2017 Initiative Update

Table of Contents Completed Projects.............................................4 Economic Development......................................6 The Hamilton Mill.................................................8 Main Street Redevelopment............................10 R6 Job Connector Bus Route..........................12 Parks Conservancy............................................14 Marcum Park.....................................................16 Rotary Park........................................................18 Foundation Field Improvements......................20 Promoting the Arts Identity...............................22 17Strong............................................................24 Diversity & Inclusion Commission...................26 EMBARK & SWEL Internship Programs..........28 Public Safety.......................................................30 2

Quick Strike Team....................................................32 Efficiency Smart........................................................34 EmPower Hamilton...................................................36 Underground Utilities Capital Projects..................38 Electric Utility Capital Projects................................40 South Hamilton Crossing.........................................42 High & MLK Intersection Improvements...............44 Witt Way Bridge Improvements..............................46 Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection Improvements.........48 Main-Cereal-Haldimand-Western-McKinley Intersection Improvements..............................................50 Columbia Bridge Rehabilitation..............................52 Bikeway Master Plan...............................................54 Beltline Recreational Trail........................................56

Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility

Municipal Brew Works

$500 mm Business Expansions

East High Gateway Improvement Project

$1.1 mm Artspace Lofts

$11.8 mm

Completed Projects $38 mm 4

$8.8 mm

& recent job growth

Third St. Plaza

1,500 jobs $2.5 mm

$1.6 mm

Public CNG Fueling Station

682 jobs

STARTEK

Barclaycard

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Great Miami River Recreational Trail

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The City of Hamilton is partnering with Manheim, PA-based Spooky Nook Sports LLC on the redevelopment of the former Champion Paper Mill. The project is slated to include a sports complex, fitness center, hotel, restaurants, brewery, meeting and event space, and other entertainment venues.

The facility will also house tenants in various medical fields including orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, and other services that support athletics and active lifestyles. The development team is in the final stages of securing financing. Once secured, the sports complex is expected to be complete in 2019.

WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF CORNERSTONE DESIGN LTD. - ARCHITECTS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

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MULTI-PURPOSE/ EXHIBIT 2 41851 SF

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In 2017, Barclaycard, STARTEK, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein, and ODW Logistics will be hiring a combined 1,000 people. The City of Hamilton will be working to help ensure Hamilton businesses can find the workforce they need and to connect Hamilton residents with these available positions. The City of Hamilton will also focus efforts on enhancing quality of life in 2017 to encourage people not only to work in Hamilton, but to live and play here as well. The Champion Sports Complex and the Marcum Apartments are two major quality of life projects the City of Hamilton is actively involved in.

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Economic Development

Marcum Apartments

The City of Hamilton is collaborating with CMC Properties on a new high-end apartment complex in downtown Hamilton. CMC Properties plans to build a $12 million 102 unit apartment complex with 6 retail spaces next to the new Marcum Park. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2017.

Champion Sports Complex partnership announced February 2016

Marcum Apartments announced September 2016

Marcum Apartments construction begins Spring 2017

Marcum Apartments open Spring 2018

Champion Sports Complex construction begins To be determined

The Hamilton Mill 2016 At a Glance

The Hamilton Mill continues to play a pivotal role in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. With its focus on advanced manufacturing, cleantech, and associated applications, the startups that fall into this unique niche are being served by the rich mentor network and partner organizations of “The Mill.”

Additionally, The Mill hosts the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) which continues to achieve success in the “Main Street” segment. Recognition within the Ohio SBDC community in 2016 includes Business Counselor of the Year (Mark Lankford), runner-up for the SBDC with most new business starts, and runner-up in SBDC customer satisfaction. Municipal Brew Works and Alexander’s Market & Deli were new, successful launches in 2016.

SBDC

Startups

The Mill’s goal is to move startup companies forward and turn them into sustainable businesses that will enrich not only Hamilton, but the Greater Cincinnati region as a whole. On the next page is a snapshot of where Mill companies currently stand in the startup evolution process. The Mill tracks each company against this framework to ensure that they are progressing through the different stages. Companies that are new to the program include Searen, WEL Enterprise, Source Industries, RxConcile, and SimAgro.

Pipeline H20

Pipeline H20 Launch 8

In 2016, The Mill developed and launched the Pipeline H2O program in collaboration with local, regional, and national organizations including the US EPA, City of Hamilton, City of Cincinnati, Confluence, Cintrifuse, and Village Capital. Pipeline H2O leverages the country’s premier public-private water innovation cluster to provide startups customers, mentors, and support. The program will select the top international startups with disruptive water technologies looking for customers and market validation.

Selected startups will participate in a 15 week commercialization program that brings together renowned organizations in the water-tech industry. Pipeline’s first cohort begins in early 2017 and upon completion, two startups will be peer-selected to receive $25,000.

Fast Facts • 19 Hamilton Mill members • 20 Hamilton Mill member patents • 7 awards since 2014 relaunch • $4 million in SBDC capital infusion • Coming in 2017 - Class #1 of Pipeline H20

Main Street Redevelopment Main Street began to build momentum in 2016. Eleven new businesses opened in the historic Main Street business district, including multiple home decor stores, an alterations shop, and a paint-your-ownpottery shop. The CORE Fund sold their first Main Street building - to Fleurish Home, a home decor and gift shop. One property owner utilized the Upper Floor Residential Rehabilitation Program (UFRRP) and began renovations on two apartment units on Main Street.

2017 is anticipated to be a big year for Main Street. The CORE Fund is finalizing details on a $2.5 million loan from the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to rehabilitate five properties, adding 18 apartment units and six storefronts to the district. In total, the CORE Fund will be investing $3.8 million into Main Street through this initiative. The CIC has an additional $1 million available to loan for future redevelopment projects on Main Street. The City of Hamilton will be undertaking a streetscape renovation that will include new streetlights, landscaping, and options for sidewalk patio areas.

The vision for Main Street is to add more foot traffic through more restaurants, shops, and housing units to reinvigorate the district, especially after 5 pm and on the weekends. In an effort to incentivize new housing units, the City has continued UFRRP in 2017. UFRRP provides a matching grant up to $20,000 per unit for property owners to redevelop the residential units above their Main Street retail spaces.

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CORE makes first Main Street purchase March 2015

City redevelopment plan announced September 2015

CORE sells 135 Main to Fleurish Home April 2016

First UFRRP application received November 2016

CORE rehabilitation project begins January 2017

Fleurish Home opens Late spring 2017

Hamilton

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Half Fare In April 2016, the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) began running the “R6 Job Connector” Elderly passengers, disabled passengers, and route, a new regional bus route designed to connect residents with regional employers. The R6 route Medicare cardholders are eligible to pay half fare on all BCRTAserves U & R routes also on MTS Blue, as aand low-cost transportation option for employers, job seekers, and residents in the industrial Gold, Green and Red routes.

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corridor of Hamilton and Fairfield. It also provides a connection into Hamilton County, Cincinnati Metro,

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and Middletown Transit Areas served by the route include downtown Hamilton, Hamilton BCRTA operates whenever safely possible.

Pleasesystems. call 513-785-5237 or visit www.butlercountyrta.com to check Enterprise Park, Bilstein Blvd., Symmes Rd., and Bypass 4. The route runs weekdays between 5:30 AM service availability during inclement weather. and 9:17 PM.

on Rd.

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Ridership during the first few months of the new route’s operation are consistent with service startups on other regional routes. As of December 2016, the R6 had provided over 1,800 passenger trips, and over the next few years, Nas the BCRTA continues marketing and publicity efforts for this new route, they expect the R6 route to provide upwards of 10,000 passenger trips per year. ThyssenKrupp Bilstein, FinPan, W E Interstate Warehousing, Butler County United Way, and the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce S were instrumental in establishing the R6 Route. The Butler County Commissioners, the City of Hamilton, the City of Fairfield, and the Hamilton Community Foundation all provided funding to support the route.

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The Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) operates all services, routes and accommodations without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Any person who believes she or he has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with the BCRTA of Hamilton, OH and/or the Federal Transit Administration.

For more information on the BCRTA civil rights program, and the procedures to file a complaint, contact (513) 785-5022; or visit our administrative office at 3045 Moser Ct. Hamilton, OH 45011. For more information, visit www.butlercountyrta.com.

A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration by completing a Title VI Complaint form and mailing it to the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590 If information is needed in another language, contact the BCRTA at 513-785-5022.

Para obtener más información llame a BCRTA al 513-785-5022.

BCRTA BASICS 2016 Passengers Partners

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2,500 estimated passenger trips on the R6 579,700 estimated total passenger trips system-wide Butler County Regional Transit Authority, The Butler County Commissioners, the City of Hamilton, the City of Fairfield, and the Hamilton Community Foundation

BCRTA established 1994

Hamilton transfers federal designated recipient status to BCRTA 1998

BCRTA’s first ride May 1999

Bus service across Butler County for the first time ever May 2000

BCRTA and Cincinnati Metro sign inter-local transit agreement November 2000

BCRTA suspends service due to lack of funding 2002

BCRTA resumes limited service 2005

BCRTA & Miami University partner to offer public transit between Oxford & Hamilton campuses 2012

Ridership exceeds half a million trips per year December 2014

R6 Job Connector launched April 2016

Parks Conservancy The Parks Conservancy will be celebrating many grand openings in 2017. Marcum Park, the $3.9 million park in the heart of downtown Hamilton, will have its grand opening in May 2017. The Parks Conservancy is working on a sprayground and playscape at Booker T. Washington Center that will open in May 2017.

Millikin Woods is also getting a new playscape that is expected to be open in the spring of 2017.

In the spring and summer, the Parks Conservancy will spend $190,000 upgrading existing playgrounds throughout Hamilton, thanks in part to a private donor. Parks will also become more accessible: improvements supported by the Americans with Disability Act will occur system-wide.

The Parks Conservancy is responsible for all parks-related activities, including park maintenance and program scheduling, as well as the system’s capital investment and planning programs. Hamilton adopted this model to provide services at a lower delivery cost and conduct fundraising through the solicitation of donations.

2017 BASICS Conservancy $1.67 million operating budget $720,000 capital budget (including the $325,000 for the Booker T. Washington Budget sprayground also included in the Foundation Field improvement budget) Partners

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Hamilton Parks Conservancy, City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, private donors

Parks Conservancy established January 2015

Bark Park - Hamilton’s first dog park opens May 2014

North End, Wilson, and Lindenwald spraygrounds open Summer 2014

Crawford Woods and Millikin Woods spraygrounds open Summer 2016

Millikin Woods playscape opening Spring 2017

Marcum Park grand opening May 6 , 2017

BTW Sprayground & playscape opening May 27, 2017

Marcum Park In September 2013, RiversEdge Amphitheater and Overlook was completed. Thousands of people have already enjoyed concerts at this venue and it has quickly become an important component of downtown Hamilton’s revitalization. Expanding the park’s offerings have made it a central gathering place for the community.

In 2014, the City, in conjunction with MKSK design firm, developed a master plan for the remaining six acre portion of the development site, located at the former Mercy Hospital site downtown. In February 2015, Joe and Sarah Marcum committed to funding an expansion of the park, which builds on the success of the amphitheater by adding amenities to further activate the park. Their $3.9 million donation is the largest-ever private donation for a park in Hamilton and will be used to further enhance this asset.

Construction is well underway for the park. The design includes a wide sidewalk designed to be accessible to food trucks and similar users for community events, an interactive water feature, a children’s playscape on the northwest corner, landscaping, and the great lawn.

One goal of Marcum Park is to spur surrounding development. Since construction started on Marcum Park, a 114-unit apartment complex has been announced next to the park.

PROJECT BASICS Projected Investment $3.9 million Partners

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Joe & Sarah Marcum, Hamilton Parks Conservancy, Hamilton Community Foundation, City of Hamilton, MKSK, Turner Construction

Mercy Hospital demolished 2006

RiversEdge Amphitheater complete 2013

Concept plan presented May 2014

Joe & Sarah Marcum donation announced February 2015

Construction begins April 2016

Marcum Park open May 2017

Rotary Park A new pocket park, envisioned as an activity hub for downtown Hamilton, is under construction at the corner of High Street and North Second Street between the new Artspace Lofts and 150 High Street. The park will have a variety of amenities including games and seating areas.

The City hopes the new park will encourage the growing number of downtown residents and employees to head outside to enjoy downtown Hamilton. The new amenities will be paid for largely by private funds, including donations from the Rotary Club of Hamilton, ODW Logistics, iMFLUX, Industrial Realty Group (IRG), and private donors via the Hamilton Community Foundation.

PROJECT BASICS Amenities Chess, corn hole, ping pong, giant chess artwork piece, seating and picnic areas Partners

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Hamilton Parks Conservancy, Rotary Club of Hamilton, City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, private donors

Pocket park announced October 2015

Construction begins September 2016

Rotary Park open Spring 2017

Foundation Field Improvements In 2017, Foundation Field at the Booker T. Washington Community Center will receive a series of upgrades. Foundation Field is home to the Hamilton Joes, a college baseball summer league team. The field lighting will be upgraded to LED lights by Hamilton Utilities and the field will get a turf infield, new scoreboard, larger press box, concession stand improvements, and bleacher seating expansion. The parking lot will be expanded and the outfield will be regraded and receive new sod.

In addition to this field’s improvements, the Harry Phillips Sr. Little League field will be improved. In conjunction with the field improvements, there will be a new sprayground installed by the Hamilton Parks Conservancy. The entire project budget is $1.3 million.

PROJECT BASICS Budget $1.3 million Partners

Photo credit: Greg Lynch, Journal News 20

Hamilton Parks Conservancy, City of Hamilton, Hamilton Community Foundation, Hamilton Utilities, Miami University Hamilton, Hamilton Joes

Project planning Winter 2015

Turf complete Spring 2017

BTW Sprayground & playscape opening May 27, 2017

Additional improvements complete Fall 2017

Promoting the Arts Identity StreetSpark

As part of the City’s strategy to further the arts identity in Hamilton, an arts committee was formed in 2014 comprised of arts professionals in the community and City staff. One of the ideas developed by the committee was StreetSpark, an effort to produce high-quality public art which will create opportunities for local artists and enhance the visual appeal of the city. In the initial phase of the program, artists will design and paint murals in highly visible locations. StreetSpark is an initiative led by the Fitton Center for Creative Arts with the City serving as an important partner in the effort. In 2016, StreetSpark painted two murals and aims to paint three murals in 2017.

Fire Hydrant Painting

There are approximately 2,800 City-owned fire hydrants throughout Hamilton. In 2016, a fire hydrant painting program was piloted through a partnership between City of Hamilton Purchasing, Hamilton Utilities, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Employment Works, ViaQuest Foundation, and InsideOut Studio. In 2017, the plan is to expand the pilot with these groups, supplementing with other contractor services if required, to ramp up to painting 250 to 300 fire hydrants per year beginning in 2017. At this rate, fire hydrants would be on a ten-year painting cycle.

Creative Placemaking Immersion Program

The City of Hamilton Community Development Department and the Fitton Center for Creative Arts have been selected as partners to participate in the Creative Placemaking Immersion Program. This year-long intensive program aims to advance creative placemaking initiatives as well as to revitalize communities and local economies by leveraging the power of arts, culture, and creativity. Only three states were selected to be a part of the grant-funded program, with Hamilton joining Cleveland and the Buckeye HillsHocking Valley Region in representing Ohio. The invitation was due to Hamilton’s growing reputation of developing creative partnerships between many of Hamilton’s arts organizations and the City of Hamilton.

In spring 2017, Hamilton will host a state-wide Creative Placemaking event that will aim to develop community projects all over Ohio.

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City arts strategy team formed 2014

Mural program conceived April 2015

Hamilton Parks Conservancy mural completed June 2015

2016 murals completed & pilot fire hydrants painted Summer 2016

National Creative Placemaking event November 2016

State Creative Placemaking event Spring 2016

3 murals painted & 250 fire hydrants painted Summer 2017

Mural dedications September 2017

17Strong The 17Strong Neighborhoods initiative grew out of the Sense of Place committee which was one of the four pillars of City Council’s 2012 strategic plan. Part of the Sense of Place committee’s charge was to build a robust neighborhoods initiative. After a few years of grassroots relationship-building by resident volunteers, City Council, and City staff, the effort found structure in the 17Strong Advisory Board.

Walking path bench rehab (East End)

17Strong provides a framework for communication and a sense of identity within Hamilton’s 17 neighborhoods. Intended to increase civic engagement and strengthen community pride, this initiative seeks to define neighborhoods, community third-places, and the various needs/aspirations of the neighborhoods. 17Strong created the resident-led 17Strong Advisory Board and the 17Strong Neighborhoods Micro-grant program in 2017.

17Strong Advisory Board

Saturday mentoring program (North End & Dayton Lane)

The 17Strong Advisory Board was created to provide structure and direction to the neighborhoods initiative. The advisory board works to assess and make recommendations to further engagement and trust between neighborhoods, within neighborhoods, and between the City and neighborhoods; leverage their leadership and neighborhood perspective to serve for the good of all neighborhoods; and develop, promote, assess, and make recommendations to the newly created 17Strong Micro-grant Program.

Made up of a diverse group of community members ranging from new to lifelong residents, the board’s structure is meant to be inclusive of all Hamiltonians. The board consists of twelve City Council-appointed residents. The board has four members from each of Hamilton’s three neighborhood types: Urban, Traditional, and Suburban.

17Strong Micro-grant Program Historic district entry arch (Rossville) 24

In its first year of existence, the 17Strong Micro-grant Program awarded over $37,000 in grants to 15 community organizations. From neighborhood beautification and rehabilitation projects to community job fairs and uplifting community events, the 17Strong Micro-grant Program provided funds to support a variety of grassroots projects that were created by and for Hamiltonians.

Sense of Place committee created 2012

17Strong launched August 2014

17Strong Advisory Board established

Sand Park renovation

Annual architectural interest poster: Steeples of Hamilton

17Strong representatives at the 225 anniversary celebration

Community newsletter (Prospect Hill)

May 2016

Micro-grant program announced August 2016

Micro-grants awarded September 2016

Second round of micro-grant applications due March 2017

Diversity & Inclusion Commission ,

Formed in January 2015, the Diversity and Inclusion Commission is tasked with studying the internal and external barriers to diversity and inclusion and providing recommendations to City Council to address such barriers. The commission has a strategic plan with clear goals and strategies including measures that hold the commission accountable for achieving said goals. The commission is composed of three subcommittees that carry out the work of the commission: the Internal Retention, Recruitment and Promotion subcommittee, the Marketing & Communication subcommittee, and the Citizen Engagement and Community Partnerships subcommittee. Diversity and Inclusion Commission Recommendations to City Council (January 2016): • Amend the Values Statement of the City of Hamilton to include valuing diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in providing equitable treatment for all customers • Create and implement a Diversity and Inclusion training plan and schedule annual, recurring training for City employees. This training should be provided not only to city employees, but also to those who volunteer to serve on the City’s boards and commissions • Standardize the application and selection process for all boards and commissions of the City of Hamilton in order to provide an opportunity for diversity in applicants • Provide a basic command Spanish program and for City employees to assist with providing better service to our diverse community • Implement a classification and compensation study applicable to all classifications • Implement a standardized employee performance evaluation system Many of the tasks associated with the recommendations from the Diversity and Inclusion Commission have been undertaken by the newly created Human Resources Department. In June 2016, the Diversity and Inclusion Commission partnered with Miami University Hamilton and the Booker T. Washington Community Center to host a free public workshop intended to improve and promote diversity in the community. The workshop addressed topics such as how to meaningfully discuss diversity, how to “meet people where they are,” and how to develop active listening skills. Of the 25 attendees at the workshop, 15 different companies were represented including private businesses, non-profits, education institutions, and public service organizations.

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Commission established by ordinance January 2015

First commission meeting March 2015

Commission recommendations to council January 2016

Diversity workshop facilitated

by Busi Dlamini June 2016

Implement an internal mentoring and development program 2017

Execute 3 diversity and inclusion programs with stakeholders July 2017

All City departments complete diversity and inclusion action plan December 2017

Create Diversity and Inclusion Advocate Group Action Plan July 2018

Diversity Workshop 2016

EMBARK & SWEL Internship Programs EMBARK

Submitted as a proposal in the City of Hamilton Innovation Challenge in 2013, the EMBARK (Engaging Minds By Acquiring Real-world Knowledge) program is focused on giving high school students exposure to the professional work environment. The pilot program launched in 2015 with four Badin High School students. Each student participated in a three-month internship in various City departments. In 2016, the Diversity and Inclusion Commission used feedback from the interns to make improvements.

2016 EMBARK interns

The Summer 2016 EMBARK class was the second group of students to go through the program. The City partnered with the local NAACP chapter and Skills Central to offer the students an internship experience that not only exposed them to the professional work environment, but also allowed them the opportunity to explore their own job interests and future career options. The three student interns were paid an hourly wage and worked in various City departments. A new aspect of the program was participation in weekly professional development workshops provided by Skills Central, a program that provides Hamilton-area adults one-on-one counseling and referral services to help them get the qualifications they need for indemand jobs.

Summer Work Experience in Law

EMBARK interns & supervisors 28

Annually, the City participates in the Summer Work Experience in Law program (SWEL). SWEL was developed in 1988 by the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati - Cincinnati Bar Association Round Table to inspire more African American students to gain an interest in the legal field and to help these students make an informed decision to enter law school and the legal profession. SWEL is an eight-week summer enrichment opportunity that includes work experiences, coaching, networking, and preparing for professional school entry with resume and personal statement writing, as well as LSAT preparation. The City will offer one SWEL position per year, preferring to hire high school or college students from Hamilton to help grow local legal talent. The City’s first intern in 2015 was a junior at Hamilton High School.

Innovation Challenge EMBARK proposal 2013

First SWEL intern Summer 2015

First class of EMBARK interns Fall 2015

Second SWEL intern & second class of EMBARK interns Summer 2016

Third SWEL intern & third class of EMBARK interns Summer 2017

2016 SWEL intern (bottom left) with supervisors

Public Safety The Hamilton Fire Department (HFD) and the Hamilton Police Department (HPD) are both expanding their capacity in 2017.

Hamilton Fire Department

HFD is hiring nine new fire fighters to staff a fourth full-time medical unit. Currently, there are three fulltime medical units along with two cross-staffed medical units. When staffed, this fourth unit will greatly reduce the need for mutual aid calls into the city and the citizens will be treated by full-time Hamilton Medics. HFD will be replacing a sworn supervisory position with a civilian logistics position responsible for ordering equipment, scheduling equipment maintenance, and fire station maintenance. This will allow HFD to create a Training Captain position to provide more training and officer development. HFD will also be hiring two part-time civilians who will be assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau and will be responsible for handling commercial business inspections among other duties, taking this workload off of the engine companies.

Hamilton Police Department

HPD is adding eight positions. Working cooperatively with partners at the Hamilton City School District, five officers will be assigned as School Resource Officers. The officers will not only provide for a safe school environment, but they will also foster positive relationships among police officers, youth, and educators. The schools will cover 75% of these officers’ salaries. During the summer when school is not in session, the officers will be assigned to uniform patrol duties.

HPD will be adding a second officer to the downtown walking beat, allowing for increased police presence in our business districts. Another officer will be added to the traffic section, providing better coverage throughout the city. The final officer will be added to the neighborhood policing unit, enabling HPD to follow up on more neighborhood quality of life issues.

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Fast Facts In 2017, the Hamilton Police Department will have 112 police officers. They handle approximately 70,000 calls for service per year.

In 2017, the Hamilton Fire Department will have 105 firefighters. They answer approximately 13,000 calls for service per year. At least 85% of those calls are for Emergency Medical Service.

Quick Strike Team The Quick Strike Team is the City’s front line defense against trash and other blight in the community. The Quick Strike Team consists of two full-time and ten seasonal employees and was developed in 2015 as an effort to achieve two aspects of the City’s Strategic Plan: 1. Improve primary corridors & entryways.

2. Build safe, clean, and engaged neighborhoods through the collaboration of Public Safety, Health, and Hamilton residents.

The Quick Strike Team maintains public properties and assists in nuisance abatement. When a problem such as illegal dumping is identified, the Quick Strike Team is able to quickly remediate the problem. They pick up tires, trash, tree limbs, mattresses, and general debris. They also clean up graffiti.

In 2016, the Quick Strike Team picked up 2,168 tires, 45 loads of litter, 93 piles of brush/tree trimmings, 485 mattresses, 662 loads of debris, and cleaned up 4 instances of graffiti. In 2017, the Quick Strike Team will begin maintaining the City’s Hardest Hit Fund and Land Bank properties as well.

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2,168

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Quick Strike Team cleans up 662 loads of debris 2016

Quick Strike Team expands to maintain City properties 2017

2016

Quick Strike Team formed

662 485

Efficiency Smart Butler County Garage lighting before

The City of Hamilton’s comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation program, Efficiency Smart, has increased energy efficiency in our community significantly since it launched in February 2015.

Efficiency Smart provides technical assistance and financial incentives, allowing for the implementation of energy-saving improvements to Hamilton’s homeowners, renters, small- to medium-sized businesses, institutions, and large commercial and industrial electric customers.

One project completed with the assistance of Efficiency Smart is the LED lighting upgrades at the Butler County Garage, designed to improve the parking facility and increase safety for downtown visitors and businesses. As a result of the project, Butler County is expected to save approximately $27,000 in reduced energy costs annually. The project is expected to pay for itself in 4.21 years in energy savings alone. In addition to energy savings, the project will save on maintenance costs because LEDs last much longer than the high pressure sodium lights they replaced. Butler County also worked with Efficiency Smart to replace a cooling tower at Government Services Center with a variable frequency drive (VFD) cooling tower. The projected lifetime energy savings of the VFD cooling tower amount to a reduction of more than 8.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is approximately equivalent to removing the greenhouse gas emissions from 812 passenger vehicles driven for a year.

Hamilton residents and businesses can benefit from a variety of different energy efficiency services.

Efficiency Smart offers rebates and discounts for residential customers, a wide variety of rebates for small and medium-sized businesses, and tailored services with dedicated account management for the City’s largest electric users. For more information on how to benefit from Efficiency Smart, visit www.efficiencysmart.org.

Butler County Garage lighting after 34

Fast facts Energy Efficient Measures Installed

Annual Avoided CO2 Emissions (millions of lbs.)

25000

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15000

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10000

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Total Energy Savings Over Lifetime of Installed Measures (MWh)

10000

125 K

8000

100 K

6000

75 K

4000

50 K

2000

25 K

0

0K

Annual Customer Savings from Avoided Energy Costs

Total Customer Savings from Avoided Energy Costs Over Lifetime of Installed Measures

$ 1000 K

$ 10 M

$ 800 K

$8M

$ 600 K

$6M

$ 400 K

$4M

$ 200 K

$2M

$ 0K

$0 M

Year 2 (Feb. 1, 2016 - Oct. 31, 2016) Year 1 (Feb. 1, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016)

EmPower Hamilton Hamilton Utilities, in partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation, Emergency Money Fund, and Salvation Army, are working together to assist Hamilton utility customers in need of utility assistance through EmPower Hamilton. EmPower Hamilton is a Hamilton Utilities fund designed to assist local consumers in need get assistance with their utility bills. Many local families experiencing job loss, illness or loss of a spouse, or other financial crisis can find it difficult to pay their utility bills.

This program was launched more than ten years ago and was known as the “Make It Happen” fund. In October 2016, the program was rebranded “EmPower Hamilton” and relaunched to create awareness of the fund within the community. Hamilton Utilities staff hosted an EmPower Hamilton kick-off event, participated in community events leading up to the holidays, and are offering more customer-friendly donation options.

EmPower Hamilton’s initial goal was to raise donations in excess of the 2015 donation total of approximately $1,650. If every customer gave $1/month, Hamilton Utilities could raise approximately $30,000/month and help 100 families in need per month. Since the rebranding, 35 customers have signed up for recurring utility donations to the EmPower Hamilton Fund and $4,300 has been raised.

Customers can contribute to the fund through one-time or recurring donations on their utility bills. Onehundred percent of the money donated goes to EmPower Hamilton. The donations will be administered by the Hamilton Community Foundation and forwarded to the Emergency Money Fund and the Salvation Army, who work with qualifying customers to help avoid utility service disconnections. In 2015, 513 families received assistance totaling $53,777 through these partnerships.

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Make It Happen Fund established Early 2000s

Make It Happen annual donations at $3,900 2011

Make It Happen fund raised $1,650 2015

EmPower Hamilton launched October 2016

EmPower Hamilton raises $4,300 December 2016

EmPower Hamilton community education continues 2017

EmPower Launch Event

Underground Utilities Capital Projects Hamilton Enterprise Park

Hamilton Utilities is committed to continually improving its utility systems. To this end, Hamilton Utilities is investing over $20 million in local utility infrastructure in 2017. Hamilton Utilities is involved in a number of important community projects, including South Hamilton Crossing, Main Street streetscape enhancement, Columbia Bridge improvements, Foundation Field, and Marcum Apartments. Hamilton Utilities is also involved in enhancing the gateway into Hamilton Enterprise Park, Hamilton’s largest business park, from Tylersville Road.

Natural Gas

Hamilton Utilities in replacing 2.7 miles of natural gas main in 2017. Hamilton Utilities continues its investment in compress natural gas (CNG) fuel by increasing the City’s CNG vehicle fleet. Currently, there are ten CNG City vehicles.

Marcum Apartments

Water

The water utility will fund approximately $4M of water main replacement via a zero interest Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) loan. These funds will be used on three projects to replace three miles of water main on Arlington Avenue, Southern Hills Subdivision and Dixie Highway. Additionally, $500,000 of improvements are planned at the South Water Treatment Facility to maintain efficiency and reliability.

Wastewater

CNG vehicle 38

The Wastewater utility will fund approximately $1.4 million of sanitary sewer replacements via the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF). These funds will be used to replace 2,085 linear feet of sanitary sewers on Parrish Avenue, Pater Avenue, Briarwood Drive and South Third Street. Additionally, three miles of sanitary sewer will be replaced or lined in 2017. The Wastewater utility will continue manhole rehabilitation/replacement with 15 manholes planned for 2017.

Natural gas main replacement begins & South Water Treatment Facility improvements begin Late Spring 2017

Sanitary sewer main replacement & manhole replacement begins

Southern Hills Water Main Replacement

Early Summer 2017

Water main replacement begins July 2017

Sanitary sewer main lining begins Late Summer 2017

Sanitary Sewer Replacement

Electric Utility Capital Projects Greenup

Electric System in Hamilton

The City of Hamilton is in its third year of a ten year program to convert all streetlights to energy saving light emitting diode (LED) lights. So far, 2,500 of 9,000 lights have been converted. In 2017, $1.5M will be invested for continuation of year two of a ten year Utility Pole Replacement Program with 600 wooden utility pole replacements planned. Based on the 2016 utility pole assessment survey that was completed, over 4,200 wooden poles are presently in need of replacement. Hamilton Utilities continues to eliminate direct bury underground electric by replacement with conduit infrastructure for increased reliability.

A four year tree trimming cycle and tree planting program has been implemented with guidance from an on-staff professional arborist. This program is designed to improve utility service reliability by maintaining proper utility clearances and right of way access.

Meldahl & Greenup Hydroelectric Facilities

Because of Hamilton Utilities’ large investments in hydroelectric power, Hamilton’s electric rates will be stable far into the future. Hydroelectric is an extremely reliable, green energy source that powers approximately 50% of Hamilton’s electricity needs.

Hamilton Utilities is in year two of a ten year, $30 million rehabilitation plan for the Greenup Hydroelectric facility on the Ohio River. In 2017, over $3 million of efficiency, reliability, safety, and preservation projects are planned. Hamilton Utilities will begin the implementation of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) at Greenup.

Meldahl 40

Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility, Hamilton’s new hydroelectric facility, opened in 2016. Hamilton Utilities continues to work to improve the facility’s efficiency. In 2017, Hamilton Utilities will begin to optimize the Meldahl CMMS program. These CMMS programs help to improve and maintain efficient and reliable facility operations.

Greenup Hydroelectric Facility open 1982

10 year LED conversion program begins October 2015

Year one of Greenup rehabilitation plan; 4 year tree trimming cycle implemented 2016

Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility dedication June 2016

Meldahl optimization 2017

Meldahl

South Hamilton Crossing Storm sewer relocation

Construction is underway for the South Hamilton Railroad Grade Separation Crossing project (SHX). SHX will replace an existing at-grade railroad crossing with a railroad overpass created by extending Grand Boulevard westerly. Fifty-six trains travel through the existing crossing daily, blocking the crossing 15.3% of the time. Due to safety concerns, the current crossing does not allow truck traffic which is a significant challenge for local companies. Currently, there is only one major existing grade separated crossing that permits east-west flow through the City of Hamilton (Jack Kirsch Underpass).

This project is expected to greatly improve connectivity, reduce drive times, and increase safety. Due to their close proximity to the project, SHX is anticipated to have especially important benefits for Vora Technology Park, University Commerce Park, and Miami University-Hamilton.

Storm sewer relocation

In 2015, SHX received some much needed support from regional and state partners. In February, the Ohio Department of Transportation committed $10 million in funding for SHX. Later in the year, OKI awarded the project an additional $3.75 million (they had awarded the project $2.45 million in 2012) and JobsOhio committed $1.1 million. In total, Hamilton has received $18. 1 million in grant funding and commitments from external sources for the $32 million project.

The project was bid in March 2016 with John R. Jurgensen Company submitting the low bid of $17,957,405. SHX celebrated its groundbreaking in August 2016 and is expected to be completed in fall 2018.

PROJECT BASICS Projected Investment $32 million City of Hamilton, Ohio Department of Transportation, Butler County

Partners Transportation Improvement District, OKI Regional Council of Governments, Bridge design 42

Ohio Development Services Agency, JobsOhio, Senator Bill Coley

Project first proposed Early 1900s

Preliminary feasibility conducted for current proposal 2006

OKI awards $2.45 million to SHX 2012

Right-of-way acquisition begins Winter 2014

ODOT awards $10 million Spring 2015

OKI and JobsOhio commit $4.85 million Fall 2015

Construction begins Summer 2016

Construction complete Fall 2018

High & MLK Intersection Improvements The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has one of the largest safety programs in the country. In 2012, the City obtained funding through the State Highway Safety Program to upgrade the intersection of High St. and MLK Blvd. The intersection will be reconstructed by adding new turn lanes for better traffic flow. This intersection, which is the eastern boundary of Hamilton’s central business district, is a critical and busy component of Hamilton’s roadway system.

The intersection is subject to significant through-traffic, including a high volume of truck traffic. High Street is a State Highway (SR 129) and Martin Luther King Boulevard is a Federal Highway (US 127), both of which are important state traffic corridors. The intersection is in need of an upgrade for four major reasons: it is unable to meet traffic demands; it suffers from congestion; it has deficient turning radii, lane storage, and pedestrian visibility; and it has elevated crash rates. The improvements will reduce vehicle congestion and will enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians.

PROJECT BASICS Projected Investment $2.7 million (City share $270,000) Partners Ohio Department of Transportation, City of Hamilton

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ODOT funding award received 2012

Design and environmental phase 2013

Construction plans complete Fall 2015

Right-of-way acquisition complete Winter 2015

Intersection construction begins Spring 2016

Intersection construction complete Spring 2017

Witt Way Bridge Improvements The Witt Way Bridge, which goes over High Street at the Jack Kirsch underpass, will be rehabilitated and decorative vandal fencing will be added in 2017. The rehabilitation work will be done with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) as the lead agency, providing full funding for all costs associated with the rehabilitation, including engineering. The rehabilitation work includes repairing curb and sidewalk, replacing railing on the west barrier with vandal protection fencing, adding fencing to the east barrier, replacing the asphalt wearing surface, and repairing expansion joints.

Aesthetic improvements (decorative vandal protection fencing, lighting, and concrete pylons) are included in the project at the request of the City. The Witt Way Bridge is an important gateway into Hamilton, so they City is contributing to the project to enhance the corridor. Total cost for the project is estimated at $348,000 with ODOT funding the bridge rehabilitation ($167,000) and the City funding aesthetic improvements ($181,000).

PROJECT BASICS Projected Investment $348,000 (City share $181,000) Partners Ohio Department of Transportation, City of Hamilton

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Design complete September 2016

Project bid

December 2016

Construction starts May 2017

Construction complete October 2017

Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection Improvements The Main-Millville-Eaton Intersection is an important project utilizing Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) safety program. During 2012, the City obtained funding through the State Highway Safety Program to upgrade the intersection of Main Street at Eaton Avenue/Millville Avenue. The project cost is estimated at $3.7 million and the State will contribute 90 percent with the City responsible for the remaining 10 percent.

The proposed improvement includes realigning the Eaton Avenue/Millville Avenue approaches to the Main Street intersection so they are directly across from each other. This will significantly improve traffic operations and safety at the intersection. Construction is anticipated to be underway in early 2018.

PROJECT BASICS Projected Investment $3.7 million (City share $370,000) Partners Ohio Department of Transportation, City of Hamilton

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ve

2012

Environmental studies

Detailed design complete

57 Eaton 55 Eaton

Ave

622 Main

Pa

rk

53 Eaton 618 Main

SD ick

2016

59 Eaton

St ) in 77 Ma R 1 (S

ODOT grant awarded

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51 Eaton 614 Main

621 Main

2016

610 Main 619 Main

Construction plans complete

606 Main

601 Park

615 Main

December 2017

Right-of-way acquisition complete January 2018

Construction begins

29 Millville

25 Millville

605 Main (Firehouse)

Millville Ave (SR 129)

562 Main

26 Millville

Spring 2018

24 Millville

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18 Millville

8 Millville

14 Millville

577 Main 573 Main 571 Main

Construction complete Spring 2019

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Main-Cereal-HaldimandWestern-McKinley Intersection Improvements Plans are underway to improve the Main-Cereal-Haldimand-Western-McKinley intersection on the west side of Hamilton. The current intersection has 5 streets converging, resulting in an inefficient and confusing intersection.

The intersection has both significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic and may become an important bike thoroughfare; therefore, the new design must incorporate the needs of all three modes of transportation.

The City is currently exploring the possibility of improving the intersection through a number of different scenarios. The sketch on the next page is a preliminary concept that would efficiently address the intersection’s challenges.

In December 2016, the City received notification of an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safety Program Grant for $2.5 million for construction of the intersection in year 2020. ODOT will contribute 90% of the construction cost with the City contributing the remaining 10%.

PROJECT BASICS Projected Investment $2.5 million (City share $250,000) Partners Ohio Department of Transportation, City of Hamilton

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Concept plan complete January 2016

Submit request for ODOT Safety Program grant October 2016

ODOT Safety Program grant awarded December 2016

Potential construction start 2020

Columbia Bridge Improvements As one of the three bridges crossing the Great Miami River in Hamilton, Columbia Bridge (SR 128) has an average daily traffic volume of 33,000 vehicles per day. In 2017, Columbia Bridge will undergo a major renovation. The project will include repairing the curb and sidewalk, patching spalled concrete on the abutments, replacing damaged sections of railing and railing posts, repairing damaged conduit, replacing concrete overlay on the bridge deck, upgrading the crosswalks to meet ADA requirements, and repairing expansion joints. Rehabilitation cost is estimated at $1.62 million. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is the lead agency and is funding all of the costs associated with rehabilitation, including engineering.

Aesthetic improvements are also planned for the bridge. An additional $20,000 is budgeted by the City in 2017 for LED street signs at the intersections on both sides of the bridge and $50,000 for intersection improvements to be performed following completion of the ODOT project. The Electric Department is working on an aesthetic lighting project for Columbia Bridge.

PROJECT BASICS Projected Investment $1.7 million (City Share $70,000) Partners Ohio Department of Transportation, City of Hamilton

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Design complete September 2016

Project bid

December 2016

Construction begins May 2017

Construction complete October 2017

Bikeway Master Plan Sharrow

The City of Hamilton is developing a Bicycle Master Plan that will make Hamilton a more bicycle friendly city through policies, programs, and a complete network of shared roadways, bike lanes, and all-purpose trails throughout the City.

The Master Plan will identify existing bikeways in Hamilton and propose additions needed to better connect the community internally throughout the city and externally to major regional trail networks. The Bicycle Master Plan will aim to increase bike ridership, raise awareness about bicycle safety, connect neighborhoods, link amenities, build a better transportation system, improve the health of Hamilton residents, and improve air quality and the environment.

Bike lane

As planning moves forward, the City will identify priorities and will begin work to extend the bicycle network to make important connections between residential areas, areas of employment, and recreational amenities.

The bicycle network saw huge wins in 2016, including significant progress on the Beltline project (pg.

56) and the groundbreaking for South Hamilton Crossing (pg. 42). The South Hamilton Crossing (SHX) project will include 5-ft wide bike lanes on each side of Grand Boulevard from University Boulevard to East Avenue/Dixie Highway. At the same time, University Boulevard from Knightsbridge Avenue to Williams Avenue will be converted from the existing four lane section to a three lane section with bike lanes on each side. In total, approximately 2.25 miles of new bike lanes will be created on Grand Boulevard and University Boulevard.

Bike path 54

Construct bicycle infrastructure Ongoing

Complete bicycle master plan 2nd Quarter 2017

Pursue funding for plan implementation 3rd Quarter 2017

Implement bicycle master plan To be determined

Beltline Recreational Trail The City of Hamilton is exploring the opportunity to transform 2.96 miles of railroad looping around the west side of the city from abandoned rail lines to a recreational trail. The line, which was originally used by Champion Paper, provides a unique opportunity to connect a number of west side communities including Highland Park, Prospect Hill/Grandview, and Armondale. The abandoned rail line extends from the old Champion Paper facility along the river around the west side of Hamilton to Millville Avenue.

The City is working through the process of purchasing of the land rights for conversion of the rail corridor into a recreational trail. If feasible, it will provide bikers and walkers a route safe from vehicular traffic to a number of amenities, including Combs Park, Wilson Sprayground, West Side Little League, Great Miami Rowing Center, downtown, the Great Miami River, and possible new amenities at the former Champion Paper Mill.

Recreational trails enhance quality of life and the City of Hamilton sees this as a welcomed opportunity to grow our trail system. If the City is able to obtain the rights to the rail line from CSX, the overall master plan envisions the Beltline as connected to the overall bike system, allowing people to connect to the Great Miami River Recreational regional trail system.

The City has been aggressive in trying to secure grant and other outside funding opportunities to make this project a reality. In fall 2016, the City was offered three grants through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio Clean Trails Fund, the NatureWorks Program, and the Ohio Public Works Commission’s Green Space Conservation Fund. These awards will help pay for the acquisition of the rail line and rail yard. The City and CSX will be negotiating the potential sale in the Spring of 2017. An environmental study and land appraisal will be a part of this acquisition process and will need to be completed before CSX and the City come to any formal acquisition agreement.

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Centerline and boundary survey complete January 2016

Public input session 1st Quarter 2016

Three grants received Fall/Winter 2016

Environmental comment period 1st Quarter 2017

Land appraisal/environmental studies & negotiate potential land acquisition Spring 2017

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