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The City of Reading Council meeting on Tuesday, October 2 began with a public hearing regarding the EPA grant to clean up petroleum on the Nivison-Weiskopf site. Mark Fitzgerald and Lance Turley spoke about the grant process and how the site would possibly be cleaned of the petroleum. The application is due later this month. EPA looks for community support for the project and Bob Boehner has forms that residents (citizens of Reading only) are to complete for support. If someone needs one, call City Hall at 733-4122.  Mr. Turley feels that Reading has a good chance of getting the grant. The underground tanks on the site will be removed as part of the Job Ready Site project. They will need to be removed before the buildings are taken down. So far, the tests show no leaks from the tanks. After the petroleum is removed, the site will be monitored for one year and will have an evaluation done by a professional to make sure all petroleum is removed. Council approved the resolution for the grant application.

There was a letter read by Dave Pflanz from the County Administrator explaining that the reduction of the Communication Center’s charges will appear as a ballot issue in November. Council approved to put the issue into the Public Health and Safety Committee (Jim Pfennig, Chair).

Ken Nordin noted that the stamps usually put on ordinance to state what money is left in the accounts were not put on the recent ordinances. He also noted that the City’s budget appears to be doing well. The pool costs rose dramatically this year, Bob Boehner explained it was due to increase in minimum wage this year.

Jim Pfennig spoke about a problem he observed with a tractor trailer entering a tobacco store. The truck went up over the curb and a SUV had to enter the next lane due to it. This could be a problem, a safety issue and asked for it to be looked into.

Lee Roth reminded everyone of the Service Committee on October 16 at 6:45 pm. They will discuss the needs for 2008 of the Service Department.

Jim Champlin spoke about the project of Leelanau and Pompano Streets. Equipment is in place and the prep work will begin shortly. Hill Street project is showing progress as is the BP Station. These projects take time. Mr. Champlin would like to wait on engineering for Maplewood area for when they can do all engineering for streets as a whole for next year after the SCIP funding projects are announced in December. Mr. Nordin asked for a list of streets to be done next year so they can adjust 2008 budget for them.

Mary Pletz would like for residents to fill out surveys in the latest newsletter and send them to City Hall, they can also be printed from the City’s website. (She informed about Reading Youth Wrestling sign up on Thursday, October 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Reading High School’s wrestling room. For more information call Jeremy Pletz at 375-5597, cost is $20.) Ms. Pletz also wondered if the horsepits at Hilltop Park are being used or are a safety issue. Perhaps they could put cornhole in place of horseshoe pits.

Bob Ashbrock spoke about the ordinances for the Research and Development District and the one for a creation of the map. The Master Plan Committee continue to meet and work is evolving. They received copies of the map for the Research and Development District map and is awaiting on comments.

Tony Gertz said that the Laws and Contracts Committee met with Fire Chief Kevin Kaiser regarding the property codes of the City. They will meet again on October 23 at 6:00 pm. He has a copy of the International Property Code and would make it available if someone wants to look at it. He complimented the group working on the sewer projects at Church and Pearl Streets.

Mr. Nordin pointed out a problem with falling limbs on Benson Street near Mount Notre Dame High School and asked for them to be looked at. He also asked if the tennis courts (at Koenig Park) would be finished by this season, he was told probably not, that the contractor is running behind schedule.

Mr. Ashbrock asked for the City staff to look at the walking trail by the Mill Creek, it has cracks that may need sealing. Mr. Boehner said the project is planned for next year.

Ms. Pletz informed everyone that the Halloween celebration will be held at Haffey Fieldhouse on October 27 from 10:00 am until noon. They will have games, prizes, fun and costume judging. This is for children ages 1-12.

Mr. Boehner reported on the many meetings he attended since the last Council meeting. One meeting was to nail down the requirements and guidelines for the Building Department to follow. Council approved the motion to hold a special Council Meeting on October 9 to have a Public Hearing for the Hill Street Project. Dave Stevenson asked, if possible, to add the contract with BP gas station to that meeting.

Mayor Robert Bemmes gave his report. The Police Department received a grant from Homeland Security for replacement of the generator at City Hall. A search warrant was served on a home on Alwil Drive and evidence was gathered that will clear several buglaries in the Hilltop area. The Fire Department has been busy servicing fire hydrants. “Practice Your Escape Plan” is the theme of National Fire Prevention Week (October 7-13). Look for safety tips on their website:www.readingohio.org. Exterior Maintenance continues to work with concerns of general clean up of properties and alleyways. Public Works installed handrails at the stadium.

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