Monday, December 24, 2012
NEW BOSTON COMMUNITY STEPS UP FOR CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS
Every year since I have been on Village Council, I have had the privilege of working with three of the most satisfying projects any community can offer its citizens.
The annual Breakfast with Santa, which is put on by the mayor along with village council and local community leaders is a great way to start the holiday season. Each year the number of pancake and breakfast sausage meals seem to increase as this year it is estimated we served between 500-600 people. A Santa Claus is available giving out gifts to each child who shows up and the fellowship and fun make the morning the start to a great day.
Over the last three years, New Boston has began an annual Christmas parade. The parade gets bigger each year, goes through the village and has entries from all over Scioto County as well as parts of Kentucky. There were approximately 70 units in the parade this year and next year it is expected to be bigger. The streets are lined with children and adults cheering and at the fire station Santa Claus meets with children after the parade and cookies and hot chocolate are served.
Probably the oldest tradition in New Boston is the annual Police/Fire Children's Christmas Toy Drive. Local vendors and citizens donate money and toys to the drive each year and employees and volunteers donate their time wrapping the gifts for families who submit their children's names for gifts. One day close to Christmas, personnel from the police, fire and village council go throughout the village with Santa Claus passing out the gifts at the children's homes. Additional gifts are bought for children outside the village and are picked up at the police station by families.
These three events are just another example of how the New Boston community reaches out to its children each year. I have been so privileged to work with the great police, fire and service department staffs which go above and beyond to make Christmas special for so many people.
There are a lot of great things coming to New Boston in the next year, its going to be a great time to live in the village and a great time to raise your children there as well. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Mike Payton
12-24-2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
NEW BOSTON HAS A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR
As we complete the Thanksgiving weekend it is always good to look back on the many blessings we have had over the past year. We do this personally as well with our business life.
Here in New Boston, there have been several events that have given all of us in our village reason to be thankful this year. How you rate them in importance is up to the individual but blessings to our village they all have been.
The long-awaited completion and opening of the new facilties for the New Boston School District. This past week several tours have taken place and the students actually started using the building on November 19. It is a beautifully constructed, state-of-the-art facility that should last the community for another hundred years, as did the old Glenwood High School. A new, larger gymnasium, the most current computer technology and larger classroom space plus beautiful surroundings reflect the great generosity of the voters of New Boston for their children.
The Village has had two major construction projects over the past year. Both the new retaining wall on 139 plus the blacktopping of Lakeview and Rt. 139 have caused traffic congestion most of the summer but have made our village much safer and more attractive.
This past week the announcement that the construction of Infra-Metals was going to be starting with the completion on all paper work will have the possibility of providing an initial 60 jobs at the plant plus the construction jobs that will be required to build the complex.
And finally, the South Central Educational Service Center will take occupation of the old Glenwood High School building in January. They will bring with them several employees as well as other benefits for the village.
Overall, as we look at where New Boston is this Thanksgiving, we do have a lot to be thankful for. Our little village has moved forward in a time where many larger cities have fallen by the way side due to poor economic condiditions. Let's enjoy what we have and look forward to the future.
Mike Payton
11-25-2012
Here in New Boston, there have been several events that have given all of us in our village reason to be thankful this year. How you rate them in importance is up to the individual but blessings to our village they all have been.
The long-awaited completion and opening of the new facilties for the New Boston School District. This past week several tours have taken place and the students actually started using the building on November 19. It is a beautifully constructed, state-of-the-art facility that should last the community for another hundred years, as did the old Glenwood High School. A new, larger gymnasium, the most current computer technology and larger classroom space plus beautiful surroundings reflect the great generosity of the voters of New Boston for their children.
The Village has had two major construction projects over the past year. Both the new retaining wall on 139 plus the blacktopping of Lakeview and Rt. 139 have caused traffic congestion most of the summer but have made our village much safer and more attractive.
This past week the announcement that the construction of Infra-Metals was going to be starting with the completion on all paper work will have the possibility of providing an initial 60 jobs at the plant plus the construction jobs that will be required to build the complex.
And finally, the South Central Educational Service Center will take occupation of the old Glenwood High School building in January. They will bring with them several employees as well as other benefits for the village.
Overall, as we look at where New Boston is this Thanksgiving, we do have a lot to be thankful for. Our little village has moved forward in a time where many larger cities have fallen by the way side due to poor economic condiditions. Let's enjoy what we have and look forward to the future.
Mike Payton
11-25-2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
THANKS TO THE AMERICAN LABOR MOVEMENT
As we celebrate another Labor Day weekend, 3 days in fact for many of us, I think it is important to give credit to those that made this traditional weekend away from our jobs possible: The American Labor Movement.
Many great benefits have came our way over the years due to the diligent work of union memberships throughout our great country. Such items as weekends off, overtime pay, 8-hour workday, minimum wage laws, paid vacation, paid sick days, improved safety standards, child labor laws, health benefits, retirement security and unemployment compensation are all a direct result of labor unions and their membership standing up for the American worker.
My father was a member of the railroad unions for close to forty years. I was a member of the AFSCME union while working with the state of Ohio. Throughout all those years I met many dedicated workers who cared for their families, their churches and their communities. They worked hard, obeyed our laws and sent their children to our schools. I can't imagine living any other way than by the solid work ethic and principles I gained growing up and the environment I am proud to have come from.
This Labor Day weekend, as well as throughout the year, stop and think before you sponsor those who out-sourced jobs to other countries, and those who try to eliminate collective bargaining rights and deprive citizens of their right to health insurance and abolish social security, retirement pensions and Medicare.
My thanks to all those of the American Labor Movement for all they have done for my family and yours.
Mike Payton
9-3-2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
NEW BOSTON COUNCIL REQUESTS MEETINGS WITH PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
As many of you may have read recently, our Village council is in the process of asking Village Solicitor Walter Lytten to coordinate a joint council meeting with the city of Portsmouth's council.
It has become increasingly clear over the last few years issues continue to evolve requiring cooperation between the two communities. Communication has not been as clear or effective between the two governments as it should be. I don't believe this to be the fault of either council or staff, I believe it to be the nature of political bureaucracy.
The past few council meetings at New Boston have resulted in requests by our council to Village Solicitor Walter Lytten to coordinate with Portsmouth Solicitor Mike Jones a joint meeting of the two councils. Especially at this time in our village I feel the position of both councils needs to be exceedingly clear on two particular issues: (1) the floodwall certification process and (2) sewer revenue operations.
The sewer problem in particular dates back to 1991 when the Village and city signed a 30-year contract agreeing that New Boston would maintain all of the sewer lines that pass through the village, and the city would maintain all of the sewer lift stations and the village would receive no revenue from the sewer rates.
Since that time, the city has added more sewer customers on Pleasant Avenue and Scioto County Engineers are planning a sewer project on Munn's Run in the Eden Park area that will pay the city to run through those same village sewer lines. We believe these customers weren't part of the original agreement and are adding more stress to our lines which we have to maintain with no revenue.
What we are asking for, but not agreed to by Portsmouth at this time, is 10 percent of the total sewage fee collected on New Boston residents. According to figures provided by Village Administrator Steve Hamilton, New Boston residents paid $300,000 in sewage fees to the city of Portsmouth last year, and 10% of that would be $30,000 in revenue to New Boston.
With regard to the floodwall certification, FEMA is wanting both Portsmouth and New Boston walls completed successfully so the entire floodwall system can be accredited. Although we know where New Boston is in regards to successful completion, we are not sure with Portsmouth. We have secured a $400,00o bond to insure successful accreditation of the New Boston walls. We want to be sure the Portsmouth walls do not endanger our success.
I believe we can no longer sit by without direct discussion with the Portsmouth council working out written agreements on these issues and several others. We need periodic meetings, quarterly at the least, between the two entities, and these meetings need to be with the best interests of citizens of both communities at the forefront.
Mike Payton
7-1-2012
It has become increasingly clear over the last few years issues continue to evolve requiring cooperation between the two communities. Communication has not been as clear or effective between the two governments as it should be. I don't believe this to be the fault of either council or staff, I believe it to be the nature of political bureaucracy.
The past few council meetings at New Boston have resulted in requests by our council to Village Solicitor Walter Lytten to coordinate with Portsmouth Solicitor Mike Jones a joint meeting of the two councils. Especially at this time in our village I feel the position of both councils needs to be exceedingly clear on two particular issues: (1) the floodwall certification process and (2) sewer revenue operations.
The sewer problem in particular dates back to 1991 when the Village and city signed a 30-year contract agreeing that New Boston would maintain all of the sewer lines that pass through the village, and the city would maintain all of the sewer lift stations and the village would receive no revenue from the sewer rates.
Since that time, the city has added more sewer customers on Pleasant Avenue and Scioto County Engineers are planning a sewer project on Munn's Run in the Eden Park area that will pay the city to run through those same village sewer lines. We believe these customers weren't part of the original agreement and are adding more stress to our lines which we have to maintain with no revenue.
What we are asking for, but not agreed to by Portsmouth at this time, is 10 percent of the total sewage fee collected on New Boston residents. According to figures provided by Village Administrator Steve Hamilton, New Boston residents paid $300,000 in sewage fees to the city of Portsmouth last year, and 10% of that would be $30,000 in revenue to New Boston.
With regard to the floodwall certification, FEMA is wanting both Portsmouth and New Boston walls completed successfully so the entire floodwall system can be accredited. Although we know where New Boston is in regards to successful completion, we are not sure with Portsmouth. We have secured a $400,00o bond to insure successful accreditation of the New Boston walls. We want to be sure the Portsmouth walls do not endanger our success.
I believe we can no longer sit by without direct discussion with the Portsmouth council working out written agreements on these issues and several others. We need periodic meetings, quarterly at the least, between the two entities, and these meetings need to be with the best interests of citizens of both communities at the forefront.
Mike Payton
7-1-2012
VILLAGE FLOODWALL CERTIFICATION ALMOST COMPLETE
It is good to report that the Village of New Boston is nearly complete with its floodwall repairs and maintenance to meet new safety regulations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Without state or federal funding, our village has had no choice but to obtain a $400,000 line of credit at U.S. Bank but will be able to complete the project for approximately $300,000.
FEMA announced the new regulations in 2010 to cities and communities across the United States. The agency warned that they would de-accredit any community's floodwall that has not met the requirements before the deadline of April, 2011. The result of de-accreditation would be that citizens would have to purchase their own flood insurance for much higher rates.
Because the village and the city of Portsmouth floodwalls are connected, we were told if either one fails to pass FEMA inspections both will be de-accredited. At this time, although the proces has not been finalized, our Village Administrator Steve Hamilton feels the final needed repairs will be completed in time for the village to meet accreditation. Our floodwalls are approximately 60 years old and FEMA officials have been impressed with the upkeep of the walls over the years.
Mike Payton
7-1-2012
FEMA announced the new regulations in 2010 to cities and communities across the United States. The agency warned that they would de-accredit any community's floodwall that has not met the requirements before the deadline of April, 2011. The result of de-accreditation would be that citizens would have to purchase their own flood insurance for much higher rates.
Because the village and the city of Portsmouth floodwalls are connected, we were told if either one fails to pass FEMA inspections both will be de-accredited. At this time, although the proces has not been finalized, our Village Administrator Steve Hamilton feels the final needed repairs will be completed in time for the village to meet accreditation. Our floodwalls are approximately 60 years old and FEMA officials have been impressed with the upkeep of the walls over the years.
Mike Payton
7-1-2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
HB346 HIGHLIGHTS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UPCOMING SESSION
As the Ohio General Assembly prepares for its next session, the Ohio Municipal League is in the process of reviewing each of the bills under consideration as well as making recommendations for new legislation.
At the Ohio Municipal League's last meeting we were charged with presenting ten recommendations for possible legislative action. As reported in the "Portsmouth Daily Times," one of my recommendations was the passage of House Bill 346, sponsored by Rep. Kenny Yuko (D-7th District). The bill proposes amendments to sections of the Ohio Revised Code to provide disability benefits to a firefighter, police officer, or public emergency medical services worker who is disabled as a result of specified types of cancer, or certain contagious or infectious diseases incurred while performing official duties. I would like to see more emphasis on vision and hearing loss added to the bill, especially as it pertains to total hearing or vision loss.
HB346 is a good bill in its current form but I believe the addition of vision and hearing benefits would strengthen the bill's impact for first responders. I believe it to be a critical piece of legislation.
I would like to mention the other nine recommendations I made to the Ohio Municipal League for consideration:
1. More protection for collective bargaining rights for state, county and municipal employees.
2. Restrict state control over local income tax collection.
3. Prohibit the suspension of retirement benefits in a public retirement system to a retiree who returns to public employment.
4. Endorement of HB346
5. To allow only one recall election per county, city or municipality within two calendar years.
6. (Currently proposed in SB193) (SEITZ B) To require scrap metal dealers to take and keep as part of the sales record a photograph of each person selling or giving an article to the dealer.
7. Permit villages and townships authority to establish sales tax for their areas
8. Permit landlords to evict tenants for two successive months on nonpayment of rent after three certified letters without court hearing.
9. Eliminate student-performance requirements as a condition for teacher pay increasess.
10. Establish mandatory hazard pay schedule for state, county and village service workers.
Mike Payton
6-26-2012
At the Ohio Municipal League's last meeting we were charged with presenting ten recommendations for possible legislative action. As reported in the "Portsmouth Daily Times," one of my recommendations was the passage of House Bill 346, sponsored by Rep. Kenny Yuko (D-7th District). The bill proposes amendments to sections of the Ohio Revised Code to provide disability benefits to a firefighter, police officer, or public emergency medical services worker who is disabled as a result of specified types of cancer, or certain contagious or infectious diseases incurred while performing official duties. I would like to see more emphasis on vision and hearing loss added to the bill, especially as it pertains to total hearing or vision loss.
HB346 is a good bill in its current form but I believe the addition of vision and hearing benefits would strengthen the bill's impact for first responders. I believe it to be a critical piece of legislation.
I would like to mention the other nine recommendations I made to the Ohio Municipal League for consideration:
1. More protection for collective bargaining rights for state, county and municipal employees.
2. Restrict state control over local income tax collection.
3. Prohibit the suspension of retirement benefits in a public retirement system to a retiree who returns to public employment.
4. Endorement of HB346
5. To allow only one recall election per county, city or municipality within two calendar years.
6. (Currently proposed in SB193) (SEITZ B) To require scrap metal dealers to take and keep as part of the sales record a photograph of each person selling or giving an article to the dealer.
7. Permit villages and townships authority to establish sales tax for their areas
8. Permit landlords to evict tenants for two successive months on nonpayment of rent after three certified letters without court hearing.
9. Eliminate student-performance requirements as a condition for teacher pay increasess.
10. Establish mandatory hazard pay schedule for state, county and village service workers.
Mike Payton
6-26-2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES DOING WELL IN NEW BOSTON
One of the charms of small towns is various local businesses and shops seen on the streets.
In New Boston we have been blessed with several local businesses over the years and many are still here and thriving.
Blackburn's Food, Fuel and Pharmacy, The Shake Shop, Hickies Hamburger Inn, Shawnee Computers, Franks, City Limits and Lock Stock & Barrel Gun Shop are among the locally-owned busineeses that have been in New Boston for years and have done very well.
I wanted to take time to thank all the locally-owned businesses that have graced our village over the years and worked hard to not only stay here but help our community grow.
Small businesses are struggling across the United States. Each night on the evening news you hear statistics on the closing of more and more small businesses. I like to think that here in New Boston we try hard to help our local merchants, whether financially, where possible, and also by being available to answer questions and work out problems that may arise.
Again, thanks to all local business owners in New Boston and we welcome more small businesses to our great village.
Mike Payton
6-21-2012
In New Boston we have been blessed with several local businesses over the years and many are still here and thriving.
Blackburn's Food, Fuel and Pharmacy, The Shake Shop, Hickies Hamburger Inn, Shawnee Computers, Franks, City Limits and Lock Stock & Barrel Gun Shop are among the locally-owned busineeses that have been in New Boston for years and have done very well.
I wanted to take time to thank all the locally-owned businesses that have graced our village over the years and worked hard to not only stay here but help our community grow.
Small businesses are struggling across the United States. Each night on the evening news you hear statistics on the closing of more and more small businesses. I like to think that here in New Boston we try hard to help our local merchants, whether financially, where possible, and also by being available to answer questions and work out problems that may arise.
Again, thanks to all local business owners in New Boston and we welcome more small businesses to our great village.
Mike Payton
6-21-2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
NEW BOSTON COMMUNITY YARD SALE IS JUNE 2
The fourth annual New Boston Community Yard sale is going to be held Saturday, June 2.
Residents of the village are invited to participate in this free one-day event by hosting their own yard sale at their home or business in New Boston. A yard sale permit is not required.
New Boston resident Bryce Flowers came up with the idea to have the community sale back in 2009. He came before council, presented the idea, and the village also agreed not to require a permit on that particular day. So here we are in 2012 and the community event has been a major success each year since.
Food vendors and New Boston churches are also invited to participate in this event by setting up their own booths and concessions.
We are hoping everyone will still remember that the sale is community wide even though there is much road construction in the village. Just be careful but feel free to visit each street and area of the village as the sale is village wide.
Mike Payton
5-22-2012
Residents of the village are invited to participate in this free one-day event by hosting their own yard sale at their home or business in New Boston. A yard sale permit is not required.
New Boston resident Bryce Flowers came up with the idea to have the community sale back in 2009. He came before council, presented the idea, and the village also agreed not to require a permit on that particular day. So here we are in 2012 and the community event has been a major success each year since.
Food vendors and New Boston churches are also invited to participate in this event by setting up their own booths and concessions.
We are hoping everyone will still remember that the sale is community wide even though there is much road construction in the village. Just be careful but feel free to visit each street and area of the village as the sale is village wide.
Mike Payton
5-22-2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
NEWVILLE LITTLE LEAGUE GIVES GREAT HONOR TO BROTHER AND MYSELF
On Saturday afternoon, April 28, 2012, the Newville Little League gave my brother Jerry and myself the honor of being Grand Marshall's of the 2012 Newville Little League Parade.
Jerry and I started coaching in what was then New Boston Little League back in 1978. Since then a lot has happened, many great people have come and gone and the memories we have will last forever.
Wins and losses are always fun to talk about but the real stories over the years have involved the great friendships we have made with both the kids and the parents. We have had the pleasure of working with some fantastic young people ranging in ages from T-Ball (5-6 year olds) up to Senior League (13-16). Some of these people have moved away while others still live in the area and many coach either at Newville or elsewhere around the county. And yes, Jerry and I have coached some of their children as well.
There have been some great coaches come out of New Boston over the years. Unfortunately some are not with us today but we will always remember the good times we had coaching with and against them.
The New Boston community and the Sciotoville community combined little leagues about ten years ago, renaming the combined league "Newville." Jerry and I have coached, served on the board, umpired and shoveled dirt for both Newville and New Boston Little Leagues and would never ever trade a one day of it for anything.
Little League Baseball has always been a cornerstone of our community. Every current councilman and village official has either played, coached, or had children play in the New Boston/Newville Little League at one time or another. And very few children who have grown up in New Boston have not played at least one year in one division or another of the league.
For Jerry and me, its been the experience of a lifetime. We don't regret one second of it. We thank league president Brian Holbrook and the Newville Little League Board of Directors for the great honor they gave us. And we thank all the fantastic children that played baseball for us all those years. It has been a ride we will always cherish.
Mike Payton
4-29-2012
Jerry and I started coaching in what was then New Boston Little League back in 1978. Since then a lot has happened, many great people have come and gone and the memories we have will last forever.
Wins and losses are always fun to talk about but the real stories over the years have involved the great friendships we have made with both the kids and the parents. We have had the pleasure of working with some fantastic young people ranging in ages from T-Ball (5-6 year olds) up to Senior League (13-16). Some of these people have moved away while others still live in the area and many coach either at Newville or elsewhere around the county. And yes, Jerry and I have coached some of their children as well.
There have been some great coaches come out of New Boston over the years. Unfortunately some are not with us today but we will always remember the good times we had coaching with and against them.
The New Boston community and the Sciotoville community combined little leagues about ten years ago, renaming the combined league "Newville." Jerry and I have coached, served on the board, umpired and shoveled dirt for both Newville and New Boston Little Leagues and would never ever trade a one day of it for anything.
Little League Baseball has always been a cornerstone of our community. Every current councilman and village official has either played, coached, or had children play in the New Boston/Newville Little League at one time or another. And very few children who have grown up in New Boston have not played at least one year in one division or another of the league.
For Jerry and me, its been the experience of a lifetime. We don't regret one second of it. We thank league president Brian Holbrook and the Newville Little League Board of Directors for the great honor they gave us. And we thank all the fantastic children that played baseball for us all those years. It has been a ride we will always cherish.
Mike Payton
4-29-2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
EPA ASKS NEW BOSTON TO DEVELOP SEWER PLAN
During our council session April 3, 2012, representatives from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency spoke to us regarding development of a long-term sewer control plan.
Evidently the Ohio EPA began sending letters to the village in 2005 asking for a long-term sewer control plan that would divide the village's current combined sewer system into two separate lines, one sewer line and one storm water line. With no response from the village, the Ohio EPA turned the matter over to the U.S. EPA in 2007.
The chief concern seems to be the village's combined sewer overthrows (CSO), which is what occurs when too much water and sewage flow through the sewer lines. When that happens, the excess flow will bypass the two pump stations and dump into the river.
The EPA is also concerned about instances of overflows happening inside people's basements. According to Village Administrator Steve Hamilton, this occurs when the home's sanitary line is tapped into the storm line.
The Ohio EPA asked village council to begin thinking about its long-term control plan. The biggest challenge to this entire project will undoubtedly be funding. With limited funding available, the EPA discussed several options.
One option is the village try to renegotiate a 30-year signed agreement with Portsmouth whereby currently the village gets no money from revenues paid by village residents for sewage.
Another option discussed would be for the village to add its own additional charges onto the bill for New Boston customers. The EPA suggested that a 50-cent or one dollar fee would not create a large pot of money but would be a start.
Another option is metering the sewage as it enters or leaves the village and charging a fee to the City of Portsmouth for whatever the sewage and stormwater they send through the lines.
Yet another option is for the village to turn all sewer lines totally over to Portsmouth to maintain. This option to me is almost absurd as the City of Portsmouth is having trouble maintaining its own lines and adding our lines would be of no advantage.
A final option discussed was the village deciding to build its own treatment plant to serve the residents of New Boston. It could be the most expensive option overall as it has been virtually impossible to get any state or federal monies for infrastructure work in the village.
Over the next several weeks our council is going to have to move forward in establishing a long-term control plan. Various beginning goals, intermediary goals and finally long-term goals are going to have to be developed and implemented. Some of the goals are certainly going to revolve around funding.
Mike Payton
4-9-2012
Evidently the Ohio EPA began sending letters to the village in 2005 asking for a long-term sewer control plan that would divide the village's current combined sewer system into two separate lines, one sewer line and one storm water line. With no response from the village, the Ohio EPA turned the matter over to the U.S. EPA in 2007.
The chief concern seems to be the village's combined sewer overthrows (CSO), which is what occurs when too much water and sewage flow through the sewer lines. When that happens, the excess flow will bypass the two pump stations and dump into the river.
The EPA is also concerned about instances of overflows happening inside people's basements. According to Village Administrator Steve Hamilton, this occurs when the home's sanitary line is tapped into the storm line.
The Ohio EPA asked village council to begin thinking about its long-term control plan. The biggest challenge to this entire project will undoubtedly be funding. With limited funding available, the EPA discussed several options.
One option is the village try to renegotiate a 30-year signed agreement with Portsmouth whereby currently the village gets no money from revenues paid by village residents for sewage.
Another option discussed would be for the village to add its own additional charges onto the bill for New Boston customers. The EPA suggested that a 50-cent or one dollar fee would not create a large pot of money but would be a start.
Another option is metering the sewage as it enters or leaves the village and charging a fee to the City of Portsmouth for whatever the sewage and stormwater they send through the lines.
Yet another option is for the village to turn all sewer lines totally over to Portsmouth to maintain. This option to me is almost absurd as the City of Portsmouth is having trouble maintaining its own lines and adding our lines would be of no advantage.
A final option discussed was the village deciding to build its own treatment plant to serve the residents of New Boston. It could be the most expensive option overall as it has been virtually impossible to get any state or federal monies for infrastructure work in the village.
Over the next several weeks our council is going to have to move forward in establishing a long-term control plan. Various beginning goals, intermediary goals and finally long-term goals are going to have to be developed and implemented. Some of the goals are certainly going to revolve around funding.
Mike Payton
4-9-2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
NEW BOSTON HAS GREAT CLEAN-UP DAY
This past weekend across New Boston students and residents pitched in to clean up the village with the year's first village-wide clean up day.
Large dumpsters were placed on the old Walmart parking lot in New Boston for village residents to drop off any trash or unwanted items. Hazardous or toxic materials were not accepted: this included refrigerators, batteries, televisions, gasoline containers or paint cans.
For those residents who were unable to bring their trash to the dumpsters, the village arranged to pick up whatever they could.
Volunteers from Walmart, Genesis, village council and village employees were walking through New Boston on Saturday picking up litter and trash in the streets and students from Glenwood High School's Honor Society and Student Council were also out picking up trash. Participating students also earned valuable community service points than can be applied toward their college scholarship applications.
Keeping New Boston clean is just another part of the great Tiger Pride our village exhibits every day. My thanks and congratulations to all who participated this year.
Mike Payton
4-1-2012
Large dumpsters were placed on the old Walmart parking lot in New Boston for village residents to drop off any trash or unwanted items. Hazardous or toxic materials were not accepted: this included refrigerators, batteries, televisions, gasoline containers or paint cans.
For those residents who were unable to bring their trash to the dumpsters, the village arranged to pick up whatever they could.
Volunteers from Walmart, Genesis, village council and village employees were walking through New Boston on Saturday picking up litter and trash in the streets and students from Glenwood High School's Honor Society and Student Council were also out picking up trash. Participating students also earned valuable community service points than can be applied toward their college scholarship applications.
Keeping New Boston clean is just another part of the great Tiger Pride our village exhibits every day. My thanks and congratulations to all who participated this year.
Mike Payton
4-1-2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
LIGHTS OUT IN THE DEN REALLY A MOVING NIGHT FOR NEW BOSTON
This past Saturday evening, February 18,2012, an era ended in New Boston. The lights in the famed "Tiger Den" were turned out for the last time.
The school, which will be 97 years old this year, along with Oak and Stanton, are finally being replaced by a state of the art facility located on the old pool property by Lakeview Avenue and the stadium.
Tuesday evening was the girl's last home game and another moving event for New Boston alumni, but Saturday evening it was knowing this was the absolute "last" game made the buzz a little more intense.
As everyone knows I never attended Glenwood, Oak Street or Stanton. My wife and children did, and most likely my grandchildren will. But I have never been closer to a school and its people. I think the thing that has always impressed me about the feelings towards this school system is the remarkable close relationship of everyone. And that relationship seems to carry on after people graduate there.
Saturday started off with a Men's Fellowship Breakfast at the New Boston First Church of God. Former Glenwood Athletic Director and Head Basketball coach Steve Jenkins spoke not only about the school but the village as well. Then there was a great tailgate party on the Genesis Parking Lot and that was followed by the game.
It was great to be a part of this truly historic day in our Village. At the end of the game, as I walked out of the gym, I knew it was over. The end of an era. But I also know that it is the beginning of a new era. I know that as those fantastic alumni which, over the last 97 years made "Tiger Pride" what it is today, the future alumni will rise the Tiger to a even higher level.
The people of New Boston put their children first agreeing to the new buildings. If you think about it, the people of this town 97 years ago, put their children first in creating Glenwood High School. So really the caring for our youth and our heritage is still strong. I guess we can say the celebration of the past is now giving way to the expectations of the future.
Mike Payton
2-19-2012
The school, which will be 97 years old this year, along with Oak and Stanton, are finally being replaced by a state of the art facility located on the old pool property by Lakeview Avenue and the stadium.
Tuesday evening was the girl's last home game and another moving event for New Boston alumni, but Saturday evening it was knowing this was the absolute "last" game made the buzz a little more intense.
As everyone knows I never attended Glenwood, Oak Street or Stanton. My wife and children did, and most likely my grandchildren will. But I have never been closer to a school and its people. I think the thing that has always impressed me about the feelings towards this school system is the remarkable close relationship of everyone. And that relationship seems to carry on after people graduate there.
Saturday started off with a Men's Fellowship Breakfast at the New Boston First Church of God. Former Glenwood Athletic Director and Head Basketball coach Steve Jenkins spoke not only about the school but the village as well. Then there was a great tailgate party on the Genesis Parking Lot and that was followed by the game.
It was great to be a part of this truly historic day in our Village. At the end of the game, as I walked out of the gym, I knew it was over. The end of an era. But I also know that it is the beginning of a new era. I know that as those fantastic alumni which, over the last 97 years made "Tiger Pride" what it is today, the future alumni will rise the Tiger to a even higher level.
The people of New Boston put their children first agreeing to the new buildings. If you think about it, the people of this town 97 years ago, put their children first in creating Glenwood High School. So really the caring for our youth and our heritage is still strong. I guess we can say the celebration of the past is now giving way to the expectations of the future.
Mike Payton
2-19-2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
NEW BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC
I would like to congratulate four of our local high school students for being chosen to travel to Washington, D.C. with the American Legion this spring.
Every year the American Legion administers 65,000 Americanism and Government Tests to Ohio High School students. Freshmen students can take the test, but they are not eligible to win. Of those, six county winners are chosen (one boy and one girl from each grade 10-12).
Eighteen state winners are also chosen (three boys and three girls from each grade 10-12), and they get to travel with the American Legion to Washington, D.C., on March 5-9.
This year's state winners from Scioto County include three from New Boston Glenwood High School: Jordan Moore, Teagan Queen and Courtney Horsley. Ricky Anderson, also a Glenwood High School student who attends the Scioto County Career Center, was a district winner.
Additionally I would mention that there were only three perfect scores in the state of Ohio and two were from New Boston: Jordan Moore and Teagan Queen.
The students will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will stay overnight in a hotel, take chaperone tours to Gettysburg, the National Cathedral, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian, U.S. State Department, Ft. Meyers, Arlington National Cemetery, and while at Arlington one boy and one girl will be chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I would also like to congratulate Glenwood Government teacher Andy Howard who assisted these students in preparing for the test.
Mike Payton
02-06-2012
Every year the American Legion administers 65,000 Americanism and Government Tests to Ohio High School students. Freshmen students can take the test, but they are not eligible to win. Of those, six county winners are chosen (one boy and one girl from each grade 10-12).
Eighteen state winners are also chosen (three boys and three girls from each grade 10-12), and they get to travel with the American Legion to Washington, D.C., on March 5-9.
This year's state winners from Scioto County include three from New Boston Glenwood High School: Jordan Moore, Teagan Queen and Courtney Horsley. Ricky Anderson, also a Glenwood High School student who attends the Scioto County Career Center, was a district winner.
Additionally I would mention that there were only three perfect scores in the state of Ohio and two were from New Boston: Jordan Moore and Teagan Queen.
The students will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will stay overnight in a hotel, take chaperone tours to Gettysburg, the National Cathedral, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian, U.S. State Department, Ft. Meyers, Arlington National Cemetery, and while at Arlington one boy and one girl will be chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I would also like to congratulate Glenwood Government teacher Andy Howard who assisted these students in preparing for the test.
Mike Payton
02-06-2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
MEETING WITH GOVERNOR IMPORTANT FOR SOUTHERN OHIO
The Ohio Municipal League hosted a round table discussion on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the Columbus Bar Association, in Columbus, Ohio.
The governor discussed with us a variety of issues including preserving local revenue services, i.e. protecting and preserving revenue generated by the municipal income tax; opposition to centralized collection plans and uniformity issues that will threaten current and future revenue; also Property Tax and implications of HB 290 by the 111th Ohio General Assembly, legislation enacted in 1976 which statutorily freezes revenue levels.
Also discussed was areas of local control, economic development (partnerships, relaxed annexation procedures and townships as impediments. Prevailing Wage-raise limits, employer contributions to pension systems, restoring the local Government Fund and foreclosed and/or abandoned housing.
Specifically I discussed two issues with the Governor. First was the success in shutting down the pill mills in Scioto County. He was happy as am I, that the great coordination between local law enforcement, health department and local citizens all played in winning what is a continuing battle against drug trafficing in our area.
I also asked him about the efforts of his administration in getting the loan guarantee from the Obama Administration for construction and development of the Piketon atomic plant facility. He told me that he had spent much time during his meeting with the President this summer discussing the loan guarantee, that Senators Portman and Brown have also talked with the President, but that he simply didnt know why it was being held up.
The governor stressed the importance of the future of the Piketon site in economic development for our area and that other ideas for development were also being considered.
Although as most of you know, the governor and I dont see eye-to-eye on many issues, I do respect the time he gave all of us, on an individual basis, to discuss our local area problems. It was an important meeting and my thanks goes to both Governor Kasich for attending and Susan Cave, the Executive Director of the Ohio Municipal League, for coordinating the meeting.
Mike Payton
1-20-2012
The governor discussed with us a variety of issues including preserving local revenue services, i.e. protecting and preserving revenue generated by the municipal income tax; opposition to centralized collection plans and uniformity issues that will threaten current and future revenue; also Property Tax and implications of HB 290 by the 111th Ohio General Assembly, legislation enacted in 1976 which statutorily freezes revenue levels.
Also discussed was areas of local control, economic development (partnerships, relaxed annexation procedures and townships as impediments. Prevailing Wage-raise limits, employer contributions to pension systems, restoring the local Government Fund and foreclosed and/or abandoned housing.
Specifically I discussed two issues with the Governor. First was the success in shutting down the pill mills in Scioto County. He was happy as am I, that the great coordination between local law enforcement, health department and local citizens all played in winning what is a continuing battle against drug trafficing in our area.
I also asked him about the efforts of his administration in getting the loan guarantee from the Obama Administration for construction and development of the Piketon atomic plant facility. He told me that he had spent much time during his meeting with the President this summer discussing the loan guarantee, that Senators Portman and Brown have also talked with the President, but that he simply didnt know why it was being held up.
The governor stressed the importance of the future of the Piketon site in economic development for our area and that other ideas for development were also being considered.
Although as most of you know, the governor and I dont see eye-to-eye on many issues, I do respect the time he gave all of us, on an individual basis, to discuss our local area problems. It was an important meeting and my thanks goes to both Governor Kasich for attending and Susan Cave, the Executive Director of the Ohio Municipal League, for coordinating the meeting.
Mike Payton
1-20-2012
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