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Red light cameras coming to Hamilton

By Rich Wilson | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 05:39 PM

City officials are entering contract negotiations with Redflex Traffic Systems to install red light cameras at various city intersections. The Scottsdale, Ariz. firm will be conducting a traffic study at 11 relatively dangerous intersections in the city. City Council will have a final say on whether or not to go forward with the cameras. Such systems have proven to reduce crashes, but there have been legal challenges in Ohio focused on their implementation and if they violate the state constitution by making traffic violations a civil matter and not criminal. Girard, a town near Youngstown, was ordered to stop using traffic enforcement cameras after a judge ruled that the program was unconstitutional. Another legal battle out of Toledo raised the issue that no police officer was present to witness the traffic violation. Below is the list of city intersections that are being considered where cameras could be installed.

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Hamilton police seeking donations for cruiser cameras

By Rich Wilson | Tuesday, September 30, 2008, 11:37 AM

Hamilton City Manager Mark Brandenburger has sent letters to the Molyneaux Foundation and the James M. Cox Foundation asking for $15,000 from each organization to help pay for video cameras to be installed in Hamilton police cruisers. Money had been set aside for the purchases, but the funds were reallocated because of the city’s recent budget cuts. The additional dollars, if granted, would be added to $80,000 that’s come from seven contributors in the community. The Flashback Digital Video System would wirelessly upload onto the Hamilton Police Department’s server. Brandenburger wrote that the cameras would provide the following benefits to the city: • Protects the community if an officer does something wrong • Protects the officers against false accusations • Provides a tamper-proof chain of evidence, freeing up officers’ time to gather evidence. Cameras have become standard equipment for cruisers in many police jurisdictions. I’ll be asking city leaders why cameras weren’t purchased before the city found itself in a budget crunch.

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Artist to work on piece at Art Fair

By Rich Wilson | Thursday, September 25, 2008, 11:49 AM

Don Persinger, a local artist, will pass the time at the 6th annual Pyramid Hill Art Fair by creating small copper spinners. Persinger said he’ll be using small snips and files to create the pieces at his tent. A photo of Persinger and his works is attached below. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28. Dozens of artists will be selling metal, glass, ceramic tile jewelry, painting, photography, mosaic tile art, sculpture and more. The event also includes art, entertainment, food and other activities. The cost is $8. Those 12 and younger are free.

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City court guards to vote on union

By Rich Wilson | Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 05:19 PM

About 15 municipal court guard personnel have asked the state to conduct union elections that would allow them to form a union. If the majority votes to join, the union will likely be associated with the Fraternal Order of Police. The election will take place between noon and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in City Council’s conference room. Consider that, with budget shortfalls forecasted as early as 2007, Hamilton city officials still agreed to provide raises in contracts signed this year for police and fire unions, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 38 and the International Association of Firefighters Local 20. City officials are now asking city unions to give up raises for next year to avoid fiscal troubles. So what’s your opinion? Are unions no longer necessary in today’s economy, or should more workers organize to negotiate working conditions with their employers?

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Events planned by the Hamilton Parks and Recreation Department

By Rich Wilson | Friday, September 12, 2008, 07:42 PM

The Hamilton Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a variety of events in the coming months. See the activities schedule below.

NFL / Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick Competition Football fans will have the opportunity to showcase their football skills in this fun and FREE competition! Boys and girls, ages 8-15, will be able to compete on Saturday, September 20 at Virgil Schwarm Stadium at Hamilton High School from 10 am - 12 noon. This activity is drop-in and pre-registration is not necessary. Competition scores are based on distance and accuracy. The top finishers from each of the eight age groups from this competition will advance to the sectional competition and from there have a chance to advance to the Cincinnati Bengals team championship at Paul Brown Stadium. Please bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

“Golfer Appreciation Day” at Potter’s and Twin Run Golf Course All golfers are invited to this “End of Season” event, hosted at both City of Hamilton golf courses on Saturday, October 25. The cost for this event is $18 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, and a breakfast/lunch buffet. There are also contests, raffles, Pro Shop “One Day” specials, and concession specials. Tee time reservations begin Monday, October 20, 2008 at 8 am. Please call Potter’s Park at 868-5983 or Twin Run at 868-5833 to make your reservation!

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Bring the entire family and be a part of the official start of the Holiday season in the City of Hamilton! This free event takes place on Friday, November 21 at the Butler County Courthouse (Front St. Side). Entertainment begins at 5:30 pm and the Mayor lights the tree at 6:15 pm. After the tree is lit, enjoy a free carriage ride (from 6-9 pm) through Downtown Hamilton and free hot chocolate (provided by AllWealth Credit Union).

Hamilton Parks and Recreation Department 345 High Street, Hamilton, OH 45011 (513) 785-7060 www.hamilton-city.org

Letters from Santa Claus Beginning on Tuesday, September 2, kids 12 and under can register to receive a letter from Santa Claus! The cost is $3 per letter and will be mailed out the week of December 15th. This program is available to the first 200 participants. Register at the Parks and Recreation Department (located in the Hamilton Municipal Building, 345 High Street). Cash or check only, please.

Lunch with Santa Claus Families can gather on Saturday, December 13, from 11 am - 1 pm, at the Michael J. Colligan Lodge (20 New London Rd.) to have lunch with Santa Claus. This event is $12 per person and is open to the first 77 participants (including parents). This fun event includes a great lunch buffet, special holiday entertainment, free 4x6 photo of child & Santa, and a craft. To register, please stop by the Parks and Recreation Department (located in the Hamilton Municipal Building, 345 High Street). Cash or check only, please.

“City of Hamilton Night” at the Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Hamilton Parks and Recreation Department have teamed up this year to offer a special “City of Hamilton Night” at the Annual Festival of Lights. This special night for Hamiltonians will be on Saturday, December 6, 2008 in which citizens will be able to enjoy the holiday decorations and festivities as well as visit your favorite animals. We hope to see you on “City of Hamilton Night” at the Festival of Lights. Call the department for more information on how you can purchase your special discount tickets.

Planning a Christmas Party? Family Gathering? Birthday Party? Wedding Reception? Call about the Michael J. Colligan Lodge or Twin Run Club House for rental for your special events! For rental information on both facilities please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 785-7060 or visit our website at www.hamilton-city.org

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Letter to mayor, police chief from Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 38

By Rich Wilson | Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 12:43 PM

Click below to view a copy of the letter that was sent Wednesday, Sept. 3, informing Mayor Don Ryan and Chief Neil Ferdelman that members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 38, which represents police officers in Hamilton and other agencies, will refuse off-duty security requests for the opening of the mayor’s restaurant, Ryan’s Tavern. With layoffs still on the table, the police union’s decision to do this is an act of frustration with city leaders, said Dick Holzberger, a former sheriff and Hamilton police officer who now owns The Christmas Store which is next door to Ryan’s Tavern. Kenny Craig, president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, said he is meeting with chamber board members today, Sept. 9, to decide what their stance will be in regards to the police union’s action.

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City strikes new agreement with 2 towing companies

By Rich Wilson | Friday, September 5, 2008, 10:01 PM

City officials predict that the general fund will be boosted by nearly $400,000 under the new terms of the contract that was signed by two of the four towing companies that handle all the city’s towing services needs. Paul and Sons Towing and House’s Towing did not agree to the new terms. The two companies will be removed from the city’s list as the current contract expires on Sept. 20. So, what do you think of the final terms that the city offered? Click the following url to view copies of the contract and a letter sent to all the towing companies. NOTE: The liability requirement increase was reduced from $3 million to $2 million, but it’s still an overall increase from $1 million.

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