THE CITY OF 2 0 2 2 SIDNEY OHIO Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 About Us CM Message 2022 Recap Organization City Council Vision & Priorities City Departments Municipal Court
HI THERE! The City of Sidney is committed to pushing the limits of our local government expertise, innovation and our ability to bring the highest level of public services to our residents, businesses and community leaders. It is our shared hope that celebrating our past, embracing diversity, and supporting our city's vision, motivates us to create a dynamic future for the people and businesses who call Sidney home. In this report we'll highlight a few of the projects and services that have demonstrated our combined efforts to make Sidney a prosperous community.
CITY MANAGER Andrew Bowsher was selected to become the city's 14th city manager in September 2021, and began his duties in November 2021. Bowsher works collaboratively with Councilmembers, residents, staff, business and industry with a focus on growth, development, housing, jobs, quality of life, and preservation. 2022 marked year one of this new administration, and the team certainly hit the ground running. The city took leaps and bounds from economic development to human resource changes. Status quo was a term that fell to the wayside as we ushered in new projects and programs that will continue to pay dividends for our employees and community well into the future.
2022 AT A GLANCE With the help of several organizations, ground was broken by SEMCORP USA, marking the largest foreign investment in Ohio’s History. With $1.0 billion in initial Investment and 1,200 jobs within phase one alone, the city has created an economic engine that will further enhance our manufacturing prowess for years to come. The start of one of Sidney’s first housing subdivisions in several years and plans for additional multi-family residential units were also realized in 2022. A mix of enhancements to the downtown streetscape and courthouse square were started and include the addition of outdoor string lighting, alley archways, mid-block crosswalks, hanging greenery baskets, bike racks, bistro-style seating, and the addition of gateway entry arches to designate the historic downtown. Woodard Development was selected to act as the proprietor of the mixed-use redevelopment of the Ohio Building. Progress was made toward the connection of the Canal Feeder Trail to the Great Miami River Recreation Trail; another 1.2 miles of paved trailway will be constructed in 2023. The city and county Land Bank contracted with Burgess & Niple to further oversee the demolition of the former Wagner Manufacturing facility on Fair Road. A total of $4.6 million has been earmarked from both state and local funds to see this project come to fruition. Planning studies and development plans were started for downtown development, downtown parking, including the potential for a multi-level parking garage as well as a Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
HOW WE ARE ORGANIZED The citizens of Sidney elect seven members of City Council to represent them. All council members serve terms of four years. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor are elected by the Council by a majority vote and serve terms of two years. City Council selects and appoints the City Manager, Law Director and City Clerk. These positions, outlined in the City Charter, serve at the pleasure of City Council. The City Manager manages the daily operations of the city. The City Clerk keeps the journal and other records of City Council. The Law Director is the city's legal advisor and municipal prosectuor. The City Manager has eight Senior Directors who manage the various departments of the city. Those departments include Information Technology, Parks and Recreation, Finance, Public Works, Human Resources, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, and Community Development.
MAYOR & VICE MAYOR All council members serve terms of four years. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor are elected by the Council by a majority vote and serve terms of two years. Martha B. Milligan, Mayor Martha B. (Mardie) Milligan represents the city's First Ward and has served as mayor since December 2021. First appointed to City Council in October 2005, she previously served as Vice Mayor for 12 years before becoming mayor. She has had a particular passion for the arts and downtown revitalization. Steve Wagner, Vice-Mayor Steve Wagner has represented the city's Fourth Ward since his appointment in May 2011. Steve also serves as the liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals and City Planning Commission. Steve is an avid Cincinnati Reds fan.
MEET CITY COUNCIL The City Council consists of the mayor and six members. Three council members are elected at-large by all city voters, while the remaining four are elected one from each of the four wards. City Council members are elected in odd number years, alternating between the four wards and the three atlarge seats. Mike Barhorst Mike was first elected to City Council in 1977. He served as a member of council, vice-mayor and then mayor through 1987. He was re-elected to Council in 2007 and as mayor until December 2021. He is an atlarge member of Council. Steve Klingler Steve Klingler began his service to the city with his appointment to the City Planning Commission in January 2014 where he served November 2019 when he was elected to City Council. Steve is one of the three at-large members of Council. Joe Moniaci was elected to City Council Joe Moniaci Job Title in November 2021, to represent the Second Ward with his term beginning the following month. He also serves as Council's liaison to the SidneyShelby County Department of Health Board. Scott Roddy Job Title Scott Roddy was appointed to City Council on January 3, 2022, to represent the city's Third Ward. He also represents the city on the Shelby Public Transit Board and is a member of the Lodging Tax Committee. Jenny VanMatre Job Title Jenny VanMatre was appointed to City Council as an at-large member on June 24, 2019. She was elected later in the year for a four year term. Jenny also represents Council on the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Families & Children First Council.
OUR VISION AND PRIORITIES VISION STRATEGIC PRIORITIES The City of Sidney is a global nucleus of entrepreneurial innovation, with a focus on family values and small town vibrancy. Build upon on our strengths and positive community momentum by supporting city staff and local leadership, along with the generous community stakeholders, who bring about exceptional services and amenities. Recognize opportunities for sustained economic growth through residential, commercial and industrial development in both our downtown and greater community. Share our aspirations for nurturing a family-friendly community with multi-modal connectivity to our preeminent quality of life assets. Tout the entrepreneurial innovation that occurs in our global business and manufacturing facilities. Identify risks and roadblocks to maintaining financial soundness and the critical public infrastructure for the vibrant community that we envision.
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES Facilities A feasibility study was conducted by Freytag & Associates to identify issues related to Station 2 (411 S. Vandemark). The results of this study revealed that the replacement of station 2 was most appropriate. In late 2022, an agreement was reached to purchase property on Campbell Road adjacent to the current city campus on Vandemark Road. In 2023, design and engineering work will be completed for this replacement. Staffing In 2022, the department was authorized to return to full staffing of 11 personnel per shift. This staffing level was last maintained from 1999 to the Great Recession in the late 2000s. Training is a key component for staff to be able to effectively and efficiently manage the emergencies to which we respond. That is why over 4,190 hours of training were conducted in 2022. By the numbers: 3,001 EMS calls for service 1,126 fire calls for service 1,271 ( 30.8%) Overlapping calls (multiple incidents occurring at the same time) occurred.
POLICE DEPARTMENT Calendar year 2022 brought many changes to the Sidney Police Department, especially during the fourth quarter of the year. What haven’t changed are the professionalism, dedication and service the members of this agency provide the Sidney community. Community Engagement The Sidney Police Department continued its commitment to the community by hosting/sponsoring several programs which provided a unique inside view of our agency, as well as informing and educating members of the Sidney community. These programs include: Safety Town Teen Police Academy Police Cadet Program National Night Out Coffee with a Cop Guard Up (self-defense for women) Staffing During 2022: Four members retired Four were promoted Three new officers were hired In 2022, the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) required each peace officer and State Trooper complete 24-hours of Continuing Professional Training (CPT). All members of the agency met or exceeded this requirement. In addition, agency members collectively received over 4,000hours of in-service training in 2022. Sidney Addiction Assistance Team (SAAT) Investigation, enforcement and treatment for community affected by those in our the heroin/opioid crisis continued to be the focus of our agency efforts. During 2022, our SAAT team investigated 53 calls for service that involved overdoses and another 154 reports involving drug violations. A total of 22 individuals contacted our team members seeking drug treatment assistance for themselves or family members.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Maintenance, preservation, development and redevelopment of neighborhoods is vital for our community. The Community Development Department is responsible for reviewing and approving permits, inspections, and enforcement of the city’s building, maintenance regulations. zoning, and property OUR ACTIVITIES Prepared 14 cases for review by the Planning Commission Prepared 12 cases for review by the Zoning Board of Appeals Issued 23 site plans for new or expansion of, commercial or industrial facilities Issued 21 Use Compliance Certificates Issued 50 Sign Permits Issued 99 Fence Permits Issued 542 Residential Building Permits Responded to 46 complaints and either declared the building as dangerous or unfit for human habitation or use Issued 1,665 code enforcement violations ( 1,011 for junk, garbage or litter violations and 463 for high grass and weed violations) PROGRAMS FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOODS Neighborhood Pride Grant REVIVE Community Reinvestment Areas Vacant Property Registration Fair Housing
FINANCE DEPARTMENT Planning for the Future Feasibility and space programming studies have been completed and revealed that the current City Hall space is underutilized and would be difficult to re-purpose according to modern standards. As a result, the City is planning for the construction of a more secure, properly-sized, modern City Hall facility for the administrative operations. Various necessary improvements which have been put off for numerous years such as plumbing, heating, electrical would be eliminated with the construction of a new City Hall. Financial Snapshot The City of Sidney income tax collections for 2022 were nearly 15.2% increase over 2021 and 2021 was nearly 20% over 2020. These increased revenues after the pandemic were offset by high inflation. Although income tax collections are the largest revenue source, the city continues to find other ways to augment city costs through grant programs and other sources of revenue. In 2023, the City budget reflects grant funding of $7.7 million. A detailed Annual Financial Report as well as updated monthly reports can be found on the city's website
PUBLIC WORKS Public Works consists of several divisions with a wide range of responsibilities which affect the daily lives of all of our citizens. The divisions include Underground Utilities, Wastewater and Water Treatment plants, Streets, Traffic, Engineering, Public Transit, Sidney Airport, and Fleet Services. Street Projects By the numbers for 2022: 16 miles of roads were paved 2.25 miles of roadway was rejuvenated 9,955 feet of curb and gutter was replaced 5 miles of roadways was cracksealed 411 miles of roadways were swept. 35 traffic signal bulbs, 20 pedestrian signals and 326 traffic signs were replaced. 21 miles of streets were restriped Underground Utilities At a glance for 2022: performed 5,036 utility line locates for underground projects cleaned approximately 102,064 feet of sanitary sewer televised 74,032 feet of sanitary sewer to determine sources of clean water Water and Wastewater Treatment In 2022, the Water Treatment Plant treated approximately 1.013 billion gallons of water, a 0.8% decrease over 2021. In 2022, the Wastewater Treatment Plant treated over 1.6 billion gallons of wastewater sanitary sewer system. This is a 3.75% increase from 2021. The city also provided additional treatment for 555 dry tons of biosolids. from the city’s infiltration and identify problems performed grout repairs to over 21,590 feet of sewers cleaned 450 feet of storm sewer, repaired or replaced 73 catch basins performed 3,420 water service shut offs/turn ons manually read 3,764 meters
HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION In 2022, the city like many other employers were challenged with filling vacancies for our various departments due in large part to current market conditions. Working with the City Manager, senior staff and City Council the following changes were implemented in 2022: Clemans- Nelson and Associates was hired to perform an analysis on the city’s compensation system for all non-bargaining positions. The wage study involved analysis how the current compensation and structure compared with other comparable municipalities and other government entities. This completed study provided several recommendations including adjusting wage scales and steps to allow Sidney to become more competitive in the market with similarsized cities. Returned the employee summer appreciation picnic, and other employee team-building activities. Improved the city's employee award program to include 10 new awards. Revisions to several personnel policies and procedures UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN In 2022, city employees exceeded the United Way campaign goal and set a new contribution record of 131% of the goal. This employee generosity will positively impact the available human services agencies of Shelby County!
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Finance & Human Resource Software Update In the fourth the city’s quarter of 2022, the Information Technology team started the migration of financial management solution to one of the latest and most advanced solutions in the industry. This implementation will provide a more efficient workflow with enhanced operations for Human Resources and payroll processing. This new system will give our employees the ability to review and update their contact and benefits information .at any time. Municipal Court Software Update Shelby County and the City of Sidney have a combined system that consists of Sidney Municipal Court, Shelby County Common Pleas Court, Shelby County Juvenile Court, and Shelby County Clerk of Courts. Its creation marked a first-of-its-kind solution dating back to 2016. This design and implementation has saved well over $1,000,000 in tax dollars spread throughout all agencies. Its highly effective configuration still serves as a benchmark for the State. The system was migrated to a new platform in 2022. Integration of an industryleading enterprise permitting and licensing software solution is planned for 2023.
PARKS & RECREATION The Parks and Recreation mission is to improve community services and facilities with regard to safety, education, recreation, and public health. Parks Master Plan The city commissioned a comprehensive parks and recreation master plan update in 2022. Public engagement, intentional planning, and aligning needs and resources with recreation trends are all a part of the master planning process. With this information and by acknowledging the challenges of the future, the city will be better prepared to expand and develop recreational opportunities that meet the needs of its users. By the Numbers 509 Tawawa Park shelter house reservations 480 baseball/softball games were played 34 summertime clinics were enjoyed by over 1,100 kids 7,201 free lunches were served to anyone 18 years of age or younger at 12 different locations. 1,728 backpack meals of nonperishable foods were provided to kids for weekend food options. All backpack meals were funded through private individual or corporate donations. Binkley Pavilion Dedicated With the $120,000 donation from former Sidney resident Albert Dickas of Blacksburg, Virginia, a new pavilion, access to a six -space parking lot, recognition signage for the shelter and new interactive signage about “Big Rock” was constructed in the Aschenbach Grove area of Tawawa Park. The pavilion is in honor of William Binkley who was a prominent citizen of Sidney and served as the editor of the Sidney Journal Newspaper from 1869-1905.
SIDNEY MUNICIPAL COURT Sidney Municipal Court handles, for all of Shelby County: Adult misdemeanor criminal matters Adult misdemeanor traffic matters Civil matters with a jurisdictional limit of $15,000 Small claims complaints to a maximum of $6,000 Judge Gary J. Carter Gary J. Carter was sworn in as Sidney Municipal Court Judge on December 27, 2019. Prior to his election, he served as a Magistrate for Shelby County Commons Pleas Court.
SIDNEY MUNICIPAL COURT Court staff continues to work well together. We will continue to provide prompt and courteous service to the citizens of Sidney and Shelby County and to see that justice is administered as fairly, impartially, and efficiently as possible. Probation Violations Decrease It has been our goal to file fewer probation violations by partnering with community agencies to offer additional programs, and also by offering programs in-house. With our new programs in place, we were able to decrease probation violations from nearly 250 in prior years to 89 in 2022. In place of a probation violation, 274 people were placed in counseling and treatment programs such as alcohol and drug, mental health, anger management, and parenting classes. By the Numbers 5,970 cases processed 3,914 traffic 615 criminal 1,441 civil 349 new Probation cases 642 papers served by bailiffs 116 prisoner transports 658 video arraignments 173 individuals entered the court's Thinking for a Change and Domestic Batterers Classes In 2022, the Probation Department began offering Thinking for a Change and Domestic Batterers classes for certain types of offenders. In 2022, 16 offenders participated in the Thinking for a Change class and 9 (56%) successfully completed the program. The Domestic Batterers program had 17 participants throughout the year, with five successful completions, four unsuccessful, and nine others still in the process of completing the program. License Intervention Program Collected $2,087,069 in receipts Distributed $22,233 in restitution to victims of crime Distributed garnishment monies totaling $902,726.
CITY OF SIDNEY, OH The City of Sidney is a global nucleus of entrepreneurial innovation, with a focus on family values and small town vibrancy. Phone Site Address 937.498.2335 www.sidneyoh.com 201 West Poplar Street Sidney, OH 45365
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