Media Releases
June 2008
26 - Farmer's Market Opens for Summer
26 - Upper Arlington Yard Waste Facility
26 - Take Mosquito Control Personally
20 - Sunny 95 Park Planning Public Meeting
20 - City Offices Closed - Independence Day
20 - Pet Safety Tips for July Fourth Weekend
16 - Investigation Concluded for Upper Arlington High School Threat Incident
13 - Sunny 95 Park Planning Public Meeting
12 - Stealth Stat Available to Help Monitor Motorist Speeds
12 - Upper Arlington Citizen Police Academy
12 - Block Party Permits
4 - Grass/Weed Control Guidelines
4 - Guidelines for Garage/Yard Sales in Upper Arlington
4 - City Web Site Full of Useful Information
June 26
Farmer's Market Opens for Summer
Another season filled with fresh produce, meats and dairy products begins Wednesday, July 9 at the Upper Arlington Farmer’s Market. Over the years, the Market has established itself as a popular tradition in the UA community, while supporting local Ohio farmers and encouraging good health throughout the community. Every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m., local farmers gather in the Mallway on Arlington Avenue to share their farm-fresh products with the community.
Stop by Wednesday, August 6 during market hours to take full advantage of the peak growing season and to celebrate the annual Harvest Festival, featuring musical entertainment and special guest vendors for an evening of fun and tasty treats.
The Upper Arlington Farmer’s Market is made possible by a partnership between the City and the Pearl Alley Growers Association, a non-profit certified farmer’s market. All members are local farmers and can only sell products that they grow or bake themselves.
If you are yet to discover the fun and fresh, healthful produce available at the Upper Arlington Farmer’s Market, be sure to stop by one Wednesday afternoon and see why it’s a summer favorite for many residents. For more details, visit www.ua-ohio.net or call 614-583-5300.
June 26
Upper Arlington Yard Waste Facility
Residents may drop off acceptable yard waste free-of-charge at the Bill Holbrook Regional Composting Facility, located at 4100 Roberts Road. Accepted items include brush, yard trimmings, sod and grass, which should be placed in recyclable yard waste bags (please do not tape bags closed).
The facility does not accept plastic, treated or painted wood, railroad ties, lawn furniture, pallets, rocks, stones or any paper other than the recyclable yard waste bags.
Current hours for the facility are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.
June 26
Take Mosquito Control Personally
Each year, the City of Upper Arlington takes an integrated approach to controlling the mosquito population. With the confirmed presence of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) in Central Ohio, the combined efforts of the City, the Upper Arlington Board of Health, Franklin County Board of Health (FCBH) and residents are key to reducing populations, while minimizing the need for truck-based spraying during overnight hours.
West Nile Virus (WNV), a viral disease, can cause Encephalitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, principally the Northern House Mosquito. Mosquitoes first become exposed to the virus when they feed on infected birds. Many birds can be infected with the WNV, but crows and blue jays are most likely to die from the infection.
La Crosse Encephalitis is a virus that can be transmitted to humans by the Tree Hole Mosquito, causing an inflammation of the brain. While it causes serious illness requiring hospitalization for some people, most recover fully.
While you cannot completely avoid being bitten by a mosquito, consider these suggestions to reduce instances of mosquito bites (provided by The Ohio State University Extension):
• Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long slacks.
• Avoid mosquito-infested areas or stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid physical exertion and use colognes/perfumes sparingly as these may attract mosquitoes.
• Consider the use of mosquito repellant, according to directions, when outdoors. Use products that contain 30 percent or less DEET, picaridin or permethrin. You can also use a plant based repellent, oil of lemon eucalyptus. Use repellents sparingly and in the weakest concentration that does the job, especially on children. Always read and follow the package directions.
It is recommended that you regularly check www.ua-ohio.net for updates on pending mosquito spraying dates since the City may not have adequate time to notify residents.
The City has prepared an informational brochure summarizing this year’s program and offering tips to protect yourself and your family from this inconvenient and potentially life-threatening pest. Please call the Public Services Department at 583-5350 to receive a copy, or visit www.ua-ohio.net to download a copy.
June 20
Sunny 95 Park Planning Public Meeting - Conceptual Drawings Map Out Tentative Plans
The City of Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department invites residents to the third in a series of public meetings aimed at gathering community input on the development of a master plan for the Sunny 95 Park. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Sunny 95 Park (behind Greensview Elementary), 1481 Windham Road.
This is an opportunity for the park’s neighbors and interested community members to meet with both staff and the City’s landscape architect firm to further discuss options for the park, and to critique the current development plan draft and how well it addresses the many ideas put forward to date. The ideas presented in the draft plan have evolved from the previous two meetings, along with consideration of applicable goals and objectives within the Strategic Plan.
For additional details of this public meeting, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 583-5300 or visit www.ua-ohio.net.
June 20
City Offices Closed - Independence Day
City offices are closed Friday, July 4, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Refuse and recycling collection is not affected, however yard waste will not be collected on Friday.
Service will resume its normal schedule the following week.
Additional information on the City’s Solid Waste services can be found at www.ua-ohio.net or by calling 614-583-5370.
June 20
Pet Safety Tips for Fourth of July Weekend
While the Fourth of July holiday weekend is full of summer fun for humans, it’s a time when a little consideration and suitable precautions can assure the health and wellness of family pets.
Holiday safety tips for our furry friends:
• While never if rarely refused, many “human” foods such as picnic dishes and sweets are not good for pets, so please refrain from feeding them these items.
• Fourth of July holiday decorations and celebration items can pose a danger to pets if eaten, so be careful to keep these items safely out of reach.
• Be cognizant that your dog may get too hot if left outside for extended periods of time during particularly hazy, hot and humid periods of weather.
• Entertaining and welcoming numerous guests to your home can make for a prime opportunity for your cat or dog to escape unnoticed. Some pets become distressed by the presence of too many strangers. If possible, keep your pets in a secured room or area away from the party.
• If your dog does not like strangers, other dogs or large crowds, it is advised to leave your dog at home. If you do bring your dog with you, make sure he/she is wearing a proper dog license, and is on a leash and controlled at all times.
• Also, dogs have sensitive hearing and fireworks can be very loud and frightening to them. If you are at home or leave your dog at home, make sure he/she is inside so that the fireworks will not be as loud. If you bring your dog to the evening Celebration, be sensitive to his/her needs when the fireworks are fired off.
For more information about pet safety, please call the Police Division’s Animal Control at 583-5411, or visit www.ua-ohio.net.
June 16
Investigation Concluded for Upper Arlington High School Threat Incident
The City of Upper Arlington’s Police Division has concluded its investigation into the 15-year-old Upper Arlington High School student responsible for threats posted on a popular Internet website. He has been referred to the City of Upper Arlington Juvenile Diversion Program.
In May, the FBI alerted the Police Division of a threat posted on a website. The posting did not name a school or any particular students that were to be targeted, but the investigation revealed the threat did originate in the City of Upper Arlington. The student responsible and his family cooperated fully with investigators. From the beginning of the investigation, the student claimed he was never serious about carrying out an attack, and Upper Arlington detectives found he did not have the means to carry out the threats, nor did he attempt to get the materials necessary to harm anyone.
“Both the Police Division and the Schools take any incident of this nature very seriously,” said Police Chief Brian Quinn. “Fortunately for everyone, this particular situation was identified quickly, with appropriate steps taken immediately to ensure student safety at the High School and to thoroughly investigate the purported threat.”
The student could only be referred to the City’s diversion program if the lead investigator and the victim, the Upper Arlington City Schools, agreed. The diversion program, modeled after the Franklin County felony diversion program, is an alternative to the filing of formal charges in some cases. Participants in the program are typically subject to probation, counseling, community service and regular supervision by the City's probation officer.
“While each case is unique, the circumstances in this particular case lead all involved to believe that diversion is the best possible outcome,” continued Quinn. “Keeping this young man under the supervision of the City will provide greater awareness of his progress.”
Questions about the City of Upper Arlington Diversion Program should be directed to Joe Roush, Criminal Justice Administrator, at the Upper Arlington City Attorney’s Office, 583-5020.
June 13
Sunny 95 Park Planning Public Meeting - Conceptual Drawings Map Out Tentative Plans
The City of Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department invites residents to the third in a series of public meetings aimed at gathering community input on the development of a master plan for the Sunny 95 Park. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Sunny 95 Park (behind Greensview Elementary), 1481 Windham Road.
This is an opportunity for the park’s neighbors and interested community members to meet with both staff and the City’s landscape architect firm to further discuss options for the park, and to critique the current development plan draft and how well it addresses the many ideas put forward to date. The ideas presented in the draft plan have evolved from the previous two meetings, along with consideration of applicable goals and objectives within the Strategic Plan.
For additional details of this public meeting, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 583-5300 or visit www.ua-ohio.net.
June 12
Stealth Stat Available to Help Monitor Motorist Speeds
The City of Upper Arlington Police Division has a tool available to help address speeding in local neighborhoods.
The stealth stat computer can be unobtrusively mounted on a pole to gather data on the frequency and speeds of traffic on any given road. From the resulting report, officers can obtain details of the lowest and highest speeds, and whether or not there is a higher preponderance of motorists traveling above the posted speed limit.
Stealth Stat is a tool residents can request for use in their neighborhood. Typically, it will be in one particular area for a period of approximately three days, and request fulfillment is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stealth Stat results are posted at www.ua-ohio.net, under the Resident Services/Police Services section, enabling you to check in periodically to see the results for your particular area of interest.
For additional information on this program or to request a Stealth Stat in your neighborhood, please contact the Police Division at 583-5150.
June 12
Upper Arlington Citizen Police Academy
If you’ve ever wondered just how much fiction and how much reality plays into the various crime shows on television, this fall the Upper Arlington Police Division will offer some insight for those residents selected to participate in the Citizen Police Academy.
From September 18 through November 20, a group of up to 12 adults will spend their Thursday evenings going behind the scenes, for a hands-on learning experience of law enforcement.
Topics covered include:
– Crime scene investigations
– Crime prevention tips
– Legal considerations and the laws of arrest
– Defensive tactics
– Firearms safety and training
– Patrol tactics and traffic stop practices
– Ride-along with a Police Officer
The Citizen Police Academy is designed to enhance the community’s understanding and awareness of the many daily law enforcement and citizen safety activities conducted by the Police Division.
The deadline for applying for the 2008 Citizen Police Academy is Friday, August 15. Application forms and additional details on the program are available at www.ua-ohio.net or by calling the Police Division at 583-5191.
June 12
Block Party Permits
The City of Upper Arlington wishes to notify residents they are required to obtain a permit for any block party they would like to hold in the community.
Block party permits can be obtained from the City Manager’s Office, 3600 Tremont Road. A nominal fee is in place to cover costs for the delivery of any barricades, cones or lights necessary to keep traffic from the site. Block parties are not permitted on any of the City’s main thoroughfares. Typically, approval takes approximately two days from the date the completed form is returned to the City.
In most instances, it is advised that residents obtain their permit at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled date. For the Fourth of July holiday, however, the City typically receives numerous block party requests. With a finite quantity of barricades and cones available, the City may not be able to accommodate every request. In addition, consideration must be given by police and fire to the location of each block party to ensure adequate alternate routes for traffic and emergency vehicles. It is therefore advisable that you submit your form and request as early as possible.
For additional information, please contact the City Manager’s Office, at 583-5040.
June 4
Grass/Weed Control Guidelines
The City of Upper Arlington believes that the proper care and maintenance of property and landscaping benefits the entire community. A well-kept lawn enhances the beauty of personal property as well as the entire neighborhood.
City code specifies that grass must not exceed 10 inches in height and should be kept free of noxious weeds, such as thistle, burdock, jimson weed, ragweed, milkweed, mullein poison ivy, poison oak and other vegetation of rank growth. Failure to comply with this guideline could result in notice from the City to rectify the situation within five days of receipt of said notice. After five days, the City will make arrangements to cut the grass/weeds at the owner’s expense.
Any questions regarding the City’s guidelines can be answered by calling the Development Department at 583-5070.
June 4
Guidelines for Garage/Yard Sales in Upper Arlington
The City of Upper Arlington has a series of “good neighbor” guidelines and ordinances in place to help preserve the community’s overall quality of life. The following guidelines pertain to garage or yard sales within City limits.
Residents may conduct one garage/yard sale per residence during any six-month period. A sale should not exceed three consecutive days or two consecutive days on two consecutive weekends and may be conducted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sale items may only be placed for display in a garage or back yard. No permit is required.
On-site signage must follow these guidelines:
• One sign not to exceed eight square feet may be placed on the property
• The sign may only be posted during the hours of the sale
• Signs may not exceed four feet in height
• No unrelated information is allowed on the sign
• A permit is not required
Temporary off-premise signs are allowed provided:
• Signs can only be posted off-site on Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and all day Friday-Sunday.
• Signs do not obstruct traffic visibility and maneuverability
• Signs are not attached to a right-of-way structure
• Signs must not exceed four square feet (eight square feet for double sided signs)
• Signs must not exceed three feet in height and must be free standing, stable and non-illuminated
• Only one sign per street frontage is allowed (one sign for an interior lot, two signs for a corner lot)
For additional details, please contact the Development Department, at 583-5070.
June 4
City Web Site Full of Useful Information
The City of Upper Arlington’s Web site at www.ua-ohio.net, aims to provide residents with convenient access to current information about City services, special programs and community issues.
The City’s Web site offers access to:
• Solid Waste Transition details – check for a summary of the new program.
• Information about the Historic Preservation Task Force – check here for meeting dates and progress of this Task Force.
• Parks & Recreation events and activities – The Parks, Recreation & Leisure section includes details of spring 2008 programs, 2008 pool & tennis information, online registration options and more.
• City Council Meeting Agenda Packets
• Previous issues of the City Insight resident newsletter
If you have any questions, call the City Manager’s Office, at 583-5040.
City Manager's Office
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-583-5040
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