Dear ,
 We've all seen the headlines as of late. The news from around the country and globe has not been the most encouraging for many. But there are good things happening and good news to be told - especially here in Springfield Township.
In this edition, you'll learn more about the successful re-accreditation of your police department, a variety of community activities and enrichment programs for you and your family and the volunteer spirit that helps make this community special.
You can also read up on several new initiatives being discussed, including a proposed rental inspection program and an update and simplification to our maze of parking resolutions.
We know the world is an unsettled place. But rest assured, your Township elected officials and Administration are working hard to ensure the your community grows and evolves to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Your Trustees -
Joseph Honerlaw, Gwen McFarlin and Tom Bryan
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Police Department Expected to Receive National Re-accreditation
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 For the past eleven years, the Springfield Township Police Department has been recognized as a nationally
accredited law enforcement agency. The accreditation process is run by the CALEA; Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation, and is made up of representatives from the International Association
of Chiefs of Police, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement
Executives, the National Sheriff's Association and the Police Executive Research
Forum. Specifically, CALEA's Accreditation Program's purpose is to:
· Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities
· Formalize essential management procedures
· Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices
· Improve service delivery
· Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination
· Increase community and staff confidence in the agency.
Springfield Township is required to adhere to over 460
standards set by CALEA to maintain its accreditation. An accredited police department is required to be assessed every
three years in order to maintain their CALEA accreditation status.
An assessment team from CALEA conducted an extensive on-site
review of the Township's police department for its mandatory three-year review August 28th through August 31st. After four intense days of reviewing all of
the department's policies and practices, the assessment team has
recommended to the CALEA Commission that Springfield Township Police Department
once again should be reaccredited. The CALEA commission will review its report and conduct interviews with Chief Heimpold and other key members of the police department staff at the Commission hearing in November. Based
on those results, it is anticipated that CALEA will again recognize the Springfield Township Police
Department as a Nationally Accredited Police Agency.
Springfield Township Police Department would like to
recognize Sgt. Brian Uhl, the department's Accreditation Manager, for
his diligence and thorough presentation during the reaccreditation process.
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Trustees Want to Hear From You Regarding a Possible Rental Inspection Program In the Township
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In an effort to address the growing concern by
Township residents regarding single family houses being converted to rental
properties, the Township proposed a new program to the Neighborhood Master Plan
Steering Committee. The proposed Rental
Inspection Program would require landlords to obtain a permit and that rental property would be subject
to an interior home inspection prior to renting. This plan would apply to single-family and duplex rental
properties in Springfield Township.
The goal is to ensure the rehabilitation and prevention of rental
housing that does not meet applicable property maintenance or zoning codes or
is not safe to occupy. The program is also being proposed to enhance the
quality of life for residents of the Township living in rental properties. A
majority of the Steering Committee members supported plan and it is currently being reviewed by the
Board of Trustees.
If you are interested in learning more about the
program or would like to express your views on the issue, the Board of Trustees
will be conducting two public hearings on the matter on September 14th
and October 12th at 5:30 p.m. Both hearings will take place in the Allen Paul Community Room in the Township
Administration Building located at 9150 Winton Road.
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New Comprehensive Parking Resolution Proposed in the Township
| Last July staff recommended a plan to deal with 94 individual parking resolutions spanning 53 years to the Master Plan Steering Committee. Many of the resolutions are outdated and include duplications. The resolutions addressing the length of time a car could be parked on the street and restrictions on parking in the unpaved (grass) portions in the right of way were left unclear and often difficult to enforce. The Master Plan Committee agreed unanimously to present a comprehensive parking resolution to the Board of Trustees. The new resolution would rescind all prior resolutions and would set more clear, easily enforced laws in place. Current no parking zones, fire lanes, school zones and valid restrictions will all remain the same and will be restated in the new comprehensive resolution. Two new policies will be clear - Section 1.04 states no parking is permitted on any unpaved portion of the Right-Of-Way. Section 7.01 states (abbreviated version for this article) the police department may order into storage any motor vehicle, including an abandoned junk motor vehicles that has been left on a public street or on or within the right-of-way for seventy-two (72) hours or longer.
The final new parking resolution will go before the Board of Trustees on October 12 at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Allen Paul room at 5:30 p.m. Residents are invited to address any support or opposition to the new resolution. A copy of the final resolution is not available at this time but will be placed on the Township's website at www.springfieldtwp.org once it is completed. For more information, call 522-1410.
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SPRINGFIELD
TOWNSHIP
OPEN HOUSE EVENTS
Annual Fire Department Open House &
Senior Center Open House
October 2, 2010
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You may find yourself a little alarmed if you attended an event and heard screaming sirens, flashes of fire, a wrecked vehicle and a helicopter flying overhead! Not at this event!!! Kids and adults are invited to witness our firefighters in action on Saturday, October 2nd at the annual Springfield Township Fire Department Open House. Promising fun, lights, sirens and even fire - our Fire Department will have live fire demonstrations, hands-on activities, tours and fire safety tips from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the main station, 9150 Winton Road. This event has attracted hundreds every year and continues to be a family favorite! Learn more online at www.springfieldtwp.org/fireopenhouse.cfm. Admission is FREE!!!!!
 
While you are at the Fire Department Open House, make your way over to the Senior/Community Center Open House to see what you may have been missing out on. The entire family is welcome! Seniors (over the age of 55) who check in at the welcome station will receive a free pedometer, compliments of Dr. Laurie Jahnke from Apex Chiropractic & Wellness. The pedometer marks the first step to a healthier you at the Senior/Community Center! Take a self-guided tour and enjoy a few free make-it-take-it crafts, a gallery of artwork from
our talented members, browse the new courses offered at the center and
be sure to check out the wood shop! Senior Inc., a local seniors club, will host a "Walk Down Memory Lane" photo station. See if you know any of the people in the photographs and share your story. Don't leave before you check your step count! For every 250 steps your pedometer counts, you may enter your name for door prizes! (Plus you get to keep your pedometer!)
Be sure to sign up for a membership to the senior center - it's your second step to a healthier lifestyle! Senior memberships at the open house include the remainder of 2010 and all of 2011! Memberships are just $15 for residents of the Township and $20 nonresidents. (Proof of residency required) The open house will run noon to 4:00 p.m. For more information on the Senior Center, visit www.springfieldtwp.org/SeniorCenter.cfm
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Playhouse in the Park
Comes to Springfield Township For Three Free Family Shows!
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In an effort to introduce more theater experiences for children in our community, Springfield Township has partnered with Playhouse in the Park to present three new family shows! Thanks to Playhouse in the Park and partners like the Arlene
Meyer Education Fund, Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. and Target, Springfield Township will be offering the series of plays FREE of charge! That's right! Three quality performances at no cost to you!!!
The first production will be HAPPY WORST DAY EVER by Arlene Hutton; Winner of the 2010 Macy's New Play Prize! The production will take place in the Grove Banquet Hall on Friday, October 15th at 7:00 p.m.
Recommended for ages 7 and up
ABOUT THE PLAY: A world premiere written for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park by the noted playwright of Last Train to Nibroc.
Glorie, the most popular student in school, leads everyone in cheering
for "America's New Singing Sensation" each week. Jacob could care less
about TV; all he does is school work. No one knows what's really going
on with either of them. What happens when two students become unlikely
friends?
After the show, children will have an opportunity to meet the actors, ask questions and talk about the show's relevance in dealing with peer pressure and television influence. Children will also have a chance to meet and talk with school resource officers. Knowing who they can talk to is an important life skill. This program will present a real-life approach to dealing with and talking about issues they may be dealing with now. Both entertaining and valuable, families should plan to attend!!!
View the other upcoming Playhouse in the Park shows in Springfield Township.
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Master Plan Update
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One year ago Township Trustees and administration set on a journey to create a comprehensive master plan for the neighborhoods of Springfield Township. Last fall Trustees and staff talked with the residents in each of the twelve neighborhood districts to conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. A year later, parts of the plan are already in motion and are having a dramatic impact.
· Crime is down 10.2% due to the Police Department's Compstat style of policing, crime mapping technologies and intelligence led policing strategies.
· With a new marketing plan focusing on increasing the number of rentals of private functions on evenings and weekends, The Senior Community Center and Grove Banquet Hall has increased the amount of revenue generated by 50% so far in 2010 compared to 2009 and has more than doubled the amount generated during the same time period in 2008. It is the goal of the Senior/Community Services Director that these facilities will be operating with 0% dependence on the General Fund by the end of 2011.
· A new community recreation guide book is being developed with partnerships from our local schools, the Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA, the Drake Center and the Centennial Barn as a way to encourage healthy lifestyles in the community. The first edition will be seen in March, 2011 and will continue on a bi-annual basis.
· Beginning in October, students and the our school districts will be recognized for their successes in Trustee Meetings and in future newsletters.
· A comprehensive parking resolution will be reviewed and is expected to be passed by the Board of Trustees in October. The parking resolution will consolidate all previously adopted parking resolutions dating back as far as the 1950s and will include new provisions for parking in the unpaved portion of the right of way and the length of time a vehicle can be parked, unmoved on a Township street.
· With the increase of unkempt rental properties in the Township, Trustees are evaluating an interior rental inspection program for single family units and duplexes. See previous article regarding the rental inspection program.
In the final months of the process, the focus will be on the creation of neighborhood redevelopment and improvement strategies, and long range land use planning. The master plan will be presented during a public meeting in February 2011.
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Thank You to Helping Hands in the Community!!!
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The parks and several residential storm drains in the Township received some TLC thanks to some helpful volunteers in August.
Northminster Presbyterian Church organized its annual Connections "give back to the community" event on August 14th with over 200 volunteers lending helping hands around the community. All twenty-six Township trash receptacles located in the parks received a fresh coat of paint. In addition, the same group of teens and adults removed graffiti and painted the picnic tables at Brentwood Park. The crew also picked up litter along its routes. Northminster's projects for the one-day cleanup not only included assistance with parks, but also helped the neighboring schools of College Hill Academy, Finneytown and Lockland with unpacking boxes, setting up classrooms, stacking the book shelves, painting and light landscaping. A few residents in need also received assistance with mowing and minor repairs.
The following weekend 28 volunteers with Faith Lutheran Church worked with the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation and Storm Water Districts to label over 100 residential storm drains in various Springfield Township neighborhoods around the North Hill subdivision. They passed out over 400 educational fliers to the residents in the neighborhood with information about the common water pollutants and issues caused by dumping pesticides, fertilizers, motor oil, yard waste, pet waste and household hazardous materials down the storm water system.
The Township recognizes and sincerely appreciates the volunteers for their outstanding community service. If your group would like to volunteer for a community project, please contact Kimberlee Flamm at 522-1410 to discuss opportunities.
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Winton Road
Steetscape Soon To Get Finishing Touches!
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As part of the Winton Road construction project, decorative
light poles and fencing enhancements over Cross County Highway were planned to provide a welcoming "sense of place" in the community, specifically to the main shopping district in Springfield Township. Businesses and residents alike have been anticipating the completion of this project. Well - the wait will soon be over. The decorative elements along Winton Road are expected to be up by Thanksgiving. At that time, street banners will also welcome drivers. Next Spring, flower baskets and flowers will be added.
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Real Estate Training Course
"Getting To Know Springfield Township"
A continuation of a series of programs designed to help boost home ownership
| Over the past year-and-a-half, the Township has implemented new programs to help drive real estate sales in this tough market. Two "Sold on Springfield Township" events have taken place, a marketing video was created and distributed to real estate agents, and two editions of a Springfield Township magazine were published through the Community Press with a focus on living in the Township. Agents in the area have reported sales as a result from the programs. Unrelated, The Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors recently reported that from January 1 to July 31, 2010 home sale prices in Springfield Township have increased their sales value by an average of $7,659 from the same period in 2009. That is a 9.7% increase in home value in one years time.
Township staff is continuing to come up with ways to help agents sell in our area. On September 21, 2010 the Township will be hosting its second real estate agent course entitled "Getting to Know Springfield Township". This three-hour program is offered to real estate agents at no cost and qualifies for 3 CEU's. The Township has partnered with Drees Condominums at Bridgecreek to sponsor the class and cover costs associated with hosting the program. All agents will walk away with a better understanding of townships and will be armed with sales materials to help them answer potential buyers' questions. If you are an agent, or know of someone who is, registration for the class is held through the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors. (Register Here) For more information, Call 522-1410.
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Classes and Programs at the Senior Center
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Download a Copy Of The Senior Center Newsletter
The annual membership drive begins October 2nd. Anyone over the age of 55 can enjoy the remainder of 2010 and all of 2011 for just $15 (residents) and $20 (nonresidents).
Membership includes a monthly senior center newsletter, free or low price day-time programs (including yoga, exercise, art class, card play, book club, stained glass and more) and use of the wood shop and library during senior programming hours. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Call 522-1154 for details.
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Fundamentals
of Bridge
The Cincinnati Bridge Association
will be offering a six week workshop on the Fundamentals
of Bridge at the Springfield Township Senior Center on Thursdays, September 23rd - October 28th, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost for the six-part class is $99
for Springfield Township Senior Center members and $109 for non-members. Price includes instruction and support materials.
The workshops are structured for those who have
never played before or have not played for some time. Call 522-1154 to register
EVENING CLASSES OPEN TO ADULTS (Membership not required)
Stamping Class - Stamp away on cards, wrappings and gifts. Each month has a different theme. All classes 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. $10 resident/$15 nonresident. Gifts for multiple class registrations. Register at the Senior Center or call 522-1154. September 14 (All Occasion Theme); October 12 (HALLOWEEN); November 9 (THANKSGIVING)
Lifestory Scrapbooking - Make a
scrapbook that truly speaks volumes. This is a writing course as much
as a scrapbooking class. 4 classes included, Tuesdays, September 21 -
October 12, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. $75 resident / $85 nonresident (supplies included). Reduced rate for the class without supplies.
Learn More Register Now
Coupon Commandos - Learn the secrets of smart couponing and store promos to save up to 50% on your grocery bills! You will take home a packet filled with online sources and ways to score amazing freebies! October 7, 6-9pm $25 resident/$35 nonresident.
Learn More Register Now
Intro to Photoshop Elements - Learn the basics of this powerful program that can do everything from basic retouching to gorgeous fliers in no time! 4 classes included - Tuesdays, September 21 - October 12, 7-9pm $75 resident/$85 nonresident.
Learn More Register Now
Photoshop Elements ADVANCED Class Now that you have the basics of Photoshop Elements - dive into the program's real potential with advanced techniques and really cool tricks! 4 classes included - Tuesdays, October 26 - November 16, 7-9pm, $75 residents / $85 nonresident.
Learn More Register Now
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Join Us!
Springfield Township is on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube!
(Click on any link to join that group)
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Springfield Township Awarded $2,000 Target Grant For Family Shows!
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Exciting news! Springfield Township was awarded a Target grant for children's programming in the amount of $2,000. This grant will be used to
offset the costs of the annual WinterFest event and provide two additional
children's theatre performances this winter! With the grant, these programs will be offered
with free admission. WinterFest
is scheduled for December 4th
beginning at 1:00p.m. The event will feature a show by Madcap Puppets, a visit from Santa, free make-it-take-it crafts, hayrides and a "Lights, Camera, Action!" booth for a Township-wide video recorded holiday greeting that will air on Waycross, Channel 23! The second event sponsored by the Target grant will be held on January 7th at 7:00 p.m. and
will feature "Peter and the Wolf" and "The Frog Prince" by Frisch Marionettes. The final event will take place on March 11th and will feature a Mad Science Fire and Ice show! This is the second year Springfield Township has applied and received
the Target grant. This year, Springfield Township was awarded an additional $500 from last year. "We are
exploring all of the ways we can provide quality recreational activities in the
Township," explains Trustee Gwen McFarlin. "Business sponsorships have opened the door to providing more quality recreational activities and we are thrilled to work with Target once again." This
grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and
communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5
percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social
services and volunteerism. Today, that equals more than $3 million every week. "At
Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Laysha Ward, president, Community Relations, Target. "We're proud to
partner with Springfield Township as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the
communities where our guests and team members live and work."
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Scratch & Win on Winton
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| Business members in the FBN (Finneytown Business Network) will soon be giving you an added reason to shop locally! Retailers will once again host their "Scratch and Win on Winton" campaign to cross promote one another's businesses beginning October 25th. The program is simple; purchase any item with a participating retailer and get a scratch-off card. Scratch all three spaces - the two that match are what you win! Theoretically, you can visit Woody's Car Wash on Winton Road and win a free coney at Skyline. The promotion will last until all 20,000 cards are handed out. A complete list of retailers is not available at this time. For more information on the FBN, contact Jonathan Papin at WesBanco - 522-5551 ext 7725. |
Upcoming Events In and Around Our Community!
See the Community Calendar for event details and contact information!
September 10
Art, Wine & Cheese reception at the Centennial Barn
September 10 - 12
OLR OctoberFest
September 10
Beer Friday at Mill Race Lodge September 11Fire Fest at the Museum of Greater Cincinnati September 14Trustee Meeting Rental Inspection Plan Hearing Begins at 5:30p.m. September 18McFestival at McAuley September 18Free Family Movie at Drake Center to benefit United Way September 19Symphony Orchestra at Clovernook Center for the Blind September 22
West College Hill & Golfway Neighborhood Watch Presentation
September 23
Master Recycler Class
September 25
Great Outdoor Weekend Event September 27West College Hill Civic Association Meeting September 30Alzheimer's benefit spaghetti dinner at Brookdale Place
October 2Fire Department and Senior Center Open House Events October 2Healthy Moms and Babes Square Dancing Fundraiser October 3Finneytown Powder Puff game and Susan G. Koman Foundation Fundraiser Event October 3Antique Pre-War Car Show For Cars 1899-1949 October 7 - 30Halloween Nights at Parky's Farm (Closed Mondays-Wednesdays) October 9Roger Bacon Grand Reunion Blacktop Barbeque Bash October 12Trustee Meeting Second Rental Inspection Plan Hearing Begins at 5:30p.m Parking resolution to follow October 15Playhouse in the Park is Springfield Township presents Happy Worst Day Ever October 23Harvest Festival at the Centennial Barn October 31
Happy Halloween
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Phone Numbers
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Springfield Township Administration Offices
522-1410
Springfield Township Police
729-1300
Fire Station 79
(Winton Road)
521-7578
Fire Station 75
(Burlington Road ) 851-3030
Service Department (Roads)
522-1410
Senior/Community Center 522-1154
The Grove Banquet Hall (Rentals)
522-1154
Property Maintenance Complaint
522-1410
nuisancecomplaints
@springfieldtwp.org
Hamilton County Roads: 946-8900
Hamilton County Board of Elections
632-7000
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Fireworks Are Illegal in the State of Ohio
| The Township has received calls recently from concerned residents regarding the policy on fireworks. According to the Ohio's Fire Code, fireworks are illegal in the state of Ohio.
F-3103.2 Violations:
A person shall not manufacture, store, offer or expose for sale, sell at retail or discharge any fireworks.
Exception: Where approved for supervised display of fireworks.
If you have questions regarding fireworks or wish to report firework activity in a residential area of Springfield Township, please contact the Fire Department at 521-7578. All complaints will be responded to.
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Fun For Three Communities At The Annual Senior Center Picnic
|  The Springfield Township Senior Center, North College Hill Senior Center and The West College Hill Neighborhood Services Center all got together on August 3rd for their annual picnic. This year 70 people from the three centers came and enjoyed a little bit of competition and a whole lot of fun! We are already looking forward to this event next year!!!! |
| The Fall Season is Near - To Keep Your Family Safe, Please Be Aware Of the Township's Open Fire Policy |
Southwest Ohio Unified Fire Code UFC - 403.8.2:
Recreational Fire Size and Duration
"Recreational fires are restricted to cooking for human consumption. A recreational fire shall not be more than 3 feet (914 mm) by 3 feet (914) in dimension and shall not burn longer than 3 hours". A non-combustible burn ring or kettle is recommended.
Southwest Ohio Unified Fire Code UFC - 403.6 Materials
"Fuel for recreational fires shall consist ONLY of seasoned dry firewood and shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper. The fire shall not be utilized for waste disposal purposes, and the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation of air contaminants."
Keep the fire small and have a means of extinguishment handy in case the fire spreads or an ember falls on something combustible.
Open burning is prohibited in Springfield Township. Residents are not permitted to burn brush, leaves or trash. If a large amount of smoke is generated, the resident may receive a citation if he or she does not cooperate with the fire department. The resident also runs the risk of receiving a citation and fine from Southwest Ohio Pollution Control (EPA) enforcement agents.
From the Fire Chief:
"I want the residents of Springfield Township to enjoy their small seasoned dry wood fire that is contained to a 3' X 3' ring or kettle and be courteous to their neighbors. A fire that generates a large amount of smoke will most likely result in a 911 call to the fire department."
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