Loveland, Ohio (April 4, 2019) – City of Loveland officials are pleased to announce that they have established a low fixed rate for members in the City’s electric aggregation program. The City selected Dynegy as the program’s supplier following a competitive proposal process for a two-year program starting with the May 2019 meter read.Dynegy recently won a competitive proposal process and is replacing Constellation as the program’s supplier. Program members will pay a low fixed rate of 5.015 cents/kWh for their May 2019 through May 2021 meter reads. Residents should look for a mailer from Dynegy on or about April 8th, announcing the new rates, terms and conditions.
“We’re excited about the two-year offer of 5.015 cents/kWh which is lower than the expiring rate that served us well. The savings will be a benefit to our residents,” said Dave Kennedy, City Manager of Loveland. Kennedy concluded by saying, “Current program members and those customers who are receiving their electric supply from the local utility, Duke Energy, will receive an opt-out letter. The letter will explain the low offer we negotiated and the means to opt-out should a customer not want to participate in the program. Residents will have 21 days to return an opt-out card to Dynegy, if they decide not to participate.”
Mayor Kathy Bailey said, “We are delighted by the low fixed rate for Loveland residents and businesses. This low rate will allow residents to predict their costs for the next two years.Our rate of 5.015 cents/kWh is very attractive, and we expect participation rates in our program to be high.Customers who are currently served by other suppliers may also join the City’s program by contacting Dynegy at 888-682-2170.”
Customers served by another supplier should review the obligations in their existing contract before joining the City of Loveland program, as many suppliers charge a fee for early termination. Customers wishing to join the program must be in good standing with their bill payment and cannot be part of the utility’s percentage of income payment program (PIPP).
The City is pleased to have made this program possible but asks that you do not call the city offices.They are not equipped to handle a large volume of calls.If residents have any questions, they should contact Dynegy at 888-682-2170after the opt-out notice arrives.
Loveland, Ohio – On February 26, City Engineer, Cindy Klopfenstein, said that during the first nine months of 2018, the City experienced 33 reported vehicle crashes into the low clearance, train trestle on Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland.* To reduce the number of wrecks and traffic congestion they cause, the City hired Choice One Engineering to complete a safety study of the area.
Based on the study, Klopfenstein reported on her evaluation of the findings. This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is Klopfenstein’s report to City Council.
* From the minutes of the Council meeting: “City Engineer, Cindy Klopfenstein, noted that during the first nine months of 2018, the City experienced 33 reported crashes at the train trestle on Karl Brown Way.” We should have paid more attention to what the City Engineer actually said, rather than what the minutes reported she said. Klopfenstein says in the video, that the 33 crashes occurred from 2016 through the first 9 months of 2018, not just the first 9 months of 2018.
Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland has budgeted $205,000 for construction improvements to the traffic signal at West Loveland Avenue, Loveland-Madeira Road, and Elm Street. The intersection will receive replacements of the controller, wiring, and other features, as well as an upgrade to radar vehicular detection capability and decorative poles. The City hired TEC Engineering began the traffic study and timing plan in 2017 in anticipation of this project.
The project has been awarded to Elex, Inc., with construction planned to begin in late July and be complete by December 2018.
Duke is also planning a gas service upgrade within the intersection.
City Manager Dave Kennedy said, “The City’s project should be complete in 45 days. The traffic interruption portion of the project should be complete this week, weather dependent.”
Two Podcasts by Loveland Author and Counselor, Fran Hendrick, PCC
Back-to-School topic is empowering girls to develop new friendships. I’ll be showing you things you can do to help your daughter gain confidence as she starts school.
Starting school can be hard on kids — and moms, too. This post is for you if your child is struggling with separation anxiety. Make sure to download the free planning tool!
If the pilot project proves successful 110 total meters might be installed
by David Miller,
Loveland, Ohio – City Manager Dave Kennedy is awaiting approval from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) before installing 39 test parking meters in Historic Downtown. The property where 26 of the meters are to be located is street parking along Railroad Avenue and the poles would be in the “right of way” controlled by ODNR along the Loveland Bike Trail.
IPS Single Space Meter
The test meters would be on West Loveland Avenue, and Railroad Avenue from West Loveland to Harrison Avenue. Kennedy said he is waiting on a person from ODNR to return from vacation so they can continue their discussion of the right of way issue.
Kennedy is working exclusively with The IPS Group in a test of their meters before possibly installing more of the metered parking. When asked if he has an idea what the parking rate will be he said, “Not yet. I need to clear up right of way with ODNR for the pilot program.”
Kennedy said, “I should add that we hope that the pilot program helps us establish a reasonable parking rate. It is important that the rates of the parking meter find a balance between not having a negative impact on parking within the downtown district while also allowing the meters to effectively manage parking.”
Private interests have begun restricting public parking in private lots in Historic Downtown.
In a June 26 memo to the Mayor and Council he said, “Having reviewed the products of multiple meter companies, the city has decided to work exclusively with the IPS Group due to their advanced technology, ease of enforcement, foolproof collections, and varying designs.” Kennedy also said, in the memo, “The IPS Group are leaders in the parking meter and kiosk field. The IPS meters are equipped with advanced technology, including mobile applications for the users, advanced enforcement, computerized reporting, and fail-safe collections.” There has been no discussion of penalties for violations.
Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy is exploring using parking meters in the Historic Downtown. (File Photo)
“The initial installation is only a pilot program at no cost to the city to determine operational, collections, and enforcement needs,” said Kennedy.
It is a goal of Council to increase parking turnover in the Historic District and discourage long-term parking in prime retail spots by users of the Loveland Bike Trail. The City would rather bike trail users park in the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking Area on East Broadway.
Kennedy said that IPS meters are the industry leaders due to multiple features, most notably applications which allow the users many ways to pay, including through their mobile devices.
To discourage long-term parking in the Historic District parking is already being regulated by parking limits such as these next to Nisbet Park along the Loveland Bike Trail.
The meters will be solar powered and managed by the City through a wireless networked data management system. The City Manager said the meters will be easy to maintain and displays a clear violation indication for enforcement. He said the system includes a “failsafe” collection system.
The design of the meters would include one pole for each two meters, which Kennedy said would reduce obstructions along city curbs and would be black in color to match other city sidewalk components.
If the pilot program is successful, Kennedy has presented a plan where there might be anywhere from 27-110 permanent meters and an estimated cost between $32,599 and $124,125.
The concept of taking a 12ft swath off of North side of West Loveland Avenue is totally appalling and preposterous! As long-time residents of Loveland we have touted for years the following “solution” to the traffic flow and cyclist problems on West Loveland Avenue, but never had any feedback.
In desperation again, please consider the following:
West Loveland Avenue, between Loveland Madeira Road and the bridge over the Little Miami is currently 4-lanes wide. It could easily be three lanes wide with the center lane being used for a much needed left turn lane at Riverside Drive and also at Wall Street. That would open up the width of an entire lane for bicycles. All that would be needed then is re-striping: with a half lane on the curbside (in each direction ) which would serve as the dedicated bike lanes on the north and south sides of West Loveland Avenue and continuing over the bridge.
Benefits: NO CONSTRUCTION required. NO claiming of property from owners. Confusing and Often dangerous last-minute lane changes, particularly at Wall Street, would be eliminated. Traffic on West Loveland Avenue would calm down (Drivers really hit the gas pedal pulling away from the bridge and West Loveland Avenue intersection.) Pedestrians would be further away from traffic. Congestion at the West Loveland Avenue and Riverside Drive intersection would be relieved.
For the Loveland Madeira Road section, a similar approach could be adopted. We suggest an analytic viewing of and study of traffic patterns developed on Montgomery Road, South of Bethesda North Hospital. It could apply in a similar manner all down Loveland Madeira Road, and EVEN accommodate a pretty landscaped center strip between left turn areas.!! Think how THAT would upgrade L/M Rd!!
Note: As drivers, we are always surprised how well the Montgomery traffic plan works, ie: that one lane with turn signals flows better than two. Please give these ideas serious consideration. They are offered up with genuine concern for the betterment of the city.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In reaction to this editorial, City Council voted on Tuesday, April 24 to have a public hearing on this proposal during the City Council meeting of May 9.
It’s past time City Hall start a dialogue with those most affected
by David Miller, Publisher
Come take a walk with me while I tell you a story
It’s just my opinion, but I believe City Hall should start talking to people about this before it gets so far along people will need 1.6 million dollars worth of arguments against it. Once City Hall gets the funding for what they will describe as “Free Money” it will be extremely hard to turn council members to “No” votes. Residents should be given a fighting chance.
As the equivalent of a one-lane asphalt road that will cozy within feet of the front doors of homes and businesses in the West Loveland Historic District and along Loveland Madeira Road, and City Hall moves closer to securing funding, property, and homeowners have yet been asked their opinion. Almost all do not yet know the proposal has already been partially funded by Hamilton County and the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Council of Governments has committed their resources to finding 80 percent of the $1,623,000 and growing price tag for construction.
This is a view of the North side of West Loveland Avenue where construction of a 12′ wide swath of asphalt would require the removal of the front porch of this business. The entry to the basement of this business is through the porch floor.
Some front porches would have to be removed to accommodate the 12’ wide asphalt bicycle road. The road will be reduced to 10’ wide only where construction proves difficult.
As the City Hall proposal gets yet more expensive and closer to fruition there is still no initiative from the Council table to ask the thoughts and suggestions of citizens, home-owners, affected businesses, property owners, or pertinent City Commissions and Committees.
As the City Hall proposal gets yet more expensive and closer to fruition there is still no initiative from the Council table to ask the thoughts and suggestions of citizens, home-owners, affected businesses, property owners, or pertinent City Commissions and Committees.
One property and business owner along the proposed route wrote to City Hall. Paul Elliott said, “I am under the impression that such a proposal ‘has legs’, and city officials are even seeking funding sources. First, as a taxpaying resident and longtime business/property owner on West Loveland Avenue, I am disappointed that no city official has approached either the public in general nor us property owners who may be affected by such a bike corridor.”
The project, called the Loveland Connector Trail, will be approximately 1.4 miles long and will begin at the Deer Ridge II Apartments being built next to New Hope Baptist Church. It will continue along Loveland Madeira Road to Main Street, to the southern part of Wall Street, then to West Loveland Avenue, crossing over the Little Miami River at the Col. Paxton Bridge ending in Historic Downtown.
“I am disappointed that no city official has approached either the public in general nor us property owners who may be affected by such a bike corridor.” – Resident and affected business owner, Paul Elliott.
The goal and impetus for the project are to reduce congested parking in the Downtown Historic District by encouraging Loveland Bike Trail users to park somewhere along the new bike road and ride their bikes into Historic Downtown.
City Manager, Dave Kennedy announced in February that he was confident he will find 80% of the $1,623,000 cost from the Federal Government. He has since announced changes that will raise the price tag an undetermined amount.
A view of an automobile dealership that has softened their business frontage. Something will have to give way for the proposed 12′ asphalt bike road.
The study does not contain any data on the potential number of users, nor potential customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses. The study also does not address any repercussions on the residential neighborhood of Main Street or the Business/Residential neighborhood on West Loveland Avenue. For instance, it does not address future maintenance or whether property owners will be responsible for snow and ice removal on a path that replaces their current sidewalks. It’s right to ask when residents are left without sidewalks, “When will the bike road be cleared of snow? Who will do it, with what type of equipment, and when will it happen?”
A close look at what is described as a “Detailed Cost Estimate” appears to be grossly underestimated in terms of things that are absent consideration such as acquiring private property, relocating business signs, and replacing private parking,
Light colored 4′ tree-shaded concrete sidewalks where children can walk without shoes, and people walk their dogs will be replaced with a 12’ barren swath of black, heat-absorbing asphalt the width of a one-lane road just feet from homes.
Light colored 4′ tree-shaded concrete sidewalks where children can walk without shoes, and people walk their dogs will be replaced with a 12’ barren swath of black, heat-absorbing asphalt the width of a one-lane road just feet from homes where owners will pay higher air-conditioning costs.
There has been no recommendation to forward the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Tree and Environment Committee, Beautification Committee, or Safety Service & Street Improvement Committee for review. No public hearings are scheduled. None have been suggested.
Phelps and City Manager Dave Kennedy have attended workshop/training on a Federal grant program along with a meeting with OKI officials to discuss the city’s project in more detail. While the updated cost estimate is being secured, the grant application is being reviewed and various needed documents are prepared. They plan to ask City Council in May to move forward seeking funding.
Phelps said that people who are using the bike trail are using too many of the downtown parking spots and using them for too long a period of time. “This is going to give them another place to get on the trail, better parking, easier on and off.” He believes the bike road will bring in new customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses when they park nearby but head into Historic Downtown. The study does not contain any data on the potential number of users, nor potential customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses. The study also does not address any potential negative repercussions on the residential neighborhood of Main Street or the Business/Residential neighborhood on West Loveland Avenue.
Some “Progressives” may love the idea, some may like it but believe it ill-considered given the impact on individuals who live or have invested in the impacted area. Some money conservatives may believe it an economic boon to both the Historic District and Loveland Madeira Road. Some money crunchers may ask, where is the cost-benefit analysis and just how many people will actually use it and spend money along Loveland Madeira Road. Some may ask if all costs factors have been included in the early estimate and if the price tag goes north after a grant is awarded – who will get stuck.
Elliott said his email to City Hall, that included the City Manager, Mayor and Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Recreation Commission, and the Streets and Public Safety Committee was his attempt to open a dialogue between the decision makers, and those “of us” who will be financially and personally affected.
Resident and business owner Paul Elliott bought this business building on West Loveland Avenue in 1997. He has asked City Hall how the proposed connector path will affect the front yard of his property.This is a view of business and residential properties on the South side of West Loveland Avenue. Although the proposal isn’t clear, presumably this 4′ concrete sidewalk will be replaced by a 12′ wide swath of asphalt, equivalent to a one-lane road. These street trees will with be cut down or have their roots severely damaged by the excavation. It is not clear whether the grassy strip will remain.
Another view of the beauty salon on the North side of West Loveland Avenue where construction of a 12′ wide swath of asphalt would require the removal of the front porch of this business. The entry to the basement of this business is through the porch floor.If the 12′ wide bike road wraps around this building this sign and landscaping will have to go. The sign may need to be replaced with two signs to satisfy the business owner, yet there is no apparent budget item for moving or replacing business signs in the proposal.Depending whether the 12′ bike road goes down this side of Main Street, these street trees may be removed. These utility poles if moved to the left would might result in fatal topping of the trees. If the poles remain in place it puts the asphalt even closer to the house. If the road goes on top of the tree roots the trees will shortly die. The owners will pay higher air-conditioning cost without their shade trees. If the trees die because of the location of the bike road, the home owner will then be required to pay to have the tree removed. Will the homeowner’s brick wall survive the project?This is another problem area on Main Street where homeowners will lose a good portion of their already small front yard.The 12′ bike road could cut across the front yard of this Main Street home taking out a tree and landscaping.Another front porch, this one on Main Street may stand in the way of the 12′ wide asphalt bike road or end up only inches away.If the 12′ wide asphalt bike road goes down this side of Main Street it will leave the Artists Studios on Main without street trees and much needed parking.The landscaping, street trees, utility polls, and sign at this business on Loveland Madeira Road appear to be in the path of the 12′ wide bike road.This landscaping area that softens the appearance of this automobile dealership on Loveland Madeira Road will be replaced with a 12″ asphalt bike road.This is more of the landscaping along Loveland Madeira Road that will be removed (or most of the parking lot) to make room for a 12′ asphalt bike road.
This is the only green space at the Chase Bank on Loveland Madeira Road. There will be a 12′ asphalt bike road running down the middle of it.If a proposed 12′ wide asphalt bike road goes past Shoppers Haven shopping center these street trees may be removed, utility lines moved, parking spaces removed, or all three. Private property may have to be acquired through “willing seller – willing buyer” agreements or “taking” by eminent domain and associated legal costs. In the end, these parking spaces used by local businesses and the schools may be eliminated for the prospect of freeing up parking spaces a mile away in Historic Downtown.There does not appear to be a budget item for moving this business sign out of the path of the proposed 12′ wide asphalt bike road, nor is there any discussion of whether the owner and the businesses would want their sign moved further away from the visibility of automobiles on Loveland Madeira Road.If a proposed 12′ wide asphalt bike road goes past Shoppers Haven shopping center these street trees may be removed, utility lines moved, parking spaces removed, or all three. Private property may have to be acquired through “willing seller – willing buyer” agreements or “taking” by eminent domain and associated legal costs. In the end, these parking spaces used by local businesses and the schools may be eliminated for the prospect of freeing up parking spaces one mile away in Historic Downtown.Will the landscaping and street buffer, the business sign and the parking at the 910 Building be sacrificed to free up an un-estimated number of parking spaces for the businesses one mile away in Historic Downtown?Another Loveland Madeira Road business sign in the way of a proposed 12′ asphalt bike road. Is this sign still going to have the same visibility if it is relocated? Is there enough room to just push it closer to the building or will it need to be re-engineered, and reconstructed smaller?This is the hillside in front of New Hope Baptist Church where City Hall wants to build a 12′ wide asphalt bike road. Its there money in the estimate of cost to build a retaining wall or will the hill just get steeper?This is Loveland Madeira Road looking North from New Hope Baptist Church toward Kroger. The guard rail protects motorists from a steep immediate drop into a very deep ravine. The 350′ long stretch quickly drops 50′ below the grade of the road. It is not clear if the budget estimate has taken into consideration the expense of building a 12′ wide bike road at the edge of this ravine.
EDITORS NOTE:Because the proposal goes into no detail or discussion of possible negative impact to private property, homeowners (the residential Main Street neighborhood), schools, the natural environment, street trees, or aesthetics, this is an important read for those affected property owners along the proposed route.
City recommendation is for parking on west side of town and walking or bicycling into Historic District on new pathway and crossing river using existing bridge – Cost to be $1,623,000.
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – The City commissioned a study of how to alleviate parking congestion yet bring more customers into Historic Downtown by developing a new crossing over the Little Miami River. The report was released last Wednesday. The recommendation is to create “parking pods” in existing commercial and school parking lots or create new parking lots on existing City owned land in the Loveland Madeira Road business corridor and in the West Loveland Historic District. A new ten-foot shared pathways for pedestrians and bicycles along Loveland Madeira, West Loveland Avenue, and possibly Main Street would bring the customers into the Historic District via the existing roadway of the Col. Thomas Paxton Bridge.
Talk of a new bridge over the State and National Little Miami Scenic River or expanding the existing bridge over the river have been abandoned in favor of using a shared lane for pedestrians and bicycles on the existing roadway over the bridge.
The report says:
While a stand-alone bridge, a modification to the existing bridge to create a cantilever type path were both examined, the most feasible and cost-effective crossing entails the modification of the existing lanes of traffic of the bridge to accommodate an expansion of the existing sidewalk.
The cost estimate for the project is $1,623,215.
Project Goals
• Develop a safe, feasible crossing over the Little Miami River • Reduce downtown traffic congestion by encouraging riders to park and ride into downtown
The preferred option according to a recommendation to City Council by City Manager Dave Kennedy is to modify the Col. Thomas Paxton Bridge to accommodate a 10 ft. wide separated path with three vehicle lanes across the bridge. The “collector pathway” is expected to encourage Loveland Bike Trail users to “park and walk or ride” into the Historic Downtown District.
Description
The Loveland Collector Trail will be a new, shared use, grade-separated facility connecting the Loveland Madeira Business Corridor to the Historic Downtown District. The intent of this facility is to provide visible, shared parking opportunities at strategic locations westof the river, along Loveland Madeira Rd, where Little Miami Scenic Trail users – or general visitors to Downtown Loveland – can park their vehicle and follow an easily-navigable shared-use trail along Loveland Madeira Rd, across the Little Miami Scenic River and into the Historic Downtown District to the Little Miami Scenic Trail trailhead.
Preferred Alignment
The eastern terminus of the proposed Loveland Connector Trail will begin at the proposed Deer Ridge II development (1401 Loveland Madeira Rd). The shared-use path will continue along Loveland Madeira Rd to W Loveland Rd, where users will turn right onto W Loveland Ave and cross the Little Miami Scenic River on the existing W Loveland Ave bridge into downtown Loveland.
Alternative Alignments
Similar to the preferred alignment, the shared-use path will continue along Loveland Madeira Rd to the south of Main Street where the City owns a vacant development parcel (referred to as the Chestnut St. Development) between Loveland Maderia Rd and the river. Users can turn right onto one of the three access points into the Chestnut St. development. From there they can either head north through the future development or the existing residential streets to access a river crossing.
“Next step is to seek funding for construction.” – City Manager Dave Kennedy
Kennedy is confident he will find 80% of the $1,623,000 cost from the Federal Government. The city was able to secure grant funding ($19,900) from the Hamilton County Planning and Development Department to conduct the feasibility study. At the council meeting, he said, “Next step is to seek funding for construction. We are still digesting it… looking for the funding.” He said councilman Ted Phelps is reaching out to the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) for funding.
Also during the Council discussion, Phelps who is spearheading the project, inherited from former councilman Brent Zuck, said about the Loveland Connector Trail, “This serves two larger, important goals and it’s a big step towards getting those goals realized. Number one is to reduce traffic in downtown Loveland. Second thing it does… I think it’s an economic shot in the arm for the Loveland Madeira corridor which I think will have positive repercussions.”
Phelps said that people who are using the bike trail are using too many of the downtown parking spots and using them for too long a period of time. “This is going to give them another place to get on the trail, better parking, easier on and off.”
“In delivering it (the study) to Bob Koehler at last week at the regular OKI meeting, he was very positive in terms of its reception,” said Phelps. Koehler is Deputy Executive Director/Transportation Manager at OKI.
Phelps said, “We will be moving forward on this and I think it will be another great feather in the cap of Loveland when it’s realized.”
“We still need people to weigh in on it,” Phelps said. “We will be moving forward on this and I think it will be another great feather in the cap of Loveland when it’s realized.” He suggested the plan be put on the City’s website.
The study does not contain any data on potential number of users, nor potential customers to Loveland Madeira Road businesses. The study also does not address any repercussions on the residential neighborhood of Main Street or the Business/Residential neighborhood on West Loveland Avenue.
There has been no recommendation to forward the plan to the Planing and Zoning Commission, Tree and Environment Committee, Beautification Committee or Safety Service & Street Improvement Committee for review. No public hearings are scheduled.
Loveland, Ohio – The City is accepting resumes from people interested in a new position they are creating, Assistant City Manager.
The City of Loveland is accepting resumes for the Assistant City Manager position. Reporting to the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager provides highly responsible administrative support to the City Manager in all aspects of municipal operations. The City is seeking a highly qualified applicant who is capable of managing projects and tasks in a wide variety of municipal disciplines. Particular needs in economic development, planning, public information, budgeting, capital project management, policy analysis, and special project initiation and management.
Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, majoring in public administration, urban planning or relate field; Master’s Degree in public administration is preferred. Experience requirements include three to five years progressively responsible work experience in planning, development and municipal government. Salary range $78,000 to $98,000. Position includes a competitive compensation package including pension pick-up. Applicants should submit resume and cover letter to David Kennedy, City Manager, 120 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio 45140, by February 26, 2018. For a detailed description of the position, visit www.lovelandoh.gov. The City of Loveland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland officials have announced the continuation of their natural gas aggregation program for another two years with IGS Energy as the City’s selected supplier.
Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy
Residents and businesses currently participating in the City’s natural gas program will remain in the program unless they respond to the opt-out letter which they should receive on or about January 26.
Newly eligible account holders who receive their gas supply from Duke Energy will also receive a notice from IGS Energy explain the rate formula, terms and conditions, and various means of opting out of the City’s aggregation program. City Hall advises to read the information carefully before making your decision. These accounts will be added to the program unless they opt out as prescribed in the letter.
David Kennedy, City Manager, said, “We have decided to continue with rates that will be set each month, a strategy that has worked well in the previous program. We have structured our program to allow us to convert to fixed-rates if and when we think that is in the best interest of Loveland residents.” Kennedy also pointed out, “This program makes no guarantee of savings and it is completely voluntary.”
Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey
Mayor Kathy Bailey said, “we are pleased to offer this program to our residents as another option to manage increasing energy costs. The City was able to negotiate a great feature for our residents and small businesses. Participants will be able to leave the program, at any time for any reason free of charge.”
Mark Burns, President of Independent Energy Consultants, Inc., said, “we are pleased to have designed this program for Loveland and have negotiated a favorable formula for determining future gas rates. Residents should expect to receive a notice from IGS Energy explaining the rate formula, terms and conditions, and various means of opting out of the City’s aggregation program. Please read it carefully before making your decision.”
Doug Austin, Executive Vice President of IGS Energy, said, “Any resident or small business that is currently served by another supplier should also receive a letter inviting them to receive the same rate, but anyone may call IGS Energy at 1-877-353-0162. If residents are served by another supplier, they should be aware of the obligations in their existing contract before joining the program as many suppliers do charge a penalty for early termination.”
The City asks that you do not call the City offices because they are not equipped to handle a large volume of calls. Residents should directly contact IGS Energy toll free at 1-877-353-0162 if they have questions.
Loveland, Ohio – The City has launched a redesigned website in what City Manager Dave Kennedy described as, “An effort to create a more user-friendly site for its residents, businesses and visitors.” In a press release the City said the new website streamlines access to the city’s most utilized web pages including job notification, public meetings, applications, on-line park reservation and so much more.
The website www.lovelandoh.gov was redesigned in collaboration with CivicPlus and features enhanced functionality, improved interaction with our residents and features which will allow for immediate notifications to our residents and businesses of important city news, events and emergency items. Through the Request Tracker feature, the public can easily notify the city of road repairs, property maintenance issues along with a wide range of other city needs directly to our staff. This feature is enhanced by the website’s mobile version. Other features include the Notify Me link, which allows citizens to stay informed on local news and updates by creating an account and signing-up to receive notifications when a new alert has been posted, a new employment position has been added, additions to the city calendar and much more.
“The city’s new website represents our commitment to serving our residents and businesses by supplying easy access to important city information, tax and utility payments and a platform for reporting city
maintenance needs directly to our staff”, said Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey. “I am excited about the community voice feature on our new site which allows citizens a platform to offer feedback on community topics and suggest new initiatives.”
The city will continue to update the website over the next several months as we receive input from the public.
Input on how the new website fits your needs as a citizen can be sent to Kennedy or Bailey via email.
by David Miller, Publisher
![[Apply] Loveland hiring Assistant City Manager](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/qtq80-Dya74W.jpeg)
