Serving These Communities

Covering the Heart of Hamilton County Since 1983

The City of Reading Council met on Tuesday, August 21. They listened to the concerns of two ladies who were worried about the illegal parking on Vine, Church, Mill and Pearl Streets as well as a few others. They park on the crosswalk and make it difficult to make the turn onto the streets. They wondered if a yellow painting on the curb would stop the illegal parking.

Dave Pflanz read two letters. One was written by a business owner upset with the trash cans that are not emptied about town. He also had mulch around the tree in front of his business catch on fire. Another thing that upset the business owner was the trash and phlegm around the benches that are near his business.

The second letter was from Lee Roth who felt that a lawsuit by the police and FOP could be stopped by an apology from the Safety Service Director to those involved (police and FOP). Council did not get the information for legislation until the same day as the meeting, therefore several Council members did not feel comfortable with passing the legislation.

Ken Nordin reported that the Finance Committee is still awaiting information from department heads to help with the 2008 appropriations. He suggested that he (and Council) gets a written report from the Recreation Department. This would help assess their needs. Mr. Nordin did ask to wait on the legislation for Church Street until they get more information from JMA about making the street a two-way street. Mr. Ashbrock said that the ordinance does not relate to becoming a two-way street. Instead it has to do with curb work in key intersections to help with future needs. Bob  is concerned with the corners at Church and Pike as well as Church and Pearl Streets.

Jim Pfennig, in his Public Health and Safety Committee report, noted that Police Chief Greg Hilling will have a proposal in Council’s mailboxes soon. It is related to hiring two new full-time officers after the first of the year. Another thing that the committee discussed was cameras at Hilltop and Cherryfield Parks. The Fire Department was able to do some training at the nursing home before it was demolished. Mr. Pfennig also expressed concerns with the truck traffic on Clark Street.  

Lee Roth expressed his concern with the increase in money that the contractor has asked for the Trailridge project. He was told that old contractor who previously put in the street did a poor job. The base coat that the current contractor put down came up, it was pushed up by the old black topping. They need the extra money ($8,000) to fix the problem.  

Jim Champlin updated everyone on the paving project. There was one change, the largest project, Pompano and Leelanau will start October 1. The City has a mid-September date to apply for grants for next year. They intend to apply for MRF and SCIP grant money. The BP at Benson and Reading is dealing with contract issues. They hope to see something nicer there soon.  

In her Recreation Committee report, Mary Pletz said that she wants to discuss a survey from the committee to go out in the next newsletter. They want to get public comments for next season. The Movie Night at the pool was a success. Thanks to the company that donated equipment and to those that helped that evening.  

Bob Ashbrock stated that things are looking good for the City as the old buildings come down for demolition (nursing home and Nivision property). He wants Council to have the Planning Commission consider changing zoning at the old nursing home site to PDD (Planning Development District). Council agreed except for Mr. Roth who voted no. The Planning Commission did have a public hearing to discuss turning the Nivison property site into a Research and Development District (RDD) to make it available as a Job Ready Site. Council will also need to have a public hearing about it.

Tony Gertz said the Laws and Contracts Committee wants to look into code enforcement legislation. They got the new Vac-All on August 15. They are working to solve the drainage problems at the tennis courts at Koenig Park. MSD is restoring areas they worked at on Church and Pike Streets. Service Department crews are busy painting crosswalks. The area at the new Sts. Peter and Paul Academy got new crosswalks. Mr. Gertz thanked all who have been working hard to get the new academy underway. Their work has increased the value of the building. There will be a picnic at Koenig Park on Friday, August 24 by Sts. Peter and Paul Academy. He also asked about getting a crossing guard for the area, the City will look into it. Mr. Gertz also spoke about getting the swale at the north end of Reading opened back up.

Mr. Nordin encouraged drivers to be careful as school is back in session. He also noted that there are sandwich board signs on Benson Street not related to the businesses they are in front of. Mr. Nordin spoke about the vandalism at Cherryfield Park. The residents would like to see another neighborhood meeting at the parks.

Mr. Asbrock spoke about the OKI meeting he attended. They have an economic development model that Reading needs to take a look at. This model looks at the impact that certain developments can have on a community. He will work on getting a meeting together. He brought up the issue of truck traffic on Market Street. Mr. Boehner said that the City is monitoring the street. Mr. Roth brought up the issue of truck traffic on Clark Road. The police will monitor it as well.

Bob Boehner gave his report. He attended a pre-construction meeting with Darrell Courtney, Adleta Construction and JMA on August 9. The Church Street project cannot begin without Council’s approval of the contract. There was a meeting with Reading City Schools on August 17, as well as a meeting related to the demolition and remediation of the Nivision property on August 20. There will be a meeting for the residents of Pompano, Leelanau and the side of Sanborn Drive that connects with Hilltop School on Monday, September 10 at 7:15 pm. The contractor, city engineers and staff will be on hand to explain the construction schedule and answer questions.

Mr. Roth asked about the cleaning up of the Nivison site. The sidewalks are impossible to take a baby stroller down it and the police need to patrol the parking area.

Mayor Robert “Bo” Bemmes reported. The police have increased traffic enforcement with school starting. There was a drug investigation that led to the seizure of numerous marijuana plants. The Police Department has begun purchasing communication equipment which are available through a Homeland Security grant they obtained. Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Festival will be September 14, 15 and 16. The Fire Department has inspected all schools. The Fire Department is working with the Hamilton County General Health District regarding community points of dispensing (PODS) medications/vaccinations in case of an emergency. The department received two hand-held tablets (computers) from Homeland Security funds. The Fire Department trained at the old vacant nursing home before it was demolished. The Senior Citizens held a meeting at Koenig Park. Mayor Bemmes encouraged residents to call City Hall with comments about the pool for next year and about restoration of pavers on Benson Street, call 733-3725. The VYO is asking for stories, pictures and information from the past for their history book, call Bonnie Rack at 673-2725.

Carol Bullock-Carpenter asked for the rules to be followed with legislation. Officials need to have it in their mailboxes earlier than they have been receiving them in order to review them before the meeting occurs. This will allow them time to get answers to questions that they may have.

Home Page