Real People: Mike Metz, HPD Detective

The State of the City is strong. That was the lasting message Tuesday from Hilliard’s 2023 State of the City presentation at Center Street Market in Downtown Hilliard.

A crowd of more than 150 people attended the event with the train theme of “All Aboard and Full Steam Ahead”, harkening back to Hilliard’s railroad roots.

City Manager Michelle Crandall covered highlights from the past year and shared details about Hilliard’s exciting future plans.

The presentation included updates on the new Recreation and Wellness Campus, the Hilliard By Design community plan, the Hilliard City Lab tech initiative, and much more.

Videos from the presentation can be viewed on the City’s Youtube page: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkXmbPhtCrMGOh1tEsGdmxCvXVB2RO0EM

Thank you to all who attended this year’s event to make it such a big success!

As of this month, all Hilliard police officers are equipped with body-worn cameras, a tool leaders believe will ensure transparency.

The City of Hilliard Division of Police has been rolling out the camera program throughout the past few months to make sure there was a smooth transition.

Hilliard Chief of Police Michael Woods said the completion of the roll-out includes training on both the camera equipment and coordinating newly established policies.

“Using body cameras is an expectation of modern policing. Body cameras add valuable documentation and add to our transparency in policing efforts,” said Chief Woods. “This is a useful tool for law enforcement and the public.

“As part of this process we’ve had the opportunity to look at many existing policies, ensuring they are comprehensive in a rapidly shifting landscape,” he added.

The cameras are attached to the front of the officer’s uniform and capture views in the direction the officer’s body is facing. The cameras are turned on when an officer is planning to engage in police activity, such as responding to calls for service.

Additionally, the cameras integrate into the Division’s existing built-in cruiser cameras, meaning cameras will automatically turn on when emergency lights and sirens are activated.

Officers can also engage the cameras manually at any time.

Every sworn officer has been assigned a camera. Uniformed officers will always wear cameras when on duty. Investigators and administrators will wear cameras when planning to engage in activities such as conducting search warrants, and processing crime scenes.

The total start-up cost of the program, which includes 67 cameras, servers, charging stations, uniform mounts, and batteries, is about $190,000.

Hilliard City Council voted to fund the program in the City’s 2022 capital budget. The Division received $58,830 in grant funding from the State of Ohio’s Office of Criminal Justice Services to assist with the cost of launching the program.

In addition to promoting transparency, footage captured by the cameras can aid as evidence in court proceedings, improve officer training, and provide a neutral account of a situation.

SAFE Sidewalks are coming to Hilliard as part of the City’s new sidewalk maintenance program that provides “Safe Access for Everyone.”

Starting this spring, the City is launching the SAFE Sidewalk Program to evaluate all 200 miles of Hilliard sidewalks, identify areas for improvement, and make repairs as necessary. This program will be an ongoing effort over the next decade to improve the image and livability of Hilliard.

The process began in May 2022, when the condition of sidewalks, trails, and curb ramps were surveyed and inventoried to prioritize repair and maintenance. This information was used to help the City prioritize where repairs are most needed and to ensure all City sidewalks are kept in the best condition. The first neighborhood to benefit from the sidewalk maintenance program will be the Avery subdivision.

In Hilliard (and most other communities), property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Exceptions include when the damage causing the repairs is created by roots from City-owned trees in the public right-of-way or defects caused by manhole covers or utilities. The City also is responsible for repairs and accessibility compliance on curb ramps. When the City identifies a sidewalk in need of repair, the property owner receives written notice of the required work, along with the estimated cost.

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 729.01 describes Ohio property owner responsibilities relating to sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

Hilliard property owners have two options when it comes to repairing their sidewalks:

• Allow the City to perform the repairs and bill them for the work. (Opt-In) Most residents will benefit from this option because allowing the City gets cost savings based on competitive bidding for the large number of annual repairs in the community. Additionally, the City handles the coordination, scheduling and quality control related to the work. Property owners may elect to have the cost spread out over a 5-year, zero interest term through a special assessment on their property taxes.
• Make the repairs on their own. (Opt-Out) This work must meet all required City of Hilliard code and standards. Should your sidewalk be identified for repair or replacement, you will be asked to make the repairs within approximately four months. If the work has not been performed by the provided deadline the City will perform the work, with costs billed or assessed back to the property owner. Opting out does not remove the requirement that the sidewalk needs to be improved, it only means that you do not wish to have the improvements made by the City’s contractor.

Watch the video above and visit https://hilliardohio.gov/sidewalk-maintenance/ to learn more.