February 2011 A Quarterly Publication of the City of Fairfield, Ohio Are you ready to serve your community? f you have ever considered serving in a February 11 to apply for consideration. Board of Zoning Appeals public office, now is the time to make a The Board of Zoning Appeals reviews requests I Application forms can be downloaded from decision. Positions on several of Fairfield’s for variances to the zoning code. Variances volunteer boards and commissions will be www.Fairfield-City.org or can be picked up may include setbacks, increased signage and available for Fairfield residents. Residents at the Municipal Building. Appointments, non-conforming authorizations. The primary ready to engage the challenges have until effective April 1, will be made by Fairfield responsibility of the board is to interpret the City Council. Vacancies exist on the provisions of the Fairfield zoning code and to following organizations: hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, Eager beavers Board of Building Appeals decision or determination by an The Board of Building Appeals hears appeals administrative official in the enforcement of by any interested party aggrieved by the such codes. (Meetings: 1st Wednesday at 6:00 note: EXPO Building Superintendent’s denial of a building p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal or occupancy permit based on the Building, 5350 Pleasant Avenue) planned April 2 requirements of the Building Code. Continued on page 35 (Meetings: As needed) airfield’s ever popular — and totally Ffree! — Home Improvement Expo returns to the Community Arts Center on Saturday, April 2. The ninth annual event features a variety of Council continues lean operations contractors eager to share their he City of Fairfield continued its City Council and the administration will knowledge to help residents with creative conservative fiscal stance in adopting an remain vigilant so that adjustments can be home enhancements, large and small. T operating budget for 2011. City made to the 2011 budget, if the need arises. In years past, valuable Council approved an operating budget that door prizes have been anticipates spending $64.0 million for City Unlike the federal government, municipalities given away amid services during the year. cannot operate in a deficit and — just as in a informative presentations residential household — either need to cut by exhibitors showcasing The budget does not include funding for spending or borrow money. the latest concepts and planned capital improvements (such as designs in home improvement replacing equipment or planned projects). trends and techniques. Capital projects are part of a five-year budget, which is currently under review and will be Inside Other City departments also have presented in late March. joined in with safety exhibits and Plan YOUR Beautiful Fairfield entry ... 2 services. The ever popular Bucky the The operating budget projects revenue of Fire training saving time and money... 3 Beaver is expected to make a guest $64.6 million, which is below 2006 revenues. LAWSUIT: to shovel or not to shovel ... 4 appearance. In past Expos, family- Construction increases in 2010 ..........5 oriented events included strolling clowns Fairfield’s largest revenue source is derived to provide children with fun and games from the City’s 1.5% income tax, which is Treatment Plant a place of beauty .....35 while their parents gather helpful projected to continue a slight decline in New flood maps released ..............38 information for their next improvement 2011, due to the nation’s slow economic Look who is 2010 STAR of Year ........39 recovery. During normal years of national project. An old friend retires .....................39 prosperity, local income tax revenues Details are still being finalized by the generally increase with worker annual pay City recognizes military various volunteer committees and will be increases and business profitability. service of area residents .....Back Page summarized in a spring mailing once Cincinnati Symphony plans have been finalized. For the latest Orchestra comes to FHS ......Back Page plans, visit www.fairfield-city.org. THE FAIRFIELD FLYER BEST REMODELING OR BEST“GREEN” etails are being finalized LANDSCAPE PROJECT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WINNER for the 2011 edition of WINNER D Dave & Debbie Homer the Beautiful Fairfield Mississippi Drive Trish Clemmons Red Oak Court Contest. The criteria for entries changed in 2010’s contest to focus on “Best Remodeling or Landscape Projects” and “Best Green Improvement Project.” Winners received $500 gift certificates to Kroger or Jungle Jim’s; runners-up received $250 gift certificates in the Remodeling/Landscaping division. Up to $1,000 in gift certificates were available for award in the Green Improvement category. All projects must have proper permits and must be accomplished since January 1, BEST BEST 2010. Residents planning to REMODELING OR REMODELING OR enter should have before and LANDSCAPE PROJECT LANDSCAPE PROJECT RUNNER UP after pictures for their entry. RUNNER UP Kyle & Angela Cortright Ron & Barb Hurst Innsbrooke Lane Oberlin Drive Bypass 4 improvements continue during cold espite the bone-chilling cold, work crews are constantly engaged in smaller ago, were replaced with pre-cast concrete Dcontinues on the Bypass 4 projects, all of which address various needs: structures, shown in the the photo below. improvements within the Fairfield New roll-type castings were also installed to section of the project. Crews are currently Curb/Overlay Improvements: Throughout better screen debris and improve safety for working on the west side of the bridge near the City, neighborhoods are enhanced with vehicles and pedestrians. Work included 16 the southern junction with State Route 4. new road surfaces. Streets are assessed for drywells at a cost of $103,594. need, typically Workers are establishing a foundation for the requiring work on River Road Curve new bridge planned as part of the widening. a 15-18 year cycle. Improvements: While the extreme cold prohibits work on the In 2010, With a relatively road itself, foundation work is not impacted improvements cost high frequency of by the frigid temperatures, except for muddy $2 million. reported and conditions in areas were construction traffic unreported thaws the ground. Drainage accidents along Improvements: To River Road north of Construction remains on schedule, with work improve the original Joyce to be completed by the end of the year, with stormwater Park entrance, crews the entire project completed by the summer of drainage in the area widened the 2012. of Vinnedge, shoulder and added Walter, Fairfield rumble strips to Other 2010 Improvements and Anthony warn motorists of Wayne Avenues, the dangerous While items in this publication tend to focus crews replaced aging drywells. The old wells, curve. The $28,140 project is designed to on larger more visible projects, Public Works constructed of cement blocks about 50 years prevent future accidents. 2 C ITY OF F AIRFIELD, O HIO New fire training meets At Your Service IMPORTANT needs and saves bucks NUMBERS raining never ends in the Fairfield Fire of regular duties, all while personnel is fully Contact any of the following departments with TDepartment. Not only do personnel available for emergency calls. A typical on- questions or concerns. They're here to help... constantly look for self-improvement of line class lasts about 1.5 hours and is their skills, every firefighter must stay current comprised of a pre-test, video presentation of Police or Fire Emergency with their certifications. Every firefighter a case scenario, lecture, review and a post-test must have certification as an Emergency that must be passed by each student. On-line 911 Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B) or the trainings feature actual case studies and Urgent, but not an emergency? Call 829-8201. more advanced training as an Emergency provide fast-paced, high-energy videos that Non-Emergency Medical Technician – keep students engaged. If an Police/Fire Dispatcher ............. 513/829-8201 Paramedic (EMT-P). emergency call interrupts the Fire Department ....................... 513/867-5379 program, it can simply be To maintain certifications, paused. Building Inspection & Zoning..... 513/867-5318 each person must complete Zoning Hotline ................................. 513/867-5321 up to 80-hours of continuing The cost per student for KCE City Council Office.................... 513/867-5383 education. Attending classes is about $55 annually, and seminars is an expensive considerably less than off-site City Manager’s Office............... 513/867-5350 proposition, with costs rising trainings. It’s a good deal with Finance Department ............... 513/867-5315 for travel, lodging and class Fairfield Firefighter/Paramedic Nick many benefits. So good that Spencer completes continuing education Income Tax Office ........................... 513/867-5327 fees. Another hurdle is the requirements while still available for the program is being expanded fact that staff typically attends emergency calls. to include on-line Fire Officer Human Resources................... 513/867-5352 classes as part of their regular hours, so Development and Hazardous Materials Municipal Court ....................... 513/867-6002 staffing becomes an issue as well. Operations classes. Parks & Recreation Department While the on-line EMS and fire continuing To answer the need and address the Administrative Offices ....................