City of Westerville 2021 Annual Report

2022 RESIDENT GUIDE

www.westerville.org + 2021 Annual Report and Financial Performance

WESTERVILLE city council

Message from the CITY MANAGER

WELCOME

Pictured from left-right:

Back Row: Coutanya Coombs, Ph.D.; Kenneth L. Wright, Vice Mayor; Dennis Blair; Megan Reamsnyder Front Row: Michael Heyeck, Chair; Diane Conley, Mayor; Craig Treneff, Vice Chair

Westerville City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (not including summer recess).

Meetings are held at Westerville City Hall (21 S. State St.) in Council Chambers and air live on WestervilleTV (www.westerville.org/tv).

2

Learn more and contact Councilmembers at www.westerville.org/council.

Sometimes if we create too much distance from the past, we’ll forget important details. That’s why we spend the time in this publication looking back at the year behind while considering the impacts on the remainder of the year ahead. And what we don’t want to forget are the priorities and preferences you told us about in 2021.

Last year’s resident survey was my first, as a resident and as City Manager.

I was not surprised to see the overall satisfaction levels are very high for the vast majority of us. Nearly 90% high/very high satisfaction rates, I learned, are common in our surveys.

Monica Irelan City Manager

Your highest priority is public safety and management; overall feelings of safety rated highly. But more probing showed some elevated concerns for safety, specifically at night. It’s not only valuable intelligence for the Westerville Division of Police when planning patrols, as well as public information and education opportunities. It’s for all our late-shift employees to keep an eye on Westerville. It’s for all of us, from teams who specialize in lighting to curbside collections, to watch what’s happening in our neighborhoods.

Another example is property taxes. It repeatedly falls as the least-liked thing about living in Westerville year after year. Our property is very personal to us, and we know it’s among the largest investments we

Contact us.

City Manager message continued

make in our lifetimes. Yet, did you know the City has very little control over how property values are assessed? In fact, we receive a small amount of your property tax dollar (see page 7). That trend tells us a lot as we march forward: the City needs to better communicate how your tax dollar is being utilized, and we need to keep your tax burden balanced with responsible development.

Next year we will ask you to do this again. I hope you will consider the ways you can provide feedback that will contribute to a thriving Westerville when we come by again for your opinions in mid-2023.

Find staff members listed by department at www.westerville.org/contactus to reach by email or phone. Reach out to the City Manager’s Office directly at CMO@westerville.org. You may reach all members of Westerville City Council at CityCouncil@westerville.org.

Find us.

Keep up to date with everything the City has to offer by following these City accounts on Twitter. @tellwesterville @WvilleElectric @WestervillePD @WestervilleFire @WestervillePark @WestervilleBiz

Monica Irelan City Manager

Find full details of the 2021 Community Survey at www.westerville.org/survey.

Download us.

Go to Google Play and iTunes to download the “Tell Westerville” app.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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PROJECTS

Listening, planning and building

Westerville spent time last year working on a number of projects and studies that will be integral to future development and investment.

Housing Study

“

Real estate and housing have never been hotter in Central Ohio, so understanding the current state of Westerville’s housing stock is important. Westerville Planning & Development asked residents for input to help assess the local housing market, identify potential gaps and consider long-term strategies that may address our future needs and community desires. A report and recommendations will be published this year. Find announcements at www.westerville.org.

Fiber Expansion Study

Since Westerville is evaluating its next steps in broadband (opportunities for expansion and factors related to access, cost and speed), residents were asked to establish priorities, as well as level of satisfaction with internet services. Could WeConnect offer residential services as another community amenity in the future? Watch our progress and find announcements at business.westerville.org.

Age-Friendly Action Plan

Westerville’s plan was published last summer, the outcome of study and stakeholder engagement to become an endorsed AgeFriendly Community. This plan will guide the City in creating policy and action steps to make our community accessible to older adults.

Read the full plan online at www.westerville.org/agefriendly.

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2 22 COUNCIL SETS agenda Three seats on Westerville City Council were filled by new members earlier this year. As a group, they are about five months into setting an agenda for the future. At a goal-andpriority setting session in February, Council and the City Manager’s Office focused on setting an agenda that serves a thriving Westerville now and 10 years in the future.

With a commitment to...

prov id

City within a Park Responsible Fiscal Management

Authentic and Alive Uptown

Thriving Business Climate

...

Mobility Options

In o

Connected and Engaged Residents

EXCELLENT CITY SERVICES

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

AUTHENTIC AND ALIVE UPTOWN

Leading in DEI is not a platform, it’s a promise in Westerville.

This community will be intentional in its policies and procedures to be welcoming, prosperous and simply home to all who want it.

Uptown is the heart of Westerville.

You’ve heard it before, but have you visited lately? An everevolving and “alive” Uptown is our sense of place. Entertainment, dining and retail paired with our history have no better home base.

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

CONNECTED AND ENGAGED RESIDENTS

This community invests in excellence of responsive public safety services, and well-maintained infrastructure.

Reliable, affordable utilities are hallmarks of life in Westerville.

MOBILITY OPTIONS Transit and technology must connect our residents and visitors (customers) to our workforce and vice versa. The recreational trails and pathways we treasure keep us all connected as well.

Nationally recognized and award-winning, our parks and recreation system is the centerpiece to a vibrant Westerville. Preservation and attractions keep us engaged in our outdoor environment.

ve achie

The Ci ty

Excellent City Services

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Transformational Leadership Safe and Vibrant Neighborhoods

Enivronmental Sustainability

with a commitment to...

A CITY WITHIN A PARK

r to rde

es...

Westerville provides...

WESTERVILLE

RESPONSIBLE FISCAL MANAGEMENT Trust is built on responsible and transparent financial management.

Setting fiscal policies that account for the unexpected and plan for the strategic keep us among the most highly rated municipal finance managers in the state.

Collaborative. Attentive.

Responsive. Leadership in 10 years requires planning and purpose now. We will listen, respond and plan while operating transparently and embracing change.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Our home is non-negotiable.

We will expand our programs and mechanisms of support for environmentally sustainable practices. From recycling to composting to zero waste, Westerville will show how and why it matters.

in order to achieve...

Being connected to one another has never been more appreciated.

In our post-pandemic world, the term “engagement” just means more. Your voice in your government and on your street is important now and for our future.

SAFE AND VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOODS Innovative initiatives in housing go hand-in-hand with reinvestment and connectivity opportunities in existing neighborhoods. “Safe” comes from knowing our neighbors and seeing public safety engaged on and around your street.

THRIVING BUSINESS CLIMATE Development and investment provides new amenities and balances the tax burden for residents now and far into the future. The City tells businesses they can “thrive locally and compete globally” here. Geography, infrastructure and strategy all play a part in how Westerville’s growth builds momentum for a community everyone wants to be in and near.

FINANCIAL

RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

Continuing a Tradition of

Cities in the state of Ohio are primarily funded by income tax, which is why economic development is important to a vibrant Westerville.

Income is taxed at 2% in Westerville, with credit provided for the community in which you live. In Westerville, anyone who works in the community also contributes to a one-quarter of one-percent income tax dedicated to Parks & Recreation. This contribution makes the Westerville workforce eligible for the resident rate at facilities and for programs and services.

2021 GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

Municipal Income Taxes Property Taxes Intergovernmental Revenue Charges for Services Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures Interest & Fiscal Charges Miscellaneous

0.5%

0.5%

$38,343,765 4,525,091 4,519,983 55,713 720,630 183,115 480,894 304,633

49,133,824

Security of Persons & Property Public Health Basic Utility Services Community Development General Government

35,035,945*

36%

Security of Persons & Property

% % 1 1 1 %

9%

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

Municipal Income Taxes

9%

Property Taxes

RECEIPTS

Intergovernmental Revenue

Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures

49%

Interest & Fiscal Charges Miscellaneous www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

1%

Public Health Basic Utility Services

Community Development General Government

12% 2%

Charges for Services

78%

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17,323,146 56,185 682,486 4,276,266 12,697,862

*Represents 2021 financial management strategy for pandemic recovery including accessible monies in the general fund in anticipation of reduced income tax receipts and increased refunds.

Some capital improvement projects were deferred to future years.

City Council

PROPERTY TAXES

Most of your property tax dollar goes to Westerville City Schools, but also to the Westerville Public Library and the county in which you live (Franklin/Delaware).

The City of Westerville uses the majority of its portion of property taxes to fund fire protection and emergency medical services. Any remaining funds are directed to the General Fund.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Westerville Public Library Franklin County Westerville City Schools

$0.0063

City of Westerville

$0.0185

Mayor’s Court

694

Law Administration

776

Buildings and Grounds Maintenance

918

Emergency Communications Management Information Systems

Columbus State

City Spending

BY FUNCTION

2,227 2,651

Finance-Admin/ Utilities/Tax

Figures are based on one dollar

$0.1766

292

Public Service/ Street Maintenance

2,854 3,297

Administration Planning & Development

5,208 4,276

Parks & Recreation

$0.1611 $0.6376

9,783 14,425

Police

16,170

Fire* in 000’s

DELAWARE COUNTY

*Westerville Division of Fire also serves Blendon Township.

Figures are based on one dollar

Westerville Public Library $0.0735

Delaware County

$0.0205

Westerville City Schools

$0.0099

City of Westerville

$0.0106

Delaware Mental Health Delaware County Park Preservation

$0.1786 $0.7069

The City Spending by Function is relative to General Fund, P&R Operating Fund and Fire Fund. The General Fund revenues are on the previous page. The P&R and Fire revenues are listed below.

INCOME TAXES SUPPORTING PARKS & REC OPERATING EXPENSES

PROPERTY TAXES SUPPORTING FIRE FUND

in 2021 - $7,300,000

in 2021

$14,344,898

RECREATION & PARKS FEES

BLENDON TOWNSHIP FIRE CONTRACT

$2,262,609

CHARGES FOR SERVICES

$1,180,526

$3,040,958

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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Awards and Honors

The City of Westerville again earned the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for excellent financial record keeping and reporting. The award is the highest award offered by the Auditor of State’s office, presented to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet certain criteria of a “clean” audit report.

The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,600 state and local government agencies. The office provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government. For more information, visit www.ohioauditor.gov.

GRANTS & DONATIONS Many City departments pursue both state and federal grants for projects small and large.

$83,494 in grants received to help cover costs for public safety and sustainability programs. $368,811 in donations toward public safety and Parks & Recreation programming.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Saving Public DOLLARS COMPETITIVE BIDDING

INSURANCE

$3 million +/-

1.7% over three years

In 2021, nearly $3 million was saved through the City’s formal and informal competitive procurement efforts. This process requires bids and quotes from a number of service providers in order to determine the best price. Contracts and services are awarded to providers who meet the City’s “lowest and best” award criteria.

Additionally, nearly $5 million in additional savings was achieved through the use of cooperative purchasing opportunities with other government entities.

By self-funding many lines of insurance, the City has been able to save money.

For example, the employee health care plan experienced a 2.0% increase for 2022, 0% increase for 2021 and a 3% for 2020. This 1.7% increase over the past three years is significantly less than the national trend for health care. These savings reflect a commitment to seeking reliable, cost-saving options while providing essential services to employees.

REIMBURSEMENTS The City has a variety of programs to collect reimbursements for the utilization of public resources. The use of police cruisers is one example where costs are recovered when reserved for private events requiring special duty police coverage. In 2021, the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) was reimbursed $14,290 for the rental and utilization of cruisers required to close roads, direct traffic or otherwise cover a private special event. For their work with other public safety agencies on a variety of specialized, tactical task forces, WPD was reimbursed more than $32,702.

AVERAGE ELECTRIC BILL (MONTH) Typical Non-Electric Heated Home

Employee of the Year

PROJECTED MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL (2022, GAS HEATED HOME)

$140

DUSTIN FITE Electric Division

Westerville Traffic Signal Technician Dustin Fite was named the City’s 2021 Employee of the Year. He was recognized for his ability to organize, think through processes, plan for projects, troubleshoot issues and work as a team member to benefit the entire Westerville community. He has replaced major intersection LED street signs, modernized Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push buttons and the system that operates those traffic buttons and implemented a process to test how well a road loop is functioning. Because of Dustin, intersections in Westerville are safer for vehicles, pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

RESIDENTIAL AVG WATER BILL Huber Ridge

$68.52

Gahanna*

$45.71

(2021, PER MONTH)

Reynoldsburg*

$43.77

Upper Arlington*

$43.64

Hilliard*

$42.36

Grove City*

$41.79

Dublin*

$41.72

Worthington*

$40.11

New Albany*

$39.58

Delaware County

$38.31

Westerville

$34.30

Delaware

$32.58

Columbus*

$30.45

Pickerington

$26.28

$120 $100 $80 $60 $40 $20 WED (2013)

$0

(2014)

AEP

(AEP)

1,100 (kwh) AVERAGE WESTERVILLE RESIDENTIAL HOME USAGE MONTHLY KILOWATT HOURS

WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC Westerville Monthly Bill (Projected AEP 2020) AEP Monthly Bill (Projected 2020) $135.61 $146.18

WATER QUALITY REPORT

COMING SOON

The annual Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report provides a crystal clear view into Westerville’s water operations. The report will arrive with utility bills in early May. Produced by the City’s Water Division, the report provides insight into the water treatment process, water quality data and source water information.

You can view the most recent publication online at www.westerville.org/water. * Columbus Water

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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EXPAND EXPAND WESTERVILLE WINS in 2021 PLANSE EXPAND Din 2022 XPANEXPAND

EConomic Development

You thought housing was hot in Westerville? Even in two pandemic years, development in Westerville kept its momentum, with announcements and progress in the historic Uptown district as well as the Westar business district and elsewhere across town. The success in 2021 has nothing on the pace of projects and opportunities this year.

Achievements and Accolades

UPTOWN

32 W. College Avenue sold and finally demolished for a mixeduse redevelopment (11,000 SF, three-story mixed-use building with first-floor restaurant/retail).

COhatch buys the historic Armory at 240 S. State St. for its innovative co-working space and North High Brewing restaurant.

Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) takes shape with much success, leading to an expansion in 2022.

Bustling and Buzz

Central Ohio Primary Care (COPC), the largest physicianowned primary care group in the United States, completed its $45 million headquarters complex in Westar in 2021. The organization includes more than 75 practices and serves more than 450,000 patients.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

WESTAR

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMEN T

TOP 10 EMPLOYERS* 2

JP Morgan Chase Bank

Mount Carmel Health Systems

3

4

Westerville City DHL Supply Chain School District

5

6

7

8

9

10

Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians

T. Marzetti Co.

City of Westerville

Vertiv Corp.

OhioHealth

Bank of America

* in 2021 Income tax income payments to the City of Westerville

JOBS REPORT

TT A 5

R

T AC

ED

SNAPSHOT

38

YEAR-END

RATES

OB

S RETAINED

J

1

350

Smart economic development strategies aim for between 8-15% vacancy. Less than about 8% means that there is limited space available to attract new investment opportunities and could indicate the need to add more inventory/new buildings; more than about 15% suggests that renewed focus should be placed on attraction and reinvestment.

12.7 %

2.2%

1.9%

12.9%

12.1%

OFFICE

RETAIL

INDUSTRIAL/ FLEX

WESTAR

BROOKSEDGE

(OVERALL)

(OVERALL)

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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RESIDENTS Hi! Are you new here?

DATES TO KNOW Yard Waste Collection: Mondays Refuse and Recycling Collection: Tuesdays Please place yard waste, trash and recycling containers at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection. If collections fall on holidays, pick-up is delayed one day. Questions? Call the Public Service Department at (614) 901-6740.

INITIATE UTILITY SERVICE To establish a utility billing account with the City of Westerville, call Utility Billing at (614) 901-6430 or visit 64 E. Walnut St. A deposit will be required for residential or commercial consumers who rent or lease the premises in which electric service is provided.

MANAGE, PAY UTILITY ACCOUNTS ONLINE The City has an online utility portal to help registered customers manage and pay their accounts. Westerville utility users can now make a debit or credit payment by phone too; registration is not required for this service. Register at billpay.westerville.org.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

REPORT A POWER OUTAGE Call the Westerville Electric Division 24/7 if your power goes out. WED is known for quick, reliable service. Call (614) 901-6700 and follow the menu of options.

INCOME TAX The Westerville Income Tax Division handles the collection, audit and enforcement of the 2% municipal income tax pursuant to the Westerville City Code. Extended hours for service are available closer to the income tax deadline. For assistance, call (614) 901-6430.

NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER To report an accident or for non-emergency situations, call (614) 882-7444.

Use this number to: • File a report

• Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity. Report a crime (not in progress).

• Report non-injury accidents

GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED Never miss a public event or meeting with the City’s event calendar. Find the information you need and add it to your personal Outlook/iCalendar, Google or Yahoo calendar. Check it out at westerville.org/calendar.

Catch live and on-demand meetings of City Council at www.westerville.org/tv.

GET SOCIAL Join our online communities and networks. You’ll get quick information and can interact with the City and your neighbors. Keep up with our other City accounts on Twitter @WvilleElectric, @WestervillePD, @WestervilleFire, @WestervilleBiz and @WestervillePark.

DOWNLOAD THE “TELL WESTERVILLE” MOBILE APP This digital extension of the City’s customer service team allows users to submit service requests from anywhere and to learn about City news and events. The free app is available through your mobile application store (Google Play, Apple App Store). Just search “Tell Westerville” to download.

Visit www.westerville.org/tellwesterville for more information.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS, KNOW YOUR CITY Want a behind-the-scenes tour of the City? Join the Westerville Citizen’s Academy. Held every year in the spring, this free 10-week class is focused on interactive features, such as exploring equipment, facility tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Learn more and apply at www.westerville.org/wca.

STAY INFORMED! Sign up online to get a weekly e-newsletter and have the latest news, information and special events delivered directly to your email inbox.

facebook.com/cityofwesterville

@cityofwesterville

Thank yinogu for mak

Westerville

home!

GET INVOLVED Each year, City volunteers give tens of thousands of hours helping their neighbors stay safe, experience City programs and keeping our natural resources healthy. Find the right volunteering opportunities for you at www.westerville.org/volunteer.

linkedin.com/company/city-of-westerville

@tellwesterville

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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DIVI SION OF POLICE

WPD EARNS FIRST-EVER CALEA ACCREDITATION

The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) earned its first-ever national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in 2021.

The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with more than 180 state-ofthe-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. Only 5% of law enforcement agencies in the United States meet standards for CALEA accreditation. Read more online: www.westerville.org/police.

Residents Express

Strong Support

Mayor Diane Conley (left), Police Chief Charles Chandler (center) and Chairman Mike Heyeck (right) hold the CALEA certificate of accreditation.

for WPD

In 2021, residents were asked to complete a special section in the biennial Community Survey to better understand opinions about law enforcement and the Westerville Division of Police specifically. Outcomes demonstrated a strong support for WPD across issues related to overall trust, safety and training. See the full report at www.westerville.org/survey.

72

58%/2%

%

Over half (58%) have a “very positive” opinion of WPD; 2% had a negative opinion.

Nearly three-fourths (72%) of participants said they had no concerns with WPD.

96% 14

The vast majority of respondents have NOT experienced an unfair or discriminatory interaction with WPD (96%). Nearly all people who said they had a bad experience did not report it.

SAFE 80%/VERY SAFE More than 80% of respondents say they feel “safe” or “very safe.”

95.6%

ON TRAINING: The most strongly agreed-with item related to WPD officers are currently receiving an appropriate amount of mandatory training (4.2 of 5), and the least agreed-with indicated WPD officers should require more mandatory training (3.0 of 5).

Nearly all people (95.6%) said they have NOT WITNESSED an unfair or discriminatory act by WPD.

80% Nearly 80% support the School Resource Officer program.

Civilian of the Year

HONORS

HONORS

Officer of the Year

DAN FUEHRER

Patrol Officer, 3rd shift

KIM STAMBAUGH

Animal Control Officer, retired

CALLS FOR SERVICE MOST COMMON TYPE: Burglar Alarm, Traffic Complaint, Theft, Property Damage, Accident, Suspicious Person

2019

! !

!

!

ALERT!

1,157

12,706

$

!

1,041

1,185

!

!!

867

674

643

Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellent performance, productivity, responsibility, loyalty and honesty in fulfilling the Division’s mission statement in order to serve the public with the highest possible standards of service. They are nominated and chosen by their peers.

LOCAL AMERICAN LEGION HONORS

WPD Officer Brittany Shoup

Westerville American Legion Young-Budd Post #171 selected WPD Officer Brittany Shoup as the 2021 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. She was recognized at an awards ceremony in November 2021 after being nominated by her peers.

When she joined WPD in December 2017, Officer Shoup was active in the Ohio Air National Guard. She was deployed to Jordan in 2020 where she worked in security forces during Operation Inherent Resolve.

In addition to the American Legion honor, Officer Shoup has received two WPD commendations for performing life-saving measures on two people.

In 2022, Officer Shoup is pursuing training to become a member of the City’s bike patrol team.

DEC 2021

FILL a

CRUISER

416

$

CASH

1,162 lbs FOOD

137

toys www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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PANDEMIC MANAGEMENT

EMS Responses

5,793

Fire Responses

2,471

Response time

5:05

Building Inspections

# of free smoke detectors provided and installed

238

WFD’s “You Call We’ll Install” program is free to the residents of Westerville who need assistance with a smoke detector in their home. Call (614) 901-6606.

Firefighter of the Year

HONORS

2,260

The Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) continued to serve the residents and businesses of Westerville and Blendon Township through a second and third year of the pandemic. Responding to the Delta and Omicron variants were part of that process, as well as vaccination clinics and test distribution. In October, severe conditions in Central Ohio hospitals led to the declaration of a State of Emergency in Westerville. Westerville’s leadership in this area was embraced by an exhausted and overwhelmed health care community. For six weeks, Westerville focused on government and partner relations and public health messaging to reduce the burden on the hospitals and emergency rooms. Now that the community continues its process into the endemic, the story of COVID in our community is archived at www.westerville.org/covid19.

JOSH SABINS Firefighter/Medic

The Firefighter of the Year award is given by the American Legion each year in November.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Sabins is a five-year employee with the City of Westerville.

Live Burn Training

PROMOTIONS, HIRINGS & APPOINTMENTS DAVID WILLIAMS Deputy Chief

The Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) and neighboring fire agencies held a “live burn” exercise at a home along Hanawalt Road in November 2021. The controlled training scenario took approximately five hours.

Chief Williams began his firehouse service career 30 years ago as a teenage volunteer in his hometown of New Burlington, Ohio.

He joined WFD in July 1997, and most recently served in the role of Chief Fire Marshal.

Congratulations, Chief Williams!

“Westerville firefighters are world-class and that is reflected in their prioritization of continuous education and training. These live exercises offer an invaluable opportunity to practice fire suppression and rescue strategies,” said WFD Chief Brian Miller.

The old house was burned completely to make room for a new home to be built by the property owners. For updates about WFD, visit www.westerville.org/fire.

MIKE ULLOM Battalion Chief 24 years

DAN LUNDY Lieutenant 7 years

CONNOR HAMER Firefighter/Medic New Hire

NOW!

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK Westerville Sports Complex Veterans Memorial is now under construction, creating a space that is worthy of the Veterans who served in any one of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. This site will rise to meet the community’s tradition of honoring the lives and legacies of those who have served or are serving to protect our freedoms. The memorial intentionally focuses on “all” who serve, featuring the impact on military spouses, children and other family members through service and sacrifice. Imagine it as a space for reflection, inspiration and storytelling.

Mark your calendar for its Dedication and grand opening on Veterans Day, November 11, 2022.

COMING SOON EDGE ADVENTURE PARK Vesper Way to the east The next addition to Westerville’s group of awardwinning parks and recreation facilities is in the planning stages with the anticipated first phase of construction to begin in 2023. Initially identified in Westerville’s Parks Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) plan in 2014, the “Edge Adventure Park” (with an official name decided in the future) is an eight-acre park on Vesper Way, north of County Line Road.

The regional and community adventure sports park will feature ground and aerial fitness courses, with an obstacle course, zipline, eco village houses/aerial course, climbing and observation tower, creek access and launch, parking and walkways.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

PARKS & RECREATION BY THE NUMBERS 2021

6,888

active passes

1,900 + PROGRAMS

28,000 +

16,833

ENROLLED PARTICIPANTS

118,200

4,300 NEW PASSES

ATTENDANCE

280,000 visits

180,000

OLDER ADULT

TOTAL ATTENDEES

Program Participants Reached

Westerville Parks and Recreation partnered with USA BMX and Westerville BMX to enhance the current dirt track facility and offer additional programming to area riders

12 RACES

600 RIDERS Highlands Park Aquatic Center sold 4,300 new passes and received almost 280,000 visits

56 NEW MEMBERS www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

19

PROUDLY WAVING IN THE CITY HALL COURTYARD The City of Westerville has launched a program for the display of national observance flags at Westerville City Hall to expand recognitions observed by the community and its local government. Central to the program is the installation of an official flag that represents an occasion of national observance.

Flags are installed in the City Hall Courtyard on most months of the year to celebrate these important observances or dates of recognition. In addition, the City will recognize other celebrations and observances through programming and other public education opportunities.

The City’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director.

Jonathan Bentley was added to staff in 2021, less than six months after City Manager Monica Irelan created the position to guide Westerville DEI efforts. Jonathan is a resource for internal policy development, as well as external collaboration and partnership to assure Westerville is welcoming to all who wish to call it home.

You can learn more about Jonathan and how to reach out at www.westerville.org/DEI.

Look for these flags in the Courtyard and learn more about these important observances throughout 2022.

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

FEB MAR APR

Black History Month

MAY JUN

Older Americans Month

SEP

Hispanic Heritage Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness

Pride Month (LGBTQIAA+)

Breast Cancer Awareness

Celebrate Diversity Month

JUL

Independence Day (American Flag)

OCT NOV

National Native American, American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage

10 YEARS LATER The headline for 2021 in data: a DECADE of breaking the mold. On March 1, 2012, the WēConnect® data center was dedicated as the nation’s first municipal data center. It continues today as one of the most innovative functions of government and technology, acting as another utility offered and controlled at the local level.

WēConnect has focused on improving connectivity for our business community and targeted builds to business districts that previously were under-served by technology. Open for business since December 2011, the 16,000-square foot facility serves as a connectivity hub – a data hotel of sorts - for local and regional businesses. In the last 10 years, WēConnect has designed a series of managed technology services, including cloud computing, co-location, broadband services and server rack space and security. A carrier-neutral facility, the data center provides businesses of all sizes access to the most advanced technologies so that they can thrive at the local level but compete anywhere else in the world.

The future holds expansions for new business districts, as well as potential residential services. For more information, or to learn how WēConnect can meet your technology needs, visit www.weconnectdatacenter.com.

NOTABLE PROJECTS FTTX PROJECT: FIBER TO SMALL BUSINESSES Faster wireless upload/download speed of up to 1Gbps (Gigabits per second).

Completed Areas East side of Uptown Westerville, East College Avenue and Israel Street.

Future Areas West side of Uptown, Commerce Park Drive and Westar.

FIBER EXPANSION Business access to the data center for Internet, their (business) rack or direct paths to cloud providers.

Completed Areas 501 W. Schrock Rd., 4151 & 4079 Executive Parkway, 405/435 Polaris Parkway, Wetherby Lane/Charring Cross and 400 Altair.

Since 2019, WēConnect has focused on improving connectivity for our business community and targeted builds to business districts that previously were under-served as well as ensuring any new buildings have access to WēConnect.

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SERIOUS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY Westerville has assembled a Zero Waste Plan with strategies to help reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by 80% by 2032. A look at the numbers tells us that these programs not only feel good to support, but are absolutely crucial to supporting infrastructure for the growing Central Ohio region.

A 2020 study by SWACO found that 76% of items sent to the waste could have been reused, recycled or composted. The top contributors were food waste, corrugated cardboard and other compostable materials.

Landfill space is limited. In fact, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) estimates its current landfill only has the capacity to serve the region for another 40 years.

ZONING PERMIT PORTAL Planning a home improvement? Residents may submit zoning certificate applications for fences, sheds, driveway extensions, PODS/dumpsters and patio projects through the City’s website. Visit www.westerville.org/forms for options and access.

Prefer to apply in person? No problem! Visit the Planning & Development customer service window at 64 E. Walnut St. Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Read the plan and find links to sustainable programs in the City at www.westerville.org/zerowaste.

Westerville residents are enthusiastic supporters of existing “green” programs.

HERE’S A SNAPSHOT OF HOW WE DID IN 2021:

3,482 3,144 TONS

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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Curbside Recycling

TONS curbside yard waste

120,889lbs of Composting

Free to Move About the City Your Way You Are

Residents and visitors alike enjoy the many options for getting from “point A to point B” in Westerville.

A

No Vehicle? No problem!

The City boasts more than 240 miles of sidewalks and 51 miles of paved recreation trails connecting people to Uptown, Otterbein University, commercial centers, neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds and schools.

Additionally, much of the City’s 150 miles of well-maintained City roadways feature bike lanes and sharrows. In fact, almost all Westerville households are located within a quarter-mile of a bike facility (bike lane/sharrow/multiuse path).

B

MOVING FORWARD: Between public improvements and private developments, Westerville gained more than 19,000 sq. ft. of new sidewalks in 2021!

Public Transit The City partners with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to provide COTA//Plus, an on-demand ride service for corporate limits. With promotional codes and special hours for popular events, it’s a convenient way to skip the drive.

COTA//Plus provides free rides to COTA fixed-route stops (including CMAX, the bus rapid transit line with direct service to and from downtown Columbus).

Visiting Uptown soon? Download the “Westerville Parking Mobile Application,” which will tell you the exact location of open parking spots in the historic district.

Westerville Mobility Plan www.westerville.org/mobility Sidewalk Maintenance Program www.westerville.org/sidewalks (614) 901-6757 sidewalks@westerville.org COTA//Plus www.cota.com/cotaplus

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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21 S. State St. Westerville, Ohio 43081 www.we ste r v i l l e.org

DID WE CATCH YOUR

ATTENTION?

If you read something here that inspires you, we invite you to hear more and experience the future of Westerville at the State of the City.