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.

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

Financial Year End Review

Bayless Street Rehabilitation















Lin Kar Rehabilitation



November 2009
11/23/2009

As the year comes to a close, the office is busy finalizing paperwork to close out the books. Over the last two years, our local government has come a long way to balance the budget and meet several State and Federal mandates. Though it has been a rough road, and many hard decisions were made, I believe we, as a community, are in a much better financial standing today, than a year ago. Much of our Long Term Debt, is now guaranteed with payments that will not increase the regular utility invoice. All of our OEPA, State Mandated new debt, for the Wastewater Plant Upgrade, is guaranteed without an increase in the regular monthly invoice.
In 2010, I hope to keep the community better informed with the finances. This month, Kim Walker has prepared a comparative Standing from the last two years. The long term debt has increased due to the Wastewater Plant upgrade. Over all expenditures have gone down, and fund balances have slowly increased. It is important to take note that fund monies should not, and some explicitly cannot be used for uses other than what they are specifically designated for.
Below is an itemized list of Long Term Debt. The Majority of it is for our Utility Upgrades.
VILLAGE LONG TERM DEBT
AS 12/31/08

Loan 1372 OWDA7/1/2014 311,877.43
Loan 2776 OWDA7/1/2014 313,198.72
Loan 3037 OWDA7/1/2019 444,137.20
Loan 3038 OWDA7/1/2019 11,903.90
Loan 4982 OWDA 1/1/2030 479,299.05
Loan CO18D OPWC1/1/23 70,230.10
Loan COO5K/COO6K 114,500.00
Loan CT42L/CT43L 26,000.00 Explorer1/31/201 14,783.94
Fifth Third Bank
Backhoe Payment 10,815.89
Kanas State Bank of Manhattan
Water Meters5/7/2013 124,950.00
Old National Bank
Total $1,921,696.23

Village Long Term Debt
As of 11/23/09

Loan 1372 OWDA7/1/2014 269,243.47
Loan 2776 OWDA7/1/2014 263,548.00
Loan 3037 OWDA7/1/2019 415,259.94
Loan 3038 OWDA7/1/2019 11,138.42 Loan 4982 OWDA 1/1/2030 479,299.05
Loan 5268 OWDA 1/1/2031 1,356,951.00 Loan CO18D OPWC1/1/23 65,386.65
Loan COO5K/COO6K 114,500.00
Loan CT42L/CT43L 26,000 Explorer 1/31/2012 10,559.94
Fifth Third Bank
Water Meters5/7/2013 104,884.98 Old National Bank
Backhoe last payment Paid off
Kanas State Bank of Manhattan
Total $3,116,771.45

Below is a Comparison of our past due operating expenses in 2008, and year ending balance vs the current balance ending October.

Village’s 12/31/08 ending balance $167,267.85
In transit deposits 11,673.45
(1 receipt doubled keyed) (2 receipts invalid)
Withdrew from bank for health care not keyed is system $1699.68

Past Due Bills
Utility Service & Supply, Inc $6,750.00
Escrow account balance left - 1,596.66
Due from Village $5,153.34
Miami Valley Lighting $14,965.08
John Stanforth Construction 6,113.31
Berry Law Office 590.00
United Health Care 1052.69
American Legal 745.00
Rumpke (contract wrong this is at old rate) 18,399.54
Amsterdam 470.05
Audit Finding 2007-003 under payment of Mayor $1,514.00
OPWC loan payment 2421.73
Total past due bills $51424.74
The Utility Deposit Fund was short ($28,552.88) Please note that some funds carried over may have shown negative balances.
Total Funds Year End 2008 $102,469.98

“The Village started (2009 the year with the General Fund in a negative situation which required an advance from the Water Works Fund to operate the General Fund (this advance is paid off). The in transit deposits have been adjusted (currently bank reconciliation has no in transit deposits and no adjusting factors; all old outstanding checks have been addressed). The shortage in the Utility Deposit Fund from prior years has been repaid.”
Kim Walker, Fiscal Officer

Village’s 10/31/09 Balance $251,614.84
All bills are current, there are none outstanding. The General Fund is still extremely low but
Not in a negative standing.

I hope this information helps explain the “bottom line” and the financial situation of the Municipality. This is only a glimpse of a much larger and in depth financial picture. I believe it is important to manage our debt and revenues to operate in the best interest of the community.
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor



Police Report
Date: 11-23-2009
From: Chief Brandon J. Wooton

The Lynchburg Police Department report that follows reflects from October 1, 2009 to October 31, 2009.
Citations and Arrests: Dorothy J. Hamblin age 52 of Lynchburg, citation for Driving under a FRA suspension or cancellation. Jeremy Mcpherson age 21 of Peebles, citation for not wearing his seat belt, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. David L. Naylor age 46 of Lynchburg, citation for driving under suspension. Joseph Throckmorton age 23 of Hillsboro, citation for Disorderly Conduct and arrested for a Warrant out of Hillsboro Municipal Court. Derek W. Myers age 28 of Lynchburg, citation for Disorderly Conduct, and arrested for Menacing. Derek M. Greene age 26 of Lynchburg citation for Disorderly Conduct. Christopher Lindsey age 26 of Lynchburg was cited for Disorderly conduct. Guy S. Myers age 30 of Lynchburg was arrested for a Warrant out of Hillsboro Municipal Court. Christopher A. Jackson age 31 of Lynchburg, was arrested for a Warrant out of Hillsboro Municipal Court. We assisted the Highland County Sheriffs office four times, and the Lynchburg Fire and Squad two times. There were eight cases handled within Lynchburg Mayors Court. Forty three calls were handled.

I want to greatly thank everyone for the overwhelming support on the Police Operations Levy!!!

The Lynchburg Neighborhood Watch will be not be meeting again until January 9, 2010. It will be held at the municipal building at 10:00 a.m. In the meeting on November 21, 2009, one of the things brought up was the timeliness of reporting incidents to Law Enforcement. The concession stand was broken into on High St., in the Village of Lynchburg. A lot of damage had been done to the building, and unknown items had been removed. Upon further investigation it was found that someone had noticed the damage to the building approximately two weeks prior to it being reported to the police department. Time is of the essence for Law Enforcement to be able to gather information and retrieving evidence. The majority of the evidence that could have been gathered is gone when the incident occurred two weeks prior. So please report any incident within a timely manner.

Lynchburg Village Christmas is coming up fast! It will be held on December 11th, and 12th, 2009. The food giveaway is also being held in December on the 5th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the parking lot by the water tower, a voucher is necessary.


Respectfully,
Chief Brandon J. Wooton
Lynchburg Police Department


President of Council Review:

Council passed three new resolutions at the November Meeting. Resolution 2009-42 was a Resolution to amend the Appropriations, which will be sent to the County Auditor. Resolution 2009-43 was a resolution to repay the Utility Deposit Fund its Deficit and balance the funds, from past discrepancies. Resolution 2009-44 was a resolution to establish an unclaimed money fund. This fund will be used to place monies from unclaimed utility reimbursements.
The Administrator, Nicole Oberrecht, reported to Council the following:
 ALL FIRE HYDRANTS FLUSHED 10/27-29 FOR THE LAST TIME THIS YEAR – WATER PUMPED OUT BEFORE IT FREEZES

 10-20 ATTENDED OHIO RURAL WATER ASSOC. EXPO. SAT THROUGH SEVERAL PRESENTATIONS AND MET W/ SEVERAL DIFFERENT VENDORS THAT WE CURRENTLY USE OR COULD USE IN THE FUTURE.

 VILLAGE IN CONJUNCTION WITH OHIO RURAL WATER ASSOC. HAS PREPARED A DRINKING WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PLAN FOR EPA’S REVIEW. NOT MANDATORY – HOWEVER, IF WOULD NEED TO DRILL NEW WELL IN THE FUTURE WOULD NEED TO HAVE COMPLETED. ALSO HELPS W/ FUTURE FUNDING WHEN WE SET IN PLACE.

 PROJECT SIGN FOR FUNDING PHASE II OF WWTP PLACED AT OLD POLICE DEPARTMENT

 THE FIRST OF 2 CLARIFIERS HAS BEEN DUG @ SEWER PLANT FOR PHASE II

 BAYLESS ST.,BETWEEN NORTH AND HIGH STREETS – OLD STREET TORN OUT, BASE PUT DOWN, AND STREET PAVED 11-10-09

 CONTRACTOR :VILVENS’ PICKING UP LEAVES AROUND TOWN – DOING A GREAT JOB, MULTIPLE RESIDENTS HAVE CALLED IN AND ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE

 8120 SR 135 (HIGH WEEDS) – SENT NOTICE TO HOMEOWNER (CAME BACK UNDELIVERABLE) & MORTGAGE COMPANY (SIGNED FOR BUT HEARD NO OBJECTIONS) - VILLAGE TO MOW AND ASSESS TO PROPERTY

 306 BROADWAY (JUNK/TRASH) (CAPELLE) – UP TO COUNCIL ISSUE CITATION OR ABATE NUISANCE AND ASSESS TO PROPERTY??

Village Departments have been working hard to improve the infrastructure over the passed year and they are commended.
Finally, On behalf of Council and the Entire Community, I would like to Thank Rick Ludwick, Wastewater and Water Supervisor, for his service and dedication to the Village of Lynchburg Utility Department. Rick will be retiring effective Jan 15, 2010 after serving the community for over seven years. He has been part of the Water & Wastewater Industry for more than forty years.

Roger Shaffer, President of Council


Standing Committees for 2009
Public Safety & Streets - Chair: None – No Action Public Works – Utilities - Chair: Roger Shaffer – Updated on Phase II Waste Water Project. Updated on Recovery Act monies, and reporting. Finance - Chair: Roger Shaffer –Meeting Schedule Second Thursday of each Month at 6PM – Reviewed all Bank records and Finances for month of October. Committee discussed and reviewed information regarding end of year balancing, and financial status of the Municipality. Committee recommended to accept Bank Reconciliation w/o discrepancies. . Parks & Recreation – Chair: Tim McConnaughey – No Action Planning – Chair: Tina Nutt: No Action
Lynchburg Council meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:30PM President of Council: Roger Shaffer


Local Calendar and Correspondents

Dodson Township Trustees Meeting
6:00 PM on the 2nd Monday of Each Month at the Lynchburg Area Fire Community Room

BLOOM / Garden Club Meets the 3rd Monday each month at 7:00 PM at the Lynchburg Commons Community Room. Everyone Welcome to attend.

St. Paul Lutheran Church
At Corner of Pearl Street & Eastern Ave.
Sunday School 10AM
Services at 11AM
Pastor Robert Skipper III

Faith Baptist Church
(By the covered Bridge) Frieberg Ave.
Robert Miller, Pastor 364-2681
Sunday Bible School: 9:30AM
Sunday Worship: 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM
Wednesday Worship: 7:30 PM
Our Sunday Radio Program
8:30 AM WKFI, 1090 AM
9:00 AM WSRW 1590 AM & WCHO 105.5 FM

Lynchburg United Methodist Church
Corner of Pearl and Sycamore
Sunday School 9:30 AM
Worship Service 10:30AM
Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7:00PM
Pastor Bill Biza

Lynchburg First Church of Christ
140 S Sycamore
937-364-2550
Breakfast 9AM
Sunday School 9:30AM
Morning Service 10:30AM
Men’s Bible Study 6PM
Evening Praise & Worship Service 7PM
Monday-Ladies Bible Study 7PM

Lynchburg Lions Club
2nd & 4th Monday Meeting 7PM
Breakfast 1st Saturday of every Month. 8AM until 11AM. All you can eat – Donation Breakfast

Lynchburg #683 IOOF
Meeting 2nd and 4th Saturday each Month at 7:00 PM
Location Lynchburg Lions Club

Pearl Street Church of Christ
330 Pearl Street
937-364-6336
Bible Class: Sunday 9:30AM & Wed. 7:00PM
Worship: 10:30AM & 6:00PM .

Lynchburg Fire and Ambulance District
Volunteer as a Firefighter or EMT
Community Room Available for Use
Call 364-2915

Lynchburg Masonic Lodge #178
Meeting 1st Wednesday of Month
New Website www.lynchburg178.webs.com


Boy Scout Troop 120
Meet at the Lynchburg Lions Club Wednesday 7-8 PM
Ages 11-18
Patsy Fauber Scoutmaster 937-288-2607



Year book 1966-2008 excluding 70’s
$10 1966-2005 $15 2006 $25 2007 $38.95 2008
Email joheather.arnett@lynchclay.k12.oh.us

Nov. 26th Thanksgiving Day – Rusty Star & Lori’s Place Open for Business 4-10PM

Dec. 5th - 8/11am Lions Club Breakfast

Dec. 5th – 11am/1pm Village Food Giveaway, a voucher is necessary – Pearl Street, Near Water Tower

Dec. 7th – 2pm Lynchburg Historical Society Meeting at Library

Dec 11th – 10am/8pm Village Christmas – Pick up Map at Library or any business

Dec. 12th – 10am/5pm Village Christmas – Free Carriage Rides 11am/3pm

Dec 12th - 6pm Church Walk Begins at St Pauls Lutheran Church ending at Methodist Church for Refreshments.

Dec 21st – 7pm BLOOM – Garden Club at Lynchburg Commons

Dec. 24th – 9pm Candlelight Service ST Paul Lutheran Church

Dec. 25th Christmas Day

Local Issues and Election Results

11/4/2009 8:33:00 AM
Four selected to serve on Lynchburg council
Wilbanks, Vilvens, Hastings, West elected
By MEREDITH CREEK
Staff Writer

Four seats on the Lynchburg Village Council will be filled by Christine Wilbanks, Denise Vilvens, Carolyn Hastings and Sandy West, according to unofficial results released Tuesday night by the Highland County Board of Elections.

With six candidates vying for the open positions, it was Wilbanks who unofficially captured the most votes with 358. Vilvens followed with 335 votes, Hastings with 320 votes and West with 306.

Former Lynchburg Mayor Terry Moore received 121 votes and 100 votes went Harold Braley, who served eight years as council president and a total of 10 years on council.

Wilbanks was appointed to council less than two months ago and after being elected, said she is looking forward to a successful four years.

She is a 1987 graduate of East Clinton High School who is "accustomed to breaking really large projects down into smaller pieces to make progress."

The Lynchburg police levy, which unofficial results showed Tuesday had passed, was an area Wilbanks said was of utmost importance for the village. She hopes to have an effect on changing infrastructure to make the village more appealing to potential homeowners and businesses.




Wilbanks has worked at ABX for 18 years, currently serving as manager of flight support.

Growing up in Lynchburg and returning to the area more than a year ago, Vilvens feels she is a good "people person and communicator who will work hard for the people."

She said the current state of the local economy is an obvious issue and complimented Lynchburg Mayor Jeremy Shaffer for his effort to help turn things around.

"I think Jeremy is a good leader who needs people who will work hard for him," Vilvens said.

Currently a teacher in Cincinnati, Vilvens is a 1985 L-C graduate who has also worked in administration. Her children, Curtis and Carli, are both students in the L-C school district.

Hastings told The Times-Gazette this was her first time running for a political office. Following Tuesday's unofficial results, which did not include provisional ballots left uncounted at press time, she said she appreciates the confidence the community has placed in her.

"The other winning candidates and I have worked like a team to get the police levy passed," Hastings said. "I know that teamwork will be evident on council as well. I'm very thankful."

Hastings grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind., graduating in 1959 from New Haven High School. She obtained a bachelor's degree in home economics and has spent many years tutoring disabled children, teaching adults to read, and helping individuals receive their GEDs through Southern State Community College.

Hastings and her husband, Don, have five children, Annette, Greg, Marissa, Sarah and Becky.

Calls placed Tuesday to Sandy West were not immediately returned.


http://www.timesgazette.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=175&ArticleID=168884&TM=51830.37

11/4/2009 8:17:00 AM
Most local issues OK'd
Area fire, police levies approved by voters
By JEFF GILLILAND
Assistant Editor

Almost all issues presented to voters in Highland County passed last night, according to unofficial general election results from the Highland County Board of Elections.

The results do not include provisional ballots which had not been counted at press time.

The 5.5-mill property tax levy to create the new Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District in the city of Greenfield, Madison Township in Highland County and Buckskin and Paint townships in Ross County passed overwhelming with 1,680 votes cast for it and 773 votes against it.

The new fire district will eliminate the current Greenfield Fire Department and Greenfield Area Life Squad.

The village of Lynchburg's five-year, 5-mill police levy passed 293-188.

Brushcreek Township's five-year, 1-mill cemetery maintenance levy passed 247-145.

Marshall Township's five-year, 2-mill fire levy passed 238-108.

New Market Township's five-year, 1-mill replacement fire levy passed 400-208.

Paint Township's five-year, 1-mill fire levy passed 1,008-998.

Penn Township's renewal of a five-year, 1.8-mill fire levy passed 341-137.

Washington Township's five-year, 0.6-mill fire levy passed 256-129.

The Marathon gas station in Buford passed a request for a liquor license to sell alcohol between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight 283-203, and also for Sunday sales 258-228.
http://www.timesgazette.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=175&ArticleID=168879&TM=51830.37

A Responsibility to Community Safety

I want to be clear about the Lynchburg Police Levy. In the upcoming Election there is the proposed Local Issue 5, which is for a 5 mill Police Levy. The local Police Department is only funded through local levies that have to be voted on by the community. In the recent past, there were two 3 mill levies. One ended last year, 2008, and the current 3 mill will end effective Jan. 1, from the information I have. The proposed ballot will be for overall, less millage than has been received in the past, however it should create enough funding to stabilize the Police Department over the next few years. If the levy fails, there will not be any funding by the first quarter of next year, and there will not be a Police Department.
In the past, there has been money from the General Fund that could be used to offset the Police Budget and maintain services. There are two funds that are very short, and that is the Police Fund, and the General Fund. So, that means this is a very serious problem right now. Other Village funds, such as the Street Fund, Water Fund, Sewerage Fund, Light Fund, Trash Fund, Etc. must be used for there specific purpose, and cannot be used to fund general uses, or Law Enforcement, according to best practice and the State Auditor. In order to maintain a Police Department, it is very important to fund it properly.
Here’s what it will cost on a market valued home of $80,000. It would cost $10.50 per month or $126 dollars per year to have a local Police Department, which could respond to local calls within its budget. I know that not everyone owns a home that costs $80,000 market value. So here is how you can figure out what it will cost you. Take you Market Value, then multiply it by .35 (If you were using 80,000 you should get 28,000) This number is your tax valuation. Take this number (Tax Valuation) and Multiply by the mill which is .005 (Using the tax Valuation of 28,000 you should get $140) Then subtract ten percent which is equal to a reduction, and you should finally get $126 on an 80,000 dollar market value amount. Here is the formula: (Appraised Value) * .35 = (Tax Valuation) * .005 (Mills)= (Payment Amount) – 10% (Reduction) = Actual Yearly Amount
Funding is being cut throughout the State of Ohio, at different levels that provide for Police Protection. It is important that security is maintained, and it makes sense to have our own Lynchburg Police Department. I support the local Issue 5, to keep our Police Department and I hope you do too. It makes sense to provide security and protection, not only for ourselves, but for our families and neighbors. It is the responsible thing for the community.
Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor

Turn The Street Lights Off in 2011 & Pay for the Glenavy Sewer Project

The Council Meeting was a very long and intense meeting. Several resolutions were passed in the beginning. I presented quite a list of important and challenging problems that must be solved in order for the Village Government to properly represent the citizens of Lynchburg and to dig out of the mess that has been inherited. I was reminded after the meeting that each of these challenges our opportunities to provide for a brighter future. Each of these items are the responsibility of the local government to look into and in fact it would be irresponsible if action is not taken immediately and the projected negative outcomes occur. These outcomes are higher utilities, higher taxes, and less services to the community. A couple council members even said shut off the street lights when the contract is up in 2011. There will be a Special Council Meeting to work on hand full of these Items next Tuesday at 6PM. The focus will be the budget, more specifically The New WWTP debt repayment and the Glenavy Subdivision Sewerage project debt repayment. Below is a copy of my presentation, which is in an outline format, however the basic idea is probably understood. I projected as clear as I can that I need the assistance of the Council Members and Community to get things done. There are many important problems that have to be addressed, most importantly the growing budget concerns. Budget Numbers for income our becoming available that are accurate, and it is very scary. We have halted a fiscal emergency for now, however it is still on the horizon if we do not make some hard choices and investigate the options so that we continue tho understand the problems and turn those into Opportunities for the future.

The outline below carried much discussion about how we got were we are. The different options available and costs associated with each. Each of the topics will have more discussion in the near future, and will be in depth.


Serious Problems that are Our Responsibility to Address immediately

Long Term Budget:
Law Enforcement (How do we pay for it!)
Streetlight(s) (How do we pay for it!)
Glenavy Sewer Project (How do we pay for it!)
WWTP Phase one & two (How do we pay for it!)
Old Wastewater System Debt (How do we pay for it!)
Park Mowing (How do we Pay for It!)
Council, Mayor, Fiscal Officer (How do we Pay for it)
Cemetery Maintenance (How do we Pay for it)

Capital Improvements on the Table:
Glenavy Water Loop (Phase Three)
Glenavy Sewer Project
WWTP Phase one
WWTP Phase two

Drainage:
How do we repair the water run off in Glenavy?
How do we repair Storm drainage backup on Pearl Street, next to Methodist Church?
How do we repair water run off on South Broadway?
Where do we start when opening up and repairing old storm drain system?

Street
What is the maintenance plan?
What is the street upgrade ( Capital Improvement) plan?
Do we have a long term streetlight replacement plan? (Solar)

Development
Infrastructure Development
Nature / Park Development
Economic Development
What do we need? (Dave Alpern Reported twice on the Needs through community Open Houses and investigating and a comprehensive plan draft,,(where are we)…)
How are we going to get it?
How are we going to clean up downtown?
How are we going to grow business, MFG, Dist, Retail? Tefabco MFG
Comprehensive Plan…..?!!!

Infrastructure:
Water Needs Assessment?
Sewerage Needs Assessment?

Grants and Appropriations - Needs
Infrastructure?
Marketing Study?
Natural Disaster Plan!
Cost Study?
Advertising Study?
Affects?

Ordinances, Resolutions, and General Legislation……
What do you want to change?
What do you want to make better?
Have you made a difference as an elected official?

Problems My Office heard since the Last Council Meeting!
Cat Problem!
Dog Problem!
Possum and raccoons!!
Alleys!!!
Green Space!!!
Heating and A/C Problem at Municipal Building!
People not taking care of Pets!!
Children running the Streets after dark!
People Soliciting Door to Door!
Trees rotting and falling!
Tree Maintenance!
Speed Limits!
Vehicles squealing wheels and loud radios!!
Stop Signs!
Obstruction of Safety Devices!
Drainage, Flooding!
Speeding Ticket!
Parking!
Maintaining Village Buildings!!!
Sewer Backup!!!
Falling down buildings!
Falling down Homes!!
Sidewalks!!
Grocery Store!!
Cemetery Maintenance, Cemetery Vandalism!
Street Lighting!
Sex Offenders not registered Correctly!
Roads Falling Apart!
Right of Way Problems!
Is Demmy Construction fixing Glenavy or the Village repairing, when? What is getting fixed?
People not mowing and maintaining property!
Utility Invoicing complaints!!
U turns, and driving on the wrong side of the street!!
Mosquitoes!!!!
RESPONSIBILITY!!!!


I can not do this on My Own, I need your help. This is a team effort. Specifically what do you want me to do within my Power as Mayor under the O.R.C., I need the help of Council because they hold the legislative power and authority to appropriate.

Important:
Identify Problems
Plan Solutions
Implement

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

Criminals Beware

An Organizational meeting to develop a Neighborhood Watch was held today. It was a huge success. There were people from throughout the Community present. The group set regular meeting dates to be the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at 10AM.
The next two meetings will be held on May 9th & May 23rd. At the Lynchburg Municipal Building located at 155 S Main Street. At the next meeting the group will have a standardized log sheet to assist in tracking potential crimes. A Contact list of important numbers. They will be ordering T-shirts and Yard Signs that points out a Neighborhood Watch is underway. Please join the Neighborhood Watch and assist in helping keep the community safe.

Lynchburg Police Contact:
911 for Emergency
Office 937-364-6659
LPD On Call 937-509-6057
HCSO Dispatch & LPD After hours         937-393-1421

To Better Inform and Communicate

I have found it hard to find the right tool to flow information easily to the community. There are many devices which I use and many of you may be familiar with those. I send regular articles to the local media, write a newsletter article once a month, send out information by way of email. Still it seems that the daily activities are not logged easily to keep people up to date and informed or at least not as much as I would like for the bar I have rasied. Part of this is due to the fact that the amount of information is overwhelming to me at times, as you may know I do not have a staff in my office, after all it is a small town. Part of it is I try to tackle what is important at the time, and what I can handle, so things are prioritized and put on hold. I came to the realization I can not do everything, even though I would like to, there is not enough time. Lastly, I do not always know what is going on with different parts of the organization all the time. Each department is carrying out a different mission, and they work under their own set of rules and regulations. I may have influence over the departments as Mayor, however when things run smooth, I usually do not hear anything. The Departments of the Village Government are as follows, Wastewater, Water, Law Enforcement (Police), Fiscal Officer, Utilities Clerk, Mayors Court. Currently there is not a street department, however the Village Council does contract maintenance foe streets. The legislature is the Council which is made up of six elected officials, which are broken down into working commitees. At this time the Village government only has 8 employees that are paid for their time or service. Three of which are appointed, which are the Fiscal Officer, Mayors Court Clerk, Magistrate. The other employees are the Utilities Clerk, two Police Officers, Water and Wastwater Supervisors. The Village operates it's Utilities and Service with very minimal staff. This is due largely to budget constraints, however there is an efficiency created by having a small and quality workforce.
I will attempt to use this blog to send information on thoughts and progress of activities as I know about them. Please bear with me, I may not post everyday.