News from BG: August 12, 2020
Put a Lid on It! Bike Helmet Safety Awareness
In 2017, the number of people injured by not wearing a bike helmet was 51,000, enough people to fill Nationwide Arena in Columbus 2½ times. Universal use of bicycle helmets by children ages 4 to 15 could prevent between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually. The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that all 50 states enact laws requiring bicyclists to wear helmets to stem an increase in bicycle deaths on U.S. roadways.

To help prevent injuries and save lives, the Bowling Green Bike Safety Commission is joining the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) in a statewide effort to remind children to “Put a Lid on It! Protect Before You Pedal”. Bicycle helmets will be going to children across Ohio this summer thanks to a continued partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio AAP.

Bowling Green was one of 140 local communities to receive youth bike helmets for distribution. Helmets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Beginning Sunday, August 16th, those in need of a youth helmet may pick one up at the Bowling Green Community Center during regular operating hours. Sizes and quantities are limited.

To learn more, visit OhioAAP.org, or the “Put a Lid on It” Facebook Page.
Refuse & Recycling Container Address Labels
The Public Works Department has resumed the work of placing address labels on all refuse and recycling containers that are picked up by the City. Crews have completed the majority of Wards 1 & 2 and have begun Wards 3 & 4. City employees will be applying labels on containers placed at the curb on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday’s collection route.

Residents, whose scheduled collection day is on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday, are asked to help in this effort by placing containers – full or empty – at the curb on their regular collection day. Containers should not be pulled back to the house until 4:00 PM that day. This will help crews move through streets efficiently, missing as few addresses as possible. This work will be ongoing over the next several months and...MORE
COVID-19
Eviction Prevention

HUD has put together a set of tools for landlords to help identify and engage at-risk tenants, as well as to inform and guide tenants seeking a rent repayment plan. These tools should be utilized by both parties to help prevent evictions. Review the tools below or contact your local Fair Housing Office at 419-354-6221.

  • Tools for Landlords with Tenants Impacted by COVID-19 – This document helps landlords to engage with at-risk tenants while remaining in compliance with fair housing laws and understand the key elements of a repayment plan. The document provides links to sample rent repayment agreements.

  • Tenant Guidance: Rent Repayment Plans – This document assists at-risk tenants in understanding and pursuing rent repayment agreements with their landlords. The document includes links to helpful resources and a sample script for requesting a repayment agreement from a landlord
West Wooster St. Closure
Week of August 10

The Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Division closed West Wooster Street at Maple Street to all traffic beginning 7:00 am on August 10. This closure is required due to the planned installation of a new water line under the intersection of West Wooster and Maple Street.  Additionally, crews will be replacing manholes, storm drains, and other underground infrastructure. All of this is in conjunction with the current South Maple Street improvement project and the planned paving of West Wooster Street in 2021 or 2022.

It is anticipated that the intersection will reopen no later than 4:00 pm on August 15. Pavement restoration is planned to occur late this week or early next week, depending on weather and availability of the paving crew. This schedule is dependent upon progress of work and weather.
Clear Choices, Clean Water
Sustainable Lawns

Mow Properly
Lawns should be maintained at 3 to 3.5 inches with no more than 1/3 of the grass being removed at a time. Mowing too short will stress out a lawn, allowing weeds to gain an advantage and summer droughts to take their toll.

Water Wisely
Quick bursts of water may green things up temporarily during the heat of summer, however, it is important to remember timing, frequency and depth of watering can all impact the health of your lawn. Limit watering to summer months and water early in the morning, 2-3 times per week for a total of about 1 inch of water. This will encourage your lawn to grow deep roots.

Fertilize Appropriately
Leave grass clippings on the lawn and choose compost or organic fertilizers to add nutrients to your lawn. Utilize a soil testing kit to see what your lawn truly needs before application of synthetic fertilizers.

Use Pesticides Sparingly
Remove by hand or spot treat unwanted weeds instead of broadcast spraying. Choose to let clover live in your lawn. Clover will help put nitrogen into your soil and provide much needed nectar for the bee population.

Invest in Your Lawn
Invest in an electric mulching lawn mower. Remember nearly 40% of BG’s electricity comes from renewable resources! Another option is to plant native wildlife friendly trees and shrubs strategically on your property for dappled shade.

Turf Grass Selection
If it is time to reseed your lawn make sure to consider fescue varieties and skip the Kentucky bluegrass.

Click HERE or HERE for additional resources.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
REDUCE THE SPREAD
  • Stay home if you (or someone in your household) are sick.
  • Wear a cloth face covering in public where recommended and/or required.
  • Maintain at least 6 feet social distance from others, even when wearing a face covering.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
Ohio Public Health Advisory System
The Public Health Advisory Alert System is a color-coded system designed to supplement existing statewide orders through a data-driven framework to assess the degree of the virus’ spread and to engage and empower individuals, businesses, communities, local governments, and others in their response and actions.

The system consists of four levels that provide Ohioans with guidance as to the severity of the problem in the counties in which they live. The levels are determined by seven data indicators that identify the risk level for each county and a corresponding color code to represent that risk level.
Use. Trusted. Sources.
Don’t believe every rumor you see online. Remember to use trusted sources.
Follow the links below for reliable and up to date information:


Remember, a call center to answer questions regarding COVID-19 is now open.
The call center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

1-833-4-ASK-ODH