Growing up in Central Ohio I was always amazed by the ‘old timers’ who talked about walking through snow ‘up to their shoulders’ to get to school.
Well, today’s children (in the three to five foot range) will have similar stories to tell years from now. Indeed, the winter of 2010 will be ‘one to remember’.
While this winter wonderland is beautiful – the down side is that local school districts either have or will this week exhaust their calamity days, and for local governments the extreme cost of dealing with hundreds of tons of snow and ice on area roads will mean less money later this year for paving and road work.
As County Engineer Tim Lollo can explain, there is only so much money to go round each year for road work. So let’s hope the Ohio Groundhog was correct and that spring is not too far away!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Washington D.C. Port Authority Trip
Last week I was part of a ‘blue ribbon’ group traveling to Washington D.C. to promote the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, as well as Heath and Licking County. This is part of a continuing and important effort to build federal and state support for the Port Authority (formerly Newark Air Force Base) and the military workloads there, which are now handled by private firms such as Boeing, Bionetics and Goodrich.
This continuing ‘sales’ effort on behalf of our community is intended to keep the local ‘Base’ job center ‘top of mind’ in Ohio’s congressional caucus, both the legislators and more critically their chief staff members. There are times when the opportunity for additional workloads (jobs) can come here and times when the current workloads need to be protected, hence the need to have ‘friends’ in high places, when support is needed.
I was joined on the trip by Heath Mayor Mark Johns, Mike Cadenhead of Bionetics, Charles Dutch of Boeing, Rick Platt the Executive Director of the Port Authority and Ron Sheldon, a Port Authority Board member.
We spent the morning visiting with Congressmen Pat Tiberi, Zack Space, Steve Austria and Bob Latta, and their staffs. In the afternoon we spent considerable time with Senator Sherrod Brown and key staffers, and the Deputy Chief of Staff of Senator George Voinovich.
It should also be noted that Heath Mayor Johns and I had the opportunity to take our presentation to the White House. Thanks to an assist from Senator Brown’s Office we were able to arrange a meeting in the West Wing (White House Office Complex) with Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs/Mayors David Agnew.
Agnew and his staff are the White House points of contact for municipalities large and small, across the nation. As with the members of Congress, we made the case for recruiting more ‘high tech’ jobs for the local Base and Ohio, and related information on the City of Heath and Licking County. We also invited Agnew to visit this area, if and when a trip to Columbus comes together.
As your Commissioner I was pleased with the visit and the many contacts that were renewed. Frankly, such a well organized trip can accomplish more in one day than trying to make contacts from a distance over an entire year. The ‘face to face’ relationships with these key people are invaluable.
This continuing ‘sales’ effort on behalf of our community is intended to keep the local ‘Base’ job center ‘top of mind’ in Ohio’s congressional caucus, both the legislators and more critically their chief staff members. There are times when the opportunity for additional workloads (jobs) can come here and times when the current workloads need to be protected, hence the need to have ‘friends’ in high places, when support is needed.
I was joined on the trip by Heath Mayor Mark Johns, Mike Cadenhead of Bionetics, Charles Dutch of Boeing, Rick Platt the Executive Director of the Port Authority and Ron Sheldon, a Port Authority Board member.
We spent the morning visiting with Congressmen Pat Tiberi, Zack Space, Steve Austria and Bob Latta, and their staffs. In the afternoon we spent considerable time with Senator Sherrod Brown and key staffers, and the Deputy Chief of Staff of Senator George Voinovich.
It should also be noted that Heath Mayor Johns and I had the opportunity to take our presentation to the White House. Thanks to an assist from Senator Brown’s Office we were able to arrange a meeting in the West Wing (White House Office Complex) with Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs/Mayors David Agnew.
Agnew and his staff are the White House points of contact for municipalities large and small, across the nation. As with the members of Congress, we made the case for recruiting more ‘high tech’ jobs for the local Base and Ohio, and related information on the City of Heath and Licking County. We also invited Agnew to visit this area, if and when a trip to Columbus comes together.
As your Commissioner I was pleased with the visit and the many contacts that were renewed. Frankly, such a well organized trip can accomplish more in one day than trying to make contacts from a distance over an entire year. The ‘face to face’ relationships with these key people are invaluable.
County Economic Development
As part of our many ‘economic development’ initiatives, we will be continuing construction of the JRS (Job Ready Site) road in western Licking County (Pataskala and Etna Township) this spring.
Phase one is under construction from Refugee Road north to Broad Street, and phase two from Refugee Road south, to connect with U-S Route 40, will be bid this spring.
We, the Commissioners of Licking County, continue to look to the future. And this ‘development road’, opening one of the prime industrial sites in Ohio and the Midwest, is just part of on-going efforts to position this area as the economy recovers.
Frankly, you can’t sit still when it comes to economic development. Either you are moving forward or sliding backward, in the quest for development.
I believe that a decade from now the jobs and opportunity created by development in areas opened by the JRS Project will mean a great deal to Licking County and Ohio!
Phase one is under construction from Refugee Road north to Broad Street, and phase two from Refugee Road south, to connect with U-S Route 40, will be bid this spring.
We, the Commissioners of Licking County, continue to look to the future. And this ‘development road’, opening one of the prime industrial sites in Ohio and the Midwest, is just part of on-going efforts to position this area as the economy recovers.
Frankly, you can’t sit still when it comes to economic development. Either you are moving forward or sliding backward, in the quest for development.
I believe that a decade from now the jobs and opportunity created by development in areas opened by the JRS Project will mean a great deal to Licking County and Ohio!
County Parks Levy on May Ballot
The Licking Park District has announced the beginning of the process of placing a modest County Park District Levy before the voters. It will be a two-tenths (0.2) of a mill levy issue on the May 4th ballot.
Faced with major budget cuts due to the decline in the County Budget, the District's primary source of funding, the Board of the Park District says they are left with no other option but to seek a countywide levy.
If the levy is not successful in May, the Park District Board says it will have no choice but to close facilities and cease operations in 2011.
To find out more about levy specifics and how you can get involved, please visit … www.people4parks.com .
Faced with major budget cuts due to the decline in the County Budget, the District's primary source of funding, the Board of the Park District says they are left with no other option but to seek a countywide levy.
If the levy is not successful in May, the Park District Board says it will have no choice but to close facilities and cease operations in 2011.
To find out more about levy specifics and how you can get involved, please visit … www.people4parks.com .
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Census Road Tour In Newark this Tuesday (1/12/10) - Public Invited - Free Chili Tasting
1/10/2010
Greetings…
As a kick-off to the local promotional effort encouraging participation in the 2010 Census – I am posting some information for your information.
Your Licking County Government is sponsoring the local Complete Count Census Committee and helping to coordinate this event.
Attached and also pasted below is information on the 2010 Census Road Tour which will be in Licking County this Tuesday, January 12th over the midday hour (beginning at 11:00am) at ‘The Place Off The Square’ in downtown Newark.
Communitywide participation in and support of the Census (which happens every 10-years) in critical to Ohio and Licking County in many ways – especially in terms of Federal Representation and funding to local communities.
The event this Tuesday includes a free chili tasting and the opportunity to learn about the Census, and job opportunities related to the Census, as well.
If you are available this Tuesday – I would encourage you to attend.
Regards…Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb
2010 US Census Road Tour Event
The Place Off The Square
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —
The Licking County Complete Count Committee, U-S Census and The Place Off The Square (downtown Newark)
will host the 2010 Census Road Tour from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 50 N. Second Street, Newark, Ohio.
The Census Event will also include a Chili Cook-Off with free tasting.
Beginning in January 2010, the 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour will
travel across the U-S to educate communities about the 2010 Census and encourage
everyone to complete and return the 10-question census when it arrives in March 2010.
The Road Tour will collect images from thousands of participants across the country as
individuals explain why the census will make a difference to them. These images, along
with information from other Road Tour events, will be posted on 2010census.gov
At the Licking County Road Tour event, attendees will be able to:
- Learn about the 2010 Census and the positive impact census participation
can have on their local community
- Contribute their voices, pictures, videos and messages to the Road Tour
- See a sample 2010 Census form
- View messages from other Road Tour participants
- Speak with the Road Tour staff and other community members about the
issues that affect them
- Speak with the Road Tour staff about potential 2010 Census employment
Opportunities
Those who cannot attend the event can also participate in the Road Tour Web
experience by logging onto 2010census.gov, where they can:
- View messages from other Road Tour participants
- Trace the Road Tour and view its various stops as it crosses the country
- Receive Road Tour updates via Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, You Tube and MySpace
For more information about the Licking County Complete Count Committee or
the 2010 Census, please contact Matt Hill, LCATS Transportation Planner at (740)
670-5191, or e-mail mhill@lcounty.com.
Greetings…
As a kick-off to the local promotional effort encouraging participation in the 2010 Census – I am posting some information for your information.
Your Licking County Government is sponsoring the local Complete Count Census Committee and helping to coordinate this event.
Attached and also pasted below is information on the 2010 Census Road Tour which will be in Licking County this Tuesday, January 12th over the midday hour (beginning at 11:00am) at ‘The Place Off The Square’ in downtown Newark.
Communitywide participation in and support of the Census (which happens every 10-years) in critical to Ohio and Licking County in many ways – especially in terms of Federal Representation and funding to local communities.
The event this Tuesday includes a free chili tasting and the opportunity to learn about the Census, and job opportunities related to the Census, as well.
If you are available this Tuesday – I would encourage you to attend.
Regards…Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb
2010 US Census Road Tour Event
The Place Off The Square
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —
The Licking County Complete Count Committee, U-S Census and The Place Off The Square (downtown Newark)
will host the 2010 Census Road Tour from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 50 N. Second Street, Newark, Ohio.
The Census Event will also include a Chili Cook-Off with free tasting.
Beginning in January 2010, the 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour will
travel across the U-S to educate communities about the 2010 Census and encourage
everyone to complete and return the 10-question census when it arrives in March 2010.
The Road Tour will collect images from thousands of participants across the country as
individuals explain why the census will make a difference to them. These images, along
with information from other Road Tour events, will be posted on 2010census.gov
At the Licking County Road Tour event, attendees will be able to:
- Learn about the 2010 Census and the positive impact census participation
can have on their local community
- Contribute their voices, pictures, videos and messages to the Road Tour
- See a sample 2010 Census form
- View messages from other Road Tour participants
- Speak with the Road Tour staff and other community members about the
issues that affect them
- Speak with the Road Tour staff about potential 2010 Census employment
Opportunities
Those who cannot attend the event can also participate in the Road Tour Web
experience by logging onto 2010census.gov, where they can:
- View messages from other Road Tour participants
- Trace the Road Tour and view its various stops as it crosses the country
- Receive Road Tour updates via Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, You Tube and MySpace
For more information about the Licking County Complete Count Committee or
the 2010 Census, please contact Matt Hill, LCATS Transportation Planner at (740)
670-5191, or e-mail mhill@lcounty.com.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Final County Commissioner Update for 2009 from Tim Bubb
December 31, 2009
Licking County Update
From…County Commissioner Tim Bubb
On this New Years Eve 2009 – Marianne and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy New Year!
In this final County Commissioner e-mail newsletter of 2009 I would like to share a Year End column written for the local media. Also, some tips on what to do with those live cut Christmas trees that must be disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Licking County Commissioners - Year in Review 2009
In what has been a challenging year, I would like to share some thoughts about the achievements of your Licking County Government in a time of declining resources.
Much has been said recently about cutbacks, and any review of 2009 must begin with the effects of the recession. Unemployment in the neighborhood of ten percent and home foreclosures continue to be the result of a severe national recession. You should know the County development staff continues to work with existing and potential employers to retain and create jobs. In addition, the County in partnership with the State, Pataskala City and Etna Township is building a ‘development road’ through the JRS industrial site in the Pataskala area.
Opportunity Links, the job service outreach program of the Department of Job and Family Services continues to help those who have lost jobs to find employment. And the County Treasurer and his staff work daily with local residents to make accommodations and help keep people in their homes.
Entering 2010 it is a concern the County’s carry over has declined by half, and all departments and offices have been cut by ten percent or more. Across the board, elected officials and department heads worked hard throughout the year to reduce costs while working to maintain acceptable levels of service. The interim budget to begin 2010 is in balance, and we are hopeful the slow national recovery will mean a steady and stronger local economy in the year ahead.
Considering the conditions, I am proud to say it has been a year of achievement on a number of fronts.
The County Commissioners, in a cooperative effort with the Auditor, Treasurer, Prosecutor and Recorder, initiated a comprehensive County Records Program led by Katy Klettlinger. This was done by rearranging resources and using special funds to staff the effort, and the initial Records Center is located in existing County space. In effect, it’s a new department with minimal impact on the County General Fund. Efforts are well underway to salvage precious permanent records from the attic of the Courthouse, and to properly archive and store all County records, paper and electronic, as required.
In an effort to save money, the five offices using the former Children’s Home in east Newark were all relocated. Due to age and deterioration, the old Home is no longer suitable for any use, and at some point will be demolished. Just by emptying the building and decommissioning the systems, the County will save some $70-thousand per year in utility, insurance and maintenance costs.
The County’s Information Technologies Department is moving forward under the leadership of new IT Department Head Darrin Baldinelli. The County’s excellent IT staff is implementing a critically needed data back-up center to protect the millions of computer records and actions, encompassing all aspects of County Government.
In addition, the IT staff, Economic Development, and the Commissioners are working to bring a higher degree of fiber optic connectivity to the County, which is a key to future economic success.
Another County IT system upgrade has been installation of paperless digital computer systems for processing work at both our JFS and Child Support Enforcement Agency. These improvements are critical at a time when State financial support for these State/Local operations is dwindling.
The County’s Animal Control Department has ascended to a new level with continued emphasis on professional leadership, enhanced spay and neuter programs, and an aggressive adoption program supported by our community and several helpful rescue groups.
In addition County Animal Control appreciates the on-going partnership with Tri-County Chrysler Dodge Jeep to help with animal care, spay/neuter and adoptions. And listen on Saturdays to the Tri-County remote broadcasts on T-100, which also feature information on adoptions and animal care by Tina Crist of County Animal Control.
After years of debate, the Commissioners in concert with the judges and other users of the County Courthouse initiated a security plan for the Courthouse. Based on State Supreme Court guidance, a single secure entrance to the Courthouse was established. Also, policy and procedural changes were implemented to protect the Court, its employees, and the public who use and visit the Courthouse.
The County completed restoration work on its parking garage downtown. A gift from the City a few years ago, the garage was deteriorating due to poor construction in the ‘70s. The County rebuilt the sagging corners of the much used facility, and updated its systems as well. The garage will continue to be an asset in the decades to come for County employees, customers of County services, and the general public.
Finally, at year end the County took the leadership to save and retain quality local building code enforcement services both for residential and commercial/industrial projects. The abolishment by Newark City of its code enforcement department put this important function at risk. The unincorporated areas of the County and most of the areas serviced by municipal governments will continue to have the valuable service provided locally as the new County Code Enforcement Department is staffed, on a sized-down basis, and ready to go on January 4th.
These highlights represent achievement for the people of Licking County in a challenging year, and on behalf of fellow Commissioners Doug Smith and Brad Feightner, I am proud to share them with you.
Commissioner Tim Bubb
Also, regarding disposal of those live cut Christmas trees…
RECYCLE YOUR
CHRISTMAS TREE
WITH THE
CHRISTMAS CHIPPER PROGRAM
Dec. 26th - Jan. 18th
Drop Off Sites:
Alexandria The Compost Farm - 7795 Jersey Mill Rd.
Alexandria Fireman's Park
Croton Municipal Garage
Etna Township Etna Township Garage
Franklin Township Flint Ridge Road
Fredonia McKean Township Garage
Granville Denison University’s recycling barn SR 661
Hanover Lil’ Bear Grocery
Harrison Township Outville-Township Garage
Heath Municipal Pool Parking Lot
Hebron Canal Park Parking Lot
Jersey Township SR161 & Mink Rd
Johnstown Recreation Shelter House
Mary Ann Township Township House-old elementary
Newark Cherry Valley & Reddington Roads
Newark Elm Recycling– 1242 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Newark Flory Park– W. Church St.
Newark East Main St.– Behind the BMV
Newark Levin Park-Sharon Valley Rd.
Pataskala West of the COTA Parking Lot
St. Louisville Village Garage
Utica Water Treatment Plant
*Remember to remove all decorations and tree stands from tree*
This service is funded by the CFLP Solid Waste District at NO charge to residents
Licking County
Recycling & Litter Prevention
Look for our Christmas Chipper signs
Again, Happy New Year – as we all hope for a better year in 2010.
Reminder to visit my website TimBubb.com and check out my blog.
Also, I have a ‘Fan Page’ on Facebook – so if you are on Facebook – search for Tim Bubb, County Commissioner and you will be listed as a ‘fan’ on my page.
As points of contact for County concerns – my office phone is 740-670-5118 and County Cell is 740-334-5387. I can be e-mailed at lcounty.com .
Best Regards…Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb
Licking County Update
From…County Commissioner Tim Bubb
On this New Years Eve 2009 – Marianne and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy New Year!
In this final County Commissioner e-mail newsletter of 2009 I would like to share a Year End column written for the local media. Also, some tips on what to do with those live cut Christmas trees that must be disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Licking County Commissioners - Year in Review 2009
In what has been a challenging year, I would like to share some thoughts about the achievements of your Licking County Government in a time of declining resources.
Much has been said recently about cutbacks, and any review of 2009 must begin with the effects of the recession. Unemployment in the neighborhood of ten percent and home foreclosures continue to be the result of a severe national recession. You should know the County development staff continues to work with existing and potential employers to retain and create jobs. In addition, the County in partnership with the State, Pataskala City and Etna Township is building a ‘development road’ through the JRS industrial site in the Pataskala area.
Opportunity Links, the job service outreach program of the Department of Job and Family Services continues to help those who have lost jobs to find employment. And the County Treasurer and his staff work daily with local residents to make accommodations and help keep people in their homes.
Entering 2010 it is a concern the County’s carry over has declined by half, and all departments and offices have been cut by ten percent or more. Across the board, elected officials and department heads worked hard throughout the year to reduce costs while working to maintain acceptable levels of service. The interim budget to begin 2010 is in balance, and we are hopeful the slow national recovery will mean a steady and stronger local economy in the year ahead.
Considering the conditions, I am proud to say it has been a year of achievement on a number of fronts.
The County Commissioners, in a cooperative effort with the Auditor, Treasurer, Prosecutor and Recorder, initiated a comprehensive County Records Program led by Katy Klettlinger. This was done by rearranging resources and using special funds to staff the effort, and the initial Records Center is located in existing County space. In effect, it’s a new department with minimal impact on the County General Fund. Efforts are well underway to salvage precious permanent records from the attic of the Courthouse, and to properly archive and store all County records, paper and electronic, as required.
In an effort to save money, the five offices using the former Children’s Home in east Newark were all relocated. Due to age and deterioration, the old Home is no longer suitable for any use, and at some point will be demolished. Just by emptying the building and decommissioning the systems, the County will save some $70-thousand per year in utility, insurance and maintenance costs.
The County’s Information Technologies Department is moving forward under the leadership of new IT Department Head Darrin Baldinelli. The County’s excellent IT staff is implementing a critically needed data back-up center to protect the millions of computer records and actions, encompassing all aspects of County Government.
In addition, the IT staff, Economic Development, and the Commissioners are working to bring a higher degree of fiber optic connectivity to the County, which is a key to future economic success.
Another County IT system upgrade has been installation of paperless digital computer systems for processing work at both our JFS and Child Support Enforcement Agency. These improvements are critical at a time when State financial support for these State/Local operations is dwindling.
The County’s Animal Control Department has ascended to a new level with continued emphasis on professional leadership, enhanced spay and neuter programs, and an aggressive adoption program supported by our community and several helpful rescue groups.
In addition County Animal Control appreciates the on-going partnership with Tri-County Chrysler Dodge Jeep to help with animal care, spay/neuter and adoptions. And listen on Saturdays to the Tri-County remote broadcasts on T-100, which also feature information on adoptions and animal care by Tina Crist of County Animal Control.
After years of debate, the Commissioners in concert with the judges and other users of the County Courthouse initiated a security plan for the Courthouse. Based on State Supreme Court guidance, a single secure entrance to the Courthouse was established. Also, policy and procedural changes were implemented to protect the Court, its employees, and the public who use and visit the Courthouse.
The County completed restoration work on its parking garage downtown. A gift from the City a few years ago, the garage was deteriorating due to poor construction in the ‘70s. The County rebuilt the sagging corners of the much used facility, and updated its systems as well. The garage will continue to be an asset in the decades to come for County employees, customers of County services, and the general public.
Finally, at year end the County took the leadership to save and retain quality local building code enforcement services both for residential and commercial/industrial projects. The abolishment by Newark City of its code enforcement department put this important function at risk. The unincorporated areas of the County and most of the areas serviced by municipal governments will continue to have the valuable service provided locally as the new County Code Enforcement Department is staffed, on a sized-down basis, and ready to go on January 4th.
These highlights represent achievement for the people of Licking County in a challenging year, and on behalf of fellow Commissioners Doug Smith and Brad Feightner, I am proud to share them with you.
Commissioner Tim Bubb
Also, regarding disposal of those live cut Christmas trees…
RECYCLE YOUR
CHRISTMAS TREE
WITH THE
CHRISTMAS CHIPPER PROGRAM
Dec. 26th - Jan. 18th
Drop Off Sites:
Alexandria The Compost Farm - 7795 Jersey Mill Rd.
Alexandria Fireman's Park
Croton Municipal Garage
Etna Township Etna Township Garage
Franklin Township Flint Ridge Road
Fredonia McKean Township Garage
Granville Denison University’s recycling barn SR 661
Hanover Lil’ Bear Grocery
Harrison Township Outville-Township Garage
Heath Municipal Pool Parking Lot
Hebron Canal Park Parking Lot
Jersey Township SR161 & Mink Rd
Johnstown Recreation Shelter House
Mary Ann Township Township House-old elementary
Newark Cherry Valley & Reddington Roads
Newark Elm Recycling– 1242 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Newark Flory Park– W. Church St.
Newark East Main St.– Behind the BMV
Newark Levin Park-Sharon Valley Rd.
Pataskala West of the COTA Parking Lot
St. Louisville Village Garage
Utica Water Treatment Plant
*Remember to remove all decorations and tree stands from tree*
This service is funded by the CFLP Solid Waste District at NO charge to residents
Licking County
Recycling & Litter Prevention
Look for our Christmas Chipper signs
Again, Happy New Year – as we all hope for a better year in 2010.
Reminder to visit my website TimBubb.com and check out my blog.
Also, I have a ‘Fan Page’ on Facebook – so if you are on Facebook – search for Tim Bubb, County Commissioner and you will be listed as a ‘fan’ on my page.
As points of contact for County concerns – my office phone is 740-670-5118 and County Cell is 740-334-5387. I can be e-mailed at lcounty.com .
Best Regards…Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb
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