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Fairfield, Hamilton join forces on projects benefitting both cities

Leaders from both cities will come together to plan projects that will be a benefit to all.

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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 8:42 AM Friday, July 2, 2010

FAIRFIELD — It’s a group with the intention of improving communication across a shared political border and supporting collaboration among common projects that benefit both cities.

But the first 2010 gathering of the Hamilton-Fairfield Joint Advisory Committee on Thursday evening, July 1, at Fairfield Greens South Trace golf course was little more than a meet-and-greet opportunity for members new to the group — and in some cases, new to local politics.

Since its inception several years ago, the committee — made up of three council members each from Fairfield and Hamilton — has come together a few times each year for the purpose of sharing resources, or at the very least, sharing ideas and experiences.

It’s a big step considering the bad-blood relationship that historically existed between the two cities decades ago as a result of contentious land battles and talk of annexation.

But members of the past and current committee agree that a positive relationship can only benefit both sides.

“The relationship wasn’t always what you would call a good one,” said Fairfield Councilman Mike Oler. “I think something like this makes it important that we can talk to each other instead of through only third parties (such as administrators). We need to communicate with each other on our own terms.”

The Fairfield members include Oler and Councilmen Mike Snyder and Marty Judd; and Hamilton representatives include council members Kathleen Klink, Tim Naab and Carla Fiehrer, who was absent Thursday because of illness. Each of the Hamilton representatives are new to council this year; however, Snyder is the only member who has previously served on the advisory committee.

Collaborative past projects include a skate park and roadwork near Joyce Park.

Klink said she was excited about the possibilities of the group working on future projects with a regional impact, and that by working in concert, both cities seek to gain together.

The next meeting will be set for sometime in the fall, when members are expected to begin discussing possible projects on which to focus in the coming months and years.

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