DECEMBER 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

December 30th the Commissioners recognized Coach Ed Domsitz and the Archbishop Alter High School Varsity Football Team for winning the Division IV State Football Championship in November, 2008.  On December 11, 2008 Montgomery County Administrator Deborah Feldman provided an overview of the proposed 2009 budget at the December 11, 2008 commission meeting.   Complete details are available for review on the Office of Management & Budget page of this website for information on the budget or see the 2009 Budget Presentation. The Montgomery County Engineer's office presented an update on snow and ice control during the upcoming winter months.    The Engineer's office provides snow and ice removal for 360 miles of roads in 9 townships and typically uses 10,000 tons of salt a year.   Although many communities are experiencing a shortage of salt, the county purchased early so it has an adequate supply.   Cheryl Spencer was recognized for being the "Speaking of Women's Health" honoree for 2008.  Cheryl serves as a Community Resource Specialist for Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services in the Children Services Division and has built her life and career around the core principal of getting out to lend a helping hand. Cheryl Spencer announced that FLOC's annual "Christmas For Kids" Campaign is in its 28th year.  It is their goal to reach out to children who find themselves involved in child welfare programs in Montgomery County and offer them new gifts and toys during the holiday season.  Donations from the community are being accepted at all US Bank and Fifth Third locations; Dyer, Garafalo, Mann & Schultz locations; State Farm Insurance; and Time Warner. The Commissioners heard an update on the Dayton-Montgomery County Gateway Shelter Plan.   The Gateway Shelter Services are being redesigned to connect homeless individuals and families to stable housing and reduce length of stay in Gateway Shelters to 14 days.   The plan is to provide 24-hour shelter to homeless families and individuals with intensive housing-focused case management in two facilities. The former Dayton Human Rehabilitation Center is being refurbished to become a new Men's Shelter which is anticipated to open in June 2009.   When the men move to the new location in 2009, it will allow for the creation of 25 family rooms at St. Vincent de Paul Hotel.  The Commissioners received an update on the 2009 Dog Licensing Promotion that began at a press conference on November 21st.   2009 dog licenses, which will remain at $16.00, will be on sale from December 1st through January 31st.   This year's promotion campaign will include newspaper, TV, web, and radio spots.  Licenses can be purchased at many locations around the county as well as through the mail or online at www.mcohio.org/dogs. Mark Kumpf, Director of the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, was recognized for receiving the 2008 Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare Award from the United Kingdom National Dog Warden Association.

NOVEMBER 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

The Commissioners were provided information about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program from staff from Montgomery County Community & Economic Development, CountyCorp, and DMHA.   This program, which is a component of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, is allocating funds across the country to CDBG entitlement communities for the purposes of stabilizing neighborhoods affected by foreclosures.  An application identifying how the funds will be used, where the funds will be used, and how many people will benefit from the activities must be submitted by December 1, 2008.   The Commissioners recognized Mary Anne Nelson for being one of this year's recipients of the Artemis Center's Peacekeeper Awards for making significant contributions toward keeping victims of domestic violence safe.   Ms. Nelson has played an instrumental role in the collaboration between Artemis Center and Job and Family Services – Children Services Division since the conception of the project in 1994.

OCTOBER 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

The Commissioners heard a presentation from the Dayton Metro Library on their "Strategic Plan for Results" which was developed through interaction with the community and included a peer analysis of similar-sized libraries around the country.  They shared possible changes with the Commissioners that would help the library move beyond a collection of branches that function as one room school houses and provide articulated spaces that would allow visitors to use the library on their own terms.   On October 14th the Commissioners recognized the Washington Township Fire Department for earning accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.   Achieving accreditation indicates to the community and peers in the industry that the Washington Township Fire Department is in the top tier of fire service agencies.  The accreditation process, which took five years to achieve, requires that the department have a current strategic plan and action plans.  The Washington Township Fire Department is only the sixth department in Ohio, and 127th in the world, to gain accreditation. Several times a year the Commissioners hold the meeting in other jurisdictions within Montgomery County to bring local government closer to the people.  The September 30, 2008 Board of County Commissioners meeting was hosted by the City of Kettering.  Kettering City Manager Mark Schwieterman presented an overview of the recent wind storm cleanup, economic development, renovations to the north building, and upcoming Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Bond Levy.   The Commissioners approved changing the name of the Sanitary Engineering Department to the Montgomery County Water Services Department to better represent the services they provide to the residents of the county.

SEPTEMBER 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

The Commissioners received an update from Emergency Management, GDAHA, and various department heads on the response to the September 14, 2008 wind storm that hit the Miami Valley.  The day of the storm, Montgomery County immediately opened the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in downtown Dayton.  The EOC brought together representatives from the Board of County Commissioners, County Administration, Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, HelpLink 211-The United Way, the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA), Public Health, Job & Family Services, Dayton Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and Alcohol Drug Addiction Mental Health Services (ADAMHS).  Its goals included making sure those without food and shelter, as a result of the power outages, received the services they needed.  In addition it assisted in getting resources to the numerous jurisdictions around Montgomery County including purchasing and distributing ice and providing generators for medical facilities and water systems.  Every year on September 9, International FASD Awareness Day is observed.  This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol. The Commissioners received an update from the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Task Force.  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are the leading cause of preventable birth defects such as mental retardation, learning disabilities, and attention deficits.  The Commissioners joined the rest of world in proclaiming September 9, 2008 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. The Montgomery County Auditor provided the Commissioners with an update on the 2008 Reappraisal Project. Montgomery County is required by law to reappraise each parcel of property every six years. Property owners will start receiving notifications of their tentative new values this week. Appraisers will be available at 17 locations around the county by appointment (call 278-3800) for informal hearings with owners to review their tentative values. Final value notices will be mailed in November, 2008.  Additional information can be obtained at www.mcrealestate.org.

AUGUST 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

The Commissioners heard an update on the Montgomery County HOME Program including information the local programs that are receiving these funds.  Staff from Montgomery County Community & Economic Development was recognized for receipt of the Year 2008 Award of Excellence from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development for Montgomery County's timely and efficient use of HOME Investment Partnership funds for over 5 years, by consistently disbursing the highest percentage of HOME funds during this time period.  Montgomery County has demonstrated its commitment to the goals of the HOME Program by actively addressing its affordable housing needs.   The Commissioners heard an update on the Montgomery County Cold Case Task Force and its successes.   Through several grants the task force has been able to look at historical people and property crimes where touch evidence is available to gather DNA.   Over the last 2 years, over 5,300 investigative hours have been logged interviewing witnesses, examining evidence, processing DNA, and entering data into CODIS and NDIS.  Families are very grateful that someone is still trying to solve these crimes. The Commissioners heard an update about the Creative Region Initiative which is an effort by the Southwest Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) to empower the community by giving emerging leaders the tools to generate economic prosperity, build community vibrancy, and improve quality of life.   Its goal is to attract and retain the creative class.   Their five core initiatives are Community Pride, Creative Incubator, FilmDayton, Innovation Collaborative, and UpDayton.  More information is available at their website: www.daytoncreate.com.  The Commissioners congratulated the Montgomery County Dept. of Job and Family Services (JFS) for receiving the Big Ten Food Stamp Payment Accuracy Award.  This award for achieving a reported food stamp payment accuracy rate above the goal of 94% was presented at the Midwest Region Big Ten Food Stamp Program Conference. The Midwest region represents states and counties who issue at least $10 million dollars in food stamp benefits each year.  Montgomery County JFS also received an award for recognition of our continuous effort in keeping food stamp payment accuracy a priority.  Of all the Big Ten counties in Ohio, Montgomery County was the only county to achieve the milestone of keeping the accuracy rate above 94% for five years running. Montgomery County Housing and Community Development presented an overview of the Montgomery County Consolidated Plan for FY2008 – 2012.  The five year Plan includes housing and community development needs for the County, with projects and/or programs to address those needs. The Commissioners learned about My Sister's Keeper, a program run by Premier Community Health.   The program offers parties to African American women, aged 40 or older, to learn more about health, especially the importance of mammograms.  If a woman does not have health insurance or she has a high co-pay, Premier Community Health can provide a free mammogram and transportation to the appointment.   For more information or to schedule a party call 227-9484. The Commissioners congratulated the Montgomery County Solid Waste District and Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for receiving a 2008 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for the program entitled, T.R.A.S.H. (Taking Responsible Action at School and Home). The program, which is a partnership between the Solid Waste Department and the Boonshoft Museum's Exhibits-To-Go, was designed to help educate Montgomery County students on the importance of waste management, recycling, and litter prevention as well as how their actions and decisions impact the environment in which we live.

JULY 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

The July 29, 2008 Board of County Commissioners meeting was hosted by the City of Huber Heights.    Several times a year they hold the commission meeting at other jurisdictional locations to bring local government closer to the people. The Commissioners heard an update from United Rehabilitation Services about the wide variety of services they offer to people with disabilities and their families, including adult daycare, adult latch key, augmentative communications, the Berry Hearing Center, childcare for six weeks to nine years, community employment, hearing aid sales and service, home-based personal care, in-home respite care, latch key program for youth 10 to 18 years old, physical therapy, occupational therapy, aquatic therapy, senior daycare, speech pathology and vocational training. Keith Harrison, Executive Director of Camp Fire USA Greater Dayton Area Council, was recognized as the recipient of the 2008 Brother Raymond Fitz, S.M., Ph.D. Award.   He talked about the programs they sponsor in and around Huber Heights and thanked the city and the county for all of their support. The Commissioners also heard an update on the Montgomery County Family and Children First Council's Early Care and Education Initiative which was developed by their Young People Succeeding Outcome Team.   The Initiative's vision is that every child in Montgomery County will be school ready and their mission is to improve the overall quality of Early Care & Education in Montgomery County.   The Commissioners congratulated the Montgomery County Sanitary Engineering Department's Eastern Regional Water Reclamation facility for receiving the George W. Burke Award from the Ohio Water Environment Association (OWEA) for having an active and effective safety program.   Bill Horst, Engineering Superintendent, also received the OWEA Collection Systems Award for his individual contributions in the advancement of state of the art wastewater collection. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities' Emergency Shelter, the Commissioners received an overview of the facility and the impact it is having on its residents.    To celebrate the event an open house is scheduled July 24 2008 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.   County Administrator Debbie Feldman presented a General Fund Mid Year Financial Status Report to the Commissioners outlining the anticipated 2008 Revenues and Expenses. The Co-Chairs of the Montgomery County Healthcare Safety Net Task Force presented their report at the July 15th meeting.  The Commissioners were very appreciative of the hard work of the task force members and look forward to exploring their recommendations.

JUNE 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

Montgomery County Commisioners viewed an update from Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County.   The agency is focusing on increased good health and wellbeing of the citizens of Montgomery County.  Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County will be rolling out a new website that will highlight this focus.   They also continue work in the areas of Health Centers, Communicable Disease Clinics, Nutrition, Home Services, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Environmental Health, Communicable Disease Surveillance, and Public Health Emergency preparedness.

MAY 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

Montgomery County Commissioners Dan Foley, Judy Dodge, and Debbie Lieberman recognized the Northmont Winter Guard for finishing out their 2008 season in April as gold medalists at the WGI Color Guard World Championships in the Scholastic Open Class.  Forty guards competed in the Scholastic Open Class in a three day elimination event which ended with the Northmont Winter Guard becoming No. 1 in the world. The Commissioners welcomed Tony P. Hall, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, to the May 22, 2008 commission meeting and heard a brief update on some of his activities.   Ambassador Hall has been recognized as one of the world's leading advocates for hunger relief programs and improving international human rights conditions in the world. Following a presentation on the timeline, design plans, and local commitment to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center, the Commissioners approved several resolutions related to leasing space and purchasing equipment for the new consolidated center. The Commissioners recognized Gail Yates, a program manager at Stillwater Center, as one of six people honored on April 25th at the 2008 Regional Erin Ritchey Memorial Awards Ceremony.  The award honors professionals, families, advocates and volunteers who support services and activities for people with disabilities and whose contributions have made a significant impact on people with disabilities, as well as individuals with disabilities who have made significant contributions to their communities or who have outstanding personal achievements.     The Commissioners are once again encouraging Montgomery County employees to Adopt a Duck for the URS 5th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta.   This is an annual event sponsored by United Rehabilitation Services to help them continue bringing the highest level of services to children and adults with disabilities. Donations can be made online at http://www.ursdayton.org/../Ducks.html or by calling (937) 233-1230.  The Commissioners recognized May 11-17, 2008 as National Transportation Week,   and encouraged everyone to recognize the critical role transportation plays in the safety, economic competitiveness, and the quality of life of the residents of Montgomery County and throughout Ohio.  Informational displays were set up in the County Administration Building lobby throughout the week. The Commissioners heard a presentation about the City of Miamisburg's Riverfront Park which will help revitalize downtown Miamisburg and provide the community an opportunity to reconnect with their river heritage.   The nearly 10 acre park will include a performance stage, a main pavilion, green space, bike trail, and riverfront plaza.   Phase I of the project is expected to begin in 2009.  The Commissioners approved the formation of an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Task Force after hearing a presentation from the co-champions of the FCFC PLSP Outcome Team outlining how alcohol and drug dependence affects the community. The Commissioners received an update on the Dayton Region Workforce Strategy and the Regional Workforce Transformation Consortium. The Commissioners congratulated The Job Center for receiving the Chamber of Commerce Jonathan Dayton Public Partner Award.   They also announced that The Job Fair will be held from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. on May 14th at Sinclair Community College Ponitz Center.

APRIL 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

The April 22, 2008 Board of County Commissioners meeting was hosted by the City of Trotwood and held at the United Theological Seminary.   Several times a year they hold the commission meeting at other jurisdictional locations to bring local government closer to the people. The Commissioners proclaimed April 26, 2008 as National Rebuilding Day and urged all citizens to dedicate themselves to helping to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize our communities.  More information about preserving affordable housing you can contact Rebuilding Together.  The Commissioners acknowledged April 27 to May 4, 2008 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week in Montgomery County reminded all citizens of the power of each person to conserve natural resources and improve the world.  The National Stewardship Program theme for 2008 is "Water is Life".   More information about conservation can be obtained from the Montgomery Soil and Water Conservation District. Montgomery County Commissioners received an update on Montgomery County Juvenile Court's Reclaiming Futures, which is a program that develops community-based solutions to juvenile substance use and delinquency through combined systems reforms, treatment improvement and community engagement.  Through our investment in teens and treatment, the county reduces crimes, saves money and creates healthier/safer communities. Commissioners received information about the Children's Buy-In Program from CareSource, the sole statewide managed care plan for the program.  This is a program which provides healthcare services to eligible uninsured children under the age of 19 who are over the 300% federal poverty level.   April 15th commissioners accepted an "Award of Excellence" from the International Concrete Repair Institute.  This award was given to the Montgomery County Department of Public Works in recognition of the Montgomery County Underground Garage Restoration for excellence in longevity of repairs. The commissioners declared April 13 – 19, 2008 as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week and presented the Animal Care and Control Officers working at the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center with Certificates of Appreciation.  This week recognizes the hard-working men and women of Animal Control that risk their lives and spend huge amounts of personnel resources including time away from family and friends while serving the public like all the other public safety and law enforcement agencies involved and empowered with the same duties. March 25, 2008 Montgomery County Commissioners heard the Riling family tell how the Sheriff's Department and Washington Township Fire Department EMT's responded to a 911 call when their daughter stopped breathing at school.   The Commissioners presented Deputy Wade Fields, Medic 44 EMT's Linda Fannin and Randy Baldridge, and Engine 45 EMT's Lt. Sara Lee, Dean Davis, and Tony Travis with proclamations proclaiming them as "Montgomery County Heros". Montgomery County Commissioners declared March 2008 as Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.  They heard a presentation highlighting the Environmental Modification Process which provides needed modifications to homes such as ramps, door widening, automatic door openers, van lifts, special window and door locks, and bathroom improvements for people with disabilities.

MARCH 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

Montgomery County Commissioners proclaimed March 2008 as RED CROSS MONTH.  Tom Fodor, CEO, discussed the contributions of the Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to the quality of life in Montgomery County and thanked the commissioners for their partnership which helps ensure that the Red Cross remains ready to prevent, prepare for and respond to the emergencies and disasters impacting the families of our community. The Commissioners learned about the Kettering Medical Center Foundation's 14th Annual Walk for Women's Wellness, a 5K course that begins at the Carillon Historical Park at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2008.  The Walk for Women's Wellness makes it possible for medically underserved women in our community to receive mammograms, breast ultrasounds, prostheses and prosthetic apparel.  For more information about the walk in general, call 395-8607.  To join the Montgomery County Team, call 225-6470. March 24 – 28, 2008 is National Community Development Week.  The Community Development Block Grant program has operated since 1974 to provide a variety of social service, economic development, and housing programs throughout Montgomery County.  The Commissioners recognized the staff of the Community and Economic Development Department for administering and customizing the Community Development Block Grant program to identify and resolve pressing local problems, such as affordable and fair housing, neighborhood revitalization and human services.  The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) provided an update on the region's air quality.   Using 17 monitors, RAPCA currently monitor ozone, PM, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.  We currently meet the national standards for all pollutants but fine particulate.   In cooperation with Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Green Initiative, RAPCA is sponsoring a lawnmower exchange program for area residents.  The program invites residents to drop off gasoline-powered lawnmowers and receive a $150 coupon toward the purchase of a new Neuton battery-powered cordless electric lawnmower on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Montgomery County South Transfer Station.  For more information and to pre-register, please visit http://www.mcswd.org/. The Commissioners passed a resolution dissolving the Montgomery County Children's Trust Fund Board and assigning Children's Trust Fund oversight responsibilities to the Montgomery County Family and Children First Council on March 11, 2008.    The Children's Trust Fund is the state public funding mechanism for primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention.  March 9 – 15, 2008 is Girl Scout Week.  Nationally there has been a change in the organization, merging 300 councils into 100 councils.   The Buckeye Trails Region is now part of the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio which also includes Toledo, Lima and Cincinnati.  The organization continues to build girls of courage, confidence, and character but now puts emphasis on leadership as well.   It helps girls become leaders and become involved in community service.  The Commissioners heard an update on the variety of Frail Elderly Services in Montgomery County that are funded with about $5.6 million per year of Human Services Levy funds.  These programs provide services to about 4,500 frail elderly residents age 60+ in Montgomery County to help them stay in the community and avoid going to a nursing home prematurely.  More information about the programs can be obtained by calling 223-HELP. After hearing comments from Judge Walter Rice on February 26, 2008, commissioners approved the establishment of a Community Wide Ex-Offender Reentry Task Force which will develop findings and recommendations to facilitate successful reentry for former felons in Montgomery County.      The Home Builders Association of Dayton presented the commissioners the 2008 Industry Partner Award at the February 26, 2008 meeting.   This is the first year for this award which goes to an organization that exhibits the spirit of collaboration with and support of the Home Builders Association. The Commissioners recognized the Montgomery County Mentoring Collaborative's 2008 Outstanding Mentor Award Recipients.  The Collaborative works to raise community awareness of the critical need for mentors, provides mentor training and background checks, and sponsors local mentoring events.

FEBRUARY 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

Following a presentation by Dr. Steve Johnson, President of Sinclair Community College, on February 19, 2008 Commissioners approved a resolution in support of Issue 39, the Sinclair levy, which asks voters to approve a 2.5 mill replacement plus 0.7 mills. This small investment helps ensure affordability, allowing more working adults and high school graduates to attend college. The Sinclair levy also ensures quality programs and facilities. More than 80% of Sinclair graduates remain in the region. The Commissioners also heard a presentation about the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). WIA is a federally funded program designed for the local government to assist low income youth and adults who face serious barriers to employment.  TAA is a special federal assistance program for workers whose hours and/or wages were reduced as a result of international trade. More information about these programs can be obtained at The Job Center or by calling (937) 225-5531. The Commissioners learned about America Saves Week (February 24 – March 2, 2008), a national social marketing campaign to educate and assist Americans to build wealth by saving and reducing debt.   The kickoff event for the Miami Valley Saves Campaign will occur on Monday, February 25th at 9:00 at the RTA Transit Center.  For more information you can call 937-853-1606. The Commissioners heard from the Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services which operates solely to fulfill the need for blood, allograft tissue and specialized laboratory services to patients.  Every day they need to receive 350 units of blood to fulfill the needs of 15 area hospitals in 25 counties.  The National Marrow Donor Program was initiated in 1987 to facilitate marrow transplants.   There is a critical need for more volunteer donors, particularly from minorities.   On February 5, 2008 Beth Anspach, Communications Director from the local American Heart Association, encouraged the Commissioners and the public to "Go Red for Women" during February to support the American Heart Association's campaign to bring awareness to women and those who love them about their risk of heart disease.  She stressed the importance of reducing your risk factors, knowing the warning signs and knowing how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur. The Commissioners held their January 29, 2008 meeting at Lohrey Recreation Center in Dayton.  Several times a year they hold the meeting at other jurisdictional locations to bring local government closer to the people. The Commissioners received an update on the City of Dayton and Montgomery County Joint Sewer Master Plan and Model which includes integrating GIS/Mapping data, developing detailed sanitary sewer models, utilizing the models for system analysis, developing a master plan of improvements and fostering an ongoing interactive relationship. The Commissioners also received an overview of the Montgomery County Solid Waste District which detailed the locations of their facilities, costs for services, and description of their many programs.   They also heard about the many activities and services coordinated by the Recycling Resource Center and Montgomery County Material Reuse Facility (McMRF).   You can contact their hotline for all services at 225-4999.

JANUARY 2008 COMMISSION UPDATES

The Commissioners heard a presentation on January 22, 2008 about the Job Center and Career Transition Center that explained how these facilities are connecting workers with new and better jobs.  In addition to the services offered to workers looking for employment, they also learned about the services available to employers.   More information about the Job Center can be obtained at (937) 225-5627 and about the Career Transition Center at (937) 496-7397. The Commissioners received information on January 22, 2008 about Cat Services from the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center (ARC). The number of cats entering area shelters (6,562 in 2007) has increased by 45% since 1999.    The Safe Cat Program educates county residents about basic identification/microchips, veterinary needs, and benefits of spay/neuter surgeries.   The commissioners also heard about a voluntary cat registration program that is under development.