Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Electronics and Computers Recycle Program

Computer and TV recycling opens Saturday in Norwood
NORWOOD, OH (FOX19) - Residents of Hamilton County are invited to use a free program for recycling their old computers and televisions.
The drop-off location at Cohen Norwood opens from 8am - noon beginning on Saturday, May 4.
The Computer and TV Drop-Off Program remains open each Saturday until October 26. The program will be closed for holidays on May 25 and August 31.
Acceptable Items Include: CPUs, hard drives, personal copiers, docking stations, monitors, scanners, printers, cellular telephones, televisions, hard drives, tape and disk drives, VCR and DVD players, VHS tapes, circuit boards, cables, main frames, servers, terminals, fax machines, PDAs, back up batteries, chips, keyboards, mice, modems, computer speakers, CD Rom drives and laptops.
Residents must bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, in order to participate. This program prohibits the acceptance of computer equipment/TVs from businesses, churches, schools and non-profit organizations.

NEW CENTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS

Xavier University officially opened its new Center for Veterans Affairs on Thursday.

The center is led by a Marine Corps veteran and provides support and resources for current students and alumni veterans.

XU officials say it will offer a quiet space with computers for studying as well as socializing with fellow veterans. Academic advisors and a licensed counselor are also available.

Xavier is a Yellow Ribbon school, meaning it helps cover the cost of tuition for eligible vets.
This semester, there are 125 students receiving veterans benefits.

VOTE NO MAY 7th

VOTE NO ON MAY 7, 2013

LET THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL KNOW YOU WANT MORE SERVICE FOR YOUR MONEY!!!!!

4-30-2013 Special Council Meeting

The City of Norwood, Ohio held a Executive Session on Tuesday April 30, 2013.  On the agenda was
1. City Finance
2. Employee's Salaries
3.Status of Employee's
 
This was a Executive session held from 5:30pm till 7:00pm.  There is no audio or video of the proceedings.  Not all council members were present.  Mr. Andrew Clark and Mr. Keith Moore was not present.
 
The Special Council Session started at 7:00pm.. At that time I was informed you were only allowed to speak about the one item on the agenda.  That item was renewing the liquor license for the Marathon Station across from the High School and the Store down the street on Sherman Avenue.  Norwood News and Views did find out some council members were against both businesses getting their liquor license renewed. 
 
Since I was there on behalf of Norwood News and Views I wanted to ask some questions of my City Council Members.  However I couldn't.  Here is a sample of the questions I wanted to ask my council members,
1. What do they suggest the City of Norwood do to bring in additional revenue?
 
2. When were they informed of this New Block Grant Money that just seem to appear?
 
3. Do they agree with Norwood teens and young adults needing more recreation?
 
4. What happens when the tax levy fail?
 
I basically wanted to engage the council members because during regular City Council Meeting you are only allowed to speak for five minutes and you are not allowed to ask questions.  You never get feed back at regular City Council Meetings.  The President Chair Woman Donna Laake informed me Ohio Revised Code says if you call a special meeting you can only discuss what is on the agenda.  Period. 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

ReCap City Council Meeting 4-23-2013

The regular Norwood City Council meeting started at 7:30pm on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

President Council Donna Laake asked everyone for a moment of silence for the sad events that happened in Boston.

Agenda item F was the minutes from March 12, 2013 and March 26, 2013 minutes were voted on and approved.

Agenda item G is where people can address council on agenda items.  No one took the opportunity.

Agenda item H was about the claim Mr. Holzer filed with the city to be reimbursed  for his car being towed and impounded.

Agenda I was the third reading for resolution declaring it necessary to put on a levy in excess of the ten mill limitation and to notify the Board of Election of Hamilton County to put on the ballot a election for the Norwood Board of Health Department. 

Agenda J was a INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCES
1. ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2013, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

2. AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT BIDS AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH THE BEST BIDDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND (135,000) DOLLARS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS STREETS IN THE CITY OF NORWOOD, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Agenda item K Administration Reports, the Mayor reported on three items.
1. The senior bus was delivered today(4-23-2012) and it came under cost.
2. MRF(Municipal Road Fund) tentatively approved improvement for the 71 South/North underpass.
3. The Mayor had a face to face with the union workers and both sides agreed to work on their communication with one another.

Agenda item L is request for anyone to address council on any subject
1. Kursten James from MOMS spoke about the need to engage our Norwood youth.
2. Sunny James spoke on the Mayor's statement saying,"There are some good people in Norwood". 

Agenda item O was communications with a letter from Jenny Wallace from the Norwood Recreation Department thanking the Fire Fighters Local 445 for all they did to improve the recreation building. 

Agenda item N spoke about the May 3, and 4, city wide yard sale. 

2013 SMA Walk and Roll-Cintas Center


When:
Saturday May 4th 2013
8.30am - Noon

Where:
Cintas Center, Norwood, OH

Join us for a fun family friendly day in Norwood Ohio for the 10th Annual OKI Walk and Roll. This is a special milestone for our Chapter.
We began 10 years ago in Loveland Park, Ohio with some dedicated volunteers who were feeling their way through their first event, some wonderful walk and rollers and sunshine all around. We raised around $33,000 and had approximately 150 participants...a fantastic accomplishment!

Since then both particpants and money raised has increased wonderfully and we hope to continue that growth. Every dollar raised means a step closer to a cure and the ability to support our SMA families across the country.
  • Registration is open online
  • Fundraising Pages can also be set up online at the same time you register.
  • We will be once again doing a butterfly release in memory of our SMA angels.
  • We will have a SMA Wall of Fame at our walk. Please bring picture, posters etc. of you SMA warrior or angel for us to display for all to see.
  • Free food, carnival games, face painting, raffle,and much more fun to be had by all.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

LOTS OF REASONS TO VOTE NO MAY 7th

VOTE NO ON MAY THE 7th, 2013
 
1. Your money will not help.  They will need a lot more from you.
 
2. Another Tax Levy will be put on in August 2013.(they don't stop)
 
3. Nothing in the budget for our community children.
 
4. Nothing in the budget for our community seniors.
 
5. Nothing in the budget for community improvement.
 
6. Nothing in the budget to open more swimming pools.
 
7. Nothing in the budget for Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment Value.
 
8. No diversity what so ever. 
 
9. Higher water bills are coming real soon.
 
10. The Mayor is only interested in big businessmen.  Never see him care about regular citizens.  As a matter of fact when they come to speak he is gone.  When businessmen are there he is always there.  Small observation.

FINANCE AND CLAIMS MEETING ReCap

Norwood News and Views attended the Finance and Claims Meeting on Tuesday April 16, 2013 @ 6:30pm. Please view the meeting on Time Warner Cable Television Channel 4.(Time Varies)

Fiance and Claim Committee Members
Keith Moore-Chairman
Joe Sanker
John Mumper
Tom Whittington

Keith Moore was not present because it was his birthday.  Happy Birthday Mr. Moore!

On the agenda were three items: City Finances, Claims, COAF Fund Release

Under claims a Norwood resident filed a claim to be reimbursement for his/her car being towed during a water main break.  They would like for the city to cover their impoundment fees.  The committee sent the claim to the Chief of Police for review.  They want to have his input to see if the City is liable.

US Bank did not find the City's Bonds that are missing.  Jim Stith explained that the City of Norwood reached a deal with US Bank about the Bonds. 

Three City Employees filed for separation fees.  One person from the Tax Department and Two Firemen from the Fire Department.  Separation fee close to $10,000.00

Jim Stith basically said,"The City of Norwood, Ohio is broke".  They have no money for anything except to pay the bills.  However, they city is barley doing that.  Vendors are being held off for up to 90 days.  The City is doing all it can to keep the lights on and employees paid. 

COAF money was received and put into a account.  Norwood News and Views will look into who receives this money and how it is spent. 

Overall the meeting was short, sweet, and straight to the point.  The City is broke!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

NOT BACKING DOWN

Dear Norwood Taxpayers, Homeowners, Residents, and Visitors,
The City of Norwood is trying to intimidate and harass me.  They want me to stop passing out the flyers that have the VOTE NO MAY 7th information on them.  This is a word to the City of Norwood, Ohio I'm not backing down nor will I shut up.  Not only will I not stop, I'm starting to put my experiences in the City of Norwood on video.  Then I plan on putting those videos on youtube for all the world to see. 

Norwood is not a open form of government.  For years and years the Mayor and City Council Members have not been held accountable to anyone.  Not even the folks who foot the bill.  Now they are doing all they can to make it impossible for me to get information, know about city matters, get documentations, find out names and ranks. If the public information act is the route I will be forced to use, but so be it. 

I asked the City of Norwood for permission to give me daughter a graduation party on Saturday June 1, 2013.  She is a senior at Norwood High School.  The Safety and Service Director Joe Geers would not respond to my e-mails nor my calls.  He did not want to give me the okay.  As if responsible black folks don't know how to give a nice, safe graduation party.  This is only one example of the many. 

Another is Norwood City Council went into Executive Session to discuss me.  Just little o me.  They could have done that so you could hear but that is not how they operate.  A member told me(who shall remain anonymous) that it was about how to cover their tracks with the tax levy.  How to clean up the fact that they wanted no one to know about it so the chances of it passing would be better.  Since I have been putting the message out they have to figure out how to shut me down.  The City Council Member told me to be careful.  Now granted we don't have their bully boy Bobby Ward anymore.  But don't think for one minute there are not more Bobby Wards on that police department. 

So to my loyal and faithful readers.  Keep your eyes and ears open.  Let Norwood News and Views know if you find out anything.
Sincerely,
Norwoods' Favorite N......(Independent Voice)

Saturday, April 13, 2013

April12, 2013 Meeting

I was suspicion about the date and time of this meeting, however stranger things have happened.  I arrived at the meeting at 7:25pm only to find the doors locked.  I shrugged it off and went for a swim.  If you know something we don't, let us know.  It's kinda weird, but this is Norwood.  It's a weird atmosphere and place.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Time Warner Cable TV is reporting there is a Norwood City Council Meeting on Friday
April 12, 2013.  Time 7:30pm..

This meeting will be held to discuss the New Property Tax Levy for the Health Department.

This New Levy has nothing to do with the
May 7th election.  This is all together a new different tax increase. 

Please come out and get the information you need to feel comfortable with your vote. 


 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

ReCap Council Chambers April 9, 2013

Norwood News and Views would like to report the Norwood City Council Meeting April 9, 2013.

The meeting opened up with money being missing.  The Clerk of Council Donna Lakke informed council members that 3 lost Bonds/ Checks  were missing or uncounted for.   A emergency reading would be needed to inform Norwood City Council Members that this was the case.  A vote was taken all all agreed there are 3 lost Bonds/Checks were uncounted for. 

Council Members  were informed the Mayor requested they go into EXECUTIVE SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING.  Which means no media, no public, and no audio camers are allowed to know what is going on.

On March 26, Norwood City Council opened discussion for  a tax levy for the Norwood  Health Department.  On the Tuesday April 9, 2013 the agenda had 4 INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS.  City Council Members then removed 2 INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS.  The remainder 2 INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS resulted in considering another TAX LEVY.  This tax levy is suppose to fund the Health Department Only.  This would require a special election that the City of Norwood would have to pay for.  The election would be called a SPECIAL ELECTION IN AUGUST.  The decision has to be made before May 2013.  Council will continue this discussion at the April 23,2013 meeting.  Norwood News and View will attempt to bring you the results.

Saturday April 13, 2013 Norwood Knothole will have opening day on their summer leagues. 
WAY TO GO KNOTHOLE!

Norwood recognized Larry Mooreland with a moment of silence.

Representatives for Messer and Ackerman representing the Development Company and the University of Xavier showed Phase one of UNIVERSITY STATION @ Dana & Montgomery Road.  Starting date is June 2013.  Phase one is estimated for completion in August 2014.  Phase on includes Xavier Student Housing, Office Retail, with potential for a Hotel.  UNITED DAIRY FARMERS is redeveloping it's store located at Montgomery & Dana Avenue.  Total cost estimated $100.000.00 dollars.

Discussion was had about having a Public Meeting in the future to discuss  Property Tax Increase Levies on the Ballot this year 2013.

Finally, the Mayor Tom Williams gave his report. The Mayor spoke on the good deeds the Norwood Fire Department and Norwood Police Department are doing in the City of Norwood.  HOLY TRINITY gave awards to one of the best fireman and police officer in Norwood.  Congratulations to the firemen and police officers in Norwood for your accomplishments. 

Sidebar note:

The Mayor made a statement" Some people will get their feelings hurt and their feathers ruffled.  So be it.  Our job is to make this City run" 

Of course Norwoods' Favorite N(Independent Voice) will summarize what all this meant.  HOLD ON TO YOUR WALLETS HOMEOWNER, RESIDENTS, AND CITIZENS!
 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

SAY IT LOUD

VOTE NO ON MAY 7th.

Send a message to City Hall........WAKE UP!

WISDOM IN WATER

As you mature and become a certain age, one starts to have wisdom about the things around them.  All of us see the wisdom in water.  Water is  pure as winter snowflakes and the rain.  Water is the most precious item one can ever have. There is wisdom in having a jacuzzi evening.  There is wisdom in having a tall glass of  water.  There is wisdom washing  your body and  cloths.  Some may be to young to appreciate the strength water holds.  It's a powerful commodity.  It's  a money maker. It's  a no prisoner taker. It's  a weapon that cities use to punish the homeowner that can not make payment. Homeless people  seek water first to feel human again.  Even if its only for a small moment. Water becomes everything dignified in our lives again.   We are suppose to be the leader of the Free World?  Yet we charge Americans.......... for its natural resource. 
 
What am I missing here? Or am I upset to see my water bill keep increasing?
 
Let me know.

Norwoods' Favorite "N" (Independent Voice) Norwood News and Views
Yvonne Collins

 

Monday, April 8, 2013

HOUSE FIRE IN NORWOOD

About 4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, crews were called to a report of a fire in a garage in Norwood. It was in the detached garage of a home on Indian Mound Avenue.

The fire ended up spreading and doing damage to siding on 3 nearby homes. A car parked in front of the garage was destroyed.

It was not immediately clear how the fire started. No one was hurt.

DONNA'S CARRY OUT

Donna's Carry-Out (Local 12 News)
Donna's Carry-Out (Local 12 News)
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Updated: 4/07 1:26 pm
Norwood Police are investigating an interesting robbery Sunday.

Sometime Saturday night into Sunday morning Donna’s Carry-Out in Norwood was robbed.

The thieves not only took off with the ATM at the business, they also used one of the vans that belong to the carry-out to haul off the ATM.

If you have any information that could help police catch those involved with this robbery please call Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

YOUR FAVORITE NORWOOD "N"(Independent Voice)

Hello my fellow neighbors, this is your favorite Norwood N(Independent Voice).  I'm not a Republican or Democrat.  Nope, I'm not any of those silly labels you slap on yourselfs.  I'm not a liberal(whatever that means) or a Conservatives(whatever that means).  I'm a American that comes with a hard hitting different point of view.  Sit back, put on your seat belt and let me take you on a negro ride that will have you thinking different. 

Yes, I have been arrested, never sexually molested.  I have been a single parent, over come abusive relationships.  I have had to go toe to toe with a judge that only said good things about me.  I have protested against the establishment (i.e. the police, the mayor, the council) so call me a provocateur. 

Call me a homeowner(fuck the America Dream of Owning a Home) it's a headache and a expensive nightmare.  I've rented in Madisonville, Bond Hill, Avondale, and I got more pleasure and fun out of renting than I ever have out of owning in Norwood.

In Norwood I have been arrested so many times I stop counting.  I have been a headache to the Norwood Police Department.  Because, I care that they treat me and every person they meet with integrity, curiosity, honesty, and professionalism.(yes, that includes the boys in the hood) I care that the gay homeowner gets the same professional treatment as the cops' wife who called to say her husband slapped her.  I care that everyone gets fair, common sense, treatment. 

Until such time I will be Norwood's Favorite N(Independent Voice) telling it like it really is.

THANKS NORWOOD

Thanks to all the Norwood Homeowners, resident, and citizens I have met.  I can personally say Norwood has some wonderful folks in this town.  Give yourselfs a pat on the back.  You are the reason Norwood works!
Sincerely,
Norwood News and Views

Props to Norwood

Thanks to all the homeowners, residents, citizens, visitors, and neighbors of Norwood, Ohio.  You need to pat yourself on the back.  You didn't shy away from a black person in your hood.  You  were interested in the fact that a election was taking place that would increase your property taxes.  You didn't always agree but you cared enough to e-mail and respond.  That is what Norwood News and Views is all about.  We simply want the residents to get involved.  Thanks

10 REASONS TO VOTE NO

Here is 10 reasons to vote NO on May 7th, 2013

1. You just passed a renewal levy in November 2012.

2. Your water rates just increased. More increases to come

3. Your trash pick-up rates increased without your knowledge.

4. The health department wants to put a levy on the ballot to keep it open and operating.

5. The Mayor and City Council members take the homeowners for granted.

6. City is paying your tax dollars out in lawsuits.(this could be avoided)

7. The residents get nothing back for the money they already pay in taxes.

8. 70% of the budget is spent on police and fire departments.

9. 10 or more police and fire men are making $120.000.00 a year or more.

10. Let the new development coming to Norwood pay for something.

Stay tune...........there will be another list of 10 reasons to vote NO on May 7th.

Friday, April 5, 2013

GOOD MOVE LAW DIRECTOR AND MAYOR

The city of Norwood has made changes to its zoning code in an effort to lure new developments to the city. "The idea was to encourage development, different types of businesses, take the constraints off of them and make it clear what can and cannot go," said Mayor Tom Williams.

The changes include eliminating a requirement for a minimum number of parking space for new single family homes and most commercial developments. The changes require new businesses to be built close to a sidewalk with no parking lot between the building and the sidewalk.

Under the new code, new pawn shops and check cashing businesses will be banned from the city. Current pawn shops and check cashing businesses will remain in Norwood. Mayor Williams said the city is trying to attract more mixed use developments to the city that would include retail and residential space.

The zoning changes pave the way for residential units in some buildings zoned for commercial use. "It's great. It brings more business to Norwood," said Mike Meadors, whose leading a team renovating a building at the corner of Ross Ave. and Montgomery Rd.

City officials said the building sat empty for 13 years due to zoning code restrictions. Now that the code has changed, the building is being renovated to include five apartments on the second floor and a storefront on the first. Meadors added," I brought some investors in, they're doing other properties in Norwood."

Mayor Williams said the zoning changes will cut out a lot of red tape for developers. Williams said the developers of the University Station project near Xavier University experienced months of delays when applying for building permits. That project will include student housing, office and retail space. "Under this new zoning, they could have planned this in two weeks and got building permits and started on it."

City officials said they hope the changes will make the area more appealing to developers and make the city more walkable. "We're in competition with the entire region in this economy. And we're going to do whatever we can to encourage that and make Norwood a more attractive place to do business," said city law director, Josh Berkowitz.

This article was on Local 12 website 4-5-2013.

MAN FOUND DEAD




NORWOOD
A man found dead in the middle of Elm Avenue here Saturday morning has been identified as 65-year-old Dennis Carver.
Norwood Police confirmed the man’s identity Sunday. Authorities are calling Carver’s death “suspicious,” but would not elaborate on any injuries or a possible cause of death.
“The investigation is ongoing, and there has not been a determination yet as to what happened,” said Norwood Police Sgt. Mark Vickers.
Carver’s body was discovered after 10 a.m. Saturday “in a lane of travel” on Elm Avenue near its intersection with Smith Road, Vickers said.
Norwood police responded after “a person called 911 in reference to a person down in the middle of the street,” Vickers said.
Detectives investigating the case are considering the death “suspicious,” but Vickers declined to elaborate.
The
Enquirer will report more information as it becomes available.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

APRIL CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR



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ANOTHER REASON TO VOTE NO

Public information Act had Norwood News and Views seek out the pay of City Employees.  Let me be clear, this information makes it very clear that the City Employees of Norwood, Ohio is way over paid for a City this size.  I will not give his name, I will say he is related to the Mayor of Norwood, Ohio.  His hourly rate of pay is $40.20.  For a 40 hour work week, this City Employee makes $2,000.00 a week with over time.  Let me say this again, close to $2,000.00 a week or more.  Yet, the city wants homeowners who live on a fix budget of $1,500.00 a month to pay more in Property Taxes.  We now see why the City does not think that this increase could hurt the seniors, the middle class, the poor, and those who live below the poverty level.  This man is making $8,000.00 a month so he could afford a tax increase and still have the best of things.  The senior citizen has to decide if she has to do without her $70.00 a month cable.  The one joy in life she/he may enjoy. 

I want the homeowners, and residents to send a message to City Hall, bring your Police and Fire Departments pay and budget into the real world.  Until then....................

VOTE NO ON EACH AND EVERY LEVY THE CITY PUT ON THE BALLOT.

WHAT'S BUGGING YOU?

Is Norwood crawling with Bed Bugs?  According to a study released from Orkin, Southwest Ohio ranks high on the National scale. Cincinnati was fifth in the United States and Dayton ranked 11th in the number of treatments from January to December 2012, the study showed. In 2011, Cincinnati was No. 1 in the nation and Dayton was 15th.

Ron Harrison, Orkin entomologist and technical services director, said in a statement that the list shows that bed bugs continue to be “a problem” throughout the U.S. and based on the diversity of cities on the list, all travelers need to be “very cautious.”

Bed bugs are about the size and color of a flat apple seed, and are found not only on mattresses and upholstery, but in suitcases, boxes, shoes, wallpaper and headboards, he said. Bed bugs are parasitic insects of the cimicid family that feed exclusively on blood.

In Norwood City Council meeting March 12, 2013 council members were discussing how to deal with furniture that had been left on the sidewalk.  This creates problems for the trash collectors, the neighbors, and for those that take some of these items home.  Will they be over run with bed bugs?  Will they pass it on to other tenant's?  Will they get them and then can not rid their homes of them? 

Has the Norwood Health Department made this problem a issue to their residents?  Have the Health Department implemented a comprehensive strategy for residents that come to them seeking assistance and guidance? 

Let Norwood News and Views know .......what you know.  Got any information on how to remove bed bugs once you get them?  Any suggestions on how to prevent them.  We are listening.  Thanks

Monday, April 1, 2013

MEMO TO TAXPAYERS........................VOTE NO!

1. Eight years ago the trash fee was put in place to repair the streets and roads.

2. The Norwood Recreation Department budget has been slashed to the bare bones.

3. The Norwood public employees have not had a raise in years.

4. The City is behind in our RUMPKE bill to the tune of $600 thousand dollars.

5. Political Parties is what is important in this City.

6. They run City Council meeting like they did 50 years ago.(outdated)

7. They don't do enough to keep you informed and involved.

8. They will not allow any talk of diversity of any kind.

9. They knew the cop Bobby Ward was corrupt for years and years.

10. Our seniors citizens are having a hard time making ends meet. They can not afford another $60.00 or $70.00 increase.

PRAYING FOR OUR POLICE

Dear GOD:
We pray for our Police Officers.  Their job is to protect and serve.  We pray that you protect and serve them.  We pray for their families that worry and wonder if all is well.  We pray for their safety.  We ask that you shield them from harm.  We ask that you keep them safe.  Amen