Department Spotlight

CF: By being very transparent, authentically myself, engaged in the community, and willing to listen and learn. I want people to get to know me, which in turn will open doors to build on the connection that is currently enjoyed.

DW: What are you most looking forward to as Grove City Chief of Police?

CF: Getting to know and understand the dedicated women and men of the Division and engaging with the community.

DW: For people who don’t know you, as you are a new face in Grove City, what do you want them to know about you?

CF: I love people and embrace any opportunity to build meaningful relationships. l have two grown children, both of whom I am very proud of. I am into German cars and am passionate about rescuing animals. I have a rescued cat, American bulldog, pitbull terrier, and boxer. I like to take care of myself by working out and running.

DW: Share a fun fact: What is the most surprising or unique thing people wouldn’t normally know about you?

CF: My Mom was surprised I chose a career in law enforcement because I was afraid of police officers as a child. If I heard a siren, I would run home and dive through the screen door despite it being closed (Mom replaced lots of screens as I was growing up). She, for many reasons, is my guiding light.

City Department Spotlight

Development Department is Dedicated to Quality, Balanced Growth

Grove City’s diverse and inclusive development growth is planned, managed and nurtured by the City’s Development Department. The process involves working closely with developers, businesses, the community and with public officials as the team assists in bringing projects to a successful completion.

Development Director Kyle Rauch leads the department of seven staff members whose combined experience with the City exceeds 55 years.

“Each member of our team is truly dedicated to responsible growth for Grove City,” Rauch says. “Couple that with their talent and experience, and I am confident our community’s growth is in good hands.”

The department earned recognition as one of the more forwardthinking jurisdictions in Ohio as the GroveCity2050 Community Plan received the Ohio Chapter of American Planning Association’s 2017 Award for Comprehensive Planning. GroveCity2050 was the first long-term, citywide plan in central Ohio to effectively leverage the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Insight2050 initiative to proactively plan for development and population increase through the year 2050.

While ensuring quality and balanced development, one of the primary functions of the department is reviewing proposed new community development projects ranging from zoning and housing to medical facilities and innovative business ventures. The department strives to attract and retain jobs.

Community Development Manager Kim Shields is often the first point of contact for new construction and development. As coordinator of current and long-range planning efforts for the city, she helps guide others in their development to ensure the result is in line with the GroveCity2050 Community Plan.

“I enjoy having the opportunity to look at projects from a variety of perspectives,” Shields says. “We get to balance technical code requirements and legal property rights with long-term community goals and aspirations to bring new growth and development to the community.”

Economic Development Manager Brittany Seebach works to retain and expand Grove City businesses. Grove City’s more than 1,200 businesses can seek Seebach’s valuable input and assistance on all facets of business needs, including planning, financing, zoning, equipment, building permits and inspections, utility setups, and signage guidelines. She is the bridge between the City and its business community — a familiar connection for employers.

“I enjoy interacting with people and offering help to our business community,” Seebach says. “Serving in this role allows me to do both on a daily basis.”

It’s this personal touch that sets Grove City’s Development Department apart, overseeing the growth of a city whose primary goal is to preserve its small-town character while continuing to bring additional employment opportunities, residents and amenities to the community.

Community Development Manager Kim Shields and Economic Development Manager Brittany Seebach facilitate Grove City’s long-term growth goals.