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There was no one who spoke at the Public Hearing for the 2008 Tax Budget at the City of Sharonville Council meeting on Tuesday, July 10. Janey Kattelman presented a special trophy to Sgt. Paul Healey and Police Chief Mike Schappa was given the “Outstanding Marching Unit” trophy from the Fourth of July parade.

Mayor Virgil Lovitt II gave the Mayor’s Court totals for June $41,578, $2,000 less than last year.  He reminded everyone of the contract signing at the Sharonville Convention Center on July 13 at 9:00 am. The state and county has provided money for the expansion project. The City has been interviewing for the Deputy Safety Service Director for next year when Mr. Ledbetter retires. Mayor Lovitt asked for an executive session for personnel issues and potential acquisition of land.

Mayor Lovitt updated everyone about Act I Theater. The building has probably got asbestos on the roof. It is to be tested tomorrow. They will know how to address getting rid of it, once the testing is completed. There is possibly problems with the foundation in the rear of the building.

Chief Schappa spoke about a situation that occurred earlier in the evening. A young  man was trying to body surf with friends on a  creek and got stuck in the culvert. He is expected to be okay. Mr. Brokamp helped hold the young man’s head up and Mr. Schwann helped with the rescue.

Al Ledbetter informed everyone about the Princeton pedestrian bridge. They were to work on the south bridge, but will now be delayed until next year. They only had two contractors pick up their bids. With the late start, work would be going on during the school year. They decided to wait and get a better handle on it. This money that would have went to the project, Mr. Ledbetter asked to put towards the street light project. They are required to have an environmental impact study and need $20,000. (Council later gave approval.) The City is still waiting for the final report of the airplane crashes. They are working with the insurance company to recoup costs. Mr. Ledbetter will keep all of Council posted.

Christine Thompson stated the ceremony for September 11, Struggle Against Terrorism is still moving forward. The stone should arrive and be engraved shortly. Ms. Thompson spoke about the temporary bridge and access road across the Mill Creek. ODOT and others are aware of the problems of the low bridge. It would be affected during a high creek after there is a hard rain. Mayor Lovitt complimented her for finding this problem. The bridge and temporary access road will be in for about two years.  

Kevin Hardman thanked the Recreation Department for the wonderful work on the Fourth of July, the festival and fireworks were great. The City has received the official plaque from the Bashful Ostrich event.

Martha Cross Funk scheduled a Public Hearing for extending the development moratorium for 180 days for the Chester Road corridor. She wished Happy Birthdays to Janey Kattelman (July 11) and Robert Duerler for July 21.

Both Mark Piepmeier and Bill Breyer said they distributed their reports for May and June. They said that things are well this portion through the year. The state audit went well.

Thomas Keating said that the development moratorium usually worries him. He doesn’t have a problem as long as the right people are notified. That is what the public hearing is for. He also spoke about Jim Cramer, the Sharonville police officer in charge of the Marie Shuholz and Starla Burns murder. There is no proof that Mr. Cramer did anything wrong. He just wanted to see Mr. Schuholz prosecuted for the killing of his wife. Mr. Keating remarked it is ironic that Mr. Shuholz is now being prosecuted and Mr. Cramer has died.

Kerry Rabe said that the City is working to relocate businesses into the community. One business has shown great interest and they may know something by the end of August. They are working with GEM Public Service on developing an Economic Development Zone for property in the city.

Greg Pugh gave his Public Works Department report. Molloy Roofing dropped off roofing material for the Police Department roof. The work began on July 2 and about ½ of the roof is done. The Street and Curb and Sidewalk Project should begin about July 23. The bridge deck over I-275 has been poured. The bridge needs to cure, then the project flipped and the other side of the bridge will have its deck poured. Cincinnati Water Works has proposed the splitting of costs of milling and paving Sharonview and Macar streets when they replace the water mains in the area. It will be done in 2008, as it stands. The Civil Service has been contacted about the refilling of the empty position in the Public Works Department. They have been conducting interviews for the position.

Rob Tankersley mentioned the fatal auto accident on I-75 on June 22. The driver was killed at the scene, however I-275 was able to remain open. St. Michael’s Festival went well, the police experienced no serious problems. On June 20 there was a demonstration of SWAT at Princeton High School. Chief Schappa spoke to the Kiwanis at their June meeting.

Vicki Hoppe thanked all the City departments for their help with the Fourth of July events. The Sharks Swim Team is wrapping up their season The swim championships will be held at Evendale this year on July 23 and 24. Ladies Day at the Pool will be July 18 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The day includes a DJ playing music, giant potluck luncheon, games of chance to win exciting items. The fee is $10 for residents and $13 for non-residents. There will be a marketplace of vendors to allow the ladies to shop. Sign up at the Community Center. Touch A Truck will be on August 9 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Gower Park. This is free and open to the public. The children are invited to look and view as well as touch trucks from all departments and of all sizes. The signup for the Golf Outing will be on Thursday, July 26 beginning at 6:00 pm with a blind lottery draw for tee-times at the lower Thornview lobby entrance of the Community Center. The cost is $50 per person and the actual event is held on September 6 and is a scrambleheld at Sharon Woods Golf Course. Contact Lynn Leman at 563-9072 for more information.

Bob Duerler remarked that after 31 years of service, Lee McNeely has decided to retire. His last day will be August 16. Lee has been a dedicated Environmental Health Inspector for Sharonville for the last 12 years. He will be missed. New school inspection laws (Jarod’s Law) have been drafted by the state. The Health Department is reviewing the rules and will update Council on how it will impact the City. The Galen College of Nursing has announced that they will open a 18,000 square foot facility on E-Business Way. Glenda Gajus, Health Commissioner has been asked to sit on the advisory board for Bohecker College of Nursing on Chester Road. The southwestern portion of Ohio is in the midst of a contagious disease, Shigellosis. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Antibiotics can be administered to limit the course of the illness. Call the Health Department with concerns or questions at 563-1722, all calls are confidential.

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