Could it be that the State Auditor's office is confirming what some of us have known for a long time? That nepotism runs amok here in Clermont County? Take a look at this clip from Channel 12. Seems that Mary Walker is being questioned about her approval of County expenditures of approximately $600,000, that benefited her husband (Union Township Administrator Doug Walker) and son (Mark Walker). Croswell on the other hand has questionable expenditures of +/-$2000 to Croswell Bus Lines in which he has ownership. See Sprawl Central's blog posting from June 2007 on this subject.
After viewing the video clip it is interesting that Croswell tries to plead innocence by stating that the Auditor and Administration gave him the forms to sign. Hello!?!?!? This just confirms that everyone in this county has grown sloppy, of course they are going to have him sign it, they don't care if there is a perceived conflict of interest or not, that is just how Clermont County is run. Also, how much time does Croswell dedicate to being a Commissioner if he runs a bus business and also has his full-time legal practice? How many hours does he put in at the Commissioner's office?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Ah, to have friends in high places
It appears that the Miami Township* Trustees seriously erred in approving TIF (tax increment financing agreements) at the end of the year in 2005. They approved the agreements near the very end of December with an effective date 30 days later. You have to know that the state legislation cut some serious meat out of this this development welfare subsidy effective 1/1/2006. But never fear, you get your buddy Joe Uecker (former Miami Township Trustee) to co-sponsor legislation (HB 119) to change the ORC to allow the effective date of December 2005 to still stand.
Is it constitutional to change the Code** to allow defective legislation to be approved nearly two years after the fact - due to the negligence of the township trustees?
If the mental giants at the township aren't capable of effectively planning their TIF agreement adoption process, how are we to know that approving them is in the best interest of the public? Indeed, they are cash cows to the township, but what is good for the township is not necessarily good for the taxpayer, citizen, library, senior citizen, police, fire and other levies. Regardless of what the mis-trustees tell us.
Here is the portion of House Bill 119 that pertains to Miami Township. SECTION 757.08. Resolutions adopted by a board of township trustees of a limited home rule township pursuant to Chapter 504. and section 5709.73 of the Revised Code in December 2005 are hereby deemed to have had an immediate effective date if the board unanimously adopts a resolution so declaring. This section applies to applications for exemption under section 5709.73 of the Revised Code pending before the Tax Commissioner on the effective date of this section and to such applications filed or refiled within 90 days after that effective date.
*My guess is this applies to other townships in Clermont County as well.
**ORC 5709.73 talks about when TIF legislation is effective.
Is it constitutional to change the Code** to allow defective legislation to be approved nearly two years after the fact - due to the negligence of the township trustees?
If the mental giants at the township aren't capable of effectively planning their TIF agreement adoption process, how are we to know that approving them is in the best interest of the public? Indeed, they are cash cows to the township, but what is good for the township is not necessarily good for the taxpayer, citizen, library, senior citizen, police, fire and other levies. Regardless of what the mis-trustees tell us.
Here is the portion of House Bill 119 that pertains to Miami Township. SECTION 757.08. Resolutions adopted by a board of township trustees of a limited home rule township pursuant to Chapter 504. and section 5709.73 of the Revised Code in December 2005 are hereby deemed to have had an immediate effective date if the board unanimously adopts a resolution so declaring. This section applies to applications for exemption under section 5709.73 of the Revised Code pending before the Tax Commissioner on the effective date of this section and to such applications filed or refiled within 90 days after that effective date.
*My guess is this applies to other townships in Clermont County as well.
**ORC 5709.73 talks about when TIF legislation is effective.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Commitment to Open and Transparent Government? My Arse!
I was recently purusing the County's website when I stumbled upon the following on the Commissioner's page: "Your Commissioners are committed to maintaining an open and transparent government." I nearly choked. They are as open and transparent as a lead wall.
In an earlier post (May 28, 2007) I mentioned the full assault the Commissioners, by their lack of action, engaged in on an adjoining property owner who lives next to the Mills of Miami in Miami Township. I believe their behavior is best described as malfeasance.
If the Commissioners were commited to maintaining an open and transparent government they would follow their own rules and regulations, those of the state and of the U.S. Constitution. Due process apparently doesn't apply here in Clermont County.
The process for approving subdivision plans works like this: the County Planning Commission approves it (or not) and then once the construction is nearly complete, the plan goes before the County Commissioners for the record plat. The record plat essentially subdivides the land so the developer can sell individual parcels to builders.
Imagine incurring thousands of dollars in legal fees combatting a corrupt county government, and a developer who sits comfortably in their pocket. The three stooges were ready to approve the final stage of the development when the project did not go through the proper channels. The commissioners did not allow adequate public notice via agenda to let anyone know what they were doing. Central to this nightmare was the fact that in order to appeal a decision of the Commissioners (or any governmental body) you must have standing. Generally, to have standing you must have particpated in prior meetings and or hearings about the development. What the county does is pit the ordinary citizen against the deep pocketed developer who can write off his legal fees. The county massively screws up, gets sued by citizens and then slithers out so that the developer can pound the ordinary Joe's head into the ground.
Imagine, attending the planning commission meeting where the Clermont County Planning Commission approves the subdivision plan and then the very next day by 1pm the Crooked County Commissioners lug out their rubberstamp and approve the record plat. The neighbor attended the Planning Commission hearing but was never advised of when it would be heard by the County Commissioners. The neighbor checked the County Commissioner's agenda the next morning and the agenda item for the approval of the Mills of Miami was not on the agenda, yet the was a case heard by the Commissioners. The developers attorneys argue that the neighbor does not have standing because he did not attend the County Commissioners meeting. Duh! Do the Commissioners send out public notices telepathically?
Meanwhile, Dan, Dan (Rolfes) the Red Tag man runs an ordinary citizen in to the ground, or should I say, floods him out. Although, it lists his daughter Carolyn as head of Potterhill Homes. They certainly must be proud of themselves being upstanding community members and all.
All that I can say is that it must be a mighty big bed over there in Batavia in order to fit the Commissioners and all the developers they whore themselves out to.
This is a specific example, but there are more general examples. So called public hearings were held on the stormwater management fee proposal, yet they were never taped or televised. Honestly, I think the County Commissioners received way more resistance than they ever imagined. It was relayed to me that one Commissioner bemoaned the fact that there was actual opposition and that they wished they had never gone throught the public hearing process. The commissioners later decided to not act on the fee proposal. My guess is that it will mysteriously reappear unbeknowst to the public until it appears on their tax bill.
The next item that really did not see the light of day is that of the revisions to the County Subdivision Regulations. There was a public hearing or was it not a public hearing - there was some debate on that - at a Planning Commission meeting. This quitely went away, just like the stormwater issue, I read where the commissioners decided not to act on this item either.
I am sure that one County Commissioner would just love to show you, the Clermont County taxpayer, the payments the county has made to her husband's engineering firm for work the firm did preparing plans for the County's projects. The total over the past one to two years ranges from $500K to $700K+. Now, ain't that just butterin' yer own bread?
In an earlier post (May 28, 2007) I mentioned the full assault the Commissioners, by their lack of action, engaged in on an adjoining property owner who lives next to the Mills of Miami in Miami Township. I believe their behavior is best described as malfeasance.
If the Commissioners were commited to maintaining an open and transparent government they would follow their own rules and regulations, those of the state and of the U.S. Constitution. Due process apparently doesn't apply here in Clermont County.
The process for approving subdivision plans works like this: the County Planning Commission approves it (or not) and then once the construction is nearly complete, the plan goes before the County Commissioners for the record plat. The record plat essentially subdivides the land so the developer can sell individual parcels to builders.
Imagine incurring thousands of dollars in legal fees combatting a corrupt county government, and a developer who sits comfortably in their pocket. The three stooges were ready to approve the final stage of the development when the project did not go through the proper channels. The commissioners did not allow adequate public notice via agenda to let anyone know what they were doing. Central to this nightmare was the fact that in order to appeal a decision of the Commissioners (or any governmental body) you must have standing. Generally, to have standing you must have particpated in prior meetings and or hearings about the development. What the county does is pit the ordinary citizen against the deep pocketed developer who can write off his legal fees. The county massively screws up, gets sued by citizens and then slithers out so that the developer can pound the ordinary Joe's head into the ground.
Imagine, attending the planning commission meeting where the Clermont County Planning Commission approves the subdivision plan and then the very next day by 1pm the Crooked County Commissioners lug out their rubberstamp and approve the record plat. The neighbor attended the Planning Commission hearing but was never advised of when it would be heard by the County Commissioners. The neighbor checked the County Commissioner's agenda the next morning and the agenda item for the approval of the Mills of Miami was not on the agenda, yet the was a case heard by the Commissioners. The developers attorneys argue that the neighbor does not have standing because he did not attend the County Commissioners meeting. Duh! Do the Commissioners send out public notices telepathically?
Meanwhile, Dan, Dan (Rolfes) the Red Tag man runs an ordinary citizen in to the ground, or should I say, floods him out. Although, it lists his daughter Carolyn as head of Potterhill Homes. They certainly must be proud of themselves being upstanding community members and all.
All that I can say is that it must be a mighty big bed over there in Batavia in order to fit the Commissioners and all the developers they whore themselves out to.
This is a specific example, but there are more general examples. So called public hearings were held on the stormwater management fee proposal, yet they were never taped or televised. Honestly, I think the County Commissioners received way more resistance than they ever imagined. It was relayed to me that one Commissioner bemoaned the fact that there was actual opposition and that they wished they had never gone throught the public hearing process. The commissioners later decided to not act on the fee proposal. My guess is that it will mysteriously reappear unbeknowst to the public until it appears on their tax bill.
The next item that really did not see the light of day is that of the revisions to the County Subdivision Regulations. There was a public hearing or was it not a public hearing - there was some debate on that - at a Planning Commission meeting. This quitely went away, just like the stormwater issue, I read where the commissioners decided not to act on this item either.
I am sure that one County Commissioner would just love to show you, the Clermont County taxpayer, the payments the county has made to her husband's engineering firm for work the firm did preparing plans for the County's projects. The total over the past one to two years ranges from $500K to $700K+. Now, ain't that just butterin' yer own bread?
Monday, May 28, 2007
Help thy Neighbor!
I would like to share a story about my neighbor. He lives in Miami Township next to a subdivision that is currently under construction (Mills of Miami). Before the first chunk of dirt was turned, he had concerns about stormwater runoff and the potential for flooding of his home.
He took his concerns to the Chief Building Official, Ray Sebastian, and the Clermont County Commissioners. Numerous letters were sent and many calls were made. He even hired an attorney and a geotechnical consultant. The geotech consultant determined that the detention basin for the proposed subdivision was too small. These concerns and others were conveyed to the county officials. Over the course of nearly a year he received absolutely no response (nothing, nada, zero) from the county apparatus. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) found violations on this site.
Meanwhile, the plans for this subdivision were not properly approved and the development hungry County Commissioners were ready to approve the record plat of the subdivision even though the proper procedures had not been followed. The Planning Commission rubberstamped it knowing that there were violations at the state level. It should be no surprise that the procedures were not followed, we are in Clermont County after all. Meanwhile, my neighbor gets flooded out several times. His worst fears were realized. He conveyed his concerns and they fell on deaf ears. What is interesting is that the County Planning Commission approved the plan at a 5pm meeting, the next day at 1pm the Commissioners approved it. Is this adequate public notice? NO.
The county did not follow the proper subdivision regulations nor their own stormwater regulations as it related to this new development (and many others, I might add). They did not respond to the concerns of this resident and taxpayer. He filed suit against the Commissioners and Planning Commission. The suits are now pending.
The question is: Why in the hell does the County machine force the little guy into litigation when the issues presented could have been addressed at the onset? I can think of no other reason than the Commissioners (Mary Walker, Bob Proud, Scott Croswell), the Chief Building Official (Ray Sebastian) and others are getting kickbacks or some other payment, cash or otherwise from these developers. People, this is corruption, plain and simple. It must stop! If there is some other reason, perhaps the Commissioners can enlighten me.
This type of situation breeds well (much like mold in a damp environment) in a culture of corruption -- a culture which is facilitated by the one party domination of the County elected officials.
He took his concerns to the Chief Building Official, Ray Sebastian, and the Clermont County Commissioners. Numerous letters were sent and many calls were made. He even hired an attorney and a geotechnical consultant. The geotech consultant determined that the detention basin for the proposed subdivision was too small. These concerns and others were conveyed to the county officials. Over the course of nearly a year he received absolutely no response (nothing, nada, zero) from the county apparatus. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) found violations on this site.
Meanwhile, the plans for this subdivision were not properly approved and the development hungry County Commissioners were ready to approve the record plat of the subdivision even though the proper procedures had not been followed. The Planning Commission rubberstamped it knowing that there were violations at the state level. It should be no surprise that the procedures were not followed, we are in Clermont County after all. Meanwhile, my neighbor gets flooded out several times. His worst fears were realized. He conveyed his concerns and they fell on deaf ears. What is interesting is that the County Planning Commission approved the plan at a 5pm meeting, the next day at 1pm the Commissioners approved it. Is this adequate public notice? NO.
The county did not follow the proper subdivision regulations nor their own stormwater regulations as it related to this new development (and many others, I might add). They did not respond to the concerns of this resident and taxpayer. He filed suit against the Commissioners and Planning Commission. The suits are now pending.
The question is: Why in the hell does the County machine force the little guy into litigation when the issues presented could have been addressed at the onset? I can think of no other reason than the Commissioners (Mary Walker, Bob Proud, Scott Croswell), the Chief Building Official (Ray Sebastian) and others are getting kickbacks or some other payment, cash or otherwise from these developers. People, this is corruption, plain and simple. It must stop! If there is some other reason, perhaps the Commissioners can enlighten me.
This type of situation breeds well (much like mold in a damp environment) in a culture of corruption -- a culture which is facilitated by the one party domination of the County elected officials.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Coming Soon: Republican Authors Only at the Clermont County Library
It should be no surprise since well-read, intellectual geniuses such as Phil Burress and Jean Schmidt once served as members of the Clermont County Library Board of Trustees that the Clermont County Board of County Commissioners appointed their very own Clerk as a new member. The next thing you know only books written by Republican's will be allowed at the Clermont County Libraries. This is probably already the case as I tend to go to the Hamilton County Libraries to protest the historical small mindedness of the Clermont system.
(Judith is the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners plus Republican Party Executive Committee and Party Vice Chairman):
from 05/23/07 BCC Meeting Minutes
(Judith is the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners plus Republican Party Executive Committee and Party Vice Chairman):
from 05/23/07 BCC Meeting Minutes
IN RE: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS...DESIGNATION OFAPPOINTMENT TO THE CLERMONT COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES...07-0522-001…APPROVED Moved by Mrs.
Walker, seconded by Mr. Croswell, that the Board of County Commissioners approve the following recommendation:Recommendation to appoint Judith Kocica, 6689
Nancard Drive, Loveland, Ohio 45140, to serve onthe Clermont County Library
Board of Trustees for the term of 05/23/07 through 12/31/14, filling the unexpired term of Joseph Braun and subsequent appointment of a full seven year term, pursuant to Section 3375.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.Upon roll call on the foregoing motion, the vote was as follows:Mrs. Walker, Yes; Mr. Croswell, Yes; Mr. Proud, Yea.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Hello, May I Speak to the Township Finance Director?
"What!?!? You mean there is no such person or position?"
Ok, this is really dry and mundane, but it has to do with your wallet and mine, so pay attention!
The State recently released the latest audit for Miami Township (2004 and 2005) with some interesting findings. It seems, yet again, that there are some serious issues with internal control and accounting for funds. Similar reportable conditions have been issued in past years, still uncorrected. Some of the non-compliance citations identified by the audit include:
*Deficit cash balance in fund. A deficit cash balance indicates money from another fund(s) has been used to pay the obligations of the aforementioned funds. Uh, maybe robbing Peter to pay Paul?
*Expenditures exceeding appropriations (negative balance) in the following funds in 2004: Motor vehicle license, FEMA reimbursement grant, EMS Computer Grant, Byrne Memorial, TIF #1 Construction - which equals nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
The best part, not really, because the taxpayers of the township are on the hook due to shoddy accounting practices and leadership of the township:
The fact is, it is 2007 and Miami Township DOES NOT have a finance director. There also was no line item in the 2007 budget for the hiring of such a person. Is this a case of "liar, liar, pants on fire?" Did the Township tell the State they had hired a finance director to get the State Auditor off their back?
Did you know that the Township has an elected 'Fiscal Officer' named Eric Ferry who is up for re-election in 2007. What is this man being paid for? He has served in this position since 1992. This is also the man who, it has been reported, told citizens that the Township budget was not public until AFTER it was approved by the Trustees. This, after details were published in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Hello!?!
Rest assured citizens of Miami Township: the Trustees apparently have no intention to hire someone to ensure that their fiduciary duty is upheld, however, they are hiring a facilities manager to manage their new Civic Center. Priorities!
For more information to to the actual audit:
Auditor of State of Ohio - Online Audit Search - Report Detail
Ok, this is really dry and mundane, but it has to do with your wallet and mine, so pay attention!
The State recently released the latest audit for Miami Township (2004 and 2005) with some interesting findings. It seems, yet again, that there are some serious issues with internal control and accounting for funds. Similar reportable conditions have been issued in past years, still uncorrected. Some of the non-compliance citations identified by the audit include:
*Deficit cash balance in fund. A deficit cash balance indicates money from another fund(s) has been used to pay the obligations of the aforementioned funds. Uh, maybe robbing Peter to pay Paul?
*Expenditures exceeding appropriations (negative balance) in the following funds in 2004: Motor vehicle license, FEMA reimbursement grant, EMS Computer Grant, Byrne Memorial, TIF #1 Construction - which equals nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
The best part, not really, because the taxpayers of the township are on the hook due to shoddy accounting practices and leadership of the township:
[Text from audit] We believe the above conditions limit the ability of the Township’s accounting system to provide correct and timely data to management and other users. The condition of the accounting records has resulted in errors in the preparation of the Township’s annual financial statement filing with the State of Ohio and has required additional efforts to identify and make necessary corrections for the preparation of the audited statements" (p. 16).
Township’s Response
The Township is aware of the condition of the accounting system and is in the process of making steps to correct recording issues. Beginning in 2006, a full time finance director with applicable experience has been hired. Additional reviews and interim reporting to the Board of Trustees is being performed.
The fact is, it is 2007 and Miami Township DOES NOT have a finance director. There also was no line item in the 2007 budget for the hiring of such a person. Is this a case of "liar, liar, pants on fire?" Did the Township tell the State they had hired a finance director to get the State Auditor off their back?
Did you know that the Township has an elected 'Fiscal Officer' named Eric Ferry who is up for re-election in 2007. What is this man being paid for? He has served in this position since 1992. This is also the man who, it has been reported, told citizens that the Township budget was not public until AFTER it was approved by the Trustees. This, after details were published in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Hello!?!
Rest assured citizens of Miami Township: the Trustees apparently have no intention to hire someone to ensure that their fiduciary duty is upheld, however, they are hiring a facilities manager to manage their new Civic Center. Priorities!
For more information to to the actual audit:
Auditor of State of Ohio - Online Audit Search - Report Detail
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Honey, let me appoint you to the Planning Commission
Here it is! A crystal clear example of nepotism in the County. Not only does Mary Walker second the motion to appoint her hubby to Planning Commission, she also votes for him. Shame on you, Mary. What a disgrace. If this is an acceptable practice that is actually documented in the public record, imagine what goes on that we don't know about.
The following was copied from the Clermont Co. Commissioners meeting minutes of 12/14/04:
The following was copied from the Clermont Co. Commissioners meeting minutes of 12/14/04:
COMMISSIONERS= JOURNAL #295 CLERMONT COUNTY REGULAR SESSION 12/14/04
IN
RE: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS...DESIGNATION OF
REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE
ON THE CLERMONT COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISSION...APPROVED
Moved by
Mr. Croswell, seconded by Mrs. Walker, that the Board of County
Commissioners
approve the following recommendation:
Recommendation to
designate the following individuals to serve on the Clermont County
Planning
Commission pursuant to Section 713.22 of the Ohio Revised Code as outlined
below:
Appointee Effective Date Township
Doug Walker
5076
Palermo Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
DC #04-0603-007
03/25/03 to
03/25/06
(No change in term)
Union Township
Approve designation as the
Limited Home Rule
Government Township
Karl Schultz
5752
Elmcris Drive
Milford, Ohio 45150
DC #04-0603-008
06/08/04 to
03/25/06
(Filling the unexpired
term of Ken Tracy)
Miami
Township
Upon roll call on the foregoing motion, the vote was as
follows:
Mr. Croswell, Yes; Mrs. Walker, Yes; Mr. Proud, Absent.
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