UAINSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 - BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON, UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS & UPPER ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
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UAiNSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON, UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS & UPPER ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
CityiNSIGHT
BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2 021
Task Force Supports Pursuit
of UA Community Center at Kingsdale
After a process lasting approximately At a Special City Council Meeting December Task Force and City Council
18 months, the work of the Community held December 16, Task Force Co-Chairs meetings. Much of the results affirmed
Center Feasibility Task Force is conclud- Margie Pizzuti and Nick Lashutka – and previous findings from numerous
ing, with next steps for this important Subcommittee Chairs Supen Bowe community engagement activities and
community issue now in the hands of (Community Engagement), Greg the first survey, while also gauging
City Council. Comfort (Facilities) and Matt Rule resident sentiment on the options that
On December 9, the Task Force (Finance) – provided an extensive had been under development during
met to receive reports from its three overview of the study process, their Phase II of the study process. Some
subcommittees and to consider a draft findings and recommendations. survey highlights include:
Resolution outlining its recommenda- • Awareness of the study process was
tions to Council. Members of the Task Survey Highlights high, at 70.5%
Force were unanimous in their support The results from a second statistical- • There is strong support for the City
of the Resolution. ly valid survey were shared at both the constructing a community center, at
75.1%
“Massing and stacking” diagrams created
for the Task Force show how the various
desired programming elements could be
incorporated into a community center at
Kingsdale, with aquatics on the ground
level, fitness facilities and gymnasiums on
levels 2 & 3, running/walking track on level
4, senior space, shared programming space
and outdoor patio on level 5, with office
space on levels 6 & 7.
upperarlingtonoh.gov JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 CityiNSIGHT 3
• There is strong support for includ- facing financial barriers to
Gymnasiums & running track participation.
ing Senior Center programming &
facilities, at 69.6% • Existing Senior Center and
• The former Macy’s site at Kingsdale Recreation program funds should
is the preferred location, at 74.8% be redirected to support the
• There is support for including community center.
office space to offset operating & • The community center business
maintenance costs, at 68.3% Outdoor patio model should include significant
annual contributions to a fund for
When asked if they would support a future capital expenditures, such
community center issue on the ballot: as maintenance and equipment
• 74.55% supported the City issuing replacement.
up to $55 million in bonds – without
raising taxes – to construct a com- Multi-use room Work is underway to prepare a final
munity center. report on the work of the Community
• 63.7% supported a 30-year, 1/2 mill Center Feasibility Task Force. This will be
property tax increase to construct a presented to Council at a Special City
community center. Council Meeting scheduled for Monday,
January 11, beginning at 7:30 pm.
The Task Force At this meeting, Council will also con-
Senior program sider a Resolution to take this issue to a
Recommendations vote of the people on May 4, 2021.
The Task Force recommendations
The entire Task Force report and
that were shared with City Council
accompanying appendices will be made
include:
available at uacommunitycenter.com,
• It is feasible for the City to construct,
along with a full record of the study
operate and maintain a community
process, meeting videos, presentations
center.
and more. We encourage you to become
• The facility should include program
informed on this important community
space for seniors and replace the
issue as we move toward asking Upper
current Senior Center.
Arlington residents to vote on this issue.
• The community center should be Lobby
more than just a recreational facility,
serving as a central gathering place
for the whole community. Miller Park Playground
• The former Macy’s site at Kingsdale
is the preferred location.
• Expected to cost approximately
$54 million to construct, this can be
funded without an increase in taxes
by using a combination of Tax Incre-
ment Financing (TIF) funds, excess
City funds, community center office
lease revenues and hotel/motel tax-
es, along with private donations.
• A business model should be pur-
sued based on competitive market
rate memberships and usage fees,
with a goal of achieving a minimum
cost recovery level of 85%.
• Membership and usage fees should
be tiered, with options to accom- The new Miller Park playground is complete and open for business.
modate senior residents and the Our thanks to the residents that participated in the design process,
operating budget should include a we hope the end results meet or exceed your expectations!
scholarship fund to assist residents
4 CityiNSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
Steve Schoeny
This is not a Drill
Over the coming months, we will approved by the Board of Zoning and
be working hard to educate everyone Planning (BZAP), and City Council has
about the issues involved in this decision authorized a Development Agreement
so that you can be informed when you with Continental that has received
cast your ballot. Our process to this the unanimous support of the Upper
point has been focused on engagement, Arlington School Board. In January and
For years, our community has wrestled
transparency and rigorous analysis. We February, we expect Continental to be
with two questions: When will something
know that UA residents demand those back in front of BZAP requesting further
be done with the former Macy’s site
things, and we will try to deliver them approvals for the first two buildings on
at Kingsdale and when will UA have a
in the educational materials that we the site.
community center? The answers to these
provide and in how we respond to your One of the positive outcomes of this
questions are now “Probably, very soon.”
questions and feedback. process is that some underlying traffic
We have been managing two
concerns in surrounding neighborhoods
processes that became intertwined
Community Center Feasibility have come to the surface. We are
through the Fall and early Winter.
Task Force working hard with the Wakefield Forest
First, we started a process in mid-2019
We would not be to this point without neighborhood to the east of Kingsdale
to study the feasibility of building a
the work of the 16 residents who to address concerns about speed
community center in UA. Second,
volunteered to serve on the Community and cut through traffic. We are also
in August of 2020, Kroger selected
Center Feasibility Task Force. They led continuing to make sure that the rest
Continental Real Estate to purchase the
an extensive study process that was of our infrastructure, roads, sewers and
former Macy’s site and we have been
open and transparent, and did their waterlines can support the development.
working with Continental since then on
utmost to engage with residents, with At this point, we are confident they
a development agreement to support
impressive results. On December 16 the can, with some relatively minor
their redevelopment of the six-acre site.
Task Force reported recommendations improvements. Beyond our physical
The end result of these two
to City Council that demonstrated a infrastructure, we have also looked at the
processes is that we have a plan to
commitment to due diligence, as they impact on our police and fire resources,
redevelop the Macy’s property with a
worked through issues of programming, and both chiefs are confident their
mix of apartments, offices, restaurants,
location, construction costs and teams can handle the new development
senior living and, if approved by the
funding mechanisms, and developed a without missing a beat.
voters, a 96,000 square foot multi-
generational community center. Because sustainable business model.
The details associated with these
of the interplay between the private On January 11 at a Special Meeting,
two issues are extensive, and far more
redevelopment and the community City Council will receive the full report
than I can summarize in this update to
center, our plans build and operate this from the Task Force and focus their
the community. We actually have so
community center without raising taxes. attention on the question of taking the
much information on these projects
In January, City Council will be community center issue to voters in
that one of my biggest worries is
considering legislation to put these May. That full report will be available at
overwhelming you. Please take the time
plans into action, giving the voters of uacommunitycenter.com, along with
to review the updates that we share with
Upper Arlington the opportunity to a record of the entire study process. I
you. When we put out information, we
decide on May 4, 2021 whether or not encourage you to dive into the details
are always going to point you to places
we will build a community center at so that you have a full understanding of
where you can take a “deep dive” into
Kingsdale. Ladies and gentlemen, this what is proposed.
these issues. And if you have ways that
is not a drill. This is not a mirage. This you want us to reach out to you and
is no longer in the study phase. In May, Kingsdale Mixed-Use Project other members of the community, let
you will have the opportunity to directly Regarding the Kingsdale Mixed-Use us know. I encourage you to visit our
vote on a generational decision for our project proposed by Continental, a website or to contact my office if you
community. Preliminary Development Plan has been wish to know more.
upperarlingtonoh.gov
CITY SERVICES | CITY SERVICES | CITY SERVICES JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 CityiNSIGHT 5
First 2021 Utility Invoice Food Waste Composting Program
Finance 614-583-5291 Expanded
The first of two semi-annual utility invoices from the City for Public Works Division .....................................614-583-5350
2021 will be mailed to UA households by the end of January. The City’s food waste composting program now features
These invoices include the Solid Waste fee, the Stormwater three locations, making it more convenient for residents to
Utility fee, and in some cases a Neighborhood Lighting join in our efforts to divert food scraps from the landfill and
Utility fee. For details, visit upperarlingtonoh.gov. put them to good use as compost. Just collect your food
scraps in a lidded container of your choice, then bring it
Christmas Tree Collection to one of the drop-off locations, where you will find clearly
Solid Waste 614-583-5370 marked, lime-green containers:
The City’s Solid Waste provider, Local Waste, will collect live • Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road – at the
Christmas trees on your regular collection day in the month of south end of the building by the Police entrance
January. Remove all decorations and place trees (do not place • Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Lane – next to the
in bags) at the curb by 7 am. If the tree is eight feet or taller, front plaza and building entrance
please cut it in half. • Fancyburg Park, 3375 Kioka Avenue – in the parking lot
off Kioka Avenue
Snow Removal
Public Works 614-583-5350 UA Part of SWACO Study on Food Waste
The City provides exceptional snow removal services, with the Diversion Activities
aim of returning normal driving conditions to all City streets www.savemorethanfood.org
within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. Priority is placed in The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) has
the following order: received a $60,000 grant from the US EPA in support of its
• Arterial – the City’s main roads receive priority treatment efforts to reduce food waste in the Columbus region. The
during a storm. grant is being used in a partnership effort with The Ohio
• Collector – the next level of streets that carry a lot of traffic State University and the City of Upper Arlington to
to main streets – these streets are plowed and salted once determine if an awareness campaign, “Save More Than
arterial streets are complete. Food,” has a measurable impact on residents’ views and
• Residential – all remaining streets. Plowing takes place behaviors regarding food waste. SWACO will be working
when snowfall exceeds three inches. with the City to share campaign information with
To assist our crews, please do not park on the street. residents during the study period, while OSU’s research
team conducts surveys and a waste audit to see if these
efforts increase participation in the City’s food waste
composting program. It is hoped that the study will help
Dan Ralley to Leave UA for Position at Hilliard inform efforts to improve the sustainability of our food
I want to take a moment to thank Dan system and support SWACO’s goal for cutting food waste
Ralley for his service to Upper Arlington. in half in the region by the year 2030.
Dan has been the Assistant City
Manager for six years. He has been a Holiday Lights Recycling
force behind countless initiatives to Available Through January 31
improve our community, such as our Public Works Division .....................................614-583-5350
highly successful solid waste program, Following the
the transition of our 911 dispatching holidays, the City is
services to the Northwest Regional offering a holiday
Emergency Communications Center in light recycling
Dublin, expansion of our Capital program. Bins are
Improvement Program and most recently supporting the available by the
Community Center Feasibility Task Force study process. food composting
Dan stepped up when my predecessor, Ted Staton, fell ill, and containers at the
he has been an amazing partner for me. Dan has taken a similar Municipal Services
position in the City of Hilliard, but he and his kids plan to remain Center, 3600 Tremont Road. This environmentally friendly
as residents of Upper Arlington. When you see Dan, I hope that program offers residents an alternative to sending strands of
you will join me in thanking him and wishing him well. holiday lights to the landfill. Lights only please, no bags or
other material.
6 CityiNSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
FROM CHAMBERS | Highlights of City Council & Its Policy Decisions
Change in Leadership 2021 CITY COUNCIL
With the start of the New Year, Council (from left): President
will see a shift in its leadership. The Brendan King, John
current Vice President of Council, Kulewicz, Vice President
Brendan King, will assume the role of Kip Greenhill, Michele
President, with current President, Kip Hoyle, Michaela Burriss,
Greenhill, stepping into the role of Vice Jim Lynch, Brian Close
President.
President Greenhill is beginning the
fourth and final year of his second term
on Council. Through much of his time
on Council, he has played a prominent
leadership role, first as Vice President
from 2016-2017, before being selected to increase by 10% in 2021, fol- expand a part-time position to a
by his fellow Council members to serve lowing Franklin County’s triennial fulltime Records Specialist in order
as President in 2018. This transition back valuation update. to manage the increase in workload.
to Vice President enables him to provide • Some structural adjustments will be
support to Council President King in his Expenditure Highlights made within Parks Maintenance to
new role, ensuring a continuity in leader- • The 2021 operating budget enhance efforts to attract and retain
ship for the City’s policy setting body. represents a moderate increase of quality employees and provide a
3% from 2020 expenditures (not consistently high level of service.
2021-2022 Budget including appropriations made • Thanks to the findings from the
At its final regular meeting of the year possible by the receipt of $3.7 2020 Performance Audit – which
on December 14, City Council voted million in federal Cares Act monies). for the most part affirmed that
unanimously to adopt the 2021-2022 • The Police Division will be investing purchasing, fleet maintenance and
Municipal Services Program, setting forth in body worn cameras for its officers, information technology practices
the City’s budget for the next two years. in keeping with national trends and are on track – some vehicle leases
Despite the challenges of 2020 to serve as a protective measure for will transition to purchases as a cost
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic both officers and residents. savings measure.
the City’s fiscal position remains strong, • With the rollout of body worn cam- • The pandemic shone a light on com-
with income tax revenues continuing to eras, combined with a new records munity mental health, with residents
trend upward, and serving as a positive management system, Police will dealing with issues of loneliness
source of support for many major
operations and projects. In early November,
That said, the City remains mindful members of Council
of the challenges presented by the cur- and the Administration
rent environment and the unknowns that gathered with
lie ahead. Just as we adjusted 2020 ex- representatives from
penditures in response to the pandemic, the developer team at
our new budget reflects conservative Crawford Hoying and
revenue projections and flexibility. the Towneplace Suites
Revenue Highlights Hotel to celebrate its
• Though the pandemic is expected completion.
to have an impact on income tax re-
ceipts in 2021, the City is projecting
increases of 2%, or receipts totaling
$30.9 million. Of this, approximately
$8.7 million will be dedicated to
capital improvements.
• Property tax revenues are estimated
upperarlingtonoh.gov JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 CityiNSIGHT 7
along Mountview Road, Council remains
committed to supporting expansion
of the community’s sidewalk network
along connectors and arterials as road
improvements are scheduled, while also
providing incentives for residents to pur-
sue sidewalks in their neighborhoods.
Stanford Road residents can look
forward to installation of a new
sidewalk in 2021, after completing a
resident-initiated Sidewalk Assessment,
for the section between Northwest
In mid November, members of City Council – along with former Council Member Carolyn
Boulevard and Andover Road.
Casper – and the City Administration gathered for a brief ribbon cutting ceremony to
In accordance with the Sidewalk
celebrate the completion of the Mountview Road Improvements Project, which includes a
Incentive Policy passed by Council in
new sidewalk on the west side of the street.
2019, by securing more than 60% sup-
and uncertainty. Resources will be The entire budget document can be port from the affected property owners,
committed to better understanding viewed on the Finance Department this assessment met the threshold for
community mental health issues and section of our website, at 50% of costs to be covered by the City.
how best to provide an appropriate upperarlingtonoh.gov. If you have ques- Residents living on streets without
safety net for residents to help guide tions, contact Finance, at 614-583-5291. sidewalks are encouraged to consider
them to the resources they need. the assessment process, and are notified
As City Council and the Administra- Stanford Road Sidewalk of this opportunity by our Engineering
Division in advance of scheduled road
tion consider projects arising from the Assessment construction, since combining this work
2021-2022 budget, their decisions will In recent years, great progress has been
with City improvements can realize
be guided by the goals, objectives and made installing sidewalks where previ-
significant cost savings. Plus, by meeting
implementation strategies of the City’s ously there were none, providing import-
or exceeding the 60% threshhold, the
Master Plan, which serves as the prin- ant and safe connections for pedestrians,
return on investment can be maximized.
cipal guiding document for preserving both within neighborhoods and to com-
For details on the Sidewalk
and enhancing the community’s make- munity destinations. As evidenced by
Assessment process, contact our
up and quality of life. Priorities will be the recent addition of the new sidewalk
Engineering Division, at 614-583-5360.
placed on the following areas:
• Continued support of the 10-Year
Capital improvement Program to Love LOCAL Direct Mail Campaign
maintain and improve streets, un- We know it will be especially challenging for our local
derground infrastructure, parks and businesses once the holidays are behind us, so the City
other public spaces. is doing its part to help by developing the Love LOCAL
• Support of smart growth initiatives Direct Mail Campaign in partnership with Valpak.
that enhance the vibrancy of com-
mercial districts while preserving the Look for your Love LOCAL coupon mailer,
community’s residential nature. scheduled to reach all UA homes shortly before
• Prioritizing a shift to environmen- Valentine’s Day. Then let’s all do our part to show
tally- and sustainability-appropriate our support for the shops, restaurants and
practices, with a goal of achieving services that support and enrich our lives!
zero-waste, zero-pollution and ze-
ro-emissions by 2030.
• Exploration of opportunities for real-
izing operating efficiencies through
collaborations, shared services and
partnerships.
8 CityiNSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
NewsBITES
section daily, with 15% of northbound
drivers averaging 15 mph over the
25 mph limit and 15% of southbound
drivers averaging 11 mph over. As a
CITY NEWS AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS result, over the next few months, the
Police Division is highlighting this section
Public Holidays • Arts Link - monthly art updates of Mountview as a Target Enforcement
City offices are closed in observance • Sentinel - monthly program updates Area, to encourage better driving
of the following holidays: from the Senior Center practices and improve safety for the
• Friday, January 1, 2021 – New neighborhood, with a policy of strict
Visit the Connect section of our website,
Year’s Day. Solid Waste service is not enforcement. We encourage motorists
at upperarlingtonoh.gov, to register.
affected. to please watch out for all pedestrians
• Monday, February 15 – Presidents’ and cyclists, observe the speed limit and
SCRAM! Wildlife Control
Day. Solid Waste service is not practice safe driving habits–regardless of
www.SCRAM!Wildlife.org
affected. where you are driving.
The City contracts with SCRAM! Wildlife
Control, a division of the Ohio Wildlife
Public Meetings Center, to provide wildlife management 2021 Community Calendar
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 614-583-5030 services to residents and businesses at upperarlingtonoh.gov
A full list of public meetings can be As a service to the community, the City
a discounted rate. Full details can be
found on our Events calendar, at provides an online Community Calendar
found at www.SCRAMwildlife.org. The
upperarlingtonoh.gov. Highlights of of special events on its website. These
City has an Animal Control guidelines
upcoming Council agendas are shared event listings are oftentimes promoted
page under the Resources section of its
on Facebook, with meetings live- by the City via other means, as space
website, at upperarlingtonoh.gov.
streamed. Follow @CityofUA for updates! and scheduling permits. Now is the time
Target Speed Enforcement to send us details of qualifying com-
City e-News munity events for 2021. Visit our Events
Get timely service news and special
Area on Mountview Road
POLICE 614-583-5150 section, at upperarlingtonoh.gov, where
project updates from the City by e-mail: you will find submission details.
The City recently studied the speeding
• City Insight - weekly e-news on City
behavior on Mountview Road
services, special projects & events
between Fishinger and McCoy roads.
• Activity Link - monthly programming
Approximately 2,400 vehicles use this
updates from Parks & Recreation
Volunteer With Friends of UA Parks
www.friendsofuaparks.com mulch. They also paint the cut stumps with herbicide to
prevent re-growth, and pick up any trash they come across
The Friends of Upper Arlington Parks is comprised of a group
while working. Once the spread of these invasives has been
of volunteers that gather monthly in our community’s parks to
effectively controlled, the group returns to plant native trees
clear natural areas of invasive species such as honeysuckle,
and shrubs.
buckthorn and garlic mustard. These non-native plants are
Upcoming dates and locations are as follows:
aggressive in their growth, displacing native trees and shrubs.
• January 9 - Miller Park
If left to spread, they interfere with the natural succession of
• February 13 - Smith Nature Park
native species.
• March 13 - Smith Nature Park
The group meets monthly on Saturday mornings at
different park locations, typically from 9 am-Noon. Their work
Visit www.friendsofuaparks.com
includes cutting the branches of invasive shrubs with pruning
or find them on Facebook
saws and dragging them to a pile for City crews to chip into
(@friendsofuaparks) to learn
more and get involved.
upperarlingtonoh.gov JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 CityiNSIGHT 9
Snow Angels
FIRE 614-583-5123
Each winter, the City’s CARES Program
and UA Commission on Aging partner
on the Snow Angels program, matching
volunteers to elderly neighbors who
need help with snow shoveling. We
encourage individuals, families and/or
groups of neighbors to “adopt” a senior
during the season and help them with
this winter chore.
Winter Activity Guide Devon Pool upgrades continue, with replacement of the
PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300 mechanical buildings currently underway and scheduled for
The Winter Activity Guide is your guide completion in time for next year’s outdoor pool season.
to the many events, programs and
recreational opportunities offered by the tax return assistance each spring free of
Parks & Recreation Department. Fire Hydrants in Winter charge at its various locations. Agents
An online version of the guide and FIRE 614-583-5100 can answer questions, take payments
program registration can be found at If you find yourself clearing snow and and assist with RITA municipal income
parks.uaoh.net. ice from your driveway and sidewalk tax preparation.
this winter and you have a fire hydrant in
Home Security Alarm Permits front of your property, please take a little Parks & Recreation OPRA
POLICE 614-583-5100 extra time to keep hydrants free of snow Awards
Households with home security systems and ice. PARKS & RECREATION 614-583-5300
are required to obtain a license from Our Parks & Recreation Department was
the Police Division. The one-time $50 2020 Income Tax Filings recently notified of two awards from the
fee is non-transferable and covers both Deadline: Thursday, April 15 Ohio Parks & Recreation Association
Police and Fire services. Households www.ritaohio.com tied to its 2020 programming activities
are allowed up to three false alarms per All residents aged 18 years and over during the pandemic:
calendar year—any false alarms thereaf- must file an annual income tax return • 2nd Place in the Health & Wellness
ter are subject to a $50 fine to offset the with the City, regardless of whether any category for senior outreach activ-
costs for emergency response. tax is due. The City uses the services of ities.
the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) • 2nd Place in the Historical & Cultural
Seasonal Positions with UA for the processing of UA income taxes. Arts category for the department’s
It’s never too early to think about your As an extra service for RITA taxpayers, alternate Labor Day Arts Festival
plans for the summer. Consider becom- RITA provides onsite municipal income activities.
ing a member of the Parks & Recreation
team by applying for lifeguard or other
seasonal positions with the City. Visit
www.governmentjobs.com/careers/uaoh
UA Click2Fix
to see what’s available and apply today! Visit the AppleApp or GooglePlay
store and search UA Click2Fix to
Help Keep Sidewalks download our new smartphone
Clear This Winter reporting app. Residents can use the
Navigating the community on foot can app to submit requests or notify the
be hazardous in the winter, especially City of issues such as potholes, street-
for the elderly or those with disabilities. light outages, damaged street trees,
Help keep sidewalks in front of your etc. You can also view the construction
property or business clear of snow and update map and contact staff using
ice. If you have elderly neighbors, take the app’s Directory. Call Public
a few extra moments to help clear their Service at 614-583-5350 if you have
sidewalks too. any questions.
10 CityiNSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 upperarlingtonoh.gov
Backyard Flooding Can Lead to Water in Basements
One of the effects of climate change ceed their capacity.
in our part of the world has been an Additionally, when
increase in the occurrence of signif- the sanitary sewer is
icant rain events, with homeowners in the rear yard, the
experiencing flooding issues, including private sanitary later-
backups in basements. Understanding als running from your
the differences between the sanitary home to the sewer
sewer and stormwater systems and how are also located in
to maximize their integrity and efficiency the rear yard. If these
can go a long way in reducing your risk laterals become
of experiencing flooding issues and the compromised by the
damage they can cause. growth of tree roots,
The sanitary sewer system is it becomes more Flowpath for rear yard flood routing.
comprised of underground pipes that likely that rainwater will enter the lateral.
carry sewage and grey water from In both instances, the result can be a
various home or business plumbing backup of water from the sanitary line What Can You Do to Help?
components to a wastewater treatment into the basement. If pooling of water occurs in your back-
plant, where it is filtered, treated and yard following a rain event, options for
discharged. Sanitary sewers are typically
BELOW: Examples of structures and restoring an appropriate flow route off
located in yards.
landscaping adjustments that can impact your property and into the stormwater
The stormwater system collects
grading and the proper flow of rainwater system include landscaping adjustments
rainwater runoff from rooftops, streets,
from backyards to storm sewers. or removal, modifying your fencing or
yards and parking lots and discharges it grading the area. The installation of a
to local rivers and streams. This system is French Drain may also solve the issue,
primarily located under city streets – with after first coordinating with the City’s
some areas using ditches and streams Engineering Division - and by using an
for water runoff – and it’s typical for experienced contractor – to make sure
storm sewers running from homes to be the issue is sufficiently addressed.
under front yards in close proximity to If you have questions, please
the street. contact our Engineering Division, at
Grading for the drainage of 614-583-5360.
rainwater typically has the front half of
the property draining to the road and
the back half of the property draining
towards the rear so that backyard rain
water drains along the rear property line
until it reaches a road and enters the
CityiNSIGHT
BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON
City owned storm sewer. Production:
Over time, property owners may Emma Speight, Community Affairs Director
have installed landscaping or built Phone: 614-583-5045 | espeight@uaoh.net
fences and other structures that prevent
water from traveling unobstructed along
the rear of the property, which can lead
to ponding during heavier rain events. City of Upper Arlington
When water ponds over rear yard 3600 Tremont Road
sanitary sewers, the rainwater may enter Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
the sanitary sewer. Since sanitary sewers Phone: 614-583-5000
are only intended to accommodate upperarlingtonoh.gov
the flow of sewage and greywater from www.facebook.com/CityofUA
inside a home or business, the addition www.twitter.com/@cityofua
of rainwater into the system can ex-upperarlingtonoh.gov JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 CityiNSIGHT 11
B U I L D I N G B L O C K S
Aldi Grocery Store at Kingsdale trends and to complement the existing retail/restaurant and office
space at Kingsdale and would be comprised of:
• A six-story building with 104 senior housing units and ground
floor restaurant.
• A seven-story building with 383 apartments, two amenity
courtyards and a parking garage, fronted by eight, two-story
townhomes
• A third building location is currently serving as a placeholder for
a prospective community center with office space above.
In November, City Council authorized a Development Agree-
ment with Continental that has received the support of the Upper
In November, the Board of Zoning and Planning approved Arlington School Board. Under this agreement, the use of Tax
a proposed Development Plan from Aldi Inc. for an 18,000 Increment Financing (TIF) will enable the City to issue bonds for
square foot Aldi Grocery Store at 3280 Tremont Road, public improvements that will be repaid by the new property taxes
replacing the former Barnes & Noble near Kingsdale Shop- generated from the site’s increased value once the development is
ping Center. A timeline for construction is not yet known. complete. By the Schools agreeing to participate in the TIF, all of the
new taxes will be dedicated to these improvements – representing
Kingsdale Mixed-Use Project a critical component of the funding mechanism for a community
In October, Continental Real Estate, Inc.’s plans for a center, along with other public improvements such as addressing
mixed-use redevelopment project at the site of the former access, traffic considerations and parking needs. The Schools will
Macy’s at Kingsdale progressed received approval from continue to receive their share of property taxes generated by the
the Board of Zoning an Planning for its Preliminary Devel- site’s current value, and any new taxes from future School levies.
opment Plan. The proposal places an emphasis on alter- Full details of this project can be found under the Community
nate housing options, reflective of current development Projects section of our website, at upperarlingtonoh.gov.
2020 Community Awards
Nomination Deadline: Monday, January 11, 2021 education, recreation, cultural
Each January, residents are invited to diversity and the natural
join with City and community leaders environment.
at our annual State of the City Address, • Community Safety – Individual or
for a recap of accomplishments from group involved in activities to raise
the past 12 months and a look ahead to awareness of or improve the overall
a new year of exciting projects. While health and safety of our community.
this year’s event is going virtual due to • Senior – Individual actively involved
COVID-19, the 2021 Address is in the community through volunteer
scheduled for the evening of Monday, service, taking a leadership or partic-
January 25. ipatory role in community programs.
An integral part of the event is our • Youth Award – Youth individual or
Community Awards program. Each year, group involved in volunteer service
we seek nominations of the many worthy or community programs to bene-
individuals and groups that have helped fit others and setting a positive
make our community better in some example to fellow UA youth.
causes, or brings other significant
way. Now is the time to submit your benefits to the community. Details and nomination forms can
nominations for the following • Community Enrichment – Individu- be found at upperarlingtonoh.gov. Then,
categories: al or group involved in programs to mark your calendars for our virtual 2021
• Business – Involved in community enhance the City’s quality of life, in State of the City Address on Monday,
service projects, provides finan- areas that include the arts, January 25.
cial or in-kind support for variousSchoolsiNSIGHT LI
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B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M U P P E R A R L I N GTO N S C H O O L S
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021
UP
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Learning Model Updates
As students and families adapted In November, the Board also a chance to connect virtually with all of
to a return to distance learning in approved an “enhanced” hybrid learning their classmates.
December, the Upper Arlington Schools schedule that ensures all students have This school year, families also had
staff members were looking ahead to three full days of structured and teacher- the option of enrolling their students
resuming in-person hybrid learning guided learning every week when they in the UA Online Academy, the
with an “enhanced” schedule that will return to in-person learning. district’s online-only learning option.
give students more structured, teacher- “Even during this most unusual Approximately 800 students have
guided instruction each week. school year, our district remains rooted opted for the Online Academy for the
In late November, the Board of in our strategic plan,” Imhoff said. remainder of the school year.
Education voted to move all K-12 “One of the core values in the plan is “We are also focused on continuous
students in the school-based pathway continuous impr-ovement, and our improvement for our students in the
to enhanced distance learning between hybrid learning model is no exception.” Online Academy,” said Chief Academic
Thanksgiving and winter breaks. The This fall, students in the hybrid Officer Keith Pomeroy. “As we prepare
decision was based upon many factors, schedule were divided into two groups the start of the second semester in
including local and county-wide health to allow for safe physical distancing. January, we are also looking at ways to
data. In addition, the Board considered One group attended on Mondays, enhance the Online Academy learning
the best way to provide educational Tuesdays and every other Wednesday. experience.”
continuity during a time of significant The other group attended every other As 2020 comes to an end, the
staffing concerns and a growing number Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays. district is continuing to carefully monitor
of students and staff out of school During their days out of school, students health data and regularly meet with the
due to COVID-19 related isolation and engaged in independent remote Medical Advisory Team, a group of local
quarantine. learning. experts in public health, contagious
“Our hope is to welcome The enhanced hybrid schedule will disease and child psychology, to help
students back into our buildings in have all students in a distance learning guide future decisions regarding
our hybrid learning model in January,” model every Wednesday. All students learning models.
Superintendent Paul Imhoff, Ed.D., said, in a class will be engaged with their For updates and more information
“and our goal is to have all students back teacher and one another on these days. about our current learning mode and
in school full time as soon as it is safe to This provides students more contact health data, please visit www.uaschools.
do so.” time with their teacher and gives them org/UArestart.aspx.www.uaschools.org JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 13
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATES
Paul Imhoff, Ed.D.
Well-being of Students, Staff Even More Important This School Year
As the COVID-19 pandemic director of diversity, equity and inclusion
continues, we have expanded our (DEI). Our DEI commitment is a crucial
Medical Advisory Team of public health part of our well-being goal and ensuring
and infectious disease experts to that every student feels welcomed,
As 2020 comes to a close, we can safely include someone whose very focus is celebrated and supported in our
say that this is a year unlike any other we the well-being of school-age children. schools.
have experienced before. Our Upper I am pleased to welcome Dr. John As we enter a new year, I am
Arlington Schools staff, students and Ackerman, a child clinical psychologist hopeful that we will be able to welcome
families are continuing to show flexibility and the Suicide Prevention Coordinator our students back into our buildings for
as we face new challenges in this for the Center for Suicide Prevention in-person hybrid learning, and our goal
pandemic. and Research at Nationwide Children’s remains having our students in school
I am truly amazed by everything Hospital. We are grateful for the expert full time as soon as it is safe to do so.
the families in our community - parents, insight of all of these volunteers — and
grandparents, aunts and uncles, and for Dr. Ackerman’s guidance as a mental Paul Imhoff, Ed.D., is superintendent of
other friends and loved ones - are doing health expert — as we look at all of the Upper Arlington Schools. If you have
to support the students they love. And I data and information we have available questions or suggestions, please contact
continue to be in awe of our incredible to determine the learning mode for our him at superintendent@uaschools.
staff as they rise to the challenge of schools. org. You can follow him on Twitter at @
different models for teaching, learning I am also excited to bring Matthew imhoffpaul.
and operating the vital services for the Boaz on board as our new executive
students in our school district.
Each and every day, our teachers District Welcomes New DEI Executive Director
are finding new ways to connect with
students and provide high-quality
Upper Arlington Schools welcomed Matt Boaz
instruction. Still, we know that during
in December as the new executive director of
these difficult times, students are likely to
diversity, equity and inclusion. Mr. Boaz has
need even more support.
extensive experience in the DEI field over the
Along with a focus on continuous
improvement, our strategic plan has past 20 years in a variety of public agencies and
two goals: whole learning and student educational institutions.
and staff well-being. Our mission is to “We are incredibly excited to have Mr.
challenge and support every student, Boaz on our team as a leader and mentor on
every step of the way. Ensuring that all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion
our students feel that support and are in our schools,” said Kathy Jenney, Ed.D.,
finding balance and belonging in this associate superintendent of human resources
unusual school year is our top priority. and operations. “We believe DEI is an essential
It’s important for all students, element of student and staff well-being.
parents and guardians, and The district and the Board of Education are
grandparents to remember that our committed to ensuring our schools are places where every student is welcomed,
school staff is here to support our respected, celebrated and supported while receiving the highest quality education.”
students every day - no matter what Mr. Boaz comes to Upper Arlington from the city of Toledo, where he served as
learning model we are in at the time. If the director of diversity and inclusion. Prior to that, he was the chief diversity officer
you or someone you know is struggling, at Wright State University. He has also worked with the University of Cincinnati and
please do not hesitate to reach out to a Miami University during his career.
teacher, counselor or principal. Our staff Mr. Boaz has a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies/interpersonal and public
can help you connect with additional communication and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Bowling
support - be it on a small scale or Green State University. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Desert Shield and
something to meet a more significant
Desert Storm campaigns.
need.14 SchoolsiNSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 www.uaschools.org
BITES From the Apple
SCHOOLS NEWS AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
of the necessary safety precautions. For
the combined middle school choirs, their
virtual performance of Stand With the
Brave was “a true community project,”
music teacher David Monseur shared.
“Six hundred vocal music students at
Hastings and Jones learned, rehearsed
and recorded their voices while creating
accompanying visual designs.” He
praised the collaboration and creativity
of the vocal music staff for making this
possible.
Wickliffe Progressive Elementary
School teacher Melissa Szabrak and her
Kindergarten Registration • Windermere Elementary School —
fourth-grade math students also adapted
Begins in February Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m.
their annual Honor Flight service-
The Upper Arlington Schools community learning project for the times. They
Families interested in enrolling their
is looking forward to welcoming the created a virtual walking tour of the war
child or children may do so beginning
Golden Bears Class of 2034! Children memorials in Washington, D.C., to share
Monday, February 8 through an online
who will be 5 years of age on or before with veterans to honor their service.
registration form that will be available at
September 30, 2021, are eligible for
www.uaschools.org/kindergarten.aspx.
kindergarten during the 2021-2022
For more information on kindergarten BECS Registration Now Open —
school year.
registration and a map of the elementary and Space Is Limited!
New for the 2021-2022 school year,
attendance areas, please visit our
the district is pleased to offer a full-day
website.
kindergarten program for UA families.
Full-day kindergarten in Upper Arlington
Schools will give our younger learners Veterans Day Tributes
more opportunities to learn and grow Re-created Virtually
socially, emotionally and academically. Upper Arlington Schools students and
Before registration begins, all five staff found creative ways to continue
elementary schools will offer virtual Veterans Day traditions this November
kindergarten information nights to to ensure the safety of our honored
provide families with more information Veterans as well as students and staff.
about the kindergarten program and Eighth-grade students at Hastings
registration process. Zoom links for these Middle School created a video version of
information sessions will be posted at their traditional Veterans Day program,
www.uaschools.org/kindergarten.aspx in with student tributes, artwork and a
advance of the dates. physically distanced video “clap-out” Burbank Early Childhood School (BECS)
• Barrington Elementary School — of students and staff members saluting is our highly quality, tuition based
Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. veterans. Eighth-grade students at Jones childcare for children ages 2 to 5. BECS
• Greensview Elementary School — Middle School and in the UA Online is accepting registrations for summer
Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. Academy connected with veterans 2021 as well as the 2021-2022 school
• Tremont Elementary School — virtually to learn about their experiences year for children ages 2 to 5.
Wednesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. and thank them for their service. For more information, please visit
• Wickliffe Progressive Elementary In addition, eighth-grade orchestra www.uaschools.org/burbank or call
School — Thursday, February 4 at and choir students created memorable 614-487-5155.
6:30 p.m. video musical tributes while following allwww.uaschools.org JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 15
Update on the Research into the Litchford Cemetery Site
Upper Arlington Schools is continuing
to work with descendants of Pleasant
Litchford and other community
volunteers to determine the next steps
for honoring the history of the Litchford
family cemetery site adjacent to the
current Upper Arlington High School
building. This includes the possibility
of additional archaeological work on
the site and the creation of a formal
memorial near the site of the cemetery.
Pleasant Litchford was a master
blacksmith who had been enslaved in
Virginia. After buying his own freedom
and settling in the area that is now
Upper Arlington, he built a successful business and purchased the land that is
now home to the high school as well as Northam Park and Tremont Elementary
2020-21 SCHOOL DATES School. Among Mr. Litchford’s many contributions to the area were establishing
a school for African-American children and being a founding member of the
Winter Break
historic Second Baptist Church, which provided an important voice in the anti-
Wednesday, December 23 - Friday, January 1
slavery movement.
Following his death in 1879, Mr. Litchford’s land was divided up between
No School for Students ; staff report
his heirs. Decades later, in the 1950s, the school district acquired the piece
per schedule
of land that was home to the cemetery in order to build a high school.
Monday, January 4
Approximately 30 bodies were exhumed and moved to other cemeteries in the
area.
No school for students and staff:
While the Litchford family’s story remains well-known in the history
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
of central Ohio’s Black community, it had long ago been left out of Upper
Monday, January 18
Arlington’s history in our schools and community. When local authors Diane
Kelly Runyon and Kim Shoemaker Starr released their book, Secrets Under the
No school for students and staff:
Parking Lot, in early 2017, many residents were unaware of the Litchfords and
Presidents’ Day
their contributions to the area.
Monday, February 15
The book raised concerns that some of those laid to rest in the Litchford
cemetery may have been left behind. The goal of the archaeological
End of second trimester
investigation in July and August of this year was to identify if any graves still
(kindergarten-grade 5) and third
remained and if any artifacts, such as headstones, from this important time in
quarter (grades 6-12)
our history could be found.
Friday, March 12
In late August, an archaeological team found one fully intact grave with a
complete set of remains, along with two partially exhumed graves and three
Spring Break
fully exhumed graves. The archaeological team carefully removed the remains,
Monday, March 16-Friday, March 19
which are being safely held in its lab while the district works with descendants
of the Litchford family and families who may have had ancestors buried at the
No school for students; staff report
site to determine how to properly honor those individuals and to commemorate
per schedule
the site.
Monday, March 22
A memorial near the site of the cemetery is just one of the projects
planned. There will also be historical displays in the new high school, which is
For the full school year calendar,
under construction north of the cemetery site, on the corner of Brandon and
please visit:
Zollinger roads. In addition, the district has worked with the authors and a
www.uaschools.org/calendars.aspx
team of volunteers to create historical timelines to support an expanded history
curriculum.16 SchoolsiNSIGHT JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 www.uaschools.org
Alumni Association Helping Deliver
Unopened Letters to Students 60 Years Later
Did you graduate from Upper Arlington years of Mrs. McKinney
High School in 1964 or 1965? Did you trying, I would certainly
have Mrs. McKinney in seventh grade? feel bad if something I
A retired seventh grade teacher at did goofed it up now.”
Jones, Mary McKinney is now 84 years As of mid-No-
old and lives in Athens, Georgia. vember, the UAAA has
During the 1959-1960 school year, found 10 recipients and
students in her language arts class were has heard back from a
assigned a project to write a letter to few of them who shared
themselves, seal it in an envelope and the message they sent
address it to their home address so she to themselves.
could mail the letters in 10 years. “My letter arrived
After a decade passed, she wasn’t today,” Joan Throop
able to achieve delivery to 22 students, Resler shared. “It is
and - all these years later - she has kept funny, but I always
those unopened letters. wondered if it would
One of Mrs. McKinney’s students, come. Gave up since we
Rodger Curnow, who lives in California, moved right after school
reached out to the Upper Arlington ended in ’65. Then my
Alumni Association (UAAA) to ask for parents moved again
help. She had passed along the letters two years later.”
to him to deliver when they met up last George V (Val)
summer at Teton National Park, where Leshy received his letter
she gives historical talks. as promised, 10 years after he was in
Mr. Leshy shared. “I was also so surprised
“When we find someone on the list, Mrs. McKinney’s class — and he has kept
when I received my letter back 10 years
I’m sending letters out Priority Mail,” Mr. his letter all these years. “I have told so
later.”
Curnow said. “I told my wife that, after 60 many people about this over the years,”
Mrs. McKinney recalled of her
students: “They all took the letter-writ-
ing very seriously - thinking to intro-
duce their 13-year-old selves to their
grown-up selves.” She added that she is
“grateful beyond words” that Mr. Curnow
agreed to help. “It is he who thought of
contacting the school, and I am so glad
he did.”
The Upper Arlington Alumni Association
and the Upper Arlington Education
Foundation share resources and work
closely together to support current
students and keep alumni connected.
If you would like more information
about the Mrs. McKinney Project,
please email Alice Finley at
Alice@UAEducationFoundation.com.
The UAAA also maintains an updated list
of the students whose letters need to be
delivered on BearAlums.com.www.uaschools.org JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 SchoolsiNSIGHT 17
Treasurer’s Notes As a result of the pandemic and
the economic situation, the Board of
We’ve also taken steps to reduce
expenditures, and I’m pleased to share
Andrew L. Geistfeld Education also made the decision in that the district has achieved a total of
In November, June to postpone plans for a needed $4.6 million in cost savings. We’ve done
I presented to operating levy. This meant that we had this primarily through a hiring freeze
the Board of to take necessary steps to maintain on new positions for the next three
Education a district operations and be responsible years. There are two exceptions: our
five-year financial stewards of our residents’ investment in planned implementation of districtwide
forecast for the our schools. So the Board of Education all-day kindergarten beginning in the
district covering called on the district to implement a fall of 2021 and the recent hiring of an
three years of budget reduction plan and dip into the executive director for diversity, equity
actual data and budget reserve fund in order to stabilize and inclusion.
five years of anticipated revenues and the budget. Going forward, we will continue
expenditures. This is a legally required The district has a long-standing to seek savings that preserve the
document that is presented to the board practice of maintaining a conservative overall student experience while also
for approval and then filed with the state budget reserve to help stabilize the responsibly planning for growing
of Ohio. budget in the event of a future crisis, enrollment in the coming years.
The new five-year forecast reflects and the board felt that the economic I invite you to review the new five-
two notable financial impacts on our challenges presented by the pandemic year forecast at www.uaschools.org/
district — decreases in revenue, most met the standards for tapping into this treasurer.aspx. If you have questions,
notably from state sources, and the reserve. contact me at treasurer@uaschools.org.
Board of Education’s decision to
postpone plans for an operating levy.
First, let’s take a look at the
UPPER ARLINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION
decreases in revenue. You may recall
2020 Upper Arlington
that back in May of 2020 the district
received word of a reduction in funding
Board of Education
from the state of Ohio for the 2019- From Left: Lori Trent, Jenny
2020 school year. This amounted to a McKenna, Vice President Scott
15 percent reduction in state funding, McKenzie, Carol Mohr and
and it is just one of the areas where the President Nancy Drees
district is seeing revenue reductions due
to the pandemic. Based on the current Thanks to a partnership with
economic conditions, we anticipate that the City of Upper Arlington,
the state funding reduction will remain in Board of Education meetings
place for the next five years. take place in the Council
Chamber of the City’s
Municipal Services Center,
3600 Tremont Road. In
SchoolsiNSIGHT general, the meetings begin
at 6 pm on the second Tuesday of each month. Some exceptions apply, and
BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS last-minute scheduling changes are possible. In the event that the COVID-19
pandemic necessitates the Board of Education conducting a regular meeting via
Production: N G TO N
Karen Truett
LI
video-conferencing, a live feed of the regular meeting will be available on the
P E R AR
SC
Director of Communications Upper Arlington Schools YouTube account. Please refer to www.uaschools.org for
HOOL S
Phone: 614-487-5027 the most up-to-date information.
UP
ktruett@uaschools.org 1918
EST
.
Board of Education Meetings:
Upper Arlington Schools • Tuesday, January 12, 6 pm — Council Chamber
1950 North Mallway Drive
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221 The schedule of meetings for the 2021 calendar year will be set by the board
Phone: 614-487-5000 | www.uaschools.org
at the January 12 meeting. Please visit www.uaschools.org/board to view the
schedule for the 2021 calendar year following the January meeting. For addition-
www.facebook.com/upperarlingtonschools
www.twitter.com/UA_Schools al information on the members of the Board of Education and its policies, please
www.twitter.com/imhoffpaul visit the website listed above.You can also read
