EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that trees will be collected by Public Works crews beginning today, December 27 and continues until January 17.
Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland provides residents with an annual Christmas Tree removal service and makes it easy for you to get rid of those real trees with curbside pickup. The collection takes place from December 27 and continues until January 17. Remove all decorations and place Christmas trees at the curb.
For details of the Christmas tree recycling program call 513-707-1442.
Mihaela Manova interviewed Loveland’s newest member of City Council, Andrew Bateman, at City Hall Monday.
Baily and Weisgerber continue as Mayor and Vice Mayor
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Magazine Reporter Mihaela Manova covered last night’s City Council meeting and will have complete coverage of the swearing-in of the successful candidates in the November election.
Last night Council selected a Mayor and Vice-Mayor for the next two years. She will also have that news.
Mihaela has video of the complete ceremony including speeches, photos, and video interviews of the next Mayor and the winners of the election in the can and it will be published soon.
Loveland, Ohio – Citizens who wish to be considered for service on any City, board, commission, or committee must complete an application and submit it to Misty Brents, Clerk of Council, by Monday, December 2.
Applications are available online at www.lovelandoh.gov (link) or at City Hall located at 120 W. Loveland Avenue. Cheshire said, “Committee members must live, work, or own their own business in the City of Loveland, or demonstrate some other significant tie or contribution to the City of Loveland.”
Applications are being accepted for the following Boards, Commissions, and Committees:
Arts Commission: Members would establish guidelines and oversee public art displays and murals as well as promote and involve the community in visual and performing arts. The commission meets as needed. Two-year term.
Beautification Committee: Members of this committee beautify Loveland through design, organization, and implementation of plantings that enhance the appeal of our city. Annual events include Spring Planting, Fall Planting, and Light Up Loveland. This committee meets approximately monthly. Two-year term.
Board of Zoning Appeals: Members hear and govern appeals from decisions of the Building and Zoning Department, Planning and Zoning Commission, and requests for variances from building and zoning regulations. This board meets as needed. Three-year term.
Civil Service Commission: Members make, adopt, and oversee compliance with rules and regulations related to the appointment, promotion, removal and compensation of employees in the classified service of the city. This commission meets as needed. Three-year term.
Community Improvement Corporation: The CIC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation formed for the purpose of advancing, encouraging, and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of the City. Members serve two-year terms. Meetings are held as needed.
Comprehensive Master Plan Committee: Members of this committee will direct the development of the Comprehensive Master Plan working with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the consultant selected to prepare the Master Plan. This committee will meet as needed until the final plan is adopted.
Finance Commission: Members of this commission provide oversight of the annual operating budget and make recommendations to Council. The Commission also acts in an advisory capacity to City Council in matters pertaining to short- and long-range financial policy matters and funding for City operations. The Commission also reviews and recommends changes to the City’s Investment Policy. This commission meets quarterly with weekly meetings during budget season. Three-year term.
Historic Preservation Design Review Committee: Members of this committee are knowledgeable about historic preservation and building repairs. Their responsibilities include working with a consultant selected to prepare historic preservation guidelines. The committee meets as needed. Two-year term.
Law & Ordinance Committee: Members review proposed laws and ordinances for clarity, accuracy, and legality prior to Council consideration. This committee meets as needed at the request of City Council. Two-year term.
Lighting District Equalization Boards: This Board hears objections filed by property owners to their proposed assessments. Meetings are held as needed. Two-year term.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Members of this commission serve in an advisory role regarding land use and land development issues. The commission advises and makes recommendations to City Council regarding the City’s master plan for development, zoning changes, platting, and site plan approval. This committee meets as needed but not less than every two months. Three-year term.
Public Relations and Communications Committee: Members assist the City in improving communications to enhance the ability of citizens to learn about community issues, city events, and to consider marketing strategies to promote the city and its image. This committee meets as needed. Two-year term.
Recreation Board: Members of this committee provide for the development, maintenance, and operation of recreational facilities and programs for the City. This boards meets as needed. Three-year term.
Storm Water Committee: Members see that the City is maintaining its storm water plan to help provide for cleaner streams and rivers. This committee meets as needed. Two-year term.
Tax Board of Review: Members of the Board meet to examine and make recommendations pertaining to changes in the tax code. This board meets as needed.
Tax Incentive Review Council: This Council meets annually to review all abatements granted pursuant to the City’s regulations. Two-year term.
Tree & Environment Committee: The Tree & Environment Committee recommends the development of policies and promotes practices that provide environmental prosperity in our community. This committee meets monthly. Two-year term.
Veterans’ Memorial Committee: The Veterans’ Memorial Committee promotes patriotism throughout the year and assists in the planning of the Memorial Day Ceremony. The committee plans and oversees the creation of new memorials and promotes the sale of paver inscriptions at the Veterans Memorial. This committee meets as needed. Two-year term.
Loveland, Ohio – On December 2, Loveland City Council will meet to swear in the recently elected members. The meeting will begin at 7 PM at City Hall.
Kathy Bailey is the current Mayor, however, after municipal elections in Loveland, Council meets in an “Organizational Meeting” and votes among themselves a Mayor and Vice-Mayor for the next two years.
Sitting at the Council table that night will be the three who finished at the top of the November 5th election; current Mayor, Kathy Bailey (2,642 votes), newly elected member, Andy Bateman (2,190 votes); and, current member, Kent Blair (1,873 votes). Current member Angie Settell (1,247 votes) was not re-elected. Council has 7 members.
The other candidates not elected were, Pat Ahr (1,183 votes) and Cory O’Donnell (769 votes).
Sitting with those who won on November 5th will be current members, Vice-Mayor Rob Weisgerber, and members Tim Butler, Neal Oury, and Ted Phelps.
Let’s have some fun and see if readers can see into the future, “Who is most likely to be Loveland’s next Mayor?”
Just for fun, we’ve thrown in our favorite write-in candidate, Ms. Loveland Frog! Because after-all it would be nice to have a “tad” more gender equality and hear something besides just 7 human voices croaking “Yes” in unison for the next two years.
If you find value in reading these Election Results and the expense involved in putting it together, please…These results have been posted after the Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren County Boards of Elections have published their “Unofficial Results” and all precincts have reported 100% unless noted as of 12:30 AM. Official results must be certified by the various Boards in the coming weeks.
Local School Taxes
Loveland City School District
Combined Operating and Bond Levy
Clermont Co.
YES – 1219
NO – 4101
Hamilton Co.
YES – 1185
NO – 4394
Warren Co.
YES – 43
NO – 139
TOTAL –
YES – 2447
NO – 8634
Goshen Local School District
Bond Levy 5.24 mills – 34 years
Warren Co.
YES – 91
NO – 106
Clermont Co
YES – 1264
NO – 1668
TOTAL
YES – 1355
NO – 1774
Kings Local School District
4.96 mills Bond Levy
YES – 3508
NO – 3675
Sycamore School (34 of 36 precincts)
4 mills Bond Issue
YES – 6067
NO – 3758
Lebanon City Schools
Additional Levy 4.99 mills for 4 years
YES – 5522
NO – 4389
Local Candidates
Loveland City Council at Large – 3 elected to a 4-year term
Pat Ahr
Clermont Co. – 249
Hamilton Co. – 866
Warren Co. – 68
TOTAL – 1183
Kathy Bailey
Clermont Co. – 659
Hamilton Co. – 1840
Warren Co. – 143
TOTAL – 2642
Andy Bateman
Clermont Co. – 581
Hamilton Co. – 1493
Warren Co. – 116
TOTAL – 2190
Kent G. Blair
Clermont Co. – 481
Hamilton Co. – 1290
Warren Co. – 102
TOTAL – 1873
Cory O’Donnell
Clermont Co. – 216
Hamilton Co. – 509
Warren Co. – 44
TOTAL – 769
Angela L. Settell
Clermont Co. – 243
Hamilton Co. – 931
Warren Co. – 73
TOTAL – 1247
Loveland Board of Education – 2 elected to a 4-year term
Arthur R. Jarvis
Clermont Co. – 2631
Hamilton Co. – 2241
Warren Co. – 81
TOTAL – 4953
Kathryn Lorenz
Clermont Co. – 2931
Hamilton Co. – 2611
Warren Co. – 85
TOTAL – 5627
Symmes Township Trustee – 1 elected to a 4-year term
Phil Beck – 2459
CJ Carr – 1745
Symmes Township Fiscal Officer – 1 elected to a 4-year term
Joseph C. Grossi – 2968
Milford Council at Large – 4 elected to a 4-year term
Edward J. Haskins – 670
Kyle Mitchell – 626
Benjamin Redman – 600
Sandra Russell – 753
Milford School Board – 2 elected to a 4-year term
Emily Chestnut
Clermont Co. – 3659
Hamilton Co. – 0
TOTAL – 3659
Mike Durkee
Clermont Co. – 1789
Hamilton Co. – 0
TOTAL – 1789
Dave Meranda
Clermont Co. – 3572
Hamilton Co. – 0
TOTAL – 3572
James Rhodes
Clermont Co. – 1606
Hamilton Co. – 0
TOTAL – 1606
Goshen Township Trustee
Bob Hausermann – 1999
Bill Pitman – 953
Goshen Township Fiscal Officer
Laura Engled – 2449
Goshen School Board – Full term – 2 elected
John Benthien –
Warren Co. – 142
Clermont Co – 1323
TOTAL – 1465
Julie Casey –
Warren Co. – 106
Clermont Co. – 1709
TOTAL – 1815
Derrick Holmes –
Warren Co. – 37
Clermont Co. – 1116
TOTAL – 1153
GoshenSchool Board (unexpired term) – 1 to be elected
Deborah S. Gray –
Warren Co. – 152
Clermont Co. – 2308
TOTAL – 2460
Miami Township (Clermont County) Trustee
Ken Tracy – 6356
Miami Township (Clermont County) Fiscal Officer
Eric C. Ferry – 6249
Judge of Hamilton County Municipal Court – 1 to be elected per district – 6-year term (District 5) (93.46% precincts reporting)
This event is FREE and the public is encouraged to attend
The format will follow the same as in the past:
Candidates will each present for 2 minutes to open the forum.
Questions will be asked for 60 minutes allowing each candidate two minutes to reply or pass.
After 60 minutes candidates will close with a 2 minute speech.
Residents will be putting their questions into a “hat,” and all questions will be screened for duplication. The Honorable Judge Brad Greenburg (Hamilton County Courthouse) will serve as the emcee.
I’ve been a Loveland school board member since 1991 and just prior to being elected, I was a chairperson of the bond issue campaign that earned us our “new” high school. Over these past 28 years, I’ve seen quite a few operating levies and a couple of bond issues, almost all of which have been supported by our Loveland community. None of them have been small or seemed completely fair. “Why not?” might be the question.
Kathryn Lorenz is a Loveland School Board member. She is Professor Emerita of French at the University of Cincinnati, and the mother of two Loveland graduates and the grandmother of three current Loveland school students.
First of all, Loveland has a predominantly residential tax base. This means that the tax burden is mostly borne by homeowners, whether their houses are large or small, whether their incomes are growing or fixed, whether they are employed or retired, whether they have school age children or not. And tax collections, once approved, can’t grow with increased valuation of property or additional homes or additional students in the district. So tax levies and bond issues, which are very big questions for voters, have a lot of inherent inequity, regardless of the number of mills involved. They can seem unfair to taxpayers just as the state funding model appears unfair to the school district.
Furthermore, tax levies are always a big deal. There has never been, in any of the years that I have been a board member, a tax issue that was proposed lightly or without consideration for the taxpayers of the district. Every levy has been considered through the lens of the current economy, the promises made in previous levies, the real needs of the district and the fiscal soundness of the uses proposed for the taxes to be collected.
Questions about the levy/bond issue shouldn’t be feared, nor should there be anger. Some questions are answered by board vote or information on the district website. Some questions cannot be answered because they concern actions that the board has not yet been able to consider or take. The board is consistently trying to get information out and into the hands of our citizens.
Each board member is a Loveland taxpayer. That doesn’t make it any easier to ask more tax dollars of our families, neighbors or fellow citizens. We all know what we committed to in becoming a board member and we take our responsibility very seriously. Our job is to oversee the provision of a safe and adequate education for all the children of our community. We strive further for excellence in Loveland education and we believe our community deserves no less.
Over the years that I have been a board member, enrollment in our schools has more than doubled. I imagine that you have seen Loveland schools get bigger and stronger and yes, better. This progress can only be due to the work of our whole community – citizens, parents, teachers, students. We, the community as a whole, expect great things from our schools and we have overwhelmingly supported the district in these past years. During this time, we have seen districts all around us struggle and communities as a whole suffer, often taking many years to recover from failed support of their schools.
Let’s never take for granted what we have in Loveland today. It has taken tremendous effort to get here and will take resources to maintain our place. We are at a truly important moment and there is really no option for us other than to rely on support on Election Day to keep our schools running and improving. An investment is necessary.
This Board of Education has respectfully presented a big picture. A big ask. It is based on needs of space and programs. We are beyond capacity but not beyond our abilities. Please consider carefully the issue that is on the November 5th ballot. Our students and their futures deserve no less.
In the past 4 years our school board has been working on a plan to cover an anticipated increase in the student enrollment and the replacement of older schools with a super campus; that is second to none. This is the dream. Then the nightmare began trying to figure out how to pay for this this campus and justify nonexistent increases in student enrollment.
THE PLAN TO PAY FOR IT
After countless meetings and input from many different sources a decision was made to place a tax levy totaling 16.78 mils on the November ballot.
James Visconti is a resident of Pheasantwoods in the City of Loveland
Unfortunately, most Loveland residents were unaware of this process and the impact to their taxes until the ballot information came out.What it means to most property owners is an increase of $588 per $100,000 dollars of your homes appraised value, not the assessed value. Yes, the school board did vote and passed a resolution to alter the first two years of the collection but from the third-year forward is the full amount. This is an addition to the 45 mils already on the books for schools and does not preclude the school board from placing additional levies on the ballot in future years.
THE NUMBERS
The initial numbers used by the school board to forecast the increase in enrollment was 20% over the next five years. When in fact it by their own admission it is more likely to be 5% over the next five years. Without this increase, one of the reasons for the new schools is gone.It should be noted that enrollment for the last 15 years has been relatively flat. Since, 2008 has been dropping including the last year despite all of the local development.Enrollment of 4,837 in 2008.Per the Ohio School report card 4,428 in 2019.
The next number of concern is the age of the Loveland Primary School which houses grades 1-4. Built in 1941 the school has had several remodels over the years but will eventually need to be replaced but when and at what cost?
Why does the school district use 3 classrooms at Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) for half day preschool classes when none are required by law?
Why does the school district use 3 classrooms at LECC for full-day kindergarten classes when none are required by law?
OUR RIGHTS
We have the right to expect our elected officials to act in the best interest of those being asked to foot the bill!
We have the right to ask any and all questions and have them answered without first putting them in writing in an open board meeting!
We have the right to expect our tax dollars to be spent to educate our children not to build a super campus.
We have the right not to be taxed out of our homes!
Mike Hunting is a resident of the Black Horse neighborhood
by Mike Hunting
The proposed school levy for Loveland has been extremely stressful for residents on both sides of the issue. I have no doubt the students, faculty, and staff at Loveland schools would love to work and study in newer facilities and use turf athletic fields. The folks opposed to the levy are extremely frustrated with what appears to be the largest tax hike in the history of Loveland and possibly in the state of Ohio. While I can sympathize with the frustrated faculty and want to support our schools (and have supported them), the tax implications of this levy are simply stated…ridiculous.
We need to realize this will break the bank for many people who are living in and around Loveland. I attended the meetings on September 9 at Loveland Middle School (LMS) and on September 12 at Loveland High School (LHS).
During the LMS meeting, I heard several couples say they would move if this levy passed. One couple was in dire straits because they had moved several times recently and cannot afford to move again. They are now simply stuck in Loveland and facing what appears to be the largest tax hike in the city’s (and possibly state’s) history. A tax hike that is certain to be followed again and again with MORE levies.
For those who paid attention to the words of Loveland Superintendent, Dr Amy Crouse, she said she hopes Clermont County and the City of Loveland will help with infrastructure costs for the new school. To date, Loveland and Clermont have not officially committed to these costs, at least not publicly to us. Expect another levy to cover this if and when they refuse (and even if they do we are STILL paying for it).
I would also expect a third levy to cover more teachers since this proposed levy adds several buildings but only two additional teachers. I strongly believe we have reached the breaking point in this community. We will likely see an exodus similar to what is happening in failed areas such as New York City, Detroit, Chicago, California, and much of New England.
Perhaps the most frustrating part of the meetings last week was the school board’s arrogant attempt to manipulate its audiences. At both meetings, members of the school board, the Treasurer, and Dr. Crouse kept saying, “The community wants this” or “the community voted for this.” Most of the community didn’t even know of this levy until the flyers arrived in their mailboxes in mid-August. Thus, the community certainly DID NOT vote for the levy or approve it. The only people I have spoken with who are in favor of this are school faculty or folks affiliated with the schools (although I have also spoken with school employees who are opposed).
The timeline of the release of information is interesting. My family and many of our peers didn’t even know about this levy until we received the flyers in our mailboxes around August 15. August 15 is a significant date because the deadline to place names on the ballot to run against Art Jarvis and Kathryn Lorenz was August 7. Once again, this is utterly ridiculous (albeit well played by Art and Kathryn and the other members of the Levy). Since they are now protected for at least two more years, expect more levy proposals even after this one is shot down.
The Treasurer, Kevin Hawley, stated he will propose another levy if this goes down.He doesn’t even live within this tax district, so why would he care? We must get people to run against this out of control board and Treasurer at the earliest opportunity.
Dr. Amy Crouse finished the meeting on Thursday by saying, “We hope we answered some of your questions, and we hope that you choose to support this when it comes time in November so that we can move forward.”Unfortunately, they failed to answer many of our questions. They would not allow us to voice questions and we had to submit index cards with questions written on them for Thursday’s meeting. Thus, they could selectively answer the easy questions and dodge the relevant questions. I know for a fact I saw roughly 30-40 index cards with questions on Thursday. I am guessing they answered at most 1/3 of these cards.My question was not answered. I merely wanted to confirm Dr. Crouse and Mr. Hawley live elsewhere and thus won’t be impacted by the increased taxes (which I have since learned is true).
The last part of Dr. Crouse’s statement is interesting. She recommends how we should vote from inside a government building and while serving in an official government capacity. Thus, the government is telling you how you should vote and not allowing the opposition to speak. This is on tape.
Below you can read the resolution passed by the Board and the Ballot language that will remain the same.
Levy skeptics offer opinions after meeting adjourns…
Loveland, Ohio – At the end of July, the Loveland Board of Education voted unanimously to issue bonds for $118,515,000 and to place a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill on the November 5 ballot to fund daily operations of the school district and to implement the district’s facility master plan, including three new school buildings at Grailville.
The Board met Monday in a special meeting at 5 PM and voted to amend the parameters of the levy request. They voted unanimously to approve a resolution to structure the levying of the new taxes that will phase them in over three years.
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV was at the meeting and recorded the meeting as well as a few comments from residents after the meeting was over.
Full video of meeting
Walter Golladay, Pete Palmer, and Marcia Neumann comment on Board action.
This is the draft Resolution that the Board voted on Monday. There were no changes made before approving it.
This is how the question will appear on your Ballot. Nothing the Board did Monday changes this ballot language.
![[Coming] City Council swearing in ceremony and selection of Mayor and Vice-Mayor](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/feature-mihaela-on-video-camera.jpg)
Just for fun, we’ve thrown in our favorite write-in candidate, Ms. Loveland Frog! Because after-all it would be nice to have a “tad” more gender equality and hear something besides just 7 human voices croaking “Yes” in unison for the next two years.
![[VIDEO] Board votes to amend parameters of levy request](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/maxresdefault.jpg)
