Did you know Carlisle is home to one of Ohio’s most remarkable river systems in terms of water quality and biological diversity? In fact, a recent study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ranks the diversity of Twin Creek’s bug population first in Ohio, the quality of its habitat and diversity of its fish second only to the Big and Little Darby Creeks south of Columbus.

I have fond childhood memories of fishing, swimming and playing along the creek bed. Most memorable was at the age of 17 when I accepted a dare from friends, ventured onto the ice, and fell straight through! I did win the bet though which earned me a whopping $2.50 and a hamburger!

In Carlisle, Twin Creek meanders along our western border, through the heart of the pristine environment of Camp Hook, and deposits into the Great Miami Rive in Franklin Township. Twin Creek is 47.3 miles long and is part of a larger 316 square mile watershed which takes form at the confluence of Miller’s Fork, continues as Swamp Creek, and forms Twin Creek in Lewisburg. Twin Creek runs south through eastern Preble County and southwestern Montgomery County before terminating at the Great Miami River.

According to Brian Alsdorf, an aquatic biologist with EPA, "Twin Creek merits the highest level of protection available in the effort to preserve and enhance exceptional water quality and biological health in Ohio". Toward that end, in early 1999 a coalition of state and local officials began the process of designating Twin Creek as a state scenic river. Such designation would provide legal protection of the creek, creek bed and wildlife, and limit some development along the creek. Although Ohio law does not permit property owners from developing in a protected corridor, (except for governmental projects), it does provide local governments guidelines for working with property owners to encourage developments and techniques to protect the stream.

As part of the designation process, an extensive study of Twin Creek was conducted in 1997 by the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Based on the study findings, it was recommended that Twin Creek be considered as a state scenic river. Since then, I have been working with other state and local officials to gather endorsements by a majority of communities along the creek. A public education program is also underway to inform property owners and other members of the community on the scenic river designation process, and to solicit approval from private land owners.

Beyond the creek’s environmental and recreational potential, the groundwater beneath Twin Creek could also provide a source of drinking water for Carlisle's growing residents and businesses. In fact, a water study undertaken by the Village of Carlisle recommends that the village drill a well over the Twin Creek aquifer.

Giving the potential negative effect of increasing development on the quality of Twin Creek, I will continue to pursue the scenic river designation – so that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and recreational benefits of this local human resource. Although the designation process is time-consuming, it is my hope that it will be completed early next year. I will keep you apprised of our progress in future editions of the Carlisle Newsletter. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, feel free to call me at 746-9981, or access the comment section of the Carlisle web site at www.carlisleoh.org.

The Miami Valley Conservancy District’s Groundwater 2000 Program has piloted a Citizen-Based Groundwater Level Monitoring Program (CBMP). The CBMP program can be traced to 1990 when residents near Troy, Ohio became concerned about a developer’s plans to building townhouses and a golf course across 300 acres of land adjacent to the Stillwater River. Their fears escalated when the same developer attempted to sell water to a nearby town from wells that were developed on the property.

To protect their groundwater resources, the Troy residents formed the Stillwater Aquifer Protection Association and began working with a consultant to characterize the groundwater conditions in the area. In 1994 the resident group entered into an agreement with the Miami Conservancy District MCD) to monitor groundwater levels on an annual basis, and CBMP Program was born.. CBMP relies on a network of citizens who collect groundwater level data from domestic water wells and use the data to evaluate long-term groundwater level trends. In the City of Troy, the Stillwater Aquifer protection well network consists of nineteen domestic wells. About two-third of the well owners are participating in the CBMP program. Residents periodically monitor and report the groundwater levels in their own wells and forward the results to Groundwater 2000 staff at MCD.

Well owners are trained in the use of the water-level monitoring equipment and data transfer to Groundwater 2000 staff. The preferred data entry method is via the Internet where CBMP participants can log onto the Groundwater 2000 website and enter the data in a password-protected area. Telephone or fax can also be used. Groundwater 2000 staff validate the data submitted before transferring it to the Groundwater 2000 Information Management System.

It is important to note that the primary purpose of the CBMP is data collection. In cases where the data suggests a developing groundwater problem, the problem can be further investigated by Groundwater 2000 staff or by other agencies involved in groundwater issues.

Protection of the quality and quantity of our groundwater resources continues to be a high priority of mine. As such, I would like to hear from the citizens of Carlisle to determine if they are interested in possibly adapting this successful citizen-based monitoring program in our community. Please call me 746-9981, or share your opinions on this issue by reaching me on the Carlisle web site at www.carlisleoh.org.

I look forward to receiving your comments and suggestions

Because winter weather is right around the corner, the Carlisle Service Department has begun preparing for the snow and ice that mother nature typically delivers in December and January. The department’s four five-ton dump trucks have been inspected, serviced and tested, and equipped with snow plows and salt spreaders.

Even though Carlisle is a relatively small community, our public works personnel still have their winter work cut out for them. First priority is to clean primary roads which are the main roads leading into town and the main roads which access residential subdivisions. Carlisle has 13 miles of primary roads which, depending on the severity of the weather, can take two to four hours to clear. For safety reasons, plow drivers are instructed to never travel over 25 mph.

Once the primary roads are completed, we address secondary roads which are the streets connecting with the main roads including streets in residential subdivisions. Then we clear dead end streets and cul-de-sacs which are the most time consuming part of the task. It generally takes 15 minutes of plowing to clean one cul-de-sac and 10 minutes to clear a dead end street. This adds up to an awesome task when one considers that the village has 25 cul-de-sacs and 22 dead end streets.

Please note that plow drivers are instructed to plow as close as possible to mailboxes, except those located too far off the street pavement. Some areas in Carlisle require a second pass to widen the road and facilitate mail delivery. Citizens are responsible for cleaning the area around their mailbox where a snowplow cannot feasibly reach. Remember, our main goal is to clean the roads to allow safe passage for motorists and emergency vehicles. Many times are personnel are forced to plow a street where a resident has just cleaned their driveway. Unfortunately, we have no choice but to continue plowing the snow across the end of the driveway since there is no other place to deposit the snow.

Whenever adverse weather conditions arise, the Carlisle Service Department will be on the road trying to restore safe passage for the residents of Carlisle. We always strive to go the extra mile in doing our job, yet know we cannot always please everyone. We do welcome your comments and suggestions. Please call us if your street is inadvertently missed during our snow plowing operations or if you have any questions about our snow removal program. To receive a copy of the plowing routes, call the service department at 746-2675, ext. 15.

Gaylon G. Brown

Director of Public Works

Even though the open burning season is nearing an end, a few helpful tips about the laws pertaining to this common autumn practice should be helpful. According to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Municipality of Carlisle is a restricted area. In restricted areas open burning is not allowed without special permission from the EPA except for recreational fires used to cook food for human consumption, warming fires used at construction sites, and along railways to warm switch boxes. The following guidelines should be used if you plan to burn a recreational fire:

Must be no larger than 3’ long by 3’ wide by 3’ high.

Untreated wood is the only material that may be burned. Painted or stained wood is considered to be treated.

You may not burn yard waste which includes grass, leaves tree trimmings or shrubs.

You may not burn trash, tires, plastics, shingles, PVC, aerosol cans or any other waste.

No accelerants such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel or stove fuel may be used to start or sustain a fire.

Fires must be 50’ away from any structure such as a house, garage, or out-building.

No burning is allowed during air quality alert periods or when winds exceed 5 mph.

No burning is allowed during air quality alert periods or when winds exceed 5 mph.

Smoke from the fire must not cover any roadways or become a nuisance to neighbors.

Warming fires may not use any construction materials and must meet distance requirements as stated.

Fires may never be left unattended.

In addition to the above rules you should consider the following safety precautions:

Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby.

Call the fire department at 746-4545 at least 24 hours in advance, which can help prevent unnecessary responses of emergency equipment to your residence.

Make sure a fire is completely out before you leave it.

If you have a need to burn that does not fit the description of recreational or warming fires, you must obtain permission from the EPA by calling (937) 285-6357.

By following these rules, you insure your own safety, and the safety of all Carlisle residents.

Imagine your youngster learning about bicycle safety from a talking bicycle! "Mike the Bike" was first introduced to the community at Country Fair Days in August. Thanks to Officers Don Winters and Jim Slyder of the Carlisle Police Department, "Mike the Bike" will make his debut in the Carlisle schools this spring.

"Mike" is one of many bicycles which have been donated to the Carlisle Police Department for community projects. Officer Slyder restored the bicycle to mint condition and Officer Winters added the voice module which allows Mike to talk.

The bicycle is programmed to interact with Officer Slyder who is in charge of Carlisle’s bicycle safety program. The voice module is on a timer and gives the appearance of responding to specific prompts from Officer Slyder. The result is an interactive training program which is designed to deep young people interested in the topic of bicycle safety.

Sherry Owens, Trauma Specialist at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati estimates that 150,000 children suffer head injuries in bicycle accidents each year, and approximately 600 will die from such injuries. The goal is for "Mike the Bike" to become an effective training tool to reduce the likelihood of bicycle accidents and injuries in Carlisle. For more information contact the Carlisle Police Department at 746-0117.

Carlisle Police Sergeant Dave Morgan and Officer Doug Lanier recently attended a school violence seminar sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Tri-State Regional Community Policing Institute. The seminar, which was also attended by Carlisle Assistant School Superintendent Mark Upton, addressed recent incidents of school violence including the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Paducha, Kentucky.

The seminar explored such issues as school safety, warning signs of violence potential, profiling of students who commit acts of violence, preventing school violence, and crisis planning. The goal for Carlisle Schools is to identify at-risk students and attempt early intervention in order to help the students resolve any problems they may be experiencing before those problems reach a critical point. According to Upton, "troubled" students who in the past may have limited their "acting out’ to abuse of drugs and alcohol, now may add violent acts to their activities. Offering intervention may be the best form of prevention of violence in the schools.

Sergeant Morgan, who administers the Carlisle Juvenile Diversion Program, said the Carlisle Police Department and the Carlisle School District are together developing a new safety plan to address violence issues.

Officer Doug Lanier, Carlisle Schools’ Resource Officer, stated that Carlisle, as a suburban middle class school district, shares many characteristics with Littleton, Jonesboro, and Paducha. Morgan and Lanier agree that a safe, secure learning environment is the best preventive medicine against violence in the schools.

Over the past several months, the Carlisle Police Department has undergone some very positive personnel and organizational changes which result in improved public safety for our local residents and businesses. At the helm and leading the charge for excellence in public safety is newly hired Police Chief Richard St. John.

After a very short (two month) retirement from a 25 year career with the Fairfield, Ohio Police Department, Chief St. John was sworn in as Carlisle’s new police chief on August 10, 1999. Chief St. John has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati Criminal Justice Program. He is married to wife Carol and they have three children, Danielle, Jerrilynn and Richard, Jr.

According to Chief St. John, it was the opportunity of coming to a police department in a small, intimate community which interested him in the Carlisle chief’s position. The chief has set several goals for himself and his officers in the Carlisle Police Department including:

Improve morale among department personnel.

Increase departmental efficiency.

Continue and expand Carlisle’s community-oriented policing program.

Accreditation of the police department.

Chief St. John noted, "The key to successfully implementing theses goals is the continued support and commitment of the police department and the community which we serve". Chief St. John is proud to feature in this edition of the newsletter six excellent police officers who were recently hired and who will play a key role in Carlisle’s public safety program. Below is a biography on each of these new officers. If you encounter one of our new "men in blue", we hope you will take the time to introduce yourself and welcome them to the community.

Name: DAVID S. WARD, JR. (full-time officer)

Age: 25

Start Date: July 26, 1999

Prior Experience: Clearcreek Township Police Department, Phillipsburg, OH Police

Department, Bradford, OH Police Department, and Madison

County, OH Sheriff’s Office.

Education: Basic Police Officer Academy , Sinclair College, Dayton, OH

Name: CHAD W. JONES (full time officer)

Age: 26

Start Date: August 1, 1999

Prior Experience: Franklin, OH Police Department, Warren County Drug Task

Force, and Warren County Juvenile Justice Center.

Education: Basic Police Officer Academy, Sinclair College, Dayton, OH

Name: BRIAN E. BROWN (full-time officer)

Age: 26

Start Date: July 20, 1999

Prior Experience: Owensville, OH Police Department

Education: Miami Township, OH Police Academy

Name: CHAD E. ALLEN (reserve officer)

Age: 21

Start Date: July 22, 1999

Prior Experience: Employed full-time with Tru-Green Chemlawn

Education: Carlisle High School and the Miami Valley Regional Law

Enforcement Academy

Name: KEVIN MANZ (reserve officer)

Age: 30

Start Date: July 22, 1999

Prior Experience: Full-time paramedic for Life Care Ambulance

Education: Basic Police Training, Scarlet Oaks Career Campus

Name: RONALD KULLGREN (reserve officer)

Age: 26

Start Date: August 10, 1999

Prior Experience: Xavier University, Auxiliary Police Officer, and Ohio National

Guard Military Police

Education: Basic Police Training, Scarlet Oaks Career Campus

The Municipality of Carlisle enjoyed a very successful year in the area of grantsmanship.

In Program Year (PY) 16 of the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), Carlisle projects were ranked first and second in the Butler/Warren/Clermont District. Under the SCIP Program, Ohio communities can submit grant requests to fund local infrastructure (street, water and sewer) projects. Funds for PY 16 programs will be available for spending in the spring of 2002.

The State Route 123 Reconstruction Project received the District’s top ranking under the SCIP. Carlisle will receive $188,437 which will be matched with $230,310 in other state and local funds to widen Central Avenue from Dayton-Oxford Road to W. Crescent Drive. The project also entails installation of curb and gutter, storm sewers and new drive approaches. Benefits include improved safety and aesthetics along the municipality’s major commercial gateway which has long been a high priority for Carlisle. The widening project will also complement the $795,000 roadway improvement project currently being constructed by the Ohio Department of Transportation along Central Avenue just west of the SCIP target area.

Second on the SCIP funding list is the S.R. 123/Park Drive Intersection Realignment Project. Carlisle was awarded $43,515 to be matched with $53,185 in other state and local funds to remediate a safety hazard that exists at the intersection of S.R. 123 and Park Drive. Project components include straightening, widening and resurfacing of the Park Drive intersection including installation of curb and gutter, sidewalk, water lines and storm sewer within the reconfiguration of the intersection of Park Drive and S.R. 123.

Bob Craig of the Warren County Planning Department oversees the SCIP Program for Warren County communities. According to Mr. Craig, one can’t predict how many of the top ranked projects will ultimately be funded for PY 2002, although in past years approximately $1.8 million per program year has been made available.

Although Carlisle does not have any projects which were funded for Program Years 14 and 15 (years 2000 and 2001), the S.R. 123 Reconstruction Project is currently being considered for funding under the Small Government Fund Program. State funding decisions for this program will be made by July 1, 2000 with grant proceeds available later in 2000.

We are delighted that our community Carlisle’s reflection of our aggressive and ongoing efforts to leverage limited local funds with state funds to finance priority infrastructure projects.

For those residents and business with access to the internet, check out the latest local news on the Municipality of Carlisle web page at http://www.carlisleoh.org. The web, which was activated in September 1998, was developed by Darryl Kenning who also serves as the Webmaster. The web page offers a broad range of information including council minutes, building permits, information about your elected and appointed officials, and a history of our town. According to Mr. Kenning, both residents and businesses have been accessing the web page since it was activated in September 1998. The site is continually updated to provide a current and dynamic source of information for our community. Users are encouraged to contact the webmaster with suggestions and comments via e-mail buttons on each page of the site. E-mail contact is also available for certain municipal officials.

The walking trails and picnic shelters at Roscoe Roof Park seem to be a real hit with local residents. According to Public Works Director Gaylon Brown, park usage is at an all time high. We encourage all residents to enjoy the great outdoors in Carlisle’s premier park, and appreciate the public’s assistance in keeping the facility clean and well maintained.

Just around the corner is the annual Carlisle Christmas tree lighting ceremony which is scheduled for November 30, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. outside the Carlisle Municipal Building. Last year the Carlisle Park Board introduced the memorial Christmas tree program whereby individuals can sponsor the purchase of a live balled tree which is decorated during the lighting ceremony and dedicated by a memorial plaque to the individual of their choice. In the spring, the memorial tree is planted in Roscoe Roof Park as a lasting tribute to the honoree.

Last year’s Christmas tree was dedicated to Gary Duncan, the Carlisle High School senior who tragically died in a train accident. This year’s honoree is Dave Stitzel who’s many year’s of public service included serving as the chairperson of the Carlisle planning commission, a former councilman and participation on various other local boards and commissions.

Throughout the year, the Park Board will also be accepting nominations for memorial trees, park benches or other permanent features at Roscoe Roof Park. If you or a family member would like to submit a nomination, please call the Municipal Building at 746-0555 for details.

Local businessman Chris Cunningham credits much of his success to mentoring from two other distinguished members of the Carlisle business community: Jim Gross, owner of Gross Lumber Company, and Bob Morris, owner of Associate Construction and developer of Morris Farms residential subdivision in Carlisle. According to Mr. Cunningham, who owns and operates Carlisle Electric, Inc., Messrs. Gross and Morris helped give him his start in business.

Mr. Cunningham provides electrical repair and service to large public institutions including public utility companies, hospitals and schools, as well as other industrial, commercial and residential clients. Some of his customers include Dayton Power & Light Company (DP&L), Mercy Medical Hospital in Springfield, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores, and Equity Residential Development.

After operating his business out of him home for four years, Carlisle Electric moved into a new 5,800 square foot facility in the Carlisle Industrial Park in November 1998. Since starting the company in 1994, Mr. Cunningham has seen his annual gross sales soar from $15,000 in 1994 to $1.4 million today. Employment has grown from seven to twenty-four.

Despite the demands of growing his business, Mr. Cunningham finds time to support the local community. Many people will remember Chris as the varsity football coach at Carlisle High School, a volunteer job from which he reluctantly retired last school year due to increasing job commitments. He is a proud sponsor of the Carlisle Schools, Carlisle Police Explorers, the Carlisle Baseball Association, and his alma mater, Bishop Fenwick High School in Middletown.

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Mr. Cunningham was born and raised in Carlisle, and many of his employees are "home grown" as well. Three of his top staff are graduates of Carlisle High School including his wife Heather (’88) who serves as company Vice President, Vice President of Operations Mike Sallee (’86), and Office Manager Donna England (’84). "We are committed to hiring conscientious, hard working people who make a good appearance both personally and professionally, " Cunningham stated.

Chris’ dedication to his profession is evident by the risk he took when he left his job with DP&L to start his own company. "Basically, I went from a very stable, high paying job to a job with zero income, and to working harder than I ever had in my life," quipped Cunningham. His entrepreurship paid off though - he is already developing plans for a 4,200 square foot office/warehouse addition to his building. The Municipality of Carlisle wishes Chris and his team continued success in his business.

The Municipality of Carlisle takes pride in offering friendly and efficient public service, We’re pleased to welcome two new members to our public service team. On September 1, 1999 Julie Duffy assumed the position of Tax Administrator. Julie replaces Charlene Izor who recently retired after twenty-five years of service to the Municipality. She and her husband Tom have two children – Emily, 3, and Sam, 9 months. They have called Carlisle home for the past five years.

Previously Julie was the pricing and estimate supervisor at the Berry Company in Kettering, Ohio. She is a graduate of Preble Shawnee High School and Bowling Green State University. Julie says she is excited to be able to work close to home and looks forward more actively involved in the Carlisle community.

Melanie Livesay is Carlisle’s new Utility/Finance Clerk and is also a new resident to Carlisle. Formerly of Middletown and a graduate of Lebanon High School, Melanie comes to us with over ten year’s secretarial experience. She previously held the position of office manager at a janitorial service and supply company.

Melanie also holds a manager’s license in cosmetology, a profession which she enjoys in her spare time. She and her husband John have two children. According to Melanie, what drew she and her family to Carlisle was the small town atmosphere.