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Mayor John Estep apologized for not being able to attend the St. Bernard Council meeting on June 7. He was attending the commencement ceremonies at St. Bernard High School. In his statement read by Joe Kempe, Mayor Estep also thanked paramedics for helping him a few weeks ago when they rushed him to the hospital and the police for helping his wife last Sunday.

Walter St. Clair explained his report. payroll for May was $360,104; other expenditures for May was $601,677; other through May 31 was $1,803,755. Total was $3,896,564. Mr. St. Clair spoke about the ordinance to allow participation with the Ohio Capital Asset program to issue $600,000 general obligation bonds for a new fire truck. The bond is for ten years. Getting this bond will allow the city to keep money in reserves in case they are needed in the future.

Thomas Kathman reported that receipts for May were $1,733,252, year to date: $5,079,497.

Jonathan Stuchell provided the Fire Department report for May. The St. Bernard and Elmwood Place Police Departments partnered with the school district along with St. Clement School for Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs outing. Parents, grandparents and neighbors joined the students at Miami Meadows Park for an enjoyable day of fishing. Thanks to those who provided sponsorship to the program. Mr. Stuchell thanked the departments who participated in the Memorial Day Parade.

Joe Kempe remarked that the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management has a free computer (and computer materials) recycling drop off center at Technology Recycling Group at 5139 Keiley Place in St. Bernard. For more information call 946-7766 or visit: hamiltoncountyrecycles.org.

Greg Zix said the Finance Committee reviewed the proposed 2008 budget with Council and Administration last week. They will go forward with the reading in July.  

Bill Burkhardt announced the Safety Committee met last Wednesday to discuss to discuss the Fire Department moving their dispatching services from the Police Department to Hamilton County 911 dispatching. This will be added to the COW agenda.

Kevin Meier gave the Service Committee report. The Service Department received $1,522 for recycling in April.

Patty Hausfeld said the Law Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00 pm in the Council Committee room downstairs. They will be talking about the portable basketball hoops that the Police Chief had asked them to look into.

Michael Schildmeyer noted that State Representative Tyrone Yates mailed him a copy of the letter sent to him by the Hamilton County Public Library’s Kim Fender. She updated him on the property situation. Mr. Yates will talk with representatives and possibly to the governor about the situation with this library and property. Mr. Schildmeyer thanked Dr. Romanos for his report. Mr. Romanos had mentioned to get the Chamber of Commerce involved with the project and provide input.  

Peggy Brickweg thanked Joe Kempe an the City for resurfacing of the basketball courts at Chalet and Heger Park. She also thanked the Service Department for mulching the flower beds, spraying for weeds and fixing the water at the fountain. Ms. Brickweg will continue to study economic developers with other municipalities and is currently working on the Ward 2 newsletter.  

There was only one ordinance on the agenda, to allow for issuance of bonds (not to exceed $600,000 of general purpose bonds) to purchase a fire truck. It was passed by Council with Mr. Zix being the only no-vote. Mr. Zix stated he was against borrowing the money. The City should spend within its means. Ms. Brickweg explained that the City wants to keep money in the budget for future investments.

Norm Miller spoke to everyone. He felt that Elmwood Place’s Police and Fire Departments should have been thanked for participating in the Memorial Day parade. He also asked for Council or Administration to explain to citizens what occurred at the Bertus Street Park meeting and update with Nu-Maid/I-75 expansion. He also asked about the grand entrance into St. Bernard (the gateway). Mr. Kempe said that the wall is not finished yet (for the gateway). Mr. Meier explained that the Bertus Street Park meeting went well, it had a nice turnout. Mayor Estep was not able to get enough signatures to put homes in the park. The park will stay a park, but it does need improvements.  

Ms. Brickweg explained that the study for possible movement of Service Department and other buildings to the Nu-Maid site is very expensive. It could cost from $8500 to $11,000. They are not sure that they could get this money back. They will wait for the final I-75 expansion plan to see if they will even need the study.

Mr. Zix invited all citizens to attend the Council and COW meetings on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. The next COW meeting will be Thursday, June 14.

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