There is no doubt that 2020 was challenging, but Miami Township is looking forward to a new year full of opportunity. The township is already operating under new standards brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to adapt in 2021 to ensure that the community is served.
Our administrative staff, police department and public works have all worked diligently to keep the same high standard of service during these challenging times. Some administrative staff have been able to work from home, while others remain in the office to keep the Government Center open to visitors. Our police department never wavers. Officers and staff continue to work through the pandemic at full speed. And, our public works crews are keeping the roadways safe, while continuing key programs like leaf collection and park maintenance. Everyone is observing social distancing protocols set forth by the state of Ohio. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication to the community.
We look forward to the opening of the new Vienna Parkway extension in the spring and completion of the Community Development Department’s comprehensive plan. Our Finance Department is keeping close watch to ensure township spending is fiscally responsible through the pandemic. It is amid an accounting system upgrade and continues to work on refinancing our debt, which has resulted in significant savings thus far. The Parks Department just dredged and re-stocked the pond at Miami View Park for community enjoyment. We also secured a new contract with Rumpke Waste and Recycling that includes weekly recycling. Although the pandemic canceled our annual Veterans Breakfast, National Night Out, CANstruction and Runway Fest, we hope for their return in 2021.
The Board of Trustees welcomed Terry Posey, Jr. in February. He joined incumbents John Morris and Don Culp just in time to help manage the COVID crisis. Public meetings for the board, Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals moved to Zoom teleconferences and will continue until further notice. BOT meetings moved to the first and third Tuesdays of each month, while the Zoning Commission meetings moved to the second Tuesday. The Board of Zoning Appeals remains on the first Monday.
Miami Township staff are always available to assist you. We continue to man the office Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and will respond to your requests as soon as possible. While our lobby remains open, we encourage you to conduct business online at www.miamitownship.com. There you have access to submitting and paying for zoning certificates using Citizenserve, reserve park shelters, sign up to attend Zoom teleconference meetings, email staff and more. The bi-annual newsletter normally mailed to residents’ homes is currently suspended, so please encourage your family and friends to sign up for this online version. You can also check in through social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Let us all hope for the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Please continue to support our local businesses through these tough times. On behalf of the entire staff at Miami Township, I wish you a prosperous new year.
- Ronald L. Hess, Township Administrator
