April 2012 Volume XVII I, Issue 1

City of Bellbrook Community Report

Friday, April 20th Main Street Closure ................................. 10:00 AMFranklin Street Closure ............................... 5:00 PMDog Show Registration ........................... 6 - 6:30 PMDog Show ............................................... 6:30 PMFood Vendors .................................. 6:30 - 8:30 PM Saturday, April 21st Pancake Breakfast .......................... 8:30 - 10:30 AM5K Registration ........................................ 8:00 AM5K Run Start ........................................... 9:00 AMNational Anthem .................................... 11:30 AMParade Start ......................................... 11:30 AMEntertainment .................................... Noon - 7 PMChildren’s Activities ............................. Noon - 6 PM* Craft and Food Vendors open 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM ** Entertainment open 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunday, April 22nd Children’s Activities ............................. Noon - 4 PM* Craft and Food Vendors open 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM ** Entertainment open 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

A Publication of the City of Bellbrook

Annual 5k Race

34th Sugar Maple Festival Sugar Maple Festival Goes to the Olympics

April 20th – 22nd, 2012

Come join the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek community as it celebrates the 34th Annual SugarMaple Festival in downtown Bellbrook on April 20th – 22nd. The theme of this year’sfestival is “Sugar Maple Festival Goes to the Olympics” celebrating the 2012 SummerOlympics in London, England. As always, there will be numerous activities for everyone.Entertainment includes live music, a parade, children’s activities, crafts and foodvendors. Other activities include a 5K run and a dog show. Come be a part of the fun!

For more information, visit the festival website at www.sugarmaplefestival.com

Event Schedule

Saturday, April 21st National Anthem to be sung from Reviewing Stand priorto parade – 11:30 AM Bellbrock Park Bellbrook Jazz Band ................................. 1:30 PMTodd the Fox .......................................... 2:45 PMThe Measures ......................................... 5:15 PM Sugarcreek Township Fire Department Bellbrook Dance Academy ......................... 12:30 PMTwp. Fire Dept. Auto Extrication .................. 2:00 PM Sunday, April 22nd Bellbrock Park Rick Fannin ........................................... 12:00 PMDanny Voris ............................................ 1:30 PMMuddy River Band .................................... 3:00 PM Sugarcreek Township Fire Department Twp. Fire Dept. Auto Extrication .................. 2:00 PM

Entertainment Schedule

Festival Commemorative Plates The 2012 Sugar Maple FestivalCommemorative Plate was designedby Ethan Aldridge. Aldridge is aneighth grade student at BellbrookMiddle School. He is a straight-Astudent who enjoys drawing andplaying video games. His inspirationfor this year’s plate is Winters-Bellbrook Library. Winters Library isnamed after one of Bellbrook’sfamous residents, Jonathan Winters.

The Commemorative Plates will goon sale Monday, April 16th, at Dot'sMarket. They will continue to besold at Dot's Market during the

festival and the week following.Dot's Market is located at 118 W.Franklin Street (State Route 725) inBellbrook. During the festival, theplates can also be purchased at theSugar Maple Festival tent inBellbrock Park. The 2012 plates willbe sold for $17. Previous festivalplates can be purchased at adiscounted price of $8 (limited yearsand quantities available).

To purchase one of theseCommemorative Plates, pleasecontact Holly Levine at (937) 750-9925 or hollyx2jb@hotmail.com .

The Annual 5kRace will be heldApril 21st with astart time of 9 AM.Registration willtake place at 8 AMat SugarcreekElementary School(51 S. East St.).

This is an Ohio River Road RunnersClub event; therefore, club raceentry fees apply (Club members $3;non-club members $6). The racetakes place on Washington Mill Rd.

Food Vendors: The Sugar Maple Festivalwill once again offer a wide variety offood for festival-goers. So manychoices, so little time! Come hungry tothe festival because every type offestival food favorites will be offeredalong Main Street. Giant porktenderloin sandwiches, maple sugarcandies, fried moon pies, smokehouseBBQ ribs, grilled salmon and crabcakes, Cajun gumbo or blackenedchicken & rice, delectable grilled porkchops, sirloin steak sandwiches, Dippin’Dots, frozen cheesecake on a stick,frozen chocolate dipped bananas,pulled BBQ pork, icees and icee floats,

City of Bellbrook Community ReportApril 2012

Dog Show The 6th Annual Sugar Maple Festival DogShow is Friday, April 20th. Registrationis from 6:00 - 6:30 PM behindSugarcreek Elementary. The categoriesare: cutest puppy (up to 12 months),cutest dog (over 12 months), ugliest,smallest, largest, best costume andsilly dog tricks. Each of the abovecategories awards a 1st, 2nd and 3rd

place trophy. There is also a Best ofShow winner. The winning dogs will beinvited to participate in Saturday's

Crafts

Transportation

The Sugar Maple Festival will onceagain offer an assortment of local andregional arts and craft vendors.Approximately 75 booths will line the

Free Shuttles run from Bell CreekIntermediate School on Upper BellbrookRoad to Bellbrock Park during festivalhours. The Sugar Maple FestivalCommittee is currently looking formore drivers. If interested, contactLouie Schatzberg at (937) 760-8401.

Handicapped Parking will be available at 26 N. West Street. (BellHop Cafe)

Syrup: As always, Maple Syrup will beavailable for purchase in BellbrockPark. Syrup prices: 32 oz. ($20), 16 oz.($12), 12 oz. ($10) and 8 oz. ($8). BlineFarms from Springfield produces thesyrup.

School & Children’s Activities School: Sugar Maple Festival schoolactivities chair, Jennifer Lewis, will bemeeting with children in small groupsand reading stories about sugar mapletrees and how maple syrup is made.Visits will be made to Stephen BellElementary (during each class' assignedlibrary time), Sugarcreek EducationCenter Preschool and Happy ChildPreschool the week of April 16th. Eachstudent will also have the opportunity

to taste some real maple syrup.Cookies and brochures for all teachersand students will also be provided.

Children: The festival offers multipleFREE activities for children of all ages.Games include Dinosaur Dig, Fish Pond,Duck Pond, Plinko, Skee Ball & Spin Me- Win Me!

Saturday, April 21st Noon - 6 PM Face tattoos, hair

painting and carnival games 2 PM Hula Hoop Contest 4 PM Jump Rope Contest

Sunday, April 22nd Noon - 4 PM Face tattoos, hair

painting and carnival games

Texas taters, fried bloomin onions,corn on the cob, hot pretzels,smoothies, pita pocket sandwiches,apple flappins, deep fried pickles,firehouse 'Fire Dogs,' baked goods andthe ever-popular hot dogs, hamburgers,french fries, cotton candy, popcorn andsoft drinks of all flavors. It will all bethere!

Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale:The annual “all you can eat” pancakebreakfast will be held Saturday, April21st at the Bellbrook United MethodistChurch from 7:00 – 11:00 AM. Costs are$5 for Adults and $3.50 for Children.

34th Sugar Maple Festival: April 20th – 22nd, 2012

streets. Returning this year amongothers are Earth Born Jewelry,Heartland Herbs, White MountainHoney Farm, and three artistsspecializing in oil paints on canvas. Wewill also have grapevine trees, candles,sand art, several different jewelers,tie-dyed shirts, air brushed clothing,American Girl doll clothes, and countrydécor. For more information, contactPam Ryan at (937) 848-9588.

parade. Food and beverage will beavailable at the show. The rain date isSaturday, April 21st at the same time.

Recycled Sculpture Contest Help the festival spread the wordabout recycling and discarding lesswaste by using your imagination andcreating a unique sculpture out ofrecycled materials! Sculptures willbe displayed during the festivalweekend from Friday to Sunday.

Cash prizes and ribbons will beawarded for all categories whichinclude: Individuals by age groups,businesses and communityorganizations. To find out moreinformation on the specifics of thecontest, visit the festival website atwww.sugarmaplefestival.com .

Community Spring Events

City of Bellbrook Community Report April 2012

Come Explore at the Festival… The Bellbrook Historical Societywill again showcase the BellbrookHistorical Museum. Look for newexhibits and interesting presenters asyou tour the museum with docentsfrom the Historical Society. A rotatingexhibit will feature their exhibit Hatsand Vintage Accessories. Their boothwill focus on selling those wonderfulSugar Maple cookies, history books andupdated disks, prints of some of ourhistoric buildings and much more. Thehistorical society’s booth will have aspecial display featuring someBellbrook houses from their ownexhibit, 200 Homes, 200 Years. A raffledrawing will be held with proceedsbenefiting the Historical Society.

The Bellbrook Garden Club boothwill highlight the Club's objective to

stimulate interest in gardening andshare how the club members contributeto the Bellbrook Sugarcreekcommunity. Look for the winning EarthDay posters from Bellbrook students, aworm compost farm display,educational handouts, Club projectphotos from the school and communitygardens and more. Also, the Club willhave a display featuring hummingbirdsand how to attract and feed thesebeautiful birds. Members of theBellbrook Garden Club and referencematerials will be available to help withgardening questions and problems.

Bellbrock Park offers a plethora ofactivity during the festival. Situated indowntown Bellbrook, it is the locationfor maple syrup, corn fritters, kettlecorn and the famous Commemorative

The Bellbrook Sugarcreek ParkDistrict has many exciting programsplanned for the upcoming summer!There are programs designed for allages, many of which are free or with asmall fee for supplies. Highlights forthe next few months include: Music inBellbrock Park, Summer Camps, NatureHike Programs, Fitness Classes,Stargazing, Knitting Classes and aWeekly Knitting Group, Tween Socials,4th of July Festivities and much more.For additional park information,contact the Park District at (937) 848-3535 or visit their website atwww.bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org.

The Bellbrook Garden Clubcontinues to be actively involved in thecommunity. To add a festive flairduring the winter months, clubmembers arranged greenery in theplanters in the downtown area. TheClub would like to thank Boy ScoutTroop 175 for their donation ofgreenery from their annual tree sale.

Recent activities include mentoringyoung gardeners and several Girl Scouttroops. At the Park District’s It’sSpring, Think Green event, Clubmembers taught how to correctly plantand care for the flowers.

May, the Society will be hosting apicnic at Magee Park. The finalprogram will be a tour of the GreeneCounty Historical Society in June.Please call, Alice Wiseman, President,at (937) 862-6021 for more information.

The Bellbrook SugarcreekChamber of Commerce will besponsoring the annual CommunityGarage Sale May 17th – 19th. You mayregister your garage sale on theChamber website or stop by theChamber tent in Bellbrock Park at theSugar Maple Festival. The City willwaive the garage sale sign restrictionsfrom May 17th – May 19th. The BusinessDirectory is available at the Citymunicipal building.

The Chamber has organized a freeCollection Day for secure documentdestruction on April 17th from 3 – 5 PMin front of Barleycorns restaurant. Thecollection and shredding of yourimportant papers is being handled byGreene Inc. Each resident/business isasked to limit items to one large box.

Please visit the Chamber website atwww.bellbrooksugarcreekchamber.com for additional Chamber events andinformation or call the office at (937)848-4930.

Plates. Bellbrock Park also hosts liveentertainment and children’s activities.Other attractions will include aneducational display from the GreeneCounty Park District, planting activitiesfrom the Bellbrook Garden Club, andthe popular “free” trees available atthe Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park Districtbooth.

Winters Library will be holdingtheir used books and media saleduring the Sugar Maple Festival! It willbe located at the library, from 10 AM -4 PM on April 20th and 21st.

The Club’s annual plant sale will beheld on Saturday, May 19th. Shop forgreat plants at great prices! Theproceeds help support the Club’svarious community projects as well asscholarships to local students. The salewill be held at 51 South East Street.

For more information on the BellbrookGarden Club, visit their website atwww.bellbrookgardenclub.com .

Bellbrook Sugarcreek HistoricalSociety Visitors are invited to attendthe Society's meetings on the secondMonday of each month. In response tothe significant increase in visitors atthe Museum, a docent training programis being initiated this spring. Anyoneinterested in finding more about thisexciting service opportunity can callthe Museum at (937) 848-2415 for moreinformation.

Many interesting programs are offeredat the Museum including the chance toparticipate in a new genealogy group.Featured programs during their 2011calendar included Leon Bay's discussionof Dayton during the Civil War andLarry Marple's interpretation of an OhioCivil War soldier's life. PresidentTheodore Roosevelt joined them for anevening of historical remembrances. In

34th Sugar Maple Festival: April 20th – 22nd, 2012

Community News

Dear Residents of Bellbrook,

After one of the mildest winters I can remember, spring has arrived and it’s once again time to getready for the 34th Annual Sugar Maple Festival. Hopefully the warm weather we have had in Marchwill continue for the festival.

The festival committee has put together a great weekend of events, food and entertainment. TheSugar Maple Festival is a family friendly event and I would encourage our residents to pack up thekids and come downtown to enjoy the festival.

The festival will kick off with the dog show Friday night. Once again my dog Otis, an English Mastiff,will be competing in the largest dog category. The dog show categories are cutest puppy (12 monthsand younger), cutest dog (over 12 months), ugliest, smallest, largest, best costume and silly dogtricks. The dog show event is held behind Sugarcreek Elementary and registration begins Friday at6:00 p.m. The winning dogs will be invited to participate in Saturday's parade.

See you at the festival!

Bob Baird, Mayor

Message from the Mayor

City of Bellbrook Community ReportApril 2012

Family Resource Center The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek FamilyResource Center staff would like tothank residents, businesses, andcommunity leaders for their continuedsupport of the Center and families inneed in the community. With yourgenerosity, 112 families receivedassistance during the Christmas holidayseason. Volunteers assisted at theCenter more than 60 days in 2011.Without YOU, many programs wouldnot have been possible. Many familieswrote something similar to what onemother wrote, “Without your help,

Community News

City News

there would not have been Christmasunder the tree.”

Services and requests to the Centerincreased 3% over the previous year.The Center had nearly 1,500 requestsor personal contacts for information orservices in 2011. This includedinquiries from community residents,surrounding communities, otherorganizations, or professionals, andyouth activities. In 2011, Center staffworked with more than 150 familiesliving in poverty. It is through yoursupport and donations that the Family

Resource Center is able to help so manyfamilies. Donations can be made to theBellbrook Family Resource Center orthe “Friends of the Family ResourceCenter” and mailed to 51 South EastStreet, Bellbrook, OH 45305. If youhave any questions about the FamilyResource Center, need assistance,would like to volunteer, or be added toan informational email listing, pleasecontact Susan Lopez at (937) 848-3810.Again thank you; Bellbrook is truly acommunity that cares about each of itscommunity members.

In addition to the sale during the Sugar Maple Festival, the library will hold a craft supply sale on Saturday, April 28th, from 10AM – 4 PM. Donate your unwanted craft supplies before the sale, and then stock up with “new” items that day. Proceeds fromboth of these sales benefit the Friends of the Winters Library.

Winters – Bellbrook Community Library

As always, we have your favorite new books, music and movies for checkout, onlineresources for research, and lots of fun programs. For more information go towww.greenelibrary.info. Discover, Learn, Grow at YOUR library.

Eric Lynch In January, Eric Lynch was recognized as an All-American at the National SoccerCoaches Association’s annual convention for his achievements on the Bellbrook High School men’ssoccer team. Eric is a junior at Bellbrook and has had a successful career at Bellbrook.

Cameron Kelly In March, freshmen Cameron Kelly won Bellbrook’s first ever individual statewrestling title in the 106 lb. class for Division II. This season, Cameron was 45-1.

Girl’s Basketball On March 16th, the Bellbrook High School girls’ basketball team played in thestate Division II final four against Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown. While the girls did not win, thecommunity is proud of their accomplishments for making it so far in the tournament!

Bellbrook Sports Success

City News

City of Bellbrook Community Report April 2012

visit the website. Please beconsiderate of your neighbors!

Signs During the warm weather,activity increases for temporary signsthroughout the City. The BellbrookZoning Code outlines the regulations onthese signs. Garage sale, contractorwork and real estate sale signs are onlyallowed on the property where theactivity is taking place and for limitedperiods. The Code protects the rightsof property owners residing on streetcorners to prevent the placement ofthese types of signs on privateproperty. Lead-in signs at intersectionsand signs placed on telephone poles ortraffic signs are NOT permitted. Signsize is limited to 6 square feet per side.Illegal signs will be confiscated andowners of the signs may be faced witha zoning citation and fine. The onlytime the Code is relaxed is during theCommunity Garage Sale held in Maywith the approval of City Council.

Permits Warm weather and homeimprovement projects are picking upagain. As a reminder, below is a chartof some projects that require aproperty owner to obtain a zoningpermit from the Bellbrook ZoningOffice before construction begins. Youmay visit our website atwww.cityofbellbrook.org to downloadan Application for a Zoning Permit.Submit the completed application andsupporting documentation to the Cityof Bellbrook Zoning Office located at 15E Franklin St, 2nd floor, Bellbrook. Yourrequest will be reviewed to ensurecompliance with the Zoning Ordinance.The applicable fee will be acceptedonce the permit is approved and readyfor pick-up. Once you have received azoning permit, if needed, you mayobtain a building permit from GreeneCounty Building Regulation by calling(937) 562-7420. Please contact theBellbrook Zoning Office at (937) 848-8477 with any questions regarding thepermit process.

Com

mon

Pro

ject

s &

Per

mit

s *

Project Zoning Permit Building Permit Fee Comments Fence Yes No $25

Shed Yes Yes $10 - $35 200 – 600 sf requires building permit

Addition Yes Yes Sliding Scale See fee schedule on website

Remodeling Yes Yes Sliding Scale See fee schedule on website

Deck Yes Yes Sliding Scale If attached, building permit required

Swimming Pool Yes Yes $25 In-ground & above ground pools

Temporary Tent Yes Yes $10

Sign Yes Yes $25 - $50 Business districts only If internally lit, building permit required

* Please note this is not an exhaustive list of permits.

In an effort to keep residents informed,certain provisions of the Municipal &Zoning Codes have been highlightedbelow.

Property Maintenance Withspring comes new growth! Pleaseremember that grass, shrubs and treesneed to be maintained. The PropertyMaintenance Code requires thatproperty owners maintain their homeor business, so there is an unobstructedview of traffic from all directions.Low-hanging trees and shrub branchesshould not interfere with vehicle orpedestrian use of sidewalks and/orstreets. Also, adverse property issuesmay affect the value of a house orneighboring houses. The MunicipalCode says that grass above 8 inches tallis a violation, and further action by theCity will be taken to make sure thegrass is maintained. If you have anyquestions or would like to make acomplaint, contact the Zoning office or

Municipal & Zoning Code Highlights

Citizen Survey On Monday, March 12th, the City mailed its first citizen survey. Theintent of the survey is to determine how you, the residents ofBellbrook, think we are delivering services and your views on variouscommunity topics. The information gathered from this survey will helpgauge your satisfaction with current services and guide futuredecisions.

This survey is a joint effort between the City of Bellbrook and theUniversity of Dayton. The responses you provide will be delivereddirectly to the University of Dayton for tabulation and processing. Youranswers will be anonymous. When complete, the results of the surveywill be posted on our website at www.cityofbellbrook.org .

If you did not receive a survey or it has been misplaced, you mayrequest a copy by calling the Administration office at (937) 848-4666.You will be asked to provide your address for record purposes.

The Fire Escape Spring Flood Safety The term flash flood warning is usually associated with water rushingthrough normally dry or low-flow creeks, streams, washes, ravines, or across lower lying ground.In suburban areas, torrents of water may run off of paved parking areas and travel for miles instorm drains until reaching a river or stream. This violent rushing of water collects debris andmud as it pushes across the ground and through the drainage system. Commonly, manyindividuals are unaware of the potential force of water. Just six inches of fast-moving floodwatercan knock a person off their feet.

Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall. Other causes of floodinginclude a dam or levee failure, and the sudden release of water held by an ice jam. Flash floodscan move vehicles, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and create new channels.

While flood deaths affect all age groups, nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Most flash floods arecaused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area, or heavy rains from micro-bursts. These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography,soil conditions and ground cover.

The Bellbrook Fire Department suggests the following safety tips to avoid being caught in a flood: Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information. If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low lying areas, storm

drains and detention basins. Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams on foot or by

automobile. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways Do not park your vehicle along streams and rivers, particularly during threatening conditions. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

For more information visit the Fire Department page at www.cityofbellbrook.org or go to the Bellbrook Fire DepartmentFacebook page.

Meet Your Fire Department at the Sugar Maple Festival! It wouldn’t be Sugar Maple Festival time without theBellbrook Firefighters’ Association’s booth on North Main Street.

Stop by the booth and try a one, two or three alarm Fire Dog or treat your taste buds to a Haz-Mat Dog for the truly brave atheart. If you’re not ready for the heat of a Fire Dog, don’t worry, we’ll have our famous Gyros and plenty of good old-

2012 Budget Last December, City Council approved the 2012 Annual Budget and the 2012-2016 Capital ImprovementProgram. A brief summary of the 2012 budget has been included in this newsletter. The complete budget document can befound on the City’s website.

Zoning Code The Zoning Code was recently modified after public hearings by both the Planning Board and City Council toupdate certain language and adjust the permit fee schedule. The amendments were approved to ensure that the Zoning Codeis current and that the fees reflect the cost of issuing permits and conducting inspections. The full text of the amendmentscan be found in Ordinance 2012-2 on the City’s website.

MVRPC Integrated Land Use Vision In January, a representative from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commissionpresented the “Preferred Future Land Use Scenario of Going Places – An Integrated Land Use Vision for the Miami Valley.”Following the presentation, City Council passed a resolution endorsing the scenario. For more information, please visitwww.mvrpc.org .

2012 Water Rates City Council decided at their February 13th Council meeting not to increase the water rates charged tothe residents in 2012.

Bond Refunding Following authorization from Council, the City is pursuing the refinancing of bonds originally issued in1981. The original bonds are set to mature in 2021 and have a fixed interest rate of 5%. With the refinancing, the Cityanticipates saving $50,000 over the remaining term of the bonds.

Council Videos The City broadcasts video of council meetings through Bellbrook TV on Time Warner Cable channel 5 andAT&T U-Verse channel 99. Council meeting videos are also posted on the website for you to watch at your convenience. Visitour website at www.cityofbellbrook.org and go to the Council page.

April 2012 City of Bellbrook Community Report

City News City Council Updates

Waste Collection Holidays Please note that trash collection will be delayed one day dueto the Memorial Day and Independence Day holidays. Trash collection will take place onSaturday, June 2nd and Saturday, July 7th for those weeks.

City Recycling Program The City has a bi-weekly recycling program. Special items such ashazardous waste, electronics, metal appliances and scrap metal are recycled by Greene CountyEnvironmental Services who can be contacted at (937) 562-5925. For more information on therecycling program, call the Utilities Office at (937) 848-4638.

Bulk Pick-up Large items may be picked up by Allied Waste on Fridays. However, you mustcall ahead and schedule with Allied Waste at (937) 268-8110.

Yard Waste The City does not have leaf or yard waste collection service. However, residentsmay use the Greene County satellite site located at 2120 Ferry Rd., which is open on Mondaysand Wednesdays beginning April 2nd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The site accepts leaves, grassand brush no longer than 4 feet and no more than 4 inches in diameter. Also, leaves may bebagged and sticks can be bundled to be collected with the weekly trash.

For more information, visit the Utilities page on our website at www.cityofbellbrook.org .

The City has redesigned the website with the goal of being more user friendly andinformational. The City tries to include as much information on the website aspossible. On the site, you can find current information about City Council, publicmeetings, city services, as well as need-to-know resident and business information.Look for yourself at www.cityofbellbrook.org .

As a resident of Bellbrook, we value your opinion on how we deliver information toyou. If you have any comments or suggestions for the website, please contact DonBuczek at don.buczek@cityofbellbrook.org .

City Website: New Look

Waste, Recycling & Yard Waste Disposal

April 2012City of Bellbrook Community Report

City News

Policeman’s Badge Crime Watch The Bellbrook Police Department has begun a weekly crime report. Inan effort to keep Bellbrook citizens more informed of recent police activities in the City,the Bellbrook Police Department publishes “Crime Watch” (or CW). CW provides detailsof criminal activities occurring in the past week. CW will not include police responses totraffic enforcement (except DUS/OVI), traffic hazards, citizen assists, animal complaints,escorts, soliciting complaints, or other service calls. The focus of CW is to provideinformation that is valuable to the citizen, in order for the citizen to take preventativesteps in ensuring his/her safety.

Crime Watch is available on our website at www.cityofbellbrook.org and go to the PoliceDepartment page.

fashioned hot dogs on the grill.

As always, the fire and emergency medical equipment will be on display during the festival, so make sure to give us a wave asour trucks pass by during the parade on Saturday. Visiting your Fire Department at the festival will also be an excellentopportunity to gather information on how you can join our team and support your community.

While you’re at the festival, come to the firefighter’s booth and meet the dedicated men and women of “Your FireDepartment!” We can’t wait to see you!

Open Burning Requirements for Recreational Fires The Bellbrook Fire Department is charged with monitoringrecreational fires in the City. Because of the population and close proximity of residences across the City, we must be mindfulof what and where we are burning materials. Yard waste is prohibited from being burned. For more information about theserequirements, stop by one of the Fire stations, call the Department at (937) 848-3272 or visit our website atwww.cityofbellbrook.org and go to the Fire Department page.

The Fire Escape Continued…

Holidays The City of Bellbrook non-emergencyservices will be closed Friday April 6th

in observance of Good Friday, MondayMay 28th in observance of Memorial Dayand Wednesday July 4th in observanceof Independence Day.

Water Quality Report The 2011 Water Quality Report is nowavailable. The report will be mailedwith the April, May and June quarterlystatements. If you would like moreinformation, contact our WaterForeman at (937) 848-8415 or visit theUtilities page on our website atwww.cityofbellbrook.org .

City News

City of Bellbrook Community ReportApril 2012

This past year, the Bellbrook Service Department has painted approximately two-thirds of the fire hydrants in the City. Thiscoming year, the Service Department will complete the hydrant painting and the Fire Department will be performing routinemaintenance on the hydrants. All of this maintenance will ensure a safe and dependable fire suppression and water supplysystem.

Hydrant Painting & Maintenance

For many years, volunteers from the community have taken part in honoringhomeowners with properties that are well-maintained and stand out from the rest.Ten homes and several businesses are chosen each year to receive the awards. Ahome or business may only win an award once every five years.

The committee begins their process in late June and takes several weeks to maketheir final decisions. The City is divided into five sections with each section havingtwo homes selected along with one or two businesses. Properties are voted uponby committee members and then are presented with a plaque by the City Councilin the fall. They also receive an engraved landscaping stone with the words,“Bellbrook Beautification Winner.”

For more information, visit our website and go to the Bellbrook Information page.You can also contact Bronne Wilson, Committee Chair, at (937) 848-3458 or emailher at bronnew@gmail.com .

Bellbrook Beautification Awards

Service Department: The Works The Bellbrook Service Department hasbeen busy this winter, even without thenormal amount of snow! The reprievefrom snow and ice has saved the City inlabor, salt, fuel and wear on vehicles.

The Water Treatment Plant addition iscomplete and operating. The newcapabilities of the treatment plantallow for a better supply of water tothe system and the ability to increasecapacity in the future.

The following streets are beingconsidered for paving in 2012: SouthLakeman Drive (from Franklin Street to

Bellemeade Drive), South West andNorth West quadrants of downtown(West Maple Street, West South Street,South West Street, North West Street,High Street and Walnut Street).

Report the following issues: Potholes in the roadway Street lights that are out Stormwater drainage issues in

the street You can report the above issues to theService Department by calling them at(937) 848-8415.

Water Rates Remain Steady The City Council has determined that water service rates will remain the same as 2011. Bellbrook water rates consistentlyremain on average for the area.

Residents may see an increase in their sewer bill because Greene County Sanitary Engineering (GCSE) has increased sewerrates by 3%. If you have questions regarding your sewer bill, please contact GCSE at (937) 562-7457.

City of Bellbrook Community Report April 2012

One Saturday each month, GreeneCounty Environmental Services holds aspecial collection for recyclables thatare not picked up by Allied Waste.Below is a list of accepted items.Please note this is not an exhaustivelist. If you have any questions, pleasecontact Environmental Services.

Household Hazardous Waste o Liquids for garden use o Fuel up to 5 gallons o Cleaners o Spray cans, stain, paint thinner o Fluorescent bulbs o Not Accepted: paint or motor

oil – dried paint can be disposed with regular trash collection and motor oil can be

recycled at various automotive garages

Household Electronics o DVD/VHS players/stereo

equipment o Fax/Copy machines o Cell phones/telephones o Household and vehicle

batteries o Not Accepted: televisions,

computers and computer accessories – these items can be disposed at electronics and office supply stores - fees may apply

Metal Appliances and Scrap Metal o Appliances with Freon

o Large kitchen appliances o Lawn mowers and grills o Scrap metal

Dates for special collections: Saturday April 14th Saturday May 12th Saturday June 9th Saturday July 14th

Contact information: Greene County Environmental Services 2145 Greene Way Blvd Xenia OH 45385 (937) 562-5925 www.co.greene.oh.us

Greene County Recycling Special Collections

The Bellbrook Fire Department put a new medic unit into service atthe end of 2011. The new medic has a different look than the otherFire Department vehicles. The Department decided to go with a moretraditional look with the red striping.

After 18 years of service, the Fire Department auctioned a 1993 medicto make room for the new medic. The Fire Department has twomedics in service to be able to respond to multiple calls at one time.

New Fire Department Medic

We want to give you an opportunity to include yourfavorite pictures of Bellbrook on our website. Thepictures can be of your neighborhood, your backyard, thelocal parks, streetscapes, festivals, block parties, ourdowntown or other subjects you feel represent our City.

If you are interested in sharing your pictures with the Cityand your community, please contact Don Buczek at (937)848-4666 or email don.buczek@cityofbellbrook.org .

WANTED: Your Pictures for the Website!

City News

City of Bellbrook Community ReportApril 2012

In December 2011, the Bellbrook City Council adoptedthe 2012 Annual Budget and 2012-2016 CapitalImprovement Program. Included on this page are a fewcharts that summarize the approved budget.

The City’s total expense budget for 2012 is $6.9million. These expenses are paid using a combinationof fund balance carry over ($4.0 million) and 2012revenue ($6.9 million).

The City’s largest revenue source is property tax at$2.5 million, or 43% of total revenue. The secondlargest source is charges for services, which includeWater, Waste and EMS charges. This accounts for $2.1million, or 35% of total revenue. The final significantsource of revenue is intergovernmental, which includesestate taxes, homestead and rollback reimbursements,local government funds, gasoline taxes, permissivetaxes, and motor vehicle registrations. This accountsfor $0.9 million, or 15% of total revenue.

The $6.9 million expense budget can be viewed fromdifferent perspectives. In the Expense BudgetBreakdown chart, it is shown that 62% of the City’stotal expenses are for wages and benefits. Thisincludes paying the firefighters, police officers andservice employees that work for the City. In addition,11% of the expenses are used for capital outlayincluding street projects, water system projects andvehicles and equipment for the Police, Fire and ServiceDepartments.

From a different perspective, the budget can beviewed in the Expense Budget Breakdown by Functionchart. This chart shows that the Police Departmentaccounts for 28% of the total expenses, the FireDepartment accounts for 19% of the total expenses andthe Water Department accounts for 22% of the totalexpenses.

The complete 2012 Annual Budget and 2012-2016Capital Improvement Program is available by calling(937) 848-4666 or visit the Finance page on our websiteat www.cityofbellbrook.org .

2012 Financial Overview

City News

Property Tax43%

Inter-governmental

16%

Grants3%

Charges for Services

35%

Fines/Fees/Permits 2%

Other Revenue1%

2012 Revenue by Source

Salaries & Wages46%

Fringe Benefits16%

Purchased Services

19%

Materials & Supplies

4%

Other Expenses1%

Debt Service3%

Capital Outlay11%

2012 Expense Budget Breakdown

Police28%

Fire19%

Water22%

Street13%

Administrative10%

Waste8%

2012 Budget Breakdown by Function

City of Bellbrook Community Report April 2012

Hydromodification

Report a suspected illegal discharge. To report an illegal discharge, call the BellbrookService Department at (937) 848-8415 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. After hours,call (937) 848-8484. Storm drains are designed to handle stormwater runoff only and do notprovide treatment to water or other substances that enter the system. The Bellbrook ServiceDepartment manages the storm drain system in the city. Public education and participation inreporting sightings or evidence of suspicious substances being dumped down storm drains ordirectly into our local creeks is an important part in preventing water pollution. Odors,unnatural colors or dead fish are signs that something harmful has entered the water.

As part of our Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program, we ask citizens whosuspect that they have witnessed illegal dumping into a storm drain or water pollution to contactthe Bellbrook Service Department at the numbers above. If you are not sure whether an illegaldischarge has occurred, please report it and we will determine whether action is required toprotect the water supply and/or the environment.

KEEP CREEKS CLEAN AND STORM DRAINS CLEAR

A HEALTHY STREAM… 1. Is a meandering, winding, “S”

shaped curve across the land. 2. Has open access to a floodplain. 3. Has a grassy or treed “buffer zone”

along the stream bank.

When these natural curves in streamsare eliminated and the stream channelis narrowed into a straight line, called HYDROMODIFICATION, the effects are very dramatic.

Storm Drain Dumping & Stream Pollution

Streams A HYDROMODIFIED STREAM… 1. Increases the velocity or speed that

the stream travels. 2. Significantly increases stream bank

erosion. 3. Streams confined in a channel can

no longer spill over into thefloodplain to reduce velocity orspeed, so downstream neighborsare at a greater risk of flooding.

Environmental News

DO keep a grassy or treed bufferalong your back yard stream

DO add woody shrubs in your buffer DO clean up trash along or in your

local streams DO NOT change the course of any

stream!

Re-printed with permission, Cuyahoga Soil &Water Conservation District.

WHAT IS HYDROMODIFICATION? Changes to natural stream beds and banks Building of dams Destruction of natural floodplains Increased building within a watershed

WHEN THIS OCCURS: Excess water flows quickly to and through streams resulting in

stream bank erosion Stream bank erosion destroys grass and trees Increased velocity of water can wash fertilizers and pesticides from

adjoining land into the stream, causing polluted water Increased water temperature from higher water velocity and

pollution results in the destruction of fish and natural organisms Water pollution is a health hazard

SOLUTIONS: Keep stream banks natural and vegetated Use less fertilizer Remove trash and debris from streams A small rain garden allows rainwater to infiltrate into the ground Rain barrels collect rainwater for re-use in gardening

City of Bellbrook 15 E Franklin St

Bellbrook OH 45305

Departments Administration ........ (937) 848-4666Clerk of Council ...... (937) 848-4321Zoning ................. (937) 848-8477Police .................. (937) 848-8484Fire ..................... (937) 848-3272Service ................. (937) 848-8415Utility Billing .......... (937) 848-4638

We’re on the Web! www.cityofbellbrook.org

CITY OF BELLBROOK 15 E FRANKLIN ST BELLBROOK OH 45305

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID DAYTON OH

PERMIT NO 41

The Bellbrook City Council would liketo invite you to attend its regularmeetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays ofeach month. Meetings begin at 7 PM.

For more information about CityCouncil, past meetings and currentissues, call the Clerk of Council at (937)848-4321 or visit the Council page onour website at www.cityofbellbrook.org

Council Members

Bob Baird, Mayor

Mike Schweller, Deputy Mayor

Denny Bennett

Jon Martin

Elaine Middlestetter

Joe Ritzel

Dona Seger-Lawson

City Council 34th Annual Sugar Maple

Festival Activities

Information regarding activities to do and things to see at the festival

Community News

Information on community events happening this spring

City News

Information on what is happening at the City and services that we provide our residents

o Message from the Mayor

o City Council Updates

o The Fire Escape

o The Policeman’s Badge

o The Works

Environmental News

City of Bellbrook Community Report

City of Bellbrook Community Report

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