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Mayor Robert “Bo” Bemmes led off the Reading Council meeting on Tuesday, July 14, by talking  about Valley Central Bank being robbed earlier in the day. The suspects got away and switched cars. The getaway car and suspects were apprehended. The suspects confessed. Mayor Bemmes thanked the Cincinnati Police and the Reading Police for their good work.

Doug Bailey from Jefferson Avenue came to council to talk about a chop shop on Reading Road. This should be illegal according to zoning. The Zoning B-2 states that the business’ purpose should be to provide consumer goods, they must not service vehicles. This business does body work. There are people there every day painting cars. Mr. Bailey was told that this could be there because of an overlay zoning. He asked how does an overlay zoning allow them to violate zoning laws. Mayor Bemmes said the matter has been investigated by the Police Department, Fire Department and Exterior Maintenance. This has been determined to be a legal business, otherwise they’d be gone. The problem is that Reading has been in existence for many years. The master plan that is being worked on is trying to correct the problems. It’s a long, difficult task to work out the zoning problems. Bob Ashbrock said that the overlay district was created four years ago. This is more stringent than other zoning. He could only surmise how the business is allowed there. They probably said they were selling used cars, which is a permitted use.

Mr. Bailey spoke to Council and Administration about a problem car that has been parked in the same spot for a number of weeks. He has called the police several times, but they do not ticket or have the vehicle towed. Mayor Bemmes cited the number of calls the department gets, it is a really busy department (1453 calls for service in June). Tony Gertz suggested that they have a meeting with all involved: police, fire, exterior maintenance, building department along with Mr. Bailey to work out issues.

A representative of Energy Alliances, who does the marketing for Integrys Energy Services Inc., spoke to everyone about their program that may allow residents to save money on their gas bills. This program is at no cost to the City. It allows residents and businesses to participate, if they so chose. Only those who sign up will be involved with the program. Mayor Bemmes said there is no down side to this program.

Ken Nordin announced a Finance Committee will hold a meeting on August 7 at 6:30 pm. They will work on next year’s appropriations. The intent is to get ideas from the various departments to consideration for next year’s budget. All finance look well. .

Jim Champlin spoke about the trip he made into Mexico with students from Moeller High School. They went into the poorer areas of the country. Their conditions makes one appreciate the services we have in our country. He reported on the street improvement program. In the next several days, they should begin in the Lory Lane or Trailridge areas. Keith Drive will be done closer to when school starts. Pompano and Leelanau will probably begin near the beginning of August. Curb work on various streets should cause residents minor disruptions. There is an ordinance to contract for the Church Street project on the agenda.

Bob Ashbrock apologize to Mr. Pfennig about missing the meeting earlier. He did attend the Planning Commission’s meeting. The City, when it received the state grant for Nivison property, did agree to make it a Job Ready Site. The City will have to ensure this intention. Mr. Ashbrock will forward to Council information about the new Research and Development zoning area. The Public Hearing will be on August 20. He will also bring the rest of his committee up to date on the new zoning. He tentatively set a Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee meeting for July 24 at 6:30 pm, they will discuss the new zoning and garages.

Tony Gertz, as did Mayor Bemmes later on, urged for everyone to remember Albert “Bud” Elmlinger’s wife Judy in prayers. She has went back into the hospital. The new main work on Jefferson should be over in a few weeks. Restoration is spotty. He complimented the Public Works Department for the removal of tree stumps as well as the painting of stanchion posts on Benson Street. Mr. Gertz spoke briefly about the positive financial situation of the City. He still urges the repairs to the streets of Pearl and Church which are in a deplorable condition. Mr. Gertz announced a Rally for the Troops at Koenig Park on Thursday, July 19 at 6:00 pm. He asked for citizens to attend.

From the audience Mr. Kroeger of Walnut Street spoke about the problem he had at a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, not enough members showed up. Is he to pay for their not attending and wait until the next meeting? Mr. Boehner will try to get with the members of the commission and get back with Mr. Kroeger with a meeting time and date.

Mr. Ashbrock asked about the work being done about Reading, could the companies doing the work park their equipment where it does not interfere with the residents’ ability to get in and out of driveways as well as for their ability to park. Mayor Bemmes said they would talk to them.

Mr. Boehner spoke about the Duke Energy’s response to the February electrical incident in the City. Duke still has not provided an adequate response as of yet. Representatives from Duke do not want to attend a meeting, they feel that they would be bombarded. Mr. Boehner pointed out those who used the Strike Stop, it did not work. They still had damage. Duke has been busy replacing poles, putting in new service to homes and trimming trees. The City is still looking for answers to their questions. They don’t feel that residents are safe until they have the answers. Mr. Nordin agreed that that they are owed an explanation. He feels that if the City can’t get them to talk, find someone who can. Mr. Gertz feels that it is ridiculous that Duke won’t show up to be questioned. Council has to answer to residents, so should Duke. What type of a company are they? Mr. Champlin said they should keep after Duke until they get what they are asking for. Reading needs to make sure that Duke covers their obligations. As he understands it, Duke is not considered responsible for damages by the PUCO standards.

Bob Boehner reported about the Planning Commission’s meeting on July 9. They discussed the plat showing the diminished right-of-way on East Pleasant Street, they are working with engineers to solve the problem. Other talk included the new zone for the Nivision property, called Research and Development. They will have to do this to draw down any of the Job Ready Grant money. The last discussion included talk about the person wanting to build a telecommunications building behind the old Medic One building. This lot has no frontage. They held the pre-construction meeting for Lory Lane and Trailridge on July 11. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting only had two members show up. He will try to schedule another one with all involved and call Mr. Kroeger. There is an ordinance for work on Pompano and Leelanau project on the agenda as well as an ordinance for bids on sidewalks for the north end of Reading Road. The City will work with Hilltop School and citizens regarding the paving projects.

Mayor Bemmes stated that the meetings with the Steering Committee regarding the Master Plan have went well. They are discussing the character, potential issues and possible planning strategies regarding future development and zoning. They continue to meet with the possible developers of Hill Street. The old OLSH/Lighthouse Pointe will come down within the next several days. A new retail center is planned for the site. Negotiations with the BP gas station on Benson continue. The Galbraith Station has been sold and should reopen as a gas station. The resurfacing of the tennis/basketball courts at Koenig Park will begin soon. There was a meeting with the representatives of those who use the football, soccer and baseball fields to discuss scheduling and usage. A permit has been issued to tear down the old Nivison offices that the library plans to build on.

In the Fire Department report, Mayor Bemmes noted that Fire Chief Kevin Kaiser has returned with some restrictions. Assistant Chief Kim Fladung has done a great job during Chief Kaiser’s absence. Mayor Bemmes will swear in new part-time members and the newly appointed lieutenant on July 22 at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers. Lt. Randy Fischesser’s last day is Friday, July 21, he has been a member of the squad for nearly 31 years. Remodeling of the dorm area has begun. In the Police Department report, Mayor Bemmes stated, there were three subjects arrested and drug paraphernalia confiscated at the 1400 block of East Galbraith Road last week. Officer Mitch received a letter of appreciation from the Evendale Police Department for his work in an armed robbery, which occurred in their town. He located the vehicle involved and assisted with the apprehension of the three suspects. Road patrols continue to address vehicles parked illegally.

Mr. Nordin urged the City to get in touch with residents to see if they want to fix their aprons or sidewalks while work is being done in their area.

Carol Bullock Carpenter asked for residents with children to come down to see Zoo animals at the parks on July 25. They will be at Voorhees Park at 12:00 pm and at Koenig Park at 12:45 pm.

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