West Chester Community Report Fall/Winter 2022

WEST CHESTER COMMUNITY REPORT

Grants SPARK Small Business Investment

Township launches small business grant program for façade/exterior updates

West Chester was founded by strong-willed entrepreneurs who farmed the land and sought opportunities to determine their own destiny; the SPARK Grant celebrates that same spirit today.

The West Chester Board of Trustees has launched a small business revitalization grant program to encourage investment in exterior improvements in our business corridors. The incentive program was approved at the Nov. 15th Board of Trustees meeting.

“Route 42 is the heart of our small business community in West Chester and so that is the inspiration behind the new grant program,” said Economic Development Katy Kanelopoulus. “The program, however, is open to any eligible small business in the community because we believe all could benefit from the opportunity.”

The SPARK Grant is for owners or tenants to make improvements at the front door of their business, enhancing the business specifically, as well as the aesthetic of the neighborhood. West Chester will partner financially with these entrepreneur applicants to make visible, impactful change invigorating their business and small business corridors across the Township.

The program is available to West Chester Township property owners or commercial tenants with no more than 30 full-time equivalent employees. Award amounts will vary between $1,000 and $10,000. Grant amounts will be determined by the strength of the application with scoring focused on quality of design, impact to the larger business neighborhood, location, job creation and shared investment of the applicant.

The grant funding could be used for exterior painting,

Small Business Revitalization Grant

enhanced outdoor public space, upgraded landscape, signage, exterior lighting and demolition of an existing building.

The current application cycle is Dec. 1, 2022 to Feb. 28, 2023 with awards announced on March 15. Application periods will be available throughout the year as long as there is available funding.

Applications can be completed online only and are available at www.weschesteroh.org/SPARK

New Digs for the Chamber Alliance

The West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance has a new home at 8763 Union Centre Boulevard, Suite 400, in the former the headquarters for Kemba Credit Union. This landmark location in West Chester’s Central Business District offers The Chamber Alliance more office space, state-of-the-art technology, and easier access to better serve its chamber members.

The West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance is all about connecting people and possibilities. As a “go-to” business leader in the area, it supports the growth and development of West Chester and Liberty townships, the business epicenters of the region and the connectors for Cincinnati and Dayton along the I-75 Growth Corridor. www.thechamberalliance.com

MLK Day March Bridges West Chester and Liberty

Your family is invited to march with Butler County neighbors this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Live The Dream: Our Declaration of Unity planning committee is organizing its annual MLK Day march for Monday, January 16, 2023. The march starts at 10 a.m. from the parking lot of the West Chester Cabela’s, 7250 Cabela Drive.

Marchers will cross Liberty Way to Liberty Center, where the route loops around the shopping mall. A brief reception immediately follows the march at the Liberty Center Living Room, 7100 Foundry Row. All outdoor activities are weather dependent and subject to change.

Live The Dream is a grassroots network of residents and stakeholders founded more than two decades ago by West Chester resident Gail Webster.

Guests of the march are encouraged to stay and have lunch at a Liberty Center restaurant of their choosing following the morning’s events.

Connect with Live The Dream: Our Declaration of Unity on social media at Facebook.com/LiveTheDreamWCL.

The Market:

West Chester’s farmers market continues through the winter months at the Muhlhauser Barn in Beckett Park, 8558 Beckett Road.

Farmers and makers of artisanal goods gather twice each month during the winter providing produce from their local greenhouses and products for sale. The Winter Market is open 2 to 4 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

• December 3 and 17

• January 7 and 21

• February 4 and 18

• March 4 and 18

There’s no heat in the Barn, so bundle up and support local.

Muhlhauser Barn Gets a New Coat of Paint

When the Muhlhauser Barn closes its 2022 season, the Township is poised to make some big improvements to the building that has a rich history.

West Chester Township will invest in a new ceramic coating paint for the building and a new deck with plans for a fresh start when the Barn re-opens for rentals in 2023 – West Chester’s bicentennial year.

The Muhlhauser Barn was moved to Beckett Park as a gift from Ohio Casualty and the Muhlhauser family. It is a timber-frame style barn first built in 1881. It served as a barn on the Muhlhauser family farm and connects our community to Cincinnati brewing history. The Moerlein, the Muhlhauser and the Windisch families were all farmers who also successfully brewed beer. They farmed and had summer homes in West Chester.

The Muhlhauser Barn was reconstructed at Beckett Park using nearly all the original timbers and tile roof. The Barn opened in 2007 as a seasonal rental facility and has hosted 1,200 family events since then, as well as small festivals and community events.

Rental rates for the Barn were increased this year for the first time since 2011. The new rates apply to any new reservations moving forward. Recently approved changes in the operation of the Barn will also allow more opportunity for weekday community use.

Call 513-759-3960 or visit www.westchesteroh.org/Barn

WEST CHESTERS BICENTENNIAL

Township works with volunteers to plan community’s 200th birthday party

West Chester, then Union Township, was established on June 2, 1823, by the Ohio State Legislature. Union Township, Butler County, was carved from the much larger and more established Liberty Township to form its own government and community.

“Our bicentennial is a really big deal and is an opportunity to increase awareness of our history and celebrate all the things we love about community,” said Barbara Wilson, director of Public Information and Engagement for the Township.

The bicentennial celebration will be a year-long event marked with festivals, community art, exhibits, selfguided tours and more

The biggest party will be the weekend of June 1-4West Chester Founders Day Weekend – which will kick off with a Bicentennial Takeover on The Square (June 1 and 2) and will conclude with celebrations at Keehner Park, in Olde West Chester and at the West Chester History Center. In addition to live music and great food during Founders Day Weekend, the Township hopes to build a sense of fellowship and volunteerism with contests, hikes, demonstrations, storytelling and more.

While Founders Day Weekend will be the cornerstone, it won’t be the only opportunity to celebrate our 200th birthday. West Chester Township is working with a volunteer committee to host special events/activities all year long in Port Union, Pisgah, Gano, Beckett Ridge, Tylersville, Lakota Springs and all the other neighborhoods that combine to make our community a place “where families grow and businesses prosper.”

HISTORIC MILESTONES

1805:

At least 51 men and women live or own land in Union Township (West Chester Township) by 1805, even though it wasn’t yet recognized. Population increases and settlers arrive in larger numbers, although there were no roads. Transportation was limited to narrow, primitive trails made naturally by American bison. The trails are largely unsuitable for wagon travel. Pioneers settle along three major thoroughfares that would later become Cincinnati-Dayton Road (through what is known as Olde West Chester), US Route 42 (through what is known as Pisgah), and State Route 747 (through what is known as Port Union).

With today’s population of nearly 65,000, our community’s success continues to be driven by access to major thoroughfares. The earliest are still critical arteries for the community, but today I-75, I-275, Union Centre Boulevard and others also position our community for the future.

Make sure you’re connected to West Chester Township’s Community Report online to stay informed about all bicentennial events. Subscribe at www.westchesteroh.org

Be A Community Storyteller

Are you a long-time resident of West Chester and have a fun or interesting story to tell about our community’s past? Are you simply someone who loves your community and wants to shout it out loud?

West Chester is looking for community storytellers to share personal stories, recollections, photos and videos about our community as part of the 2023 bicentennial celebration.

Working with the West Chester-Union Township Historical Society, a video library will launch in 2023 on West Chester TV’s video on-demand service. The library will include interviews with some of our community’s founding families and pivotal leaders; and contributions from every day people with memories to share.

Visit www.westchesteroh.org/200 to upload your memory or story.

HIDDEN WEST CHESTER

Cemetery gives glimpse of community’s past and provides a reflective walking path

Union Township Cemetery (a.k.a. West Chester Cemetery or Brookside Cemetery) was formally organized circa 1865 by 23 lot owners forming the West Chester Cemetery Association. The hallowed grounds had been established years earlier as a family graveyard of then property owner James Cummins (1824-1871). Members of the Cummins family are laid to rest in the area known as the “Old Yard” on the south west side of the cemetery, near the small white brick building. The oldest burials in the cemetery based upon readable markers are: Solomon Brecount, who died September 8, 1799 at age 36; and Nancy (Legg) McMaken, daughter-in-law of early West Chester settler *Joseph McMaken (1753-1818), who died October 9, 1820 at age 27. The West Chester Cemetery provides a wonderful backrop for a walk anytime of year. Please be respectful of mourners and leave no trace that you were there.

TECH GIVES WEST CHESTER POLICE AN EDGE

one of the biggest advantages is in the investigation of automobile crashes – something that we experience regularly,” Chief Herzog said. “Our drones are able to take very detailed measurements and map a scene which can then be used to recreate the circumstances of the crash. The crash scene investigation used to take officers many hours, but the drones shave significant time off that process allowing us to reopen roadways much faster.”

The Flock camera system – license plate readers – will create a virtual net around the community providing added protection from criminals.

The West Chester Police Department is using technology to make our community safer and make law enforcement more efficient. A drone unit has already been deployed and more license plate readers will come in the next few months to support law enforcement efforts.

The West Chester Police Department drone unit includes several officers trained and licensed to fly drones that can help make a difference in calls involving barricaded suspects, searches for suspects and critical missing people, as well as investigating traffic crash scenes.

“Drones can make our work safer and more efficient,” said Police Chief Joel Herzog. “We’ve already deployed this technology in many different circumstances and will be adding more qualified pilots among our patrol units so the drones can be used whenever and wherever they’re needed.”

Police drones have technology on board to visualize a situation from the air during daylight and night time, communicate with an individual and map an accident or crime scene. The police department drone can also be used for fire response using infrared technology that could locate a fire victim in need of rescue.

“There are a lot of great uses for the drones, but

Most Important Thing to Do Today

At the top of every “to do” list should be simple tasks that can mean the difference between life and death for your family.

“We just can’t say it often enough,” said West Chester Fire Chief Rick Prinz. “Have working smoke detectors in your home, test them frequently and make a plan for escape.”

Synthetic materials and open floor plans in today’s homes and businesses, present the perfect storm for quick escalation of a fire. A person has only about three minutes from the start of a fire to safely escape.

The critical life-saving message from the West Chester Fire Department is start planning now by developing a Home Escape Plan and regularly practicing your plan. Making simple adjustments at home or work today can mean all the difference in the event of a fire emergency.

• Review and practice your fire escape plans

• Install working smoke detectors on every level of your home or building.

The fixed cameras at key locations in the community can serve as a force multiplier to prevent and solve crime without impacting the privacy and protections of the general public. Flock cameras will alert patrol officers when stolen vehicles, cars associated with wanted felons, and cars sought by AMBER and SILVER alerts enter West Chester. Some West Chester Police cruisers are already equipped with mobile license plates readers. These new fixed units provide an extra layer of protection for the community. The Flock cameras use artificial intelligence to identify cars by make, color, and other features. This will help detectives solve crimes. “Private surveillance cameras and witnesses often observe vehicle descriptions at crime scenes. Flock cameras will now allow us to identify the license plate associated with these observed vehicles and generate leads to solve crimes. This will be a game changer,” Chief Herzog said.

West Chester Police will enforce strict policies regarding how the cameras are to be used in order to protect privacy of those living and visiting the community. A separate cause, other than the Flock camera hit, will be required for a traffic stop and searches will be limited only to open cases or calls to law enforcement.

• Test all fire safety devices (smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers) regularly including changing the batteries if your devices have replaceable batteries

• Replace all fire safety devices (smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers) per manufacturer’s recommendations

• Remove any obstruction (bushes, trees, plants, etc) to fire hydrants and report any hydrant issues

• Complete basic fire extinguisher training

The West Chester Fire Department is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to Contact Fire & EMS by calling (513) 777-1113 for assistance with any of these prevention efforts.

BUDGETING STRATEGICALLY FOR THE FUTURE

Public safety software purchased in 2021 modernizes how the Police, Fire and EMS and Emergency 911 Communications Center work every day in response to the public. The software purchased from Central Square is being integrated into reporting, response and data collection to streamline these critical services and is already showing benefit.

Drones, officer-worn body cameras, chest compression devices, robotic cameras to inspect underground infrastructure and many more technologies have been implemented in service to the community.

Your West Chester Township government focuses attention each Fall on formulating budgets for the next year that are reflective of the community. The Operational Budget will be presented to the Board of Trustees in a public work session Jan. 17th, 2023 (third Tuesday of January), but much of the planning takes place months ahead.

The operational budget includes the Township’s primary funds: Police, Fire and EMS, Roads and Cemetery and General and Multimedia. It is not a formal budget, but a spending plan that touches on specific planned expenditures throughout the year.

Appropriations are the Township’s only official budget required by Ohio Revised Code, but is a much more general accounting of planned expenses.

“West Chester goes the extra step with the operational budget to ensure that departments are working within the priorities of the Township Trustees, and to emphasize well-considered expenditures within available resources,” said West Chester Finance Director Ken Keim.

West Chester Township’s 2022 Operational Budget was $51.7 million. Nearly 70% is assigned to Police, Fire and EMS and Emergency Communications. Another 12% was assigned to roads and infrastructure.

Technology Deployed & Planned

In all disciplines of public service, investment in technology influences the Township’s operational budget overall. Technology projects identified to modernize the Township’s internal operations and technology to better serve the overall community can help to create efficiencies on all levels.

Auditing Excellence

As West Chester prepared to close its 2022 budget year and begin 2023, it’s noted that Auditor of State Keith Faber recently recognized West Chester Township’s 2021 financial audit as having no findings and worthy of distinction. The Auditor made a presentation to the West Chester Board of Trustees and Fiscal Officer on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 in West Chester Township Hall.

Out of 6,000 agencies considered, only about 3.5% earn the Auditor of State Award with Distinction. Since 2012, West Chester Township has earned the recognition eight

In 2022, the Township spent nearly $460,000 with Tyler Technologies to streamline internal functions of finance and HR/payroll for the Township. This software suite is now being prepared for installation and integration into the Township’s work.

To better serve our community in interactions with local government, the Community Development Department is working with LaserFiche to launch online permit submittals for the public. Park shelter rentals moved online in 2022.

These devices and software are considered as part of budget planning in the fall months and considered again before the Board of Trustees throughout the year. These projects cross all disciplines of your Township government. Some are seen by the public, others work in the background to make operations run more smoothly and efficiently.

D.I.G (Data Informed Government), a tool powered by OpenGov, makes it possible for our community to follow Township finances and other data online. D.I.G. is a technology the Township invests in annually to be transparent with our community.

www.westchesteroh.org/dig

times.

“By keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective and transparent service,” Auditor Faber said.

Fiscal Officer Bruce Jones accepted the award from Auditor Faber.

The community can track West Chester Township’s finances by visiting www.westchesteroh.org/DIG

NEW WAYS TO WATCH

Viewers will have new ways to watch programming from West Chester TV in the coming months. By the end of the year, West Chester TV will be available on Roku, Amazon, through the WCTV app (available in the Apple and Google Play stores), as well as on Spectrum public access channels.

West Chester TV programming includes public meetings, local high school sports, community briefing bulletins from police and fire and more. Lakota Local Schools, MidPointe Library, MetroParks of Butler County and the Butler County Visitors Bureau will also have programming available to watch on WCTV.

West Chester Township receives funding from Spectrum and Cincinnati Bell for private utility use of the public right-of-way. This is a fee payment (per video subscriber) initiated by federal and state legislation in the early 90s. Communities throughout the region and across the country receive this funding. In West Chester Township, the funding is directed to transparency initiatives and public outreach programming.

West Chester TV will expand programming over the next year to include even more news and information from our community, as well as feature programs highlighting things to do in the area, the arts, sports, interesting people, business news and much more.

“The Township is focused on reaching out to the community in every available way,” said Barbara Wilson, director of West Chester’s Public Information and Engagement Department.

To enhance accessibility of programming, closed captioning will also be available

New Ways to Get Involved

Have an interest and some experience in video production? There are several opportunities to learn and explore video work through WCTV.

Protecting “Cabin in the Clearing” for Future Generations

The “Cabin in the Clearing” at Keehner Park is a physical representation of two parts of our community’s history. The obvious link to history is the cabin as an 1840s dwelling that tells the story of pioneer living. The cabin, however, is also a tribute to a community effort 150 years later, at a time when then Union Township was just beginning to grow into the community it is today. In 1991, the children of Lakota Schools collected spare change to purchase and reconstruct the cabin at Keehner Park.

The effort was led by Adena Elementary School teacher Lorene Ashby and parks director/naturalist Mary Raffel. The community collected $4,300 to purchase the cabin and local construction companies, including Schumacher Dugan, volunteered labor to reconstruct the building.

Now, a significant periodappropriate restoration is taking place to preserve this part of our community history for years to come. A clapboard siding will be added to the exterior of the cabin to preserve the logs that are original to the 1840’s construction. The work is being done within standards recommended by the National Park Service.

Learn More

ALL THINGS WINTER

Snow force prepares and winter fun awaits - bring on the snow!

How Can You Help?

• Delay non-essential travel until after roads are clears. Time spent navigating traffic slows the snow removal process. It’s best to give the crews the room they need to work.

• During significant snow events move vehicles off the street and onto your driveway. This allows trucks to plow streets curb to curb.

• When clearing your driveway, don’t shovel snow into the street.

The Farmer’s Almanac is usually right. This year, cold temperatures and plenty of snow are in the forecast for the winter season.

West Chester’s snow force always prepares for the worse and hopes the worse doesn’t happen, just like the rest of us. For some, the more snow the better.

The Township’s salt domes are full and ready for whatever comes. The Township budgets $200,000 annually for the purchase of road salt and “tops off” at the end of the season to be prepared for the next season.

West Chester Township salts/plows about 240 miles of road divided into 18 snow routes. The most common misconception of snow removal is that West Chester is responsible for every road in the Township. That’s not true. West Chester’s partners in snow removal are Butler County Engineer’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation. These agencies are responsible for many of the larger/busier roads in the Township.

The Township has a fleet of trucks with plows and equipment to salt the roads. A front-line salt truck will be in operation for 15-20 years and then will be moved into a back-up role for another five years.

The Township has its own staff mechanics who help to extend the life of roads and public safety vehicles. They also make quick repairs possible, so vehicles can get back in service making roads safe.

While salt/chemical treatments and trucks are two parts of the snow response, the men and women who make up the snow response force make all the difference. Road crews can be called in at any time to make roads passable for the community.

The predicted weather conditions determine the strategy for response. For example, pre-treatment of roads makes sense when there is some advance warning. Road salt has to be given an opportunity to work, so putting down salt and then plowing it up right away defeats the purpose.

Multi-day, prolonged snow events pose the greatest challenge as crews have to be allowed time to rest for their own health and safety and the safety of the public. The Township has a list of on-call plow operators who can be called upon to help under these circumstances.

• To avoid shoveling your driveway entrance twice, wait until the plow truck is finished plowing the street. Plow truck operators have no choice of where to push the snow. Snow has to go to the side of the road which includes driveway entrances.

• When driving, don’t pass a snow plow.

• Don’t assume the plow driver can see your vehicle. Every truck has blind spots which reduce visibility.

• Allow plenty of stopping distance during winter weather.

• Add extra time onto your trip. Don’t be in a hurry.

• Keep headlights on low beam.

• West Chester Township prioritizes roads to be cleared based upon how heavily traveled the road is and special concerns such as hills, curves, etc. Crews clear subdivision streets as soon as they are able and then cul-de-sacs.

If you have issues/concerns about snow response on your street, please use the Contact Us form at www. westchesteroh.org to report. Staff will respond as soon as able.

For Those Who Love the Snow

Some see the “winter wonderland” side of the lovehate relationship with snow. For these people, there is plenty to do with Chill Hill for sledding at the VOA Park and snow-covered wooded hiking paths at Keehner and Beckett parks. Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing are also an option available in West Chester parks.

Community Services Foreman Randy Owens

Randy Owens has worked for West Chester Township for more than 30 years, but he has lived nearly his whole life here.

Randy is a foreman in the Community Services Department and he has always been committed to the Township’s infrastructure – roads, storm water and parks –but the West Chester (Brookside) Cemetery is where he is known best and is his greatest work passion.

“I do a little bit of everything here, but the cemetery really has a special place in my heart,” said Randy. “My family and some of my dearest friends are buried in our cemetery and so it’s very personal to me.”

Randy’s public service career began before coming to West Chester. He worked in maintenance for Sycamore and Lakota school districts before landing a job with the Township.

Most of this past summer, he has been working with contractors on paving, asphalt and storm system work.

“I think I liked the Township best when it was wheat fields and dirt roads, but I’ve also been happy to be a part of the changes here,” Randy said. “I really just have great love for this place.”

Administrator Named to Ohio 500

We st Chester Township Administrator Larry D. Burks is named to Ohio Business Magazine’s “Ohio 500” in the government category.

Mr. Burks was named Administrator of the state’s largest township in 2018 and has a passion for local government.

HONORING SERVICE

Congratulations to West Chester Township staff who celebrated milestones in 2022. These Community Builders and their team mates are committed to providing exceptional customer service to the West Chester community.

5 Years

David Beall

Kayla Cox

Monica Dexter

Cody Hall

Caleb Keeler

William Schlie

10 Years

Dispatcher

Administrative Assistant

Community Outreach Coordinator

Police O�cer

Labor Operator Police O�cer

20 Years

Michelle Berling

Jayne Daunt

Patrick Eilerman

Jeff McElwain

Guy Veeneman

30 Years

Katie Vivier Communication Supervisor

Retirements

Randall Fischer

Brian Rebholz

Mark Weingartner

Police O�cer

Clerk Assistant

Police O�cer

Facility Service Technician

Police O�cer

Police O�cer Assistant Police Chief Police Sergeant

Best wishes to those who invested their careers in service to the community and retired in 2022.

23 Years

31 Years

27 Years

31 Years

36 Years

36 Years

New Community Services Director Named

The newest member of West Chester Township’s executive team is Arun Hindupur who will lead the Township’s Community Services Department –managing the roads, infrastructure, facilities, cemetery and parks division.

Arun’s first public sector experience was in the city of Guelph, Ontario, Canada where he worked eight years in various capacities including infrastructure planning engineer, project manager and supervisor of infrastructure engineering.

“I’m committed to providing essential public service to community, and am really energized by the opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders covering the full-breadth of public works,” Arun said.

West Chester’s Community Service Director collaborates with community members, staff, and the Township’s executive team, as well agency partners like ODOT, the Butler County Engineer’s Office and many other stakeholders. These collaborations have been critical to the Township’s success in getting work done and being fiscally responsible to taxpayers.

Arun and his wife Madhuri (MJ) reside in Maineville. Most recently Arun has been employed by Jacobs as a Senior Water Resources Engineer in Sharonville. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing basketball, tennis and golf in his spare time.

Arun looks forward to getting to know his team and meeting the collaborators who have been so critical to West Chester’s success.

Joseph Buschelman Police Department

Andrew Schweier Police Department

Trish Nickles Dispatcher/Communications

Mark Shank Community Services

Bill Borneman Fire Department

Jeffrey Elder Fire Department

Township Contacts

Mark Welch Chair

Ann Becker Vice-Chair

Bruce Jones

Larry D. Burks

Lee Wong Trustee