[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6270632,"mediaKeyId","3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d","parentId",3033125,"title","Holiday Hoopla seeks permanent ice rink at downtown reservoir cap; city council signals support","audioSeconds",1287,"startMs",6351000,"endMs",7638000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d&start=6351&end=7638","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d/thumbnail_6351000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6270632/Ohio/Holiday-Hoopla-seeks-permanent-ice-rink-at-downtown-reservoir-cap-city-council-signals-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270632-08d85c59c2d97af932a6fa5820e50327/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131234&Signature=RmkLnFm6r0poya9gfMJiNG1j8CoG-PaY5NcrDBUagSNXa-imPLzQ~BM2jOnfoea90n7ZJI9F9sVdvnOM82YRj5XbdlPimmswPZzMmka5dih2jdJUPEnjAXFlaiXSMCZccpndNTv3bLyQtrAc09cmh6H2nc0zuuG-Gkq-2PbCNC7dt1ghEc6Z5KJLWvUrBJwhRIIniKZYhGlReWC7HWU9AQUVRlzDG0smBTrnlyAkU9-Ez04iPOHnG7FfvSky3PRz-cryucbX4VUgs7OdWqjjehvDr2r9emTew~JHkHPW3BAy3Onlw-bwK~jk0O~PucFfRWtqReCfA9L9JBBUGWkopA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Middletown OH","date","2025-04-17T05:32:57.863Z","article","MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Organizers of the Holiday Hoopla told Middletown City Council they want the city to plan for a permanent ice rink on the new park being built over a combined‑sewer‑overflow (CSO) basin cap, arguing the investment would reduce recurring setup costs, expand year‑round programming and help revitalize downtown.

Why it matters: Council members said the rink is already a successful winter attraction and a permanent installation could become a year‑round amenity that draws visitors, supports downtown businesses and creates seasonal jobs.

What presenters said: Evan Kaiser, Holiday Hoopla board president, said the portable rink has drawn thousands of visitors and provided seasonal employment for youth: “We have thousands of visitors annually. We increase the foot traffic to local businesses and we've created lots of jobs over the past four years,” Kaiser said.

Organizers described tradeoffs between the current portable rink and a permanent rink. The portable unit requires yearly assembly, a chiller craned in, and repeated setup and teardown costs; organizers said those recurring costs total roughly $58,000 per season and rely heavily on volunteers and in‑kind city support. A permanent rink — a concrete slab with embedded tubing and a permanent chiller — would reduce annual setup labor and expand uses in warm months (roller skating, pickleball, festivals).

Costs and timeline: Presenters estimated first‑cost differences and modeled payback times of roughly 9–10 years depending on rink size and programming revenue. The group proposed two permanent sizes: 100x60 feet (similar to the existing rink) and a larger 120x60 foot surface that would accommodate more year‑round activities and pond‑hockey‑type events. Organizers also proposed a phased capital plan that includes a sport‑court surface, a pergola, and a permanent stage or audiovisual equipment funded through sponsorships and fundraising.

Council reaction: Council members praised the attraction and asked practical questions about life‑cycle costs. Council Member Horn asked about the permanent equipment lifespan and future maintenance needs; Holiday Hoopla representatives said some city involvement (e.g., Zamboni maintenance) might remain, but that Hoopla would manage operations, staffing and fundraising. “We still love this,” Evan Kaiser said, describing his group’s ongoing role in programming and operations.

Next steps: Presenters and council members agreed the permanent option becomes easier if the rink can be installed when the park is built; retrofitting later would raise costs. Council members encouraged further financial modeling, a clear maintenance plan and commitments on who would own and operate specific equipment as the park design proceeds.

Ending: Council members expressed support and asked staff and the Holiday Hoopla board to continue detailed planning and cost estimates as the CSO basin cap park moves toward construction.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Middletown Council Meeting 04.15.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Organizers asked council to plan a permanent ice rink at the new park over the CSO reservoir cap to reduce recurring costs and expand year‑round programming.","taxTitle","Middletown City Council, Middletown, Butler County, Ohio","taxId",68987,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6270637,"Middletown leaders, volunteers clash as city removes shelters, offers relocation and rehoming plan for Smith Park cats",8202,998000,9200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d&start=998&end=9200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d/thumbnail_998000.jpg","/articles/6270637/Ohio/Middletown-leaders-volunteers-clash-as-city-removes-shelters-offers-relocation-and-rehoming-plan-for-Smith-Park-cats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270637-7c601c24231c2e99901ec5234d238bb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131234&Signature=TOvuK5XVy716fjNTDKrM~d3C7-cI2XDjAXV3HPLpctuIYIQWP-OfpX0Mr5s8DxKwbXzOKxCr-eNBN7jJeUWz~GzDkA1OKanJV6BfP1hN4eOJHM5TMXb78DWQ-AEq63jCG2JW6ofHDhIGATdiiEwT06TMllQQMRXySdTh4FZswn65hoYOVpt4uh-QLfnLTWGO8wKsM72Dlrnc3zZ8iD4JT1NE089d0oux34GkaDJfvw-9pidb0vwgZ-0sRxandRjiyX3EpyLp3Guk38qBTdpRxsvWFw3z9tBPCgreVYdHsU7VCssCynwJVLtoW47QaQ9dsdMlgbaQTIien7iZksIHuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Middletown city leaders said they removed cat shelters at Smith Park and are working with volunteers to rehome and relocate animals after officials found multiple dead animals in the park’s pond, prompting protests from volunteers and animal‑welfare advocates.

City Manager Ashley Combs told council members that “in a genuine effort to protect the cats and all animals in the park, the city removed the cat shelters from Smith Park.” Combs said staff met repeatedly with volunteers and All Paws Matter (APM) and offered an alternate city property where volunteers could build shelters and continue care, and that the city will reimburse costs from the removal.

Why it matters: Residents said the city’s action interrupted an ongoing community TNR (trap‑neuter‑return) program and put sterilized and vaccinated community cats at risk. Volunteers and veterinarians urged the council to stop forced relocation, restore shelters, and work with existing caregivers. The council and city staff said the removal responded to safety and legal concerns while the police investigation continues.

What happened: Dozens of residents addressed the council during public comment. Cynda Lee, who identified herself as a caretaker for the Smith Park cats, said the city’s enforcement of Middletown Ordinance 10.70.02 conflicted with recent Ohio authority and could expose the city to legal risk. “This means that companion animal protections extend to feral cats, making it potentially illegal to knowingly deprive them of necessary sustenance and shelter,” Lee said, referencing Ohio Revised Code section 959.131 and a 2024 Ohio Supreme Court decision she cited.

Several speakers described ongoing volunteer TNR work. “Relocation is not a solution or a way to control the cat population and is almost never in the cat’s best interest,” Gabrielle McCollum said, calling TNR the humane and effective approach.

Some speakers described the volunteers’ costs and efforts. Lisa Oni said rescues and volunteer transport programs have shouldered vetting costs and estimated $600 per animal as a typical care cost for spay/neuter and basic vetting; Sharon Olinger, a Cincinnati rescue president, urged officials to use local rescue expertise to avoid unnecessary euthanasia of kittens.

City response and investigation: Combs said staff tested the park pond and “found the water to be exceptional” and that evidence from outside testing provided no clear environmental cause for the dead animals. Police Chief Nelson said officers “located a significant amount of deceased animals in the pond,” and investigators have reviewed hours of video and deployed additional cameras. Nelson said lab results received the day of the meeting so far had not identified a cause and the department continues to investigate whether the deaths were environmental or intentional.

Legal guidance: City Law Director Alex Ewing addressed references to Goddard’s Law (Ohio Revised Code section 959.131) during the meeting. He said the Ohio Supreme Court clarified the definition of “companion animal” to include cats, but added that the court decision “does not apply to the ordinances of the city of Middletown with respect to providing food to animals in the park.” He noted that a typical statutory provision prohibiting deprivation of necessary sustenance applies to custodians or caretakers of confined companion animals, which differs from the circumstances of free‑roaming community cats.

Next steps and community reaction: Combs said the city and volunteers agreed at a recent meeting to pursue a rehoming strategy for cats suitable for adoption, and that the city offered a separate city property to house cats that could not be placed, with volunteers allowed to construct shelters there. She also said the city will reimburse the costs volunteers incurred when shelters were removed.

Volunteer leaders welcomed talks but urged faster, transparent, coordinated action. “I need the city to make a public announcement that the volunteers are the ones that are feeding,” All Paws Matter representative Cynda Lee told the council, warning that public feeding by others complicates targeted trapping and TNR efforts.

Council: Members, including Vice Mayor Steve West, said they want a collaborative solution and acknowledged public frustration. West urged volunteers and staff to form a plan and pledged to participate in follow‑up meetings. Several council members encouraged formation of a joint working group to coordinate volunteers, city staff and rescue partners.

The city manager said staff will meet in the coming days with volunteers to develop a short‑term plan and a longer‑term proposal, and council members volunteered to serve as liaisons. Police continue the investigation into the pond deaths and the city said it will monitor Smith Park closely while volunteers carry out rehoming and relocation work.

The city recited the limits of its authority: Combs reminded the public that the council and manager cannot unilaterally suspend an ordinance without following established procedures.

Ending: The council asked staff to return with a plan and timeline at a future meeting and invited volunteers to participate in a staff‑led working group to coordinate TNR, rehoming and any permitted shelter construction on the city property offered as a relocation site.","Middletown city leaders said they removed shelters at Smith Park and are working with volunteers to rehome and relocate animals after officials found multiple dead animals in the park’s pond, prompting protests from volunteers and animal‑welfare advocates.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6270623,"Council approves water main, airport hangar roof, Douglas Park splash pad and other contracts; votes and ordinances at a glance",587,10156000,10743000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d&start=10156&end=10743","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d/thumbnail_10156000.jpg","/articles/6270623/Ohio/Council-approves-water-main-airport-hangar-roof-Douglas-Park-splash-pad-and-other-contracts-votes-and-ordinances-at-a-glance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270623-5a561a1242e174a35dab134d2bda1464/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131234&Signature=IdekvOPP9CWogB6oV0OANoLrebMGptqQ~e~0UNeF-bcyRKbvyvo9SPnBjy1aWxp5RaTwIZr1f~Fu9LJNdpeAoSpH1GK2wc5KRv2kwfNmXgE6fx3qE5fcDsmeif065uBJeDwGKtVXTsR~5w3aOOGcHnrkNrxlyEZdeINct2ac61CAYu6-T7Z2~sjzZ7RW5kXzE5K~yOO3tJIVdr3YUn36p3TrRvr4D5XAJ8g9UggBTKkOehA6JSZdl38XiWLuYrbABjuqXXn45cx7XMiJtV8~IVESAD47gNieRvDen8y9itDCmvwQ293zjKwAmbgz-v-XD~fu9LP9MeE6tEgoYGp0gA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Middletown City Council on April 15 approved several contract awards and emergency ordinances, and conducted first readings on additional items. The council voted on motion‑agenda contracts, appropriations and airport and infrastructure items; several planning and procurement items were introduced for later action.

Votes at a glance (action summaries):

- Raw water transmission main contract — Approved. Council authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Lichens Contracting LLC for construction of a new raw water transmission main in the amount of $5,512,770. The project will replace aging pipes (over 50 years old) and is funded by a mix of Ohio Public Works grants/loans and the Ohio EPA water supply revolving loan. Roll‑call votes: Council Members Carter, West, Horn, Lolli and Mayor Elizabeth Slamka voted yes.

- Truck purchase price amendment — Approved. Council approved a $3,900 tariff surcharge adjustment on a previously authorized purchase (new total $110,728.43) for a 2026 truck/chassis from Rush Truck Centers. Council discussed the tariff issue and asked staff and legal to confirm vendor claims; funding is available in the garage fund.

- Splash pad at Douglas Park — Approved. Council authorized a contract with Ventura LLC for a new splash pad at Douglas Park for $537,001. Staff said the existing splash pad is beyond useful life; work is expected to be completed by August and the current pad will remain operable during construction.

- Middletown Regional Airport hangar roof (FAA grant) — Approved. Council authorized a contract with Insulated Roofing Contractors for a $225,000 base bid with a 5% contingency to replace the jets hangar roof. The project is 95% federally funded under an FAA grant with the city covering approximately 5% and related engineering costs. Council noted FAA paperwork and contractor lead times could delay start 60–90 days.

- Appropriations and police radios (resolutions) — Approved. Council passed resolutions to adjust appropriations, including funds for police radios (an emergency second reading noted 11 radios, including one for the city manager) and deappropriation to account for overtime reimbursements.

- Jail health contract amendment — Approved. Council approved an amendment to the contract with Bethesda Healthcare, Inc. (formerly TriHealth Corporate Health) for jail healthcare services not to exceed $197,000 for 2025, and authorized payment of outstanding 2024 balances as described in staff materials.

- Annexation package (Lehi Township, ~68 acres) — Approved. Council passed three emergency ordinances required by state law for an expedited type‑2 annexation (service ordinance, zoning buffer ordinance and consent to annexation) for approximately 68 acres owned by governmental entities adjacent to the city. Staff said the area primarily consists of riverbottom and includes the city’s sewer treatment plant and conservancy district parcels; passage meets a 20‑day statutory deadline for processing the petition.

- Verkada access control systems — Approved. Council authorized emergency purchase of two Verkada access control systems for new fire stations 81 and 85 from Waltz Business Solutions (quote $93,095.54); staff said tariffs threaten price increases if ordering is delayed.

- First readings / introduced items: Council heard first readings but took no final votes on the zoning request for 3445 Union Road (preliminary PD to build a Wawa — the ordinance to deny was introduced but is at first reading), a planning commission membership change, turnout gear lockers for new fire stations, and the July 3 fireworks contract with Yoakam Fireworks (first readings only).

How council voted: For motion‑agenda and emergency items that required roll calls, the recorded votes were unanimous “yes” from the five council members present (Council Members Lolli, Carter, West, Horn and Mayor Elizabeth Slamka). Where readings were first‑time only, no final votes were recorded.

What’s next: Several items approved require vendor ordering, construction lead times or FAA grant closeout. Items introduced on first reading will return for later votes. Council requested additional detail on equipment lifespans and funding contingencies for several purchases (truck tariff adjustment, permanent rink (presentation), and access control systems) before final budget commitments.

Ending: The council meeting adjourned and scheduled its next regular session for May 6, 2025. Officials encouraged residents to vote on local ballot measures on that date.","At its April 15 meeting, Middletown City Council approved multiple contract awards and emergency ordinances and heard first readings on several planning items. Key approved contracts include a $5.51 million raw water main, a $537,001 splash pad, and a $225,000 FAA‑funded airport hangar roof replacement.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6270627,"Middletown police propose converting former fire station on Dixie Highway into an East‑end substation",251,6709000,6960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d&start=6709&end=6960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3033125-f6f8271c6a095d5903f27bd14451370d/thumbnail_6709000.jpg","/articles/6270627/Ohio/Middletown-police-propose-converting-former-fire-station-on-Dixie-Highway-into-an-Eastend-substation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270627-77365bd6f6e134df009832cc8047510d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131234&Signature=O7ag3BA3CLz4NIYUGWjhHDoMv9tkKVB0AAj-7aO1VQZL1STdW-01-q48MSevFYjq6PunUJybdu1LqmeUcgRnWgRzScPkDjjElWsIOW1iEZqqEKw~FjKJNKkCNWCZIFVAH~JFYEavU~gmMpeQh7Yz2dOd7wAVBA-R4VbHcv1Za6SSyb5aU84AO1Y3paaC3Vn7iL7OiWvLNJhE3BNXKUJoKIqHAsrbcHTltYl54cnl~YUH7pM~pw33St9OoYiKdqoNpiVvhPu4vqJGJGAk6GTRADt3BWZs6~6ytH9ZnCXTWv~JzDAzRN~-wXZzRJ4UZLgnMIfqekuzRGbrTSLalzOp4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Middletown police briefed City Council on plans to convert an existing, city‑owned former fire station on Dixie Highway into a police substation to improve east‑side response times and add workspace, storage and break areas for officers.

Why it matters: City leaders said the substation would reduce travel time to incidents on the east side, provide secure storage and workspaces that free capacity at headquarters, and offer officers a place to change, eat and do paperwork without returning downtown.

What the department proposed: Lieutenant Porter summarized needs observed during a walk‑through of the building, including locker rooms, a small squad/roll‑call room, a kitchen and workstations. Porter said the garage can accommodate the department’s MRAP vehicle and extra cruisers, and the room layout can support two to three workstations and a modest locker area.

Porter said the substation would not include a holding cell at this time, although council members urged staff to evaluate whether a holding configuration could be added later. Porter and Chief Nelson noted the substation would primarily support nonviolent processing tasks, paperwork and on‑duty breaks; violent arrestees would continue to be processed at headquarters.

Funding and timing: Council members asked whether the city could move quickly on upgrades and suggested a supplemental appropriation. City Manager Ashley Combs and staff said they will present midyear budget options and that airport/building or property funds could be used to start the work while city staff develop a longer term funding plan.

Council comments and next steps: Council Member Horn recommended increasing the line item to $150,000–$175,000 as a contingency to expedite work. Several council members noted the advantage of using an owned building and encouraged a phased approach to equip and staff the substation. City staff said the work could proceed in stages to align with staffing increases on the east side and with supply lead times.

Ending: Chiefs said the substation would be phased in as part of the department’s east‑side coverage plan; staff will return to council with a funding recommendation in the midyear supplemental appropriation process.","Police presented plans to repurpose an existing fire station as a substation to shorten response times on the city’s east side, provide locker and break space for officers, and free storage at headquarters; council discussed funding sources and the possibility of adding a holding cell.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Holiday Hoopla seeks permanent ice rink at downtown reservoir cap; city council signals support

Middletown leaders, volunteers clash as city removes shelters, offers relocation and rehoming plan for Smith Park cats

Council approves water main, airport hangar roof, Douglas Park splash pad and other contracts; votes and ordinances at a glance

Middletown police propose converting former fire station on Dixie Highway into an East‑end substation