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2005 Upper Arlington Annual ReportThe following links are pdf files from the original 2005 Annual ReportCity Manager Message | City Council | Business & Development | Capital Reinvestment | Reed Road Water Park | Other Highlights | Community Award Winners | Financial Report City Manager Message Community Helping Community In the five years I have had the honor of serving as City Manager for this fine community of Upper Arlington, we have taken an incredible journey together. An already strong first suburb City has been re-energized on many levels. Many involved citizens have recognized that change is inevitable and the best way to embrace change is to be an active part of the process. Adoption of the Master Plan in 2001 was a pivotal moment for our City. It initiated important projects, encompassing a range of strategies working toward key goals residents identified as necessary to assure Upper Arlington’s continued success. This road map has helped us better define where to go, laid the groundwork for necessary policies and financial wherewithal, inspiring and giving us all the same general direction in which to head. We are already on the path of making a new history for Upper Arlington. But what are the ingredients we need to be truly successful in this endeavor? What opportunities should we grasp? What challenges should we tackle head on? What is holding us back? We know the “what,” do we know the “how” of the journey before us? The key ingredient I believe derives from the word community. We are a microcosm of many communities within one greater community. A community can be defined in several ways: geographically our borders set the boundaries for the work we do as a City; our organization is a community linked by the common policy of serving the citizens of Upper Arlington; residents and City workers are intertwined as a larger community that shares “a joint ownership or participation” in who we are and where we want to go. The City is blessed with a community of professional staff that has chosen and been chosen to serve the Upper Arlington community. We take pride in our work, support each other through the challenges that may arise, and work together across departments to capitalize on the skills each brings to the organization as a whole. We have learned to do more with less, seeking out opportunities and best practices that will mesh with and improve the services we provide to you, our customers. The Upper Arlington community is strong, rich with citizens who care and invest their energies and dollars into the place they have chosen to call home. Many residents are already active participants on a broader level – from those who serve on City Council, our Boards and Commissions, the Schools and Chamber of Commerce boards, to those who visit with and assist elderly residents, coach a children’s sports team or help raise funds for a local cause – smaller communities all working toward the greater good of Upper Arlington’s broader community. The fabric of the greater Upper Arlington community is complex. For all the involvement and good intentions, we sometimes fail to fully connect, from one “community” to another. In the coming months and years, we hope to chip away at that challenge. Internally, we are inviting City Staff to join us as we work to take our organization to a new level – renewing our energies, supporting our professional growth, and rethinking how we serve and reach out to the citizens of Upper Arlington. In turn, we will be inviting and encouraging residents and businesses alike to become engaged in the many community discussions before us, to learn about the local government that most impacts your day-to-day lives, and to minimize or even eliminate the barriers that might be preventing us from becoming a better than great community. In the coming year, watch for opportunities to participate in the Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan, as well as to voice your opinions on services and issues through the 2006 Community Survey. That’s not to say that many good things aren’t already happening in Upper Arlington, and as you read through our 2005 summary of activities and achievements I am confident you will be impressed and pleased by the progress of our organization and our community. Sincerely, Virginia Barney Upper Arlington City Manager 2005 Upper Arlington City Council Upper Arlington’s City Council is comprised of seven residents elected at-large to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. The Council selects a President and Vice President from among its ranks to serve two-year terms. City Council works hard for the community, providing strong leadership and clear direction on the many projects that touch us all. It is in no small part a reflection of their diligence that the City organization enjoys healthy finances and stability, and remains an excellent place to work. The November 2005 election of City Council members marked a change in both the body’s makeup and its leadership. Term-limited Clark Pritchett and Jim Winfree were not eligible for re-election. A sizeable field of candidates chose to seek election. Ultimately, Upper Arlington voters selected Frank Ciotola, Don Leach, Linda Mauger and Wade Steen. At a January 9, 2006 Council Organization Meeting, the new Council selected Ed Seidel to serve as Council President and Linda Mauger to serve as Vice President for the 2006/2007 term. Upper Arlington Master Plan As in previous years, focus on implementation of the community’s Master Plan continued as a City Council priority, to fulfill the Plan’s ultimate goals of preserving and enhancing overall quality of life while assuring long-term fiscal stability. In 2005, City Council identified, initiated and led several key projects driven by the Master Plan and covered in more detail later in this report. They include: • Completion of the first outdoor pool renovation – the Reed Road Water Park. • Directing the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to embark on a Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan in 2006. • Formation of the Infrastructure Policies Committee to review infrastructure and transportation elements relative to Master Plan and Transportation Plan goals. • Conducting the 2005 Older Adults Needs Assessment under the charge of Council’s Community Outreach Committee. • Supporting and creating opportunities for economic development growth. • Continued support of significant capital reinvestments to upgrade the community’s aging infrastructure. The 2004 Master Plan Annual Report highlighted how much has already been achieved, with an effective framework in place to direct opportunities for change and development that will enhance Upper Arlington’s long term health and success. However, some goals remain elusive. Several primary factors play an important role in how and when many pending objectives and strategies can be moved forward: • Funding challenges apply to many areas of the Master Plan, in particular: Future funding needs to support the Capital Improvements Program; the disparity between available resources and those likely required to extensively support economic development efforts across the City’s commercial districts; and lastly, the necessary human and financial resources that would be required to support the addition or expansion of desired facilities and services. • With the updated Zoning Map and related development approval processes in place through the Unified Development Ordinance, key Master Plan goals for the City’s commercial districts are now dependent upon the private sector and market forces initiating change. Recent projects brought forward by commercial property owners indicate a desire to keep their sites viable, but typically through lower cost, aesthetic improvements versus substantial change. City leadership and Staff continue efforts to encourage and facilitate discussions in the hopes of bringing together a complementary mix of interested parties (property owners, businesses, developers, etc.) in order for redevelopment to occur. Most agree with the primary directives of preserving and enhancing the community’s quality of life while assuring fiscal stability over the long term, and headway is being made toward those ends. However, there is no “one size fits all” solution to how pockets of our community could and should evolve. By its nature, the Master Plan is a document subject to interpretation. It provides guiding principles and long-term aspirations for the community, but was intentionally created in a way that allows for its evolution over time. Within the document, primary directives have the potential to work at odds with each other. For example, the Master Plan directs us to preserve and enhance our residential nature, yet securing the necessary funding to do this requires expanded economic development activity which in turn can be perceived as a challenge to the community’s character. As a built-out community, a trend is emerging whereby development or redevelopment projects brought forward by the private sector are the cause of extensive community discussion, present challenges in Master Plan interpretation, and can result in recommendations and decisions that appear contradictory as they proceed through the development approval process. Our community leaders are challenged to find balance within the Master Plan, to weigh the wishes of some with the overall effect any given project may have for Upper Arlington as a whole. The discussions arising from Master Plan implementation efforts are a sign of a healthy, engaged community at work. Oftentimes, the process of informing citizens is a long-term proposition, and the Master Plan presents a complex set of directives that must be considered as a whole to understand where it’s leading the community. Residents are becoming more aware of the Master Plan and its intent as implementation efforts continue. Upper Arlington is fully developed and aging – today’s reality is finding ways to revive and reinvest in what we already have. Just as homeowners are modernizing their older homes to meet today’s living standards while preserving architectural integrity, Upper Arlington must modernize the community to meet today’s quality of life and services standards, while preserving the unique fabric that has been created over the course of many decades. Our Master Plan gives us a long-term vision to head toward, as well as many of the tools to take us successfully on that journey. Achievements to date indicate this vision is the right one for Upper Arlington. Infrastructure Policies Committee City Council’s 2005 Infrastructure Policies Committee focused on various infrastructure elements including sidewalks, bikeways, curbs and gutters, and beautification efforts. Through many months of work, much was achieved to develop a process that allows for a complete approach to considering and addressing infrastructure and Transportation Plan goals cost effectively and in a timely fashion. As a direct result of this process, Staff was directed by the Committee and ultimately City Council to proceed with plans for rebuilding Kenny Road north of McCoy Road – and at the same time enhancing the community gateway, adding beautification elements and incorporating the option for installing a multi-use path along the western side of this arterial road into the engineering plans. This project, and its associated options, was delayed in early 2006 to allow for a review by the 2006 Infrastructure Policies Committee and a recommendation back to Council as a whole, later in the year. Business & Development Business Retention & Expansion Program Recognizing the value existing businesses bring to Upper Arlington, the City’s Economic Development Division embarked on a Business Retention and Expansion program. A key initiative was to survey these businesses to learn more about them, their needs and how the City can help them be successful in Upper Arlington. Of the responses received to date, many Upper Arlington businesses are small in scale, with approximately half the respondents employing 10 or less staff members. They have been here at least five years, often for more than 10 years. They indicate that they chose our community for its location and safety, rating it as a good or excellent place to do business. The majority of respondents also state they would recommend Upper Arlington as a good business location to their associates and friends. Kingsdale While opportunities for change within the Kingsdale core continue to be a major focus for City Council, Staff and potential partners in the development community, the abutting western stretch of Tremont Road is in the beginning stages of a transformation that speaks to the development community’s belief in this area’s future. Construction on the first such development, Towncenter Place, has begun. Next will come Arlington Crossing, a mid-rise, condominium complex. 2005 Economic Development Highlights - At the end of 2005/early 2006, The Ohio State University Development Department and University Foundation brought more than 120 jobs to the community when they took up residence in the impressive new 57,000 square foot office building on the north side of Lane Avenue, replacing three aging structures. - Arlington Falls, LLC made significant progress on construction of the second of five office condominium buildings available for purchase, totaling 68,000 square feet. Construction of a third building should move into high gear in 2006. - A rare occurrence for a landlocked community, Upper Arlington became approximately four-and-one-half acres larger in 2005, following many months of work to annex commercial property from the Pizza Hut at North Star and Lane Avenue east to the Fiesta Center Phase 1 on the south side of Lane Avenue. Along with several new businesses, the Kingsdale Gynecologic Associates, Inc. was welcomed back to the community as a result of the annexation. - Plans were announced for the complete redevelopment of the southeast corner of Reed and Henderson. The Arlington Pointe Plaza project, tentatively scheduled to begin spring/summer 2006, will include a smaller version of Da Vinci’s, mixed with retail and office space. - The First Community Village renovation is in full throes, with significant progress made on construction of a 280,000 square foot building, destined to house independent living apartments, assisted living facilities and a wellness center. The City granted a non-school tax increment financing incentive to First Community Village in 2004 to support the $40 million expansion. Development Highlights - Development processed many residential and commercial permits in 2005, with a total construction value of approximately $81.7 million, close to 2004’s record breaking year, and a level of activity the department did not think it would see again. - The residential construction value reached a record level of almost $39 million, reflective of the continued reinvestment homeowners are making in single-family homes. Permits were issued for 15 new single-family homes along with over 300 addition and renovation permits to the City’s existing residential housing stock. - Commercial activity continues to indicate a substantial level of development. Major projects leading the way include: the redevelopment of First Community Village, ground-breaking for 20 condominium units at Towncenter Place, completion of a 12,000 square foot office building at Arlington Falls, the addition/renovation of the Kroger on Henderson Road, and the extensive alteration underway for Arlington Bank’s first branch office. - Residential and commercial activity combined totaled 2,481 construction permits processed through the department. More than 3,400 building, heating, fire protection, sewer tap, driveway, demolition and sign inspections took place in 2005 – an average of 15 inspections per day. - Following the Lane Avenue annexation, the newest portion of the City was zoned as a Planned Mixed-Use District (PMUD). Sky Bank Ballot Issue A proposed Sky Bank on Northwest Boulevard proved an important community topic for much of 2005, speaking to the tensions Upper Arlington citizens will likely face for many years as the community tries to find a balance between necessary redevelopment in and around its commercial districts while seeking to preserve its residential nature. With the requested rezoning approved by the Board of Zoning and Planning and City Council, some residents chose to challenge the decision, placing the issue on the November ballot for voters to decide. The decision was ultimately upheld and construction is scheduled to begin spring 2006. 2005 Older Adults Needs Assessment Upper Arlington is experiencing increasing percentages of older age groups within our total population – a trend sure to continue as the baby boomers enter their golden decades. The City last conducted a survey of its older adult population in 1994. More than 10 years later and faced with changing demographics, the time was ripe to revisit the needs and desires of an increasing segment of our population and to begin looking at the coming decade and beyond. Recognizing this, City Council’s Community Outreach Subcommittee recommended the City conduct a new needs assessment. With City Council approval, the City contracted with local research consultant The Strategy Team to conduct the 2005 Older Adults Needs Assessment. The Assessment process was designed to incorporate a scientific and circumstantial approach to gathering data to obtain a true snapshot of older adult needs across the community, while ensuring everyone had an opportunity to participate. The process included stakeholder interviews, a town meeting, a pre-survey focus group, two versions of a survey (one online, the other an abridged paper and pencil version), and a post-survey focus group. Key findings emerging from the process include: • Residents cite safe, well maintained neighborhoods, convenient location, good City services and schools as positive qualities of the community. • Primary concerns include high property taxes, rising energy costs and finding appropriate housing options as they age. • With regard to housing, many hope to be able to age in their existing home or would like access to a suitable single-floor home or condominium, or a retirement community in UA. • In general, there was a lack of awareness of available home maintenance services and programs available to help older adults age in their home and community. • Many respondents were unaware of the recreational options available to them at the Senior Center, with a perception by the baby boomer generation that it did not cater to them. Of those who use the facility, they praised programming and staff, but were critical of the facility itself. In 2006, the Community Outreach Committee of City Council will review the results of the Needs Assessment and make recommendations on how to proceed with addressing the needs of the older adult population for the coming decade and beyond. Capital Reinvestments A significant portion of the City’s reinvestment in Upper Arlington is to protect and enhance those investments already made as the community grew and took shape over the course of many decades – our underground and surface infrastructure, public facilities and parks. The City remains committed to improving its aging infrastructure through its Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Thanks to solid financial planning, CIP funding averages $5 million annually through 2010. Sunny 95 Park In December 2005 it was with great excitement the City announced a $1.5 million purchase of almost 10 acres of land adjacent to Langston Park, thanks to a partnership with Franklin Communications, operator of three radio stations including Sunny 95. The fair market value of the parcel now known as Sunny 95 Park, is estimated at approximately $2.2 million, making Franklin Communications’ gift of approximately $700,000 the most significant known donation in the City’s history. Plans for Sunny 95 Park will be considered as part of the 2006 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan process. Road and Infrastructure Improvements In 2005, the Engineering Division choreographed another significant road and infrastructure construction season. Projects included: • The Henderson Road and Riverside Drive intersection was widened, and a new section of Horizons Drive constructed, linking the existing portion to Henderson Road. • Full street reconstruction projects were completed on Andover Road from Northam to Ridgeview and on Brandon Road from Zollinger to Kirkley. • 31 streets were repaved including Northwest Boulevard from North Star Road to the Five Point Intersection. Parks and Public Facilities Work continued in 2005 to maintain and improve the community’s parks and public facilities: • The Mallway Park underwent significant renovations with new pathways, enhanced landscaping, park benches and the installation of a public art piece entitled “Movement: Impressions of Upper Arlington.” • Keep Franklin County Beautiful awarded a $1,000 grant to install native landscaping at Wyandot Park, and an eagle scout added an informational history display at this location. • Five Points landscaping was improved following 2004 intersection improvements. • New landscaped areas were installed at Northam Park and the Municipal Services Center. • A pathway was installed at Northwest Park. • Exterior lights at Thompson Park were replaced and the south shelter received a new roof. • Fancyburg Park’s shuffleboard hut was renovated and a pathway repaving project completed. • Hastings and Jones sixth graders helped plant street trees on McCoy and Waltham. • New stone park signs were installed at Crafton and Stratford parks. Reed Road Water Park Following many months of detailed study and extensive community participation, the vision for a new and much improved outdoor pool facility for the community became a reality June 2005, when the Reed Road Water Park opened its doors for the first time. In early 2003, the City assumed ownership of the community’s three outdoor aquatics facilities from a trust held by the Upper Arlington School District. This enabled the City to take a long-range look at how to enhance the pools as part of the community’s recreation and leisure facilities. With direction from City Council, Staff developed a long-range plan for the three aquatics facilities to include ongoing maintenance and provide a set of amenities that would increase usage and community pride. A community visioning process enabled residents to be part of creating a plan that would meet their needs and desires with more than 800 participants. A January 2004 report to Council outlined the visioning process and recommended phases with the complete reconstruction of Hastings Pool taking precedence. Based on this and other recommendations, City Council formed a Pools Council Committee and directed Staff to proceed. Hastings was selected as the first pool in the process because it was clearly the one in greatest need. As preparations began for construction, soil borings affirmed this decision. Samples from several areas indicated extensive leaking from the pool was already occurring, and these conditions would have worsened over the freeze/thaw conditions of winter. Based on the information obtained, with or without the renovation project 2004 would have been Hastings last season. The old Hastings Pool closed its doors August 22, 2004 with a free day for the community. Demolition began immediately and new construction shortly thereafter. As the year drew to a close, residents were invited to participate in renaming the state-of-the-art facility. “Reed Road Water Park” was the final name chosen. Despite a tight timeline, the construction of Reed Road Water Park stayed on schedule with the community celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, June 4, 2005. The budget for the project was $4.2 million, funded entirely using a combination of existing sources – approximately $2.2 million from the general fund, $.5 million in bond proceeds and $1.5 million from the City’s self-insurance fund. 2006 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan The success of the Reed Road Water Park has served as the trigger point for the development of a Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan. City Council’s Pool Subcommittee met in the fall of 2005 to consider Phase Two of the renovation process - what to do with the Tremont Pool. Subsequent discussion of Tremont Pool’s location within Northam Park and its proximity to the Northam Park Tennis Courts, Senior Center and other public facilities led the group to consider the bigger picture of parks, facilities and programming across the community. It was determined by the Pools Subcommittee and later affirmed by City Council that the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board should be charged with leading this endeavor in cooperation with Staff, a process scheduled to occur through most of 2006. Other Highlights Focus on Fitness UA The divisions of the Parks & Recreation Department joined forces to create a Focus on Fitness UA health and wellness awareness campaign that taps into the programs already offered, promises themed special events and activities in 2006 and beyond, and as a side benefit has strengthened the sense of community and purpose within the department. The campaign has five primary areas of focus – Activity, Mind, Nutrition, Relaxation and Wellness – with supporting icons used to identify classes and activities that promote these health and wellness goals. Community Events The Parks & Recreation Department has been taking community events to a new level with the trend continuing in 2005: • The Summer Celebration experienced record crowds. • The Movie in the Park series was expanded to include “dive in” movies at the new Reed Road Water Park. • The first annual Fall Fest made its debut. • A partnership with community volunteers and Mallway Merchants resulted in the Winter Festival, an expanded holiday celebration that included the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, an evening of carriage rides, entertainment and visits with Santa, as well as a Brunch with Santa. • Cultural Arts activities expanded to include a classical Music in the Chambers series. In 2006, residents will be able to enjoy another free family event, as plans for a May Spring Fling event bring the tally to four seasons of entertainment. Online Auction www.govdeals.com The Finance Department began using an online auction service for the sale of used, surplus and confiscated items ranging from vehicles to bicycles, old computer equipment to office chairs. This approach achieved $35,000 in revenues for 2005, a significant increase from prices attained at a typical City auction, with the added plus of reducing storage issues. Smoke Free Upper Arlington Approved by voters November 2004, a Smoke-Free UA awareness program and implementation plans were developed with the participation of the City Attorney’s Office and City Manager’s Office, and assistance from the Police Division. Taking effect February 1, 2005, to date only four warning letters have been issued to UA businesses, with no citations. As a whole, the community made a smooth transition to a smoke-free environment. SMART Community Upper Arlington was designated a SMART Community by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), in recognition of the community’s exceptional recycling and environmental improvement efforts. In the coming months, a SMART Community Committee will work to review options for building upon existing programs to increase an already impressive recycling rate that reached 43 percent in 2005. Juvenile Traffic Diversion Program The City Attorney’s Office and Police Division collaborated on the formation of a Juvenile Traffic Diversion Program in 2005. This alternative to prosecution through the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is designed to reduce the time and costs for all involved while holding a juvenile responsible for his/her actions through education and community service activities. Natural Gas Aggregation Following voter approval in November 2003, the City developed an opt-out gas aggregation program on residents’ behalf and embarked on its first contract year in 2005. The fixed rate made available to customers realized an average savings of $100 for the year when compared to the fluctuating prices available with Columbia Gas. With energy prices at all time highs, locking in a stable rate for 2006 proved a challenging but ultimately attainable goal for the City and its fellow aggregation communities, with the new contract set to begin at the start of 2006. Fire Division 75th Anniversary In 2005, the City’s Fire Division celebrated its 75th anniversary, taking this opportunity to reflect back on its evolution over the years, keeping abreast of new technologies, equipment and training methods to ensure the growing population of Upper Arlington continued to receive the best possible fire and medic emergency services. The capstone of the anniversary celebrations was the reacquisition of the City’s original 1930 Seagrave fire engine, known as “Engine 1.” Restored to running condition through cooperative fund raising efforts by Local 1521 of the International Association of Firefighters and the City, Engine 1 will be used for parades, special events and make special appearances as part of the division’s fire safety educational programs. Hurricane Assistance The City donated one of its reserve fire engines to Waveland, Mississippi, to replace units lost following Hurricane Katrina. Firefighters Ric Beck, Chris Zimmer, Dave Grumney and Trent Kaufman drove the truck and relief supplies down to Waveland officials. In addition, the division had several of its members of the Ohio Task Force One team deployed to assist with various hurricane search and rescue efforts. BWC Grant In 2005, the City was awarded a Safety Intervention Grant in the amount of $13,920 from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, used to purchase safety equipment for manhole rehabilitation work and fire hydrant maintenance. Key Staff/Department Updates • Joe Valentino moved from his role as Parks & Recreation Director to join the City Manager’s Office as Assistant City Manager. • The Parks & Recreation Department welcomed Tim Moloney as Director, joining the City from a position in Westerville. • Following the retirement of Police Chief Dee Holcomb, an internal search, which included an opportunity for community feedback, resulted in the selection of Brian Quinn to assume the division’s leadership position. • With new Director Jeff Nelson at the helm of Information Technology, this division of the City Manager’s Office formally became its own department to better reflect the impact and value IT has across all City departments. • Following the retirement of Margie Carvour, Holly Bricker was selected by City Council to serve the community as City Clerk. 2005 Awards/Significant Achievements City Manager's Office The City Insight resident newsletter received a Silver Circle “Savvy” Award from the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). Engineering Division The Horizons Drive project received an Honor Award for the 2006 American Council of Engineering Companies “Engineering Excellence” Awards (Ohio Chapter). The project consisted of widening the Henderson Road and Riverside Drive intersection and installing a new section of Horizons Drive, linking the existing roadway to Henderson Road. This complex project involved many design and construction considerations and a tight timeline. W.E. Stilson was the project engineer. The project was completed on time and under budget, transforming this community gateway to a standard befitting Upper Arlington. Finance Finance received its 18th Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2004 Comprehensive Financial Report and has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for each budget document since 1990. Parks & Recreation • Parks & Forestry received its 16th Tree City USA Award in recognition of the City’s excellent urban forestry program, and its second annual “Growth Award.” • The Reed Road Water Park received the Superior Award for facilities from the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association. • The Recreation Division’s 10th Grade after school program received an Honor Award from the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association. Police The division was officially re-accredited by the national entity Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in March, assuring that residents receive fair and effective policing. Upper Arlington was selected as one of eight (out of 100) to be a “Flagship Organization” and was further selected to serve as the model division for other departments seeking certification. 2005 Community Award Winners Each year, the City presents a series of awards to recognize and celebrate those organizations and members of the community who contribute to our quality of life in a variety of ways. Business of the Year Franklin Communications Franklin Communications quietly broadcasts WSNY, WODB and WJZA/WJZK from a residential neighborhood. In recent years, Franklin contemplated expansion options to support its growing business, choosing to stay and expand in UA. The company’s generosity exceeded all expectations in 2005 when it made the largest donation in City history, real estate valued at $500,000–$700,000. Rather than being developed into residences, the land will become much needed public parkland. Community Safety Upper Arlington Schools Youth Education for Safety (YES) Program For 24 years, elementary school counselors have trained parent volunteers to present a personal safety program to students in kindergarten, first and fourth grades and all new students in grades two, three and five. The program teaches students how to assert their rights to stay “strong, safe and free” in three different situations. Super Senior John Bergmann John is devoted to service to others. He seeks out housebound military veterans and schedules visits with them. John and close friend, Ed Hannah, Sr. (a Pearl Harbor survivor) speak to classes at various schools relaying their military experiences, wisdom and advice. As a member of the Senior Center John heads the World War II Round Table, scheduling monthly speakers. John also acts as a volunteer greeter at the Senior Center, introducing new members and welcoming all who enter. Community Enrichment Upper Arlington Community Foundation In 2005, the UACF achieved its goal of enhancing the quality of life for residents through grants to: UA Community Orchestra to fund a publicity campaign; Special Needs Activity Camp for Kids (SNACK); Engine 1 Restoration Project; Northwest Counseling Center to support educational seminars on Medicare Prescription Coverage; supporting funds for the first annual Winter Festival. Youth Awards Christopher Davakis Chris has been helping an older adult client in the Older Adults Program at Northwest Counseling Services, referred for depression after her husband died. She was overwhelmed with home maintenance and chores let go while caring for her terminally ill husband. Chris has cheerfully helped clean mold out of bathrooms, painted trim, mowed the yard, raked leaves and helped out with many other household chores. Mary Hinga Mary has been involved with many things over the years, including: Peer Collaboration Program, giving up her study hall to help tutor fellow students; Rake and Run, helping senior citizens; Take it to the Streets, assisting the homeless through First Community Church; Ohio Special Olympics as a volunteer and co-coordinator of the UA High School team. 2005 Distinguished Service Award Winners Each year, the City encourages employees to nominate fellow coworkers who have gone above and beyond to serve the Upper Arlington community to the best of their ability. In 2005, the following individuals received Distinguished Service Awards: Mary Davis, Tax Examiner, Finance Department; Steve Dossenback, Traffic Supervisor, Streets & Traffic Division; Bob Geiger, Building Inspector, Development Department. Financial Report Upper Arlington’s fiscal health remains strong, thanks to sound financial policies, a commitment to a balanced budget set within conservative revenue projections, and an astute awareness of present and pending challenges to various revenue sources and the steps necessary to prepare for these changes. The City’s income tax revenue exceeded $14 million, well above projections following declining revenues from the previous three years. With more estate taxes collected than is projected each year, the City was able to transfer $1.6 million to the Estate Tax Improvement Fun to support capital improvement projects. Investment earnings also exceeded expectations with a significant increase in short-term investment rates. The City’s operating expenses came in under budget by approximately four percent. Financial Highlights The City’s EMS Billing Program has proven a good step for the City with $679,000 in revenues realized in its first full year of implementation. Earmarked to support safety services, equipment and facility needs, the Fire Division will soon begin the process of planning for a new fire station to replace the facility on Reed Road. The Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office implemented an Income Tax Delinquency Program in 2005 that successfully captured more than $250,000 in taxes due the City. In addition to the significant land donation from Franklin Communications, the City received more than $180,000 in grants and other outside funding in 2005. The City will continue its efforts to seek such funding opportunities in the coming year to add value to the facilities and services that can be supported through the existing budget. Summary of 2005 Budget Activity (un-audited) RECEIPTS Operating Revenues: Income Tax $ 14,091,786 Property Tax 8,854,360 Estate Tax 3,716,704 Local Government Fund 2,491,970 Gas Tax & Motor Vehicle License 1,469,602 Water, Sewer, & Stormwater Fees 1,554,414 Solid Waste Stickers 1,574,591 Swimming Pool Fees 598,346 Investment Earnings 1,295,811 Charges for Services 1,616,369 Other Revenue 3,899,830 Total Operating Revenues $ 41,163,783 Other Receipts: Sale of Notes 3,991,388 Total Receipts $ 45,155,171 Expenditures Operating Expenditures Public Safety $ 13,061,727 Parks & Recreation 3,390,255 Public Service 4,804,679 Development 875,753 Administrative Direction 2,323,493 Administrative Support 3,872,803 General Administration 1,490,873 Total Operating Expenditures $ 29,819,583 Capital Expenditures Capital Equipment $ 1,076,826 Capital Improvements 6,447,935 Total Capital Expenditures $ 7,524,761 Debt Service Payments $ 7,545,155 Total Expenditures $ 44,889,499 Excess of Revenues over Expenditures $ 265,672 A more detailed look at the City’s financial status, policies and more will be available summer 2006, in the form of the 2005 Popular Annual Financial Report, to be mailed directly to all UA households. Updated 4/06 City Manager's Office City of Upper Arlington 3600 Tremont Road Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221 Phone: 614-583-5040 www.us-ohio.net |
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