1. No category

Spring
Trustees Rich Courter, Mike Rowan, Claire Yoder,
2014
Fiscal Officer Ken Jones
Economic development zone proposed to voters
O
n May 6, Jefferson Township voters will
decide whether to approve a contract that
creates a Joint Economic Development Zone
(the “JEDZ”) in Jefferson Township.
A JEDZ allows a township and municipal
partner to collect an income tax on the net
profits of businesses located in the JEDZ area
and on the income of employees working
within the JEDZ area. No tax is assessed on
any business or Township resident working
outside of the JEDZ area. Funds collected
from the JEDZ could be used by the Township
to promote both direct and indirect benefits
to the JEDZ, with ancillary benefits seen
throughout the entire Township. JEDZ funds
could support, among other things:
• Improvement of current infrastructure,
including Township roads and streets
within and outside of the JEDZ area.
• Establishment of a full-time fire
prevention officer position to promote
fire safety in our businesses, schools
and homes, review building construction
plans, and perform commercial building
inspections.
• Creation of business outreach programs.
• Increased ability to offer incentive
programs to help businesses grow and
prosper.
• Provide grants for initiatives designed
to improve the safety of school children,
teachers and support staffs of school
districts within the JEDZ, which
encompasses the Gahanna-Jefferson
and Licking Heights school districts.
The Township also is engaging in other
economic initiatives that could be paired
with the JEDZ to make the business district
in Jefferson Township even stronger. The
Board recently approved an enterprise zone
agreement that will bring 85 high-paying
jobs to Jefferson Township. In addition the
Township lent its support to an effort to bring
fiber optic cable to the primary business
corridors.
(see “Township Inks Incentive Agreement
with TS Tech in this issue).
Township officials have been meeting with
economic development specialists at Franklin
County about ways to promote economic
development and have engaged in a series
of talks with officials from Gahanna and the
Gahanna-Jefferson School District about
ways to collaborate to share services, reduce
costs and improve sustainability.
Copies of the JEDZ contract, map (which
outlines the Zone), and the economic
development plan are available for review at
the Jefferson Township Offices,6545 Havens
Rd, Blacklick, OH 43004 and online at www.
jeffersontownship.org
see JEDZ Frequently Asked Questions,
page 10-11
OFFICIAL
QUESTIONS AND ISSUES BALLOT
PRIMARY ELECTION
FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO
MAY 6, 2014
Proposed Resolution and Contract
Jefferson Township
SAMPLE
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
Shall the resolution of the board of township trustees of Jefferson Township (Franklin County),
Ohio approving the contract with the City of Gahanna, Ohio for the designation of a joint economic
development zone be approved?
FOR THE RESOLUTION AND CONTRACT
AGAINST THE RESOLUTION AND CONTRACT
In This Issue
Meet Your Trustees & Fiscal Officer.............. 2
Rain Barrel Program...................................... 6
2014 Township Budget At-A-Glance.............. 2
Eagle Scout Cemetery Project....................... 6
Fire Levy Restructuring.................................. 3
Keep Our Birds Wild....................................... 7
Looking For A Few Bad Buildings.................. 3
Pet Vaccines.................................................. 7
TS Tech Incentive Agreement........................ 4
Waggoner Corridor Activities......................... 7
Franklin County Gypsy Moth Program........... 4
Township Activities & Park Shelters.............. 8
Franklin County Sheriffs Programs................ 4
Township Spring & Summer Events............... 8
Township Road Maintenance 2014................ 5
Thank You to Gahanna Rotary & AMG.......... 9
Scenic Byways & Stormwater Mapping......... 5
JEDZ Frequently Asked Questions................ 10
Jefferson Township
NEWS
Meet your trustees & fiscal officer
Rich Courter | Mike Rowan | Claire Yoder | Ken Jones
R
ich Courter and his wife, Pam, moved to
Jefferson Township in 2006. Rich’s insurance
business has been in this area since 1999 and
they fell in love with Jefferson Township and
Blacklick Creek.
In 2007, Courter
was appointed to the
Township Parks Board
and in 2011, trustees
appointed him to the
Township Zoning
Commission. He served
in both positions until his
election as Trustee in 2013.
Professionally, Courter has been in the insurance
business since 1992 and his office is now in the
Township. Previously, Courter has served in
various accounting and finance roles including
chief financial officer. Rich holds a Bachelor of
Science degree, magna cum laude, in accounting
and finance from Franklin University.
Many know Rich and Pam’s home on
Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road by their
extensive annual Christmas decoration display.
Pam has been a registered nurse at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital for more than 33 years.
M
ike Rowan has been a township trustee
since 2000. He moved to Jefferson Township
in 1992 and quickly became active in the
township Parks Board.
As Parks Board chair,
he was successful in
obtaining two grants
through the state-funded
NatureWorks program.
A greatly expanded and
modern public restroom
facility was subsequently
built at Jefferson
Community Park. The
facility has shelter houses on each end and is
handicap-accessible. Also, a new playground
was constructed next to the handicap-accessible
shelter house. This addition broadened the park’s
recreational facilities for small children.
A strong conservationist and environmentalist,
Rowan holds a doctoral degree in environmental
engineering. He teaches at The Ohio State
University and Columbus State Community
College. He strongly supports conservation
development and managed growth programs
practiced by the Township.
C
laire Yoder and her husband, Roy, made
Jefferson Township their home more than 30
years ago when they
moved from North
Central Ohio.
Claire is a graduate of
Kent State University,
the University of
Dayton, and Trinity
Lutheran Seminary.
She taught high school
and made a midlife
career change as a chaplain with Ohio Health and
as the advocate for living kidney donors for The
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
She was on the Gahanna-Jefferson Board
of Education for 12 years and received the
Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation’s
Corner Stone award.
Claire served on the Jefferson Township Zoning
Commission prior to becoming a Trustee.
She serves on an international church board
advocating for women’s rights in third world
countries.
K
en Jones has served the Township since
2004 when he was appointed to fill an
unexpired term. He
was elected to complete
the term in 2005, and
re-elected in 2007 and
2011. He and his wife,
Melanie, moved from
Buckeye Lake to a
home in Havenswood
Subdivision in 2003.
Jones is an experienced financial professional,
having served many years as a Price-Waterhouse
Coopers auditor and as a chief financial officer in
private business. He has been a certified public
accountant (now inactive) since 1982.
Ken retired from a full-time CFO position in
the business world in 2001, but keeps active
as a board member and officer of several area
businesses. Melanie is a patent attorney with the
Porter Wright law firm in Columbus. The couple
enjoys traveling and family events.
2014 Township Budget At-A-Glance
Major Funds:
Beginning Balance
Revenue
Expenditure
Ending Balance
General
2014
2015
2016
1,292,000
317,000
-65,000
918,000
932,000
946,000
1,893,000 1,314,000 1,340,000
317,000
-65,000 -459,000
Roads
2014
2015
2016
487,000 180,000
18,000
460,000 467,000 474,000
767,000 629,000 642,000
180,000 18,000 -150,000
Fire
2014
1,431,000
4,424,000
4,508,000
1,347,000
Expenditure Breakdown
General Operating
Planning and Capital Outlay
Debt Service
1,288,000 1,314,000 1,340,000
605,000
0
0
0
0
0
570,000 582,000
150,000
0
47,000 47,000
4,103,000 4,239,000 4,379,000
65,000
25,000
25,000
340,000
390,000
390,000
629,000
0
13,000
2015
2016
1,347,000 1,183,000
4,490,000 4,557,000
4,654,000 4,794,000
1,183,000
946,000
2014 Notes: General Fund beginning balance includes $1 million in estate taxes for capital needs and to address years of deferred maintenance. Roads
revenue includes $125,000 transfer from General Fund. Roads budget includes Motor Vehicle License, Gasoline Tax, Road and Bridge, and Road District
Funds. Roads expenditures includes funds for Havenswood Place resurfacing project, but excludes grant funds awarded for Clotts Road culvert and
resurfacing, and Dixon Road and Poppy Hills Drive resurfacing projects. Fire Debt service includes payments on tax anticipation notes and replacement
medic, but excludes separate fire station bond retirement fund. Fire 2014 ending balance includes $1.2 million in borrowed notes to be repaid over four years.
2
Millage Rates: Jefferson Township operates on 12.2 mills of real estate taxes, the lowest of the 17 townships in Franklin County. Millage ranges
from 37.4 mills in neighboring Mifflin Township to 12.8 mills in Brown Township. The average voted and unvoted millage rate is 21.6 mills.
Spring 2014
2014 CONTINUING FIRE LEVY
OFFICIAL
QUESTIONS AND ISSUES BALLOT
PRIMARY ELECTION
FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO
MAY 6, 2014
Proposed Tax Levy (Additional)
Jefferson Township
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
Restructuring our fire levies
T
he Jefferson Township Board of Trustees is
restructuring the way fire levies are placed
on the ballot by changing from temporary levies
to continuing levies. By doing so, the township
would not be coming back to the voters in three
of every five years to authorize the same levels
of funding that the voters have approved and
re-approved many times over the years.
Jefferson Township has three temporary levies
and two continuing levies to support fire and
emergency medical services. In 14 of the other
16 townships in Franklin County, there are no
temporary fire levies. (The other two operate
on a combination of continuing levies and one
temporary levy.) Continuing levies enable fire
departments to focus on annual operations and
delivery of services instead of making annual
financial contingency plans that are dependent
on whether voters reauthorize the same level of
funding that they previously approved.
In 2014:
►► A 2 mill renewal levy is expiring this year
and the Board is placing a 2 mill continuing
levy on the ballot in its place.
►► The 2 mill voted levy is only being
collected at about 1.8 mills effective rate, and
the new levy will bring the level back up to
the original 2 voted mills.
►► The levy will cost approximately $18
more on a $100,000 home compared to the
$52-$54 already being collected.
►► If approved, the levy will only increase
current operating revenue by approximately
$80,000 per year.
►► Over all, collection of the levy would
represent approximately $933,000 in
revenue.
An additional tax for the benefit of Jefferson Township for the purpose of providing and
maintaining fire apparatus, appliances, buildings, or sites therefor, or sources of water supply and
materials therefor, or the establishment and maintenance offices of fire alarm telegraph, or the
payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer fire fighting, emergency
medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate the same, including
the payment of any employer contributions for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34
of the Revised Code, or the purchase of ambulance equipment, or the provision of ambulance,
paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting
company at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to $0.20
for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2014,
first due in calendar year 2015.
SAMPLE
FOR THE TAX LEVY
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY
Looking for a few “bad” buildings
F
ire departments across the country realize the
importance of training in buildings typical to
the ones they respond to. From a small singlefamily residence to large commercial structures,
these buildings provide excellent training
opportunities for firefighters.
The Jefferson Township Fire Department is asking
property owners who may have a structure that is
“abandoned, vacant or ready to be demolished” to
allow firefighters to conduct training in it.
Structure donations enhance firefighter training
opportunities and improves our ability to make
our community safe. Consider donating your
abandoned or vacant building to the Jefferson
Township Fire Department.
Your donation may be tax deductible. Contact
your tax advisor for further information.
For more information contact the fire department
at 614-861-3757 or e-mail wmccullough@
jeffersontownship.org
There are three types of training:
▷▷ Non-Destructive - used for search and
rescue training
▷▷ Destructive - used for breaching walls, cutting
holes in roofs, knocking out windows, etc.
▷▷ Live Burn - used for fire suppression training
“Live Burn” training at
donated house on Morse Rd.
Dec. 2012
►► The revenue will be used for current
operating expenses and replacement of an
aging medic and engine.
Should you have any questions, please call the
fire department at (614) 861-3757.
3
Jefferson Township
NEWS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Township inks incentive
agreement with TS Tech, county
TS
Tech, a designer and manufacturer
of auto parts, and Jefferson Township’s
largest employer, is expanding its research and
development work. The firm’s subsidiary, TS Tech
Americas, Inc., will construct a new building at
its Broad Street campus to house research and
development initiatives. Under an Enterprise Zone
agreement recently approved by the Jefferson
Township trustees and Franklin County board
of commissioners, the company plans to hire
about 85 employees with wages averaging
more than $60,000 each for a total payroll of
about $5.2 million. TS Tech Americas provides
research, development, engineering, accounting,
information systems, human resources, and
other technical support for the parent company’s
various manufacturing companies. It already
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Gypsy Moth Program
I
n early to mid-May, three small areas in Franklin
County are scheduled to receive Gypchek
treatments to combat larger populations of
the Gypsy Moth. Gypchek is a bio-insecticide
specifically used for control of the gypsy moth.
Spray applications take place during early
morning hours, usually beginning about 6:00 am
or in the early evening, before dark, if weather
conditions are more appropriate.
employs 256 people at the Broad Street campus.
The Enterprise Zone agreement provides for an
abatement of 50 percent on real estate taxes for
10 years. The abatement will be on a sliding scale,
beginning with 75 percent abatement in the first
year, and decreasing over time.
In 2012, TS Tech USA had more than 1,000
employees and a payroll of $49.5 million. TS
Tech North America had 174 employees and a
payroll of $8.6 million. The enterprise agreements
for the two companies expire in 2014 and 2017,
respectively.
This is the third Enterprise Zone agreement that
Jefferson trustees have approved for TS Tech
companies. The Franklin County Tax Incentive
Review Council has upheld TS Tech as a role
model for enterprise zone agreements. The
council noted the company has exceeded its
projected hiring and payroll targets required for
the tax abatements, and praised the contributions
the company has made to worthwhile causes in
central Ohio.
TS Tech’s charitable endeavors have included
Operation Feed, Columbus Food Bank, Angel
Tree, Operation Backpack, Breast Cancer
Awareness, Lee Denim Day, blood drives,
collecting donations for victims of natural
disasters, and the Light the Night program to
support leukemia research. TS Tech North
America has conducted educational outreach
with Reynoldsburg elementary school students,
such as planting a cherry tree, studying about
Japanese culture, and learning the art of origami.
“The TS Tech family of companies has been a
great asset to our community,” said Mike Rowan,
township trustee. “The agreement evidences the
commitment Jefferson Township has to supporting
local businesses and TS Tech’s commitment to
growing its presence in Jefferson Township.”
Products will not affect the ground water supply.
Open water will not be sprayed.
For information on the treatments, FAQ’s and
maps of the different treatment areas, residents
can call 614-728-6400 or go to the website at
http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/plant/gypsy/gypsyindex.aspx
Ohio Department of Agriculture Public Information
Office – Brett B. Gates, Phone: 614-752-9817 or
[email protected]
In mid-June, eight larger treatment blocks in
Franklin County and southern Delaware County
are scheduled to receive mating disruption
treatments. The mating disruption product,
Disrupt II, are small flakes that emit a pheromone
disrupting the male’s ability to locate females
during mating season.
Home gardens will not be affected. Residents may
harvest and eat the vegetables after washing them.
4
he Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
offers several great training programs for
members of the community, including disaster
preparedness, self-defense, gang awareness,and
drug education. Here are just a few, check out
sheriff.franklincountyohio.gov/programs to learn
more about what programs are offered and how
to apply.
Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. from August 9 through October 11.
City Hall – Grove City
Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D)
This is a 12 hour comprehensive female-only
course with a focus on awareness, prevention,
risk reduction and risk avoidance.
Treatment application usually take place from
early morning hours to mid-late afternoon,
depending on the weather.
All treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds,
bees or fish.
T
Volunteers in Public Safety Support (VIPSS)
This extensive eight week training program for
adults covers disaster preparedness, first aid,
CPR, search and rescue operations, and more.
Planes fly at 50 to 100 feet above treetop level.
Application planes fly at approximately 100 to 200
feet above treetop level.
Franklin County Sheriff’s
community training programs
Ongoing. Request a class online.
Gypsy moths are invasive insects that attack
more than 300 different types of trees and
shrubs, with oak being the preferred species. In
its caterpillar stage, the moth feeds heavily on
the leaves of trees and shrubs limiting their ability
to photosynthesize. A healthy tree can usually
withstand only two years of defoliation before it is
permanently damaged or dies.
Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T)
The ultimate goal is to make seniors more aware
of the crimes that they could become victims of.
Ongoing. Request a class online.
Explorer Program:
Youth, ages 14 to 21 gain practical “hands-on”
experience in public safety career options in this
eight-week training program.
Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. from August 9 through October 11
City Hall – Grove City
Spring 2014
SCENIC BYWAYS COMMITTEE
Preserving our scenic byways
I
n 1966, the Ohio Department of Transportation
created a state-wide Scenic Byway Program
as a way to designate corridors with outstanding
scenic, natural, historic, archaeological, cultural or
recreational qualities.
Desiring to preserve these qualities in Jefferson
Township, the Scenic Byways Committee meets
once a month to work on updating the Township’s
Scenic Byways Management Plan. The goal is
to create a more cohesive vision for the Byways
maintenance and appearance. This new plan will
feature updated maps and imagery. Discussion
also includes the potential for a pedestrian path
that would link Jefferson Township with regional
trails.
If you have ideas for enhancing the byways or
have suggestions for amenities that you would
like to see added to the byways, or if you are
interested in volunteering in a community “adopta-road” clean-up project to help keep our byways
litter and debris-free, please call the Township
office at 614-855-4260 or e-mail Josh Botts at
[email protected], or read the 2003
Scenic Byway Management Plan at:
www.jeffersontownship.org
Stormwater mapping project
W
ith help from the Franklin County Engineer’s
office, the Township’s service department
is working to map stormwater sewer pipes, catch
basins and manholes along township roads.
If you see Jefferson Township trucks out and
about, and Service Department crew walking
properties checking storm drains, know that they
are busy working on this mapping project.
This project, a requirement of the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates
stormwater maintenance, will help the Service
Department identify the location and condition of
stormwater outfalls in the Township.
Stormwater maintenance
Jefferson Township Scenic Byway
Image source: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/maps/2007ScenicByways/OhioScenicByways.htm
clippings, etc. If you notice something in a storm
drain that looks out of place, or if you smell an
unusual odor coming from a drain, you can call
the Township office at 614-855-4260 or call the
County Health Department at 614-525-4787.
If you live in a subdivision with
curbs and gutters, you may have
noticed a curb marker next to a
storm inlet stating the watershed
(creek), in which the stormwater
is flowing. Township
crews are replacing
those curb markers and
welcome volunteers to
help with this effort. If
you or members of your
community would like to help, call the Service
Department at 614-861-2440.
E
ducating our residents on stormwater
maintenance is a key component to keeping
the Township’s stormwater runoff and waterways
healthy, clear and clean of trash and pollutants.
2014 Township road
maintenance announced
Allow stormwater to flow and drain by keeping
the curb and drain inlet in front of your property
clear of yard waste such as trash, leaves, grass
J
efferson Township will be resurfacing two
streets and crack sealing several others this
year.
Plans call for resurfacing Poppy Hills Drive and
Havenswood Place. The Poppy Hills Drive project,
estimated to cost $220,000, is being funded
through a grant from the Ohio Public Works
Commission. The Dixon Road resurfacing project
last year was funded through the same grant.
Havenswood Place will be resurfaced with the old
concrete pavers removed and asphalt installed for
easier and less costly maintenance. The project
is being funded with $150,000 in savings that
accumulated in the Road and Bridge Fund.
In addition, the following streets are to be cracksealed:
• Ashcroft, Northmont and Stonewyck drives
and Ashcroft Loop in Kitzmiller Crossing
• Creekwood Estates Drive and Court
• Jefferson Estates Drive and Court and
Skelton Lane and Court in the Estates of
Jefferson
• Swisher Creek Crossing and Court and
Woods Place
If funding permits, the township plans to crackseal Knoll Drive and Court and Beech Knoll
Avenue north of Havens Corners Road; Stratshire
Lane, Place and Court and a short section of
Venetian Way north of Clark State Road.
5
Jefferson Township
NEWS
Green Spot rain barrel program
H
omeowners in Jefferson Township are
encouraged to participate in the GreenSpot
Rain Barrel Program. Through the program,
administered by Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District, homeowners can purchase
a reduced-price rain barrel to divert stormwater.
Residents can learn how stormwater runoff can
cause stream-bank erosion and loss of property,
degrade habitat and carry pollutants to local
streams and rivers. Homeowners will also learn
about saving money on water bills with proper rain
barrel installation.
The program allows homeowners to purchase
one rain barrel for $55.00. There are two ways to
participate. The first way to participate is through
in-person workshops being offered throughout
Franklin County. Residents register through the
mail or on-line, pay for the rain barrel, either with a
check or on-line, and take the rain barrel home with
them after the workshop.
passing a simple quiz, residents are able to
purchase a rain barrel on-line and pick it up at the
Franklin Soil and Water office in Grandview. The
rain barrel holds 45-gallons, is terracotta-colored
and offers easy installation. The on-line
program opens April 1 this year.
New for 2014 is the inclusion of
businesses in the program. Schools
were added for the 2013 season.
Like with homeowners, there is a
one-barrel limit in the GreenSpot
Rain Barrel Program for both schools
and businesses. Also, new for 2014 is the
rental-house program. This allows a rentalhome owner to purchase one rain barrel
per rental house, after completing either the
in-person workshop or the on-line program.
For more information on the GreenSpot Rain
Barrel Program, visit www.franklinswcd.org/
programs-and-services/backyard-assistance/
rain-barrels/ or call Franklin Soil and Water at
(614) 486-9613.
The second way to participate is through an on-line
program offering a slide presentation on stormwater
issues and rain barrel installation and use. After
Havens Cemetery service project
E
agle Scout service projects benefit local
schools, churches, and communities.
In an effort to complete his Eagle Scout
service project, honor those who lived before
him, and serve the community, Eagle Scout
candidate Bailey Ozment, along with 35
fellow scouts, family members and friends
from Troop 898, gave a total of 179 hours to
cleaning up the historic Havens Cemetery on
Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road.
6
Almost every upright tombstone was cleaned
with the exception of the back corner of the
cemetery, 15 tombstones were re-leveled,
and 5 were put back together. Troop 898 is
sponsored by Peace Lutheran Church on
Clark State Road.
Spring 2014
Help keep our wild birds wild
P
eople residing in urban and suburban areas enjoy seeing and interacting with wildlife.
Feeding ducks and geese brings these birds into proximity to people. People that feed
wildlife feel they are helping the birds. To the ducks and geese, however, the result of relying
on handouts is devastating.
Feeding popcorn, bread or shelled corn is like feeding a child junk food since the ducks and geese
are not receiving a balanced diet. These birds become reliant on human food and abandon their natural
foraging skills and nutrition sources. Feeding attracts more ducks and geese than
a habitat can support, encourages rodents, and can lead to bacteria in nearby
ponds, which may cause health issues for the birds.
Geese that are fed by well-meaning people lose their natural fear of, and reside closer
than normal to, humans. This can lead to violent attacks during the nesting season (March, April, May), especially to people who are
afraid of geese. Injuries occur when people try to run or back away from an attacking goose, tripping over curbs, planters, bumper blocks,
steps, uneven sidewalks, or their own feet.
So please don’t feed our feathered friends, although it’s fun to do. Let them be as nature intends, it’s best for them and you!
Low-cost rabies immunizations and dog licenses for sale
F
ranklin County Public Health and the Columbus Academy of Veterinary Medicine are holding
low-cost rabies immunization clinics for dogs and cats. Cost is $5.00 per shot, cash only and no
appointment is necessary. All dogs and cats must be on a leash or in an animal carrier. Ferrets are no
longer able to be vaccinated at these clinics.
Pets between 3 months and 1 year of age will receive a 1 year rabies tag. Pets over 1 year old with proof of
a prior rabies vaccination will receive a 3 year rabies tag. Proof of prior vaccination includes either a rabies
vaccination certificate or a Franklin County/Columbus rabies tag. If you are unable to provide proof of a
prior vaccination, your pet will receive a 1 year rabies tag.
All dogs and cats in Franklin County are required to be vaccinated against rabies and are required to wear their rabies tag. Dog licenses will also be available
for sale and the Capital Area Humane Society will provide microchip IDs from 24PetWatch at the clinics listed below ($15 per microchip per pet).
Clinics will be held from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the following locations:
• Friday April 25, 2014
Capital Area Humane Society, 3015 Scioto-Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026
Dog Licensing and Micro-chipping available
• Friday, June 27, 2014
Windsor Park, 4330 Dudley Avenue, Grove City, OH 43123
Dog Licensing and Micro-chipping available
For more information, visit www.myfcph.org or call
Franklin County Public Health at (614)-525-3160.
Waggoner Corridor Community Cleanup
Waggoner Corridor Safety Town Day
Sunday, April 27, 2014
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Corner of Kennedy & Waggoner
Saturday, June 7, 2014
10 a.m. - 12 noon
Eastpointe Christian Church
Grab a pair of heavy-duty work gloves
and a few garbage bags and join us to
pick up litter!
Come and help us kick start a safe and fun summer!
All youngsters and family are invited to attend!
Let’s help make our community a
cleaner, safer and more beautiful
place to live, work and raise our
families!
Event Organizers - Waggoner Corridor Block Watches. For more information
on either event, e-mail: [email protected] or call 614-501-4671.
•
•
•
•
•
Grab a Child ID kit
Kid’s bicycle safety course (bikes available)
Explore a police cruiser
Explore a fire truck and fire safety house
Friends from Poison Control, Franklin County
Animal Shelter, Recycle Columbus and Franklin
County Soil & Water will be on hand to give
safety tips and answer questions
7
Jefferson Township
NEWS
Opening Day Celebration
Saturday, June 21
9 a.m. - Noon
Join us every Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon at the
Jefferson Community Farmers’ Market!
Help support locally grown, locally
homemade food, and find out what fresh
food really tastes like! Shoppers will
find the freshest produce, local honey
and maple syrup, homemade baked
goods, grass-fed cheeses, organically
raised meats, and so much more!
Farmers’ Market Fun
All Summer Long!
June 21
July 19
Aug. 2
Farmers’ Market
Opening Day
9 a.m. - 12 Noon
Ice Cream Social
ice cream served
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hog & Corn Roast
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Farmers’ Market will also
feature the Franklin County Sheriff’s
Mounted Unit, antique tractors and
fire trucks, the Jefferson Township
Fire Department, and more!
For more information about the Market, or if YOU want to be a vendor, contact Kelly Kiener, Parks Coordinator, at
[email protected], or call 614-304-0133.
Park shelter reservations now online!
L
ooking for a venue to host your birthday, graduation, family reunion, or “just because” party?
Jefferson Township offers 4 great shelters for public rental, all of which feature grills, electric, and
full service restroom facilities.
Jefferson Community Park, 7494 Clark State Road, offers a fishing pond, playground, sand volleyball
court, two horseshoe pits, hiking paths through the woods and full service restrooms, and has two
shelter house options. The large Maple Leaf shelter features a fireplace, a large grill with serving
tables and provides seating for up to 100 people. The small Trillium shelter features a grill and seating
for up to 24 people.
Olde Quarry Park, 860 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, is our newest and most scenic park. It offers picnic areas, a fishing pond, walking trails and an ADA
accessible restroom facility. The rentable shelter house features pond views, a large grill and seating for up to 64 people. Carpooling is recommended, as
parking is limited.
Jefferson Run Park, 1490 Climbing Fig Drive, offers a playground, four tennis courts, baseball field (available when not in use by the Licking Heights Youth
Association), open fields, and a large shelter house which features a large grill, full service restrooms and seating for up to 80 people. There is no drive-up
access to the shelter house.
To rent a park facility or to learn more about the shelters and pricing, please visit, www.jeffersontownship.org/Departments/ParksandRecreation
8 FacilityRentals/RentalInformation or contact Kelly Kiener, Parks Coordinator, at [email protected] or 614-304-0133.
Spring 2014
Gahanna Rotary, American Mechanical Group help keep people cool
M
embers of the Gahanna Rotary Club recently donated a 10-foot by
20-foot canopy to the Jefferson Township Fire Department. This will
be used as a safety tent at township functions. This donation was a blessing
this past fall as it provided shade for firefighters and a place for people to
rest and pick up fire safety information at the farmer’s market and Halloween
party.
As firefighters looked for some help to cool off this past summer, American
Mechanical Group Inc. (AMG) came to their rescue by donating a
commercial ice machine to the Fire Department.
It is no secret that summer can be brutally hot, and no one knows that better
than firefighters. "If you can imagine wearing several coats and several pairs
of pants in the middle of summer and then standing on hot asphalt, that
can help give you an idea of just how hot it can be for them," said Fire Chief
Crystal Dickerson.
“Hydration and keeping cool are constant concerns for firefighters when responding
to working incidents,” Dickerson said. “Ice machines are extremely useful in
rehydrating the firefighters.” Budget constraints have prevented the department
from purchasing one. Christopher Reeves, director of American Mechanical Group,
(AMG) Inc. said, “We wanted to give back to the community and in our eyes this was
an easy choice.”
Reeves stressed the importance of the services the Fire Department provides.
“Above all else, we thank you for your service. You’re a vital asset to our community
on a daily basis. We sincerely appreciate your knowledge, dedication and support.
We value our business partnership over the years and are happy to help in any way
we can.”
Grilling safety tips
F
ire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue
memorable for all the wrong reasons.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors, and should be placed well away (at least 10 feet) from
the home, garage, carport, porch, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches, or out from under
any surface that can catch fire.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
Charcoal grills
There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using
newspaper as a fuel. If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal
fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord
that is approved for outdoor use. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Propane grills
Check the gas tank hose for cracks, brittleness or leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose exterior.
A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the
leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking,
immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If wind blows out the flame, turn off the gas at the tank, and then turn
off the burners. Let the propane that may be sitting in the air dissapate. Wait at least 5 minutes before turning the gas on. If you smell gas or smell a
9
“rotten egg” odor, wait another 5 minutes.
Joint Economic Development Zone
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Joint Economic Development Zone?
A Joint Economic Development Zone (“JEDZ”) is essentially a partnership between a municipality
and a township, i.e. Jefferson Township and the City of Gahanna, to define an area, called the “Zone”,
where the contracting parties will work cooperatively to facilitate new or expanded growth and economic
development. The geographic area included in the Zone is strictly defined and an income tax may be
assessed only on those businesses and their employees located within the Zone.
2. What is the purpose of a JEDZ?
A JEDZ enables a township to invest in services and programs designed to support and enhance the
township’s primary business community and to encourage development on lands zoned for business uses.
Indirectly, some services, e.g., street repairs and fire prevention, would benefit the entire township.
3. Where is the Zone located?
Generally, the Zone includes businesses between Taylor Road and the Township’s southern border
in Reynoldsburg. It also includes businesses that are adjacent to Gahanna, and school and government
properties within the unincorporated area of the Township. Initially, the Township considered including all
business areas. However, based on community feedback, the Township limited the Zone to primary business
corridors and growth areas, and nearby properties adjacent to Gahanna to help ensure that any new
development is in keeping with Township zoning standards and community values.
4. Why would Jefferson Township partner with Gahanna to form a JEDZ?
Ohio law enables townships to provide services funded through an income tax assessed on businesses
located within the zone and their employees who work in the zone, much as municipalities already do.
The law requires that the township contract with a municipality for the administration of the income tax.
Gahanna and Jefferson Township are not economic competitors; rather they are neighbors who have a
cooperative working relationship. The Township will realize increased revenue through redirecting income
taxes that many employees working in the JEDZ already pay to their home municipalities. Gahanna will
receive some of this revenue in exchange for collecting the tax and assisting with economic development
projects in the JEDZ. The Township has estimated that the total amount of revenue generated from the
JEDZ would be approximately $1 million.
5. Why is additional revenue needed?
Jefferson Township recognizes that the health of a community depends on the quality of life of its
residents and the health of its business community. However, the Township has seen budget cuts that have
had an effect on its ability to continue the level of public service provided. Jefferson Township has lost
hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years from changes in state law that:
• Eliminated the estate tax, which in the past three years, averaged about $335,000 a year for
Jefferson Township;
• Phased out the tangible personal property and kilowatt hour taxes to townships; and
• Slashed the Local Government Fund distribution in half.
6. Has the township made spending cuts?
Yes. The Township has left some positions unfilled and adjusted operations to address reductions in
revenue. For example, Jefferson Township invested in labor-saving equipment to patch roads, which allows
employees to make more repairs with fewer people than old-fashioned digging and filling with aggregate and
asphalt.
10
JEDZ FAQs | Spring 2014 NL | pg. 1 of 2
Jefferson, Plain and Mifflin townships partnered in recent years to create a consortium that has
saved Jefferson Township hundreds of thousands of dollars in dispatching costs as well. The consortium has
expanded membership and broadened its scope to contract for a medical director and other services to
share costs.
Last year, Jefferson Township evaluated all services and departments to identify strengths and
weaknesses, set priorities, and establish best practices. This year, the Township plans to conduct a
performance audit to find other ways to save money or operate more effectively and efficiently.
For years, Jefferson Township has tried to maintain basic services while keeping taxes low. Even with
passage of an additional 3-mill fire levy in 2013, Jefferson Township residents continue to pay the lowest
property tax millage rate for township services among the 17 townships in Franklin County.
7. What exactly will the JEDZ do for the Township?
The JEDZ would redirect tax dollars being lost to other communities to support Jefferson Township
projects, services, and facilities. It also could help restore some diversity of funding that was lost when the
state eliminated or reduced payments to the Township. Diversity could help the Township better weather
future economic downturns. Without this help, the reductions in revenues could impact local services
significantly.
8. How will the proceeds from the income tax be used?
If the voters approve the JEDZ contract on May 6, the income tax will support services that directly
and/or indirectly benefit businesses, schools, and the community at large. Examples include:
• A full-time fire prevention officer to conduct life-safety reviews of commercial building plans, conduct
safety inspections, and work with business owners, managers, developers, and schools.
• A business outreach program to augment a community comprehensive plan.
• Assistance in pro-actively marketing development sites.
• Incentive programs.
• A property maintenance program to help to ensure that the community is an attractive and inviting
place to do business, to shore up property values, and to protect the community’s core values.
• A township road repair and resurfacing program
• Grants to help make school districts within the JEDZ safer for our students, teachers, and staffs.
9. How much is the income tax?
The contract provides for a ceiling, up to the amount charged by the partnering municipality, which
currently is 1.5 percent. Rather than seek a partner with a higher tax, the Jefferson Township Trustees
believed that partnering with neighboring Gahanna was a better option, because it could facilitate other
benefits to the Township.
10. Will the JEDZ increase my taxes as a resident?
No, unless you own a business in the JEDZ or work in the JEDZ. An income tax would be collected on
the net profits of businesses located within the JEDZ and from employees who work in the JEDZ. Residents
who work outside the township (outside the Zone) will not pay the income tax. Employees working in the
JEDZ who live outside of the Township in a municipality would, in many cases, pay income taxes to Jefferson
Township instead of to their home municipality. Employees who are employed by businesses in the JEDZ but
conduct much of their work off site (outside the JEDZ) will be able to apply for refunds of taxes for the time
spent working outside the Zone.
For more information: Contact Mike Rowan, 519-9431, or Claire Yoder, 562-0936, or visit the Township
website: www.jeffersontownship.org
JEDZ FAQs | Spring 2014 NL | pg. 2 of 2
11
Jefferson Township
6545 Havens Road
Blacklick OH 43004
NEWS
PRSRT STD
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Board of Trustees
Rich Courter
[email protected]
Mike Rowan
[email protected]
Claire Yoder
[email protected]
Departments
Zoning Office
Charles McCroskey
Zoning Administrator/Inspector
[email protected]
Lorri Coupland
Zoning Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Office Hours
Administration Office
M - TH 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
F
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
6545 Havens Road, Blacklick OH 43004
Phone 614-855-4260 Fax 614-855-3761
Zoning Office
M - TH 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
F
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
6545 Havens Road, Blacklick OH 43004
Phone 614-855-4265 Fax 614-855-1759
Fiscal Office
Joshua Botts
Assistant Zoning Inspector
[email protected]
Jeff Palm
Fiscal Administrator
[email protected]
Service Department
Joseph Gerhart
Service Superintendent
[email protected]
Service Department
M - TH 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Spring/Summer)
M - F
6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Fall/Winter)
6620 Havens Corners Road, Blacklick OH 43004
Phone 614-861-2440 Fax 614-552-6464
Cemetery inquiries - Call the
Township office at 614-855-4260
Fire Department
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
M - F
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Business Hours)
6767 Havens Corners Road, Blacklick OH 43004
Phone 614-861-3757 Fax 614-861-0968
Ken Jones, Fiscal Officer
[email protected]
Administration
Tom Spring
Township Administrator
[email protected]
Janis Bowling
Township Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Fire Department
Crystal Dickerson
Fire Chief
[email protected]
Kelly Kiener
Parks Coordinator/Special Assistant
[email protected]
Rebecca Swingle
Fire Administrative Assistant
[email protected]