These three blind mice chose to offend we Loveland residents by disappearing for the week
by Walter D. Golladay
On 26 September, Loveland City Council was scheduled to meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Because a quorum of four council members did not happen, the meeting did not officially take place.
For unknown reasons, these three blind mice of Vice Mayor Angie Settell, and Council members Pam Gross and Stephen Zamagias were absent without just cause from their appointed duty station. That being, City Hall, Loveland, Ohio, 7 pm.
These three blind mice chose to conduct personal business elsewhere, not for the benefit of Loveland residents, but for another business, another individual, or themselves.
This Loveland resident has the firm belief that the 3 blind mice chose not to appear in order to prevent a council quorum being established with the City Council members present of Kathy Bailey, Robert Weisgerber and Ted Phelps. Kathy, Robert and Ted would have been the majority council members for the evening.
The three blind mice, need to be held accountable. In explicit detail, they must explain to the Loveland residents where they were that evening, and why they could not attend a long established council meeting date.
The three blind mice must explain to the Loveland residents where they were that evening.
They must also explain why none of them were available to attend alternates council meeting dates of Monday through Thursday, 25 – 28 September.
These three blind mice chose to offend we Loveland residents by disappearing for the week and preventing scheduled City of Loveland business from being conducted.
Should any or all of the three blind mice not be able to offer a valid reason for their absence, then we Loveland residents need to seriously consider not voting for them in the upcoming 2017 General Election.
These 3 blind mice must fully explain their absence at the 26 September Council meeting.
Immediately.
Walter D. Golladay is a resident of Loveland, Ohio
Solicitor responds to request by Tim Canada to subpoena former city manager Tom Carroll
Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, August 22, local business owner Tim Canada gave a speech at the Loveland Council meeting and said that former City Manager Tom Carroll spent $15,000 in 2013 when he hired a lobbyist group called the Colwell Group. Canada said that a total of $25,000 was paid to the Colwell Group throughout 2013, but he could not find any authorization from Council He suggested Council issue a subpoena to Carroll to investigate the $25,000 expenditure. He was essentially asking the question to Councilman Rob Weisgerber who was on Council at the time and is seeking re-election. Weisgerber said that he would respond to Canada at a later time.
Later in the meeting, Councilmember Pam Gross did respond to the allegations made by Canada. She also said that the contract with the Colwell Group was illegal, and was the same argument Council Members had for Rob Stansel’s contract. Stansel was the former economic director that had recently been let go because his contract exceeded the spending authority of current City Manager Dave Kennedy. Gross said she appreciated the fact that Mr. Weisgerber wanted to move forward, however she felt it was important to note that the Colwell Group contract was the same as Stansel’s contract and questioned why Stansel’s contract caused such an uproar, but Weisgerber wanted to gloss over the Colwell Group contract.
At the Tuesday, September 12 meeting, Weisgerber responded. He said that there was nothing illegal about the contracts with the Colwell Group, nor were there any City procedures or spending authority violated. He noted that in the 1990’s, Loveland had a city manager that did break up contracts to get around the spending limit and at that time, Council changed the rules to be very specific about the spending limit and how to break up contracts into separate issues/engagements, which are the rules today. He explained that the Colwell Group was used for three separate engagements, had separate contracts, and separate rates for specific issues. He reiterated that nothing illegal was done, no rules were violated, and the City Manager acted within his authority. He turned to Joe Braun the City Solicitor and asked him to confirm what he was saying.
Braun said that he reached out to Canada when he said the City had acted illegally and asked for a subpoena to be issued to the former city manager. He said that he also researched the Colwell Group contracts and asked the clerk of council to pull documents for him so he could check the facts. Braun stated that he came to the same conclusion that Weisgerber did, there was nothing illegal done, there were three separate contracts with the Colwell Group for three separate amounts, three different hourly rates, three different time periods, and three different objectives. He reiterated that there was nothing illegal done and no rules were violated.
In these three LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV videos you can watch Councilwoman Pam Gross and Tim Canada raising the issue of the Colwell Group contract and Weisgerber and Braun saying there was nothing illegal about how Carroll handled them.
RP Diamond is the exclusive retailer of LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR Welcome to RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery located at 370 Loveland Madeira Road.
By Dr. Amy Crouse, Loveland Interim Superintendent
Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today: At the Loveland City School District, this is our collective mission. During the 2016-17 school year our administrative team began to put laser focus into defining exactly what that statement means. From those discussions, a vision was born: We are committed to being a destination school district exemplified through our dedicated approach to the complete student experience. This vision statement is the why we – as professionals – do what we do for our Tiger Family. It was beginning during the 2016-17 school year that all eyes – from our teachers, to our food service professionals, to our support staff, to our custodians, to our bus drivers, to our secretaries – were on three big goals:
• GROWTH– Every Tiger will demonstrate personal academic growth
• INNOVATION – Every Tiger will experience an innovative education environment
• CARE – Every Tiger will be cared for and supported
As we continue pushing forward on these goals for the current 2017-18 school year, I invite you to dive into both the depth and breadth of how each of our goals during the 2016-17 school enhanced the experience for our students. September 11 we officially released our fifth annual Quality Profile – a publication dedicated to detail to you how we do business beyond the standardized testing. This publication gives you the opportunity to take a detailed look at what we – as a district – were able to achieve by keeping our eye on the target of those three big goals. Please visit the “About” section of the district website (http://www.lovelandschools.org/) to access the complete 2016-17 Quality Profile report.
Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today – it’s what we do. I personally want to thank you for your continued support.
Loveland, Ohio– Apparently Tuesday’s City Council meeting will take place, however, there may be no business conducted. On Thursday, September 21 Loveland Magazine received the following email from Loveland’s Vice Mayor Angie Settell:
Never before receiving a press release from an individual member of the council, Loveland Magazine proceeded cautiously on reporting the press release. In this highly charged election season, it seemed prudent to verify Settell’s message and verify that it, in fact, came from her. Press releases are almost always either sent out from the City Manager’s office or the Clerk of Council. Add to that, the release sent by Settell referred to “We” as if it was being sent on behalf of others or from City Hall.
After receiving the “Press Release” we looked on the City Web site to see if in fact the meeting was canceled as the release might suggest. It was not. It was still listed as a public meeting and there was no “Press Release” on the website such as the one Settell sent out, the City Facebook page, or the City Twitter page. Looking at the City Facebook page also confirmed that there was a council meeting on Tuesday, September 26.
An email was sent to the Clerk of Council and the City Manager asking for clarification. We asked two questions. Did it come from Settell? Is there a meeting?
City Manager Dave Kennedy answered at 2 Pm on Monday simply saying, “There will not be enough members for a quorum at tomorrow’s meeting.”
Clerk of Council Misty Cheshire responded at 5:43 PM on Monday by saying, “The press release did not come from the City and was independently done by an individual council member. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night and will take place if a quorum is present.”
After the recent resignation of former Mayor, Mark Fitzgerald there remains six members of Council. A quorum of Council would be four. Settell’s release would suggest that three of the six council members do not plan on attending Tuesday’s meeting. She did not say which members would not be attending.
Not on the meeting agenda, but a decision that could be made at any future meeting is a vote on who will take Fitzgerald’s seat and serve the remaining two years of his vacated term. It will require at least four members to agree on a replacement. A 3-3 split council as it is today is a delicate attendance balance.
You can read the Agenda for the meeting where apparently none of the business listed will be conducted.
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will be at City Hall tomorrow night at 7 PM and be broadcasting live on our Facebook Page.
Loveland Sweets is a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates, caramels, marshmallows, and ice creams. Our house-made candies are prepared in small batches.
Rule 19. Appearing Before Council (Five-Day Rule).
Any person, group or delegation wishing to be placed on the agenda to appear before Council shall direct a letter to the Clerk of Council so it is received by the Clerk no later than 12:00 Noon on the Thursday preceding the regularly scheduled Tuesday Council meeting, or the fifth day prior to the scheduled meeting if it is scheduled for a day other than Tuesday. The Mayor may suspend the Thursday rule in the event of unusual or emergency circumstances.
Loveland, Ohio – Life long Loveland resident Sherry Hamlin prepared a presentation to give at the September 12 council meeting, but while practicing it she discovered it was too long to fit into the five minutes allotted if she spoke during the Open Forum agenda item of the meeting. She said, “As I practiced my presentation it was running long and I didn’t want to cut it short.”
Anyone is allowed to just go to a meeting and sign a sheet at the doorway to the council chambers and they are given five minutes to address any subject on their mind, but Hamlin also knew of the “Appearing Before Council (Five-Day Rule)” which allows people to contact the Clerk of Council by noon on the Thursday preceding the meeting, and be allowed ten minutes of speaking time.
Hamlin said she wrote the required request three days before the cut-off, and it was the first time she had ever requested to speak in that time slot. “What happened next surprised me. I received a reply that Vice-Mayor Angie Settell denied my request to speak before council and suggested I consider speaking during the Open Forum instead. It seems I don’t have much choice since I was omitted from the agenda published on Friday.” She said there were no other requirements, “I just had to do was ask by Thursday at noon. I asked on Monday, nearly three full days before the deadline and I saw nothing in the rules that allowed the Vice-Mayor to deny my request.”
After the meeting, Hamlin told Loveland Magazine that what she originally wanted to talk about at the council meeting would have to wait for another meeting because the denial of speaking rights suddenly took precedence.
Hamlin said that business owner Tim Canada who does not live in Loveland or pay personal income taxes to the City has appeared during the ten-minute time slot four times since the beginning of the year. She asked Settell, “So I would like to ask this question. Why is it that a local business owner is permitted to speak during persons before Council, but I a resident am not?”
You can watch these LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV videos to see Hamlin asking her question, Settell’s response, and Councilwoman Kathy Baliey’s response. The Vice-Mayor defended her actions however Bailey raised some of the same questions as Hamlin.
Loveland chiropractor Douglas Portmann, DC at Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab is one of the best chiropractors in the Loveland area specializing in chiropractic care.
Because of the number of trees already ordered we can extend the ORDER DEADLINE to
SEPT. 26
WHEN YOU PLANT A TREE, YOU ARE INVESTING IN THE LONG TERM BEAUTY AND CHARACTER OF THE LOVELAND AREA, A TRUE GIFT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Volunteers planting Tree Corps trees along Loveland Madeira Rd, in front of the Loveland Primary and Elementary School, last fall.
by David Miller
Volunteers planting a bald cypress along Loveland Madeira Road last fall. Biological diversity helps prevent wholesale loss of tree cover if a pest or disease hits your area. The Tree Corps chose a variety of trees so a single pest or disease would not greatly impact our effort in the future.
Order Deadline NOW: Sept. 26
Pickup Date: Saturday October 7th, 8 AM to 2 PM
Loveland, Ohio-Last fall Loveland’s Tree Planting Alliance (Tree Corps) held its first successful sale and volunteer tree planting event as part of Make a Difference Day. Eighty trees were sold to home and business owners. Volunteers planted 20 trees in public spaces, mostly in front of the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools, along Loveland Madeira Road. The City of Loveland participated by buying trees for the new Cox Parking Lot. Afterwards, Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy said, “This was a great event. We are adding [trees] in some good locations.”
The tree sale this past spring went well also.
In an effort to continue the momentum, the Loveland Tree Corps is again offering a Fall sale of attractive, hardwood, shade trees, all of which grow well in southwest Ohio. At maturity, these trees will provide that wonderfully high canopy that adds so much character to our community.
The available trees are listed on the order form, including two that are appropriate for sites with overhead wires. Download the Tree Corps Order Form Fall 2017
The City of Loveland bought many trees. This one was planted by Public Works in a City park.
The Loveland Tree Corps was founded by Loveland Magazine and Loveland resident, Cindy Kessler because currently more trees are being removed than are being planted. In an effort to reverse this trend, the Tree Corps is providing reasonably priced trees and encouraging people to plant them anywhere and everywhere: at home, church, place of business, local parks/schools/etc (with permission, of course). Plant to shade pavement from the summer sun, to shade your house and reduce your summer AC bill, to improve neighborhood property values, for a friend to make them smile, for environmental reasons, or simply for the sheer beauty that trees provide. Whatever your reason, let’s all make our community a little greener one season at a time.
Pickup will be Saturday October 7th between 8 AM until 2 PM at Loveland Magazine, 514 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio, 45140 (next to Union Savings Bank, look for signs). Orders must be received before Sept. 26.
Cindy Kessler did some final pruning before orders were picked up last fall.
Biological diversity helps prevent widespread loss of trees if a pest or disease hits your area, as we are currently experiencing with the Emerald Ash Borer. For this reason, the tree offerings include some trees that may be new to you. Though lesser known, they are beautiful shade trees that do great in our area. If you are going to buy more than one, be sure to choose a variety of species.
The trees are in manageable 3-gallon containers and cost $25 each.
Pickup Date: Saturday October 7th between 8 AM until 2 PM at:
Loveland Magazine
514 W. Loveland Avenue
Loveland, Ohio, 45140
(Next to Union Savings Bank, look for signs)
Please know that we may have to make substitutions at the last minute, without being able to notify you. Feel free to write your preferences on the back of the order form and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
For additional information: David Miller (513-305-6071) or Cindy Kessler (513-403-1427) or email treecorps@cinci.rr.com.
The trees were wrapped with a guard which made them less prone to accidental damage, and leaf mulch was applied to provide nourishment and retain water.
Kulik compares a political pro, like himself to politically motivated flame throwing amateurs.
Loveland, Ohio – Resident Ryan Kulik went to the September 12 council meeting and gave a speech about the state of Loveland politics. He said it has been “downright dreadful.”
Kulik said that no one wants to talk about the positive things brought by Rob Stansel, the City’s former economic development director who council voted to let go last May because the contract he had with the City exceeded the spending authority of City Manager Dave Kennedy. However, Kulik had plenty to say about Stansel in his speech and defended the work while employed by Kennedy. Some of the claims Kulik made were credible, some not.
Ryan Kulik
Kulik claimed Stansel secured over half a million dollars for the sale of property Loveland taxpayers own on Chestnut Street, however the letter of intent to buy the property was never signed and it expired.
Kulik warns of Loveland having an anti-business attitude and set his aim on The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, the Loveland Heartbeat Political Action Committee, and Councilman Rob Weisgerber.
The day after Kulik gave his speech at the council meeting he sent the full text of his speech to Loveland Magazine with this message, “I have attached my full remarks to council, I did leave out huge chunks because 5 minutes is far too short for a blowhard like myself..” Below is that text with the following disclaimer from Kulik.
I am currently not working with anyone associated with the city council. I have talked with a few people who are running, but I have yet to sign a contract to exclusively work for anyone. Due to confidentiality agreements I can not reveal who I have spoken with. I did want you to know all of this so it is clear where I am coming from. As long as I am free from any contracts in the city, I would like to continue to get my opinions out in this volatile political climate. I will keep you updated if any of this changes.
Thank you, Council, and thank you fellow residents and friends of Loveland.
My name is Ryan Kulik and I live in Loveland. I manage a political consulting firm that specializes in local government. I worked, as in I got paid for my services, on my first campaign in 1992. We lost. Since that November in 1992, I have worked on numerous political issues, and worked on more campaigns than I wish to count. I do this because I love politics, I love America, and I love my community.
A Political Action Committee that has taken joy in stopping the discussion of positive economic growth in our city.
The narrative about Loveland, my community, in 2017 has been downright dreadful. A small group of political motivated amateurs have taken over and halted the business of the city, the mayor resigned, the council is split, and even more surprising, the local Chamber of Commerce has publicly endorsed, with money and with words, a Political Action Committee that has taken joy in stopping the discussion of positive economic growth in our city. Even members of this council have voted against legally required public hearings, read the charter, read the Ohio Constitution. These votes, along with the local chamber, and dedicated group of political motivated amateurs has made Loveland a town that is viewed as unfavorable to growth and not welcoming to new business.
That narrative is unacceptable. I have worked with numerous chambers of commerce, and to be aligned with a group that is anti-business is unthinkable. I have worked with a bunch of people who have run for local government. One of the biggest sins is to have a voting record that shows you are anti-growth and anti-business. I figure if we are going to let the political neophytes have control of our city, why not let a political professional have a crack at the bat. Maybe now we can start to correct the narrative of Loveland.
How is it I can paint these groups as anti-business you ask? Well, let me explain. The anti-business political group has recently brought up the cancelled contract of Mr. Rob Stansel. What is that Mr. Stansel did wrong? I can see where the council should have had a discussion on his services when the contract exceeded the City Manager’s spending limits, but council never had that discussion. Rob Stansel was hired by the City Manager, not council. That is what a city manager does. The council should have had a chance to vote on his contract when the City Manager’s spending limit was exceeded. We never had this discussion. A political amateur seems to always forget these things Again maybe they just don’t know. A political professional knows how a city runs.
As a tax paying resident of Loveland, I am happy that the City Manager hired Mr Stansel, and I am appalled that his services were let go in a blatant politically expedient move by a member of this council. Rob Stansel created, and was still creating, positive economic growth in Loveland. He secured over half a million dollars for the Chestnut property. He was working a deal for the infamous Christman property that would have brought another financial windfall to the city. Thank goodness, the City Manager hired Mr. Stansel. It is a shame that a politically motivated stunt by members of this council caused Loveland to lose someone who was bringing prosperity to our neighborhood. It is a big political sin to be anti-business and anti-growth.
Here’s some free advice, if you want to be a political flamethrower, be well versed in what libel and slander are.
No one wants to talk about the positive things brought by Rob Stansel, and other professionals to Loveland. The narrative has been infected with constant negativity. The refuge of the political amateur is to throw around the terms illegal and corruption. First off, be very careful when you throw those words around. The internet is written in ink, your words will live forever. Political pros, like myself, will look for any signs of behavior, or words, that are legally questionable. Here’s some free advice, if you want to be a political flamethrower, be well versed in what libel and slander are.
Second, what was illegal? The city manager hired Mr Stansel, Mr. Stansel created an incredible return on investment. In Councilman Wesigerber’s defense of the three contracts given to the lobbyists at the Colwell Group, that is right, there were three separate contracts. Managing my own politically consulting group for years I used to love to work with people like then Mayor Weisgerber. If he kept rewriting contracts for new work, I never had to deal with council votes and the public was never able to voice their concern. In my profession, it is easier to work with elected officials who like to dodge transparency.
But back to Councilman Weisgerber’s words. He claimed the three contracts secured by the Colwell group created a great return on investment. He is correct. Do you know what else is correct, the one contract with Rob Stansel created an even greater return on investment, and if this council had acknowledged this, Rob Stansel would still be working for the economic benefit of Loveland. Cancelling Rob Stansel’s contract without debate is an anti-business and anti-growth political sin, and every time someone wants to bring up the contract, I will remind people of this sin.
As for the word corruption. Again, be very careful. Words have consequences, and there is nothing but negativity with the word corruption. If you want to incite discord, then continue to use negativity. That seems to be the only plan of action from the political motivated anti-growth group. Just make sure you are in the clear, legally of course.
I was raised catholic, so I believe in the power of confession and the absolution of one’s sins. The political sin of being anti-business can be absolved, all you need to do is confess.
In 1992, I was a political amateur, I have spent the last twenty-five years learning. I am still learning. I encourage everyone who is new to Loveland politics, stay with it and keep learning. I lost my first race, but that did not deter me. Also, I was raised catholic, so I believe in the power of confession and the absolution of one’s sins. The political sin of being anti-business can be absolved, all you need to do is confess. Think about the future of Loveland. I am dedicated to returning to our pro-business and pro-growth policies. Our council, and community should share my goals. Join me.
Relaxed atmosphere and friendly service welcomes you back time and time again! Located in the heart of the Historic Loveland District Just outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
When you plant a tree, you are investing in the long term beauty and character of the Loveland area, a true gift for future generations.
Volunteers planting Tree Corps trees along Loveland Madeira Rd, in front of the Loveland Primary and Elementary School, last fall.
by David Miller
Volunteers planting a bald cypress along Loveland Madeira Road last fall. Biological diversity helps prevent wholesale loss of tree cover if a pest or disease hits your area. The Tree Corps chose a variety of trees so a single pest or disease would not greatly impact our effort in the future.
Order Deadline NOW: Sept. 26
Pickup Date: Saturday October 7th, 8 AM to 2 PM
Loveland, Ohio-Last fall Loveland’s Tree Planting Alliance (Tree Corps) held its first successful sale and volunteer tree planting event as part of Make a Difference Day. Eighty trees were sold to home and business owners. Volunteers planted 20 trees in public spaces, mostly in front of the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools, along Loveland Madeira Road. The City of Loveland participated by buying trees for the new Cox Parking Lot. Afterwards, Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy said, “This was a great event. We are adding [trees] in some good locations.”
The tree sale this past spring went well also.
In an effort to continue the momentum, the Loveland Tree Corps is again offering a Fall sale of attractive, hardwood, shade trees, all of which grow well in southwest Ohio. At maturity, these trees will provide that wonderfully high canopy that adds so much character to our community.
The available trees are listed on the order form, including two that are appropriate for sites with overhead wires. Download the Tree Corps Order Form Fall 2017
The City of Loveland bought many trees. This one was planted by Public Works in a City park.
The Loveland Tree Corps was founded by Loveland Magazine and Loveland resident, Cindy Kessler because currently more trees are being removed than are being planted. In an effort to reverse this trend, the Tree Corps is providing reasonably priced trees and encouraging people to plant them anywhere and everywhere: at home, church, place of business, local parks/schools/etc (with permission, of course). Plant to shade pavement from the summer sun, to shade your house and reduce your summer AC bill, to improve neighborhood property values, for a friend to make them smile, for environmental reasons, or simply for the sheer beauty that trees provide. Whatever your reason, let’s all make our community a little greener one season at a time.
Pickup will be Saturday October 7th between 8 AM until 2 PM at Loveland Magazine, 514 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio, 45140 (next to Union Savings Bank, look for signs). Orders must be received before Sept. 26.
Cindy Kessler did some final pruning before orders were picked up last fall.
Biological diversity helps prevent widespread loss of trees if a pest or disease hits your area, as we are currently experiencing with the Emerald Ash Borer. For this reason, the tree offerings include some trees that may be new to you. Though lesser known, they are beautiful shade trees that do great in our area. If you are going to buy more than one, be sure to choose a variety of species.
The trees are in manageable 3-gallon containers and cost $25 each.
Pickup Date: Saturday October 7th between 8 AM until 2 PM at:
Loveland Magazine
514 W. Loveland Avenue
Loveland, Ohio, 45140
(Next to Union Savings Bank, look for signs)
Please know that we may have to make substitutions at the last minute, without being able to notify you. Feel free to write your preferences on the back of the order form and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
For additional information: David Miller (513-305-6071) or Cindy Kessler (513-403-1427) or email treecorps@cinci.rr.com.
The trees were wrapped with a guard which made them less prone to accidental damage, and leaf mulch was applied to provide nourishment and retain water.
Texas National Guard soldiers conduct rescue operations in flooded areas around Houston, Texas 27 August, 2017. (Photos by 1Lt. Zachary West, 100th MPAD
Are you organizing to provide
Hurricane Harvey relief?
Here is how Loveland Magazine can help
Hello neighbors, friends, and readers,
If you are part of a local nonprofit, Mosque, Synagog, Church, school, company, or community group assisting the victims of Hurricane Harvey please send us information so Loveland Magazine can share it with the broader community.
Please be very specific about what you are doing, besides the Who, Why, What, When, and Where, provide us with specific information about what items you are collecting, and collection hours.
Please illustrate a proven need for items you might be collecting, and links to where your donations, etc., will ultimately be sent.
We will publish a list of ways local folks can help with relief efforts, but not if you do not send us information that people can use to best determine how to effectively help.
If you are heading to Texas or Louisiana to volunteer we’d also like to help tell your story.
We promise the best customer service, and beyond a doubt, the best selection of merchandise in the area Pizazz Studio is a whimsical gift shop in downtown Loveland.
by Walter D. Golladay
