The special meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., with a news conference at 5:30 p.m. The regularly-scheduled meeting begins at 7 p.m.
“It’s a real win-win for us and for the companies,” outgoing City Manager Gary Adams said. “One thing local governments don’t do enough of is private-public partnerships. That’s something we’re working on, and we’ve partnered with three successful companies.”
Kroger will pay Huber Heights $30,000 per year for the exclusive naming rights, and the aquatic center — scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend — will be known as The Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights. Kroger will also spend $20,000 per year in advertising.
“The Aquatic Center at the Heights is a natural fit for Kroger,” Rachael Betzler, marketing manager for the Cincinnati/Dayton Division of Kroger, said in a release. “With 30 stores in the Dayton area, these are certainly our neighbors. In our continuing commitment to the community and our customers, we’re excited to be part of this venue that will offer family fun at great value.”
Buckeye EcoCare will pay an annual cash fee of $5,000 to the city, as well as provide up to $10,000 per year in in-kind services for lawn care work at the aquatic and recreation complex, which also includes an amphitheater scheduled to open Labor Day.
Last month, city council approved a resolution authorizing a three-year contract with Coca-Cola that pays the city $15,000 per year — in addition to a 20 percent commission rate on all beverages sold — in exchange for exclusive rights at the aquatic center and other city facilities.
“It means from day one, the aquatic center will be a profitable venture for the citizens of Huber Heights,” council member Mark Campbell said. “We’ve literally got household names who are willing to support our community. We couldn’t be luckier.”
The aquatic center and amphitheater are part of the city’s vision for The Heights — a 150-acre upscale regional shopping, entertainment and professional office complex that could also include a research and development firm.
“We’re positioned here in the north better than other communities,” Mayor Ron Fisher said. “We’ve got the land, and there’s a lot of interest in what’s going on out here. Things will take off, and the economy will be a big help if it turns around.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2281 or smatthews@coxohio.com.
About the Author