Snow Ban In Effect...

This is probably the 4th or 5th time this winter that we’ve had to put a snow emergency in effect so I know it’s old news at this point but I still feel an obligation to let you know that thanks to the latest round of snow squalls the Public Service Director  has declared a snow emergency in effect at 9 am February 26th – which means we need your help to move any parked vehicles off the streets so that the plows can safely clear the streets.  The parking ban on City streets will remain in effect until further notice.  Here’s the official announcement:

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2010

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF KENT HAS ANNOUNCED A SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING BAN BEGINNING TODAY AT 9:00AM, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH, 2010.

THE PARKING BAN IS BEING PUT INTO EFFECT TO ALLOW CITY CREWS TO CLEAR SNOW AND ICE FROM CITY STREETS DURING THE CURRENT STORM EVENT. THIS PARKING BAN WILL REMAIN IN AFFECT FOLLOWING THE STORM TO ALLOW CITY CREWS TO CONTINUE SNOW REMOVAL EFFORTS. AN UPDATED NEWS RELEASE WILL BE ISSUED TO INFORM THE PUBLIC AS TO THE STATUS OF THIS PARKING BAN AND WHEN IT WILL BE LIFTED.

DURING A SNOW EMERGENCY, PARKING ON ALL CITY STREETS IS BANNED TO PROVIDE FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL. A SNOW EMERGENCY EXISTS DURING ANY 24 HOUR PERIOD WHEN TWO OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW ACCUMULATES.

THIS WINTER SEASON, RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES ARE REMINDED TO CLEAR PUBLIC SIDEWALKS OF SNOW AND ICE ABUTTING THEIR PROPERTIES.

City of Kent, Ohio
Eugene K. Roberts

Kent State Construction Projects Update...

The Kent State University’s Architects Office periodically sends out an updated list of all the projects that they have underway and in the planning stages for the Kent campus and all the regional campuses.  I’m lucky enough to be on their distribution list and I’m happy to share the update here. 

CONSTRUCTION ALERT  February 2010

From the Office of the University Architect

Risman Plaza Construction Commences Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Construction to renovate Risman Plaza is scheduled to begin this week and work will progress around the plaza in sections throughout winter, spring, and summer until the end of August. The plaza will be enhanced to become a more inviting space for students, faculty and staff to meet, study, relax and attend events.

Beginning Tuesday, February 23, 2010, work will begin on the new Risman Plaza Transit Shelter (located on the south side of the Kiva). The construction crew will install fencing around the perimeter of the jobsite. Work on this portion of the project is anticipated to continue through the remainder of Spring Semester. Although it should not disrupt pedestrian or vehicular traffic, please exercise caution while traveling around the plaza and observe construction detour signage to avoid this construction zone.

Updates will be provided to you as this project progresses and moves around to other sections of the plaza.

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UPDATE ON DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: JANUARY 2010
Spring and summer heavy construction activities are quickly approaching as project designs are being finalized and construction documents are being assembled to advertise for competitive bidding. Across Kent State’s eight campuses, here are the major facility and infrastructure improvements being administered by the Office of the University Architect:

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Ashtabula Health and Science Building
The newly-built, two story, 55,000 sf Robert S. Morrison Health and Science Building opened for Fall Semester 2009 at Ashtabula Campus. The new facility houses the Nursing Program, Occupational Therapy, Radiation Technology, science laboratories, general classrooms and offices. At the west end of campus, a new student parking lot was added to accommodate the new building. Commissioning and punch list items need to be completed.

Centennial Research Park Roof Replacement
The original roof over Centennial Research Park will be replaced this winter. Work commenced in December and continues through winter.

District Chilled Water Expansion Phase II
Currently under construction, this project involves addition of VFDs to the system, along with replacement of three-way valves with two-way valves. Work involves updating controls, wiring of the VFDs, and installation and removal of valves, piping and hardware. Construction is scheduled to be completed early spring in time for the cooling season.

Electrical Distribution System Upgrades – Medium Voltage Loop 8B
The medium voltage loop 8B (Nixon, Terrace and Verder halls and Art Annex) and the electrical power metering system were upgraded and connected to the Power Plant. This project is at the punch list stage and is nearing completion.

Geauga Student Parking Lot Improvements, Phase 2
At Geauga Campus, phase 2 parking lot improvements involve installation of a detention pond for storm water management. Work commences on-site in April and will continue through June.

Heer and Harbourt Halls Roof Replacement
The roofing systems on Heer and Harbourt halls will be removed and replaced. Construction commenced in late December and continues through spring.

McGilvrey Hall Labs 131B and 341 Renovations
The fume hood systems in McGilvrey Hall labs 131B and 341 will be renovated to be compatible with chemicals proposed for use by a new faculty member. These renovations include, but are not limited to, new acid-resistant fume hoods and exhaust systems. On-site construction commences on February 1.

Music and Speech Center Renovations and Additions – Roe Green Center
Music and Speech Center is being renovated and additions built to address space and program needs for the School of Theatre and Dance. One addition will provide a new lobby and black box experimental theatre on the Theatre Drive face of the building; this will also provide an enhanced entry area for students and event patrons. On the west side of the building, another addition is being constructed to provide three new dance studios and support space to relocate the Dance Program out of the MACC Annex. The Theatre addition is closed-in with all exterior building work complete. Construction continues inside with drywall, rough electrical, heating and cooling system work and the closing-in of the control room and support areas. The new Theatre lobby is enclosed with plumbing and electrical work commencing, followed by drywall and finishes to be installed in the spring. The Dance studios and support areas are ready for wall finishes and painting, while the locker and restrooms are nearing completion, since the ceramic tile has been installed. This project is on schedule to be completed this May.

Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center
A new Performing Arts Center is being constructed at the Tuscarawas Campus. This new facility is located adjacent to the existing Founder’s Hall and includes a 1,100 seat theatre, classrooms for the art programs, offices, stage and stage support areas. Installation of structural steel and underground utility work and rough-in of interior utilities continue. The educational wing, theater tower, the main house, the lobby, and back-of-house areas are all under construction. Completion is expected late fall.

Verder Hall New Hydraulic Elevator
Verder Hall’s original elevator will be removed and replaced with a new, roped, hydraulic elevator in a new hoistway shaft on the exterior of the building. Contracts were recently awarded and on-site construction will commence on May 17.

CONTRACT AWARDS PENDING:

Centennial Greens and Manchester Field Lawn Irrigation
Lawn irrigation systems will be installed in order to water Centennial Greens and Manchester Field. The contract award is pending for the irrigation bids that were opened on January 21.

McDowell Hall Toilet and Shower Room Rehabilitation
Due to aging infrastructure, plumbing systems and fixtures in the bathrooms of McDowell Hall will be rehabilitated. Architectural finishes, electrical and HVAC work in these areas will also be replaced. Contract awards are pending for construction bids that were opened on December 16 and the General Trades Contract re-bids that were opened on January 21. Construction is scheduled for completion during the summer.

Risman Plaza Renovations, Phase 1
This project is the initial phase of a multi-phased project to improve the university’s landscape and hardscape. The primary focus of the construction for this phase will be the Risman Plaza and surrounding areas. Renovations will include improvements to landscaping, paving, lighting, site furnishings, drainage and pedestrian walkways. The contract awards are pending for construction bids that were opened on January 12.

Trumbull Library Fire Alarm Upgrade
At Trumbull Campus the fire alarm system will be upgraded with a new, addressable, voice-type system in the Link Building, Library, and Technology addition. The contract award was approved by the Controlling Board and is now awaiting the release of construction funds from the Office of Budget and Management. Work is anticipated to start mid-spring semester and continue into summer.

PROJECTS ADVERTISED FOR BIDDING:

Williams Hall Lab 223 HVAC Improvements
The HVAC system in laboratory 223 of Williams Hall will be upgraded. Contractors” bids for construction will be opened on February 16.

Kent Student Center Masonry Repairs
The masonry overhang at the third floor balcony level of the Student Center is in need of repair. Poor detailing in the original design has led to failure of the bottom edge of this overhang, and a reinforcing lintel will be retrofitted over the 280 ft. length. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on February 22. Work will begin in the spring as soon as weather permits. Until repairs are completed, the outside balcony will be closed.

Residence Halls ADA Improvements
Construction will commence this summer to bring specific areas of Centennial Court, Prentice Hall, and Beall Hall into compliance with current Federal ADA requirements that will provide better accessibility in those areas for students and staff. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on February 23.

PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN:

Child Development Center Reroof and Research One Shingled Roof
Existing shingles on the roofs of the Child Development Center and the Research One Building will be removed and replaced with new roofing systems which include ice guards, venting, fall protection equipment and roofing accessories. A design firm is assessing the extent of the ceiling repairs and insulation supplementation and/or replacement.

East Liverpool Classroom Building Restroom Renovations
Three sets of men’s and women’s restrooms in the Classroom Building will be renovated. Restrooms will be modified to conform to the current ADA codes, with new floor and wall tile, ceiling and lights, plumbing fixtures and toilet compartments, countertops and toilet accessories.

Geauga Student Parking Lot Improvements, Phase 3
At Geauga Campus, phase 3 of this project involves parking lot improvements and construction of a transit center to the south parking areas. This work will be bid and constructed during summer.

Kent Multimodal Transportation Center
Kent State, the city of Kent and the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority, via a Federal Transportation Administration grant, conducted a planning study for construction of a Multimodal Transportation Center in the city. The proposed center incorporates parking, mass transportation, pedestrians and bicycles into one central facility designed to promote and increase transit, pedestrian and bicycle access to the university and downtown Kent. This project is in the schematic design phase.

Library Main Floor Renovations
The circulation desk area and main entry lobby at the first floor of the Library will be renovated. Currently under design, construction is anticipated to commence in May.

MAC Center Athletic Academic Resource Center Expansion
An addition has been funded to expand the existing MAC Center Athletic Academic Resource Center. Architectural and engineering firms are currently designing this project.

Music and Speech Center Parking Lot Renovation
A study is underway to plan the renovation of the existing parking lot at the Music and Speech Center. The goals of the project are to rehabilitate the lighting, renovate or replace the existing parking lot pavement including curbs, walks and asphalt surfaces as well as improve pedestrian circulation through the lot.

New Facilities for the College of Technology – Programming / Site Selection
Constructed in 1951 and in need of complete rehabilitation, Van Deusen Hall houses the College of Technology and portions of the School of Art. An architectural firm assessed the current configuration and needs of the building and investigated the rehabilitation or the construction of a new facility for the College of Technology. The project design should achieve LEED Silver Certification and comply with House Bill 251 reduced energy consumption requirements. The final study was presented to the administration.

New Facilities for the Schools of Art and Visual Communication Design – Programming / Site Selection
Constructed in 1972 and at the end of its useful life, the Art Building houses the School of Art and the School of Visual Communication Design. An architectural design firm assessed the current configuration and needs of the building and investigated a complete rehabilitation of other campus buildings and/or the construction of a new facility for these two programs. The project design should achieve LEED Silver Certification and comply with House Bill 251 reduced energy consumption requirements. The final study was presented to the administration.

Schwartz Center Restroom Renovations, Phase 2
The centrally located restrooms at the south portion of the Schwartz Center will be renovated similar to the Schwartz Center Admissions Restroom Renovations Project. Architectural and engineering firms are in process of designing this project.

Stark Science Building
Until a new dean is appointed at Stark Campus and has the opportunity to participate in planning this project, designs are currently on hold to build a 30,000 sf building to support the Science Program. This building will accommodate science teaching and research laboratories and a portion of the east wing will be renovated to accommodate the expanding Nursing Program.

Stark and Tuscarawas Campus-Wide Energy Conservation Project
The Office of the University Architect and Energy Conservation committee selected an energy service company for a performance contract to enable Stark and Tuscarawas campuses to comply with House Bill 251 energy use reduction goals with provisions under House Bill 7 for payback of project cost with verified energy savings over a maximum 10-year time period. Acquisition of funding and negotiations with the energy service company are underway.

Stewart Hall Renovations for the Relocation of Information Services
This project involves planning, design and construction to renovate Stewart Hall for the consolidation of Information Services groups campuswide into one facility.

Summit Street Sidewalk Extension
The campus sidewalk along Summit Street will be extended from the C-Science parking lot southeast to the bus stop in front of the Parking Maintenance Building to provide safe access to the campus for off-campus students. Included will be alternates to extend the sidewalk and provide lighting to Sieberling Drive, Summit East parking lot. This project is under design.

Trumbull Classroom Building Lobby Handrails and Lighting
Handrails, ceilings and lighting will be replaced in the Main Lobby of the Kent State University at Trumbull Classroom Building to match the renovated area adjacent to the Lobby. This project will replace the handrails to bring them into compliance with the current building code. The lighting and ceilings will be upgraded to more energy-efficient and modern lighting fixtures that will allow for easier maintenance.

Trumbull Classroom Building Restroom Renovations
Two sets of men’s and women’s restrooms in the Classroom Building and 1 set in the Library-Theater Building will be renovated. Restrooms will be modified to conform to the current ADA codes, with new floor and wall tile, ceiling and lights, plumbing fixtures and toilet compartments, countertops and toilet accessories.

Trumbull Classroom Building Storefront Replacement
All entrance doors and storefront windows at the perimeter of the Trumbull Classroom Building will be replaced. This will improve building security at the entrances and improve energy-efficiency by changing the doors and windows to insulated glazing and thermally-broken entrance systems.

Trumbull Public Safety, Security, and Environmental Health Institute
A study was completed to provide a preliminary program and conceptual renderings for a Public Safety, Security, and Environmental Health Institute at Trumbull Campus. The building would be a multi-purpose facility used for educational and training purposes by the Trumbull Campus, the Trumbull Career and Tech Center, local fire and safety agencies, local public health departments, and non-profit organizations, and public utilities.

White Hall Parking Lot Improvements
Perimeter landscape and lighting improvements are being planned for White Hall R-16 parking lot. Currently under design, this project will be advertised for bidding late winter.

WKSU Renovations and Additions
The WKSU Broadcast Center is comprised of offices, broadcast studios, and broadcast support areas, including a media library, computer areas, and recording studio. This project will renovate spaces and new space will be added to the existing building to address changes in media, technology and the broadcast field. The level of funds raised will determine the schedule for proceeding with further development of the design and construction of this project. This project has been placed on hold.

SELECTING FIRMS FOR: 

Facility Planning and Scheduling Services
Recognizing the importance of state-of-the-art facilities, Kent State University is poised to undertake an extensive program of improvement to its campus facilities. A previously-commissioned study identified approximately $350M in deferred renewal needs for existing buildings. Additionally, new facilities may be required to meet the programmatic requirements in some academic areas. The Kent State University Board of Trustees authorized the administration to pursue approximately $200M in bond funding to finance this initiative. The goal of this project is to work with the administration and facilities offices to provide an overall implementation plan for this enterprise encompassing campus planning, facility assessment, programming, estimating and scheduling/sequencing of the work. Specific building and renovation projects will be identified in this project and subsequent, separate Requests for Qualifications for those actual construction projects will be issued. The Office of the University Architect is currently reviewing qualifications of firms interested in this project.

Multiple Buildings Envelope Repairs and Roof Replacements
Building envelope repairs and roof replacements will be conducted on multiple buildings on the Kent Campus, as well as the Regional Campuses, over the next three years. The specific scope and budget of each individual project varies by building. Six buildings have been identified in current planning, but additional buildings may be added to the overall project at a later date. These buildings are: Smith Hall (1968), Science Research Lab Building (1986), Williams Hall (1967), Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (1950), MACC Annex (1977), McGilvrey Hall (1940), and the Kent Student Center (1971). Due to the scope of the projects and schedule requirements, the university will select more than one firm to complete the proposed projects. The Office of the University Architect has interviewed firms for several roofing projects and is still in the process of selecting firms for other roofing projects.

Salem Building Expansions and Additions
Until February 5, the Office of the University Architect is accepting qualifications from architectural firms interested in assisting with designing this project. The Gymnasium at Salem Campus will be converted to accommodate the Nursing Program on the lower level and a shelled-out space on the upper level that will, in the future, be finished out to house the new science laboratories. New faculty offices will also be created on the lower level.
____________________

Project information can be found on the Office of the University Architect’s Web site at:  www.kent.edu/universityarchitect/

Please Note: Any significant changes that will impact pedestrian or vehicular movement on the Kent Campus will be posted as a top news story on Kent State University’s home page.

Jacqueline S. Mest
Contracts Manager
Kent State University Office of the University Architect
Suite 334 Lowry Hall, 750 Hilltop Drive, P.O. Box 5190
Kent, Ohio 44242-0001
voice: 330.672.7992 e-mail: jmest@kent.edu
switchboard: 330.672.3880; fax: 330.672.2648
Web site: http://www.kent.edu/universityarchitect/

Stonewater Drive New Traffic Signal Getting Ready ...

Here’s a short note from our City Engineer with an update on the status of the Stonewater Drive extension and the new traffic signal at Stonewater and SR 59 between Don Joseph Toyota and the Klaben Ford Dealership. 

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The new signal at Stonewater and W. Main Street has looked complete for the last several weeks.  However, the preemption notification light has been on back order for several months. This light lets emergency vehicle drivers know that the signal registers their presence and need to travel through the intersection without stopping. On Tuesday this week (February 16) the contractor installed this small but vital equipment. The signal has gone through several performance tests and will soon be set into operation. The following schedule will be followed to get the signal into operation.

- On 2-22-10, Thompson Electric will be back to finish the remaining construction (hookup of the interconnect wire and telephone drop) and Pathmaster will program the controller, establish the video detection zones and program the audible pedestrian signals. By the end of the day on the 22nd, the traffic signal will be put into flash until 3-1-10.

- On 3-1-10, the signal will be switched to stop-and-go mode (normal operation) and the 10-day performance test will begin (this is the final test of the signal). On this day, the contractor will also remove the barriers from the bridge to allow through traffic to use Stonewater Drive. During the 10 day performance test, the signal must function without major deficiencies that would cause the signal to default to flash. We will be using temporary signs (“Stop Here on Red”) to indicate where traffic is to stop on West Main Street and Stonewater Drive. When the weather breaks, the temporary signs will be removed and appropriate stop lines will be marked on the pavement.

After passing the 10-day performance test, the signal can be subjected to final inspection prior to our acceptance.

The traffic cabinet is installed and the timing is set up.  We will be installing video detection (to activate the signal) at this and all future intersections.   Basically it is a “box” drawn on a video feed instead of the old loops cut in the pavement. When the cameras recognize a vehicle entering the “box” it notifies the controller that someone is in the zone. No wire loops in the pavement to be torn up during repairs or resurfacing.  The zones are able to be changed via a laptop and in the future from the Traffic Engineer’s Office at Engineering.

Currently only SR 261 and SR 43 have video detection.

Make Sure You Get Counted — Take the 2010 Ce...

Every 10 years we get a chance to be counted so you don’t want to miss your chance in 2010 because you won’t get another one until 2020.  The 2010 Census is run by the Federal Government but its not a Washington DC thing — its a Kent thing that will go a long way in determining what Washington will send our way in the next 10 years.   

A group of Kent State students have made promoting the 2010 Census as a team project and they’ve asked for a little help from me to get Census information posted on Kent360.  I’m happy to oblige.

The city of Kent, along with Kent State University, will celebrate Count Kent in a Flash 2010 U.S. Census Awareness Week from February 21 through February 28.

KSU’s Public Relations Student Society of America’s Bateman team will host various events throughout the week in the community, as well as on campus, to inform, educate and motivate individuals to fill out the 2010 census. Come win prizes, have fun and learn how you can make a difference in Kent.

• It’s important. Every year, the federal government allocates more than $300 billion to states and communities based on census data. An accurate census count is vital to our communities’ well-being by helping planners determine where to locate schools, day care centers, roads and public transportation, hospitals and other facilities.
• You count. Every completed form equates to about $1,000 of federal funding for the Kent community.
• It’s quick. 2010 census form is the shortest in history – only takes about ten minutes to complete ten questions.

Confirmed events for Count Kent in a Flash 2010 U.S. Census Awareness Week are as followed:

• Monday, Feb. 22: noon-2p.m.; 5-7p.m.- Census information table at Student Recreation and Wellness Center
• Wednesday, Feb. 24:
  • Noon-1:30p.m. Soup and Substance program, Room 206, Kent Student Center
  • Noon- Cultural Dialogues, Room 215, White Hall
  • 2-4 p.m.- Informational booth at Student Center
  • 7p.m. (doors open at 5:30p.m.)- Kent v. Akron women’s basketball game
• Thursday, Feb. 25: Jay Sean concert, MAC Center; doors open at 7p.m., concert starts at 8
• Friday, Feb. 26: 8p.m. - Comedian John Caparulo at the Rathskeller, located in the basement of the Student Center.

An accurate census count depends on every Kent resident completing and returning their census form. Forms will be sent out starting in March.

To learn more about Census Awareness Week events, visit the Bateman team’s Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/2010-US-Census-Kent-State-University/278600670781?ref=ts

You can also check out the 2010 U.S. Census- Kent State University or blog at http://prssakentstate.wordpress.com/.

Parks and Rec River Access Project Public Meeting ...

The Kent Parks and Rec Director has set a date for a public meeting for the river access improvement project.   Element of this project have been in the long range park plan for years and with the receipt of the state grant funds this year the Parks Director is ready to move forward with some river access improvements and he’d like feedback from the public on their preferences.  Some of these elements were also developed in the Kent Whitewater Park Study — for more details on the study click here.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Idone, Director
Kent Parks & Recreation
497 Middlebury Road
Kent, OH  44240
330-673-8897 

Public Comment Meeting

Kent Cuyahoga River Access Project

River Bend Park Development

Kent Parks & Recreation will be hosting a public meeting to solicit comments and ideas for the development of River Bend Park and access improvements around the locks in the Heritage Park area.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 2^nd at the Roy Smith Shelterhouse in Fred Fuller Park at 7:00 PM.  Written comments will be accepted until March 10^th at the Parks & Recreation Office, 497 Middlebury Road, Kent, OH.  Kent Parks & Recreation received $250,000 Cooperative Boating Facility Grant from ODNR that will be matched by $50,000 in park funds.

The city has selected R. E. Warner & Associates as the design and engineering consultant.  They have an extensive background in park development with local and state parks as well as experience with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  

River Access

 This project will provide a new access point to the river for boaters to “take out” before the Main Street Bridge and old canal lock.   This would be connected to the existing trail to provide a ramped access to the river.  For persons interested in portaging around the dam, a set of steps with a canoe glide will be constructed leading up to the trail under the bridge.  Just downstream of the Dam will be a second access point. The old wooden steps will replaced and include a canoe glide along with a small landing area to launch back into the river.

Improvements will be made to the existing boardwalk and steps around the Heritage Park area to facilitate portaging around the locks.   This will involve removing the existing railing on three sets of steps and retrofitting a canoe glide onto the railing.  A small section of the boardwalk will need to be widened. 

River Bend Canoe/Kayak Launch

River Bend Park was acquired in 1992 by Kent Parks & Recreation to provide access to the Cuyahoga River north of the dam. At the present time there is no public parking or easy access to enter the river at this park.  The construction of a boat launch facility will enable users to park their vehicles and access the river.  The installation of the entrance road and ramp will provide emergency first responders a strategically located point of access. The parking lot would have security lighting and a safety kiosk would be installed for boater safety.

River Bend Park Master Plan  - 

Conceptual Plan  -  The original Master Plan for River Bend Park is outdated.  Comments and ideas are being accepted for the park’s development.  This information will be considered in developing the final design for the canoe/kayak parking lot and ramp as well as any additional facilities that could be developed in the conceptual plan. 

For additional information please contact Kent Parks & Recreation at 330-673-8897.

$20 Million Awarded for Downtown Kent Project...

It’s not everyday that the Federal Government hands out checks but in this new age of federal stimulus funds being used to spark the economy, the Feds knocked on Kent’s door last week, saying they were here to help, and with a pocket full of $20 million with PARTA, Kent State’s and the City’s name on it we opened the door and let’em in.  By now you’ve probably heard all the details of how Congressman Ryan’s Office and the entire Washington delegation went to bat for Kent and in this case hit the ball out of the park in Babe Ruth fashion.  It was one of those once in a hundred years legacy moments that you can tell your grandchildren you were here to see. 

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Here’s the reaction in the room when Congressman Ryan announced the Kent award:

This money will be a game changer.  All the project aspirations for downtown Kent just got catapulted forward and should now be within reach over the next 2 years.   

We knew we had a great project in the downtown multi-modal facility; we knew we met all the criteria for the funds but we also knew that the competition for Federal funds was going to be fierce.  Seriously fierce.  In Ohio alone over $550 million in funding requests were submitted and at the end of the day only $50 million was awarded in Ohio — $20 million of which was the Kent project.  For that matter only 51 projects were funded nationwide and Kent is one of them.

How did it happen?  It happened because of the power of partnerships.  When we thanked Senator Brown’s Office for their support and they said that they were happy to help but they added candidly that the Kent project didn’t need much help, it stood on its own merits — it was that good.  It happened because it linked education, research and economic development with transit and green technology and bike trials and sustainable planning all wrapped up in a public private package  that promised new jobs, new stores, and new cultural opportunities not just for Kent but for all of northeast Ohio. 

Here’s a panoramic view of all the partners:

We told the Feds that we wanted to put Kent’s assets to work not just for Kent but for all of Ohio.  Apparently they liked the sound of that as much as we did.  Here’s some great sources of information to learn more about these funds.

Federal News Announcement and List

Tiger Grant Awards

KSU Multi-Media Project Page

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For your information, previous news coverage on the downtown Kent revitalization projects:

Akron Beacon Journal:  http://www.ohio.com/news/83843837.html

Clevelan Plain Dealer:  http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/downtown_kent_ohio_rising_phoe.html

Cleveland Plain Dealer:  http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/can_kent_ohio_become_the_next.html

Akron Beacon Journal:  http://www.ohio.com/news/64701597.html

Crains Business Magazine:  http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20091102/FREE/311029963

Crains Business Magazine:  http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20091102/FREE/311029955

Record Courier Newspaper:  http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4698205

Record Courier Newspaper: http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4773843

Record Courier Newspaper:  http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4772064

Record Courier Newspaper:  http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4772141

Record Courier Newspaper:  http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4698205

Zoning Code Revisions Meeting: Sign Regulations (...

This is the latest meeting in a series of public meetings reviewing the City’s Zoning Code.  To view all the meeting materials click here.
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EMAIL MEETING NOTICE FROM GARY LOCKE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Good Afternoon Everyone:

Attached are the materials for the next Joint Meeting to discuss the zoning code update. The meeting will be Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 7:30 PM. The Planning Commission has a meeting at 7:00 PM with one agenda item.

The topic for discussion will be the continued discussion of draft sign regulations. You may recall that we had reviewed a draft several months ago and there were a number of comments provided. I have prepared a new draft (known as the second revision) that incorporates a number of the comments. Attached to this email are the agenda for the meeting, the revised draft and a report from me which summarizes what has been revised, along with some commentary.

I hope to see you all on Tuesday evening assuming we are not snowed in!

Gary Locke, Community Development Director

Revised Code Section
CHAPTER 1165 SIGNAGE (VERSION 2)

100 Years Ago in Kent...

I’m old enough to remember back to 1989 and the Nike advertising campaign that celebrated the remarkable athletic feats of Bo Jackson using the tag line Bo Knows.  Nike paired Mr. Jackson with some of the biggest athletes of his era, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Mary Decker (and Bo Diddley too), to promote Nike’s latest cross-trainer footwear, suggesting that Bo Jackson’s multi-sport talents were the result of the Nike shoes he was wearing.  No doubt Bo knew his sports but nobody — not even Bo — knows Kent history like our own local legend Roger DiPaolo. 

Roger knows Kent lore and like Bo he’s willing to share his talent for all to see.  Besides being editor of the Record Courier he’s published a new book, titled Rooted in Kent, that features 101 tales from Tree City (Kent) history and last week he shared an interesting piece of Kent coincidence between February 1910 and February 2010 that he dubbed harmonic convergence separated by a 100 years.  Here’s what Roger Knows:

In February 1910 a winter storm raged in Kent leaving a foot of snow on the ground (sound familiar).  Local business leaders convened to discuss the need to work together on a more official basis and from that the Kent Board of Trade (later re-named the Chamber of Commerce) was born.  The Kent Courier (owned at the time by William Steward Kent) hailed the formation of the Board of Trade in an articled headlined “Now For A Greater Kent!” 

The article continued: “Let us all cooperate with them (the newly formed Board of Governors of the Kent Board of Trade) in every possible way.  Speak a good word.  Lend your helping hand.  Stand up for your town and for those who are endeavoring to promote its welfare.  Be a booster, there’s no room for knockers anywhere.  Get in line.  A strong pull, all together, will put Kent where it deserves to be, in the front rank of Ohio towns of its size.  Boost!”

The Courier left no doubt of its support for the new group by running a banner notice over its nameplate: “The Board of Trade Needs You and You Need It.  Get Together.”

Roger concluded his remarks that 100 years later Kent still needs its Board of Trade. 

Happy 100 Years to the Greater Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

I don’t have any Kent winter pics but this picture gives you a sense of what drivers were up against before the days of plow trucks.

Sidewalk Shoveling Update...

Who needs a membership to the gym when you’ve got enough snow to shovel yourself into the best fitness of your life.  This is biceps building season and by the time we finish shoveling I figure we can send a Kent contingent to the world’s strongest man (or woman) competition.  Now I know why the Swedes do so well — they shovel year round.  If the weather has hurt the gym business I’m guessing it’s kept a steady stream of customers lined up at the physical therapists — aching backs, sprained muscles and frozen extremeties.  Northeast Ohio is what therapists call job security.      

And I’m not just talking driveways here — for all those that have lifted a shovel in the name of civic duty and shoveled the sidewalk in your neighborhood we salute you.  Like the edges of my shovel, the whole snow-novelty holiday-season-nostalgia-thing is long since worn off and we’re left with the grunts and groans it takes to not only push the snow to the sides but lift it 4 to 6 feet high to reach the summit of Mount Snowbank.  There’s not much joy in snowville these days — so focus on the cardio benefits and how buff you’ll be at the end of the season — just in time for the beach!  

If fitness alone won’t motivate you the City is looking do a little coaching and incentivizing shoveling.  The City ordinances already said that everyone needs to pitch in, do their part, and shovel the sidewalks that are adjacent to their property but Council felt that the ordinances needed to go a little farther and they added that anyone that piles snow from their driveway or parking lot in a way that blocks the sidewalk then they must clear the sidewalk or be subject to a citation that carries a financial penalty like a ticket.  With the amount of snow that has been piled on the sidewalk it looks like the City’s Code Enforcement Officer is ready to implement that citation process.  Here’s the details from the Community Development Department and a couple of other updates for how all this will work:   

FROM GARY LOCKE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR:  Just to give a quick idea how this will work, Troy Loomis will be the primary staff person involved with the enforcement.  When a violation of the ordinance occurs, Troy will contact the business owner or property owner (in appropriate cases both will be notified) and provide them with a warning in writing that they are in violation.  They will be provided a period of time to correct the violation.  I have instructed Troy that if the violation constitutes an immediate safety hazard, that a 24 hour compliance deadline should be allowed.  If the situation is not an immediate safety hazard but the owner or operator of the business or property can be contacted directly, then a 3 day compliance deadline should be provided.  In the event that the property owner or business operator cannot be contacted directly and notice must be sent by mail, I have asked Troy to provide a seven day compliance deadline, unless the situation constitutes an immediate safety hazard, in which if the appropriate person cannot be contacted or located, we would contract to have the danger eliminated by removal of the snow / pile.  The cost to the city of having the snow removed would then be passed along to the property owner or business owner.   

In the event that compliance is not achieved through the warning letter by the compliance deadline, a Citation for Civil Infraction will be issued.  At this point a fine becomes effective.  Anyone who is cited for the infraction is required to respond with an answer within 10 days of the date of the citation.  In that answer, they can admit to the violation and pay the fine; admit to the violation and prove that the violation has been corrected (in which case the fine could be reduced by 50%); request a hearing with the hearing officer; or seek any other appeal process afforded.  For the snow removal ordinance, there is no other appeal process.  If no answer to the citation is provided within the prescribed time period, the fine becomes delinquent and is doubled.  If the fine is ultimately not paid and sent for collection, it is then tripled.  The current base fine for a citation is $100.  As the ordinance says, we will use any method of obtaining collection permitted by law.  I am currently researching whether we can seek collection through a collection agency on any fines levied on non-property owners such as businesses who lease.  Ultimately, however, I believe the ordinance gives us the ability to collect the fines from the property owners through certification to the property taxes.   

Since we are in the beginning stages of this new process, we will be attentive to how the process works and whether we are getting better compliance.  It may be necessary to propose some tweaks and changes to City Council at some point in the future, but we need some time to, “test it on the road”.  I would also emphasize that we are not using this system to cite persons who fail to clean their walks since the new council ordinance did not take the changes in that direction.  If there are any questions concerning this new process, I would welcome the opportunity to address them.   

2. On-Line Citizen Complaint Form for Sidewalk Snow Problems – With more enforcement capabilities (see above) we thought it would also be helpful to make it easier for residents to conveniently report problem spots so we’ve added a new Sidewalk Snow Removal button on the Citizen Action Center page of our City web site:  Citizen Action Center.   When a resident enters the problem/complaint a report is automatically sent to Troy Loomis for follow up.     

3.  No Parking Ban and Towing – I thought it might be helpful to share a copy of the Police procedures for ticketing and towing during a no parking ban for snow emergencies.  Here’s that Policy:   

Another Snow Emergency…...

I really prefer to write blog posts about interesting local events, unique Kent characters and to share good news stories about our community but unfortunately Old Man Winter is dominating the headlines these last couple of weeks and if you’ve glanced out a window this evening you know he’s back at it.  As much as I hate writing about it, I feel a sense of obligation to report the latest updates on weather related notices issued by our Public Service Department — consider this a blog version of twitter.   Here’s the latest Parking Ban notification that went into effect this evening:

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF KENT HAS ANNOUNCED A SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING BAN BEGINNING TODAY AT 4:00PM, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2010.

THE PARKING BAN IS BEING PUT INTO EFFECT TO ALLOW CITY CREWS TO CLEAR SNOW AND ICE FROM CITY STREETS DURING THE CURRENT STORM EVENT. THIS PARKING BAN WILL REMAIN IN AFFECT FOLLOWING THE STORM TO ALLOW CITY CREWS TO CONTINUE SNOW REMOVAL EFFORTS. AN UPDATED NEWS RELEASE WILL BE ISSUED TO INFORM THE PUBLIC AS TO THE STATUS OF THIS PARKING BAN AND WHEN IT WILL BE LIFTED.

DURING A SNOW EMERGENCY, PARKING ON ALL CITY STREETS IS BANNED TO PROVIDE FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL. A SNOW EMERGENCY EXISTS DURING ANY 24 HOUR PERIOD WHEN TWO OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW ACCUMULATES.

THIS WINTER SEASON, RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES ARE REMINDED TO CLEAR PUBLIC SIDEWALKS OF SNOW AND ICE ABUTTING THEIR PROPERTIES.

City of Kent, Ohio
Eugene K. Roberts
Director of Public Service