Media Releases
September 2008
26 - Reed Road Fire Station Groundbreaking Celebration
26 - Sunday Swim and Youth Swim Lessons to be Offered
25 - 2009 Natural Gas Aggregation Rate Established
25 - Join the Fun at Fall Fest
18 - Henderson Road Corridor Study Public Meeting
18 - Political Signage Guidelines
18 - Farmer's Market Open Through October 29
17 - City of Upper Arlington Seeks Applicants to Serve on Various Boards and Commissions
16 - Storm Debris Removal Program
12 - 2009 Natural Gas Aggregation Rate Established
12 - Henderson Road Corridor Study Public Meeting
12 - City of Upper Arlington Seeks Applicants to Serve on Various Boards and Commissions
11 - Police Division to Host Internet Safety for Parents Seminar
11 - Studio 55 to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Fitness Event
8 - Upper Arlington Announces New City Engineer
8 - Upper Arlington Receives Two Triple A Ratings from National Ratings Agencies
4 - Westover Park Public Meeting
4 - Studio 55 to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Fitness Event
3 - Self-Guided Tree Treks Available for Three Upper Arlington Parks
2 - Devon Pool to Remain Open Through Saturday, September 20
September 26
Reed Road Fire Station Groundbreaking Celebration
The City of Upper Arlington Fire Division invites residents to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Reed Road Fire Station, Monday, October 6 from 6-7 p.m., at 3861 Reed Road. At the event, attendees will be able to take tours of the old firehouse, enjoy light refreshments, and view the construction plans with a presentation scheduled at 6:30 p.m.
The building will be built in an environmentally friendly manner using recycled building materials and efficient electrical, heating and air-conditioned systems. In addition, a new parking lot will surround the building, designed to blend in with the park.
“We are so excited to see this process come to a completion,” said Fire Chief Mitch Ross. “We expect the construction to take approximately 12 months.”
Residents should be aware that services will not be disrupted during the construction process, since the Fire Division will continue to operate from the existing station.
For additional details of the Reed Road Fire Station Groundbreaking ceremony, please visit www.ua-ohio.net or call the Fire Division at 583-5100.
September 26
Sunday Swim and Youth Swim Lessons to be Offered
The Upper Arlington Aquatics Division is again offering its Winter Sunday Swim at the Upper Arlington High School Natatorium, 1650 Ridgeview Road. The Sunday Swim meets every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. beginning October 3, 2008 and ending May 17, 2009, except when the UA Schools are not in session or the UA Swim Club hosts an age group meet.
New this year, swim lessons are offered for children ages four and up during the Sunday Swim. All students must be at least 45 inches in height. Three sessions will be offered: session one from mid October through the beginning of December; session two from mid January through mid March; session three from mid March through the end of May. Classes to be offered include Aquatic Skills, Stroke Improvement and Stroke Development.
Please be advised that instructors do not pre-test for proper swim class level placement. Due to enrollment limitations, children are not transferred to another level if they are placed in an inappropriate class level. The instructional fee is $35 per student per class. Registration begins October 1, and may be done in person, at www.ua-ohio.net, by phone or by mail. For additional information contact the Upper Arlington Aquatics Division at 583-5300.
September 25
2009 Natural Gas Aggregation Rate Established
The City of Upper Arlington has locked in a rate of $1.12 per hundred cubic foot (ccf) for its 2009 Natural Gas Aggregation Program, with Interstate Gas Supply (IGS) selected as its natural gas provider, effective with the January 1, 2009 billing cycle.
Residents enrolled in the City’s 2008 program, as well as residents receiving their natural gas from Columbia Gas, are scheduled to receive a letter from IGS announcing the terms of the City’s 2009 Gas Aggregation Program in early October. These residents will automatically be enrolled in the program unless they opt out by the deadline provided in their letter.
Residents who purchase natural gas from another provider or residents who did not receive an opt-out notice, and who want to join the program, can contact IGS directly at 1-800-280-4474 for details and enrollment options. Please specify that you wish to join the Upper Arlington Gas Aggregation Program.
Details of the City’s Gas Aggregation program can be found at www.ua-ohio.net under the Resident Services | Utilities section. Additionally, you can contact the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (877-742-5622 or www.pickocc.org) or the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (800-686-7826 or www.puco.ohio.gov) for assistance in understanding natural gas aggregation, and your options and rights as a consumer.
September 25
Join the Fun at Fall Fest
Join in the excitement this fall as the Recreation Division of the Parks & Recreation Department hosts its Fall Fest on Sunday, October 12, from 2–5 p.m. at Fancyburg Park (Kioka and Swansea Roads). Admission is free, although some activities have a small fee attached.
This year’s Fall Fest is packed with activities all ages can enjoy. Inflatable games with fun activities are the feature attraction. Test your skills on the Adrenaline Maze Obstacle Course, squeeze plays, tunnel crawls and giant slide.
Other Attractions include:
- Pumpkin carving
- Kite making
- Caramel apple making
- Hay rides
- Huffman’s Market chili cook-off
- Face painting and tattoos
- Games and contests
- Tasty treats – pizza, hot dogs, brats and burgers
For more information check the “News, Meetings and Events” section at www.ua-ohio.net or call the Parks & Recreation Department at 583-5300.
September 18
Henderson Road Corridor Study Public Meeting
The City of Upper Arlington Engineering Division invites residents to a public meeting to discuss the Henderson Road Corridor Study. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2008 beginning at 7 p.m., at First Alliance Church, located at the corner of Sawmill Road and Henderson Road, 3750 West Henderson Road.
At this meeting, the City will discuss proposed improvements created by the engineering personnel from Burgess & Niple, with assistance from City staff, as well as input received at the previous public meeting. Attendees will be invited to participate in a general discussion of the project to obtain important public input on the proposed improvements.
The Henderson Road Corridor Study was begun in December 2007, with plans to present a final set of recommendations to City Council in 2008. Improvements under consideration include: the required number of lanes; pavement reconstruction; access and cross street locations; traffic control/calming options; pedestrian and bicycle facilities; drainage; and other necessary improvements required by the improvement approach that is ultimately implemented.
For additional details of the Henderson Road Corridor Study meeting, visit www.ua-ohio.net or call the Engineering Division at 583-5360.
September 18
Political Signage Guidelines
During election season the City of Upper Arlington wishes to provide the following information regarding political yard signs:
• Upper Arlington City government is non-partisan. From time to time City Council may endorse specific ballot issues such as school or library issues, however City Council does not endorse political candidates.
• The City is in no position to regulate what language is put on a political sign, since this would infringe upon an individual’s freedom of speech. Please call the Ohio Elections Commission, at 466-3205, or visit www.elc.oh.gov to register your concern.
• The City can only regulate the size and location of political signs. Further, the City can only request that signs be removed from private property if they are in a state of deterioration. If you believe signs have been placed inappropriately in public spaces, or you are concerned about the physical condition of signs in a neighbor’s yard, please call the Code Compliance Division, at 583-5073.
• Political signs placed on private property are themselves private property. Theft charges will be filed against any individual found to be taking such signs.
• The City’s Police Division recommends residents place their name somewhere on their political signs for tracking purposes, so they can be returned to their rightful owner, if stolen and later recovered.
The City respectfully asks residents to be mindful of how such signage can impact the “aesthetics” of our neighborhoods. Upper Arlington is renowned for its beautiful landscaping, immaculate lawns and superior housing stock, and we all play a part in maintaining the look and feel of our community.
September 18
Farmer's Market Open Through October 29
Located at the Mallway on Arlington Avenue, the Farmer’s Market is open every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. through October 29. Stop by on your bike or on foot to discover a convenient, local market and to go green and conserve energy while living a healthy lifestyle.
The Market provides residents a fun and convenient means to peruse and purchase the freshest in-season produce grown by local Ohio farmers. You’ll enjoy the crisp character and flavor of just-picked vegetables, fresh flowers and flavorful herbs, organic beef, cheese and milk, and more.
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.
For more details, visit www.ua-ohio.net or call 614-583-5300.
September 17
City of Upper Arlington Seeks Applicants to Serve on Various Boards and Commissions
Periodically, the City has openings on Boards and Commissions that serve the community. Public service is voluntary, affording participants the opportunity to help shape their community in areas that interest them. Upper Arlington City Council invites interested residents to donate their time and expertise to the community by serving on a City Board or Commission, with applications currently being accepted for:
• Audit Review Committee
• Board of Health
• City Tree Commission
• Neighborhood Lighting Utility Board
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Public service of this nature is voluntary.
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 3, 2008. Application forms and additional details can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, 3600 Tremont Road, downloaded from www.ua-ohio.net under the Administration | City Council section, or obtained by calling 583-5030.
September 16
Storm Debris Removal Program
As a result of the severe winds in the area on Sunday, September 14 that created storm debris throughout the City, the City of Upper Arlington wishes to inform residents of a yard waste debris removal program:
- Inland Service Corporation, the City’s solid waste contractor, is picking up the debris at no cost to residents. Inland is bringing in crews from Akron, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; and Augusta, Georgia to assist with clean up efforts.
- Yard waste debris from the storm must be placed in bundles measuring no more than 5-feet long, weighing no more than 50 pounds and be placed at the curb. Please do not put debris in the street. Debris will be picked up on residents’ regularly scheduled refuse pick up day as well as Friday, September 19.
- Recycling pick up is being suspended until further notice – the Rumpke recycling facility does not have power at the current time and is unable to accept drop-offs.
- Depending on the amount of debris remaining after this week’s collection, materials may be collected during the following weeks as well.
If residents have any questions or concerns, they can reach the City Manager’s Office at 583-5042.
September 12
2009 Natural Gas Aggregation Rate Established
The City of Upper Arlington has locked in a rate of $1.12 per hundred cubic foot (ccf) for its 2009 Natural Gas Aggregation Program, with Interstate Gas Supply (IGS) selected as its natural gas provider, effective with the January 1, 2009 billing cycle. This new rate is currently the lowest fixed rate available in the marketplace according to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio “Apples to Apples” rate comparison sheet of competitive suppliers.
Residents enrolled in the City’s 2008 program, as well as residents receiving their natural gas from Columbia Gas, are scheduled to receive a letter from IGS announcing the terms of the City’s 2009 Gas Aggregation Program by the end of October. These residents will automatically be enrolled in the program unless they opt out by the deadline provided in their letter.
Residents who purchase natural gas from another provider or residents who did not receive an opt-out notice, and who want to join the program, can contact IGS directly at 1-800-280-4474 for details and enrollment options. Please specify that you wish to join the Upper Arlington Gas Aggregation Program.
Details of the City’s Gas Aggregation program can be found at www.ua-ohio.net under the Resident Services | Utilities section. Additionally, you can contact the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (877-742-5622 or www.pickocc.org) or the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (800-686-7826 or www.puco.ohio.gov) for assistance in understanding natural gas aggregation, and your options and rights as a consumer.
September 12
Henderson Road Corridor Study Public Meeting
The City of Upper Arlington Engineering Division invites residents to a public meeting to discuss the Henderson Road Corridor Study. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2008 beginning at 7 p.m., at First Alliance Church, located at the corner of Sawmill Road and Henderson Road, 3750 West Henderson Road.
At this meeting, the City will discuss the potential improvements created by the engineering personnel from Burgess & Niple, with assistance from City staff, as well as the input that was received at the previous public meeting. Attendees will be invited to participate in a general discussion of the project to obtain important public input on the proposed improvements.
The Henderson Road Corridor Study was begun in December 2007, with plans to present a final set of recommendations to City Council in the fall of 2008. Improvements under consideration include: the required number of lanes; pavement reconstruction; access and cross street locations; traffic control/calming options; pedestrian and bicycle facilities; drainage; and other necessary improvements required by the improvement approach that is ultimately implemented.
For additional details of the Henderson Road Corridor Study meeting, visit www.ua-ohio.net or call the Engineering Division at 583-5360.
September 12
City of Upper Arlington Seeks Applicants to Serve on Various Boards and Commissions
Periodically, the City has openings on Boards and Commissions that serve the community. Public service is voluntary, affording participants the opportunity to help shape their community in areas that interest them. Upper Arlington City Council invites interested residents to donate their time and expertise to the community by serving on a City Board or Commission, with applications currently being accepted for:
• Audit Review Committee
• Board of Health
• City Tree Commission
• Neighborhood Lighting Utility Board
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Public service of this nature is voluntary.
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 3, 2008. Application forms and additional details can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, 3600 Tremont Road, downloaded from www.ua-ohio.net under the Administration | City Council section, or obtained by calling 583-5030.
September 11
Police Division to Host Internet Safety for Parents Seminar
The City Of Upper Arlington Police Division will be hosting an Internet Safety seminar for parents of school-age children. The seminar will be held at the Upper Arlington Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road, on Tuesday, September 30 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The course is free to the public and registration is not required.
This adults-only program will highlight online dangers, basic Internet safety tips and feature a closer look at the habits of Internet predators. In addition, parental Internet monitoring software will be available for participants, courtesy of the Upper Arlington Police Division.
For more information, please call the Police Community Relations Unit at 583-5197.
September 11
Studio 55 to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Fitness Event
Studio 55, the preferred destination for mature adults to maintain healthy lifestyles, is getting ready to celebrate its one-year anniversary with a special fitness event. The public is invited to attend the open house taking place at Studio 55 on Monday, September 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Senior Center, located at 1945 Ridgeview Road.
As we say goodbye to summer, join Senior Center patrons inside to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A convenient location, knowledgeable on-hand staff and variety of fitness equipment makes Studio 55 the premier destination for mature adults to maintain a healthy routine in Upper Arlington.
At the event, take advantage of chair massages, health screenings, demonstrations of additional health classes, try the fitness equipment, take tours of the facility, listen to a fitness expert presentation and much more. The event is free, and guests can also sign up to win door prizes such as pedometers, special membership offers for existing patrons who “bring a buddy” to register, and even a one-year fitness pass to Studio 55.
For more information about the Studio 55 Anniversary Event, visit www.ua-ohio.net or call
583-5320.
September 8
Upper Arlington Announces New City Engineer
The City of Upper Arlington is pleased to announce that Tom Komlanc has accepted the position of City Engineer, effective Monday, September 8, 2008. His starting salary is $83,000.
Mr. Komlanc brings with him extensive experience in state and local engineering, construction, project management and administration. He joins the City from his most recent role with The Ohio State University, where he was responsible for capital project planning, budgeting and overseeing a significant number of projects and construction managers. Komlanc developed a stormwater master plan for the University, was involved in plans for the Kinnear Road Corridor Improvements, a new Lane Avenue parking garage, and infrastructure and roadway needs for the OSU Medical Center.
Previously, Komlanc worked for the City of Gahanna as the Assistant City Engineer. During his tenure, he developed a five-year and long range Capital Improvement Plans for the City, was responsible for capital budgeting, bidding and project management, grant writing, policy and procedure updates, traffic studies, personnel management and fee structure evaluations. He represented his department at Planning Commission meetings, as required at City Council meetings, participated and led many public involvement meetings, and served as representative for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).
Komlanc has a BS in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University, and an MBA from Ashland University. He is certified as an Ohio Professional Engineer.
As City Engineer for the City of Upper Arlington, Komlanc will oversee the Engineering Division, which falls within the Public Services Department. He will manage and oversee all aspects of the construction of infrastructure capital improvement projects including planning and budgeting, evaluate and make recommendations on contract bids, conduct design and plan review evaluations, administer the Neighborhood Lighting Utility Board, support public works components of the City’s economic development and long term planning efforts, and work with regional entities as appropriate to his realms of expertise.
“Tom brings with him an impressive depth of experience, knowledge and new ideas for our organization and community,” said City Manager Virginia Barney. “I am confident he will make an excellent addition to our team, and will help our Engineering Division grow in new and exciting ways.”
September 8
Upper Arlington Receives Two Triple A Ratings from National Ratings Agencies
The City of Upper Arlington has been designated a Triple A community by two of the nation’s credit rating agencies. The upgraded Triple A rating by Moody’s Investors Service and the new Triple A rating from Standard & Poor’s represent the highest possible rating categories available.
A Triple A rating is considered the gold standard for government entities when they are selling bonds to finance projects, which the City is preparing to do this September in order to fund various capital projects such as the Reed Road Fire Station replacement project. Upper Arlington’s two Triple A ratings are expected to reduce the City’s interest costs for the new bonds by approximately $85,400 over the life of the bonds. In addition, all future bond sales will benefit from the lowest possible interest rates available in the marketplace at any given point in time.
“This is great news for us as we ready to issue $9.98 million in bonds this month,” said Finance Director Cathe Armstrong. “At a time when the nation has been witnessing extensive turmoil and uncertainty in the financial marketplace, these Triple A ratings reaffirm that Upper Arlington takes its fiscal responsibilities seriously. Our efforts to effectively manage the community’s assets can now be further enhanced by our ability to secure exceptionally low interest rates.”
Among Ohio’s 251 cities four are rated Triple A by Moody’s ranking the City among the top one percent of all cities financially in Ohio. On a national level, of 3,177 cities that carry a Moody’s rating, only 101 are rated Triple A. Comments from Moody’s officials relative to the upgraded rating, spoke to the City’s strength of management and finances, and its efforts to expand its tax base through economic development.
“To receive top ratings from two of the nation’s finest rating agencies is an impressive achievement,” said City Manager Virginia Barney. “We owe this milestone to the strong leadership and vision of both our present-day and previous City Councils. They have worked hard to establish exceptional financial policies that help us balance our assets with the provision of day-to-day services and long-term reinvestment needs to maintain and enhance our public infrastructure and facilities. They have also long-recognized the importance of diversifying and growing our income tax revenue generating business base.”
“I also wish to applaud our Finance Department,” continued Barney. “Under the leadership of Director Cathe Armstrong, Finance performs its vital organizational functions to the highest standards of integrity and competency. Thanks to Cathe’s team, year after year our City receives accolades for its exceptional financial reporting practices, and now we can proudly say we are a Triple A community.”
For additional details of Upper Arlington’s financial practices, please contact the Finance Department at 583-5280.
September 4
Westover Park Public Meeting
The Upper Arlington Parks & Forestry Division invites neighbors of Westover Park and other interested residents to attend a public meeting aimed at gathering community input on the proposed development of a restroom facility at the park. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Westover Park Shelter House, on Westover Road at Arlington Avenue.
At the meeting, Parks & Forestry Staff will be present to discuss the proposed development project and to answer other questions or concerns pertaining to Westover Park. The construction of a restroom facility coincides with the Parks & Recreation Department’s Strategic Plan and aims to provide a convenient facility for public use at this popular playground, while maintaining architectural consistency with the surrounding facilities.
For additional details of this public meeting, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 583-5340 or visit www.ua-ohio.net.
September 4
Studio 55 to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Fitness Event
Studio 55, the preferred destination for mature adults to maintain healthy lifestyles, is getting ready to celebrate its one-year anniversary with a special fitness event. The public is invited to attend the open house taking place at Studio 55 on Monday, September 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Senior Center, located at 1945 Ridgeview Road.
As we say goodbye to summer, join us inside to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our convenient location, knowledgeable on-hand staff and variety of fitness equipment makes Studio 55 the premier destination for mature adults to maintain a healthy routine in Upper Arlington. The Studio was opened when new space was made available at the Upper Arlington Senior Center and in response to the increase in user demand.
At the event, take advantage of chair massages, health screenings, demonstrations of additional health classes, try our fitness equipment, take tours of the facility, listen to a fitness expert presentation and much more. The event is free, and guests can also sign up to win door prizes such as pedometers, special membership offers for existing patrons who “bring a buddy” to register, and even a one-year fitness pass to Studio 55.
For more information about the Studio 55 Anniversary Event, please contact Aaron Miller at 583-5057 or Jane Sindel at 583-5324.
September 3
Self-Guided Tree Treks Available for Three Upper Arlington Parks
As the leaves begin to change this fall, be sure to take a walk through one of the City’s parks to observe the foliage while learning about the variety of trees to be found courtesy of our Tree Trek brochures.
Tree Trek brochures are available for Thompson Park, Northam Park and Fancyburg Park, providing an easy means to identify and learn more about the 50-plus species of trees to be found in each park. The trees are numbered in the brochures, with tags placed on low branches of the corresponding trees wherever possible.
Brochures are available free-of-charge at the Lane Road Public Library, the Main Library at Northam Park, the Fancyburg Park kiosk and the Municipal Services Center. As an added convenience, the brochures can be downloaded from the City’s Web site, at www.ua-ohio.net (under the Parks, Recreation & Leisure section).
For more information, please contact the Parks & Forestry Division, at 583-5340.
September 2
Devon Pool to Remain Open Through Saturday, September 20
As summer comes to an end, Devon Pool will remain open through Saturday, September 20 with the following schedule:
• Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. to Sunset
• Saturday and Sunday from Noon to Sunset
• Early Bird Swim continues from 6:30-8:00 a.m. Monday-Saturday
• Tremont Pool and Reed Road Water Park are now closed
For additional details of the end of season pools schedule, call 583-5300 or visit www.ua-ohio.net.
City Manager's Office
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-583-5040
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