Communicator

Summer 2011 Issue
Communicator
The Official Newsletter of the City of Xenia
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Improvements in Progress!
Multiple projects are underway
throughout the City of Xenia that will
improve the quality of streets, parks,
and downtown. This issue includes
an update of the status of these much
needed capital improvement projects
that will enhance the desirability of our
community. These projects utilize grant
dollars as well as capital improvement
funding from the 0.5% income tax
increase approved by voters in 2010.
Cost comparison of
area government
services...see
FINANCE
page
2
Salute to Xenia’s
Volunteers and
Sponsors...see
COMMUNITY
page
3
Honoring Xenia’s Police
& Firefighters...see
SAFETY
pages
4-5
Wayfinding & Gateway
Signs welcome & guide
downtown visitors...see
Shawnee Park Pavilion
Many Xenians would agree that the Shawnee Park Pavilion
is one of the most recognized Xenia landmarks. City staff
promised that the restoration of the Pavilion and adjacent
sidewalk would become a priority with the passage of the
November 2010 income tax increase. We are pleased to
announce that this project is now in the works.
• Replace the Pavilion slab and sub-base material to provide
a more stable foundation.
• Install steel sheet piling under the pond sidewalk to prevent
further erosion.
A May 2011 structural assessment recommended the
following actions:
• Replace the light poles that encircle the pond with the taller
Sternberg fixture that has become the City’s adopted light
standard.
• Underpin the Pavilion foundation into the bedrock.
Construction is expected begin by October 2011.
2011 Street Rehabilitation:
More Streets to be Included!
IMPROVEMENTS
page
6
A Star is Re-Born
as X*ACT gets new
mural, face-lift...see
DEVELOPMENT
page
7
Towne Square Farmers’
Market, Greene County
Fair, Music in the Park,
Xenia Community
Festival - you won’t
miss a thing with
“Upcoming Events”
on back page.
City staff are pleased to be able to start addressing the dilapidated
street conditions throughout Xenia. This year we will target streets that
require “milling and filling,” the process of scraping off and replacing two
inches of asphalt. We will continue to investigate longer-term financing
options that allow more street rehabilitation in the future.
After reviewing three competitive bids, Xenia has contracted with John
R. Jurgensen Co. of Springfield to complete the 2011 Street Program.
Jurgenson’s not-to-exceed cost of $417,509.80 was significantly lower
than we anticipated, so we have increased the number of streets to be
included in the program.
On the right is an updated list of the streets previously planned for the
2011 program as well as the new additions to the list. Construction will
last through July 2011.
2011 Street Rehabilitation Program
Arkansas Dr.
Berkshire Dr.
Dundee Dr.
Illinois Dr.
Indiana Dr.
Iowa Dr.
Kansas Dr.
New York Dr.
Oklahoma Dr.
Pembury Dr.
Whitt St.
Orchard St.
Park St.
Radar St.
Edison Blvd.
Sutton Dr.
Ormsby Dr.
Tennessee Dr. to Minnesota Dr.
Bellbrook Ave. to Cornwall Dr.
Cornwall Dr. to Pembury Dr.
Mississippi Dr. to Tennessee Dr.
Wyoming Dr. to Montana Dr.
Montana Dr. to Colorado Dr.
Wyoming Dr. to Oklahoma Dr.
Massachusetts Dr. to Tennessee Dr.
Colorado Dr. to Montana Dr.
Dundee Dr. to Cornwall Dr.
Atkinson Dr. to Roxbury Dr.
E. Church St. to Radar St.
E. Church St. to Radar St.
N. Columbus Ave. to Park St.
E. Church St. to Weaver St.
E. Ankeney Mill Rd. to Edison Blvd.
Home Ave. to Pocahontas Ave.
Additional Streets to be Completed
Arizona Ct.
Atkinson Dr.
Crase Dr.
Mumford Ct.
Oregon Dr.
Owen Ct.
Oxward Ct.
Texas Dr.
Utah Ct.
Vermont Dr.
Westbury Ct.
in its entirety
Colorado Dr. to Texas Dr.
Commonwealth Dr. to Atkinson Dr.
in its entirety
Wyoming Dr. to Oklahoma Dr.
in its entirety
in its entirety
Nebraska Dr. to Atkinson Dr.
in its entirety
Colorado Dr. to Montana Dr.
in its entirety
City/
Village
Rank
Population
1
2
3
4
5
Trotwood
Oakwood
Kettering
Centerville
W. Carrollton
20
21
22
23
24
Brookville
5,884
Xenia
25,719
Bellbrook
6,943
Beavercreek 45,193
Fairborn
32,352
Rank
City/
Village
Real
Estate
Taxes
City
Income
Taxes
School
District
Income
Taxes
24,431 $2,663.76 $900.00
9,202
2,618.74 1,000.00
56,163
2,321.37
900.00
23,999
2,329.03
700.00
13,143 2,244.50
800.00
Population
1
2
3
4
5
Trotwood
Oakwood
Kettering
Miamisburg
Centerville
20
21
22
23
24
Brookville
5,884
Xenia
25,719
Bellbrook
6,943
Fairborn
32,352
Beavercreek 45,193
2,001.04
1,543.79
2,160.52
2,038.26
1,502.53
Real
Estate
Taxes
$0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total
Costs
$977.36 $4,541.12
766.72 4,385.46
916.40 4,137.77
916.40 3,945.43
878.40 3,922.90
700.00
0.00
720.20
900.00 176.00 739.20
0.00
0.00 1,079.12
0.00
0.00 1,146.48
600.00 176.00
873.60
3,421.24
3,358.99
3,239.64
3,184.74
3,152.13
School
District
Income
Taxes
Total
Costs
City
Income
Taxes
24,431 $3,859.71 $1,304.08
9,202 3,794.48 1,448.98
56,163 3,363.61 1,304.08
20,181 3,361.83 1,304.08
23,999 3,374.70 1,014.28
2,899.44
2,236.90
3,130.54
2,177.13
2,953.38
Annual
Water &
Sewer
Charges
$0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Annual
Water &
Sewer
Charges
$977.36 $6,141.15
766.72 6,010.18
916.40 5,584.09
696.16 5,362.07
916.40 5,305.38
1,014.28
0.00 720.20
1,304.08 265.80 739.20
0.00
0.00 1,079.12
869.39 265.80
873.60
0.00
0.00 1,146.48
4,633.92
4,545.98
4,209.66
4,185.92
4,099.86
Cost of Xenia Government
Services Among Lowest in Area
Xenia services represent excellent value for your tax dollars
In a survey of local jurisdictions in Greene
and Montgomery Counties, the City of Xenia
ranks 21st out of 24 communities in overall
cost burden to its citizens for 2011. The
survey accounts for property taxes, income
taxes, and water and sewer rates. The
survey is based on a $100,000 home value
with a median household income of $40,000
(see top chart at left). In a similar survey
using a $144,896 home value with a median
household income of $57,959, Xenia still
ranks 21st out of 24 communities (see
bottom chart at left).
City Manager Jim Percival stated “We strive
to provide high quality affordable services to
the community. The survey results illustrate
our continued pursuit of this goal. We
want to get the word out to residents and
businesses that Xenia is a great place to live,
work, and play!”
The charts at the left are condensed
versions of the survey results. To review the
complete spreadsheets, visit our website at
www.ci.xenia.oh.us.
Xenia Staff Volunteers Team with
Non-Profits to Support First Fridays
COMMUNITY
The City of Xenia continues to be a strong
supporter of the First Friday events held by
the Xenia Area Merchants Association and the
Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee.
Update
by
Joshua Long
Planning for the Xenia Community Festival
(formerly Old Fashioned Days) is well underway.
We have received overwhelming positive
responses concerning the event returning to
downtown Xenia. In addition to traditional festival
foods, local vendors and entertainers, this year’s
event will welcome back the parade on Saturday
morning, showcasing our community’s groups
and organizations. The parade will begin on N.
Detroit Street near Shawnee Park, turn west on
Main Street, and disband in the Kmart parking lot.
The festival committee continues to seek
sponsors, vendors, parade entries, and
volunteers. You can learn more by visiting our
new website at www.xeniacommunityfestival.
com or calling the Xenia Area Chamber of
Commerce at 372‑3591 (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.,
Mon.- Fri.).
The Board of Directors of the Xenia Community
Festival would like to thank the City of Xenia, our
residents, and businesses for the support we
have received thus far!
Xenia Community Festival
September 16, 2011 (4pm-9pm) &
September 17, 2011 (10am-9pm)
Parade will start at 9am
2
The City sets up a booth on E. Main Street at
First Friday events, staffed by City volunteers
who dispense free information, hot dogs
and balloons. You’ll see interesting displays
and a presentation by The Xenia Downtown
Revitalization Committee. You can also take
a downtown tour sponsored by the Greene
County Historical Society.
Also, the City teams with area non-profits to
support the event and raise funds for local
charities. Recent funds have helped support
area homeless shelters and food pantries.
In addition to the City’s support, the Fraternal
Order of Eagles in Xenia donated $750 through
Greene Giving to the Xenia Area Merchants
Association to help market this year’s First
Fridays events.
Elizabeth Svendsen, owner of Blue
Jacket Books, accepts donation from
Fraternal Order of Eagles.
The 2011 events are scheduled for the first
Friday of each month through October, so be
sure to come to Downtown Xenia and enjoy the
activities at First Fridays!
For more information visit www.visitxenia.com,
click on the First Fridays link in the right hand
column.
City of Xenia Beautification Awards
Beautification Awards are created to
encourage Xenia residents and business
owners to develop and maintain their
properties in an attractive manner,
thereby improving the quality of life in our
community. The Board for Recreation,
Arts & Cultural Activities (BRACA) issues
Beautification Awards in June, July,
August, September, and October. Those
selected home or business owners will receive
recognition in the form of an announcement
on the City’s Government Channel, a press
release, and/or the receipt of a certificate from
the Chair of BRACA and the Mayor of Xenia.
Guidelines for Beautification Awards can
be viewed online at www.ci.xenia.oh.us and
search “Beautification Awards”.
Xenia Vivid History. Vibrant Future.
COMMUNITY
Xenia Towne Square
Farmers’ Market
SUMMER 2011
We appreciate all
Volunteers, Sponsors those
who give of
their time, abilities, and
Get the Job Done! resources to make Xenia
a better
place to live!
New Name – New Location
New Partners!
After several meetings between the
City of Xenia, the Ohio State Extension
Office, the Greene County Farmers’
Market Association (GCFMA) and Master
Gardeners’ volunteers, the City of Xenia
is announcing The Xenia Towne Square
Farmers’ Market, which will be run by
GCFMA every TUESDAY from 2:00‑6:00
p.m. at Xenia Towne Square in front of
Kmart starting in June.
Dwindling participation at the Citysponsored Farmers’ Market held at Xenia
Station led to the City pursuing new
approaches. City Council President,
Jeanne Mills, said “We found that the
City shares the same mission as GCFMA
– which is to give Xenia residents the
freshest, best produce while assisting
local growers here in Greene County.”
Kmart was approached by GCFMA, and
they offered up the west end of their lot
for the effort. “We look forward to working
with the City of Xenia and GCFMA to bring
a Farmers’ Market to the heart of Xenia,
said Dan Cusick, Store Manager of the
Xenia Kmart. “Efforts that bring customers
downtown are good for all of us.”
City Manager Jim Percival stated,
“The City strongly supports downtown
revitalization and supports the Farmers’
Market. This location at Towne Square
is highly visible and will draw customers
to not only the farmers’ booths, but to
downtown businesses.”
For more information about the Xenia
Towne Square Farmers’ Market, go to
www.ci.xenia.oh.us and search “Farmers
Market.”
Left: Clean Xenia
Week/Volunteer
Day
Below: Arbor Day
tree planting
Above: Egg Hunt
at Shawnee Park
Right: Annual
Youth Fishing
Derby
Bloom with Xenia ... Adopt-a-Spot
Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt
Xenia’s Board for Recreation, Arts, and
Cultural Activities (BRACA), Greene County
Master Gardeners (GCMG) and the Xenia
Area Merchants Association sincerely thank
all the volunteers who have made this year’s
“Bloom with Xenia ... Adopt a Spot” program a
huge success. In this time of budget cuts and
reduced staffing at the City, the efforts of these
volunteers have picked up the slack and made
our downtown beautiful again! If you would like
to join the 2012 Adopt-a-Spot program, call
GCMG Carol Atzbach at 374-1202.
On Saturday, April 23rd, 39 sponsors and many
volunteers teamed with the Xenia Area Association
of Churches and Ministries and BRACA to host
the Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt. Over 2,000
attendees filled Shawnee Park for the egg hunt
event, while the breakfast was held at the Xenia
Adult Recreation and Services Center.
Clean Xenia Week/Volunteer Day
The second week of May was Clean Xenia
Week, concluding with Volunteer Days on May 14
and 15. Over 90 volunteers helped to ready the
Downtown and neighborhood parks for summer.
Volunteers from AHOP and Xenia Nazarene
spruced up Shawnee Park and Xenia Station,
while others (including members of United AME
Church, City staff and Councilmembers Smith
and Mills) prepared downtown flower beds and
pots for “Bloom with Xenia”.
Xenia Banner Program Complete!
BRACA’s Street Pole Banner Sponsorship
Program is now complete, consisting of 65
beautiful blue banners sponsored by local
individuals, families, organizations and groups.
Studio B Signs of Xenia designed the banners to
showcase Xenia’s historic architecture and our
elaborate network of bike trails.
Annual Youth Fishing Derby
Once again, volunteers and sponsors made
it possible for over 130 young people to enjoy
fishing at Shawnee Park. The derby, a catchand-release event, was held on June 4. F&S
Bait provided bait and trophies were awarded. A
great time was had by all!
Arbor Day Celebration
Music in the Park
The City of Xenia celebrated Arbor Day 2011
with the planting of five trees at Franklin Park,
sponsored by BRACA’s Tree Committee. Cub
Scout Pack 65 presented the colors, and
Councilman Michael Engle read Mayor Bayless’
proclamation to ‘urge all citizens to plant trees
to promote the well-being of this and future
generations.” For more info about BRACA’s Tree
Committee, call Xenia City Hall at 376-7232.
The sound of music can once again be heard
coming from Shawnee Park this summer thanks
to Nationwide Biweekly Administration, the
second year sole sponsor. Free concerts will be
held on the first Sunday of each month through
September starting at 6:30 p.m. Future concerts
are listed under “Upcoming Events” on the last
page of this newsletter. Bring your lawn chairs
and enjoy the show!
the Xenia Communicator
3
Communicator
Honoring “Xenia’s Finest” in the Xenia Police Division
Comm. Op.
Marian
Bankhead
Officer Fred
Barker
Officer Scott
Beegle
Detective
Holly Clay
The Xenia Police Division’s 20th Annual Awards Ceremony was held
on Wednesday evening, May 11, 2011, at the Greene County F.O.P.
Lodge. Among those honored and receiving the department’s highest
honor is 18-year veteran Sergeant Steve Lane. He received the Casey
Elliott Memorial “City’s Finest” Award, which is given each year in
recognition of an outstanding accomplishment in police work, bravery
in the line of duty, or a humanitarian deed.
Leadership Awards were presented to Officer Fred Barker and
Detective Holly Clay for displaying continued leadership within the
organization throughout the year. Meritorious Service Awards were
presented to Sergeant Steve Lane, Officer Anthony Vitale, Officer Fred
Barker and Communications Operator Marian Bankhead for acts that
resulted in the attempt to save a life and was above and beyond the call
of duty. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Officer
Scott Beegle for an act that resulted in a significant risk to his life.
The Communications Operator of the Year Award was presented
to Vicki Coy for her dedication and support of the Xenia/Greene
Communications Center.
The Neighborhood Beautification Award went to Officer Gerald
Merriman for being the most active in junk vehicle violations. The
Silver Shield Commendation was presented to Officer Anthony
Vitale for the highest level of overall patrol operations within the patrol
section.
The Outstanding Support Service Award was presented to Sandra
Saunders, Secretary to the Chief, for her professionalism, self-initiative
and work ethic throughout the year.
Nine Xenia police officers were recognized for meeting the 2010 fitness
challenge.
This was a very busy year for the Police Division and 118
Commendations were presented to the following Officers and
Communications Operators: Captain Scott Anger, Sergeant B. Todd
LeMaster, Sergeant Steve Lane, Sergeant Pete Wiza, Sergeant Alonzo
Wilson, Sergeant Chris Stutes, Sergeant Kathee Forrest, Detective
Darrin Barlow, Detective Holly Clay, Detective Fred Meadows,
Detective Jeff Osburn, Detective Stephen Shaw, Officer Fred Barker,
Officer Scott Sams, Officer Tim Roop, Officer Matt Foubert, Officer
Dean Margioras, Officer Robert Kelley, Officer Marc Margioras, Officer
Ellyn Board, Officer Harold Matheson, Officer Pat Walsh, Officer
Scott Beegle, Officer Lon Etchison, Officer Robert Stouffer, Officer
4
Comm. Op.
Vicki Coy
Sergeant
Steve Lane
Sandra
Saunders
Officer
Anthony Vitale
Philip Pierson, Officer Matt Miller, Officer Rebecca Greene, Officer
Matt Cvitkovich, Officer Paul Stott, Officer Charles Sanso, Officer
Doug Sparks, Officer Anthony Vitale, Officer David Wilson, Officer
Terry Zoerb, Officer Brian Blackaby, Officer Jeff Moore, Officer Jeff
Tittle, Officer Jacalyn Masur, Communications Operator Christina
Beegle, Communications Operator Dawn Ellis, Communications
Operator Susan Shank, Communications Operator Jessica Gibbs and
Communications Operator Kimberly Parker. Appreciation certificates
were given to Volunteers Bob Craig, Mary Plsek, Sue Grooms and
David Davis.
Community Service Awards were presented to citizens Scott and
Connie Carr, Marsha McKinney, Kyle Davidson, Pastor Wesley Miller
and WalMart Stores.
Thanks to all who attended and a special thank you to F.O.P. Lodge
#37 which helped make this event enjoyable.
Preventing Teen Suicide,
Saving Infant’s Life - All in a
Day’s Work for Xenia 9-1-1
Communications Operators
Communications Operator Marian Bankhead was recognized and
received a Gold Star certificate during Ohio Chapter’s APCO/NENA Gold
Star luncheon. Marian’s name was submitted by her supervisor, June
Johnson, for her actions during a call last July from a teenage girl threatening
suicide. With care and compassion, Marian remained on the phone calming
the caller and keeping her talking until officers could reach her.
Communications Operator Connie Miller received a commendation
from her supervisor, June Johnson, for her actions during a recent call.
County units were dispatched to a report of a naked female wandering
and incoherent. During the investigation of the call, it was determined the
female had abandoned her vehicle somewhere with her newborn infant
in the vehicle. Calmly, Miller made numerous phone calls to locate family
members and identify the woman’s vehicle. From this information, Officer
Fred Barker located the vehicle and found the infant safe inside. Connie is
to be commended for her determination in locating the infant.
Xenia Vivid History. Vibrant Future.
SUMMER 2011
City Conducts Police & Fire
Civil Service Testing
Firefighter Test: Charged Hose Drag
Firefighter Test:
Aerial Ladder
Climb
Police Test: Equipment Carry
Police
Test:
Vehicle
Push
Recently the City of Xenia conducted their entry level Civil Service
written exam and physical ability testing for Firefighter/Paramedics
and Police Officers. This process is approved by the Civil Service
Commission and conducted annually to establish an eligibility list of top
applicants interested in serving the Xenia community.
frequent and
critical job tasks every day. The written exam
and physical ability test are essential to the
overall recruitment process. As one applicant stated,
“This is the toughest thing I’ve experienced in 25 years.”
The process begins with a written examination. Seventy-eight
candidates applied to take the Firefighter/Paramedic written test, and
36 candidates applied to take the Police Officer written test. Once the
examinations are scored, the top 25 candidates for each are invited
to participate in an intense physical ability test, which took place in
early April. Higher ranking officers, as well as both the Police and Fire
Chiefs, participated in each respective testing process.
Firefighter/Paramedics and Police Officers work in extreme
circumstances and elements while performing functions that can affect
personal and public safety. This is why City of Xenia staff work hard to
find the best applicants for the positions.
Firefighters have intense physical demands placed on them as part
of their jobs, and Police Officers must be physically able to perform
At the end of the testing period, the Xenia Civil Service Commission
certified the eligibility lists for both Firefighter/Paramedics and Police
Officers. The lists are effective for one year and will be used to fill any
positions in either area. There is currently one vacancy in the Police
Division due to a resignation.
SAFER Grant Firefighters/
Paramedics Sworn In
Three new Firefighter/Paramedics were sworn in during Xenia City
Council’s Regular Session on May 12. The new employees have been
hired from the most recent certified eligibility list approved by the Civil
Service Commission using a federally funded SAFER (Staffing for
Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant. The award totals
$550,233 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) grant program in cooperation
with the U.S. Fire Administration. This grant will be used to improve
Xenia’s ability to respond to fire, fire-related hazards, and EMS calls.
The City of Xenia’s new Firefighters/Paramedics are,
left to right: Nicholas Fathergill, Daniel Smith, and
Joshua Rothenberger.
The SAFER grant will fund 100% of the salaries and benefits for the
three new Firefighter/Paramedics for a period of two years. All three
are nationally certified EMT-Ps (Paramedics) and State of Ohio Level II
Firefighters.
the Xenia Communicator
5
Communicator
Water:
Spring Hill Park
Don’t
Take It for
Granted!
Water plays a key role in your health and
quality of life. With a finite amount available
for our use, it is vital that much care and
consideration is taken for its protection
and sustainability. As the summer season
approaches, take heed of the following water
facts and conservation methods.
Did You Know?
• There is about the same amount of water on
Earth now as there was millions of years ago.
• Nearly 97 percent of the entire world’s water
is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2
percent is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That
leaves 1 percent for all our needs.
• Water regulates the Earth’s temperature.
It also helps regulate the temperature of the
human body!
• The average total home water use for each
person in the U.S. is about 100 gallons a day.
• More water is used in the bathroom than any
other place in the home.
• A dripping faucet can waste up to 2,000
gallons of water a year.
You Can Help Conserve Our Water
Resources
• Turn off the tap in your bathroom while you
brush your teeth.
• Take shorter showers. (Get a timer and time
yourself.)
• Don’t let the water run constantly while you’re
washing or rinsing dishes.
• Fill a pitcher with tap water and put it in the
fridge, rather than running the tap every time
you want a cold drink!
• Clean sidewalks and driveways with a broom-not the water hose!
• Water your lawn in the early morning to avoid
evaporation.
• Repair dripping faucets.
• Place a layer of mulch around trees and
plants to retain water.
More information about the City’s Water
System can be found at: http://www.ci.xenia.
oh.us/city-services/city-departments/publicservice/water-treatment.html.
6
In addition to Spring Hill Park’s new fitness
and play equipment, basketball court and
walking paths, residents will soon be greeted
by a beautiful new park sign and enjoy an
outdoor shelter with benches and picnic tables
at this neighborhood park.
The City is in the process of selecting a
manufacturer for the shelter as phase three of
improvements continues at Spring Hill Park,
located at Ormsby Drive and Lake Street. The
park sign was designed by Studio Graphique
as a part of the City’s Downtown Wayfinding
Signage efforts. We anticipate that this
prototype design will eventually be installed
at all City park locations. The new signs
include icons indicating what special activities
are available at the park and will bring strong
recognition and beauty to Xenia’s parks.
The City has steadily worked towards
implementing improvements in accordance
with the master plan. The first phase,
completed in 2008, included new play
equipment and a basketball court. The
second phase, completed in 2010, added a
pedestrian walking path with fitness stations
and connector paths. Phases two and three
have been funded with a federal Community
Development Block Grant.
Filling Your Pool?
The City of Xenia Utility Billing Division Rules
and Regulations allow an adjustment on sewer
charges (only) for the filling of a swimming pool.
You may request a pool adjustment after
you receive the bill that contains the extra
consumption by completing the form available
on the City website: www.ci.xenia.oh.us,
search “fill pool” > click on Forms > click on
Request for Adjustment Due to Filling a Pool.
Submit the completed form to the Utility Billing
Division via email ([email protected]), fax
(937-376-8914), mail (101 N. Detroit St., Xenia,
OH 45385) or in person.
Wayfinding and
Gateway Signage
New wayfinding
and gateway
signage will soon
be welcoming and
orienting visitors to
the downtown area.
After much discussion and planning, the City
has hired Studio Graphique, an expert in
municipal signage, to bring Phase One of the
2010 Gateway and Wayfinding Signage Plan
into reality.
Special emphasis will be placed on
signage designed to get people to stop
and experience Xenia’s businesses and
public spaces. The signage will help create
a positive experience for visitors and will
provide them with information about things
to do in the area encouraging them to extend
their stay or plan a second visit. In addition
to guiding people from parking areas to
choice locations, walkers and cyclists will
be assisted with eye-level kiosks and maps
directing them to downtown destinations.
This phase one project is funded from the
City of Xenia’s FY 2009 Downtown Tier Two
grant and with CDBG Program Income for
the Downtown and will be completed in the
fall of 2011. For more information, read about
Xenia’s wayfinding signage progress at www.
ci.xenia.oh.us and search for “wayfinding.”
Second Street
Sidewalks and Curbs
A number of small businesses and services
have sprung up along Second Street, which
is now becoming more heavily travelled.
Business owners in the downtown area of
Second Street have elected to seek façade
loans through the Xenia Downtown Façade
Loan Program, and the City has recently
made improvements to the Municipal Parking
Lots along Second Street.
With increased attention and investment
by both private owners and the public, it
seemed the right time to repair sidewalks and
crumbling curbs as a part of the Downtown
Tier Two Comprehensive Downtown
Revitalization Program. The City went out
to bid for this curb and sidewalk project over
the summer. Expect to see Second Street
improvements shortly.
Xenia Vivid History. Vibrant Future.
SUMMER 2011
Communicator
A Star is Re-born!
A little paint, a new sign and awning,
and a beautiful mural at X*ACT celebrate
Xenia’s vivid past and vibrant future!
If you stroll downtown to 45 E. Second Street you might see Artist Keith Hasenbalg
painting a colorful new mural on the west wall of X*ACT, the Xenia Area Community
Theater. The Star Theater, a 20th century historical Xenia theatre, is the inspiration
for this mural that strives to honor Xenia’s history while embracing its future.
X*ACT is taking part in the Xenia Downtown Façade Loan Program and installing a
new sign, awning, and refurbished doors through the program. X*ACT was delighted
to host this mural and share the efforts of the Xenia Mural Society to establish and
increase visibility for the arts, Xenia’s history, and for their theater building.
Mr. Hasenbalg was selected by members of the Xenia Area Community Theater, the
Xenia Mural Society, and the Development Review Committee of the City of Xenia.
Mr. Hasenbalg has considerable experience throughout Ohio painting murals for local
Chambers of Commerce and downtown organizations.
The Xenia Mural Society, a component of the Greene County Community Foundation
and a recipient of a 2008 Ohio Arts Council facilitation grant, was the brain-child of
former Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce Director, Barbara Zajbel, who understood
the importance of the visual arts as an economic and cultural driver of communities.
Enjoy your stroll and celebrate Xenia’s vivid past and vibrant future!
This mural will grace the west wall of the Xenia Area
Community Theater (X*ACT), 45 E. Second Street.
New/Expanded Businesses
(Based on zoning permits issued in March, April, May and June)
City Applies for Clean Ohio Funds
The City of Xenia has applied for grants under the State of Ohio
Clean Ohio programs to help clean up and assess brownfield sites in
the City of Xenia. A brownfield is any site that has an environmental
condition that could hamper its further development, such as asbestos
contamination or underground storage tanks.
Hooven & Allison Site
After receiving a $275,878 grant to conduct a site assessment at the
former Hooven & Allison site, the City has submitted an application
under the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund program for a $2.3 million
grant for the clean up of the site, estimated to cost just under $3.2
million. The owner has agreed to provide the required matching funds,
so the grant will come at no cost to the City.
OVCH Site
The City is also using Clean Ohio Assistance Fund (COAF) grants
to assess environmental conditions on the former Ohio Veterans
Children’s Home property. Working in partnership with Legacy
Ministries International and Athletes in Action, the goal is to determine
what environmental conditions exist in undeveloped portions of the
property, and to develop a plan to address those issues so they can be
put into productive use.
The projects include asbestos testing, as well as soil borings and
monitoring wells. The grants will be administered by the Xenia
Economic Growth Corporation, the city’s economic development
agency. These grants do not require matching funds.
TCN Behavioral Health Services: Occupying space at
287 Cincinnati Avenue, in the former location of Harvest Fellowship Church.
S&L General Contracting: Occupying space at 29 South Detroit
Street, in the former location of Instant Tax Service.
JB Wireless: Occupying space at 32 West Main Street, in the former
location of Altick Realty.
True Quality Collision Center: Occupying space at 141 Little
Vine Street, in the former location of Rhino Lining.
Smoke Break: Occupying space at 64 Xenia Towne Square, in the
former location of National Cash Advance.
Total Reach Fitness: Occupying space at 195 Bellbrook Avenue, in
the former location of Guys and Dolls Tanning Salon.
Advantage Car and Credit: Occupying space at 304 East Main
Street, in the former location of PJM Bus Charter.
Ohta Press: Existing automatic parts manufacturer/supplier located
at 1125 Patton Street; constructing a 10,000 square foot addition to
accommodate storage and warehousing for raw materials and finished
product, due to ongoing business growth.
Greene County Eye Care: Returning to their 322 North Detroit
Street location with a newly constructed, larger building.
Café Ole: Mexican restaurant occupying space at 131 North Allison
Avenue.
the Xenia Communicator
7
Vivid History. Vibrant Future.
101 N. Detroit Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Xenia City Hall
101 N. Detroit Street
376-7232
Xenia Police Division
376-7200
Xenia Fire Division
Non-Emergency
376-7278
Xenia Utility Billing
376-7242
Street and Storm
Sewer Maintenance
376-7265
Xenia Planning Dept.
376-7285
Trash Pick-Up
800-223-3960 (Rumpke)
For more information,
visit Xenia’s website:
http://www.ci.xenia.oh.us
Upcoming Events
Xenia Towne Square Farmers’ Market
EVERY TUESDAY from 2 to 6 p.m. in front
of Kmart See page 3
Greene County Environmental Services
Household Hazardous Waste Days on
Saturday, August 14th, September 10th,
October 8th, November 5th, and
December 10th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(2145 Greene Way Boulevard)
Greene County Fair at the Fairgrounds
from July 31st to August 6th …
visit www.greenecountyfairgrounds.com for
all the details!
City Offices will be closed on Monday,
September 5th, in observance of Labor
Day. Trash collection will be delayed
one day.
“The Xenia Community Festival”
(formerly Xenia Old Fashioned Days) on
September 16th and 17th
see page 2
The Xenia Communicator is YOUR
newsletter! Let us know what you would
like to see in future editions. Or, if you are
satisfied with the articles and information
provided in this and past editions, we’d
like to know that too! Comments and
suggestions can be emailed to facebook@
ci.xenia.oh.us.
Old Timer’s Days at the Greene County
Fairgrounds, September 23rd - 25th.
Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and
website for up-to-the-minute information!
Daylight Savings Time ends on
November 6th … don’t forget to “fall back”!
“Music in the Park” (Shawnee Park) on
Sunday, August 7th from 6:30 to 8 p.m.—
Ralph Kettering and the Impossibles
See page 3
“Music in the Park” (Shawnee Park) on
Sunday, September 4th from 6:30 to
8 p.m.—Band is TBA See page 3
Give Us Feedback
on Your Newsletter!
Enjoying a “Music in the Park” concert.
Xenia
City Website to have
Fresh Look!
Nova Creative of Dayton will update
the look and feel of the City of Xenia’s
website. The fresh look will include
YouTube video link set-up, social media
icons and a home page image change
out option to provide flexibility on future
updates. Stay tuned!
Vivid History. Vibrant Future.