Accomplishments / Current Issues

Current Issues - July 2023

Community Investment! - As Trustee, John Morris has created the Township's first Neighborhood focused investment fund in the history of our great Township. John is asking other Trustees to support more investments in parks, roads, helping grow local businesses.

Strategy and Vision - Continuously gathering community feedback on where the residents want the Township to go, what is their vision for the community, what should be the priority.  You cannot create a plan and get anything done without understanding our community's goals and vision.  If you do not plan, then you plan to fail.  Doing anything without a plan and vision is building a road to nowhere.  Completed revision of the Township comprehensive plan for first time in almost 20 years.  Solicited feedback via multiple community stakeholder meetings. Elected President of Miami Township Board of Trustees and the Montgomery County Township Association, using these positions to strengthen relationships between Townships, Cities and County. Serving on Regional planning commission, Economic Investment board, Opioid Task Force.
Work every day and night to be available to help residents - Contact me @ 937-367-8537 or electjohnmorris@gmail.com

Parks - Oversaw installation of new equipment at Layer, Reeder and Zengel parks, representing the first major upgrade of parks in many years. Pond renovation at Miami View complete, dredged back to proper depth and stocked with fish in Nov 2020, first time since 2008, then again in 2022.  Completed fall zone material improvements in other parks for safety and convenience.  Planning a major campaign to completely redesign Miami View park while also looking into grants for other park upgrades. Assisted in getting grants for improvements/ADA access for Crains Run park path in 2021. Maximizing investments with limited funds. New Parks and Recreation/Events board, representing ALL parts of the Township is up and running and a Parks Master Plan has been written.

Roads - Completed project to solve major drainage/flooding issue on Manning Road. Eliminated the use of slurry to do more complete repaving.  The worst road in the Township, Crains Run Road, was completely rebuilt in May 2019.  To keep it new, we changed the speed limit and worked to eliminate truck traffic.  Met with Regional Planning Commission to discuss sidewalks on St. Rt 741 to extend to Alex Bell Road from Rt 725, have completed from 725 to Silvercliff.  Convinced County Engineer to install a permanent traffic signal at Munger Rd at Alex Bell - improving safety for all traffic and pedestrians.  Responding to resident requests, pot hole repair as fast as possible. New speed sensing stop signs are purchased and in use to help reduce speeding in neighborhoods.

Fiscal Responsibility - Per my recommendation, Miami Township is now on Ohio Checkbook. No "rubber stamp" of check requests,  working with administration to justify all expenses. Implemented a plan to reduce the cost of health care insurance for township employees without reductions in services in 2019, maintaining costs in 2020, then reducing costs by >15% in 2021, another reduction in 2022.  Assisted in the application of multiple grants to improve roads and parks.  Removed all expense lines from the budget listed as "other".  All expenses shall be classified correctly.  Under Morris' leadership, the Township bond rating was upgraded in July 2019 to AA2, refinanced multiple bonds resulting in $MILLIONS saved.  Permanently disabled the Miami Township water feature in 2020, many saw this as a monument to government waste.  Shutting down the fountain will save over $10k per year in operating expenses, looking to repurpose decorative stone and landscape rock into our parks. Eliminated annual printing and mailing of a newsletter by encouraging residents to sign up for monthly e-newsletter and Facebook.

Business Friendly -  New BW3 now open at Austin Landing, Outback Steakhouse and Hook $ Reel now open at the Dayton Mall, new Old Navy at Austin Landing.  Morris Home Furnishings  and Big Sandy's at the Dayton Mall.  Ross Dress for Less opened in October 2019 and new Sleep Number Bed store in 2021, ALDI 2022. Mazda Dealership coming to old Danbarry site, expansion of the Conner Group. Creating a community rich with economic development opportunity; but not giving away the Township's revenue in deals.    

Police - Working to get Police the equipment they need.  New App launched to allow for better resident interaction with Police.  Responding to Township resident concerns regarding safety and traffic issues.  Our Police are run very well and frugal with their funding.  Did a "ride along" with Police to better understand their daily challenges, how they keep our community safe - we have a good plan for coverage with limited resources. Partnered with Kettering to improve dispatch (911) service and response times, lowered costs.

Fire - Met with MVFD. Recruited new fire chief to improve workplace culture.  Worked to educate residents resulting in their decision to support a new tax levy which removes the Township from the collections process and levels the funding model with City of Miamisburg.   

Community Development - Completed the acquisition of 14 acres of prime commercial real estate for $1.  Sold 10 acres of this land for $1.8m to bring in Vienna Springs - new jobs and revenue to the Township to help maintain neighborhood roads.  This land sale allowed the Township to complete Vienna Parkway and look to further develop the remaining property, adding services to the community.  Rivendell development approved for over 80 new high end homes. Funds also having an impact with the renovation and resurfacing of Pine Grove, Silvercliff, and Vienna Woods roads.  This is how our Township can improve, by attracting more residents and businesses.  After Miamisburg annexed away a plot of Township property, I am continuing to monitor the pending development to insure that the new homes do not harm residents of the Township in any way. Rezoned land and invested in infrastructure to explore development behind Wood Road Public Works building, sold 2 acres for $80k.

Accomplishments

May - June 2023- After voters approved an increase in funding to the Police Department and creation of a new fire district, I am working to make sure those additional tax dollars are used to deliver the promise of better equipment and more officers. First time in 20 years, both departments are fully staffed. Finalized terms to build a new "Safety Town" for children to learn how to safely walk, skate and bike in neighborhoods.
January - April 2023-   Elected President of the Board of Trustees for the 4th time. Continuing to serve on important regional boards and task forces. Working with the Ohio Township Association and Governor DeWine's office to bring funding to Townships and invest in regional infrastructure. Evaluating new opportunities such as EV charging stations and researching the viability of Township owned/managed trash service. Finalizing new plans to invest further in parks, get more roads repaved.
October - December - Named Vice President of Regional OneOhio Opioid Task force. Continued service on Regional planning and economic development board of directors. Oversee grant authorization bringing thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of investment into our region. Approved final development plan for Mazda Dayton. Organized meeting to discuss expansion of EV charging opportunities for residents.
July- September -  Assisted in the establishment of the regional OneOhio Opioid Committee which will work to obtain grants to improve services in our community for those struggling with addiction issues; every family has been impacted.  Named regional Vice Chair of the Committee. Excited to welcome Big Chicken to Austin Landing and see other new restaurants and businesses filling spaces vacated during the pandemic. Aldi relocated into larger space. Construction of a new auto dealership replacing eyesore old Danbarry Cinema has begun.
March- June 2022 -   Working with new Fire Chief to investigate and solve the large number of fire hydrants currently out of service in the Township. Over 80 units are out of service or in need of repair, the county is responsible for this work and must be held accountable to a reasonable timeline for repair.  Supported added a ballot initiative for electric and natural gas aggregation.  This would cost Township residents nothing and, if passed, potentially give them a more affordable option for utility services in a time of rapid inflation in the energy sector.  Hired new Township administrator, public works director, and economic development director.
January/February 2022 - New parks board applications received and board will be seated soon.  Rivendell housing development final plans approved.  New homes and residents to increase revenue to the Township while improving living conditions and drainage to existing residents. Purchased and began to use new speed sensing traffic speed limit signs; units gather data in addition to traffic calming. Pass new Township wide parking and habitual dog barking ordinances to give our police the tools needed to help residents.
November/December 2021 - Working to finalize recruiting for the new parks board. Overturned a zoning ruling so construction of a new $7m car dealership could come to the Dayton Mall / Miami Crossing district. This business will bring over 100 jobs and become a good source of revenue for the Township. Surveyed citizens and business owners about whether this proposal should move forward and an overwhelming majority said that yes, it should. Zoning boards look at specific projects in specific places, Trustees must evaluate overall impact to the community.
September/October 2021 -  Working to bring back a Township Parks and Recreation/Events board, staffed with residents from throughout the Township. We have so many great community assets and should be using them to host community gatherings, parties, concerts, athletic events. I look forward to hearing all the ideas our residents bring and using our new community investment and innovation fund to get the fun started.
August 2021 - Authored motion to create the Miami Township Community Investment Fund. Working with Administration and other Trustees to identify and deposit over $1m into fund. The dollars will be used to install new parks equipment, upgrade roads, support local business. This will be the first of its kind in the history of our Township. Working with other jurisdictions (cities and counties and townships) to collaborate on the best use of recently received American Rescue Plan dollars. Township will be pursuing an ODOT grant for sidewalk expansion. Visited with hundreds of citizens during 16 Neighborhood Night Out parties, got some great ideas for community improvements, compliments to our great police/fire departments. Great things happening in Miami Township and Miamisburg. Campaign for re-election on November 2, 2021 has begun.
June /July 2021 - Worked to appoint Christopher Snyder as Assistant Township Administrator. Mr. Snyder is a long term devoted Miami Township employee and has a vision for the future. He supports public safety, economic development, investments in our neighborhood parks and roads. Mr. Snyder will organize Township administrative departments to break down silos and foster cooperation. Welcomed the 2021 US National High School Bowling Championships to Poelking Lanes @ Dayton Mall. Over 500 bowlers from 28 states (including Alaska!) have travelled  into our community to compete to be US National Champions. Ribbon cutting to officially open the new Vienna Parkway extension which improves safety and traffic flow through our neighborhoods, gives residents and students from two elementary schools safe direct access into Cox Arboretum. Negotiated and signed agreement for Township to join a regional fiber optic network for improved community services.
March/April 2021 - As President of the Montgomery County Township Association, facilitated a press conference with Congressman Mike Turner to outline sloppy language included in the American Rescue Plan. This error could result in Miami Township missing out on almost $10m in federal government relief funds targeting local governments impacted by the pandemic. As currently written, Ohio's 1,300+ Townships could be excluded. These efforts are being supported by all of Ohio's Congressmen and Senators.
February 2021 -   Working from the resolution authored in November 2020 for park funding and goals identified from staff/Trustee retreat in Jan 2021, advised the administrator to create a special projects fund.  Found resources to put approximately $750,000 into the fund which should allow for most all of the 2021 projects identified to be completed or started in 2020.  Requested that our Community Improvement Corporation fund repairs to the administration building so more special projects funds could go toward parks and roads.
January 2021 - Planned a staff / Trustee Virtual retreat to bring all departments and the Trustees into alignment on goals and initiatives for 2021.  Administrative offices need a new phone system to accomodate the need for remote work and building envelope has leak issues in need of repair.  Police Department would like to find funding for body cameras for safety of officers and citizens.  Development department has digitizing of files to complete.  Roads department could always do more with funding.  Parks department has numerous shelters that need to be replaced.  
December 2020 -  Assisted in obtaining a grant to improve ADA access and walking paths at Crains Run Park, coming in 2021.  Extension of Vienna Parkway is completed as new landscaping is installed (0% cost to taxpayer).  Leveraging these improvements and taking advantage of recent legislation to ask other Trustees to invest close to $1m in new upgrades to parks, roads and facilities in 2021.  Other communities are cutting back while Better Leadership at Miami Township is getting more done with same or less resources.
November 2020- Authored a resolution to put $500,000 toward parks improvements in 2021. Due to pandemic, many counties and cities are cancelling parks equipment orders. This allows our Township to get equipment at reduced costs. A $500k investment will return 30% in savings vs. earning $0 interest in the bank. Other Trustee wants to fund a "study" to see what we need in our parks. Need only visit them to see empty areas and outdated unsafe equipment. Hoping to just get this done to take advantage of savings.
October 2020 - Worked with administration to draft a new RFQ (request for quote) for trash pick up service for residents.  First, the bid was to be for 3.5 years.  I pushed for this to move the renewal timeline to July rather than January, 2024.  If we change providers in the future, can exchange and pick up will be in the summer rather than winter.  Second, we pushed for competition for service and 4 providers came to our pre-bid meeting.  Unfortunately, only one firm provided a bid; but ultimately we decided that it was a good bid, offering residents new options and expanded service to weekly recycling at a modest increase in price.  More Services through Strategic Leadership and proactive planning.
August - September 2020 - Continued work to make sure Township services are maintained during times of mandated social distancing and reduced event sizes.  CANstruction 2020 was forced to be cancelled due to lack of supply of products and logistical challenges.  It will return in 2021 bigger and better than ever to help food shortages in our community.  Working with other Trustees, community business leaders to fund a major renovation and community investment in Miami View Park, hopes for install in 2021.  New Vienna Parkway extension almost complete.
April - July 2020 -   Incredibly challenging 4 months as our Nation is hit with COVID-19 pandemic.  Oversaw and led revamp of Township services in a time when the economy was shut down.  Prior investments in technology allowed most all Township services to be ongoing via online interactions and transactions.  Worked to install new safety protocols for residents and Township employees.  Led Trustee meetings into an online streaming environment so government could continue to function, yet maintain transparency.  Studying impact on revenues moving forward - reduced travel will lower revenue coming from the gas tax (road funding) and hotel/motel tax collections (general Township funding).  While some forms of government will see 30-40% loss of revenue, Miami Township should be less than 5%.  Services will be maintained.  John Morris votes to freeze salaries for all Township officers in 2020, vote is not supported by other Trustees.
February / March 2020- Worked with residents and developer to create a plan for 82 new homes near Vienna Parkway.  These homes will add value to the Township, helping fund more police and fire services, funds for road and parks improvements.  The development should also help address drainage issues currently being experienced by runoff from this undeveloped farm land.  Working with administration to maintain services in lieu of the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Offices are closed; but services are all available.  Communicate via phone, text or email.  Trustee meetings will go on and be open to the public as scheduled.  Prayers for us all.
January, 2020 -Worked with Trustee Culp to appoint Terry Posey Jr as new 3rd Trustee.  Mr. Posey lives in Miami Township and brings extensive experience from his time as a litigator and work with judges.  His legal advice and expertise are a great compliment to the existing Trustee's skills.  Welcomed Cornerstone Group, winners of a regional ED/GE grant with plans to bring over 250 new high paying jobs to the Township.
December, 2019- Launched 1st annual holiday decorating contest to celebrate those residents who beautify our Township each year with festive decorations.  An independent group of judges picked the winner who will be recognized 1/2020.  Completed review of the 2020 budget.  
November, 2019 - Worked with administration to schedule community meetings to get feedback on state of the Township and elements of the strategic plan, beginning in December 2019.  Working on 2020 budget with a continued focus on improved services.  2nd Annual CANstruction event brought thousands into the Township to view structures created from almost 45,000 canned goods which were donated to the Dayton Foodbank after being on display for 2 weeks.  Event set to return in October 2020 for year 3.  Created the Miami Township Holiday Decorating Contest to acknowledge the great holiday decorating spirit of so many of our residents.  Happy Holidays to all.
September/October, 2019 -Approved extension of Vienna Parkway to connect Mad River Road and St Rt 741.  While many residents came forward with concerns, a greater number of residents were in favor of the plan.  This road will improve safety for all Township residents.  Modified the recommendations of the zoning board to guarantee that a complete traffic study would be conducted after the road is built.  With real data, the Township can then consider installation of traffic calming measures if deemed appropriate.  Spending money on speculation and conjecture is not good policy.  Approved rezoning plan to bring new development to the corner of 725 and Mad River, replacing eyesore building.
August, 2019 -Approved development plans for a new assisted living facility to be built at Vienna Parkway and St Rt 741.  This will bring funds to the Township to construct new and maintain existing roads.  Jobs and taxes will deliver more funds to our schools, police and fire district.  Worked with the County Engineer's office for a new traffic signal to be installed at Munger and Alex Bell, improving resident safety.  Using the newly improved bond rating, re-issued bonds at lower interest rates to save the Township over $700,000.
July, 2019 - Township bond rating (our ability to borrow money at competitive rates) was upgraded to AA2.  When the Township borrows money to improve infrastructure, this improved credit rating will save hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Township is maintaining cash reserves equal to annual budgets so that services can be maintained if there is any interruption of revenues.
May/June, 2019 - Hired Ron Hess to serve as full time Township administrator as Greg Rogers military service has been extended.  Hired new police chief.  With Leadership team in place, we can continue to move forward offering Better Services with Better Leadership.
April, 2019 - Addressed resident concerns over continued poor trash pick up service, exploring alternative providers and contract options as we are under contract through 2020 with Rumpke.  Fixing pot holes as residents request.  Finalizing deal to bring new assisted living facility construction onto extended Vienna Parkway.  New traffic signal will improve safety of residents wanting to go South onto Rt 741 and reduce traffic on Silvercliff, Pine Grove and Rosecliff.  Saved over $300,000 by authorizing new 10 year bonds at a lower interest rate to replace existing higher rate bonds.  Encouraging the administration to work with new Ohio Treasurer to find ways to purchase larger CDs with reserve dollars.
February/March, 2019 - Maintaining his pledge for community safety, John Morris works to get full time school resource officers assigned to Miamisburg Middle School and Dayton Christian School.  Also, after studying the costs, Morris works to disband the Miami Township K9 officer program which will eliminate the need for $80k investment and ultimately result in more full time patrol of our community.  Monitoring the damage to our roads caused by winter and working with public works on investments toward repair.  Vienna Parkway extension plan is near.
January, 2019 -John Morris votes no on increased funding for the Police Department via an increase in an existing tax levy stating for the record, "I fully support our Police Department; I've heard from many citizens that they appreciate how our department is run - it is outstanding; but they will not support a tax increase at this time.  I do not want to put the funding of our outstanding department at risk should this requested increase fail."  Other Trustees voted yes.  John Morris recommends that the administration work with the OSU extension office to conduct vision and planning meetings in Miami Township.
November/December, 2018 -John Morris completes his first year as Trustee as he started - working with a vision, planning for the the future.  John works with administration to plan for 2019 via a complete budget review, including analysis of long term debt, comparing 2018 performance vs budget, looking at prior years and trends.  Township is currently healthy and vibrant; but we must plan for times when the economy may not be this good.  The 2019 budget will focus on services, doubling the budget for road repair via funds acquired through economic development and sale of Township land.  New funds go to services, not additional administration as he promised.
October, 2018 -John Morris works with other Trustees to create a plan to repair Crain's Run road.  Residents have been complaining for years about truck traffic at excessive speeds and damage done to the road.  A "no truck" zone is created along with reduced speed limits in advance of major road repairs planned for 2019
September, 2018 -John Morris brings CANstruction to Miami Township.  11 regional companies participate in this event by building structures entirely out of canned goods.  Major media coverage bring a positive spotlight to Miami Township and extra shoppers to the Dayton Mall.  Over 30,000 cans of food are collected for donation, supporting food pantries all across the Miami Valley  
August, 2018 - John Morris finalizes Miami Township transition to full government spending transparency via participation in the Ohio Checkbook.  Passes resolution to request return of funding from Montgomery County after they raised taxes for services, yet cut services to residents via Townships.  Passed ordinance allowing for more consistent enforcement of property upkeep issues
July, 2018 -John Morris organizes a community meeting to discuss proposal for a new foster home being proposed, helps educate residents to the law and their options with the zoning board moving forward.  Coordinates the purchase of salt supplies for winter at significant savings to residents.  Continues to push for fiscal responsibility.  Asking the administration for better accounting reports in advance of the budget preparation for 2019.  Coordinates road repairs of some streets which have needed work for almost 2 years.  Closed on the purchase of land valued at $1.8 million; Township cost - $1.00
June, 2018 -John Morris forms committee to explore grants and funding options to improve our 9-1-1 call center.  Grand re-opening of Layer Park is held on June 29.  Deal is finalized to acquire 13 acres of prime commercial real estate for $1.  Works with residents to better understand the process around zoning applications.  Leads repair of a road hazard created by the county after a water main break, corrections made quickly as county is informed of their obligation.
May, 2018 -John Morris works with administration on applying for grants to improve sidewalks in neighborhoods and parks without cost to the Township, grants to be applied for.  Budget is revised to allow for purchase of parks equipment.   Approved a new health care plan which will reduce costs for the Township in a year when the average renewal was a 22% increase.
April, 2018 - John Morris advises administration to find funds in the budget to maintain plans for park upgrades despite loss of grant request.  Pushed for recognition of local business, Dayton Mall Auntie Anne's which is one of most successful franchises in the USA on National Pretzel Day, April 26.  Supported passing a resolution to bring Get Air franchise to old Office Max space in Southland 75 shopping center.  Combined with new pedestrian walkway coming, this should bring great traffic and new commerce to the Township.
March, 2018 -John Morris debates the value of the Township contributing to the construction of a columbarium at Hillgrove cemetery when the cemetery seemingly has enough reserves to pay for it already.  Challenges how the parks department is using its budget as it is spending money on signs rather than equipment which residents can benefit from; calls for a grand vision which includes potential removal of the Township Fountain, a monument to government waste.  Morris puts forward plans to unplug the fountain and save maintenance costs as first step.
February 13, 2018 - John Morris passes resolution for Township to join regional virtual crime center to allow police to better monitor, track, predict and solve crime.  Attends Ohio Township Association conference.  Advises Road department to upgrade technology used to resurface roads from slurry seal (100 year old process) to modern micro-surfacing technology - dries faster, cleaner - same price.
January 23, 2018 -John Morris sends an invoice to State of Ohio requesting reimbursement of over $150,000.  This money reflects the amount of money being wasted by the Township being forced to pay prevailing wage on its construction projects - the largest unfunded mandate in the state.  Further the law is completely discriminatory in nature, having been created to prevent African Americans from competing for work.  John further wrote a letter to every elected official in the state of Ohio urging them to take action and reform this law. 
January 2018 - John Morris pushes for more fiscal transparency, informing the Finance Officer that the Township should be on the Ohio Checkbook by July 1.  www.ohiocheckbook.com will show where all monies are spent.  Morris is working further to create target reserve goals (rainy day fund) and reports with graphs and charts showing the fiscal health of the Township in a format that is easy to read and understand.
January 9, 2018 - John Morris elected President of the Miami Township Board of Trustees.  Morris chosen to serve on the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Emergency Communications Policy Committee, Community Improvement Corporation
December 2017 - Morris joins Ohio Township Association and Montgomery County Township Association.  Elected to serve on Ohio Public Works Commission (regional roadwork), Community Development Block Grants Committee (potential funds for parks)
November 7, 2017 - John Morris elected Miami Township Trustee, leading vote getter, defeats 2 incumbents
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