By now, Westerville residents may have heard discussion about an impending levy for fire protection and emergency medical services for Westerville and Blendon Township. As Fire Chief, I feel it is important to reach out and explain the need for this levy, which will be on your ballot Tuesday, March 15. I am very proud of the level of service we provide to the community, and we’re working hard to assure that level of service continues.
The Westerville Division of Fire meets National Fire Protection Association standards for staffing and response, with an average response time just under four minutes. WFD has been evolving for many years, and the decision points we face ahead are no different.
One recent innovation was the introduction of compressed air foam systems in 2005. The Westerville Division of Fire was the first in the state of Ohio to use C-PAP devices to treat patients with respiratory illnesses. WFD implemented a basic life support squad in 2007 to reduce our use of fire trucks responding to medical emergencies while, at the same time, providing a better service to residents by keeping our advanced life support vehicles in service more frequently.
With our refurbishing of large apparatus in lieu of purchasing new equipment, we have been able to extend our funding by years, not months. All of this was accomplished with our mission in mind: to develop innovative concepts providing cost-effective services that are responsive to the needs of the community and advance the profession.
Now we’re facing new-generation needs and service demands that we must meet in that same
responsive and responsible manner. Our residential population has grown – an increase of more than 36 percent since the 1970s – and technology is ever changing. WFD has utilized every available resource to meet changing demands, meeting the promise of maintaining fire and EMS operating costs for six years when voters last approved a levy request.
The facts of our future are these:
- Increased Demand for Emergency Medical Services. The fire service as a profession is changing, with more need and focus on dual responsibilities to perform as firefighters and also as emergency medical technicians. WFD’s ability to respond quickly and start a life-saving assessment, action and/or transfer is something we want to protect in this community.
- Response Activity Changing. With construction of new homes and commercial buildings, many fire prevention strategies are in place. While, nationally and locally, structure fires are dropping as part of that long-term trend, the overall response activity of the Westerville Fire Division is steadily growing. This is due to an ongoing increase in calls for rescue and emergency medical services. For example, in 2014, the Fire Division responded to 562 more EMS calls than it did in 2008: an increase of 12 percent. Also, the Division now operates with three fewer full-time firefighter/paramedics than authorized at the beginning of the current levy cycle due to a reduction in property tax revenues from projections.
- Increased Demand for Fire Inspections. As a result of our population growth, the increased demand for fire inspection services is important. We want our buildings, structures, restaurants, shopping centers and other community facilities safe for occupancy. In 2014, nearly 2,500 commercial inspections were conducted, and we expect that number to rise sharply as new business enters the community.
- Disaster Preparedness. We live in a time when this is a necessity. Our preparation and training for a variety of disasters, natural or otherwise, is the responsibility of WFD as your public safety agency. In fact, the 2014 citizen surveys showed that most residents are concerned about this topic and want to know the department is well-prepared.
- EMS Prevention and Community Paramedicine. Westerville, like the rest of America, is aging, resulting in more chronic health and age-related conditions requiring medical attention. Prevention, which is a core function on the fire side of the operation, will now begin to surface as a need and responsibility on the EMS side. This may include programs to reach out to certain v
- ulnerable sub-populations in the community to provide education and technical assistance in health maintenance, including programs for issues such as fall prevention.
- Aged Equipment. Our philosophy is always to refurbish when possible. However, sometimes that’s simply not possible and equipment ages out and becomes unsafe for active duty. Within the next six years, it will be critical to replace one engine/rescue and potentially two engines. EMS vehicles will be refurbished or replaced as needed within that cycle’s time period.
Our Need to Maintain Service Levels
A 2.8-mill levy request allows us to continue to meet our mission of providing these and more services as the profession and community continue to evolve. Residents of Westerville and Blendon Township will see one fire and emergency medical service issue on the ballot to support.
- The 2010 2.6-mill operating levy for Fire and EMS operating costs was utilized the entire term of six years, as promised. Prior to that, the last fire levy passed in 2002 extended funding by two years beyond its proposed six-year cycle due to prudent fiscal management.
- Passage assures continuation of current service levels through 2022.
This funding would annually cost a homeowner approximately $98 per $100,000 of market value in additional taxes per year or $8.17 per month. It’s important to note this tax applies to the assessed value, not the market value, of residential property. Assessed value is 35 percent of the market value by state law.
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for the levy, accessible on the front page at www.westerville.org. Passage of this levy is considered vital to the overall operation of the Fire Division. On behalf of the men and women of the Westerville Fire Division, you have our commitment to excellent service with the same sound financial management that has already extended existing funding. For more information on WFD, please visit www.westerville.org/fire or contact me directly at 614-901-6606.
2016 Westerville Citizen’s Academy Dates Announced
The City of Westerville is gearing up for its fourth annual Westerville Citizen’s Academy, an eight-week hands-on program in which participants learn about, explore and engage with all 10 City departments.
Each Thursday evening, a team of City departments host a three-hour class providing staff presentations, equipment demonstrations, facility tours and dynamic games and activities. By the end of the Academy, residents learn every aspect of how their local government works and the range of services it provides.
WCA begins its fourth season on Thursday, April 21, concluding with a graduation ceremony at the Westerville City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 7.
The WCA is based on the successful academy programs from the Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire. This academy model is also used in other cities across the nation as an interactive community engagement program.
All residents are eligible to participate, particularly those who may have an interest in serving on one of the City’s seven boards and commissions. For more information, or to complete the WCA application, please visit www.westerville.org/WCA.
Council Elects New Officers
In accordance with the Westerville City Charter, Westerville City Council held an organizational meeting Dec. 1. At that time, Council members elected officers amongst themselves to serve two-year terms as Council Chair, Council Vice Chair
, Mayor and Vice Mayor. Selected for those positions were:
Craig Treneff, Chair
Larry Jenkins, Vice Chair
Kathy Cocuzzi, Mayor
John Bokros, Vice Mayor
Council also made several appointments to City of Westerville boards and commissions. For more information, or to contact a member of Westerville City Council, please visit www.westerville.org/council.
A Year of Honors for City of Westerville Finances
The City of Westerville Finance Department continued its tradition of award-winning financial stewardship this year, earning the top awards and recognitions in categories for public finance reporting as well as top-tier credit rankings.
Aaa Credit Ranking
In October, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s Investor Services re-assigned Aaa long-term credit rankings for Westerville. The Aaa is the highest in the credit ranking scale, representing an “investment grade” category reserved for the best-quality companies and organizations that are considered reliable and stable.
According to S&P, Westerville’s rating reflects the City’s sound financial management practices and positive operating results, which have contributed to exceptional reserve levels and significant financial flexibility. S&P’s assessment of the City’s financial health was highlighted by a strong local economy and what S&P termed “very strong management, with strong financial policies and practices under our Financial Management Assessment methodology.” S&P also recognized Westerville for strong budgetary performance and flexibility, adequate debt and “very strong” liquidity (cash availability).
The Moody’s report echoed the strong fiscal management principles in its decision, citing strengths including the tax base, in association with the Columbus metro area, and low unemployment.
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
A factor playing a large role in the City’s bond rating is the quality of i
ts audited annual financial statements. Also in October and for the 31st consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association has again awarded the City its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2014 comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting, representing a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Annual Report and Resident Guide
Every year, the Westerville Finance Department produces and publishes the CAFR. For the first time last year, the Department was instrumental in the first publication of an annual report to summarize the data and information in the comprehensive report. The 2014 Annual Report and Resident Guide was designed for residents to illustrate public financial services and programs at the local level. The 2015 annual report will be mailed to residents this summer.
Westerville Finance Director Lee Ann Shortland says continuing the tradition of financial excellence in Westerville is part of the effort to deliver e
xceptional resident services.
“We’re deeply committed to being good stewards of the public funds entrusted to us by Westerville residents and businesses,” said Shortland. “In a time when there’s a lot of conversation and concern about public finances, it’s important to possess these third-party validations that show we are, in fact, fulfilling our role and meeting resident expectations.”
To view these and other financial records, please visit www.westerville.org/finance.
Staff Profile
Lt. Tracey Myers Links Public Safety and Community Involvement
Last December, two City of Westerville public safety employees* were honored by the Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise as the 2015 “Service Above Self” award recipients. Lt. Tracey Myers, a 26-year veteran of the Westerville Division of Police, was recognized for years of service pairing public safety and community engagement. It’s part of his philosophy
, he says, to set an example with your actions, not your words.
Congratulations on your award. Tell us what this means to you.
That’s a little difficult to put into words. Awards and recognition are very special, but not the reasons I do what I do. I chose this job and I do this work because I want to make the community better. In this line of work, I can have so many negative encounters in a given day. So this is an important reminder to me that most people are good and appreciative, and take action to make the lives of others around them better. I’m just honored to be in their category.
The award is designed to honor those who have made a commitment to their community. What does community service mean to you?
It’s simple: Without being a part of the community, you cannot shape the future for yourself, your kids or your grandkids. If you’re not helping and contributing, what do you have to complain about? For me, it’s been about getting involved and finding ways to make things better. It’s one of the reasons I coached youth basketball for so many years. There’s a chance to make a real impact on kids, beyond just the fundamentals of the sport. It’s also an important part of my faith, which tells me that I have to spread good work through actions. It’s not my style to preach to people without doing it first myself.
What have been some of the most memorable outcomes of coaching?
I can count about half a dozen kids who have gone into law enforcement or the military and given back to their community. I had the opportunity to have those discussions, be a good influence and shape those lives. Recently, my wife and I updated our wills and ended up working with one of my former players who is now an attorney. Another player is coaching track and field. It’s so special to see how they develop and become pillars of the community and adopt the same idea of taking the time to positively influence kids.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career?
This is what I’ve always wanted to do. Helping and protecting people is very important to me. When I graduated from high school, I thought first I wanted to be a medical technologist. It wasn’t too far into my first zoology course that I realized that was not happening. I was also in the National Guard and some of my fellow soldiers were officers. I loved listening to their stories, and realized my childhood games with my brothers and sisters were always about playing cops and robbers. I just followed the path from there and figured out what I was supposed to do.
How did you come to be employed at the City of Westerville?
From 1984-89, I was the deputy sheriff in Van Wert County. One of my friends from the Academy days worked here and came to visit. He told me about the community and how Westerville was a great place to work. At that time, I’d been married for three years and had a toddler. We took a chance and moved, and it’s been one of the most important, positive decisions we’ve made.
You were recently elected to the Centerburg Board of Education. What do you plan to contribute in that role?
Centerburg does a very good job of maintaining financial stability. We’re still in the black every year and maintaining a quality education for our students. I want to support our teachers and support our kids. This was a way for me to get involved where we live and provide leadership in my home community.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What spare time? Ha! I teach Bible studies and Sunday school and do some preaching on the side. I also love to work out and run.
Tell us a little about your family.
Well, I just celebrated 29 years of marriage to my beautiful wife, Angie. Without her support, I wouldn’t be able to do half the things I do. Actually, none of the things I do. And we have two kids. Our youngest son, Nick, is married and medical school bound. He is a cadet in Army ROTC and will someday be an Army physician. Our oldest, Curtis, is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. He’s currently training to join the Hilliard Division of Police. He and his wife, Alyssa, have given us our two grandchildren, Colton and Emalyn, which we would have had first had we known how great they would be.
*Firefighter/Medic Gretchen Sutton was also honored with the Service Above Self award. Both Tracey and Gretchen received their awards along with notice that a flag will fly in their name at the 2016 Field of Heroes. Special thanks to the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club for its annual recognition of City staff.
<Box this section by Staff Profile>
Each year, the City of Westerville recognizes staff members for their dedication and commitment to their jobs and the residents of Westerville. The following employees were nominated as Employee of the Year by their staff colleagues. The recipient of the Employee of the Year will be profiled in the March/April edition of Westerville Magazine.
Ryan Aspey
Westerville Division of Police
Eric Beverly
Administrative Services
Art Brown
Information Systems
Marcus Chapman
Westerville Division of Fire
Cheryl Denman
Public Service Department
Greg Franey
Westerville Division of Police
Jeremy Iles
Westerville Division of Water
Amy Jones
Parks and Recreation
Nick Jones
Westerville Division of Fire
Pharol Kaufman
Westerville Division of Police
Kevin Kilbane
City Manager's Office
Brent Krelko
Parks and Recreation
Colleen Lemmon
Administrative Services
Wes Lewis
Westerville Division of Fire
Sharon Lytle
Public Service Department
Thomas Patterson
Administrative Services
Mike Phillips
Parks & Recreation
Jake Preston
Planning and Development
Preston Tartt
Westerville Division of Police
Westerville By the Numbers
1.2, 56 and 13.1
The number of miles to swim, cycle and run, respectively, to complete the region’s first half-Ironman challenge. The Westerville Parks & Recreation has created a new training and nutrition program for Ironman Ohio, the first in the ultra-endurance challenge to take place in the state this summer. For details, search online for program 105703-01 or contact Mike Herron, Fitness/Wellness Manager, at 614-901-6524. Cost is $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents.
Mark Your Calendars
Westerville Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration
Monday, Jan. 18
Registration begins 7:30 a.m., Breakfast 8 a.m.
The Westerville community will celebrate the 11th annual Westerville Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration at the Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center (1630 Schrock Rd., Columbus) on Monday, Jan. 18. All are invited to join this morning of unity, celebration and song. Hear from this year’s keynote speaker, Debby Irving, author of Waking Up White, as she shares her personal journey to better understanding racism, bias, stereotypes and tolerance. The celebration will also feature the annual Fouse and Alston Awards, which recognize students and community members who have put the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into action. Music will again be provided by the Urban Jazz Coalition. Registration prices are $25 per adult and $15 per student. Businesses may sponsor a table for $300, which includes 10 breakfast registrations and special recognition as a table sponsor. Program advertising and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Register online at www.lw-mlk2016.eventbrite.com.
State of the Community Address
Tuesday, Feb. 23
7 p.m.
Tune in to WOCC-TV Channel 3 on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. for the annual State of the Community address. Westerville City Council Chairman Craig Treneff and City Manager David Collinsworth will be joined by leadership from Westerville City Schools, Otterbein University, the Westerville Public Library and the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce to address Westerville residents. The broadcast will air live and then be replayed on WOCC-TV and available online at www.westerville.org. Select “Watch City Council” on the homepage to access the menu.
