Episode 31 - Danielle Wessel - Batavia Township Trustee Candidate

Episode 31We start with some news from around the county. The Clermont County Animal Shelter is remodeling, $141,000 for expanded outdoor kennels (including a $20,000 Nestlé Purina gift), plus ~$78,920 for a commercial dishwasher with plumbing/electrical/drywall work and a $60,000 private donation. Volunteer training is Oct 18. New Richmond trims council to one meeting a month Dec–Mar (third Tuesdays, 7 PM) and posts committee times for Nov 3 and Nov 18. Union Township ESID holds its annual meeting Mon, Nov 3, 9:30 AM at the UT Civic Center. Pierce Township seeks a Board of Zoning Appeals alternate (2-year term; residents only; send letter/resumé  and questionnaire to [email protected]). In Batavia Township more zoning drama. Stonelick Ridge (≈808 homes) tied 2–2 which means it goes to the commissions with a recommendation to deny; Drees Homes (≈300) reduced density  5–0 recommend approval pending 29 staff items.Then, a conversation with Danielle Wessel, candidate for Batavia Township Trustee. We get into practical transparency upgrades (post draft agendas, livestream meetings, faster draft minutes), whether the 2002 Central Joint Fire/EMS agreement needs a refresh on representation and funding, and how to grow without losing Batavia’s character. CRAs vs. TIFs, traffic capacity, density, and protecting real green space.HighlightsAnimal Shelter remodel: funding breakdown and Oct 18 volunteer trainingNew Richmond schedule changes (third-Tuesday winter meetings; Nov 3 & Nov 18 committee times)Union Township ESID annual meeting: Mon, Nov 3, 9:30 AM (UT Civic Center)Pierce Township BZA opening (alternate, 2-year term): apply via [email protected] zoning recap: Stonelick Ridge recommendation to deny; Drees Homes recommendation to approve with conditionsToday’s guest: Danielle Wessel on transparency, fire/EMS funding, growth, CRAs/TIFs, and green spaceNext week’s guests: Dotty Meier & Anne Gross (CPS levy), Rex Parson (Batavia Township Trustee), Michael Kinner (Batavia Village Council)Help wanted: volunteer to recap local high-school sportsGet involvedSend tips, guests, or events: [email protected] Follow on Facebook & Instagram and join the Thursday newsletter Like what you hear? Help support the show with time, talent, or treasure.Donate