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The St. Bernard Council meeting on Thursday, September 20 began with a request from Mayor John Estep for a moment of silence for Paul Finkes. The City sent a letter to residents regarding Bertus Street Park and the problems with basketball hoops/rims. The police will continue with patrolling the area. The City is thinking about opening up the pavilion area during certain hours. The police would monitor there as well. The Police Chief and other representatives of the City had a meeting with a property owner about the improvements needed for the property. They advised the owner about low interest loans available.
Walter St. Clair said he distributed his reports. Mr. St. Clair had to add a new line item: Advance Avenue/Errun Lane Improvement Project and added $99,637 into that line. This is money that they received from Cincinnati for work on those streets.
Edward Geiser explained the resolution on the agenda. It shows St. Bernard’s opposition to the Ohio House Bill #154 which wants to eliminate Mayor’s Court. The City wants to see the plans for Meier’s repairs to their walls. He contacted Jeff Harris regarding the Post Office wanting some of St. Bernard’s Square’s parking spots. Mr. Harris wants a new contract. The two matters were put into the Business and Industry Committee. Mr. Geiser is researching St. Bernard’s laws regarding sexual predators and notification laws.
Jonathan Stuchell gave more information for National Preparedness Month. The focus was on businesses and he provided tips for them. Prepare a risk assessment, communicate with employees, make emergency plans and get an emergency kit. Also make a family plan on how to evacuate your home in an emergency and how to get in contact with one another. Have a central meeting place after your evacuation. Go to www.readyohio.gov for more information.
Kevin Meier explained he would like to discuss joining the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce at the next COW meeting. They offer many and diverse programs. This would also help promote St. Bernard.
Michael Schildmeyer noted that they did finalize the CDs of Dr. Romanos’ information on his study. They need to get a few more CDs made to hand out to those who were missed. If someone would like a CD, contact Mr. Schildmeyer through the City’s website and he will get one out to you.
Peggy Brickweg thanked all who sent cards, flowers and e-
Sue Kathman read two letters. The first was from the St. Bernard Stingray Swim Team. They thanked all who helped make this season a success. The second letter complimented the efforts of Mr. Miller for his work on Bertus Street Park. The former resident would like to move back to St. Bernard and offered their own ideas for improvements to the City. They would like to see upscale town houses along Vine Street. The St. Bernard Square could be turned into German Town Village with pedestrian use. They too would like to see a Graeters or Starbucks in town. The pedestrian zone in German Town could be used on holidays like Canal Days or Octoberfest. Assisted living for seniors could be put in behind German Town to allow easy access for the seniors. A theater in German Town would be nice also. They also asked to have Mr. Lindner update the current UDF.
Under New Business Mr. Asbach asked to have the Ohio Attorney General’s training seminar put on the COW agenda. Mr. Schildmeyer would like to have the Post Office and Meier’s (wall) parking lots put on the COW agenda.
A lady spoke to Council and Administration about the problem her children had when they were going to the Library on bikes. They were approached by vandals attempting to steal the bikes. One of the neighborhood homes had its stained glass stolen. She went to the police who stated that they are aware of the problems. She wondered if a newsletter could be made to make citizens aware of the problems in St. Bernard. Mr. Stuchell noted that this is not only a problem in St. Bernard. They do inform people at Council meetings which are televised. At one time the Police Department had a newsletter. The lady also made Council and Administration aware that new residents don’t know they need to register with the City. Patty Hausfeld noted that the new Economic Development Director wants to have a newsletter. They could add safety items. Greg Zix thought the information could be added to the Police Department website. Ms. Hausfeld also suggested using Call Command for information. Mayor Estep hesitated to use Call Command each time a bike is stolen. They don’t want to cause panic. Mr. Schildmeyer suggested putting safety issues in the quarterly Recreation Department newsletter. The Police and Fire Departments could add seasonal tips for safety. Mr. Burkhardt felt that citizens need to be made aware when children are attacked for their bikes. The issue will be discussed at the next COW meeting.
Another lady spoke. She suggested that the letter read by Ms. Kathman (about positive development ideas for St. Bernard) be given to Al Kanters. Also, when a new family comes into town, perhaps a packet of information could be given to them about the laws and policies of the City. Mr. Zix said there used to be a packet available for new residents. He will bring a copy to the next COW for discussion.
Norm Miller said he brought up months ago the bike problem. His daughter found out about what was going on, when she was miles away from St. Bernard. She did not find out from the City. He suggested then that there be more communication with residents. He complimented the work at Ross and Vine that was landscaped. He also noted that there are packets of information available to bid on the work for Bertus Street Park improvements. He liked Mr. Shieldmeyer’s suggestion to keep the war memorials at City Hall corner where the other memorials are. He noted that the improvements to Bertus Street Park will be expensive. He does not want to hear about how expensive it will be.
Ms. Brickweg thanked Gerald Wiedmann and Walt Moeller for the new improved look at Baxter’s Monument with the new fencing. There were many compliments and one complaint. Mr. Miller complained about the look of the new fencing.
Ms. Kathman explained that stealing bikes is not a new issue. The police advised her son to yell, scream and get attention. Tell the suspects that you are going to call the police. Mr. Stuchell noted that there are some success stories with stolen bikes. The fact that kids are now carrying cell phones help.