UAINSIGHT THE COMMUNITY CENTER QUESTION: YOUR VOTE COUNTS ON OR BEFORE MAY 4! - UPPER ARLINGTON PUBLIC ...
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UAiNSIGHT MARCH | APRIL 2021 The Community Center Question: Your Vote Counts on or Before May 4! 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
MARCH | APRIL 2 021
The Community Center Question:
Your Vote Counts on or Before May 4!
Over the years, the City has considered construct a community center without sued based on competitive market
the community center issue on several any increase in City income or property rate memberships and usage fees,
occasions. Residents desire for such taxes. with a goal of achieving a minimum
a facility resurfaced through the 2018 cost recovery level of 85%.
Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan The Task Force • Membership and usage fees should
study process, with 81% of residents in a be tiered, with options to accom-
Recommendations
survey supporting a feasibility study for modate senior residents and the
The Task Force recommendations
a multi-generational indoor recreation operating budget should include a
include:
facility. In response, City Council formed scholarship fund to assist residents
• It is feasible for the City to construct,
the Community Center Feasibility Task facing financial barriers to
operate and maintain a community
Force in the summer of 2019 to lead a participation.
center.
study on the issue. • Existing Senior Center and
• The facility should include program
An extensive 18-month study pro- Recreation program funds should
space for seniors and replace the
cess ensued that focused on community be redirected to support the
current Senior Center.
engagement, transparency and financial community center.
• It should be more than a recreational
analysis. On December 16, 2020, the • The community center business
facility, serving as a central gathering
Task Force shared its findings and rec- model should include significant
place for the whole community.
ommendations with City Council, with its annual contributions to a fund for
• The former Macy’s site at Kingsdale
final report following early in January. future capital expenditures, such
is the preferred location.
In response to the Task Force’s con- as maintenance and equipment
• The construction cost of approxi-
clusion that it is feasible for the City to replacement.
mately $54 million can be funded
construct, operate and maintain a com-
without an increase in taxes by using
munity center, on January 19 Council ap- About the Proposed
a combination of Tax Increment
proved legislation to bring the proposed
Upper Arlington Community Center
Financing (TIF) funds, excess City re- Community Center
serves, office lease revenues, hotel/ The Facilities
issue to a vote of the people on May 4,
motel taxes and private donations. The building program developed
2021, and to authorize various funding
• A business model should be pur- through the Task Force process proposes
mechanisms that will enable the City to
upperarlingtonoh.gov MARCH | APRIL 2021 CityiNSIGHT 3
a seven-story building. Floors 1-5 would
May 4 Ballot Language
be dedicated to the community center
programming, floors 6 & 7 would be set
Should the City of Upper Arlington build a new community center on the
aside for professional office use. site of the old Lazarus/Macy’s store at Kingsdale Shopping Center, using
While the final programming would various City revenue streams but in no case from an increase in City income
be determined with the project design or property tax, as authorized by legislation of City Council, including
process, in general the community Ordinance No. 1-2021, Ordinance No. 2-2021, and Ordinance No. 3-2021?
center facilities would include:
• Level 1 - entry/lobby, indoor pool, YES, the City should build the community center
multi-purpose event/party space, NO, the City should not build the community center
locker rooms
• Level 2 - fitness/exercise spaces services within the community center. @ 50% reduction in rentals. Under this
• Level 3 - 3 gymnasiums (1 Negotiations are in process to finalize model, the subsidy necessary to support
multi-purpose), adventure play, teen terms and prepare a formal agreement operations would increase the current
space, child watch with this entity. subsidy by approximately $250,000.
• Level 4 - Walking/running track Any remaining leasable space will
overlooking gymnasiums be highly marketable, since the Kings-
• Level 5 - Senior program, shared
YES Or NO?
dale site is surrounded by amenities, Below is a summary of what a YES vote
classrooms, event hall/meeting including direct access to the community or a NO vote would mean for this issue
space, outdoor multi-purpose center. and the community.
terrace
Operations Financials • YES - A community center at Kings-
Construction Financials The community center business model dale funded with existing revenue
The budgeted construction cost of $54 has been developed based on patron- streams and revenue generated
million includes 23% for contingencies age and pricing structures for compara- by Continental Real Estate’s Kings-
and inflation. This cost would be covered ble facilities in other communities. Some dale project. UA Schools receive
using: of the keys to success include: the current Senior Center site, are
• $40 million long-term debt • A focus on spaces that can be used guaranteed their current $123,000
• $5.4 million in private funds raised for multiple purposes annual revenue from the Macy’s site,
through the Upper Arlington • Incorporating senior programming plus $50,000 per year and the value
Community Foundation as part of a larger community facility of any additional millage added in
• $8.8-$9 million in City reserves • Achieving staffing and operations subsequent school levies,
efficiencies by bringing programs • NO - The Macy’s site will be fully
The debt service for this investment
within one location redeveloped by Continental. The
would be approximately $2.3 million per
• Providing a combination of mem- community center will likely be re-
year. This would be repaid using:
berships, drop-in fees, program- placed by a nine-story building that
• $1.59 million in annual TIF revenues
ming and facility rentals. includes seven stories of multi-fam-
generated by the Kingsdale devel-
ily housing. UA Schools receive an
opment A Base-case pro-forma model additional $30-$40 per average UA
• $500,000 annual hotel/motel projects full cost recovery, based on the home ($400,000) annually.
revenues from the hotels on Lane proposed programming, a 3% market
Avenue capture for memberships and 70% We encourage you to become
• The remaining $210,000 would be program capacity. Under this model, the informed on this important community
covered by rent and income tax current $530,000 subsidy that supports issue, so that when you complete your
revenues generated by the office Parks & Recreation programming would absentee ballot or head to the voting
spaces on floors 6 & 7 no longer be needed. booth on May 4, your questions have
A Stress Test pro-forma projects a been answered in full. Visit upperarling-
The Office Space
cost recovery model of approximate- tonoh.gov for details, watch for more
The two floors of rentable office space
ly 75%. This exercise was undertaken information from the City in the coming
would total approximately 50,000-
to account for potential down years weeks, and be sure to let us know if you
60,000 square feet. After issuing a
(recession, pandemic, etc.) and assumes need more information, by emailing us
request for proposals concentrated
reductions of 33% in memberships, at city.manager@uaoh.net.
on health care providers, the City has
identified a preferred partner to lease at 50% reduction in daily admission fees, a
least half of this space and to augment 20% reduction in program capacity and
4 CityiNSIGHT MARCH | APRIL 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
CITY MANAGER UPDATE Steve Schoeny
more than $3.5 million in Coronavirus office uses. Current revenue projections
Relief monies to good use, resulted in indicate that the City will benefit by
cumulative savings of $6.8 million, or approximately $500,000 per year in new
17% of our operating budget. income taxes as a result.
This translates to the City having one Redevelopment of the majority of
of the healthiest General Fund balances the former Macy’s site at Kingsdale is
in its history, with our unrestricted fund on track to begin within the next few
balance - monies over and above our months, with Continental Real Estate
30% operating reserve, or “rainy day expected to bring its Final Development
As we put the last 12 months behind fund” – increasing by more than $7 Plan for the first phase of its project to
us, it is time to start thinking about the million to $12.5 million. the Board of Zoning and Planning in
future. Despite all that has happened, we March. Valued at more than $60 million
are strong financially, and we have some Business is Booming for the senior housing and apartment
big opportunities in front of us. Despite the pandemic – or perhaps buildings, the vote in May will decide
because of it – our Community whether Continental goes forward with
Our Financial Outlook Development Department recorded its their third phase, a nine-story building
When we entered the pandemic, the second highest year for construction with two stories of office and seven
City’s finances were high on our list of value taking place in our community. stories of housing, or the City builds a
worries. We slowed spending, canceled Over 3,500 permits were issued, new community center.
programs that could not function under with a total value of $128 million. Of this,
health guidelines and adjusted just more than $80 million was for residential Ready for What’s Next
about everything else. work - home renovations, additions and We are doing a series of mailings and
I am pleased to report that some new homes. Clearly, spending other events to educate our voters prior
thanks to some luck, a good long- more time at home has prompted many to the May 4 election. You should look
term development strategy and wise people to think about making their living for information in your mailbox early
financial stewardship, the City actually spaces more modern and inviting. March. We are also working to schedule
improved its financial position in 2020. Looking ahead to this year, while more group information sessions.
On February 8, Finance Director Brent I don’t think we’ll quite see the record With continued pandemic gathering
Lewis shared year-end highlights with breaking level of investment that restrictions, we are still figuring out the
City Council. Not surprisingly, some occurred in 2019 - which topped $407 most effective way to do that.
operating revenues were lower than million thanks to the School projects We will be making heavy use of our
originally projected – such as fees and Lane II mixed-used development Facebook and Twitter accounts to share
for Parks & Recreation programming. – it’s going to be high, as two notable information, and we will have a schedule
However, this was more than made up commercial projects begin. of events at upperarlingtonoh.gov.
by an increase in income tax revenues, After several years of planning, site If you have questions or if you have
which came in over 3% higher than preparation for the Arlington Gateway a group that you would like for me or
projections, and property tax revenues, redevelopment project has begun. one of my team to talk with, please email
which were more than 1.5% higher than Valued at more than $100 million, it will me, at city.manager@uaoh.net. And,
projected. include a mix of office, retail/restaurant when I say a “group,” it doesn’t have to
In normal years, we typically spend space, apartments and structured be a formal group. If you and eight or
below our budgeted obligations in parking. Much of the project site was nine friends want to do a Zoom meeting,
the 1-2% range. As we entered into annexed into UA in 2005 to expand we will work with you to figure it out.
the strange and uncertain pandemic the City’s commercial tax base, and in This is an incredibly complex
landscape last spring, we made a readiness for redevelopment. project, and if you have questions, I
conscious effort to tighten our belts Due to its location in the vibrant want to make sure that we have an
and carefully consider the merits Lane Avenue commercial district opportunity to answer them with you so
of budgeted expenditures before and with direct access to OSU’s West that you can make an informed decision
proceeding with projects. Our Campus and SR 315, we anticipate the when you cast your ballot by mail or on
conservative approach for the year, 139,000 square feet of office space will May 4.
combined with our ability to put be filled with high quality, mid-to-large-
upperarlingtonoh.gov
| CITY SERVICES | CITY SERVICES | CITY SERVICES | CITY SERVICES | MARCH | APRIL 2021 CityiNSIGHT 5
Recycling Expanded to Include UA Part of SWACO Study on Food
More Plastic Containers Waste Diversion Activities
Public Works Division 614-583-5350 www.savemorethanfood.org
Did you know that nearly one million pounds of food
is sent to the landfill every single day by residents and
businesses in central Ohio? When food goes to waste,
so does the time, money, and resources that went
into producing and distributing it, not to mention the
opportunities we miss to help those in need in our
community. By working together, we can make chang-
es that improve our community and stop valuable
resources from going to waste.
Researchers at The Ohio State University are
working with the Solid Waste Authority of Central
Ohio (SWACO) and the City of UA to test the effec-
We are pleased to report that the Rumpke Recycling facility has tiveness of various food waste diversion education
recently expanded its program to include a wide variety of plastic materials and activities. These outreach materials
tubs such as: share tools, tips, tricks and opportunities to connect
• Butter, cottage cheese and sour cream tubs with local resources to reduce food waste at home,
• Fruit, pudding and applesauce cups saving money, resources, and meals for hungry neigh-
• All yogurt containers bors. This study is focused on documenting behaviors
These items should be rinsed clean before being put in your related to food waste and learning how central Ohio-
recycling cart. Lids and labels can be left on but the foil tops that ans can best conserve resources, meals, and money
sometimes come on yogurt containers should be removed. Items by reducing food waste. Insights from this study in
that remain on the ‘no-no’ list include disposable plastic cups, as UA will inform future food waste reduction outreach
well as plastic take-out containers and clamshells (like those used efforts across the region and beyond.
for fruit & berries). Visit www.rumpke.com for a full list of accepted
items and tips on how to recycle items properly.
Food Waste Composting Program
Expanded
Public Works Division 614-583-5350 Can You Help?
Would you be willing to tell us a little about the food
The City’s food waste composting program now features three loca-
that gets discarded in your home during a typical
tions, making it more convenient for residents to join in our efforts
week by monitoring it and responding to two short
to divert food scraps from the landfill and put them to good use as
surveys?
compost. Just collect your food scraps in a lidded container of your
The study involves an initial five-minute survey
choice, then bring it to one of the drop-off locations, where you will
with instructions on how to monitor the types and
find clearly marked, lime-green containers:
quantities of food being discarded in your home over
• Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road – at the south
the following week. At the end of the week, you’ll re-
end of the building by the Police entrance
ceive a follow up 15-minute survey to report the food
• Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Lane – next to the front
discarded. Respondents must be 18 years or older
plaza and building entrance
and should be responsible for at least half of the food
• Fancyburg Park, 3375 Kioka Avenue – in the parking lot off
preparation duties taking place in your home. All data
Kioka Avenue
and information about your household will be kept
Program Rules: private.
• Food waste ONLY To get started, using
• DO NOT use plastic bags! BPI Certified compostable liners the camera feature on your
ONLY smart phone, scan the QR
• Please DO NOT overfill the containers code or type ‘go.osu.edu/
• Close the lids on the green bins when finished UAFood’ into your Internet
browser on your phone or
computer.
6 CityiNSIGHT MARCH | APRIL 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
Park Projects
Oxford Park Playground natural park trails and nature education
programs. In response, the division is
Replacement
working to improve and expand natural-
ized areas across the park system.
Two notable projects are in process
this spring, with more on the horizon:
• Miller Park - with help from Friends
of Upper Arlington Parks, the natu-
ralized park area at Miller has been
cleared of invasive plants, in prepa-
ration for a substantial planting of
native trees and shrubs. The area
will also have new amenities added,
Oxford Park will be receiving a new
including benches and nature play
playground in 2021. Starting in March, the Upper Arlington Historical Society.
components built from salvaged
the design process will seek initial input The History Trail’s smart-
timber.
from park neighbors through surveys phone-friendly website includes com-
• Burbank Park - as a once-thriving
for both adults and children to identify plementary information about the
stand of Ash trees died off as a
general themes. Feedback will be used historically significant signs that can
result of the Emerald Ash Borer,
by the selected playground vendor to be found across our community. In the
the area between Stonehaven and
develop three design options to be coming months, as the program expands
the Burbank parking lot has be-
shared with the community via a second and bronze markers are installed, these
come overgrown with invasives.
round of engagement activities. Once a sites will be added to the History Trail
This dense growth will be cleared
preferred design is finalized, removal of interactive map and afforded their own
and converted to a combination of
the existing equipment is expected to resource page.
turf and pollinator habitat, with a
begin in July, with installation of the new Once the program has expanded to
mulched footpath.
playground complete by late fall. Watch incorporate existing sites, a longer-term
for updates and how to participate in Details of the management plan goal is to begin seeking nominations
upcoming e-newsletters and on the are featured as a special projects page from the community for prospective
City’s social media platforms. on the Parks & Recreation section of our new sites, similar to the Wall of Honor
website. In addition to featuring upcom- Program that today features tributes to
Park Naturalized Areas ing improvements on this page, Ready more than 30 notable past UA residents.
Management Plan for a Change? signs will be posted at the
parks as a heads up to residents before Land Acquisition at
any work begins. Fancyburg Park
In late November of 2020, City Council
UA History Trail authorized the purchase of a private
uahistorytrail.com residence nestled in the southeast
The recently completed Veterans Plaza corner of Fancyburg Park. This property
upgrades at Mallway Park represent one was the last remaining site within the
of the first locations in UA to be marked Fancyburg Park block to be privately
with a UA History Trail bronze marker. owned.
The second is a replacement educational Thanks to the cooperation of the
The City’s Parks & Forestry Division is in marker that accompanies a refurbished home’s former owner, Anne Evelyn
the midst of developing a management Ohio Historical Marker at the grave site Handley, the City was able to purchase
plan for the naturalized areas within our of Bill Moose in Wyandot Park. the property at a reduced price in order
parks. These areas include woodlands, The idea was conceived several to be able to expand the park. As part of
wetlands and prairielands. years ago by the Centennial planning this agreement, as plans for renovating
Resident feedback obtained for the committee. Today, the UA History Trail this quadrant of the park get underway,
2018 Parks & Recreation Comprehen- program has been made possible with they will include naming a future shel-
sive Plan indicated a desire for more Council support and in partnership with terhouse at the park after Mrs. Handley’s
upperarlingtonoh.gov MARCH | APRIL 2021 CityiNSIGHT 7
FROM CHAMBERS | Highlights of City Council & Its Policy Decisions
City Powered by 2021 CITY COUNCIL
(from left): President
Renewable Energy Brendan King, John
One of the priorities identified by City Kulewicz, Vice President
Council in the 2021-22 budget, is for the Kip Greenhill, Michele
City to embrace environmentally- and Hoyle, Michaela Burriss,
sustainability-appropriate practices, with Jim Lynch, Brian Close
a goal of achieving zero-waste, zero-
pollution and zero-emissions by 2030.
A significant step toward that goal
was realized at the start of this year,
when the City signed a three-year
contract with Constellation Energy, a
subsidiary of Exelon Corp., to purchase
country, helping to support the “Utilizing 100 percent renewable
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to
operation and development of facilities energy for our organization is vitally
match 100% of its energy supply. Under
that generate clean, renewable energy. important for our environment and our
this contract, 100% of the City’s annual
Due to favorable electric rates, the community,” said City Manager Steve
electricity supply will be sourced from
City will save approximately $5,000 per Schoeny. “It continues our goal of being
various wind energy facilities across the
year throughout the life of the contract, a regional leader in sustainability, and it
with plans to use these excess will result in cleaner air, support energy
funds to further sustainability security and will even help us attract new
goals and education in our businesses and residents.”
community. Upper Arlington is a platinum-
rated member of the Mid-Ohio Regional
At the start of the first Council Planning Commission’s sustainable2050
Meeting for 2021, Brendan King was program, which seeks to advance
sworn into office for a one-year term sustainability efforts in the region.
as President of Council, with Kip
Greenhill sworn in as Vice President.
float entry. Mr. Handley’s winning efforts issues will allow the Parks & Recreation
for his neighborhood became the stuff Department to complete the Northam
of legend, and he was honored by UACA Park Vision Plan with phasing and
as its Grand Marshal in the 2005 parade. budgeting details. It is hoped that both
Park improvement plans are still the drainage plan and completed vision
several years out but will focus on the plan will be shared with the community
area that includes the old shuffleboard by early summer.
courts, shelter, playground and the
newly purchased property. Thompson & Fancyburg
Parks Tennis Update
One of many memorable floats built in front Northam Park Drainage Plan The tennis courts at Fancyburg and
of the Handley property for the River Ridge & Phase I Improvements Thompson parks will be used by the
neighborhood. A key component identified in the 2020 UA Schools for practice this spring,
late husband – Carlyle Handley. Mr. Northam Park Schematic Design Study while their courts are temporarily out of
Handley was a much beloved member was the need to improve drainage. This service. Typical hours: M-F, 3:30-5 pm,
of the River Ridge neighborhood. A local study will develop a master drainage from mid-march through mid-May. The
football coach and Cub Scout volunteer, plan for the overall park, and detailed courts will be available for public use
he was perhaps best known for inviting design for Phase I of improvements, during this timeframe on a limited basis
his neighbors over each year to help which are scheduled to be bid by the (away matches), with availability posted
build their annual Fourth of July Parade end of the year. Addressing the drainage on the City’s website.
8 CityiNSIGHT MARCH | APRIL 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
Police Safety Virtual 2021 State of the City Address &
Updates 2020 Community Awards
The impacts of COVID-19 have reached
into every aspect of our daily lives, and
plans for our annual State of the City
Address were no exception. Recognizing
that this was not a time for gathering as
a community, we put together a video
that captures highlights and accomplish-
ments from the past year. It can be found
In early February, Police Chief Steve under the City Manager’s Office page of Nurse for the UA School District, serving
Farmer and several of his colleagues our website - enjoy! as the single point of contact for the
held a Zoom meeting to discuss some In true UA fashion, many individuals administration, medical advisory council,
safety concerns and share tips with and groups helped their fellow commu- the school nurse team, and families. This
residents, following several incidents in nity members during a challenging time. is an overwhelming task for one individ-
the community that involved firearms. We are proud to share details of our ual and Gina handles it with profession-
With more than 200 residents tuning 2020 Community Award recipients: alism and grace, fielding calls and emails
in, the presentation was also recorded seven days a week, typically 14+ hours
and can be found on the City’s YouTube Business – Front Runner, W. Lane Ave. a day. She works tirelessly keeping par-
channel or the Police webpage. Front runner was recognized for helping ents, staff and administrators informed
Watch for additional video safety many residents enjoy the limited number about the most up-to-date COVID-19
presentations in the coming months that of safe recreational activities available protocols.
go into greater detail on specific safety in a crazy year. Their crew hosted safe Congratulations to our other nominees: UA
topics. gatherings and held a shoe giveaway in COIVD-19 Senior Outreach; Shannon Guy &
support of local health care workers. Nancy Schwartz
Citizen Camera Partnership
The increase of Community Enrichment – Youth – Markel Davis
home security Veterans Committee & Upper A senior at UAHS, Markel is one the most
video devices has Arlington Historical Society service-minded, action-oriented individ-
helped the Police The committee worked closely with the uals. Last spring, he started serving lunch
Division identify City to develop plans for recognizing for various police departments because
and prosecute Veterans, and was instrumental in restaurants were refusing to serve them,
several incidents. securing a $200,000 grant from the State raising the funds to pay for the food as
Recognizing the value of these technol- of Ohio, and completing fundraising well as doing the onsite cooking. In the
ogies in preventing and solving criminal months ahead of schedule. With help summer, he planned and executed a
activity, the division has launched the from the UA Historical Society a series of candlelight vigil for fallen police officers
Citizen Camera Partnership, an opt-in interpretative panels were developed, in Greater Columbus. In October, on
program designed to build a database sharing stories of service of several hearing the Columbus FOP had lost their
of properties with video cameras. Upper Arlington Veterans. annual Shop with a Cop sponsor, he
By registering, residents and busi- Congratulations to our other nominees: committed to raising funds to support
nesses are simply letting UA Police know Nancy Weir; Nathan Swords; Bishop Lord & this event. In mid-December, 100 Co-
that cameras are in use on their property, Libby Hall; Upper Arlington Civic Association lumbus City Schools children were able
with Police only requesting access to Directors; Community Center Feasibility Task to go holiday shopping with a police
video footage following a crime or other Force; Tom Collins & Mike Haddow / Northam officer. Not only did Markel raise $10,000
notable safety incident in the immedi- Park Tennis; UA Caravan – Paula Koontz so 100 kids could shop, he got IHOP to
ate area. The database is secure, with Gilmour donate breakfast and Coughlin Cars of
registered participants’ information kept London to help transport the children.
private and confidential. Community Safety – Gina Congratulations to our other nominees:
Visit the Police section of the City’s Rancitelli Sarah Renner; Art Take Over – Led by Natalie
website for additional details and to Gina transitioned from a role as Trem- Harrison; Connor and Kasey Kreps; Inaya
register. ont’s Health Aide to the COVID-19 Lead Hussain
upperarlingtonoh.gov MARCH | APRIL 2021 CityiNSIGHT 9
CIT Y STREETS Older Adult
The 2021 road construction season will • Bayford Court
Assessment
be another busy one, as our Engineering • Beecham Court
Division oversees efforts to reduce a • Bristol Road
backlog of necessary work as part of • Burbank Court
year eight of the City’s, first 10-year
• Chevy Chase Avenue
Capital Improvement Program. Read on
• Clairmont Road
for a summary of this year’s projects.
• Grenoble Road
• Lear Road
Northwest Blvd Storm Drainage
• London Drive The Upper Arlington Commission on
Estimated cost $2.84M
• Longeaton Drive Aging is conducting an Older Adult
Stormwater improvements between
• Mackenzie Drive Community Assessment and Report,
Barrington & North Star.
• Mountview Road and is seeking participation from UA
• North Devon Road residents aged 65 & older.
McCoy Road Phase I The assessment includes a
• North Parkway Drive
Estimated cost $2.4M
• Oxford Alley random-sample mailed survey as well
Between Woodbridge & Kenny, project
• Waltham Road as other opportunities to participate in
includes pedestrian safety improve-
discussions or focus groups. Residents
ments on north side of the street, includ-
Brandon Road Improvements selected to participate in the survey
ing curb bumpouts, dedicated parking
Estimated cost $700,000 will receive a mailed package from The
for Thompson Park & replacement of
Road widening, new perpendicular Commission and ETC Institute at the end
the sidewalk along the park with an 8’
parking on east side of road, expansion of February/beginning of March. The
shared-use path. Street resurfacing, and
of existing sidewalk to 8’. survey can be completed on paper or
spot curb/gutter repairs are also includ-
online.
ed. This project also includes a
Sustainable Sewer Solutions Assessment results will directly
waterline replacement between Kenny
Estimated cost $1.2M inform the Commission in its efforts to
& Mountview, and between Oxford &
Rehabilitation of sanitary sewers in the facilitate improvements for housing,
Clairmont.
area bounded by Johnston Road, Bickley transportation, social participation, and
Place, Anson Street/Donna Drive, and more. Feedback on a number of topics
Street Reconstruction will help the Commission better under-
Surrey Hill Place.
Estimated cost $1.9M stand how to work with residents and
Complete roadway reconstruction, other entities to help make our commu-
Sidewalk Maintenance Program
replacement of all curb/gutter, driveway nity an even better place to age.
Repair work in the area bounded by
improvements and ancillary improve- Questions? Concerns? Ideas? Call
Zollinger Road, Tremont Road, Lane
ments as necessary, such as storm sewer the Commission, at 614-583-5326.
Avenue/Northwest Bldv, and North Star
enhancements:
Road. Property owners receive notice
• Chester Road - between Wilshire &
Northam
• Guilford Road - between Coventry &
Northwest
of necessary repairs for which they are
responsible unless damage is from the
roots of City-owned trees or utility man-
CityiNSIGHT
BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON
holes. Residents may choose to make
• Northwest Blvd - between Elmwood Production:
repairs directly or as part of the City’s Emma Speight, Community Affairs Director
& Barrington
contract, which can realize cost savings. Phone: 614-583-5045 | espeight@uaoh.net
• Somerford Road - between Zollinger
& Ridgecliff
Full project details - including an
• Vassar Place - between Northam & interactive GIS Story Map can be found
Harlton under the Construction Updates page, at
upperarlingtonoh.gov. As construction City of Upper Arlington
Street Maintenance season gets underway, we also share 3600 Tremont Road
project updates via our Facebook and Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Estimated cost $986,000
Twitter pages. Phone: 614-583-5000
Road resurfacing and spot curb/gutter upperarlingtonoh.gov
repairs are scheduled for sections of the
www.facebook.com/CityofUA
following streets: www.twitter.com/@cityofua
10 CityiNSIGHT MARCH | APRIL 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
NewsBITES
CITY NEWS AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
2021 Pool Operations &
Swim Lessons
PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300
UA Parks & Recreation’s goal is to open
all three outdoor pools this summer. A
Public Meetings decision will be made in April on the
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 614-583-5030 Spring/Summer Activity operating structure and hours, based on
A full list of public meetings can be Guide where things stand with the pandemic -
found on our Events calendar, at PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300 this could entail the use of a reservation/
upperarlingtonoh.gov. Highlights of time block approach similar to last year
upcoming Council agendas are shared or return to the traditional full-day struc-
on Facebook, with meetings live- ture. Either way, it will be possible to pur-
streamed. Follow @CityofUA for updates! chase season passes this year. For timely
updates, make sure you are registered
City e-News to receive the department’s Activity Link
Get timely service news and special e-newsletter or follow the department on
project updates from the City by e-mail: social media.
• City Insight - weekly e-news on City
services, special projects & events 2020 Income Tax Filings
• Activity Link - monthly programming Deadline: Thursday, April 15
updates from Parks & Recreation ritaohio.com/Individuals/Home/File
• Arts Link - monthly art updates In UA, all residents aged 18 years and
• Sentinel - monthly program updates over must file an annual income tax
from the Senior Center return with the City, regardless of
Visit the Connect section of our website, whether any tax is due. The City uses
at upperarlingtonoh.gov, to register. the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA)
The Spring/Summer Activity Guide is for the processing of UA income taxes.
your guide to the events, programs RITA’s MyAccount platform allows
Summer Seasonal Staff
and recreational opportunities offered taxpayers to electronically file their
PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300
by the Parks & Recreation Department. taxes, update their accounts, send and
agency.governmentjobs.com/uaoh/
Watch for your copy of the guide in the receive secure messages, make pay-
UA Parks & Recreation is seeking the
mail in early March, or view the online ments and more, at www.ritaohio.com.
many seasonal employees needed for a
version at parks.uaoh.net. Registration RITA will NOT be offering any in-person
successful summer of youth camps, days
begins March 10. assistance this tax season and they
at the pool, tennis programs & more!
Opportunities exist for teens, college encourage the use of online filing and
students & teachers looking to fill their Summer Day Camp Update payments as much as possible.
summers with rewarding experiences, June 7-August 13 The City’s Finance Department will
plus adults & recent retirees looking PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300 accept information and documents. They
to support their community. Positions After successfully offering a modified can be mailed or placed in the City’s
include: version of summer camp in 2020, UA dropbox in the Kenny Road parking lot
• Pools management, office support, Parks & Recreation is readying its plans of the Municipal Services Center, 3600
lifeguards for this coming summer. With the Tremont Road.
• Summer camp directors & leaders COVID-19 vaccine now being admin-
istered staff anticipates changes to the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
• Parks maintenance www.aarp.org
• Tennis support positions state’s operating guidelines for camps
and other activities. As a result, the The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides
• Rental facility support positions virtual and in-person tax assistance free
department is waiting to finalize camp
details. The best way to stay informed of charge, with a focus on taxpayers
Applications are available at govern- who are over the age of 50 or have
mentjobs.com/careers/uaoh. on this and other programming is to
register for the department’s Activity Link low-to-moderate income. For additional
e-newsletter or watch for updates on details and to use the Tax-Aide locator,
social media. visit aarp.org and type Tax-Aide into the
search bar.upperarlingtonoh.gov MARCH | APRIL 2021 CityiNSIGHT 11
Clothes should be kept damp or wet
Building Permit Reminder Statewide Tornado Drill to prevent the stains from setting. “Rust
DEVELOPMENT 614-583-5070 9:50 am, Wednesday, March 24 removers” or “rust fighters” are carried
If you have plans to remodel part of your www.ready.ohio.gov among cleaning products at grocery and
home, our Community Development As part of Ohio’s Spring Severe Weather hardware stores.
Department can help with an important Awareness Week, Franklin County Visit the Fire Prevention page on our
first step: checking to see if your project Emergency Management and Homeland website to view this year’s schedule and
requires a permit. The permitting and Security will participate in the annual map.
inspection process allows our staff to statewide tornado drill. This is a timely
ensure that new and remodeled build- reminder of how important it is to have Senior Center Update
ings meet State and City minimum an emergency plan–both at home and at PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300
building codes and standards. This not work–and to practice it. UA Parks & Recreation continues to
only ensures that your project is safe but evaluate the feasibility of safely opening
starting a project without a Fire Hydrant Flushing the Senior Center during the pandemic.
permit could result in a “stop work” April 26-May 7 The team has identified some important
order, additional fees and in some cases FIRE DIVISION 614-583-5100 indicators that need to be reached in
a need to remove the work already Fire hydrant flushing will occur week- order to resume onsite services:
completed and start from scratch. days, April 26-May 7. This is part of an • Vaccinations will be an important
Examples of projects that require a annual fire hydrant maintenance pro- part of the safety plan. While the
permit include: gram that keeps hydrants in operable vaccine is available for older adults,
• Constructing a deck condition. it will also be important for Senior
• Finishing or altering a basement Most residents will notice no dif- Center Staff to have the opportunity
• If framing is removed/added to a ference in their water supply, but a few to be vaccinated before reopening.
kitchen/bathroom or the layout is could experience water discoloration • The decision to open the Senior
altered after flushing has taken place. Refrain Center will, in part, be based on
• If non-load-bearing walls and/ from doing laundry on the day hydrants Franklin County’s alert level staying
or soffits are removed, altered or are flushed in your area. Before resum- at or below a Level 2 Public Emer-
added ing laundering, partially fill washers on gency (orange alert).
• Adding a porch or covered entry the cold setting until the water runs clear • It is essential that the facility and
• Building a fence or replacing an Run a sample of water into a transpar- staff are prepared to resume onsite
existing fence ent container to check for settling or services in accordance with all Ohio
• If roof decking, exterior sheeting discoloration. Once the water is clear, Department of Health operational
or framing is replaced, along with the washer can be spun out to drain the guidelines.
shingles or siding tub for a normal laundry load. Turn on The department appreciates your
• If an exterior wall and/or header all faucets and allow water to run until patience, and we hope to be able to
framing is altered during window it appears clear. Some may experience serve you in person soon!
replacement staining of clothes despite these notices.
Change Your Clock,
Change Your Battery®
Sunday, March 14 UA Click2Fix
To kick off Daylight Savings Time, clocks Visit the AppleApp or GooglePlay
“spring forward” at 2 am, Sunday store and search UA Click2Fix to
morning. The Fire Division reminds download our new smartphone
you this is a good time to change the reporting app. Residents can use the
batteries in your home’s smoke alarms. app to submit requests or notify the
To stay safe, replacing batteries in all City of issues such as potholes, street-
smoke alarms should be done at least light outages, damaged street trees,
once a year. In addition, smoke alarms etc. You can also view the construction
should be tested once a month and if an update map and contact staff using
alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, the app’s Directory. Call Public
replace the battery right away. Service at 614-583-5350 if you have
any questions.SchoolsiNSIGHT LI
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MARCH | APRIL 2021
UP
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Strategic Plan Update
Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, where students and staff can thrive. The
Upper Arlington Schools has remained district’s commitment to diversity, equity
focused on the priorities in the 2019-
Whole Learning
This priority area focuses on building on and inclusion is a crucial part of this.
2024 Strategic Plan. Approved by the “We are at the beginning of this
our district’s long-running philosophy
Board of Education in August 2019, journey and our work on all aspects of
the strategic plan identifies a focused of educating the whole child in order to
make it a daily reality. diversity, equity and inclusion,” Imhoff
set of recommendations that support said. “There is still a tremendous amount
the district’s mission - to challenge and With this in mind, Upper Arlington
Schools will be launching a new all-day of work to do to ensure that every
support every student, every step of the
kindergarten program beginning this fall member of our school community
way.
with the Golden Bears Class of 2034. The feels welcomed, valued, supported and
“Everything we do remains rooted
Board of Education has been planning embraced.”
in our strategic plan,” Superintendent
for this for the past few years - with the Part of this work will involve looking
Paul Imhoff, Ed.D. said. “We are proud
of the progress we have made since goal of launching all-day kindergarten closely at the K-12 curriculum. As an
we launched our strategic plan in the as soon as the construction projects at initial step, all five elementary schools
fall of 2019, and we know there is still a the elementary schools are completed in are implementing an expanded third-
significant amount of work to do as we August 2021. grade local history curriculum that spans
strive to provide the highest quality of “The Board of Education strongly 1800 to the present and includes the
education and best experiences possible believes in all-day kindergarten,” Imhoff significant contributions of Pleasant
for each and every one of our students.” said, “and they believe it will better meet Litchford and other individuals to Perry
The 2019-2024 Strategic Plan the needs of our developing learners Township before it became Upper
identifies two strategic priorities - whole so they are able to learn and grow Arlington. The history curriculum update
learning and student and staff well- academically, socially and emotionally.” is the result of the work of a team of local
being - with continuous improvement volunteers, including local authors Diane
serving as the foundational element of Kelly Runyon and Kim Shoemaker Starr,
the plan. The Quality Profile, the district’s
Student and Staff Well-being
whose book, Secrets Under the Parking
Upper Arlington Schools believes
accountability report, provides the Lot, delved into the story of Pleasant
community with an annual update on our well-being is critical to fostering a safe
progress. and inclusive learning environment CONTINUES ON PAGE 13www.uaschools.org MARCH | APRIL 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 13
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATES
Paul Imhoff, Ed.D.
All-in Learning is Our Goal this Spring
in place. We also have approximately frequent handwashing. One thing that
800 students learning in our UA Online will have to change is physical distancing
Academy, our entirely digital learning - which will be significantly reduced in an
option for this school year. all-in model. Our team has advised that it
It’s hard to believe that we are coming As we’ve been saying all year, the is extremely important that we maintain
to the end of winter and heading into Board of Education is committed to an increased level of physical distancing
spring! having students back in school, five during lunch.
As the month of February comes days a week, as soon as it’s safe to do As you know, the situation with
to a close, I want to acknowledge Black so. The experts on our district’s Medical COVID-19 is constantly changing.
History Month and our celebration of Advisory Team have suggested that a We will be sharing updates about
the significant contributions of Black return to all-in is a possibility this spring our progress toward this goal on our
Americans to our country. In Upper - and they do believe there is reason to website, www.uaschools.org.
Arlington Schools, we are committed to be hopeful that there will be a significant We continue to be grateful for the
keeping our focus on diversity, equity decline in cases yet this spring. flexibility and support that our families
and inclusion at the forefront of all we Beginning at the end of January, have shown amid all the challenges and
do both now and in the future. You can we began sharing with families the changes this school year. We remain
read more about this commitment in the possibility of welcoming our school- steadfast in our commitment to provide
Strategic Plan update in this issue. based pathway students for all-in the best experiences possible for our
Today, I want to share an update learning in March. That is the Board students throughout this pandemic.
about our schools and the situation with of Education’s goal — and I want to
COVID-19. There has been much to be emphasize that. Our medical advisors Paul Imhoff, Ed.D. is superintendent of
hopeful about in 2021. do feel it is realistic to work toward Upper Arlington Schools. You can follow
We were excited to welcome our making this happen safely if we see him on Twitter @imhoffpaul.
school-based students back to school in improvement on a variety of illness
an enhanced hybrid learning model in factors.
January after winter break. This learning A transition to all-in learning won’t
model provides for more teacher-guided be a return to “normal” in our schools.
learning and support for our students Students and staff will continue to follow
each week while also maintaining the health and safety precautions during the
health and safety precautions we’ve had school day - such as wearing masks and
Litchford and the Litchford family Amid the pandemic and economic forward, we will continue to seek out
cemetery site adjacent to the current crisis in the summer of 2020, the Board efficiencies that preserve the overall
Upper Arlington High School building. of Education called on the district to student experience while also
The district is also continuing to creatively seek out cost savings and responsibly planning for growing
work with descendants of Pleasant dip into the budget reserve. So far, the enrollment in the coming years.”
Litchford and other community district has achieved approximately To view our Quality Profile and learn
volunteers to determine the next steps $4.6 million in cost savings, primarily more about our strategic priorities, visit
for honoring the history of the Litchford through a three-year hiring freeze on www.uaschools.org/qualityprofile.aspx.
family cemetery site. new positions, with the exception of all-
day kindergarten and the new executive
Continuous Improvement director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The foundational element of the strategic “We are committed to being a
plan is continuous improvement - and responsible steward of our residents’
this applies to every facet of the district, investment in our schools,” Treasurer/
from teaching and learning to finances. CFO Andrew Geistfeld said. “Going14 SchoolsiNSIGHT MARCH | APRIL 2021 www.uaschools.org
New UAHS, Elementary Projects on Schedule, on Budget
- With Big Milestones Ahead
As construction continues on schedule
School
The new Upper Arlington High School
and on budget in the first phase of the
facilities master plan, Upper Arlington
Schools will be marking significant mile-
stones in the coming months in prepara-
tion for the completion of the final three
projects.
The new Upper Arlington High
School, the new Windermere Elemen-
tary School and the renovation project
at Barrington Elementary School are on
schedule to open to students for the
start of the 2021-2022 school year in
August. Last August, the new addition
at Barrington, the new Greensview and
Wickliffe, and the addition/renovation
project at Tremont opened to students.
After the current school year comes
to an end on May 27, the district will be
moving quickly to begin demolition of
the old Wickliffe Progressive Elementary
School building and decommission the
existing Upper Arlington High School and walk with us through these halls in was filmed in the spring of 2020, before
building, which has been in operation the safest way possible.” it became the temporary home of Wind-
since 1956. This spring, the district will be ermere students and staff for this school
“Generations and generations sharing a virtual tour of the existing year. The Wickliffe tour and virtual tours
of Upper Arlington graduates have UAHS building before demolition work of the old Greensview and Windermere
passed through the halls of the current on the current high school building is are available on the district website.
high school, and it’s so important that expected to begin in early June. The “Although we aren’t able to host
we honor the history of this building,” virtual tour will be available at big open houses right now, we still look
Superintendent Paul Imhoff, Ed.D. said. www.uaschools.org/facilities. forward to bringing in our entire com-
“We want to provide everyone in the A virtual tour of the old Wickliffe munity to see the amazing new learning
community an opportunity to look back spaces inside our elementary schools
and the new high school,” Imhoff said.
This summer, additional
The new Windermere Elementary School archaeological work on the high school
site will also be done to continue the
district’s research of the Pleasant
Litchford family cemetery site adjacent
to the existing school building. The dis-
trict is also continuing to work with
descendants of Pleasant Litchford and
community volunteers to determine the
next steps for honoring the history of the
cemetery site.
In the 1800s, Mr. Litchford was a
master blacksmith who had been en-
slaved in Virginia. After buying his own
freedom and settling in the area that iswww.uaschools.org MARCH | APRIL 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 15
now Upper Arlington, he built a success-
ful business and purchased the land that
is now home to the high school as well
as Northam Park and Tremont Elementa-
ry School. Among Mr. Litchford’s many
contributions to the area were estab-
lishing a school for African-American
children and being a founding member
of the historic Second Baptist Church,
which provided an important voice in the
anti-slavery movement.
In late August last year, an
archaeological team found one fully
intact grave with a complete set of
remains, along with two partially ex-
humed graves and three fully exhumed
graves. The upcoming archaeological
work will look at new areas beneath and
adjacent to the existing building. The renovation project at Barrington Elementary School
During the 2021-2022 school year,
work will continue on the UAHS site
as crews continue to develop the site,
UPPER ARLINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION construct new athletic fields and possibly
create a formal memorial near the site
2021 Upper Arlington of the Litchford family cemetery. This
Board of Education summer, work will also continue on the
From Left: Lori Trent, Jenny Wickliffe site to develop an additional
McKenna, President Scott playground and outdoor learning space
McKenzie, Vice President Carol for students to enjoy along with the
Mohr and Nancy Drees existing “castle” playground.
For more photos and information
At the January 12, 2021, about the Upper Arlington Schools
organizational meeting, the facilities master plan, please visit
Board of Education selected www.uaschools.org/facilities.
Scott McKenzie as president
and Carol Mohr as vice
president for 2021. McKenzie,
who served as vice president
for 2020, succeeds Nancy
Drees as president. SchoolsiNSIGHT
Thanks to a partnership with the City of Upper Arlington, Board of Ed- BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS
ucation meetings take place in the Council Chamber of the City’s Municipal Ser-
Production: N G TO N
vices Center, 3600 Tremont Road. In general, the meetings begin at 6 pm on the Karen Truett
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second Tuesday of each month. Some exceptions apply, and last-minute schedul- Director of Communications
HOOL S
ing changes are possible. In the event that the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates Phone: 614-487-5027
UP
ktruett@uaschools.org 1918
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the Board of Education conducting a regular meeting via video-conferencing, a
.
live feed of the regular meeting will be available on the Upper Arlington Schools Upper Arlington Schools
YouTube account. Please refer to www.uaschools.org for the most up-to-date 1950 North Mallway Drive
information. Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-487-5000 | www.uaschools.org
Board of Education Meetings:
• Tuesday, March 9, 6 pm — virtual or to be determined www.facebook.com/upperarlingtonschools
www.twitter.com/UA_Schools
• Tuesday, April 13, 6 pm — virtual or to be determined www.twitter.com/imhoffpaul
• Tuesday, May 11, 6 pm — virtual or to be determined16 SchoolsiNSIGHT MARCH | APRIL 2021 www.uaschools.org
BITES From the Apple
SCHOOLS NEWS AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
UAHS graduates invited to claim
their photo prints
The Upper Arlington Alumni Association
is helping Upper Arlington High School
reconnect with the winners of the annual
photo contest with their original artwork.
The photo contest has been
celebrating budding photographers
at the high school since 2000. If you,
your graduate, or someone you know
was a proud winner and has a photo
hanging in the hallways of the current
high school building, please complete
an online form - available under District
News at www.uaschools.org - to make
arrangements to pick up your photo
from the school. If you have questions,
please contact Scott Wittenburg at
swittenburg@uaschools.org. that outlines the components of dyslexia This is consistent with the programs
While the photo prints will not be screening of students and dyslexia and interventions put in place under the
moved to the new building, they have training for teachers. leadership of Dr. Kevin Gorman over the
been digitized to preserve the history of Signed into law on January 9 by past several years in the Upper Arlington
this contest. The UAHS Art Department Governor Mike DeWine, House Bill 436 Schools Student Services department.
hopes to return as many photos as was developed by the International
possible to their original photographers. Dyslexia Association (IDA) of Central Tremont Teacher in the Running
Don’t miss this opportunity to claim your Ohio and the IDA Northern Ohio
artwork!
for National Award
chapter. Assisting in the process were
representatives, including Rowson,
UA Schools Teacher Informed from several school districts that have
New Dyslexia Law addressed the needs of students with
A team of educators - including Upper dyslexia.
Arlington Schools instructional leader Mike McGovern, president of IDA
Andrea Rowson - helped craft a new law Central Ohio, praised Rowson for always
finding time to work with him through
the two-year legislative process.
Under the new law, dyslexia
screenings will be initially required for
all students in kindergarten through
grade 3 for the 2022-2023 school year.
Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year,
and every year thereafter, students will
be screened only once between their
Paula Eschbach, a fifth-grade teacher at
kindergarten and first grade year. The
Tremont Elementary School, is one of
new law also requires that any student
four finalists from the state of Ohio for
who shows the markers of dyslexia
the Presidential Awards in Mathematics
based on the screening results be
and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
monitored for progress by the school.
These are the highest honors that theYou can also read
