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1. Who can Participate?

Groups

Your family, class, place of business, social club, scout, nonprofit or church group are most welcome to volunteer together at the same park throughout the year. Let us know how many participants are in your group, and the types of projects you would be most interested in doing together.

Individuals

If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer outdoors, or if you live in an apartment/condo/dorm and really miss gardening, our Adopt-a-Park might be a perfect match for you! Projects that are great for individuals include weeding gardens, planting annuals, removing invasive vegetation and keeping a general eye on the park. If your project ends up needing more helping hands, we can help recruit neighbors or additional volunteers.

Children/Teens

Adopt-A-Park is a great way to encourage civic engagement from our city's youth. Not only are they getting fresh air and exercise, but it builds pride in their community when they see the fruits of their labor every time they pass the park or greenspace. Adult supervision is required. If your group includes youth who are under the age of 18, a ratio of 1 adult to every 10 teens, or 1 adult to every 5 children age 12 and under must be maintained at all times. Some parks projects are unsuitable for children under the age of five.

2. What kinds of projects are there to do?

Adopt-A-Park projects will vary by location & season. Typical projects include maintaining gardens, removing litter, pruning trees/shrubs, spreading playground mulch, and removing weeds / invasive vegetation. You or your group may help maintain the entire park or commit to caring for one aspect (such as a flowerbed). We work together to coordinate projects that align with your interests and the park/location's needs.

3. What is the time commitment?

The time commitment is very flexible. Some larger volunteer groups or families may opt to hold one annual event in their nearby park, while some local businesses or church groups may visit their park every month.  Generally, an Adopt-a-Park work day lasts two to three hours depending on the project. Individual volunteers can also work on pre-approved projects at their own leisure. Participants are expected to commit to their park for at least one year and are encouraged to return year after year.

4. Is there a cost to participate?

Participation in Adopt-A-Park is completely free! The city will provide all necessary supplies, including plants, mulch and tools.  Alternatively, you or your group can make a tax-deductible* donation towards materials such as plants, mulch or larger projects. The Adopt-a-Park Coordinator can also work with you to receive reimbursement for pre-approved materials. 

* All contributions received by the City of North College Hill for the Adopt-A-Park program will be used exclusively for public purposes in accordance with IRS Section 170(c)(1).

5. May I make a donation?

The City of North College Hill accepts tax-deductible donations* for the Adopt-A-Park program according to the below guidelines. If you are unsure of whether we can accept your donation, please contact the Recreation Department at 513-728-4486 or Recreation@NorthCollegeHill.org. A receipt will be provided for all donations received. Please provide a good mailing address &/or email where we can send the receipt. 

Monetary Contributions

• Monetary contributions are accepted by cash, money order, check or credit card. 
• Checks & money orders should be made out to the City of North College Hill.
• Please clearly indicate "Adopt-A-Park" on your envelope, letter, check or money order. 
• To donate via credit card, please contact the Finance Office by phone during business hours at 513-521-7413. Note that a 3% credit card processing fee applies.

Supplies & Materials

Contact us to confirm our current need before purchasing or dropping off any of the below items.

• Empty 1-gallon screw-top style jugs (to fill with water for new plants)
• Gift Cards to garden supply retailers
• Pop-up "Tailgate" style tents (to provide shade on hot days)
• Folding tables/chairs
• Gardening tools (pruning shears, rakes, trowels, pitchforks, weed pullers, loppers, etc.)
• Individual bags of topsoil, garden soil or garden mulch. 
• We cannot accept contributions of playground mulch. There are specific health & safety requirements for this type of mulch. You are welcome to make a monetary contribution toward the purchase of playground mulch. (See above guidelines for Monetary Contributions.)

Plants / Trees / Shrubs

• Donations of plants, trees & shrubs will vary by location & season.
• Contact us to determine whether there is a current need.

Large Playground Structures / Construction Materials

• Contact us to determine whether there is a current need for donations of large playground structures or construction materials (concrete, pavers, etc.).

Chemicals / Liquids

• We cannot accept donations of any type of chemical or liquid, including pesticides, deer/rodent repellant, fertilizers, weed control, etc.

* All contributions received by the City of North College Hill for the Adopt-A-Park program will be used exclusively for public purposes in accordance with IRS Section 170(c)(1).

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1. Can I speak at a City Council Meeting?

Anyone can appear before the City Council and express their point of view. You may speak during the general public comment segment toward the beginning of each meeting, on any topic that is not related to legislation being considered that evening. Or you may address a specific legislative item on the agenda, in which case you will be called to speak when the item comes up for discussion. In either case you must sign up to speak with Council Staff by 7:30 to address the Council under General Public Comment, or prior to the start of the item that you want to address and your name will be placed on a speaker list. If you are speaking on a specific item it is helpful to let Council Secretary know the agenda item reference number. The Council Secretary is usually seated at the entrance to the Council Chambers. Speakers are taken in the order they signed up. The Council President determines the length of time allotted to each speaker at the beginning of each meeting, and due to the frequently long agendas, this is typically two minutes. Therefore, it is important to keep your comments short and plan on making your point as quickly as possible.

2. How do I find out what items are on the agenda at a regular City Council meeting?

Because the agenda for a Council meeting is ever-changing, the actual agenda for a meeting is not final until 72 hours prior to a meeting, which is typically 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately prior to the Council meeting. At the meeting, copies of the agenda can be found just inside the entrance to the Council Chambers. Also, you can access the City Council agenda from our web site by accessing the Find Legislation, Meetings, Agendas

3. How can I find out what the City Council has voted on?

From the City Council web page select "View most recent Minutes and Agendas"

4. What relationship does the City Council have with the Mayor?

The Council shall have the power to adopt all ordinances, resolutions or other legislation conducive to the welfare of the people of the city and not inconsistent with the City Charter. The Council shall not perform any executive functions except those functions assigned to the Council by the City Charter. The City Charter establishes the executive branch of the city government. The Mayor shall control and direct the executive branch. The Mayor is authorized to delegate executive and administrative power within the executive branch. The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer with all executive and administrative powers of the city and the official head of the city for all ceremonial purposes.

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1. How do I pay my ticket or citation?

You can pay your citation by telephone at 800-701-8560, online, or in person / mail at:
1646 West Galbraith Road
North College Hill, OH 45239

Citations can be paid by cash, personal check, cashier’s check, certified check, travelers check, money order, or credit card - Visa and MasterCard only.

2. What happens if I did not show proof of insurance at the time of the traffic stop and/or auto accident?

If you have been involved in an auto accident, you should try to have proof of insurance filed with the Police Department within 24 hours. If you are either paying a citation or appearing in court, you should bring proof of insurance to show at that time. If you do not provide valid proof of insurance, your information will be forwarded to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for immediate driver’s license suspension.

3. If I have been involved in an auto accident, why is it important for me to appear in court?

It is important to appear in court if you were involved in an auto accident that could result in civil liability. A plea of “no contest” in Mayor’s Court cannot be used against you in civil proceedings.

4. I lost my ticket, how can I pay it?

Go the North College Hill Clerk of Courts and we will look you up in the database to assist you in paying your citation. You can find us at:
1646 W. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45239

5. What forms of payment does the Court / Traffic Violations Bureau accept?

Accepted forms of payment are as follows:

• Cash
• Cashier’s Check
• Certified Check
• Credit Cards - Visa and MasterCard Only
• Money Order
• Personal Checks
• Travelers Check

6. How do I get a continuance?

The Mayor's Court Clerk can grant 1 continuance. You must appear at the Police Department in person to sign a continuance form.

Note: If you live out of state and want a continuance contact the clerk at 513-521-1594 to make arrangements to have the proper document faxed to you. Any additional continuances must be requested in person in the North College Hill Mayor’s Court:
1646 W. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45239

7. How does the court process work?

Your 1st court appearance in the North College Hill Mayor’s Court is the arraignment. If you enter a plea of “guilty” or “no contest,” your case can be heard that evening. If you enter a plea of “not guilty,” your case will be continued in order to notify the Police Officer and any witnesses to appear for trial.

8. What are the pleas and what do they mean?

“Guilty” simply means you are admitting guilt to the charge.

“No Contest” means that while you admit some of the facts could lead toward your guilt, you would like a chance to explain the circumstances.

“Not Guilty” means that you feel you were not guilty of the charge and you would like a trial so the Magistrate can hear from all parties involved and make a decision based on the testimony.

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1. If I want to become a firefighter or EMT, what kind of classes should I take in school?

A high school diploma or equivalent is required and college level studies are preferred. All general studies are helpful to become a well-rounded employee with special emphasis on sciences, math, and English. Entry level courses with focus on firefighting and EMS are: Firefighter I / Firefighter II and EMT-B. These classes are required for application to the Fire Department.

2. How do I apply for the Fire Department?

We are always accepting job applications for the Fire Department. By visiting our webpage you can find and submit an application at any time.

3. How do your shifts work? What are the benefits of working this schedule?

Shift firefighters work a 12 or 24 hour work day with 96 hours off in between shifts. There are six shifts that report to work on their respective day at 6 a.m. and work until 6 p.m. (12 hr) or 6 a.m. and work until 6 a.m.(24 hr) the following day. This schedule provides a team concept with crews that are often providing services and completing duties that cannot be accomplished in an eight-hour shift. Economically, it benefits the community because fewer firefighters are needed to provide a 24 hour response.

4. How can I apply for financial hardship?

To apply for financial hardship, please contact Intermedix, the billing company for North College Hill Fire Department, at ????????????. You may also contact Amber Lough at ????????, or via email to request an electronic copy of the needed forms.

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1. How do I contact a city department?

Please see the phone numbers on the Home page in the "Contact Us" section in the bottom left corner of the page or below:

City Center-513-521-7413

Police-513-521-7171

Fire-513-521-3950

Clerk of Courts-513-521-1594

Public Works-513-521-7413 ext. 106

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Please utilize this section or call with your questions.

3. What are the City Administration Hours?

Beginning Monday, April 4, 2022 the office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. This change includes Mayor's Court.

We observe the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday; Presidents' Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Veterans' Day; Thankgiving Day (including the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving) and Christmas Day.

4. Does the city offer dump truck rentals?

It does. Generally after Memorial Day and through Halloween. Please call Public Works at 513-521-7413 ext. 106 for rates and/or to schedule or print the application from the homepage under "permits & applications".

5. Is the Mayor full time? If not who oversees operations?

While the Mayor is a full time elected position, he/she does not sit in the office full time. The City Administrator oversees the day to day operations.

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1. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

3. What are the City Administration Hours?

The Tax Department opens it's doors at 8:30am from Monday thru Friday. The Administration offices open at 9am to 5pm Monday thru Friday.

4. Does the city offer dump truck rentals?

Yes, the City offers dump trunk rental. The dump trunk can only be rented between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The dump trunk rental cost is $250.00, reservations can be made online or in person. There is no option to pay online you must come into the City Center offices to pay. We do not take credit cards.

5. Is the Mayor full time? If not who oversees operations?

North College Hill does not have a full time Mayor. The Mayor is part time. The City Administrator oversees the day to day operations of the City. She can be reached at 513.521.7413 Ext 107

6. Where do I go to pay a traffic ticket?

Traffic tickets are all paid at the Police Station, you can contact the clerk of courts at 513.521.1594.

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1. I missed my North College Hill Mayor's Court date. What should I do?

If you missed your court date, there is probably an arrest warrant on file for you. To avoid inconvenience and embarrassment, you should come to the North College Hill Police Department as soon as possible to determine what your next course of action is. You may be able to be recited to court (given another court date and sent on your way) or be required to post a bond (surrender an amount of money as collateral to insure you come to court next time instead of being incarcerated). If you do not get this taken care, you may be stopped and arrested and not given the opportunity to be recited right away and have to spend some time incarcerated.

If you missed your court date in another court, it is suggested you contact the police agency involved and ask them what you should do.

2. How do I find out if I have a warrant for my arrest?

If you suspect you have a warrant for your arrest due to an incident that occurred in North College Hill, you will have to stop by the police department in person to verify this.

WE DO NOT GIVE OUT WARRANT INFORMATION OVER THE TELEPHONE.

If you believe the warrant is from another police agency, it is suggested that you go to that police agency to determine if there is an active warrant. In any case, please bring a government issued photo identification card with you.

3. What do I need to do in order to retrieve ANY and ALL property belonging to me the police department has in their custody?

In order to retrieve your property, you will need the following items:

(A) A valid government issued photo identification card (such as a driver’s license, state issued identification card, passport, military identification card, etc.);

(B) A secondary government issued identification document (such as a social security card, or a second item from the list in item A);

(C) Documentation showing that you are the lawful and legal owner of the property you wish to recover (such as title, receipt, ownership documents, etc.);

(D) Court Order - Some property may require an order from the court in order to retrieve it. Check with a property room officer to see if your property requires this document.

NOTE: PROPERTY WILL NOT BE RELEASED WITHOUT PROOF OF OWNERSHIP AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE OWNER!

4. How do I retrieve my vehicle that the police department towed or seized?

If you vehicle is being held as evidence you will need to speak to the arresting or investigating officer for instructions on when and how you may have your vehicle released.

If your vehicle is being held because of a court action (immobilization, etc.), you will need an order from the court hearing the case in order to have your vehicle released to you. Call the police department for further information 513-521-7171.

If your vehicle does not fall into one of the above categories, you may call or come to the police department anytime (24 hours-a-day / 365 day a year) and speak to an officer about obtaining a vehicle release form.

5. What can I do about a car that has been parked in the same spot on a public street for an extended period of time?

NCH City ordinance 351.05 prohibits people from parking any vehicle upon any street longer than twenty-four consecutive hours starting Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. until Friday morning 12:00 a.m.

If you believe you know of a vehicle that has not been moved in some time, call the police department and provide the make, model, and color of the vehicle as well as the exact location where it is parked. An officer will come and log its' location and if the vehicle is still there 24 hours later, it will be issued a citation. If the vehicle is still there 24 hours later after it has been cited, it will typically be towed away at police request.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

this ordinance does not apply to vehicles that have license plates bearing the BMV handicap license plate or BMV approved handicap placard issued by the City for the purpose of identifying the vehicle as being one used to transport a handicapped person or persons.

This ordinance does not allow enforcement action to be taken on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Vehicles parked on Thursday and not moved have until Tuesday to be moved or risk being issued a citation.

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1. What do i do if my trash can is stolen?

If your trash can is stolen you may call the North College Hill City Center to request a new trash can. They will need you to come into the offices located at 1500 W. Galbraith Road to fill out a stolen report. The only information needed for your stolen report is name and address. Once that is filled out the form will be sent to Rumpke who will process the stolen report. You should received a new trash or recycle can or cart within two weeks.

2. I only want to pay for water service, I do not need trash. Is this possible?

The City of North College Hill requires all residential property owners to have both water and trash service. There is no way of separating the two. In the past there was issues of illegal dumping throughout the City in addition to people hoarding trash in their home and on their property. This measure was adopted for the overall health and safety of the community.

3. Can I Switch out my trash can for a bigger one or smaller one? Also how much is it for an additional can?

Yes, all exchanges of trash receptacles can be handled out of the City Center offices. If you would like an extra can the cost is $3.50 and that invoice will come directly from Rumpke, it is not on your water bill.

4. Do we have unlimited trash?

Yes, there is unlimited trash pick up however if you have large items you must call the City to let them know you have a large pick up. Mattresses will not be taken by Rumpke if the aren't covered. Uncovered mattresses will be left at the curb and could potentially lead to a Code Enforcement complaint.

5. Who do I contact If I have a Large Item For Rumpke to Pick up

You can contact Rumpke directly at 513.851.0122.

6. Does upholstered furniture need to be covered in order for Rumpke to pick it up?

Yes.