2024 Year in Review, July
Summary compiled by Pat Langley and Greg Enslen, based on original reporting from Pat Langley, Jim Dabbelt, Ashley Spring McCarroll, Samantha Enslen, Greg Enslen, Nancy Bowman, Cailey Petsch, Becky Gulden, and the 2024 Gazette staff.
Council holds sessions on employee costs and wage study
Council met on Monday, July 15, and went into a Study Session to discuss recommended wage increases for non-union city employees and their impact on the city budget. The recommendations were based on comparing Tipp City government job positions and wages with the positions and wages in similar, nearby communities. Besides recommendations for specific job positions, the proposal included a mid-year 2024 wage increase followed by a three-year wage increase program in 2025, 2026, and 2027. This would bring Tipp City wages in line with similar, nearby communities and attract future city employees in a tightening labor market. In the Regular Council meeting, the proposals for modifying specific job positions and increasing the wages for non-union city employees were approved, with Huffman, Liddy, and Pittenger voting no, and Kessler, Rogers, Slagel, and Enslen voting yes.
Council approves Summit Landings Subdivision, Kyle parking improvements
Council approved the Final Plan/Plat of the 22-acre Summit Landing Subdivision, Section 2, which will contain sixty single-family residential lots. The plat is located on the east side of Peters Road, north of Windmere, Woodlawn, and Oak Lea subdivisions. Council also authorized the City Manager to contract with Coate Construction, West Milton, for Kyle Park’s parking improvements project for a cost of $93,301. The project will add eighty-nine new parking places at Kyle Park.
TMCS Lunch On Us continues to grow
The Lunch On Us program is experiencing one of the busiest summer seasons in its fifteen-year history, providing an average of 700-800 meals per week for Tipp City and Monroe Township residents.
Bethel Township residents, Huber Heights Council discuss proposed 296-acre annexation
A small group of Bethel Township residents attended the regularly scheduled Huber Heights City Council meeting on June 24. They spoke to council members and shared their objections to a proposed 296-acre annexation.
West Milton, police answer unlawful arrest lawsuit
West Milton and its police sued by Jerry North for his arrest and charge of rape after the alleged victim recanted the claims, have answered a lawsuit filed by North in federal court in Dayton.
Miami County prosecutor appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill municipal court judge seat
Miami County Prosecutor Anthony “Tony” Kendell has been appointed to a county Municipal Court judge’s seat by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
A Taste of Italy: New Restaurant Opened in New Carlisle
Franco the Foodie, a family-run Italian restaurant, has brought a taste of Italy to downtown New Carlisle. Owner and head chef Franco draws on his rich culinary heritage and experience to serve up authentic, homemade dishes that have locals raving.
Tipp City Planning Board rejects proposed downtown zoning change
The Tipp City Planning Board met and debated a proposed downtown zoning change. This would have affected first floor downtown businesses facing Main Street, from First Street to Third Street. The proposed zoning change would limit their future retail, food, and entertainment business offerings. The Planning Board rejected the proposed zoning change.
Davidson joins father in Trapshooting Hall of Fame
Andrew Davidson was inducted into the Ohio State Trapshooting Association (OSTA) Hall of Fame on Thursday, June 20. He continues a legacy started by his father, Lee S. Davidson, almost 30 years ago.
New Carlisle announced developments that will add 600 homes
New Carlisle is preparing for its first new housing boom since the 1960s. Over the next ten years, two housing developments will add approximately 2,000 new residents.
Football camp taught area youth
Coach Matt Burgbacher and his Tipp football coaching staff decided to put a different twist on the annual youth football camp this year. They combined the middle school and pee-wee players into one weeklong camp.
Miami County Animal Shelter removes cats from Our Farm Sanctuary, charges filed against Director
Animal Control Officers from the Miami County Animal Shelter removed more than 40 cats from Our Farm Sanctuary on Agenbroad Road on Monday, July 15. They executed a search warrant in response to recent complaints filed by a group of past and present volunteers.
Assistant Fire/ EMS Chief announces resignation
Charles “Chip” Rielage, Tipp City’s Assistant Chief of Fire and EMS, is leaving to take a similar job in Turtlecreek Township, Lebanon, Ohio.
Sonnanstine announces retirement from TMCS
Tipp-Monroe Community Services (TMCS) will celebrate the retirement of Program Coordinator Katie Sonnanstine on Thursday, Aug. 1.
New storage business unlocked opportunity for owners
The grand opening of Storage Kingdom, built on the same property as BR Mulch, took place on July 22, with a show of family support and plenty of space for new beginnings.
Huber Heights Council approved Bethel Township annexation
Huber Heights is moving forward with a controversial annexation of approximately 296 acres of property, currently located in Bethel Township.
Repacorp team win 17th Annual Tipp City Chamber Business Classic Golf Scramble
The 17th annual Tipp City Chamber Business Classic Golf Scramble took place on July 25th at the Homestead Golf Course. The scramble brought together local business leaders and community members for a day of golf and networking.
Board of Education hires former Tipp City school principal Galen Gingerich
Board of Education hired former Tipp City school principal Galen Gingerich as Dean of Students. Gingerich, a popular administrator who knows numerous Tipp students and their families, was hired to help Tipp’s elementary school principals, particularly those with no assistant principal.
Board of Education issues bonds for building of new school
The Board passed a Bond Resolution to issue bonds for $78,314,777. The bonds will build the PK-8 elementary school, demolish Nevin Coppock and the Middle school, demolish and construct a new bus barn. Also, various other improvements will be completed.
Treasurer Dave Stevens reported that Tipp Schools ended the 2023/2024 school year with a deficit of $1.63M, $700,000 less than the predicted $2.3M. Stevens said that legal and electric utility costs, as well as personnel costs, had been down.