Where do we go from here

Last week’s election had a mixed message, one that can be interpreted several ways. There was enough support for increased funding of the fire department to place a levy on the ballot and a certain level of support at the ballot box. However, there was clearly enough opposition to defeat that levy as it was structured as well.

One thing that I think is quite clear is that without working together, we will get no where. No new money, no solid plan, no communication. And probably most importantly, no level of comfort or trust from the community.

So, I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to reach a consensus regarding the operation of the fire department. But I can’t have that conversation with myself so it is just as important (not more important, not less important) that those other community stakeholders be willing to work with me. That means compromise on both parts. I am confident that compromise can occur without impairing community safety, and in the end our citizens can be assured that fire and rescue services will continue to be of the highest quality.

In that spirit, I have reached out to the City of Sylvania and I have reached out to Safe Sylvania about where we go from here. I have spoken to numerous people involved and plan to speak to more as the next few weeks pass. Fire safety in Sylvania will be maintained, and I am committed to bringing stability to our fire services.

On the bright side, our new Fire Chief Fred Welsh will have the opportunity to show the community what he sees as his vision for the fire department. He brings with him 30+ years of fire fighting experience and has a lot of new ideas and a fresh perspective. He is without the lingering distrust that may still be around after the rough road to the election. I look forward to giving the community an opportunity to see the experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm Chief Welsh has shown the trustees. Being able to give Chief Welsh the opportunity to help formulate a plan for the fire department is perhaps the only positive result from this recent election debacle.

DeeDee Liedel,
Sylvania Township Trustee

Important Election for Sylvania

The Sylvania area faces an important election next Tuesday. Three fire levy issues will be on the ballot, as well as a contested Fiscal Officer race.

How much more can you afford?

Many people have accused me of being opposed to all taxes. This is not true. However, my level of justification for additional taxes is quite high. It is not each individual tax levy that I oppose. In and of themselves, each levy that Sylvania voters will be facing November 6, be it COSI, the Metroparks, the Library, TARTA, and even all three fire levies can easily be justified by supporters citing helpful statistics.

But as a whole, our property taxes are becoming more and more of a burden, and I believe they are detrimental to continuing to build and maintain a quality residential and commercial community in Sylvania.

Taxes in the Sylvania area already exceed 2% of the value of our homes. The 7.5 mills of tax requests on our ballet this election will push that up even more. By comparison, Monclova Township is 1.53% of assessed value; Maumee - 1.79%, Perrysburg Township - 1.73%, and Evergreen School District in Amboy Township (Metamora, Ohio) - 1.51%. These are all "Excellent" rated school districts, they all have access to the amenities of northwest Ohio; they all share the same level of state taxation.

These are the communities that Sylvania competes with for quality employers and residents, yet they are not faced with the tax hike that we are. So, when looking at tax levies, whether they are new or replacement or renewals, I look not just at who is asking and what is promised to be done with the revenue, but at what is our overall tax burden.

In all, there is $618 at issue for my family, over 10% of our property taxes. Each seperate levy is asking for a 50% to 100% increase in funding. Words such as 'mere', 'only', and 'just' are used to describe each levy but I don't consider $618 to be a meager amount.

So, when you vote next Tuesday, and are faced with a "yes" or "no" vote on seven different levies, think not only of what each individual levy is promising, but ask yourself "How much more can I afford?"

What is a safe service level?

Two years ago, I told voters that I believed we could run the township more efficiently - in other words, we can continue to provide the same level of service to our community but at a lower cost.

Today, I am more confident than ever that we can run the township more efficiently. We are doing it now, in several of the departments. Our efforts so far have included a tax holiday in the police department and increased services in the road department with no tax increases.

But to run the fire department more efficiently we have to be able to implement sound policies, exercise management rights to create a more productive work environment, and utilize and leverage resources to the best benefit of the township. Simply put, we need the union to work with us, and not demand unnecessary, unproductive, and costly practices that only enhances the union's coffers and not the services provided.

Let's look at some of the accusations Safe Sylvania is making to support their accusation that we aren't safe:

• They say: Two first responders were taken out of service when we reduced staffing from 57 to 52. When you calculate in sick time, vacation time, and Kelly days, our reduction in staff amounted to about 1.25 persons per day. How could that 1.25 persons drive two vehicles at one time? We removed from service a non-life threatening transport unit, a service that is now provided via contracts managed by the Lucas County EMS.
  
• They say: Fire inspections are two years behind, and thus jeopardizing the safety of our community. Our new Fire Chief is implementing a plan to inspect all 2,400 commercial structures in our community every year with current staff. If our Fire Chief says this can be done now, why wasn't it done before? There were 2,248 inspections in 2005 and 1,655 in 2006. If (and that is a big 'if' in my opinion) we are 2 years behind, the problem did not occur in 2007 and the trustees should have been told about it. Instead, you only hear this when the firefighters are trying to convince you that Sylvania is not safe.
• They say: "The 1.5 mil levy amount will return staffing back to previous levels and allow for equipment repair and replacement, including return of the Fire Department transport service." The township has done various scenarios regarding funding levels at a 1.5 mill level. Our reviews show that 1.5 mill will pay for either additional staff or replace equipment. It won't do both. When I have asked them for their projections to support their statements of what their levies will pay for, they tell me they don't have any. They are making unrealistic promises with no way to be held accountable.
• They say: Rehiring 5 firefighters will put us closer to national staffing standards. Yes, it will put us closer - by one person per day. But according to our Fire Chief that one additional person will not enable us to respond to any more emergency medical situations or fires than we do today, it will just put one more due's paying member in the union ranks. In addition, they are comparing apples to oranges in order to scare you in to supporting more taxes by saying we have 14 firefighters on duty but need 21. In fact, we have 17-18 firefighters assigned to each shift, with a guaranteed minimum staffing of 14. Their reference to a recommended 21 does not mean a minimum of 21 on duty.

Truth is, they have no support to say that we are not safe today. Response times have remained consistent at an average of 4:17, 45 seconds to four minutes faster than other suburban fire departments in our area. Staffing levels are mandated by the union contract and can not be reduced. Our community continues to receive quality, efficient and responsive emergency medical transportation through agreements with the Lucas County Emergency Medical Services Agency.

The bottom line is that when you call 911 with a medical or fire emergency, we respond. When you call with a concern about an odor, we respond. When you call because an elderly resident has fallen and is unable to get back in to bed, we respond. When you call because you're unable to remove a ring or get a cat out of a tree, we respond. Service has not decreased. We are simply using the resources (your tax dollars) more efficiently in providing fire and EMS services to you, your family, and your visitors.

It's a union effort (in my opinion)

Supporters for a Safe Sylvania have been adamant in its contention that it is not a union effort to control the direction of the Fire Department. I disagree. Over the last year, I have taken the opportunity to observe certain actions and have come to what I believe is a logical conclusion that unions are a major force behind trying to convince the Sylvania community that we are not safe.

Let's review some basic facts about Safe Sylvania that their co-chair readily admits to:

• 40% of the petitions circulated by Supporters for a Safe Sylvania to put their 1.5 mill levies on the ballot were circulated by union members or their spouses.
• 60% of the funds raised during the most recent reporting period were contributed by union-related organizations or union members/spouses. (Compare this to the community effort supporting the May 2005 fire levies where only $1,500 of $17,000 raised for the campaign came from a union.)
• A noted local union attorney, Joseph J. Allotta, is the group's treasurer.
• Three unions, a union trade group and a union PAC have endorsed their efforts, including, thousands of dollars of financial support from Local 2243 of the IAFF, the union that represents our firefighters.
• The committee's attorney, Keith Wilkowski, interchangeably uses the phrases "my clients" and "the firefighters" in email correspondence with a local elected official.

Two and a half years ago, all of the support for the levy campaign came from the local community - businesses and residents who chose to support an unprecedented expansion of the fire department. This election we have various unions from outside Sylvania putting major money in to a campaign in order to avoid losing their grip on even one small part of the government.

Don't be fooled by their protests that this has nothing to do with the union. For decades, in governments all through out Lucas County, unions have been pandered to in order to get their support and avoid controversy. Now, Pam and I have stood up to the union, and the union community is doing every thing they can to thwart our efforts to bring responsible government to Sylvania.

Who do you want running Sylvania Township? Experienced business and government professionals, or the union? I urge you to vote "NO" on issues 5 and 20, the 1.5 mill fire levies supported by the unions.

Perry for Fiscal Officer

The township would benefit from the experience, knowledge and financial background of Ken Perry as Fiscal Officer. Ken has 30+ years of experiencing in the banking industry, and has first hand knowledge of the duties and obligations of the Fiscal Officer. I encourage you to vote for Ken Perry for Fiscal Officer.

Thank you for joining me in this township update. I encourage you to forward it on to other township residents and businesses.

Sincerely,

DeeDee Liedel
Sylvania Township Trustee

Civil Discourse Has Disappeared

Civil discourse in the debate regarding competing fire levies has pretty much disappeared. I have been accused of lying regarding statements that I have made. Let me take a moment to defend my statements:

1. I have been accused of saying that if it were not for the union mandated minimum staffing level I would have cut staffing even more.This is not true.I have said that in making the staffing level decision, we looked at the union contract for guidance.The union thought 14 firefighters was safe almost 2 years ago when they entered into the contract; why have they now changed their minds?
2. My statement that “the 1.5 Mill levy is a ‘temporary’ fix according to the citizens group”:Their website states that this levy will allow the department to operate “while long term funding options can be explored.”My proposal for a five-year levy was intended to get the township on a five year funding horizon, not as a stop-gap measure until we can “fix” a funding mechanism (property taxes) that isn’t broken.
3. My statement that the levy committee is demanding that we increase our staffing by 50 per cent: Again, their website refers to needed staffing levels of 21 people at all times, seven more than the 14 we staff on a daily basis now. It’s simple math.
   
4. I have stated that the 1.5 mill levy will not pay for new equipment or facilities. Although the ballot language of the 1.5 mill levy will allow us to use the money for capital needs, it’s not enough money for what they are saying it will pay for. According to public statements made by their co-chair Mike Brown, they believe the 1.5 mill levy will pay for 5 additional fire fighters ($490,000+), transport unit ($100,000 for equipment lease, plus other expenses), full time fire inspector ($75,000+) and equipment and buildings ($740,000 per our bond levy request). If we are at a $1.6 million deficit as our fiscal officer claims, the $2.2 million raised by this levy is barely enough to cover the personnel changes they are demanding. This levy will not pay for capital needs and personnel increases, despite what the levy group is saying.

For years, the fire department has demanded more and more and more. Prior trustees just opened up the township coffers and practically gave them a blank check. In ten years, we have seen spending almost double, while township population has increased only marginally. I’m not seeking to ‘gut’ the department, I’m simply demanding that the fire department be responsible in its spending and actually stick to a budget.

DeeDee Liedel
Sylvania Township Trustee

Sylvania Township Update

Lots of new and important information in this issue, including taxes, money, and zoning. A lot of good news and progress has been made, and I want to share that with you.

Township Taxes Reduced!

It took a little bit of work, but I did it - I have reduced your taxes. I firmly believe that we can run government more efficiently without reducing services, thus saving you, the taxpayer, money. This is a step in that direction.

In the last few months, it became apparent to me that the police department has more in cash reserves, almost double, than was expected after voters passed the 2004 2.5 mil levy. Clearly, we have enough money to operate the police department at current levels, and there was no reason in my opinion to continue to collect more than we need. We can reduce the police revenues without reducing service, laying off employees or otherwise negatively affecting the safety of our community.

I applaud the police department for their fiscal stewardship while providing excellent service. Many of our officers and staff live in the township and understand the burden that high property taxes place on our residents and businesses.

The tax holiday is not large, just $660,000 out of a $22 million overall township budget. But it is a first step, and I will continue to work to reduce your taxes and limit any increases to those absolutely necessary.

Finding Money

Well, we haven't exactly 'found' money, but we have increased revenues without increasing property taxes. Part of the process of putting the Township's finances in order is to make sure we are collecting all money that is due to us.

Back in 2000, the township entered in to an agreement with a developer for road improvements for the Giant Eagle/Lowe's development on Central Avenue. The Township agreed to make over $500,000 in road improvement for the project, to be reimbursed by the retailers over nine years. Unfortunately, the township was not collecting the money, shifting the burden of these road improvements to the township taxpayers, not the businesses that benefited.

Why had we not collected this money? I don't know. Our Fiscal Officer who likes to refer to himself as the township's fiscal watch dog never brought this issue to the attention of the trustees. It was Pam Hanley's review of past records that brought this outstanding receivable to our attention. In 2006, with the assistance of a little legal muscle, we received $172,169.70, bringing the obligation current.

There were a few other areas where we have been able to collect the full amount due the township. In total, we received over $200,000 in additional revenue in 2006 and 2007, money that could have been collected in prior years and have eased the tax burden on our residents and business, but for the lax fiscal policies of prior boards and weak assistance of the fiscal officer. This is just an example of the fiscal oversight which has been added to the township since I took office, in an effort to manage our assets to the best benefit of our residents.

We Now Have a Zoning Compliance Office

We made a very important purchase recently for our zoning department - we bought tape measures. Yes, simple tape measures, items that are used to measure distance and height and width and depth. With these tools we will now be able to operate a Zoning Compliance Office as opposed to what we have been operating, a zoning application office.

Why didn't we have tape measures in a department that is supposed to be in charge of making sure that those who are building in Sylvania Township are doing so within the guidelines of our Zoning Resolution? I have no idea, other than to say that it has taken me and the other trustees as well as our administrator this long to figure out that our Zoning Office was doing little more than taking applications and approving them, with little or no follow up.

For at least 4 years, township trustee elections have partially focused on the issue of development and growth in our community. But it didn't matter what we ran on, what we said, what we told constituents or how we voted on zoning issues, if the reality was that the zoning department was not fairly, accurately, and timely enforcing the guidelines of our Zoning Resolution.

We all made the assumption that the Zoning Department was enforcing site plan requirements as approved by the Trustees and Zoning Commission, that site visits were made to ensure sign limits and landscaping requirements were being adhered to, that reasonable enforcement was being instituted for the betterment of the community as a whole. That was a wrong assumption, and it is now being corrected.

I look forward to working with Carol and Pam to strengthen our zoning department so that it truly serves the interests of our entire community including the residents, not just the interests of developers and builders.

Competing Fire Levies

The push has started to convince the Sylvania community that they are in imminent danger, a danger that can only be remedied by raising our already high property tax rates. Recent rhetoric by members of the group Supporters for a Safe Sylvania is meant to do nothing but scare the public in to giving the township more money, money that we don't need to provide quality fire and EMS protection to our community.

The trustees have determined that a 0.5 mill operating levy is sufficient to continue funding our fire department at its current service level. However a citizens group is encouraging a 1.5 mill levy, three times the money we really need. They have also said our 0.5 mill capital levy is not enough, either.

Let's start with the 1.5 mill operating levy the citizen group has put on the ballot. It has been described by a member of the firefighters union as a band-aid on a bleeding artery. Adding $2.2 million dollars on a $6.8 million budget is only a temporary fix? They want $2.2 million now, and they want even more in 5 years. What is really needed according to them? They haven't said, just vague references to a "permanent" solution along with demands to increase our staffing 50%. In other words, hold on to your pocketbook, they want to dig a lot deeper.

Members of the group are also attacking our capital levy saying that it's not enough. Again, they want more. They want more space for more firefighters. Now mind you, our plans allow for twice the number of firefighters than we have now, allowing for future growth needs. But eighty percent of the township is built out; almost the entire city is built out. How much bigger do they want? How many more fire fighters? But they want more. More than twice the staff than we do now, if the proposed fire station plans are too small. More space, more money, higher taxes. Keep a tight grip on that pocketbook.

We currently operate an extremely effective fire and EMS service, with excellent response times. Over 80% of our fulltime firefighters are paramedics, a percentage matched by no other department in this region. Our first responders - the first vehicle out to any medical emergency call - are staffed with paramedics, providing unparalleled service to the residents and visitors of the Sylvania community. We respond to the needs of the community with timely, trained staff.

In 2005, the then-trustees tried to increase annual funding for the fire department by $5 million. I helped lead the campaign opposing such an outrageous increase in our property taxes and it was defeated by voters four to one. While we ostensibly have a citizens group trying to raise taxes now, it is supported by the same people - the firefighters union. They want $2.2 million now, more operating money in 5 years, plus more than $740,000 a year to build new buildings. Do you think we're getting close to the $5 million we so soundly turned down 2½ years ago?

Spending in the fire department has doubled - DOUBLED - in ten years. Now they want another 32% increase. We don't need it. We are not cutting services; we are not replacing our full time firefighters with part time volunteers; we are not going to an all-volunteer force. But we are demanding that the department watch its spending, that they operate in an efficient manner.

One levy supporter stated that "one of these levies will accomplish something and the other one won't." That is true. One levy, the 1.5 mill citizen levy, will continue to push up the cost of living in Sylvania and make it harder for families and retirees to remain in Sylvania because our property taxes are out of control. It will tax our residents needlessly and will make it more difficult for other property-tax based entities to get needed funding in the future. The other one, the 0.5 mill operating levy, will keep property taxes as low as possible while maintaining our excellent fire and EMS services.

Thank you for joining me in this township update. I encourage you to forward it on to other township residents and businesses.

Sincerely,

DeeDee Liedel
Sylvania Township Trustee

Sept. 18, 2007 Trustee Meeting - Tax Cut Proposed

A month ago, I initiated a process of placing Sylvania Township on a five-year funding horizon, where every five years the voters of Sylvania Township will have the opportunity to vote on the level of spending and the level of services desired. The first step of this process was to place on the November ballot a 0.5 mill, 5 year levy for fire department operations. This levy will provide sufficient funding to operate the fire department for five years.

The second step of implementing a 5-year funding horizon for township services will begin as we start discussing our annual resolution to authorize necessary tax levies and certify them to the county auditor.

I have reviewed the current financial information for each department, and while several departments appear to be financially healthy, only the police department will not be affected by the result of levies that are on the November ballot.

When the township requested a 2.5 mil police levy in 2004, taxpayers were told those funds would create a maximum $1.8 million in cash reserves. As 2007 concludes, the police department will actually have $3.3 million in cash reserves. I recognize and appreciate the hard work of members and supporters of the Police Department to pass levies, but diligent work at controlling their budgets have paid off.

The result of the healthy financial position of the police department means that we can safely forego collecting the 1984 1.5 mill levy which currently collects approximately $757,000 without reducing police services.

If we were to choose to not take this action, the police department would continue to build cash reserves. In essence, the people who live here today would be paying for police service 15-20 years in the future. My proposal today simply begins to realign our funding sources so that those who are paying for the services actually receive the services.

I believe this is a reasonable step to take, so that we can assure tax payers that we are being prudent and efficient with their tax dollars while being cognizant of the burden property taxes place on the residents and businesses of our community. It is not the place of government to collect whatever revenue it possibly can, just because they can. Government should burden the taxpayers no more than necessary to provide basic necessary services, including emergency services of police and fire.

I believe that we are currently burdening our residents more than necessary, and will continue to support a reduction of tax revenue.

Welcome to my latest edition of Talk of the Township. This issue I will update you on traffic improvements, the township's land use plan, and a new service which enhances our emergency services.

Improved Traffic Safety

Three weeks ago, I criticized Lucas County for failing to address several critical issues in Sylvania Township. One of those issues was dangerous intersections in the township. In making that statement, I was referring specifically to the intersection of Mitchaw and Brint Roads, which has historical seen numerous accident a year and is highly traveled by our teen drivers to and from sporting and school events.

I am happy to say that the Lucas County Engineer announced today plans to install stop signs on Brint Road at Mitchaw, thus making that intersection a four-way stop. This will increase the safety at that intersection, reduce accidents, and benefit the residents and visitors of our community.

Improvements are expected to take place on Monday, September 24. Several methods of notification will be used in order to identify this change in traffic signals to drivers using that roadway.

I applaud the county for finally taking this step to improve the quality of life in Sylvania Township. It would be nice if we didn't need to publicly criticize the county in an attempt to bring attention to our needs. But I am willing to do just that if it is what needs to be done to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.

Township Land Use Plan Updated

The Board of Trustees has updated the Township's Land Use Plan for the first time in 6 years. And for the first time in over a decade, a developer has not sat as a trustee to approve or oppose a plan that could directly affect their future activities in the Township.

A land use plan for the Township is very important because we need to maintain and even improve the quality of life of existing residents but at the same time not unduly interfere with property owners' rights to realize the highest and best use of their property in the future. Sometimes this is a delicate balance, but I believe the Plan approved by the Trustees on September 4 does exactly this.

We have maintained historically residential areas on Sylvania Ave. and McCord Road, despite pressure by some to allow further commercial creep in these areas. Recommendations were made for future revisions of our Zoning Resolution that provide for better buffering between residential areas and commercial zoning. In addition, future areas of growth and redevelopment were identified so that we can be prepared with an overall view of what we want in our community; we can act proactive instead of reacting.

Let's be clear on what the purpose of the land use plan is. It is not to help property owners or developers realize the highest profit from changing the zoning on some particular parcel. It is not to diminish the value of currently existing properties in the township. The purpose of a land use plan is to help guide future development in our community so that growth is of a high quality, blends well with existing residential areas, allows for sufficient commercial areas to provide services, goods and jobs to compliment our residents, and maintains our high standard of living.

One interesting note that came out of this land use revision comes from our decision to develop a land use plan separate from the City of Sylvania. Historically, our land use plans had always been a joint venture with the city, a process that had its uses and was beneficial. But clearly, the Township and the City are in different stages of growth. The result of the joint endeavor was that certain growth issues in the township were not really being addressed because of the effort to coordinate the two different zoning codes. I won't rule out the prospect of perhaps in the future joining forces with the city to revise our land use plans, but we will certainly be more cognizant of the different needs of our community if that should take place.

You will not notice instant changes to the development you see going on in our community today. It can take a few years from the start of the process before a commercial or residential development is done. But this land use plan will improve the quality of development and protect residential areas in the future.

I want to commend and thank the Steering Committee for their hard work. Their time and effort will be a benefit to our community for years to come.

Enhanced Emergency Services

I am pleased to announce a new emergency service that is being offered to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Sylvania Township and the City of Sylvania. Starting August 20, 2007, we began offering simultaneous dispatch of ambulance services to those who find themselves in need of being transported to a medical facility but are not in a life-endangering situation.

Under the past structure of EMS services, when a medical emergency call was received by our fire dispatchers, they would send out one of the fire department's first responders - a crew of at least 2 fire fighters including at least one paramedic - to respond immediately to the scene and provide medical care. If during the initial call to 911 the dispatcher believed the call was life threatening, the Lucas County Life Squad housed at Station 1 would be dispatched at the same time.

However, if the incident was not considered to be life threatening, our first responders would be sent alone. Once on the scene, they would assess the situation and determine if medical transport would be needed, at which time an ambulance would be called to provide basic life-support transportation to a medical facility of the patient's choice. By waiting until the first responders arrive and assess the situation, an additional 10-15 minutes could go by before the patient was headed to the hospital. Now, let me reiterate, this is in non-life threatening situations.

By working with the Lucas County EMS and private ambulance companies, it is now standard operating procedure to dispatch an ambulance at the same time our first responders are sent out. This will reduce the wait before the patient can be transported to a medical facility; reduce the amount of time our first responders are out of service on a call; and increase community safety as it reduces the number of emergency vehicles operating with lights and sirens.

This enhanced emergency service is being provided to those in need in our community without making our taxpayers subsidize transport services for non-residents. If the ambulance is cancelled en route or if the patient declines transportation, the private ambulance companies will not bill for services not rendered. Finally, this will allow our firefighter/paramedics to concentrate on what they were trained to do - fight fires and provide emergency medical care, not drive an ambulance.

Thank you for joining me in this township update. I encourage you to forward it on to other township residents and businesses.

Sincerely,

DeeDee Liedel
Sylvania Township Trustee