By CECILIA FOX
Record Herald Writer
Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed 5.13.12

TIPP CITY – Monday’s Tipp City Council meeting ended with organizers and participants in the What A Girl Wants demanding an apology for the difficulties they encountered in planning the event. Cancer survivors and community members spoke out in support of the event.
The event, which benefits breast cancer research and charities, ran into difficulties late in the planning stages. Council, concerned about closing Main Street while the citywide garage sale was taking place, suggested that the organizers consider moving the event or closing the street later. Eventually, the event organizers settled on closing Main Street later than they had planned.
“In order for any community to work, the first thing that has to happen is the government has to work for the community. This event almost didn’t happen because a small group of people didn’t agree with it,” Will Grosz said. Grosz’s business is one of the sponsors for the event and he also served as Logistics Chair.
According to Grosz, 58 cancer survivors attended the event and 400 women came to the fashion show.
He added that 50 volunteers helped to make the event happen, and approximately 2,000 people attended the free concert.
Budding also voiced concerns that not all of the downtown businesses supported the event and might not benefit from having Main Street closed. To prove that the downtown businesses could profit from the event, Grosz reported that sales were up for many of the shops on Main Street.
“Sweet by Kristy’s was up 16 percent from last year same day sales, which is an 84 percent increase from a normal Saturday. Cairn’s Toy Store was 64 percent up from last year, which is 145 percent up from a normal Saturday,” Grosz said.
Kelley Andary of Harrisons and Urban Ava’s announced at the meeting that the event will move to Beavercreek next year because of the construction on Main Street and also because of what she felt was a lack of support from council.
“I’m asking each and every one of you, and I want it to be addressed at some point, what are you going to do to fight to bring this back to our town,” one resident asked.
Members of council offered their apologies and their support to the organizers of What A Girl Wants, except for Budding, who said he was looking out for the minority.
Hale told the organizers he thought the only issue was that of having the street closed while the garage sale was happening, so he was sorry they felt council wasn’t being supportive.
Mayor Dee Gillis said the event was wonderful and she was sorry they were leaving, but cautioned that disagreements are bound to occur anywhere.
“You need to get a little tough skinned,” she said, but concluded, “We love you and we thank you.”
“If there is any way that you could reconsider your decision, please do so,” Councilman Joe Gibson added.

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By CECILIA FOX
Record Herald Writer
Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed 5.13.12

TIPP CITY – Tipp City residents will soon notice an increase on their water and sewer bills. Council approved the rate increase for both water and sewer at Monday’s meeting in order to pay for the Downtown Utilities Replacement Project and the Main Street Lift Station Project.
The sewer rate will increase by 22.5 percent, which means that the average user, who uses about 7,500 a month, will see a monthly increase of about $2.73 on the sewer portion of their bill.
“The net effect of a 22.5 percent increase on the collection portion of the bill is about a 12 percent increase overall,” City Manager Jon Crusey said.
The water rate will go up 3 percent, so the average user can expect to pay about $1.11 more per month.
The water and sewer rate increase will fund the Downtown Utilities Replacement Project, which is expected to cost $2.15 million. This includes the construction of a new 12-inch water main, new sanitary sewers, an 18-inch storm sewer, and the repair of the roadways and sidewalks affected by the construction.
The project will affect Main Street between Fourth Street and First Street.
The sewer rate increase also funds the renovation of the Main Street Lift Station, which will cost the city $1 million. The city is required by the EPA to eliminate the sanitary sewer overflows – when the system is overwhelmed by clean watering infiltrating the sewer system – that happen during heavy rains. This project includes upgrades to the lift station and a new 30-inch sanitary sewer main.
“I’m not usually one of those guys that’s for raising any kind of rates,” Councilman Bryan Budding said, who sponsored the ordinance. “But as the cost of business goes up, whether it be employees, healthcare, a project you want to take on or a project you have to take on, as go those costs, so does the cost of the product.”
The first stages of these projects are expected to begin this fall, with construction beginning late this year and continuing through 2013.
“It probably won’t be done by summer and it will disturb some of the events that are planned for downtown. Our goal is to have it done by the first Saturday in November 2013 when we have the Winter’s Yuletide Gathering,” said Crusey.
Council also awarded contracts for two more upcoming road construction programs. The contract for the reconstruction of Franklin Street was awarded to Finfrock Construction for $116,000, which is well under budget. The estimated cost of the project was $135,249. Franklin is being reconstructed between N. Third and N. Second Streets.
The contract for the 2012 street resurfacing program was awarded to John R. Jurgensen Co. for $462,949.55, which exceeds the appropriations for the project by almost $11,000. Council voted to use funds from the underbid Franklin Street project to cover the costs of this contract.
All or part of the following 17 streets will be resurfaced: N. Willow Glen Avenue, Rolling Acres Drive, Heartwood Court, S. Willow Glen Drive, Tamarak Avenue, Wilson Court, Sycamore Court, Red Oak Court, Nelson Court, Barbara Drive, Smith Street, Fern Avenue and Fern Court, N. Weller Drive, S. Hyatt Street, South St., N. Sixth Street, and the Kyle Park parking lot.
The council approved the issuance of $675,000 in bond anticipation notes for the construction of Abbott Park Way and to extend utilities to the site of the new Abbott facility. The city has received several grants from the state to assist with this project.
The council also authorized the advance of $775,000 from the General Fund to the Abbott Park Way Fund until the grants are received. The General Fund will be paid back once the city is reimbursed with grant funds.

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May 4th, 2012 – Tipp City, Ohio

Dr. Mark Bamberger proffers that those litigating in support of animals in the State of Ohio must think creatively in finding strategies and tactics in order to protect Ohio’s animal populations.

Within the Extract, Bamberger relates “Environmentalists have always been a little tone deaf when it comes to valuating environmental resources; including the value of preserving herds of animals”. Link to Mark Bamberger’s Presentation Slides.

About the 2012 Ohio State Bar Association Annual Convention

As a part of the convention each year, the Ohio State Bar Association provides attorneys with an opportunity to not only learn in small peer groups, but also collect Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits in a classroom setting. At this year’s convention, more than 825 attendees were able to take an opportunity to learn from the most notable of Ohio’s legal specialists, respected for their work in and out of the courtroom.
Dr. Mark Bamberger shares, “The OSBA conference is really a great opportunity to network and to learn from those who specialize in their fields. The sessions provide us with a multitude of topics to choose from including consumer protection, litigation, corporate compliance, family law, estate planning, M&A, and of course my favorite topic, animal law”.

About Mark Bamberger

Dr. Bamberger received his BA from Miami University, his MS from Wichita State University, his PhD from The Union Institute, and his JD from Capital University Law School. His professional memberships include the Ohio State Bar Association and the Dayton Bar Association. Dr. Bamberger has worked as an environmental educator, hydrogeologist, contaminant geochemist, and hazardous waste remediation supervisor, law advisor, and environmental law specialist. Since 2009, he has owned and operated his firm, a general practice law firm with offices in Tipp City, West Chester, Enon, and Spring Valley.

Dr. Bamberger’s passion in legal practice is animal law, and he currently serves as general counsel for a number of small and large animal rescue and/or advocacy organizations. He has served as lead attorney on several large civil actions in Ohio against groups who have harmed or killed animals.

Mr. Bamberger is a benefactor and legal advisor to the Wolf Creek Wolf Habitat & Rescue, Inc., in Brookville, Indiana. Before his shift from environmental consulting and teaching into law, he worked in environmental consulting and taught as an adjunct professor of geology and environmental science and advised students at more than seven universities for more than 22 years, including Miami University, Capital University, Wichita State University, SUNY-Binghamton, Eastern Connecticut State University, and The Union Institute.

Dr. Bamberger taught in various sub-disciplines, including but not limited to, environmental history and philosophy, hydrogeology, contaminant geochemistry, and American presidential history. He also worked for the Connecticut DEP in their hazardous waste enforcement sections and the Ohio EPA in their drinking and ground water section, as well as several major environmental and nuclear consulting firms in Connecticut and Ohio.

Dr. Bamberger can be reached at (877) 644-8181 (office), (937) 405-1491 (fax), or via email at mark@bambergerlaw.com.

How can you get into Cuba?
What’s the current state of the U.S. Embargo?
What are the sports teams like?
Do they really drive 1950′s cars?
What about the medical system?
And much more….

Where: Tipp City Library, 11 E. Main St., Tipp City, 667-3826
When: Saturday, May 12, 12:00-1:00pm
How: Bring your lunch (optional) and munch while you listen. We’ll provide the drinks.

(Posted by Sue Hofer, Staff, Tipp City Library)

Rosa Margaretta Hofmann Brenner Wion, 91 of Tipp City passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Belle Manor Nursing Home, New Carlisle, Ohio. Born July 20, 1920 to Wilhelm August and Clara {Hain} Hofmann in Aschaffenburg, Germany.

Rosa’s father left for America in 1928 landing at Ellis Island. He moved to Dayton, Ohio where he was a Barber. Rosa, her Mom and sister Irmgard traveled to Bremenhaven where they caught a ship to America and arrived at Ellis Island on June 25, 1929. They resided in Dayton, Ohio. Rosa started third grade not knowing the English language. She had a very good teacher who helped her learn the language after school. Her favorite subjects were English, Phys. Ed. and Art. She met Robert George Brenner while attending the Parker Co-op program. Robert was learning to be a Tool Maker. He was a football star at Stivers High School, Dayton, Ohio. She married Robert in 1939.

He worked at Frigidaire as a toolmaker. Robert knew Rosa’s love for horses and he bought her the home at Crane Rd., Tipp City, Ohio so she could have her horses. After Robert’s death she married Everett “Sid” Wion. Rose was very active in Eastern Star, Amaranth and a member of the Methodist Church in Tipp City. She loved bowling, painting and riding her horse. She was active in the political poles for years, serving on the Rotary. She tried to visit her homeland (Germany) whenever she could. She visited the Holy Land. She is a lifetime member of the Liederkranz (German organization) in Dayton, Ohio where she sang in the choir.

Rose is preceded in death by her parents , her first husband Robert Brenner, two grandchildren Cheryl and Chuckie Potts, her sister Irmgard Hofmann Canter Horton, her nephew Rick Canter, two step children; Becky and Jeff Wion. Rose is survived by her husband Everett “Sid” Wion, her daughters; Peggy (Bill) Caddell of Cantonment, FL, Rosa Lee (Don) Gilliam of New Carlisle, OH, Bonnie (Joe) Conradi of Chantilly, VA and son Robert (Linda) Brenner Jr. of Farmersville, CA.

Rose is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Clinton Potts, Robin Potts Decanini, Kim Gilliam, Karla Hammonds, Krista Tebbe, Ty Vance Maraney, Kirsta Bebar, Joseph Conradi, Alison McBeth, Sean and Richard Brenner. Rose has 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She is also survived by her niece Rebecca (Billy) Cauthen of Lancaster, SC, 2 step children; Kim and Kelly Wion. 6 step grandchildren; Andy & Carolyn Heidt, Lesley, Rebecca, Kelsey and Michelle Monce. Funeral service will be held on Friday May 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Tipp City United Methodist Church, 8 W. Main St., Pastor Bonita Wood officiating, burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation 9 to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME 327 W. Main St. Tipp City, Ohio 45371

The DDC is working on future BRACs at WPAFB and SANG and making sure these federal installations are protected from Federal budget cuts. They are also working to be one of six test sites for the Unmanned Aerial System (UAV) initiative being led by the Federal Aviation Administration. The goal is to be  a test site which will attract more Defense contractors to the region to test UAVs and then have these companies manufacture the UAVs in the Dayton Region. This could be up to a $35 billion industry in the next 5 years in the US. Growth continues around WPAFB and SANG.

The DDC is also one of six  of the State’s JobsOhio agencies focused on job growth and attraction to the area. Projects like Abbott Labs, GE, CAT, All Services Plastic Molding and any other project with State incentives will be managed by the DDC. The goal is to continue to work with our county and local officials to grow our region. Through May 1, 2012, the region has closed on 21 projects accounting for over 1,650 jobs. Pictured are Jeff Hoagland CEO for the DDC and Program Chairperson Bill Rodenberg.

Pictured are Program Chairperson Ken Ott and Christy Butera

Christy Butera, Tipp City Utility Director, shared with the Tipp City Rotary Club the history of the City’s land acquisitions for the purpose of well field protection at the April 25^th, 2012 meeting.  2012 marks the 10yr anniversary of the City’s first prairie acquisition,  Lost Creek Prairie.  The City primarily utilized grants and donations to acquire the various prairies.  Since that time the City has placed 530 acres into conversation easements and also created the Freeman, Eichman, Senseman north and Kyle Park Prairies.  All of this land is located in the well field protection area and allows to City to have complete control over the lands that can have an impact on the quality of water coming from our well fields.  In addition to the prairies if you include the adjacent Kyle Park and Miami County’s Honey Creek Preserve there are about 1,000 acres of protected land surrounding the City’s well field.

By CECILIA FOX

Record Herald Writer

Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed on 4.22.12

TIPP CITY – During Monday’s meeting, the Tipp City council approved more ordinances and resolutions to facilitate the construction of the Abbott Labs manufacturing plant. The city struck a deal with the Ohio Department of Transportation for a $175,000 grant to help finance the construction of Abbott Park Way.
The council also approved a measure granting the planning board the authority to modify site plan requirements in order to allow for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings. The Abbott manufacturing plant will be LEED “silver” certified, meaning that the plant will be more energy efficient than legally required.
The council also voted to authorize a cooperative agreement between the city, the Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority and Abbott Labs. In the interest of bringing new jobs to the region, the Port Authority agreed to assist Abbott Labs with the development of the project, issuing $60,680,000 in taxable development revenue bonds. The city will bear no financial responsibility in this arrangement.
At the end of the meeting, Mike Woody and Scott Brownlee addressed the council about Council President John Kessler’s debts.
“It’s with a heavy heart, but an even lighter wallet, that I address you on the sensitive subject of money owed to me for services rendered,” said Woody, a former reporter for the Tipp City Independent Voice. The Voice was owned by Kessler until the Internal Revenue Service shut it down in 2009.
Tipp City Law Director David Caldwell advised Woody to take the matter up with Kessler privately, saying that the issue is not a matter of business for council.
“This is not the proper time for a personal attack on a member of council,” said Caldwell.
Woody cut his comments short during the meeting, but in a written statement claimed that Kessler owes him six months’ pay. The statement was part of a packet of information handed out by Brownlee.
Brownlee, reiterating claims he made at the Jan. 2 council meeting, alleged that Kessler owes more than $10,000 in federal tax liens and has failed to pay his former employees’ Tipp City income withholding taxes.
“I’m asking you to step down both as president of council and as councilman because of your dastardly behavior,” said Brownlee.
He also called for the city to make a formal investigation into the matter, which only council member Joe Gibson supported.
“Personally, I owe the city nothing,” said Kessler, who also said he had no desire to be publicly involved in a personal attack. “Those taxes are paid.”

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