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Bob Boehner explained the 2008 Budget at the public hearing at the City of Reading Council meeting on Tuesday, July 3. He mentioned the one change that needed to be made to it. Ken Nordin reminded everyone that the budget is a working tool to help with finances. The numbers can end up being different. After a vote, the ordinance for the budget was passed and the public hearing closed.

Mr. Nordin gave his Finance Committee report. He thanked Mr. Boehner for his work on the budget. Then he called a meeting for August 7 at 6:30 pm. He also wants to see what needs the department heads have in 2008 and would like to start discussions about them.

Jim Pfennig said that the Fire Chief wants the ordinance about renovation of the dorm room to pass. Mr. Pfennig also wanted the ordinance to adopt the Hamilton County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan to pass. On July 22 at 1:00 pm, there will be a special ceremony to swear in new part-time and full-time Fire Department members. Mr. Pfennig also provided firework safety tips before complimenting the City’s fireworks held on Sunday.

Mr. Boehner provided the Utilities, Lands and Buildings report for Mr. Champlin who is out of town with students from Moeller High School. The street paving program with Barrett should begin soon. They will do three streets in 60 days (Trailridge, Keith Drive and Lory Lane). Pompano/Leelanau is the biggest project. They received information from the gas alternative/energy savings program. They received a copy of the letter that will be sent to residents regarding how to join the program. The Nivison project is moving ahead. The City will need to work on the changes in zoning. There is interest in the BP gas station on Reading Road near Galbraith. Several businesses are interested in the BP station near Benson Street. One is a rent a car type business. There was a good meeting last week about the pavers on Benson Street. There was a meeting with an arbor specialist about the trees on Benson Street. The person felt that they could go with a three inch tree and use a growth inhibitor on it. They could get 20 years out of a tree.

Bob Ashbrock noted his committee met last week. They had a lengthy discussion regarding garages in residential areas. Mr. Ashbrock would like to go over some information with the Law Director. He will bring that information back to the committee. He set a meeting for July 17 at 6:30 pm. Other discussions could include the ratio of impervious surface on lots relating to building sizes. Mr. Ashbrock would like to see the Law Director address a new court ruling regarding signage that could possibly affect the City. Columbia Health Care property is vacated. There are plans to redevelop the block. They could be some problems with the zoning. This may need to be brought into committee.

Tony Gertz gave his report. He remarked that after reviewing legislation, he feels that the current ordinance relating to high grass is sufficient. There should not be any decision from the state regarding Mayor’s Court legislation until September. The Fire Chief should be back to work next week. Mr. Gertz set a tentative date for the Laws and Contracts Committee meeting on July 24 at 6:00 pm. They will discuss the housing code. The meeting regarding the pavers on Benson Street was fruitful. It should cost $40,000 to make them level and safe, $15,000 to $25,000 to clean them and seal them. Mr. Gertz talked with a Council person from Wyoming about the improvement of the Benson Street/Wyoming Avenue corridor from Reading to Springfield Pike to make it more friendly.

There was a small discussion about the restoration from the gas main project in the Valley area. Mayor Robert Bemmes explained that if any resident is experiencing problems to call City Hall (733-3725).

Another discussion was held about the quarterly newsletter. Lee Roth wanted to have the ordinance rescinded that allowed the newsletter. He said that Council was promised a chance to look at the newsletter before it went out. Mr. Nordin and others felt that it was a good newsletter except for some minor errors. They did not want to see it go away. Carol Bullock-Carpenter felt that it would be good if Council could view it prior to be distributed so that they would know what articles are in there. This time when people came up and asked about it, Council did not know what articles had been put into it. Mr. Boehner promised that Linda Fitzgerald was upset about the errors and promised that it will be correct in the future. After a vote, the newsletter will continue.

Mr. Ashbrock noted that there will be a meeting of the steering committee of the master plan at Mount Notre Dame High School on Monday, July 9 at 4:00 pm. He also mentioned an article he read in the daily paper about walking trails. Reading has had theirs for ten years. He spoke with Mr. Boehner and Susan Slavey about extending it. Mr. Ashbrock also asked Council and Administration to consider different ideas for the BP lot at Benson and Reading. They should not sell short the development of this site.

Bob Boehner gave the Safety Service Director report. He met with Brenda Wehmore (bond counsel) who provided the TIF numbers for the Hill Street project on June 25 and met with the Camden people  and Vandercar Developers on June 26. He attended a meeting on June 27 regarding the medical insurance coverage. Another meeting he attended was the one about an energy audit on June 28. At last week’s COC (Committee of Council) they discussed the trees, pavers and looks of Benson Street. They are looking into hanging baskets that could be adopted by businesses. The Phase II study is under way on the Public Works property. Council should have received the letter about transferring money into accounts. The City received a temporary vac-all until they can receive the one that was to be sent earlier this year.

Mayor Bemmes provided his report. Fourth of July went well, no major problems were noted. Police Department road patrols continue. Detective Lunsford received a letter of appreciation from the Norwood Police Department as he located a witness of a shooting from their City and recovered the firearm. Fire Chief Kevin Kaiser should return to work on July 9. Six part-time firefighters have been hired: Eric Anderson, Tim Jung, Tom Landrith, Tyler Strole, Ryan Schwitalkski and Bruce Thompson. Lt. Fischesser will retire July 21. Paul Gallo will be sworn in as the new Leutenant-Paramedic. Ryan Androne has been hired as the new career firefighter/paramedic. New equipment was purchased through grant money. The Fire Department hosted a countywide training class on June 19. Public Works Department stays busy with potholes, call City Hall if you see one. They maintain 12 ball fields, 8 soccer fields as well as working on the football field. They also keep maintained seven shelters throughout Reading. Exterior Maintenance sent out 81 letters regarding general cleanup, three were cited.

Mayor Bemmes welcomed DLP Technology and Real Solutions to Reading. He then spoke briefly about the power problem that occurred in February. Duke Energy is still saying the equipment worked as it should. They are saying they have no idea what caused the problem. Others pointed out that Duke is correcting the problem by replacing wiring and equipment where the problem occurred. Residents who experienced problems are welcome to call City Hall and get more information including phone numbers of Duke Energy to report their problem. They hope to get Duke back in to answer questions.

Carol Bullock Carpenter spoke about the Crazy Days of Summer. It is a program that takes place at Koenig and Voorhees Parks from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm weekdays. They offer activities, games and lunch to children of all ages.

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