INDIAN HILL VILLAGE BULLETIN
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION of the VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO All Village Bulletins available on our website www.ihill.org
April 28, 2021 Number #4
COUNCIL ACTIONS PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING REGULAR MEETING April 19, 2021 ACTIONS April 20, 2021 • Held Third Reading and Passed Ordinance – Amending Chapter 33 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of the • Continued - A request for the Planning Village of Indian Hill regarding Boards, Commissions and Commission to review the Peterloon Foundation Departments Special Exception located at 8605 Hopewell Road
was continued to the May 18, 2021 meeting. The • Held Third Reading and Passed Ordinance – Amending Chapter 37 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of the Peterloon Foundation operates under the continuing Village of Indian Hill regarding Village policy jurisdiction of the Indian Hill Planning Commission. • Denied - A variance request to place an accessory • Held Third Reading and Passed Ordinance – Amending structure within the required side yard setback was Section 92.05 of the City of the Village of Indian Hill Denied. The property is located at 8335 Camargo Codified Ordinances Road. • Approved - A special exception request for the use • Held Third Reading and Passed Ordinance – Repealing of temporary classrooms to be located on the band Chapter 96 of the City of the Village of Indian Hill Codified practice field behind the Indian Hill High School for Ordinances two years during the middle school construction project was approved. The IHEVSD operates under • Second Reading – Approving the Plat of Drake Road the continuing jurisdiction of the Indian Hill Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 480 Page 28 of the Planning Commission. The Indian Hill High School Hamilton County, Ohio Recorder’s Office, and accepting the dedication of Drake Road, Parcel ID No. 529-0091-0137 is located at 6855 Drake Road. • Approved - A request for a Resource Protection • Held First Reading, Waived Three Readings and Passed Area Swap for the property located at 8995 Emergency Ordinance – Amending Chapter 91 of the Hopewell Road was approved. Codified Ordinances of the City of the Village of Indian Hill regarding horses and bridle trails • Refer to Bulletin article
• Second Reading – Changing the rates to be charged for water supplied to customers by amending Section 51.55 Rates of the City of the Village of Indian Hill, Ohio Code of Ordinances Village of Indian Hill Public Meeting Dates • Provides for a 10% increase on July 1, 2021 All meetings held in Council Chambers • Third Reading – May 17, 2021 Council meeting Please see back page for a complete listing of Village • Refer to Bulletin article Public meeting dates & times.
Please go to https://ihill.org/council-packet to review full Council Packet for more details COPY DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE May 7, 2021 April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 2
THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO ARMSTRONG CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST OFFICIAL DIRECTORY THE HEART CHURCH MINISTRIES CHURCH VILLAGE COUNCIL OF CAMP DENNISON 5125 Drake Road 6525 Drake Road 10048 Campbell St, Camp Dennison OH 45111 Cincinnati, Ohio 45243—561-4220 Melissa S. Cowan, Mayor 513-831-5659 www.armstrongchapel.org Richard J. Hidy Alfred B Winters Jr, Pastor Www.armstrongpreschool.org Elizabeth C. Isphording 10:45 am Sunday Worship Service David Brown, Lead Pastor Stephen H Krehbiel 7:00 pm Tues Night Bible Study & Perfecting Class 8:20 a.m. Traditional Worship in Old Chapel Shayne Manning 2:30 pm 1st Saturdays, Ministry of Love at Heartland 9:40 a.m. Traditional Worship in Sanctuary Donald C. McGraw of Madeira Nursing Home 10:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship in Worship Ctr Monique A. Sewell 7:00 pm 4th Friday Men & Women Fellowship (please Student Ministries—Wed. at 7:00 p.m. call for Host/Hostess location for the month) VILLAGE STAFF THE INDIAN HILL CHURCH Dina C. Minneci, City Manager INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED Episcopal-Presbyterian Jonathan D. West, Assistant City Manager VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT 6000 Drake Road Paul C. Riordan, Clerk/Compt. BOARD OF EDUCATION Telephone: 561-6805 Scott D. Phillips, Solicitor 6855 Drake Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45243 www.indianhillchurch.org Scott Gully, Finance Director / Tax Commissioner Dr. Eddie Hooker, President The Rev. Dr. Stephen Caine, Presbyterian Minister 561-6500 Kim Martin Lewis, Vice President of Finance The Rev Meredith Day Hearn, Episcopal Priest Chuck Schlie, Chief of Police Nancy Aichholz, Vice President of Operations Jennifer Taylor, Dir. Of Youth 561-7000 Elizabeth Johnston & Niki Singh Worship Schedule: Sunday 8 am & 10:30 am 911 (Emergency) Mr. Kirk Koennecke, Supt. 272-4500 (Alternating Services: Episcopal/Presbyterian) Jason Adkins, Superintendent WW & PW Departments Mick Davis, Treasurer 272-4513 Nursery/Preschool care provided 10:30 am 831-3712 Indian Hill High School 272-4550 Sunday School (K-7th grade) 10:30 am Rick Babcock, Park Ranger Grand Valley Preserve Indian Hill Middle School 272-4642 Adult Ed Forum 9 am (Sept-May) 979-6221 Indian Hill Elementary School 272-4703 Stephen C. Oughterson, Fire Chief Indian Hill Primary School 272-4754 561-7926 (Business) CINCINNATI FRIENDS MEETING 911 (Fire call) RECREATION COMMISSION 8075 Keller Road—791-0788 John Rabenold, Chairman 271-4938 www.cincinnatifriends.org Jack Alley, Program Coordinator 979-6212 Jim Newby, Minister PLANNING COMMISSION www.ihrecsports.com SUNDAY: Paul F. Madden, Chairperson Adult Discussion 10:00 a.m. Shayne Manning Joe Rhodenbaugh INDIAN HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY Meeting for Worship 11:00 a.m. Rita Stolper Richard C. Wiggers 891-1873 Children’s Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Mrs. Frank Welsh, President Nursery and childcare provided GREEN AREAS Mr. George Glover, Vice President ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mr. Gregory Miller, Vice President SONRISE COMMUNITY CHURCH Ms. Liz Tilton, Chairperson Ms. Lois Rust, Secretary 8136 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227 Eileen Alexander Mr. Chip Hunter, Treasurer 513-576-6000 Todd Bailey Jeffrey Graham www.sonrise-church.com Pat Hinkley Jon Hutton ST. GERTRUDE PARISH Facebook: facebook.com/SonRiseCommunityChurch Cynthia King Ken Koster Miami Ave. & Shawnee Run Rd. Twitter: @sonrisec Trish Krehbiel Wallace Lovejoy Church 561-5954 Contemporary Worship & K-6 Programs: Pete McAdams Lachlan McLean School 561-8020 Sundays @ 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. Susie Myers Eppa Rixey Religious Education 561-8369 Childcare provided at both services www.stgertrude.org Jr. & Sr. High Sundays @ 6 p.m. Rev George Schommer, O.P. Pastor STANLEY M. ROWE ARBORETUM Sister Marie Christie Greve, O.P. Principal HORIZON COMMUNITY CHURCH 4600 Muchmore Road—561-5151 Brad Bursa, Dir. of Evangelization 3950 Newtown Rd. Jason Donovan Mass Schedule: Cincinnati, Ohio 45244 Daily: 7:00, 8:00 & 11:30 a.m. 513-272-5800 www.horizoncc.com GUN CLUB REPRESENTATIVE Saturday: 4:30 p.m. “Yours to Explore” Dick Steuerwald, Range Supervisor 831-0994 Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Schedule of Sunday Services: 8:50 a.m. Equipping Jack Basham, Asst Supervisor 831-0994 12:30 & 6:00 p.m. Service, 10:00 a.m. & 11:10 a.m. Exploring Service Monique Sewell, Village Representative Separate programs offered for infants through high THE INDIAN HILL CLUB school students PERSONNEL ADVISORY & SWIM & TENNIS APPEALS BOARD Dot Lane off Shawnee Run Road GREENACRES ARTS CENTER Kim Burke, Chairperson Across from St. Gertrude, www.ihclub.com 8400 Blome Road, 45243 Eric Holzapfel 513-793-2787 George Glover INDIAN HILL WINTER CLUB 10005 Fletcher Road AUDIT REVIEW COMMITTEE MADEIRA/INDIAN HILL JOINT FIRE DIST. Camp Dennison, OH 45111 Monique A. Sewell, Chairperson Beth Wright, President 513-576-9444 Al Koncius David Williams Jeff Evans, Vice President ihwinterclub.com Michael Sewell Paul C. Riordan Jim Gulick, Treasurer John Hassan, Secretary CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL CAMARGO HUNT ETB 1925 David Ellis Scott Gehring 6905 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Membership contact: [email protected] William Higgins Jennifer Lightcap 513-561-7298 Don McGraw Dave Parlin Anthony T. T. Jaccaci, Head of School Sam Robinson Joe Weil
April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 3
COUNCIL CONSIDERING WATER RATE INCREASE TO START IN JULY Village Finance and Water Works Committees have 1. A minimum bill for a 5/8” meter will increase by $5.85/ conducted the annual water rate review over the last few quarter or $1.95/month months which thoroughly evaluates past year’s actual 2. A minimum bill for a 1” meter will increase by $9.00/ revenues and expenditures. Factors analyzed during the quarter or $3.00/month review include: 1) replacing significantly old infrastructure in 3. A minimum bill for a 1.5” meter will increase by $13.50/ a timely fashion, 2) ensuring sufficient reserves to maintain quarter or $4.50/month the integrity of the ten-year capital improvement plan, 3) 4. A minimum bill for a 2” meter will increase by $24.75/ encompassing expenses required to satisfy additional federal quarter or $8.25/month and state water inspection mandates, and 4) continuing to provide safe and effective water distribution to customers at These increases are estimates and will vary based on the all times. usage. Activities that increase usage include, but are not limited to: 1) irrigation during the summer months; 2) Detailed information regarding these discussions are included repetitive watering of landscape; 3) filling of pools; and 4) in the Water Works Committee report under the February 22, number of water users in household. 2021 and March 22, 2021 Council agenda located at https:// ihill.org/council/ Even with the rate increases that have taken place in the past few years, Indian Hill’s rate continues to be in the middle At the March and April Council meetings, the Water Works range of neighboring and comparable water distribution Committee, with support from the Finance Committee, communities. Another factor included in the analysis is that recommended first and second readings to Council which prior to 2015, there had been no water rate increases since provides for a ten percent (10%) water rate increase to help 2008. meet the above-mentioned goals. A third reading, with a formal vote, will take place on May 17, 2021. If you have questions regarding the water rate increase being considered, please do not hesitate to contact the This increase is expected to begin in July and will have the Administration Office at 561-6500. following average monetary effects:
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER – MAY 6, 2021 MCDONALD COMMONS PARK On May 6, 2021, the Village Council will be joining the our lives, in our heritage and in our common humanity. City of Madeira Council as they host the annual National The tradition calls on all people of different faiths to pray Day of Prayer at McDonald Commons Park on Dawson for the nation, its leaders and its people. Please join Indian Road in Madeira at 7:30 a.m. National Day of Prayer has Hill and Madeira officials as well as local clergy in been observed in the United States for more than two observing this grand tradition. centuries in recognition of the role of faith and prayer in
UPDATE ON 4TH OF JULY EVENTS It is with great disappointment that the Village will be Also, please be assured that the Village is working actively postponing the 4th of July parade and festival due to the to prepare for a community-wide event in the fall of this continuing COVID-19 pandemic. As of the writing of this year. More details will be forthcoming in upcoming article, current health orders have been revised; however, Bulletins and the Village website. The Village truly is they continue to include directives that would significantly appreciative of your patience during these extraordinary alter the usual activities. Due to the time needed to times. We look forward to bringing people together later prepare for the event, it would be difficult to wait to see if this year and giving the Village a day of fun and any changes to state directives would occur prior to July excitement! 4th.
Please be assured that the Stephen Field fireworks WILL REMAIN as scheduled for Sunday, July 4, 2021 at 9:45 p.m. Further details will be forthcoming. April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 4
BRIDLE TRAIL FEE INCREASES EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2021 The Indian Hill Bridle Trails have been a unique and cherished Village amenity for many decades. Over the years, improvements have been made to the 75 miles of trails to ensure they are properly preserved and maintained in order for them to continue to be a vital part of the Village for many years to come.
While the maintenance costs have increased every year, there has not been an increase in annual bridle trail pass fees since 2000 – over twenty years ago. To facilitate a sustainable maintenance schedule for the future, the Village coordinated with members of the equestrian community to discuss the need for fee increases and to receive input on determining an appropriate amount.
After these discussions, recommendations were made to the Village Council, who, in turn, passed legislation at its April 19th Council meeting to increase the Bridle Trail fees beginning on June 1, 2021:
Current 6/1/21-5/30/22 6/1/22-5/30/23 Resident Single $75 $100 $125 Resident Family $150 $175 $200 Resident Add ’l Rider $15 $20 $25 More than 2 riders Non-resident Single $100 $125 $150 Non-resident Family $200 $225 $250 Non-resident Add’l Rider $20 $25 $30 More than 2 riders Non-resident Initiation Fee $150 $175 $200 Resident Daily Pass $5 $15 $15 NR Daily Pass $10 $25 $25
For additional information on the Indian Hill Bridle Trails or questions concerning membership, you may contact the administration offices at 561-6500 or email Dina Minneci at [email protected].
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY? THE 2021 NOMINATING COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Mayor Melissa Cowan has named Mrs. Molly Barber as Mrs. Barber at [email protected] by May 21, Chairperson of the Mayor’s Nominating Committee for 2021. the November 2021 Council election. Additional members of the Committee are Mrs. Emily Connor, Mrs. The Nominating Committee will interview interested Becky Calvin, Mr. Karl Grafe, and Mr. Bear Tullis. candidates the first week of June and prepare its recommendations for inclusion in upcoming Bulletins. The Nominating Committee is charged with interviewing prospective candidates for Village Council and preparing Please note that it is not a requirement to participate in the a recommendation to the community. This process of Nominating Committee process in order to run for Village nominating qualified candidates has been a tradition in the Council. If you are interested in running for Village Village since the community incorporated in 1941. Council outside of the Nominating Committee process, please contact the Hamilton County Board of Elections at Anyone who is interested in serving on Village Council 513- 632-7000 or go to http://boe.hamilton-co.org/ beginning December 1, 2021 or who would like to suggest candidates-portal.aspx for information on how to the name of another resident as a candidate, please contact participate in the election process.
SUCCESSFUL ROLLOUT OF NEW MEMBERSHIP BADGES AT THE INDIAN HILL SHOOTING CLUB! Each year, April 1st marks the beginning of the new April 2021 is no exception! What is exceptional is the membership season at the Indian Hill Shooting Club. (Continued on page 5) April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 5
SUMMER TENNIS CAMP OPPORTUNITIES AT STEPHAN FIELD In conjunction with the Indian Hill Recreation To sign up or ask questions, contact Kathy Blum at: Commission, Kathy Blum (CCDS Physical Education [email protected] or (513) 543-1624. teacher and middle school tennis coach with 21 years’ experience) is pleased to offer the following: Private lessons also available. Contact Kathy Blum directly for more information. WHAT: Youth tennis camp and/or private lessons TENNIS FOR TOTS: WHERE: Stephan Field, Indian Hill Description: This course is a very basic introduction to the game of tennis. Students will be introduced to the WHEN: Monday, June 10th – Friday, June 14th, tennis court and how to hold the racquet. Students will Monday, June 17th – Friday, June 21st learn to balance a ball on a racquet, carry a ball, bounce Monday, June 24th – Friday, June 28th the ball up and down, drop-hitting a ball over the net, and Monday, July 8th– Friday, July 12th hitting a ball softly thrown at them. Students will need to Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th bring a tennis racquet, water bottle, and wear the proper Monday, July 22nd – Friday, July 26th athletic clothing including shoes. Monday, July 29th – Friday, August 2nd TOTALLY TERRIFIC TENNIS: *Other sessions possible depending on interest Description: For the beginner to advanced beginner players that want instruction on the basics of tennis. This TENNIS FOR TOTS: 9:00 – 10:00 AM for ages 4 and course covers tennis court rules, racquet grip, forehand 5, (preschool-aged) ; or possibly from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, and backhand ground stroke development, volleying, and combined with the older students for that hour serving. Basic drills and fun learning games will be used to improve court awareness and ground strokes. TOTALLY TERRIFIC TENNIS: 10:00 AM – 12:00 for entering 1st grade – entering 6th grade (Minimum of 3 Participants will leave with a general knowledge of tennis, students and maximum of 20 per session) basic skills to play the game, and a desire to pursue the game further! Bring a tennis racquet, water bottle and COST: $100/week for younger students (9:00 – 10:00 wear the proper athletic clothing including shoes. camp) $150/week for older students (10:00 – 12:00)
(Continued from page 4) tremendous response to the successful rollout of the NEW Residents of the Village of Indian Hill are encouraged to IHSC Membership Badges. Only a few weeks into the join the IHSC at any time. There is currently a waiting list program, members are taking advantage of the additional for those living outside of the Village who are interested times made available at the Skeet Clubhouse to have their in joining. photo badges produced for the members of their family, including spouses and children, that intend to use the For additional information on the Indian Hill Shooting facility. Club or questions concerning membership, you may
contact the IHSC Supervisor, Dick Steuerwald, at Besides the added security when checking-in, members are also excited about the potential benefits that the [email protected]. badges could offer in the near future. Paul Wilson, Jr, Paul Wilson, Sr., Bruce Healey, Carl Clippinger and The new membership badge is now required when Greg Flexter were among the first IHSC members to have their new checking-in to use the pistol/rifle ranges and shotgun 2021 membership badges made. fields at the Indian Hill Shooting Club. Members are reminded to check the website at https://ihill.org/ recreation/shooting-club/ and schedule an appointment to have their badges made for each member of the family that will be using the IHSC.
Members are also reminded to stay up to date on all current IHSC events and announcements by signing-up for the newsletter on the same website. April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 6
THE STANLEY M. ROWE ARBORETUM
The Rowe Arboretum is a village treasure made possible by the generosity of Stanley and Dorothy Rowe. Its rolling acres are home to an evolving collection of trees and shrubs identified by botanical and common name. Provided is a network of pathways for comfortable enjoyment of the beautiful and peaceful gardens. The Arboretum is a resource for homeowners, horticultural enthusiast as well as birdwatchers.
Please consider donating.
We rely entirely on your support and the income from our endowment to operate and maintain the collection. Join our growing membership base and know you are supporting a Village treasure. www.ihill.org/rowe April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 7
STEPPING STONES TO PUT ON 20TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Stepping Stones will host the 2021 Golf Classic on 513-965-5148 or email Monday, June 7 at the O’Bannon Creek Golf Club in [email protected]. Loveland. The morning flight will tee off at 8 a.m. and the Who: Stepping Stones afternoon flight will tee off at 1 p.m. Stepping Stones and What: Annual Golf Classic event chair Steve Mennen invite you to enjoy a beautiful When: Monday, June 7, 2021 at 8 a.m. day with great food, refreshing drinks, exciting hole Where: O’Bannon Creek Golf Club challenges, raffle prizes and more. Why: To raise money for year-round programs benefiting children, teens and adults with The Golf Classic benefits Stepping Stones’ mission to disabilities. build pathways to independence and promote inclusion for people with developmental and physical disabilities. Show Stepping Stones is a United Way partner agency serving your support by starting a team or becoming a sponsor. more than 1,100 people with disabilities in day and Following the afternoon flight, dinner options will be overnight programs that increase independence and available and event winners will be announced. Stepping promote inclusion. Stones will be adhering to all State of Ohio COVID-19 guidelines and will have enhanced safety protocols in Morning winners Price place for the event. McLane, Jaime Masters, Todd Block and George Musekamp (Indian Hill) “The Golf Classic is a great event to kick off the summer,” attend the 2019 Golf said event chair Steve Mennen. “And it’s all in support of Classic fundraiser Stepping Stones' programs for people with disabilities.” benefiting Cincinnati- area individuals with disabilities. Event tickets are $200 for a single and $800 for a foursome. The O’Bannon Creek Golf Club is located at 6842 Oakland Road in Loveland, Ohio. To order tickets, visit SteppingStonesGolf.org. Volunteers are needed for the morning flight (7 a.m. - 1 p.m.) and the afternoon flight (1 p.m. - 6 p.m.). Visit bit.ly/GolfClassicVolunteer to sign up. For more information, contact Kelly Crow at RHODENBAUGH SONS DONATE TO ARMSTRONG CHURCH
A bench was donated to Armstrong Church by the 5 Rhodenbaugh brothers in honor of their parents Bill & Ruth who were long time members of the church.
INDIAN HILL APRIL 2021 FINANCIAL UPDATE
As a valued investor within the Indian Hill School could without impacting student learning and we further District, I wanted to provide you with an important deferred necessary maintenance on our facilities. financial update. Since that time, Ohio restored some of the money that was COVID-19 Financial Impact lost, and the federal government has created opportunities In March 2020, we learned of cuts to our already small to help offset some of the reductions public school districts share of state funding and we immediately tightened our like ours faced due to COVID-19. The CARES ACT and belts. The District implemented the cuts and reductions we (Continued on page 8) April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 8
(Continued from page 7) Because of this situation with our operating funds, and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency because of the substantial issues within our facilities – our Relief Fund (ESSER) were established to provide targeted community-based committees who researched our needs financial assistance. These are one-time funds to meet during a 3-year process recommended our District move pandemic-related needs – needs which we may not have forward with a combined issue levy. otherwise met within our budget. On May 4, 2021, our District will be on the ballot for a The one-time CARES funding is not a windfall of cash to 5.43 mill combined operating/bond levy. The estimated our schools. It is dedicated and it comes with guidance on cost of the May 4 ballot issue is approximately $190.05/ spending (for learning recovery and continuity of year ($ 15.84/month) per $100,000 of property market operations). This money in CARES and ESSER funding value per the County Auditor’s website. The bond issue is does not change the conversation on the $3.3 million per a 30-year financial commitment to generate $77 million year for five years in operating funds that would be for our facilities – that total includes the replacement of generated through the May 4,2021 ballot issue. We will Indian Hill Middle School and the replacement of the develop a plan to carefully allocate these one-time funds Indian Hill Elementary School sawtooth wing; security specifically to meet the learning-recovery needs and upgrades at every building; and necessary mechanical continuity of operations. upgrades across the District. The operational levy will be a 5-year commitment, with an option to place a renewal on a The CARES funding dollars received over the last year future ballot. The last operational levy for the District was does not help our District fund the necessary maintenance on the ballot in 1993; the Board did not renew this levy on our current facilities and continue to provide the same when it expired. The last facility project was in front of the level of programs and services to our students without voters in 2001. additional funding from our local community. We have managed our finances the way we always have, The financial situation we have navigated during the conservatively and with a focus on stretching each dollar pandemic is an example that our District cannot control to provide a high-quality education to our students at a what happens in Columbus. We can control our local great value to our residents. schools and the level to which we support them. Our local funding provides a steady, reliable stream of funding so The Indian Hill School District tax rate remains the lowest that we can consistently fund the day-to-day operations of in Hamilton County. The District also did a great job our schools. managing the last bond issue and has structured the refinancing of bonds to achieve taxpayer savings of $8.5 May 4, 2021 Ballot Issue million. That savings for residents comes in the form of We have stretched our current resources as far as they can reduced millage paid toward the bonds. In addition, go without beginning to affect the student experience our a significant share of what residents pay on this bond community expects from Indian Hill Schools. There's also expired at the end of 2018 – reducing the bond debt and a limit on how long we can defer maintenance before the providing our residents a savings of $304 annually on a solutions become more costly for our community to $500,000 home. We will see an additional 1.4 mills of address in the long run; I believe we are at that crossroads existing bonds expire in 2027, again lowering taxpayer now. payments.
Indian Hill has been actively, closely examining our need As always, please contact me with questions. to bring revenues in line with expenses. We continue to anticipate near-flat revenue growth (near one percent per Sincerely, year). One percent per year is well below the rate of Mick Davis inflation mark. Inflationary costs affect us on the revenue Treasurer side, as well as the expense side as things get more Indian Hill Exempted Village School District expensive over time but we do not see a corresponding [email protected] increase to match on the revenue side.
EDITORIAL April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 9 INDIAN HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX LEVY, VOTE NO ON MAY 4 The Committee for Responsible School Spending asks 2014. you to VOTE NO on the IHSD COMBINED levy on May • The School Board made decisions to spend millions of 4, 2021, because: dollars on capital projects that were “wants” not • This combined levy is a significant overreach: $77 “needs.” million for infrastructure (bond issue) PLUS $3.3 • When asked where the money had gone, one response million a year for 5 years, for day-to-day operations was, “I am not interested in being the bank of Indian (operating levy). Hill; if we have it, we should spend it”. • The $77 million bond issue contains $28 million in • This money was spent knowing by the end of 2025 we “wants” over and above the $49 million the District would be in an unsustainable financial situation. identifies as “needs” in its mailers. • From 2014-2020, millions of dollars were spent on • Since 2014, the District spent millions of dollars on capital projects from the District’s operating funds. non-essential capital projects depleting cash reserves Some examples include multiple locker rooms, a needed for future day-to-day operations. snackbar, scoreboards, coaching offices, synthetic turf • Capital spending must be reexamined and reduced for two fields, new baseball diamonds, dugouts, stands, in the near term until we have a better understanding of and tennis courts. the changing educational landscape – virtual and hybrid learning - going forward. Why is an additional $77 million needed for Infrastructure? It isn’t. Our low tax rates already give IHSD the highest revenue In addition to asking for $39 million for a new Middle per student in Hamilton County School and another $10 million for safety-maintenance District mailers repeatedly state “our district’s tax rate is the upgrades, the District is asking for another $28 million for lowest in Hamilton County” as a reason for residents to items including, but not limited to: support the levy. However: • Replace Elementary School “Sawtooth” With A New • Despite having the lowest tax rate, we spend more per Gym/Auditorium (Renovated in 2004) $12,200,000 pupil than any other district in Hamilton County. • Build New Board Offices and Conference Room (Built/ • Our low rate is possible because the Indian Hill School Renovated in 2005) $3,200,000 District has an enormous property tax base of $1.248 • Update High School Gym Lobby and Fitness Area: BILLION dollars, as compared to tax base(s) of $1,700,000 comparable districts such as Madeira ($376,681,280), • Renovate Primary School Entry and Multipurpose Mariemont ($381,122,030) and Wyoming Room: $2,500,000 ($304,161,700). • Replace Furniture in All Schools: $1,730,000 • Spending per pupil comparison: Indian Hill ($15,493), • Update High School and Primary School Auditoriums: Madeira ($11,233), Mariemont ($13,428), Wyoming $1,940,000 ($12,342). (For entire list see “Facility Master Plans”) • If Indian Hill spent the same amount per pupil as Madeira, the District would save $8.9 million per year in operating costs and eliminate the need for an District mailers contain photos of the Middle School in operating levy. surprising disrepair. What is not explained is several of the photos are of a neglected area of the Middle School slated to Does greater spending equal higher academic be torn down 20 years ago but ultimately kept for storage - performance? No. never for student use. • Indian Hill’s average composite ACT score declined from 27 in 2018 and 2019 to 25.7 in 2020. What happens if the levy fails? • For the 2018-2019 SY, the Ohio Department of Education’s Performance Index Ranking (Public • The Board can come back to voters in November with Schools) ranked Indian Hill 9th behind 4th ranked an operating levy separate from a bond issue. Madeira. Mariemont and Wyoming were ranked 12th • The District’s remaining cash reserves, plus current and 18th respectively. (2019-2020 rankings are not level of property tax revenue, will maintain all available due to COVID). operations beyond the 2021 November election. (See • District mailers boast a #1 ranking from Niche, a school IHSD “Five Year Forecast” on www.crssihsd.com) ranking service. Niche uses subjective input from • The Administration and Board would then have the student and parent surveys in developing their rankings opportunity to: and published Indian Hill’s average ACT score as 31, Reevaluate the impact of virtual learning on contrary to the 25.7 published on the IHSD website. future needs related to school buildings, What happened to $32 million in cash reserves? classrooms, technology and other capital IHSD’s operating cash reserves have been declining since expenses. April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 10
(Continued from page 9) improvements. Reduce the proposed $77 million bond by Please visit www.crssihsd.com for web links to cited data. differentiating between “wants” and “needs” Thank you for your consideration. and require competitive bidding on building expenditures. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Establish a “Permanent Improvement The Committee for Responsible School Spending and do Fund” to save for unforeseen maintenance not reflect the official policy or position of the Village of needs and budget for future capital Indian Hill. EDITORIAL INDIAN HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX LEVY, VOTE YES ON MAY 4
We face an important decision on May 4th. Do we decide to School gym, which is used more as an assembly and concert fund our school district to provide the best educational venue than a gym, will be razed and rebuilt to serve as an opportunities possible to our children? Or do we decide efficient multi-purpose space. The 1960’s era sawtooth something less than the best is acceptable? I am voting yes portion of the building will be razed and replaced with on Issue 7 because we owe our children the best educational modern classrooms consistent with the balance of the experience possible. The combined bond and operating elementary school. The high school, gymnasium, and levy will set up our school district for many more years of auditorium lobbies will all be improved to provide a unified, academic excellence. It will allow us to maintain our and secure, building entrance. property values, our outstanding academic programming, and our extraordinary teachers. Our children do not merely want a safe, secure, and accessible school. They need it. The bond issuance will Bond Issuance satisfy this need.
The bond issuance will raise $77,000,000 to fund the Operating Levy construction of a new middle school, and will provide needed security, accessibility, and infrastructure Approximately 72% of the district’s annual revenue is improvements to the remaining three district buildings. generated from real estate taxes. While Indian Hill benefits from a very high real estate tax base, the millage rate The existing middle school is a modified 1960’s era fluctuation produces flat revenue (as values go up, the building originally constructed to be a separate high school outside millage rate goes down). The district’s revenue has and middle school. It is an inefficient building, not been effectively flat since 2007. The total revenue in 2007 designed for optimal learning, and a constant maintenance was $32,708,857. The total revenue in 2019 was nightmare. The roof is perpetually leaking, the foundation $32,975,316. This is a mere .8% increase in revenue over a is compromised, and the western portion of the building has twelve-year period. The rate of inflation over this same been closed to student access for safety reasons. The time period was 23%. No organization can provide the building is beyond repair, and investing more dollars into same level of service with flat revenue over a twelve-year the building is economic waste. period.
The new middle school will provide students a modern Significant cuts will be made to the district’s operating learning environment designed specifically for the budget if this levy is not passed. Teacher positions will be adolescent student. The two-story building will increase eliminated. Class sizes will increase. STEM programs, operational efficiency, increase campus green space, and enrichment classes, art, music and athletic opportunities will dramatically reduce operating costs. It will be constructed be jeopardized. The Indian Hill educational experience will to the highest standards of student safety. It will meet decline. We cannot allow this to happen. Indian Hill’s standard of excellence. The measure of a school district is not simply ACT scores. The bond issuance will fund needed improvements to other And the question of how much the school should spend per campus buildings, with safety being a primary focus. student is not answered by looking at our peer schools. We School safety is a paramount concern, and our existing measure our school’s performance based on the impact it buildings do not meet modern security standards. has on our children, and we measure our investment based on our own value set. Do we give our kids the best school Important infrastructure and accessibility updates will also possible, or is something less than the best acceptable? be constructed. The Primary School will benefit from a new Your vote on May 4th lets you answer this question. elevator allowing all students, regardless of physical ability, the same access throughout the school. The Elementary (Continued on page 11) April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 11
INDIAN HILL HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING DECA SUCCESS
The numbers are record-breaking for Indian Hill High State champions in their events: School: 61 students competed at the DECA state level; 41 Lauren Sewell, Accounting students finished in the top ten at state; 29 of those Andrew Sakemiller, Principles of Marketing finalists qualified for the 2021 DECA International Bella Carson and Maggie Schoeny, Entrepreneurship Competition; and one, Indian Hill High School senior Team Lauren Sewell, broke a school record – earning a total of Nathan Heilbrunn, Automotive Services three state champion titles during her tenure at IHHS. Sophie Sawyers, Hotel Management DECA is an international organization for business and Maria Lindberg, Quick Serve Management marketing students. Ryan Rammacher, Retail Management Matthew Copfer, Financial Consulting “When I look back to my freshman year at the DECA State Awards Ceremony as I was standing on the stage and Second place: they called my name, I would not have imagined that it Vinya Ivaturi, Principles of Hospitality would be the first of four State titles and I would be setting Annie Isphording and Annie Joy, Buying and a school record,” said Lauren Sewell. “As President of our Merchandising Indian Hill DECA Chapter, I am very proud of our chapter Pranav Rastogi, Business Finance and what we all accomplished at state this year.” Sophia Zou, Professional Selling Emily Sichel, Hospitality Selling Sewell has studied business at Indian Hill High School all four years of her high school career as part of the Third place: Marketing Management and Research program that Indian Marina Anderson, Food Marketing Hill offers in partnership with Great Oaks. Sewell sealed Vandita Rastogi, Restaurant Management her school record during the annual Ohio DECA Career Anderson Cannady and Robert Brunner, Integrated Development Conference, adding three state championship Marketing Campaign – Service trophies this school year to the first state second-place Olivia Vigran, Professional Selling trophy Sewell earned as a freshman. Fourth place: “Lauren Sewell has made history at Indian Hill High Julianne Allspach, Marketing Communications School,” said Principal Jeff Damadeo. “We are incredibly Emerson Evans, Hotel Management proud of her and the 61 students who joined her in Caroline Gaede, Innovation Plan competing at the state level. We look forward to cheering Kate Taylor and Kayla Werbrich, Integrated Marketing on our 29 students who will compete at the international Campaign - Product level.” Fifth place: The state conference was held virtually this year. Students Elizabeth Whaley and Madison Kahn, Travel and Tourism who qualified for international DECA competition (Continued on page 12) include:
(Continued from page 10) He lives in Indian Hill with his wife, Meghan, and their two I am voting yes on Issue 7. We need a new middle school, children, Sadie and James. Sadie is a current Indian Hill 1st and our other buildings need to be as safe and accessible as grader and James will start kindergarten in 2022. Bear can possible. Our children’s academic experience will suffer if be reached at [email protected]. Please visit there is an increase in class size. The loss of teachers and YesonIssue7.com for more information. cuts to academic programing will cause irreparable damage to what is currently one of the best school districts in the The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of country. We owe it to our children to vote yes on Issue 7. Residents for Strong Indian Hill Schools and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Village of Indian Hill. Bear Tullis is a 2000 graduate of Indian Hill High School. April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 12
(Continued from page 11) China, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico and Team Puerto Rico. The United States Congress, the United Ninah Foad and Skyler Robinson, Sports and States Department of Education and state and international Entertainment Team departments of education authorize DECA’s programs. DECA prepares the next generation to be academically Not qualifying for international competition, but finishing prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible in the top ten statewide, include: and experienced leaders. The High School Division Lucia Barrett, Innovation Plan (5th) includes 190,000 members in 3,500 schools. Sanibel Betts and Cece Benza, Travel and Tourism Team (6th) Indian Hill High School senior Lauren Sewell is a three-time DECA Hunter Gillan, Business Finance (7th) state champion; she now holds the school record. Grace Galloway, Business Start-up Plan (7th) Drew Boylan and Anya Govil, Hospitality Team (7th) Alexander Castellini, Principles of Marketing (9th) William Dalton, Food Marketing (9th) Paige McMillan and Stella Kohr, Business Operations Research (9th)
The 2021 international competition will be held virtually during April. Around 18,000 students typically participate in the competition. Competitors at the International Career Development Conference take a written 100-question multiple choice test on their subject matter and perform a business role-play situation.
DECA Inc. is a student organization with members in all 50 United States and the District of Columbia, Canada,
‘WE COULDN’T BE PROUDER’: 17 INDIAN HILL STUDENTS EARN 67 AWARDS AT OJCL STATE CONVENTION Last year, like so many other educational opportunities, project acceptance brought some members of the Indian the pandemic shut down the annual Ohio Junior Classical Hill High School Class of 2020 back “home” to League (OJCL) State Convention. This March, convention participate and help club efforts for this school year. organizers created a virtual setting, and Indian Hill students excelled. Seventeen Indian Hill Middle School Award highlights include: and Indian Hill High School students brought home 67 • Alison Ma, Maggie Jutze, Kim Zwolshen, and Olivia total awards with 55 top-five finishes! Sheldon (all Class of 2020), Excellent Rating, Club Banner creation “We are so proud of all our students' hard work and effort • Alison Ma, Maggie Jutze, Kim Zwolshen, and Olivia to make this OJCL State Convention another successful Sheldon (all Class of 2020), Superior Rating, Club one for Indian Hill,” said Indian Hill Latin teacher Alex Music video creation Fries. “Our students showed great leadership and perseverance working through the challenges of a virtual event. They are all excellent representatives of the Indian Overall Points Contests – State Rankings: Hill Latin program. We couldn't be prouder!” Overall Sweepstakes Fries said submissions created for last year’s convention • Alex Sheldon, Fourth were allowed to be submitted this year. The year-delayed (Continued on page 13) April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 13
Village of Indian Hill 2021 Bulletin Schedule
Copy Deadline Mailing date 1/8/2021 2/3/2021 2/5/2021 3/3/2021 3/12/2021 3/31/2021 4/9/2021 4/28/2021 5/7/2021 5/26/2021 6/4/2021 6/23/2021 8/6/2021 9/1/2021 9/10/2021 9/29/2021 10/1/2021 10/27/2021 11/5/2021 11/24/2021 12/3/2021 12/29/2021
SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PICTURES All copy and pictures sent to the Village office to be included in the Bulletin should be sent by email to [email protected]. If it is not possible for you to email, you can contact Kari at 979-6218. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.IHILL.ORG You can find the Indian Hill Bulletin on our website at www.ihill.org. Just click on Bulletin and begin reading! You will find the most recent Bulletin as well as past Bulletins. You will also find information on all our departments, Grand Valley and meeting minutes for Council and Planning Commission. You can find schedules for recycling and trash pickup and fill out forms for Building and Zoning, the Rangers, Public Works and Taxes. There are also links to the schools, churches and the Recreation Commission.
ONLINE BILL PAYMENT NOW AVAILABLE Residents and customers can now make payments online. This service is a bill payment service for alarm monitoring, boat storage, bridle trail membership, gun club membership, extra pickups, water bills, or any other account you may have with the Village. One time payments can be made, or you can sign up for payments to be deducted from your bank account on their due date automatically. This service allows for secure electronic transfer of payments from your bank account. To sign up for this service, log on to the Village’s website at ihill.org and click on the link on the homepage.
(Continued from page 12) Sketch by Alex Sheldon Graphic Arts • Alex Sheldon, First • Michelle Fu, Second • Kaia Woo, Fourth • Avery Valz, Seventh
Best in Show • Kaia Woo, Pencil Drawing
April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 14
IMAGES
...THEN AND NOW
From the Indian Hill Historical Society Buckingham Lodge 1861
Remembering Svante Humbla Svante Humbla lived on Surreyhill Lane for over twenty years. Though he was not a lifelong resident, his efforts enhanced the parks and green areas of Indian Hill. Born in Sweden he spent his youth on a remote archipelago (Eckdalen) in the Baltic Sea. There was no electricity, no indoor water or plumbing. There was no road. Svante walked through the woods on a trail to attend school. Eckdalen had no library or telephone service. For amusement he built small cars and toy canoes from the driftwood on the seashore. Much of his time was spent outdoors in Nature. After high school and 2 years of military service, Svante worked for Ericsson and studied engineering at the Institute of Technology in Stockholm, from which he received a B.S. in 1945. He moved to Cincinnati in 1957 to become Director of Project Design for Vulcan Inc. Part of those years he lived in Indian Hill. Humbla then joined the Lummus Company, where he worked in New Jersey and Germany, designing industrial plants throughout the world. He retired in 1985 after a successful career in engineering and metrication. Humbla and his second wife, Astri, decided to move back to Cincinnati. He had always been handy and considered himself a “jack of all trades”. Self-taught, he did upholstering, lighting, wall papering, furniture making, household renovations and other similar activities at his various residences. When they moved back to Indian Hill, the couple installed a vegetable garden and a conifer collection. Before his retirement, while perusing National Geographic, Svante was fascinated by a 1977 article “Song of Hope for the Bluebirds”, which described how home built nesting boxes could lessen the threat of extinction for this particular avian. Once common in the US, the bluebird population had been in serious decline since the mid-1900s. This was due to many factors. Open fields and pastures had become residential subdivisions, reducing habitat; wooden fences (former nesting sites) were replaced by barbed wire and metal ones; pesticide use diminished insects (food source), and other birds (starlings and house sparrows) competed for the remaining cavity nesting spaces. So, in his senior years, Humbla became an active proponent of saving bluebirds. Eastern bluebirds are 6 - 8 inches long, and weigh about 1 ounce. The males have reflective cobalt blue plumage, and that of the female is not quite as bright. They have a distinctive song. Their diet consists mostly of insects, wild fruit, and berries. The monogamous couples can produce 2 -4 broods annually. Svante joined the North American Bluebird Society, Ohio Bluebird Society, Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and later a group associated with the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail. He contacted bluebird aficionados from other states, subscribed to journals about these birds, and educated Bluebird Box himself about construction methods for their nesting boxes. His volunteerism fostered these delightful thrushes. In his basement workshop Humbla built bluebird boxes – he estimated that he made at least 100. He gave some away and put others on trails. With the consent of the Green Areas Advisory Committee, he placed 10 boxes at Rheinstrom Park and later installed a bunch of them at Radio Range Park. Svante and other residents expanded the network of bluebird trails throughout the Village, placing boxes at Green Acres, the Little Red Schoolhouse, McCane Lane, Cincinnati Country Day School, Rowe Arboretum and Camargo Club. A group of 6 people monitored the boxes weekly, inspecting and cleaning them and noting how many babies were hatched at each location. In 2000, 329 Svante Humbla’s Workshop bluebirds were successfully fledged locally according to these avid bluebirders. Svante protected countless numbers of these endangered birds throughout his latter years. His innovative shutters for nest boxes offered shelter from weather and predators. As he aged, he developed sciatica, and died at age 86 in 2006. Svante Humbla was Indian Hill’s first bluebird “landlord”. The resurgence of these birds in this community is largely due to his dedicated efforts. When viewing one of these little gems in flight, recall his preservationism and croon, “I wish you bluebirds in the spring to give your heart a song to sing…”. April 28, 2021—Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 15
INDIAN HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Historical Society Board of Trustees and Annual Meeting
The Board of Trustees’ terms are staggered so that each year, one-third of the seats are up for renewal or change. After a year of many challenges presented by the pandemic, the Society is pleased to announce that the Board will continue with the existing members; none of the members whose terms expired are stepping away. The Board is comprised of the following members:
Judith Affatato Molly Lucien John Armstrong Andy MacKay Rosemary Ballard Doug Manzler Brenda Benzar Pam Middendorff George Glover, Vice President Greg Miller, Vice President Barb Hauck Dan Peters Susan Holzapfel Janet Reynolds Chip Hunter, Treasurer Lois Rust, Secretary Ed Jacobs Ray Schilderink Cynthia King Rosemary Welsh, President Kent Little
The Trustees are looking forward to providing new programs and program formats. Recently, several virtual programs were shared with the Society’s members and several more are in production. In-person gatherings may still be a way off, but the important work of “Keeping Indian Hill’s Past and Present Alive for Tomorrow” continues. ------The Annual Meeting of the Indian Hill Historical Society will be postponed until the Fall, when hopefully an in-person meeting can be held.
E-Newsletter
Indian Hill Historical Society’s quarterly newsletter contains fun facts, stories and news! If you would like an emailed copy (you do not have to be a member), please provide your email address by sending it [email protected] or by calling 891-1873.
Previous newsletters may be found on the website: https://indianhill.org/resources-archives/newsletters/ RETURN TO: INDIAN HILL BULLETIN 6525 DRAKE ROAD CINCINNATI, OHIO 45243
Village of Indian Hill Public Meeting Dates
IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND/OR COUNCIL MEETING, PLEASE REFER TO THE CALENDAR SECTION ON THE VILLAGE WEBSITE (WWW.IHILL.ORG) OR VILLAGE APP FOR WEBINAR LINKS AND CALL IN PHONE NUMBERS
PLEASE REFER TO THE WEBSITE AND APP CALENDAR FOR FUTURE CHANGES THAT MAY NEED TO OCCUR DUE TO COVID-19
May 2021 June 2021
Green Areas Advisory Comm 5:30 p.m. May 3, 2021 Green Areas Advisory Comm 5:30 p.m. June 2, 2021 Recreation Commission 7:30 p.m. May 5, 2021 Public Safety Committee 7:30 a.m. June 3, 2021 Public Safety Committee 7:30 a.m. May 5, 2021 Law Committee 8:00 a.m. June 3, 2021 Law Committee 8:00 a.m. May 5, 2021 Finance Committee 7:30 a.m. June 4, 2021 Finance Committee 7:30 a.m. May 7, 2021 Recreation Commission 7:30 p.m. June 7, 2021 Water Works Committee 7:00 a.m. May 11, 2021 Water Works Committee 7:00 a.m. June 8, 2021 Public Works Committee 7:30 a.m. May 11, 2021 Public Works Committee 7:30 a.m. June 8, 2021 Buildings & Grounds Committee 7:30 a.m. May 11, 2021 Buildings & Grounds Committee 8:00 a.m. June 8, 2021 Mayor’s Court/Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. May 17, 2021 Mayor’s Court/Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. June 14, 2021 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. May 18, 2021 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. June 15, 2021