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MCD Wants You To Name That Mower!

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The Miami Conservancy District is asking for help from the public to name their  new remote-operated robotic mower. The contest will accept names until August 11.

To properly maintain a large integrated flood protection system that includes five dams and 55 miles of levees – there are lots of steep slopes and difficult places to access with regular mowing equipment. This can mean extra time and risk for MCD staff. A remote-operated mower means being able to consistently maintain locations with less time and safer conditions.

“So far, since putting the RC Mowers machine in service in May, we’ve logged approximately 70 hours and it is saving us lots of time, cutting the amount of time to mow steep, sensitive spots that would take 2-3 times as long with manual equipment,” said Ben Casper, manager of operations for MCD. “In addition to the time savings, the job is able to be done more safely and by not having the larger equipment with an extending arm on the bike path, bike trail users are not impacted.”

The remote-operated mower is designed for tough terrain and can climb slopes that regular mowers can’t handle. “We want to improve our level of service to best serve our community,” Casper said. “We are already seeing results with this mower.”

 

The Naming Contest for the MCD Remote-Controlled mower rules:

  • Name submission accepted through  August 11.
    • Entries will only be accepted on the MCD Name the Mower contest Page. https://forms.gle/q9u7jaJ2JZs6qSnu5
    • Entries will be accepted in order received and duplicated names/entries will be excluded.
    • Staff of MCD and their families are not eligible to win the gift card.
    • No profanity or inappropriate language.
    • MCD reserves the right to reject any submission for any reason.
    • Entrant agrees to release, defend, indemnify, and hold MCD harmless with respect to all claims arising from entrant’s entry.
  • Public voting period will be August 11 – August 25.
    • MCD staff will select five names from all submissions to be presented for public voting.
    • Public voting will take place on the MCD Name the Mower contest page.
    • The name receiving the most votes will be declared the winner. In the case of a tie, the winner will be determined by a blind draw.
  • Winning names will be announced Friday, August 28.
    • Winners will be notified by email from entry form.
    • The winner, if eligible, will receive a $100 gift card.
    • Winners’ names will be published.

The Miami Conservancy District protects communities in southwest Ohio from flooding, preserves water through stewardship, and promotes the enjoyment of our waterways.

 

Miami Conservancy District Announces New Leader

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The Miami Conservancy District (MCD) announced the selection of MaryLynn Lodor as its new general manager. She is currently chief operating officer/deputy director of the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, a Cincinnati and Hamilton County metro-area wastewater utility that provides sewer service to about 230,000 households and businesses.

Ms. Lodor’s primary responsibilities will include overseeing MCD’s operations, including strategic planning and implementation, staff leadership, and fiscal management. MCD is a political subdivision under State of Ohio law, with the mission to protect lives, property and economic vitality within the Great Miami River Watershed through an integrated system that provides unfailing flood protection, preserves water resources, and promotes enjoyment of our waterways. MCD serves nine counties and its 2021 operating revenues are approximately $10.6 million.

When her tenure begins on May 4, Ms. Lodor will succeed Janet M. Bly. Ms. Bly is retiring after serving MCD as its general manager since 2002.

“The Miami Conservancy District is an essential contributor to our region’s ability to thrive,” explained Beth Whelley, Board President of MCD and executive vice president at Fahlgren Mortine. “MaryLynn will bring her relevant experience, respect for the MCD legacy, and enthusiasm for our future to the benefit of all of our constituents.”

Discussing her motivation to lead MCD’s ongoing commitment to the Great Miami River watershed, Ms. Lodor says, “I developed an appreciation for water and natural resources at an early age, growing up on a small farm in Upstate New York.  While in college, I was drawn to the nexus between the environment and thriving local economies. I am thrilled to be joining MCD, an organization that has a rich history, and I am looking forward to leading it into the future — working with Ohio’s Great Miami River watershed communities to improve, protect and manage its water resources for the benefit of the regional economy and future generations.”

During her 12-year employment with Cincinnati’s Metropolitan Sewer District, Ms. Lodor advanced from environmental programs manager to chief operating officer. She oversaw the development and implementation of innovative watershed-based solutions, operation of numerous water management facilities, developed strategic plans based on the needs of internal and external partners, and reduced the risk of damage to infrastructure and personal property caused by extreme storm events. She’s provided leadership in several regional organizations through her career including the Confluence Water Technology Cluster, Hamilton to New Baltimore Groundwater Consortium, Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities, the Ohio River Sanitation Commission, Fernald Advisory Committee, Green Umbrella, Groundwork Cincinnati, and the Natural Resource Assistance Council for the Southwest Ohio Public Works Integrating Committee.

She was recognized twice by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies with public service awards and received an Individual Professional Excellence Award from the Ohio Stormwater Association.

Prior to her employment with the Metropolitan Sewer District, Ms. Lodor rose to the role of environmental division head with the Butler County Water and Sewer Department where she worked on groundwater protection, the Great Miami River Water Quality Credit Trading Program, and other efforts associated with water management. She has also served communities in New York State, focusing on water resources, regulatory compliance, and economic development.

Ms. Lodor holds a master of science in environmental management and policy from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York and a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in environmental studies from the State University of New York at Oswego.

Founded in 1915, MCD was one of the first conservancy districts established after legislation passed into Ohio law, enabling the creation of multi-jurisdictional, watershed-based organizations to solve flooding problems, to conserve and develop water supplies, and to treat wastewater. The law allows using conservancy district lands for recreation. MCD has a three-member Board of Directors governed by a Court of a Common Pleas judge from each of the nine counties it serves.  MCD has more than a dozen maintenance facilities in as many communities along the Great Miami River and its tributaries. Its administrative office is in downtown Dayton, Ohio.