development & Recreation

7:30 PM – Budget & Finance

Meeting Location NCH Senior Community Center || 1586 Goodman Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45224

728-3962 Finance

728-3964

521-3950

521-7171

364-9428

728-4486

521-1586