BWesterville 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). Learn more or contact Council members at www.westerville.org/council.
Westerville City Council
Pictured from left-right: Back Row: David Grimes, Jeff Washburn, Aaron Glasgow
Front Row: Megan Czako Reamsnyder, Michael Heyeck, Chair; Kenneth L. Wright and Coutanya Coombs, Ph.D
CITY MANAGER
CONTACT us.
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.
One of my favorite times of the year is delivering the State of the City address to Westerville residents (see page 5). If you haven’t yet heard the message of the state of our City, please consider taking a few moments of your time to watch the full video at www.westerville.org/soc. While this event is designed to talk about our vision moving forward, the takeaway was simple: It is, quite simply, a BOLD DAY in Westerville.
Westerville is very aware of the changes coming now and in the future, fulfilling the prophecy to expect unprecedented growth in Central Ohio.
In February we announced an intent to merge with Harlem Township. Later, in April, Harlem Township Trustees disbanded their resident-volunteer Strategic Planning Committee and decided to end discussions that could potentially lead to a merger agreement on which voters of both communities would have had to approve.
These discussions began because Township officials and representatives approached Westerville administrators as a potential strategic partner in July of last year. Harlem recognized the need for planning help and support, and Westerville believes that need still exists.
Westerville will continue to serve and advise our neighbors to the east as development and potential annexation takes shape. Westerville is committed to working with Harlem and any regional partners to pursue thoughtful, well-planned growth that facilitates continued strong public services, responsive public safety and crime prevention, safe schools and neighborhoods, job creation and overall economic stability.
Growth has a direct impact on both communities, and cooperation best serves our interests.
Change is coming. Any way you look at it. Westerville will not stop planning and dreaming. We will always explore opportunities to strengthen this community. And we will never stop being BOLD.
Monica Dupee | City Manager
Monica Dupee City Manager
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Westerville City Council and administration finalized a series of strategies that define our priorities for the future. These ideas remain our “north star” as we manage public programs and services.
Mobility Options
Responsible Financial Management
A "City Within a Park"
Excellent, Comprehensive City Services
IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE
Environmental Sustainability
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Transformational Leadership
The Westerville Community Guide is published and mailed to your home six times a year. Read the City’s latest headlines and use the catalog to find classes, events and more hosted by Westerville Parks & Recreation. Never miss an issue at www.westerville.org/communityguide.
www.westerville.org
STATE OF THE CITY
March 21, 2024
On March 21, the City hosted its annual State of the City address at the Renaissance Westerville-Polaris Hotel. City Manager Monica Dupee delivered an inspiring speech about Westerville’s future in the face of the rapid development in Central Ohio. Dupee’s core message about the community’s future was “WE WILL NOT STOP BEING BOLD,” and focused on responsible, sustainable growth. To watch event remarks, visit www.westerville.org/soc.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The City of Westerville’s commitment to transparency starts at the online Westerville Transparency Hub, a portal for facts, figures and statistics of incoming and outgoing public data. A full financial perspective can be viewed at the Hub, with dashboards for revenue and expenditures and much more.
Find more information on the Hub, including:
FUNCTION City Spending by
SAVING PUBLIC DOLLARS
COMPETITIVE BIDDING
$2.4 million + Honors & Awards
In 2023, more than $2.4 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” purchasing criteria. Additionally, $850,000 in additional savings was achieved through the use of cooperative purchasing opportunities with other government entities.
WESTERVILLE ENCOURAGES ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
In September 2023, the City of Westerville received the Encouraging Environmental Excellence in Communities silver award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Ohio EPA bestows the prestigious award to organizations and municipalities that establish impactful, environmentally friendly practices.
UPTOWN WESTERVILLE NAMED A “GREAT PLACE IN OHIO”
Westerville’s historic Uptown district was named a “Great Place in Ohio” by the Ohio Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Ohio) at the 2023 APA Ohio Planning Conference in September. Uptown received accolades for its welcoming atmosphere and rich history, and was recognized as one of the most well-preserved town centers in Ohio.
WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC DIVISION HONORED FOR INNOVATION AND CHARITY
INSURANCE
1.0% over past three years
By self-funding many lines of insurance, the City has saved money. For example, the employee health care plan experienced a 1.0% decrease for 2023, a 2.0% increase for 2022 and 0% for 2021. This 1.0% 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.
The Westerville Electric Division (WED) was recognized in multiple categories at the 2023 American Municipal Power (AMP) Annual Meeting in September. The department received the AMP Innovation Award for its deployment of a compact, insulated “spider” aerial lift, which is the first of its kind to be used in Ohio. AMP also provided WED with two commendations: the first for the Department’s participation in the AMP’s Mutual Aid Program during major storms throughout the country, and the second for the Department’s participation in the Light Up Navajo program, in which WED helped provide electricity to homes of families in Navajo Nations. AMP also presented the Hard Hat Safety Award to WED Line Supervisor Larry Johnston for his adherence to on-the-job safety procedures and promotion of electrical safety within the Department.
Grants & Donations
Many City departments pursue both state and federal grants for projects small and large.
$273,801 in grants received to help cover costs for public safety and sustainability programming.
$106,094 in donations toward public safety and Parks & Recreation programming.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
The City of Westerville is among the few municipalities in the state of Ohio to own and maintain its own utilities, including water and electric service and distribution.
See all your ultility rates and service information online at www.westerville.org.
WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC DIVISION SERVICE
The Westerville Electric Division limited the residential rate increase to about 1.55% this year for customers who use about 965 kilowatts-per-hour each month. Overall, Westerville customers get the advantage of reliable and personalized service at an affordable rate when compared to American Electric Power (AEP).
WATER QUALITY REPORT
The Annual Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report, mailed along with the 2024 Resident Guide, helps residents understand the process behind Westerville’s water treatment and distribution system. The report includes statistics into the water treatment process, water quality data and source water information.
WATER TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION
The average residential customer (at 5 Ccf) saw a 2% increase resulting in a monthly water bill this year, an increase of approximately $0.50. Water rates are based on consumption to reflect the true cost of current service. Currently, the City is among the most affordable water providers in Franklin County.
WED ENERGY AND COST-SAVING PROGRAMS
Whether you’re a new electric vehicle (EV) owner or interested in saving time and money through energy efficiency, WED has a program for you. Find full details on residential and commercial energy and cost-saving programs at www.westerville.org/electric.
A THRIVING BUSINESS CLIMATE
In 2023, Westerville continued to focus on City Council’s strategic priority of developing and maintaining a thriving business climate. The strategy focuses on the needs of Westerville community members by supporting initiatives and programs that bring more jobs and investment to our beautiful city. As the community experiences responsible, sustainable growth, the expanded tax base provides additional support for premier public services to which Westerville residents are accustomed to.
Vertiv Global Headquarters in Westar
Orthopedic One Headquarters in Westar
COhatch/North High Brewing on South State Street
EXPANSIONS
OhioHealth, Columbus Oncology expansion with newly opened Westerville Cancer Center in Westar
Western Alliance Bank expansion in Westar
Lake Shore Cryotronics expansion on Olde Worthington Road
NATIONALLY AWARD-WINNING DISTILLERY AND RESTAURANT COMING TO UPTOWN
In 2023, High Bank Distillery Co. announced the popular central Ohio restaurant and distillery would be opening a new location in the heart of Westerville. The new restaurant will be housed in the former post office in Westerville’s Uptown district, located at 28 S. State St. In addition to a unique walk-up window, perfect for DORA patrons, the establishment will feature a speakeasy that will provide a distinct experience of adventurous patrons searching for expertly crafted, high-end cocktails and smaller plate options.
Keep up to date with major economic development announcements online at business.westerville.org, on LinkedIn, or on X @westervillebiz.
NEW RESIDENTS
facebook.com/cityofwesterville @cityofwesterville
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.
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 www.westerville.org/billpay.
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.
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.
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 on X @WvilleElectric, @WestervillePD, @WestervilleFire, @WestervilleBiz 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 late summer and early fall, this free nine-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.
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 .
Positions for City of Westerville Boards and Commissions will be available for appointments in 2025. If you are interested in public service, please see the application (due in October) at www.westerville.org/council.
WPD POLICE ACADEMY
GRADUATES ALL FIRST-CLASS CADETS
The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) welcomed its first class of cadets to Basic Peace Officer Training Academy in June 2023. The Academy provides local solutions to certifying peace officers with WPD personnel at its own facility. However, WPD offers training for other local agencies to help increase public safety throughout the area. Class #1 included thirteen cadets from five agencies in and around Central Ohio, including six WPD recruits. The entire class graduated in Nov. 2023, after completing more than 850 hours of instruction.
The program’s immense success continues as recently welcomed Class #2 in May. WPD expanded its offerings to host a class for 19 recruits from 10 area agencies including the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware Police Department, Gahanna Police Department, Genoa Township Police Department, Grandview Heights Division of Police, Hilliard Division of Police, Plain City Police Department, Reynoldsburg Police Department and WPD. Graduation for the current class is anticipated in October 2024.
Officer Spencer Allen Animal Control Officer
Mary Dembiec
Congratulations to WPD Award Winners
In 2023, the Westerville Division of Police presented the Officer of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards to Officer Spencer Allen and Animal Control Officer Mary Dembiec, respectively. Both awards are given to individuals who have demonstrated excellent performance, productivity, responsibility, loyalty and honesty in fulfilling the Division’s mission. Officers Allen and Dembiec were nominated and chosen by their peers for providing the highest level of service for Westerville community members.
New School Resource Officers
This fall, the Westerville Division of Police will add three more school resource officers (SROs) to serve K-12 students throughout the Westerville City School District.
Check out the July/August Community Guide for comprehensive information regarding the SRO program. The Community Guide is mailed to all Westerville residents and is also available online at www.westerville.org/communityguide
WFD EXPANDS SERVICE OFFERINGS
Established in 2023, the Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) Services Coordination Program connects Westerville residents to resources that promote independence, safety and general wellness. Since the establishment of this program, Service Coordinator Karen Lewis has made contact with 129 residents and works daily with people to connect them to a variety of services including fall prevention, physical therapy and rehabilitation and mental health services.
Visit www.westerville.org/servicecoordination to learn more.
* 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.
WFD Station 113’s (355 N. Spring Rd.) new fire truck is officially in service after its “push-in” ceremony in March 2024. Push-in ceremonies pay homage to the days when fire personnel had to physically push horse-drawn equipment into storage areas. Stay tuned for a recap in an upcoming issue of the Westerville Community Guide. For WFD updates, visit www.westerville.org/fire .
SHREDDING DAY
FALL DATE: Saturday, October 12, 2024
LOCATION: Hoff Woods Park - parking lot off McCorkle near the soccer fields.
TIME: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
SYCAMORE TRAIL
Westerville Parks & Recreation completed construction of the City’s newest park, Sycamore Trail, in 2023. The park was thoughtfully designed and dedicated to honor the individuals who bravely navigated the Underground Railroad to find freedom from slavery. Westerville residents played a significant role in this era, including encompassing Underground Railroad trails and residents who supported the Abolitionist movement.
Located at 797 Africa Rd., the park features symbolic elements, including a shallow stream-like water feature, the Big Dipper star constellation, information panels and, coming soon, a public art element representing the North Star. The development also includes a wetland feature, gathering spaces, seating areas, overlooks and landscapes.
To learn more about the park and its historical significance to Westerville, and to access a free interactive map that highlights notable landmarks in Westerville, central Ohio and throughout the State, visit www.westerville.org/sycamoretrail.
48,374 participants 54,566 participants 55 +
Enrolled in programs during the year while attendance numbers climbed to 201,744 (includes drop-in programs)
Westerville Community Center older adult programming reached more than 54,566 participants and offered 509 FREE programs
378,169 attendees
The Westerville Community Center hosted 378,169 total attendees
5,343 total passes (active)
64,727 visits
Highlands Park Aquatic Center had a record-setting year
$3,931 in assistance
Westerville Parks Foundation provided $3,931 in financial assistance to 48 individuals.
Mark your calendar for the Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow on October 17-20. As spooky season arrives, the City will transform the historic Heritage Park (60 N. Cleveland Ave.) into a whimsical fall wonderland.
PUMPKINS GALORE
An enchanting trail of thousands of carved, glowing pumpkins will unleash the imagination as a group of ginormous gourds are transformed into themed jack-o-lanterns throughout the event.
FUN FOR ALL AGES
This fun-filled event features interactive activities for all ages, including ax throwing, pumpkin bowling, LED putt-putt and more.
FALL-INSPIRED CUISINE & GOODS
October 17–20, 2024
6:30 - 10 p.m.
A fleet of regional food trucks and artisan and craft vendors will also be on site.
CITY HALL PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
It’s been nearly 40 years since Westerville made major improvements to its City Hall.
The timing has never been more ideal than now to imagine a new municipal complex that will support our larger community, a stronger workforce and the unprecedented growth anticipated for Westerville and its surrounding communities.
Westerville City Hall and the surrounding campus is scheduled for renovation and improvements through 2025. Once complete, City Hall will offer a centralized customer service experience and a fresh hub for events, meetings and more. Follow the project online at www.westerville.org.
ADDRESS REPAIR NEEDS CITY HELPS HOMEOWNERS
The City of Westerville, in partnership with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), has launched the Home Repair Program to provide funding and execution of home repair projects. Ideal projects for funding in the 12-month pilot program would represent disrepair or structural issues of existing homes in Westerville. The program is the first of its kind between MORPC and a member community, although MORPC has successfully provided home repair grants for more than 30 years. MORPC will support the program by providing application review, rehabilitation specialists and project scope development.
The City aims to provide support for home repairs that focus on safety, sustainability, energy efficiency, accessibility and urgent needs. Qualified homeowners can receive a grant for repairs, such as roofing and siding; concrete repair or replacement; furnace/heating systems; accessibility modifications, repairs or additions; sewer and disposal repair or replacement; minor electrical work and minor structural work.
Applicants must own and reside in a single-family home in Westerville, Ohio, and have a total income at or below 100% of the Columbus area median income for families. The City may award a maximum total of $25,000 per applicant/property, unless otherwise determined at the sole discretion of the City.
View complete eligibility guidelines and apply at www.westerville.org/ homerepair.
The City of Westerville Public Service Department regularly monitors, inspects and maintains 174 miles of sanitary sewer lines and more than 4,000 manholes to ensure the proper functioning of the critical infrastructure. In January 2023, the City embarked on a comprehensive plan to improve the sustainability of its sanitary sewer system and contracted RedZone Robotics to provide a baseline snapshot of the entire public sanitary sewer system.
Inspections are projected to be completed in late summer or early fall 2024 and will enable the City to make repairs for any imminent areas of concern, and develop a sustainable budgeting and project planning process for future projects.
Since the inspection began, RedZone has identified one issue that required immediate attention. Contractors also identified potential sewer backups, which Service Department staff repaired, avoiding critical repairs in the future.
For more information about wastewater management in Westerville, visit www.westerville.org/service.
The City will repair or replace deficient sidewalk panels at no direct cost to property owners. Hazardous panel locations are recorded by public complaint and addressed during the following construction season as part of each year’s Street Rehabilitation Project.
27,200 lbs. PUMPKINS DROPPED OFF FOR COMPOSTING CURBSIDE LEAF COLLECTION
7,288 cubic yards
EAST OF AFRICA RD. DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY
In February 2023, the City announced the Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation (WICC)* would purchase two tracts of land east of Africa Road for economic development purposes, authorizing $8.4 million with the intent to develop the land for commercial use and job growth.
With its proximity to Westar, the land is a natural extension of local economic development objectives, particularly as it relates to business demands for existing industries and the record Intel investment less than 10 miles away from this Westerville-based center of commerce.
The City will recover the investment through land sales preceding development. The site is zoned Planned District for commercial development.
In 2019, Westerville celebrated the economic development success of the original investment in the City’s northern edge. The annexation of 941 acres in 1999 followed by the City’s 2014 acquisition of 62 acres in the heart of Westar has generated nearly 10,000 jobs and is home to multiple companies including the North American headquarters of DHL Supply Chain and the corporate headquarters of Vertiv, Lancaster Colony and Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians.
The City is now initiating roadway and other infrastructure planning, including utility, stormwater and greenway design. For more information, visit www.westerville.org.
*WICC is a Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) as defined under Ohio law to operate as a non-profit economic development corporation for the purpose of advancing, encouraging, and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial and civic development of the community.
