|
|
|
|
City of Norwalk 2007 Year in Review By Mayor Sue Lesch January 2008
2007 New Faces The year 2007 has been marked with a sea of new faces. At the department head level we saw the replacement of the Fire Chief and a new Public Works Director. In May the appointment of the new Law Director brought a complete change of his staff. Along with the changes in support personnel at City Hall, there were new number 2’s in several departments and many promotions and new replacements. It is a reminder to us at City Hall that our employee pool is aging. Many staffers will reach retirement age over the next decade and we must be prepared. (Comprehensive Plan goal #12.3.4) This sea change included new faces at the state and federal level, which have brought new ideas and commitment. Senator Sue Moreno, Representative Matt Barrett, Governor Ted Strickland and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown have visited in 2007. This is also the first full year using our completed Comprehensive Plan to guide our decisions. Our confidence in the quality of this plan was confirmed in an award at the Ohio Planning Conference this summer, where it was recognized for its quality.
The plan lays out numerous priorities and recommendations for the City, organized by chapters. I have used the structure of the chapters to report on our accomplishments of 2007. Where applicable, the plan’s recommendation number is listed.
Economic Development/Downtown Norwalk –Because a healthy community requires a healthy business base much energy and time is spent on Economic Development. In close collaboration with Bethany Dentler and NEDC, much has again been accomplished. In 2007, 23 companies have expanded, creating a total of 240 new jobs and investing over $32 million. A number of our homegrown businesses contribute to this total: FTMC expanded with their $11.3 million Heart and Vascular Center (8.6.2; 8.6.3) Summit Motorsports Park made nearly $7 million in new investment Norweco added a new $ 1 million testing facility Norwalk Precast Molds purchased and renovated a 70,000 SF building Durable Corporation invested $1 million and retained 50 jobs by rebuilding its facility after 2006 fire. The City was again featured in Site Selection Magazine, ranking among the top 25 micropolitan areas in the nation for attracting new and expanded corporate projects. In addition in a study by the independent research firm POLICOM, which compares the economic strength of small communities, Norwalk ranked in the top 25% in the nation and as number 7 of 28 small communities from Ohio. Other Economic Development initiatives include: Progress at the Norwalk Foundry. Through state and federal Brownfield grants, a Phase II assessment was completed and underground storage tanks removed. Foreclosure proceedings began and will continue in 2008. (4.1.7) New restaurants (11.6.1; 11.6.2) are coming to town at Norwalk Commons, a response to frequent requests of City residents. The City formed a Green Team to consider ways we might improve our economy and our community through green energy initiatives. (4.2.5) Planning and zoning reports indicate another good year with nearly $25 million in building permits. A 9 person delegation traveled to Indianapolis to attend an international business conference and economic development calling mission in June. The Main Street Program expanded its economic development focus by hiring a new director, Dave Gulden. Collaborative efforts include work on preservation and tourism issues (3.1.4; 3.1.7; 3.4.1; 9.4.1; 10.1.1). A Community Reinvestment Area (9.2.6; 10.2.6) was established to encourage investment in the Central Business District and the Architectural Review Board Guidelines were updated and distributed. (10.3.2)
Infrastructure and Utilities/Natural Resources – These improvements are designed to meet growth needs and regulations while reflecting our good stewardship of our resources. Infrastructure projects often have the biggest price tags. Certainly our biggest price tag currently is the Long Term Control Plan mandated by EPA. The largest part of the Plan is the improvements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant (7.5.2) at $8 million. I am pleased to report, thanks to the watchful supervision of Rick Brown, this project is complete and under budget. Remaining punch list items will be completed in 2008 as well as fine tuning operations of the new system and creating an operation’s manual. Corwin Street CSO # 4 is very near completion, and preliminary work has begun on Pleasant Street, CSO#3 and Washington Street, CSO #1. (7.1.4; 7.4.2) Much work has been done by Dick Moore and the Street Department to keep us on target. The enormity of the Long Term Control Plan prompted discussion about all long-term capital needs, resulting in compiling a Capital Improvement Plan (7.2.1;7.4.2; 7.4.3; 7.5.4; 12.3.6)) and establishing a City Debt Policy (7.2.2). Both of these documents will be integral in the City’s strategic long-range planning. The City responded to issues raised by the 2006 flooding by enacting ODNR recommended flood plain regulations and enforcing more stringent flood plain management. The Norwalk Creek Study answered many questions about the flooding and suggested major infrastructure improvements for consideration. A coincidence, perhaps, is a new EPA mandate in regards to storm water. Called Storm Water Phase II, the program will increases community-wide awareness of the environment and impact of storm water. Other significant infrastructure projects included the completion of the Spillway Improvements Project, the Chemical Reaction Basin at the Water Treatment Plant, and the Bank Street and Eagle Creek Waterlines. Transportation/Housing – This is a focus on safe and efficient transportation systems and a full mix of quality housing options. The City has historically spent much money and effort on transportation issues. The major accomplishment of 2007 would be the construction of the Cline Street Extension to Westwind Drive, a project many thought impossible. It is the perseverance and commitment of many that brought the July ribbon cutting (6.1.1). The five-year-long improvements to Woodlawn Avenue were completed and a much needed improvement at the intersection of Whittlesey Ave and League made (6.1.1; 6.1.5). The annual street resurfacing and sidewalk programs were done. (6.3.3; 13.4.1). In 2008/2009 the sidewalk program will move into areas without sidewalk as requested by area residents and city leaders. In 2007, the City received an ODOT grant for a connector road between Williams and Gallup. (6.1.1) On the housing front, efforts continue to provide a good mix of housing. Phase II of affordable senior housing nears completion at Norwalk Commons. (5.1.1; 5.3.3; 12.2.2) The City partnered again with Habitat for Humanity ( 5.1.2). Upper story living options are expanding in the Central Business District. (5.1.3; 5.2.7) The loss of the CHIP grant for this year was a disappointment, but the City will renew those efforts in 2008.
Community Character and Quality of Life are at the heart of the City and reflect the fundamental values of the community. Issues addressed in this area are The primary contributor of the Park and Recreation Department. Ken Leber and his crew added much in 2007 with the purchase of the Old Armory on Monroe Street, improvements to the roadways at the reservoir (4.2.1), a shelter house at Lion’s Park off of Gallup and the ODNR Property off Old State Road which will be known as Reynoldswood (4.3.1). A number of programs were added, including the City Triathlon and Ladies’ Retreat. The first full year of the new Park and Rec fee for park development collected nearly $ 54,000. (4.1.1) Our Substance Abuse Prevention (12.1.4) efforts expanded with the formation of Community Prevention Partners, offering enhanced prevention in our schools with the collaboration of DARE and the Lifeskills program, free drug testing kits for parents, and the "Parents Have the Power" presentations. We are grateful for the generosity of civic groups and business that made this happen. Efforts will continue in 2008. The Hispanic Task Force continues its outreach hosting two Diversity Trainings (9.3.8;11.2.5) and celebrating a successful year for KinderCasa. The City facilitated a Performing Arts Task Force (10.5.4;11.2.5; 11.2.6) to encourage the arts in the City. Grant opportunities will be explored in 2008. Once again the Norwalk 90 offered an opportunity to get fit and the Memorial Day Planting beautified uptown while honoring the memory of lost loved ones.
Community Services and Facilities provides a commitment to many City services and strong and reliable safety forces, with adequate facilities and personnel. The 2007 accomplishments in some of these departments are: Starting under the leadership of Chief Cashen in 2006, the completion of the City’s Continuity of Operations Plan (12.3.1) readies us for City emergencies. The wise management of Finance Director Diane Eschen brought us our 12th annual audit with no findings (12.1.6) and another stable financial year. Though income tax receipts decreased by approximately 3%, interest earnings were up by over $203,000. The General Fund balance remained stable, but showed a decrease of $217,000 for an ending balance over $2.2 million. Sanitation services are very important for our residents. Superintendent Jeff Montgomery reports that trash tonnage decreased and recycling increased, a trend we’d like to continue in 2008. He added 350 recycling bins into circulation, sold $34,000 in paper and $13,000 in refuse stickers. (12.3.5) Safety Service Director Dale Sheppard coordinated the successful Household Hazardous Waste Pick-up (12.3.3). Law Director Stu O’Hara worked diligently on the new state Public Records Policy, rewriting our policy, and training staff to meet these new requirements. The Capital Improvement Plan (8.3.2; 8.7.2) challenges us to consider all departments’ capital improvement needs, instead of EPA mandates alone. Under the vision of new Chief Doug Coletta, the City has begun to look at its need for a new fire station. A staffing and facility study lays the groundwork. (8.3.1; 12.1.1; 12.1.2)
Land Use – Strategic Planning for cities used to focus mostly on land use. Our plan today has a much broader range of focus areas, though many have land use management applications. We must carefully plan where and how we want to grow. Many accomplishments for 2007 have direct land use impacts, such as the CRA legislation (13.1.4), green space issues (13.3.10), and the growth at Norwalk Commons (13.1.70). Each development coming into the City is analyzed carefully by Zoning Officer Linda Hebert with an eye to our regulations and the Comprehensive Plan. Two specific issues for review for 2008 include the consideration of an east side utility district (13.1.6) and a review with the Planning Commission on Zoning Regulations (13.2.2).
The year 2007. We got a lot done! But there is still much to do. In addition to the projects in progress listed above, special focus will be made on the following: New Public Works Director -- I am grateful to Ralph Seward for hopping back in the saddle, but he would really like to retire, so my 1st priority is to fill that slot. Economic Development, a top priority is to focus on manufacturers, bringing in recommendations of the Green Team and the potential of this new economy. 2008 is a year for union negotiations. We hope to work closely with employees for straightforward discussions and resolution. Water – a growing concern in today’s world, we will explore options to provide that "perpetual source of water" so often discussed. (4.2.2) And lastly and boldly I know –it is time to build a Fire Station. We’ve talked about it for decades. With recommendations from the Comprehensive Plan, and the recent study done, I would like to move forward and discuss how and when a station should be built.
We are fortunate to live and work in such a great City. I’ll share this email from a woman who passed through Norwalk for the first time and now wants to move here. "We fell in love," she said. "I’m from Ohio and have always wanted to "come home" but never saw where I wanted to come home to. We agree; Norwalk’s it! … we plan to find one of those wonderful old houses and settle in Norwalk. So, thanks for all your hard work. Communities like Norwalk don’t happen by chance." No, communities like ours don’t’ happen by chance. Thank you to City Council, Department Heads, City employees, local businesses, civic groups and most especially our citizens. You’re the reason 2007 was so successful. You’re the reason 2008 will be great! |
|
Uptown Norwalk Historic District
Send mail to
cityofnorwalk@accnorwalk.com with questions or comments about this web site.
|