Proof - Newsletter Summer 2016

The Xenia Communicator
Summer 2016 Issue

City of Xenia Quarterly Report

In the last three months, the City of Xenia has been hard at work fulfilling INSIDE THIS ISSUE
the priorities set by Xenia City Council to improve the quality of life here
in Xenia. Since January, several new businesses have opened up, new city
improvements have been installed, and progress has been made on many highly
anticipated projects. Among those projects are city park improvements, new and SERVICE
improved waste management services, and a focus on downtown revitalization.
The new city hall building is expected to be completed by the end of the third page 2

quarter 2016.

Quality of Life FIREWORKS

The City of Xenia coordinated 2016 Easter Egg Extravaganza page 3
with the Xenia Area Association
of Churches and Ministries, DEVELOPMENT
Councilwoman Sarah Mays, and
BRACA to promote this year’s page 4
Easter Egg Hunt. The event
was a success, with hundreds IMPROVEMENTS
of area parents and children in
attendance. page 5

A draft of the zoning code re-write initiative, known as Shape Xenia, has been written PERSONNEL
and the public input process has finished. It was approved on June 9 and will take
effect July 9. For more information, go to www.shapexenia.com

Downtown Revitalization page 6

Super news on another fine restaurant to join the COMMUNITY
Downtown Xenia scene! One Bistro received their
permit to open in time for a special Easter dining page 7
experience! A few weeks later, One Bistro made their
official public opening and the restaurant at 87 E.
Main Street is now serving customers.

On another front, the City of Xenia was UPCOMING EVENTS
pleased to receive a formal announcement
from the Department of Housing and Urban Back Cover
Development (HUD) in April regarding the
HOPE VI Main Street grant submitted to www.eXploreXenia.com
HUD by the City in late August 2015. The
City received a $500,000 grant which
one bistro

will be used to develop four units of housing in the upper two stories of
Xenia Shoe and Leather. Details on page 4

2 www.eXploreXenia.com SUMMER 2016

Xenia Fire Division Shares that may be outside and unaware of the County has new mass-comm system
threatening weather situation. The sirens
Tornado Saftey Tips are not intended to be heard inside a News from the Greene County
The current City tornado home or vehicle, and other monitoring Commissioners…
sirens were upgraded in 2003 devices are recommended. For more In an effort to engage residents and
after the City was declared a information on severe weather readiness community partners by connecting them
“Project Impact” community or fire safety, citizens may contact the with County news, the Greene County
by the Federal Emergency Xenia Fire Division at (937) 376-7280 Commissioners have established ‘Inside
Management Agency (FEMA). or on Facebook at City of Xenia Fire the County’, an email blast aimed at
The upgraded tornado sirens Division. delivering important information right to
were placed in accordance your inbox. Whether it is a news article
Xenia Tornado Siren Locations
with FEMA guidelines to give 1. Xenia High School on Kinsey Rd. regarding an issue on the upcoming
optimal coverage of the Xenia 2. Old Spring Hill Site on Ormsby Dr. ballot, an update on a County program or
SERVICEcommunity. Sirens are checked 3. The former Board of Education notification of something new happening
on the first Monday of every in Greene County, their goal is to keep
month at 12 noon. The sirens Office on East Market St. you informed and up to date.
4. Franklin Park on Dayton Ave.
5. Glady Run Wastewater Treatment Plant on
have emergency battery back- Bellbrook Ave. If you are interested in receiving the
up power and a computer ‘Inside the County’ email blast, simply
tracking element that allows for Xenia Township Sites send an email to [email protected].
emergency personnel to verify 1. 373 Washington Rd. oh.us and they will register your email
2. 1578 Hoop Rd.
that the sirens function properly. 3. 1055 N Bickett Rd. address in their system.
According to Fire Chief Ken 4. Brush Row Rd.
Chief Riggsby, “The main reason 5. Greene County Career Center policies and procedures provide efficient
for our monthly siren check Xenia Police Division and effective professional guidelines to our
is to ensure that the sirens are A teamReo-fAascscersesdoristaftrioomnthe officers who serve our community,” said
ready and functioning properly Commission on Accreditation for Law Chief Person.
in case of a tornado warning Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), According to Ms. Shaw, the assessment
and a true emergency. On a arrived in Xenia, March 13, 2016, to team was composed of law enforcement
regular basis, our Fire Division examine all aspects of the City of Xenia practitioners from similar but out-of-
at the City of Xenia physically Police Division’s (XPD) policy and state agencies. The assessors reviewed
monitors the activation of the procedures, management, operations, written materials, interviewed individuals,
sirens in an effort to keep our and support services. and visited offices and other places
citizens safe from harm and Verification by the team that the City where compliance can be witnessed. The
because we value the lives of of Xenia Police Division meets the assessors who reviewed the Xenia Police
residents and visitors in our Commission’s state-of-the-art standards Division were Mr. Michael Bussiere
City.” If threatening weather was part of a voluntary process to from the Lewiston Police Department,
is in the area, the Fire Division gain re-accreditation - a highly prized Lewiston, Maine, and Ms. Rae Ferguson
recommends that residents get to recognition of law enforcement from the Asheville Police Department,
an area of safety and monitor the professional excellence according to Ashville, North Carolina. Once the
situation via radio or television. Police Chief Randy Person. A copy Commission’s assessors complete their
A weather radio or possibly even of the standards is available at the review of the Xenia Police Division, they
a cell phone application should Xenia City Police Division, 101 North will report back to the full Commission,
be considered to alert residents Detroit Street, Xenia, Ohio, and can be which will then decide if the Xenia Police
of weather warnings, especially requested from Xenia Police Division Division is to be granted accredited status.
during sleep. The tornado sirens Accreditation Manager Christina Shaw Accreditation is for four years, during
should not be solely relied in person or by calling (937) 376-7217. which the Xenia Police Division may
upon to notify all residents The City of Xenia Police Division has to submit annual reports attesting continued
of a pending tornado. Sirens comply with 480 standards in order to compliance with those standards under
are activated by policy after a gain accredited status. “Accreditation which it was initially accredited.
tornado warning is issued and is the foundation that assures that our For more information regarding the Xenia
are only intended to alert those Police Division call (937) 376-7221.

OurMission It is the mission of the City of Xenia to provide exemplary

Statement municipal services through responsible stewardship of community assets,

and the promotion of economic, environmental, and social vitality.

SUMMER 2016 www.eXploreXenia.com 3

Independence Day Celebration! Fireworks
Thanks to the generous donations of the Kevin Sonnycalb Family, Greene Memorial Hospital, and Xenia Rotary,
the City of Xenia is pleased to announce the Second Annual “Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival” to be
held on Friday, July 1st, from 4 pm to 11 pm at Xenia’s iconic Shawnee Park. The fireworks display will “light the
night” over Xenia and include not only a dazzling Fireworks show produced by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks, but will
also feature free bouncy houses, laser tag, Magician/Comedian Mike Hemmelgarn, a Superhero Bike parade with a
cash prizes for kids, an Adult and Kid’s Fishing Derby, Outdoor Laser Tag, a Balloon Animal Artist, Face Painting,
live music performed by bluegrass band “Blue Moon Soup”, a Movie in the Park and much, much more! Last year,
more than 5,000 people attended the event! It was the first time in twelve years since a firework’s show had been
held in the City and the response was overwhelming. Due to the anticipated crowd, the Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial
Fireworks Festival organizers and the City of Xenia encourage Festival goers to park remotely using on-street parking
or in designated parking lots and areas and walk to Shawnee Park. Maps and additional details of street
closures and parking locations will be available in advance of the event online via the City of Xenia’s
website and Facebook page or the Fireworks Festival Facebook page (search for The Kevin Sonnycalb
Memorial Fireworks) or scan this QR Code:
Kevin Sonnycalb Independence Day Celebration Event Sponsors
Friday, July 1st, from 4 to 11 p.m. at Shawnee Park. • Greene Memorial Hospital
• Kettering Health Network
• Xenia Rotary

Fireworks Festival Schedule Activity Sponsors

Xenia’s First Fridays - 5pm - 9pm @ Downtown Xenia • The Stephan Family
Movie in the Park - Minions - 9pm @ Shawnee Park • Key Bank of Xenia
Five Bouncy Houses - 4pm - 8:30pm • Dodds Monuments
Face Painting - 4pm - 8pm • Anderson-Williamson Insurance
Superhero Bike Parade with Prizes - 5:30pm - 6:15pm • Collett Propane and Sealcoating
Bluegrass by Blue Moon Soup - 7:15pm - 9:15pm • HB Electric and Construction
Fishing Derby with Prizes - 4pm - 7pm • IHS Pharmacy
Balloon Artist - 5pm - 8pm • Reichley Insurance
• Montgomery Insurance and Investments
• CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory of Ohio
• Greene Board of Developmental Disabilities/Four Oaks
• John E. and Betty Jo Meyer Family Foundation
• Faith Community Church
• McIlvaine, Realtors

Magic/Puppet Show - 6:15pm
Outdoor Laser Tag - 4pm - 8pm
Fireworks by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks display at dark www.eXploreXenia.com/705/KSFireworks

Kevin Sonnycalb, CPA, was a Xenia native, active Rotarian, and local philanthropist. He was a high
energy individual and is still missed very much by his family, who generously donated the funds for
the fireworks to give back to the community that he loved, lived in, and influenced throughout his
life. Kevin strongly supported education, and there is a college scholarship in his name at Xenia High
School for those students who work hard academically yet are struggling financially.

Be a Community of Choice Grow Our Economy Our
Strengthen Our Core
Make Our Neighborhoods Great X-Plan
Vision

4 www.eXploreXenia.com SUMMER 2016

Project Updates

Eavey Building Kmart Redevelopment
The Eavey Building, a former grocery warehouse at The City has reached agreement with Brandicorp, a
Third and Detroit Streets, sold at auction on May 17. developer out of the Cincinnati area, to redevelop the former
DevelopmentThe prospective purchasers, who are completing due Kmart building. However, several steps still need to happen
diligence prior to closing, are planning to redevelop before Brandicorp can take possession of the property and
the historic structure into a mixed use building, with begin construction. The City is currently conducting a Phase
commercial/retail on the first floor and housing on II environmental site assessment study to determine if there
the upper floors. “The building is pretty solid, but is are any environmental conditions that need to be addressed
essentially an empty vessel at this point,” said City of in order to allow the redevelopment to move forward. After
Xenia Development Director Steve Brodsky. “There the study is complete, the City will demolish the existing
is a lot of work that will need to go into the building building. During this time, the developer is actively seeking
and as with most large projects, it will take some time. tenants and developing a detailed plan for the site. Initial
The buyers are working closely with City staff on the concept plans call for a mix of restaurants and retail or
project, and we are excited about the possibilities and office uses. “There has been a lot of activity on the project,
impact this building will have on overall downtown although it has been behind the scenes,” said Development
redevelopment efforts.” Director Steve Brodsky. While the building demolition is
expected later this year, new construction will not likely start
until next spring.

Hope VI Grant
HUD announced on April 13, 2016, that the City of
Xenia was awarded the HOPE VI-Main Street Grant New Hotel Coming
in the amount of $500,000, and that the City of Xenia The City of Xenia has been working with Tashi
was the only such award provided across the nation. Hospitality Inc. on a new hotel development in Xenia.
The purpose of the federal program is to provide grants With approval of a Community Reinvestment Area
to small communities to assist in the renovation of a property tax abatement, the developer is moving
historic or traditional business district or “Main Street” forward with plans for an 81-room Hampton Inn
area by replacing unused commercial space in buildings off Progress Drive. Tashi has already purchased the
with affordable housing units. The City is working with property, and construction is expected to start later this
the owners of Xenia Shoe and Leather, 19 East Main fall. Total investment is expected to be $6 million. This
Street, to build four units of housing above the retail project will help meet an identified need for additional
store. In addition to the grant, the owners are to receive a hospitality options in the City, and allow Xenia to keep
matching loan in the amount of $115,200. The creation of more business travelers in the City. It will also help
additional housing has been recognized as an important attract more visitors who come to Greene County for
element to the overall revitalization of the downtown various youth sports tournaments, activities on the bike
area, and it is anticipated that this project will lead to trails, and to events at the Athletes in Action campus.

further housing projects throughout downtown.

New/Expanded/Relocated Businesses:

• One Bistro: 87 E Main St, Xenia, OH 45385 – (new restaurant business)
• Crowning Glory Beauty Salon: 183 Bellbrook Avenue – (hair salon business relocation)
• Live Gracefully, LLC Dance Studio: 657 Home Avenue – (new dance studio business)
• Live Better Massage: 75 E. Main Street – (business relocation)
• Restore the Massage Body Shop: 280 N Detroit Street – (new business)
• Hospice of Dayton (office use): 28 West Main Street – (medical service expansion)
• Greene County Republican HQ: 469 Dayton Avenue – (new office use)

OurMission It is the mission of the City of Xenia to provide exemplary

Statement municipal services through responsible stewardship of community assets,

and the promotion of economic, environmental, and social vitality.

SUMMER 2016 www.eXploreXenia.com 5

Project Updates Improvements

• Xenia Station: Splash Pad and Playground City Unveils New Bicycle Racks
The City is currently working with a consultant to design the new In a unique public-private partnership, the
splash pad and dry playground. Construction is expected to begin this City of Xenia showcased newly designed
summer. bicycle racks in historic Downtown Xenia.
Xenia, an internationally-visited bike
destination and located at the intersection
• New Xenia City Administration Building
Most City of Xenia offices will move from the current City Hall to East of four popular bike trails representing
Main Street as City Hall becomes the new Justice Center. the nation’s largest “paved trail” networks,
worked with the Greene County Career
Center (GCCC) and Twist, Inc., to
• Sol Arnovtiz Park: Hiking Loop and Disc Golf Course fabricate and design 12 new bike racks
Construction of gravel and mulch trails is underway. Installation of disc that will allow cyclists to secure their
golf baskets is complete, and work on the tee signs is underway with bicycles as they either visit, work, shop
volunteer assistance. Construction on pedestrian bridges began in late or live in Downtown Xenia. The City of
May 2016. Trail system will be complete by fall 2016. Xenia Planning and Zoning Department

• Lexington Park: Improved Playground Equipment recruited GCCC welding instructor Mike
Old equipment is being removed and newer equipment installed while Thompson and his students to design and
additional upgrades and improvements are underway. fabricate the ornamental bicycle racks. Joe
Wright, the CEO of Twist, Inc., offered
to professionally paint the racks free of
• Sterling Green Park: Walking Loop, Shelter, Basketball charge. The unique partnership signals
the City’s recognition of the important
Court, Shelter and Wildflower Meadows economic development impact of cyclists
Initial clearing of underbrush is complete. Gazebo installation and
wildflower planting will occur and installation of trails, seating and on the local economy, as well as the
basketball court will occur by fall 2016. potential of public-private partnerships to
implement community improvements in a
way that reduces taxpayer cost and
Streets To Be Resurfaced This Year provides an educational opportunity for
• E. Church Street (N. Columbus to N. Patton)
• Hollywood Boulevard (Purcell to Harris) students.
• Bowman Drive (Kylemore to Kylemore)
• Thornhill Street (S. Detroit to Ormsby)
• Ledbetter Road (US 42 to Mt. Vernon)
• Gayhart Street (Atkinson to Cul-de-sac)
• S. West Street (W. Second to W. Main)
• Saxony Drive (Hamlet to Cul-de-sac)
• Hamlet Drive (Marshall to Doral)
• Smith Drive (Weaver to Sutton)

Be a Community of Choice Grow Our Economy Our
Strengthen Our Core
Make Our Neighborhoods Great X-Plan
Vision

6 www.eXploreXenia.com SUMMER 2016
Xenia Police Division
Xenia Municipal Court Chief Bailiff
Honors Retirees Coy Retires after 42 years with City
Police Capt. David Sergeant Todd LeMaster recently
Pazynski reitred after 25 retired from the Xenia Police Division Xenia Municipal Court Chief Bailiff Robert
Sergeant LeMaster is (Bob) Coy retired May 1, 2016 after serving
years of service a lifelong resident of the Court for over 18 years. Coy, a Vietnam

PERSONNEL Greene County, having veteran was hired by the City of Xenia
grown up in Cedarville, in July 1973 to serve as a Police Officer.
where he is still known Officer Coy was promoted to Sergeant in
as a football legend. June 1987. In 1988 he was tasked to be the
LeMaster began his commander of the Xenia Special Events
career on August 6, Team (now called SWAT) based on his
1984, and completed military experience, leadership qualities,
basic peace officer training at the Ohio and command presence. He retired from
Captain Pazynski began his Highway Patrol Academy. He went on to the Xenia Police Division, in September
career with the Xenia serve in the patrol section for many years. 1997. When Sergeant Coy retired from the
Police Division on March 3, Additionally, he served as the DARE Xenia Police Division he wanted to
1991, when he was hired as a Officer and a Field Training Officer. He continue to serve the community. He didn’t
full-time officer. He accepted was promoted to sergeant on October miss a beat and immediately accepted the
many specialized assignments 28, 1997, at which time he supervised Deputy Bailiff position with the Xenia
during his career with XPD. the DIVERT (Domestic Violence Municipal Court. He served as a Deputy
Captain Pazynski worked as a Intervention) unit. Sergeant LeMaster Bailiff for nearly seven years. The leadership
D.A.R.E. Officer, Community later transitioned back to patrol operations experience he acquired during his time
Policing Supervisor, Crime and was the senior sergeant for the last with the Xenia Police Division made him
Prevention Supervisor, several years. During his time with a great fit for the next step in his public
Volunteer and Reserve the Police Division, Sergeant LeMaster service career. In May 2004 he accepted
Coordinator, Armorer, also served as a Blood Alcohol Content the Chief Bailiff position. Coy retired
Firearms Instructor, and Field operator, Police Traffic Radar instructor, from the City of Xenia with over 42 years
Training Officer. On driving instructor, Chair of the Training of service to this community. Richard
August 31, 1998, Pazynski Committee, and the police representative (Dickie) Walker replaced him as the Xenia
was promoted to rank of to the City Traffic Commission. Municipal Court Chief Bailiff. Walker has
Police Sergeant where he Fire Division receives American served as a Deputy Bailiff since December
served for nearly 11 years Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline 1998, and will bring strong bailiff
before his promotion to Police EMS Recognition Award experience and leadership to the position.
Captain. During this time The City of Xenia Fire Division (XFD)
Captain Pazynski graduated received the American Heart Association’s Police Chief inducted into
from Northwestern University Mission: Lifeline EMS Bronze Award for Xenia Hall of Honor
School of Police Staff and implementing quality improvement On April 30th, Chief
Command, he designed and measures for the treatment of patients of Police Randy
developed the Xenia Police who experience severe heart attacks. Person was inducted
Division’s first website, wrote Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline into the Xenia Hall
a grant resulting in an award Bronze award have demonstrated at least of Honor along with
to purchase Automated 75 percent compliance for each required Chad R. Johnson Ph.D.,
External Defibrillators to achievement measure for a minimum of Jane Newton, Richard
place in cruisers to make one quarter. Strous, and Robert E.
officers true first responders, Williams. The Chief was
wrote a grant with an award recognized for his years of public service
for purchasing officer body and his charity to the community through a
cameras and most recently spectacular light display at his home during
created the Xenia Police the holiday season, which acts to raise
Division’s first mobile app. money for the Greene County
Interfaith Hospitality Network.

OurMission It is the mission of the City of Xenia to provide exemplary

Statement municipal services through responsible stewardship of community assets,

and the promotion of economic, environmental, and social vitality.

SUMMER 2016 www.eXploreXenia.com 7

Tree Committee Hosts Arbor Day Event at McKinley Elementary Community

The City of Xenia Tree Committee celebrated Arbor Day with fifth-grade students from McKinley Elementary School
by planting a tree alongside the school on Friday, April 29. The tree, an elm, was donated by committee member Bob
Moore. Participating students received a Concolor Fir tree seedling from the Greene Soil and Water Conservation
District as well as information on caring for the tree seedling from the City of Xenia Tree Committee, Greene County
Parks & Trails, and Five Rivers MetroParks. The City of Xenia Tree Committee is an all-volunteer organization
dedicated to education, preservation, and conservation of the urban forest.

Criterium Returns to Xenia

The Tour de Xenia, a criterium bicycle race, was held at
Shawnee Park for the second year in a row on Saturday,
June 4. The race was part of the Ohio Criterium Cup race
series and served as the USA Cycling Ohio State Masters
and Junior Criterium Championships. There were race
categories for all ages with over $5,000 in prize money
along with prime lap prizes. Patrick Weddell, of Boone,
NC, placed first in the Men’s Category 123. MacKenzie
Green, of Mason, OH, placed first in the Women’s
Category 123.
2015 Criterium Bike Race

Neighborhood Night Out Join us for hot dogs, snacks, and fun as the City of Xenia
comes to your neighborhood to share anything and
Neighborhood Night Out Schedule everything you need to know about Xenia!

Date Location Time

August 9 Old East High 5pm - 7pm

September 27 McKinley School 4pm - 6pm

October 11 Shawnee School 4pm - 6pm

Community Festival

The 2016 Community Festival will feature a parade, a Balloon Glow, paddleboats on the lake, food, vendors, the
Third Annual Junked Bike Art Competition, as well as free live entertainment headlined by Joe Mullins and the Radio
Ramblers (Saturday night). The Festival’s hours will be 4 pm to 9 pm on Friday, September 16, and 9 am to 9 pm on
Saturday, September 17. The opening ceremony on Friday will start at 6 pm. Greene Memorial Hospital/Kettering
Health Network is the event’s title sponsor. To access Parade and vendor applications, visit www.xacc.com. Scan the
QR Code or visit www.facebook.com/xeniacommunityfestival for updates! Dr. Algeania Marie Warren
Freeman, President of Wilberforce University, will serve as the parade’s grand marshall. She is a 40 year
veteran of the higher education field and considered a living legend.

Be a Community of Choice Grow Our Economy Our
Strengthen Our Core
Make Our Neighborhoods Great X-Plan
Vision

PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE

PAID

DAYTON OH
PERMIT #966

Xenia City Hall
101 N. Detroit Street
Xenia, OH 45385
376-7232

Xenia Police Division
Non-Emergency
372-9901

Xenia Fire Division
Non-Emergency
376-7278

Xenia Utility Billing
376-7242

Street and Storm Sewer Maintenance
376-7265

Trash Pickup
800-223-3960 (Rumpke)

For more information,
visit Xenia’s website:
www.eXploreXenia.com

Community Gardens Keep Xenia Beautiful

If you don’t have the space to garden at your Individuals, families, businesses, community groups,
home, the City is pleased to once again offer non-profits, church groups, PTOs, etc., are invited to help us
garden plots for only $20 per plot for the growing keep Xenia beautiful by adopting one of the 36 downtown
season. The plots are located on Towler Road flower beds or 34 flower pots with our BLOOM with XENIA …
across the street from West Side Park. All gardens Adopt-A-Spot” program! Learn more by scanning the QR
must be organic and chemical free. Water is Code or call Carol Atzbach, Master Gardener, at
available at the site. Contact Public Service at 376-7265 374-1202.
for information.

July 1st: Second Annual Kevin Sonnycalb Upcoming Events October 11th: Neighborhood Night Out. See pg. 7
Memorial Fireworks at Shawnee Park. See August 21st: Music in the Park. Xenia Hospitality October 31st: Beggar’s Night.
pg. 3 Chorus

July 4th: City Offices closed in observance November 8th: Election Day.
of Independence Day. Trash collection
will be delayed one day. September 2nd: First Fridays.

July 17th: Music in the Park. The Voices of Truth September 2nd: Movie in the Park. Open Season: November 11th: City Offices will be closed in Clip and save!
featuring Lorna Bonner. Scared Silly. observance of Veterans Day. Trash collection will
be delayed one day from the holiday.
July 31st-Aug 6th: Greene County Fair.
September 5th: City offices will be closed in November 24th-25th: City Offices will be closed
August 5th: First Fridays. observance of Labor Day. Trash collection in observance of Thanksgiving Day & Day After.
will be delayed one day. Trash collection will be delayed one day from the
August 7th: Music in the Park. Sauerkraut holiday.
German Band. September 16th-17th: Xenia Community Festival.
See pg. 7 CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR
August 9th: Neighborhood Night Out. See pg. 7 MORE INFORMATION ON
September 27th: Neighborhood Night Out. See pg. 7 THESE EVENTS!
SUMMER 2016
October 3rd-7th: Semi-Annual Hydrant Flushing. 8

www.eXploreXenia.com