Chronicle Minute: The Chronicle Chats with Capt. Ron Wilson

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Chronicle Chats where we interview some- one who makes our neighborhood a special place. We hope that you enjoyed our last Chronicle Chats with Cindy Erwin, who has worked at Clifton Skyline Chili for 40 years. In this issue we interviewed the captain of Cincinnati Fire Department’s Station 34 on Ludlow Avenue, Ron Wilson. Station 34 is an iconic Clifton building and that is where we found Capt. Wilson one snowy Sunday this past January.

Captain Ron Wilson and Lucy Whedon

How long have you been a firefighter?

“I have been a firefighter for about 25 years now.”

Do you like the architecture of the firehouse?

“Yes and a lot of people that come by love it too.”

Do you know what year firehouse 34 was built?

“This firehouse was built in 1896”

What hours do you work here?

“All the firemen work 24-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. the next day”.

Do the fireman have a favorite spot in Clifton?

“Besides the firehouse probably the park (Burnet Woods) because we do some of our training there.”

Describe your perfect day here?

“My perfect day at the firehouse would  be with my regular team and there really is no perfect day here because everyday is perfect here. Every day is perfect because every day is different and you never know what will happen that day really.”

What is your favorite thing to order at Skyline?

“My favorite order is probably a small Five-Way, I like the beans.”

What is your favorite ice cream flavor from Graeters?

“My  favorite  flavor  would   definitely be butter pecan.”

Clifton is known for its older houses, is that a problem for preventing fires?

“No, not really, but if there is a fire in an older house they are built differently so it can be difficult.”

Bearcats or Musketeers?

“Ooo . . . I would have to say Xavier.”

You put a water bowl out for the dogs, what is the most interesting dog that you have seen?

“Hmm . . . there are a group of three pit bull mixes that come there very often so   I would say them because they can be in- teresting.”

Thank you to Captain Ron Wilson and all the fire fighters there that make Station 34 so great. For any Clifton Chronicle Chat suggestions, please email thewhedons@ gmail.com.  We will see you next time for our Clifton Chronicle Chats.

Clifton Chronicle: The CTM President’s Message

I believe Clifton continues to be one of the best neighborhoods in the city because of its people. Over many decades our neighbors have worked to protect what is worthy and great, and progress where we can. I feel this dedication toward protection and progress is exemplified by our members, board members and community partners who show up and support our neighborhood though thoughtful ideas, neighborly discussion and plenty of hard work.

Throughout this next year we will be hosting a number of community dialogue sessions both during our regularly scheduled meetings and outside of them, on a wide range of topics. We will be looking for input and we hope you will come to the table to provide your thoughts on a subject that might interest you, or where you may have expertise.

CTM cannot accomplish its goals without a strong and robust membership that supports the community and its council. For those who are already members, thank you and we hope to see you soon! For those who would like to support all of the wonderful community events and priorities that are funded or hosted each year by CTM, please consider becoming a member and a community partner with us!

I also recognize that most projects and activities CTM takes on require the support and cooperation of other organizations, such as the City of Cincinnati, the Clifton Business and Professional Association, the Uptown Consortium, our local elementary schools, the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, CliftonFest, the Clifton Recreation Center, the Clifton Community Fund, our neighborhood businesses and all of our funding partners. We thank all of our partners and will strive to deepen these relationships so that, through our joint efforts, we continuously improve our impact on the Clifton community.

I am proud to serve as the president of Clifton Town Meeting for 2019 and look forward to working with our board to contribute positively to the community and tackle many priorities for the organization. If you are interested in becoming a member of Clifton Town Meeting, or donating time, talent or treasure to support our cause, please contact us.

I also want to thank Christine Celsor for her work over the past year as President of CTM, she led us through a successful year and the community should be proud and thankful for the work that Christine has and continues to accomplish!

We are all in this together and with thoughtful ideas, neighborly discussion and plenty of work, I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish for Clifton.

With Appreciation,

Brad Hawse, President CTM

Connecting with Clifton Town Meeting in 2019

Welcome to 2019! We recommend you bookmark this post as below are some key information about Clifton Town Meeting for your use.

Clifton Town Meeting (CTM) has a Board of 15 Trustees. The organization has a set of bylaws that govern its operation and action.

Your Trustees for 2019 are as follows:

Brad Hawse – President
Pat Borders – Vice President 1
Joyce Rich – Vice President 2
Joe Brunner – Secretary
Buddy Goose – Treasurer
Peter Block
Christine Celsor
Brian Duffy
Rama Kasturi
Seth Maney
Gina Marsh
Kevin Marsh
Vince Metzger
Malcolm Montgomery
Peggy Spohr

There are many ways to interact, engage, volunteer, and communicate with CTM.

In person options

We have monthly Board meetings. The schedule is set every January at the first Board meeting of the year. Generally, the meetings are on the first Monday of the month from 7-9pm at the Clifton Recreation Center. Exact dates will be posted on the Clifton Community Calendar website page.

You can speak at these meetings on a specific topic or at the end of the meeting. Community members should sign up to speak on an agenda item before the start of the meeting. Not all agenda items will have time reserved for public input. Individual input on agenda items will be no more than two minutes. Community members are able to speak on non-agenda issues during the public questions and concerns agenda item. Individuals with statements are asked to sign in before the start of the meeting. Statements will be no more than three minutes during the questions and concerns agenda item.

CTM produces or co-sponsors some events each year.

2019 Event Captains (Event – Captain)

  • Memorial Day Parade/Cookout – Buddy Goose
  • Clifton Fest Booth – CTM Business Committee
  • Golf Outing – Eric Urbas
  • Lantern Walk – Vince Metzger
  • Holidays on Ludlow – Brad Hawse

All events are more successful when we have volunteers from the community to participate in planning or on the day of the event.  The Clifton House Tour is held every 3 years on Mother’s Day. Next Tour is 2021. Planning always starts in the year prior to the event.

CTM Committees are always seeking volunteers for specific activities or for longer-term participating in the work of the Committee. Your involvement, be it big or small, is welcome and desired.

Committees and Chairpersons for 2019

  • Committee – Chairperson
  • Beautification – Seth Maney
  • Business District – Joyce Rich & Gina Marsh
  • Chronicle – Vince Metzger
  • Website / Social Media – Brian Duffy
  • Membership – Kevin Marsh
  • Housing and Zoning – Malcolm Montgomery
  • Nominating – Patrick Borders
  • Clifton Community LLC – Brad Hawse & Buddy Goose
  • Transportation / Public Safety – Mike Schur
  • Parks – Rama Kasturi & Seth Maney
  • Education – Vince Metzger
  • Arts & Culture – Sean Mullaney

Ad Hoc Committees

  • Bylaws – Malcolm Montgomery
  • Fundraising – Brad Hawse
  • Save the CCAC – Malcolm Montgomery
  • Walking Routes – Kevin Marsh

Liaison Roles

  • Uptown / NOU – Joyce Rich
  • Invest In Neighborhoods – Buddy Goose
  • TriHealth – Brad Hawse
  • Clifton Community Fund – Joyce Rich
  • CPBA – Joyce Rich
  • UC Health – Rama Kasturi

Some of our Committees hold public engagement / discussion meetings to gather input on specific topics. These are announced in advance by email and put onto social media channels.

Membership

Our organization is always seeking the financial support of the community through a variety of membership options. You can start or renew a membership online by clicking here.  We run a more detailed membership drive effort each year as well describing the benefits of being a member. Memberships are for the calendar year and there are never any late fees! CTM is a 501c3 so your membership is considered a charitable contribution. Click here to renew or join as a member of CTM for 2019.

Emails to CTM

CTM has multiple emails that you can use to convey information, concerns, questions, volunteer, etc:
• Our primary email is contactctm@Cliftoncommunity.org. This email is monitored daily. Your email is forwarded to the most appropriate person or Committee for a response. When in doubt, use this email for all purposes.
• Financial matter to address with our Treasurer, please email ctmtreasurer@cliftoncommunity.org
• Matters dealing with Housing & Zoning, you can email the Committee directly at housingandzoning@cliftoncommunity.org
• Submit an article / photo for the Clifton Chronicle or wish to place an ad, you can email vblack1@cliftoncommunity.org

Emails from CTM

CTM has a subscriber, opt-in, email list that is used to send information & announcements related to Clifton. By signing up to receive these emails, you will enhance your connectedness to the community.  You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell or share this list, and we do not email you constantly.  You will receive 2-5 emails a month including the monthly CTM meeting agenda. You can opt-in by clicking here.

Clifton Community Website

CTM maintains the Clifton Community website. This website contains a variety of news, calendar, public safety links, prior CTM meeting minutes, Clifton Chronicle issues, links to institutions & businesses in Clifton, and much more. There are links on the website to submit questions / concerns directly to CTM.

The Clifton Community Calendar has a moderated submission link that you can use to create entries for community events on the calendar.

Social Media

CTM operates various social media accounts:

• Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/CliftonTownMeeting
• Twitter account – https://twitter.com/cliftontownmeet @cliftontownmeet
• NextDoor Clifton account – https://clifton.nextdoor.com/login

Social media “likes”, shares & retweets do not imply Board positions or agreement. We like to promote Clifton related events for the good of the community.

Postal Mail

We accept mail at PO Box 20042, Cincinnati, OH 45220. This is the slowest way to contact us.

Thank you. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you.

CTM Candidates for Trustee Bios – 2018

Below are the bios for candidates running for CTM Trustee at the upcoming elections on Monday, December 3 from 6-7pm. Elections will be held at the Clifton Recreation Center on the 2nd floor in the large meeting room. The Rec Center is universally accessible to all. Take the elevator or the stairs to the 2nd floor.

There five positions to be filled by the five candidates receiving the most votes.

Voting by proxy is prohibited in the CTM bylaws. You must be present to vote. It takes only a few minutes. You can pay your membership current prior to voting in advance or at the night of elections.

Joe Brunner

My name is Joe Brunner and I am seeking a Trustee position with Clifton Town Meeting. I have lived in Clifton since 2010, first on Amazon and now on Whitfield. My family and I have benefitted greatly from everything Clifton has to offer, from our business district on Ludlow to our parks, the CCAC, the library, and of course the great people. Clifton has both history that should be preserved, such as our architecture, walkable streets, and independent businesses, and room to grow and change, as is happening with CCAC and the development on the Howell street parking lot, for example. We love our neighborhood and I would be honored to have the opportunity to help preserve and grow our community by joining CTM. I am currently a lawyer at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease downtown and have extensive experience working with individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to manage and resolve disputes and develop plans for future growth and success. I would love to be able to use my skills to help my neighborhood and community. Thank you.

 

Malcolm Montgomery

  • Passion, experience, results!  Lifetime of passion for protecting, enhancing Clifton, record of accomplishments, seasoned perspective complements new trustees. I believe that collaborating is not only the best way to get things done, but absolutely essential to strengthening the bonds of community.
  • VP two of the last three years, fought to save CCAC and guarantee good school for Clifton.  Sought unified “win-win” that would not fracture our community.   Currently chair CTM’s “Keep CCAC in Clifton.“
  • Chair bylaws committee to make CTM more responsive and accountable, see announcement this issue.
  • One of handful of Lifetime CTM Members. UC career in  Educational Technology, now consult pro bono. Volunteered over 1,000 hours during my current three-year term.  Also trustee 1990 and 2009.
  • public safety: police liaison, funding for hidden cameras to catch drug dealers, limiting side street traffic and speeding enforcement
  • to improve our quality of life and protect our property values – chaired CTM Housing and Zoning Committee, testified before City Zoning Commission and City Council for a more effective chronic nuisance law, for better zoning laws, for fairness in the enforcement of zoning regulations, and for neighborhood improvements.
  • With your vote, I can keep at it another three years!  Thanks!

 

Peggy Spohr

Hello CTM members! Always looking for ways to contribute to the beauty, livability, and richness of our community experience, I ask for your vote this year.  We are a neighborhood of eclectic tastes, architecture, and people, and I love every strand of our unique tapestry.  Many decades before I was born at Good Sam, and continuing until this very day, my family has lived and/or worked within a two-mile radius of Ludlow and Clifton.  Some amazing historic contributions from those early years are still with us, and many more are yet to evolve.  I hope to help grow our vibrant business district, enhance the sustainable lifestyle we all seek, and keep a mindful eye on the preservation of treasures we have inherited.  Please join me in supporting our neighborhood association with your on-going membership, and thank you for your vote.

Clifton Volunteer Work past 5 years:

  • Decorating Ludlow with holiday lights and greenery;
  • Planting bulbs at Richie’s;
  • Cleaning/weeding Plaza gardens;
  • Set-up for Memorial Day Parade;
  • Registration table at Clifton House Tour;
  • Honeysuckle Hit Squad in Burnet Woods;
  • CliftonFest 5K Race registration;
  • Attend Invest in Neighborhood Summit;
  • Submit proposals for use of NSP Funds;
  • Regularly attend monthly CTM meetings and community engagement sessions

 

Brian Duffy

I am a native Cincinnatian, originally from the West Side. My partner Chris and I have lived in Clifton for the past 11 years with our twin daughters Clare & Julia who are students at Fairview-Clifton German Language School. We also have a 12-year-old Goldendoodle named Ella. I attended UC and before that SCPA.

At home, I love gardening, I am a runner, have a great passion for the arts and architecture.

Professionally, I’m an executive at a Cincinnati based manufacturing company where I’ve worked for the last 20 years. As a senior leader in the organization, my expertise lies in customer experience, project management and distribution operations. I also run a small business providing the most unique lodging in Hocking Hills.

In choosing Clifton as our family home we came for the schools, architecture, arts, walkability, parks, and diverse community, all of which we believed to be the perfect place to raise our family. I’m most interested in preserving the arts in Clifton, working with CPS to ensure a smooth transition as CANS opens its doors, and the continued revitalization of the Clifton Business District.

Thank you for your consideration!

 

Peter Block

Given the craziness of the larger world, I am committed to bringing more cooperation to our neighborhood and city. It is what I have written about and made a living at. This is the overriding reason I am asking to be voted onto CTM again.

There are many questions in front of us which I would like to be a part of. We have to find a way to sustain Clifton Market. It is in our interests to  maintain the neighborhood engagement in the Howell Street Development, which will be starting up again in 2019. We want CCAC to stay as local as possible. We need to come together in caring for Burnet Woods and end the acrimony. The Ludlow business district is still vulnerable with too little foot traffic.

Plus, there are new opportunities to create a current Neighborhood Plan for Clifton, bring more visible art, murals, and gateway signage to the business district.

All of this requires participation from all of us. We need more civic engagement. There are still too few of us, as trustees, acting as if we know what the “neighborhood wants.” I would like to keep working on this.

CTM Bylaws Proposals for 2018

During the August and September 2018 CTM meetings, Trustees reviewed the recommendations of the Bylaws Committee regarding various proposals to update the CTM Bylaws. During the Sept 2018 meeting, Trustees voted unanimously to accept this recommendations and put the proposed seven significant bylaws changes before the membership for a vote during the December 2018 membership meeting.

The Bylaws Committee report that was includes all the details is below for your review. Please email us at contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org with feedback and questions.

CTM BYLAWS COMMITTEE JULY 24 BOARD REPORT: FINAL BYLAWS

Malcolm Montgomery, Bylaws Committee Chair; Adam Balz, Brad Hawes, Kevin Marsh, Frank Miller, Michele Murphy. Advisers: Howard Tolley, Derek Tucker

PROPOSALS
Overview:
CTM last revised its Bylaws in December 2015. The Bylaws Committee held seven meetings between February 27 and July 24, 2018 to consider proposed substantive updates that require approval of the Board and membership as well as minor technical corrections that do not. In addition to the extensive pro bono advice received from two attorneys, the committee adopted language from the Model Bylaws prepared by Invest in Neighborhoods (IIN) and received guidance from the IIN Board President and Executive Director as well as the CTM Treasurer. In order to provide CTM members with the required notice of proposed Bylaws Amendments prior to the December annual meeting, the Board should complete its review no later than the October meeting.

Standing Rules:
When expressly authorized in the Bylaws and state law, the CTM Board can adopt Standing Rules that Trustees can revise and/or suspend without the membership vote required for a Bylaws amendment. In June the committee recommended and the Board approved an extensive Standing Rule on Conflict of Interest authorized in a brief Bylaws provision that requires a super majority to revise and/or suspend — ten of the fifteen Board members. In June the Board also approved an Email Vote Standing Rule that requires unanimous approval for all decisions, a state mandate that the Board may not revise or suspend. The committee has proposed several Bylaws provisions authorizing the Board to make additional standing rules and will recommend three additional standing rules for the Board to adopt no later than the November meeting:
1. Special Electronic Meetings rule
2. Financial Affairs rule that addresses periodic independent review of accounts and
procedures fiscal agency and pass through accounts.
3. Rule for specifying Nominating Committee responsibilities and election procedures

Rationale for Substantive Bylaws Changes
1. Revision of several Bylaws that depart from actual, current practice that should be
continued, such as the Article requiring both a Spring and a Fall member meeting each year,
when only a Fall meeting is convened to elect Trustees.
2. Recommendation of new or revised Bylaws and Standing Rules in order to
a) modify current practices that depart from mandatory state/local law, such as
electronic voting,
b) assure implementation of important Bylaws provisions that have not been
followed such as financial record keeping
c) add provisions based on best practices in financial affairs and the conduct of
business meetings

1. ARTICLE II. OBJECT
The Article II (4) Conflict of Interest policy at p. 2, l. 121 has been removed from the Bylaws and revised as a CTM Standing Rule approved by the Board at its June 4 meeting. The new rule clarifies the meaning of divided loyalty and financial conflict of interest with new text from the IIN Invest in Neighborhoods Model COI Policy and also includes the remaining CTM Bylaws provision on COI from Section 11 of Article V at page 7, line 317.

2. ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP & MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
Annual Membership Meeting. Article IV (4) p. 4, l. 146 provides for a single annual meeting and, following the IIN Model Bylaws approach, establishes a quorum requirement of twelve (12) non-Trustee members and eight (8) Trustees.

Parliamentary Authority Article IV (12). Text moved from Article X to p. 5 l. 234. In order to improve compliance with the Bylaws, applicable law and Roberts Rules, assigns responsibility to the Board Secretary and Chair of the Bylaws Committee for identifying departures. Clarifies the Board’s authority to interpret the Bylaws and to suspend the procedural rules within specified limits. p. 5, l. 239.

3. ARTICLE V. BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND BOARD MEETINGS pp 6-7, l. 244-334.
In accord with state law, proposed amendments authorize the Board to adopt Standing
Rules for both special electronic meetings and email voting. To be accompanied by new Board
approved Standing Rule with detailed procedures. Board duties clarified to include
responsibility for securing formal documents and financial records in a centralized, secure
location.

4. ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS
(4) Treasurer. p. 8, l. 377 Provides for a new financial review of CTM accounts by an independent professional every two years prior to the annual meeting, possibly done by Invest in Neighborhoods at no expense.

5. ARTICLE VIII. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF TRUSTEES p. 9-10, l. 409-459
Clarifies procedure for selection of 3 Trustees and 2 others as Nominating Committee members and adds language from IIN Model Bylaws specifying non-discrimination in determining eligibility to serve as a Trustee. To be accompanied by new Board approved Standing Rule with detailed procedures.

6. ARTICLE X. FINANCIAL AFFAIRS p. 11, l. 477-502
New article based on current Article V Section 8 with additional provisions from IIN Model Bylaws detailing deposits, authorized expenses, fiscal year, financial review by independent professional and disposition of assets. To be accompanied by new Board approved Standing Rule with detailed procedures.

7. ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS pp. 11-12, l. 504-519.
Two new provisions from IIN Model Bylaws providing for CTM Bylaws review at least once every 3 years and assuring that any invalid Bylaws provision does not eliminate remaining articles that retain full force and effect.

Click here to read the entire bylaws proposal document showing all the above noted changes.