Greenfield identified as a community targeting economic development

 The City of Greenfield has been identified by the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission as a community that is interested in targeting economic development efforts.

Greenfield City Manager Betty Bishop told council during their regular meeting Sept. 7 that two "golden opportunities" had been offered to the city "as we work to overcome this economic downturn."

During the city manager's report, Bishop said "Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs was awarded a three–year grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to assist communities in developing industry-targeted economic growth strategies. As the city has been identified by the OVRDC, they can begin a multi-phase development process. 

"The initial meeting will be held on Sept. 22, 2010 in the third floor conference room," Bishop said. "The core committee will consist of Ron Coffey, Julie Parry Wise (of Highland County Community Action), (Highland County Commissioner) Shane Wilkin, Brian Smith, Peg Beekman, a representative from Southern State Community College, and a representative from council."

In a separate project, Bishop said, "The Ohio State University is willing to come to Greenfield and do a pilot for their newly developed workshop on renewable energy and its potential for economic development in smaller communities such as Greenfield. They will bring the workbook materials and all of their needed this workshop. This will consist of 15-30 people from in and around the community equipment (such as) LCD projector, laptop, flip charts, markers. The workshop will be about two to two and a half hours long. We are confirming dates and times at the present time. I am very excited in what I am seeing happen in this community and I believe this is another step in our plan for recovery."

In other business, council:

• David Hinman of DP&L Energy addressed council regarding a DP&L (franchise agreement), and DP&L Energy and Miami Valley Lighting Generation

supply and Street Lighting agreement.

• Voted to waive the three-reading rule and pass as an emergency a resolution authorizing Bishop to participate in the state purchasing Program and execute a lease to purchase program and execute a lease to purchase contract, financed thru Baystone Financial Group, with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for one new Case 440 Series 3 skid steer loader, a 4-in-1 bucket, and a set of forks and declaring an emergency. The approximate cost of the skid loader is $38,000.

• Heard the third reading of an voted to pass a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor.

• Heard the first reading of an ordinance granting to the Dayton Power and Light Company, its successors and assigns, and Electric Franchise in the City of Greenfield, State of Ohio, for a period of five (5) years, automatically renewing for additional periods of two (2) years unless notice is given, commencing on the effective date of this ordinance.

  • Heard the second reading of an ordinance creating Greenfield Codified Ordinance Code Section 1323.09 (leveling, grading, and removing piles and accumulations of sand, gravel, dirt, topsoil, loams, or other similar materials on land).

  • Heard the second reading of an ordinance creating Greenfield Codified Code Chapter 1325 (Notification of Foreclosure Filings and Responsibility for Maintenance).

  • Heard the second reading of an ordinance amending Greenfield Codified Ordinance Code Section 521.13.