Legacy of St. Joes and the deals – Part Two

Posted on January 31, 2025 by thatwoman

Jack Bradley’s Legacy A tale of Woe, Waffling, and Wonder of Political Wheeling and Dealing

Part one : https://oheragain.com/2025/01/30/a-legacy-of-wheeling-dealing-and-demise-of-st-joes-lorain/

We now come to the 21st Century and the continuing saga of monies spent and some familiar names of today

2000 – That year we KNOW that now County Commissioner Jeff Riddell just happened to be the ‘PRESIDENT OF THE NON -PROFIT – SOUTH SHORE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORTATION – Jeff Riddell was very good and the deals as documented on this blog November 2023

Riddle us this Commissioner Riddell- Plot, Plan, Pot of gold

How do we know ?

Well when Jeff Riddell was President of South Shore Community Development Corp. he signed documents, this one in particular giving Community Health Partners , The combination of St. Joesphs Hospital and Lorain Community Hospital … easement across the South Shore Community Developemnt “property” for the ‘PARKING GARAGE ” which was then owned by Community Health Partners ( soon to become Mercy)

We will come back to this situation later on. and some familiar names

Fast Forward : a few years and the money has dried up and according to Mr. Cordes ( Board of South Shore Development ) in March of 2009 and my That Woman Blog

2009

“Hopefully, we’ll find some solutions before things come to the critical mass point,”

https://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/03/14/news/mj750123.txt ( link is broken) https://www.morningjournal.com/2001/12/30/st-joseph-center-needs-tenants

Interesting enough two of the comments from that post :

Renee Dore , Historian and Co Chair Of Charleston Village Society

RE: that Spring THAT LIES BENEATH

“The elevator (lobby) in the Drs. office building across the street still has the sulphur odor of the spring- there used to be a sign posted as to what the source of the odor. “

In that post of getting real… broken links but some of the time line:

March of 2009 the article in the Morning Journal
St. Joseph center in crisis: Lack of tenants, operating capital could cause eventual closure
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/03/14/news/mj750123.txt
had the then President of the South Shore Development Board ( In 1997 St. Joseph Community Center was created by the South Shore Development CDC ) – Jim Cordes ( Lorain County Administrator) as stating:

The center is running out of cash and faces about a $300,000 deficit this year, he said.

SEPTEMBER 2010

Between those two statements a lot of “planning, bells and whistles, handshaking and patting on the back has happened . NOTE some links no longer work but they are there as proof and can be accessed through Library Files

Lorain City Council in 2010 approved money to operate St. Joe’s while Krasienko’s administration looked for ways to keep it open.

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/09/08/tentative-deal-could-keep-lorains-st-joseph-center-open/

The agreement also calls for the current South Shore board, which has been largely defunct since the city took control of St. Joe’s at the beginning of the year, to be replaced with a new ninemember board. Five of the board’s members will be handpicked by IRG, which gives the company a controlling number of seats. Three members will be selected by the city. The county commissioners will pick the final board member.

In fact just last June 2011 another deal was brokered with great hoopla and artwork
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2011/06/30/news/mj4742477.txt

“Definitely good news,” said Mayor Tony Krasienko. “Obviously, we’ve put a lot of time and resources into making sure the St. Joseph Community Center is a success.

However, there was concern from some on Lorain City Council as to the “way forward” and in July 18 2011 an update on the situation at St. Joe’s was requested. You can find the minutes of that meeting in the following PDF file
council meeting minutes

note CLICK ON those council minutes link . Questions were asked BUT ..the political and legal speak won out….

Interesting because in 2012 as the above link shows – South Shore supposedly had a lot going for it

We had the Valor Homes , Veterans Affairs , Outpatients Clinic , Branch of Lorain County Community College , Title Office, Lorain Sports Hall of Fame, Senator Browns Office and Representative Suttons office , Child Day Care and Adult Day care ‘ AND BECAUSE OF THAT THE GOVERNMENT FORGAVE A LOT OF MONEY !!!!

So Lorain County for their part paid out $425,000.00 Resolution 12-677 ( are we adding any of this up yet? THIS WAS OCTOBER 2012

What nobody said in all these glowing reports that the building was lacking in maintenance , the roofs were leaking and those attending seminars etc in the auditorium were dodging raindrops!!!!!

Now in the meantime there was a big meeting and again much bell ringing and glad handing journal-entry-commissioners-meeting-st-joes (1) (5) (1)

There is a lot of toing and froing in that meeting , but what I am intersted in

Mid-2010 – City and County made a decision that the SSCDC Center should remain open.

September of 2010 – Development Agreement between City of Lorain, SSCDC, Ohio
Department of Development, County of Lorain, Mercy Health Partners, and Industrial Realty
Group.

September of 2010 – Ohio Realty Advisors was retained by SSCDC to manage the property.

January 2012 – Mercy Donation of adjacent property. IS THAT THE DAMNED FALLING DOWN PARKING GARAGE, IF SO WHO ACCEPTED THE DONATION FOR SOUTH SHORE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, and why would they take on more problems ???? ( these things need to be investigated!!!!!! The property was in dire straits even then…..

In 2010- 2011 under Mayor Krasienko questions were asked ….about that property

Daniel Given asked

At that time The Board and members of council discussed the “way forward” with positive pronunciations and in response to Mr. Given’s question in July 2011-

There are many questions with long – term stability of the building and group etc.What kind of cash reserves do we have on hand for repair and maintenance etc. What if the basement floods or sewer breaks etc.

THE RESPONSE:

Lee Berger: Financially I am happy to say we are projecting to be stable by the end of this year ( 2011) with the sale of the 5th floor. We have done a lot of work internally to get the operating costs down to something we can handle and obviously leasing the building is our way out. Our projections in 2012, which we are working on now, will start the year at zero and hope with new leasing that we will be in good shape in 2012 and forward.

So what happened that just about 5 months after that meeting crisis hits?? and the Ohio Realty Advisors managing the property sends a letter
http://www.scribd.com/doc/81015126/Ohio-Realty-Advisors-Letter-to-SSCDC-St-Joe-s-0212

states in his letter ( emphasis mine) :

Hipp also wrote that his company projected that St. Joe’s would be running deficits of $25,000 per month as 2012 got under way, and there was no plan in place to absorb those costs.

“From the onset South Shore was operating in a deficit with no long -term plan to fund shortfalls,” Hipp wrote.

How things seem to have changed in 5 months–

Did this whole project rely on one group purchasing the 5th floor and therefore injecting $300,000 cash plus build out into the project.

Is that the “business plan”???????

In 2015 the older part of the hospital had to be demolished https://youtu.be/Z9t8B_5jSNw?si=yeUxKOworfxr8STJ and I would suggest closed captions on the Doug Rangel link https://youtu.be/Mo_M0wravCs?si=qoHeCXujaSX05H2y as weel at the Dennis Flores link https://youtu.be/W_hFeqDw__4?si=yHPbY_ml6QlIZEwi

However for that demolition the EPA was informed and all was taken down in the correct manner.

I would also suggest this link to follow the rest of the story https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/game-of-loans-clear-as-mud-cdbg-funds-lorain/

n the case of the loan to South Shore Development Corp there were issues with conflict of interest. http://www.chroniclet.com/news/2016/07/08/FBI-probes-loan-program-by-Lorain-Development-Corp-ran-for-city.html

One of the loans that HUD officials flagged is a $250,000 loan made to South Shore Development Corp. in 2011 to help keep the struggling St. Joseph Community Center afloat. That loan was never repaid and eventually written off by Lorain Development Corp. State auditors have said that more than $600,000 worth of loans distributed by Lorain Development Corp. were written off over the years, but Mason said that his research indicates that figure might be slightly lower because of how some of the loans were structured.

The HUD review said that the money lent to South Shore was troubling because at the time of the loan, Robert Gilchrist was serving as both the city’s service director and president of the South Shore board. HUD called Gilchrist’s dual role “an apparent Conflict of Interest.”

Mr Gilchrist – he of the diversionary program – voting illegally , pleading guilty to drug charges

http://www.chroniclet.com/cops-and-courts/2016/06/10/Former-Lorain-Service-Director-Gilchrist-pleads-guilty-to-drug-charges.html

and alleged domestic abuse which cost him his job at as President of the Lorain County Community Action Agency was also in his Service Director position on the BOARD of CONTROL for the City of Lorain.

You know that BOC that is one of the checks and balances the taxpayers have. But hey we are OK because this Lorain Development Corporation is a separate entity – although contracted by the then Community Development Dept. ( see 2008 interview) and the money to fund it came from where ? Too many of the same names and relationships for my liking .

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20110630/state-oks-funds-to-tear-down-st-joes-with-document

Early in 2009, South Shore announced its intention to close the St. Joe’s center because its income was outstripped by operating expenses, notably high utility costs. Lorain City Council in 2010 approved money to operate St. Joe’s while Krasienko’s administration looked for ways to keep it open. Lorain Service Director Robert Gilchrist was a key in brokering the deals needed to keep the center open and yesterday he made the city’s presentation to the Clean Ohio Council in Columbus.

Such plans in 2011- ……….

You can find the Board of Control minutes here – through various administrations http://www.cityoflorain.org/mayor/documents You can also access the Journal Entry on the discussion with the County Commissioners et al APRIL 2012 with charts and discussions in depth here JOURNAL ENTRY Commissioners Meeting St. Joes

	2012 (no leasing)	2013 (15k ft)	2014 (15k ft)	2015 (15k ft)
Revenue	913	1,063	1,213	1,363
Expenses	1,046	1,077	1,109	1,142
Net Income	(132)	(14)	104	221
Capital/Other	212	200	200	200
Grants/Loans	0	0	0	0
Other Receipts	2	2	2	2
Profit/Loss	(342)	(212)	(94)	23

Loans;

$1,350,000 Loan on Property from the State
- Guaranteed $675,000 each to the City and County
- Payback of the State Loan does not begin until profitable OR when SSCDC property is sold.
As a part of the development agreement a $250,000 Loan was provided to South Shore Community Development Corporation to cover operating shortfall.
- Beginning on April 1, 2012 the first monthly payment of $1,488 is due.
- The Loan is unsecured.

Grants:

HUD EDI Grant – $166,500. Grant funds were used to fund the LCCC expansion/extension and Little Lighthouse tenant improvement work.
HHS – $253,000. Grant funds were used to fund mechanical deferred maintenance to the then occupied areas and common systems.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant – $480,000
- City application for funds allowed for both a grant component and loan component for use at St. Joe’s totaling $480,000.
- In 2011, when EECBG project scopes for St. Joe’s were being developed, use of funds for maintenance of existing systems was disallowed.
- The Dep. Of Energy also determined that the combination of both a grant and loan could not be used at St. Joe’s; thus the funding became capped at approximately $200,000.
- City and SSCDC now developing a revised scope to utilize the available EECBG funds for non-maintenance energy efficiency projects.

CORF

$1,600,000 Grant Awarded to the City of Lorain for SSCDC project.
Mercy match over 3 years- $120k per year for 3 years = $360k
Demolition includes Building D, Reidy Scanlon Bldg., Thrift Shop.
The City of Lorain is currently advertising for a certified professional.
Demolition anticipated to begin summer of 2012

and the rest of the story????????????????????????????? Who knows but I agree with Mayor Ritenauer .. to me this is all as clear as mud………… and just to help with information :

NOTE..FOR SOME PECULIAR REASON A LOT OF THIS INFORMATION IS “NOW”IN RECENT MONTHS DISAPPEARED AND THE LINKS ARE BROKEN…….SINCE IT WAS A CITY ISSUE ANOTHER BURIAL PERHAPS. THE LINKS ARE BROKEN IN THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE I WROTE BUT THE EXPLANATION OF WHAT HAPPEND IS THERE ….. https://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/game-of-loans-clear-as-mud-cdbg-funds-lorain/

CPD_Funding_Grantee_Matrix_LORA-OH_OH_20180201

loraincdbg 2017

BDRLF written off_notpaid_

27Feb2018

Copy of Public Service Streets and 108 spreadsheet(2)

Economic Development Final http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_Economic%20Development%20Review%20FINAL%20PDF.pdf

LDC Conflict of Interest Policy http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_Lorain%20Development%20Corp%20Conflict%20of%20Interest%20Policy.pdf

LDC Subrecipient Agreement http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_LDC%20Subrecipient%20Agreement%20PDF.pdf

Portfolio Quality Report http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_Portfolio%20Quality%20Report.pdf

EDA Title IX Plan http://destinyhosted.com/loraidocs/2016/CCREG/20160404_68/628_EDA%20Title%20IX%20Revolving%20Loan%20Fund%20Plan.pdf

A Legacy of wheeling- dealing – and demise of St. Joes- Lorain

Posted on January 30, 2025 by thatwoman

Jack Bradley’s Legacy A tale of Woe, Waffling, and Wonder of Political Wheeling and Dealing

This is NOT work of fiction, no fairy tale , no act of Mother Nature, this was and is in my considered opinion having had to digest the facts for the past 5 years and before !!!!! absolutely needs an investigation

In the beginning there was a spa

TRUTH IS THE DAUGHTER OF TIME

A tale that started in the last century lies forlorn lost and crying out for truth. Truth in politics , in this case even truth is buried like rubble in a basement .

And so it begins…. Jack Bradley’s Legacy as we reach the 4th Anniversary of Destruction!

A Tawdry Tale at best and a reminder of how this came to be. The series will be forthcoming on this page and finally on Oh Her Again, in its entirety. Are you sitting comfortably?

TRUTH IS THE DAUGHTER OF TIME

A tale that started in the last century lies forlorn lost and crying out for truth. Truth in politics , in this case even truth is buried like rubble in a basement .

The Beginning:
Lorain in Retrospect- JJ Meyers

“Central Lorain became the mecca for real estate operators, led by Mr. Hogan and Wm. A Braman of Elyria….they acquired the area upon which
“was erected a large three story frame building designed as a sanitarium, in which with the liberal internal and external application of certain water oozing from a nearby spring, a cure for numberless ailments was proclaimed by the promoters.

From Lizzie’s Guide to Lorain
Note: this was part of the Black River Historical Society who are now Lorain Historical Society and no longer have that link available …..

The house was called the “Devonian Baths” and was built in 1887 over sulpher springs discovered by accident by Gilbert Hogan, who had been drilling for natural gas. This is one of the early pictures of the hospital.

During the money stringency in the early nineties (1890’s) a far sighted individual in the person of Father Bihn rector of a Catholic Orphan Asylum at Tiffin. Father Joseph L. Bihn along with Sister M. Ludmilla Schmidt and Sister M. Antonia Adams founded St. Joseph Hospital in a Lorain house in 1892 for children who required immediate medical care and who could not make the long trip to Cleveland, where the nearest hospital was located.

The hospital grew , as did Lorain, and through it all people died, were made well , were born and money flowed just like the Devonshire Springs that remained buried underneath as the edifice grew.

https://www.tcghohio.org/history-of-st-joseph-hospital

In 1916 a new hospital was constructed to meet the growing population .In 1950 a larger, modern facility was constructed directly behind and attached to the older building Sadly, the original 1916 building was demolished in October 2015 due to among other things its unsafe condition. Since 1997 the hospital building was used for several different businesses, including a hospice center, nursing college, county & state offices and a VA center, but it would never serve the community as a hospital again.

Those same old springs were still bubbling away ( NOBODY ever checked , as far as I can tell) in fact they were all but forgotten apart from the smell in basements located in the area and historians. ,as the old and new hospital stood proudly above them , gurgling and gushing presumably finding their way to the lake.

But “the witches brew of political speak” comes back to haunt all those decades later ( artist not found)

So who are the “players” in this century , how did Lorain’s pride in her hospital end up one of the biggest debacles locally. And we have had many debacles over the years

Springs and Water that move beneath our feet……

Yes, water below your feet is moving all the time, but not like rivers flowing below ground. It’s more like water in a sponge. Gravity and pressure move water downward and sideways underground through spaces between rocks. Eventually it emerges back to the land surface, into rivers, and into the oceans to keep the water cycle going. https://www.usgs.gov/…/groundwater-flow-and-water-cycle

There are as documented those Devonian Springs beneath our feet they flowed before this city was a city and continue!!!

My home sits on the banks of a ravine that held and still holds water that now covered up by the debris , that was this neighborhood after the 1924 Tornado . You can see its path on the old map of 4th Steet ( Duane St. I firmly believe, this house of a hundred years next year, will eventually slide into the lot next door where the ravine “was filled in” and the water continues to wear away the land. Note on the 1837 map the ravine that was ….

Hopefully we can agree that water finds its own level and as the rain water and anything on top seeps through we should be very careful as to what materials goes into ravines and water sources??? Agreed????

The Players of the Decades:

Fast forward one hundred years to 1996. The hospital was no longer viable, times had changed . The Federal Government decided they would help out as they didn’t want these old hospitals being white elephants in the middle of urban communities.

So South Shore Community Development Corp came into being . One of the Stake holders was Attorney Anthony Giardini

South Shore then worked through the years to get tenants into the facility and a community center

“South Shore took ownership of the St. Joseph facility in 1997 after St. Joseph Hospital merged with Lorain Community Hospital to create Community Health Partners. An $800,000 federal grant was used to get the building ready for its new tenants. Additional grants and loans were secured The state had $1.4 million in loans invested in the community center, while the county and the city each have $700,000 in loans tied to the center.

and so the Community Center perked along until the bottom started to fall out financially…

To be continued …..

Posted in City of Lorain, Disgrace of Lorain, Jack Bradley, Politics and St. Joes | Tagged City of Lorain Politics, Lorain City lack of leadership, St Joes Hospital | Leave a comment

Riddle us this Commissioner Riddell- Plot, Plan, Pot of gold

Posted on November 10, 2023 by thatwoman

All documentation and emails supplied by Commissioner Michelle Hung

Photo courtesy of Chronicle Telegram http://www.chroniclet.com

Jeffrey “Jeff” Riddell THE BACKGROUND!!!!!!

Age: 70

Party: Republican

Education: Lorain High School; bachelor’s degree in accounting, Penn State University

Family: married to Donna for 44 years; four children; six grandchildren

Job History: president of family business, Consumers Builder Supply, 48 years

Commissioner Matt Lundy faces challenge from Jeff Riddell | Chronicle Telegram

Riddell: I came up through the ranks from tow motor operator to the desk where the buck stops. I have worked with a diverse employee crew to serve an even more diverse customer base. I will take charge and stop the chaos in the commissioners’ office that is an embarrassment that is led by my opponent. He has created the chaos to deny the change voters demanded in 2020. Employee morale and pride are my priority because that leads to excellent service to and for our residents. County money must be spent for the benefit of all county residents, not just to benefit political cronies or vote buying.

Remember that because this is what he was published as promising the voter BUT WAS THERE ANOTHER AGENDA???

Most of the readers know now the “Seven Districts Plan” touted by Commissioners Moore and Riddell went down in flames

Lorain County ‘seven districts’ plan soundly defeated by voters on Tuesday | Chronicle Telegram

“Issue 20 would have allowed the seven-member board to appoint a county executive to make decisions, similar to the existing county administrator position. Commissioners David Moore and Jeff Riddell, both Republicans, are longtime supporters of expanding the board.

Many thousands of dollars were put into the campaign coffers according to the coverage in the Chronicle Telegram l

The pro-Issue 20 group spent $38,527 on its campaign and had $5,473 on hand as of Oct. 26, according to its campaign finance report.

Contributions came from Daniel Gross of Gross Plumbing in Elyria ($9,000 total in two contributions); Commissioner Jeff Riddell ($8,000 total in two contributions); the “Moore in 2024” PAC ($6,500); Minute Men staffing, a managed care organization out of Cleveland ($5,000) and James Park, accountant and 7 Districts for Equal Representation campaign treasurer ($5,000).

Developer Jon Veard of Veard Construction ($2,500 total in two contributions); Coveland Holdings LLC, an investment firm in Westlake ($2,000); Brian Hoagland, a backer of the seven district plan ($1,500); Ben Norton of Lorain ($1,000); Richard Mulder of South Shore Electric ($1,000); and Timothy Lee Pettet, a pilot from Westlake ($1,000), rounded out the donations of $1,000 or more.

Donations less than $1,000 came from Associated Contractors Inc. of Oberlin ($500); Neil Lynch, Amherst Township trustee and president of The Nord Center Board of Directors ($500); former Lorain County auditor and Democrat Mark Stewart of North Olmsted ($500); William Scott Smith of Oberlin ($300); developer Robert Campana of Lorain ($250); and “Friends of Mark Costilow,” the campaign of Amherst Mayor Mark Costilow ($200).

The pro Issue 20 PAC spent at least $10,500 to pay Triad Research Group of Cleveland ($6,500 in August, $4,000 in June) for “research” and to design the map of the seven districts. Issue 20 was placed on the ballot by a unanimous vote of the Lorain County Board of Commissioners in July.

Moore and Riddell support the plan and have said they intend to run for seats on the seven-member board if the issue passes, and both have spent significant amounts of money on the plan

Campaign finance reports reveal donors and mystery PAC | Chronicle Telegram.

Interestingly enough Mr. Riddell had a plan before he became Commissioner: I have received this information via Lorain County Commissioner Michelle Hung and have her permission to post and publicize her emails and the “ Plan “ by then private citizen Jeff Riddell … 2021

The Plot the Plan and the Pot of Gold????

This is the email sent to the Editors of the Chronicle Telegram on November 1^st 2023…. Brad Dicken and Julie Wallace From: Michelle Hung <XXXXXXXXj@live.com>

Date: 11/1/23 4:20 PM (GMT-05:00)

To: Brad Dicken <BDicken@chroniclet.com>, Julie Wallace <jwallace@chroniclet.com>

Subject: Fw: GOOD MORNING

Brad

Don’t forget about the charter timeline manifesto sent to me by then private citizen Jeff Riddell. This was 11 days after the lunch between Riddell and I at the foundry restaurant in Elyria. Riddell made it crystal clear in the conversation, as he did in the manifesto, that the donations were from supporters of the 7 Districts and “the supporters” (I did not know who all these people were as of that meeting) were expecting a return on investment so they did NOT have to pay people to gather signatures. This was never about better representation for the residents, it was about power, control and return on investment by the donors. I made it clear to Riddell at the time, I did not know what Dave Moore had promised “the supporters”, and to what extent the promises were made. I then began fact finding mission to obtain the campaign finance reports and begin to gather information.

The following is THE CHARTER TIMELINE DOCUMENT SENT BY JEFF RIDDELL BEFORE HE BECAME COMMISSIONER…… (2021) Riddell is apparently addressing this document to Dave Moore and Michelle Hung , the two newly elected Republican Commissioners

HISTORY MAKING COMMISSIONER CHANGE ( author Jeff Riddell)

I am making this “document” since when we get together we have had pretty scattered conversations.

This is EXTREMELY important, for the reasons I will lay out below.

LANDSCAPE

Two Republican commissioners are going to serve for the first time since WWII or shortly thereafter.

You will serve in an environment where you will be the only ones in the house save your personal appointments. They will also receive the welcome or lack thereof as you, only more so as they do not have your title.

The voters embraced your campaign slogan/pledge. “Elect both of us for real change !!” You also ranon hiring with no more political cronies or relatives. You ran on fixing 911. You also ran on establishing an HR department (part of goal above).

You will be under the microscope on every move you make. Look at it like a miniature version of Trump in DC. To avoid his experience, I believe you should have a comprehensive plan. Unlike Trump, you have been there before, just tolerated not embattled. You have discussed pieces and thoughts to a group of us, and the streets have been talking about others.

Many people provided critical support for the campaign and while we do not have the right to dictate, there are those of us that deserve to be part of the discussion only because we promised our faith you would deliver. Our necks are stuck as much or more than your own. If things go off course WE will get the calls. WE will lose the ability to help others, including yourselves, in the future.

( Note All Bold emphasis mine LR)

CHARTER

Many of your supporters did so by diverting dollars from a charter run to your campaign to accomplish the charter but also provide for a lot of other changes. Risky but a home run if elected. The charter is the difference between permanent change and temporary change. Plain and simple. Those of us on the charter project have looked at the schedule under the light of your success and the opportunities it provides. Mostly we do not have to be in a hurry to implement (which we did before considering the hostile administration environment. We now have time to do it patiently with the power to lead the transition, rather than fight the machine.

February 2021: Unveil the charter. Vetted by a friendly highly competently legal team. Commence Community education and understanding. Your election proves the county is ready—we just need to fight the expected challenge—opponents will say we don’t need the charter using your election(s). Westill have many unrepresented areas. Commissioners vote to put on the ballot and hire the legal team.

November 2021: Work to pass the charter, committee takes front seat, commissioners endorse. County has legal obligation to communicate ballot issue they put on—written by friends, not foes.

November 2024: Charter will call for election of new seven member Board. Four (4) for a two year term(the odd numbered districts by Ohio Constitution) and three (3) for a 4 year term (the even by Ohio Constitution)

January 2025: New commissioners to take seat . This gives the administration (you) the chance to workfrom a statutory status quo to a passed charter future. Much smoother and well done than the hurried plan under the previous plan. It is essential that this transition go well. Many will be looking for a stumble and the future depends on us not giving it to them. Some outside talent will be essential—there will be a lot of fear of the unknown and the leadership of the transition will be critical to comfort t and support by the staff that is doing a good job and will be eager to help “right the ship”.

We have initiated conversation with the governmental affairs partner at Bricker and Eckler—recommended by Jane Timken. They are checking their client list for conflicts of interest and will be contacting me in the coming week.

You have the AS you make your appointments, make sure they fit the role. Bring in some new blood. All being you will be back in full force to regain. No charter and no pay adjustment will entice the Dems even more so to

merely claw back their fiefdom. If you don’t want the job for $40+k, then look inside the staff and vie for a bureaucratic position more to your liking. As well, pass the charter and Lundy in 2022 becomes questionable, creating an open seat for an opportunity for another one of us, and preparing to be a significant if not controlling force in the new 7 member board.

Thank you for reading this. Several of us welcome the chance to converse and assist you in the huge task. We trust the energy and drive. Many of us are asked questions that will need to be answered in the coming weeks—and we have not yet seen the plan. The joy of victory needs to be succeeded by the preparation for four years.

“The will to win is important, but the discipline to prepare is essential” Joe Paterno

And the emails between Hung and Riddell the then “private citizen” as Commissioner Hung in her own words tried to find out “more” and pin down Riddell

From: jeff RIDDELL <jfr_74@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2021 2:50 PM
To: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>; DAVID MOORE <david@yesce.com>
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

Here is the word document. A couple of terms are confusing as the document was changed to move election of commissioners to Nov 2024 seating Jan 1, 2025

Jeff Riddell
Office 440 277 5926
Cell 440 308 5500
Amazon just got cleared for delivery by drone. Now we have skeet shooting with prizes.

________________________________________
From: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2021 2:38 PM
To: jeff RIDDELL
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

The timetable is what I was looking for Dave to see
I have it
Otherwise, I am good as long as Dave has seen that document

Thanks you

Sincerely,
Michelle Hung

________________________________
From: jeff RIDDELL <jfr_74@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2021 2:36 PM
To: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

i keep them in the car, the powerpoint.

I wont be at office to print the timetable I gave you

Jeff Riddell
Office 440 277 5926
Cell 440 308 5500
Amazon just got cleared for delivery by drone. Now we have skeet shooting with prizes.

________________________________________
From: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2021 2:30 PM
To: jeff RIDDELL
Cc: DAVID MOORE
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

Jeff,

The paperwork you gave me when we went to lunch—Can you bring along 2 copies with you?

I can’t seem to locate my copy in my bag and I won’t be stopping at work before we meet.

Thanks so much!

Sincerely,
Michelle Hung

________________________________
From: jeff RIDDELL <jfr_74@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2021 11:34 AM
To: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Cc: DAVID MOORE <david@yesce.com>
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

I having a brief maintenance crew meeting at 7 in Sandusky. Will be done by 730 (after we make assignments).

Can be in Elyria by 815 or 830 at latest

Jeff Riddell
Office 440 277 5926
Cell 440 308 5500
Amazon just got cleared for delivery by drone. Now we have skeet shooting with prizes.

________________________________________
From: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2021 11:31 AM
To: jeff RIDDELL
Cc: DAVID MOORE
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

Hi Jeff and David

Can we move the time up tomorrow morning?
I can be there at 8am-8:15am
I drop off xxxxxxx at school around 7:30am and I can come straight over there after I drop her off.

Let me know if this works guys

Thank you

Sincerely,
Michelle Hung

________________________________
From: jeff RIDDELL <jfr_74@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 10:07 AM
To: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Cc: DAVID MOORE <david@yesce.com>
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

Howdy:

I was there early as we discussed and we could have discussed, even if you told me at the door. But demands on your time by others, as well as Dave, kept you busy anyway. I did not know that you wanted me until it was at the end and I needed to finish discussions with Dr Butrey on the upcoming Judicial Fund event.

Dave has set up the three of us for breakfast Monday 9AM at Elyria Bob Evans. Is that on ?
My Friday is full. Heading out of town next Thursday if I keep my act together.

Please send me the “details” you want clarified and I can bring supporting information for them as we discuss.

Jeff Riddell
Office 440 277 5926
Cell 440 308 5500
Amazon just got cleared for delivery by drone. Now we have skeet shooting with prizes.

________________________________________
From: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 4:59 AM
To: jeff RIDDELL
Subject: Re: GOOD MORNING

Jeff,

Yesterday, Dave Moore had come over to you in hopes we could, all 3 of us, have a 15 minute conversation to iron a few issues out.
I will need to have that done to continue.
Lets set that up quickly please. I am available late afternoon/evening today or tomorrow for breakfast.
Contact David so we can get on with some of the minor details.
Take care!

Sincerely,
Michelle Hung

________________________________
From: jeff RIDDELL <jfr_74@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 11:52 AM
To: Michelle Hung <jkhung22@live.com>
Subject: GOOD MORNING

Hi Michelle:

Following up on our meet last week and my text yesterday. My Wed afternoon closed up some but I could do 130 again but have a 3 pm commitment. Thursday still open up until the La Rose fundraiser—maybe meet somewhere about 230 on way to Avon or at my office? Also, my Friday morning opened up. Never like Friday stuff but this is important.

I have thought about your questions last wee and have reviewed my notes so you can see how the initial committee got to where its at. Look forward to hearing from you. April 1 will be here before you know it. Need time to do community outreach. Use my phone as I am not at desk all day.

Jeff Riddell
Office 440 277 5926
Cell 440 308 5500
Eleven teens die each day because of texting while driving. Maybe it’s time to raise the age of Smart Phone ownership to 21.

Oh the way we the people are played ….. remember who paid the piper and who was the organizer of the dance .. Well played we were …..

Posted in County Charter background, Jeff Riddell, Uncategorized | Tagged Dave Moore, Jeff Riddell, Lorain County Government, Political Plays | 1 Comment

Sec.3 of Pt. Two – The Taser Questions-DIXIE

Posted on October 5, 2023 by thatwoman

Sec. 2 of Pt. Two THE TASER QUESTIONS- DIXIE

Posted on September 25, 2023 by thatwoman

See section two: https://oheragain.com/2023/09/25/sec-2-of-pt-two-the-taser-questions-dixiee/

See section one : Lorain- The Taser Question Pt2. Dixie Shooting | OH Her Again! (oheragain.com)

THE WAY OF THE TASER

NOTE: Just some background re the equipment used by an Animal Control Officer. Firstly, they have special units to store needed equipment when handling animals, for the animal’s safety and those of the Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officers

Recognizing the Role of the Animal Control Officer | National Animal Care & Control Association (nacanet.org)

Obviously, a Lorain Police Officer has none of that equipment (although they are going to be supplied with gloves). Their options open to them are a gun and Taser. However, as we will see in this report the Taser was NOT an option.

When a dog is Tasered, it experiences a sudden and intense electrical shock, which can cause muscle spasms, pain, and temporary paralysis¹. The electric shock from a Taser can cause intense pain, muscle contractions, and disorientation in dogs^.. In some cases, the shock may lead to cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions, particularly in dogs with pre-existing health issues². The electric shock of up to 50,000 volts will be administered, shocking the dog’s muscles and causing it to go temporarily paralyzed

Yes, Tasers work on dogs. You can use a Taser on dogs, and it will shock them. But this is not recommended because preventing dog attacks by using a stun gun can cause the death of dogs. Don’t even think about using a Taser even if dogs act aggressively towards you.

Can a Taser Kill a dog? www. learnaboutpet.com/can-a -taser kill-a dog/

Since I asked Chief McCann a flurry of question, wanting answers as to WHY NOT a Taser? I was invited to learn for myself what the Taser is all about and the situation that happened with Dixie the Dog.

I have to admit I was very nervous, I hate guns etc. They quite frankly scare me. I arrived at the Lorain Police Department.

First of all we went through the Body Worn Camera footage. It was explained in depth what was happening. I then asked to see the equipment that an LPD Officers wears when on patrol. This was shown to me by an on duty officer.

Please note where in Lorain, Ohio our officers carry their Taser , it is on their weak hand side due to the number of accidental firing when both weapons are carried on the same side as reported across the across the nation.

“Keep in mind that Tasers require both prongs to land on the target …….When a Taser is deployed, two small prongs are discharged and puncture the skin of the intended target. The prongs, which are connected to insulated copper wire, deliver an electric current of 50,000 volts.”

Police chief explains how deployment of Taser, gun differ (yahoo.com)

Q: Does a Lorain Police officer carry any other tools such as Mace , Pepper Spray, stun gun and if not why not? What is the thinking of the attributes or non attributes of those items?

A: CHIEF McCANN :

Officers have access to several tools like mace, straight batons, ASP Baton, PR24 and a Taser. It would be impossible to carry all these tools on ones’ person while on duty. Each time a “new” option is developed, we have to make a decision on which tool we will remove to make room for the new “tool”. No system is perfect but officers deal with violent human 99.9% of the time so our equipment must be primarily to combat that threat.

Q: If you could, please explain how a Taser works. drawing it? ( is it loaded when the officer carries it), The timing if available of pulling the Taser ( weak hand ??? or cross drawing turning it on, positioning and firing …. ,

A: CHIEF McCANN :

The Taser is secured into a holster. Officer must either cross draw using his strong hand across his body or his weak hand on the weak side of his body. It takes about 1-1.5 seconds to un-holster, turn on and aim the Taser.

Q: If it is on the weak hand) side which fingers???( thumb??? is used) to turn it on and the position of the trigger finger. If it is a cross over situation same question.. How many volts .the number of degrees ( 7) how does an officer calculate that …

A: CHIEF McCANN

Officers don’t get involved in the science behind the device itself such as volts. Normally the Taser is turned on using the thumb of the hand used to grip the Taser and the trigger finger is indexed on the frame until ready to fire. Officers don’t calculate the degree spread.

They understand the farther away you are from the target the larger the spread, just like you witnessed. In order to hit a dog running at you, the dog would have had to been 1-2 feet in front of you and there is a high probability you would have hit the dog in the head if you even hit the dog.

Q: Are you allowed a head shot… if possible…. if only one prong hits the animal would that stop the forward movement ???

A: CHIEF McCANN

Head shots would not work and are considered deadly force.

NOTE BOTH PRONGS HAVE TO HIT THE TARGET

Q: Can you confirm if it is Department policy that in order to draw a Taser an officer has to have back -up from another officer who would be ready to use a “gun” fire arm? And in this case I believe the Officer was initially alone in the beginning of the situation.

A: Chief McCANN:

That is not correct. IF a suspect has a deadly weapon, other than a gun and we have two officers on scene, we attempt to try to deploy a less lethal option while we have a lethal option ready at the same time just in case the less lethal option fails. Officers are NEVER permitted to use less lethal option when they or someone else is facing an immediate threat of serious physical harm when they are initially alone.

The officers set up a static, standalone target for me. I was instructed to stand approximately 8 feet from the target.

I was told that when I shot the Taser both prongs had to land in the white space of the target. The green spaces represented the head and legs of a dog. I was given four (not armed) practice sessions to get the feel of the Taser and how to turn it on.

I did NOT have to draw the weapon, either with my weak hand of cross draw . I was shown how to turn on the Taser look at the laser light where it hit the target and go up 7 degrees. Quickly calculating in my head, math was never a strong point, I was trying to figure out where the 90 degree angle would be and from what baseline I would calculate 7 degrees. I hadn’t a clue.

I found arming the Taser with my thumb and having my “trigger finger not on the trigger” very awkward and uncomfortable. It was very difficult even when I was helped, it just felt like a very strange movement to me. , but I was allowed to practice that part with help. It wasn’t easy for me to turn it on but that maybe because of small hand. I certainly couldn’t do it quickly and smoothly.

I had all the time in the world and 4 practice shots before the officer armed the Taser. I was not expecting the “bang” I don’t know why I thought it would be a zapping sound. I know I screamed with fright at the sound.( much to the amusement of my husband who accompanied me)

The green tape represents the NO Shoot head area. My first shot landed on the target, well at least ONE prong did, unfortunately it would have been in the dogs eye, which was not good. The other landed off the target altogether!

Now I had the feel of it I was allowed a 2^nd shot .I really tried and had all the time in the world . The one prong hit the dog above the back leg and the other in the floor

Now it was the turn of the officer!

The officer stood approximately within the 4 foot position that Officer Palmer stood away from the dog that day from the target. He too, didn’t have to draw the Taser from the holster and could shoot at will, which he did very quickly. None of the prongs hit the target.

He is very experienced, in a controlled environment and knows what he is doing and still would have missed. Coupled with the fact he didn’t have to take time to draw and was under no stress as someone behind me stated. It is impossible

As for “stun guns” they are different from Tasers

“The range is one of the most significant differences between stun guns and Tasers.

Stun guns require direct contact with the target’s body to be effective, meaning the user must be within arm’s reach of the attacker.

Tasers, on the other hand, can be used from a distance of up to 15 feet, allowing the user to incapacitate the attacker before they are within striking distance.

Posted in City of Lorain, Documentation, Uncategorized | Tagged Dixie shooting, Documentation from Lorain Officials, Lorain Police Dept, Taser LPD | Leave a comment

Sec. 2 of Pt. Two THE TASER QUESTIONS- DIXIE

Posted on September 25, 2023 by thatwoman

Section 2 of Part Two the Taser question:

See section one : Lorain- The Taser Question Pt2. Dixie Shooting | OH Her Again! (oheragain.com)

Before I tell of my meeting at the Lorain Police Department and my experience and information gathered re the shooting of a Taser, I want to address a couple of questions and concerns members of City of Lorain Politics Face Book Page and other pages have raised.

Firstly, there have been any number of people that accused the Officer of shooting the dog “gangster ” style on social media.

Once again, IF THEY HAD BOTHERED TO READ THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORT they would have found the explanation on page 40.

It should be noted, OPS observed that Officer Palmer canted his weapon after he stopped firing. This is not to say that Officer Palmer canted the weapon while he was firing. At this point of the encounter Officer Palmer was utilizing his right hand to key up his microphone to advise dispatch of the situation.

Additionally, during police firearms training, officers are trained to rotate the weapon inward because it utilizes more muscle mass and upper body strength to control the weapon, especially if the officer is in movement. It is more ergonomically correct. The contention that Officer Palmer was shooting “gangster style” with his weapon turned sideways is disingenuous and without merit.

I also asked Chief McCann about this misconception and canted the weapon!

A: The last shot was fired prior to Officer Palmer canting his weapon. Officer Palmer was talking on his portable radio at the time his weapon was canted. It’s as simple as that.

Secondly. The observation and criticism that the Officer put lives in danger by shooting in a residential area with crowds of people.

I have looked at the still photos of the shots fired -PAGES, 27, 28,29, 30 AND 31 of the Investigate Report

12:59.02

Figure 4 – NOTE IN THIS PHOTO —– BEFORE THE SHOOTING THERE ARE THREE PEOPLE, THE KERNS IN THE AREA OF THEIR PROPERY and the neighbors —–– NO-ONE ELSE IS VISIBLE ON THE STREET.

Figure 7 – the dog makes her run 12.59 06 – .04 seconds elapsed.

NOTE: in this photo there is no-one on the sidewalk, except the Kern women and a man and no-one on the road

Figure 10- the first shot within 4 feet of the Officer. No-one in the vicinity)

within 4 feet from the Officer

Figure 12, the dog runs down Oberlin Ave, again no-one visible on the sidewalk or in the road or vicinity. This photo also shows the opposite side of the street.

Figure 13 Officer disengages (stops shooting) Again there is no-one in the street or vicinity

It is my contention based on looking at the body cam still that during the actual shooting there was no-one in the vicinity at the time of the shooting!

I do not see anyone in the frames behind the officer. I would suggest that upon hearing the shots people came out and saw the aftermath.

I did see, on more than one face book page, from that Sunday afternoon people video with phones and one gentleman screaming and swearing at the officers, who had then arrived at the scene.

He went on for a very long time at the top of his voice. (THAT VIDEO HAS NOW BEEN TAKEN DOWN) but at the time of that video people had gathered and were extremely upset in fact in Body Camera footage lorainpolice.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/EPalmer_1942_07022023125929-1.mp4

You can hear the officer saying “AFTER” the shooting – “ Get me a bunch of cars out here we’ve got a bunch of people coming out.”

I WOULD ALSO SUGGEST TO THOSE THAT WERE ALSO CRITICIAL OF THE OFFICERS TONE “ YOU “ WATCH FROM MINUTE 1;10 THROUGH 2;39 AND THE ESCALATION OF THE EVENT.

Quite frankly that was a very bad and emotional situation that was volatile situation that was escalating, screaming, obscenities. threatening to have badges, sue etc. at the top of their voices. Surrounding responding Officers and getting in their faces. Turn on the sound……

NONE of the people (apart from the vehicle on the corner of 8^th and Oberlin) were shown in the previous shots.

I can only assume the person in the vehicle was Coleen Pardissis , who saw the last shot not the first and whose witness statement is incorrect.( Section One of this report) and the Kerns were seen in the video or still shots.

Not being able to find any other video, they have been deleted I asked Chief McCann:

Q I have looked at still shots , the body cam and I only see in both directions on (the west side of Oberlin Avenue at least) no-one but the 2 family ( Kerns) females and the lone male to the north and no-one to the south. Do you have an film or information that says differently?

Also, I would hazard a GUESS on my part that individuals came out of their homes etc. AFTER the shots. Do you have any body cam footage by the responding officers that show the mood, tone and demeanor that was shown by the gathering individuals toward the Officer and officers ?

Chief McCann: I have been told there is video out there of the after math of the shooting. I have not been able to find it. The BWC footage clearly show people were upset and angry so they were verbally aggressive.

How do you respond to the fact the officers has been “called out for his tone of voice and demeanor?

Chief McCann: It was a stressful situation for everyone. Palmer was most likely pushing back to all the anger against him from the crowd that gathered after the incident, which is why he was directed by a supervisor to report to the station.

What would be the LPD policy IF there had been a crowd ?

Chief McCann: Officers have a right to self-defense from attack from a person or a dog.

To be continued

Posted in Lorain Police Dept, Shooting Dixie Lorain Ohio | Tagged Dixie shooting, Documentation from Lorain Officials, Lorain Police Dept, Taser LPD | Leave a comment

Lorain- The Taser Question Pt2. Dixie Shooting

Posted on September 21, 2023 by thatwoman

The ongoing questions and answers as to what happened to the shooting of the Dog Dixie…July 2^nd 2023 – 710 Oberlin Avenue – Lorain Ohio Part one Lorain, Oh -A DOG Succumbs As Does REASON / CIVILITY | OH Her Again! (oheragain.com)

There are so many questions and misconceptions and the

“I would’ve….. Why didn’t he, he should’ve….., coward, Pig, piece of shit had other options“

Part Two – will cover those observations covers not using the Taser, mace, pepper spray, stun gun etc.

THE TASER QUESTIONS:

Due to so many social media pages, comments arguments and threats against the officer, his family and all involved as to why the Officer did not use a Taser ( since they carry one). I decided to explore WHY myself!

Page 78 of the Investigative Report:

“Unfortunately, many in the general population are completely ill-informed of the laws that govern an officer’s use of force, and the circumstances that officers are presented with, in their totality, that can warrant an officer using force. The general reaction by the public to an officer involved in a use of force incident is based on the public’s own biases and lack of training or knowledge on the use of force by the police.”

I read through the Investigative Report for answers. After reading all the information on the Taser situation mentioned in the report , I then contacted the Lorain Police Chief James McCann with some questions I wanted to flesh out in layman’s terms. Due to those questions, I was then invited to come to the Lorain Police Department to see for myself the “Way of the Taser”

However, first and foremost, the Taser as mentioned in the Investigative Report: found here:

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT IA-23-031 FINAL REPORT for Public Release 9-7-23

Page 12 of the Investigative Report there is a witness statement by Colleen Paradissis.

Witness statement:

Summary of Statement by Coleen Paradissis.

Coleen Paradissis was identified as a witness to the incident by Patrol. According to a written statement by Paradissis, she was making a right turn at the stop sign at the corner of W. 8th Street and Oberlin Avenue. She said while she was stopped, she witnessed Officer Palmer shoot a Labrador dog approximately twenty feet away at least four times.

NOTE LR; This statement is inaccurate as to the distance as shown in Part one and further questions PUT THE FIRST SHOT OF THE ANIMAL “WITHIN’ 4 FOUR Feet” OF THE OFFICER…… “NOT 20 TWENTY FEET” as stated

CONFIRMED by photos Page 30. Figure 10 and also one of the questions asked by me to the Lorain Police Dept. which will follow.

within 4 feet from the Officer

Paradissis claimed that the action was unprovoked, and that the dog was not showing any aggression. She also noted that Officer Palmer never tried to pull his Taser or pepper spray.

Please note in the Diagram from Page 32 WHERE THE OFFICER’S POSITION – THE TELPHONE POLE- AND THE ANIMAL – FIGURE 14 PAGE 32 – BASED ON BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE

Page 20 – Summary of Interview with Officer Palmer on July 6^th, 2023

I asked Officer Palmer if he had considered other options to address the dog charging at him.

Officer Palmer responded that he did not have time to consider other options, such as a Taser. Officer Palmer added that Tasers are generally not made for dogs and the Taser prongs could have missed the dog as it was coming at him. He said getting proper placement of the Taser prongs was difficult enough for humans moving at human speeds, let alone a dog.

NOTE: L.R. THIS STATEMENT WAS FULLY EXPLORED DURING MY SESSION AT THE LORAIN POLICE DEPT AND IS ADDRESSED LATER IN THIS REPORT WITH PHOTOS.

He said the animal was moving at a quick speed, and accordingly, he believed that he would not have had enough time to address the threat by the use of his Taser. Officer Palmer said based on the situation which presented itself (he believed the dog was about to cause him serious physical harm), he did not even consider the use of a Taser, or some other less lethal option. Officer Palmer said based on the level of the threat that was presented, it required the use of a firearm”

Page 23 /24 of the Investigative Report

To begin the analysis, it is important to review the relevant law and department policy. According to Ohio Revised Code §955.28 (Dog may be killed for certain acts – owner liable for damages),

“Subject to divisions (A)(2) and (3) of section 955.261 of the Revised Code,

a dog that is chasing or approaching in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, that attempts to bite or otherwise endangers, or that kills or injures a person or dog that chases, threatens, harasses, injures, or kills livestock, poultry, other domestic animal, or other animal, that is the property of another person, except a cat or other dog, can be killed at the time of that chasing, threatening, harassment, approaching, attempt, killing, or injury. If, in attempting to kill such a dog, a person wounds it, the person is not liable to prosecution under the penal laws that punish cruelty to animals (Emphasis added). Nothing in this section precludes a law enforcement officer from killing a dog that attacks a police dog as defined in section 2921.321 of the Revised Code.” (Emphasis added.)

PAGE 66 of the Investigative Report Office of Professional Standards

“A reasonable person after breaking down this incident second by second and frame by frame, devoid of any human emotion and looking at the situation objectively, would have to conclude that the dog was acting in a manner that could reasonably be perceived as aggressive. OPS makes such determination. Recall that the incident cannot be judged by 20-20 hindsight, but rather it must be judged in the shoes of a reasonable officer at the scene at the time of the use of force.

Moreover, it has been suggested in the public square that there was the possibility of using pepper spray, a Taser, or some other less than lethal means should have been employed by the officer. From the evidence OPS reviewed there is no indication that these non-lethal means would have been effective given the circumstances in this case.

Page 74/ 75 Lorain Police Department Policies Related to Animal Control & the Destruction of Animals.

“The policy goes on to state that, “In circumstances where there is sufficient advance notice that a potentially dangerous animal may be encountered, department members should develop reasonable contingency plans for dealing with the animal (e.g., fire extinguisher, TASER, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, animal control officer). Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any member from shooting a dangerous animal if circumstances reasonably dictate that a contingency plan has failed or becomes impractical.

” In this case, based on the evidence that is currently available for review, Officer Palmer did not have enough time to resort to other methods to address the forthcoming threat that the dog was presenting. Accordingly, the department’s policy gives Officer Palmer the authority to shoot the animal, as other methods to address the dog’s aggression in this case were unreasonable or impractical. It should be also noted that officers carry Tasers on their weak side. Therefore, an officer must cross draw the Taser, which causes more time for an officer to come on target, compared to drawing their firearm from their strong side.

NOTE : (LR) This situation of cross draw a etc. will also be fleshed out in the next segment as per my experience at the Lorain Police Dept.

And from the outside expert– Scott Hughes statement in his report

IT WOULD NOT BE FEASIBLE FOR AN OFFICER TO RESORT TO PEPPER SPRAY, TASER, BATON OR ANY OTHER LESS –THAN- LETHAL FORCE OPTION IN THIS SITUATION. A DOG ATTACKING AN OFFICER (OR A CIVILIAN) IS IMMEDIATE GROUNDS FOR THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE

Posted in Lorain Police Dept, Shooting Dixie Lorain Ohio, Uncategorized | Tagged City of Lorain Politics, Dixie shooting, Documentation from Lorain Officials, Lorain Police Dept, Taser LPD | Leave a comment

Lorain, Oh -A DOG Succumbs As Does REASON / CIVILITY

Posted on September 13, 2023 by thatwoman

Authors note: On July 2nd 2023 at a approximately 12:58 hrs. Officer Palmer stopped on Oberlin Ave. Lorain, Ohio 44052 – less than 2 minutes later the world had changed for an animal and the Lorain Police Department Officer.

July 6th 2023 the Lorain Police Department released the body camera video of the shooting. ( without any text explanation)

July 8th 2023. The body camera video was hitting the media and individuals in Social Media and Face book pages were sharing that footage with text that was wrong as to the sequence of events.

Due to this uploading erroneous information the story of those 2 minutes flamed across the Internet . Threats to the Officer, his life, his family , the Lorain Police Dept even his animals- calling the Officer to most disgusting and obscene names.

Since people are still believing and continue to spread erroneous information from the first wave of outrage and lack of reasonable thought. I have decided to cover using the facts from the Investigative Report – shared September 7th 2023 put out by the City of Lorain – Office of Professional Standards and outside experts in the field of law enforcement . The report is very lengthy , therefore most of the Social Media audience are NOT reading the report and or scanning. I will also be linking to video footage, stills and other links within this series.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT IA-23-031 FINAL REPORT for Public Release 9-7-23

Also the Power Point presentations give to the mainstream Media

Palmer-PowerPoint-v4 (3)

We will begin the first of these articles on what happened with the animal Dixie and the fatal encounter :

A Golden Retriever / Yellow Labrador NOT A THREAT?

The past few weeks since the shooting of the canine “Dixie” has people all over the internet and beyond stating a Yellow Labrador (sometimes referred to as a Golden Retriever depending on the writers) is of a breed that is inherently a loveable trustful breed that was only running toward the officer as a” happy puppy” , a breed that is gentle, placid in nature, a good family pet, not meaning any harm and shot needlessly “

From Channel 8 “ : Channel 8 coverage “The owner of the dog, a yellow Labrador retriever named Dixie, told FOX 8 News, however, that the dog was “harmless”…………… ‘Justice for Dixie’: Investigation into dog shot by Lorain, Ohio, police concludes (fox8.com)

Dixie, is NOT a pure bred Labrador, Dixie is registered by her owner with the Lorain County Auditor as a “mixed breed” January 2023 . Page 83 of Investigative Report Dixie is registered along with 7 other dogs, all stated as mixed breed, in the single family dwelling ( 710, Oberlin Avenue, Lorain Ohio) the pack ( more than 3 dogs) consists of 5 Males of mixed Breed and 3 females ( including Dixie) . Dixie shares a look of a Yellow Labrador.

According to Page 4 of the power point presentation, Press Conference ) Sept 7^th, 2023. Lorain Police Dept.

“Pit Bulls have the greatest frequency of bites 25.07% followed by Labrador Retrievers – 13.72 %”

****Note: My personal research threw up the following and my “lone” dog is a German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd produced 20 deaths in total while mixed breeds accounted for 17 deaths https://topdogtips.com/statistics-on-dog-bites

Labrador Dog Breed – Powerful Large Dogs – Bisnar Chase (bestattorney.com)

Labrador bites are not considered to be a common occurrence, because this breed is widely regarded as friendly, good-natured, and even-tempered. Generally speaking, that’s all true. Labrador’s are energetic and enthusiastic, as well as being loyal and friendly companions. They are also highly intelligent and show a single-minded focus when they find something that sparks their interest.
All of these qualities make it seem highly unlikely that you will ever become the victim of a Labrador biting incident. But Labrador attacks do happen and are more frequent than many people know.

One of the downsides of the Labrador’s loyal nature is that it will be protective of its owner and family. A Lab is not a natural guard dog, but its instinct will still be to respond if there is a perceived threat or danger. This is not specific to Labradors and is true of many dog breeds. But it explains why you may sustain a dog bite injury from an otherwise good-natured pooch in some instances.

Labradors also famously have ‘soft mouths’. They were bred for retrieval – both in work and hunting for sport – without leaving marks in the objects they are retrieving. But do not let this fool you. A slightly lower bite force and a so-called soft mouth will not stop a Labrador biting when it is aggravated.

NOTE******Please bear in mind that Dixie is not a pure bred but a mixed breed with other traits of whatever parentage she has.

To me there are other factors to be looked at apart from general interpretation of the breed – “Yellow Labradors are harmless, happy FAMILY PETS who will not attack”. Upon research of the breed and especially “mixed breed” some of which are linked here) THAT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THE CASE.

From the research I have looked at over the past 24 hours even the most mild mannered dog can turn,

If they feel the need to protect
If a situation is chaotic and confusing
If they sense danger to their “pack” -especially the female dog (of any breed)
If they are in pain

So it follows that actually NO dog including Labrador Retrievers ( especially with a “mixed breed) can turn on a dime if they are in pain or protection mode

Let us look at this from Dixie’s point of view, How does this happy, loveable harmless pet go to this ( page 25 Investigative Report ) as perceived by the LPD Officer Palmer

You are housed and fed and loved with your mistress, master and family in a family home. A home that is yours to share with the rest of the pack of 7 other dogs.

2.Your very nature as a loyal animal is to protect that space of home and your humans and yes members of your pack (Especially in the female of the species).

3.You escape the confines with apparently 4 other of your pack on a lovely summers day, free to run and interact. Page 4 Investigative Report

And then it all goes wrong. There is a chaotic scene a cacophony of confusing sounds, people are yelling, grabbing your tail which is painful – NOTE ***** and should never happen in order to control a dog!

*** Page 4 of Investigative Report Office Palmer observed approximately FIVE large yellow dogs running – at – large . The dogs were not wearing any collars, were not on a leash, and were not otherwise contained. Officer Palmer also observed THREE PEOPLE , TWO FEMALES AND A MALE ATTEMPTING TO CONTROL THE DOGS BY GRABBING ONTO THEIR TAILS. (EMPHASIS MINE- L.R.) )

Can Dogs Feel Their Tails? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ | Pet Keen

“Therefore, it is not recommended to pull on a dog’s tail ever. It isn’t a nice way to get their attention and can cause the dog to become aggressive. Instead, it is best to find a different way to get your dog’s attention or correct their behavior.”

Why Dogs Don’t Like Their Tails Touched – Wag! (wagwalking.com)

“The tail, for example, is one area that dogs almost always prefer that you stay away from. While you might think that touching or grabbing onto your dog’s tail is a fun way to play, your dog would sorely disagree with you. Grabbing a dog’s tail—something that children are particularly tempted to do—can be very painful and terrifying for your dog.

Dog tails are made of vertebrae, muscles, cartilage, and nerves. There are anywhere between 6 and 23 caudal vertebrae in a dog’s tail, with an average number of 20 vertebrae. A dog’s tail also consists of muscles that attach to the vertebrae that help to control the conscious movement of the tail .

NOTE: Obviously I can’t speak for Dixie but I can put my knowledge of having dogs all my life and coming from a culture and country ( England) that is well known for being “bonkers” about their animals.

Dixie and the escaped part of the pack probably were enjoying the game of running and being outside and out of confinement. There was a lot of commotion and chaos and people all running after them.

If you were a dog confined to a certain area and then the freedom of running around with your housemates and family this I imagine was enjoyable.

Then the situation becomes even more chaotic from an animals perspective.

1.People are still yelling, and they are people you know and recognize. Then a man arrives and is possibly yelling over the noise or with a raised and commanding voice at your owners. A dog would not understand the words just the tone,

An alert signal is triggered in her brain

Is this a threat? She has job to protect her area, her family and her pack and at the same time your tail is being pulled painfully,

What is happening in the thoughts of this animal. Presumably she notices that the man (stranger) is directing his tone and his voice to her mistress and then one of her pack goes toward the officer ( see slow motion footage )

lorainpolice.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/slowest-with-magnification-1.mp4

The strangers hand goes up and points at one of your pack…..12:59 and 02 seconds

Figure 6 -the timing is: Figure 6 time stamp = 12:59.06 pm

Figure 7 time stamp = 12:59 pm (the seconds are unreadable) BUT the next frame is Figure 8 can be read at 12.59 and 06 seconds therefore Figure 7 in the sequence is still .06 seconds – FIGURE 7 IS WHEN DIXIE MAKES HER RUN…

Figure 8 = 12:59.06

The start of the sequence of the event 12.59 pm and 02 seconds and then .03 seconds later (also from Page 27 Investigative report ) Figure 5 ( 12:59.05)

****** NOTE: due to the white writings some of the timings in SECONDS are unreadable in a couple of the still photos . However, and we are talking about “SECONDS” from THE TIME IS 12 PM AND 59 MINUTES ON July 2^nd 2023…

It is the “seconds that count in this timing NOT THE MINUTES, THE MINUTE TIMES REMAIN THE SAME because all this happens in seconds NOT MINUTES!

Timings :

Figure 6 -the timing is: Figure 6 time stamp = 12:59.06 pm

Figure 7 time stamp = 12:59 pm (the seconds are unreadable) BUT the next frame is Figure 8 can be read at 12.59 and 06 seconds therefore Figure 7 in the sequence is still .06 seconds – FIGURE 7 IS WHEN DIXIE MAKES HER RUN…

Figure 8 = 12:59.06

Fig. 9 = 12:59 .07

Fig. 10 = unreadable (First shot being fired) Again the time frame FOR Figure 10 would be between…. Figure 9 12:59 and .07seconds and Figure 11. Figure 11 12:59 and 08 seconds ..– THE First shot was between .07 and .08 seconds

Fig. 11 = 12:59.08

Fig. 12 = 12:59.09 – Page 31

Figure 13 – 12:59 and 09 seconds

Figure 6 -the timing is: Figure 6 time stamp = 12:59.06 pm. Page 28

Figure 7 time stamp = 12:59 pm (the seconds are unreadable) Figure 7 is when Dixie Makes her run

BUT the next frame is Figure 8 can be read at 12.59 and 06 seconds therefore Figure 7 in the sequence is still .06 seconds –

At 12:59 minutes and .07 seconds – Figure 9 Page 29

Figure 10 At 12:59 and ( see timings information following ) Figure 10 Page 30

At 12:59 minutes and .08 seconds ) Figure 11 Page 30

Figure 12 page 31- 12:59 minutes and 09 seconds-page 31Lastly Figure 13 page 31 – 12:59 minutes and 09 seconds

From the start of Dixies run. See Figure 7 at 12:59 minutes and 06 seconds

Until the 2^nd shot fired 12:59 minutes and 8 seconds … is TWO SECONDS ( BY MY MATH .. I had it confirmed by LPD … 2.5 seconds .. THAT is SECONDS – NOT MINUTES!

ACCORDING TO THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORT Page 51

‘In the case before the OPS ( Office of Professional Standards) Ops took the frame where the dog appeared to be changing directions ( **Note Figure 11 –LR) to when Officer Palmer’s last shot left the firearm (**Figure 12 LR) OPS determined the frame rate, from the time the dog changed direction to when the final shot was fired it took 44 Frames. With the video being 29.97 frames per second it would equal 1.47 centiseconds or 1.47 seconds

I CAN’T REITERATE THAT ENOUGH AS WHEN I SEE PEOPLE MAKING CLAIMS ON THE INTERNET .

“I WOULD HAVE DONE THIS, HE SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT!”

THEY HAVEN’T A CLUE AS TO HOW LITTLE TIME IT TOOK IN SECONDS. YOU CAN’T EVEN MELT TOW OUNCES OF BUTTER IN A MICROWAVE IN 2.5 SECONDS… PLEASE THINK AND READ……

Was Dixie triggered in to protect mode from her happy harmless self by an inbred instinct to protect as she processed what she believed was a threat to her family and pack by a stranger processed in milliseconds…… ?

I believe that is what happened with Dixie. For further reading I would suggest the story of Max:

Why Does A Dog Attack Unprovoked? The Psychology Of Dog Attacks (k9magazine.com)

“The aim of this article as I see it s to try and explain the psychology of a dog attack from the dog’s perspective.

“There are no hard and fast rules here, but dogs often attack humans for their own reasons – and while those reasons are never justified using human rules and conventions, the first lesson here is to understand that dogs don’t tend to always obey human rules and conventions” K9 Magazine .

This article is MY OPINION, after reading as much as I could from more than one perspective and pertinent information sources. I have tried to PUT ANY EMOTIONAL PULL TO ONE SIDE.

***** NOTE: The tragedy of this is that an animal died trying to follow her instinct to protect and with a job of work to do despite the pain and confusion.

And an Officer’s reaction whilst trying to follow his training and instinct and doing his job to protect himself and residents, drivers and pedestrians from a chaotic situation that took place in the matter of 2.5 SECONDS has resulted in yet more threats , chaos, and opinions based on sound bite information…….. .

It continues……….

Posted in City of Lorain, Lorain Police Dept, Shooting Dixie Lorain Ohio | Tagged City of Lorain Politics, Dixie shooting, Documentation from Lorain Officials, Social Media Mania | 1 Comment

Water, Water everywhere- Follow the Money

Posted on January 10, 2022 by thatwoman

Kathryn Kennedy has been reading and doing the numbers. Once again sharing the reporting from the Face Book page https://www.facebook.com/groups/564407974518417 so readers can share and information doesnt get lost in the scroll down.

CLICK ON JPGS TO MAGNIFY – LINKS IN BLUE

JANUARY 14, 2021

BROWN ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN LORAIN

Kathryn Kennedy posted on City of Lorain Politics Page all kinds of detail from the recent Performance Audit completed by the State Auditors.

SUMMARY

Lorain has relied on borrowing money to fund projects rather than paying for projects as they are completed – or using grants. This increases expenses (interest) – and leads to higher utility rates.
Water sewer is overstaffed by 14 employees compared to peer cities. Reducing staff would decrease expenses by $1 million – this could be a larger number with the recent 2021 longevity pay. Reducing staff would decrease overall expenses which would reduce rates.
Lorain could use ARPA relief money for water sewer projects which would reduce rates for customers. Lorain received $32.5 million. Have not heard that it will be used for this purpose.
https://www.brown.senate.gov/…/brown-water… $30 million awarded. How/where will this be used?
Lorain doesn’t use full capacity of water treatment plant. Would make sense to partner with other cities to use at full capacity. Would decrease costs to all customers. Could also look at becoming part of a regional water group (Avon Lake has capacity) to keep costs down for customers.
An analysis needs to be completed to determine what rates should be without overburdening customers and accumulating large cash balances. This includes a reserve fund (like a fall back savings account if needed). Data collected now does not support this goal.
The city needs a formal capital improvement plan. (Thought there was one – or more – done in the past?)

The mayor guides city policy. But, council members have to approve much of this through the budget, etc. We shall see what they do – and if they have any questions or push back for the Sewer Water Advisory Board. The meeting is Monday evening.

Copy of the performance audit for water/sewer for you reading pleasure. Bradley response and SWAB recommendations (Sewer Water Advisory Board)

CityofLorain_21_Performance-Lorain_FINAL

SWAB ( Sewer Water Advisory Board) report

http://destinyhosted.com/…/20211206_698/5508%5Fswab.pdf…

SWAB recommendations

THOUGHTS FROM THE AUDIT AND SWAB RECOMMENDATIONS

Page 8 of State Performance Audit.

Lorain collects revenues far in excess of expenses. And, compared to other cities. At the end of 2020, there was $44 million in cash on the balance sheet.

Expenses are greater in Lorain than peer cities – in all categories. Instead of using the extra cash collected to pay for projects as they are completed, the city has taken out loans – which means they are also paying more in interest charges than if they used the cash.

Also of interest on this page – the treatment plant is operated at 38 percent capacity.

Similar comments as original post for wastewater. Page 14 of audit report

PAGE 9 of Audit report

Page 9 of audit.

Recommendation to eliminate 6.5 full time positions from water treatment and distribution. SWAB recommends keeping these positions. One of the reasons the city expenses are higher than peer cities.

Support for reducing staff – Lorain treats less water per Operator and maintains less square footage.

Pages 10 and 11 of audit report.

SWAB does not recommend reducing staff.

Recommendation to improve billing data collection system in order to accurately assign future water sewer rates across customer classes. ” Audit”

SWAB doesn’t address this issue.

To be continued…………….

Posted in City of Lorain, Jack Bradley | Tagged City of Lorain Politics, Jack Bradley, Lorain City lack of leadership, Lorain Utilities, Water and Sewer | Leave a comment

Financials: Just the facts- City of Lorain

Posted on January 9, 2022 by thatwoman

NOTE: Loraine Ritchey :

In the ongoing HOPE to hold acountable the City of Lorain to the residents of Lorain, by sharing situations discussed on City of Lorain Politics Face Book page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/564407974518417

Kathryn Kennedy, has explored what goes out in the costs of Lorain’s workforce in language even those of us who can’t balance a check book can understand.

Art Work Scott Bakalar

Updated wage information. By year, total wages, increase in wages (from one year to the next), percent increase.

2018 ………….29,079,459.94

2019…………. 30,075,534.59………. 996,074.65 0.03

2020.…………. 31,377,704.69……… 1,302,170.10 0.04

2021…………… 35,416,141.10……… 4,038,436.41 0.13

NOTE:

For Police and Fire, overtime may be included.

Fire received $7,500 and

Police received $6,500 in relief funds for essential workers.

Other things to consider:

(1) An employee may have applied for a different position where the pay rate is higher than the old position.

(2) An employee may have gone from part-time to full-time or vice-versa.

(3) Some of the increase may be due to the longevity pay increases given in 2021. 1% for each year of service up to 20% for 20 years. Credit also given for time worked outside the city in a similar position.

This doesn’t include benefits or retirement. It could include sick time or vacation time bought back. Also severance pay.

Council has a wage study out right now for non-union employees – to compare wages with other cities.

Wages at this level, without increases to revenues, may be unsustainable without future levies.

And, a reason why the city has no or few other services – parks, recreation, etc.

The mayor approved of and Council voted for these increases.

I alphabetized the employees by name. You can use find in the excel spreadsheet to search by name – or just scroll through.

If anything looks odd, please ask and I’ll see if I can get an answer Kathryn Kennedy ( you can contact Kathryn through this blog)

Financial File Link found below click on link ( blue) ..

Please note 2018 and 2019 were the wages under the Ritenauer Administration … 2020- 2021 are the costs under the Bradley Administration

2018 to 2021

Also , we have the other part of the equation that of the finacials of the residents of Lorain.

Note: with the Covid Years we have had in 2020- 2021 you know those numbers have in all likelyhood changed and not for the better.

Kathryn Kennedy :

Reformatted the wage spreadsheet.

Median income in the city – $36,139.

Highlighted in red – four times median income. Orange – three times median income. Yellow – two times median income. Green – above median income. No highlighting – below median income.

File found here : 2018 to 2021 sorted largest to smallest

Posted in City of Lorain, City of Lorain financials, Documentation, Jack Bradley | Tagged City of Lorain Politics, Documentation from Lorain Officials, Financials City of Lorain, Jack Bradley | 1 Comment

MAX UPTON BHP- REPLIES TO QUESTIONS -KENNEDY

Posted on December 2, 2021 by thatwoman

UPTON’s replies to Kathryn Kennedy’s concerns in bold and Italics!!!!

Original PDF format found here

Stove Works response

Max Upton, MPA
Director
Building Housing and Planning
(o) 440-204-2085
(c) 440-714-0766
“If you stand for nothing, what will you fall for”

ED NOTE: the quote a favourite “saying” of Max Upton

Kathryn Kennedy writes:

Max,
Please note I requested a copy of this information on November 22 and did not receive
it until 4:05 on November 29, 2021, just 25-minutes prior to the scheduled meeting on this issue.

Clearly, I could not review and comment on this information given a 25-minute window.

And, I might note, it is more than disingenuous of you to note, in the documents you forwarded to me by email, that you had received no requests or comments to the application. It’s also concerning that the information to request said information was not in theMorning Journal until November 21, 2021, when the comment period, I believe, was for the month prior to submission of the application.

Cleaning up any blight in Lorain is obviously beneficial, so I don’t have any issues withthe actual clean up of the property but would like clarification of the issues, below.

Photo Kristen Bauer Chronicle Telegram

My main concern is whether the city has the significant experience in Brownfield revitalization that is noted, but not detailed, in the application.

If the St. Joe’s demolition is any indication of the expertise of the Building and Housing Department, it might be beneficial to hold off on this project until such time there is a much stronger presence
there.

Additionally, there have been many projects in Lorain that have been started and discarded, thereby wasting taxpayer money when the city goes off in a different direction.

I would hope if taxpayer money is to be spent on this project that all the appropriate planning to see the project to completion has been completed and approved.

I have the following comments and can provide this information to the Ohio EPA if you provide a contact (since it is my understanding the application will be sent today):

Questions related to the documents received:

A quick review of the information notes there are inconsistencies between the documents. It’s clear there is soil contamination but the documents are not consistent regarding the groundwater contamination.

UPTON REPLIES: There is no groundwater contamination on site.

It appears there are 5 parcels owned by Old Lake Properties LLC. Would all these parcels be included in the future acquisition of what is referred to as the Stove Works – Eastern parcel or is there only one parcel involved as noted in the documents?

Since it appears this Eastern parcel will be included in the overall project, would it not be appropriate to have a Phase I and Phase II review completed before starting on remediation of the Western parcel?It would be unfortunate if the project could not be completed based on any unforeseen issues on the Eastern parcel. What funds will be used for the Eastern parcel – and what will happen with the development if adequatefunds are not received or if the Eastern parcel cannot be developed?

UPTON REPLIES: The City of Lorain will be applying for funding under the state of Ohio brownfields program in early 2022 for the clean-up of the parcel

Your statement in the documents (highlighted in yellow and attached) that no requests were received for the documents is untrue. I requested the information on November 22 and you replied on November 29. As noted above, I received the information at 4:05 which did not give adequate time for review prior to the meeting at4:30:

UPTON REPLIES : That is a draft document that was sent you request for the document will be reflected in the final submission.

The document notes that the properties will be safe. This area of town is one of the most dangerous. How will residents be kept safe? There are 17 percent of properties in this area that are vacant which presents significant safety issues for anyone living in the neighborhood. When will these properties be torn down?

UPTON REPLIES :I am not sure that will be torn
down. The City of Lorain is working on a PILOT program for housing rehabilitation called our dollar home program and we will be focusing HOME investment partnership rehab program marketing in that neighborhood in advance of the project. We are also working on sidewalk improvements as well as park improvements to the adjacent parks.

Does the city have funding to complete the remediation? It’s unclear from conflicting comments in the documents. How many bids were received for the remediationwork? Was the best/low cost bid selected?

UPTON REPLIES :There were no bids solicited, we have an
opinion of probable costs from TRC Environmental, the firm that completed the phase II study and remedial action plan. That’s what the cost estimates were based off of.

https://danielebrady.blogspot.com/2016/04/stove-works-part-1.html

The documents state that City of Lorain officials will manage this project and will put their SIGNIFICANT experience in Brownfield revitalization to overseeing and implementing the remediation. What specific experience do City officials have? Have
resumes been included in the application?

UPTON REPLIES :Sanford Washington owned and operated anenvironmental services firm for a number of years. With specific experience in hazardous wastes and contaminated sites.

I [Max Upton] have significant experience with the development of brownfield sites. The day to day oversight of the remediation will be done by a certified environmental professional that will be paid for out of grant funding.

OH- HER – AGAIN : NOTES: I have looked into the operating of an enviromental firm registered by Mr. . Washington. I can find none but he has run a business since 1997 : see application for SWJ Enterprises description : I would personally like more details as to Mr. Washingtons ” enviromental services ” His Linkedin Page states:

Experience

Safety Service DirectorCity of Lorain, Ohioun 2020 – Present1 year 7 months

Owner/PresidentSWJ Enterprises Inc.Feb 1993 – Present28 years 11 months

AdministratorOur Lady of the WaysideNov 2013 – Dec 20196 years 2 months Avon, Ohio

Administrator over Behavior Support Services & Respite Care

Administrator

Echoing Hills Village, Inc.

May 2002 – Oct 201311 years 6 months

Nowhere does his resume concur with Upton’s statement :

What final tests will be performed to ensure the property is suitable/healthy for residential construction and for use as park land?

UPTON REPLIES: The City of Lorain will go through the Ohio voluntary action plan administered by the Ohio EPA and will have covenants in place certifying that the land is safe for residential use prior to the redevelopment.

8. The documents note that Lorain determined the asbestos was abated after removalin 2018. Was this independently verified? Since the cost of the remediation will be affected by this answer, independent verification would be appropriate.

UPTON DID NOT REPLY TO QUESTION NUMBER 8

Why is more park area being developed, including a few pocket properties on this land, when the city cannot maintain the more than 50 parks currently in the city? What funds will be used to maintain these parks going forward?

UPTON REPLIES: This is based off of the conceptual site plan that Lorain City Council approved back in June that showed public
open space.

10.

There are currently unpaid taxes on the property – $39,247.51. Total taxes owed – $41,491.31. Why are taxes not current?

UPTON REPLIES: I do not have an answer at this point in time.

11.

30% or less of the median income for the owner-occupied homes will total $500 or less. Does that $500 include PITI? (Standard PITI – 28%/36%) Will the City handle the
mortgages –and mortgage payments? How will the City make sure mortgage holders can actually pay off a home? It is unfair to give someone hope of home ownership if they truly can’t afford to make the payments long-term.

Will there be tax abatements onthe properties? Will the city have to subsidize these properties? For how many years? From where will the funds (subsidies) be derived? Will there be a large, upfront investment from the City to support this project – and make the homes affordable? From where will that money be derived? Has a developer been selected? Does anyone in City administration/council/employee have any connection/taken any campaign contributions from said developers?

UPTON REPLIES :We have not solicited developers at this point in time. The goal of the project is the development of
affordable for sale housing. This is the first step in the process. We are likely a year or more away from
having a clean site to take to market.

There are a number of factors that will go into what the structure
of the project looks like at that time.

The City of Lorain does currently run a down payment assistance program and the development of housing is an eligible us of HUD funding. All of which requires various federal regulations to be applied with respect to affordability all of which would be considered under
future action plans. There has not been a developer selected at this point in time.

12.

Is the city in a position to manage residential properties? No, the city does not
manage any occupied real estate at this time. (Said another way, should the city be in
the business of property management and real estate development?)

UPTON REPLIES : No, the city does not manage any occupied real estate at this time
Will additional employees need to hired?

UPTON REPLIES: No

13.

(Since the City personnel costs total about
80% of general fund costs, there is no additional funding available to cover additional
employees

Are there other properties the city is handling currently? What is the condition of these
properties? What issues have been encountered? What have the losses been on any
of these properties?

UPTON REPLIES :The City of Lorain, through its administration of various federalprograms owns a number of parcels throughout the City of Lorain. A good majority of them are vacant land.

14.Would it be better to sell the property to the developer – and allow them to manage the
property – from a risk and management perspective?

UPTON REPLIES :I think that is something that will
be considered once the site is clean and “shovel ready”.

THE UPTON CHRONICLES CONTINUES

Posted in City of Lorain, Civil Service Commsion Lorain, Documentation, Jack Bradley, Lorain Civil Service Commission, Lorain Stove Works, OHIO EPA, Stove works Lorain, Upton Chronicles | Tagged City of Lorain Politics, Double speak, Jack Bradley, Lorain City lack of leadership, Lorain Stove Works, Max Upton Building Housing and Planning, Max Upton Lorain brownfields, Maximillian Upton Lorain, Sanford Washinton Lorain | Leave a comment

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BROWN ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN LORAIN

Experience

Safety Service DirectorCity of Lorain, Ohioun 2020 – Present1 year 7 months

Owner/PresidentSWJ Enterprises Inc.Feb 1993 – Present28 years 11 months

AdministratorOur Lady of the WaysideNov 2013 – Dec 20196 years 2 months Avon, Ohio

Administrator

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