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
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