Man Made Disaster

Mayor Michael P. Bell today sent a balanced budget proposal to council for consideration. The recommendations include:
- approximately $10 million in expenditure reductions,
- elimination of income tax reciprocity for those working outside of the city,
- an 8% sports and event tax,
- a $15 refuse fee with the establishment of a solid waste enterprise fund to which the revenue would be dedicated,
- maintenance of the fire class sworn in this January, and
- a new police class in September.

Back in December, when the Fire Marshal was called to the Lucas County Republican Party headquarters, they actually filled out a fire inspection report and there were building violations which had to be fixed. On the report, the follow-up inspection date was written down, but in a recent informal conversation with the Toledo Fire Inspectors, the building was locked up on the day they were supposed to do a follow-up inspection and attempts to contact Jon have been unsuccessful. So why was no one there on 1/28 and why has Jon not re-scheduled a follow-up inspection? Who knows. But you would think he would want to not have this hanging around. It is probably not a good idea to avoid a follow-up report. The report is attached below.

Honda recalls Fit model over fire danger
Dayton Business Journal
http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2010/01/25/daily47.html?ana...

Honda Motor Co. is recalling 140,000 Fit hatchbacks in the United States and another 506,000 worldwide over a potential fire hazard relating to the power window units, according to media reports.

Toledo’s economy continues to struggle mightily, based on year-end numbers released by agencies that assist the unemployed and working poor. But officials on the front lines of the fight against poverty say many families are giving up hope and struggling even more as a result.

Lucas County Job and Family Services (JFS) provided food stamps for more than 87,000 people in 2009, a 16 percent jump in the number of clients compared with 2008. The number of people on Ohio Works First cash assistance also jumped by more than 11 percent in 2009.

Issue: #19 October 2009 Greetings!

With the election less than a week away, I wanted to touch on one final topic regarding the improvements and changes that we have made at Sylvania Township - fiscal accountability.

Hanley & Liedel Pledge: No New Taxes!

According to the Independent Collegian writer, this was one of the highlights of the game. This was first reported here.

From the crowd’s excitement when the players entered through a tunnel spouting streams of blue and yellow fire, to the throwing of fish on to the ice after a Toledo goal, and even from the reigning of “boos” on to Mayoral Candidate Ben Konop before the game, the environment is in itself worth the price of admission.

Read the rest at:

Greetings!

This installment of my Township Update will focus on the Fire Department, which has been extremely busy the last 18 months fulfilling the promises of the 2008 1.25 Mill Fire Levy. But first, a brief announcement about the Police Department:

Tax Holiday Extended in Police Department

As we begin the 2010 budget process, the Sylvania Township Trustees unanimously voted to extend the tax holiday that I first introduced in 2007. In total, this tax holiday will save Sylvania Township taxpayers $1,050,000 in 2010 and approximately $2,700,000 over three years.

From the Toledo Blade:

Firefighters responded Saturday morning to a fire at the OmniSource scrap metal processing facility in North Toledo.

The fire was reported at 7:44 a.m., and smoke could be seen for several miles from the building at 5130 North Detroit Ave. as flames spread over giant piles of metal.

Toledo, OH – It is a tragedy when anyone loses their home, lifelong memories, and are displaced due to a fire. It is a tragedy whenever someone is injured or loss of life occurs. A fire is a public safety issue that puts many people at risk; a family, neighbors, and the fire department.

I wonder if Carty can remember he had the color coded fire hydrants painted over? If this had been a white family there would be little said.

Meeting on TARTA Sales Tax Proposal

When: June 11, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Township Hall, 4927 Holland-Sylvania Road
Several months ago, TARTA officials began slowly floating out
the idea of switching the funding method for TARTA. Currently, TARTA is funded by
the property owners in 9 jurisdictions (Toledo, Perrysburg, Ottawa Hills, Waterville,
Rossford, Spencer Township, and Sylvania City and Township). Currently, they collect

WHO: Teamwork Toledo

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Sunday May 24, 2009
2 p.m.

WHERE: Outside Government Center

WHY: To Urge Toledo City Council to Reject Fire Fee

Teamwork Toledo will discuss its collective opposition to a fire fee to be voted on by Toledo City Council at a press conference on Sunday, May 24, 2 p.m. in front of One Government Center. The entire slate of six independent council candidates oppose the fee, which could have a detrimental effect on city residents and businesses.

Has anyone noticed all the Arson fires through out the city? Every night a vacant house goes up in flames. I find this just a little curious, especially at a time when safety forces could be reduced. I would be curious to know if last year at this time how many vacant house fires there have been. Very interesting........

Last Monday, while everyone in the family was out working or running errands, the East Toledo house of Kirk and Julie Summey caught fire and burned to the ground.

Budget Challenges Continue

Just saw a report on NBC24 about vacant house fires in Toledo It appears we have found a way to get rid of the homes quickly. TFD reports that the number of vacant house fires has increased from 113 in 2005 to 190 in 2008. Of course we also have the lowest manpower levels in six years and no class planned.

Take Back Toledo kicks off it's campaign for better, more responsive governance here in Toledo tonight. The event is open to the public and begins at 5:30 at the Erie St. Chowder House inside the Erie Street Market. Ironic isn't it?

Fireplace ban, fines effective today
Contra Costa Times ^ | 11/1/8 | Dennis Cuff

Bay Area residents who violate a new ban on burning wood fires on chilly Spare the Air nights could face some of the toughest fines in California — hundreds or even thousands of dollars per violation.

Yesterday, I posted a link of some protesters protesting the Lucas County GOP and I thought it was interesting that there was a mug shot of Meghan Gallagher on the poster. Well a little bit of snooping around landed me some more information on why she has a mug shot in the court system.

While Ms. Lothery, an area Block Watch captain, was relieved that the building burned, not everyone is happy about what has become a trend in Toledo.

Vacant-structure fires such as the one near Ms. Lothery's house on Oct. 5 have become increasingly common in the city this year, continuing an upward trend that began three years ago.