City of Westerville 2018 Annual Report & Financial Performance by City of Westerville

2019 RESIDENT GUIDE + 2018 Annual Report and Financial Performance

westerville cityCOUNCIL council WESTERVILLE CITY BACK ROW: Alex Heckman; Valerie Cumming; Tim Davey; Kathy Cocuzzi, Vice Mayor. FRONT ROW: Craig Treneff, Mayor; Mike Heyeck, Chair; Diane Fosselman, Vice Chair.

FROM THE

CITY MANAGER

It was afterFROM 9 p.m. THE on Saturday, February MESSAGE 2018 MANAGER when #WestervilleStrong was born CITY

a conference room with two staff mem

With resolve composure few other from the and City’s Community Affairs te communities could match, Westerville we were intoof one of emerged fromabout terrible eight tragedyhours to a year worst moments in inWesterville’s history extraordinary achievement 2018.

was our fourth post to social media that

After two of our finest were killed in the line introducing the tag that predicted what of duty on Feb. 10, 2018, Westerville residents community become: Westerville Str rallied behind thewould fallen officers’ families and our Division of Police. A yearlong show of support and community unity followed, under the Westerville Strong banner, with tribute We still feel the profound loss of Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joe after tribute to Police Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joering.

each day, but we also feel Westerville’s enduring support. W As former Chief Joe Morbitzer says, the will nevershowed be the the eyes Police of the nation were upon us,Division Westerville stren same as it was the day before the shootings. You don’t move on from and grace. The Westerville Division of Police carries Tony and E such experiences. You move forward with them incorporated in your legacy forward, continuing in the service, safety and protectio DNA, with a new awareness of what’s important and what is precious. residents, businesses and visitors. I am proud of WPD. I am prou As you will see in this document as we review 2018 in total, Westerville City staff. And, I’m proud of our community.

BACK ROW: Alex Heckman; Valerie Cumming; Tim Davey; Kathy Cocuzzi, Vice Mayor. FRONT ROW: Craig Treneff, Mayor; Mike Heyeck, Chair; Diane Fosselman, Vice Chair.

did move forward from that awful day, to a year of many remarkable achievements. Among those your will read more about in later parts of this Resident Thank you to Guide: everyone who adopted Westerville Strong

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

MESSAGE

as a of life since February 10. As we move forward in reporting accomplishments of the prior year, previewing new initiatives programs and introducing Westerville to new residents, alw SEND A MESSAGE. Youismay reach allplace. members of Westerville City Council remember this a special via email at CityCouncil@westerville.org. Please also visit the website at www.westerville.org/council. You may also contact the City Manager at David. Collinsworth@westerville.org.

Top7: Westerville in February received the global honor of being named a Top 7 Intelligent Community by the Intelligent Community Forum, after making the ICF’s list of Smart21 Communities in October. The honor recognizes Westerville for its history of embracing innovation, and our competitiveness in today’s digital economy, through infrastructure, programs and partnerships. Parks & Recreation: Another banner year for Westerville’s awardwinning parks system saw not only the start to our major expansion of the Community Center, but also the opening the an outdoor hockey rink; a major addition to Hoff Woods; major improvements to Hanby Park and Towers Park; and a redesigned Uptown Rotary Mini-Park, which has really activated that park space in our historic business district. Last but certainly not least, a fantastic piece of public art was installed right in front of City Hall. The American Issue sculpture commemorates Westerville’s remarkable role in the Prohibition movement, and cements our community’s commitment to public artwork.

Economic Development: Nearly everywhere you look in Westerville, economic development is happening. From Uptown to Westar to older light industrial space on Maxtown Road and older office space off Eastwind Drive, we are attracting new business and holding on to growing businesses that already call Westerville home. This vibrant activity directly contributes to the city’s financial health referenced above. Citizen Engagement: At our core, the city seeks to serve its residents efficiently and professionally, to help provide the outstanding quality of life Westerville residents expect. Our communication tools in these efforts have never been more robust, ranging from this Guide to the GOWesterville tool to track construction projects, to the MyWesterville app that lets residents follow the work of our Snow Warriors and leaf collection crews. Westerville’s 2018 started with an incredibly deep challenge. Leaning on your Westerville Strong response, the city composed itself and moved forward to a year of great achievement. As we reflect on some of those milestones, we thank you for your support.

#westervillestrong

Financial Health: With a 4.56 percent growth in our income tax revenue (by far our largest income source), and a growth of more than $300,000 in property tax revenue – fueled by 2017’s 12.5 percent property valuation growth – the economic vitality of the community reflected in the city’s financial strength.

LEAVE A MESSAGE. Please contact Mary Johnston, Westerville Clerk of Council, to leave your contact information, as well as questions, comments or feedback: (614) 901-6410.

WRITE TO US. Mail may be sent to any individual Councilmember or all seven members of Council. Address correspondence to the recipient(s) at Westerville City Hall, 21 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081.

. g n i n e t s i L e r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; We More Westerville residents participated in the 2018 web-based survey than in six prior online surveys over the span of 13 years. More than 2,000 residents offered their feedback on the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance and priorities. Here are a few of the most notable outcomes based on resident feedback. Overall, respondents indicate a high level of satisfaction with Westerville. Ratings for City departments and staff continue to follow trends identified in resident surveys since 2005. Residents continue to agree that information is accessible, services meet their expectations and financial management meets expectations. Find the full report at www.westerville.org/survey to dig in to more details.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Roughly 87%

of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with City services; only 5% indicated some level of dissatisfaction.

Infrastructure

(roads,

bridges,

84% agree/strongly agree.

But you do NOT like your property taxes. It was the highest-rated complaint, specifically what you like LEAST about living in Westerville. The City gets only a small portion of your property tax dollar. See details on page 8.

etc)

better:

We should email you first about construction news: nearly half of residents prefer it over a text or website post.

Public safety and emergency management is the

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DATES

AUGUST

S M T W R F S 1 2 3 5 6 7 4 8 9 10 12 13 14 11 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31

Yes!

More than 85% of you read the Community Recreation Guide each quarter; 61% have used it to register for Parks & Recreation programming.

26 27

The most important SAFETY issue is “maintaining emergency response times,” say residents.

Thumbs up from residents on managing housing (75% agree/strongly agree) and retail and business growth (82% agree/strongly agree).

Yikes! Not many residents know how easy it is to submit a service request to the City via the “My Westerville” mobile app. We hear you: we have more work to do to promote its efficiency and convenience. (Check it out: available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.)

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

For the first time in its history, Westerville hosted the annual State of the Community with a formal event. Community partners joined together on Thursday, March 21 to discuss Westerville’s achievements in 2018 and priorities for the remainder of 2019. The City hosted Otterbein University, Westerville City Schools, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Westerville Public Library to reflect on a year that started with sadness but ended with celebration. The event also recognized the Westerville Chaplain Corps as “Volunteer of the Year,” as well as inducted two new members into the “Westerville Champions” program.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Westerville Chaplain Corps On February 10, 2018, Officer Anthony P. Morelli and Officer Eric Joering were killed while responding to a 9-1-1 hang-up call. It was the first line of duty deaths in Westerville’s history. Overcome with grief, many in our community looked to their faith and systems of belief to help make sense of the tragedy. Like a beacon, the five members of the Westerville Chaplain Corps stepped forward and helped comfort and guide a community in crisis. The Chaplain Corps was established to integrate clergy of various faiths into Westerville’s public safety agencies. In addition to helping the men and women sworn to protect us, Chaplains have been of service countless times to console and counsel. Each member has pursued additional training and credentials to work with individuals and families during a life transition, oftentimes involving the death of a loved one. Last year, the Chaplains had the monumental task of helping manage the force of an emotional wave that impacted thousands of people. From those who came to the makeshift memorial to grieve, to those who attended one of many vigils, Chaplains held a steady presence and spoke words of hope and healing. They prayed with families and strangers alike, uniting us all in a spirit of resiliency. The Chaplains, independently and together as a body, have donated hundreds of hours to the Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire. For this and their efforts associated with managing the losses of Officers Morelli and Joering, the community offers its most sincere gratitude. It is with our collective thanks and appreciation we recognized the Westerville Chaplain Corps as 2018 Volunteers of the Year.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

WESTERVILLE CHAMPIONS: Jeff Hartnell and Mike Townsley JEFF HARTNELL

Jeff was a leader throughout his life, serving as class president, an educator, coach and volunteer. He inspired others through his actions and Westerville is a better community because of his efforts. Jeff loved Westerville and would share that love with anyone, anywhere, anytime. His passion and pride for our community-led Jeff to give of himself and continually embrace the quality of life for all of Westerville. His efforts included tremendous growth in 4th Friday attendance as well as the success of multiple charity events, coaching youth sports. As Executive Director of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, Jeffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to improve and promote Uptown Westervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature event, 4th Friday, were successful. The event was transformed as vendor participation increased and community attendance catapulted from 800 - 11,000 causing full State Street closure to accommodate the popularity of the event.

MIKE TOWNSLEY

Throughout his residency in Westerville, Mike Townsley was an advocate and an ardent volunteer for all things Westerville. He graciously gave of his CPA knowledge and experience to assist many of our community partners. As a member of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce (since 1991), he served as its Secretary/ Treasurer for 11 years and was a member of several committees, including the Government Relations Committee in 2011-2012. For the City of Westerville, he was the Treasurer for Issue 54, a successful tax levy campaign which helped place the City in excellent financial position while providing critically needed funds for rehabilitation and improvement of our infrastructure. He was a member of the 2010 Charter Review Commission and was a founding board member of the WestervilleBlendon Township JEDZ. In this role, Mike helped the JEDZ Board establish its financial guiding principles and policies as well as prepared its annual budgets, submitted its annual filings and set up the required banking accounts. Additionally, Mike was a patron of the arts, annually supporting the Otterbein Theater program, as well as many other Westerville organizations, including soccer and boy scouts.

Find more information on previous Westerville Champions and their honorary sites at www.westerville.org/champions. A plaque to Hartnell and Townsley is expected to be display at the Westerville Community Center when the expansion project is complete in 2020.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

POSITIVE FINANCIALS FOR 2018 Income tax, by far the largest revenue source for the city General Fund, rose 4.56 percent in 2018, to $33.32 million. Property tax revenue, after a 12.5 percent property valuation increase for the city in the 2017 reevaluation, rose $369,562, to $3.78 million. And investment earnings added approximately $1.4 million in revenues to the General Fund.

MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES 2018 GENERAL FUND

1% <1%

Municipal Income Taxes

RECEIPTS Municipal Income Taxes Property Taxes Intergovernmental Revenue Charges for Services Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures Interest and fiscal charges Miscellaneous

$33,316,927 3,781,402 3,986,928 19,139 1,112,784 356,396 1,355,635 312,662

44,241,873

Property Taxes Intergovernmental Revenue

RECEIPTS

75%

Charges for Services Fees, Licenses & Permits Fines & Forfeitures Interest and fiscal charges Miscellaneous

OPERATING EXPENDITURES 36%

Security of persons and property 15,923,253 Public health 45,692 Basic Utility Services 756,963 Community development 4,561,419 General government 11,927,735 NET NON-OPERATING REVENUES & EXPENDITURES (e.g., sale of land,

proceeds from debt, etc)

33,215,062

Security of persons and property

OPERATING EXPENDITURES 14%

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Public health Basic Utility Services Community development General government

7,875,878 <1%

48%

PROPERTY TAXES

Most of your property tax dollar goes to the schools, but also the library and the County. The City primarily uses its portion of property tax to fund fire protection and emergency medical services. Remaining portions are deposited into the General Fund for infrastructure initiatives.

CITY SPENDING - BY FUNCTION

DELAWARE COUNTY

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Figures are based on one dollar

City Council Law Administration

285 697

Mayor's Court

830

Buildings and Grounds Maintenance

857

Emergency Communications Management Information Systems Finance-Admin/Utilities/Tax

$0.1946

$0.0761 $0.0232 $0.0106 $0.0113

$0.0207

$0.1694

1,920

$0.6154 $0.1897

2,372 2,755 3,650

Public Service/Street Maintenance

4,158

Administration

Westerville Public Library

Franklin County

Westerville City Schools

City of Westerville

City of Westerville Delaware Mental Health

4,561

Planning & Development

$0.6892

Delaware County Park Preservation

11,176

Parks & Recreation

14,048

Police

15,580

Fire* in 000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

*Westerville Division of Fire also serves Blendon Township.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

UTILITIES Strong performance of the city’s Enterprise Funds used to run its utility operations allowed Westerville City Council to pass along a reduction in the average residential utility bill in 2018. The average city utility bill – covering electric, water, sewer, and refuse collection – dropped $6.17 a month, to $223.09 in 2018 versus $229.26 a month in 2017. That’s an average annual saving of $74.04 per household. We try to keep it simple: maintaining our utilities help us keep our rates low and our quality in service delivery high.

Huber Ridge

$68.52

Gahanna*

$42.73

Upper Arlington*

$42.57

Hilliard*

$42.36

Reynoldsburg*

$40.89

Grove City*

$40.63

Dublin*

$40.56

Worthington*

$38.95

New Albany*

$38.42

Delaware County

$38.31

Westerville

$32.70

Delaware

$32.58

Columbus*

$30.55

Pickerington

$26.28

(PER MONTH)

$133.58

Westerville Residential

$123.07

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

855 pounds of batteries recycled in

160 refrigerators/freezers recycled

· $50 customer incentive · 1,370 refrigerators/freezers recycled since 2011 · nearly 750,000 kWh/year in energy savings Approximately 1,500 mechanical electric meters recycled

1,852 pounds of holiday lights recycled in January

* Columbus Water

2018 MONTHLY AVERAGE WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC BILL AEP Residential

As Westerville works on its commitment to sustainability, we appreciate all residents who have utilized these programs.

December, representing approximately 15,000 appropriately recycled batteries

Here’s how we compare to our neighboring communities: 2018 RESIDENTIAL AVG WATER BILL

The Westerville Electric Division (WED) formally launched a battery recycling program in 2018. The program is one of six sustainability efforts currently housed in and managed by WED.

(GAS HEATED HOME)

Although WED helped recycle 227 pounds of light bulbs in 2018, service costs require a change in 2019 and beyond. The City’s contractor now charges a fee for bulbs (between $3-$5 per bulb), so residents are asked to save bulbs for Household Hazardous Waste Collection in the spring and fall. Saturday, May 18 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, September 7 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Westerville Public Service Department 350 Park Meadow Rd. (Enter off Schrock Rd)

Westerville Excellence The City of Westerville’s stringent accounting practices and adherence to its fiscal policies for fund balances again won praise from bond rating agencies and governmental accounting organizations in 2018. Westerville’s clean audits also again garnered plaudits from the Government Finance Officers Association and the Ohio Auditor of State, winning the AOS Award With Distinction and the GFOA Award For Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 34th consecutive year.

Bonds with Aaa ratings are considered the best quality by all standards and comprise what are generally known as high investment-grade bonds. The Aaa rating designation provides access to the best interest rates available for debt issues. The City sought the rating assignment for $20 million General Obligation Capital Facilities Bonds to be issued in conjunction with the Westerville Community Center Expansion Project. Rating agencies Moody’s and S&P both affirmed their Aaa rating on the City’s proposed General Obligation debt. Westerville City Manager David Collinsworth says the City’s nine-year Aaa rating is rare in municipal settings and continues a tradition of responsible fiscal management and public resource management. “Westerville would be at a disadvantage if we wanted to continue our momentum with facility projects and updates without the benefit of these ratings and the favorable interest rates we’ll pay on our debt,” said Collinsworth. “Because the City is able to issue debt for major capital improvement projects at lower interest rates, taxpayer dollars are optimized on public projects like road work, park development and utility infrastructure.”

Both reports highlighted Westerville’s strong financial management practices as part of the basis for the Aaa rating. The Moody’s report also notes the City’s substantial tax base and healthy reserves. “Westerville has a strong sense of stewardship when it comes to managing fiscal resources,” said Lee Ann Shortland, City of Westerville Director of Finance. “There are a couple major factors that affect the rate of interest the City pays when issuing bonds for capital projects, and the credit rating assigned by the rating agencies is chief among them. By continuing to secure the Aaa rating, we’re delivering on our promises to residents and income taxpayers to prudently and conservatively manage the City’s finances. The City’s debt is issued with a fixed rate over a 20-year term, thereby guaranteeing the favorable rate is in place for the full term of the financing.”

The full reports from both agencies are available on the City of Westerville website at www.westerville.org/finance.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Thriving ECONOMY

It’s plain to see why the Westerville’s income tax revenue is percolating. Building is booming all over town: new buildings going up, major renovations to older buildings under way, additions to existing businesses, scaffolding in historic Uptown. These are physical signs of more jobs and additional tax revenue coming to the city. Economic activity in Westerville surged in 2018 and is accelerating into 2019. Just a small sampling of the projects:

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

DHL SUPPLY CHAIN

The North American headquarters for DHL, a business-to-business logistics company formerly operating as Exel in Westerville, is under construction in Westar. The 145,000-square-foot, 4-story facility near the Renaissance Marriott hotel is a $20 million project. DHL’s staying in Westerville retains 630 employees already working here and the expansion is to add another 150, with the high-salaried positions bringing from $87 million to $124 million in payroll.

CENTRAL OHIO PRIMARY CARE

Also in Westar, off Africa Road in the developing area, COPC Physicians opened one new threestory office building in 2018 and its second in 2019. Plans to break ground for a third is also expected this year. The open building combined COPC Physicians offices from across Westerville and Central Ohio, and the second building will house administrative offices for the practices. The planned third building will house laboratory facilities.

HMB

The software and professional services company moved into leased space at 570 Polaris Pkwy. The firm expects to reach $13 million in payroll in 2019.

MID-CITY ELECTRIC

The family owned business moved here from two buildings in the Franklinton area of Columbus. It purchased an existing 22,950 square foot office building at 937 Eastwind Drive (visible from Interstate 270) and fully renovated it in 2018. Now its workforce of 200, with 75 typically onsite, is unified in one location with room to grow.

ON TAP ENVOY

A “co-working environment” building, is under construction in Westar near the Renaissance Columbus Westerville hotel and the new DHL Supply Chain headquarters. The three-story, 36,245-square-foot building is now open, offering a variety of office suites.

BUNDY BAKING SOLUTIONS

The light industrial company is moving into the former Purdy Metals Building at 525 Maxtown Road, now vacant. The company provides a coating to baking pans for industrial scale use, and also has a process of cleaning and recoating baking pans.

ROBIN ENTERPRISES PRIMARY SOLUTIONS

Primary Solutions, an IT services provider for agencies that serve people with disabilities, moved its two Columbus locations to an 18,788 square-foot office building at 707 Park Meadow Road in Westerville in July 2018.

EMPLOYMENT SNAPSHOT (2018)

545

ATTRACTED JOBS

820

The established commercial printing business at 111 N. Otterbein Ave. has quietly been growing and growing and growing for years. With more than 250 employees, it’s now one of Ohio’s largest high-tech, sheet-fed commercial printing companies, with more growth on tap. A 9,000 square foot expansion is underway.

RETAINED JOBS

$105K

AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Westerville: AN INTELLIGENT COMMUNITY

Westerville this February won global recognition for its technological prowess, when it was named a Top 7 Intelligent Community by the international Intelligent Community Forum. The accolade comes on the heels making the ICF’s list of Smart21 Communities in October.

The honor recognizes Westerville for its history of embracing innovation. From its role in the Underground Railroad to becoming the home of WeConnect (the nation’s first municipally owned data center), The Point at Otterbein University and more. The honor recognizes Westerville for its history of embracing innovation. From its role in the Underground Railroad to becoming the home of WeConnect (the nation’s first municipally owned and integrated data center and fiber-optic network), The Point at Otterbein University and more. Top 7 candidates are evaluated against the “ICF Method,” which is “the first conceptual framework for understanding all of the factors that determine a community's competitiveness in the digital economy,” according to the ICF’s website. Factors evaluated include broadband, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital equality, sustainability and advocacy. The other cities on the Intelligent 7 list are: • Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

• Sarnia-Lambton County, Ontario, Canada

• Chicago

• Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

• Hudson, Ohio

• Taoyuan, Taiwan

After the Smart21 designation, the city worked closely with key community stakeholders including JPMorgan Chase, Central Ohio Primary Care (COPC), Lake Shore Cryotronics, Otterbein University, Westerville City Schools and the Westerville Public Library in the process to be named to the Top 7 list. ICF members will now schedule a visit to all seven cities for an in-person evaluation of infrastructure, programs and partnerships that represent intelligent communities. Westerville expects its ICF visit this spring. The organization will then name a member of the Top 7 as the Intelligent Community of the Year at a global summit in New York City in June.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

TOP 10

EMPLOYERS* * in 2018 income tax income payments to the City of Westerville

CHASE FINTECH R&D CENTER AT OTTERBEIN With the help of a $2.9 million JobsOhio grant and support from the City of Westerville, JPMorgan Chase is partnering with Otterbein University to bring some 100 jobs and a Financial Technology (FinTech) research and development center to Westerville. Chase will lease three spaces at The Point, Otterbein’s STEAM innovation center on Collegeview Road, to house project teams of Chase employees and interns, and Otterbein students from a variety of study disciplines. Their work will focus on creating services for the next generation of retail banking. “This partnership between JPMorgan Chase and Otterbein University establishes a financial technology innovation space unlike any in the world, and it’s happening in Westerville, Ohio,” JobsOhio’s managing director for financial services Valentina Isakina said in a release announcing the project in September. New partners Otterbein University, JPMorgan Chase, the City of Westerville and JobsOhio introduced the (fintech) research and development arm of JPMorgan Chase to The Point at Otterbein last September. From l-r: Valentina Isakina, managing director for financial services, JobsOhio; John Comerford, president, Otterbein University; Kathy Krendl, past-president, Otterbein University; Corrine Burger, chief control officer and Consumer and Community Banking, JPMorgan Chase; and David Collinsworth, City of Westerville.

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

Mount Carmel Health Systems

Exel Logistics/DHL Supply Chain

Westerville City Schools

Liebert Corp/ Vertiv Co

Inventiv Health Inc (Gerbig Snell)

City of Westerville

Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians

Alliance Data Systems Inc

T. Marzetti Co

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

MAJOR PROJECTS | PARKS & RECREATION

www.westerville.org/construction to use the site.

ON TAP STATE STREET

SPRING ROAD

State Street through the heart of Uptown will Completing the work that began with get a streetscape facelift between Park and the section from Huber Village Boulevard U P TOW N I M P R OV E M E N T P R O J E C T Home streets. Work will begin this summer in to Schrock Road, Spring Road is being The City’s engineering team (Planning & Development) is preparing for replacement a coordination with a line program reconstructed between Schrock and Walnut future project in Uptown to improve meet ADA GOWesterville isn’t just for and renovate with sidewalks ColumbiatoGas. Work in Uptown will halt Street. About half of the $4 million project requirements, replace damaged curbs, upgrade traffic signals and more. residents to check progress on November-December, and begin again in will be paid with funding from Ohio Public Along with resurfacing S. State St. in the District, this project will continues the city major road Uptown’s projects vibrancy 2020. Works ($500,000 in grant; $1.5 million in public efforts to maintain and momemtum. Find out about the entireitproject here: www.westerville.org/construction. (though is downright nifty zero-interest loan). Construction will be done | Citywith of Westerville 15 diverted to the for that). Visit westerville.org/ The main purpose of the project is to make thewww.westerville.org under traffic, all traffic construction to check out the sidewalks and crosswalks ADA-compliant and east side of the boulevard while the west side handy GoWesterville tool for to improve drainage. But bonuses for residents is reconstructed, then the process flipped for updates on all city infrastructure will include an extra foot of sidewalk added the east side reconstruction. and construction projects. on both the east and west sides of State, and ZONING CODE UPDATE many safety improvements, including midGoWesterville includes tabbed point pedestrian crossings near City Hall and While the big road projects may be what sections to let residents near the Home Street intersection. Read all residents notice the most in the short term, see what Parks projects are the Planning and Development Department details at www.westerville.org/construction. underway, where the annual also was hard at work in 2018 with a major sidewalk maintenance program MCCORKLE BOULEVARD behind-the-scenes project: Updating of the is scheduled, and where regular In a project that will include a closure of about city’s Zoning Code, which hasn’t been done street rehabilitation will take two months, McCorkle Blvd. will be improved since 1973. The updated plan will include place each summer. Of course, between County Line Road and the entrance a new zoning district, the Planned Urban residents also can find detailed to Hoff Park. The turning geometries at the District, and an updated Mobility Plan— regular updates on the big, County Line intersection will be improved, the formerly the Roadway Plan—that adds multi-phased projects from narrow lanes widened by more than a foot master plans for bicycle/multi-use trails and the Westerville Planning & each, and the city’s high-speed fiber optic line pedestrian networks. The update soon will will be extended from County Line north to enter a extensive public review process, as it Development Department. And the businesses near Hoff Road. heads toward final adoption in 2020. under the “Projects Around Westerville” tab, you can even find info on projects underway outside Westerville, in Columbus, Read more about construction work at www.westerville.org/construction Delaware County and by the Ohio Department of Transportation. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

CLEVELAND AVENUESCHROCK ROAD The massive rebuild, widening and lane reconfiguration of Cleveland Avenue between I-270 and JPMorgan Chase & Co., and of Schrock Road from Schrock Hill Court to Cleveland Ave., is complete. With grants as well as participation from the city of Columbus and ODOT, Westerville paid approximately $1 million for the $13.3 million project.

PARKS & RECREATION In October 2018, ground was broken on a major addition to the crown jewel of city’s awardwinning Parks & Recreation system, the Westerville Community Center. About this time next year, the Center’s expanded facilities will open, including an additional gym, tripled fitness space, new older adults space, warm-water therapy pool, expanded track and much more. (Visit parks.westerville.org for more details and an excellent video). As big as the Community Center project is, it is far from the only 2018 news from Westerville Parks & Recreation. Several other new facilities were developed, many in partnership with community groups and individuals. They included brand new facilities, amenities, additions and renovations. And as always, more are on tap. Here are some of the highlights. (Find more info about each at Westerville.org.) The Thomas James Knox Memorial Rink opened in Alum Creek Park South. The street hockey facility already is introducing residents of all ages to the sport. Funding for the park was largely paid through donations and grants collected through a partnership with the Westerville Parks Foundation and the Thomas Knox Foundation. The American Issue sculpture was installed right in front of Westerville City Hall. Funding for the piece was secured through Westerville Parks Foundation fundraising efforts and private donations, including a major gift from the Bruce Bailey family. The major artwork by Matthew Gray Palmer commemorates Westerville’s seminal role 100 years ago in the Prohibition movement, and cements our community’s commitment to public artwork. (In-depth story and video at westerville.org/AmericanIssue.)

A major expansion of Hoff Woods Park includes two new baseball fields, four soccer fields, pickleball, an entry drive off Westdale Avenue, a 153-car parking lot, an open play area and fitness trail. The trail opened in 2018 while the grass was permitted to grow on the new fields, getting ready for play in 2019. Hanby Park improvements added a new “sprayground,” innovative play facilities and shelter plaza, a Blue Star Memorial Marker and landscape renovations. Towers Park enhancements added an innovative replacement shelter and multiple creative playstations. Uptown Rotary Mini-Park: Redevelopment of the pocket park at Home and State streets has reactivated the space for foot traffic in our busy historic business district. Special thanks to Westerville Sunrise Rotary for helping bring this project to life.

ON TAP First Responders Park: Now under construction, the expansion of First Responders Park was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the state of Ohio and more than $500,000 in donations and in-kinds services. The new park will offer a permanent site to honor fallen Westerville Division of Police officers Anthony P. Morelli and Eric Joering.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

PUBLIC SAFETY

A Season of Change

WESTERVILLE POLICE/ COURT FACILITY COMING TO VOTERS

MORBITZER LEAVES TO LEAD BCI

Last June, the City took a major step in its plans to consolidate all Police and Mayor’s Court operations into one facility, with City Council voting to purchase the property at 229-249 Huber Village Blvd. for $2.25 million. The City hopes to add onto an existing office building on the site to create a 55-60,000 square foot facility that would bring under one roof the Westerville Police Division’s headquarters now at 29 S. State St., its overflow operations based in the Old Post Office building at 28 S. State St., and Mayor’s Court, housed in City Hall, 21 S. State.

AT WESTERVILLE DIVISION OF POLICE After 33 years on the job and 36 as a police officer, Westerville Police Chief Joe Morbitzer was named by Ohio Attorney General David Yost to lead the state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation. His last day with the city was Jan. 25. Hired by Westerville in 1986, he rose from sergeant to lieutenant to captain to chief of today’s 115-employee Division of Police. Last February, Morbitzer led the division and community through the crisis of two officers being killed in the line of duty. He now leads the 450 employees of BCI, the state’s crime laboratory. “Westerville will remain my home and I will continue to work with the talented men and women of the Westerville Division of Police at every opportunity,” Morbitzer said. “My gratitude goes to the entire community for years of trust in leaving their police division.”

INTERIM CHIEFS Westerville City Manager David Collinsworth named the Police Division’s two assistant chiefs to serve as interim Chief of Police while a six-month search is conducted to select Morbitzer’s successor. Assistant Chief Charles Chandler became Interim Chief of Police Jan. 25; Assistant Chief Holly Murchland took over that role May 18, and will serve in that capacity until a new permanent chief is named.

CALLS FOR SERVICE 2018

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

14,746

MOST COMMON TYPE: Traffic Complaint, Burglar Alarm, Theft Suspicious Person, Accident (Non-injury)

The development of a new Police/Court facility has been on the horizon for more than 10 years, to eliminate overcrowding, update outdated facility features, and create a safer and more appropriate work environment for Mayor’s Court operations. Officials see several long-term benefits of locating the Justice Center on the Huber Village site, including freeing up three different city properties for sale and private redevelopment. Final plans are expected to come into sharper focus this spring, with City Council reviewing studies of the Huber Village property and deciding on how to proceed with the project.

5,609

Fire Division

ADDS COMMUNITY SERVICES COORDINATOR

EMS RESPONSES

The Westerville Division of Fire is a community-based fire department, and works hard to remain active in the community through a whole series of programs and events. Those range from the Citizens Fire Academy to the Citizens Auxiliary Resource Team, Safety City for local school children entering first grade, annual Open Houses, appearances at the Fourth Friday street festivals Uptown, Blendon Township Heritage Days and annual an 9/11 Ceremony. 2018 brought a new resource to the outreach work. In cooperation with National Church Residences, the Westerville Division of Fire in 2018 brought on Francie Hughlock as a Community Services Coordinator. With salary funded by NCR but based at the city West Main Street Fire Station, Hughlock is working to connect residents encountered by the Divisions, particularly older adults, with needed services. Fire Chief Brian Miller says the Division often encounters older residents who may be struggling with their health or mobility, and the Community Services Coordinator can help them with a wide range of issues, from identifying in-home fall risks to connecting them to available health services and community resources. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to help keep residents, especially older adults, in their homes for as long as possible,â&#x20AC;? Hughlock said. Hughlock can be contacted by any resident of the city or Blendon Township at 614551-6927 or francie.hughlock@westerville.org.

2,416 FIRE RESPONSES

5:57* RESPONSE TIME

2,200+ BUILDING INSPECTIONS

200+ FREE SMOKE-DETECTOR INSTALLATIONS *In prior years, WFD reports time from when it marked responding to the time on scene. WFD now marks response time based on the time dispatch receives a call until the arrival/mark on-scene.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT | UTILITIES

NEW RECYCLING CARTS New recycling carts were distributed to Westerville households in April. The blue, wheeled 64-gallon recycling totes will replace the red, 18-gallon bins now in use. The footprint of the new cart is about the same as the red bins. This new program, which is supplemented by a grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), will help Westerville reach higher levels of recycling. SWACO estimates 70 percent of the waste entering its landfill is recyclable. Visit westerville.org or www.swaco.org/recycleright for more information.

LATE LEAVES With a big year for falling leaves in Westerville, and more importantly, a late year for the annual leaf-drop, Westerville’s service crews worked often and late on last year’s collection program. Extra warm temperatures last fall, and record-setting rainfall throughout 2018, did not help with this year’s leaf program. A total of 6,704 cubic yards of leaves were collected for 2018 – with crews working into the New Year to finalize collection. A nearly 10-year high for collection rates overall, the year’s overall load compares to 4,523 cubic yards collected in 2017 and an average 5,078 over the prior five years.

NOT TOO SALTY Road salt used 2018 was 3,615 tons which is almost exactly the average of the prior five years. Road salt used in 2019 through late February was at 3,123 tons.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC DIVISION In 2018 the Westerville Electric Division (WED) installed two electronic vehicle (EV) charging stations, the first in its PowerUp! Program to promote EV charging. One at WED offices at 139 E. Broadway St., and another outside the city offices at 64 E. Walnut St. The Electric Division station is used only for city EVs, but the 64 E. Walnut station has one port available (and labeled) for public charging.

FAST FACTS The Division is offering a $75 rebate for residents who purchase Nest smart thermostats and enroll in its Rush Hour Rewards program; The rebates can be combined with another $75 rebate being offered by Columbia Gas to cover most of the cost of the programmable, WiFi-enabled, self-learning devices. The Rush Hour program aims to reduce consumption, from 3-6 p.m. on hot summer days. Read about the program at westerville.org/services/electric/programs. The Division also offers a $50 rebate for residents who recycle an old or extra refrigerator or freezer, which can save as much as $150 year on your electric bill. Call 866-899-9862 to schedule pickup.

WESTERVILLE WATER DIVISION It was the wettest year on record in Central Ohio, but that didn’t dampen a big year for facilities improvements by the Westerville Water Division.

• As of Dec. 31, the Division is maintaining a network of 4,306 street lights. • In 2018, the Hempstead Road project added 48 lights from Walnut to the Spring/Hempstead intersection. • The System Average Interruption Data Index (SAIDI) for 2018 is 56.59 minutes; in 2017 SAIDI was 66.46 minutes (meaning that, on average, a customer on our electric system was without power for 56.59 minutes in 2018)

With a third well dug between rain storms in 2018 and going online in 2019, the Division of Water is now positioned for unprecedented reliability. The city gets most of its water via Alum Creek from the Westerville Reservoir (Highland Lake) and the Alum Creek Reservoir. But with the third well coming online this summer, the city’s well field could entirely service the city for an average consumption day, said Water Superintendent Dick Lorenz. That’s important, should environmental contamination temporarily render taking water into the system from Alum Creek unavailable. Combined with new treatment steps added in a 2016 expansion of the Water Plant on West Main Street, the system is at its best ever status for reliability and performance. The expansion work added a filtration through GAC – granularly activated charcoal – step to the treatment process, and changed over the system’s chlorine treatment from gas to liquid. Now, the immediate focus going forward is on preventative maintenance, he said.

“We’re trying to take care of what we have so it lasts longer.”

- Water Utility Manager, Dick Lorenz www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

Hi, New Neighbor ! Welcome to Westerville! Incorporated as a Village in 1858, Westerville from its inception has been home to an active and involved citizenry. From abolition to women’s suffrage to early adoption of the Council-Manager professional management form of government, the community is one of deep roots and forward thinking. It’s also one of deep connections. Please note Page 6 in this document, which recaps how the City’s partners of the Westerville City Schools, Chamber of Commerce, Public Library and Otterbein University come together each year to present our annual State of the Community. That’s because good government, education, business and arts form the fabric of our community. This Resident Guide and 2018 Annual Report is intended to provide a recap of the City performance last year, and to provide handles for you to access any variety of services you might require of your local government.

DATES TO KNOW Yard Waste Collection: Mondays Refuse and Recycling Collection: Tuesdays Please place yard waste, refuse 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 the 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 launched a new 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. 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.

We look forward to serving you and welcome your own personal involvement in the Westerville community. 22

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

INCOME TAX The Westerville Income Tax Division handles the collection, audit and enforcement of the two (2.00) percent municipal income tax pursuant to the Westerville City Code. The Division holds extended hours 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

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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 westerville.org/tv

DOWNLOAD THE “MY WESTERVILLE” APP You’ll have the City in the palm of your hand with the “My Westerville” mobile app. Available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the app allows residents to submit service requests with a simple touch of a button, or check progress of snow removal or leaf collection. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on City news and events. Download the free app through Google Play or Apple App Store. 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. 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 as well: @WvilleElectric, @WestervillePD, @WestervilleFire and @WestervillePark. 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 eightweek class is focused on interactive features, such as exploring equipment, facility tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Learn more and apply at westerville.org/wca. 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 westerville.org/volunteer.

www.westerville.org | City of Westerville

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

MISSION

MISSION The City of

Westerville is dedicated to providing The City of Westerville dedicated providing exemplary exemplary municipal isservices to toour community and municipal services to our community andour fostering fostering prosperity while embracing uniqueprosperity heritage andembracing character. our unique heritage and character. while

VISION VISION

Westerville will bebea asafe, attractive and and Westerville will safe, friendly, friendly, vibrant, vibrant, attractive diverse community, where live, learn, learn, diverse community, wherepeople peopleand and families live, work and play, and where a small-town feel and quality work and play, and where a small-town feel and quality of is valued. lifeof is life valued.

VALUES VALUES

The to guide guide and and TheCity’s City’score corevalues values are are clearly clearly defined defined to inspireorganizational organizationalperformance. performance. For City inspire City officials officials and and personnel, thesevalues valuesare arethe theprinciples principles of of organizational personnel, these organizational life that constitute the foundation of our future forward path. life that constitute the foundation of our future forward path. INNOVATION STEWARDSHIP INNOVATION EXCELLENCE STEWARDSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY EXCELLENCE INTEGRITY AND TRUST

ACCOUNTABILITY

PUBLIC SAFETY

INTEGRITY TRUST COMMUNITYAND ENGAGEMENT EMPLOYEE ENRICHMENT PUBLIC SAFETY

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EMPLOYEE ENRICHMENT