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Celebrating 16 Years of Service Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc.
SEPTEMBER 2010 Vol. 16 No. 9
FOCUS ON PORT CLINTON
INSIDE THIS MONTH Marketing Math – Not a Drop in the Bucket ...............2 Who are your Descendants? ....8 IT: Are You Really Protected? ....... 10 Does Your Company Review Their Mission? .......... 21 Well-Booked Business .......... 23 Business Tax Changes in the 2010 Hire Act ... 25 Small Business Continuity ........ 26 Preserving Historic Building Designs ............. 28
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Port Clinton -- State of the City 2009 From: Port Clinton Mayor Deborah Hymore-Testor; January, 2010 Good evening administration, city council and the citizens of Port Clinton. This has been an extremely interesting year, to say the least. Port Clinton is a work in progress. What we have accomplished in the last 12 months is a testament of teamwork and the ability to persevere at a steady pace, even in tough economic times. Administration accomplishments • Obtained over $3,000,000 in grants • Eagle scout project at beach • Arbor Day celebration • Student government day • Cops in school program • Neighborhood stabilization grant was awarded to the county on behalf of the city • Completed negotiations for wages, benefits, and working conditions with the F.O.P. • New Contracts with North Central at a reduced fee • Fire protection agreement with Portage Twps. With a 4 % increase each year for the next 5 years. • BWC rate reduction plan including a drug free work place • Supervisor and employee training was completed • First 5 steps of 10 step program completed • Appointed safety compliance officer Buckeye Blvd. Improvements Phase 2 of this project has been completed. There is storm management, new gutters, resurfacing and the ditch in front of the bowling alley has been filled to prepare for the installation of new sidewalks, which partial funding was obtained through a CDBG grant in 2010. Employee Issues The street supervisor, Fred Bice, retired. He was an employee for the city for the last 6 years. His replacement was Tracy Colston as street
department supervisor and Eric Petersen was also promoted as waste/water supervisor. Our safety service director, Rob Berner, submitted his resignation after serving the city for 22 months. I am in the process of interviewing and will have a new safety service director within the next few weeks. Kathy Jo Schweitzer was appointed to the Civil
Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission along with Administration advertised and graded applicants for a laborer position in the service department. There have been several improvements in Friendship Park. A new sound system with an amp and IPOD has been installed. Repair of the mortar joints and sealant of the walls has also been completed. A search for more funding through grants and donations for the painting of the mural will have to be done. The Jefferson St. Pier Pavilion canvas was replaced and with the relocation of Riverfront Live to the Pavilion, this area was utilized more than ever. In the Conestoga Neighborhood area, we have worked endless with the 4 properties that have been an eyesore for many years. On January 5, after a year, they have been demolished and will soon be functioning properties. Beach cleaning was contracted by Ken Gill
construction. They cleaned and excavated along the water for rock and debris and were contracted by Chris Fox. The phragmiti along the shoreline was cut by the city crew and the newly acquired Lakeshore Preserve was cut by Red Horse Squadron. A John Deer 1495 Marching with cab and snow blower was purchased for downtown snow removal. Perry St. Urban Repaving All of W. Lakeshore Dr. and portions of E. Perry St. were repaved. We also signed a commitment letter with ODOT for the 2010 resurfacing balance of E.Perry St. Waterfront project The newly developed site plan was completed and we will be sending out the RFP’s this coming year. The promotional, Video Imminate Opportunities, has promoted not only the Waterfront development, but our quaint and beautiful port of potential. The old records have been cleared out of the waterworks building and the abatement process has begun. The restroom facility at Lakeview Park is under construction and will soon be done within the next few months. Funding for this project was mostly obtained through fundraising, local organizations, private donations and grants. The city used capital improvement money to match the grant. The infrastructure had not been updated since the 1940’s. Port Clinton Lakefront Preserve was one of the most complex projects the city has ever undertaken. With the help of The Trust for Public Land, Black Swamp Conservancy and Perry St. residents, this was finalized in Nov. It was one of the most historic days for our community and when the restoration is complete, it will be our showcase. Volunteer Fire Dept Under the leadership of Chief Kent Johnson, Continued on Page 2
We’re a proud member of the following: Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce
Elmore Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce Erie County Chamber of Sandusky County of Commerce
Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Huron Chamber of Commerce
Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Genoa Chamber of Commerce
Huron County Chamber of Commerce
Milan Chamber of Commerce
Put-in-Bay Chamber Oak Harbor Area of Commerce Chamber of Commerce
Vermilion Chamber of Commerce
Tiffin Area Chamber Willard Area Chamber Port Clinton Area of Commerce of Commerce Chamber of Commerce