UAINSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 - BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON, UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS & UPPER ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
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UAiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON, UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS & UPPER ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
CityiNSIGHT
BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021
CO-CREATING UA’S
COMMUNITY CENTER
After many years spent making the best review of the primary uses developed update and share details of their
of dated, inadequate and randomly during the feasibility study. This was to planning and design strategies.
located facilities for meeting the be followed by an exploration of three
community’s recreational needs, we models depicting options for organizing Online Survey
are on the cusp of realizing a once in a the facilities within the available building Mid-December – mid-January
lifetime goal - a centrally located Upper footprint. An online survey, open to everyone, will
Arlington Community Center. Thanks give the community a chance to guide
to the extensive process undertaken by Focus Groups & Work Groups the focus and next steps for the planning
the Community Center Feasibility Task November – mid-December and design process.
Force, we already know in broad terms A series of focus group and work group
what types of facilities will be included discussions will be hosted virtually on Community Meeting 3
in the Community Center. However, as topic areas that will include but not be UACC State of the City Address
the City’s architecture and design team limited to: Wednesday, February 9, 2022
begins to drill into the details, there’s still • Senior Programming Mark your calendars to join us for a very
plenty of opportunity for your input, with • Youth & Teens different State of the City Address. In
the goal of co-creating a facility that will • Aquatics addition to some of our regular State of
welcome and serve all members of our • Inclusion & Accessibility the City Address activities, the design
community, no matter your age, interests • Sustainability team will be unveiling the preferred
or abilities.
planning and design strategy for the
Read on for an overview of the ways If you would like to participate in
Upper Arlington Community Center. This
you can become involved in this exciting a focus group, or you have another
will be a night you won’t want to miss!
process. topic area to suggest to our consultants,
be sure to let us know at
uacommunitycenter.com. This is your Community Center, so don’t
Engagement Schedule
miss these upcoming opportunities
Community Meeting 1
for helping to shape this exciting new
October 20 Open House Community Meeting 2
facility. Visit uacommunitycenter.com for
At press time, plans for this Open House 7-9 pm, Wednesday, November 10
project updates and to sign-up for the
– to be held at the Tremont Library – MSC, 3600 Tremont Road
UA Community Center mailing list.
included a brief overview of the design At this second community gathering,
process and project schedule, and a the design team will provide a progress
upperarlingtonoh.gov NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 CityiNSIGHT 3
November 2 General Election Reminders
The November Election is just days away.
As a reminder, UA has several candidates
running for seats on both City Council
and the School Board and one important
local issue on the ballot – so we hope
you have been able to take some time
to learn more in advance of heading to
the ballot box on Tuesday. Read on for a
quick rundown:
Issue 24
Police and Fire Pension Levy
The City is seeking voter approval of a
five-year renewal of its Police and Fire
Pension Levy. By Ohio Statute, the City is
required to fund a notable percentage
of gross wages to support the Police and fund monies to providing the full range serve a third term, and Scott McKenzie
Fire Pension Fund. The City has been of safety services that you expect and is running to serve his second term.
able to meet this obligation through deserve. Community members Liz Easton, Nidhi
property tax for the past 45 years, with Visit upperarlingtonoh.gov to learn Satiani and Lou Sauter are all running to
residents approving nine, five-year more about Issue 24. serve a first term.
ballot issues. Several factors have led
Please take some time to be
to a reduction of 8.25% in the renewal Upper Arlington City Council
informed on the issues and candidates
request (reduced from .97 mills to .89 For Upper Arlington City Council,
on the upcoming ballot. And be sure
mills). If approved, the renewed levy Council Vice President Kip Greenhill is
to exercise your constitutional right
would take effect for tax year 2022 and completing his second term on Council
and civic duty by voting on Tuesday,
would be payable starting in 2023. and is therefore unable to run for an
November 2.
Maintaining a high standard of additional term. Council members Brian
safety services is a costly endeavor – Close, Michele Hoyle and Jim Lynch
combined our safety forces represent are all running to serve second terms. Election Sign Recycling
approximately half the City’s workforce Community members Kathy Adams, 8-11 am, Saturday, November 6
and general budget each year, while Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, Stacy McIntire Bill McDonald Athletic Complex
still providing high levels of service at and Andrej Rotter are all running to 4990 Olentangy River Road
one of the lowest costs per capita when serve a first term on Council. Once the excitement of Election Day is
compared to similar Ohio communities. behind us, the question of what to do
The Police and Fire Pension Levy with all those yard signs will inevitably
Upper Arlington
provides an important, fixed source of spring to mind. Never fear, SWACO
School Board
income for our safety forces’ pensions offers a yard sign recycling collection
For the Upper Arlington School Board,
and enables the City to dedicate general on the Saturday following Election Day
Carol Mohr is seeking reelection to
(November 6), from 8-11 am at the
Bill McDonald Athletic Complex, 4990
Police & Fire Pension Levy – in Dollars & Cents Olentangy River Road. And if you can’t
The table below compares the existing levy of .97 mills—which expires at the close make that, just bring your signs to the
of 2021—to the proposed annual property tax rate of .89 mills, which represents a Municipal Services Center (by the Police
reduction of 8.25%. The property tax amount assigned to your home’s value when a bay) by 5 pm Friday, November 5, and
levy takes effect is fixed over the life of the levy. our Code Compliance team will recycle
them for you.
Home Value Existing Rate Proposed Rate Annual Decrease
$100,000 $33.95 $31.15 ($2.80)
$400,000 $135.80 $124.60 ($11.20)
4 CityiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
B U I L D I N G B L O C K S
more about JumpStart UA, contact our
Economic Development Director Joe
Henderson today, at jhenderson@uaoh.
net, or 614-583-5046.
5000 Arlington Centre
Boulevard Purchased by
Gosh Enterprises
The parent company of restaurant chains
that include Charleys Philly Steaks and
Bibibop Asian Grill – Gosh Enterprises
– announced in August its purchase of
5000 Arlington Centre Boulevard from
the Tree of Life Christian Schools. The
site will serve as its corporate
headquarters, while also retaining a
number of existing office tenants.
Gosh Enterprises’ initial plans are
to initially occupy approximately 30,000
Upper Arlington is fortunate to be of their staff and to thank those workers
square feet of the 200,000 square foot
home to a rich and diverse mix of small who have continued to serve the Upper
office building. Design plans include
businesses that provide us all with Arlington community throughout the
collaborative workspaces and a
convenient shopping, dining and service pandemic.
research and development kitchen.
options. Recognizing the challenges JumpStart UA will reimburse
The company’s 200 employees are
that many small businesses have been eligible local businesses up to $200 per
tentatively scheduled to take up
experiencing in recent months, City employee with a maximum of $6,000
occupancy over the summer of 2022.
Council and the Administration have per business, for qualifying employee
“This is great news for our
been exploring ways to help support retention bonuses. The reimbursement
community,” said City Manager Steve
these businesses as they navigate the will be on a two-to-one basis. Below are
Schoeny. “The Henderson Road
pandemic. two examples of how this program could
corridor has the potential for undergo-
In February of this year, the Love work:
ing an exciting transformation that will to
LOCAL Marketing Campaign enabled • If a business were to give their em-
build on our recent economic develop-
members of the small business ployee(s) a $300 retention bonus,
ment successes along Lane Avenue and
community to participate in a coupon the City would reimburse the busi-
at Kingsdale. We look working with Gosh
mailer that proved very successful in ness $200 per employee.
Enterprises in the months and years
raising awareness and patronage for the • If a business were to give their
ahead to maximize the potential of this
participating businesses. employee(s) a $150 retention
significant commercial parcel.”
Fast forward to the fall and the team bonus, the City would reimburse the
at the City has developed a creative business $100 per employee.
new program designed to give a much
needed boost to employee retention. The JumpStart UA Program has
The Jumpstart UA program was specific requirements to ensure the
overwhelmingly approved by City funds will go to local businesses and
Council in August, including their workforce who served the Upper
authorization for the City to earmark up Arlington Community during COVID-19.
to $300,00 in American Rescue Plan Act One such requirement states that
of 2021 (ARPA) funds from the federal eligible employees must earn less than
government, to support this new $20/hour and have been employed for
program. at least six months by that employer
The goal for the JumpStart UA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employee Retention Grant program is to If you are a small business owner in
help our local businesses with retention UA and you are interested in learning
upperarlingtonoh.gov NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 CityiNSIGHT 5
CITY MANAGER UPDATE Steve Schoeny
Community Safety is a Team Sport
• Don’t keep a spare key in or near In the coming weeks, watch for
your vehicle. a series of holiday-specific and basic
• Don’t leave valuables in your car. home safety blogs on our website and in
I have a confession to make. After a • If your car has an audible alarm the City Insight weekly e-newsletter that
little more than two years learning the system, use it. provide a more expansive set of tips for
ins and outs of community policing and • Use a visible safety device, such as a keeping the home front safe.
crime trends in UA, I did the unthinkable steering wheel lock or alarm flashing
– upon returning one evening from a light as a deterrent. Police Body Worn
trip out of town, I left my car parked on Camera Update
my street overnight, unlocked. The next Holiday Shopping Reminders After many months researching best
morning, I quickly realized the error of If you do your holiday shopping using practices, formulating policies, selecting
my ways, and a few members of the the traditional, in-person method: a vendor and testing equipment,
Police Division rightly gave me a slice of • Park in a safe, well lit area. the Police Division is ready to fully
humble pie along with some tips (that I • Have your keys at the ready when implement our Police Body Worn
already knew) for preventing any future returning to your car and avoid Camera Program. The final rollout is
thefts from my car. weighing yourself down with too scheduled to occur by early December,
From one year to the next, crime many bags. equipping all patrol officers with
statistics in the Police Annual Report • Be aware of your surroundings and cameras.
show that a vast majority of reported the people around you. To help get us to this point, the
thefts in Upper Arlington are crimes of • Don’t leave shopping bags in plain division began using a limited number
opportunity – from an unlocked car, an view in your car. of the cameras this summer. Police
open garage or items and packages Chief Steve Farmer recently showed me
left in plain view on the front porch. Home Safety some examples of the resulting “in the
As residents, we are fortunate that this • Make sure your home is well lit, and field” footage obtained by officers when
is our predominant safety challenge, keep doors locked, even when you responding to a police incident. It further
especiallly since there are many simple are home. solidified my belief in the value of this
steps that we can take to minimize our • Don’t advertise new gifts or safety investment – it truly does enhance
chances of becoming victim to these purchases - break boxes down transparency, and frankly, it gave me a
frustrating crimes. and place them in your recycling whole new level of appreciation relative
With the holidays fast approaching, container. to the professionalism and level of
I’ve decided to share my recent mishap • Try to schedule package deliveries training demonstrated by our officers.
in the hope that it inspires you to when you are home and use online The use of body worn cameras
think about your family’s home safety package tracking so that you know is rapidly becoming the standard for
practices, since extra vigilance is so when items should be arriving. police agencies across the nation.
important at this time of year. • Consider investing in one of Combined with the rapid increase in
Here are some basic steps we the doorbell or home video video surveillance technology in places
should all take to help keep our cars, technologies now available, and of business and public gathering spaces,
homes and families safe. if you do invest in some smart many of our daily activities are already
technology, put out the signs that on camera. Something to think about as
Car Safety Reminders let passersby know your home is we all go about our lives.
• Keep cars parked in your garage protected.
and keep the garage doors closed. • Register your camera through the
• If your car must be parked on the Police Division’s Citizen Camera
drive or in the street, lock the doors Partnership program.
and close the windows.
6 CityiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
Community Special Event Application Process Updates
The City is changing the application Application Timeline
and permitting process for community
special events that require the use of Beginning in 2022, City Staff will review event applications on a quarterly basis, per
City property and/or City logistical and the following tentative schedule:
planning support. Primary goals are For Events Held: Application Deadline Review Date
to simplify the application process for
April 1 – June 30 January 17 February 2
the benefit of event organizers and to
July 1 – September 30 April 18 May 4
streamline the internal review process
by the various departments that typically October 1 – December 31 July 18 August 3
provide event assistance. It will also allow January 1, 2023 – March 31 October 17 November 2
the City to effectively manage its finite
A streamlined, online application Also new for 2022 will be a Park Use
supply of equipment and staffing, while
form has been created, to be used for Permit for groups wishing to hold small
balancing its support of longstanding
all event proposals that involve use activities in a City park that won’t disrupt
community events with new and unique
of public streets, parks or other City typical park uses.
event proposals.
property. It can be accessed at https:// If you have questions about this
Event organizers are encouraged
upperarlingtonoh.viewpointcloud.com/. new process, contact Parks & Recreation
to start their applications early. For
Separate applications are available at 614-583-5300. For walks and runs,
new event proposals, planners may be
for Block Parties, Mobile Demonstrations contact the City Manager’s Office, at
required to attend a review meeting.
and Car Washes. 614-583-5040.
FROM CHAMBERS | Highlights of City Council & Its Policy Decisions
2022 Budget Hearings 2021 CITY COUNCIL
The fall of each odd numbered year (from left): President
marks the time for City departments to
Brendan King, John
Kulewicz, Vice President
review and make adjustments to the
Kip Greenhill, Michele
second year of its biennial budget
Hoyle, Michaela Burriss,
document. The results of that effort
Jim Lynch, Brian Close
come before Council starting in
November, with a series of public
hearings that look at the different
budget components.
The City’s financial position remains
strong despite the recent challenges
brought about by the COVID-19
pandemic. This is a result of several The proposed 2022 budget is discussion (Capital Improvement
interrelated factors that include: reflective of conservative revenue Program)
• The leadership of past and pres- projections in response to the current • 7:30 pm, Monday, November 15
ent City Councils that have guided economic climate, while positioning the City Council Meeting – second bud-
reviews, updates and adherence to City to be able to continue providing a get discussion (Operating, Capital
strong fiscal policies and financial high level of services and continuing the Equipment, Schedule of Fees)
accountability practices; City’s reinvestment in its 10-Year • 7:30 pm, Monday, December 6
• The cumulative effect of a proactive Capital Improvement Program, relative City Council Meeting – third budget
economic development program, to streets, sidewalks, waterlines, sewers, discussion (open items)
which is diversifying and strength- parks and other public infrastructure. • 7:30 pm, Monday, December 13
ening the business community; Dates for the budget hearings are as City Council Meeting – Council vote
• Voter support in 2014 of an increase follows:
in the income tax rate to fund capital • 6:30 pm, Monday, November 8 For additional budget process
improvements. City Council Meeting – first budget details, contact our Finance Director,
Brent Lewis, at 614-583-5288.
upperarlingtonoh.gov NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 CityiNSIGHT 7
Leaf Collection reserved for food waste only. Last year, we were able to divert
CITY SERVICES CITY SERVICES CITY SERVICES
Public Works Division .................................614-583-5350 over 65,000 pounds of pumpkins from the landfill!
The City is providing
leaf collection services Holiday Lights Recycling Program
through early December, Available Through January 30
weather permitting. Public Works Division .................................614-583-5350
The timeframe for collec- Following the holidays, the City is offering a holiday light
tion each year does not recycling program. Bins are available at the Municipal Services
change since the Public Center, 3600 Tremont Road, at the rear of the building, near
Works Division must fit the food composting containers. This environmentally friendly
this service in with other program offers residents an alternative to sending strands of
seasonal services. holiday lights to the landfill. Lights only please, no bags or
A Leaf Collection other material. Light strands should never be placed in the
Tracking Map is available blue recycle containers as they are considered “tanglers” and
on the Leaf Collection can cause major issues within the recycling facility.
section of our website,
providing residents a Christmas Tree Collection
means to follow the prog- Available Through January 30
ress of collection crews in their area and anticipate when Solid Waste .................................614-583-5370
they are likely to be on their street. The City’s Solid Waste provider, Local Waste, will collect live
Please follow these guidelines: Christmas trees on your regular collection day as part of the
• The last day to rake leaves to the curb is Sunday, yard waste collection program. Remove all decorations and
December 5. place trees (do not place in bags) at the curb by 7 am. If the
• Place loose-raked leaves close to the edge of the tree is eight feet or taller, please cut it in half.
street in the tree lawn, not in the street.
• Leaf piles should extend no further than two-three
feet behind the curb. 2022 Solid Waste Holiday
• Do not place grass clippings, rocks, sticks or other
objects in leaf piles – please continue to use the Collection Schedule
weekly yard waste collection service to dispose of Since Local Waste collection crews follow some, but not all
other yard waste debris. City holiday observances, here’s a rundown of collection
• Keep piles away from signposts, light poles, trees and delays for 2022:
mail boxes. • New Year’s Day: Friday, December 31, 2021 – No
• Do not block storm sewers as this can increase the delays
chance of flooding in the event of a heavy rain. • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 17 –
• Parked vehicles should be at least 15 feet away from No delays (City observance only)
either side of leaf piles so that collection crews have • Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 21 – No delays
safe access to the leaves with their truck and leaf (City observance only)
machine.
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 30 – All zones have a
one day delay
Bring Us Your Pumpkins! • Independence Day: Monday, July 4 – All zones have
October 29-December 3 a one day delay
Don’t throw away your
• Labor Day: Monday, September 5 – All zones have a
pumpkins, compost them!
one day delay
Special collection
• Veterans Day: Friday, November 11 – No delays (City
containers will be available
at Fancyburg Park observance only)
beginning Halloween • Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 24 –
weekend. Simply toss Thursday zone collected on Friday
your pumpkins into the • Christmas Day: Monday, December 26 – All zones
containers and they will have a one day delay
be transported to the compost facility. Please do not • New Year’s Day: Monday, January 2 – All zones have a
put pumpkins in the lime-green containers as those are one day delay
8 CityiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
NewsBITES
philanthropic, volunteer or public
service. Nominations are being accepted
for the 2022 Wall of Honor inductee, a
partnership of the UA Historical
CITY NEWS AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS Society and the City’s Parks &
Recreation Department. Nomination
Public Holidays • Arts Link - monthly art updates forms are available at www.uahistory.org.
City offices are closed in observance • Sentinel - monthly program updates The deadline is Friday, January 14, 2022.
of the following holidays: from the Senior Center The 2020 induction ceremony is
• Thursday, November 11 – scheduled for Sunday, May 22.
Visit the Connect section of our website,
Veterans Day. Solid Waste service is
at upperarlingtonoh.gov, to register.
not affected. 2022 Community Calendar
• Thursday, November 25 – upperarlingtonoh.gov
Fire Division Awards
Thanksgiving Day. Thursday’s Solid As a service to the community, the City
FIRE 614-583-5100
Waste collection zone will receive provides an online Community Calendar
UA’s Fire Division is pleased to announce
service on Friday. of special events on its website. These
the recipients of two awards:
• Friday, December 24 – event listings are oftentimes promoted
• 2021 Dr. Mary E. Fontana
Christmas Day. Solid Waste by the City via other means, as space
Distinguished Service Award – Fire
service is not affected. and scheduling permits. Now is the time
Captain Chris Moore has been
• Friday, December 31 – New Year’s to send us details of qualifying com-
selected, in recognition of more
Day. Solid Waste service is not munity events for 2022. Visit our Events
than 20 years of exceptional service.
affected. section, at upperarlingtonoh.gov, where
He has played an instrumental role
in the Fire Division’s COVID-19 you will find submission details.
Change Your Clock, Change policies, and coordinating a series
Your Battery® of vaccination clinics. SCRAM! Wildlife Control
Sunday, November 7 • 2021 Firefighter of the Year - www.SCRAM!Wildlife.org
As Daylight Savings Time comes to a Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Moore The City contracts with SCRAM! Wildlife
close, clocks “fall back” one hour at 2 am has been selected, in recognition Control, a division of the Ohio Wildlife
on Sunday morning. This is also a good of his actions – while already off Center, to provide wildlife management
time to change the batteries in your duty – to respond to a house fire. services to residents and businesses at
home’s smoke alarms. This should be Knowing that crews had already left a discounted rate. Full details can be
done at least once a year, but changing for another emergency situation, found at www.SCRAMwildlife.org. The
them while changing your clocks serves on hearing the dispatch call, Josh City has an Animal Control guidelines
as a great reminder. Alarms should also drove straight to the home on fire, page under the Resources section of its
be tested once a month and if an alarm alerted the occupants to get them website, at upperarlingtonoh.gov.
chirps, warning that the battery is low, to safety, and then climbed a privacy
replace the battery right away. fence to open the gate to the Snow Angels
backyard, directing the responding FIRE 614-583-5123
Public Meetings crews to the exact location of the Each winter, the City’s CARES Program
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 614-583-5030 fire as soon as they arrived on and UA Commission on Aging partner
A full list of public meetings can be scene. Thanks to his quick actions, on the Snow Angels program, matching
found on our Events calendar, at no one was injured and damage to volunteers to elderly neighbors who
upperarlingtonoh.gov. Highlights of the home was minimal. need help with snow shoveling. We
upcoming Council agendas are shared encourage individuals, families and/or
on Facebook, with meetings live- 2022 Wall of Honor groups of neighbors to “adopt” a senior
streamed. Follow @CityofUA for updates! Nominations during the season and help them with
uahistory.org this winter chore.
City e-News Each May, a new bronze plaque is added
Get timely service news and special to the limestone wall of the Municipal COVID-19 Health
project updates from the City by e-mail: Services Center Plaza to honor a & Safety Update
• City Insight - weekly e-news on City deceased UA resident who had a The City asks visitors to our public indoor
services, special projects & events positive impact on the community and facilities to put on a face mask before
• Activity Link - monthly programming beyond through his or her professional, you enter. As a reminder, residents can
updates from Parks & Recreation
upperarlingtonoh.gov NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 CityiNSIGHT 9
conduct much of their business with the crime or other notable safety incident in the City’s public parks. This includes
City online or via telephone. the immediate area. The database is se- cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and
cure, with participants’ information kept vaping devices.
Porta-Johns at UA Parks private and confidential.
PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300 Visit the Police section of the City’s Permit Portal
The time is approaching for many of our website to register. RESOURCES | PERMIT PORTAL
park restrooms to close for the winter upperaringtonoh.gov
season, however, Parks & Recreation has Home Security Alarm Permits The City has been transitioning its
plans to place all-season port-a-johns at POLICE DIVISION 614-583-5100 various application processes online
these parks. Households with home security systems via its Permit Portal on our website,
are required to obtain a license from from building permits to special event
U.S. Flag Collection Box the Police Division. The one-time $50 applications, making it possible to
Thanks to a 2018 Eagle Scout project of fee is non-transferable and covers both conduct business with us online in most
Joseph Piccininni, the Municipal Services Police and Fire services. Households instances. Just look for the Permit Portal
Center is the site of a U.S. Flag Collection are allowed up to three false alarms per icon under the Resources section of our
box, with an informational brochure calendar year—any false alarms thereaf- website to get started.
detailing the history, etiquette and ter are subject to a $50 fine to offset the
proper flag retirement. Residents can costs for emergency response. Red Cross Blood Drives
stop by any time during regular business 10 am-4 pm, Tuesday, November 23
hours to properly retire any worn flags. Senior Center Fall Social 10 am-4 pm, Friday, December 17
10-11:30 am, Tuesday, November 9 3600 Tremont Road
Citizen Camera Partnership SENIOR CENTER 614-583-5320 www.redcrossblood.org
POLICE 614-583-5150 Join your friends as we all enjoy seasonal The City regularly partners with the
The Police Division’s refreshments and door prizes during this American Red Cross to hold blood
Citizen Camera social event. Attendees must be active drives. Register at the above website,
Partnership is an members of the Senior Center and using the code CityofUA.
opt-in program registration is required due to limited
designed to build seating and food count. Firefighters for Kids
a database of
Toy Drive
properties with Tobacco Free Parks Station 71, Arlington Avenue
video cameras. By registering, residents PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300
Station 72, Reed Road
and businesses are simply letting the Continuing Upper Arlington’s
FIRE 614-583-5100
division know that cameras are in use on commitment to protecting the health
Help the UA Fire Division make the
their property, with Police only request- and welfare of its residents, the use of
Christmas holidays memorable for
ing access to video footage following a all nicotine products are prohibited in
Central Ohio kids in need, by dropping
off new toys at either firehouse.
UA Historical Society Holiday Craft Kit Available
RITA Income Tax Update
The Upper Arlington Historical www.ritaohio.com
Society is selling a “make-your- All residents aged 18 and over must file
own ornament” kit to celebrate an annual income tax return with the
our new (and old!) UA public City, regardless of whether any
schools this holiday season. The tax is due. RITA will be sending non-filing
kit is available for $10 and makes notices to those residents that have not
a great gift idea for some family filed their income tax returns for 2020. If
fun. The kit includes 18 stickers to you have questions, please contact the
personalize your way. Finance Department, at 614-583-5291.
Purchase information and
sticker samples can be found at
uahistory.org/shop.
10 CityiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
Sanitary Sewer Backup Prevention Program
There’s no denying the changes in weather patterns resulting from
climate change. On a local level, significant rain events appear to be
part of the new normal, bringing with them a new set of challenges
for homeowners.
In 2020, the community experienced two, 25-year storm events
within two months of each other - with rainfall totals of 4.5 and 5
inches. In both cases, parts of Upper Arlington experienced flash
flooding and more than 240 homes experienced backups from the
floor drains in their basements that connect to the sanitary sewer
system. In response, the City’s Engineering Division has taken a close
look at this issue, to see what steps can be taken to educate residents
and identify steps that they – and the City – can take to reduce the risk
of basement flooding.
The sanitary and storm systems are
designed to operate separately – “grey” water If you experience flooding in your
from homes and businesses is discharged into basement and you believe it has entered
the sanitary sewer system, and rainwater/storm your home through the floor drain,
runoff makes its way to local waterways through please contact the City as soon as pos-
the storm water system. sible – at 614-583-5350 during business
Sanitary sewer backups through the floor hours, or 614-459-2800 after hours.
drain can be caused by a number of factors: To participate in the Backflow
• Blockages caused by tree roots Prevention Program, homeowners will
• Blockages caused by items that should not need to complete a questionnaire and
be flushed have their property inspected by a
• A system overload during a heavy rainfall, if plumber or qualified contractor to make
rainwater is able to enter the sanitary sewer sure they meet eligibility requirements.
system through cracks in the pipes. Following installation of a backflow pre-
venter, homeowners are responsible for
In recent issues of UA Insight, we have performing recommended maintenance.
shared information about these two critical – and often overlooked – pieces of Full details of this new program can
infrastructure. Additionally, the City continues to prioritize its sewer lining program to be found at upperarlingtonoh.gov, or by
identify and address pipes with root control issues. And now, the City is introducing a calling the Engineering Division, at
Backflow Preventer Program, which will reimburse residents up to $4,000 to install a 614-583-5360.
backflow preventer for eligible properties.
UA Click2Fix CityiNSIGHT
BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON
Visit the AppleApp or GooglePlay Production:
store and search UA Click2Fix to Emma Speight, Community Affairs Director
download our new smartphone Phone: 614-583-5045 | espeight@uaoh.net
reporting app. Residents can use the
app to submit requests or notify the
City of issues such as potholes, street-
light outages, damaged street trees, City of Upper Arlington
etc. You can also view the construction 3600 Tremont Road
update map and contact staff using Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
the app’s Directory. Call Public Phone: 614-583-5000
Service at 614-583-5350 if you have upperarlingtonoh.gov
any questions. www.facebook.com/CityofUA
www.twitter.com/@cityofuaSchoolsiNSIGHT LI
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B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M U P P E R A R L I N GTO N S C H O O L S
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021
UP
EST
. 1918
Every Step of the Way
Driven by a mission to challenge and preparing them to positively impact our Schools was the first district in the central
support every student, every step of the world tomorrow,” said Amanda Fountain, Ohio area to fully implement one-to-one
way, Upper Arlington Schools continues a communications teacher at Upper technology by the start of the 2016-2017
to be a lighthouse district — leading Arlington High School. school year, providing every student
the way for others with a high quality Throughout the K-12 academic with a device to support and enhance
academic program, exceptionally program, Upper Arlington Schools their learning and setting the district
talented students, and new and is taking the lead nationwide by well ahead of others when schools were
innovative programming designed to implementing a totally personalized forced to move to remote learning in the
meet the individual needs of all students. student support system known as the spring of 2020.
Guiding all of this work is the 2019- multi-tiered system of support, or MTSS. And, with six of the eight K-12
2024 Strategic Plan, which identifies a This system gives teachers the structures, schools newly built or completely
focused set of recommendations rooted tools and student-specific data to renovated, students are now learning in
in the district’s mission and the vision respond to the unique learning needs of flexible, light-filled environments that are
of uniquely accomplished students every student so that they can maximize designed to support the learning styles
prepared to serve, lead and succeed. their growth. of today and the future.
At the core of the strategic plan “It pushes us to better meet the “I’ve said it many times — this is a
is academics and the long-running needs not only of students who may be great time to be a Golden Bear,” said
philosophy of educating the whole child struggling but also those who are above Superintendent Paul Imhoff, Ed.D. “We
through not only academics but the arts, where they should be according to the are building on a long-standing tradition
service learning, athletics and unique learning standards — and everyone in of excellence in our schools to provide
real-world learning opportunities that between,” said Michelle Banks, Ed.D., our students even more opportunities
expose students to authentic career- director of curriculum and instruction. for success now and in their future.”
based experiences and skills that they’ll With one-to-one technology and At the elementary level, Upper
take into their next step in life. state-of-the-art facilities, students Arlington Schools continues to set
“It’s my little ‘woosh of joy’ knowing also have the tools to enhance their
that what our students are doing today is academic experience. Upper Arlington CONTINUES ON PAGE 1312 SchoolsiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 www.uaschools.org
ours had remediation rates of twice
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATES that amount, and the state average is
Paul Imhoff, Ed.D. four times that amount. That means our
students are graduating better prepared
than ever to succeed in college.
university within two years of high
The Ohio Department of Education
school graduation, and we know our
also recognizes that our students are
students are ready to excel when they
set up for success in their next step in
get to college.
life. We are first in central Ohio, and
Students continue to set a high
seventh in the state in a measure called
bar on the ACT and SAT, performing
It’s been an amazing start to the school “Prepared for Success” - which looks
significantly above state and national
year as we welcomed students into six at how well prepared students are for
averages. Digging a little deeper, our
new or renovated school buildings. future opportunities, whether it’s training
students’ have the highest percentage of
While we are extremely proud of these in a technical field or preparing for work
“remediation-free” scores on the ACT in
beautiful facilities, they have never been or college.
Central Ohio and among the top five in
our focus. Throughout all of the work, we Throughout everything we do in our
the state. This means their performance
have remained steadfast in our focus on schools, we are committed to continuous
shows they are ready for college-level
students and academic achievement. improvement, and we are seeing that
coursework while still in high school.
I’ll start with something that will — through the MTSS framework, all-day
Our students’ success is further
impact all students in our schools, and kindergarten and the success of our
illustrated by a significant drop in our
that is the new multi-tiered system of students and graduates.
remediation rates over the past decade.
support (MTSS) framework. Upper We will continue to share the most
This remediation measure from the
Arlington Schools is taking the lead in updated data and information about
Board of Regents looks at how many
education nationwide by implementing what’s happening in our schools in
college students have to take remedial
MTSS so that every student is able our Quality Profile, which will arrive in
courses. Ten years ago, approximately
to maximize their growth through mailboxes early next year. There will
20 percent of our graduates needed
differentiated and individualized also be a presentation at the November
to take some type of remedial course
instruction with a focus on the whole meeting of the Board of Education about
in college. Our most recent data shows
child. MTSS truly brings to life our the Ohio School Report Cards for the
that just four percent of our graduates
mission to challenge and support every 2020-2021 school year.
are in that position. Districts similar to
student, every step of the way.
In addition to MTSS, new to Upper
Arlington Schools this year is our all- UPPER ARLINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION
day kindergarten program. The Board
of Education has been committed 2021 Upper Arlington
to launching an all-day kindergarten Board of Education
program in order to better meet the From Left: Lori Trent, Jenny McKenna,
needs of our developing learners, and President Scott McKenzie, Vice
the new and renovated elementary President Carol Mohr and Nancy Drees
schools give us the space to make that
vision possible. By transitioning from a Thanks to a partnership with the
part-day to a full-day program, we now City of Upper Arlington, Board
have double the time in the classroom of Education meetings take
each day with our youngest learners to place in the Council Chamber
develop their skills in the core academic of the City’s Municipal Services
areas such as literacy and math. Center, 3600 Tremont Road. In
Finally, I want to talk about the general, meetings begin at
success of our high school students and 6 pm on the second Tuesday
graduates, who year after year exemplify of each month. Some exceptions apply, and last-minute scheduling changes are
our long-standing tradition of academic possible. Please refer to www.uaschools.org for the most up-to-date information.
excellence. We are at the top of the Board of Education Meetings:
state rankings - sending the highest • Tuesday, November 9, 6 pm — Council Chamber
percentage of students to college or • Tuesday, December 14, 6 pm — Council Chamberwww.uaschools.org NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 13
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
the standard for literacy instruction by building a
strong foundation for success for early readers, from
kindergarten on. The new all-day kindergarten program
is revolutionizing learning for these early readers and
learners by providing nearly 18 additional hours a week to
focus on the development of core academic skills such as
literacy and math. It is one of the first all-day kindergarten
programs in the state to be offered to families at no
additional cost.
At the middle level, students are able to dive deeper
into the full scope of their academic journey and earn
high school-level credit in math, science and global
language. There, they also can begin their journey in
Upper Arlington’s renowned performing arts program by
pursuing orchestra, band or vocal music.
Both middle school and high school students here are advanced coursework that Upper Arlington Schools is first in
also consistently bringing home honors in national, regional, the state in the combined percentage of students taking AP
statewide and local competitions in math, science, computer and IB courses.
science, robotics, art, writing, the performing arts, speech and “One consistent message that I hear often is how
debate, and much more. prepared our students are for college - whatever college they
At Upper Arlington High School, students can choose attend, whether it’s Ohio State University or Dartmouth or
from a vast number of courses in the comprehensive University of Cincinnati,” said Kathy Moore, Ph.D., the college
curriculum, including lifelong career-related coursework and and career counselor at Upper Arlington High School. “So
multiple opportunities for college-level coursework through many college representatives from schools across the country
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and feel so fortunate to get an Upper Arlington student on their
College Credit Plus. In fact, so many UAHS students choose campus. They’re hoping that our students will choose them.”
Treasurer’s Notes
Andrew L. Geistfeld the opportunities it will provide our to the board for approval and then filed
younger learners to lay an even stronger with the state of Ohio.
In Upper
foundation in literacy and math for their Over the past few years, the biggest
Arlington
academic journey in our schools. impacts we’ve seen on our five-year
Schools, we are
When we think about tightening our forecast have been enrollment growth,
committed to
belts and seeking out cost savings, our fluctuations in revenue sources such as
preparing the
focus, first and foremost, is doing that state funding and the decision to delay
young people
in a way that does not have an impact an operating levy in the summer of 2020.
of Upper
on the student experience. Since the Our new five-year forecast will serve
Arlington for
summer of 2020, we’ve done just that as a financial check-in point for us as a
success, both
by creatively seeking out approximately district and help us keep a clear view
while they’re here and in their next steps
$4.6 million in cost efficiencies without on what our future impacts and needs
in life. That is the focus for everything we
impacting the student experience. will be. This is an important part of our
do in our district — from our academic
As we look to the future and commitment to our community to use
program to operations and finances.
continue to build on the tradition of our money wisely - and to our students
Through thoughtful planning and
excellence in our schools, our five-year and their families to provide the highest
sound fiscal management, we have
financial forecast will be an important quality of education possible in our
been able to build on our exceptional
guide for us. At the November Board of schools.
academic program by implementing
Education meeting, I will present a new Please check our website later in
an all-day kindergarten program this
five-year forecast for the district. This is November for the new five year forecast,
fall. The Board of Education has been
a legally required document that covers which will be available at
committed to and planning for this for
three years of actual data and five years www.uaschools.org/treasurer.aspx.
some time, and we are excited about
of anticipated revenues. It is presented14 SchoolsiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 www.uaschools.org
BITES From the Apple
SCHOOLS NEWS AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
Nine seniors named National Merit Semifinalists
Nine Upper Arlington High School students have qualified
as Semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship
Program, giving them the opportunity to compete for
approximately 7,500 National Merit college scholarships worth
nearly $30 million. These academically talented members of
the UAHS Class of 2022 are among approximately 16,000 high
school seniors nationwide to qualify as Semifinalists based on
their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
The Semifinalists represent the highest scores on the
PSAT/NMSQT and less than 1 percent of high school seniors
nationwide. The students named National Merit Scholarship
Program Semifinalists are:
• Kun Bai • Kiah Kapoor
• Reva Baste-Bania • Anna Schuler
• David Butz • Malachi Son
• Sam Cheung • Evelyn Wu
• Evan Huang
Beginning in February, the National Merit Scholarship
program expects to notify about 15,000 Semifinalists that they • Ryan Sivakumar, David Mockabee, Matthew Doron,
advanced to Finalist status after fulfilling several requirements, Audrey Szollosi and Jacob Hanks from the Class of 2023.
including having a record of a high academic achievement in • Elizabeth Goth, Caroline Langmeyer and Krish
grades nine through 12 and earning a high score on the SAT or Mawalker from the Class of 2022, who are returning as
ACT. Approximately half of the Finalists will be awarded National ambassadors for a second year.
Merit Scholarships and the Merit Scholar® title. The student ambassadors will serve on the board of the
For more information on the National Merit Scholarship Alumni Association, help share meaningful stories about
Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org. alumni, participate in the selection and presentation of
Alumni Awards, and meet and work side by side with the
Alumni Ambassador Program Grows UAAA and UA+Ed to continue the Golden Bear tradition as
The Upper Arlington Alumni Association (UAAA) is proud to students who serve, lead and succeed.
announce the addition of five new student ambassadors from
the UA High School Class of 2023. In its third year, the alumni Twelve Students Selected for State,
ambassador program continues to evolve and grow. It began in
2019-2020 with two ambassadors, Will Reynolds and Abby Vitali,
Regional Orchestras
Twelve Upper Arlington High School students have been
who helped create and launch new branding and a new website
selected among the best of the best in the performing arts
for the UAAA. Since then, the program has tripled in size, with
in the state of Ohio as members of the 2021 Ohio Music
seven ambassadors on board for the 2021-2022 school year.
Education Association’s South-Central All-Region Orchestra.
“We have been blown away by the students we have
Three of these students have also been chosen to perform
interviewed,” said Alice Finley, executive director of the Upper
in the prestigious All-State Orchestra. The following UAHS
Arlington Alumni Association and the Upper Arlington Education
students were selected based upon a rigorous audition
Foundation. “These students bring a diversity of thought
process for the South-Central All-Region Orchestra:
and interests that help us fulfill our mission — to keep alumni
• Lucy Cheng, cello • Krish Mawalkar, cello
informed, connected and engaged, from the moment they join
• Susie Hodson, cello • David Mockabee, cello
the esteemed ranks of Upper Arlington High School graduates.”
• Nathan Jeoung, violin • Jachin Ocacio, violin
The UAAA student ambassadors for the 2021-2022 school
• Wendy Jiang, violin • Wil Robertson, viola
year are:
• Andy Lehman, violin • Anna Schuler, violinwww.uaschools.org NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 15
• Taylor Speas, viola
• Kaiwen Wu, violin
“The competition is fierce in the
Columbus area, and we’re so proud
of them for this accomplishment,” said
Gretchen Zunic, co-director of the
Upper Arlington High School orchestra
program.
These 12 students will participate
in several rehearsals and perform with
the All-Region Orchestra on Sunday,
November 21 at the Reynoldsburg High
School Summit Campus.
The top students from all five OMEA
regional orchestras in the state are then
selected by audition for the All-State
Orchestra. UAHS students Lucy Cheng,
Nathan Jeoung and Anna Schuler will
represent UAHS in February and perform
with other top orchestra students in the
state as members of the 2022 OMEA
All-State Orchestra in Cleveland.
UA Schools Hiring Substitutes in
All Areas at www.applitrack.com/uaschools/ tradition of excellence in the Upper
onlineapp. You may apply and Arlington Schools. During his time as
be considered for one or more superintendent, he also established the
positions. Upper Arlington Education Foundation
to ensure our students would have
New Mincy Center District Office access to resources above and beyond
the district’s budget. Dr. Mincy passed
Opens at the New UAHS
away last October.
The Mincy Center is located at 1619
Upper Arlington Schools is in need of Zollinger Road, with hours of 7:30 am to
substitutes in several areas in our district, 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
and we offer competitive pay rates that
have been recently updated. We are
looking for substitutes for the following
positions:
• Permanent building substitutes
The Mincy Center opened in early
SchoolsiNSIGHT
— nine positions available for the BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS
October on the site of the new Upper
2021-2022 school year: Apply
Arlington High School. The new Mincy Production: N G TO N
online at www.applitrack.com/ Karen Truett
LI
Center will be home to the new student
P E R AR
SC
uaschools/onlineapp. Director of Communications
HOOL S
welcome center, as well as the location Phone: 614-487-5027
• Substitute teachers and
UP
for several district-level departments ktruett@uaschools.org
EST
1918
paraprofessionals: Apply online
.
including human resources and the
through the Educational Service
treasurer’s office. Upper Arlington Schools
Center of Central Ohio at 1950 North Mallway Drive
The Mincy Center is named for Dr.
www.escco.org/substitutes. Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Homer F. Mincy, who served Upper Phone: 614-487-5000 | www.uaschools.org
• Substitute bus drivers, cooks /
Arlington Schools as superintendent
cashiers, secretaries, educational
from 1972 to 1993. Dr. Mincy was www.facebook.com/upperarlingtonschools
aides, health aides and www.twitter.com/UA_Schools
responsible for furthering the
transportation aides: Apply online www.twitter.com/imhoffpaul16 SchoolsiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 www.uaschools.org
SERVE LEAD SUCCEED... SERVE LEAD SUCCEED
Learning in Our
New Environments
In August, the entire Upper Arlington community turned
out by the thousands to celebrate the completion of the
first phase of the community-developed facilities master
plan and take in the six new and renovated buildings.
Since then, the schools have come alive with the sounds
and sights of students learning. At Upper Arlington
High School, students are experimenting, creating,
collaborating and problem-solving in the science labs,
art rooms and learning studios. In the Berwanger Family
Learning Center, they are gathering to hear from college
recruiters. In the new and renovated elementary schools,
students are focusing on literacy and math, engaging
in project-based learning through the new Elementary
Explorations workshops, and learning in small groups
focused on differentiated learning to reach every student.www.uaschools.org NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 17
SERVE LEAD SUCCEED... SERVE LEAD SUCCEED
Upper Arlington High School staff wear t-shirts The Upper Arlington High School Homecoming Court (wearing red for a
designed by students for national Start With Hello senior class spirit day), from left to right: Nathan Varda, Ava Adamantidis,
Week, five days of activities designed to promote Charlie Van Aman, Lucy O’Brien, Asher Hamilton, Lucy McCabe, Jacob
inclusion and help anyone feeling lonely or isolated. Hartman, Viv Lawless, Grant Overmyer and Georgia Rehl.
Third-grade students at Greensview enjoyed their very own
Through new Elementary Explorations workshops, veteran teachers are
“book tasting” - trying out all different genres to see what
providing all K-5 students with opportunities to engage and explore
whets their appetites.
project-based learning.
Sixth-grade students were welcomed on their first day
The entire Windermere Elementary School community celebrated
by seventh and eighth grade mentors who offer support
Windermere Way Day with activities inside and outside of their new
and help ease the transition to middle school.
building all aimed at being respectful, responsible and ready to learn.18 SchoolsiNSIGHT NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 www.uaschools.org
Physical Investigations into Litchford
days of work, no additional graves were
located. The team and descendants
Cemetery Conclude on Site of old UAHS of the Litchford family agreed that this
brought to a close the phase of physical
investigations at the site.
Moving forward, the former cemetery
site will become a park-like setting for
all UAHS students, staff, families and
community members to enjoy as a
place for reflection and relaxation. The
district will continue to work with the
descendants of the Litchford family and
community volunteers to design signage
and historical displays.
2021-22 SCHOOL DATES
End of First Trimester (Grades K-5)
A member of the archaeological Monday, November 1
team reviews the site of the Litchford
family cemetery, with concrete General Election Day: No School for
footers from the science wing visible. Students; Staff Report Per Schedule
Tuesday, November 2
As demolition work has continued on Starr called Secrets Under the Parking
the old Upper Arlington High School this Lot raised concerns that some of those Thanksgiving Break
summer, so have investigations into the laid to rest in the Litchford cemetery Wednesday, November 24-Friday,
Pleasant Litchford family cemetery site. may have been left behind. November 26
Pleasant Litchford was a master In August 2020, an archaeological
blacksmith who had been enslaved in team began investigating the site of End of Second Quarter and First
Virginia. After buying his own freedom the cemetery, which was located near Semester (Grades 6-12)
and settling in the area that is now the science wing of the old high school. Friday, December 17
Upper Arlington, he built a successful That team found one fully intact grave
business and purchased the land that is with a complete set of remains, along Winter Break
now home to the high school as well as with two partially exhumed graves and Monday, December 20 - Friday, December
Northam Park and Tremont Elementary three fully exhumed graves. 31
School. Among Mr. Litchford’s many This summer’s investigative work
contributions to the area were happened in two phases. In late June/ No School for Students; Staff Report
establishing a school for African- early July, archeologists conducted Per Schedule
American children and being a founding another search around the perimeter of Monday, January 3
member of the historic Second Baptist the science wing. This search allowed
Church, which provided an important the team to look more closely at the No School for Students and Staff;
voice in the anti-slavery movement. earth right up next to the foundation of Martin Luther King Day
Following his death in 1879, Mr. the building and to investigate areas in Monday, January 17
Litchford’s land was divided up between which a search dog had alerted. During
his heirs. Decades later, in the 1950s, this work, the archeologists found Elementary Early Dismissal
the school district took legal action to another partially exhumed grave that (Grades K-5) for Parent - Teacher
acquire the piece of land that was home contained bone fragments. Conferences
to the family cemetery in order to build In mid-September, the science Thursday, January 27
a high school. Approximately 30 bodies wing was demolished and the team Dismissal at 11:05 am; no lunch service
were exhumed and moved to other of archeologists and K9 specialists
cemeteries in the area. returned to the site to search the part of For the full 2021-2022 school
In early 2017, a book by local authors the cemetery that had been covered by year calendar, visit:
Diane Kelly Runyon and Kim Shoemaker that section of the building. During two www.uaschools.org/calendars.aspxYou can also read
