Still Tax Time!!!

The Village Council passed the following Ordinances 2010-8 Glenavy Subdivision I/I Project, 2010-9 Phase 1 Sewer Plant Upgrade, 2010-10 Phase 2 Sewer Plant Upgrade. Each of these Ordinances was recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee and passed unanimously by the Council.
The Ad Hoc Committee was formed several months ago, and made up of 3 Council members and 3 members from the community. The Committee was charged with the duty of developing an assessment, or tax, that will be used only to pay back debt borrowed to build the State mandated/required Sewerage System and Plant Upgrades. These Upgrades will stop sewerage overflows into the creek and make Lynchburg compliant with State and Federal EPA regulations.
The Ad Hoc Committee looked at the current assessment practice, which was legally accepted one year earlier to repay the debt. They re-evaluated the situation and after months, and many meetings (with public involvement), they came to a new conclusion. The new assessment/tax will be on the yearly property tax from the County Auditor as before. The new assessment is based on sewer availability, lot/parcel size, and lot/parcel use.
The Administrator mailed out a certified letter, which is followed by a regular mailing explaining how this may affect property owners. This mailing was done as a recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee and Council.
The Council additionally set up an Equalization Board. This board is directed to hear any appeals from property owners. This Board may make recommendations for additional changes on a case by case basis.
The Board will meet on July 5th and July 7th 2010. At this time the Board has not set any other meeting dates. They may not set any additional meeting dates.
IT IS IMPORTANT that if you wish to APPEAL your ASSESSMENT /TAX, that you call the Municipal Office 937-364-2241 and schedule a time during one of these days.
Please do not send me, or any of the Council Members, emails or requests individually as they will not be addressed. IT IS IMPORTANT that the request for an appeal is scheduled within a few weeks of receiving your certified letter. IMPORTANT: The request for an APPEAL has to be made to the Equalization Board. To schedule a time with the Equalization Board call the Municipal Office. 937-364-2241

Take a break from the heat, as summer is upon us. Enjoy the parks and playground around our area.

Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor.

Meth Bust - Ciminals Keep Out

Please Find attached Press release and copy of Release below.
Keep up the hard work Chief Wooton.
Thank you,
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Village Office 937-364-2241 / Police Office 937-364-2241

On June 16, 2010 the Lynchburg Police Department and the Highland County
Sheriffs office went to 212 South Sycamore Street in the Village of
Lynchburg, in reference to a complaint of possible drug activity at the
residence. There were two subjects in the residence, John Mark Ervin, age
48 of Lynchburg, and Eric Daugherty, age 49 of Lynchburg. Upon search of
the residence, there was a sufficient amount of chemicals found that are
used in the manufacturing of Methamphetamine. Several other items were
seized in connection with drug abuse, and are being sent to the crime lab
for further analysis.
John M. Ervin was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule 1
controlled substance Felony 5, and possession of one or more chemicals
that may be used to manufacture a controlled substance in a schedule 1,
Felony 3. He appeared in Hillsboro Municipal Court on June 17, 2010 at
8:00a.m., where his bond was set a $70,000. Eric Daugherty was arrested
and charged with permitting drug abuse, and possession of paraphernalia
and drugs, and is scheduled to appear in Lynchburg Mayors Court on July 6,
2010.


Respectfully Submitted,

Chief Brandon J. Wooton
Lynchburg Police Department

Help Wanted

POLICE OFFICER
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS


The Village of Lynchburg will be accepting applications for the position
of Police Officer. Positions are Auxilary and Part time.
Qualifications:
Age: 21
Valid Drivers License
High School Diploma
Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Certificate
Experience helpful, not mandatory

For information on times and location to pick up an application, contact
the Lynchburg Police Department (937)364-6659, or contact the Village of
Lynchburg Administration Office (937)364-2241.
All Applications must be turned in by May 15, 2010.

The Village of Lynchburg is an equal opportunity employer.

Old Marathon Station - Vulcan Oil Company HOLE on N. Main

April 30th 2010

Shawn Elany, Vulcan (513) 242-2672
Told Me BUSTER was involved. Gave me Contact of David Israel.
Told me he spoke with a Debbie earlier, (DENISE)

Contact David Israel
(Buster)Burea of Underground Storage Tank Regulation.
David Israel been involved since Dec 2009 & is with the State Fire
Marshalls Office in the BUSTER division.
David Israel Phone Number 614- @ State Fire Marshall

David informed me that Dale will be the contact person for the Guy Smith
Oil Co. Property.

Dale Egner will be coordinator from (BUSTER) His Contact Number will be
614-
Time line for Review Will not be until October 2010

____
I hope this clears up the situtation regarding the hole at the Marathon
Station. It cannot be filled until it has been reviewed, and a clean up or
monitioring plan is in affect. From what I understand filling it in may
add to contamination per Vulcan.
Thank You
Jeremy

Sexual Offenders Living Within Lynchburg

I have received a few inquiries over the last couple months regarding Sexual Offenders living in the Village of Lynchburg. It seems there are two Tier II Offenders and one Tier I Offender registered and living within the Village corporation limits. Information regarding these offenders can be obtained through the Highland County Sheriff’s Department, or by viewing the Sheriff Departments internet site at www.highlandcoso.com

A Description of Tier I and Tier II :
Tier I Offender A person who has been convicted of one of the offenses listed under the Tier I chart. These registrants are required to verify their address annually for a period of fifteen (15) years. Those persons who were required to register prior to January 1, 2008 for a period of ten (10) years (sexually oriented offender) will have their registration time extended to meet the 15 year requirement.
Tier II Offender A person who has been convicted of one of the offenses listed under the Tier II chart. Persons in this classification are required to verify their address every 180 days for a period of twenty-five (25) years. Those persons required to register prior to January 1, 2008 for a period of twenty years (habitual sex offenders) as well as any offenders whose classification changed to Tier II will have their registration time extended to meet the 25 year requirement.
Chart of Offenses Regarding Tier I and Tier II.
TIER 1

1. 2907.07 Importuning

2. 2907.04 Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, non-consensual and offender less than 4 years older than victim, not previously convicted of 2907.02, 2907.03, or 2907.04, or former 2907.12 (FSP)**

3. 2907.08 Voyeurism

4. 2907.06 Sexual Imposition

5. 2907.05 (A)(1)-(3), (5) Gross Sexual Imposition

6. 2907.323 (A)(3) Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-oriented Material or Performance

7. 2905.05 (B) Child Enticement with sexual motivation {new under SB 10}

8. 2907.32 Pandering Obscenity

9. 2903.211 (A)(3) Menacing by Stalking with sexual motivation {new under SB10}

10. 2905.03(B) Unlawful Restraint with sexual motivation {new under SB 10}

11. Includes an attempt, complicity or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses

12. Child-victim offender not in Tier II or III.
TIER 2

1. 2907.21 Compelling Prostitution

2. 2907.321 Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor

3. 2907.322 Pandering Sexually Oriented Material Involving a Minor

4. 2907.323 (A)(1) and (2) Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-oriented Material or Performance

5. 2907.04 when offender is at least 4 years older; or when the offender is less than 4 years older and has prior conviction for 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, or former 2907.12 (FSP)

6. 2907.05 (A)(4) Gross Sexual Imposition victim under 13

7. 2919.22 (B)(5) Child Endangering

8. 2905.01 (A)(1)-(3), (5) Kidnapping with sexual Motivation

9. 2905.01 (A)(4) Kidnapping victim over 18

10. 2905.02 (B) Abduction with sexual motivation {new under SB 10}

11. Any sexual offense that occurs after the offender has been classified as a Tier I offender.

12. Includes an attempt, complicity or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses

13. Pre-AWA Habitual offenders, unless re-classfied after hearing under ORC 2950.031 or 2950.032

The above Information all came from the Highland County Sheriff Departments website. Please Contact them for additional information. 937-393-1421

1,000 Dollar Reward to Stop Criminal Activity

Reward $1,000 for Information Leading to Arrest and Prosecution of Breaking and Entering. Any Criminal Activity should be reported to assist Law Enforcement in keeping our community safe. This reward extends to all crimes.

Lukas Pharmacy Was broken into during the night. If there is any information, please let the Lynchburg Police Dept or Highland County Sheriff Dept know. 937-364-6659. The call came in around 1:00AM Jan. 25th 2010.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Lynchburg Ohio

Streets and Drainage in Disrepair

I have posted the minutes of the Public Safety and Street Committee meeting below.
Thank you Denise for Starting the year off running. Other committees have also been meeting and I am very excited for all the Council members and the community. I will post other minutes as i receive the or check the community voice for updates.
Jeremy Shaffer , Mayor
Lynchburg, Ohio





PUBLIC SAFETY AND STREETS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES 01/21/10

IN ATTENDANCE: DENISE VILVENS, CAROLYN HASTINGS, SANDY WEST, ROGER SHAFFER, DICK VILVENS, RICHARD VILVENS


Meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. on Thursday, January 21st. All committee members were present along with Dick Vilvens and Richard Vilvens of Vilvens and Son Excavating. Vilvens and Son Excavating has done the Village’s pavement related work for the past two years and have in depth knowledge of the current condition of streets, drainage, etc. in the village.

The committee discussed short term and long term goals, considering current infrastructure issues and funds available. The group had extensive conversation on possible goals in relationship to the village’s comprehensive plan. Possible steps in completing a PMP (Pavement Management Plan) were explained by Denise Vilvens. Using the binders provide by Denise Vilvens, the committee reviewed 2009 revenue from the Street Construction Maintenance Fund (2011), the Street Construction Levy Fund (2012) and the State Highway Fund (2021).

Dick Vilvens and Richard Vilvens identified for the committee serious street and drainage problems in the village requiring the most immediate attention. They explained options the village has in these projects, approximate costs and future preventative maintenance. Clearly, the village of Lynchburg has many drainage and pavement problems, which are continuing to deteriorate. Listed below are some of the areas of identified concern (not in any particular order):

GLENAVY – Wexford and Limerick (open ditching needed), Glenavy Drive from Schatzmann’s to Allen’s needs open drainage and catch basins, Glenavy
at Shannon Drive (pavement), Hastings Drive (ditching and final seal), Glenavy entrance drainage issues and culvert pipe problems
BROADWAY – most highly traveled street in need of pavement repair or resurfacing
SR. 134 – at water plant and laundry mat, culvert needed
WATER TOWER – corner of Pearl and Sycamore – serious water ponding and drainage issues
PEARL TO BAYLESS – many drainage issues causing street deterioration, Church of Christ on Pearl to east side of Sycamore to Broadway – drainage
WASHINGTON – curve needs culvert and street blacktopped to prevent loss of previous structural repair
TEXAS – pavement needs
WASHINGTON AND DANA ALLEY- needs stone and bushes trimmed
CLINTON SPRINGS – Swain’s & Slack needs catch basin, drainage behind Fittro’s in need of work, Sherri Richmond needs a culvert
ALLEY BEHIND THE COMMONS – pavement needs
COVERED BRIDGE B CHRISTINE BARKER – needs catch basin

This is by no means a complete list. The committee is aware of many drainage and pavement issues beyond those listed above. Another problem discussed relates to car parking on the streets and the problems this creates for water drainage. The committee is going to make an effort to focus on identifying and improving alley conditions so home owners have the option to park off of alleys rather than in front of their homes on the street.

The committee agreed that records need to be kept on water line and drainage locations and structures. Currently, there is not an accurate map of underground drainage structures. Denise Vilvens is going to contact Mark Suiter to possibly have Ohio Rural Water meet with our committee and discuss any services they can offer the village related to water line locations.

Lastly, the committee discussed Ordinance No. 2010-2 (making Washington from Broadway to Main Street a one-way-only street and Ordinance No. 2010-3 (pertaining to creating a parking schedule).

The committee will be meeting with Vilvens and Son within the next week to go out and actually look at some of the problem areas.

The next meeting is on February 18th at 7P.M.

Emerald Ash Borer Update

Below is an update I received from ODNR. It is a press release about the spread of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer Please take precautions and follow the restrictions as you camp the rest of the summer or visit any or our area parks or campgrounds.



Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Five New Counties
Last modified 2009-07-30 11:52


Agriculture Department Adds Ashland, Richland, Summit, Greene and Morrow Counties to Quarantine

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (July 28, 2009) – Ohio’s Emerald Ash Borer quarantine was expanded today by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to include five new counties. Ashland, Richland, Summit, Greene, and Morrow counties were added to the quarantine, which helps slow the spread of the ash tree-killing insect by prohibiting the movement of all hardwood firewood and ash tree materials.

U.S. Department of Agriculture officials confirmed the positive identification of specimens collected in each of the counties. Ashland, Richland, and Summit county specimens were taken from the purple traps placed across Ohio by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The Greene County specimen was retrieved by an Ohio State University Extension agent, and the Morrow County specimen was obtained following a tip from a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee. These findings mark the first known infestations in each of these counties.

Since Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in Ohio in 2003, the department has placed 50 counties under quarantine. The quarantine makes it illegal to transport ash trees, parts of ash trees, and all hardwood firewood from any quarantined county into a non-quarantined county without a compliance agreement from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Ohio’s quarantine map is also available at the department’s Web site. Violators of this quarantine may face fines up to $4,000. Due to a federal quarantine, it is also illegal to take these items from the state of Ohio.

Firewood dealers, businesses, or woodlot owners interested in marketing and transporting ash trees or firewood from quarantined areas can do so only with a department-approved compliance agreement. These agreements stipulate handling practices that mitigate the artificial spread of Emerald Ash Borer.

Ash trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer typically die within five years. The pest belongs to a group of metallic wood-boring beetles. Adults are dark green, one-half inch in length, one-eighth inch wide, and fly from early May until September. Larvae spend the rest of the year beneath the bark of ash trees and leave D-shaped holes in the bark about one-eighth inch wide when they emerge as adults.

For information on the Emerald Ash Borer, compliance agreements, firewood restrictions, purple traps, and quarantine updates, call 1-888-OHIO-EAB.

First Comprehensive Plan

The Village of Lynchburg has finished the first Comprehensive Plan in its history.
This Comprehensive plan explains the geographical location, history and statistics. In addition, it outlines the various Village services and will act as a guideline for future growth, and upgrades for the area infrastructure. The plan will assist with governing the Village in the future and meet requirements for certain funding opportunities.
I thank the Planning committee, and Chris Shock with Clinton County Regional PLanning for there assistance over the last year and, a special thank you to David Alpern, who organized, researched, and arranged the Comprehensive Plan.

Lynchburg Library May Close

I have been informed that if the State Budget is approved the Lynchburg Library may be closing. A library is very important to any community, especially ours. The signs are already on the library windows, do not take my word, go and check it out. It is imperative to contact our State Rep and Senator immediately, if you wait one day it will be to late. It is already to late to send a letter, you must call or email them. I will provide you with the letter I sent and the information for our State Rep. and State Senator. Please feel free to use my letter as a template.
Please help save the Lynchburg Library.
Thank you,
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor

Call or Email Below

David T. Daniels, State Represenative
District: 86
Term: 4th
Term Limit: Not eligible to run for another two-year term
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Phone: (614) 466-3506
Fax: (614) 719-6986
Email: district86@ohr.state.oh.us

John Carey, State Senator
District:17
Senate Building
Room #127, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone: 614/466-8156
Email: SD17@senate.state.oh.us

My Letter:
Honorable Sen. John Carey & Honorable Representative David Daniels,

I understand that economic times are tough and that difficult choices must be made, however cutting 227 million dollars from libraries in Ohio is not the right decision to make.

Libraries are more than places you can check out a book. Libraries have become the backbone of our community, providing many services to the entire community. The Lynchburg Library is helping everyday, bridge a huge technology gap that is happening in society by offering the extensive use of computers and other forms of technology enabling citizens to educate and market themselves.

Your constituents rely heavily on their local libraries to provide educational and entertainment needs. People in your district are using the library to apply for jobs, learn how to build a resume and set up email accounts.

As the Mayor of a small Village, it is important for local growth and development. Our Library is part of a crumbling foundation that I work hard to repair and build on everyday. It is hard enough to attract business to a small community, which would provide for a local tax base and jobs. With the Lynchburg Library possibly closing, due to the proposed budget, it will be much harder to attract residents, and provide for the future of this small community. As you know, this area has been hit the hard with job losses due to the DHL relocation to Kentucky. My community needs to retain its library in order to make Lynchburg, Highland County, and Ohio strong again. Do not let our Governor’s Budget put another nail in the coffin of small communities.

Denying Lynchburg and your voters the use of their public library is not going to bring them up to speed with the challenges in today’s economy. I would like you to oppose the proposed budget cuts to the Public Library Fund. It’s wrong for libraries and wrong for Ohioans.

Respectfully,


Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor

Sidewalks Bring Communities Together

What is a Sidewalk:

"A sidewalk (chiefly North American English), pavement (British English, South African English and Philadelphia dialect), footpath (Australian English, Irish English, Indian English and New Zealand English), platform (chiefly Indian English) or footway (Engineering term) is a path for pedestrians that is situated alongside a road or a paved pathway (such as a concrete footpath through a park). A sidewalk may accommodate moderate changes in grade. However, "walkway" is a more complete term for support of walking, and includes stairs, ramps, paseos (passageways) and related off-street tools that provide for a developed pathway.

Sometimes, a sidewalk is next to its street or road with perhaps only a curb in between. Sometimes, there is an area called a parkway or tree lawn in between the sidewalk and the street." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidewalk)


Walk to meet your neighbors,you will save money and the environment.

Sidewalks

I have had several questions about sidewalk maintenance over the last year. I will address it to the best of my ability, from the information I have up to today.
This leads back to right-of-way, which I discussed in a similar forum last year. A property owner has the privilege to maintain and use right-of-in which their property connects. That is different from owning the right-of-way. Most improvements are prohibited in the area of right-of-way, due to the fact, that most of these areas are located/plotted for streets and alleys. Improvements and encroachment may cause potential safety problems, in which everyone would be potentially legally liable for damages.
Sidewalks are usually placed in the right-of-way. When this occurs, the property owner has the responsibility to maintain it. If an public access through a sidewalk or waterway is established then whether on private property or not, it must be maintained for safe use and function.
The specific question asked was “would the local government be willing to repair sidewalks and assess it to the property tax if the property owner did not have the money?’ It is the responsibility of the local government and community to have and maintain safe sidewalks. So you could say, that the local government has the power to do this if safety is a problem. At this point, I believe it would be reasonable if a person would like to proceed in this manner and the local government repair or add a sidewalk and assess it, it could be done. AT this point there is not funding or a requirement for the local government to do it without reimbursement from the property owner. Though there may be a time when sidewalks are required to be repaired, maintained, or reconstructed.
Sidewalks are important; they make neighborhoods more livable, cleaner, and safer. They are appealing to the eye, and finally they reduce traffic accidents, and even speed. “Sidewalk presence had a risk ratio of 0.118, which means that the likelihood of a road with a paved sidewalk being a crash site was 88.2 percent lower than a road without a sidewalk” .(Wikipedia.com)

Wastewater Treatment Phase I Online

Friday the June 13th, the pumps and headworks, which is phase one of the sewer plant upgrade, was brought online. It has worked for the last week and there have been no problems. Phase one will still continue throughout the next few weeks. The Engineer, Floyde Browne, has made a preliminary punch list. The contractor, Sunesis, will be wrapping the project up. I encourage the community to contact the office and take a tour of the Lynchburg water and sewer utilities. The utilities we operate are important to improve the quality of life within the community,improve property value, improve health; and the operations are regulated by the EPA, as well as many quality controls the certified operators maintain. Lynchburg has two licensed operators. Rick Ludwick and Mark Suitor, both have the proper certifications for water and wastewater (Sewer).
The wastwater plant, phase two will be fast tracked due to the money that Lynchburg will receive through stimulus funding process. The PTI, permit to install, has been approved by the Ohio EPA. In August, Lynchburg will be applying for additional 0% loans for the remaining balance. These loans will be through DEFA, which is the funding branch of the EPA. DEFA, will also be on sight throughout Phase II to assist Lynchurg, and make sure the project is being done properly. DEFA does this when the loan money, and when certain government grants are obtained. The balance of Phase II will be around one million dollars, after the 2.1 in grant money Lynchburg has received. It is imperative that the Council come up with a way that this will be paid back before the project is complete, or it will be added to the utility invoice in 2010. I do want to remind everyone that the sewer plant upgrade is mandated by EPA, this started in 1997, Lynchburg is under Findings and Orders (which is a legal binding document specifying environmental hazards caused by the current plant), the plant was overflowing and polluting the watershed, the plant was outdated, Lynchburg was fined, and this is a very important problem that deserves attention.

Maintenance is Getting Done around Lynchburg

In an effort to share how some money is being used for maintenance, I figured I would post a picture and an update.
Drainage:
We have successfully repaired drainage throughout the entire Village in the last two years. Drainage is important to keep water from laying on roads. When water lays on a road instead of going into a drain or ditch, it breaks up the road over time. It cause soft spots, cracking, bulges, pot holes, etc. In the last few months there have been two catch basins found, and cleaned, with new grates on N. Sycamore.
A very old drain was found on High Street and Broadway. After digging 6 feet deep it was opened. An eight in. was ran with a very small catch from the corner of Broadway to the newly opened basin on High St.
The top of the Catch basin at Short Street and Eastern was poured and a new grate. Many of us remember an old plate and sink hole there.
Recently part of the road started caving in at the Board of Education on Pearl. The drain line was made up of clay tile, steel, and plastic. It had been repaired and patched quite a few times. 140 feet of new culvert line was put in before the entire section fell in.
Stop Signs:
In 2008, the State of Ohio mandated that all STOP signs were to be high reflectivity. Many of the signs around the community were installed on the poles wrong, and faded. In an effort to make the community safer and meet the suggested mandate, all Stop signs are now high intensity reflective signs. Please let me know if any were missed during the replacement this year.
Trees:
Trees are an important part of our community. They give it a quaint small town feeling. Trees provide shade, a place for wildlife, and they assist in saving energy by protecting our homes from the elements. Some though are rotten and need to be replaced. There was a little money in the State Hwy fund that can only be used for 134 and 135, and its right away. The total is several hundred a year. Usually it has to be added with other monies in order to do anything. This year it was used to cut down a couple rotten trees, that have had trouble in the past. In an effort not just to cut down, I have developed a plan to plant a few in the same areas. In addition, I would like to see some trees planted in our park areas.I am working toward this because I feel trees are an important part of our community and lives.
Street money:
The levy money has been used to prep streets for blacktop, snow removal, salt,drainage, and much more. I want to see the money at least pave a street or so every year. Blacktop is very expensive, however are streets need help. In an effort to start somewhere, Linn-Kar Drive will be paved, it has not been done since the 1970's and Bayless, from High Street - North is on the agenda to be paved, which has not been done since about the same time more around 40 years. It is something that has to be done. I hope to blacktop a couple streets a year.

Show Me the Money!!!!

Good News
Myself, and many of you in the community fought to receive grant funding for the second phase of the Waste water Treatment Plant Project. We wrote letters to Senators, State Representatives, Congressman, and the Governor. I petitioned for community support, and lobbied all the agencies I thought could help.
The numbers are in and the Village of Lynchburg will be getting $1,602,000 in a grant for the project. This grant came through the stimulus funding program. In addition, we were able to secure $500,000 in a grant earlier this year. That is a total of $2,102,000 in Grant funding for the project which totals $3,204,000. The project will still cost something, however this is a huge burden that we will not have to bear. There is a light at the end of the Tunnel, 2014 here we come. The Community will get a brand new state of the art sewer plant that will be ready for the future.
Follow this link http://www.epa.state.oh.us/defa/stimulus.html
The Click on the Amended 2009 Program Management Plan
The Project count number is 159, on the Adobe page 44
Congratulations Lynchburg $$$

Hard Financial Times, Mean Options!!!

May 13, 2009

In response to questions regarding employment and business start up, I have came up with a list of contacts that may help. I encourage business and personal development in this area. I will assist anyone who is interested in opening a business or seeking additional training to provide for themselves and their families in the Lynchburg Area.

Sincerely,

Jeremy R. Shaffer

Highland County Chamber of Commerce
Katy Farber, Director 937-393-1111
Assistance with Business Plans, training, and development. SBA contact.
www.highlandcountychamber.com

Highland County Economic Development
Dan Cowdrey, Director 937-393-0339
Assistance with Government Funding and Strategic Planning within Highland County

Business Resource Center – Wilmington
Earl Gregory, Business Counselor 937-469-2058
Small Business Start Up, Career Training, Retraining, Seeking Employment, Retirement
www.backtoworkohio.com

Small Business Administration (SBA)
Bonnie Deer, 513-684-2814 X207
Assistance with Business Financing & Business Planning
Mondays on site 10AM-3PM National Bank & Trust

Southern State Community College Enterprise Center
Providing support, Tech assistance, and networking for entrepreneurs and business
937-695-9002 www.sscc.edu

The Ohio Small Business Development Center
Provides Confidential, free, in-depth business consulting
740-593-1797 www.southerncenter.ohio.edu

Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Group
Provides Customized consulting services to help start and grow business
740-593-1797 www.voinovichcenter.ohio.edu

SCORE
Service Corps of Retired Executives
Provides counselors to work with entrepreneurs and small business
513-684-2812 www.scoreworks.org/

Southern Ohio Procurement and Outreach Center
Provides help and assistance for business to sell to federal and state agencies
800-408-1334 www.sopoc.org
employment,

Tear it out at Someone Else's Expense

There has been a problem with a concrete pour at the Sewer Treatment Plant project. Apparently the concrete did not meet the specification of the project in the specification book or as interpreted in the prints, however the concrete did exceed the strength tests. According to the Engineer the Concrete needed a fiber reinforcement additive in order for it to work properly for its intended use. The total amount of the concrete that needed to be coated , if kept, or jack hammered out and replaced was approx. 4 yards. The concrete may have worked, however it would need to be inspected annually and possibly coated with a concrete coating referred to as Xypex. This may have cost added maintenance, and problems due to freeze and thaw of sewage. This area would have been submersed in sewerage at all times during normal plant operation. I have copied below a list of questions in which I asked of the contractor when I was asked to accept this. I did not accept this and it was the opinion of the Engineer, Floyd Browne, that it be removed and replaced with the correct concrete per specification. This problem was not done deliberately from what I understand. I have also attached a second email in which I received a response from Floyd Browne, that the Village will not be held liable or have to pay any additional costs associated with the replacement of this concrete.

-----> BELOW IS A LIST OF QUESTIONS WHICH I SUBMITTED TO THE CONTRACTOR BEFORE THE CONSTRUCTION MEETING LAST FRIDAY REGARDING THE CONCRETE MISHAP
I spoke with two members of Council. Due to the fact this may have adverse affects in the future I am going to have to default this decision to Council. I can attempt to have the Chairman call an emergency Public Works meeting, and see what they would recommend. The Council Meeting approval could not happen until Thursday the 15th of the month.
I would recommend that a proposal is submitted in writing on behalf of Sunesis outlining the product, which i did review the specification. It needs to be something that is official, legal, and binding. Our legal counsel would have to approve it. I do know that the Council will take Floyd Browne and Burgess and Niple's recommendations into consideration. This is an important decision, and it will ultimatley affect the entire community.
Some questions I have and have been asked of me, from Two Council Members:
Who is going to inspect yearly for reapplication?
Who is going to reapply material?
Who is paying for this added maintenance?
Who is going to purchase the Xypex for future applications?
Who will stand behind the warranty of the product?
What if the product does not work and the warranty is void due to application issues?
Will the plant have to be taken offline for this maintenance in the future?
How long will the plant have to be shut down?
Can the system handle a shutdown?
Will it be easy to clean areas for reapplication if needed?
How clean does the area have to be during reapplication?
Who will be responsible for draining and cleaning for reapplication?
How long will the maintenance take if reapplication is needed?
What if cracks occur in the future and Xypex does not work?
How long is he warranty? (given the fact that the plant will be good for the next 20-30yrs)
What if a company who stands behind the warranty goes out of business? Is there a backup?



EMAIL BELOW REGARDING THE LIABILITY AND COST OF REPLACING THE CONCRETE. JIM DID REPLY WITH APPROVAL AND SAID THE EMAIL IS CORRECT AND THE VILLAGE WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WRONG CONCRETE WITH THE CORRECT CONCRETE PER SPECIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE ENGINEER, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTRACTOR.
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 9:02 AM
To: James J. Klamet
Cc: Fred Beery
Subject: Construction Meeting Follow Up from 5-8-09



Jim,
I thought about the Construction meeting over the weekend. I just wanted to be clear
what I understood and took away from the meeting on Friday. Today, weather permitting, Sunesis would be removing the concrete that was poured wrong per the specifications and replacing with the correct grade concrete. I believe from the meeting that everyone agreed that the concrete would not work, was not correct, and it either had to be removed or sealed. It was the recommendation of Floyd Browne that it needed to be removed and replaced with the correct concrete per the specifications and the plans. From my standpoint and on the Village of Lynchburgs behalf, I do not believe the Village government or community should be responsible in any way to pay for the unfortunate event of removing and repouring the concrete, that has to be done because it did not meet the specifications of the project portrayed within the plans and or spec book. I believe that the cost, if any should arise out of this re pour should be borne by the Contractor, Sunesis, and or Floyde Browne, the Engineer. In conclusion, from the Friday meeting it was clear to me the Village will not be burden with additional responsibility, costs, or liability for this issue, and that we have done everything within our power to maintain a project has been done in the best interest of the community and with quality workmanship.
Jeremy Shaffer
Village of Lynchburg
937-364-2241

You Must Meet State Code when Building a Home

The Village has been certified by the State of Ohio for a building Department.
A start date has not been set by the Board of Building Standards, however it should be confirmed at the next meeting, and the date is expected to be July first 2009.
At that time the Village may enforce all building regulations through the Clinton County Building and Zoning Department.

Wastewater Treatment Phase Progress Slowed Again

There have been a few hang ups throughout this small and short Phase One Project to build new head works at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Each time something happens it move the schedule further off track. Currently the Project is thirty days off schedule. Since the Village is under Findings and Orders from the EPA, this is a cause for concern. The EPA has been notified, and does realize it is not due to fault of the Village of Lynchburg.
REcently, the on site resident representative was at the end of his contract. The resident rep. acts as the eyes and ears for the Engineer and the Village. He keeps record of progress, potential problems, and changes during the project. He is like an inspector. Since the time of the project was extended, the Public Works committee and myself believe it was necessary to have someone on sight to oversee daily activities. So he was extended through Floyd Browne for another few weeks at a reduced schedule. The resident rep. will be on site when work is happening.
Now, there seems to be a problem with the wrong specification of concrete poured in the project. A grade was used that did not contain a fiber reinforcement.The spec. book apparently called for reinforcement. This may slow the project since there is some disagreement with what to do to repair the issue. There are two options. First is two jackhammer the concrete and re pour it. Second would be to coat the current concrete with a formula that may prevent cracking. There has not been a decision made. I just want everyone to know the progress and assure them, that I will hold everyone to the schedule, keep the cost down, and only approve quality workmanship on this project. I have attached a couple emails below that may help everyone better understand the situation.

May 4th (1st Correspondence)

Mayor/Aaron. Attached is the reply from our structural engineer with respect to the lack of fiber reinforcement in the fillet walls at the screen structure. The bottom line is that there is no product that will totally eliminate the occurrence of shrinkage cracks in the concrete once it has been placed. The Xypex product submitted does meet wastewater plant applications and will provide an integral water proofing condition at the surface of the concrete which will certainly seal any cracks that have developed in the curing process to date. But the Xypex product will require a continued maintenance program, since shrinkage cracks can continue to form.

If Sunesis and the Village can agree upon an extended warranty of this condition past the one year warranty, the Xypex treatment if installed per the manufacturer’s strict specifications, could be considered as an alternative to the total removal and replacement of the fillet walls.

James J. Klamet
Director

Floyd Browne Group

MAy 4th (2nd Correspondence)

Mayor/Aaron,

The specification for the fillet concrete is clearly spelled out in section 03300. It may have required clarification in the form of an RFI prior to placement of the fillet concrete, but this was not initiated by Sunesis. Although the concrete placed is sufficient in strength and the proper air entrained admixture for freeze-thaw protection is present, the ability for shrinkage cracks will continue to persist. The surface treatments proposed will certainly protect against any adverse effects of current shrinkage cracks. There is still a high probability that future shrinkage cracks can develop. Hence, the need for an extended warranty and future re-application of this proposed product may be required.

It is our structural engineer’s opinion that the Xypex system is a product better suited for this application, but only used in conjunction with an extended warranty from Sunesis. We support our structural consultant’s recommendation only. Short of that recommendation, the existing fillet concrete must be removed and replaced to meet the plan specification.

James J. Klamet
Director

Floyd Browne Group

Stimulas Funding Limited

In the last couple weeks I have been working on receiving funding for the the WWTP upgrade.Many of you have assisted by signing petitions, sending letters, and communicating with other elected officials. Last week I was informed that we were not going to receive any funding, and had been removed from the ranking. I two another look at what had been submitted, and what I was informed about the application process. It seemed that we had been overlooked due to misinformation. Myself, and MIke Davis, at Burgess and Niple, had fairly good documentation. I disputed the the fact we were kicked from the group. After review the agency that is to score the applications have agreed to let our application continue on. I have pasted the email I received below. It was addressed to Mike, with Burgess and Niple. This clarifies where we are at in the application process. (This is stimulus money and is known as ARRA) The EPA has been great to work with throughout this project and they are very understanding.

May 5th 2009 (HOT OFF THE EMAIL PRESS)
Mike:

Sorry. After all these years I do, from time to time, slip into govt-speak.

You were originally excluded from ARRA consideration due to not having submitted your PTI application by April 3, 2009. Upon review of the circumstances surrounding your decision to not submit the application, which included discussions and directions from us, we decided to consider Lynchburg as having met the deadline. So ... Lynchburg is now eligible for ARRA funds. Basically that means that Lynchburg will move up to the first group on the Intended Projects List and may or may not, based on your project's rating be fundable.

Their will be no second round of scoring. Projects on the draft Intended Projects List may be re-ranked or re-rated based on comments received and/or information submitted. Once that effort is complete the final IPL will be prepared and at that time we, and you, will know whether Lynchburg is ARRA-fundable.

Basically, you've moved from "not fundable" to "might be fundable."

David Reiff
Supervisor
Assistance Administration Section
Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance

May 4th, 2009

Hi Jeremy,

It is my understanding per Mike Davis that he has submitted comments to
DEFA regarding the stimulus funds and we received your PTI and
Application on Friday (May 1). I want to emphasize that we do
understand your concern and your situation and even though the most
prudent thing to do at the time may have been not submit the PTI due to
your circumstances, we were not aware that it could impact your
eligibility for stimulus funding until the list came out. As I stated
before, there are no guarantees that the Village will receive stimulus
funds as it is in the control of others at this time. However, we can
guarantee you that we will forward your comments and attachments along
to those making those decisions in the event money does becomes
available given you now are in line for those funds.

We hope to have an answer for you not long after public comment is over
and the list is finalized at the Governor's office.

As always, contact us with any questions or concerns, Jeremy, and we
will be in contact soon regarding the PTI review.

Gretchen Fickle
Project Engineer
Ohio EPA - Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance


May 3rd, 2009

Gretchen,
Per our conversation, I expressed how I felt regarding
the events leading up to the stimulus funding award. I truly
believe I did everything in my power to make sure that we crossed
every T and dotted every i so that we were in excellent standing
to receive those monies. I have attached below an email, which was also
sent
as a letter to Sen. Carey, Rep. Daniels, and Gov. Strickland.
Senator Carey did endorse the project and sent a letter to the
Governor.
on showing this support. I did this only a few days after my
conversation
with Larry. I attached this as a pdf., and I hope this
helps. Thank you and the DEFA team for supporting the progress
of Lynchburg, and it's wastewater treatment facility. This funding
would mean so much to the people of this community, words cannot
even begin to describe.In addition I have several petitions that
people
signed in support of receiving stimulas funding.
Thank you
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor

APRIL 30, 2009

This correspondence is being sent on behalf of the Village of Lynchburg.

The Village of Lynchburg is currently under Director’s Findings and Orders to complete improvements to the Village-owned wastewater treatment plant. Late in 2008, the Village had issues with the then Village Clerk/Treasurer and the Village Wastewater Fund was found to contain about $30,000. As this would stretch the ability of Village to cover expenses, it was recommended by Ohio EPA-DEFA that the Village apply for a supplemental loan to the existing design/planning loan for the project to cover the PTI fees. All paperwork was completed and the application approved at the February 2008 OWDA meeting. Attached is a timeline that covers the chronology of the dealings with OEPA-DEFA on the project. As can be noted from the attachment, there was a delay of almost 4 weeks from the date all paperwork was submitted to DEFA and the time OWDA added the supplemental loan information to the disbursement form. During this period, both the Mayor and I discussed this issue numerous times with members of our DEFA team and was told repeatedly that the paperwork was completed and was in the Director’s office and was being delayed because of the scoring of the ARRA program.

It should be noted that, if it was common knowledge that submittal of the PTI was going to be THE determining factor of receiving the funds, the Village had the funds on hand and could have submitted in early February and waited for the disbursement from OWDA to be placed in the Wastewater Fund. When this option was discussed with DEFA staff, we were told that submittal of the PTI would have no bearing on receiving ARRA funds. This project is mandated by Ohio EPA, and the schedule in the F&Os states that the project must be in construction by 12/1/09. The Village plans on ensuring the project meets the timing required through the ARRA program. Also, user rates for the residents in Lynchburg are currently over $48/month and this $3.7M contract will only further increase the rates on the residents of Lynchburg.

Questions can be answered by:
Mike Davis, PE, Burgess & Niple, Inc. (304-485-8541 or mpdavis@burnip.com)
Or
Jeremy Shaffer, Mayor of Lynchburg (937-364-2241

Headline Could Be “Lynchburg Police Officer Dies in Line of Duty”

Dear Editor,

I am writing this as a citizen of Highland County and the Mayor of the Village of Lynchburg. The Lynchburg Police Operations levy is coming up in the Special election that will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. The passage of this levy is extremely important. Levies in support of law enforcement have failed in the past and, quite frankly, I’m worried. One need for this levy is, of course, budget problems, lack of funding for services is on everyone’s agenda these days. However, and more importantly, this levy is about more than just money, it is about safety, and not just the safety of the community of Lynchburg. Community is often times used as an indifferent word to categorize grandparents, parents, children, neighbors, property, schools, churches and even police officers. The words “community” and “safety” mean different things to each individual person. I would like to tell you about one frightening situation, a true story that could easily happen again.

A few years ago on a snowy road in southern Highland County, an Ohio State Patrol Officer made what was thought to be a routine traffic stop. The stop was initiated when a truck pulling an enclosed trailer went left of the center line several times within just a few minutes. Once the vehicle was stopped, an altercation began between the officer and men in the vehicle. The driver fled on foot, and two passengers stayed behind, threatening the officer. The passengers sprung from the vehicle and were ordered several times to return to the vehicle. They continued to threaten the officer, moving towards him again and again. Several times the confrontation became physical, two assailants against one officer. Again and again the OSP officer directed them to return to their vehicle. One of the assailants was informed that he was under arrest after the first physical altercation. The second man then attacked the officer and then he, too, was informed that he was under arrest. The officer ordered him to place his hands behind his back. At that point the two men converged on the officer, threatening him again. The assailants told the officer that they weren’t done and informed the officer that they would not be going to jail. The officer was finally able to break away and ran back to his car to locate his taser, which he hoped would assist him in defending himself against the assailants, incapacitating them without actually harming them. This exchange lasted nearly 15 minutes before any assistance could reach the officer. The poor road conditions slowed the Sheriff’s response time, that and the fact that there was no other law enforcement near by. Fifteen minutes is an eternity when you are fighting for your life. Statistically, an officer’s life is in danger if he cannot gain control of a violent situation and assistance does not arrive within a few minutes. Highland County Sheriff deputies did show up, and the Hillsboro Police K9 was able to assist with tracking the driver who fled on foot. All assailants were eventually taken into custody.

In this situation the Officer was not injured, however, what if backup had not shown up? What if they were farther away, delaying response times even longer? What if budget constraints had not allowed for backup at all? Law enforcement officers rely on each other to protect you and me, as well as to keep themselves safe. I never want to see a newspaper headline read “Lynchburg Police Officer Dies in Line of Duty”. Quite frankly, I never want to be put in the position as Mayor, to tell the family of a Lynchburg Police officer that he has been injured, or worse, killed while serving this community, especially if it could have been prevented. It is our responsibility to assure that back up is available and that all officers have been provided the tools they need to protect and keep safe all the grandparents, parents, children, neighbors, friends, and fellow officers who bravely put themselves between our citizens and danger. Police Departments have been the victims of cut backs across Highland County, so maintaining our current level of safety is in the best interest of, and affects, each and every member of the community of Lynchburg and all the citizens of, and Law Enforcement throughout, Highland County.

Jeremy Shaffer