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News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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  • [VIDEO] Tim Canada proposes term limits and direct election of Mayor/Vice Mayor

    [VIDEO] Tim Canada proposes term limits and direct election of Mayor/Vice Mayor

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    EDITOR’S NOTE: Please excuse the quality of our recent video work from the Loveland City Hall council chamber. After the City recently hired a Public Information Officer (PIO), LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV, USA-Today videographers, and Cincinnati Area TV stations have been put into a small corral to one side of the room, and the podium was placed so that when the public rises to speak, they have their backs toward the audience and our camera. We have talked to the PIO, City Manager and the Clerk of Council about how this arrangement significantly degrades our video, “The old set-up allowed a video camera to swing back and forth between those at the podium and the council table. That arrangement had been used for decades.”

    Our plea has fallen on deaf ears. The PIO, however, did respond saying, “Unfortunately, the arrangement of the media area will not be moved to accommodate better angles at this time.”

    So, for the time being, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV is forced to show butts instead of faces, except when Councilwoman Pam Gross uses the podium. (See this recent video)

    [/quote_box_left]Loveland, Ohio -Business owner and former Councilmember Tim Canada, and residents Diane Powers and Barry Kuhn want the community and Loveland Council to consider changes to Loveland’s Charter. Their proposal is for voters to directly elect the Mayor and Vice-Mayor, and to implement term limits for all members of City Council. They are presenting several proposals for Council to consider. They want Council to initiate putting the question to voters on the November ballot. However, if Council fails to do so, the three pledge to circulate Initiative petitions and get enough signatures so voters can make a decision this November.

    Canada appeared at the July 11 Council meeting to explain their proposal.

    Later in the meeting Council member Pam Gross made a motion to direct the City Solicitor to give Council a report on the process for a Charter amendment and to also prepare a report on how a “Charter Review Committee” would work. The motion passed 6-0. Mayor Mark Fitzgerald was not at the meeting.

    Also read: Diane Powers proposes direct election of Mayor and term limits

    Also Read: Three Council Members jointly see a better way to address and improve Loveland ‘s City Charter

    Who is running for School Board and Council? – Other Election News

     

    Click SHOW MORE button to read the supporting documents for the Canada proposal.

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    To:  Mayor and City Council of Loveland, OH

    Cc:  City Administration, Council Clerk, Media personnel

    RE:  Open Forum Statement – June 27, 2017 – Governance:  Elections

    From:  Diane Powers, Main Street, Loveland, OH

    Note:  This was the essence of my statement that I planned to make at Tuesday’s Council meeting prior to the abrupt adjournment.  Thought sending it to you all now and making it a part of the City’s public records for citizen communication would keep at least my position open and transparent to everyone.

    I want to address Council to share my thoughts on the governance of “We the People”—we citizens of Loveland.  I feel there is a fundamental difference between politics and governance.  Politics is a focus on the past, manipulating facts, and building small alliances and favoritism that are not representative of the citizens.  What it appears we have now, and have had for the last 15-20 years.  Governance, on the other hand, is how our elected officials and public employees interact with the citizens to create a community that improves the quality of life by ensuring equal opportunities and access for everyone.  As elections are once again coming up in just over 4 months, I feel it is important to state my perspective of the difference and why my efforts are focused only on improving governance. [quote_right]If we want to fix the now, we have to fix the how.[/quote_right]

    It was during the height of some of this campaign toxicity, about a month ago, I had made a statement on a Facebook “conversation” (and I do use that term lightly) that, “If we want to fix the now, we have to fix the how.” How we choose the leadership of Loveland.  How we ensure the city does not stagnate under a system of “status quo”.  How we communicate a vision for the city’s future and elect the individuals most in-tune with setting policies to bring the vision into existence – our Mayor and Council Members.  How we citizens address how we want to be governed.

    Simultaneously, it appeared to quite a few people that a good start to “fixing the how” was 2-fold: 

    1. To move to direct election of the Mayor.  This will eliminate the equivalent of Loveland’s “Electoral College”—in essence, 4 people/Council Members—that select the Mayor. It will also require individuals seeking the office of Mayor publicly declare it.

    a. Provide for the Council Member receiving the most percentage of votes in Council Member elections becomes Vice Mayor.

    2. To establish term limits for all elected officials. 

    Attached are 2 DRAFT Motions for each Item that were created with verbal input from a number of Loveland citizens.  Establishing the language of the ballot measure and change to the municipal code is most definitely open to and, asked for, respectful dialogue from each and every Loveland citizen, Council Member, and the Mayor.  I have also attached reference municipal code for Direct Elections from Beavercreek, OH and Cincinnati, OH.  Both are local, comparable City Manager/Mayor-Council forms of government.  We see these as building blocks for the final ballot language.  They are what Tim Canada, a stakeholder in Loveland, was going to bring forward for Council consideration at the Tuesday session.  We will be prepared to move this forward via a ballot initiative with necessary eligible voter signatures if Council does not.

    It would be encouraging to see any or all Council Members, including the Mayor, demonstrate they are truly independent thinkers and voices and want to let voters decide critical issues by showing their support of the Motions and offering to officially bring these to Council for discussion and potential vote.  Having a symbolic “John Hancock” signature on the informal Motions would go a very long way in demonstrating an ability to govern and not just engage in politics as usual.  (This was for the Draft Motions at the meeting.  At this point, an official Motion from any/all of Council desired.)

    Lastly, it is also important to note that “my voice” is used to improve governance and not to campaign for anyone.  Who I support is declared at the ballot box with my vote.  I would love to say there is a person running that I trust their integrity, authenticity, intelligence, independence, and ability to communicate (listen to all sides of an issue) but I am not seeing these leadership qualities emerge.  There’s four months remaining—someone, anyone, please step up.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Diane Powers

    Main Street

     

     

     

    Ordinance Language for Motion – Sample Beavercreek

    Proposed language to Replace SECTION 2.05  ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS and    SECTION 2.06  MAYOR AND VICE-MAYOR.

       Six (6) Council members shall be elected as Council members at large to four (4) year terms on a rotation of three (3) members selected in one election and three (3) members selected in the next. This rotation will begin with three (3) persons being selected at the 2019 November general election and three (3) selected at the 2021 November general election and will continue at the November general election in subsequent off numbered years. The Mayor shall be selected by separate ballot to a four (4) year term beginning at the 2019 November general election and each four (4) years thereafter.

       (A)   Term Limitation.

          (1)   In no case shall any person be elected to either the office of Council member, Mayor, or a combination of the two offices, for more than two (2) consecutive terms of four (4) years each; provided that the term served in filling a vacancy or unexpired term shall not be considered as part of the two (2) consecutive terms of four (4) years each.

          (2)   Following the election to two (2) consecutive terms as either Council member, Mayor, or a combination of the two offices, no person shall immediately thereafter be eligible for election to either office, or a combination thereof, until a period of one (1) term consisting of four (4) years has elapsed.

          (3)   No person who has been elected to two (2) consecutive terms as Council member, Mayor, or a combination of the two offices, shall be appointed to fill a vacancy or unexpired term until a period of one (1) term consisting of four (4) years has elapsed since that same person last held office as either Council member or Mayor.

          (4)   Present members already elected to more than two (2) consecutive terms as either Council member, Mayor, or a combination of the two offices, shall finish the present term to which they were elected.

       This proposed Charter amendment shall become effective from the time of its approval by the electors and shall apply to all present Council members and Mayor.

    SECTION _______.   QUALIFICATIONS.

       The Mayor and each Council member shall be at the time of election or appointment, and shall remain throughout the term of office, a qualified elector of the City.

       The Mayor and each Council member shall begin their term of office on the first day of January following their election. The Mayor and each Council member shall take the oath of office on or before the first day of January.

    SECTION ______   OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL.

       The officers of the Council shall be the Mayor and Vice Mayor.

       (A)   Mayor.  The Mayor shall have the right to vote on all issues before the Council but shall have no power of veto. In addition to the powers, rights, and duties as a Council member, the Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Council, shall be recognized as head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes, by the Governor for purposes of military law, and by the courts for civil process involving the City.  The Mayor is recognized as the Chief Executive Officer [Executive Officer] as required by the Ohio Revised Code for purposes of declaring an emergency, but not for any action other than as required by declared emergencies. The Mayor may by ordinance have judicial powers and shall perform all other duties prescribed by ordinance or by resolution of the Council not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter.

       (B)   Vice Mayor.  The Vice Mayor shall exercise all the power and perform all the duties of the Mayor in case of temporary absence or disability. The City Council Candidate receiving the highest number of votes from City electors at the most recent November general election in an off numbered year will be the Vice Mayor and will serve as such for the first two (2) years of his or her term. If the office of Vice Mayor becomes vacant, the successor Vice Mayor shall be the member who received the next higher number of votes at the most recent rotation election of Council members. If it is not possible to identify a successor in that manner, the Council shall choose a new Vice Mayor at its next regular meeting.  In the event of a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the Vice Mayor will serve as Mayor until such time as the vacancy is filled in accordance with Section _____ of this Charter.

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    Loveland Sweets – Fine Candies

    Loveland Sweets is a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates, caramels, marshmallows, and ice creams. Our house-made candies are prepared in small batches
  • What does Loveland Charter say about electing/recalling Mayor?

    What does Loveland Charter say about electing/recalling Mayor?

    Adopted Charter of the City of Loveland, Ohio

    Adopted November 6, 2001

    ARTICLE II: THE CITY COUNCIL

    SEC. 2.01 NUMBER, SELECTION, TERM.

    Except as reserved to the people by this Charter, the legislative powers of the City shall be vested in a Council of seven (7) members, elected at large, for four-year (4) overlapping terms, with four (4) members to be elected at a scheduled municipal election and three (3) members to be elected at a scheduled municipal election two years thereafter. All elections of Council members shall be on a non-partisan ballot. (11-5-91, 11-6-01)

    SEC. 2.02 QUALIFICATIONS.

    Electors of the City of Loveland meeting the qualifications for member of City Council as set forth in the laws of Ohio shall be eligible to have their names placed on the ballot. A Council member who, during his or her term of office, ceases to meet such qualifications, or who is absent, without excuse by a majority of the other members of Council, from four (4) consecutive regular meetings of the Council, shall automatically vacate his/her office on the Council. (11-5- 91, 11-7-00)

    SEC. 2.03 FILLING OF VACANCIES.

    Vacancies in the office of Council member shall be filled within thirty (30) days by vote of a majority of the remaining members of Council, by the selection of a person qualified as provided in Section 2.02 of this Charter. If Council fails to make a selection to fill such vacancy within thirty (30) days, the Mayor shall forthwith make the appointment. Such person so chosen shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term of the Council member whose vacancy he or she was appointed to fill. (11-5-91, 11-6-01)

    SEC. 2.04 BEGINNING OF TERM OF OFFICE.

    The term of office of Council members shall begin on the first Monday in December following the regular municipal election held the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in the odd- numbered years, or such other election date prescribed by the laws of Ohio. (11-5-91, 11-6-01)

    SEC. 2.05 ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS.

    Following each municipal election, Council shall meet within five (5) days after the beginning of the term of office of the newly-elected members of Council, for the purpose of organizing. At such meeting, the newly-elected members of Council shall take the oath of office and the Council shall proceed to elect a Mayor and Vice-Mayor and may transact such other business as may come before it. Thereafter, regular meetings shall be held as prescribed in the Council rules, but not less frequently than twice each month. Except as otherwise provided by the laws of Ohio, all meetings of the Council shall be open to the public. A majority of the members elected or appointed shall constitute a quorum at all meetings. (11-5-91, 11-7-00)

    SEC. 2.06 MAYOR AND VICE-MAYOR.

    At its organization meeting, the Council shall elect, from among its own members, one to serve as Mayor and one as Vice-Mayor for a term of two (2) years and until their successors are chosen and qualified. The Mayor shall preside at Council meetings, when present, and shall have a vote on all matters which come before Council, but shall have no power of veto. The Mayor shall be recognized as the head of the municipal government for ceremonial purposes, but shall have no administrative duties. The Mayor shall have the judicial functions of a Mayor under the laws of Ohio until such judicial functions are performed by some other officer appointed or elected for that purpose. The Vice-Mayor shall perform the duties of the Mayor when the Mayor is absent or disabled. (11-5-91, 11-7-00)

    SEC. 2.07 SALARIES.

    The salary of Council members shall be fixed by ordinance. No increase in salary shall ever take effect during the term of the Council members enacting the ordinance.

    The Mayor’s salary shall be fixed by ordinance. The Council may not increase or decrease the salary of the Mayor during his/her term of office.

    The Vice Mayor’s salary shall be fixed by ordinance. Council may not increase or decrease the Vice Mayor’s salary during the Vice Mayor’s term of office. A temporary increase in the Vice Mayor’s salary is allowed if the Vice Mayor is performing the duties of the Mayor. (11-5-91, 11-6-01)

    ARTICLE X. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

    SEC. 10.01 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

    The regular election for the choice of members of the Council shall be held at the general election in the odd-numbered years. This shall be known as the Municipal Election. The Council may, by resolution, order a Special Election at any time, the purpose of which shall be set forth in the resolution. (11-5-91)

    SEC. 10.02 CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS.

    All elections shall be conducted under the provisions of this Charter by the Board of Elections of the respective counties in which the City lies. Where the Charter is silent, the provisions of the laws of Ohio shall be followed. (11-5-91, 11-7-00)

    SEC. 10.03 NOMINATIONS.

    No primary election shall be held for the nomination of candidates for Council. Nominations for the office of Council member shall be made by petition signed by not less than twenty-five (25) nor more than fifty (50) electors of the city. Petitions shall be the standard forms for the nomination of individual non-partisan candidates for such office. Group petitions shall not be used. Petitions shall be filed with the Board of Elections within the time period specified by the Ohio Revised Code. An elector may sign only as many petitions as there are Council members to be elected at the municipal election for which the nominations are made. (11-5-91)

    SEC. 10.04 SPONSORS, ACCEPTANCE, VERIFICATION.

    Each candidate shall have a sponsoring committee of five (5) qualified voters, whose names and addresses shall appear on each copy of the petition. The signature of the candidate indicating acceptance of the nomination and willingness to serve if elected shall appear on each copy of the petition. The petition may be in a number of parts, but each part shall be verified under oath by the circulator, as required by law. (11-5-91)

    SEC. 10.05 BALLOTS.

    The full names of all nominated candidates shall be printed on the official ballot without party designation. The resident addresses of candidates with the same surname, or with names likely to cause confusion, shall be placed below their respective names on the ballot. The names of all candidates shall be rotated on the ballot as provided by the laws of Ohio. (11-5-91, 11-7- 00)

    SEC. 10.06 WRITE-INS.

    Only in the event that fewer candidates are nominated by petition than there are Council members to be elected at the ensuing election, shall space be provided on the ballot for the writing in at the election of the names of additional persons. (11-5-91)

    SEC. l0.07 WATCHERS AND CHALLENGERS.

    At each municipal election, each regularly nominated candidate shall be entitled, on written application to the Board of Elections, at least ten (10) days before the election, to appoint one (1) person and one (1) alternate to represent him/her as a watcher and a challenger at each polling place during the casting and counting of ballots, and one (1) person and one (1) alternate to represent him/her as watcher and challenger during the canvass of votes at the Board of Election. (11-5-91)

    SEC. 10.08 ELECTION.

    The candidates for member of Council at the regular municipal election, equal in number to the places to be filled on Council, who received the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. (11-5-91)

    SEC. 10.09 RECALL.

    Members of Council may be removed from office before the expiration of their terms by the qualified voters of the City. The procedure for such recall shall be that provided by the laws of Ohio. (11-5-91, 11-7-00)

    SEC. 11.01 OATH OF OFFICE.

    Every officer and employee of the City shall, before entering upon his/her duties, take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation, which shall be filed and kept in the office of the Clerk of Council:

    “I, (name), solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Loveland,

    and will obey the laws thereof, and will faithfully discharge the duties of (______________), upon which I am about to enter.” (11-5-91, 11-6-01)

    SEC. 11.02 OFFICIAL BONDS.

    All officers and employees of the city, whose duties require them to handle municipal and other public money or property, may be required by Council to furnish a corporate bond issued by a company authorized to do business in Ohio, to protect the City against loss due to their acts. The amount of the bond in each case shall be determined by Council and the premium on such bonds shall be paid from the funds of the city. All such bonds shall be filed with the Clerk of Council. (11-5-91)

    SEC. 11.03 PERSONAL INTEREST.

    No member of the Council or any officer or employee of the City shall have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract with or sale to the City of any materials, supplies, or services, or any land or interest in land. A person who knowingly and willfully violates this section shall be guilty of malfeasance in office and upon conviction thereof, shall be removed from office. Any contract or agreement made in violation of this section shall be violable at the election of the Council. (11-5-91)

    SEC. 11.04 REMOVAL FROM OFFICE — DISQUALIFICATION.

    Whenever, in this Charter, certain acts on the part of City officials are described as constituting malfeasance in office, the procedure for complaint, trial and judgment thereon shall be that prescribed by the laws of Ohio. (11-5-91, 11-7-01)

    READ THE FULL CHARTER OF THE CITY OF LOVELAND

    ALSO READ THESE RELATED STORIES:

    What you should know about recall elections

    [Video] Fitzgerald Re-Call Petitions delivered to Elections Board

    Who is running for School Board and Council? – Other Election News

    Here’s what Vice-Mayor Settle didn’t want you to know

    [Exclusive Video] Oury will run to replace Fitzgerald in recall election

    [Exclusive Video] “We will rise!” – Shouting matches erupt at council meeting

    Mark Fitzgerald is Loveland’s new Mayor by secret ballot

     

    RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery

    RP Diamond is the exclusive retailer of LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR Welcome to  RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery located at 370 Loveland Madeira Road

  • Air quality alert continues into Thursday

    Air quality alert continues into Thursday

    It will take action by each of us to lower the risk to our children

     

    Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Thursday, July 19 for Loveland. and the surrounding counties of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren in Ohio, and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky. 

     

    The Agency expects to see levels of ozone in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI). 

     

    Health Message: Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

     

    On Air Quality Advisory days, everyone can help reduce ozone formation by taking the following actions:

    • Bike, or walk instead of drive.
    • Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap.
    • DON’T RIDE YOUR MOTORCYCLE
    • Do not idle your vehicle; exhaust contributes considerably to ozone formation.
    • Combine trips or eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips.
    • Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Advisory days.
    • Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Advisory days.
    • Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings.
    • Suspend use of fire pits, campfires and grills on Air Quality Advisory days.
    • Conserve electricity by turning out lights and unplugging unused appliances and electronics.
    Children face special risks from air pollution because their lungs are growing and because they are so active Air-pollution-health-dangers

    Just like the arms and legs, the largest portion of a child’s lungs will grow long after he or she is born. Eighty percent of their tiny air sacs develop after birth. Those sacs, called the alveoli, are where the life-sustaining transfer of oxygen to the blood takes place. The lungs and their alveoli aren’t fully grown until children become adults.1 In addition, the body’s defenses that help adults fight off infections are still developing in young bodies.2 Children have more respiratory infections than adults, which also seems to increase their susceptibility to air pollution.3 

    Furthermore, children don’t behave like adults, and their behavior also affects their vulnerability. They are outside for longer periods and are usually more active when outdoors. Consequently, they inhale more polluted outdoor air than adults typically do.

    Air Pollution Increases Risk of Underdeveloped Lungs

    A Southern California Children’s Health study looked at the long-term effects of particle pollution on teenagers. Tracking 1,759 children who were between ages 10 and 18 from 1993 to 2001, researchers found that those who grew up in more polluted areas face the increased risk of having underdeveloped lungs, which may never recover to their full capacity. The average drop in lung function was 20 percent below what was expected for the child’s age, similar to the impact of growing up in a home with parents who smoked.5 

    Community health studies are pointing to less obvious, but serious effects from year-round exposure to ozone, especially for children. Scientists followed 500 Yale University students and determined that living just four years in a region with high levels of ozone and related co-pollutants was associated with diminished lung function and frequent reports of respiratory symptoms. 6 A much larger study of 3,300 school children in Southern California found reduced lung function in girls with asthma and boys who spent more time outdoors in areas with high levels of ozone.

     

    Read more from the American Lung Association

    For 17 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from official air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report. The more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make our air cleaner and healthier.

    In American Lung Association’s, Report Card: Ohio, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties all receive an “F”
    Cincinnati Air Quality a Mixed Bag, Finds 2016 ‘State of the Air’ Report

     

    Step up to Curb Pollution in Our Community.

    • Drive less. Combine trips, walk, bike, carpool or vanpool, and use buses, subways or other alternatives to driving. Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution. Support community plans that provide ways to get around that don’t require a car, such as more sidewalks, bike trails and transit systems.
    • Use less electricity.Turn out the lights and use energy-efficient appliances. Generating electricity is one of the biggest sources of pollution, particularly in the eastern United States.
    • Don’t burn wood or trash. Burning firewood and trash is among the largest sources of particle pollution in many parts of the country. If you must use a fireplace or stove for heat, convert your woodstove to natural gas, which has far fewer polluting emissions. Compost and recycle as much as possible and dispose of other waste properly; don’t burn it. Support efforts in your community to ban outdoor burning of construction and yard wastes. Avoid the use of outdoor hydronic heaters, also called outdoor wood boilers, which are frequently much more polluting than woodstoves.
    • Make sure your local school system requires clean school buses, which includes replacing or retrofitting old school buses with filters and other equipment to reduce emissions. Make sure your local schools don’t idle their buses, a step that can immediately reduce emissions.

     

    Now Enrolling at All About Kids at Wards Corner today!

     

  • Sherry Hamlin says agenda change equals illegal backdoor discussions

    Sherry Hamlin says agenda change equals illegal backdoor discussions

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    EDITOR’S NOTE: Please excuse the quality of our recent video work from the Loveland City Hall council chamber. After the City recently hired a Public Information Officer (PIO), LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV, USA-Today videographers, and Cincinnati Area TV stations have been put into a small corral to one side of the room, and the podium was placed so that when the public rises to speak, they have their backs toward the audience and our camera. We have talked to the PIO, City Manager and the Clerk of Council about how this arrangement significantly degrades our video, “The old set-up allowed a video camera to swing back and forth between those at the podium and the council table. That arrangement had been used for decades.”

    Our plea has fallen on deaf ears. The PIO, however, did respond saying, “Unfortunately, the arrangement of the media area will not be moved to accommodate better angles at this time.”

    So, for the time being, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV is forced to show butts instead of faces, except when Councilwoman Pam Gross uses the podium. (See this recent video)

    [/quote_box_left]Loveland, Ohio -At the June 13 Council meeting, Sherry Hamlin spoke at Open Forum. She said that at the May 9 City Council meeting, Councilman Weisgerber moved to terminate Rob Stansel’s contract for economic development services because the contract violated the spending limits Council has authorized to the City Manager. The motion passed.

    Hamlin noted that the May 23 agenda published on the City’s website included a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter a new agreement between the City of Loveland and Rob Stansel. She said she was attending the meeting because she was interested in Rob Stansel’s contract, but when she got there it was no longer on the agenda. During the open forum, she asked, “Where did it go and why was it eliminated.”

    Hamlin’s allegation is that agenda was later amended to eliminate the resolution, which would violate a Loveland ordinance and quoted a section of the code which says that any change to the agenda as it appears in “Council’s Packet” shall require the consent of a majority of Council at the meeting. Hamlin said that once an agenda item is made public it must be discussed in public unless a majority of Council votes to amend their agenda at the beginning of the meeting. “The fact that it was not, sends a message that somehow, somewhere, someone, discussed this topic outside of the public eye and an agreement was made to remove it from the agenda.” She said having an item appear and disappear is a direct violation of a Loveland Ordinance,

    Hamlin’ said this was another signal that back door discussions were happening at City Hall. She said, “Residents who have spoken at open forum have made it clear that they crave transparency. And I just ask. When will our request be honored?”

     

    Thank you Jarvis Global Investments for supporting our student journalists

     

  • [Video] Dick Dyson still wants answers about Pam Gross

    [Video] Dick Dyson still wants answers about Pam Gross

    [quote_box_left]

    EDITOR’S NOTE: Please excuse the quality of our recent video work from the Loveland City Hall council chamber. After the City recently hired a Public Information Officer (PIO), LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV, USA-Today videographers, and Cincinnati Area TV stations have been put into a small corral to one side of the room, and the podium was placed so that when the public rises to speak, they have their backs toward the audience and our camera. We have talked to the PIO, City Manager and the Clerk of Council about how this arrangement significantly degrades our video, “The old set-up allowed a video camera to swing back and forth between those at the podium and the council table. That arrangement had been used for decades.”

    Our plea has fallen on deaf ears. The PIO, however, did respond saying, “Unfortunately, the arrangement of the media area will not be moved to accommodate better angles at this time.”

    So, for the time being, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV is forced to show butts instead of faces, except when Councilwoman Pam Gross uses the podium. (See this recent video)

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    Its like talking to the wall

    Loveland, Ohio – At the June 13 Council meeting, Dick Dyson spoke at Open Forum. He said that at the previous Council meeting, he asked if it was appropriate for a City Council member to sit on the Planning and Zoning Commission and also serve as the Vice President of the Community Improvement Corporation. He to date has received no answer, so he was asking the question again. He said, “Its like talking to the wall,” he said.

    He said that Councilwoman Pam Gross has considerable influence and far more influence than should be allowed. Mr. Dyson wanted to know how he could get an answer to his question.

    Now Enrolling at All About Kids at Wards Corner today!

     

  • The sand volleyball fundraiser Diggin’ for Danny is July 22

    The sand volleyball fundraiser Diggin’ for Danny is July 22

     

     

    Email fettefam@gmail.com

    I Support the O’Keefe Family on Facebook

    http://helptheokeefes.blogspot.com

    On May 6, 2011, a man broke into my daughter’s home. He forever changed all of our lives that day. He hid in the dark early morning hours, and forced his way in. This man attacked my daughter, stabbing her multiple times. Her brother, Danny, heard her screams, and ran to her aid, changing his life forever.

    I’d tried all morning to get my daughter, and then my son, by phone, text, and email. It was very unusual not hearing from them. Concerned, I called my husband, who was working at a job site, and told him. I thought I was being paranoid, but he needed to go check on them. He proceeded to pack up his gear.

    In the mean time, my children’s one year old shepherd had barked for 6 hours straight. This puppy woke my daughter, Kelly. Her barking saved our son’s life. My daughter called me, knowing she was sick and hurt, but not what was wrong. My daughter fought blood loss and multiple injuries to make that call. That call saved both of their lives. My youngest son, Kyle, got home, and I sent him too. He and his dad, Jim, got there right behind each other. I sent them into a nightmare, neither will ever forget. Things like this just don’t happen in real life. It’s too horrid to be real; but it is.

    Sally – the beautiful dog that saved Kelly and Danny’s lives

    I’ve been told it’s the worst crime scene the police and EMTs had ever seen. My two children laid in pools of their own blood for 6 hours before help arrived. They were stabbed in the brain, chest, neck, and arm. Once I heard from Jim, he told me to go to UC Hospital because my children would be aircared there.

    Danny had to be resuscitated at sight. He barely made it to Mercy Fairfield Hospital. Aircare picked him up there. At that time, my daughter was already at UC Hospital, arriving by aircare. I was told she would have brain surgery, and then turned around and was told Danny had arrived and would be having brain surgery. Can you even imagine?

    After receiving that news, I had to call my other son, Ryan (a US Army MP). He was stationed in Seattle after being deployed in Iraq for a year and a half. I had to tell him we didn’t know if they would live or not, it didn’t look good, and to get home as fast as he could.

    Because this was a high profile case, we were told by law enforcement to not talk to anyone, and were placed on lock down. We were asked to maintain our silence. We did. We talked to no one, and just waited to see if our children would live.

    Our daughter, Kelly, is an assistant prosecutor for Butler County. She is back to work, working to reclaim her life. We try to shield her from the curious. 

    Because of our silence no one knows how badly our son, Danny, was hurt. Danny was stabbed 19 times in the brain. His right hand had multiple defense wounds.

    His tendons were severed. He was kicked so hard his spleen was lacerated. Danny’s injuries have been compared to Congress Woman Gabby Gifford. His skull was so crushed it took a year, minus 2 days, to get a skull cap replacement in. Danny has had 5 surgeries in the last year. Now we’re fighting to get his life back.

    Danny has aphasia, which means he has trouble talking, reading, and writing,devastating to a young man who had just finished law school. He wanted to be a defense attorney, to make a difference. Danny used to play the drums, but can no longer use his right arm. Danny walks with a limp, but he walks two miles every day.

     

    Danny is our hero. He saved our daughter’s life, but at a great cost. Danny loves sports. He played baseball, football, and soccer. He loved to read, and play the drums. He’s lost it all.

    His attacker was trained in the martial art tai chi. He brought a weapon called a skull crusher with him. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison for destroying a life and forever changing our family’s lives.

    I’m writing to ask for your help. Danny has Anthem insurance. They pay for 30 therapies a year. We got him on Medicaid, and they pay for 20 a year. Mercy Hospital is helping, but only for three therapies a week. We’re told for Danny to get better he needs more, closer to 9 therapy sessions each week. He takes Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapy 3 times each week now. We’re to send him to the University of Michigan UMAP program for speech. It’s around $27,000 for 4-5 weeks of therapy, and his insurance doesn’t pay for this. His doctors and therapists say he could need to go several times. Room and board for Danny and his caregiver (his dad will go with him) is not included in the cost. Neither is the cost of the other ongoing two therapies, physical and occupational.

    I’ve never asked anyone for anything. My husband and I have worked since we were young teens, but I’m asking for help now. Can you help my son?

    There is still time to sign up to play volley, add a team, or donate.
     
    Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you can offer any help or
    ideas it will be greatly appreciated. 

    The volleyball tournament still is in need of players, teams and auction items!

    Please, come out and join us. Beer, sand, and sun, It doesn’t get better than that!

    Auction items needed: Gift cards, baskets, and booze for the wheel barrel of cheer.

    Danny’s therapy is working ! But it comes with a very high price. We’ve cut every corner we can. The cost is still over $36,000/ year.

    Danny continued to improve. His therapist say, Danny injuries can take years to improve from.

  • Loveland celebrates 4th of July [Video]

    Loveland celebrates 4th of July [Video]

    By Sam Smith

    Loveland’s 2017 Independence Day festivities kicked off with a variety of food trucks, a cornhole tournament, live music, a DJ and a children’s celebration in Nisbet Park. At 7 PM a parade featuring active and reserve military personnel as part of a mixed unit, children’s patriotic bicycles, wagons, or strollers, adults and children dressed as their favorite superheroes, patriotic pets, marching bands, musical groups, classic and custom cars, Boy and Girl Scouts, dance/drill/cheer groups, athletic organizations and teams began. Also present were a varitety of corporate, neighborhood, church, golf cart, and family floats.

    Watch Loveland Magazine’s video coverage of this year’s patriotic celebration:

     

  • Photo essay: farewell to Loveland class of 2017

    Photo essay: farewell to Loveland class of 2017

    By Sam Smith

    On June 3, the 2017 Loveland High School class celebrated their commencement at Xavier University’s Cintas Center. Many of the 373 students who graduated have achieved impressive feats through their high school career, and will now enter into a new stage of life. This ceremony symbolized that step. 160 received honor diplomas.

    A group of musicians perform a soundcheck before the ceremony. Top, from left: August Lamson, Jane Pearson, Jacalyn Parsley. Bottom, from left: Drew Docherty, Brady Dotson, Brady Funke.

     

    Senior, Sophia Sperry, prepares with the rest of the Loveland Band before graduation.

     

    Ryan Rofles, Tyler Dixon, Jack Stanley and Cameron Price pose before entering the Xavier Cintas center. Rofles, Dixon and Stanley will be attending University of Cincinnati. Price will be joining the US Navy.

     

    Jacalyn Parsley and Jane Pearson pose before entering graduation. Parsley and Pearson anchored together on the Loveland daily school news, LHSNN. Parsley was named both homecoming and prom queen her senior year. Pearson was active in Show Choir and student government, founded and ran crochet club, and was Class President.

     

    Band director Geoffrey Miller conducts as guests enter the Cintas Center

     

    Mitch Robison welcomed everyone to the commencement  Robinson has been active in athletics, and was a standout player on the basketball team. Robinson will be attending Indiana University.
    Lucy Rawson stands with her peers for the national anthem. Rawson will be attending Western Kentucky University.

    Click on a photo below to view the gallery

     

    Sam Faingold gave the Introduction of Guests. Faingold was active in the school yearbook committee and will be attending Ohio State.

     

    Jane Pearson speaks to the class of 2017. Pearson was Class President, and will be attending Brigham Young University.  Watch her speech here.

     

    Co-salutatorians, Rachel Ingal (left) and Julia Dillhoff (right) speak to their peers and family. Ingal was a member of Show Choir and founded and ran the High School Democrats of America club. Ingal will be attending Notre Dame. Dillhoff played Lacrosse and was recently recognized at the spring sports awards for her performance. Dillhoff will also be attending Notre Dame. Watch their unique speech here.

     

    Aaron Autin plays guitar during the creative co-salutatorian speech. Autin was one of the top bowlers for Loveland, and will be attending Miami University.

     

    Rachel Ingal and Margaret Eilert singing Phil Collins “You’ll be in my heart”.

     

    Rachel Ingal and Margaret Eilert, sing during the graduation ceremony. Both were members of Show Choir. Eilert was awarded the Maegly Music Scholarship, was named best female soloist in the National Show Choir competition and was first violin in chamber orchestra. Eilert will be attending Capital University.

     

    Valedictorian, Ali Syed, speaks to the graduating class. Syed plans to attend the University of Alabama and then Northeast Ohio Medical University. Watch his speech here.

    Click on a photo below to view the gallery

     

    Principal Peggy Johnson speaks to the class of 2017 about their accomplishments and their future. Watch her speech here.

    Click on a photo below to view the gallery

     

    Superintendent Chad Hilliker speaks to the class of 2017. Hilliker will be graduating with this year’s students as he moves on to his next endeavor after years of serving the district and community. Read his speech here.

    Click on a photo below to view the gallery

    The class of 2017 throws their caps

     

     

     

    James Meckey stands surrounded by falling confetti. Meckey played football, and will be attending Centre College.
    Kelsey Blanchard begins to leave the Cintas center as confetti falls.

    Click on a photo below to view the gallery

    Graduation was, in most ways, just a symbolic step towards the future of these hundreds of students. But it was an important step, and a time to reflect on the numerous successes of the class of 2017. The talent, dedication and passion demonstrated by students of the class have been clearly demonstrated through the list of accomplishments that go along with every graduate. Through academics, arts, athletics and community involvement, individuals of the Loveland class of 2017 have made an effort to strengthen Loveland and build a culture. As these impressive many continue on their trend of high aspirations, there is no doubt that they can positively impact their community and the world as a whole.

     

     

    Video of the 2017 Loveland High School graduated class celebrating
    Video Highlights of 2017 LHS Graduation
    Loveland School Board President Dave Blumberg speaks to Class of 2017

    Thank you Jarvis Global Investments for supporting our student journalists

  • [Exclusive Video] Loveland School Board President Dave Blumberg speaks to Class of 2017

    [Exclusive Video] Loveland School Board President Dave Blumberg speaks to Class of 2017

    On June 3, the 2017 Loveland High School Class celebrated their commencement during a ceremony at Xavier University’s Cintas Center at 1 PM. Loveland Magazine was the only area media to cover the event.

    In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you will watch as School Board President Dave Blumberg speaks the Class of 2017.

    Accounting Plus LLC

    Accounting Plus–Bingaman Accounting and Tax Service, LLC is a tax preparation, payroll and bookkeeping company locally based in Loveland, Ohio.
  • Mayor’s Kumbaya Moment pivots to Bye Y’all as Council meeting abruptly ends

    Mayor’s Kumbaya Moment pivots to Bye Y’all as Council meeting abruptly ends

    “Why is this so?” his voice cracking, almost reaching falsetto. “Why can’t there be civil discussion instead of personal attacks? 

     – Loveland Mayor Mark Fitzgerald

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Mayor Mark Fitzgerald called the June 27 Council meeting to order. He led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance. In unison, everyone said, “Indivisible.”

    [quote_box_left]

    The Mayor quoted Dr. King saying, “We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”[/quote_box_left]

    He asked for a roll call and found that all Council members were present. He quoted the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and asked why the love for the community often turns to hatred on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. “Why is this so?” his voice cracking, almost reaching falsetto. “Why can’t there be civil discussion rather than personal attacks?”

    Then, he laid into the audience and Councilmember Rob Weisgerber.

    He said there were community agitators infiltrating the City and spreading lies.

    [quote_box_right]

    THE FACEBOOK POST THAT PROMPTED PAM GROSS’ CALL TO THE POLICE:

    You dont [Sic] have to give her anything. Thats [Sic] a violation. Does she have a subpeona [Sic] ? She can request all day long. Lol who does she think she is? Trying to pull another fast one with intimidation. She nerds a good old fashion loveland [Sic] ass kicking 80s style lol.

    [/quote_box_right]

    He said vitriolic rhetoric had taken an “even darker turn” when a post (Read the post below) appeared on Weisgerber’s Facebook page where a threat to Councilmember Pam Gross could be found. He said that Weisgerber had made no attempt to admonish the person who wrote the comment. At that point, Weisgerber asked City Solicitor Joe Braun for a “point of order” where Council rules would dictate that Fitzgerald yields the floor to the Solicitor so he could address the “point of order”. 

    “Point of order,” could be heard at least ten more times during Fitzgerald’s four-minute barrage of charges leveled at Weisgerber and the community. Councilman Ted Phelps joined in asking for a point of order.

    Fitzgerald to Weisgerber, “You are contributing to this misinformation and innuendos throughout our City. And, you routinely impugn the reputations of our citizens who volunteer their time and unselfishly serve our City.”

    “False. False,” Weisgerber told the Mayor who was not deterred from finishing his speech without interruption.

    Fitzgerald to Weisgerber, “You have created and fueled a toxic environment in our City – spawning threatened violence” 

    “At the minimum, you should be sanctioned,” Fitzgerald said waving his hand toward Weisgerber. “All this talk about resignation, you’re the one who should resign,” he continued with another wave of the hand in Weisgerber’s direction.

    “Then, give me a chance to explain,” Weisgerber pleaded.

    Fitzgerald continued his prepared speech – his speech pattern unbroken and gathering speed.

    Fitzgerald only yielded the floor when as he finished his speech, he looked toward Vice-Mayor Angie Settell who had practiced the next line. In a fraction of a second she said, “Mayor, I move to adjourn.” Gross knew the next line and immediately seconded the motion, twice nodding in the direction of Fitzgerald, making sure he saw the ball coming back in his direction.

    Weisgerber said, ‘Point of order” one more time.

    The City Solicitor finally got a chance. He said, “There is no discussion on a motion to adjourn.”

    The Mayor, who can count to four, called for the vote on the motion to immediately close the meeting. 

    Fitzgerald, Settle, Gross, voted, “Yes.”

    Weisgerber said a defiant, rather loud, “No”

    Kathy Bailey voted, “No.”

    [quote_left]Phelps’, “No,” was said emphatically in comic disbelief.[/quote_left]Phelps’, “No,” was said emphatically in comic disbelief.

    The 3-3 tie vote was broken when Stephen Zamagias cast the deciding, “Yes.”

    Down came the Mayor’s gavel, placing the 14-minute meeting in the history books, enshrined in the official City Journal.

    Zamagias and Gross had already packed their belongings in a neat stack before the motion was made. Gross had already grabbed her handbag from the floor and leaving her seat before the vote was tallied by the Clerk. She was through the side door within eight seconds. The other “Yes” voters quickly followed Gross’ exit out the side door, leaving the three “No” voting Councilmembers stunned. The three had expected to go through the full agenda of City business.

    The dazed, angry, audience responded, “Boo! Who do you work for? Wrong! Who do you work for? Who do you work for people?” At least three of them had wanted to use the open forum portion section item on the agenda to speak of their community concerns.

    Weisgerber, remaining in his seat, calmly stating his case for not deleting the Facebook comment. He also told the audience about the conversation he had with Sean Rahe, the Loveland Police Chief the next day. Rahe got involved after Gross called him to investigate, according to Weisgerber’s account. Weisgerber also said that he was told by Rahe that the comment didn’t rise to the level of a threat and Rahe had also consulted with the Clermont County Prosecutor for a second opinion. According to Weisgerber, the Prosecutor was not convinced the post constituted a threat.

    In an email to the Police Chief that Weisgerber sent about seven hours before the council meeting, he said, “I understand Pam’s concerns and I am strongly against hate or threatening speech yet I will not censor free speech. Having said that, I don’t see what was said as a threat but that is not my call.”

    Rahe responded by saying, “Rob, thank you for your time, and this response. I understand your position. Sean.”

    While the Solicitor was still in the room, former Councilmember, Todd Osborne rose and said, “As a taxpayer, I asked the City Solicitor… We have not had a meeting. This meeting has not been adjourned properly. It has to be adjourned correctly, and, there has to be public business.”

    [quote_left]Hearing this, Mays crumpled the meeting agenda she was holding. Resident Patti Sandmayr Horton , ripped the agenda in half then placed it at the empty spot where Pam Gross had been sitting a few moments before.[/quote_left]The solicitor returned to his seat, was about to speak, but just shook his head as if to say, I don’t know when he realized the microphone had been turned off? When a member of the audience asked, “Are they coming back, he simply said, “No, they adjourned. They adjourned.” 

    Pat Mays, a former member of Council was sitting in the audience, she held up the meeting agenda and asked, “So, this is mute, so, none of this is going to happen?

    The Solicitor answered by saying, “The meeting was called to order and it was adjourned.”

    Hearing this, Mays crumpled the meeting agenda she was holding. Resident Patti Sandmayr Horton , ripped the agenda in half then placed it at the empty spot where Pam Gross had been sitting a few moments before.

    After the meeting, Bailey went on camera to respond to what had happened. She said Fitzgerald’s prepared statement, “Was really nothing more than an attack on Councilmember Rob Weisgerber.” 

    Bailey described the meeting end, “As soon as he finished his speech, in clearly what was a practiced and rehearsed and already decided move,” the meeting was adjourned. “So, all of us council members, the staff, dozens of citizens that were here – all for nothing because they took their ball and went home.” Bailey [quote_right]Bailey said it was clearly practiced and rehearsed.[/quote_right]said they had a full agenda for the meeting, including working on a collective bargaining agreement that, “Has to be dealt with in the next couple of days or we have a problem.” She said the four majority members who closed the meeting had no concern for the business of the City or for the citizens or anyone else who showed up.

    Fitzgerald, Gross, Settell, and Zamagias had left the meeting room, so were not available for any rebuttal to Bailey’s allegation of a scripted shut-down of the meeting.

    The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is in three weeks on July 11. The “second” Tuesday of the month.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: Loveland Magazine sent an email the next morning to the Councilmembers who voted to shut down the meeting asking for their response regarding Kathy Bailey’s accusation that the abrupt closing down of the council meeting was pre-planned. None have responded.

    The post on Rob Weisgerber’s Facebook page on June 21 at 9:50 PM ·that Fitzgerald and Gross say condones violence towards Gross

    Rob Weisgerber

    To all my friends out there and especially for those who have spoken out against Mark Fitzgerald and Pam Gross on Loveland City Council. Pam Gross today submitted 9 separate public documents requests for all emails and documents between me and a host of private citizens. The magnitude of the list of names is very disturbing. She had also made the same request of Ted Phelps and Kathy Bailey included in those 9 requests.

    I will be clear that her request looks to be so broad and ill defined that no one can respond. Legal council now has to be involved to resolve. Pam is costing you the residents of Loveland by wasting your tax dollars on petty requests.

    The depth Pam Gross is willing to stoop to for her campaign is embarrassing

    (Name Redacted by Loveland Magazine) You dont [Sic] have to give her anything. Thats [Sic]  a violation. Does she have a subpeona [Sic] ? She can request all day long. Lol who does she think she is? Trying to pull another fast one with intimidation. She nerds [Sic] a good old fashion loveland ass kicking 80s style lol.