MiddletownJournal.com

MIDDLETOWN — The city's emergency-alert system kicked in during last weekend's accident involving a chemical reaction at United Waste Water Services, which claimed the life of an employee and injured two city firefighters.

City Manager Judy Gilleland said the city used its "Code Red" system to contact residents within 11/2 blocks of the incident site on Lefferson Road. They were told to stay inside to avoid the dangerous fumes.

The system automatically calls residents when there are emergencies such as boil advisories. Gilleland said the bank of phone numbers is updated periodically and that residents can have alternative phone numbers entered so that they can receive the warnings.

She said new or additional information can be updated via the city's Web site at

www.cityofmiddletown.org.

A little shade is on the horizon for Governor's Square

City officials are working on acquiring a sun shade for a portion of the Governor's Square park at the corner of Broad Street and Central Avenue.

Gilleland told City Council that she is looking to shade about a quarter to a third of the park and that it could be obtained in the next two-to-four weeks. She also is seeking to keep the price at about $5,000.

That's good news for those who attend various events, such as the Broad Street Bash as well as the Farmers Market, to get a break from the sun and heat.

Planning Commission to be very busy in July

The Middletown Planning Commission will need to hold two meetings in July to consider a large number of zoning applications.

One of those applications will be the amending of zoning text of the proposed $350 million SunCoke Energy coke-making and electric generation plant.

The meetings are slated for July 9 and 16.

Sen. Brown contacted for help on railroad crossings

While potholes are headaches for local motorists, so are a number of railroad crossings around town.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown's office has offered to assist the city in getting some of the railroad crossings and facilities repaired. Gilleland said this is something that U.S. Rep. John Boehner's office also has been working on.

She hopes the intervention of Brown's and Boehner's offices will encourage the railroad operators to address "the deplorable conditions" of these crossings and facilities.

Council, school board to hold joint meeting

Middletown City Council and the Middletown Board of Education will have a joint meeting on Monday, Aug. 4.

This meeting may take the place of council's Aug. 5 regular meeting, barring any unforeseen legislative matters.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or erichter@coxohio.com.